Yes, I’m still alive…

So, I thought I should check in as it’s been a while since I’ve written.  See, it’s summer.  My time of year.  Wait, wasn’t that a song lyric from the 60’s?

The warm weather is finally here.  Between work and working out back and the pool, I haven’t really felt motivated.  I’m having, “The summer of Duffy”.  And with all due deference to George Costanza, mine is a step above his.

Okay, we just returned from a 2 day trip to Hampton, Virginia where we attended the birthday celebration of Gwen Fuller, who is the 85 year old mom of our good friend, Cheryl.  What a wonderful, wise, graceful and impressive woman.  We met for the first time and she insisted on a hug and by the time we left her 5 hours later I wanted to hug her…and I did.

It makes me feel alive when I am surrounded by gracious people, and makes me feel bad that it took so long in life before being in their presence.  What a wonderful group of people.  Happy Birthday Gwen!

Daughter Jessica this week was officially appointed co-chairperson of Delco United for sensible gun policies.  We are in awe of Jessica and we know this will be the first of many huge steps she will take to fight for the things we need to create a better world.  Kudos Sweetheart!  Check out their group.  They do not want to take away people’s guns.  They are for banning assault weapons, which we do not need, and for reasonable gun laws that support safety.

So July 4th came and went.  We hosted our annual gathering which was memorable and enjoyable.  C’mon, Mike, this is starting to sound like a damn Christmas newsletter!  Anyway, let’s add to the list of people whom need to, “go away”, those people who own anything other than an actual American Flag, that depicts the flag.  Specifically, clothing.  Wait, isn’t it illegal anyway?  The flag Speedo has got to go.  The flag bikini too.  Throw in the bandanna, the tee shirt, full sized or tank top, and the demin jacket.  Fly your flag proudly.  Your freak flag too.  Leave the clothing at home.

Have you ever met anyone who has uttered the phrase, “I’m not a racist” that actually isn’t a racist?  Not likely.  If you feel the need to explain what you are not, the problem starts and end right there.  Tell me what you ARE, not what you ARE NOT.  And clean off your mirror.  And take a good hard look.

I love the people who explain to me that they are still in the process of, “Figuring their life out”.  I’ve heard that from a few people recently in their 50’s and 60’s.  It may be time to hire Sherlock.  I was fortunate enough to figure things out by the age of 40.  If you’re in your 60’s and still working things out, maybe it is time to accept the fact that life may be figuring things out for you, not the other way around.  Sort of like a driver less car.

Recommendation for the week.  The month.  The year.  Well, for your bucket list.  The PBS Masterpiece British series, “Endeavor”.  Quite simply one of the best police dramas…best shows..ever made.

Start by renting and watching at least a dozen episodes of the old BBC drama, “Inspector Morse”.  It was big in the 1980’s and 90’s.  John Thaw was wonderful as the police sleuth in Oxford.   Several years ago they decided to make, “Endeavor”, a Morse prequel, set in the 1960’s starring Shaun Evans as a younger version of Morse.  Roger Allum as Inspector Fred Thursday is as good as they come.  Words cannot describe the “brilliance”, as the Brits say, of this show, now in it’s 5th season.  They only make 4 per season.  Cherish every one.  If you’re a fan of television police dramas, or just dramas that are well written and acted, this is the show for you.  Just make sure you watch a few of the older Morse shows first, those good in their own right, to get a grip on the character.

I’ll leave you with a new bumper sticker I’ve conceived and am ordering…”Barack to the Future”.