I have known Adrianne Hamilton almost since I have been in Lubbock, Texas, arriving in 1977. She is a masters prepared social worker, and has spent many, many years doing genetics and adoption work. Our paths have crossed multiple times. When I worked at Catholic Family Service, Inc, doing adoption work, her office was in the same building. Later, when I worked at the Texas State Department of Health, working with children with disabilities, many of the clients were served by both agencies.
When I was at the Texas State Department of Health and she was still at the state genetics program, we experienced a reduction in force, and she was able to be hired by the newly opened in town psychiatric prison. She was very instrumental in my getting a job at the prison, and getting a salary comparable to the salary I was receiving at the Texas State Department of Health, which was really higher than most bachelor's prepared social workers receive.
Just recently, she told me her son, a real estate developer, has made a private park in the area he is developing http://www.newhomebrokersonline.com/builders/25.ht. and named it The Adrianne K. Hamilton Park. It is a beautiful private park. There are pullouts for parking. The concrete paths include inscriptions of inspirational sayings. There is a water feature.There is a "porch swing." The park has wifi access. The gazebo area has wonderfully comfortable over sized wood rocking chairs.
Adrianne is a remarkable woman. This park is a fitting tribute to her: it has remarkable features, concordant with her remarkable life.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Mack
I wrote about my beloved dogs, Wimpy and Pokey, last night. When I finished, I was tired and needed to go to bed. I did not write about Mack. There is so much to say about Mack, but I can not emotionally open that part of my life. There are so many good stories, but I still, some 13 years later, can not bear to openly share these stories without extreme emotional distress.
My tribute to Mack is that I love him, and I still miss him, all these years after his death, on March 31, 1998.
For those of you who know me, and knew Mack, you know he was my soul mate and best friend. I shall be ever grateful that another friend, Claudette, made some videos of Mack, her dog, Jumper and some other park friends. I can not watch these videos due to the emotional impact that I can not bear, but I am ever grateful that they are there.
My tribute to Mack is that I love him, and I still miss him, all these years after his death, on March 31, 1998.
For those of you who know me, and knew Mack, you know he was my soul mate and best friend. I shall be ever grateful that another friend, Claudette, made some videos of Mack, her dog, Jumper and some other park friends. I can not watch these videos due to the emotional impact that I can not bear, but I am ever grateful that they are there.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Pokey
I am not sure when it happend, but after Wimpy died, my family adopted a labrador mix dog, and called her Pokey. She was as sweet as could be. When I was home, I taught her commands in English, sign, and Spanish. So, does that tell you how smart she was? Her life was short lived, she developed diabetes, and it was difficult to regulate. But she was a wonderful family member.
Wimpy and walking
I was an early subscriber to the intelligence of animals. When I was very young, I am not sure what age, maybe 7, our family adopted a dachsund that we named Wimpy. I am not sure that was a fair name for him, because he was anything but. When he caught scent of squirrel or other game, he was determined to track it down and bring it home.
Once, a neighbor found him on the highway a couple of miles from our home, as he was following the trail my brother had left hiking out of town. And if we put him out, and a female was in heat, he was sure to be in the pack.
As he and I grew older, he liked his walk around the neighborhood block. I remember some nights when he was very restless, and cried incessantly. I remember telling my mother he wanted his walk. She was hesitant to allow this as it was perhaps 9:30 or 10 PM, but she decided, after a while, he would settle down with such a walk, and I was allowed to do so.
Wimpy slept on the sofa. If we had company who stayed after his 9:30 or 10 PM bed time, he would be very restless and whine and complain.
Wimpy died in the winter of my senior year at high school. I was outside shoveling snow, and he was with me, but he wanted to go inside. He would not go inside without me, as he was a stubborn old cuss. He suffered a stroke later that same week. I always have blamed myself that if I had gone inside, Wimpy might have lived longer . But God was watching out for us. In a few months, I was would be going off to college, and what would have happended to his soul, then, if I had left him.
The veterinarian did not want me present when they euthanized him. A few years later, he apologized, saying he understood that would have been more healing for me. My mother did not understand my grief, and almost mocked me, but my father was a saint, and helped me make a coffin for him, and bury him behind our house. To this day, this recounting evokes emotions so deep I can not describe. I am accepting of the loss of this good friend but my heart breaks over it still.
It is for this reason that I can not read or view stories about faithful animal friends, especially canines without extreme emotional distress.
Once, a neighbor found him on the highway a couple of miles from our home, as he was following the trail my brother had left hiking out of town. And if we put him out, and a female was in heat, he was sure to be in the pack.
As he and I grew older, he liked his walk around the neighborhood block. I remember some nights when he was very restless, and cried incessantly. I remember telling my mother he wanted his walk. She was hesitant to allow this as it was perhaps 9:30 or 10 PM, but she decided, after a while, he would settle down with such a walk, and I was allowed to do so.
Wimpy slept on the sofa. If we had company who stayed after his 9:30 or 10 PM bed time, he would be very restless and whine and complain.
Wimpy died in the winter of my senior year at high school. I was outside shoveling snow, and he was with me, but he wanted to go inside. He would not go inside without me, as he was a stubborn old cuss. He suffered a stroke later that same week. I always have blamed myself that if I had gone inside, Wimpy might have lived longer . But God was watching out for us. In a few months, I was would be going off to college, and what would have happended to his soul, then, if I had left him.
The veterinarian did not want me present when they euthanized him. A few years later, he apologized, saying he understood that would have been more healing for me. My mother did not understand my grief, and almost mocked me, but my father was a saint, and helped me make a coffin for him, and bury him behind our house. To this day, this recounting evokes emotions so deep I can not describe. I am accepting of the loss of this good friend but my heart breaks over it still.
It is for this reason that I can not read or view stories about faithful animal friends, especially canines without extreme emotional distress.
The Intelligence of Animals.
A friend forwarded to me a NOVA episode that explores the intelligence of animals http://video.pbs.org/video/1777525840. As she said, she and I would not be surprised by the information presented, based on our anecdotal information about the intelligence of our pets over the years.
One of the first things that struck me was the "click and whistle" language of the dolphins. If you are not familiar with this kind of language, I would refer to a movie, "The Gods Must be Crazy" http://video.pbs.org/video/1777525840 that refers you to the story of an African Bushman. Lest you think it is all staged, I would refer to this youtube site http://video.pbs.org/video/1777525840.
I have more to say on the intelligence of animals, as you will see.
One of the first things that struck me was the "click and whistle" language of the dolphins. If you are not familiar with this kind of language, I would refer to a movie, "The Gods Must be Crazy" http://video.pbs.org/video/1777525840 that refers you to the story of an African Bushman. Lest you think it is all staged, I would refer to this youtube site http://video.pbs.org/video/1777525840.
I have more to say on the intelligence of animals, as you will see.
Pampering
Sometimes there are events in our lives that remind us how special and precious life is. I had such an event this week. I decided tonight that I wanted a special meal for dinner, and have had a relaxing evening doing what I enjoy. One of the things I especially enjoy is staying up late reading a good book, and so it is tonight, I have been and will do that. I do not have to get up early for work, so that makes it extra nice that I can read until I am ready to stop.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Community Service
My professional organization, the National Association of Social Workers http://www.socialworkers.org/, advocates for social workers to be volunteers and involved in community development activities. Over the years, my involvement has waxed and waned. I think this is true of many social workers who have to balance the very taxing demands of their profession with family commitments and community activities.
There was a time when I was involved in the neighborhood association movement in Lubbock http://www.unitedway-lubbock.org/partners/luna.shtml . This was a lot of work, but also provided me with many personal growth activities, and afforded me the opportunity to meet people and make new friends.
I have been volunteering my time and talents to the local branch of the National Association of Social Workers for many years.
I was recently called to jury duty, and made the voir dire panel. I spoke up, said what I had to say, and was not chosen to be on the jury. I think I am glad because I was not sure I wanted to decide someones fate in the case before the panel, but I would have served gladly. I have been called for other jury duty: city jury; county jury; federal jury. I have served on the county grand jury.
Last weekend, I spent Saturday and Sunday morning working with other volunteers from the Llano Estacado Audubon Society http://www.llanoestacadoaudubon.org/ who were working on the bird observatory feature we are building in a city park. I was delighted to be able to help with the project.
I have spent a large portion of my life not getting involved, but when the right project presents it self, I am there.
Currently, I am on the board of directors of Catholic Family Service of the Diocese of Lubbock. I was asked to chair a committee to asses the counseling program at the agency. I have been able to offer other services as a board member. I am very glad to do so.
In 1977, I moved from Millers Falls, Massachusetts to Lubbock, Texas as a LAMP volunteer to the Diocese of Amarillo. I planned to work a year, was offered a paid position, and stayed on. Some years later, the Diocese of Lubbock was formed. I stayed at the agency 10 years before I moved on. It was a good place to be, and I am thrilled to be back at the agency in a board member capacity.
Giving back can present itself in many forms. I hope I can meet some of them.
There was a time when I was involved in the neighborhood association movement in Lubbock http://www.unitedway-lubbock.org/partners/luna.shtml . This was a lot of work, but also provided me with many personal growth activities, and afforded me the opportunity to meet people and make new friends.
I have been volunteering my time and talents to the local branch of the National Association of Social Workers for many years.
I was recently called to jury duty, and made the voir dire panel. I spoke up, said what I had to say, and was not chosen to be on the jury. I think I am glad because I was not sure I wanted to decide someones fate in the case before the panel, but I would have served gladly. I have been called for other jury duty: city jury; county jury; federal jury. I have served on the county grand jury.
Last weekend, I spent Saturday and Sunday morning working with other volunteers from the Llano Estacado Audubon Society http://www.llanoestacadoaudubon.org/ who were working on the bird observatory feature we are building in a city park. I was delighted to be able to help with the project.
I have spent a large portion of my life not getting involved, but when the right project presents it self, I am there.
Currently, I am on the board of directors of Catholic Family Service of the Diocese of Lubbock. I was asked to chair a committee to asses the counseling program at the agency. I have been able to offer other services as a board member. I am very glad to do so.
In 1977, I moved from Millers Falls, Massachusetts to Lubbock, Texas as a LAMP volunteer to the Diocese of Amarillo. I planned to work a year, was offered a paid position, and stayed on. Some years later, the Diocese of Lubbock was formed. I stayed at the agency 10 years before I moved on. It was a good place to be, and I am thrilled to be back at the agency in a board member capacity.
Giving back can present itself in many forms. I hope I can meet some of them.
Caps Lock On
GRRR... my ex-office mate called that the angry Chihuahua. I was trying to sign on tonight, and could not. I had written down my password, so I knew I was using the correct one. But it still did not work. When I went to password recovery, it was apparent to me that Caps Lock was on. On my laptop, this is difficult to discern. So, I hit the button, tried my password, and it worked.
GRRR...
GRRR...
Monday, July 25, 2011
Mixed Signals, and Cries for Help
Taki is weaning off of milk, and we have had many mixed signals about whether or not she wants to drink milk. Last week, I went home at lunch daily, and there was maybe one day that she actually drank milk. I made up a lot of milk, which after a certain time period, I would just throw away. She did not want it from the medicine dropper, and she did not want it in a dish.
Today, I made sure there was plenty of canned food out when I left for work this morning. There is always lots of dry food out. Taki occasionally noshes at that, but it is not her favorite, I can tell. I did not go home at lunch to check on or feed the cats. So, tonight when I did get home, the adult cats were cool, but Taki was very hungry, and she ate well. She even cried for and drank some milk from the medicine dropper (2 droppers full.)
Later on in the evening, she gave out a couple of cries as if for milk. I was involved in a project, so my response was delayed. I felt very badly when I found her: she had got stuck in a strap and could not extricate herself. She was breathing, so that was good. But she was scared, and so was I. I removed the strap from her reach, and praised God that this had not happened when I was not home.
She is out and about playing now. She has squeaked for attention a couple of times tonight, but is happy to eat solid food vs. drinking milk from a medicine dropper.
Today, I made sure there was plenty of canned food out when I left for work this morning. There is always lots of dry food out. Taki occasionally noshes at that, but it is not her favorite, I can tell. I did not go home at lunch to check on or feed the cats. So, tonight when I did get home, the adult cats were cool, but Taki was very hungry, and she ate well. She even cried for and drank some milk from the medicine dropper (2 droppers full.)
Later on in the evening, she gave out a couple of cries as if for milk. I was involved in a project, so my response was delayed. I felt very badly when I found her: she had got stuck in a strap and could not extricate herself. She was breathing, so that was good. But she was scared, and so was I. I removed the strap from her reach, and praised God that this had not happened when I was not home.
She is out and about playing now. She has squeaked for attention a couple of times tonight, but is happy to eat solid food vs. drinking milk from a medicine dropper.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Sleeping In
When Mack was alive, I did not regularly sleep in on the weekends. Weekends were when we went for a morning walk as well as an evening walk, or when we went some place special. Mack knew this, and was always eager for me to awaken at the normal or earlier than normal time. I loved his zest for life, and we did get out and go. It was good.
Over the years, after Mack died, I have taken to wanting to sleep in on the weekends. Not every weekend, but most. And that has been okay.
My cats wake me up, usually before the alarm goes off, but on the weekends, it has been easy to ignore the cats: When I just had Sake and Haiku, they did not like to be on the bed at the same time, so one or the other would try to get me to get up. They might act singly, or in tandem, but rarely at the same time.
Taki has upset the balance of power. Amazingly, it is now possible for all three cats to be in the same place at the same time: at the dinner table, on the sofa, or on the bed. Well, when all three cats are telling me it is time to get up on a Saturday or Sunday morning, and I do not want to, they do not give me much relief. I can resist one cat, or two cats in tandem, but not three cats.
Taki has only just figured this out the last 3 weeks. I have to admit, I am enjoying arising early, and having a longer day for myself to enjoy not working. I am sleeping better on weekend nights, too.
Over the years, after Mack died, I have taken to wanting to sleep in on the weekends. Not every weekend, but most. And that has been okay.
My cats wake me up, usually before the alarm goes off, but on the weekends, it has been easy to ignore the cats: When I just had Sake and Haiku, they did not like to be on the bed at the same time, so one or the other would try to get me to get up. They might act singly, or in tandem, but rarely at the same time.
Taki has upset the balance of power. Amazingly, it is now possible for all three cats to be in the same place at the same time: at the dinner table, on the sofa, or on the bed. Well, when all three cats are telling me it is time to get up on a Saturday or Sunday morning, and I do not want to, they do not give me much relief. I can resist one cat, or two cats in tandem, but not three cats.
Taki has only just figured this out the last 3 weeks. I have to admit, I am enjoying arising early, and having a longer day for myself to enjoy not working. I am sleeping better on weekend nights, too.
Recycling
I recycle regularly: I recycle newspaper, aluminium cans, food cans, plastic and glass. For years, where I worked, I could bring in soft drink cans, and left the empties at work. They were recycled, and for many years, the funds were used for landscaping. Due to increased security policies, we can no longer bring soft drink cans into the unit where I work, but they can be purchased from vending machines. And, they are still recycled, with the funds going for employee appreciation activities and the annual Christmas party.
So, now we are allowed to bring in, legally, 2 plastic bottles of drink, less than 32 oz each every time we enter the unit. For those of you who are metrically challenged, a liter bottle is slightly over 32 oz, so is not legally brought into the unit. Well, for the longest time, I was bringing in plastic drink bottles, and putting them in the trash at work. Most recently, I have decided to bring them home to recycle them.
This means now that my accrual of recyclables has rapidly increased, and my trips to the recycling bins has increased. This is not a problem for me, but something I have just noticed with this slight change in my habits.
It is interesting how a slight change in habit can have a ripple effect on our lives.
So, now we are allowed to bring in, legally, 2 plastic bottles of drink, less than 32 oz each every time we enter the unit. For those of you who are metrically challenged, a liter bottle is slightly over 32 oz, so is not legally brought into the unit. Well, for the longest time, I was bringing in plastic drink bottles, and putting them in the trash at work. Most recently, I have decided to bring them home to recycle them.
This means now that my accrual of recyclables has rapidly increased, and my trips to the recycling bins has increased. This is not a problem for me, but something I have just noticed with this slight change in my habits.
It is interesting how a slight change in habit can have a ripple effect on our lives.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Watch Cat
Things have changed around the house lately. Of note, Sake's behavior. I have had two workmen in the house recently. Sake used to recuse herself and stay hidden until workmen left. For both recent incidents, Sake has alerted me to someone at the door, and stayed to study, supervise, and in general be involved the repair. I am not sure what this change is about. I think it is interesting.
Haiku still disappears.
Most interesting, if someone comes to visit that one or both likes, each can be very present.
Haiku still disappears.
Most interesting, if someone comes to visit that one or both likes, each can be very present.
Friday, July 15, 2011
What a Difference
Okay, so I knew the motor of the air conditioner was going out for a while. What a fool I am. I did not call for help sooner, and I should have. I did not realize how loud the motor of the air conditioner fan had become: I suspect that as it got louder gradually, I did not realize it. Also, I did not realize how inefficient it had become. While the house was not unbearble any where, it seems the new motor is helping the fan to disperse air more efficiently.
I Should Have Acted Sooner
Well, the air conditioner fan motor had been acting up for a while. It was so intermittent for so long, I did not worry. The truth be told, by Wednesday, I had decided I needed to do something, but I had already taken off to take Taki to the veterinarian, and for jury duty. Jury duty is covered by leave, and I worked long to make up for being gone to the veterinarian. I just did not want to be out again this week. I was anyway.
I stayed home this morning, and found a heating/air conditioning/plumber who could get to the house this morning and replace the motor. I had used them before, and really liked them: they were able to fix my plumbing without breaking more pipes. Mine is an old house, and often when some pipes are worked on, through vibration, another pipe breaks. Also, the day I needed them, it was raining, and when the plumber got on the porch, he put surgical booties on so as not to track in the mud.
So, all turned out well. I also think the gods conspired to keep from overworking this week. I had really thought I would put in a full 40 hours. I was a couple hours shy, due to going into work late today. Hmm.
I stayed home this morning, and found a heating/air conditioning/plumber who could get to the house this morning and replace the motor. I had used them before, and really liked them: they were able to fix my plumbing without breaking more pipes. Mine is an old house, and often when some pipes are worked on, through vibration, another pipe breaks. Also, the day I needed them, it was raining, and when the plumber got on the porch, he put surgical booties on so as not to track in the mud.
So, all turned out well. I also think the gods conspired to keep from overworking this week. I had really thought I would put in a full 40 hours. I was a couple hours shy, due to going into work late today. Hmm.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Community Services
As my parents aged, my father's health declined, and his diabetes and seizures were problematic at times. No matter how hard he and my mother tried, his diabetes was hard to control.
Consequently, there were multiple times when he had a problem, either with his diabetes or seizures, and the paramedics had to be called. I did not live near where my parents lived during this phase of their life. But from everything my mother said, the response of the emergency responders, was appropriate, timely, helpful, and sympathetic.
Tonight I had a scare: the fan for my air conditioner was making noises, and started to smell like smoke. I called 911, and was directed to the fire department. They told me to evacuate the building, which was quite a trick as Sake was very resistant to being put in a crate. I did not have a crate for Taki, but this tells me, if I have 3 cats, I need 3 crates.
The fire department took less than 5 minutes to reach my house. There were 3 trucks that responded, but as it was obvious there was no fire, 2 left fairly quickly... The firemenn who stayed check the back yard, the fuse box, the heater/air conditioner unit. They were very kind and said that they respond to these kinds of calls regularly. They told me to leave the air conditioner off, and call a repair service in the morning, to get the motor of the fan repaired.
A couple of years ago, our director had a roof fire because of an air conditioner, that basically destroyed the roof and caused major damage to her home. That was some of what I thought about tonight when I called the fire department.
Last summer, a friend of mine experienced having her air conditioner just be not functional. The replacement process took several days, which was torturous for her, as she had no relief in her home. I am hoping that repairing/replacing the fan will not take too long, and we will have air conditioning really soon, as the heat in Lubbock right now, is unbearable. If I can not get repairs soon, I will have to buy a window unit (there are plugs in the house for them, I hope they are workable) to survive.
I am so grateful that I live in a society in which we have such safe guards and help.... I wish all of our residents, even the unschooled, mentally ill, and other wise unconnected with society had these safe guards.
I am in hopes that those of you who read this do something for the homeless of your community who have no relief from temperature extremes..
Consequently, there were multiple times when he had a problem, either with his diabetes or seizures, and the paramedics had to be called. I did not live near where my parents lived during this phase of their life. But from everything my mother said, the response of the emergency responders, was appropriate, timely, helpful, and sympathetic.
Tonight I had a scare: the fan for my air conditioner was making noises, and started to smell like smoke. I called 911, and was directed to the fire department. They told me to evacuate the building, which was quite a trick as Sake was very resistant to being put in a crate. I did not have a crate for Taki, but this tells me, if I have 3 cats, I need 3 crates.
The fire department took less than 5 minutes to reach my house. There were 3 trucks that responded, but as it was obvious there was no fire, 2 left fairly quickly... The firemenn who stayed check the back yard, the fuse box, the heater/air conditioner unit. They were very kind and said that they respond to these kinds of calls regularly. They told me to leave the air conditioner off, and call a repair service in the morning, to get the motor of the fan repaired.
A couple of years ago, our director had a roof fire because of an air conditioner, that basically destroyed the roof and caused major damage to her home. That was some of what I thought about tonight when I called the fire department.
Last summer, a friend of mine experienced having her air conditioner just be not functional. The replacement process took several days, which was torturous for her, as she had no relief in her home. I am hoping that repairing/replacing the fan will not take too long, and we will have air conditioning really soon, as the heat in Lubbock right now, is unbearable. If I can not get repairs soon, I will have to buy a window unit (there are plugs in the house for them, I hope they are workable) to survive.
I am so grateful that I live in a society in which we have such safe guards and help.... I wish all of our residents, even the unschooled, mentally ill, and other wise unconnected with society had these safe guards.
I am in hopes that those of you who read this do something for the homeless of your community who have no relief from temperature extremes..
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Jury Duty
I was selected for jury duty today. I was prepared, as I have done this before, and brought a book to help me with the waiting. I have been called for Federal jury duty, and was dismissed, city jury duty, and dismissed, county jury duty, and was either dismissed or went to voir dire and was dismissed. I did serve on a grand jury in 2003, and found that to be a very interesting and educational experience.
Today they needed only 14 people for the jury panel for a Justice of the Peace criminal trial. I was one of the 14 selected. Interestingly, one of the bailiffs was also selected. So, we went through voir dire. If you do not know, this is the part of the process where the prosecution explains the law to the prospective jury members, and the defense discounts what the prosecution said, sets their own spin on the law, and otherwise tries to find out about potential jurists to decide if they might be favorable to the defendant.
The attorney for the district attorney said the way to not be selected for the jury was to speak up, and say what was on your mind. So, I did.
The American way is that the accused is innocent until proven guilty. The accused is allowed a fair and impartial trial, and does not have to testify on their own behalf; if the accused does not testify, that is not supposed to be considered as an admission of guilt. Conversely, if the accused does testify, that is not suppose to be used to assume they are doing so because they are innocent.
Also, the decision for the jury is not guilty or innocent, but guilty or not guilty. I was asked the question if there is a difference, and I was able to say there is: Innocence is that the alleged crime did not happen; not guilty is that the person did not violate the stated law.
I was amused as the young assistant district attorney, who several times said he was new at this, said that voir dire is a Latin term. Well, it may be, but I thought it is a French term. And my old dictionary says it is a French term.
As I have heard in the past when I was summoned for jury duty, we were exhorted over and over again today to consider that we were fulfilling an important civic function. As always, we were treated with respect and dignity. I like the idea of being able to perform an important civic function. I did not mind doing jury duty. I was glad, however, to get to work and meet the needs of my patients.
Today they needed only 14 people for the jury panel for a Justice of the Peace criminal trial. I was one of the 14 selected. Interestingly, one of the bailiffs was also selected. So, we went through voir dire. If you do not know, this is the part of the process where the prosecution explains the law to the prospective jury members, and the defense discounts what the prosecution said, sets their own spin on the law, and otherwise tries to find out about potential jurists to decide if they might be favorable to the defendant.
The attorney for the district attorney said the way to not be selected for the jury was to speak up, and say what was on your mind. So, I did.
The American way is that the accused is innocent until proven guilty. The accused is allowed a fair and impartial trial, and does not have to testify on their own behalf; if the accused does not testify, that is not supposed to be considered as an admission of guilt. Conversely, if the accused does testify, that is not suppose to be used to assume they are doing so because they are innocent.
Also, the decision for the jury is not guilty or innocent, but guilty or not guilty. I was asked the question if there is a difference, and I was able to say there is: Innocence is that the alleged crime did not happen; not guilty is that the person did not violate the stated law.
I was amused as the young assistant district attorney, who several times said he was new at this, said that voir dire is a Latin term. Well, it may be, but I thought it is a French term. And my old dictionary says it is a French term.
As I have heard in the past when I was summoned for jury duty, we were exhorted over and over again today to consider that we were fulfilling an important civic function. As always, we were treated with respect and dignity. I like the idea of being able to perform an important civic function. I did not mind doing jury duty. I was glad, however, to get to work and meet the needs of my patients.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
A Trip to the Veterinarian
Taki went to the veterinarian today, for her first check up and inoculations. I used a crate for the car, but when we got into the waiting room at the veterinarian's, she started to squeak. So, I took her out and held her. The staff were enamored of her, especially because she still looks half like a waif: she has newborn fur on part of her body, and her whiskers are chopped short, and I do not know why. She is not fluffy.
On the other hand, her weight is on target for a kitten her age. Except for her fur, her developmental milestones have been met on target.
I was advised to wean her from "bottle feeding" which is still medicine dropper feeding (with warm milk, even room temperature is too cold for her.) Otherwise, she is doing well. And, I did purchase some Science Diet kitten food, which she did not seem to like as much as the Fancy Feast kitten food. But she ate it.
Her markings are beautiful, and according to the veterinarian technician, qualify for a blue seal point Siamese (is that right?).
She did not object to the examination, and was generally well behaved. We have another appointment in 3 weeks.
On the other hand, her weight is on target for a kitten her age. Except for her fur, her developmental milestones have been met on target.
I was advised to wean her from "bottle feeding" which is still medicine dropper feeding (with warm milk, even room temperature is too cold for her.) Otherwise, she is doing well. And, I did purchase some Science Diet kitten food, which she did not seem to like as much as the Fancy Feast kitten food. But she ate it.
Her markings are beautiful, and according to the veterinarian technician, qualify for a blue seal point Siamese (is that right?).
She did not object to the examination, and was generally well behaved. We have another appointment in 3 weeks.
Ozone, Dust and Rain
In West Texas, we are in a drought. And the temperatures have been amazingly high, breaking 100 degrees so many days.
The last couple of mornings, the clouds have circled Lubbock proper. I have a theory that the urban center of Lubbock creates so much hot air: from carbon emission engines, reflected heat from roofs, tarmac, concrete and cement, and other buildings that have high carbon footprints, that the moisture that might be available overhead evaporates...
Tonight, the clouds have built, and I can smell the ozone and rain in the air. The wind is up, so I can also see the dust from the uncultivated fields around the city.
A coworker has said that the Farmer's Almanac http://www.almanac.com/ has predicted rains for mid July and into August. Let us hope this is correct.
The last couple of mornings, the clouds have circled Lubbock proper. I have a theory that the urban center of Lubbock creates so much hot air: from carbon emission engines, reflected heat from roofs, tarmac, concrete and cement, and other buildings that have high carbon footprints, that the moisture that might be available overhead evaporates...
Tonight, the clouds have built, and I can smell the ozone and rain in the air. The wind is up, so I can also see the dust from the uncultivated fields around the city.
A coworker has said that the Farmer's Almanac http://www.almanac.com/ has predicted rains for mid July and into August. Let us hope this is correct.
Baseball and LIfe
Recently, I wrote about a coach who advocated for parents to teach their children the game of baseball, because no other sport prepares people for Life better than baseball.
I agree.
I think anecdotal evidence of this is that so much baseball jargon is in the every day vernacular of the English of the United States.
Make it to first base
Safe at home
Three strikes and your out
On deck
All Star
Batting (a percentage)
Pitching a strike
Getting jammed
Shut out
Big whiff
Up at bat
Hitting a homer
I agree.
I think anecdotal evidence of this is that so much baseball jargon is in the every day vernacular of the English of the United States.
Make it to first base
Safe at home
Three strikes and your out
On deck
All Star
Batting (a percentage)
Pitching a strike
Getting jammed
Shut out
Big whiff
Up at bat
Hitting a homer
Google is Driving Me Crazy
Last night, for some reason, although I know my password, I could not sign into this blog to post. I spent a lot of time trying to get in, but just could not persuade Google to help me. So, being a persistent sort of person, I tried again tonight.
At first, I could not get in. Finally, though, I was able to access the original Joyce's Jabberings, which, as the reader may recall, I became unable to access for some inexplicable reason at the end of May.
Well, tonight, I was able to access Joyce's Jabberings, but it took about another hour of machinations to be able to access Lisenby Lines. I have the passwords written down, so I hope I can access the accounts in the future. This was very exasperating.
At first, I could not get in. Finally, though, I was able to access the original Joyce's Jabberings, which, as the reader may recall, I became unable to access for some inexplicable reason at the end of May.
Well, tonight, I was able to access Joyce's Jabberings, but it took about another hour of machinations to be able to access Lisenby Lines. I have the passwords written down, so I hope I can access the accounts in the future. This was very exasperating.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Sustainable and Renewable
So the current trend is to try to use sustainable and renewable energy sources. One touted is ethanol, frequently made from corn.
So, what happens, as is happening this year, if there is a widespread drought, and no corn is raised?
As my favorite sportscaster commented today, if you eat or wear clothing, you are in agribusiness, and are being effected by the drought. It will have a major economic effect on Lubbock, which has an economy that is integrally tied to agriculture.
It will have an effect on food, fuel, clothing. It will dry up moneys for charities. It will slow purchases, and the retail industry will retract. Fewer jobs will mean less spending will mean fewer jobs, etc.
We keep thinking we have solved the problem of fuel and energy sources, and we get our come-uppance. This year, the earthquake in Japan made proponents of nuclear power have to re-defend and re-think their solution. And, made many others think twice about nuclear power as a solution.
It is true that this is "a small world after all." A drought in Texas can influence other parts of the world.
Weather related disasters have swept across the country this year. So there are many places in this country where agriculture, industry and residences are having to rebuild. While rebuilding refuels the economy, from whence do the funds come? Insurance companies, savings, and government assistance. Insurance claims cause increased rates. Savings depletes cash reserves. Government assistance grows the already way too large debt.
What is the answer? I do not know.
So, what happens, as is happening this year, if there is a widespread drought, and no corn is raised?
As my favorite sportscaster commented today, if you eat or wear clothing, you are in agribusiness, and are being effected by the drought. It will have a major economic effect on Lubbock, which has an economy that is integrally tied to agriculture.
It will have an effect on food, fuel, clothing. It will dry up moneys for charities. It will slow purchases, and the retail industry will retract. Fewer jobs will mean less spending will mean fewer jobs, etc.
We keep thinking we have solved the problem of fuel and energy sources, and we get our come-uppance. This year, the earthquake in Japan made proponents of nuclear power have to re-defend and re-think their solution. And, made many others think twice about nuclear power as a solution.
It is true that this is "a small world after all." A drought in Texas can influence other parts of the world.
Weather related disasters have swept across the country this year. So there are many places in this country where agriculture, industry and residences are having to rebuild. While rebuilding refuels the economy, from whence do the funds come? Insurance companies, savings, and government assistance. Insurance claims cause increased rates. Savings depletes cash reserves. Government assistance grows the already way too large debt.
What is the answer? I do not know.
How Not to Offer Public Service
The middle channels of my cable service went out just a few minutes ago. I know it is not the entire cable connection, because I get the lower channels and the channels 51 and above. But the channels from 21 to 50 are unavailable. It is not my TV because both TVs are behaving the same.
It is not my cable connection, because I get some stations, and my Internet, which is from the same company, is fully functional.
So, I have tried to call the company: Suddenlink. Either I get a busy signal, or a recording that my call can not be connected. Well, I can imagine that they have been inundated with calls. But what is wrong with putting on their information channel (one that is still available) a blurb about what the disconnect is all about. Or putting on their website something of the same.
One TV came back on. The other TV has a box that has to "load channels" so I am trying that now, in hopes that when it loads, it will load all the channels and be totally functional... That did the trick.
I am glad I understand enough about working with electronics that I can do some of these small things.
It is not my cable connection, because I get some stations, and my Internet, which is from the same company, is fully functional.
So, I have tried to call the company: Suddenlink. Either I get a busy signal, or a recording that my call can not be connected. Well, I can imagine that they have been inundated with calls. But what is wrong with putting on their information channel (one that is still available) a blurb about what the disconnect is all about. Or putting on their website something of the same.
One TV came back on. The other TV has a box that has to "load channels" so I am trying that now, in hopes that when it loads, it will load all the channels and be totally functional... That did the trick.
I am glad I understand enough about working with electronics that I can do some of these small things.
Groaners
Do you know what a groaner is? A groaner is a really bad pun. And did you know what two thirds of a pun is? PU.
Today my director shared a packet load of groaners. They are so bad, I am going to subject you to them. Sometimes, the written word does not work as well. Please forgive.
What do you do with a dead chemist? Barium.
A will is a dead give away.
A man who jumps off the Eiffel Tower and lands in the river is insane.
A boiled egg for breakfast is hard to beat.
Groooaaaannnn!
Today my director shared a packet load of groaners. They are so bad, I am going to subject you to them. Sometimes, the written word does not work as well. Please forgive.
What do you do with a dead chemist? Barium.
A will is a dead give away.
A man who jumps off the Eiffel Tower and lands in the river is insane.
A boiled egg for breakfast is hard to beat.
Groooaaaannnn!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
My Beautiful Baby
Taki is finally starting to "flesh out" and has some beautiful Siamese markings: stripes on his legs and tail, although the tail is very dark, and the stripes are difficult to discern. Dark ears. Stripes on his face and faint stripes on his back. Spots on his stomach.
This is going to be a beautifully marked cat. He is brave, bright, and independent as all get out!
This is going to be a beautifully marked cat. He is brave, bright, and independent as all get out!
Singing "God Bless America"
I went to a brass band concert by the Westwinds Brass Band http://westwindsbrassband.org/ on Sunday, July 3 , and I went to the Fourth on Broadway Festival on July 4 where the Westwinds played once again. I enjoyed the concerts both days. Both concerts were mostly patriotic songs. On both occasions, the band played "God Bless America." The audience was encouraged to sing along. On Sunday night, the audience was well acquainted with the song, and sang loudly. On Monday, the audience was less vocal: it was a different audience.
I am thankful to be able to attend both concerts.
I am thankful to be able to attend both concerts.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
It Cooled Off!
I went to the West Winds Brass Band concert tonight http://westwindsbrassband.org/concerts.php at Wagner Park. It started off a little warm, but by the concert begin time at 8 PM, it was obvious that the air was really cooling down, as in keeping with the reputation for West Texas nights. This has been an unusually warm summer and the nights do not cool off. We are used to cool nights even though the days are very warm.
Well tonight is different. I am hoping that it will cool off enough so that I can open the windows and shut off the air conditioner overnight. The reality is, now that I have windows that open, I am often able to do this many nights in June, and even some in July and August. But not this year. One weekend, in the morning, I opened the house, and although the temperature was reported at mid 70s, the air coming into the house felt hot, and I closed up the house.
The other good part of having a cool evening, is that we start with a cool morning, instead of the heavy, hot mornings we have had much of the month of June. Since tomorrow is the Independence Day celebration, starting with a cool morning will make the festival more pleasant.
Well tonight is different. I am hoping that it will cool off enough so that I can open the windows and shut off the air conditioner overnight. The reality is, now that I have windows that open, I am often able to do this many nights in June, and even some in July and August. But not this year. One weekend, in the morning, I opened the house, and although the temperature was reported at mid 70s, the air coming into the house felt hot, and I closed up the house.
The other good part of having a cool evening, is that we start with a cool morning, instead of the heavy, hot mornings we have had much of the month of June. Since tomorrow is the Independence Day celebration, starting with a cool morning will make the festival more pleasant.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
The Game of Baseball, The Game of Life
Today, I went to a panel discussion today with guests from the College Baseball Hall of Fame, at the Texas Tech Museum http://www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu/event.html.
It was very interesting to listen to the stories, reminiscings, and comments from the panel members, not all of whom were being inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame. One such member is James Cooper, the current baseball coach at Grambling State University
http://www.gsutigers.com/staff.aspx?staff=48. Coach Cooper's final comments were very profound. He said parents should teach their sons and daughters about baseball, how to play baseball, because there is no other sport that teaches them about life like baseball does. He talked about how they have to be on their own, whatever position they play.
I can extrapolate on that: Baseball is a team sport, but each player is uniquely held accountable for their play. It requires forethought, preparation and strategy. It is a thinking man's game.
I agree with Coach Cooper.
It was very interesting to listen to the stories, reminiscings, and comments from the panel members, not all of whom were being inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame. One such member is James Cooper, the current baseball coach at Grambling State University
http://www.gsutigers.com/staff.aspx?staff=48. Coach Cooper's final comments were very profound. He said parents should teach their sons and daughters about baseball, how to play baseball, because there is no other sport that teaches them about life like baseball does. He talked about how they have to be on their own, whatever position they play.
I can extrapolate on that: Baseball is a team sport, but each player is uniquely held accountable for their play. It requires forethought, preparation and strategy. It is a thinking man's game.
I agree with Coach Cooper.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Sitting with the Girls
It has been a good day off, and I was able to accomplish the things on my to do list.
One of the best parts of the day was that throughout the day, I was able to spend quality time with each and every of my three cats. I like that. I spent time holding and combing Sake (she does not think combing is quality time.) I spent time petting and sitting with Haiku. I spent time playing, holding and feeding Taki.
Earlier this evening, for a very brief period of time, all three girls were in the living room with me as I watched some baseball on TV. That does not last for long. But, it is fun while it lasts.
One of the best parts of the day was that throughout the day, I was able to spend quality time with each and every of my three cats. I like that. I spent time holding and combing Sake (she does not think combing is quality time.) I spent time petting and sitting with Haiku. I spent time playing, holding and feeding Taki.
Earlier this evening, for a very brief period of time, all three girls were in the living room with me as I watched some baseball on TV. That does not last for long. But, it is fun while it lasts.
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