20180512 JOE'S BIRTHDAY; STILL NO DAVID DEAL; NOW REGGIE HAS DIED

In fact, it's even WORSE than we (David et al, and I) were thinking.

One of the rich guys (the one with billions), Reggie Tschume, who LIVED in Ghana, has died at age 61.  I'm sorry he died, but I'm also angry.

Now, the "David Deal" will likely be delayed indefinitely.

And that means that our dream (DT & me working together) is likely gone.

SOOOOOO very sad today.

But I'm with my 4 grandchildren, who are almost constantly fighting each other over video games and other sibling squabbles...... that I'm depressed.  Not to mention the sadness I'm feeling about Joe and Chrissy.

I'm trying to recall some funny stuff that I was going to "use" with the kids, but it just won't come back to me.  Damn brain!  Never seems to work to my advantage when I want it to.

AND....... it's SNOWING here.  In mid-MAY!!!!!!!  I can't believe it.  There's an unusual storm flowing through Utah right now - So the nice Spring weather they were having here is gone, and will be while I'm here.

I know - I know.  I'm looking for all the bad things.  But I'm banking on the idea that if I write them, I'll feel better.

So before I quit, here are some more.  (Then I'll switch to counting my blessings).

Diverticulitis.  Completed treatment, and within days, I had more pains in my colon.

George.  He's suffering in Cyprus.  I feel helpless to help him.

Financial.  I'm STILL trying to manage my retirement..... and for now, that means watching every dollar.  I really HATE this.

The valet at Dr. Pruitt's building scraped my car, but the management are saying they didn't. ($675)

Toenail, I having treated it for almost a year now, does not seem to be improving.

We have a complete IDIOT in the White House, who dominates the daily news like a bad cold that won't go away.

And now, today, I have a 40-year-old son.  Joe is hurting, and he's also depressed about his life.

So....... now the good stuff:

1. I'm alive & relatively healthy.  Body is slowing down, but still works well.
2. My son and DIL are both employed, making reasonably good money.
3. My 4 Utah grandchildren are healthy, going to school, enjoying most aspects of their lives (2 older boys play soccer, Ada is in a play).
4. California daughter & fam are also doing well.
5. I have George, a wonderful man "in my life" (he's "stuck" in Cyprus) who shows me great affection; and I have feelings of caring & longing & even love for him.
6. I'm employed (I like that I'm earning income & helping unfortunate people)
7. My car passed the smog test without the replacement of my 2 catalytic converters (approx. $1500)

Now, I'm trying to recall the funny stuff I was going to share with my grandkids.

I REMEMBERED!!!!!!!

I went on line and tried to prod my memory with funny stuff people say to their grandkids, etc.  I waded through a ton of famous people's one-liners, lists of things grandparents say or do, etc.....

I gave up, put my hands to my face and sighed.  And then.......

I REMEMBERED!!!!!!!!

Kath used to say these things when we were teenagers in Vienna:

"Watch out for that cliff" ---  "What cliiiiiiiiiifffffffffff"

"Watch out for that dip" ---- "What di-uh-ip?"

"Watch out for that string" ----- "What string - wing - wing - wing....."

I thought of them the other day, and said to myself "these would be fun to share with Joe & Chrissy's kids."

And then I forgot them.  Until......

I REMEMBERED!!!!!!!!!!!!

Life seems tough for me - I can't recall things all that readily.  I have to focus and spend a lot of time trying.  It usually doesn't work.

But today......

I REMEMBERED!!!!!!!!!!

Hopefully I can recall them later today when we're together.  (they're all sleeping now)

When I was thinking about these the other day, my mind drifted to some sayings that I shared in scouts in Vienna - mostly with Doug Kuhn:

"Would somebody please open the elevator door?"  (hands on face)

"Has anyone seen my toothbrush?  (or soupspoon)"  (fingers stretching neck skin)

"Madam, would you please move your umbrella?"  (finger pulling down on corner of eye, followed by finger pulling down corner of mouth, and "Thank you.")

These might be good for the kids on this trip.  If I can remember them.

*sigh*