Why, I’m sure you are wondering, has there been no blog for so many days? Those of you who know me can probably figure it out. The final major golf tournament of the season is under way, and I am glued to my PC in the mornings and to the TV for the rest of the day.
I have stirred only to play a round of golf on Thursday, to drop off Sandra at a neighbor’s tea party yesterday (and pick her up afterwards) and to help clean up the mess left by flooding last night. Yes, we were under water. The rain came down like a waterfall and backed up on the patio, then poured in under the doors. The laundry room became a wading pool and the family room wasn’t much better. Water was inches deep in the garage, and even the breezeway was submerged.
It wasn’t as bad as it has been in many other parts of Central Florida, though. In Tampa, Palm Harbor and parts of Pasco County, residents were trapped in apartment buildings and mobile home parks. Local TV stations showed boats rowing to their rescue (photo above).
I understand the Cotee river almost swallowed up the New Port Richey home where my sister Elizabeth and her husband Wendell spend the winters (they live in Toronto for the rest of the year). But I haven’t been in touch with her in a while ( I phoned but they must have been out), so I don’t know if it was really that bad.
What with the PGA Championship and all the rain we’ve been having, I’ve missed a lot of the news.
But I doubt I’ve missed much.
Every time I turn on the TV, I see Donald Trump’s bloated visage and hear him ranting about this or that. He seems to be really, really mad at Megan Kelly and Rosie O’Donnell but declares that he loves – cherishes!– the rest of the female population. And he has figured out – all by himself – that America stupidly blew trillions of dollars, more than 4,000 American lives (and who knows how many non-American lives?) and left thousands upon thousands of shattered bodies and minds in the wake of that ghastly Iraq adventure. And his greatest complaint? The US came away with nothing – not even Iraq’s oil.
That’s the kind of guy he is. Sensitive and sympathetic to the core.
I am also hearing that Joe Biden is pondering a run at the presidency. I love good ol’ Joe but Hillary is getting my vote despite all the ugliness the vast right-wing conspiracy is throwing at her.
Meanwhile, on the shores of Lake Michigan, a phenomenon named Jordan Spieth is teeing off this afternoon against another young Titan named Jason Day. They will take on a diabolically designed Pete Dye masterpiece in a tough wind. On their heels is a pack of the most talented golfers ever, most of whom (even Phil!) are playing at or near their best.
(Sadly, Tiger is not in contention. He still has not rediscovered his game. But I’m betting you will, Tiger. Don’t give up.)
So, if you will forgive me, I’ll shut out the phony chatter of this dreary political season and enjoy some real brilliance and genuine drama for a change.
