Michigan Heat

Still in Michigan and sweating with the oldsters- yuck, yuck. The big news here are all the Chrysler dealerships that were forced to close. The economy stinks here but food and gas prices have still not come down. Two of the 3 schools I attended are now closed- George Ford Elementary and Redford High School. Redford had 5000 students when I went there. There is no money to support the school system and anyone who can leave the city has left. In spite of the poor economic outlook, I have not seen too many people out walking- just lots of SUV traffic.

Also, the Red Wings (hockey) beat the Anaheim Ducks in the Stanley Cup playoffs, so they'll be taking on Chicago for the Cup. In my opinion, players should come from the city they represent. That would require a franchise sport to reinvest into the community instead of paying such outrageously high wages.

I've been walking the 1.5 miles into Northville every morning to get a cuppa and exercise. The tulips are blooming and gardens are planted. The Starbucks is hopping with yuppy moms and their children getting iced lattes arriving by car instead of going to the playground. It is no wonder that obesity is a problem...and what an expensive alternative to Koolaid. Another editorial comment- on even this short walk, I have to walk along a road since there are no sidewalks for about 2/10ths of a mile. People need sidewalks and trails to walk with their chubby kids. Tsk, tsk.

Mother and I have been busy sorting through old stuff and hauling stuff to the Salvation Army. Books are going to the library donations. We've even been hauling some stuff to the dumpster. Spring cleaning has a cleansing effect on the soul. I'm inspired and making mental lists for my return to Fairbanks.

I just finished reading "Twitch and Shout" by Lowell Handler, a photojournalist with Tourette Syndrome. It is a great read for anyone who works with kids or who is or knows anyone who is differently abled. This guy tells what it feels like to try live a rich, tumultous life trying to fit in the world while shouting, touching and spastically twitching as an obsessive/compulsive. He's not a great writer, but his story is compelling.

It's raining outside....I think it's my fate.