Jesus, gang. Yesterday was rough.

It turns out that my favorite 94-year-old Japanese man will not have his new dentures until TUEDSDAY.

Meaning : a total of 7 and 1/2 days without teeth.

And for whatever reason, the only liquid “food” that the nurse stocked in his kitchen were V8 juice (640 grams of sodium per glass) and Boost (15 grams of sugar per serving). And I found 4 empty Boost bottles in the kitchen.

I had assumed that there would be better options for him, so I hadn’t stopped at the store on my way over.

When he got out of bed yesterday, he was absolutely loopy and wobbly and practically incoherent. He came out of his room on crutches and in just his underwear — no hearing aids in, no glasses on, obviously no teeth, and he had not put on his wooden leg. He’s usually particular about his grooming, so I was shocked. I had to beg him to get dressed and put his leg on so that we could go get some groceries that would be better than what he had in the kitchen.

I was worried about him, but mostly I was really angry that anyone on Earth could think that it was okay to do this to him. Meaning, leave him on his own with so much SUGAR. And basically nothing else.

But I got him at least 5 days’ worth of green stuff and fruit stuff and protein stuff and yogurt; liquids and powders — organic and without any added sugars. (It can be done, gang, you just have to look at what you’re buying.)

After we got back home, within half an hour, his mind was at least functioning again. He hadn’t completely gotten his strength back yet, though. Still, I knew we were getting back on solid ground when he said, “You took me to that golf course, didn’t you? “

Me: “Yes. On Good Friday.”

He: “That was paradise.”

As for me, though, all that anger and despair wiped me out.

Anyway. I’m hoping that when I get there today, he will be in a little better shape.

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Here’s a happy update (although it’s also part of my nonstop caregiving around here).

Look who’s up and about this morning!

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And if you missed this — it was circulating on social media right after he died — you have to watch it!! It is priceless!!

How David Johansen Started the Punk Movement | Late Night with Conan O’Brien, 1994 (5 minutes):

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And in a decidedly different tone!!

A recent Q & A/ discussion with James Tabor that was sponsored by Bart Ehrman.

The Gospel Texts That All Major Christian Apologists for Jesus’ Resurrection Have Misinterpreted! (45 mins):

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And another reason why I am feeling a little down this morning —

The weather report for Friday, when Kara and I are driving to Columbus to see Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, is lousy!! Cold and rainy.

Of course, it’s still several days away, so here’s hoping for a weather-miracle. Plus, at least our hotel is right next to the Palace Theater.

Anyway. Here’s this from the other night! (Saint Nick proclaiming a weather-miracle!)

The next 2 shows — tonight in Philly, and then the first show in Chicago — are sold out. But you can buy tickets here for other nights this coming week, including Columbus!

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Other than that, Peitor and I now have a truckload of stuff we need to pull together– sort through, organize, edit — for the TV pilot package. So, on we go, gang.

I hope your Saturday is splendid, though, wherever you are in the world!

Thanks for visiting!

I love you guys. See ya!

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I’m not a huge fan of Willie Nelson’s, but I am an ENORMOUS lifelong fan of Rodney Crowell. What a wonderful songwriter he is, gang.

Yesterday, Willie’s new album, Oh What A Beautiful World, was released, and all of the songs are written by Rodney Crowell.

Here is the first single off the album, the title song, “Oh What A Beautiful World”. Enjoy, gang.

“Oh What A Beautiful World”

It’s the time and the place
Every line on your face
It’s the truth and the lie
It’s to live and to die
Oh, what a beautiful world

It’s the girl and a boy
And that first taste of joy
And it’s that old photograph
Of two hearts torn in half
Oh, what a beautiful world

We build our hopes up high
Perchance to someday fly
Across a clear blue sky
To someplace new

It’s the walk in the park
Or a shot in the dark
It’s the thief in the night
Or the first ray of light
Oh, what a beautiful world

We live our legends down
Wake up in lost and found
Become that highway sound
And roll on through

It’s the rise and the fall
Of the clocks all on the wall
And it’s for the first and the last of your days
Well, I ain’t past
Oh, what a beautiful world

Oh, what a beautiful world

c – 2025 – Rodney Crowell