Today is the 39^th anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy.  A very sad anniversary indeed; the magnitude of this loss becomes clearer with time.  JFK’s experience as a statesman with a cool hand would have been very helpful over the last several decades – what a loss.

Mom and I compared notes, contrasting JFK’s death with 9/11 as examples of major events impacting our adult lives.

Much the same:

n      We remember exactly where we were, what we were doing at the very moment we found out what happened.

n      Nothing else seemed to happen for at least a day after that point – media took over from there.

n      Incredible sadness overwhelmed us and everyone we knew.

Very different:

n      Mom remembers it took a while for all the information to come together about the details of the assassination; I watched the breaking news about the first plane, witnessed the second plane crashing on 9/11, watched everything else as it developed.

KaneBlues posted a couple of JFK’s most memorable quotes today.  You’ll find more quotes at the PBS’ website for The American President series.

10:24:40 PM    comment []

WARNING: SLOW BLOGGING AHEAD -- CONTINUED

Wow, I missed a blog post yesterday.  It’s been that busy here with the ‘rents in residence. 

The den ceiling ATE a gallon of paint, didn’t even get 2/3 covered, and it’s going to need a second coat.  Yet another trip to Lowe's for 2 more gallons of paint.  Wow, I had no idea this ceiling needed painting this badly.  Feels like I’ve spent half my week at every hardware store.  A little more work to do on the gutters, but hubby’s back from his trip and he’s bucking the idea of another couple of downspouts.  I should’ve given Dad free reign to put them in and dealt with the spouse later.  Live and learn – amazing there’s still so much to learn about marriage and one’s spouse, even after more than a decade together.

If hubby’s bucking the downspouts, wait until he sees his workshop.  Hubby will just spit.  I’ve cleaned and organized it this week since Dad and I couldn’t find things in it.  Like a stud finder or a square, or vise grips or channel locks.  Found them, but only after digging through 7 (count ‘em!) tool boxes, 5 drawers, 2 buckets, 2 boxes and many shelves.  I’ll probably be served with divorce papers after New Year’s Day; maybe sooner, once the truckload of topsoil arrives next week.

The kids are getting spoiled; they have more attention now than they can shake a stick at.  I’m learning something about them, too.  Mom can get the 5-year-old to make his bed every morning without complaint, and I’m lucky if I can coerce him into getting dressed.  Getting this child his own bed has never been an option.  Hmmm.  I thought I was the disciplinarian in the family, but I guess I forgot where I learned it.

So far, so good.  No fights have broken out, little swearing, children are still speaking to parents.  Amazing.  We might make the week!

8:36:35 AM    comment []