UPHILL BATTLE?

Sink or swim
There are times when one's faith in human kind
is more than challenged. Some folks simply can't
treat others in any way related to human decency.
Inevitably such behavior is driven by ignorance,
arrogance, or a combination thereof. However
there is really no excuse for being cruel, rude,
or downright ornery. Yet it seems that within our
dramatically divergent state of the union, many
of our theoretical best struggle with living by the
golden rule. Or at least lead by example. Hence
what the world needs most (and immediately) is
somebody willing to take us to a better place. All
it requires is bravery, resolve, and perseverance.

Forward momentum
In my youth that sort of responsibility fell on the
shoulders of all sorts of folks. Politicians, clergy,
doctors, lawyers, teachers, parents, cops, and all
sorts of chiefs. Each who had a role to play and
example to set. So why is it that now few of us
are willing to stand up and show us the way? A
deficit that I attribute to a lack of purpose, focus,
and understanding. To be clear most of us have
no idea of how we impact others. And ignorance
of the fact that who, what, and how we live our
ives sets an example for others. And we wonder
why our world seems to be in so much trouble.
When we have nobody to blame but ourselves.

Equal opportunity
Our parents grew up in a very different world.
One where we all took pride in who and what
they were. Whether a laborer or millionaire,
almost all felt they had achieved something.
Given our ancestors came from nothing, they
appreciated all that they had. And understood
that things like liberty, freedom, and equality
were precious commodities at best. Somehow
those that followed lost any sense of gratitude
and gravitas. So rather than set ourselves out
as examples, we sit back and wait for others
to do our dirty work. Which is why America
is in the midst of a major funk.

Blind leading the blind
Watching the shenanigans of the Senate judiciary
committee hearing Thursday was demoralizing
at best. Yet Dr. Ford inspired all by being brave
enough to rise to the occasion. Setting an bright
example for all of us. Sadly, by the end of that
day our elected leaders sank lower than at least
I thought was possible. However on Friday my
faith in humanity was slightly restored. After
prompting, prodding, and impassioned pleading
from victims of sexual abuse Senator Jeff Flake
of Arizona stood up for what was right. An act
that just might make a difference for all of us.
Could it be that the truth truly can set us free?

Heart transplant
Any forward momentum, even baby steps such
as Mr. Flake's are better than nothing. How he
got there doesn't matter. All that's important is
that somehow he decided to take a step in the
right direction. And potentially alter the future
course of America for the better. So while it
might not see all that much, it was enough to
inspire me. And cause me to look at him in a
different light. Which is what leadership is all
about. Setting a good example doesn't require
pomp and circumstance. All that's necessary is
the ability to listen to one's heart - and do the
right thing. Thanks Jeff!

IN THE SAUCE

Dark shadows
Yesterday was to be perfectly honest - a total
bust. An exercise in futility. While I'd like to
blame everybody but me, I've no one to blame
for it but myself. That's because I allowed the
events of the day to distract me. To put me off.
And ultimately to set me off. Thus in the end
even if I assumed that I got nothing in the end.
I actually accomplished quite a bit in spite of
myself. The very reality of which leaves me
bemused, confused, and pissed off. The only
question being could I have handled things any
differently. Or better yet, should I have spent
the day planning out move overseas?!

Testimony under oafs
Like millions of the rest of you, I sat in front
of the television all day long. Watching the
debacle, shame, and insults. Dr. Christine
Blasey Ford's testimony was quite moving,
disturbing, and beyond sad. Whereas Judge
Kavenaugh's aggressive denial was equally
disturbing, sad, and at times beyond insulting.
Yet what was worse was the political finger
pointing between both sides. And the attempt
of the Republicans to paint the Democrats as
devious plotters hell bent on destroying their
President's candidate for the Supreme Court.
Hence in the end I was beyond disgusted.

Survival tactics
In between I juggled multiple deliveries back
in Connecticut. Battling claims of the wrong
key in the wrong lock. While forcing a dear
friend to do the last thing either of us wanted
her to do -  cram it all into a tight spot. All as
I watched an on-line bidding war in order to
book a delivery to South Carolina. Oh and I
make some lunch, and try to cook the books.
In the midst of which I wondered if America
can survive our ever growing rift. dreaming
of times when the last thing on my mind was
politics. Nor whether our democracy will be
able survive the day, week, month, or year.

Dead end
Meanwhile back at the ranch it was a dark, cold,
gloomy, and damp day. Given the weather man
forecast for last night was close to freezing, we
spent much of the day scrambling. Feeling that
it was too early to sacrifice a season's time and
effort to a capricious frost. So during breaks in
the hearings we spent the afternoon harvesting
our garden. The result being a house full of big
bowls of red tomatoes, piles of zucchini, and
bouquets of flowers, herbs, and the like. This
morning we'll unveil our attempts to save the
"survivors" post having spent the night chilling
under cover of strategically draped old sheets.

Bowled over
It seemed that all bad things would come to an
end. Yet ultimately something beneficial came
out of the worst of circumstances. By the end
of the day I was ready to focus on anything but
politics and the weather. So I gathered up our ill
gotten gain and made dinner. Mixing a melange
of just picked tomatoes, basil, oregano, onions,
and garden chard into a fresh pasta sauce. Plus
four fabulous elk Italian sausages hand crafted
by our nephew "J". Thus after sitting down and
pouring ourselves a glass of Amarone the dreary
day's events faded out minds. And suddenly all
was right in our world. At least until tomorrow.

ALL MIXED UP

This n' that
Style is ALL about editing. Or in
C+V HOME's opinion - LOVE!
Nothing is better than finding
the love of your life and taking
them home. Discovery is in and
of itself thrilling. Yet there's no
greater satisfaction than when...

Click below to read the latest
C+V HOME Montana Blog

DIM SUM AND THEN SOME

Food for thought
After nine months back full time in the Big
Sky state I must admit there is little I miss
about Manhattan. Being far from friends is
our primary gap. However not being able to
easily see a Broadway show, opera, or the
philharmonic is most definitely a big miss.
Shopping may no longer lure yet not being
able to pop over to BG or Barneys can be a
hardship. However like most things in life
it comes down to our stomachs. Hence we
miss a diverse array of culinary pursuits.
The kind of food that knocks our socks off
and fuels our hunger for new adventures.

Tried and true
Growing up as boomer, and in a WASP home to
boot meant that food was utilitarian at best. All
was either boiled, baked, or broiled to the max.
The result being the kind of pablum that in it's
day was considered derigueur in many a private
club, Whereas Frank was blessed to have Italian
and Czech grandparents. Meaning that he grew
up eating all sorts of wonderful things that were
for them home cooking. As in across the Atlantic.
Fortunately both of our backgrounds gave us a
hunger for trying new things. Therefore we've
eaten our way around the world and then some.
Yet wherever one was, it best was always local.

Western exposure
Thus we've never missed an opportunity to
over indulge. If I'm honest, theres little to
nothing I don't like. However if and when
either of us are given the chance to choose -
we invariably opt for Asian cuisine. I can't
tell you chow mieny times we've finished
a Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian,
or Japanese feast and agreed that it was our
"best meal ever." So much so that initially
upon considering Lewistown as our home
base, we hesitated due to the lack of Asian
options. Twenty years ago there wasn't even
a Chinese eatery in town. How could we?!

East meets west
Over the years all that changed. Today we've
a very good Chinese restaurant in town. That
is as long as one stays away from the buffet
and such classic American varieties like sweet
and sour anything. Instead we just ask China
Garden's chefs to serve what they're having
for dinner. Fresh asian vegetables stir fried
with the simplest of ingredients - all without
a liberal dousing of corn starch laden sauces!
Over the years several Chinese families have
come here from San Francisco to run the joint.
All ultimately becoming valued friends who
truly appreciate that we appreciate them!

Thai one on
Several years ago a young lady started "Try My
Thai" which dishes out fabulous food from a
roving truck. Almost immediately her food was
a huge success. So much so that even now she
invariably sells out before the lunch crowd has
ordered. Which created another opportunity for
a Thai Restaurant - Somjai Thai. Having moved
from Thailand, the owner is not only charming
but is also a damned good cook. Now it's easy
to curry our favor on a regular basis. So much
so that post every meal we have at her eatery -
we literally thank God that she is here. Hence
nowadays, we rarely go hungry. And then som!

Raw deal
Until recently the only option we lacked was
Japanese . Post a major renovation our local
grocer opened a sushi counter. Immediately
we were skeptical. First because we wondered
if any of the locals - mostly ranchers and native
Montanans would ingest raw fish. Second, we
ate some the worst take out sushi ever from
the Whole at Columbus Circle in Manhattan.
Fortunately for all of us - not only is the sushi
at Albertsons great - it's incredibly popular.
Thus we never worry about lapsed expiration
dates. That's because as soon as it's made it
flies out of the door. Albertsons is on a roll!

Bitter harvest
Years ago we transported suitcases of bitter
melon and other asian vegetables home. Now
we can buy just about everything we need at
our grocery store. Even if what the gentlemen
who tend the produce department say is true -
and nobody buys it but us! I'll admit that my
attempts to cook like an iron chef are fair at
best. But still we're thrilled to be able enjoy
most of the things we love from the far east.
All of which proves that obviously there are
plenty of kindred spirits on the local front.
Hence now whether north, south, east, west
Asian cuisine is the best! Dim sum anybody?

MANLY PURSUITS

Lock em up?
On Saturday a Republican senator from the
Midwest reacted to the furor over a second
Kavanaugh accuser stepping forward. His
justification was simply "boys will be boys"
which at least to this man is a shabby excuse
at best. One that ranks in the same arena as
"locker room talk." Even if purposefully
forcing oneself on a female against her will
is in theory "natural" - there is no excuse for
violating another human being. Hence such
responses to what at remain but accusations
causes me to suggest "thou doest protest too
much." Proving that many men are FOOLS.

Unfortunate circumstances
I've no idea whether the gentleman in question
did anything wrong. All that I do know is that
many of his sex are ready and willing to justify
such bad behavior. As somebody with hands on
experience with the male species - let me assure
you that even the horniest of teens knows right
from wrong. And when to stop. Even if fueled
by booze - an act of sexual aggression cannot
be hidden beneath a plethora of justifications.
Nor belittled in the same context as a white lie.
Like it or not, such indiscretions impact victims
in life changing ways. Whether said incident
was thirty years ago or a week or just last night.

Grooming basics
It's been said that politics can make for strange
bedfellows. In theory who sleeps with whom is
nobodies business but their own. Except when
fulfilling one's desires involves the violation of
another. While young men can be frisky - they
must be held accountable for their indiscretions.
Even if long after they've learned their lesson.
That's because what's done is done. And even
the most repentant can't turn back the clock nor
wipe their sordid slate clean. Rather at some
point they must atone for their sins. Even when
that inconveniently delays another's political
agenda. Thus time waits for absolutely no man.

Guilty as charged
Yesterday Bill Cosby's sentencing hearing for
his conviction in drugging a woman and then
sexually assaulting her started. His attorney
began by arguing that Mr. Cosby's entry into
the Pennsylvania public sex offender's registry
post sentencing would be unconstitutional. A
position that was soon thereafter struck down
by the presiding judge. Highly offensive legal
swagger aside, the eighty one year old celebrity
is about to learn his lesson. And be an example
to any others who assume time, age, celebrity,
wealth, and related infirmities are guarantees
to a get out of jail sooner than later card.

Day of reckoning
In my opinion it's time to "man up" and atone
for our sins. Hence all Senators, both men and
women on the judicial committee must hold
each other accountable. How they handle those
who testify before them will be ample proof of
how they stand on liberty, justice, and equality
for all Americans. Both men and women. There
is no excuse for violating an other's rights. Nor
for political maneuvering around holding some
responsible for crimes against humanity. While
neither judge nor jury - their actions and votes
will either serve as a prime examples of human
decency, gross injustice, or political suicide.

WHERE DID THE DAY GO?

Sunrise... sunset
If you're like me, most mornings are full of
optimism. Post the sometimes challenging
process of brewing that first cup of coffee,
time seems to be on your side. Hence as the
sun dawns, a spirit of positivity and caffeine
fuels my outlook. And yet in what may seem
just a few minutes later, the sun has set and
I've yet to accomplish half of whatever was
on my list. And it's times such as that when
one is befuddled, bemused, and confused.
Wondering exactly what the title of today's
blog states. Could it be that time flies? Or
that there aren't enough hours in the day?

Limited visibility
My problem is that it's too easy to be distracted.
Every morning I catch up on the news reading
postings from the top "papers". However I've
learned that if I want to accomplish anything,
I absolutely CANNOT turn on the television.
Otherwise I'm sucked into the vortex of daily
foolishness coming out of Washington D.C.
However self imposed spam filters aside, one
can't control who puts what in your in-box. Thus
invariably the contents thereof include a wrench
that will drive you nuts. And by the time you've
put out that fire, it's time for your first cocktail!
Anything to distract you from the days failures!

Week to weak
Most of us do our best in an attempt to be
productive. Especially on Mondays which
if nothing else are time to catch up post the
weekend's respite. Unfortunately there are
only so many hours in a day. Thus once you
finally get caught up, it's time to go home.
The good news is that by Friday night you
may have your act together. The bad news
is there are four more workdays until then.
So we slog along through the flotsam and
jetsam of life itself. Slowly gaining traction.
That is until an emergency throws our best
laid plans aside for alternative priorities.

Time management
Given misery loves company, it's affirming that
almost every one will feel cheated at some point
today. That is except for those with NO hidden
agenda. Instead they go with the flow, hope for
the best, and still somehow get the job done. I
can't help but envy them. Even in "retirement"
I can't seem to stop adding too much ado about
nothing to my to-do list. After all, the world isn't
going to stop if I don't make applesauce today.
Assuming that the same applies to every task at
hand, isn't it time we gave ourselves a break?
After all tomorrow is another day. So chances
are... it can... and will wait! Happy Monday!

7th Day Surprise: Sunday Supper

As a boy Sunday dinners were always special occasions.

Back in those days before anybody brunched,

the seventh day repast was an event of pomp and circumstance.

While at church a chicken, beef roast, or ham baked in the oven.

Upon our return an elegant repast awaited us in the dining room.

Or if we were celebrating something special

we dined out at the club or the popular eatery du jour. 

What was most important was that we joined together as one.

Isn't it time we revived that this tried and true tradition?

SUNDAY DINNER IS SERVED...