Nap time

As anyone who has ever stayed in a hospital knows, the hardest thing to do is to get a good nights’ sleep. It brought to mind last night, as I struggled with the usual hospital issues, all of the times at the capitol when staying awake was a huge challenge. I’m now in a position to admit that more than once, typically in an LOB hearing room, I may have shut my eyes and missed a handful of the inspired words of our elected leaders.

This experience has also given me new appreciation of the skill of some lawmakers who could fall asleep at the drop of a hat.

I remember Senator Marty Knorr of Queens (inevitably, Marty Snore, in LCA parlance) who perfected the skill of sitting in his chair, not moving a muscle, but giving no indication that he was conscious. More interesting to watch was Senator Walter Floss of Erie County. Floss had the classic looks of a 19th-century lawmaker: a shock of white hair, a flowing white moustache, and an ample paunch. All that was missing from the scene was a spittoon by his Senate desk. Floss’ sleeping in his seat was far more interesting than Knorr’s – and more visible, since he sat in the first row, just a few feet away from reporters. First his eyes would get glassy, then he would tilt back in his seat, his eyes rolling back in his head. Finally, he would slouch forward, with his head bouncing off his chest.

I have to admit that both of these sleepers were Republicans. All I can figure is that, even in those days, planning various heists and scams at least kept the Democrats alert.

Jay's column, preparing for trip to Boston

As we all know, my father is kind of a wise-ass and can be a tad irreverent. He said today that he's lucky to have one of the few jobs where that actually serves him well. Writing his column has always been one of his favorite parts of his job. He managed to get one out this week on the causes of the current deadlock in the New York State Senate. You can read it here: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009906180353.

Back in the Gallagher household, Mom/Emily is super busy with getting ready for our trip to Boston tomorrow. On top of everything else that's going on, there's lots to do with the kitchen renovations going forward and us not knowing how long they're going to be in Boston. If the surgery happens in Boston like we're hoping, Mom and Janice will be staying with Allyson and I at our place in Somerville while Dad is recovering in the hospital.

OK, off to watch the US Open and ask my father super basic questions about golf.