Notes of
Concern…
…Jackson Blair
GOODBYE 2011
Since I began writing this column some of you have asked me
for updates. You found some things of interest and wondered if I might revisit
those topics.
If you recall my humorous column about visiting Thailand you
will remember that there was unrest in Bangkok, my taxi had to be searched for
bombs before I could enter the hotel complex, and the heat was horrendous.
More recently the unrest seems to have given way to horrible
flooding with waters coming right into the city. I have a friend who has since
moved to Thailand and it has been sad to read some of his comments. The heat
remains horrendous.
This summer I ran a column about finding a kitten in a barn on
Prince Edward Island. It ran with pictures. We actually had offers for all
three kittens that were found in a barn wall. I am pleased to report the one I
rescued is now living happily with some of our friends on the island. My
marriage improved significantly when I gave away the cat!
I wrote a column about a pre-op visit I made to a hospital
in the area. You may recall their refusal to call me “Jack” and insistence that
I be called “Charles”. Well, I had occasion for another pre-op visit and I am
pleased to report that the entire procedure was much more professional and they
did, without much prompting, allow me to be called by my name! There was only
one confusing situation in the most recent visit. It related to the rather
touchy subject of a urine sample. When I found myself in a small bathroom with
instructions written on a wall I was dumbfounded that they wanted me to “pee in
midstream.” Where do you suppose they
thought I would find a stream in which to pee? Not to mention the legal
difficulties that could ensue if I were to drop trousers and comply in public
like that. And why, after finding a stream, couldn’t I just pee from the bank.
Insisting I walk out into the stream was pushing the envelope a bit. I sure
hope they revise those directions before I need to visit again. This “return to
nature movement” is getting a little out of hand.
Over the weeks I had some fun teasing my colleague columnist
Jerry Carton, he of the extreme liberal persuasion. I should point out in this
last column of 2011 that I am continually amazed at his wealth of knowledge and
his command of detail. Of course, I continue to think he misuses all that
knowledge and misinterprets all the detail, but what the heck-he is a very nice
fellow.
Unfortunately, Jerry is from Maryland and I am from
Pennsylvania. We now both live in Massachusetts. I have been able to transfer
some loyalty from the Steelers to the Patriots. My friend, Jerry, however is
still glued to the Maryland pigskin novices.
In my column on “Fat Cats” a number of you agreed with my
cat Toby in his thinking Wall Street honchos should be called “Fat Dogs.” In
fact, a Fan Club of sorts has been forming for Toby. In light of his newfound
fame my wife has agreed to let him off his diet for the holiday season. He now
greatly resembles the famous Cheshire cat.
I have not been very successful in being subtle about my
disappointment in the administration of Barack Obama. So I have decided in this
last column of the year preceding the actual presidential election to say some
nice things about the fellow. I do this in the certain knowledge that my
subtlety will be even less obvious in 2012 (keep in mind that Jerry Carton will
be keeping me honest).
So hear goes: the President is a very fine golfer and works
quite hard (and often) at his game. He must be a great “date” because he and
Michelle go to NYC often to see plays and dine out. And aren’t his two little
girls cute?
That is about all I can muster. I hope Obama fans will find
this a generous effort on my part.
I do have some resolutions for 2012:
1.
Try to be nice to people who haven’t a clue
about government or politics.
2.
Make bets on Massachusetts’s sport teams.
3.
Do not rescue any more cats.
4.
Avoid pre-op visits until a hidden and secure
stream is found in proximity to the hospital and keep an eye out for the
morality police.
5.
Be nicer to my wife so she does not put me on
Toby’s diet
On this New Year’s Eve I will toast all my readers with the
hope you enjoy a healthy and prosperous 2012. Many thanks for reading what I
write and occasionally sharing with me your own views. I look forward to the
comments.
Jack Blair
jacksonblair@gmail.com
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