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Sat, Aug 30, 2025

3:50am EDT

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PORCH PONDERINGS

by QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

Rated: 13+ · Book · Biographical · #2198921

Norma's Wanderings around a small section of Montana

Well, hey there!
Welcome to Roundup, Montana! If it's a nice day, we'll sit a spell on my porch and talk awhile.

A poem captured my attention the other day.

Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget 
Falls drop by drop upon the heart, 
Until, in our own despair,
 Against our will,
 Comes wisdom 
Through the awful grace of God.

Aeschylus

What's on your mind today?

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Show Recent Comments

10 Most Recent Blog Comments:

QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

Aug 27, 2025 at 3:14pm
In response to "Letter Battle"

Soldier_Mike

I hear you! The misspelling, grammar errors, punctuation errors. And to think you can use a computer application that will prompt you to correct them. Hmm. Just pure ignorance and laziness.

I think it is also the dumbing down of the world. Especially here in America. Most people don't read, don't write, don't do anything that makes them think.

1 Like

Soldier_Mike

Aug 25, 2025 at 11:53pm
In response to "Letter Battle"

One of my "favorite" things is spotting misspellings and grammar errors on HQ-issued posters at the Exchange (department store) on base, knowing that dozens - if not hundreds - of identical posters are misrepresenting the English language all around the world.

QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

Aug 25, 2025 at 12:38pm
In response to "Ice Cream Today"

Thanks for all the comments, friends.

The ice cream event was fun. We made our expenses, so that is good. Got a lifetime membership. That is better. Some little ones ate ice cream. That is the best.

I just spoke with the newsletter lady and again pleaded my case for a paper newsletter, at least 2 copies for each Adventist church in Montana. Perhaps that will happen. Per the lady, evidently it cost $6K each time this thing went to print and the powers that be thought it was too expensive to continue. And they perceived that no one read it. But conversely, information to people that have no other way to receive it other than by mail and paper, is never a waste. Especially the faithful churchgoers.

But then I 'preach to the choir' about such things. QR codes I cannot use. No phones or clocks in motels. Ugh. Modern inconveniences.

Kåre เลียม Enga

I too use cash quite a bit now. And there will come a time, I think soon, when cash will be outlawed. All transactions will be digital. All the easier to cut off your money if you disobey.

But that is just me. being cynical.

50° here this AM. Leaves on the trees starting to turn. A kiss of fall.

1 Like

Kåre เลียม Enga

Aug 24, 2025 at 9:22pm
In response to "Ice Cream Today"

Huckleberry isn't my favorite but I had a rootbeer float with it yesterday (local Big Dipper ice cream).

Daylight slides away August 21st - October 21st. Looking forward to a break in the heat come Thursday.

Paper, receipts, passport stamps... Very hard for those who want a paper trail... like mail-in paper ballots. Not everyone has a phone that can pay digitally or has access to the internet, especially the poor in rural areas. I use cash. Personally, I think cash should be accepted everywhere... by law. Personally, I prefer my privacy and digital cannot promise that.

Is it possible to ask people whether they would like a paper reminder of news and events? Perhaps have paper copies available at church?

There are many religions that count the day sunset-sunset. Not as common among Christians though.

1 Like

ⱲєbⱲitϚћ WDC's 25

Aug 24, 2025 at 7:12pm
In response to "Ice Cream Today"

Ice cream social is a lovely way to end the summer.

I'm sorry about the whole digital v print form of the newsletter. More and more print is falling aside in this world of quick delivery on electronic devices.

I do notice the days getting a little darker earlier here in New England.

But I remember living in Wyoming when the shorter days of sunlight started early. Of course having mountains around gives the sun an opportunity to hide faster!

My only saving grace is that I winter in Florida. Being closer to the equator, daylight is a little bit longer there.

1 Like

SandraLynn

Aug 24, 2025 at 12:44pm
In response to "Ice Cream Today"

Yes, the change to earlier sunsets heralds shorter days and winter weather. Sigh. It happens every year, but it doesn't mean we have to like it.

1 Like

Kåre เลียม Enga

Aug 19, 2025 at 1:07am
In response to "The BBB comes to Signal Peak "

I'll keep my mouth shut about coal. In 2008 I did get to ask a question of the governor about how a D in an R state got anything done. He had a good answer. Basically? He was good at building coalitions.

QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

Aug 11, 2025 at 12:17am
In response to "A Great Weekend"

Okay - you're on for the carousel. I will lean over like all the young ones. Everyone will gasp, shriek and cry. Why? Because I didn't fall off and I did grab that gold ring! Although the hip injury is going to be the devil to take care of.

I'm not too sure about the Dragon Hollow. Perhaps down the slide I will go, to end up in a puddle at the bottom. Clothes all every which way, shoes discarded somewhere, and my hair all messed up. Then you will call 911 because this crazed woman is suddenly laughing hysterically and you think she's perhaps hurt.

The butterfly house is great, I've been in one before. But perhaps this time I will morph into the grandest butterfly of all. Shed my cocoon and fly away, leaving a trail of purple and red and orange and the green that reflects my bug eyes. YeeHaw !!!

The best thing I liked about our day was all the talking to intelligent people. You, your poet friend, the shop owners. I sometimes feel starved for conversation with smart people. Thank you for filling me with words and thoughts and feelings.

I send a picture I took when in Medora, ND. I went there for my last official meeting with the SE Montana group. We celebrated Teddy Roosevelt. I drove through the national park named for him.

IMAGE

Wild Horses

(E)
Teddy Roosevelt National Park - wild horses
#2345108 by QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

2 Like

Soldier_Mike

Aug 10, 2025 at 11:45pm
In response to "A Great Weekend"

It's great you two got to meet and spend the day together. And all the things you were able to see and do - wonderful! Missoula's on my planned route to knock Idaho and Washington off of my States to be Visited list; I just don't know when that will be.

2 Like

Kåre เลียม Enga

Aug 10, 2025 at 8:58pm
In response to "A Great Weekend"

Thanks for taking time off to visit me. You truly lead a busy life going from meeting to meeting.

Heard: loud screech of a band, carousel, market bustle.
Seen: children, old people, historic buildings.
Tasted: orange, almond, vanilla (me: raspberry).
Touched: brick and stone and wood.
Smelled: roses, coffee, leather.

I'm sure you can come up with more!

In my fantasy:

You holding on to a carousel horse going 8 mph, grabbing a golden ring and screaming to it all over again!
Climbing up and through Dragon Hollow, coming down the slide and getting stuck.
Visiting the Butterfly House adorned with tropical wings of blue, red and green that think you're a flower.

Thanks for the visit,

Kåre

1 Like

August 25, 2025 at 12:48pm

#1095915

Letter Battle

The ice cream event was fun. Quite a few came, some kids, some older, some families. We made enough to cover expenses, perhaps a little more. It was a nice day - 80° and blue sky.

Today about 50° to start. Again, nice blue skies.

There is now a letter battle going on between the mayor of Roundup and the county commissioners about the coal mine. I think I mentioned something about the mine and mineral rights and the Crow revenue act and the Hope family in a BLOG post.

So the mayor wrote a letter to the paper criticizing the commissioners. And I have to say, not well written. Last Friday I reread it in the commissioner's meeting and corrected it. She needs to have someone do this before she sends it off for publication, but whatever. Perhaps I'm being petty. But as a writer, it hurts one to see errors in print.

Then the commissioners compose a very well-written response to the mayor's letter that is published in the next edition of the paper. It was succinct, informative, and stated exactly the case of the county's tax dilemmas.

The county and the city just do not get along. The city says the county is always taking their money. The county is not sure why the city states this always. The sheriff is always mad at the city. Note - no city police - law enforcement is by the county sheriff's office. The city has an agreement with the county to provide law enforcement in the city limits - and they are always at odds with each other.

Again, drama in a small town.

Comment • View 2 comments

August 24, 2025 at 11:22am

#1095863

Ice Cream Today

Cooler morning here today. It was 52° when I checked the weather station this morning. The weather is starting to change to fall here. The sun is setting earlier each week.

Sunset last night was 8:08 in Roundup, next week it will be 7:52. Why do I know this? Well, we keep track for church. Sundown Friday to sundown Saturday is the Sabbath. So I need to know the times. That is almost a full hour jump.

When the sun is up until almost 10 PM in the height of summer, to 8 PM now, it really gets your attention. Sooner than we like, we'll be having the 4 PM darkness in December.

What else is happening? Today we are having an 'ice cream social' at the museum. Somehow a few years ago I got the responsibility for this. So, posters, decorating, getting the ice cream. setting up an outdoor space. But the ice cream we decided to go with are individual bars and sandwiches. No muss, no fuss with scooping and cones and such. We use Wilcoxson's , a local Montana brand. Everyone likes it, they do a great huckleberry ice cream. as well as vanilla. This is a fundraiser for the museum. We don't get any money from the city, the county or the state. And have never for 50 years.

Last night at 9 PM I took a chance and ran to Family Dollar - they were still open. That store opened here in Roundup a few years ago. I found some items for the ice cream event today. And lo and behold, they had party napkins with Dinos on them! What? Our museum is now now on the Montana Dino Trail, so of course I had to pick them up. And just might go out later and get the rest they have. I mean, paper keeps on a shelf and who knows when and where one might find such an item again.

I had an online meeting for the state church organization that is changing from a print newsletter to all members to an email newsletter. I was one of the original contributors to this newsletter. And now with a change in administration, they want to eliminate the print option. Sad. So we have to decide how to proceed. I really am sorry to hear this, and always want to include people who don't use computers, or cell phones, or perhaps don't have that option in our rural state.

So I've been making random notes before another meeting tomorrow about story ideas. I had been doing puzzles in print. But somehow puzzles online are a bit more complicated. I now have to rethink my contributions and how to proceed.

And then there is the challenge this year of OctoPrep. As most everyone knows, the entity of NaNoWriMo is no more. But WDC is doing something, not sure what, to take its place. But OctoPrep is still a go, everyone. Get ready to write!

Comment • View 4 comments

August 18, 2025 at 10:55am

#1095499

The BBB comes to Signal Peak

Last Thursday I was part of a press event for Senator Steve Daines at Signal Peak Energy. Signal Peak is a coal mine here in Musselshell County. It employs 250 people. Pretty impressive operation that mines good quality coal, high BTU, low sulfur coal. But it is all shipped by rail to Vancouver, BC then to Japan. Hmm.

Here is my copy for the paper:

Senator Steve Daines visited the Signal Peak mine on Thursday, August 14. Senator Daines spoke to a gathered group of mine workers, guests and the press in the mine’s wash bay. The Senator explained how the passage of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill was able to insure that Signal Peak mine will continue its operations. Our Senator assured the mine workers that Signal Peak Energy and the coal mining would be open for most of the next decade.

Daines explained that rural Montana is not understood by the East coast population of the nation. There is now a fight for coal and a fight for jobs. 250 employees at the mine are vital to the fabric of Roundup, Musselshell and Yellowstone counties, as well as Montana. Daines also pointed out that coal is vital to the United States. Without coal, the country does not have a base load source of power for the country.

As energy demand increases in our current world, coal will be a critical part of the equation.
Signal Peak Energy and its coal mining is the most efficient in the United States.

After the short visit with employees, Senator Daines and Montana State Senator Barry Usher, along with Roundup Mayor, Sandra Jones, and Parker Phipps, the Signal Peak Energy’s CEO and president, traveled underground to observe the mine.

The press took a surface tour of the mine. They were able to observe the loading process of coal to railroad cars. The process is controlled by computers as workers constantly monitor the moving cars, as well as the precise measuring of coal tonnage loaded. Most of this coal is shipped to Japan through Vancouver, B.C. All the power companies in Japan currently use Signal Peak coal.

There is a bright future, per Daines. We have more recoverable fuel in Montana. This is why we need to keep Signal Peak Energy viable and open, and keep these jobs in Montana.

I selected a few pictures as well. The usual, Senator speaking. Senator getting ready to go underground. The Signal Peak mine entrance. The press wasn't allowed underground. We could only stay on top. But that's alright. I got to see the loading in rail cars. That was impressive.

Seems they have to constantly spot the rail cars, as people occasionally climb into them. And if they see someone, which at times they do, they have to stop the train, get them out, and send them on their way. No one is allowed on the grounds of the mine without permission. To stay in a car with tons of coal loaded on top of you, well, you are dead in a few moments.

I also didn't get a picture of Trump's signature on some kind of executive action. Oh well. I can live without seeing that up close and personal.

When it came my turn to ask a question, and I was allowed just two, I stated, "Well, thank you Senator, you've answered all the questions I have. I am from Roundup and represent the Roundup Record-Tribune, a paper that has been continuously published since 1908. We have many subscribers still, locally and all over the country. Thank you for keeping the mine open. " Or something to that effect. Word salad. He stated I was a good advertisement for the paper. I could have asked about wind farms and data centers and environmental problems, but it wasn't the time or place to get controversial. I didn't have facts to back up any arguments.

Comment • View 1 comment

August 10, 2025 at 8:37pm

#1095052

A Great Weekend

I had the great pleasure this past weekend to spend time with Kåre เลียม Enga

. Some time ago, I found out there was another WDC writer close to me. Well, in the same state that is.

So finally, with a few days to spare in the week, we made arrangements to meet in Missoula, Montana. Distance in MT is measured in time, most often by people. It takes about 5 hours to get to Mizou from Roundup. Now you people in other parts of the country/world, that may seem excessive. But, not really. I traveled the B route on I-90. Billings to Big Timber to Bozeman to Butte and then Missoula.

I traveled from the edge of the Eastern Montana prairie to the mountains of Western Montana. I watched the Yellowstone River come and go. I saw the Clark Fork before it went into the city of Missoula. Then finally, with good directions, I found my friend.

There stood Kåre เลียม Enga

at the Big Dipper. Anxiously waiting for me, as I was a bit tardy. Even driving 80 MPH, I was still later than I wanted to be. But there was this person dressed in purple and orange, as promised. Strange, but I wore an orangish jacket and a purplish top. Perhaps people thought we were twins. LOL

After saying hello and how are you and wow, we made our way around the city of Missoula. Missoula is the home of the University of Montana. There is a long and proud history of that school. It is also the site of many architectural treasures- as I was made aware of. Kåre เลียม Enga

really should lead 'underground' tours of the downtown. Sites and places and people were explained. We sat in a little coffee shop and solved all the world's problems, with the help of a poet friend. We also walked from booth to booth in the large outdoor markets. Such diversity, such color, and mercy me, the flowers for sale! And vegetables - so much fresh food for sale.

We visited some gift shops, a shoe store specializing in leather shoes - my favorite. Don't buy fabric shoes, people. Buy leather. They last for years and years. (I have some Birkenstocks that are over 20 years old.) We also stopped at a new shop that specializes in romance novels. Really. I didn't know there was such a need for a specialty item like that.

But the most fun was the carousel. A real carousel with hand carved horses and wagons and even a dragon. You pay $1 per ride, but if you pull the ring, you may get lucky and get a free ticket. Now if I was a child, I would be there every day if I could. They were selling little folders with all the names of the characters you could ride. So, ride until you were on them all. What a deal...

Recently CNN did a piece on Missoula. They touted the fact that you could kayak and surf in the middle of town. The Clark Fork river runs through town and yes indeed, you can use that waterway to surf or kayak or wade or just sit and enjoy the views.

After about 5, or was it 6? hours, it was time to part. I found my way back to the motel, with again, good directions. Then today I made my way back home. Again, the trip down I- 90 in reverse order. I found my home the way I left it. That's always good news.

I will always cherish that time spent with a friend. It was worth every moment. My only regret was having to leave, and watch the mountains and rivers disappear as I neared Roundup.

Comment • View 3 comments

July 30, 2025 at 10:34pm

#1094412

Hail? Yeah...

On Monday night I was traveling back from Musselshell, 20 miles east of Roundup. Musselshell used to be a little burg, a stop on the train line that went through this part of Montana. It had a hotel, churches. a school. a post office. Everything you need for a little tiny town. Now it's just a gathering of folks. But it still has a post office. About 40 serviced out of there. But some are ranches and farms 30 miles away. And the school is still there. And there is one little church still holding on.

I go to Musselshell for the Illustrious Musselshell Players - a community theater group. I've had the pleasure of acting with them for 6 years now. Once a year we produce a play, usually a comedy, for the county. Musselshell School is now maintained, lovingly, as a gathering spot. It has a real theater, a gymnasium and a kitchen worthy of a restaurant.

Anyway, Monday, we were on the way back to Roundup after play practice. The clouds gathered as we ran lines, did our blocking on stage. The sky in the west was a black as I've ever seen it. Then the electricity kept going on and off. So we decided, okay, time to go. I carpool to practice with 3 others. We headed down the road. About 15 miles from Roundup we got hit with a horrendous hail storm. Melissa, the driver of this big Lincoln Navigator, decided to pull off the road. Good decision. We sat for about a half hour as the hail rained down on us. Hail and rain. Buckets of both. Mercy sakes. But finally it eased up.

As we drove home, the water was amazing. On the road, on the fields, waterfalls from the hills into the fields, overflowing creeks. Even with that big heavy vehicle we hydroplaned all the way. Water had receded by the time we made it to Roundup proper.

But today I saw a photo from a friend. This is Main Street - near Rt 12 (where we traveled) , Conoco gas station and the IGA grocery store. Click on the image to get the full effect. We got 2 inches of rain in about 45 minutes.

IMAGE

Water in Roundup - Main Street

(E)
July 28, 2025
#2344456 by QueenNormaJean AKA Marilyn M.

What a storm. It's been a crazy summer. The hills are still green on July 30. Unreal.

Comment • View 2 comments

July 17, 2025 at 10:06am

#1093586

Paper and Preaching

More drama, as promised. But never fear, NormaJean is on the job.

Seems the editor of the local paper didn't get my submission for this week's edition. I swear I sent it to her. She swears she didn't get it. And this is irritating. I have some fans in town of my little piece in the paper. "Seen Around Town". Get it? Roundup - Around? Well, anyway, she is also the one who told me I couldn't submit news from city council meetings. And that makes some of my 'fans' upset, freedom of the press and all. Then she recanted that statement and told me I could indeed print the meetings, but she would add a disclaimer.

So the real problem to some is the lag time on the city posting info on their website. They have a city council meeting, and then are to post the minutes. Okay, well, I just checked and the last minutes posted for the public are from June 26. JUNE! A person called me several weeks ago asking ME when the city pool opens for the summer. They tried to find the city council minutes, but couldn't. When I checked that day, in June, the minutes were at least 4 weeks behind.

When I reported on the meetings, I posted a small little blurb the next week. Nothing major. Just a synopsis of the meeting. The mayor got her feathers ruffled. She complained to the editor of the paper. I think I wrote a BLOG about this. So I'll just tuck this little 'I didn't get your submission' into my 'things that irritate me this week' edition of my life.

Another thing that happened this week was a public meeting of the board the the senior center. It was called an 'emergency' meeting and the public was invited. I will publish a sanitized version of this in the paper. Here it is:

The Musselshell County Council on Aging held an emergency board meeting on July 14 at 12:30 PM. This was immediately following the Monday’s noon meal.

At that time they voted on changing the frequency of the congregate meals at the senior center on Second Street West. The governing board of six, head by Bob G., voted to change from five days a week to three. Effective immediately, the meal schedule is Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. There will be accommodations made for those supplied with Meals On Wheels per the board.

A reason for the change, according to the board, is a lack of funds. According to the board, this change has been needed for some time. The previous schedule change to a five day schedule has consumed funds. Changing back to three days a week will be a schedule to save funds that are dwindling.

Citizens in attendance raised questions about the lack of funds, the withholding of funds, and the audit that is now required.

An audit is required by the state and Area II Agency on Aging for this program to continue. Per the board, “An audit will reinforce the facts.” Musselshell County Council on Aging is currently looking for an accounting firm to perform the specialized audit that is preferred.

When questioned about who will pay for the audit, the answer was ‘private funds’.

The MCCoA board also states they want Area II to grant an extension until the actual audit is done. They feel that the program is important enough to the citizens of Roundup for the monies to continue without interruption.

A citizen inquired about MCCoA’s sustainability factor. They didn’t know for sure. The program could last until the end of July, or perhaps the end of August. “It is not up to us anymore.”

Again, drama. There was an incident where two men almost came to blows, but luckily one of the persons left the space. One of the board members stood and shouted loyalty her religious beliefs. Well, that got my antenna up. You should not as a board member of a non-profit preach. Separation of church and state applies here. They are supported by the state and get state monies.

This problem is something discussed in the county commissioner's meetings on Friday. I attend those meetings, and we sometimes discuss this issue. So, to be clear, the county owns the building the senior center operates from. The county pays the utilities for this building. The senior center pays rent as a tenant. The county has no jurisdiction over this program. This program is under contract with the state of Montana.

There could be financial mismanagement and administrative mismanagement. Time will tell. But unfortunately, the people hurt in all this will be some who can least afford the injury.

Comment

July 13, 2025 at 3:34pm

#1093358

20 years!

I just passed the 20 year anniversary here at WDC. Mercy - has it been that long???

Thanks for all the well wishes. I appreciate each and every one. So many changes in my life and on this site.

We went from full-time rovers, where I first found this wonderful group, to full-time residents in a small town and homeowners again.

So, what has happened lately? The 4th of July was annoying, as usual, with the fireworks. Big ones, that last night, all around. N - S - E - W- all around our home. I fled for a time, my husband later told me he was also worried. He felt like it was large artillery, he's an Army vet and knows the sound, although they didn't explode like artillery. But for a few days after I found fireworks debris all around in the yard. And a bit on my kitchen skylights. Perhaps on the roof as well. We haven't checked.

As far as I know, no homes caught fire. There was one serious injury. But the city won't change. That much I know. We'll complain. As we do every year.

There is also drama with the senior center. I think I've mentioned this previously. Now they are cutting back to 3 days a week serving meals instead of 5. It is all someone else's fault. The center is running out of money, and there are serious allegations of embezzlement and mismanagement of the entire program. They don't have money to pay employees, so everyone is not getting paid. No food can be bought. So now community people are donating. To the tune of thousands of dollars. There will be a meeting tomorrow, and I will go on behalf of the paper. I'm sure it will be a he said- she said meeting of the board and the management against the financing entity. Should be entertaining. I have my own opinions.

Stay cool everyone - hot and dry here. At least there is no humidity!

Comment • View 1 comment

July 5, 2025 at 5:40pm

#1092888

Fireworks

Our 4th of July celebrations are almost over here in Roundup. The parades are over for another year. The fireworks have one more night to annoy me. From June 24 to July 5 you can legally set off fireworks in town. And that annoys me more and more each year. And each year I tell myself I will disappear for that week. So next year, I think I may just do that.

Yesterday I went over to the parade, a short walk, at 10:30 AM. Walked around a bit, found a good spot. Took some photos. Then went to the museum to open it for those who wanted to get in early. Volunteered at the museum until 5:15 or so. Then walked over to the big RIDE event. (Roundup Independence Day Extravaganza = big name concerts for 3 nights, food trucks, carnival, rodeo, etc. etc.) Each year my husband and I volunteer time at the ticket booth selling wristbands for the concerts. Hubby got there at 5 PM, I was later because of the museum.

So as I walk in, the three working, hubby and 2 women, were in chaos. One doing credit cards was not sure what to do, my husband and another were trying to take money, waiting on credit cards to be approved, everything everywhere. I think gracious, what can be done to help this situation? I move the money box, it was in the way of the credit card person. I take the top off the two containers that held the wristbands they were selling - waste of time to take the tops off and on each sale - and try to help with making change - trying to see how the credit card thingie works. Then the credit card lady bails and I'm on credit cards. Fine, things sail along much better.

Until.

Now we have thousands of dollars in bills. No one is collecting cash. That bothers us. And the credit card computer keeps crashing. Annoying. When we ask about the cash, we are told not to worry. But what if we get robbed? 'Just let them have it'. ?????? Not an answer
I like much. And then the one lady gets overheated and almost passes out. So then it is my husband and I for a time, but we get to leave at 8 PM. And no looking back. We walk home.

I was exhausted. But the fireworks in town last until 11:30 last night.

Like I stated, next year. Somewhere else.

Comment • View 2 comments

June 28, 2025 at 8:59pm

#1092444

My the 4th be quiet

It is a few days before July 4 and I am dreading, once again, the stupid fireworks everyone in town feels the need to set off a full week ahead of the holiday. Perhaps this year with the price of everything increasing, no one will have money for them.

{slapping face} Snap out of it!
Of course they will. Just like beer and cigarettes- there is always money.

Busy times here. Not doing anything of any note when it comes to writing, it seems. I just am in a slump. It will pass. Someday.

We've been getting rain most afternoons and evenings for about a week. Pretty unusual actually. But it is concerning when everything grows tall and green, then dries out in July and August when fire season starts.

The senior center in town is having a major meltdown and will probably, at least it is 99% sure, close for a time to reset the program. Seems the director perhaps has been pilfering funds. It is rumor, or is it? An audit will have to be done. But when the last director left, there was over $100K in the bank for this new director to work with. And there is a generous amount given by the state and another agency in town plus the county each month. Currently, the kitchen staff is working without pay since they are almost out of money. So the director has the bank account down to less than $10K and it takes over $15K per month to run the program. Yikes. Someone's in trouble.

Here's the rub, no one checked this person's qualifications- they just hired her. No notice was posted about the job, so no other applications were received. This person has a long list of previous felonies plus jobs where she has been fired. Okay, good to give people a second chance. But really, when she won't let people into her office, won't let anyone check the books, won't do her job as instructed by her supervisor, won't pay people, and the list goes on and on. Well, time to take a step back.

Small town drama is ramping up again.

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June 10, 2025 at 6:15pm

#1091200

And so it goes...

After jury duty finished, we started play practice in earnest. Last weekend was the performance.

We had sold out shows Friday and Saturday nights, and a moderate crowd for Sunday's matinee. Most remembered their lines. I had an issue with my big lines at the end, but all turned out okay. Lots of fun, lots of laughs.

The thing is, you can mess up and the audience really won't know unless you make it a big deal, or freeze and don't talk for a time. So you do your best to cover up, ad lib if necessary. That happened to me a few times.

My husband got back from his two weeks as babysitter for two teen granddaughters. From what I've been able to gather, it didn't go well. And that is why I didn't find it necessary to tag along. I don't really know this family, we don't see them often. They aren't my blood family. This is my husband's son and daughter-in-law and two daughters. They have a very different lifestyle from ours. More monied if you will.

So after all the stress of the jury duty, the play, I went to town yesterday with another member of the dump committee to talk to the company that actually picks up the garbage at our dump site. We have multiple issues with this company. Another stressing due to the fact we have a meeting tonight and we needed to iron out some issues. Which we did, and I called them out on a few items. Then I went around town doing shopping while waiting for husband to fly in from his two weeks with those teenagers.

Today was catching up and laying low. Back to normal, except the clothes dryer is now deciding to quit. Bugger me.

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