Raincharm’s Weblog

Watching the opening ceremonies from LA. It’s like so many sport shows on the big stage. Think NFL Super Bowl. And it is very soccer focused. But it also feels a little tone deaf to some of the countries playing in the tournament who have different opinions of what is appropriate for public display. Leaving out any discussion of suppression of women’s rights for now, including apparently the US Armed Forces. It is possible to put on a show that some won’t feel compelled to turn away from. I mean Seattle has been told again and again to be aware that our Pride celebrations are not to be brought inside the stadium.

This was the preliminary part of the ceremony, I will wait to see if it continues through the pre-game. I think that is more likely to match those in Mexico and Canada.

So it was a great game. USA 4 – Paraguay 1. The Tallarin Paraguayo made for dinner was good, essentially spaghetti with a tomato sauce, but I would add more spice next time.

We made our plans for the game on Monday.

All for now.

Despite a really questionable start to the World Cup hype (Peace Prize REALLY!🤮) and some continuing Grump led difficulties for officials, team representatives, etc trying to get into the U.S. of A., I am excited for the games to begin.

For many years, decades really, we only had over-the-air TV. And it was difficult to get many games on the big 3 stations. So every 4 years we would sign up for cable TV, just so we could watch. We would keep the cable for a few months, and then cancel. Wait 4 years and repeat. We didn’t get lasting cable until 2013, after the house remodel was completed.

This year’s games appear to be on FOX related channels. The main Fox channel is available over-the-air, and that has the opening game on, Mexico vs. South Africa.

SPOILER ALERT-DO NOT READ IF YOU PLAN TO WATCH A DELAYED AIRING. Mexico 1 – South Africa 0 at halftime.

Parting thoughts: If the US continues to make it difficult or impossible for participants to participate in the US, I think the US should be banned from hosting future games. Think 2028 Summer Olympics.

First step. We walked to a doctor’s appointment. It was a functional appointment that should begat more appointments in the next few months. All in search of elusive cures. We’ll see, and hopefully it’s all approved for coverage. I still need to figure out how and where to ask that question.

Next up was lunch/breakfast out. Tasty and tomorrow’s as well. Not really a step, but necessary sustenance.

Next, steps taken to update a 36-year old will. Review of documents completed.

Next many steps, yard work. Just maintenance mowing and watering the raspberries. Bonus, we got to meet on of our neighbor’s parents. They were taking the 10-month old out for a walk. I’m not sure how it all started but we mow their front yard along with ours. They’re not big, so not a huge deal. It started with the latest owners, or maybe the one’s before. They were newlyweds and didn’t have a lawnmower. Instead of letting it get out of hand, we mowed. The current owners moved to Tacoma and now rent. Again to a young couple with no lawnmower. And so it goes.

Day of a few things, mostly working towards things in development. One involves the future, hopefully distant. The other involves food in the not too distant future.

The part of today that was completed was a haircut. Not mine. The picture above is the result, or rather the remnants.

When we talk about a potential future that doesn’t include one or both of us, my go to is getting hit by the proverbial bus. This morning, while out for a walk, on sidewalks, I was almost hit by a Lime Strider (like a bike, but no pedals,  all power). Walking with Carl, I moved to switch sides with him and the strider went flying past. I never heard it coming, and they had not said anything.

I’m pretty sure I said something out loud at my surprise, and I know I yelled that they shouldn’t be riding on the sidewalk.  I’m fairly certain it is illegal, especially at those speeds. They are supposed to be in a bike lane or the street, which was right there.

Then I noticed he had stopped at the next intersection a long half block from us and dismounted. Since he didn’t appear to be directing any communication toward me, anger or apology, I used the adrenaline rush and ran up to him. First I loudly told him to take out his ear buds, and proceeded to point out he had almost hit me, he was going way too fast, and shouldn’t be riding on the sidewalk to begin with. I got this out a few times. He did apologize at this point but I think he was more worried about what I would do/say next. About this time Carl caught up and reiterated a few points about slowing down.

Adrenaline is amazing stuff. I have not run in a while (street crossing occasionally) and certainly have not run fast. It was probably good that we had a few miles walk in front of us still to get it to wear off.

Oh, and it rained on us, but just a trace. We’ll see what the rest of the day brings.

I woke up way too early this morning, and couldn’t get back to sleep. My mind was filled with anger and angst. The cause is the orange buffoon and his lackeys. He’s no one without support and today I am blaming every single one of them. At any level.

There’s so much to choose from, policies, making peace war, grifting the country’s money, etcetera ad nauseum. But what is waking me up is the way he’s tearing down our history, literally. And painting the roses gold.

I was tired, with useless energy. I did manage to purpose some of that rage by going through old textbooks that nobody wants. Age, maybe some updated information, but more likely texts are digital now. I looked into sites that bought textbooks, not that I was looking for a return  – just someone to take them. Those that had value were $0.28 each, and several would not be taken. They are now recycled, except for the hardcover parts and bindings. Did you know the glue binding the pages to the spine is not recyclable?

Or both.

Man, the kids are getting older! Which can only mean one thing. At least he’s still under 40.

We had an opportunity to talk with the birthday boy mid-walk (for us). Good to catch up and hear about his birthday day. It’s quite warm (90s) where he is and they have been to a botanical garden, that also has a splash park, and tonight includes pizza and a Squirrels baseball game. A fun day!

It’s not quite as warm here, and we will be out again later. Hoping we don’t get caught in the predicted thunderstorms.  I keep not watering because the predictions include rain, but we haven’t had anything noticeable in the last few days.

Nothing on our calendar for tomorrow so I’ll try to move some household task forward.

We did a bit of walking today. Some of the local wildlife enjoying some peanuts. There was a whole pile that pigeons and the squirrel were feasting upon. Crows often bring peanuts to out gutter to bang against to open the shell.

Not much else, except working towards becoming officially old. And some vacation planning.

Whatever, they’re our-laws and they’re family.

Luckily Seattle is a terminal for cruises from Alaska. Every now and again we get the chance to hang out with someone coming or going.

Today we got to hang with Germaine.

Brunch, Gas Works Park, Ballard Locks, and home. Talking about life, our kids (married to each other), grandkids, retirement, etc. It was a lovely day.

Bonus, we got to see a blue heron fishing at the locks. And saw a few smolts in the fish ladder and listened to a park ranger talking about the salmon life cycle. The takeaway? Bumblebees are a keystone species.

After 1 soccer game and 4 baseball games, the 5th baseball game was almost more than I could manage. Plus, the Ms lost. Not really complaining, they won 8 in a row before today.

The boys, my 3 seatmates, are almost done, but not quite. They headed up to Everett for an evening Aquasox game.

Our attention will soon switch to the World Cup. Starting next Thursday, it’s almost here. Not “here” as in Seattle, that isn’t until June 15th.

We have always tried to watch the World Cup. For many years, long past now, every four years we would order cable TV, so we could watch the World Cup games. Then, a month or two after the champions were crowned we would have cable disconnected and go back to our over-the-air TV. For those who remember we were required to get a box to continue free over-the-air TV. We could still do that, and have the boxes to connect in an emergency situation (think earthquake) where cable providers are out. But we have gotten lazy and appreciate the ease of not having to adjust the antenna all the time.

We should be able to watch more than we can on TV. And have tickets to one game! Can’t wait to experience the World Cup in person.