LONG DISTANCE CALL

Near slighted
Twenty twenty (the year that is) has if nothing

else been illuminating. In that the many trials

and tribulations of the last annum have taught

us much. Our removal from the world at large

is more than solitary confinement. By its very

nature isolation drives introspection. Myopia

insures that one focuses on all that is close at

hand. The result being that we crave anything

that isn't near and dear. Hence most of us long

for those we can't  see, touch, or hug. Leaving

a gap in our lives, hearts, and communities.

One that I can't wait to fill in the coming new

year. 2021 can't happen soon enough.

Blest be the tie that binds
Fortunately there are many ways to bridge said

void. Post a last minute cancellation of a visit

to my youngest last fall - we stayed in constant

contact. Via text, email, phone, and video chats.

Hence while I've never met her second son - I

feel like I know him from afar. Having missed

my annual pilgrimage to Michigan to visit my

eldest and her family - one might assume we're

out of touch. However given we video chat five

to six times a day, we're closer than ever. The

same applies to dear friends with whom I chat

daily. Nothing stops us from sharing our lives.

Thus against all odds we are still connected.

Homeward bound
One of the things Frank and I miss the most is

New York City. It's tough when one's favorite

things are far from reach. That is until friends

and family reach out in love. Yesterday "S"

and "B" sent us lunch. As in the makings for

the perfect pastrami on rye shipped overnight

from Sarge's on Third Avenue. Upon finding

the box on our doorstep I began to sob. So

touched by their kindness I realized just how

much I miss them and "home." Fortunately

soon even this pandemic shall pass. And then

we'll be able to go back to where we belong.

And commune with those we know and love.

ARE YOU READY?

Much to-do about nothing
We are often admonished to start the year off
right. Which leads many to dream boldly. In
the process assuming that this year we'll shed
pounds, organize closets, and do great things.
Sadly by early spring most if not all of said
resolutions are over and out. Which in theory
indicates that we learned nothing over the prior
twelve months. Instead we maintain the status
quo. However somehow I hope many of us are
approaching 2021 differently. If for no other
reason then that we've had enough of all of
this foolishness. It's time to wake up, alter our
course, and change America for the better.

For better or worse?
Recently the media has been an endless stream
of annual recaps. All of which in theory should
inspire introspection. However their end result
only remind us of just how crazy our world has
become. Affirming that our political situation is
the worst within my limited lifespan. And just
possibly EVER. While most blame the soon to

be former President - I beg to differ. You see

we're all responsible for the mess we're in. Our

only hope being that newly elected officials are

about to change America for the better. All as

the Coronavirus vaccine saves our lives. And

hopefully things go back to "normal".

A new day dawns
Soon we won't be able to blame anybody but

ourselves. Mr. Trump will exit the premises

and spread his mischief elsewhere. Mr. Biden

assumes control of a country in turmoil. As

we the people battle change, a deadly virus,

a challenging economy, and cabin fever. We

have to change for the better given we've no

where to go but up. It's time to tell the truth.

Face reality. And work together to plot our

course to redemption. Hence my new year's

resolution is to hope for the best. And thank

God that somehow... we survived until now.

And hopefully - 2021 will be our best ever.

SELF DESTRUCT

Triple threat?
As of now we've no idea. Apparently a loner

in Nashville loaded up his RV with explosives,

drove downtown, and blew himself up. All

on a quiet Christmas morn. Nor do we know

why a loser about to be out of a job refused to

sign into law a much needed pandemic relief

bill for millions of Americans. Hence it's no

wonder that we're a bit jittery. Exactly what

the hell is going on? Obviously 2020 cannot

end soon enough. The exiting administration

continues to paralyze Washington D.C. Thus

all we can do is hope that we survive the three

weeks left until Joe Biden's inauguration.

Odd men out?
Think about it. Many of us have never lived

in times like these. Whereas others have seen

much worse. Civilizations come and go. So

it's safe to assume that the odds are against

us. Apparently our problem is a plethora of

odd men out. Bitter, disenfranchised losers

who have no problem wreaking vengeance

on the rest of mankind. Which has to be why

one still meets the random mask less rebel in

the grocery store. Staring everyone down as

if daring you to say something. So they can

rant about their rights being trampled while

they purposefully endanger the lives of others.

Hole in one?
Obviously there is a big difference between

not social distancing and setting off a bomb

in downtown Nashville. Or endangering the

future of those who you swore to serve. But

is there? The worst of us actually share one

thing in common. A complete disregard for

their fellow man. Along with a skewed sense

of self worth that puts their wants and needs

above all others. Reason enough to designate

2020 the year of selfishness. The climax of

years of racism, hate, turmoil, and myopia.

Yet just when we think it can't get worse - it

does. Why is it always about them - not us?!

7th Day Surprise: DONE

Out with the old.

In with the new.