It’s no secret that I have consistently had little regard for President Obama. In 2007 I was twice over asked to attend an Obama fund raising party. Twice over I refused; no, it was not just because I am a Dutch skinflint. It was because I viewed Barak Obama as an empty suit with a silver tongue.

During these past few days our President has been a major disappointment to all Americans – including me. First, it was the fabrication that $400-million was not handed over to the Iranians as part of a ransom deal (State Department admitted that it was)

Second, in reaction to the major natural disaster in Louisiana the President continues his vacation and is seen golfing with comedian Larry David. Now click on this link and listen to, then, Senator Obama 11 years ago as he skewers then President Bush’s “inept and unconscionable” handling of the hurricane Katrina disaster.

I mention this since I view Clinton as a continuation of the Obama years. And, I have finally figured out how the public opinion of her is shaped; this political cartoon captures it dead on:

“I trust half priced Sushi sold at a gas station more than I do Hillary.” ~ the Pundit

Now ease on back Dirk, sip that morning coffee and relax for a minute.

Politically correct back to school wishes – Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, start to a new school year, begun, possibly, by celebrating under the religious precepts of your choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion as well as those who choose not to practice a religion at all.

Additionally, for both students and teachers, here’s to a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted school calendar year 2016-17, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions have helped make our society great, without regard to the race, creed, color, religious, or sexual preferences of the wishes.

Furthermore, a wish that no mental illness, even undue mental stress, will befall as a result of teachings referred to as Common-Core and other such possible abstruse mangling of otherwise simple subjects, but will continue to both respect and even love those who prefer to linger with any and all staid past teaching techniques.

Disclaimer: These wishes are subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/him/itself or others and no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these wishes may bring to those not caught up in the recognition of this new school year’s spirit.

Pirating – Last Sunday we had a magnificent fish fry on the other side of the lake. Better yet, once again Marcia won first place in the “Boat Decoration” contest. This year her theme was a Pirate Ship and the old pontoon boat was properly festooned. Nice going Marcia;

Animal Planet – Marcia and I watched three bright yellow Warblers in and about the little pine trees at the water’s edge; kept us captivated.

These days I’ve been kayaking a bit more. Yesterday I floated right next to a Snapping Turtle with a neck the size of my wrist; no camera handy. A few days ago I came across a Loon that came up for air immediately in front of me. It’s a rare event when this happens since the cove only has a single breeding pair. This time I happened to have my camera ready. Normally these splendid birds will immediately dive. This one posed long enough for me to snap a couple of shots.

In Austin, Kirstin introduced us to “Cotton Candy Grapes”. Pop one in your mouth and instant memories of a long ago circus come to mind. At first I thought they’d been sprayed by something. But no, careful breeding of old time grape stock created these. They’ve bred out the tartness and thus bring the sweetness to the forefront. Six to fifteen years of breeding and about 100,000 test tube seedlings and, voila, we ate our first Cotton Candy Grapes – beyond lovely!

Finis – next week at a rail spur in the village of Bruce Station a tour of old-time rail “putt-putt” cars will make a stop. Supposedly there will be 25 of these cars which were once used for track and signal repair work. I’m hoping for good weather and I’ll take The Duck for a spin to Bruce Station.

Today, in the T-town arena there will be an auction. For me this will be a “flip-of-the-coin” event.

Vince astounds me with his inner strength fighting his cancers. There is more ‘fight’ in his future and that fight is taxing, both in time and monies. Hence, just as a reminder, here’s the link to his updates: Rally for Vince. Your prayers and thought are making a difference.

Cheers.

Dirk