A Whiff of Fall, Labor Shortage, The Reckoning is Coming

“You have been told that, even like a chain, you are as weak as your weakest link.
This is but half the truth.
You are also as strong as your strongest link.
To measure you by your smallest deed is to reckon the power of the ocean
by the frailty of its foam.
To judge you by your failures is to cast blame upon the seasons for their inconstancy.”
— Kahlil Gibran

Monday, thank you, it’s been too long; thank you for returning to my life, I’ve been on a journey, and you are just the thing I needed in my life today.  A few women here, leaving for the airport; if you are just catching up, my wife had in 10 women for a failed horse trip, but the failure turned into beauty; they had a great weekend.  I, too, had a great weekend, but I’m happy to be home.

I got home about 5:00; the ladies were here; Joshua and Charlie dropped me off, they headed to Parker to do a little work; I caught up with my wife and our friends sharing their weekend and me sharing mine.  We watched some television and went to bed early.  I had a great night of sleep and woke up ready to attack the week.

I got a whiff of fall this weekend.  With a slight chill and a change of a tree here and there, it’s time to get ready for the beauty of the aspens.  In September, we will be in Indiana for a week, then back in October through January. Although our time here is limited, I try to take in the view, beauty, and people knowing this is a temporary situation. 

For the last four days, I have not watched any news; I’ve been in a bit of a bubble with a good friend.  We talked about how divisive the world was and thought of ways to bring everyone together. We discussed finding common ground before exploring our differences. I think the key is love; all you need is love?

Our drive home was fun; the beauty of the area can be a little overwhelming.  We stopped in Gunnison for lunch at a Mexican joint.  Upon arrival, we were told the service would be prolonged due to only one cook.  We had a couple of drinks, got the special, and Joshua picked up the tab.  I gave $20.00 to our server and $20.00 to the chef, don’t forget to support and respect those who still have a penchant for work.

Many are not working; many are staying home getting paid to do nothing. I think work gives life value and accomplishment; what is going on in the minds of those that choose not to work?  What does one do all day if they don’t work?  How does one spend their time? How do you find self-worth?   Does the one who does not work think it fair to take from those working?  Can we respect and love those that choose to work in this freeloading era?

I guess Afghanistan has some issues, and here is a question, is it our duty to have troops protecting those that should protect themselves?  We have many problems in our own country; let’s focus on our land before meddling in other business.  Just my “two sense.”

As we dined, we talked about hospitality workers and how they needed to make a living wage.  I think we are not too far away from the $20.00 taco, increase prices to pay fair compensation.  There is a reckoning coming; stay tuned.

The amount of wealth out there these days is staggering. I see a lot of money at the top, a lot in the middle, and then very little in some segments of our society.  I fear that once the unconstitutional eviction ban is lifted, there will be a mass movement of humanity; I don’t have a solution, just wondering out loud what our country will look like in six months; the trend is not good.

I’m fine, my wife and I have means, we will be well-positioned to help others in need, and I am thankful for our blessed position.  We will continue supporting our team of twenty, their families, and their loved ones.  Our team will walk through the upcoming Reckoning; a serious question, will you?

My wife and her friends went to Boulder; it’s not like it was 12 months ago. So many of our favorite shops are closed, there are inventory shortages, labor is hard to find, it’s a symptom of some more significant issues beginning to show their face in society.  I’m trying to prepare you for what is coming, and it’s not pretty.

How about some good news? We’ve agreed to go solar on our home; that’s cool.  We’re helping the environment and helping fuel the grid.  As we came home yesterday, we talked about the new infrastructure plan and how we might see solar panel roads.  What if every building in our country had a solar roof, and we figured out a way to reclaim carbon as helpful energy?

I realized this weekend how much I love my wife.  I love her, it’s obvious, but I couldn’t wait to get home and get that first long hug and kiss.  I live a blessed life; I’m delighted; in fact, I might be the happiest man you encounter today.  I am not perfect, I have work to do, but I’ll do the job and try and become my best self.  I’ll make tiny changes daily to find the best version of myself, and I encourage you to join me on that journey.

“You have been told that, even like a chain, you are as weak as your weakest link.
This is but half the truth.
You are also as strong as your strongest link.
To measure you by your smallest deed is to reckon the power of the ocean
by the frailty of its foam.
To judge you by your failures is to cast blame upon the seasons for their inconstancy.”
— Kahlil Gibran