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You are here: Home / Politics / Domestic Politics / Saturday Morning Open Thread

Saturday Morning Open Thread

by Betty Cracker|  February 1, 20148:59 am| 71 Comments

This post is in: Domestic Politics, Open Threads

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As some of y’all know from a comment I made in a late night thread last weekend, the mister and I found out that his dad and my mom have sudden, life-threatening health issues. Thanks to everyone who has inquired after our family and offered support and encouragement. I really do appreciate it.

This all came out of the blue as both sets of parents were in good health. Hell, my grandmothers are both still alive and in fine shape for a pair of old ladies.

But we’re all walking on a layer of thin ice all the time, aren’t we? Sometimes, if we’re lucky, circumstances allow us to forget that for awhile, but we should never mistake that for anything other than a temporary reprieve.

Anyhoo, we’re in a waiting game now and will be for the foreseeable future. This is our new reality. And that’s all I have to say about that. Now, here’s a hedgehog and a flower to look at:

hedgie_flower

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Previous Post: « Late Night Open Thread: Somebody Throw A Bucket of Water Over TBogg
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Reader Interactions

71Comments

  1. 1.

    Baud

    February 1, 2014 at 9:02 am

    Hoping for the best for the Cracker clan.

  2. 2.

    gene108

    February 1, 2014 at 9:03 am

    Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

    Hedgehog looks super cute.

    Did your daughter get her wish and get a hedgehog as a pet?

  3. 3.

    SiubhanDuinne

    February 1, 2014 at 9:04 am

    Betty, many of us have been there and played that dreadful waiting game. It’s a cliché, but the experience really can be an emotional roller-coaster. Thinking of you and your husband (and daughter, too, who must feel the illness of two grandparents at once very heavily).

  4. 4.

    MattF

    February 1, 2014 at 9:05 am

    It’s a tough time. My only advice is to do your best and be comforted with that.

  5. 5.

    Elizabelle

    February 1, 2014 at 9:05 am

    Betty: thanks again for recommending Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild.” Loved it.

    Thinking of you as you and your family await the next turn fate/health issues have in store for you.

    Meantime, the hedgehog is a fine Saturday accompaniment.

  6. 6.

    greennotGreen

    February 1, 2014 at 9:07 am

    I hope they both have good insurance. Knowing the bills will be paid without placing an undue burden on personal finances allows a patient and loved ones to focus on what’s really important: getting well. (I know this from personal experience.)

  7. 7.

    gogol's wife

    February 1, 2014 at 9:07 am

    I’m so sorry, I missed that information. I’ll be thinking of you.

  8. 8.

    SiubhanDuinne

    February 1, 2014 at 9:07 am

    This seems odd. Three prominent bankers in less than a week.

    Bloomberg is reporting this morning that former Federal Reserve economist Mike Dueker was found dead in an apparent suicide near Tacoma, Washington.

    Dueker, 50, a chief economist at Russell Investments, had been missing since Jan. 29 and was reportedly having troubles at work.

    Normally HousingWire wouldn’t cover deaths in the industry, but what’s strange is that Dueker is the third prominent banker found dead since Sunday.

    On Sunday, William Broeksmit, 58, former senior manager for Deutsche Bank, was found hanging in his home, also an apparent suicide.

    On Tuesday, Gabriel Magee, 39, vice president at JPMorgan Chase & Co’s (JPM) London headquarters, apparently jumped to his death from a building in the Canary Wharf area.

  9. 9.

    JPL

    February 1, 2014 at 9:08 am

    Betty, Hugs to you and your family and thank you for the update.

  10. 10.

    Linda Featheringill

    February 1, 2014 at 9:08 am

    Cute hedgehog.

    We humans are fragile. And temporary.

    [[hugs]]

  11. 11.

    NotMax

    February 1, 2014 at 9:09 am

    Open Thread?

    It’s Oscar month on TCM, so the pickings are lush, but must mention one particular standout coming up in a few days.

    Tues., Feb. 4, 4:00 p.m. (Eastern) – Z

    High up on my personal list of best political thrillers, and one I cannot not watch whenever it is on. Based on true events, it nevertheless transcends nationality in depicting the insidious callousness and casual brutality of power.

  12. 12.

    Linda Featheringill

    February 1, 2014 at 9:10 am

    I know that you’re stressed out and run ragged but it would be good if you could schedule some one-on-one time with your daughter during this time. It might be good for both of you.

  13. 13.

    Debbie(aussie)

    February 1, 2014 at 9:10 am

    Betty, to your family, my best wishes. May you have all the love you need and all the support you want.
    Take Care. Deb

  14. 14.

    Mustang Bobby

    February 1, 2014 at 9:12 am

    Betty, I’m holding you and your family close in my thoughts. Best wishes from the South Florida contingent.

    Re: MSNBC caving to the bullies over a silly tweet: I went to high school with Phil Griffin, who is now the president of MSNBC. The kid I knew would not have groveled to a twerp like Reince Priebus. But that was forty years ago.

  15. 15.

    TR

    February 1, 2014 at 9:14 am

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    Sounds like a Grisham novel.

  16. 16.

    Baud

    February 1, 2014 at 9:15 am

    @Mustang Bobby:

    MSNBC is owned by Comcast. Griffin may himself be a wimp, but he also can’t forget who signs his paycheck.

  17. 17.

    the Conster

    February 1, 2014 at 9:16 am

    @NotMax:

    One of my all time favorites – I saw it at the theater when it came out, and at my very young age it woke me up politically from the moment that the magistrate used the word assassination instead of referring to the murder. I was never going to be a fascist sympathizer as long as I lived.

  18. 18.

    the Conster

    February 1, 2014 at 9:17 am

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    Too bad it isn’t Blankfeld and Dimon. That would be an epic start.

  19. 19.

    Ash Can

    February 1, 2014 at 9:20 am

    Betty, thanks for taking the time to keep us updated. At a time when a web site full of anonymous cranks and oddballs should be the least of your worries, it’s nice of you to do this. Really.

    And tiggywinkle!

  20. 20.

    c u n d gulag

    February 1, 2014 at 9:23 am

    I wish you nothing but the best, Betty!!!
    The last two years in our family haven’t exactly been a picnic, either, so I understand what you’re going through.

  21. 21.

    MattF

    February 1, 2014 at 9:30 am

    @SiubhanDuinne: Not to get all technical, but random events tend to be ‘bunchier’ than one would expect intuitively. Now, if another half-dozen bankers jump– something might be going on.

  22. 22.

    Betsy

    February 1, 2014 at 9:31 am

    Hi Betty, I’m sorry to hear that, and I hope that you and your mom and dad-in-law, and all your family, get everything you need.

  23. 23.

    Betsy

    February 1, 2014 at 9:32 am

    Hi Betty, I’m sorry to hear that, and I hope that you and your mom and dad-in-law, and all your family, get everything you need.

  24. 24.

    DougJ

    February 1, 2014 at 9:33 am

    Best wishes on dealing with this.

  25. 25.

    Svensker

    February 1, 2014 at 9:33 am

    Hugs.

  26. 26.

    Fuzzy

    February 1, 2014 at 9:36 am

    I hope the SUPBOWL will help deflect your families woes for a few hours tomorrow or at least give you’all something different to focus on for a while.

  27. 27.

    JPL

    February 1, 2014 at 9:40 am

    @MattF: It won’t take another six for me to start having doubts.

  28. 28.

    satby

    February 1, 2014 at 9:47 am

    Betty, keeping your entire family in my thoughts. Best wishes.

  29. 29.

    wenchacha

    February 1, 2014 at 9:50 am

    Betty: Hang in there, woman. Do whatever you need to do for yourself to stay sane. That goes double for your husband, and the two of you as a couple. I wish you all the best in the coming days and months.

  30. 30.

    Rosalita

    February 1, 2014 at 9:51 am

    Betty, I’m so sorry to hear that. The beginning of 2014 has been a trial up here in CT too. Courage!

  31. 31.

    Amir Khalid

    February 1, 2014 at 9:54 am

    An amusing story — an ingenious man uses one first-class plane ticket to eat a year’s worth of free lunches at an airport’s first-class lounge. When the airline finally confronts him, all they can do is refund his original plane fare.

  32. 32.

    JPL

    February 1, 2014 at 9:56 am

    @SiubhanDuinne: For you and other Atlanta area b.j.er’s, it didn’t take long for the DGA to respond to the Governor’s incompetence.

  33. 33.

    OzarkHillbilly

    February 1, 2014 at 9:59 am

    Betty, warm thoughts and good wishes. Wish I could do more.

  34. 34.

    Kristine

    February 1, 2014 at 10:00 am

    ::good thoughts headed your way::

  35. 35.

    Infamous Heel-Filcher

    February 1, 2014 at 10:00 am

    @NotMax: Curse comcast for not including TCM in the next-up-from-basic package.

    Speaking of waiting games (all my best wishes, Betty), I got my first job offer yesterday: a postdoctoral fellowship in Bogota, Colombia at the Universidad de los Andes.

    Let’s just say that both Ms Heel-Filcher and I are alternately ecstatic and terrified.

  36. 36.

    Villago Delenda Est

    February 1, 2014 at 10:01 am

    Hugs and good thoughts, Betty.

  37. 37.

    IowaOldLady

    February 1, 2014 at 10:07 am

    Betty, take it easy on yourself too.

  38. 38.

    Amir Khalid

    February 1, 2014 at 10:09 am

    @Infamous Heel-Filcher:
    Universidad de los Andes? Does that mean the campus is up in the mountains, with a spectacular view thereof? If so, congratulations, dress warm, and send pictures.

    I add my bit to the group hug for Betty C, and I second Linda Featheringill’s wise words.

  39. 39.

    raven

    February 1, 2014 at 10:10 am

    All the best to you and yours Betty.

  40. 40.

    Drunken hausfrau

    February 1, 2014 at 10:10 am

    I adore hedgehogs!!! Thanks for that bit of squee in the morning.

    Sorry about the health news… Lost both our dads quickly in serious health episodes, so we know the dread you are feeling. Remember to take time to share laughter with both of them, in spite of the health issues.

    OT: right wing is gearing up a boycott of Girl Scout Cookies, again, because those girls are uppity… Buy cookies, even if you don’t want to eat them. My troop years ago used to offer the option to buy cookies for the local food pantry. I can tell you that the food pantry was thrilled to have a treat to offer! And when we delivered the cases of cookies, the hungry people waiting for food were always so happy to see the girls and thank them for the cookies, it was heartbreaking. Buy more GS cookies…donate them, use them in recipes, give them to the homeless, feed them to the squirrels… Whatever, just buy them!

  41. 41.

    SiubhanDuinne

    February 1, 2014 at 10:11 am

    @JPL:

    Good spot. Hope it can be tailored specifically for Jason Carter’s campaign.

  42. 42.

    Mnemosyne

    February 1, 2014 at 10:11 am

    Yes, G and I both know the waiting game quite well, unfortunately. Ours combined took about five years, so you may have more time than you think. However much you have, try to enjoy the person for as long as possible and not think too much about the future (beyond making sure all of the needed paperwork like advance directives, power of attorneys, etc. is in place).

  43. 43.

    GregB

    February 1, 2014 at 10:11 am

    Sending positive vibes to you and your family Betty.

  44. 44.

    CaseyL

    February 1, 2014 at 10:12 am

    Betty – good and hopeful thoughts for you and your family.

    Hedgehogs are adorable, and I love seeing pix of them being cuddled and dressed up and being generally cute-funny.

    Still very early here, for a Saturday morning; I’m tuned into MSNBC to see what the latest Christie revelations are.

  45. 45.

    Ash Can

    February 1, 2014 at 10:14 am

    @JPL: While the Atlanta mayor didn’t exactly distinguish himself either, it’s good to see the DGA get on Deal’s case.

  46. 46.

    Dee Loralei

    February 1, 2014 at 10:16 am

    Betty, best thoughts and warmest wishes for your family. I’ve been through my own trials this past month, BJ is good people during distressing times.

  47. 47.

    MomSense

    February 1, 2014 at 10:24 am

    Betty, keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Sending you a big hug.

  48. 48.

    Neutron Flux

    February 1, 2014 at 10:25 am

    Hang tough Betty Cracker, hang tough.

  49. 49.

    Cermet

    February 1, 2014 at 10:32 am

    Hope they both get better; I understand what you are going through. Glade you are there for them and best wishes.

  50. 50.

    HRA

    February 1, 2014 at 10:34 am

    Wishing you and your family the best in what you are now facing.

  51. 51.

    tybee

    February 1, 2014 at 10:36 am

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    now if only jamie dimon would take the hint…

  52. 52.

    JPL

    February 1, 2014 at 10:37 am

    @Ash Can: True but Reed’s hands are tied outside the city of Atlanta. The head of GEMA, Charlie English, was criticized last year for lack of preparedness, from Homeland Security and he’s the one that dropped the ball. Deal defended him last year, but I think he’ll make some changes now.

  53. 53.

    tybee

    February 1, 2014 at 10:41 am

    @JPL:

    it would be nice to have a carter as guvna again.

    ETA: i see i was beaten to the punch by SiubhanDuinne

  54. 54.

    Citizen_X

    February 1, 2014 at 10:41 am

    Hang in there, Betty. Yes, it’s a thin cord that connects us to life. Way more fragile than we like to imagine.

    @Infamous Heel-Filcher: @Amir Khalid: Looks like it has a nice setting: downtown, backed right up against the mountains (3000 m ridges!). Probably has a great view of the city, too.

  55. 55.

    PurpleGirl

    February 1, 2014 at 10:42 am

    Betty — Hope that everything works out well for you and your family.

  56. 56.

    Amir Khalid

    February 1, 2014 at 10:54 am

    I first heard this old Irish song on a Pete Seeger album, but with all respect to him I think this version gets the point across so much better.

  57. 57.

    Infamous Heel-Filcher

    February 1, 2014 at 10:59 am

    @Citizen_X: A good setting, especially with mountains, is very good for my calm. Ms Heel-Filcher misses Colorado something fierce, but the immediate presence of the Andes might be a suitable temporary replacement.

  58. 58.

    dp

    February 1, 2014 at 11:20 am

    Best wishes to you and your family, Betty.

  59. 59.

    a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)

    February 1, 2014 at 11:27 am

    All my best wishes for you and yours, Betty Cracker.

  60. 60.

    Violet

    February 1, 2014 at 11:50 am

    Thanks for the update, Betty. Wishing all the best for the entire Cracker clan. Don’t forget to take care of yourself first so you are at your best when you want to take care of everyone else.

  61. 61.

    Ruckus

    February 1, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    Betty, all the best to you and your family.

  62. 62.

    Anne Laurie

    February 1, 2014 at 12:16 pm

    Keeping you and your kinfolk in my prayers, Betty.

    If your daughter is at all craft-y, she should check out Spoonflower.com, the designers there love hedgehog patterns!

  63. 63.

    Dead Ernest (Thought Wrangler)

    February 1, 2014 at 12:49 pm

    Dear Betty,

    So sorry to learn of your difficulties.
    Wishing you and yours all the best.

  64. 64.

    marindenver

    February 1, 2014 at 1:38 pm

    Wow Betty. I’m very sorry to hear that. Will be thinking of you and your family!

  65. 65.

    Suzanne

    February 1, 2014 at 1:55 pm

    Hugs to you and the whole Cracker family.

  66. 66.

    kathy a.

    February 1, 2014 at 2:14 pm

    ((( Betty ))) Very hard to deal with the serious health issues of one family member, let alone two. Sending much love.

  67. 67.

    rikyrah

    February 1, 2014 at 2:34 pm

    Prayers for you and your family Betty.

  68. 68.

    lurker dean

    February 1, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    wish you the best in this difficult time, betty.

  69. 69.

    Aleta

    February 1, 2014 at 4:02 pm

    Betty C, That’s such a good description of what it was like for me, too, w/ my mom. Waiting and improvising . Sudden view of the thin ice. Hope you can take good care of yourself as well as the others.

  70. 70.

    Tata

    February 1, 2014 at 4:55 pm

    Hoping for the best for you.

  71. 71.

    StringOnAStick

    February 2, 2014 at 3:41 pm

    Hugs and comfort to you and your family Betty.

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