How are we so short of workers while there are so many people trying to get to the US to start over? I'm sure most of the people from Central America, Haiti, wherever would be more than willing to take vaccines & wear masks if it meant they could get good-paying jobs to help their families escape desperate circumstances. We really should create a "pathway to citizenship" for people willing to contribute and be good citizens. I don't get it.

[link:https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/facing-shortage-of-high-skilled-workers-employers-are-seeking-more-immigrant-talent-study-finds/ar-AAKUmkv|

Talking about how he was born in public housing, created businesses, got super-rich. The host (there seemed to be two on "Squawk Box) was asking him about all his investments and how he's moved a lot of his mega-wealth into gold. Scott said it was to protect against the "hyperinflation" that the Democrats are causing, then went on a tirade against raising taxes and the debt ceiling. Kept saying "we need to get our financial house in order--I did it in my own life, my business, and Florida" and railing against taxes and "cradle-to-grave entitlements" that make the lazy Americans dependent on government.

The one host (I guess there is a conservative one and a more progressive one) read a quote about decreasing the inequality of wealth and asked him if it was the president of China or someone else. He said "Bernie Sanders?" (the quote was apparently from China). They then laughed and said "there's really no difference."

All the while he had that plastic, creepy smile. The other host did ask him about his change in tune from 2019 to 2020---and he said that he has NEVER voted to raise a debt ceiling. There was not reply, so I wonder if that is true or if they let him get away with a lie. Scott seems like a total pig---not sure how he ever got elected to anything (although I guess mega money does that).

These people make me sick

Another great trip to MDI and Acadia. I'm glad I have a friend who moved up there . Spent a lot of time happily picking blueberries, letting dogs swim at Little Long Pond. BEST Dog Park EVER. My 10 mos old lab mix pup is still a little too playful (even for my friend's 2 labs) but a lovely Labradoodle named Pearl put her in her place (nicely) and she was a changed dog the rest of the day.

Favorite restaurants:

1. Common Good (for popovers, oatmeal, & coffee); a soup-kitchen that makes breakfast Fri-Sun and uses proceeds to fund their efforts. You make a donation as payment. Had live music (a couple with acoustic guitars--very nice).

2. Eat A Pita. Good pasta dishes and--my favorite--blueberry bread pudding.

3. Archie's Lobster (in Tremont on the island). Killer views of Bass Harbor, cornhole games set up, plenty of space, BYO, awesome food (and homemade blueberry pie).

4. 2 Cats (in Bar Harbor). Great breakfasts, great biscuits.

5. Blaze (in Bar Harbor). Wood fired pizza. mmmmmm.

The trip from Delaware took a little over 11 hours---including about 3 gas/rest breaks. I made it to Boston before needing gas, then made it the rest of the way. Went up the Mario Cuomo Bridge way, went near Hartford, then back east the rest of the way. On the way home ended up on the Merritt Parkway due to an accident on the other route and it was nice, too. Some traffic getting off the MC Bridge around 4:30 (I had noticed traffic that way also in the morning on the way up). All and all---not too bad.

Little Long Pond:

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A DUer gave me good directions to avoid (as much as possible) traffic horror (incl. the GW Bridge in NY) but I cannot find them

I'm leaving from northern Delaware (not far from the DE Memorial Bridge to NJ but could also go by Philly) and heading to MDI.

There was a debate at work between:

-- Avoid GW Bridge at all costs.

-- Take the GW Bridge ("it's faster"

-- Do what the GPS says (probably the GW Bridge, b/c it will take me on an icky route to *possibly* save 21 seconds).

The Avoid the GW crew told me that I should take the Mario Cuomo bridge, so I was thinking about entering that into my GPS. After that, they said I should take Rt. 15 (Merrit Pkwy) until I can get back on I-95 (possibly near Milford, CT).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!! It's just me and a 10-month old lab mix, so I'd prefer the easiest on the driver/dog route as possible. Thanks!

This may have been posted at some point, but I saved it a long time ago and it makes me chuckle whenever I look at it


DOG DIARY (Samson)

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Ran back and forth in the hall! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play tug! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

CAT DIARY ( Salem )

Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ' good little hunter ' I am. Bastards! They continue to pick me up and handle me, an obvious attempt to subvert me. There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ' allergies. ' I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released -- and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously an idiot. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe for now. Tonight I will again lay on their heads while they sleep and hope to smother them.

Based on what I overheard. They were complaining about masks in schools, interrupted school sports, and were saying Fauci should be indicted. Also saying stuff like "And they blame Trump for... X, Y, & Z" as if things have gotten worse. I had to step away from the idiots before I got dragged into a public scene. So, apparently even educators can be uneducated.

I live in Delaware (a Zone 4 state) and have an OLD natural gas heater. My AC appears to be having problems and I was considering replacing it all with an electric heat pump. Supposedly they are more energy efficient during mild weather but become less efficient (b/c they have to run more) if it's very, very cold out. I also have a wood stove that I regularly use--often in place of the heater at all.

Has anyone done this? How has it been? I want to shift away from fossil fuels as much as possible.

Any songs remind you of summer? These are my faves:

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and, from Australia,:

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Especially for trucking/mass transit. I think it's a good idea and I'm excited--as long as we can get energy bills passed to make it happen broadly.