Well, what I read and listen to (stuff about real estate and about the economy in general) seems to all be pointing to a consensus that we're about to hit something like the 2008 situation but structurally different and even worse. I hope I can buy real estate soon because frankly it's so low here now I don't care if it goes lower. I was paying my rent today and Mr. Monopoly the owner was at the office. He was very friendly because he remembered meeting me when he got parked his car on the road and got out of it a few months ago, and I was likewise. It's all fun and games until the land you live on gets sold to private equity.

It's scheduled to pass through my area on July 11th. I'll certainly make an attempt to see it if the trackside crowds aren't too enormous. Big Al

Oh, and I decided to be a team player, sign the papers, and move on with life. I also reconciled with my cousin and SIL this morning. It's not a perfect world. My father certainly never said any such thing. It's time for me to move forward.

Always been a big fan of his.

Love it!

This country was founded on Enlightenment principles. But good luck arguing with a Christian nationalist. Smashing your head against a concrete wall would be a better use of your time. They believe in a metaphysical power, as the professor said, and they also believe that their point of view constitutes absolute truth. They are theocratic and their metaphysical views contain some very strange ideas. All of this would be fine, if they understood that their religious beliefs were their private concern. But, no. They feel perfectly justified in trying to create a world in which an apocalypse would happen. I live in a Evangelical Christian neighborhood. Let's just say that hell will freeze over before I'll be inviting any of them to my home. I guess I'm beyond the culture shock, and there are good and bad people in any group, but, in general, what I have encountered is appalling to me. YMMV.

Well, into every life a little rain must fall. Pilots do an amazing job, every day. They're awesome. My guess is that they'll handle this like the professionals we know then to be. Pilots? Respect!

Welcome to the club.

It will be a report. I'm all for that. I'm afraid it will affect nothing, though.

I know!

I should not play anything that loud. I might be tarred and feathered.

@AndyD That is Jon. The speedo matches his blue shoes.

AI wabi-sabi!

The other thing it will do is drive more young folks into the trades, which we badly need.