“I’m sure you hear this all the time, but
you look exactly like Rod Stewart.” 
– What I heard from a checkout clerk.  I would have been
complimented had she said “a young Rod Stewart”.

You know it’s summer when Billy has left the country.  Yes, once again, it’s time for another European adventure – sans Beverly D’Angelo.  I can’t say it was a smooth trip overseas, but at least I made it in one piece.  While my full itinerary is one of those well-kept secrets that only members of Congress seem capable of, it does include checking out some real estate.  After all, you never know when the climate back home could get a bit too hot.

Speaking of overseas property, lots of people have been asking me about the protests against the Trump family in Albania.  Let me give you some backstory.  One of the biggest resources Albania has to offer is natural beauty.  Due to their isolationism since World War II through the 1990s, most of their land has been undeveloped – something they used to be very proud of.  Untouched beachfront on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas is a very valuable commodity.  So when Jared Kushner offered Albania over $4 billion to purchase land on the Narta Lagoon along with the island of Sazan, Prime Minister Edi Rama leapt.  It should also be noted that Kushner’s Albanian proposal came about after a similar deal in Serbia fell apart amidst criminal charges of falsifying documents.  Anyway, the Albanian people ain’t so happy with this.  They point out that the protected wetland is home to flamingos, seals, and sea turtles.  Thousands of protesters swarmed the area as well as the capital.  One person said, “It’s not right that some corrupt politicians who run Albania can decide what they can do with our property.”  Perhaps they’ve not heard of the East Wing.  Plus, what better place for a former ruler than a country without an extradition agreement?

Meanwhile back in my adopted Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis was not content with his war on Pride.  He’s decided that June would be the perfect time for Faith and Family Month.  And he’s emphasized he means the “Biblical family unit”.  But which Bible?  Since lots of Jewish people live in Florida, is it just the Old Testament?  Isn’t that the part that says we can’t eat seafood and pork?  So much for my scallops wrapped in bacon!  And did you know that DeSantis was once a member of the Navy, a JAG officer, and advisor to SEAL Team One?  I’m guessing he got past that “Thou shalt not kill” commandment.  He also seems to not care about that “judge not lest ye be judged”.  Who said that?  Was it Matthew?  Or Deuteronomy?  I’m not sure, but it’s someone who was in Cats, I’m sure.  I’ve never been a big fan of picking and choosing – especially when you’re choosing for others.