The series that will replace Downton Abbey on PBS:

Paul Ryan just spoke out about white supremacy.

But .... he still plans to support the party's nominee. Just viewed on MSNBC. He hopes he doesn't have to talk about this again!

Here is a link: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/mar/1/paul-ryan-demands-trump-denounce-racism/

Today's Google Doodle: Leap Day!

Sandoval withdraws his name from consideration:

Breaking now on MSNBC.

ALSO: http://www.bustle.com/articles/144205-gov-brian-sandoval-withdraws-name-from-supreme-court-consideration-report

Meanwhile, advanced kidney disease is almost becoming an epidemic in this country:

ORGAN DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION STATISTICS

There are currently 121,678 people waiting for lifesaving organ transplants in the U.S. Of these, 100,791 await kidney transplants. (as of 1/11/16) 1
The median wait time for an individual’s first kidney transplant is 3.6 years and can vary depending on health, compatibility and availability of organs.2
In 2014, 17,107 kidney transplants took place in the US. Of these, 11,570 came from deceased donors and 5,537 came from living donors.1

On average:
Over 3,000 new patients are added to the kidney waiting list each month.1
13 people die each day while waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant.1
Every 14 minutes someone is added to the kidney transplant list. 1
In 2014, 4,761 patients died while waiting for a kidney transplant. Another, 3,668 people became too sick to receive a kidney transplant.1

https://www.kidney.org/news/newsroom/factsheets/Organ-Donation-and-Transplantation-Stats

Governor Wolf has prostate cancer:

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, he announced this morning, saying the cancer is treatable and will not interfere with his duties as governor.

Mr. Wolf, 67, said the cancer was found early through a routine check-up and that he will begin treatment in the next few weeks.

The governor emphasized that he will not be incapacitated by the cancer or treatment. And he used the announcement to encourage others to schedule regular doctor's visits.

More at link: http://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2016/02/24/Gov-Wolf-says-he-has-treatable-prostate-cancer-pennsylvania/stories/201602240174

___________________

Wishing him a quick and healthy recovery ~ femmocrat

Does anyone else dislike starlings?

They swoop down in huge flocks and devour everything I put out for the local birds. My mom hated them and used to say they bring bad weather. I know, they are just hungry and I shouldn't discriminate! LOL

On the good side though, the migrators are coming back to western PA! I saw a small flock of four robins in the field and spied three red-winged blackbirds at the feeder. I guess one must take the good with the bad!

My favorite sign of spring: Red-winged blackbird (not my photo):

Questions for cat owners about automatic litter boxes.

Does anyone use an automatic litter box? If so, could you please recommend one for me? Since there are two cats, do I need two boxes? Does one brand of litter work better than others? Thank you so much.

Playing with my grandchildren.

They are lots of fun and I can enjoy fantasy and imagination again.

I think you have earned the right to enjoy your free time!

You know the old saying, "Do what you love and the rest will follow"? Not sure if that is true, but I guess one has to figure out what they truly love first.

Like you, I chose a practical major, education. I never loved teaching. In fact, I doubt that most people madly love what they do. For me it was a means to an end-- good pay and benefits and a secure retirement.

What do I love? You mean to DO? I don't really know. I do know that retirement is not all that it's cracked up to be! I still hope to figure it all out.