Hypocrites

The Cohens lectured out of both sides of their mouths when it came to money and respect.

On the one hand, they self-righteously “taught” us that all human beings were of value, regardless of their household income and relative wealth.

On the other hand, family members who were considered to not have a lot of money were looked down on. I remember making a Christmas list by cost, thinking this was the “right” thing to do for the benefit of aunts and uncles who were supposedly “poor” or “low income”.

What gall, what presumption!

I think that’s why I’m hyper-sensitive about our lifestyle, which is by most standards a good one, but by no means as lavish as most of the extended “family”. We can pay our bills. We don’t get hounded by creditors. We can afford to visit our friends, give birthday and holiday presents to our grands, eat healthily and even enjoy an occasional treat.

It occurred to me this morning that the Cohens’ siblings had retirement plans and/or investments and lived very comfortably, making the formers’ snotty, over-competitive attitude especially astonishing.

Painting Is Done

We haven’t seen the final result, but the painters finished both bathrooms today, on time and on budget, and we got a great report from Peter.

I have been more stressed about this than any other recent home improvement. Not sure why, it’s about the smallest expense and involves no moving parts.

Covered another shrub with the last of the burlap. I may go back on Saturday for more.

Paint Prep

Ron drove Peter to his follow-on appointment today. Good review!

The boys and I had calzones and prepped the two bathrooms. They removed wall items and measured the rooms; I filled holes. James made me a coffee; Robert made Smoothies for all of us.

Did a paint run to Sherwin-Williams. Great customer service.

Grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches for supper.

Burlap

Predicted temps in the 20’s tonight, so Ron and I wrapped four shrubs in the burlap sacks from Cape Coffee Roasters.

Ron did leaves today and I did a bit of garden cleanup.

Mark O’Connor at Mechanics Hall, Worcester

Mark O’Connor with wife Maggie Dixon O’Connor and Gary Mazzaroppi, Frank Vignola and (not in photo) vocalist Tamar Korn. This concert was part of Music Worcester’s Tickets to Opportunity program, which provides tix to area nonprofits and schools. Two student jazz combos performed for us before the concert.
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