SATURDAY, 2/20/2021: “LIFE, SUCH AS IT IS,” UPDATE

Introduction

Why didn't I just go hiking today? The low temperature was 10 degrees Fahrenheit this morning. The high reached an approximate and balmy 42 degrees. A high-pressure system is in control. Well, I might hike tomorrow! Today, I blame it on my own laziness or “bionic” joints.

A few days ago, I figured out that a quarter of my main joints (i.e., left shoulder, right knee, and right foot) are “bionic.” A person has twelve main joints (i.e., neck, left and right shoulders, left and right elbows, left and right wrists, hip, left and right knees, and left and right ankles).

Why have I been complaining these almost five years, since I just about died on Tuesday, March 29, 2016? That's a “bionic” joke, y'all!

Life, Such as It Was, from Last Sunday through Today

Sunday, 2/14/2021, was VD Sunday! That's Valentine's Day Sunday. I hope that y'all had a fun VD day. It was cloudy and damp. That meant no hike.

Monday, 2/15/2021, was Presidents' Day. As a state employee, I was off work. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, as a Sevier County employee, had to hit a lick. It was still cloudy and wet. No hike. I did the best that I could.

Tuesday, 2/16/2021: I worked from home. It was “fun” in my sarcastic style. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had a paid “snow” day off from work. The low was 24 degrees. The high reached 28 degrees. It was a mild winter day in Russia. Also, a niece turned 35. She was born in 1986. After work, I called her cell phone. I talked with “Uncle,” her son. He seems to like it when I call him uncle in jest. He knows that I am his uncle. He said that his mother would call me back. She has not yet, as of this entry. Well, “Uncle” said that all was well there.

Wednesday, 2/17/2021: My wife had a two-hour “snow” delay due to no snow. A few flakes must have fallen in Sevier County, not around here. I continued to work from home that day. The low was 21 degrees. The high was a warm 41 degrees.

Today, Rush Limbaugh died at age 70. One of many links is here. He was from Cape Girardeau, Missouri. We lived nearby from 1986 through 1994. That was before Russia (1994-1999). I remembered him. This nation lost a conservative champion. Socialists, however, in this country felt a victory. Rush did well in the political realm by his radio show and other formats.

I saw a video on a television station, in which Rush Limbaugh indicated that he was saved by God's grace through his faith. I hope so. If I, as the meager Appalachian Irishman, could have his audience, I would talk about the Lord's free gift of salvation in the context of historical, philosophical, political, and theological conversations. Rush didn't do that. I would. I do not have the platform that he had.

Thursday, 218/2021: We had rain to clouds. The high was about 42 degrees. My wife had another “snow” day off. What snow? I was offered to work at home. I did. I won for a change. Also, I had been hearing about “catch the wave” on a local radio station. I finally inquired. A 30-something-year-old man and I talked after exchanging email. The “wave” folks want $4,050 from me to “heal” my “bionic” joints. Insurance does not cover it. I turned down “the wave.” If the young man wants to hike House Mountain with me, I would enjoy his company, if he can keep up with me.

Friday, 2/19/2021: The weather was finally sunny. The high was in the 30-degree range. My wife and I both worked. I drove to and from the office for the only day this week. The reason why is in the minds of state bureaucrats. Their logic escapes me. I did it.

Today, Saturday, 2/20/2021: See my introduction above. Why did I not hike today? I am a “coward.” The low was 10 degrees. The high reached a warm 42 degrees. My wife spent about $1,000 for her “haircut.” (It's a joke, dear. I know it was only $135.60.) A haircut should not cost that much, unless it's every three or four months. Tony's Best Clips charges $20 for my every-four-or-five-week haircut. He used to charge $12, before the new cold virus. At least Molly, our “old puppy,” and I had several minutes of fun outside in the yard after I hauled off trash and filled my truck's gasoline tank.

Have y'all noticed that the price of gas is going up? Remember, these are the “good” days at the beginning of the Ununited Socialist States of America (USSA). It will get worse soon. I know it. I am a political prophet. Mark my words.

Conclusion

It's 6:15 PM at the time of this typing. When is supper ready, dear? You are 15 minutes late.

I'm 10-10 on the side. “It's ready,” she just said.