I have all my licenses and permits!!! (Certificates registrations and insurance as well)!!!
Too often when we’re young we don’t get the “big picture” of what we’re being taught. We probably all at times wish we were younger, but if only we could bring with us the wisdom we have acquired. Wisdom is gained when we are finally able to absorb and realize those lessons that were handed to us. At that time in our lives we didn’t realize or appreciate their importance. I sometimes wonder where I’d be if I understood the lessons the first time around.
My mother was always proud to be Catholic and proud to raise her kids as Catholic. As a kid I didn’t look at being able to go to church as a precious right. I didn’t realize, connect or appreciate how much suffering so many people had lived through just so that building, the church, could actually exist, and that I was free to go and listen to a priest give his sermon. A priest, a teacher, with the core part of his role being to educate and guide the faithful. Isn’t it true that too many of us (myself) didn’t appreciate something until a government or an administration forces the closure of churches, or sends the FBI into Catholic Churches to find if they talk of being free from them. As a kid I didn’t get that evil does its best to keep you from learning faith in God, it wants you to learn faith in it, many times it being government. Rights, especially the freedom of religion are much like a muscle, if we don’t exercise our right it can wither and die. I didn’t get this back then how a persons faith in God could be a threat to government. I didn’t get that “big picture” back then, but I get it now.
My mother was born in 1926 so next July she would have been 100 years old. I’m positive my father was waiting for her in heaven. And I’m sure my mother welcomed my brother John 17 years ago almost to the day when he found his way back home.
I came across this video. This was my mother’s favorite song. I wanted to share it with you. The singer is 100 years old. Appreciate and exercise your rights Today, Happy Sunday!! I miss you mom. J.Goodrich
Beautiful story, James and Ave Maria is such a lovely song and almost transcends us to heaven when sung by this lovely lady. I wasn't raised in a Catholic Church (Southern Baptist, instead) but my son converted about four years ago and has now been called to the priesthood. It's been enlightening for me. I praise God for all these freedoms.
As I have sung Schubert’s version of Ave Maria I have also sang the Gounod version of Ave Maria. Gounod took Bach’s Prelude # 1 in C Major changed it a bit and wrote a melody for the Ave Maria. It is a beautiful song.
I am sure: my mother was German and she was a trained Soprano.. no kidding and her cousin was an Opera singer.. they were German Catholics. My mother also played piano.. (classical) bango, guitar. slide guitar: I INHERITED ZERO MUSICAL TALENT.. but I am a music appreciator have perfect pitch.. in my ear.. so I can HEAR.. perfection.. makes up for my lack on the ability to play or sing. ;) She would listen to Beethhoven.. all the greats and also the Pop musicians in German.. there was German music store in Arlington.. and DC at the time.. a German restaurants.. we went to. Such a different time.. hard to believe I lived through it all.
My mother sang Ave Maria in Catholic Church masses all her adult life. . . Gounod version? who knows, I have almost no technical knowledge of music, but I'll bet Melanie would know!
Amazing . . . the number of people who have sung and know about this song.
Thank you.. I wondered what it was.. ALL TRADITIONAL CATHOLICS have AVE MARIA sung at their funeral. I can sing it still.. :) though I haven't been CATHOLIC in over 40+ years.
James, we take things for granted, but God allows things in our life for a purpose. I was raised in a family that went to church, and as a kid, I heard the Bible stories about Jesus and my mom sang to us, but I was spiritually blind. Until one night at the age of nine years old, I heard what the death of Christ was truly about—it was about my sin being paid on Him.
When I saw my sin on Christ, who did not deserve to die but died for me, I was broken and repented and trusted Him to save me from my sin—my soul was now in His hands, never to be rejected or cut off from God again.
As I look back, that whole experience was of GOD and not me. GOD chose my parents, I did not. GOD took those nine years of Bible teachings and a simple country preacher to bring me to the foot of the cross, so I could gaze at the One who died for me—it’s all about GOD bringing me to Christ, His only son. That’s why He and He alone is to be glorified—it’s all about Christ. 🤗
It’s so sweet to trust in Jesus—soon, I’ll see Him face to face. 🙂
Great story CQL, I was taught pretty thoroughly, even CCD for years, but I lived my life not truly understanding and not seeing all of the connections to present life. I’m going to add this video if I can find it. It’s certainly not me but it explains how people live without knowledge. I never considered myself an atheist btw.
Oh that was among the most beautiful singings of Ave Maria i have heard and seen. She is so beautiful too and the music filled her. and thank you for this post, so true. I joined the Catholic church, the first church I ever belonged to at age 45 - 21 years ago. My husband, raised Baptist, did not want to join but supported me 100%. I fully participated in the church up until we moved to central Texas to be closer to my family. The thing about the Catholic church I love is that when I couldn't go to church pretty much for the last 4-5 years, a priest would bring communion to me when I would ask. I just called the closest church to me. One came a gave me the sacrament of the sick before a surgery. I have begun going again and am going to a Latin Mass, but there is not much singing in the congregation and I miss singing with a group, may have to join the choir. Mac was a believer but did not like organized religion. at his funeral, I read this quote he liked from the movie Alamo ""I say this: I can never find a way to argue down you that don't believe. But I believe in the Lord God Almighty. All-knowing and all-forgiving. And I believe that good shall be triumphant in the end. And that evil shall be vanquished. I believe in the hereafter." thanks again Happy Sunday to you and yours.
Mom also born in 1926. Loved music and, along with Dad, introduced us to some of the best the world had to offer throughout our childhood. During two summers at National Music Camp (Interlochen Michigan), we sang some of the world's most treasured liturgical music in High School Choir.
Thank you, James, for this gorgeous video of a gorgeous lady singing one of the most beautiful renditions of Ave Maria.
I got a lesson in faith when I was on vacation in San Antonio and went to the magnificent cathedral of San Fernando. Built in 1731, it is the oldest church in TX. It was HOT the day we visited. I thought of the conditions at the time, the sacrifice of time and money, and the work involved and realized how much these people, who built our nation, were compared to modern Americans. We truly are in a spiritual crisis.
That song brought tears to my eyes! My mother lived to the age of 94, and she was a singer all her life. Memories... I miss her every day! Thanks, James.
James, during the Biden years I was discouraged we’d never regain the freedom to speak freely and express our displeasure with Government’s actions against freedom loving conservatives. As I watched the total destruction of morality within the people and the government I became somewhat depressed that my elder years would see our nation turn totally away from the vision of our founders and our Father in Heaven.
I now believe there was a purpose to God’s plan that we see what happens when destructive people are placed as leaders. The silent majority has found their voice and now appreciates the freedom to worship as we see fit. Charlie Kirk’s political assassination really is the turning point for not only the young, but for us who have gained years of experience, but not as much wisdom as I’d once thought I had. God bless.
Beautiful James.This dear sweet lady was singing from her heart. I have sang this the Schubert Rendition of Ave Maria only in Latin. It is such a beautiful song. The words are equally beautiful.
It appears to me there is really only ONE real version of the actual song -- lyrics actually by Aurélie Jousset . . .
I cannot find any but the Gounod version on line. I believe that must be the version my mother sang; best exemplified by the link I provided abiove with a woman singing so effortlessly and pure voice.
This explains it all from what I can tell; lots of jargon in there way beyond me!
Be careful J.G. what you put in print as a bonafide licensed contractor....
It could lead to having you to purchase a Mal-practice insurance to keep in operation! BBB/FDA/CDC/FBI/CIA/HUD/DOD/MADD/would all mandate a cooperation to continue!
Thank you and have a pleasant day sir, "your business is our business".
So so funny! Thank you. How homesteading could leave you enough time to do this too, is beyond me. Unless maybe you're assembling these things while jetting around the world?
It’s literally insane. I desperately want to ask the question why? to these people, but I know their answer would be “ why do you care what I do” and I just don’t want to go there. lol
I wore a mask when I went to the supermarket, but only because they required it. My mask was made of a mesh material, basically a "fake mask", and I wore it very loosely, so I could still breathe!
They're still wearing masks, especially in blue areas. Minds are completely rotted by our education system, too many toxic injections, and too much trust in "the experts." What a tragedy for our country.
_____
We asked Grok where people were still regularly wearing masks in America. Answer:
Healthcare facilities, hospitals, long-term care centers, and shelters nationwide. Certain California counties like Sonoma during winter. Washington DC and high-COVID areas like Salt Lake City.
_____
Same question to Chat GPT:
It depends a lot on location & setting, but there are places in the U.S. where mask-use is still fairly common or required. I dug up what the recent info shows. If you tell me a city or state, I can give you more specific local detail. Here’s a broad view:
Where masks are still commonly worn or required
Health care settings & long-term care facilities
Many hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, etc., still require masks (for staff, visitors, etc.), especially in patient care areas. This seems to be one of the most consistent settings.
Areas preparing for winter respiratory illness season
Some counties (e.g. parts of the Bay Area in California) are reinstating mask mandates or strongly recommending masks in indoor health care settings or long‐term care to protect vulnerable populations as flu/RSV/COVID rise.
Public transportation / airports / transit hubs
Mask use (and sometimes mandates) are still more common in transit contexts, especially in busy or enclosed spaces. (Though note: many federal mandates have ended, so now it can vary a lot by locality.)
More cautious / health-vulnerable individuals & dense urban spots
Even where there are no rules, many people choose to wear masks in indoor crowded places (stores, restaurants) if they’re medically vulnerable or simply more cautious. Big cities and areas with more public health consciousness tend to see higher usage. Anecdotes from places like San Francisco, parts of the Bay Area, etc., show “you’ll still see lots of masks around.”
Where masks are rarely seen any more (outside required settings)
In many rural or lower population density areas, mask usage has dropped significantly outside of required settings (e.g. health care).
In many states/localities, most mandates (if they existed) have been lifted, especially for general indoor public spaces.
Reading today's funnies had me in tears of laughter. The cow with the cat/calf and the dog/cat therapy were some of the funniest things I've ever seen. It's only four in the morning and you have made my day. Bless you.
I find when I build shelves for all my stuff I tend to purge more of excess stuff because I can actually see all my stuff and realize most of it can go away.
Sent my kids this morning’s memes—should hear their response in a few hours, since it’s only 6:30 AM. 🤣 But it is Sunday!!
Cautiously optimistic that all the hostages will be released by midday tomorrow. If they are released, I wonder what the Left and Democrats (sorry for the redundancy) will protest about—never mind, ICE is still saving America, so the insurrection will continue.
Told my wife that I remember a shutdown happening while in the Army under President Carter—the threat of not being paid was swirling around. Sure enough, in October 1978, the government shut down for 17 days, which was the longest shutdown in history at the time.
There were two reasons for the shutdown: 1) Carter did not want to fund a new Nuclear Aircraft Carrier—he thought it was a waste of money. 2) There was an abortion issue in the bill that would save the lives of the unborn. So nothing has changed with the Democrats in 47 years—they continue to destroy our military in various ways (DEI, Trans, LGBTQ+) and they still promote and celebrate the killing of unborn children. To open up the government at that time, Republicans dropped the Nuclear Aircraft Carrier, and settled to allow abortion for unborn children, for the mother’s health, those conceived in rape, and incest.
The Democratic Party is godless. They stand against God and any righteousness expressed in Scripture. This is a spiritual war being fought on a physical plane. I pray that followers of Christ will be relentless in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, so lives can be truly changed—therein lies our hope, and the true hope for a true peace in Gaza. 🤗
Wow! Today's funnies were perfect for the time we're in. Trump has just proved Hamas is easier to negotiate with than the Democrats. I hope they see that one! I can't pick a favorite they're all winners! Thank you for entertaining and enlightening us.
In my book, a hoarder is a person who can't bear to get rid of ANYTHING, regardless of how useless it might be.
In contrast, a prepper stores stuff that can facilitate survival in tough times - stuff like food, fuel, medical supplies, seeds and other gardening supplies.
The cursive/stick shift one made me laugh...reminds me of my niece's response to her family getting a home phone...in awe, she told a friend, "We got a new phone, and it's so neat! You just plug it into the wall, and it WORKS!!"
My favorite funny is “ You don’t realize how old you are until you get out of a camp chair” Boy can I relate to that. Before my back surgery I had to be helped out of a camp chair. My husband bought me a camp chair from Costco that has a supported seat and a little side table. It is just perfect for the beach or soccer game. Have a great day. We are in Arizona to see our new beautiful little granddaughter. I’m in seventh heaven.
The Border Collie told him he was just a sheep in wolf's clothing. And all the Husky's dreams of streaking across the frozen tundra melted right there.
The left wants to destroy all rules and the right is trying to bring back the rules into a balance that keeps the society whole. Then we have other invading societies and their agents who want to impose their rules and replace our rules. China certainly fits a long-term plan to do just that. Mohammed is also in the mix and it is successfully converting Europe into an eastern culture. Their rules are draconian.
Good memes and videos. Loved the dog who follows the rules and reins in the other one. It reminds me of my husband and me. I’m always having to rein him in😂😂😂
This morning I should be a meme. It should be me sitting here looking at these saying "The Doctor's actually do know me!" I have been trying for years to teach my kids that sometimes you have to break rules set by the government. You should see them get tense at my parking in places that arbitrarily have a No Parking sign. They lose it when I walk into a place and go where I want to go, like in their school or a store. Oh the times I've said to them "What is the worst that can happen?, "A fine won't kill you" or "I'm not scared of a Karen."
I have all my licenses and permits!!! (Certificates registrations and insurance as well)!!!
Too often when we’re young we don’t get the “big picture” of what we’re being taught. We probably all at times wish we were younger, but if only we could bring with us the wisdom we have acquired. Wisdom is gained when we are finally able to absorb and realize those lessons that were handed to us. At that time in our lives we didn’t realize or appreciate their importance. I sometimes wonder where I’d be if I understood the lessons the first time around.
My mother was always proud to be Catholic and proud to raise her kids as Catholic. As a kid I didn’t look at being able to go to church as a precious right. I didn’t realize, connect or appreciate how much suffering so many people had lived through just so that building, the church, could actually exist, and that I was free to go and listen to a priest give his sermon. A priest, a teacher, with the core part of his role being to educate and guide the faithful. Isn’t it true that too many of us (myself) didn’t appreciate something until a government or an administration forces the closure of churches, or sends the FBI into Catholic Churches to find if they talk of being free from them. As a kid I didn’t get that evil does its best to keep you from learning faith in God, it wants you to learn faith in it, many times it being government. Rights, especially the freedom of religion are much like a muscle, if we don’t exercise our right it can wither and die. I didn’t get this back then how a persons faith in God could be a threat to government. I didn’t get that “big picture” back then, but I get it now.
My mother was born in 1926 so next July she would have been 100 years old. I’m positive my father was waiting for her in heaven. And I’m sure my mother welcomed my brother John 17 years ago almost to the day when he found his way back home.
I came across this video. This was my mother’s favorite song. I wanted to share it with you. The singer is 100 years old. Appreciate and exercise your rights Today, Happy Sunday!! I miss you mom. J.Goodrich
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16a3A8ATbz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Wow - the video... What an inspiration!
Better than "traitor swift" could ever hope for.
Amazing, incredible and wonderfully performed by that precious 'senior' lady!
Thanks, James!
Beautiful story, James and Ave Maria is such a lovely song and almost transcends us to heaven when sung by this lovely lady. I wasn't raised in a Catholic Church (Southern Baptist, instead) but my son converted about four years ago and has now been called to the priesthood. It's been enlightening for me. I praise God for all these freedoms.
My grandmother used to sing Gounod's version at high mass
As I have sung Schubert’s version of Ave Maria I have also sang the Gounod version of Ave Maria. Gounod took Bach’s Prelude # 1 in C Major changed it a bit and wrote a melody for the Ave Maria. It is a beautiful song.
I am sure: my mother was German and she was a trained Soprano.. no kidding and her cousin was an Opera singer.. they were German Catholics. My mother also played piano.. (classical) bango, guitar. slide guitar: I INHERITED ZERO MUSICAL TALENT.. but I am a music appreciator have perfect pitch.. in my ear.. so I can HEAR.. perfection.. makes up for my lack on the ability to play or sing. ;) She would listen to Beethhoven.. all the greats and also the Pop musicians in German.. there was German music store in Arlington.. and DC at the time.. a German restaurants.. we went to. Such a different time.. hard to believe I lived through it all.
Having perfect pitch is a musical gift. You should learn an instrument. It is never too late to learn.
My mother sang Ave Maria in Catholic Church masses all her adult life. . . Gounod version? who knows, I have almost no technical knowledge of music, but I'll bet Melanie would know!
Amazing . . . the number of people who have sung and know about this song.
Thank you.. I wondered what it was.. ALL TRADITIONAL CATHOLICS have AVE MARIA sung at their funeral. I can sing it still.. :) though I haven't been CATHOLIC in over 40+ years.
Beautiful message this morning dear James. Thank you.
That video. Happy tears 🥲🥰🥰🥰
Thank You Laura, I hope you enjoyed Ave Maria on your Sunday morning!!
James, we take things for granted, but God allows things in our life for a purpose. I was raised in a family that went to church, and as a kid, I heard the Bible stories about Jesus and my mom sang to us, but I was spiritually blind. Until one night at the age of nine years old, I heard what the death of Christ was truly about—it was about my sin being paid on Him.
When I saw my sin on Christ, who did not deserve to die but died for me, I was broken and repented and trusted Him to save me from my sin—my soul was now in His hands, never to be rejected or cut off from God again.
As I look back, that whole experience was of GOD and not me. GOD chose my parents, I did not. GOD took those nine years of Bible teachings and a simple country preacher to bring me to the foot of the cross, so I could gaze at the One who died for me—it’s all about GOD bringing me to Christ, His only son. That’s why He and He alone is to be glorified—it’s all about Christ. 🤗
It’s so sweet to trust in Jesus—soon, I’ll see Him face to face. 🙂
"I’ll see him face to face"
Final stanza, Brad Paisley, "When I Get where I am Going."
Great story CQL, I was taught pretty thoroughly, even CCD for years, but I lived my life not truly understanding and not seeing all of the connections to present life. I’m going to add this video if I can find it. It’s certainly not me but it explains how people live without knowledge. I never considered myself an atheist btw.
https://www.google.com/search?q=comedian+meets+a+man+that+calls+him+a+moron+for+not+reading+the+bibl&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:903d6519,vid:3bIFFv3UCU0,st:0
Thank you for that beautiful video, what a great way to start any morning but, especially a Sunday morning. My mom used to sing this song.....
Oh that was among the most beautiful singings of Ave Maria i have heard and seen. She is so beautiful too and the music filled her. and thank you for this post, so true. I joined the Catholic church, the first church I ever belonged to at age 45 - 21 years ago. My husband, raised Baptist, did not want to join but supported me 100%. I fully participated in the church up until we moved to central Texas to be closer to my family. The thing about the Catholic church I love is that when I couldn't go to church pretty much for the last 4-5 years, a priest would bring communion to me when I would ask. I just called the closest church to me. One came a gave me the sacrament of the sick before a surgery. I have begun going again and am going to a Latin Mass, but there is not much singing in the congregation and I miss singing with a group, may have to join the choir. Mac was a believer but did not like organized religion. at his funeral, I read this quote he liked from the movie Alamo ""I say this: I can never find a way to argue down you that don't believe. But I believe in the Lord God Almighty. All-knowing and all-forgiving. And I believe that good shall be triumphant in the end. And that evil shall be vanquished. I believe in the hereafter." thanks again Happy Sunday to you and yours.
Mom also born in 1926. Loved music and, along with Dad, introduced us to some of the best the world had to offer throughout our childhood. During two summers at National Music Camp (Interlochen Michigan), we sang some of the world's most treasured liturgical music in High School Choir.
Thank you, James, for this gorgeous video of a gorgeous lady singing one of the most beautiful renditions of Ave Maria.
I got a lesson in faith when I was on vacation in San Antonio and went to the magnificent cathedral of San Fernando. Built in 1731, it is the oldest church in TX. It was HOT the day we visited. I thought of the conditions at the time, the sacrifice of time and money, and the work involved and realized how much these people, who built our nation, were compared to modern Americans. We truly are in a spiritual crisis.
https://amazingamerica.com/locations/san-fernando-cathedral/
Amazing video and one of my favorite songs! We had it played at my Dad’s funeral in 1988! Thanks for sharing it,James❣️
That song brought tears to my eyes! My mother lived to the age of 94, and she was a singer all her life. Memories... I miss her every day! Thanks, James.
me too, my Mom too!
James, during the Biden years I was discouraged we’d never regain the freedom to speak freely and express our displeasure with Government’s actions against freedom loving conservatives. As I watched the total destruction of morality within the people and the government I became somewhat depressed that my elder years would see our nation turn totally away from the vision of our founders and our Father in Heaven.
I now believe there was a purpose to God’s plan that we see what happens when destructive people are placed as leaders. The silent majority has found their voice and now appreciates the freedom to worship as we see fit. Charlie Kirk’s political assassination really is the turning point for not only the young, but for us who have gained years of experience, but not as much wisdom as I’d once thought I had. God bless.
amazing James:
-- also grew up Catholic
-- "My mother was always proud to be Catholic and proud to raise her kids as Catholic." yep, same here. Irish Catholic; never missed mass.
-- mother also sang as a soloist soprano Ave Maria in the church for various services
-- she probably liked this or Pie Jesu the best
-- she would be over 104 by now
assuming your link goes to a version of Ave Maria based on Barbara's note below. . . FB has had my access off for years . . . never figured out why.
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=ave+maria+gounad&t=brave&ia=videos&iax=videos&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DAbZfYP8hlLc
Found it - https://www.tiktok.com/@piano_ono/video/7556957866477817101
thank you!
Beautiful James.This dear sweet lady was singing from her heart. I have sang this the Schubert Rendition of Ave Maria only in Latin. It is such a beautiful song. The words are equally beautiful.
So Melanie, how would I know(the great unwashed here. . .!) which version my Mom sang in the 60's, through 80's? Guessing Guonod's version but ??!
Look both songs up on YouTube. Do you remember her singing it? You might recognize the right songs.
yep, Guonod version, pretty sure.
Look both songs up on YouTube.
Yep, I tried:
It appears to me there is really only ONE real version of the actual song -- lyrics actually by Aurélie Jousset . . .
I cannot find any but the Gounod version on line. I believe that must be the version my mother sang; best exemplified by the link I provided abiove with a woman singing so effortlessly and pure voice.
This explains it all from what I can tell; lots of jargon in there way beyond me!
https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/the-story-behind-ave-maria-by-gounod-bach
OK. I tried harder!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWe95K5BEoM
And mine on April 1 1922.
One of the most incredible things she ever said to me days before passing was,
"I can't wait to see my Dad again"!! Never heard her say that ever.
It was her motivation to leave the body and join the spirit of eternity.
It was humbling and mind blowing for certain! R
Be careful J.G. what you put in print as a bonafide licensed contractor....
It could lead to having you to purchase a Mal-practice insurance to keep in operation! BBB/FDA/CDC/FBI/CIA/HUD/DOD/MADD/would all mandate a cooperation to continue!
Thank you and have a pleasant day sir, "your business is our business".
Hahaha (deeper breath) hahahahaha.........................
Hooligan's and Rapscallion's the lot of em! R
Thank you, James. Are you still from Boston?
Yes, we do have a place in NH where we spend a lot of time.
I’m in Chelmsford. Keeping the faith.
Thank You Carol! I have done work in Chelmsford. It’s a beautiful town!!
So so funny! Thank you. How homesteading could leave you enough time to do this too, is beyond me. Unless maybe you're assembling these things while jetting around the world?
That one about covid being an IQ test is (almost) too true to be funny--but I still laughed!
I was always saddened when I walked in the woods and came across people wearing masks. I wanted to yell at them to breathe nature.
Same!! And in their cars!
Alone on the beach.
It’s literally insane. I desperately want to ask the question why? to these people, but I know their answer would be “ why do you care what I do” and I just don’t want to go there. lol
I wore a mask when I went to the supermarket, but only because they required it. My mask was made of a mesh material, basically a "fake mask", and I wore it very loosely, so I could still breathe!
Yeh, I see people wearing masks even now and I shake my head that people are afraid to BREATHE!
You may have felt much as I did, wondering why everyone seemed to have lost the ability to reason. Hopefully never again. 😊
Your mouth to God’s ears!
They're still wearing masks, especially in blue areas. Minds are completely rotted by our education system, too many toxic injections, and too much trust in "the experts." What a tragedy for our country.
_____
We asked Grok where people were still regularly wearing masks in America. Answer:
Healthcare facilities, hospitals, long-term care centers, and shelters nationwide. Certain California counties like Sonoma during winter. Washington DC and high-COVID areas like Salt Lake City.
_____
Same question to Chat GPT:
It depends a lot on location & setting, but there are places in the U.S. where mask-use is still fairly common or required. I dug up what the recent info shows. If you tell me a city or state, I can give you more specific local detail. Here’s a broad view:
Where masks are still commonly worn or required
Health care settings & long-term care facilities
Many hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, etc., still require masks (for staff, visitors, etc.), especially in patient care areas. This seems to be one of the most consistent settings.
Areas preparing for winter respiratory illness season
Some counties (e.g. parts of the Bay Area in California) are reinstating mask mandates or strongly recommending masks in indoor health care settings or long‐term care to protect vulnerable populations as flu/RSV/COVID rise.
Public transportation / airports / transit hubs
Mask use (and sometimes mandates) are still more common in transit contexts, especially in busy or enclosed spaces. (Though note: many federal mandates have ended, so now it can vary a lot by locality.)
More cautious / health-vulnerable individuals & dense urban spots
Even where there are no rules, many people choose to wear masks in indoor crowded places (stores, restaurants) if they’re medically vulnerable or simply more cautious. Big cities and areas with more public health consciousness tend to see higher usage. Anecdotes from places like San Francisco, parts of the Bay Area, etc., show “you’ll still see lots of masks around.”
Where masks are rarely seen any more (outside required settings)
In many rural or lower population density areas, mask usage has dropped significantly outside of required settings (e.g. health care).
In many states/localities, most mandates (if they existed) have been lifted, especially for general indoor public spaces.
_____
Ironically, Oregon wants to ban mask wearing by ICE agents after requiring masks for years. Oregon finally rescinded masking rules in 2023: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/RULESREGULATIONS/Documents/le-196189.pdf
When the government started pushing those experimental shots, a friend of mine commented that "they're trying to find out who the stupid people are".
I think they found them.
Reading today's funnies had me in tears of laughter. The cow with the cat/calf and the dog/cat therapy were some of the funniest things I've ever seen. It's only four in the morning and you have made my day. Bless you.
Morning tribe.
Stuff to store your stuff...
I find when I build shelves for all my stuff I tend to purge more of excess stuff because I can actually see all my stuff and realize most of it can go away.
We are seeing new storage units popping up around here like mushrooms. My wife is keeping count
Happy Sunday!!!
Sent my kids this morning’s memes—should hear their response in a few hours, since it’s only 6:30 AM. 🤣 But it is Sunday!!
Cautiously optimistic that all the hostages will be released by midday tomorrow. If they are released, I wonder what the Left and Democrats (sorry for the redundancy) will protest about—never mind, ICE is still saving America, so the insurrection will continue.
Told my wife that I remember a shutdown happening while in the Army under President Carter—the threat of not being paid was swirling around. Sure enough, in October 1978, the government shut down for 17 days, which was the longest shutdown in history at the time.
There were two reasons for the shutdown: 1) Carter did not want to fund a new Nuclear Aircraft Carrier—he thought it was a waste of money. 2) There was an abortion issue in the bill that would save the lives of the unborn. So nothing has changed with the Democrats in 47 years—they continue to destroy our military in various ways (DEI, Trans, LGBTQ+) and they still promote and celebrate the killing of unborn children. To open up the government at that time, Republicans dropped the Nuclear Aircraft Carrier, and settled to allow abortion for unborn children, for the mother’s health, those conceived in rape, and incest.
The Democratic Party is godless. They stand against God and any righteousness expressed in Scripture. This is a spiritual war being fought on a physical plane. I pray that followers of Christ will be relentless in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, so lives can be truly changed—therein lies our hope, and the true hope for a true peace in Gaza. 🤗
HAPPY SUNDAY!!!
thanks CQL, and a very Happy one to you too.
Wow! Today's funnies were perfect for the time we're in. Trump has just proved Hamas is easier to negotiate with than the Democrats. I hope they see that one! I can't pick a favorite they're all winners! Thank you for entertaining and enlightening us.
I especially like the one about buying stuff to store stuff. That's me! I have a good excuse, though: I'm a prepper.
Which has always been confusing to me: hoarder v. prepper — is it contextual?
My mom is a hoarder as most of her accumulation has little future utility in the event of…
OTOH, my excess is with purpose
Of course, I ‘spect mom would disagree 😉
In my book, a hoarder is a person who can't bear to get rid of ANYTHING, regardless of how useless it might be.
In contrast, a prepper stores stuff that can facilitate survival in tough times - stuff like food, fuel, medical supplies, seeds and other gardening supplies.
The cursive/stick shift one made me laugh...reminds me of my niece's response to her family getting a home phone...in awe, she told a friend, "We got a new phone, and it's so neat! You just plug it into the wall, and it WORKS!!"
I LOVED the dog walk one.
My favorite funny is “ You don’t realize how old you are until you get out of a camp chair” Boy can I relate to that. Before my back surgery I had to be helped out of a camp chair. My husband bought me a camp chair from Costco that has a supported seat and a little side table. It is just perfect for the beach or soccer game. Have a great day. We are in Arizona to see our new beautiful little granddaughter. I’m in seventh heaven.
The Border Collie told him he was just a sheep in wolf's clothing. And all the Husky's dreams of streaking across the frozen tundra melted right there.
😂😂😂
The left wants to destroy all rules and the right is trying to bring back the rules into a balance that keeps the society whole. Then we have other invading societies and their agents who want to impose their rules and replace our rules. China certainly fits a long-term plan to do just that. Mohammed is also in the mix and it is successfully converting Europe into an eastern culture. Their rules are draconian.
Why people don’t see this Muslim Invasion is beyond the pale!!!
I want the dog in the rules meme… and I’ll take the second meme one too! Don’t tell me animals are stupid! Thanks for a great laugh!
Good memes and videos. Loved the dog who follows the rules and reins in the other one. It reminds me of my husband and me. I’m always having to rein him in😂😂😂
This morning I should be a meme. It should be me sitting here looking at these saying "The Doctor's actually do know me!" I have been trying for years to teach my kids that sometimes you have to break rules set by the government. You should see them get tense at my parking in places that arbitrarily have a No Parking sign. They lose it when I walk into a place and go where I want to go, like in their school or a store. Oh the times I've said to them "What is the worst that can happen?, "A fine won't kill you" or "I'm not scared of a Karen."
We'd get along, Kirsten.