My Mom died today.
It happens. It is the way it is supposed to happen. I am her son, always. Our human lives are physical/emotional, everything else is an abstraction (unless you are from some sort of lizard species).
Looking through some photos today, I decided I liked this one for my blog (originally posted in Sept 28, 2009). The subtlety in this pic (looking very closely) is that in my Mom's gaze is an aviation NAVAID "the white thing" usually invisible when flying.
I have faith. The same faith you feel when your foot hits the floor getting out of bed or when you make a turn in traffic. I will grow my faith. I will drive and pull as I did as they all did as they prayed for my survival when I was born. God bless us all.
Throughout my life I was reminded from strangers that MY Mom was a genuine caring healthcare provider. She sincerely touched thousands of lives in Western, NY. They may not remember her name. They will somehow remember her care. Today, it seems these days are very far gone. My Mom brought her tough days at work home with her. Sometimes she brought the traces of blood and vomit on her uniform. If your Mom or loved one died that day, my family felt it. I never met you. I feel for you and your suffering. It is something we carry with our everyday dishes and silverware. I still use those plates and silverware. Her obituary is short and forthcoming. I love you all.
I will have the answers for the previous questions soon enough. I definitely would not let things hang. The answers will very much surprise you.
I have been doing some intensive instrument flight training Friday (planned) through Sunday.
Angie and I went to our new routine of the "Food Trucks in Duluth" on Friday night. It is very cool. Live music, people, fountains to run kids through, etc. This week we had the treat of a Spiedie truck from Binghamton NY. It is truly all here. And air conditioning when we need it!
Here are some test questions. Answers will be posted soon.
- Which of the following have communist governments?
- Russia
- China
- New York
- Which of the following have the death penalty?
- Russia
- China
- New York
We are getting a new alternator in the plane, working on the house in NY, and working on the boat. Boat pics in the water are forthcoming. We are bringing the boat back from the edge. A must before I get to the remodeling on the house in Duluth.
I moved into a new office at work. It is bigger, desk is big. It is all about land reform. Always unpopular with some. Uncomfortable for all.
I particularly like the pic I got of the guy living in the American dream home, Dog, TV, Stuff.
Lola, Angie and I explored Atlanta this weekend. Travel is a state of mind, commonly not a destination. It is much more about communication and culture rather than geology and geography.
Angie and I had a full day Sunday. Went to Church, Nice Brunch, some excitement dancing with clouds in the plane and did some errands and so on.
Life is good. I received a promotion at work a while back. I have been here in Duluth now 5 years. I can hardly believe it. A lot has happened, but fast. Much better than Upstate NY. This evening Angie and I were in the Duluth Commons listening to live music sharing a table with some other folks we had never met. I mentioned something about NY knowing that it would start a conversation. Sure enough, one of the folks was from Lockport, NY. We all know the story about the dropping a frog in boiling water, the frog jumps out. Put a frog in cold water. Gradually turn up the heat and the frog boils to death. The folks left in Upstate NY are dying frogs. The resurrection of NYC starting in the 70s and 80s continues at the expense of frogs in Upstate.
Here is a link showing actual purchasing power in US states. US State Purchasing power I have also included the infographic below because experience tells me website references last only a short time. Notice NY is second only to Hawaii as far as the worst states.
I calculated average taxable income for my location in NY ($34.8K) versus my home in GA ($41.4K).
So, the average income is 16 percent higher and the value of a dollar is 20 higher in GA vs. NY. I travel a lot internationally, and these days this difference between states I this example is more like a difference between countries.
Across the board (not just for me, I have done much better) there is a baseline 36% greater wealth living in my Duluth home than my NY home. They have ruined NY State. The funniest part is NY actually plays commercials on the TV here in GA to bring businesses North. It is a waste of advertising dollars and I find the commercials very humorous.
Here is a pic of Gracie the cat after Angie returned home.
