Yesterday Bob went to Long Island to attend his aunt's calling hours. In the afternoon, I received a phone call from a former co-worker of his. She said someone from the Thruway had called her, saying they had found his cell phone. I called the number she gave me, and spoke to a very nice woman. She asked me a bunch of questions -- where might he have stopped? What color was the phone? I listed off the rest stops...New Baltimore...Ulster...I think there is one between New Paltz and Newburgh (Bob later told me that rest stop is closed for renovations)...Ramapo. He stops a lot! I couldn't remember a lot about the phone, but did know it is black. Eventually she told me a black cell phone was found in Ulster. She had the State Trooper who had it call me. After speaking with him (he also was so nice), I called the funeral home, explained, and they had Bob call me back. He retrieved it on his way home from the trooper, who I think was supposed to leave at 7, but he stayed later so Bob could get it. This is just one simple example of why...

What a wimp! OMG. Don't settle, CBS.

My neighbor's house is for sale. They were living there when we bought our house 38 years ago. They have been perfectly fine neighbors (hope whomever buys it is OK), but one thing I will not miss is the constant lawn mowing. They moved out over the weekend and he's already back mowing again. In the scheme of things this is no big deal but the endless drone makes me insane.

In other news the administration continues its fascist anti-intellectual agenda. Our "leader" is such an embarrassment. He's a senile crazy person surrounded by the most unethical humans ever. How annoying to have these dimwits attempting to be dictators. To be clear, I have never thought this kind of stuff about any administration. I am a tolerant optimistic moderate. This pack of vile losers has radicalized me. I wish them nothing good.

The "Big B******* Bill" is very disturbing. There is a lot of criticism being raised, but most is focused in two areas: The massive increase in the deficit due to tax cuts and the decimation of social programs. Both of those things are alarming, to be sure, but what unnerves me is that it attempts to curtail the judiciary. It restricts enforcing court orders. It prohibits federal courts from using funds to enforce contempt citations against government officials. This violates the constitution's principle of separation of powers. The bill also retroactively invalidates court orders issued before the law's enactment. It removes the possibility of court challenges, eliminating a check on executive and legislative power and undermining the judiciary's role in upholding the rule of law.

They are trying to weaken the judiciary. The bill erodes the principle of checks and balances in the constitution. This is appalling. Every single one of those voting yes should be removed from office. The regime of corrupt authoritarians must be stopped.

Life in the Idiocracy + Back to the Future II dystopia is more alarming by the day. The "Big Bullshit Bill" passed the House...please let it fail in the Senate. In more personal news, the guys are here hooking up the new boiler. The Kitty is terrified. The Beagles are okay with it. I can't wait to take a shower.

Finished grades. Monday my wrist pain was terrible, but with less computer time, it is a lot better. We had our gas meter updated and they discovered carbon monoxide was not venting from the boiler and hot water heater, so tomorrow we are getting a new system. I'm pleased that it isn't the middle of winter, but we are in an unseasonably cold snap. This is the least of my worries, of course. What is disturbing? The actions of the alarmingly fascist regime and the idiots among us who are in oblivion (or, grudging admission, possibly cheering?).

Immersed in grading. I am having a carpal tunnel flare, which sucks. The news is more outrageous everyday. What a bunch of corrupt, racist idiots are running this administration. They are the least common denominator. It is embarrassing. However -- the new Pope gives me hope.

Recent absurdities mean I am itching to draw some rude satire. Alas, it will have to keep for a while longer. My last class for Spring 2025 semester was today and grades are due May 18. I've been having a flare in my right wrist. No fun. Hope it holds up OK.