My Novels

Friday, October 31, 2008

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Pictures and update

Life seems increasingly mad, mad...or maybe it's just me? Nah, everyone appears on edge, worried, afraid, glimpsing perhaps (for the younger generation) what they've never experienced.

I'd say I'm worried, but the truth is, my world fell apart nearly three years ago when DH died. I'd like to say it gets easier as time goes by, but what I'm finding is that it becomes more difficult. Not encouraging words, just how I feel these days. Uphill struggle all the time, and no end in sight. The wrecked economy simply adds insult to injury in my case.

Nevertheless, I occasionally have my own escapes (other than writing fiction) and yesterday was one of those interludes. Click on photos for larger picture.


A stiff wind was blowing, and made it somewhat cold alongside Lake Guntersville.


These birds of a feather seem to be enjoying the windy weather.


Back home, I took the dogs to a nearby park for a walk in late afternoon.


Yes, that's my shadow taking the photo...unusual shot.

Today the renters brought the coverings they'd made for my vents on this house. I needed custom-made vent covers, because nothing commerical would fit. They did a great job, but then told me bad news: the guy has lost his job. However, the woman still receives a monthly check, so she said they can continue to pay the rent. However, if they can't, I plan to let them stay and just "work" for me on an as-needed basis.

Look how great they take care of my rental house:

Not only does the woman do wonderful landscaping and decorations, they put new sealer on the driveways. They are always working to take care of the property, and that means a lot to me.

So I guess I'll have to start taking the monthly payout from my annuity next year to help pay for medical insurance. If I can make it to 60, I'll receive DH's SSI, quite a sum (providing SSI is still around by then). Sigh. Or maybe I can return to the newspaper. We'll see, but right now, I'm doing okay -- which is more than I can say for a lot of folks now and probably in the future.

I have felt sick all day, wonder if I've picked up a bug. Sick to my stomach, and tired. You know, it's bad when you're paying $468.00 a month under Cobra for medical coverage, but the co-pays are still so high you hate to go to the doctor or buy your prescription drugs. I'd say that's why I'm for Obama, but the truth is, I've always been a democrat.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Evolution



Hmm, NOW I understand our current crisis -- one of human evolution that eventually purges the "fat."

Sorry, but this was just too hilarious to not post!

Friday, October 10, 2008

In times like these

I titled this blog, "Mad, Mad World" and began it when George Bush was elected -- almost 8 years ago. There have been ups and downs, but certainly more DOWNS during Bush's administration than any in my memory and I'm 56.

Nowadays, the title of my blog seems to capture exactly the turmoil in the world -- like standing on shifting sands and holding your breathe to see if you'll sink out of sight, just cease to exist. And yes, I'm a hopeless pessimist, a realist...but despite it all, I believe in human nature to survive at almost all costs.

However, remember the 30s? Anti-heroes were all the rage, Dillinger & company. And those lousy bankers? Well, folks had their own solutions:



Bonnie & Clyde, The Chase (1968 movie)

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Vice Prez Debate, SNL style



Yes, it's absolutely hilarious. Unfortunately, it's also a near-perfect depiction of Palin, which makes one either scared or sad.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008