Saturday morning and it’s a meager 18 degrees. Coffee is piping hot though. Last Thursday I did a two-hour walk in shorts and a (very) light windbreaker; it was sunny and pushing 50-degrees. What a difference a day makes.

It’s a new era and I want you to make note of this for reference in a year or so from now:

Stock market is above $30K
The USA is energy independent
Gasoline is right around $2.00 per gallon
No new wars during the past four years.

“When that trial ends senators will have to decide if they believe Donald John – Donald John Trump incited the erection – insurrection – against the US.” — Senator Chuck-Schumer (as quoted by the Dailymail, UK news article-9177191)

I suspect that the Senate will have to think long and hard on such weighty matters.

Joke of the Day – North Korea this week reviewed Australia’s rights record at the U.N.

“DPRK is concerned about rights in Australia. We recommend to Australia. 1) End racism, 2) Cease inhuman treatment in detention centers. 3) Ensure the right of all to participate in elections.”

And we continue to pay (our Chinese borrowed) dollars to fund this clown-show?

OK, no more on political matters, there is more to life. I just want to give my condolences to our girls as a new ‘glass ceiling’ was just placed over them. This, as our new President unilaterally eviscerated women’s sports, and women’s privacy. If we’re on this ‘equality’ kick why not do several things, such as getting rid of weight classes in boxing – wouldn’t it be fun to see a heavy weight whale away at some feather weight?

I can tell already, we’re in for a wild ride.

Quatman’s Café – in Norwood was our dinner place this week. They’re known for their cheeseburgers, and yes, Marcia and I each had one along with a side of onion rings. However, the item that draws me the most is their homemade Mock Turtle Soup, love that stuff. And again, I wasn’t disappointed.

In the story of Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carrol created a character called Mock Turtle, who notably said, “Once I was a real turtle.” Carrol even ‘concocted’ a song where Mock Turtle sings;

Beautiful Soup, so rich and green,
Waiting in a hot tureen!
Who for such dainties would not stoop?
Soup of the evening, beautiful soup!

Lockdown Insights – Marcia made note that yours truly had never bothered with taking pills, but with the lockdown that all has changed. It’s changed to the point that I am now the proud owner of pill-organizer. Without realizing I have started to buy a new type of pill during each pharmacy visit; slowly going through the Element Chart (aka – the periodic table of elements). Pills with contents such as Zink, Potassium, and Magnesium now find their way into my organizer. It’s a whole new hobby!

Vendée Globe – My dear wife flat-out states that I am totally-over-the-top absorbed by this once in four years, 25,000 mile around the world, non-stop, solo with no assistance, sailing race. The fleet of 33, 60-foot IMOCA class, boats left Les Sables d’Olonne, France last November 8th. It appears that the first will return to les Sables d’Olonne this coming Thursday. So far one boat sank in the Indian Ocean (boat broke in half, skipper was safely rescued after being in a life-raft for 11 hours) and 7 more have retired. Not bad considering that they have fought gales of 45 knots and wave heights approaching 50 feet in the Southern Ocean and rounding the three major Capes (Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn).

What is now a lifetime ago I raced in sailing for a number of years (thanks Mike and Pat) where I handled the jib and the spinnaker. Most of my sailing was done on the Highlander Class sailboat. In comparison to the IMOCA think of me sailing on the equivalent of a Stearman biplane trainer and then these boats akin to a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. However, I remember the thrills and excitement as if it was yesterday. The photo is not our boat but it was taken on Lake Norman, NC where I took part in the nationals.

The one-minute video below was taken by the French Navy which was patrolling the area near the Kerguelen Islands to prevent illegal fishing in those territorial waters during the 2016/17 race.

This one-minute video below was made by French-German skipper Isabelle Joschke. A petite woman, Isabelle, was doing amazingly well. However, as she rounded Cape Horn the hydraulics on her Keel gave out and she had to retire – is now sailing slowly for a port in Brazil.

Since the Vendée Globe is comprised of professionals and those participating for various charity causes, it sports the latest in boat designs as well as 20-year old sailboats. This means that the boats are spread out over 5,000 miles; the final one coming home in about a month. Now the excitement is building as six boats have opportunity to climb the podium in that they are less than 150 miles apart. And, most importantly, each ship returning – first to last – is given a hero’s welcome by many thousands (maybe with Covid not this year); after all, fewer than 100 have completed this adventure.

My twice a day Vendée Globe update is a constant fixture!

Marcia, just to let you know, starting Friday I’ll be watching the America’s Cup race (aka; the Auld Mug).

Fini – This week the broader Pastoor family expanded by the birth of Bryn Corinne Thrall-Pastoor. Mom and Bryn are both healthy (dad Conner too). Bryn at 8lbs 13oz and 20.5 inches sure is a cute little chunk.

Happy belated birthday to Joel. Sunday it’ll be Cathy’s turn for the same, and then followed by Kirstin on Wednesday. Whew, what a couple of weeks.

See How the Vaccine Rollout Is Going in Your State by clicking on this New York Times link – this from January 22, 2021

President Trump joined with former Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Polk, and FDR as having accomplished the most during their term. Both Lincoln and Trump did so while fighting constant opposition and a biased media. Trump also did so while fending off flagrant abusive impeachment charges and a pandemic.

January 23, 1957 and for the first time ever tossing a Frisbee became a pastime (eventually morphing into Frisbee golf).

And, also on this date in 1984 many young boys’ donned bandannas as Hulk Hogan beat the Iron Sheik to win the first WWF title; he escaped from the Sheik’s “camel clutch”. It was and amazing event to see; to all of us watching on our little Sony Trinitron TVs.

Make it great week, keep the peace, be happy, stay safe, and be healthy!

Dirk