The 4th of July weekend is over but the birthday week begins. Company coming to Louisville, so cleaning and grocery shopping are in progress. Plus receiving new furniture for the new basement and assembling it. Lots to do.

But before diving in to all that work, some political commentary. There’s an incredible rumor/theory that state (fed?) Republicans are keeping Mitch McConnell alive, on a ventilator, until sometime in August at which point the state will be unable to hold a special election for his temporary replacement. (Context – In 2024 the KY GOP took poor Andy Beshear’s right as Governor to nominate MM’s successor, changing a longstanding law. I think this is another case of someone in conservative circles playing the long game again, successfully.) It sounds insane, but right on brand for MAGA – anything, anything at all to hold on to power. And it explains why there has been zero audio or video from Mitch since his heart attack last week.

If true, this is (a) elder abuse, (b) immoral and illegal, (c) absolutely infuriating. In life, McConnell changed the country when he broke the rules and did not allow Obama a SCOTUS pick. In death (?), he and his cronies manage to do the same.

Meanwhile, Donny Convict has managed to tarnish the US football team by intervening and getting our star player re-instated by FIFA. Everything he touches dies, and I predict Belgium will now kick our ass, righteously. Donny doesn’t like playing by the rules, and he managed to show the world that even sports aren’t beyond his corrupting reach. It’s a sad day for US sports and our reputation. Even if we win the Cup, there will be an asterisk.

There’s a lot more to be upset about in politics, but I’m not up to cataloging it all. I have beds to build and cleaning to do. And I’d like to fit some golf in there somewhere.

Title photo is a stunning mimosa tree in my Mt. Sterling friend’s back yard. A Hawaii native, mimosa’s like the KY climate just fine.