So much winning

Aren't you tired of all the winning yet?  New intelligence has detected N. Korea hard at work producing more fissile material and the missles to deliver it.  Iran has threatened to block the straits of Hormuz and choke off 20% of the world's oil supply if we apply crippling sanctions for their non-existent violations of the Obama era  nuclear agreement.  Russia continues on its merry way, subverting political campaigns in the US.  It seems tRump, the master negotiator, is reshaping American foreign policy in ways that give new meaning to "aid and comfort" to our enemies.  Obviously he is playing 11 dimensional checkers and everything will turn out well for us and badly for our hapless opponents.

Gardening outtakes

Another dry weekend at Casa Monzeglio.   Although the soil still holds some residual moisture from last week's downpours, several sunny days with temps in the 80s and low humidity have required me to water transplants copiously and continue daily watering of new seedings of basil, cilantro, dill, beets and lettuce.  Fortunately, the lawns have cooperated and mowing is only required to knock back crabgrass and other weeds.  The grass is almost totally dormant.  Harvesting for the farmers' market includes onions, shallots, new potatoes, squash, peppers, herbs and lettuce.  More tomatoes are ripening every day and rain is predicted for tomorrow and Wed.  Things are looking up!

It's the evidence, stupid

Up until now, most democrats have assumed, based on his M.O. that The Donald knew all about the meeting at tRump Tower which Donald Jr. hosted in hopes of Russians providing dirt on Hillary.  It would seem inconceivable that someone like tRump, who is a micro controller of those in his orbit would not know.  However, until now there was no one in tRumpworld who was willing to confirm the obvious.  Michael Cohen it seems was in a position to know and now seems willing to say his master knew before it happened.  High crimes and misdemeanors indeed.

Recorder nation

I don't know about Faux News, but the rest of the mainstream media is all about the trump/Cohen recording all day, all the time.  Listening to the co-conspirators arrange the payment of hush money to yet another woman who apparently fell for the president's* late middle age charms in 2006, one feels the need for a long hot shower.   I sincerely hope there are more Cohen recordings ready to be released if only to relieve the boredom.  In light of tRump's predelictions, it seems the fixer was more than justified to make recordings.  I'm sure there are many of Cheeto Jesus' confidants who are either preparing to record mutual conversations or are congratulating themselves for emulating Michael Cohen's example. 

Gardening before the storm

It looks like we will finally get some relief from the mini drought we have experienced this summer.  I spent all the daylight available last night seeding and transplanting in advance of the promised storms.  Beets, fennel, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower and greens are waiting somewhat impatiently for the promised moisture, so if we don't get it there will be a watering session this evening.  This part of the season is always exhausting with planting, harvesting and weeding duties all demanding attention.  It is hard to balance everything for the next few weeks.   September can't come soon enough, although I know I'll be waxing nostalgic for the delights of July!

Odds and Ends Weekend

By dint of a plumbing emergency on Saturday and golf with friends on Sunday I was out of the loop on the latest world events.  Spending the day as a paying plumber's helper gave me an appreciation for the people who keep the power on and the water flowing.  But it was an expensive lesson!  Meanwhile the drought continues to punish my gardens.  Precipitation was promised over the weekend, but not delivered.  Except on the golf course in Bromont, Quebec where it managed to rain for virtually the entire round but then cleared up in time for the trip home.  Meanwhile, our president* was threatening more fire and fury to another of his favorite countries, Iran.  This caused one pundit to advise the Iranians to "Back up the Brinks truck to the White House", since the last country which received the same treatment got virtually everything it wanted from the US without giving up anything.   To add to tRump's woes, his fixer, Michael Cohen seems ready to flip on the man he once vowed to take a bullet for.  It looks like another fun week of news ahead if we don't get annihilated before it's over.  Finally, an Italian, Francisco Molinari is the Champion Golfer of the Year after winning the Open championship at Carnoustie in Scotland yesterday.

tRump derangement syndrome

I have to admit it.  I feel like a hostage in my own country.  Virtually all the media I consume outside  of the Golf Channel is on a 24/7 mission to discredit and delegitimize Cheeto Jesus.  I realize I am in the bubble which is more than most Faux News viewers will do, but it is exhausting.  Every day brings new nuggets of reporting about every thing from Paul Manafort's trial to the latest foreign policy faux pas committed by the president*.   Many of these stories are moving at a glacial pace so much of the reporting is a recap of events leading up to the latest revelation.  After spending an hour watching one of the liberal shows, you wonder why you gave up so much time for so little gain.  As summer wanes the drumbeat of the elections will commence and there will seem to be even more urgency.  However, the outrage liberals feel is not matched by the actions or non-actions of congress.   Much as the Fox news nation felt let down by congressional inaction in the face of reported scandals in the Obama administration, I feel powerless as congressional republicans block investigations into tRump corruption.  Of course, in 2018, liberals are certainly correct.  Right?