Almost First Class


Barb’s iPhone put this little video together. Barb and her friend, Lisa, braved the long lines to fly to Europe overnight. These photos were taken (by someone) in the cabin of a JetBlue plane. According to Claude their seats are in JetBlue Mint, their business class product.

“The seats are lie-flat, converting to a roughly 6’8” bed. The privacy dividers between seats are what you’re seeing in both photos — they can be raised or lowered. The suite-style pods have a sliding door for full privacy on some configurations (the “Mint Suite”), though these look like the standard Mint seats without the door. The cabin has that signature blue mood lighting JetBlue uses — pretty distinctive and instantly recognizable.”

“The transatlantic product is notable because JetBlue positioned Mint as a direct competitor to legacy carrier business class at a significantly lower price point when they launched transatlantic routes (JFK to London, Paris, Amsterdam). The menu in photo 2 appears to say “Transatlantic” on it, and mentions what looks like a Charlie Bird partnership for the food program.”

“Practical details: Mint includes a decent amenity kit, good Wi-Fi (JetBlue’s Fly-Fi has a strong reputation), and the food program has been well-reviewed compared to comparable seats on legacy carriers.”

A few days in Amsterdam then on to Paris. Part of our Die Broke strategy.

Jan’s Blues

A few days ago one of Barb’s friends asked asked about singing telegrams. Something she could order online and email for a birthday. (Barb’s sister). I suggested she use an AI to create an original song. She sent a beautiful note which I uploaded to Claude.ai which promptly turned around some lyrics.

I uploaded those to Suno which cranked out the tune below:

“A slow twelve-bar in the key of seventy years.”
“She’s my sister from another mister. The soother of my soul.”

PS: I played the song for two people, both of whom didn’t care for it. I thought is was perfect.

Holiday Photos


I think Barb is planning to use this for the greeting card. These took a lot longer when Barb had to frame the shot, hit the timer button, and scurry around to get in the shot. Used the AirPods remote for this but was unable to erase the AirPod.
I think the idea behind this pose was to recreate one by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

The dogs love brother Blane

It has been a few years since my brother and I were able to get together and last week’s visit was nice. Barb and I were quickly surprised by how both of our dogs took to Blane in a way we had not seen before. With anyone.With no prompting, Riley climbed into Blane’s lap just as she does when Barb sits in that chair. And as she has never done for me. Even with treats. My brother doesn’t have a dog and is clearly not a “dog person,” so this behavior remains a mystery.
And for those who ask, “How has your older dog adapted to the new pup?…

My brother went to Hanoi and all I got was this T-shirt

My younger brother Blane lives only five hours away but somehow we let five years pass since seeing each other. COVID was responsible for a couple of those, his schedule and inertia accounted for the rest.

When he sat down in “Barb’s chair,” Riley immediately crawled up in his lap. She does this whenever Barb sits down but –try as I might– I’ve never been able to coax her up in my lap. Sigh.

Adding time and place to photos

John Mays with Baby Steve. Probably spring (leaves on trees). 638 Cynthia St., Poplar Bluff MO

The only way this could have been better is if mom had included the date. I was born on March 8, 1948, so this is probably early spring? But having the address of where they were living (in Poplar Bluff, MO) is priceless. I checked street view on the maps apps but that was almost 80 years ago.

I have so many photos from this time I tend to take them for granted. To see the loving expressions of my mother and father… whew.