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"Just when I think I've gotten out...

 ...they pull me back in.." Paraphrasing Sonny from the Godfather series.

He was lamenting his need to run the family business. His family is a branch of the American Mafia.

Our plight is the COVID pandemic. Three weeks ago, I sadly predicted the increased danger of COVID cases spiking as Milwaukee fans jammed into the "Deer District" and millions of other people went on vacation. Many, if not a more significant percentage, of these folks, were vaccinated. Yet cases of Covid increased across the county. Mainly because of the Delta Variant's more remarkable ability to infect and spread. This coupled with many adults refusing to vaccinate and Delta's attacks on young adults and children.

I am deeply concerned about sending kids back to school. In particular, in cases where parents claim their children's rights not to use safe practices like social distancing and masks. In addition, the fact that some teachers are refusing to be vaccinated doubly concerns their safety and the safety of the children they serve.

My prediction is documented in an email I sent to family members that I would not be visiting them as planned this fall. I am not worried about myself. I am fully vaccinated and willing to take a booster shot if required. But the prospect of carrying the disease to the children I would come in contact with is horrifying.

My New Anniversary Observation

Sunday, August 15th, marks the second year I have spent on my return to Milwaukee. During this time, I have reestablished my relationship with friends, made new friends, finished a novel, written a bunch of articles for Urban Milwaukee, maintained my communication with family, learned to pencil sketch, trying to learn how to watercolor paint, refined my bread making skills and found some modicum of peace in my life.

Sometimes in life, you find out where you belong. Right now, I know I'm home.

News from Green Bay:

Aaron is leaving town. He will be back for home games. His relationship with coach Matt LaFleur is excellent, and many of the team members will be happy to see him return and wish him good fortune in his return home.

I'm writing about Aaron Nagler, co-founder, and commentator for Cheesehead TV, a blog headquartered out of New York City. It was created by Aaron and his Fox Valley pal Corey Benke. For all things Green Bay Packer, bookmark the link to this helpful website.

Under the category, You make plans, God laughs; Aaron went to NY to become an actor. While his marriage failed, he did produce three charming daughters, and he re-established his friendship with Corey. I don't believe either of these guys thought their website dedicated to the Packers would ever get the recognition it has today. But again, sometimes God laughs because he enjoys the surprise we feel when unexpected things are happy.

For those of you in the Fox Valley, Aaron is the son of Lenny Nagler, a well-known artist, and Helen Nagler retired politician and activist.

Preliminary statistics from All Saint Cathedral Used Book Sale . Somewhere in the neighborhood of 27-30 thousand dollars.

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