Time - Where Does it Go?

It is hard to believe that it has been a month since I've last written here (or anywhere, for that matter). I went back to work fulltime on 3/9 and I'm still catching my breath, and attempting to "catch up". Another week or two and I should have the paperwork current and by the end of this week I should have all my "boys" in a "seen currently" status. Aaah, now if I can only keep it tht way!

Fargo and I have been walking almost every day. We walk for 40 minutes to an hour and cover a tad over a mile or a mile and a half. I used to walk 3 miles in less than 50 minutes. Of course, I didn't have a pup to stop and smell the flowers at every yard either!

At this point I would say that my recent back surgery has created about an 80 to 85% improvement. I still get achy and sore when I walk, having a few back spasms by the time I get home, but I'm able to walk, which is a huge thing. Also, when I shop or cook I only have a nagging ache in my lower back, not intense, sit down and cry pain. I'm almost to the point where I'd do it again for these results - and the improvement might continue for another few months! I do believe I'm quickly regaining the ten pounds I'd lost : (

The unemployment rate in California has skyrocketed and it is even high here in the Sacramento area. When I get tired of working, I remind myself that I'm one of the fortunate ones; at least I have a job. There is a large tent city holding more than 200 tents along the Amerian River and the city wants to shut it down and disperse the residents. There is no potable water and no bathroom facilities so the woodsy area nearby is getting stinky from all the human waste. Shades of Hoovervilles, which I am fortunately not old enough to remember, but certainly heard about. I support our Presidents efforts to strengthen the economy by giving the middle class a break, letting the tax breaks on the upper 1% not get renewed (go back to what they were taxed nine years ago), rebuilding our infrastructures, schools and veterans benefits. I really hope that we can somehow get affordable healthcare for all. I have mixed feelings about the banking bailouts and can see the arguments on both sides. I am truly thankful that I don't have to be the one to make those particular decisions. It saddens me that in order to achieve the above we have to saddle our children and grandchildren with a large debt, but I think the benefits will outweigh the costs in the long run. The "baby boomers"will be a drain on the system for about twenty five years, but after that the numbers entering the work force will be similar to those leaving and dying, as the system was created to handle. I doubt it we'll have another baby boom as strong as after World War II.

We have another grandchild getting married. Our oldest grandson, Jeffrey, from Alberta Canada is marrying his dream girl in June. We missed his sister's wedding in November and I don't think we'll make this one either. I think Ernie's parents made it to most every wedding for our children. I'm not sure I was appreciative enough at the time at the hardship it must have been for them in financial terms and also health-wise the last couple of trips they made. I hope that from wherever they are now they can hear my heart.

I'm being summoned to the TV, so I'd best spend some quality time with my spouse. Peace.