Continued Confessions

on an IOM weather day

Today, it’s windy and rainy which suits me just fine. A childhood on the Isle of Man has conditioned me to like this weather very much. But my confession for this morning is that yesterday I devolved into tears—after my dentist discovered that I have a lot of fillings that need replacing. So my usual fortitude dissolved right in front of the staff and I was unable to stay long enough to set up the necessary appointments which I’ll have to do soon.

My sensitivity may also have had something to do with the fact that I had awoken about 2 a.m. and begun watching the unctuous Representative Virginia Foxx as Chairperson of the House Rules Committee. That’s actually enough to make me bawl my eyes out on its own. She must have been the diabolical mastermind who set a start time for 1 a.m. to discuss the Big Billionaire’s Bamboozle Bill. I remember her from the January 6th Committee hearings I believe, although it could have been any of the other governmental and judicial procedures I have become accustomed to watching.

Anyway, the dental services that I need I will receive from our Community Health Center and be mostly covered by the fact that I fall into a category where my age and limited income serve me well. If the country doesn’t fall apart before I finish treatment, that is. One day at a time.

I was cheered a bit later as I took a short ride to keep my car running (while my eyesight rather rapidly deteriorates, driving is something I’ll really miss). It was time for my morning decaf, so I stopped at a local store that offers 99-cent coffee, any size. I love a bargain, and I also met a guy who cheered me up immensely. We chatted as our coffees brewed on this clever machine that makes each one to order. He noted that I was getting decaf, and I said that I always did, but that I would get some chocolate to have with it (which has some caffeine content I believe). He then asked whether I had seen “Dubai Chocolate” and I said I had not, but that anyway I would not want something from that particular country at this particular time. When he told me that it cost $20 a bar, I exploded in laughter, thinking he was joking. But he then went to the checkout counter and came back to show me the not particularly large bar. He said that when he saw it, he decided that “Bye” was the appropriate response rather than “Buy.” We had another good laugh over that, and then said Bye Bye to each other.

When I went to check out I saw the item displayed with a sticker saying “TikTok Sensation - Dubai Chocolate - $19.95.” No wonder the regulators are researching that platform’s influence. I, on the other hand, was extremely lucky to get a different chocolate item left over from Easter that was offered at 1/2 price. So I left the store feeling very satisfied.

Of course, the mention of Dubai got my political fires stoked. But I have obviously reached the point where I have to keep the focus on myself a bit more. There are so many wonderful people, places, and things about this world of ours, and I refuse to let the negative influences drive me mad. So many experts here on Substack have our backs, and I enjoy reading about their wins in the courtrooms and halls of government. The American Experiment of multiculturalism and separation of Church and State is still alive and kicking. Power to the People.

RESIST ALWAYS

TTFN