Intense Heat, Greedy Billionaires, & Contaminated Lettuce
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We had a break from the intense heat yesterday, but otherwise the heat has been relentless. It’s hard to get the inside temperature below 90 during the evening.
It’s the kind of weather where you just want to turn out all the lights and sit in the dark.
Sometimes I sit at this table and eat in the dark. Kendra said she comes home from a long day of construction and that’s all she wants to do.
I don’t blame her. It’s bad enough just sitting and eating meals. So I can’t imagine what it’s like moving heavy supplies and equipment and pounding nails.
Speaking of meals, there’s no turning on the oven in this weather. Sometimes I use my toaster convection oven. It puts out some degree of heat, but nothing like a full-size stove.
I grew so used to not having the full-sized oven at that first apartment that I can manage just fine with the one sitting on the countertop. Even with that, I only cook a split muffin pizza or heat up a piece of toast, and call it a day.
Just imagine what it must have been like a hundred years ago. Pioneer women in their long skirts doing all the household stuff and cooking without all our modern conveniences.
My poor plants are getting fed up with the heat and withering. Can’t say as I blame them.
I feel terribly sorry for the outdoor cats. I’ve ordered an industrial fan to put on the porch for them. And I give them fresh water twice per day.
Kendra put up one of those roller shades on the west side of the front porch yesterday. We’re hoping it helps with those hot afternoon western rays and makes the outdoor kitties a little more comfortable.
Kendra Feeding Others
The other day, Kendra said she was driving and passed two men and a dog with a sign that said: “Please help.” She was already in a one-way lane getting onto the highway to go buy tile for a work order, so she couldn’t stop.
After that, she went to the store and bought them a cooler, sandwiches, dog food, dog bowls, water, and Gatorade. Then she went back to where she saw them and gave them the supplies.
Can you imagine how hot and hungry and worried over their dog they must have been? But then after she did all that, she didn’t have time to feed herself lunch.
I recall once in high school, after she’d gotten her driver’s license, that she did something similar. She took her lunch money and bought lunch for some homeless people she came across.
It probably wasn’t more than $5, but she did it for them instead of herself. I guess I raised that girl right.
With all the ugliness and greed going on in the world, wouldn’t it be nice if everyone thought of someone else instead of themselves?
Billionaires and Lettuce Growers
These billionaires with their data centers never seem to have enough. They just want more and more, to the detriment of the citizens of this country.
If I were their mama, I’d sit them down and give them a good talking-to.
And this business with the lettuce has me scared. I eat a salad almost every day. But with this Cyclospora, I fear the contamination.
It’s too hot to grow lettuce outside because it bolts in the heat. I don’t really eat out anymore, but I do buy produce and lettuce for salads.
When it gets cooler in the fall, I’ll be planting lettuce again. It has me thinking about getting one of those tabletop veggie growers I see online.
I don’t care that they’ve walked back the claims of contamination; I won’t be eating anything from Taylor Farms again. They’re one of the top produce companies in the US.
It seems awfully funny that they sent people to the White House, and suddenly the claims of the outbreak were wiped clean. Now who believes that?
Taylor Farms can smile all the way to the bank, but hell will freeze over before they get any of my money again.
The Doing Away of Federal Agencies
To use the words of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Robert Kennedy has been throwing away umbrellas in the middle of a storm left and right.
He immediately did away with the laws that were in place to protect us, and lowered the monitoring for measles, screwworm, flu, and Ebola.
The decimation of federal government agencies, among them the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA, is pure folly.
You and I were not born yesterday. These agencies were in place for a reason. And without them, these outbreaks go viral and spiral out of control.
Think of the billions of dollars that are being spent on war that could be spent on the citizens of this country.
In a few months, we have a midterm election, and I will make my voice heard loud and clear at the ballot box.
Some of these legislators who have been in the government for decades need to go. By threatening Medicare and Social Security, that can’t make them popular with the masses.
There need to be term limits on both lawmakers and Supreme Court Justices. We need fresh faces, younger brains, and new ideas.
Okay, I’m stepping away from my soapbox. I sure hope you don’t get sick in this environment we’re currently living in.
I’ve been buying either Fresh Express organic salad or from the farmer’s markets. At least we know with local farmers, we are safe from the industrial crap.
Bless your daughter for being one of the helpers. It seems to run in your family.
I don’t see much hope for our future until there is a return to empathy and critical thinking.
Keep up the good fight, Brenda.
I found greenhouse grown lettuce at Safeway — I think the brand name is “Bright” something or other. They have a variety of kinds and it’s good, safe (I think) and stays fresh in its container for over a week so we don’t waste it anymore.
Brenda,
You did a great job raising that sweet girl! My son does the same thing. When he was in high school he’d stop and bring homeless people lunch also. His friends would laugh at him and say they were just taking advantage of him. I’d always tell him he was doing good and if they weren’t it was on them.
The heat here has been bad this Summer also. We’re still in a drought but have had some rain recently. I’m ready for Fall!
I’m with you all the way on this Taylor Farms thing. We aren’t stupid and we know they went to DC and paid the man off!
If we all survive the mess we’ve been gotten into we’ll be lucky!
I went and early voted yesterday in our primaries. It was different for sure. There’s armed security that’s watching you now. They e told us that ICE will be there in Nov for the general elections. Guess it’s good I don’t get intimidated by stupid people. I believe this is one of the most important elections in our recent history. Everyone needs to register and get out there to vote!
Agree to all.
That was so sweet of Kendra. Give yourself a pat on the back Brenda because you really did do a good job of raising her. Hopefully the fan that you ordered will help your neighborhood cats have someplace cool to get away from the heat. I agree with the term limits and the age limits. And I worry about our future generations. I feel like we’re leaving them such a mess to deal with. And it’s the same kids that sit on their phones all day long. That’s kind of a scary thought. It’s not that hard to be kind. This world could use a little more kindness.
Yes, I agree that we’re leaving the future generation a mess of things. Hopefully things will improve before too long.
Now eggs too! Taylor Farms has other products on the market besides lettuce. This is so frustrating and quite scary.
Stay safe ladies
I didn’t know about the eggs till Kendra told me about it, and that she eats an egg every morning. Why on earth are they doing away with the very laws that keep business owners on the up and up? Money, of course.
Well, don’t stop with the high courts…the lower ones are totally wicked and despicable…caring not a fig for women and children!! We have a country probably full of the worst of people in places of power, sadly. But then, it has been coming a great long time…in my view, rarely were there truly qualified people in WA DC. and other state power positions who should have been there. We do have mostly good laws…but rarely are they obeyed in the courts has been our family’s experience. May they all burn in hell!! What they have done to the kids is beyond description. We are so sad and worried for our grandkids. They would have every right to become ones who get even once in adulthood. (We never say that to them as we do not want them to do that…but they would have every right). I don’t know how our daughter will use her law degree…but I will worry over her safety because she is a fighter for right and not often worried over her own welfare. Never be critical of those who end up taking the law into their own hands. My daughter has been in court now most of the last 10 years trying to get protection for her children. The oldest is now 17…still has not happened. Nor is it likely. I do not agree with what most of our leaders do…but they are just the last in a long line of evil doers. I believe it will take GOD showing up to finally take care of it all. Meanwhile, bless your daughter for helping those in need. When we used to drive around, we kept food cards from places like McDonalds, and some protein bars on hand and gave them out. Rarely gave money…you cannot unless you want to help someone buy drugs etc. Not to say all of them do, but how could you tell? Your daughter did it the right way…gave food and water. We helped someone from our worship place for a number of years…we learned near the time we moved away to help our daughter of the things she did against us…lied to others etc. Sigh…sometimes it is best to only help via organizations…and not one-on-one. So that move turned out to be very welcome as it turned out. Sociopaths often frequent worship groups. So we learned.
Sociopaths turn up anywhere others might be vulnerable or trusting.
I am trying to think in a positive direction, but it is getting harder and harder.
So far our flowers are doing great. Only because of all the rain we got this spring. But it is dry again. Luckily most of the flower gardens are established. The veggie garden is slowly frowning and we picked a few tomatoes. We have one zucchini on and tiny cucumbers. Waiting on the rest of the plants. We had to replant the beans as something ate them.
Weather in Wisconsin has changed so much the last few years. Have a great evening.
I think my tomato plant has died or is about to die.
Like your blog title Cozy Little House reads , you communicate your thoughts on the outside world but bring us right back to our safe space. ❤️ Brought tears to my eyes reading about the kind actions of your daughter. If everyone helped even just a little this country could be so much better. Nice of you and your neighbors to care for the cats. It is very upsetting how long it is taking to get a handle on our food supply situation. Be safe all.
They need to keep the laws in place regarding our food. They don’t seem to care if they poison us.
Hi
I too get so discouraged with everything going on in the country today. Try not to watch the news. I go to my happy places like reading your blog Brenda. Enjoying my home and pets.
I totally agree with everything you’ve said, Brenda!
It’s hard not to feel discouraged with everything going on 😿
So I focus on my garden, pets & friends, & the blessings in my life as much as I can 🌻
Beautifully said and good advice Debbie!
Me too. That’s about all you can do.
I wanted to suggest using that mirrored black out film to go on your windows. We had some put on our huge sliding glass door in the back, and it has seemed to cool down the whole house!!! The Mirrored kind is okay for the back of the house, but I think they might make non-mirrored as well
The other day I was thinking of looking into that. Thanks for the suggestion.
We have a primary election mid August in our state and just received our absentee ballots in today’s mail. With the exception of one race, I am voting against every incumbent in every race, both in the primary and general elections. I am horrified by the actions and behaviors of politicians in this country, doesn’t matter the political affiliation. The founding fathers are turning over in their graves!
What’s making the founding fathers turn over in their graves is that so many Americans are falling for the “socialism is better” and “communism is better” nonsense.
I agree. Almost all of them are crooked or non-caring.
Hi Brenda..
You are not ranting from a soapbox or preaching to the choir!
Of course, you are saying the words aloud that so many people are thinking but are afraid to use their voices!
I for one agree wholeheartedly with every word you wrote..
and today I wake up with him “asking/suggesting permission ” to start yet another war in Mali..a country about twice the size of Texas in south Africa bordered by Niger, Algeria, Senegal, Guinea,Ivory Coast (These being the more familiar names) due to a Cluster cell of Houthis… my thoughts..why not finish what you’ve started (Iran) before starting another?
It seems the goal of this administration is to do what we did to Russia back during the Reagan administration to America..spend us to death!
But as you stated, WE, the People can using our vote as weapons, put them out of office just as easily as they were voted in!
Totally agree with term limits from the top to the bottom.. as well as AGE limits to run for Office..no one over seventy should be allowed to run for any Political office!
Thanks for such a great post!
Of course in my opinion he is using a lot of this to distract us from the E files.
I have never seen such vile people in my life! Killing people to cover up your OTHER sins.
Agree!
Agree!
Totally agree with your frustration as are many of our other friends with lack of accountability. You brought your children up right to think of others.
I don’t understand people who won’t think outside their own fence.
I so agree with all of your political views. Thank you for sharing them. I’m 82 and never thought I’d see our country go in the direction it’s going. We all need to make sure to VOTE!
It seems crazy out there right now. I just try to stay home and hope for the best.
Your daughter has a big heart!
No fresh veggies at our house, except from our garden. I sent my husband to get frozen fruit, so no fresh fruit, either. This is ridiculous…..
It really is!
I never thought I’d be worrying that fruit or produce could be bad for me. I guess the best thing to do is get frozen food.
Some of the frozen blueberries from Publix are also contaminated. I don’t know about other grocery stores or other fruits for that matter but just because it’s frozen might not necessarily mean it’s safe. I think anybody who’s able to grow their own food. Should do that because it’s very sad that we can’t depend on our grocery stores and their supply chains to keep us safe and healthy.