THE TRUTH UNMASKED

Hidden agenda
I'm not a fan of masks. Beyond specs, I abhor
anything upon my face. Thus even facing the
deepest of winter chills I resist donning ski
masks, wrapped scarves, and such. Today my
aversion to facial overlays apparently made it
obvious that I was the odd man out. At least
half of my fellow shoppers wore masks. As
in surgical. The same ones that are currently
in great demand. Exactly those that medical
professionals across the country lack. Yet as
heroes risk their lives sans proper protection -
my fellow shoppers apparently need them to
grocery shop at our local Albertsons.

More than enough
In times like these we all face risks and thus
must protect ourselves. Yet I feel blindsided
by fellow Montanans who seem to consider
the Coronavirus a license to over indulge.
Such as hoarding. Given no food shortage
exists why is everyone stocking up as if our
world was about to end? Nothing is stopping
locals from stripping Lewistown's grocery
shelves bare. After two weeks of many we
still lack toilet tissue or any paper goods.
No bleach or disinfectants. Our nada list
even ncludes fresh garlic. Is it possible that
locals are preparing for a vampire attack?

Shame on flu
Last night at midnight Montana officially
went into isolation mode. Now we must
shelter in place. Which makes me wonder
what my fellow Lewistown residents will
be doing. Baking cakes with hoarded flour,
sugar, and Crisco? Dishing out plenty of
penne? Wiping their asses while the rest
of us must fend for themselves? I'm sure
they'll be quite happy with themselves.
Yet I wonder if they ever think of those
they left empty handed No wonder they
cover up. Given such gluttony they should
be ashamed of themselves. Enough already!

CLOSED DOOR POLICY

Flower Show Cancelled?

While most of America is

behind closed doors sitting

spring out, Mother Nature

is slowly unveiling a new

spring season. Across this

nation beautiful things are

still budding. Ready to pop

and color our world...

Click here for the latest

C+V HOME BLOG

Lordy, lordy, look who's FORTY

Theres a first time for everything
Birthdays are by their very nature reminders
of our mortality. However the gravity of said
situation differs by age. When we're young,
we can't wait to get old. Whereas once time
has marched on... and often over us, we wish
we could count backwards. Benjamin Button
syndrome aside, it's rarely good to backtrack.
Given life is basically an evolutionary process
it's best to adapt to whatever comes our way.
Or even more important - appreciate all that
life affords us. Hence today I am celebrating
one of my life's greatest gifts. My first and in
her opinion foremost daughter "E" is now 40.

Parental guidance required
Four decades ago I was young, foolish, and ill
equipped to become a parent. From the day she
arrived "E" has been a vibrant, complex, and at
times challenging inspiration. One that quite
frankly we often had no idea of how to handle.
Hence as she grew, so did her mom and I. That
said, it wasn't easy. Yet in the end I can never
repay "E" for all that she has given me. Sans
her influence in my life I wonder who or what
I would be today. "E's" trials and tribulations
insured all involved become older and wiser.
Therefore today I celebrate the woman she has
become. One who amazes me on a daily basis.

Reason to celebrate
The older one gets, the more we realize that
life is a full circle experience. Meaning that
at some point we will change the diapers of
those who once did the same for us. All of us
enter this world relying on others. Therefore
it should come as no surprise that in the end,
we exit our time on earth in exactly the same
needy circumstances. Fortunately I'm blessed
to have a daughter who has a passion for life
that knows no bounds. Somehow surviving
her convoluted journey all the better for it.
Older, wiser, kinder, gentler, and resilient
come what may.. Happy fortieth my dear!

FANTASY ISLAND

Far away from it all
At this point who doesn't want to run away?
Depending on whom one chooses to believe
our national purgatory may end by Easter. Or
extend hrough June, or as late as March 2021.
No wonder I find myself fantasizing about
some far flung nirvana. Fantasy at best given
there is no place in this world that is truly safe.
Hence wishes aside, all of us are slowly being
forced to face our new reality. One that stars
a rather elusive enemy. Which infects many
sans symptoms. Enabling them to innocently
expose friends and family to a stealth foe. So
who can we trust? And where are we to go?

Isle of man
Back in 1624 John Donne wrote that "no man
is an island." And obviously knew that millions
had died of bubonic "black" plague a century
prior. Way back then quarantine consisted of
painting a black cross upon one's door to warn
everyone to beware of social contact. Yet both
victims and victors of said scourge had no idea
how a virus spread. Whereas in today's mania
we're all too aware of the risks we humans take
by simply being human. Today every one of us
is forced to create our own islands. Isolated as
the Covid 18 rules world at large. Purposefully
set apart from the rest. Far away from them all.

The heart of what matters
It's been suggested that one be careful what
they wish for. Now our desire to get away is
manifested in this harsh reality. Imprisoned
in solitary confinement it's easy to assume
anyplace is better than our current situation.
Rather than feel trapped we should use this
time to expand our hearts, souls, and minds.
While not surrounded by palm trees, we are
immersed in world sof your own making. So
why not appreciate all that you've got? And
savor all that you've worked so hard to have
and to hold. Then realize that your fantasy
island is in reality HOME SWEET HOME!

"HATERS" GONNA "HATE"

Guilty as charged?
The other day a friend commented about my
"hatred" of Donald J. Trump. A false charge
given like Nancy Pelosi, I don't hate the man.
However I do pity him. Still hoping he will
surprise me. And suddenly rise to the crisis
at hand. Ignoring megalomaniacal tendencies
in order to serve we the people. That's what
leaders naturally do in times of trouble. Their
responsibility and hence focus being on all
others - not themselves. Hence my vitriolic
tirades about the gentleman in question. And
his obvious inferior to non existent leadership
skills. At best... he continues to disappoint.

Behind the scenes
It's shouldn't be that hard. Standing with him on
the press briefing dais on a daily basis are several
heroes. Experts who share facts not delusional
speculation and subterfuge. Honest and candid
leaders whose focus is on others not themselves.
Throughout this country local and state officials
are stepping up. Providing guidance, insights,
and inspiration to us all. No matter their party or
philosophical affiliation. Guiding lights leading
us all to a safer place. Leaders by example. Who
by their words and deeds garner our gratitude
and... respect. And in the process dazzle even
the most jaded of skeptics. Guys like me...

All we need is love
If I hate anything it's weakness. or even worse
purposeful self aggrandizement. There simply
is no reason for it. Times like these demand
strength, commitment, and resolve. Along with
a singular focus on serving others. Against all
odds. A phenomena that this writer wishes Mr.
Trump could embrace. Thus if I hate anything,
it's his inability to prove me wrong. To act in
a manner that inspires us all. There is nothing
I would love more than to be forced to change
my opinion about our Commander in Chief.
Therefore whether we love him or hate him -
it continues to be all about the man himself.

MOMMA MIA MARIO

A fighting chance
Even in the worst of times one can suddenly
fall in love. Just a few weeks ago who knew
that the highlight of my day would be a press
conference? Not those where Donald Trump
attempts to appear in control. But rather my
heart goes a patter whenever another New
Yorker enters the fray. As in the empire state's
governor - Andrew Cuomo. Everything about
the man appeals. He's good looking, charming,
and has a great sense of humor. However that
is not what I find so alluring. What zings my
strings is the fact that he's obviously got things
under control. Including me.

Buck me now
If nothing else Andrew is a stand up kind of guy.
Instead of deferring responsibility, he assumes it
with gusto. Constantly affirming the "buck stops
here" so if you don't like it "blame me". In sharp
contrast to another former New Yorker who says
he "takes no responsibility" for any missteps his
administration has taken along the way. Hence
honesty, integrity, and candor is actually what
makes Andrew Cuomo so sexy. That along with
the fact he has no problem telling the world that
he loves his Mom. Further proof of what makes
a man a man. A leader a leader. And an asshole
- a total failure. And sadly... our President.

Twice as nice
Andrew ardor aside, I feel like I'm cheating.
You see for years I've adored his handsome
younger brother Chris. As a key anchor on
CNN said blue eyed boy shares many of the
same positive attributes of his elder sibling.
In that he passionately tells us like it truly is.
And is always willing to share and see the
other side. Both of the Cuomo boys inspire
me. As they are the embodiment of all that
is truly American. More than willing to step
up no matter the challenge! My hope is that
we can be inspired by their shining examples.
Especially... the man in charge... Trump!

7th Day Surprise SPRING MELT

Over and out

Wednesday was the official first day of spring.
It's time to break out of your cocoon and fly!
So say goodbye to winter...
Ready, set,
BLOSSOM!