Donald Trump Came to Town Thursday

The rally was held at the Events Plaza across the street from our offices. If you click on the above picture to enlarge it, you can see the line that has wound around from the front of the building, and wrapped completely around, then down two blocks and wrapped around the next corner. The Events Center said 9,000 tickets were given away. At least that many more were unable to get inside.

It was mostly peaceful. Towards the end, Democrats taunted the Trump supporters, to which the supporters chanted "USA, USA". For some reason, that really riled up the Democrats. I found it interesting that a couple dozen police officers and sheriff deputies were standing between the opposing sides in case trouble broke out ... and they were all facing the Democrats. None of the Trump supporters did anything to alarm the police, but a few of the Democrats were escorted away for trying to provoke a fight.

One person walked around all day wearing all black, including a black mast, with a black messenger bag on his shoulder, carrying a bouquet of white roses, and an anarchy flag. The police and secret services watched him very carefully, as well they should. I'm not sure what message he was trying to send unless it was "I'm at idiot". If that was what he intended to portray, then good job!

There was also a really cool Humvee circling around. The crowd cheered every time it drove by.

 

With all the commotion going on right outside our windows, we all found it very difficult to work. We tried, but we all kept gravitating to the windows to people watch. I videotaped the motorcade as Trump arrived and left, but they went by so quickly that's it's not worth posting. It was a very interesting day.

A New Puppy

Thing 1 and her husband got another puppy. Her name is Winnie and she's a real sweetie pie. Roo and Gus were okay meeting her, but Louie and Olivia have always thought they had two too many dogs as it was! Gus and Louie play together a lot, and I'm sure Louie will come to love Winnie ... but Olivia won't ever like any of them!

 

Stopped by the Police When Walking

Monday I took a really long walk ... to quote Forrest Gump ... "for no particular reason". I live in the county, so there are no sidewalks. I walked facing traffic on the shoulder of the road. When a car approached, I'd move a few feet over, into the grass.

After I'd walked six or seven miles, a Sheriff's deputy stopped on the other side of the road and motioned to me. I walked over and stood on the side of the road.

Below is our conversation, the deputy in red, me in blue.

"No," he said, "stand in front of the car."

Odd, I thought, but I obliged.

"What are you up to?"

"Just taking a walk."

"Where did you start walking from?"

"From my house," and I told him the location.

"Where are you headed?"

"To my daughter's house."

"Where's she live?"

I told him the location.

"Do you have any ID on you?"

"No, I only brought my house key and some money."

Taking out his memo pad, he said, "What's your name?"

I told him.

"Is that what is says on your ID?"

"No, it says Jacquelyn."

He had me spell my first and last names. "Do you have a middle name?"

"Yes," I told him, then gave him my middle name.

"What's your address?"

I told him.

"What's your date of birth?"

I told him, and half-laughed as I asked, "Are you going to run my name through your database?" 

Be my guest, I thought. I don't have a criminal record and I haven't even gotten a ticket in over twenty-five years, so there's nothing to "find".

"I just might," he said smiling. "Would you like a ride?"

"No, I want to walk."

Then he told me to be careful, then got in his car and drove off.

As I continued my walk, I became more and more disturbed by the interaction. Why did he feel the need to stop and question me? I'm about five feet tall and weigh around 100 pounds. Aside from my kids when they were very young, I don't come across as intimidating or threatening. I was wearing shorts, a tank top and sneakers, and holding a bottle of water. There was no place to conceal anything. I was obeying all the traffic laws and I wasn't staggering around. Days later, I'm still perplexed and bothered by the whole thing.

I guess the next time I take a walk I need to have my ID on me, huh?

My Body is Protesting

Yesterday my body was letting me know it's not a good idea to quintuple your steps, up and down hills, with no preparation. I felt fine yesterday morning, but as the day wore on, I began walked like one leg was a few inches shorter than the other! I wasn't quite as sore this morning, but I don't feel my normal, pain-free self. I seldom let my body decide what I'm going to do, which is good, because I have planned the routes for several more long walks.

I love long walks, especially in the spring. After being stuck inside all winter, the colors and smells of spring are like manna from heaven.

Police Searching for 400-lb Bearded Woman

Last December, in San Deigo, California, a man was stabbed in the neck by a 400-lb bearded woman. Police indicated they were searching for the suspect.

I haven't ready any updates on this case, but I would imagine a 400-lb bearded woman wouldn't be too hard to find! Honestly ... how many can there be?

Can You Say Spoiled?

Thing 1's dogs ... livin' the life!

"Well, hello, Sailor ..."

This is Olivia's best 'come hither' look ... or she wants them to move now that they've warmed up her spot ... or she's protesting their choice of television programs ...

My Sweet, Sleepy Grandson

He rubbed his eyes like he does when he's tired, so I picked him up and rocked him. Within 30 seconds, he was fast asleep. I held him the whole time he slept (about an hour and a half). He woke up and rewarded me with a sweet, toothless grin

Except on rare occasion, I never had the luxury of simply doing nothing but holding my own babies. There were too many chores and my other child/children to look after. What a treat it is to hold this tiny bundle of slobbery smiles. Holding him is my idea of an afternoon well spent.

Bird Girl in the Spring

The phlox was here when I bought this house and I am SOOOO glad! If the previous owners hadn't planted phlox here, I would have!!!

Flowering Spring Trees

The three trees at the edge of my driveway are not all dogwoods as I had thought, but rather one dogwood, one Bradford pear, and one red bud. I have about a dozen flowering trees scattered around the yard and my woods, and all my dogwoods are white. I was hoping for at least one pink dogwood, but the white ones are pretty and they all make my heart smile every time I drive up to the house or look out the window. I think I will plant a pink dogwood and a magnolia ... and lots of daffodils, tulips, and hyacinth ... and some azalea's and some crepe myrtles ...