Thoughts for the Day, August 6, 2021: Congrats to Allyson Felix for 10 Olympic medals. She is living proof that you cannot measure the “heart and determination” in an athlete.

On Thursday, I wrote the following paragraph about Governor Cuomo.

How quickly one can fall in this current age.  Governor Cuomo has gone from the darling of CNN during the early stages of Covid, to a man that his own party is turning against and asking for his hide.  Justifiably so. You cannot treat people like doodoo and expect it to not comeback and bite you.  His treatment of women is the straw that broke the camels back.  His treatment of people in general is what has created the tidal wave he is facing. 

After I posted it I went to bed troubled by my statement because I realized what I said is not always true.  It seems our former president has succeeded very well in spite of how he treats women and people in general.

Everywhere I go I see help wanted signs.  I see businesses cutting back hours because they cannot hire enough help to maintain their normal hours.  Those people who are working are complaining that they are being worked too hard because so many positions remain unfilled.  At the same time, the U.S. reported that they added 943,000 jobs in July and our unemployment rate has dropped to 5.4.  For this to happen, we must have many more jobs available than there are people looking for work. In July 2021 we had in the 25-55 years of age group, 20.1 million Americans not looking for work, 1.8 million Americans who want a job but had not looked for one in more than a year.   Yet, 9.2% of Americans live below the poverty line.  None of this makes sense to me.

I read multiple articles today how many countries including the U.S are pushing to eliminate gas powered automobiles and have all electric cars by the early 2030s.  This sounds great providing they have figured out by then how to get more than 300 miles on a charge and they have enough charging stations to meet the need and demand in both urban and rural areas.  At my age, I want to see a greater priority being put on self-driving cars.  I probably only have 15 years left before my kids will want to take away my car keys for my gas-powered car or my electric powered car.  By then I will need a self-driving car that will take me where I want to go based on my verbal commands. Can you imagine the fun I will have with the voice commands of a self-driving car?  There are somedays I cannot remember why I went upstairs.  I can only imagine what it will be like when I try to tell the self-driving car where to go.  I imagine I am going to hear a lot of “recalculating”.

After two weeks of grandchildren, I am nearing exhaustion but I will be sad to see them go as Katy and her family will be heading back to Canton tomorrow.  The first week was with Alexis, (Chris’s daughter) and this last week has been with Katy, Brad, Alaina, Nolan and Kaylen. I have spent endless hours on the driving range or playing on the course late in the evening prior to sundown with all of the grandchildren.  It has been a joy to watch them enjoy and respect the game. Two evenings at the Young Americans dinner theater and countless trips to Kilwins have been the highlights.  Brad, Nolan and Alaina found over 100 balls on the golf course. Even though they didn’t do it as much as they wanted, it is something the kids look forward to doing every evening, if there is time.  I also learned once again that I am chopped liver when compared to Grandma/Mimi Leah. The grandkids adore her.  I guess 40 years of teaching fifth graders gives her a tremendous advantage over me when It comes to kids. It was a great time to make memories and many were made.

Stay safe. Social distance. Wear your mask.  Wash your hands regularly.  Get your vaccine.

Orchid of the Day:  Allyson Felix, for winning 10 Olympic medals over the last 5 Olympics in track and field.  She won her first medal in 2004. In 2018 she had a c-section delivery of her first child.  All but her family, her coach, and herself doubted her ability to medal in this years Olympics.

Onion of the Day:  For the culture that the many Japanese athletes are facing that makes them feel they need to apologize for letting down their country for winning only silver or bronze medals in the Olympics.

Quote of the Day: “Nobody thought I was going to be here. I am a fighter. The last couple of years, it’s what I’ve done. I just needed a chance.” Allyson Felix.

1 thought on “Thoughts for the Day, August 6, 2021: Congrats to Allyson Felix for 10 Olympic medals. She is living proof that you cannot measure the “heart and determination” in an athlete.

  1. Ron

    Same with my grandkids Tom. It’s like an Easter egg hut when they are here. They especially like finding the colored ones for their collection.

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