Failing Up

Way back in my high school days I really did not want to be pegged or placed in a group with a title, or activity.  I liked to hang out with a wide array of characters.  I was not, nor wanted to be  one of the cool kids, not a good student, I played sports but did not want to be a "jock".  I liked to break the rules and challenge most of the teachers.  Classes were structured and lessons cookie cutter.  I was bored and a bit of a screwball.  That changed in September of 1975 when ABC premiered a television program titled, "Welcome Back Kotter".  It was about a teacher who returns to his roots and has a class of irreverent students called Sweathogs.  A fun loving bunch who did not fit into a mold. That was me! I was a Sweathog!  Sweathogs did have confidence, a mischievous nature, and aversion to the status quo.    We also paid a price for our individuality, but it was worth it every time!   Fast forward many years and this Sweathog is an Assistant Dean at Syracuse University and then  Cornell University.  This was my revenge towards all those chalk board, (Bored) jockeys of years gone by.  I still tend to tweak authority and I am not impressed by standing and title alone.  I am still a  bit of a screwball.  Most importantly though, I am a lifelong Sweathog!timothymahar.org

There is no such thing as "Fake News". There is accurate news, and inaccurate news.  When a person/leader responds to a question with "fake new" is means they are not smart enough or quick enough on their feet to answer the question and explain the premises of their answer.  If the news pertaining to the question is inaccurate point it out with counter accurate information.  I must say I do miss the day the of intelligent sparing with the press.  Calling the reporter derogatory names and saying. "fake news reminds me the spoiled kid who name calls and whines, that's not fair" when they don't get their way. timothymahar.org

So, all the pouting has led to the attempt to change the name of the "Great Lake of Ontario" to the "Lake of America".  Few observations: 1. Does this make it America's Lake even though it is the smallest of the great lakes  2. Seeing if borders only New York State on the U.S side why not name it Lake New York?  3. The lake is split between the United States and Canada, are we naming only half the lake? 4. Does this mean the lyrics to Gordon Lightfoot's song "The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald" need to be changed?  The name Lake Ontario derives I believe from The Wendat Nation (or the Huron-Wendat First Nation) of Quebec. The  original name was Ontari'io, which means, the lake is beautiful, the lake is great. It has had this name for 400 years.  I'm guessing it will remain for at least another 400. timothymahar.org

I just love Canada, and the Canadian people We could not ask for a better neighbor to our north!!  I have had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time there.  Toronto, Kingston, Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa all beautiful.  One of my  best friends in the world lives in Toronto.  The Canadians have stood with from D-Day on Juno Beach, where they lost 5000 brave souls in the month long battle of Normandy to, well almost the present day.  With all that is going on, I believe they would still stand with us in need.  They are just some of the most beautiful people. The gave us SCTV, Loren Michaels and SNL, and the greatest comfort food of all time, poutine!!  timothymahar.org

When America stares into the water of the reflecting pool, hoping to see her reflection of the history that has been her life for the past 250 years.  A history made up of  the bravery required to fight for freedom and maintain it.  The courage of her people to bring awareness to injustices instilling change, and the greatest generation who sacrificed all to save freedom. She would see a vision to soar into space, speech, and media that ended wars and made us aware of corruption.  She would see the struggle for equality, and her open her arms welcoming your poor and downtrodden who  have been the make-up this nation for 250 years.  She would see attempts to correct the injustice towards our Native American brothers and sisters who's land this was.  Sadly, she does not see any of that.  As her tears cause ripples in the water, all she can see is dark green algae, chipped paint and tire tracks.  Someday she will once again see here beautiful self, with imperfections but hope!  timothymahar.org

In this episode Paul and I catch-up on college, broadcasting way back, and performing. He also shares his future creative plans.  It was a great back to the future. timothymahar.org

In his 1861 inaugural address, with a country divided Abraham Lincoln provided a famous closing quote that is as applicable now as it was then: ""We are not enemies, but friends...The mystic chords of memory...will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature." There will come a time when labels will not matter, but the betterment and care for our neighbors will.  The framework of our democracy will.  Oh, we will still disagree, but we will argue under one united overarching framework.  War is not sustainable, corruption is not sustainable, lies are not sustainable, hate is not sustainable, only the courage to love is.  Crisis brings people together, we have all witnessed unselfish acts of courage and caring in crisis.  I have no doubts, that the better angels of our nature will once again touch is all.   timothymahar.org

In this episode my good friend Jamie and I sit down over a cup of coffee and share our thoughts and observations about the world we are navigating.  Of course we have many recommendations, as we look back and ahead in one breath.   timothymahar.org

In this episode I discuss the John Lennon song Imagine.  A true masterpiece, and just as, even more so applicable to our world today as it was in 1971. "Imagine all the people livin for today, Imagine all the people livin life in peace. Imagine all the people sharing all the world."...."the world will live as one."timothymahar.org

In this episode I have conversation with my dear friend, David, Hongo Robertson.  Hongo is a musician, visual artist, wood crafts, and writer.  He is a true renaissance man.  Hongo and I talked about the artistic, process and not being labeled or defined by one activity, but instead continue to push boundaries and become who you are.  We talked about the talented artists who I consider part of a modern renaissance movement, and his journal project where he is interviewing all kinds of creative individuals as he explores the artistic creative process.  To learn more about Hongos' journal you can visit, hongoart.substack.comtimothymahar.org

Ever since I was in elementary school and up to this day, Sunday afternoon caused a kind of melancholy fog over me as I thought about the week ahead.  The month of August has the same affect on me.  As far back as I can remember, The Back to School advertisements came out in early August.  Football practice started  in mid to late August, and college was in session by late August.  Boom! just like that.  I was in the grocery store today and saw Halloween candy!  Soon someone will say, "the leaves are turning early this year."  Autumn is summer's Sunday afternoon, better make sure your homework is done, and your socks are clean. timothymahar.org

We humans just don't interact anymore.  We walk down the street and stare at phone, we push the buttons on the ATM, the gas pump, self-checkout, people are having relationships with AI Chatbots, even going to them for mental health counseling, we have lost touch!  The consequences are severe.   When interpersonal communications erodes, so does are sense of value for others.  People are labeled, leaders utilized communication to divide, because people become objects. Road rage occurs because the other driver is an object.  War is portrayed as clean with videos of items blowing up.  We do not see or hear the pain or suffering just labels.   Leaders divide, calling red or blue, but not you! It's hard to love an object. timothymahar.org

In this part of the Unites States some seasons can be identified by weather, activities based on the weather and the food of the seasons.  Autumn is apples, cider, changing leaves, and you know it is the middle of summer when you are lathering up an ear of sweet corn.  This is when you know that summer has matured, grabbed every warm day and ear of corn, because when it is gone we will all be eating apples and drinking cider!timothymahar.org

I think that our planet Earth is a living breathing entity, and we are like fleas on dog living on her.  Just like bad habits effect our health they also impact Earth's.  Smoking cigarettes is bad for our health, unregulated emissions are bad for earths.We all need healthy plasma, Earth needs the oceans. We need healthy lungs Earth needs trees.  Once we have symptoms of an illness we go the doctor.  Who takes care of earth?  Not us. timothymahar.org

"Hello Muddah, hello Fadduh, take me home from camp Granada."  This song released in 1963 and sung by Alan Sherman summed up how I felt about summer camp.  To me summer meant freedom, no schedules, endless days and nights with friends on bicycles, swimming in the lake and at my aunt Helen's camp.  Not forced summer day camp filled with "fun" activities and teenage camp counselor more interested in summer "fun" than anything else.  They thought they were so cool 17 and 18yrs treating us like kids. It was not a good situation for someone like myself who had issues with real authority figures, let along some hormone raging teen counselor.   Then there was my two week sentence to Boy Scout camp in the Adirondacks.  A two week sentence of hikes, swimming lessons, morning and evening assembly and bears!  I was trapped now way out. Hello Mudda, hello Fadduh get me out of the Adirondacks!!  timothymahar.org

July 10, 1969 the #1 song on the charts was 'In The Year 2525" by Zager & Evans a cautionary scene-fiction tale about humanity's over dependence of technology and  progressive dehumanization.  That descriptive comes from AI, how ironic! The song takes place over 7000 years, predicting that machines will eventually replace human thoughts and movements, leading to our extinction.  This one hit wonder is as applicable now as it was then.  2525 may come early this year.   timothymahar.org

The 1976 Bicentennial celebration of America's 200th birthday was designed as a unifying healing event.  The nation was healing after, the Vietnam War, Watergate, and economic struggles.  I was 17 years old in 1976 and about to enter my senior year in high school.  The top songs on July 4th were. "Silly Little Love Song" by Wings,  "Afternoon Delight" by The Starland Vocal Band, "Misty Blue" by Dorothy Moore. On the television the programs were, Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, MASH, Charlies Angels and the Six Million Dollar Man.  Rocky, A Star is Born, Taxi Driver and Carrie were the hot films.  There were 16 tall ships and 200 vessels from around the world cruising the Hudson River, Freedom Train went to 48 States stopping to display historical artifacts,  The Wagon Train Pilgrimage traveled from various states all ending up at Valley Forge, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip visited our cities, including Boston, DC, Philadelphia. A nation celebrated and came together after being divided on several fronts on our 200th.  I believe again we can heal and come together like July 4th, 1976.  Well, maybe without the Starland Vocal Band.timothymahar.org

To begin with I must say, I do not believe the elections in the United States are rigged at all.  How can a political party complain when they won the House, the Senate, the White House and Supreme Court, drop the mic. That is not what I am talking about here anyway.  I just love to vote. I love the entire day, the experience  of going to the local polling location the feel of community.  There are spaghetti  dinners, bake sales, just an energy throughout the day.  I feel it is a day where we are truly united regardless of who you are voting for.  On that day the entire country comes together in a unified act of democracy. No matter if you are Red, Blue, or Purple, on election day we are all Red White and Blue. timothymahar.org

It's a given that I have many issues that can keep a therapist occupied for eternity, and one of them is my aversion to the dreaded  Pot Luck dinner or event.  To be clear this disinclination does not apply to events involving family, or friends  holiday parties or celebrations.  What  I am talking about is that large community event where your "luck" is placed in the unwashed hands of strangers.  I just don't know what went on behind the scenes with that potato, macaroni or Jell-O salad. Ziti is safe if you get there first while the cheese topping has not been destroyed, you can find a safe spot to dig into.  I will also include my distaste for buffet tables with the cheese mountains and meat trays.  No one uses tooth pick or tongs!!  Don't even get me started on the bread bowl! timothymahar.org

Art began as an accidental theme in my life back in high school when chose it as a major.  Little did I know the important role it would play in my life, through college and into my professional career. I was fortunate to have leadership roles at Syracuse University at the College of Visual and Performing Arts and Alumni Office that involved the arts.  I was in a similar role at Cornell University at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, and have spent over 30 years performing and teaching improv.  We need art in all it's forms, especially now to live.  It is like breathing, you don't think about it until you need to.  With constant restraints and restrictions trying to be force on us.  Art is our true freedom in all its forms.  You cannot restrict imagination and creativity.  "I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important then knowledge.  Knowledge is limited imagination encircles the world." Albert Einstein. 1929 Saturday Evening Post interview. timothymahar.org

Almost every city or town, urban or rural has a Farmers Market.  I have been to them from New York, all the way to Santa Monica California. I will include its cousin the Flea Market as well, which I have been to from the Big Apple to Santa Fe New Mexico.  These are places where people go to without an agenda, no rush and interact.  There is no AI at the farmers market, no push button service, you interact with those selling their produce and items.  People interact with each other. No labels no screaming, just flowers, fruit cool stuff and fresh honey.  Maybe this model is something to look at on a larger scale. timothymahar.org

In June 5th 1968 Robert Francis Kennedy was shot in the kitchen at the Ambassadors Hotel in Los Angles after winning the California primary.  He was my first hero who was not a relative, he was the torch JFK mentioned in his inauguration. He was the new generation, and in a year of turmoil, violence, division and extreme change, he was also the change agent steering into a horizon of hope.  That all ended 25 hours later at 1:44am on June 6th, 1968, he died.  A simple grave in Arlington Cemetery next to his brothers and at the foot of the hill of Robert Lee's mansion.  The world did change after his death, I would argue not for the better. timothymahar.org

I took a vacation recently to relax and regroup.  My attempt to escape from the chaotic events of the world.  What a great unexpected day!  First I took bottles and cans to the recycle place and made some new friends as they sorted through my $34.00 of returns.  I got a hug and bottle of water before I left.  Then, I loaded up my vehicle and was off to the dump.  I have not been to a dump in over 30 years.  The size, the purging, the people I met, the satisfaction of just tossing stuff into a large pile in very large open building exceeded my expectations.  Again, I made some new friends!  It was just a perfect day!  It's so true you do not have to look far to find happiness! timothymahar.org

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer. That means hotdogs!  I was recently a the cardiologist for testing, because that is what you do at this age.  I told him that from Memorial Day until Labor Day I eat hotdogs! My test results were perfect and he almost seemed disgusted with me.  The Hotdog is summer!  It is America, whether at the hotdog stand in the city, the ballpark, Fair, or on the grill in the backyard it is our common ground.  I am a hotdog snob, I only eat a certain brand, Hoffman's not Nathan's, and New York dogs blow Chicago's out of the water.  I will not touch a convenient store hotdog.  After Labor Day I'm done. I can't imagine hotdogs at Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah  Saint Patrick's Day,  or Easter.  Between Memorial Day to Labor Day,  It's game on!!timothymahar.org

If seeing is believing is true, all attorneys would be mimes.  When faced with the reality of events right in front of their eyes, followers will hang onto words over events. The carefully crafted words that discredit the truth no matter what form it comes through.  These false truths bring false hope, and a sense of belonging.  Just like the mother reading to here children in the movie Titanic.  Telling them all is ok as the ship around them sinks.  All parties should have the freedom to ask questions, entertain and seek the truth so it aligns with what we see and are told. timothymahar.org

It goes without saying that I am not an authority on hair, but having acknowledged this I just don't get the "Man Bun."  I really thought this would just be a passing fad, but it is still going strong.  Why is it event called a Man Bun, I don't hear anyone saying "Woman Bun."  Why do guys have to identify the bun on their head with a gender. Does Man Bun say, I am a real man with a bun, or is intended make it clear that a woman bun is not on their head?  How about a man muffin?  What do I know I'm a bowling ball.  A "Man Ball."timothymahar.org

With all that is going on in our country, and hearing constantly that The First Amendment  of the Constitution is under attack, I thought I better brush up and take a look at it.  What hit me in the face is that the freedoms I've taken for granted my entire life: 1. Are the foundation of who we are. 2. I've taken for granted. 3. Are under attack.  I don't care if you are right, left, up down, red, blue or purple we all have a right to these five core freedoms and the disagreements, varied views and truth have made us ALL better since 1791 when the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was adopted. Five Freedoms: Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition.timothymahar.org

In this episode I have a conversation with Reiki Master Heather Maloney.  Our conversation explored the subjects of healing through the Reiki practice and benefits  of maintaining self inner peace.  We also discussed spirituality and  how different cultures and maintain their connection to a higher power.  timothymahar.org

In this episode I have a conversation with my dear friend  Patrick Hogan, former local political figure, baseball fan/historian, who's Irish ancestry flows through his veins. We discussed the critical importance of local politics, (Tip O'Neal, "All politics are local."), baseball history and players from the past, and our Irish culture.  A wonderful conversation, with a great friend! timothymahar.org

When I was a young boy I listened to top 40 radio for hours.  There was something comforting in listening to the local DJ spin records, have call in games and take requests, they were there all night, in the morning, on the school bus and in the car.  With most of broadcast/cable television having screaming mannequins spew noise and make lots of money doing so, I find comfort in my old friend. I can still change stations, get just the news and not screaming, have friend in the car or any place. The internet, AI, Newspapers are on life support,  social media, phones and television for the most part has sold it's soul, the one constant for all these years, is radio!  From the very late 19th century through 20th and today, our old friend is going strong! timothymahar.org

There is nothing like the aroma of fresh cut grass to let you know all is alright.  That comforting smell of growth and hope seems like a switch was flipped from black and white to a color screen.  It does not matter if it is in a city park, small patch of grass in a yard or acres and acres that magical whiff of springs takes us through the times of our lives and reassures that all is well.  I recall the noise of the lawn mower being driven by Joe the janitor outside the open classroom windows at Kasson Road Elementary School in Upstate NY, the smell of the grass coming into the classroom letting us know soon we would be free.  Of course later on in high school there was a different type of grass odor that omitted from outside.  Oh well, a story for another day!!  Welcome grass stains and the fragrance of my life! timothymahar.org

When a little boy I use to love to watch the television program Let's Make a Deal with my grandfather. It was fun to see the contestants struggle to get the best deal.  When I was at Cornell University one of my responsibilities was to co-manage the Cornell Baker Program in Real Estate Advisory Board.  This Board was made up some of the most  influential and successful individuals in the industry.  They were smart, slick, talented and transactional.  While a student at the Maxwell School of Public Administration at Syracuse University, I was taught and had guest lecturers who were leaders in negotiations, and diplomacy both in Syracuse and Washington D.C.  Attempting to negotiate a peace agreement is not a transactional deal.  It is a delicate process that requires individuals with vast experience, not a relative for former business friend in real estate.  That's like sending an airline pilot to fly the Artemis II.  An airline pilot is skilled smart and talented but the the space craft is beyond their capacity.  They are worlds apart.  Let's Make a Deal? or Let's reach and agreement?    timothymahar.org

This was the common question shouted from the wayback in the station wagon when on a trip.  The reply was always vague in an attempt to keep all children in the car calm and unaware of the actual circumstance.  Dad are we almost there? Dad replies: "yes few more miles, about an hour."  Mom, I have to go the bathroom, she replies: " hang on, the next stop is close."When will the war end? Reply: "in two to three weeks."  America is in the wayback!!timothymahar.org

The first American to be Pope; Pope Leo the XIV finds himself under attack from the current administration for praying for peace, and calling for leaders to stop the violence and find a diplomatic solution to end war.  These are not the words of a weak person, in contrast these are the words of a very strong person, there is no weakness in faith. He stated that Jesus does not recognize prayers for war and destruction.  That makes sense to me, especially after the threat from our President that a whole civilization will die. Jesus was after all the prince of peace.  Jesus's sermon on the mount, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God." Mathew 5:9 for those that are checking.  The Pope does not fear, he has faith that he shares, just like leaders from other religion and spiritual groups. They do not preach Idolatry, worshiping false idols, people, objects, or concepts that take the place of God in a person's life, often promising fulfillment and failing to deliver. Jesus was a radical who challenged authority, worked with the poor and downcast, preached peace and love.  Would today's conservative fundamental Christians accept such a person?  You can't have Christianity without Christ.  The Pope is not a politician, he is a man of faith.  I find comfort in his words/prayers, and I am grateful for him.   I wish all my brothers and sisters no matter your religion, or no religion peace and love!timothymahar.org

I don't care about red states, or blue states, or conservative, liberal, what do we Americans see when we look in the mirror. Do we recognize the reflection today? timothymahar.org

After just watching the Artemis II go around the darkside of the moon and viewing the crescent earth, I was in awe and how small our planet is in a vast universe.  As they sent back a photo of the full earth in the darkness of space, just like the one taken in 1972, I was struck by beauty of earth.  This fragile planet that we al share and have found ways to destroy eachother and it.   John Lennon had it right: "Imagine there's no countries, It isn't hard to do, nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too, imagine all the people living life in peace." For some reason seeing our planet from 225,000 miles away makes that seem not so much like a dream.  Robert Kennedy, "some men see things as they are and say "Why?" I dream things that never were and say, "Why not?"Why not??timothymahar.org

During a  time of great division, losing faith, trust in our leaders, unjust actions, fear and a unpopular undefined war, the moon launch of Atremis 2 has brought us together during the spacecraft's brief 8 minute  accent into space.  As WE marvel at the dedication, courage, and technology of so many. No red, no blue, just us.  This reminds me of the 1968 Apollo 8 Christmas Eve  orbit around the moon ending a year of violence and turbulence, when those astronauts read from the Book of Genesis, making us realize we are all sharing this small beautiful planet.  The first picture of the Earth rise over the moon taken by Bill Anders confirmed this.  I hope this mission re-ignites that perspective. timothymahar.org

It's that time for those twice a year Catholics to show up.  The ones that go to church on Christmas and Easter only, and consider their bases covered.  Now, I do not go to church every Sunday, but just like when you are on a good laxative, I am a regular and  not all the time.  These folks however, show up twice a year like it's some fringe concert.  They take up the parking spaces and hog the pews.  I think the collections should be double on these holidays, and parishioners get parking stickers so these twice a year folks pay to park.    Oh hell, that's not very nice of me to say, another item added to my confession list.  timothymahar.org

We live in a time of division and conflict.  I know, tell me something new captain obvious.  I was thinking of the basic conflict resolution model: 1. Emotions 2. Issues 3. Common Interests 4. Consensus.Looks simple yet so complicated when we are stuck in emotions.Timothy Mahar received a Master's of Arts in Public Administration along with a Certificate of Advanced Study in Conflict Resolution from the Maxwell School of Public Administration at Syracuse University.   timothymahar.org

It would be so refreshing if a politician, member of congress, a cabinet member, even pundits would answer a question directly.  Even if I did not agree with your answer I would respect taking the spin off the ball.  The tactics of screaming, story telling, infomercials, deflections, have me spinning like I am on the Tilt-A-Whirl and about to lose my cookies!!   timothymahar.org

I love Saint Patrick's Day.  It is a day where memories and friends of long ago come to life through music, and food.  When family afar and those that have passed on feel close.timothymahar.org

We live in an age of video wars that we can watch in the safety of our homes detached from the sacrifice, courage and death that occurs.  We look to win, but of course war is not a game.  It is fought by those military that have more courage than I will ever be made to understand, and started by those who watch.  I think back to when I worked for the Syracuse Newspapers and was doing an internship with the Newsline.  I was sent to do a story on the D-day invasion.  One person I interviewed was Thomas Niland Jr. The first Athletic Director at Lemoyne College, a coach, and  onetime player, also a veteran of Utah Beach and wounded in the Battle of the Bulge.  The movie, Saving Private Ryan was based on his cousins.  He said to me in the interview how much is bothers him when sporting events are described as wars, or battles.  Players come home from games, many solder do not come home from war. timothymahar.org

In 1969 during the height of the Vietnam war Creedence Clearwater Revival released the song, "Fortunate Son."  This song has remained timeless and is as applicable today as it was then. timothymahar.org

And Divided We Fall! There is a reason that leaders like to have people divided simply because it weakness their voice and power of influence. In this time of division and name calling, I find myself constantly reflecting on the basic conflict resolution model.  In that model sides work through emotions, to issues, towards common interests, then to consensus.  We all have common interests, in our case freedom, stability, security and opportunity.  These may look different for some, but they are common.  If parties and groups are kept in the emotional phase through fear, anger, and other rhetorical tactics they never realize their shared interests and combined strengths.  Unfortunately, It then takes a crisis for those parties to come together.    timothymahar.org

Way back when I was in college a little wild and all over the place, a dear friend of mine at the time who had vast interest and depth of knowledge with rock music suggested I listen to the Kinks song Celluloid Heroes.  This song written by Ray Davies, that debuted on their 1972 album, Everybody's in Show-Biz instantly moved me, as it in some ways hit home for me.  This is one of the most beautiful and meaningful rock ballads of all time, written and performed by one of the most underrated bands from the, British Invasion. Though the song was written with a different meaning at the time, I feel it reflects our fascination and craving for fame in our current social medial, click, realty television YouTube culture.  timothymahar.org

Well, every four years I love Curling.  The Winter Olympics has one of the most mellow sports in Curling, but it is action packed and high-risk with the other events.  In fact, the Winter Olympics is far more exciting then the summer games.  I mean come on, the Luge, the Skeleton, Bob Sled, Down Hill Skiing, Snow Boarding, Ski Jumping and of course, Curling.  Every four years I become an expert in sports I know nothing about, and find myself glued to the television watching a stone slide down the ice. timothymahar.org

On February 4th, 1988, thirty eight years ago, my father Thomas Francis,"Te Te" Mahar passed away at the age of 55yrs.  This podcast is a tribute to my father the love we shared, and lessons I learn during the 8 months leading up to his death.  This is shared through the lyrics of his favorite song, Frankie Lane's 1949 hit, "That Luck Old Sun".  A song that played constantly during this time, and is a warm hug to this day.  As the song say's: " like that lucky old sun, give me nothing to do, but roll around heaven all day."  I know my dad and his friends are rolling.    timothymahar.org

Everyone is flicking the "bird"!  Drivers flick it, kids flick it, leaders flicked it, old, young, red, blue, it does not matter the entire world is getting flicked off.  This once cherished gesture of last resort has become a common form of accepted communication, and not in an affection manner I might add. timothymahar.org

The snow just keeps falling! It is like living in a snow globe.  There is  sense of peace as the snow falls, and also the reality of having to shovel or plow.  It does seem as if time stops during the a snow storm, then starts ticking as soon as it is over. As pretty and peaceful as it may be, after a while it just is not cute anymore.  I hope that damn groundhog see's his shadow!!timothymahar.org

Put another log on the fire we are in a deep freeze! It's so cold I opened the refrigerator to warm up.  This is old school cold, comfort food cold, ping pong in the basement cold.  The kind of cold that bites your face and freezes your nostril hairs.  The frost of winter's breath.timothymahar.org