Not unlike Sake and Haiku, Taki likes yarn balls. She loves to play with yarn, and unravel yarn balls. She also likes to play with the yarn that I am using when I am knitting, and that is very problematic. She is learning that "No" means "No." She is learning to accept alternative options for toys. But she is persistent. And my knitting activities are sometimes curtailed as I can not dissuade her to from playing with the yarn.
Oh well.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Gift Certificate
I have a gift certificate for a local restaurant, Orlando's http://www.orlandos.com/ons/. I received this in November, and I keep thinking about when I should redeem it. I had told myself I would redeem it during the Thanksgiving weekend, but as it turned out, that did not appeal to me. So, every weekend, I think I might want to redeem it. But as yet, have not.
I have the habit of going to a local buffet restaurant once a month: they have Oriental food, but they also have salad, fruit, and Mexican food (I fill up on the Oriental food.) Since November, I have not even been interested in that.
I want to use the gift certificate, which expires 1-31-2012. I am not sure I will use the gift certificate any time soon. But I am determined to use it before it expires.
I have the habit of going to a local buffet restaurant once a month: they have Oriental food, but they also have salad, fruit, and Mexican food (I fill up on the Oriental food.) Since November, I have not even been interested in that.
I want to use the gift certificate, which expires 1-31-2012. I am not sure I will use the gift certificate any time soon. But I am determined to use it before it expires.
Make Mine Milk
I used to love milk, and I suspect, the truth be known, I still do. But sometime in my junior or senior year of high school (1969 or 1970), I became lactose intolerant. The physical effects of lactose intolerance are not very pleasant. So, I stopped drinking milk. But I was able to continue consuming other milk containing products: pudding, ice cream, cottage cheese, cheese, yogurt.
As the years progressed, the limitations on what I could comfortably consume decreased. The household in which I grew up considered ice cream a primary, major and necessary food group. It was not unusual for there to be 4 or 5 different flavors of ice cream in the freezer at my house. Sometime in the late 1990's, ice cream started triggering the lactose intolerance symptoms. After that, cottage cheese started causing me problems. I can still tolerate cheese, yogurt and pudding.
So, I do not usually buy milk. I keep powdered milk on hand, so I can constitute milk for cooking as needed. This time of year, I do buy milk, for cooking, and for the outside kitties, so I can give them something warm on the freezing cold days. This year, the outside kitties have not always consumed the milk offered. I give sparse amounts to the inside kitties, and it usually disappears, but not always.
Milk is really a good food. I just can not tolerate it.
As the years progressed, the limitations on what I could comfortably consume decreased. The household in which I grew up considered ice cream a primary, major and necessary food group. It was not unusual for there to be 4 or 5 different flavors of ice cream in the freezer at my house. Sometime in the late 1990's, ice cream started triggering the lactose intolerance symptoms. After that, cottage cheese started causing me problems. I can still tolerate cheese, yogurt and pudding.
So, I do not usually buy milk. I keep powdered milk on hand, so I can constitute milk for cooking as needed. This time of year, I do buy milk, for cooking, and for the outside kitties, so I can give them something warm on the freezing cold days. This year, the outside kitties have not always consumed the milk offered. I give sparse amounts to the inside kitties, and it usually disappears, but not always.
Milk is really a good food. I just can not tolerate it.
My Bad Habits
I went to Market Street http://www.unitedtexas.com/, the yuppie supermarket near my house, before I went home from work tonight. I know better. I walk in for one thing, and especially when I am hungry, I can not leave without buying sushi and the bacon wrapped, shrimp and cream cheese stuffed jalapeño that I really like. Sometimes I buy other exotic or unique things that I can not get at Wal-Mart http://www.walmart.com/, which is where I do most of my grocery shopping.
I do not have to succumb to these habits. But I do. I live alone. I can afford these things, and they are not the worst bad habits I could have.
I do not have to succumb to these habits. But I do. I live alone. I can afford these things, and they are not the worst bad habits I could have.
Mentally Tired: A Paradox
I really appreciated the four day weekend we had for the Christmas holiday. I had a good time relaxing during the time off.
I really did not mind going back to work, and I did not think I had a stressful week ahead of me, but I was wrong. One of my assigned areas is experiencing drastic changes, which creates turmoil for staff and patients, and requires me to learn about and get to know, almost an entire pod of new patients. This takes time, and in the meanwhile, we have to balance providing care with learning who needs what.
Add to that, a shortage of security which limits being able to see patients, and an area with a lot of behavior turmoil by one or more patients. It was a very long day.
Yet, when I signed out after 5:30 PM tonight, it appeared that there were still several clinicians in the building. So, I was not alone. One phenomenon that it took me until sometime in the late 1990's to realize, is that when I have a short work week, I still have the self-expectation that I am going to get 40 hours of work done during that week. I have had to learn to reduce my expectations of what I will accomplish in a short week, and consequently, do better. But this week was still difficult. I am mentally tired.
Having said that, I am finding that when I am mentally tired, if I exercise my brain anyway, I feel better. At the very least, I do some games such as jigsaw puzzles and sudoku that tax my brain. I also do crossword puzzles, and word jumbles. It is also true of physical activity: if I am mentally tired, but do some physical activity, I feel better.
Sometimes, I think I am too tired to try to knit, but after I get started, I find myself relaxing.
Being mentally tired is deceiving: you think you can not do anything else, yet doing relaxing things is really the best thing for you.
I really did not mind going back to work, and I did not think I had a stressful week ahead of me, but I was wrong. One of my assigned areas is experiencing drastic changes, which creates turmoil for staff and patients, and requires me to learn about and get to know, almost an entire pod of new patients. This takes time, and in the meanwhile, we have to balance providing care with learning who needs what.
Add to that, a shortage of security which limits being able to see patients, and an area with a lot of behavior turmoil by one or more patients. It was a very long day.
Yet, when I signed out after 5:30 PM tonight, it appeared that there were still several clinicians in the building. So, I was not alone. One phenomenon that it took me until sometime in the late 1990's to realize, is that when I have a short work week, I still have the self-expectation that I am going to get 40 hours of work done during that week. I have had to learn to reduce my expectations of what I will accomplish in a short week, and consequently, do better. But this week was still difficult. I am mentally tired.
Having said that, I am finding that when I am mentally tired, if I exercise my brain anyway, I feel better. At the very least, I do some games such as jigsaw puzzles and sudoku that tax my brain. I also do crossword puzzles, and word jumbles. It is also true of physical activity: if I am mentally tired, but do some physical activity, I feel better.
Sometimes, I think I am too tired to try to knit, but after I get started, I find myself relaxing.
Being mentally tired is deceiving: you think you can not do anything else, yet doing relaxing things is really the best thing for you.
Conflicting Sports
I try to follow some of the the Texas Tech athletic events, specifically football, men's basketball and especially women's basketball http://www.texastech.com/index-main.html. In fact, I have season tickets for the women's basketball games. At this time of year, sometimes there are conflicts in schedules with these sports. In the past, sometimes a football game occurred about the same weekend as a basketball game. And, at times, a basketball game time has been changed so as not to conflict with a football game.
Tonight, quite unusually, the men's basketball game conflicts in part with the women's game: the men are playing in Lubbock, and have a game that started an hour later than usual. The women are playing in California, and their game starts two hours later than usual here (although at 7 PM in California). The men's game is on radio and being live cast on ESPNU. I suspect I could watch it on the computer if I were not using the computer for blogging. The women's game is only being broadcast on the radio.
I will listen to the men's game until it is time for the women's game to be broadcast. I hate having to choose, but my allegiance is stronger for the women's team.
I wish the athletic department would do a better job of not scheduling conflicting games.
Tonight, quite unusually, the men's basketball game conflicts in part with the women's game: the men are playing in Lubbock, and have a game that started an hour later than usual. The women are playing in California, and their game starts two hours later than usual here (although at 7 PM in California). The men's game is on radio and being live cast on ESPNU. I suspect I could watch it on the computer if I were not using the computer for blogging. The women's game is only being broadcast on the radio.
I will listen to the men's game until it is time for the women's game to be broadcast. I hate having to choose, but my allegiance is stronger for the women's team.
I wish the athletic department would do a better job of not scheduling conflicting games.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Catching Up
I have written about this before, but I try to write a blog a day, and keep track when I fall behind. I am trying to get caught up, and it would be really nice if I could get caught up by the end of the year.
I have trouble writing a blog a day because my mental status gets very clogged by the end of my work day. I try to empty my brain in order to allow the creative juices to flow, but so often after a stress filled work day, creative juices just do not flow.
Today, I will work very diligently to keep the creative juices flowing so I can try to get "caught up."
I have trouble writing a blog a day because my mental status gets very clogged by the end of my work day. I try to empty my brain in order to allow the creative juices to flow, but so often after a stress filled work day, creative juices just do not flow.
Today, I will work very diligently to keep the creative juices flowing so I can try to get "caught up."
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
The All Lubbock High School Marching Band
For years, I have not watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade http://social.macys.com/parade2011/?cm_mmc=VanityUrl-_-parade-_-n-_-n#/home nor the Pasadena Rose Bowl Parade
http://media.roseparade.net/mediaGuideBand.asp?id=763
For some reason, this year, I was interested in watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was fun, and enjoyable.
And, let it be known, this year, it is my intention to watch the parade on January 2, 2012. There is a special reason for my interest: this year, the All Lubbock High School Marching Band https://www.facebook.com/AllLubbockMarchingBand will be performing at the parade. If you do not go to the link, the band is the combined bands of the four Lubbock High Schools: Lubbock High (where Buddy Holly went to high school, and Bill Clinton spoke in the gym), Monterey, Coronado and Estacado High Schools http://www.bandtravel.com/alllubbockband.html. The bands have been doing a LOT of fund raising to allow them to participate in the Rose Bowl Parade http://www.tournamentofroses.com/TheRoseParade/TheParade/Participants/Bands.aspx. The bands have also received a great deal of community support, which is only as it should be.
Maybe, this year, you will watch for the All Lubbock High School Marching Band during the parade.
One of my co-workers is the mother of a band participant. In addition to marching in the Rose Bowl Parade, my co-worker said the band will march in a Disneyland http://disneyland.disney.go.com/ Main Street parade, and they will spend time at Disneyland. In addition, they will go the Knotts Berry Farm http://www.knotts.com/. I believe they have other activities planned on their itinerary.
I know that for many young people from Lubbock, this will be an experience of a lifetime. More poingantly, for many young people from Lubbock, it will be their first trip out of the South Plains, unless it was involved in a band trip. What an opportunity to introduce young people to parts of the world other than Lubbock. This is a great experience.!
http://media.roseparade.net/mediaGuideBand.asp?id=763
For some reason, this year, I was interested in watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was fun, and enjoyable.
And, let it be known, this year, it is my intention to watch the parade on January 2, 2012. There is a special reason for my interest: this year, the All Lubbock High School Marching Band https://www.facebook.com/AllLubbockMarchingBand will be performing at the parade. If you do not go to the link, the band is the combined bands of the four Lubbock High Schools: Lubbock High (where Buddy Holly went to high school, and Bill Clinton spoke in the gym), Monterey, Coronado and Estacado High Schools http://www.bandtravel.com/alllubbockband.html. The bands have been doing a LOT of fund raising to allow them to participate in the Rose Bowl Parade http://www.tournamentofroses.com/TheRoseParade/TheParade/Participants/Bands.aspx. The bands have also received a great deal of community support, which is only as it should be.
Maybe, this year, you will watch for the All Lubbock High School Marching Band during the parade.
One of my co-workers is the mother of a band participant. In addition to marching in the Rose Bowl Parade, my co-worker said the band will march in a Disneyland http://disneyland.disney.go.com/ Main Street parade, and they will spend time at Disneyland. In addition, they will go the Knotts Berry Farm http://www.knotts.com/. I believe they have other activities planned on their itinerary.
I know that for many young people from Lubbock, this will be an experience of a lifetime. More poingantly, for many young people from Lubbock, it will be their first trip out of the South Plains, unless it was involved in a band trip. What an opportunity to introduce young people to parts of the world other than Lubbock. This is a great experience.!
No Biting
Taki is still a kitten. She has learned about "no biting" but still sometimes bites. She has learned she is not always allowed to play with yarn, especially the yarn with which I am knitting, but sometimes, she can not let go.
She is very active and playful. Her attention span is short. And, sometimes she gets into tough situations, involving the other cats, or on her own.
She loves to hide. She has learned that she can not fit into some of her former hiding places. I have a gaggle of sneakers on the floor, and she hides amongst them: I wonder if she instinctively understands the sneakers provide her some camouflage, but whether or not she does know that, it is true.
Like most if not all cats, she likes dens or caves. Dark hiding places. There are plenty in my house: under a single bed with floor length covers, the corner behind my nightstand, under the overhang of the foot of my bed, in the closets, even in the cat carriers.
Taki has learned to be subservient to the adult cats, Sake and Haiku. She does not mess with Haiku much, but likes the sunflower flavored food that Haiku gets at meal time, and she now knows to wait patiently for her own little stack. She may actually abandon canned cat food to seek out the sunflower flavored food.
She is growing and doing well. I hate that she gets underfoot so much, and sometimes because she is underfoot, I step on her or knock into her. The truth is, I still do that sometimes with Haiku. I am not sure why we mis-judge each other's movements, but we do. But even that has slowed down, some because I try to be more diligent, some, because the cats are less rambunctious.
I do not want to destroy Taki's spirit, but I do want her to be appropriately social and to allow me to do all the things I need to do.
She is very active and playful. Her attention span is short. And, sometimes she gets into tough situations, involving the other cats, or on her own.
She loves to hide. She has learned that she can not fit into some of her former hiding places. I have a gaggle of sneakers on the floor, and she hides amongst them: I wonder if she instinctively understands the sneakers provide her some camouflage, but whether or not she does know that, it is true.
Like most if not all cats, she likes dens or caves. Dark hiding places. There are plenty in my house: under a single bed with floor length covers, the corner behind my nightstand, under the overhang of the foot of my bed, in the closets, even in the cat carriers.
Taki has learned to be subservient to the adult cats, Sake and Haiku. She does not mess with Haiku much, but likes the sunflower flavored food that Haiku gets at meal time, and she now knows to wait patiently for her own little stack. She may actually abandon canned cat food to seek out the sunflower flavored food.
She is growing and doing well. I hate that she gets underfoot so much, and sometimes because she is underfoot, I step on her or knock into her. The truth is, I still do that sometimes with Haiku. I am not sure why we mis-judge each other's movements, but we do. But even that has slowed down, some because I try to be more diligent, some, because the cats are less rambunctious.
I do not want to destroy Taki's spirit, but I do want her to be appropriately social and to allow me to do all the things I need to do.
Other Directed
So, I did all the errands I wanted to do, got some DVDs from the library and worked on my project that I had to restart. I feel much better about my progress today and it will be forward progress from here.
I had no special plans for today, except to run a few errands, so I guess what I did was as good as anything. I guess I was not planning on spending most of the day on a project. However, I enjoyed it, and the movies were some of my favorite.
I will continue due diligence on my project.
I had no special plans for today, except to run a few errands, so I guess what I did was as good as anything. I guess I was not planning on spending most of the day on a project. However, I enjoyed it, and the movies were some of my favorite.
I will continue due diligence on my project.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Errors
I thought I was close to finishing a project last night, but imagine my horror this afternoon when I looked at it and realized I had to take some of it apart and redo it. I spent most of the day taking just the first part of the project apart. From there, it should go faster, and then I will begin to go forward with the project, but my hopes to have the project finished this afternoon are gone.
Oh well.
Oh well.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
A Mellow Cat Day
At some point in time today, I have had one or two cats on my lap. And , this has included all of my three cats at one point or another being on my lap or near me on the sofa, switching out. I am so very pleased when any one of my cats want to sit near or on me when I am in the living room on the sofa. To have more than one cat on or me is delightful...I am sorry my cats "switch off" and not all three can be near each other at the same time. But, my cats are cool.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Cold Weather
It was barely snowing this morning when I got up, and started snowing a little harder when I went out to run errands early. The snowflakes at that time were singular, and each were star shaped in beautiful different patterns. Snow started accumulating on the ground and vehicles.
The flakes have changed and sometimes were very small, and sometimes large and fluffy. Currently, there are intermittent flakes, but never have they accumulated on the streets and sidewalks, and all the accumulated snow on the ground has melted.
It is cold, however. Mid-morning, when I made my second errand run, I saw two accidents in less than a mile on the Loop in Lubbock. The Loop includes bridges over the major streets. The first accident was on the bridge over Indiana, and the second accident was on the bridge over Quaker. The first accident involved a United States Postal Service truck, the back door was wide open, and it appeared empty. I am guessing the contents were on the ground. Obviously, the drivers were not paying attention to the fact that the air was cold and the roads were wet. The drivers going by were traveling much slower than traffic normally progresses on the Loop.
I think I have all of my errands run now. I do not need to go out anywhere, I believe, between now and Monday.
Let it snow!
The flakes have changed and sometimes were very small, and sometimes large and fluffy. Currently, there are intermittent flakes, but never have they accumulated on the streets and sidewalks, and all the accumulated snow on the ground has melted.
It is cold, however. Mid-morning, when I made my second errand run, I saw two accidents in less than a mile on the Loop in Lubbock. The Loop includes bridges over the major streets. The first accident was on the bridge over Indiana, and the second accident was on the bridge over Quaker. The first accident involved a United States Postal Service truck, the back door was wide open, and it appeared empty. I am guessing the contents were on the ground. Obviously, the drivers were not paying attention to the fact that the air was cold and the roads were wet. The drivers going by were traveling much slower than traffic normally progresses on the Loop.
I think I have all of my errands run now. I do not need to go out anywhere, I believe, between now and Monday.
Let it snow!
Nuts
As a Christmas treat, I bought some mixed shelled nuts. I set them out on a bowl on the table, and the first time that Sake got on the table, she picked out an almond and played with it on the floor until it ended up under the TV cart.
I will not be surprised if many other nuts will end up on the floor! What cats I have!
I will not be surprised if many other nuts will end up on the floor! What cats I have!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Crazy Shopping
I went to the nearby yuppie supermarket, Market Street http://www.unitedtexas.com/ , before going home today. It was crazy. There were vehicles parked in non-parking lanes. Yet there were plenty of places to park in the real parking lot, but further from the entrances than the non-parking lanes.
Inside the store, the lines were very long. There were lots of places where customers could sample food, and I tried a couple of things. I bought what I had planned to buy, including some items I can not buy at Wal-Mart http://www.walmart.com/ , where I do most of my shopping.
The store was so prepared for the extra shoppers, they had added an extra cashier line.
Saturday morning, I plan a trip to Wal-Mart for my regular weekly shopping. I can not help it that my regular shopping day happens to be Christmas Eve. I could have gone to Wal-Mart tonight, but my experience is that many things I want to buy are missing from the shelves on Friday night. By going early Saturday morning, the shelves will have been re-stocked, and I can get what I want to buy.
Inside the store, the lines were very long. There were lots of places where customers could sample food, and I tried a couple of things. I bought what I had planned to buy, including some items I can not buy at Wal-Mart http://www.walmart.com/ , where I do most of my shopping.
The store was so prepared for the extra shoppers, they had added an extra cashier line.
Saturday morning, I plan a trip to Wal-Mart for my regular weekly shopping. I can not help it that my regular shopping day happens to be Christmas Eve. I could have gone to Wal-Mart tonight, but my experience is that many things I want to buy are missing from the shelves on Friday night. By going early Saturday morning, the shelves will have been re-stocked, and I can get what I want to buy.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Online Library Services
I have to compliment the Lubbock City Library system http://library.ci.lubbock.tx.us/. They truly do a very good job. We all expect libraries to have books. But, this library system has much more: they have art work, DVDs, videos, sound recordings, books on tape (or CDs) for loan.
They participate in inter-library loan, and have even set up so subscribers can request inter-library loans from their home computers. They have books subscribers can down load. Subscribers can request books to be placed on hold. Subscribers can get books at one of the four locations, and return the same at any of the four locations. If a book is not at the location a subscriber prefers to use, they will bring it to that location.
They send email reminders when books are close to being due, and materials can be renewed online. They have various community programs at the libraries. Their community rooms are available to rent for meetings.
They have non-reading activities, such as a knitter's group. They have reading groups, discussion groups, children's activities.
The Lubbock library has a very large and active genealogy section. Patrons can use library only computers to look for library materials, or can access the Internet at the library. They have free wi-fi access.
Years ago, when Tonya came to visit for the summer, and she thought she was too old for day care, she would spend the mornings at the library while I worked.
The librarians are friendly, helpful, courteous and pleasant.
The library did have difficulty dealing with the homeless population of Lubbock that used the downtown main branch as a shelter. I understand it was a problem. The homeless can still use the library, but the library officials have discouraged their loitering by setting up some rules that are reasonable, including no sleeping in the library.
I am so thankful for the library system in Lubbock.
They participate in inter-library loan, and have even set up so subscribers can request inter-library loans from their home computers. They have books subscribers can down load. Subscribers can request books to be placed on hold. Subscribers can get books at one of the four locations, and return the same at any of the four locations. If a book is not at the location a subscriber prefers to use, they will bring it to that location.
They send email reminders when books are close to being due, and materials can be renewed online. They have various community programs at the libraries. Their community rooms are available to rent for meetings.
They have non-reading activities, such as a knitter's group. They have reading groups, discussion groups, children's activities.
The Lubbock library has a very large and active genealogy section. Patrons can use library only computers to look for library materials, or can access the Internet at the library. They have free wi-fi access.
Years ago, when Tonya came to visit for the summer, and she thought she was too old for day care, she would spend the mornings at the library while I worked.
The librarians are friendly, helpful, courteous and pleasant.
The library did have difficulty dealing with the homeless population of Lubbock that used the downtown main branch as a shelter. I understand it was a problem. The homeless can still use the library, but the library officials have discouraged their loitering by setting up some rules that are reasonable, including no sleeping in the library.
I am so thankful for the library system in Lubbock.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Journaling
Today at work, my supervisor gave all of us in her department a notebook for journaling. I have journaled, off and on, since I have been in high school, and some where, in my collection of stuff, I have all of my notebooks in which I have journaled. The notebooks vary in description, and include books for journaling, spiral bound notebooks, and other kinds of notebooks. I am sporadic in my journaling, and for the last several years, have blogged more than journaled. But there are some things that are too private to put on my blog, so when that occurs, I put it in my journal.
Late Night TV Shows
When I was young, occasionally, my parents would allow us to stay up late enough to watch late night TV, which really meant, watching "The Tonight Show. http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/ " This was when Jack Paar was the host http://timvp.com/jackpaar.html.
Years later, I became a big fan of Johnny Carson http://johnnycarson.com/, and watching late night TV with Johnny Carson was my habit. And it continued to be my habit for years, until he retired . Then, Jay Leno was the new host. I continued to enjoy Jay Leno http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/. I never did like Dave Letterman http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show/ as much as I liked Jay Leno, although I have watched him from time to time. . I do not like Conan O'Brian http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tonight_Show_with_Conan_O'Brien and do not watch his show at all.
I have not watched late night TV for years. I stumbled on it tonight, and I am enjoying it.
Years later, I became a big fan of Johnny Carson http://johnnycarson.com/, and watching late night TV with Johnny Carson was my habit. And it continued to be my habit for years, until he retired . Then, Jay Leno was the new host. I continued to enjoy Jay Leno http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/. I never did like Dave Letterman http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show/ as much as I liked Jay Leno, although I have watched him from time to time. . I do not like Conan O'Brian http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tonight_Show_with_Conan_O'Brien and do not watch his show at all.
I have not watched late night TV for years. I stumbled on it tonight, and I am enjoying it.
Monday, December 19, 2011
The Three Little Cats
This was Catholic Family Service, Inc. (in January, 2012, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Lubbock) board meeting tonight. I went home to feed the cats, then went on to the meeting, which often includes a Mass and a very good meal.
So, when I got home, I changed into comfortable clothes and started doing my computer reading and correspondence. About an hour and a half after I arrived home, I turned around and saw three cats just sitting in the computer room, staring at me. I have no idea what that was all about. Sake, I know wanted a treat. She had already been given a treat after I got home from the meeting, and did not eat it. Haiku and Taki ate their treats. But, everyone wanted something.
Hmmm.
So, when I got home, I changed into comfortable clothes and started doing my computer reading and correspondence. About an hour and a half after I arrived home, I turned around and saw three cats just sitting in the computer room, staring at me. I have no idea what that was all about. Sake, I know wanted a treat. She had already been given a treat after I got home from the meeting, and did not eat it. Haiku and Taki ate their treats. But, everyone wanted something.
Hmmm.
A Rude Awakening
I have written before about waking up and thinking it was a day off, then realizing that I had to go to work. I went through a spell, in November, when I spent Thursday thinking it was Friday, and on Friday, being disappointed about having to go to work.
This morning, when I woke up, I had no concept of going to work. Part of that has to do with my Sunday night: I usually at least think about work the next day, but did not, Sunday night. I watched sports and a movie, knitted, read, computered. And, when I went to bed, I did not consider that I had to wake up in the morning and go to work.
I have an alarm that rings every day, even the weekends. And, I snooze it or shut it off when I am not ready to get up. This morning, I did not even consider getting up. Until about an hour later. I woke up without the alarm, and realized I needed to get up for work.
This morning, when I woke up, I had no concept of going to work. Part of that has to do with my Sunday night: I usually at least think about work the next day, but did not, Sunday night. I watched sports and a movie, knitted, read, computered. And, when I went to bed, I did not consider that I had to wake up in the morning and go to work.
I have an alarm that rings every day, even the weekends. And, I snooze it or shut it off when I am not ready to get up. This morning, I did not even consider getting up. Until about an hour later. I woke up without the alarm, and realized I needed to get up for work.
The Continuing Saga of the Toilet Tissue Toy
So, when I came home from work today, there were trails of toilet tissue in the bedroom and the living room, and the roll was in the living room. Taki seemed to know that was a no no, but I did not get mad and again, almost laughed. I just picked everything up and put the roll higher up that it was before. Maybe we are competing for the honor of who can out do who.
Scrub My Neck
So, while I was writing the previous piece, Haiku came upon me and wanted some attention. In particular, she wanted me to scratch or scrub her neck. I am not sure what that was about. Of course, I accommodated her. Very strange.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
In Harm's Way
As did Sake and Haiku in their youth, Taki has an affinity for destroying rolls of toilet tissue. Today was no exception: there was a partial roll in the bathroom, and Taki rolled it around, and eventually brought it into the living room where she demolished it. (I thought I had placed this roll out of harm's way.)
I put a new roll in the bathroom, on top of the wicker basket that sits on top of the tank. I thought that was out of harm's way. Well, some 15 or so minutes ago, the new roll of tissue was being batted around on the living room floor.
I could not be angry, and instead just laughed out loud and long. I cleaned up the mess, and in the process, could see the look of bewilderment on Taki's face in regards to why this was not allowed.
I put a new roll in the bathroom, on top of the wicker basket that sits on top of the tank. I thought that was out of harm's way. Well, some 15 or so minutes ago, the new roll of tissue was being batted around on the living room floor.
I could not be angry, and instead just laughed out loud and long. I cleaned up the mess, and in the process, could see the look of bewilderment on Taki's face in regards to why this was not allowed.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Getting Along
I do not pretend to understand cat language, but I have to believe that my three cats are not friends. I know, from the way Sake and Haiku behaved for years, that they had struck an uneasy truce and tried to stay out of each other's way. With the inclusion of Taki, things have changes. I know I have written about Haiku's change: she is still a very mild mannered, gentle, compliant cat, but now she is not adverse to biting or otherwise complaining about what is occuring to her disliking, which is a departure from her previous demeanor.
Sake is still the "bitch kitty" and mostly in charge. She asks for special privileges, like going outside and getting fresh greens, and especially on the weekends, I try to acccomodate her.
Haiku is still very mellow. She will now occasionally "bite" but I think it is mostly attention seeking and she does not hurt with these "bites" if you can call them that.
Taki is a dervish. She has lots of energy, and loves to play, run, and otherwise be active. After the accident in the garage, I am not ready to allow her to return to the garage, and although, sometimes she sits at the door, she is not insistent about returning to the gararge, for which I am grateful.
Sake is still the "bitch kitty" and mostly in charge. She asks for special privileges, like going outside and getting fresh greens, and especially on the weekends, I try to acccomodate her.
Haiku is still very mellow. She will now occasionally "bite" but I think it is mostly attention seeking and she does not hurt with these "bites" if you can call them that.
Taki is a dervish. She has lots of energy, and loves to play, run, and otherwise be active. After the accident in the garage, I am not ready to allow her to return to the garage, and although, sometimes she sits at the door, she is not insistent about returning to the gararge, for which I am grateful.
Weekday Stress Tells
Due to a number of factors, work has become very stressful lately. I am finding it more and more difficult to get up early for work. Which is not bad: if I get up early, I go to work early, and put in overtime that I should not be working. So, going to work a little later in the morning is not such a bad thing, as long as I arrive for the morning meetings I am required to attend, usually, at 9 AM, and I am getting to work at 8 AM or shortly thereafter.
I also have a tendency to work too late, because there is one more thing I want to do. I have become better about this, especially when I have activities during the evening, and I need to leave in time to feed the cats, then arrive at my activity.
I just find it fascinating that during the week, it is difficult for me to get up at 5:30 AM, when my alarm first goes off. But, on the weekend, I am often wide awake and ready to rise before 5:30 AM.
Additionally, when I get home from work, feed cats, have dinner, read mail, read computer stuff, sometimes I am done in by 8:30 or 9 PM. Yet, on a weekend day, when I am often much more physically active doing housework, yard work and other chores, I am not ready for bed as early, and am ready to arise much earlier.
I have experiences this phenomenon before: when I am on vacation, I awaken earlier, and go to bed later. I know that this is a function of not suffering from mental stress. It just amazes me that the difference is so remarkable.
I also have a tendency to work too late, because there is one more thing I want to do. I have become better about this, especially when I have activities during the evening, and I need to leave in time to feed the cats, then arrive at my activity.
I just find it fascinating that during the week, it is difficult for me to get up at 5:30 AM, when my alarm first goes off. But, on the weekend, I am often wide awake and ready to rise before 5:30 AM.
Additionally, when I get home from work, feed cats, have dinner, read mail, read computer stuff, sometimes I am done in by 8:30 or 9 PM. Yet, on a weekend day, when I am often much more physically active doing housework, yard work and other chores, I am not ready for bed as early, and am ready to arise much earlier.
I have experiences this phenomenon before: when I am on vacation, I awaken earlier, and go to bed later. I know that this is a function of not suffering from mental stress. It just amazes me that the difference is so remarkable.
Christmas Decorations
I would love to have indoor Christmas decorations, but I am not sure I want to risk it this year: when I got out the lights to string outside, they became instant playthings for my cats, especially the baby, who was bent on chewing on cords and light bulbs. So much so, that as I had a string ready to bring outside, and left the others inside on the living room floor, I put Taki in the computer room, so she could not chew on light strings.
I am not yet brave enough to risk other l potentially dangerous decorations. Thanks to a sister, I have lots of Christmas towels and pot holders, and a brother sent a floor mat. I can set those things out.
Maybe, next year.
I am not yet brave enough to risk other l potentially dangerous decorations. Thanks to a sister, I have lots of Christmas towels and pot holders, and a brother sent a floor mat. I can set those things out.
Maybe, next year.
Christmas Lights
Some years, I have the mental energy to display Christmas lights, and some years, I do not. I had thought I would display lights this year, but did not get them out in November when the weather was fair, and the last two weekends have not been very pleasant. But, in the back of mind, I wanted to do some lights. Today was semi-pleasant, so I did get lights out. In the recent past, I have wrapped the Nandina bush and strung lights along the ivy in the front of my house. I decided this year that I would just wrap the Nandina. Two strings of lights from last year had large outages. So, I replaced bulbs in the rest, and bought one new string for wrapping the Nandina.
I keep thinking I want to do lighted candy canes, but have not found the sort of display that I want to do. I will keep looking.
I keep thinking I want to do lighted candy canes, but have not found the sort of display that I want to do. I will keep looking.
Easy Listening
I love what is termed "easy listening" music. It might be 40's, 50's, 60's and some later music, especially New Age. It is often big band style music, cabaret music, and sometimes musical music.
I am not sure why I like this music. Some of it has to do with remembering songs that my parents liked. Some of it has to do with enjoying music sung by Frank Sinatra, Perry Como. Johnny Mathis, and Rosemary Clooney, and others.
There are some folks who would say this is boring music, repetitious and uninspiring. That maybe true to some. But to me it soothes the soul. I am grateful that my cable company offers a variety of musical selections, and easy listening is one of them, only they call it "Singers and Swing."
I am not sure why I like this music. Some of it has to do with remembering songs that my parents liked. Some of it has to do with enjoying music sung by Frank Sinatra, Perry Como. Johnny Mathis, and Rosemary Clooney, and others.
There are some folks who would say this is boring music, repetitious and uninspiring. That maybe true to some. But to me it soothes the soul. I am grateful that my cable company offers a variety of musical selections, and easy listening is one of them, only they call it "Singers and Swing."
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Movies with a Message
I re watched Invictus http://invictusmovie.warnerbros.com/dvd/index.html or http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1057500/ tonight. If you are not familiar with the movie, it is the story of Nelson Mandela, newly elected President of South Africa, enjoining the forces of the rugby team to inspire the nation to a sense of unity.
I really like sports movies that actually have a greater good theme. And, many sports movies do.
I think it is important to recognize the influence of Clint Eastwood http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000142/bio in movies that have more than an entertainment theme. He has risen from TV heart throb Rowdy Yates in Rawhide to spaghetti western star to a very talented actor, producer, director of some very important movies. Yeah Clint Eastwood. And, in the process, he was mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
So, Invictus is just one movie with a message, and Clint Eastwood has supplied us many more.
I really like sports movies that actually have a greater good theme. And, many sports movies do.
I think it is important to recognize the influence of Clint Eastwood http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000142/bio in movies that have more than an entertainment theme. He has risen from TV heart throb Rowdy Yates in Rawhide to spaghetti western star to a very talented actor, producer, director of some very important movies. Yeah Clint Eastwood. And, in the process, he was mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
So, Invictus is just one movie with a message, and Clint Eastwood has supplied us many more.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Appeasing A West Texas Cat
The morning dawned balmy, what a pleasant experience this morning.
When I went home tonight, the air had a definite chill, much colder than the morning air.
When I got home tonight, Sake wanted to be in the garage, which was agreeable to me while I was feeding.
Shortly after, she came back into the house, and started to complain. She climbed on a dining area chair and tried to get on the window sill under the blinds. With the blinds down and the window closed, the window sill is all but non-existent. Basically, not available to her. So then, she tried to get on the window sills on the windows behind the sofa in the living room. Basically, the set up is the same as the window in the dining area: there are blinds on the windows, and no place for the cat to be. Unless we make a place by opening the windows. No place for Sake.
Sometime later, after much complaining, I took Sake outside. I showed her the cold and wet. I returned her to the house, and cut some rye grass from the front yard and brought it in for Sake. She just immediately settled down, chewed on some of the grass clippings, and later vomited, as she does, when she eats grass.
I am not sure why she eats grass and vomits so much, but I really believe it has to do with the amount of cat hair she consumes: She consumes so much, she needs help to expectorate it. I hate that it causes her so much distress, but I am not sure what else to do.
Well, today, Sake wanted out and to access some balmy West Texas air and grass. It did not happen, but Sake was appeased, somewhat, by having grass cuttings brought in.
And the truth be known, by the time I got home from work, the weather was no longer balmy, and Sake would not have enjoyed the outside air.
When I went home tonight, the air had a definite chill, much colder than the morning air.
When I got home tonight, Sake wanted to be in the garage, which was agreeable to me while I was feeding.
Shortly after, she came back into the house, and started to complain. She climbed on a dining area chair and tried to get on the window sill under the blinds. With the blinds down and the window closed, the window sill is all but non-existent. Basically, not available to her. So then, she tried to get on the window sills on the windows behind the sofa in the living room. Basically, the set up is the same as the window in the dining area: there are blinds on the windows, and no place for the cat to be. Unless we make a place by opening the windows. No place for Sake.
Sometime later, after much complaining, I took Sake outside. I showed her the cold and wet. I returned her to the house, and cut some rye grass from the front yard and brought it in for Sake. She just immediately settled down, chewed on some of the grass clippings, and later vomited, as she does, when she eats grass.
I am not sure why she eats grass and vomits so much, but I really believe it has to do with the amount of cat hair she consumes: She consumes so much, she needs help to expectorate it. I hate that it causes her so much distress, but I am not sure what else to do.
Well, today, Sake wanted out and to access some balmy West Texas air and grass. It did not happen, but Sake was appeased, somewhat, by having grass cuttings brought in.
And the truth be known, by the time I got home from work, the weather was no longer balmy, and Sake would not have enjoyed the outside air.
I Think My Car is Idiot Proof
The 2008 Saturn Vue I own is a very nice car. Not top of the line, but with some nice bells and whistles. One of the features I really appreciate is the OnStar Safe and Sound feature: basic Onstar that provides a monthly diagnostic, that includes oil life, reminders about maintenance, on demand diagnostics, and help in emergencies. For the money, it is a little pricey, but I have paid for it after the first complementary year subscription. I like the idea of having that safety feature built in. I do not do much traveling, but when I do, On Star is there if I need it.
I think I have written about the fact that my insurance company, State Farm Insurance, has coupled with OnStar to determine my driving patterns, with my permission and enrollment, and that has resulted in my getting a low mileage discount from my insurance. It does not pay for the cost of the OnStar, but I am going to pay for both, anyway, so if there is any way that OnStar can save me money on car insurance, I want to take advantage.
One of the features I have written about is the tire pressure sensor feature: more than once, I have been alerted to a slag tire. I get reports from On Star, but the vehicle also has a tire sensor feature that appears on the dashboard, when I have a slag tire.
My car has an alarm if I, or a front seat passenger, does not buckle the seat beat.
My car has an alarm if I do not shut off the headlights. Well, the headlights turn on automatically when I turn on the vehicle. So, I am not sure why I need to turn the headlights on, but the owner's manual suggests doing so, when it is time appropriate to turn on the headlights. Sometimes I remember to do so, sometimes, I do not.
Well, Monday night, after work, I had errands to run and did so before going home. It was grey due to rain, and the night darkness came a little early. So, driving home, I turned on the headlights. I am sure, when I parked the car in the garage, that the "headlights are on" alarm sounded, and I ignored it. I am not sure why or how I ignored it, but I have done that more than once. The car sat in the garage Monday night. I was in and out of the garage several times, Monday after I arrived home, to feed the cats and access the kitty litter.
Even after I was done feeding the cats, I walked back and forth by the door to the garage. There is a window in the door leading to the garage. Even after the garage was dark, I did not notice that the headlights were on.
Tuesday morning, as I was getting ready for work, I was loading the car with my lunch box, purse and a roadie drink, and noticed that the headlight control indicated the headlights were on. They were not. The car started immediately (I have a fairly new battery.) I have to think that my car has an idiot proof automatic sensor that turns off the headlights if the vehicle is shut off and the lights are not turned off. Because, Monday night, the headlights were not on!
Thank you idiot proof sensors.
I think I have written about the fact that my insurance company, State Farm Insurance, has coupled with OnStar to determine my driving patterns, with my permission and enrollment, and that has resulted in my getting a low mileage discount from my insurance. It does not pay for the cost of the OnStar, but I am going to pay for both, anyway, so if there is any way that OnStar can save me money on car insurance, I want to take advantage.
One of the features I have written about is the tire pressure sensor feature: more than once, I have been alerted to a slag tire. I get reports from On Star, but the vehicle also has a tire sensor feature that appears on the dashboard, when I have a slag tire.
My car has an alarm if I, or a front seat passenger, does not buckle the seat beat.
My car has an alarm if I do not shut off the headlights. Well, the headlights turn on automatically when I turn on the vehicle. So, I am not sure why I need to turn the headlights on, but the owner's manual suggests doing so, when it is time appropriate to turn on the headlights. Sometimes I remember to do so, sometimes, I do not.
Well, Monday night, after work, I had errands to run and did so before going home. It was grey due to rain, and the night darkness came a little early. So, driving home, I turned on the headlights. I am sure, when I parked the car in the garage, that the "headlights are on" alarm sounded, and I ignored it. I am not sure why or how I ignored it, but I have done that more than once. The car sat in the garage Monday night. I was in and out of the garage several times, Monday after I arrived home, to feed the cats and access the kitty litter.
Even after I was done feeding the cats, I walked back and forth by the door to the garage. There is a window in the door leading to the garage. Even after the garage was dark, I did not notice that the headlights were on.
Tuesday morning, as I was getting ready for work, I was loading the car with my lunch box, purse and a roadie drink, and noticed that the headlight control indicated the headlights were on. They were not. The car started immediately (I have a fairly new battery.) I have to think that my car has an idiot proof automatic sensor that turns off the headlights if the vehicle is shut off and the lights are not turned off. Because, Monday night, the headlights were not on!
Thank you idiot proof sensors.
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Winter Sky
There was a time in my life when, during Lent, my family would walk, as a family, to the Roman Catholic church in our town to say the Stations of the Cross. Those evenings are special to me, in my memory, for many reasons. One of the reasons is that during those walks, the evening sky was often clear, and we took great delight in identifying constellations.
I do not see those constellations in Lubbock, I think because the ambient light is too bright. When I lived in the country, we did see those constellations.
I still enjoy looking at the constellations in the sky.
I do not see those constellations in Lubbock, I think because the ambient light is too bright. When I lived in the country, we did see those constellations.
I still enjoy looking at the constellations in the sky.
The Night Sky
It was midnight dark well before 7 PM tonight. I have not noticed that lately, but of course, the last two nights, I was out and not paying attention to how dark it gets, and when it gets that dark. Tonight, the house felt enveloped in the dark.
That is strange. But we are moving towards the shortest day, and conversely, the longest night, of the year
In Lubbock, the day length change is very noticeable. Which is very interesting. And, very exciting as the day length increases!
That is strange. But we are moving towards the shortest day, and conversely, the longest night, of the year
In Lubbock, the day length change is very noticeable. Which is very interesting. And, very exciting as the day length increases!
The Moon at 5 PM
I left work at about 5:15 PM today. The drive out of the unit is to the east. As I drove east, I noticed a shadow of the moon in the eastern sky. It was full daylight. I can not remember if I have ever seen the moon that low in the eastern sky during full daylight. I am not sure how that happened, including if it was due to some reflecting rays off of snow or something somewhere. It was amazing!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Airing Up the Tires
Okay, so this is my fault and something I did not prepare for. A short time ago, I received a notice from OnStar that I had a slag tire. That day was cold, so I filled the offending tire, but did not check the rest. Bad move. They were all a little low, and as the temperature drops, the tire pressure drops. A matter of physics.
When I left work today, the indicator light for low tire pressure was on. I went to a free air/water dispenser at a local gasoline stop. I waited and waited and waited, circling around to get a chance to get to the air compressor. Finally, I was able to get myself in line to use the air compressor.
As I was filling the tires with air, a gentleman who was at one of the gas pumps nearby asked me if I wanted help... That was very nice. He was not pumping gas, and he was not in line to use the air compressor. He was just being gallant and gentlemanly. I was tempted to accept his offer of help, but there was no reason he should have been out in the cold filling my tires, when it is my responsibility to do so.
I took my time checking the tire pressure and filling the tires. I was on the fourth tire, when a young woman came up to me and asked me if I needed help. She was in a car waiting to use the air compressor. I told her I did not need help, I was just slow. When I finished, I turned the compressor hose over to another person who was in line before her. She was not very happy. I am sorry.
There was a line of cars, and I suspect they were all experiencing what I was; a marginally inflated tire was under inflated due to the cold weather effecting the air pressure of the tire.
When I left work today, the indicator light for low tire pressure was on. I went to a free air/water dispenser at a local gasoline stop. I waited and waited and waited, circling around to get a chance to get to the air compressor. Finally, I was able to get myself in line to use the air compressor.
As I was filling the tires with air, a gentleman who was at one of the gas pumps nearby asked me if I wanted help... That was very nice. He was not pumping gas, and he was not in line to use the air compressor. He was just being gallant and gentlemanly. I was tempted to accept his offer of help, but there was no reason he should have been out in the cold filling my tires, when it is my responsibility to do so.
I took my time checking the tire pressure and filling the tires. I was on the fourth tire, when a young woman came up to me and asked me if I needed help. She was in a car waiting to use the air compressor. I told her I did not need help, I was just slow. When I finished, I turned the compressor hose over to another person who was in line before her. She was not very happy. I am sorry.
There was a line of cars, and I suspect they were all experiencing what I was; a marginally inflated tire was under inflated due to the cold weather effecting the air pressure of the tire.
The Storm Blew In
The snow storm blew in over night. It was just a few inches of snow, but lots of blowing and bitter cold wind. If the temperature was above freezing today, it was not there for very long. By the end of the day, there was ice on the roads in spots, and driving was becoming treacherous.
I did not get up early but took my time getting to work. I got to work on time. It was cold, cold and windy walking out to the vehicle at the end of the day.
This is the kind of weather that requires us to be careful: to prevent exposure injuries (frostbite), to prevent needless vehicular accidents (skids and uncontrolled slides), and household problems: frozen pipes, power outages, careless fires.
Do prevention and be careful.
I did not get up early but took my time getting to work. I got to work on time. It was cold, cold and windy walking out to the vehicle at the end of the day.
This is the kind of weather that requires us to be careful: to prevent exposure injuries (frostbite), to prevent needless vehicular accidents (skids and uncontrolled slides), and household problems: frozen pipes, power outages, careless fires.
Do prevention and be careful.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Cat Comfort
Two of my cats sought repose on my lap today. I am always pleased and thankful when one of my cats wants to seek repose on my lap. But today, two did. This morning, Haiku climbed on my lap and stayed for more than three hours. That was thrilling!
Tonight, Taki was on my lap for about an hour. That, too, was thrilling.
In addition to having Taki on my lap tonight, Haiku was on the sofa, and Sake, was across the room on the futon.
So, my cats were all reposing with me in the living room. How wonderful!
I really enjoy my cats sitting on my lap. But some times, I have to disturb them. Even so, I enjoy their company.
Tonight, Taki was on my lap for about an hour. That, too, was thrilling.
In addition to having Taki on my lap tonight, Haiku was on the sofa, and Sake, was across the room on the futon.
So, my cats were all reposing with me in the living room. How wonderful!
I really enjoy my cats sitting on my lap. But some times, I have to disturb them. Even so, I enjoy their company.
Being Prepared
I grew up in New England, in a family that was practical and careful. One of the things I learned from my upbringing was to be prepared: We knew when there was a winter storm brewing, and we were prepared. That meant we arose early enough to dig out the drive way (or snow blow it in later years). We arose early enough to allow extra time to arrive at whatever destinations we needed to achieve. We were prepared.
We paid attention to the weather forecasts, and made sure we were ready for whatever occurred.
When I moved to West Texas, I was surprised. From what I could tell, people really did not plan for contingencies having to do with the weather. If a storm was forecast and blew in, everything stopped or was late. People did not seem to plan to start early because of a storm. Rain could deter activities, including going shopping, or going to the doctor.
Some people had tornado shelters, but not everyone did. Some people who did not have tornado shelters had plans if tornadoes occurred, but not everyone did.
The weather service, the municipal powers and the local media encourage people to have an emergency kit. As if this is a new and previously unheard of idea. Who would not have an emergency kit in case of a disaster. Mine is not elaborate, but includes provisions for myself and my cats. Because my "shelter" is the closet in my bedroom, I have a lot of stuff readily available with my emergency kit. If I had to take shelter, my purse with my ID, credit cards, my cell phone, and such would be with me.
For winter weather, I have equipment to "dig out." I have emergency equipment in my vehicle, including a blanket for warmth, in case of being stuck. I am not the most prepared person there is, but I have made some preparations.
Something is better than nothing.
We paid attention to the weather forecasts, and made sure we were ready for whatever occurred.
When I moved to West Texas, I was surprised. From what I could tell, people really did not plan for contingencies having to do with the weather. If a storm was forecast and blew in, everything stopped or was late. People did not seem to plan to start early because of a storm. Rain could deter activities, including going shopping, or going to the doctor.
Some people had tornado shelters, but not everyone did. Some people who did not have tornado shelters had plans if tornadoes occurred, but not everyone did.
The weather service, the municipal powers and the local media encourage people to have an emergency kit. As if this is a new and previously unheard of idea. Who would not have an emergency kit in case of a disaster. Mine is not elaborate, but includes provisions for myself and my cats. Because my "shelter" is the closet in my bedroom, I have a lot of stuff readily available with my emergency kit. If I had to take shelter, my purse with my ID, credit cards, my cell phone, and such would be with me.
For winter weather, I have equipment to "dig out." I have emergency equipment in my vehicle, including a blanket for warmth, in case of being stuck. I am not the most prepared person there is, but I have made some preparations.
Something is better than nothing.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Favorite Poems
I just finished reading the book A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny. In it, some favorite poems of some of the characters were quoted. They were two of my favorite poems ( I have many favorite poems.) Quoted were lines from The Lay of the Last Minstrel by Sir Walter Scott http://scott-minstrel.cath.vt.edu/select.php?select=Canto.VI and from High Flight by John Gillespie Magee.
This is one of a series of murder mysteries, and in other volumes, other poetry is quoted. This time the chief inspector quotes these poems, and one of the deceased characters is attributed to quote The Lay of the Last Minstrel.
The deceased character who quoted poetry to his children loved his children dearly, but somehow, the family became dysfunctional. That happens.
My father quoted and misquoted poetry to us. I loved it. And, through the years, I quote and misquote poetry to myself. Poetry keeps me company. I am so blessed that my father instilled in me the love of poetry.
This is one of a series of murder mysteries, and in other volumes, other poetry is quoted. This time the chief inspector quotes these poems, and one of the deceased characters is attributed to quote The Lay of the Last Minstrel.
The deceased character who quoted poetry to his children loved his children dearly, but somehow, the family became dysfunctional. That happens.
My father quoted and misquoted poetry to us. I loved it. And, through the years, I quote and misquote poetry to myself. Poetry keeps me company. I am so blessed that my father instilled in me the love of poetry.
Tumbleweed
I have previously written about the wind storm which we experienced on November 26, 2011. One of the consequences of that wind storm was a major influx of tumbleweed. When I drove to work Monday morning after the storm, the tumbleweed were lined up all along the fences and intermixed with the plants along the entry way to the prison where I work. This is not surprising, as the prison is outside of Lubbock proper, in the open fields, with nothing to stop the tumbleweed influx.
I lived for a while in the country, and after a wind storm in the winter and spring, we did "tumbleweed management." It required a day with some wind. We would removed the tumbleweed stack up on everywhere: on fences, in hedgerows, along house walls, and where ever else something could stop a rolling tumbleweed. We would take the tumbleweed to an area that did not offer an obstruction, and release it to roll on, to gather at some other obstacle.
Years ago, I think in the winter of 2002, I was traveling northeast of Lubbock, and a windstorm blew in. The tumbleweed blowing across the road was incessant, with tumbleweed after tumbleweed after tumbleweed rolling past. It was just amazing!
The first year I lived in Lubbock, I was at the post office in early December mailing Christmas presents. The young man ahead of me had a large box: probably more that 24 inches high (I am thinking 30-36 inches high) and about 18 inches wide on each side. The postal clerk commented on how light it was. The customer said he was sending a tumbleweed home to a friend for Christmas, just to prove they really existed, and how big they could be.
As a youth, my family listened to country and western music, and I am always reminded of the song "Tumbling Tumbleweed." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumbling_Tumbleweeds http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/sons-of-the-pioneers/tumbling-tumbleweeds-13413.html
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/sons-of-the-pioneers/tumbling-tumbleweeds-13413.html
Seeing tumbelweed, even in this day and age, when the west is not as isolated and lonely as it was, the song speaks to me of the isolation and loneliness of the prairie, the wide open plains, and the impact of the wind on this part of the world.
I lived for a while in the country, and after a wind storm in the winter and spring, we did "tumbleweed management." It required a day with some wind. We would removed the tumbleweed stack up on everywhere: on fences, in hedgerows, along house walls, and where ever else something could stop a rolling tumbleweed. We would take the tumbleweed to an area that did not offer an obstruction, and release it to roll on, to gather at some other obstacle.
Years ago, I think in the winter of 2002, I was traveling northeast of Lubbock, and a windstorm blew in. The tumbleweed blowing across the road was incessant, with tumbleweed after tumbleweed after tumbleweed rolling past. It was just amazing!
The first year I lived in Lubbock, I was at the post office in early December mailing Christmas presents. The young man ahead of me had a large box: probably more that 24 inches high (I am thinking 30-36 inches high) and about 18 inches wide on each side. The postal clerk commented on how light it was. The customer said he was sending a tumbleweed home to a friend for Christmas, just to prove they really existed, and how big they could be.
As a youth, my family listened to country and western music, and I am always reminded of the song "Tumbling Tumbleweed." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumbling_Tumbleweeds http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/sons-of-the-pioneers/tumbling-tumbleweeds-13413.html
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/sons-of-the-pioneers/tumbling-tumbleweeds-13413.html
Seeing tumbelweed, even in this day and age, when the west is not as isolated and lonely as it was, the song speaks to me of the isolation and loneliness of the prairie, the wide open plains, and the impact of the wind on this part of the world.
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