Labor Day, 2019

It's hard to believe that September has already begun; the year seems to have flown by. But here we are.

My wife and both daughters have the day off, as is proper and right. Me? Not so much.

The store wants me to work from 9:15 to 5:00. I don't mind the customer service role very much, but management is another story. The latest manager (in a long line of managers) is an overgrown kid who was apparently told that he's God's gift to retail.

Again, not so much.

But that will be so much water under the bridge, soon enough. 'Nuff said.

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In the meantime, all y'all enjoy your day, and remember that the battle belongs to the Lord.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7)

Just a Few Thoughts

Very light traffic this morning; kind of a nice change of pace. How light? There were a couple stretches on the highway when I could use high beams. That almost never happens.

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I was beginning to think my constant fatigue was indicative of a health problem, until finding out that everyone is having the same issue. I maintain it's the lack of winter (no snow, no cold weather).

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All of the arrangements for the upcoming April vacation have been made. Older Daughter and I will be putting plenty of miles on the rental car. :)

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There has been sudden, fairly sharp increase in the number of shootings and other violent crimes in southcentral Alaska. I was going to say "in Anchorage", but we're not alone. Again, the lack of inclement weather has allowed the bottom-feeder element to take advantage of the long nights. Although the nights aren't as long as they were a couple of months ago, they're still long enough to allow for plenty of mischief.

Unsurprisingly, people here are talking about how the quality of life in Anchorage has "suddenly" soured.  I submit, Gentle Reader, that the criminal element has always been here; it's just that they're feeling empowered.

It also doesn't help that the local news keeps hammering on how the local PD has shrunk a bit. Mostly, it's the worsening economy that's kept officers from working overtime. I've always maintained that if you have to consistently work overtime to get the job done, it's either a) poor planning by management, or b) need to hire more workers.

In this case, however, it seems the Muni of Anchorage has been relying on State grants and other monies to hire additional officers and fund overtime. That source has dried up.

All of this forces the Municipality to show its cards, and clearly display where its priorities are. If the money isn't going to public safety (an essential service), then one must follow the money and discover where it does go.

I have a feeling many won't like the answers.

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Like many, we mourn the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia. It's sad to say that he was the most staunch Constitutionalist on the Supreme Court. It's probably safe to guess that whomever is nominated to replace him won't be of the same quality.

I pray I'm wrong.

Monday, January 19, 2009

It's raining and 38 degrees <sigh> in Anchorage. It it were snow, we'd have several inches by now. Rats!

The temps are supposed to slide just below freezing tonight, with the rain tapering off by midnight. Of course, Accu-Hunch Weather has been forecasting a rain/snow mix for days now, and we haven't seen that yet.

It will eventually happen, of course, because this is Alaska, so therefore it will be of no credit to Accu-Hunch when it does.

The temps are supposed to be nearly normal for the rest of the week, although still a few degrees above where they should be. It's about time. I was not the most enthusiastic fan of the minus 20 stuff, while it was here for two weeks, but at least it was cold...

A lot of the snow we had (about a foot of compacted snow on the ground) has melted, although there's still some ice in driveways and on parking lots, because of how cold the ground is.

So, we muddle onward and upward (we hope). While it seemed most people were working today - and the bank was open, which surprised me - the phones were extremely quiet. I met with the company's new attorney this afternoon, to go over some contracts. Beyond that, it was an uneventful day, for which I am always grateful.

I had the "when are you going to get a job?" talk with my older girl this afternoon; it seems she was waiting for the holidays to be over. "They're over," I said.

My younger girl is rustlin' up some chicken alfredo over whole-wheat pasta, with with cinnamon croissants. Sounds good to me!

Personal note: we heard from more old friends today - Fred and Jodie, down Florida way - and will be getting caught up with them in days to come.