Sorry for not posting much today. Update on my fall

As I wrote I fell two days ago. It was late Monday morning early Tuesday morning. I couldn’t sleep so I got up and went to my Pink Palace. I was sitting in my chair and got up then went to take a step and suddenly had no legs, my right leg was totally gone and my left had about 1/4 strength and was not enough to hold me even if I had warning. See the damage to my spine makes my legs go suddenly dead. It is why I am supposed to use a cane even in the house. I went down hard on my right side bruising my ankle, my right hip right at the place of my implant where it goes into my pelvis, coming down hard on my right shoulder, and I threw my hand down in front of me in a fist to break my fall which has given me a swollen hand and bruised knuckles. It is good I hit my hip where I did, remember I have thin bones osteoporosis. If I had hit on the bone lower could have broken my leg bone. A little higher and it could have been my pelvis. There is a large very dark bruise right in the middle of my still deep very long scar. The surgeon who did my right hip in 2004 was 74 years old doing his duty for god and his country. He had been a military surgeon who when he retired from private practice went back to working for the VA. His office was plastered with posters about the Christian god, and he played Christian radio broadcasts / music while meeting with patients. Today I would have raised a fuss and made it an issue. But the guy flayed me, his scar is wide and over 9 inches long. It runs from my hip across to some of my right butt cheek. My surgeon in 2017 who did my left hip had a small 1-inch scar. So I can hardly move the mouse even the small bit required for using the mouse, and my hand hurts too much to really type. Walking is a real fun exercise right now.

Ron was sound asleep and he said it made a huge boom that woke him. That may have been the shelf I reached out for support and brought it crashing down on me. Everything hit the floor including my Xbox One. Lucky it slid off the shelf as it was tipped to one side as it came off so the box managed to slid down without crashing. Still works so it is OK. But as Ron struggled to pick me up, he complained I was not helping much. I told him I couldn’t control my right leg at all, no muscle control over and could hardly move my left one much less get support out of it. Looking back he should have gotten my walker. It has a seat, he could have wheeled me to the bedroom. He did get me one of my canes which I used to help support me as he supported the other side.

So why not do a video. The roofing company came this morning to put a new roof on to replace the roof they did that kept leaking. Now the rep says we need to keep after the company for assistance repairing the ceiling tiles that got wet so that we can secure the skylight they put in. See it hooks over the inside of the tiles which can’t happen on ours because the skylight kept leaking causing the tiles to swell and then decay away giving the bottom part nothing to hook to. Plus I got a very important post to go make.

While the benefit from the steroids is still going the side effects of driving hunger has worn off. Just in time, I had gained 10 pounds from constant eating. I think if I can get away with it next month I will not take them. Plus hopefully the walking and exercising is creating needed muscle. Anyway to get to the very important post I wanted to make as soon as I get done with this one.

An update on Ron and his mental decline. Mornings are the worst for him and some late evenings before he comes to bed. But lately he has been coming to bed at 8 or 8:30 pm. This morning he was trying to talk to me about things but it was almost impossible. He would start sentences with no subject or thing he was talking about, just saying what he heard or saw. I would have to stop him and gently ask him what we’re talking about, was it a person, place, or thing. This morning he told me one of the roofers asked him if something was ours, saying Scottie someone dropped stuff off on our lawn. The roofers had to move it to park their trucks. Side note I had a stroke in early 2023 and got dysphasia where I could see the word I wanted to say, understood what it meant, but couldn’t get my mouth to say it no matter how hard I worked. It was so damn frustrating. My conversations then made more sense than Ron’s lately in the morning.

I went through the security cameras. Turns out the neighbor two doors down from Ohio were going home today and left a bunch of stuff out on trash day. We have three trash days a week. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The workers seen it and took the stuff from there to our lawn. Yes they had to move it because they put it there. They did not ask Ron if we owned it, Ron asked them why they brought a bicycle with them. The guy told him where they got it and explained it was being thrown away did Ron mind if they took some of the stuff. He said no keep it. Then came in as I said and told me that someone dropped a bike and shelving unit off on our lawn that the roofing guys had to move. He figured it was maybe stolen because one of the renters of the guy next to us was a person that stole stuff mainly bikes and golf carts. We saw her on our camera try to steal ours and chased her all the way back into the guy’s house.

I went through the security cameras and seen the guy show up, park his large work panel truck. Then he walked up the street he had just driven down, and bring back the bike and several other items back to our lawn. After I watched the camera then talked to Ron again. I showed Ron the camera footage, then explained to him what it showed. So I asked him why the guy asked Ron if it was ours when they knew it was not. Ron looked at me confused and then explained that the guy did not ask him, that Ron had asked the guy if the stuff was theirs. Why he would even do that I don’t know. What do we care as it was not ours?

This morning knowing these guys were coming I got him up at 6:30 so we could both shower. After I got mine I told him that he could start his while I got dressed. I got dressed and still no Ron. I came out to find him fiddling around with blinds. I admit I scolded him because I was frustrated. That was wrong, but I had asked him to get up earlier and he did not want to. I get up at five am. I talked to him and asked if he wanted to get up. No he said. I said when? I asked if 6 am would do. No he was tired. Ok so I waited to 6:30. As it was the guys showed up while he was still in the shower because as I figured they came at 7:30. The same time they came the last time.

At night when he comes to bed the next time I have to pee I come out to check if he has left food out or forgot to close the refrigerator / freezer. So many times before I started checking I would come out in the morning to find one of the other totally iced over. Many times the freezer so iced over the light wouldn’t work until I thawed the switch and the light bulb out. I can tell if he has set the alarm from the bedroom and set it from there with the keyboard or my phone. But he is not sundowning as he is far more with it at night than he is in the morning. In the morning he is struggling hard, he can barely function. I make coffee, deal with the cats if I have not already, he sits in his chair and often forgets to drink his coffee until I remind him as I am ready for my second cup. Then he downs his and hands me his cup.

This is my life and how I am trying to deal with it. Hugs

And Now For Something Completely Different-

It’s one of the Tabs on Wonkette this AM. I have a soft spot for Chicago for reasons, and was just interested because it’s not topical, and now I’m sharing it here because maybe we could all pool our money and buy this place for us and our allies! Actually, I’m sharing it because it’s different and interesting to look at. Take a look, and dream a little!

1355 N Astor St
Chicago, IL 60610

Description

Once-in-a-life time opportunity to own one of Chicago’s iconic estates, showcasing over 25,000 Sq. Ft. of combined living spaces and situated on nearly a third of an acre on Gold Coast’s most coveted Astor street. This palatial architectural masterpiece designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw for the Goodman Family graces the market for the first time in 40 years, promising to leave you speechless. A true hallmark of Chicago’s rich history, Astor Court has long captivated passersby with its magnificent neo-classical/Georgian Revival architecture spanning an impressive 80′ feet across. This distinguished estate is centered around a one-of-a-kind tremendous courtyard, meticulously landscaped with lush gardens and flowing fountains, transporting you to the tranquil Italian countryside, creating a peaceful sanctuary in the vibrant urban setting. The main residence of the estate features over 10,000 sq. ft. of exquisitely renovated grand spaces blending timeless elegance with modern luxury. No expense was spared in creating this treasure, presenting a rare opportunity to own a coveted piece of Chicago’s history. Every inch of the home exudes sophistication and grandeur offering unparalleled living experience featuring 13′ ceilings, venetian plaster walls, incredible intricate millwork and hardwood oak flooring throughout, fireplaces with magnificent original marble mantles, and gold plated fixtures. As you enter the home, you are immediately captivated by the grand sense of space, elegant design and a sweeping curved staircase that ascends to the expansive main living areas. Every room exudes scale and sophistication offering both beauty and functionality. There are five en-suite bedrooms, each with its own style and personality. The luxurious primary suite features beautiful lake views and a grand primary spa bath adorned with exquisite Italian marble. In addition to the main residence, Astor Court showcases six gorgeous unique rental units, each with its own distinct charm and character, generating significant income. The entire estate encompasses 45 rooms, 16 bedrooms, 17 baths and 18 fireplaces offering endless opportunities to expand the main residence or transform it into a sprawling multi-generational family compound. Currently, there are two parking spaces located directly behind the property with the option to convert the coach house into a garage for additional parking. This extraordinary estate is perfectly situated just steps from Michigan Avenue, the lakefront, parks, premier shops, favorite restaurants, and world-class entertainment.

Request a tour as early as
Today at 12:30PMSchedule TourRequest Info

Home Highlights

Parking Open Parking Outdoor Patio A/C Heating & Cooling

HOA None Price/Sqft $840 Listed 145 days ago

Many more photos on the page!

2 For Women’s History Month

Today Would Have Been Aretha Franklin’s 82nd Birthday

Rest in power, queen.

By Frances Langum — March 25, 2025

================================

While Trump Sows Division, Women Leaders Chart a Path Forward for Democracy

Snippet:

During the same week as the president’s address to Congress, RepresentWomen held our annual Democracy Solutions Summit (DSS). This solutions-oriented event allowed us to imagine what our democracy could look like with better policies and better representation.

Here, women leaders, elected officials, advocates and experts discussed the problems facing our democracy and uplifted actionable solutions to improve women’s representation and strengthen our democracy overall. This year’s summit addressed the critical need for more women in local, state and federal leadership roles.

The Democracy Solutions Summit clearly contrasts with the uncertainty of Trump’s address to Congress. The DSS is the only democracy summit featuring only women speakers and panelists committed to actionable, data-driven solutions and building coalitions that bolster American democracy at this critical time. Furthermore, our research has found that when multiple structural solutions are combined, we can bolster women’s representation in every level of government.

Complete recordings of the summit are available online, but here is a quick recap of all three days. (snip-More)

This is One Heckuva Post,

with lots to read and to think about. Also an interesting video and transcript of an interview with Nate Vance. Have a nice beverage, and take in a longer read/watch.

𒅌👨‍✈️👮⌐╦̵̵̿ᡁ᠊╾━ A Tale of Two Soldiers: Pacifism, Activism or Armed Resistance in the Face of Aggression? 💨💥╾━╤デ╦︻ඞා🕊️☮️📢🪧💪🛡️

What my mornings / days have been like lately.

What a day. I have been training my self to get up at 5 am. My body and bowels now wake me at anytime between 4:15 am to 4:30 am. Ok I can live with the waking up, but not with how the bowels like to do it. Warning for poop talk ahead. See since my primary care doctor figured out why I was having diarrhea and worked with my other doctors to change my medications, my poop went from diarrhea to being rocks that could be used as paving blocks. When they move through the lower system they let themselves be known.

Ron had been letting himself sleep in later and later until he got to after 9 am before he would wake up. I told him we couldn’t have that. So I asked him to pick a reasonable time to get up, he picked 6:30 am. But after a few weeks of that and coming to bed earlier, he now wakes up when I get up to start my day. He also now gets up with me. Sometimes he goes back to bed after he has his three cups of coffee and sometimes not. Today he stayed up and went out shopping for a bit of stuff at a bit past 9 am. But … big but.

Our getting things taken care of around here has been a bit haphazard. Sundays are a news day for me. This morning Ron wanted me to make a scrambled eggs and ham breakfast as he likes the way I do eggs the best. I normally add to the meal either fried the potatoes we did not eat from the night before or shredded hash browns along with a few sausages, separate from the eggs but as sides. But today we did not have anything but 6 bread slices, eggs, and the thick ham slices from what we sliced yesterday. So why does Ron want me to cook the eggs. Two reasons, eggs can turn very quickly when cooking no matter how you are cooking them other than boiling them. Fried eggs, scrambled eggs, it doesn’t matter. Ron is incapable of paying the eggs that much attention so they come out bad for him. So how do I make my scrambled eggs different.

First I have a system for breaking the eggshell that makes sure no shell bits get into the eggs. You have to do it when the eggs are very cold. Then take the sharp side of a knife and carefully hit the lower side of the egg at about midline. That causes the egg to makes its own clean break. Next in the bowl add water. Here is the normal thing. Milk adds something I forget since I don’t use it, water adds fluffy. So most cooking shows say add a teaspoon or such … screw that. I add about a huge dash. I never measure it, like I never measure anything I add to stuff I cook (except bread. That needs to be exact to make sure the bread forms correctly), I put the bowl under the faucet and give it a “shot” or today I put the water into a cup measuring cup and between the two bowls I added about a 1/4 cup of water.

Why don’t I worry about the amount of water? Because after stirring it up in the bowls, I put the sauce pot on the stove with a large tab of real butter. Ron used to ask why a sauce pot as he uses a flat pan. Because the smaller pot can let me get the temperature up to a point there the water comes out on top and boils off and lets you fold and refold the eggs until the moisture boils away, then you can fold / chop the scrambled eggs up into ever smaller bits of good dry but not desiccated plate of scrambled eggs. They still have enough moisture to let you mix ketchup or hot sauce into them.

Thinking I was done, I started making posts. But Ron had to go out and get stuff. Crap. But that was where all the other stuff of the last few days came to bite me in the butt. On Sunday I don’t do much but watch news, and I guess on Saturday we had not done dishes, so we had two and a half days of dishes this morning … to be washed. Ron wanted me to do that before he got home. Damn it … OK Ron I will. It took me until well after noon to wash / dry the dishes. Again I thought I had blogging time. But no.

I had barely sat down when Ron came home with the groceries. Actually there were few groceries but He had spent most of that three or four hours he had been gone in Home Depot getting parts for the plumbing project he needed. Ok now I could return to blogging right … Nope. Ron decided that it was time to have the roast he put in the crock pot this morning at about 6 AM. OK, help Ron make supper. Yes we eat early. About between 2 and 3 PM. Why because after 4 pm I can’t eat, or have no interest to eat. Help him with the corn, and potatoes which we decided to bake. 45 minutes later was lunch. The meal was great.

Then came clean up and putting away the food. It is now well after 3 pm, nearly 4 pm. So Ron decided he needed a nap. Would I like to nap with him? Yes of course. We never even got to the cuddle part as he went out right a way after putting on his C-Pap mask. I laid there trying to rest. At 5 pm my phone alarm for me to take my evening pills and set up my morning ones went off. Ron decided he had to get up as he was too sore to cuddle, I got up and made my pills. Now at 5:30 pm I am in my office finishing this post up. This is why it is hard for me to post and much harder to make a video. I did a load of laundry and still have one in the dryer that Ron forgot. I don’t have the energy to fold them or putting them away today. I am done. Just now one of our cats demanded wet food. I have not even managed a shower today, how can I find time to set up everything in my system, record, and then edit a video. Sadly most days I would go with Ron when he goes out shopping, today he fooled me which is why I kept texting him asking if he was OK. He had a small list of 10 items, and yet was gone over three hours. If he had told me he was going to go prowl Home Depot I would have insisted on going along. Not that he doesn’t know what he wants but he gets confused over if he got enough part a or enough part b, and maybe instead he needs part d or f and so he ends up getting far more parts than he needs. Then he says it is OK because they come in handy … some time. When I am with him he can bounce it off me and I can say well you got 5 of this and 6 of that, what is the goal.

Anyway I am going to proofread this. I want to stress that I do not regret spending my time doing housework or helping Ron. I do regret not getting to much of what I want to do with the blog. But I am reassured that even if I do not post some day or days, Ali and Randy will. Sadly that day may be coming sooner than I would like. I always figured that it would be my health that made it hard for me to keep up with the blog, now it is both my health and Ron’s. I have to tell you all, some days I only want to turn my 55-inch 4K TV to viewing position and just watch movies. But I can’t retreat like that. I hope you won’t either. Hugs.

Sad, Indeed.

Gay MAGA Complain About Getting Banned From Gay Bars by God

Sad! Read on Substack

Dear Humans,

BEHOLD! Gay Republicans are finding out they cannot wear the red hat of hatred in LGBTQ+ nightclubs.

1. Gay Bar Bans Bigots

Last week, Badlands, a beloved LGBTQ+ nightclub in Sacramento, posted this heavenly announcement:

“Moving forward, MAGA-related attire will not be allowed in the venue. This decision is not about banning political beliefs — it is about ensuring that Badlands remains a space where our community feels comfortable and supported.”

That’s not censorship. That’s community care. And this is not the first bar to make the news for banning MAGA, either. Last week a bar in Indianapolis went viral for kicking out one of these bigots.

2. “What the Heck? Let’s See What Happens”

Steven Bourassa, the idiotic Trump supporter whose actions inspired the bar to make the change, told local news station KCRA:

“I’ve never worn a red [Make America Great Again] hat to the gay bars before. I said, ‘What the heck? Let’s see what happens.’ We were having drinks and hanging out, and it was a pleasant time. So I was really impressed. And I complimented security on the good job they did.”

What didst this imbecile think wouldst happen?!?

This is not a prank show. This is real life. And you’re not the main character.

3. “It’s About Bullying”

“This decision is not based upon protecting our community,” said Preston Romero, president of the Log Cabin Republicans of Sacramento.
“It’s about bullying and singling out one particular political ideology. And we believe that that’s unfair.”

WHAT HEINOUS HYPOCRISY!!! Because when trans kids are banned from sports, queer teachers are forced back into the closet, and drag queens are treated like criminals—they don’t say ONE DAMN WORD.

But when a gay bar sets a boundary to protect its patrons from symbols of literal hatred? Suddenly it’s bullying? Give God a damn break!

**Preston Romero**, president of the Log Cabin Republicans of Sacramento.

4. God’s Final Word

And after all the hypocritical outrage, Bourassa says he’ll still go to Badlands but he’ll just leave the hat at home.

“I didn’t have any problems,” he said. “I’ll still go back… but I’ll leave the hat at home now.”

This man got banned, agreed with the ban, and is going right back.

REJOICE, everyone! We finally found the thing that can break the MAGA cult…and apparently it’s gay sex.

5. We’re Fighting Back And It’s Working

This isn’t just a moment, it’s momentum.

And it’s building everywhere you look.

People are fighting back everywhere.

Here’s how we fight:

Keep people engaged & informed with truth, hope and laughter.
Rally thousands of voices to push back against fascism.
Build an independent platform where truth can’t be silenced.

And it’s working.

📈 LOOK AT THIS: (snip-go look. The clicks help God [the Substack.])

An Early Monday Brain Cleanser

From ‘Himalayan fur goblin’ to ‘teacup werewolf,’ these silly videos are helping dogs find homes

(I’m sorry you’ll have to click through to see the video; either the live headline above, or the link beneath the next graf. It won’t embed. It’s worth it, I promise!)

Nashville animal shelter volunteer Adrian Budnick was looking ideas to showcase the adoptable dogs on social media. Looking for a Himalayan fur goblin or a teacup werewolf? Her silly videos have increased both adoptions and donations. (AP video/Kristin M. Hall)Published 7:06 AM CDT, March 22, 2025

https://apnews.com/video/from-himalayan-fur-goblin-to-teacup-werewolf-these-silly-videos-are-helping-dogs-find-homes-0244d1b2f4df422ebe7e62304be87671

To Those Who May Observe-Ron?

Janet? Come on in-the water’s great here!

Ostara 3.20.25 by Dishkitty

Equinox Read on Substack

Happy Ostara and Spring Equinox! It started with snow this morning, which was a bummer, but you know – in like a lion and all that. I’m ready for the lamb!

Build your path with patience. Small steps are progress. XOXO

Share this comic with your favorite pagan.

Trans Rights Readathon Today (3/21)

Found it on SBTB; I get emails from BookRiot, but didn’t receive this one as of Thursday night.

The 2025 Trans Rights Readathon Starts March 21st!

The 2025 Trans Rights Readathon Starts March 21st!

The third annual Trans Rights Readathon starts March 21st and ends on March 31st, Trans Day of Visibility. Here’s how to participate!

Danika Ellis Mar 18, 2025

We’re approaching the third Trans Rights Readathon! It’s an annual call to action that coincides with Trans Day of Visibility on March 31st, and it aims to uplift, amplify, and support trans, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and Two-Spirit authors. It takes place from March 21st through the 31st, and this year, there are five core prompts to complete, as well as a list of bonus prompts.

The five core prompts for the 2025 Trans Rights Readathon are Transmasc and Trans Man Rep; Transfemme and Trans Woman Rep; Nonbinary, Agender, Genderqueer, and Other Gender Expansive Rep; Intersectional Trans+ Rep Outside Your Own Experience; and 2Spirit, Indigiqueer and Indigenous Gender Expansive Rep.

If you’d like some recommendations for these prompts, as well as the many bonus prompts, you can find the reading challenge on Storygraph, where users have added suggestions for each. Just be sure to vet these, since anyone can add a title.

The Storygraph description also adds more context to the reading challenge, including making sure not to out authors or interrogate authors about their gender identity: “If information isn’t available in an author’s bio, social media, or on their website, they don’t owe it to you. In an era when people’s identities are being used to target them, please be mindful that we want to CELEBRATE these stories and support authors while keeping each other safe.”

a person facing away from the camera holding a trans pride flag behind them — image via Canva

Each prompt also has more information, including that books in the 2Spirit, Indigiqueer, and Indigenous Gender Expansive Rep category may not be trans, so to be mindful about language when discussing these books: “2Spirit, Indigiqueer, and other non-Western Third Genders exist outside of Western concepts of gender and sexuality, and an author who identifies as 2S may not identify as trans.”

Another great resource for the challenge is the Trans Rights Readathon Instagram. They have posts about the readathon itself, including how to participate: by reading trans books, reviewing and discussing them online (using the tags TransRightsReadathon and #TRR2025), and monetarily supporting the trans community (including donating to mutual aid funds).

They also have posts recommending books for each of the prompts. These are vetted by the organizers, so they’re more reliable than the Storygraph suggestions.

Leading up to and during the readathon, I’ll be sharing trans book recommendations. Let me know in the comments if there’s anything in particular you’d like suggestions for!

As a bonus for All Access members, below is a list of 27 new LGBTQ books out this week.

27 New Queer Books Out This Week: March 18, 2025

Here are 27 of the most exciting new LGBTQ books out this week, including Passing Through a Prairie Country by Dennis E. Staples and Beyond Personhood: An Essay in Trans Philosophy by Talia Mae Bettcher.

Exclusive content for All Access members continues below. Become a member for $6 a month or $60 a year to get community features and access to exclusive content across all 20+ Book Riot newsletters.

This Is Nice For The Equinox.

The sun will shine in my back door someday/ The sun will shine in my back door someday/ March winds will blow all my troubles away by Worriedman

“I Know You Rider”.- Traditional Read on Substack

It was a blustery weekend. “ Blustery” was a word I learned in the fourth grade from our teacher, Mrs Wigel. She spent the first period reading to the class every morning. She read us “Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day “ which was a Disney product and not the original book by AA Milne . I was never much of a Winnie the Pooh fan. I did learn “blustery” though and use it every time the situation permits.

It was blustery today up on the Hill with the Mule in his Minions. They were pretty muddy!