I am happy to report that I did survive day 2 with no injuries or incidents. There was a new ‘associate’ whom I shall call M – like the head of Bond’s spy agency – who is a rock star. Really! I guess you could say she’s a retired rock star..wears glitter around her eyes, is funny and quite good at her job. When they say in the ersatz real people videos that the workforce at HD is diverse, they likely have no idea how much so. Who’d a thunk it? A woman who played and sang with a band for thirty years now mixes paint to make ends meet. Gotta luv it.

The new Skechers were a decided improvement over my old ones with the hole above the left big toe. Sister Sharyn suggested wide fit, which should help later on after long hours on the feet. With socks, they are a perfect fit without pinching. I was only vertical for 90 minutes because of more computer stuff, but that’s progress. Recall my goal this week was simply to maintain verticality. I told that to associate I, who assured me that the bosses were very flexible about it if you have to sit down because of the impending threat of a swoon. That was good to hear. I also took snacks and water, which definitely helps. So there’s proof right there I still have the capacity to learn at my advanced age. Who knew?

In the meantime, Is Vlad the Impaler about to become Vlad the Invader? It would appear so. Hangin’ out in that bunker listening to those hawks tell him he’s nyet a man if he doesn’t invade is taking its toll – and Zelensky is beatin’ feet to Munich, so he’s gonna miss the parade!

Kirsten posted on FB about all this resembling the scene in Dr. Strangelove when Turgidson and the Russian ambassador roll around on the floor. “Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here – this is the war room.” Classic line, classic movie – and definitely proof that VTI (Vlad the Invader, my new name for Putin) has gone quite bonkers in the bunker. In my comments, I paraphrased Shakespeare’s Richard III, saying ‘he’ll have her but he won’t keep her’. Where’s Charlie Wilson and his RPG’s when you need him? Or for that matter, Osama Bin Laden to lead the mujas to fight the invading horde? And the beat goes on…sigh.

Meanwhile, back at the ol’ homestead, Emily passed her driving test. Congrats to Em! She’ll now be a licensed driver after a trip to the dreaded agency with long lines and that camera that makes anyone look like a goon – or is it a goob? You know what I’m talkin’ about – get out your driver’s license and look at your photo – eh?

That’s all for now – gotta ‘carb up for this afternoon’s efforts, lookin’ at houses in North Palm and doin’ time at the paint palace. Livin’ the life.