I had conversations with two very good friends tonight. I am thankful that I have these friends and that we can have these conversations.
What more is there to add.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Who Would Do This? And Why?
We were out kayaking tonight. It was a beautiful night. We went to the east or dam end of the lake, and on the dam, were probably 80 dead, rotting and fly covered fish. They were not long dead, and there was a place on the dam where water had splashed up, maybe from a net being dragged up on the dam.
This was very tragic and sad to see. Why would someone catch all those fish, and let them lie to rot? Who would do such a thing? I can guess. Not my favorite thing to think about.
This kind of disregard and disrespect for life is distressing to me. I do not understand it, and I find it very heartbreaking. This kind of action indicates that the perpetrator has no concept of stewardship of living things, of nature.
There was nothing we could do. The fish were dead. I am sorry.
This was very tragic and sad to see. Why would someone catch all those fish, and let them lie to rot? Who would do such a thing? I can guess. Not my favorite thing to think about.
This kind of disregard and disrespect for life is distressing to me. I do not understand it, and I find it very heartbreaking. This kind of action indicates that the perpetrator has no concept of stewardship of living things, of nature.
There was nothing we could do. The fish were dead. I am sorry.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Time Warp
I have thought, all day today, that it was Friday, the 30th of March. I have also thought it was the last day of the month, although I know quite well that the month has 31 days. I am not sure why I am in the time warp.
I have quite a bit of work to finish before the end of the month, and I keep having this sense of panic that it will not be done on time. But, then I realize I have two more days, and what I want to do will not take that long. I am just having trouble getting started. I think doing a little writing tonight has helped, however, and I look forward to getting some serious stuff done tomorrow night.
I have quite a bit of work to finish before the end of the month, and I keep having this sense of panic that it will not be done on time. But, then I realize I have two more days, and what I want to do will not take that long. I am just having trouble getting started. I think doing a little writing tonight has helped, however, and I look forward to getting some serious stuff done tomorrow night.
Mind Overload
Usually, I have a brain drain and can not think of topics about which to write. Currently, I have the opposite problem. I have several topics jotted down, but find when I am sitting down to write, my brain feels like it is on overload, and I can not write anything. I realize I need to approach this, as I approach many problems: break it down into smaller pieces and just do a little bit at a time, until I make the project more manageable.
Just writing a few shorts tonight has helped. They are not the most important things I wanted to write about, but getting the shorts out of the way, so I can concentrate on the more serious, longer pieces has freed up my brain, already.
When all else fails, use a plan that has worked in the past.
Just writing a few shorts tonight has helped. They are not the most important things I wanted to write about, but getting the shorts out of the way, so I can concentrate on the more serious, longer pieces has freed up my brain, already.
When all else fails, use a plan that has worked in the past.
Opening Day
I heard about a couple of home opening schedules for baseball teams a few days ago, so I went to the Major League Baseball site to find out when opening day occurred http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/schedule/#date=03/26/2012. I was really really confused when I read the schedule that indicated that there were regular season games on March 28 and 29, and April 4, but spring training continued until April 4. I decided I was somehow misreading the schedule, until I listened to a sports cast last night. And learned that I read the schedule correctly, and that the opening games were being played in Japan!
As a local sportscaster said today, why does opening day for America's pastime occur in Japan? I do not get it.
I do not usually pay attention to opening day except for the Yankees or the Red Sox, so much to my chagrin, as I researched this, I learned that this is not the first time that opening day has not happened on the home front http://espn.go.com/mlb/topics/_/page/mlb-opening-day. So, now I am wondering if this is the first year that opening day occurred before spring training was completed?
Did I miss something somewhere? Isn't opening day when the new season begins, after spring training is finished? Did I get something wrong? Can you explain this to me?
As a local sportscaster said today, why does opening day for America's pastime occur in Japan? I do not get it.
I do not usually pay attention to opening day except for the Yankees or the Red Sox, so much to my chagrin, as I researched this, I learned that this is not the first time that opening day has not happened on the home front http://espn.go.com/mlb/topics/_/page/mlb-opening-day. So, now I am wondering if this is the first year that opening day occurred before spring training was completed?
Did I miss something somewhere? Isn't opening day when the new season begins, after spring training is finished? Did I get something wrong? Can you explain this to me?
Posthumous Recognition
I recently attended an event during which someone was posthumously recognized for the kind and socially correct acts in which he engaged during his life. It was a nice ceremony, and very meaningful to his family. I did not know the individual, but he sounds like the sort of person I would like to have known.
I regret that he was not recognized during his lifetime by this group honoring him. I am not sure why that did not occur, but it is what it is. It made me start to think how many of us wait until someone has died to acknowledge how important they are, how much we appreciate their efforts, and how much they mean to us.
It is sad that these tributes will not be heard by the one about whom they are offered. Why is it that it is often only at death that we take pause to pay tribute. Are we really that busy? Or just too self centered?
Is there someone in your world, maybe a family member, a friend, an acquaintance, a community figure, a mentor, an almost stranger whom you admire? Is it time for you to inform that person how much they and their efforts, beliefs, values, principals, mean to you?
I regret that he was not recognized during his lifetime by this group honoring him. I am not sure why that did not occur, but it is what it is. It made me start to think how many of us wait until someone has died to acknowledge how important they are, how much we appreciate their efforts, and how much they mean to us.
It is sad that these tributes will not be heard by the one about whom they are offered. Why is it that it is often only at death that we take pause to pay tribute. Are we really that busy? Or just too self centered?
Is there someone in your world, maybe a family member, a friend, an acquaintance, a community figure, a mentor, an almost stranger whom you admire? Is it time for you to inform that person how much they and their efforts, beliefs, values, principals, mean to you?
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The Butterfly Effect
I had heard something like this before, but never as graphically as when I read it in a novel a while back. The butterfly effect http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly_effect. And, since reading it once, I have heard it alluded to many times.
The butterfly effect alludes to the fact that one butterfly flapping its wings may alter an air current that may alter the path of a storm, such as a tornado, and therefore, influence what impact the storm has It has been more eloquently stated that my succinct version.
The point is, we do no know what effect in the future some small act we may take today will have. We do not know what seeds we plant. How a thoughtless act, good or bad, may impact someone to change what they do, with a resulting ripple or domino effect.
For some of us, the concept of "pay it forward" takes this into consideration: someone does a kind deed for us. We can not pay that person back, due to whatever circumstances, including maybe the deed was truly a random act by a stranger whom we will never meet again, so will not have the opportunity to repay. But, when faced with the option in the future, we do a kind deed for someone else, possibly a stranger, also maybe randomly, not expecting any pay back, but hoping this person, too, will "pay it forward."
Another example or version of this is the nursery rhyme, "For Want of a Nail" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_Want_of_a_Nail_(proverb) . This is an excellent example of the progression that can occur from a small act or omission.
When we go about our lives, maybe we need to spend more time thinking about the consequence of our small actions.
The butterfly effect alludes to the fact that one butterfly flapping its wings may alter an air current that may alter the path of a storm, such as a tornado, and therefore, influence what impact the storm has It has been more eloquently stated that my succinct version.
The point is, we do no know what effect in the future some small act we may take today will have. We do not know what seeds we plant. How a thoughtless act, good or bad, may impact someone to change what they do, with a resulting ripple or domino effect.
For some of us, the concept of "pay it forward" takes this into consideration: someone does a kind deed for us. We can not pay that person back, due to whatever circumstances, including maybe the deed was truly a random act by a stranger whom we will never meet again, so will not have the opportunity to repay. But, when faced with the option in the future, we do a kind deed for someone else, possibly a stranger, also maybe randomly, not expecting any pay back, but hoping this person, too, will "pay it forward."
Another example or version of this is the nursery rhyme, "For Want of a Nail" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_Want_of_a_Nail_(proverb) . This is an excellent example of the progression that can occur from a small act or omission.
When we go about our lives, maybe we need to spend more time thinking about the consequence of our small actions.
Monday, March 26, 2012
And Still, It is Light
I went to a function tonight, and we left after 8 PM. It was just getting dusk. The moon and Venus were bright in the western sky, but in the urban lighting of Lubbock, little else is visible, especially that early in the evening.
But, it was so nice for it not to be pitch black dark when we headed out tonight. One of the blessing of living in this part of the world. The days are so much longer than in some parts of the world.
But, it was so nice for it not to be pitch black dark when we headed out tonight. One of the blessing of living in this part of the world. The days are so much longer than in some parts of the world.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
A Top Shelf Kitty
Haiku likes to get on the top shelf in the garage. And, when she does, she does not come down when I call her. Consequently, I have to limit the times that I allow her in the garage, because if I am going some where, I would not be sure I could gather her into the house.
When she is on the top shelf, she talks to me when I check on her. Sometimes, she acts very restless, and paces back and forth. I bring the step stool into the garage, and try to get her down. Usually, she stays further back from the edge of the shelf when I do this, than when she is pacing. As if she is resisting my bringing her down, or she is afraid I will drop her. So, then I just have to leave her alone, but check on her and encourage her to jump down.
Her access is simple: she jumps onto the car hood, and from the hood to the car roof. From the roof, she jumps to a side shelf, works her way along the shelf, and gets jumps diagonally to the end shelf. From the end shelf, she usually jumps down onto the car hood. I wonder if she has to work up her nerve to jump down. She does not seem to hesitate to jump up, though.
Sake used to do this, but jumping has become more difficult for her, and she does not do as much jumping as she used to. Actually, neither does Haiku, although she still does more than Sake.
So far, Taki does not do as much jumping as either one. She has started jumping from the bed to the dresser in the spare bedroom, but that is as far as she jumps. She gets on the sofa and the bed. She climbs the cat tree, but that is less than 5 feet high, and the shelves are only a couple of feet, or less, apart. She did, once get on the top shelf in the garage, and I chronicled her disastrous jump down. I no longer let her go into the garage. She is still too young. And little.
Haiku, however, is one top shelf kitty.
When she is on the top shelf, she talks to me when I check on her. Sometimes, she acts very restless, and paces back and forth. I bring the step stool into the garage, and try to get her down. Usually, she stays further back from the edge of the shelf when I do this, than when she is pacing. As if she is resisting my bringing her down, or she is afraid I will drop her. So, then I just have to leave her alone, but check on her and encourage her to jump down.
Her access is simple: she jumps onto the car hood, and from the hood to the car roof. From the roof, she jumps to a side shelf, works her way along the shelf, and gets jumps diagonally to the end shelf. From the end shelf, she usually jumps down onto the car hood. I wonder if she has to work up her nerve to jump down. She does not seem to hesitate to jump up, though.
Sake used to do this, but jumping has become more difficult for her, and she does not do as much jumping as she used to. Actually, neither does Haiku, although she still does more than Sake.
So far, Taki does not do as much jumping as either one. She has started jumping from the bed to the dresser in the spare bedroom, but that is as far as she jumps. She gets on the sofa and the bed. She climbs the cat tree, but that is less than 5 feet high, and the shelves are only a couple of feet, or less, apart. She did, once get on the top shelf in the garage, and I chronicled her disastrous jump down. I no longer let her go into the garage. She is still too young. And little.
Haiku, however, is one top shelf kitty.
Where Was My Helper
Sunday night is laundry night at my house, and for the last several months, Taki has taken it upon herself to "help" my by chasing, grabbing, swinging and in general cat-handling every piece of clothing I am trying to hang up to put away.
Tonight, she sat looking out the back door for most of the time I did laundry. She came around once or twice, but just looked at the clothes, and then, backed off.
I can not believe she has learned not to play with this stuff since last Sunday. Nothing else seems to be different.
Hmmm. A fluke? Only time will tell.
And, while I have to say doing the laundry took a lot more time with her grabbing at clothes, and sometimes, missing clothes and getting me, I did miss her tonight.
Tonight, she sat looking out the back door for most of the time I did laundry. She came around once or twice, but just looked at the clothes, and then, backed off.
I can not believe she has learned not to play with this stuff since last Sunday. Nothing else seems to be different.
Hmmm. A fluke? Only time will tell.
And, while I have to say doing the laundry took a lot more time with her grabbing at clothes, and sometimes, missing clothes and getting me, I did miss her tonight.
Things That Go Whomple in the Night
When the printer on the computer is turning on or off, or sometimes, getting ready to print, it makes a series of whomple noises. Last night, I did not turn the printer off. I frequently forget to turn the printer off. I should. I should turn many more things off at night: it would help decrease the electric bill. But, I do not do that.
Sometime during the night, I did not look at the time, I heard the printer cycling through its whompling noises. I thought that maybe one of the cats had jumped on it, and hit one of the control buttons that would cause it to recycle. That happens frequently. I should have arisen to investigate, but I was not frightened or particularly concerned. Although maybe I should be. I read a lot of murder mysteries in which home invasions occur, randomly or purposefully. I work with psychiatric prisoners who do home invasions as crimes regularly. My home has been broken into, and objects stolen. More than once. I should have been more concerned. I consciously was not.
This morning, when I came to the computer to do some work, the reason for the printer to recycle and whomple became obvious to me: sometime during the night, the electric power to this part of the house had shut off and turned back on. This happens often. I do not know why. I can tell it happens, because the television connected in this part of the house resets the channel, and the volume is reset to very low. I had to fix that this morning. This to me explained the whompling!
Sometime during the night, I did not look at the time, I heard the printer cycling through its whompling noises. I thought that maybe one of the cats had jumped on it, and hit one of the control buttons that would cause it to recycle. That happens frequently. I should have arisen to investigate, but I was not frightened or particularly concerned. Although maybe I should be. I read a lot of murder mysteries in which home invasions occur, randomly or purposefully. I work with psychiatric prisoners who do home invasions as crimes regularly. My home has been broken into, and objects stolen. More than once. I should have been more concerned. I consciously was not.
This morning, when I came to the computer to do some work, the reason for the printer to recycle and whomple became obvious to me: sometime during the night, the electric power to this part of the house had shut off and turned back on. This happens often. I do not know why. I can tell it happens, because the television connected in this part of the house resets the channel, and the volume is reset to very low. I had to fix that this morning. This to me explained the whompling!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Gatherings
Lately, there have been multiple episodes when there are two cats in the same room at the same time. In places where they did not used to gather. And often, there are three cats in the same place in the same time. This is amazing and good. I do not know what motivates this. I do not think it is companionship. I think it everyone keeping an eye on everyone else. But, I have hopes that it is a good thing.
My Fault
I am a stacker. I have stacks of stuff on the dining table, and it needs to be put away. I have all kinds of stuff stacked on and around the computer desk. Tonight, Haiku got on the turntable, stacked with a book and lots of papers. As she tried to jump off, she slipped, hit some stuff on the desk top proper, knocked over my tea, and disappeared. I went looking for her, and she did not want to be consoled. She was not hurt, except, I think she was embarrassed. I petted and held her briefly, then put her down. She came back into the computer room, then left, and went looking for something to do in the bedroom. I cleaned up some of my mess tonight. I really need to finish cleaning up the mess. It is dangerous for the cats.
A Kind Offer
I had and I took the opportunity to go kayaking again today. I went to Dunbar Historical Lake. The weather was beautiful. There was someone on the water when I got there, and two more people showed up just as I did. Some other folks showed up even later on! I have never seen so many people on this little lake. (It was not crowded at all.)
The last set of folks to come to the lake while I was there were coming back from the dam end when I was getting out of the lake. This was a women maybe a little older than me, and her grown son. She immediately offered to give me her phone number, so I could call and we could go together. She said it is safer than my being on the lake by myself. She is right, but how kind and generous that is to offer that availability to a complete stranger! I took her number. I will call her tomorrow, and give her my number, so she can also call me if she wants to go kayaking, too.
The last set of folks to come to the lake while I was there were coming back from the dam end when I was getting out of the lake. This was a women maybe a little older than me, and her grown son. She immediately offered to give me her phone number, so I could call and we could go together. She said it is safer than my being on the lake by myself. She is right, but how kind and generous that is to offer that availability to a complete stranger! I took her number. I will call her tomorrow, and give her my number, so she can also call me if she wants to go kayaking, too.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Seat Hopping
When someone pays for a ticket to a play, concert, sporting event or other auditorium or stadium reserved seating event, they pay for the ticket that is reserved for them. The better the seats, the higher the price on the ticket.
So, I do not understand why some people who pay for lesser tickets think it is okay for them to sit in better seats. And when the person or people who paid the price for the better seats arrives, the intruder becomes indignant at being asked to move. This is rude to the person who paid the price for the better seats.
It is also rude to the people in the near vicinity where these seats are. As people are moving in and out of the rows unnecessarily, they are less able to watch the event they paid to see. I do not mind if people need to move past me on the row, when they want to use the restroom or go to the concession stand. They paid for that seat, and it is their right to vacate as they choose. Most people are polite about asking to pass through, and many people try to make these moves during breaks in the action. But if someone is playing musical seats because they are purposefully sitting in the wrong seats, that is rude.
I have often seen such intruders move just a few seats from their first spot, but also not in their assigned seat. I have seen people move two or three times like this. Sometimes ushers do get involved and encourage them to use or escort them to their correct seats.
If the arena is empty, upgrading seats in okay in my book. But that should not occur until the event begins, and it is obvious which seats will be empty.
I really attend events like this for the event, and do not want to be interrupted by seat hopping.
So, I do not understand why some people who pay for lesser tickets think it is okay for them to sit in better seats. And when the person or people who paid the price for the better seats arrives, the intruder becomes indignant at being asked to move. This is rude to the person who paid the price for the better seats.
It is also rude to the people in the near vicinity where these seats are. As people are moving in and out of the rows unnecessarily, they are less able to watch the event they paid to see. I do not mind if people need to move past me on the row, when they want to use the restroom or go to the concession stand. They paid for that seat, and it is their right to vacate as they choose. Most people are polite about asking to pass through, and many people try to make these moves during breaks in the action. But if someone is playing musical seats because they are purposefully sitting in the wrong seats, that is rude.
I have often seen such intruders move just a few seats from their first spot, but also not in their assigned seat. I have seen people move two or three times like this. Sometimes ushers do get involved and encourage them to use or escort them to their correct seats.
If the arena is empty, upgrading seats in okay in my book. But that should not occur until the event begins, and it is obvious which seats will be empty.
I really attend events like this for the event, and do not want to be interrupted by seat hopping.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
One of Those Days
I went to work knowing that I was going to start off with a distraction. That did not bother me, and in fact, I really enjoyed the opportunity to do something different.
It was the rest of the day full of distractions that gave me a head ache. I felt like I had stimuli coming at me non-stop, pounding into my head. I did not really have the mental energy to deal with that today, or so I thought, but at the end of the day, I realized I really did get a lot done. How? As I always do. I put one foot in front of the other and kept on going. But I came home very tired.
And still, I had chores to do after work. And, I kept going, putting one foot in front of the other. That is how it is done.
It was the rest of the day full of distractions that gave me a head ache. I felt like I had stimuli coming at me non-stop, pounding into my head. I did not really have the mental energy to deal with that today, or so I thought, but at the end of the day, I realized I really did get a lot done. How? As I always do. I put one foot in front of the other and kept on going. But I came home very tired.
And still, I had chores to do after work. And, I kept going, putting one foot in front of the other. That is how it is done.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Politics
I used to be more interested in politics. In fact, my interest in politics has waxed and waned over the years. During the last presidential election, in 2008, I was very interested, especially in the activities of the Democratic Party.
This year, I am having a difficult time getting interested. The Democrats are doing little, as President Obama is running again, so there is no need to do campaigning leading up to the primaries (there are no Democrat spring primaries) or convention. This makes me nervous. Although President Obama is out on the campaign trail, I think it is a lackluster effort. So, is he saving his efforts to campaign in the autumn against the announced Republican candidate? It would seem so.
The Republicans have had, and still have an assortment of candidates. Some of the more notables already out of the race are Texas Governor Rick Perry, Minnesota US Representative Michell Bachmann, and business Herman Cain. Still running are former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, former House Speaker, and former Georgia US Representative Newt Gingrich, Texas US Representative Ron Paul, and former Pennsylvania US Senator Rick Santorum. Their campaigns are drawing a great deal of attention to the Republican Party and the individual candidates. One of the interesting things is that the Tea Party has resulted in their being a backlash against their extreme radicalism, as evidenced by the more moderate candidates doing better in the primaries.
I tend to be a bit on the conservative side of liberalism. I shy away from fanatics, whether they are liberal or conservative, religious, political or what have you. I would like President Obama have a second term, so we are not in the clutch of the big business favored Republican influence. It hurts the middle and lower class citizens more than we can realize.
Maybe, once the conventions have occurred and the two parties are campaigning against each other, I will be more interested.
This year, I am having a difficult time getting interested. The Democrats are doing little, as President Obama is running again, so there is no need to do campaigning leading up to the primaries (there are no Democrat spring primaries) or convention. This makes me nervous. Although President Obama is out on the campaign trail, I think it is a lackluster effort. So, is he saving his efforts to campaign in the autumn against the announced Republican candidate? It would seem so.
The Republicans have had, and still have an assortment of candidates. Some of the more notables already out of the race are Texas Governor Rick Perry, Minnesota US Representative Michell Bachmann, and business Herman Cain. Still running are former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, former House Speaker, and former Georgia US Representative Newt Gingrich, Texas US Representative Ron Paul, and former Pennsylvania US Senator Rick Santorum. Their campaigns are drawing a great deal of attention to the Republican Party and the individual candidates. One of the interesting things is that the Tea Party has resulted in their being a backlash against their extreme radicalism, as evidenced by the more moderate candidates doing better in the primaries.
I tend to be a bit on the conservative side of liberalism. I shy away from fanatics, whether they are liberal or conservative, religious, political or what have you. I would like President Obama have a second term, so we are not in the clutch of the big business favored Republican influence. It hurts the middle and lower class citizens more than we can realize.
Maybe, once the conventions have occurred and the two parties are campaigning against each other, I will be more interested.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Cleavage
I have not been opposed to showing a little bit of cleavage, but over the years, that has changed. I work in a men's psychiatric prison, and wear clothing that is concientiously modest and not meant to be alluring or attention getting. I wear layers, (usually a turtleneck shirt or a T shirt) for the practical reason that the building is often cold, and for the practical reason that the layers remove any nagging concerns I might have about a button or collar flapping open, and showing more than I want it to.
The other day, on my day off, I was dressing to run errands, and I wore a favorite shirt. The weather was pleasant, and I decided I did not need an under layer. When I saw myself in the mirror, I decided I was uncomfortable with even the small bit of cleavage that was showing. I am not a prude. I just have a different comfort level than I used to have. So, I put a light jacket on over my shirt!
The other day, on my day off, I was dressing to run errands, and I wore a favorite shirt. The weather was pleasant, and I decided I did not need an under layer. When I saw myself in the mirror, I decided I was uncomfortable with even the small bit of cleavage that was showing. I am not a prude. I just have a different comfort level than I used to have. So, I put a light jacket on over my shirt!
Friday, March 16, 2012
A Pile of Papers
Today was a day off, but unlike many of my recent days off, I was not in the house much. I had an appointment, I ran errands, I went to lunch, and then I did several hours of yard work. The weather was gorgeous, and I did not want to be inside, although a possible severe thunderstorm prevented me from going kayaking. But even when the storm blew in, I was protected enough on the front porch to be able to sit outside.
So, this evening, I have been at the computer for several hours. The TV is turned off, and I have been concentrating on the computer. When this happens, I tend to neglect the cats. They have been fed, but I am not spending much time conversing with them, watching them, or otherwise being present to them. While I did some of that during the day, it was obvious to me tonight, they wanted more of that. Especially Taki and Haiku.
I have a TV tray next to the computer chair, which usually contains a stack of papers. Tonight, both Taki and Haiku were after the papers, which ended up on the floor so often, I stopped picking them up.
I really try to be attentive to the cats, and most days and evenings, when I am home, I do spend time with them. I am having a different night tonight, feeling productive, and have wanted to take advantage of that feeling. It does not happen often.
So, this evening, I have been at the computer for several hours. The TV is turned off, and I have been concentrating on the computer. When this happens, I tend to neglect the cats. They have been fed, but I am not spending much time conversing with them, watching them, or otherwise being present to them. While I did some of that during the day, it was obvious to me tonight, they wanted more of that. Especially Taki and Haiku.
I have a TV tray next to the computer chair, which usually contains a stack of papers. Tonight, both Taki and Haiku were after the papers, which ended up on the floor so often, I stopped picking them up.
I really try to be attentive to the cats, and most days and evenings, when I am home, I do spend time with them. I am having a different night tonight, feeling productive, and have wanted to take advantage of that feeling. It does not happen often.
Charles Kuralt's "America"
I recently picked up a non-fiction book to read, and enjoyed it so much, even though it was not for one of my book clubs, I decided to make a conscious effort to read more non-fiction. So, low and behold, the last time I was in the library, I was walking to the back, and randomly went down a row of non-fiction book shelves, and saw Charles Kuralt. On my way back to the front of the library, I made a point to go down the same row, and I picked up Charles Kuralt's America.
For those of you who do not know who Charles Kuralt http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/325153/Charles-Kuralt was, we was a television reporter who worked for CBS, and was most frequently seen on the Sunday Morning show. His segment was entitled "On the Road with Charles Kuralt" because he would travel around the country in a recreational vehicle, long before they were really, really common, and do interesting stories about America.
The book I read, Charles Kuralt's America http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/68402-1, was written by him after he retired. He spent a year traveling to various spots in the country, spending more or less a month in each spot. I have to say, it was a most enjoyable book. He went to several places I have been to: the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico, the Appalachians of North Carolina, the coast of Maine, Vermont, New York City. And they way he talked about the other places, and the people he met, lead me to believe that I would enjoy those places as much as he did, because the places I had been were described by him so winningly. Even New York City. He commented that New Yorkers do not live in New York city, they live in their own little village or area of New York City. When my niece lived in Brooklyn, she described it very much that way, which made it seem much more pleasant, like home.
What he did was more than reporting on a location, or describing the sights or writing about people. When he did was report on the location and the people, and the character of both, personalizing it so the beauty, uniqueness, the spirit and heart of his subjects reached out and touched us through the airwaves. His manner was gently, unassuming, charming. He was a mild mannered person. This came through in his reports. But he was very insightful, had depth of character and depth of understanding and caring for the people about whom he reported. He did not exploit people or places in his reports. I sometimes think he held back, maybe just a little, to help preserve the uniqueness of fragile places. He could afford to do that. His stories were not about "scoops" but they were about the heart and soul of this country. And he did capture that, time and time again.
This was truly a very enjoyable book. I know I will read more by Charles Kuralt. He was, and still is, a national treasure.
For those of you who do not know who Charles Kuralt http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/325153/Charles-Kuralt was, we was a television reporter who worked for CBS, and was most frequently seen on the Sunday Morning show. His segment was entitled "On the Road with Charles Kuralt" because he would travel around the country in a recreational vehicle, long before they were really, really common, and do interesting stories about America.
The book I read, Charles Kuralt's America http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/68402-1, was written by him after he retired. He spent a year traveling to various spots in the country, spending more or less a month in each spot. I have to say, it was a most enjoyable book. He went to several places I have been to: the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico, the Appalachians of North Carolina, the coast of Maine, Vermont, New York City. And they way he talked about the other places, and the people he met, lead me to believe that I would enjoy those places as much as he did, because the places I had been were described by him so winningly. Even New York City. He commented that New Yorkers do not live in New York city, they live in their own little village or area of New York City. When my niece lived in Brooklyn, she described it very much that way, which made it seem much more pleasant, like home.
What he did was more than reporting on a location, or describing the sights or writing about people. When he did was report on the location and the people, and the character of both, personalizing it so the beauty, uniqueness, the spirit and heart of his subjects reached out and touched us through the airwaves. His manner was gently, unassuming, charming. He was a mild mannered person. This came through in his reports. But he was very insightful, had depth of character and depth of understanding and caring for the people about whom he reported. He did not exploit people or places in his reports. I sometimes think he held back, maybe just a little, to help preserve the uniqueness of fragile places. He could afford to do that. His stories were not about "scoops" but they were about the heart and soul of this country. And he did capture that, time and time again.
This was truly a very enjoyable book. I know I will read more by Charles Kuralt. He was, and still is, a national treasure.
A Spring Ritual
I usually purchase gasoline for my vehicle at the same place I do my major shopping, or at a locally owned station down the street. Both are known for having the lowest prices in town. Sometimes, I purchase gasoline from a local supermarket, where the price of gasoline is usually within a cent or two of the lower priced vendors. None of these vendors is more than a mile and a half away.
At least once a year, though, I purchase gasoline at the local convenience store, which is only about 7 blocks, or less than a half mile, from the house. This is the day I purchase gasoline for the lawn mower. I am very nervous about driving around with a container of gasoline in the vehicle, although I only purchase a gallon, and it is in a government approved container. So, I go to the closest vendor of gasoline, no matter the price. Today, the price was within a cent of what I would have otherwise paid. But the cost difference on a few gallons of gasoline is well worth my peace of mind.
At least once a year, though, I purchase gasoline at the local convenience store, which is only about 7 blocks, or less than a half mile, from the house. This is the day I purchase gasoline for the lawn mower. I am very nervous about driving around with a container of gasoline in the vehicle, although I only purchase a gallon, and it is in a government approved container. So, I go to the closest vendor of gasoline, no matter the price. Today, the price was within a cent of what I would have otherwise paid. But the cost difference on a few gallons of gasoline is well worth my peace of mind.
Rediscovering Long Hand
I usually wait until I get on the computer before I engage in any writing. That includes personal correspondence and blogging, although I keep a paper journal for portability, and because, sometimes, things are just too personal to put in a blog. And, as the reader may realize, I put a lot of personal stuff in my blog.
I short while ago, I started using my journal more regularly. This is typical for me. I have journaled since high school, and it is an on-again off-again activity. I have a large box full of journals! They are not for anyone to read but me. But I am glad I have them.
Just the last couple of days, I was thinking about how much I miss writing letters by long hand. But, there was no one to write to, or so I thought. Today, I received a note and yearly update in the mail from a colleague and ex-co-worker. I could not recall if I had responded to her note from last spring or not, so I decided to sit down today, while I had time, and write to her. I have some really nice, smooth writing pens, mostly gifts, which I really appreciate. I chose one and found myself closing a 10 page letter, shortening the last few items, quite some time later! I really did enjoy writing long hand. I need to remember to do that more often.
I short while ago, I started using my journal more regularly. This is typical for me. I have journaled since high school, and it is an on-again off-again activity. I have a large box full of journals! They are not for anyone to read but me. But I am glad I have them.
Just the last couple of days, I was thinking about how much I miss writing letters by long hand. But, there was no one to write to, or so I thought. Today, I received a note and yearly update in the mail from a colleague and ex-co-worker. I could not recall if I had responded to her note from last spring or not, so I decided to sit down today, while I had time, and write to her. I have some really nice, smooth writing pens, mostly gifts, which I really appreciate. I chose one and found myself closing a 10 page letter, shortening the last few items, quite some time later! I really did enjoy writing long hand. I need to remember to do that more often.
Burning Off
Today dawned a foggy day in Lubbock. Fog is not the norm for this part of the world, but it obviously does occur from time to time. Today, by 10 AM it was still foggy, although, from time to time, the sun was visible through the fog. So, it was apparent that the fog would "burn off" at some point, and we might even have a fine sunny day.
Well, that is what happened. I went to lunch a little before noon, at a local restaurant, and when I left a little after 1 PM, it was a gorgeous, bright sunny day. I had thought, if the day was at all pretty, that I would get some work done in the yard. Well, low and behold, I was able to accomplish everything I had planned to work on today!
While I was working, I decided it was a pretty enough day, that I would go kayaking. I knew the water would be cold, but the gorgeous warm sun would more than make up for that. I even called friend and left a message about my plan, in case she wanted to join me.
Well, after I finished the yard work, I looked up and saw storm clouds to the west. I went inside to check The Weather Channel, and while I was waiting for the programming to return from a commercial, my weather radio sounded an alert. This part of the country was under a severe thunderstorm watch. Which may or may not mean we will have a storm. But, it does mean a storm could occur very quickly, and in addition to possible rain, thunder and lightning, a severe thunderstorm watch means we could experience hail and strong winds. Well, the lake I planned to kayak at is small, but I had no desire to be on any lake if such a storm blew in. I cancelled my plans, and left a message with my friend to that effect. I could already tell the wind had changed, an indicator we might experience a storm.
I was right to change my plans. Less than two hours later, when I would have still been out on the water, it started to rain. The drops were big and heavy, sounding like hail, but they were not. However, I could hear the thunder, although I never did see lightning. The rain came in spurts, drops that barely wet the ground, then it stopped. The thunder was intermittent. There was hail up to quarter size, but very little, at one point. It was a wise decision not to go kayaking.
Well, that is what happened. I went to lunch a little before noon, at a local restaurant, and when I left a little after 1 PM, it was a gorgeous, bright sunny day. I had thought, if the day was at all pretty, that I would get some work done in the yard. Well, low and behold, I was able to accomplish everything I had planned to work on today!
While I was working, I decided it was a pretty enough day, that I would go kayaking. I knew the water would be cold, but the gorgeous warm sun would more than make up for that. I even called friend and left a message about my plan, in case she wanted to join me.
Well, after I finished the yard work, I looked up and saw storm clouds to the west. I went inside to check The Weather Channel, and while I was waiting for the programming to return from a commercial, my weather radio sounded an alert. This part of the country was under a severe thunderstorm watch. Which may or may not mean we will have a storm. But, it does mean a storm could occur very quickly, and in addition to possible rain, thunder and lightning, a severe thunderstorm watch means we could experience hail and strong winds. Well, the lake I planned to kayak at is small, but I had no desire to be on any lake if such a storm blew in. I cancelled my plans, and left a message with my friend to that effect. I could already tell the wind had changed, an indicator we might experience a storm.
I was right to change my plans. Less than two hours later, when I would have still been out on the water, it started to rain. The drops were big and heavy, sounding like hail, but they were not. However, I could hear the thunder, although I never did see lightning. The rain came in spurts, drops that barely wet the ground, then it stopped. The thunder was intermittent. There was hail up to quarter size, but very little, at one point. It was a wise decision not to go kayaking.
Tax Day
According to the Internal Revenue Service, tax day is April 15, although some years, especially when that falls on a weekend, it is extended until the next business day.
I try to file my taxes a head of time, as I am not one to procrastinate, but I also wait until well into the tax season to file. Although the government usually expects tax documents to be mailed out by January 31st, I can count on a couple of things to come in about mid-February.
Well, today was tax day. I usually have my taxes prepared by an expert. I have some small investments, and the first year I filed my taxes after acquiring these investments, I made a mistake on the return. It just so happened that was the year the IRS decided it would be a "kinder, gentler IRS" so they call my error a "math error," fixed my return, and did not charge me any penalty or fees. That was nice.
I have no desire to have any trouble with the IRS, so I have decided since then, it is well worth the peace of mind to have my taxes prepared by a professional. I use a local firm, but they have always done well by me, and even found me some deductions of which I was unaware. They file electronically, and, if I receive a return, it is deposited in my bank account in a little more than two weeks.
I cut my taxes close. I do not mind paying a small amount, although a return is nice. But the government does not pay me interest on any of my money that they keep until I file a return, so I prefer to keep the money myself. I am well enough disciplined to be able to save money on a regular basis, so I did not need the tax return as a savings, nor do I need it for a special purchase. This year, as in many years in the past, I will use it to cover the cost of an upcoming vacation. But, if there were no tax return, I would still be able to cover the cost of the upcoming vacation. I do not take a vacation I can not afford. I do not make purchases I can not afford, if I can possibly help it.
The only stressful thing about tax day for me is to be sure I keep all of my documents in one place, so I have everything together when I get my taxes completed. I know I can always go back, if I need to, but I like to make the trip to the tax preparer just once a year.
I try to file my taxes a head of time, as I am not one to procrastinate, but I also wait until well into the tax season to file. Although the government usually expects tax documents to be mailed out by January 31st, I can count on a couple of things to come in about mid-February.
Well, today was tax day. I usually have my taxes prepared by an expert. I have some small investments, and the first year I filed my taxes after acquiring these investments, I made a mistake on the return. It just so happened that was the year the IRS decided it would be a "kinder, gentler IRS" so they call my error a "math error," fixed my return, and did not charge me any penalty or fees. That was nice.
I have no desire to have any trouble with the IRS, so I have decided since then, it is well worth the peace of mind to have my taxes prepared by a professional. I use a local firm, but they have always done well by me, and even found me some deductions of which I was unaware. They file electronically, and, if I receive a return, it is deposited in my bank account in a little more than two weeks.
I cut my taxes close. I do not mind paying a small amount, although a return is nice. But the government does not pay me interest on any of my money that they keep until I file a return, so I prefer to keep the money myself. I am well enough disciplined to be able to save money on a regular basis, so I did not need the tax return as a savings, nor do I need it for a special purchase. This year, as in many years in the past, I will use it to cover the cost of an upcoming vacation. But, if there were no tax return, I would still be able to cover the cost of the upcoming vacation. I do not take a vacation I can not afford. I do not make purchases I can not afford, if I can possibly help it.
The only stressful thing about tax day for me is to be sure I keep all of my documents in one place, so I have everything together when I get my taxes completed. I know I can always go back, if I need to, but I like to make the trip to the tax preparer just once a year.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Gorgeous Weather
We have had some wonderful weather recently. The warm, balmy weather has been great, and continues into the evening. I have been able to sit outside after work, and to do some yard work.
I sat out again tonight. It was a little cooler tonight, and the wind came up a little bit. But it was still pleasant.
After the chores, I have had a chance to have dinner outside, and to sit and read outside. This is a great time of year to live in Lubbock.
I sat out again tonight. It was a little cooler tonight, and the wind came up a little bit. But it was still pleasant.
After the chores, I have had a chance to have dinner outside, and to sit and read outside. This is a great time of year to live in Lubbock.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Go Girl Scouts!
I went to the Lubbock celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America tonight http://www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/. It was cute: There was a "Daisy" interpreter who talked about Juliette Low and the founding of the Girl Scouts. There were various displays, cupcakes, and a time capsule. I contributed my spare Girl Scout pin. I have two: one is on my wall hanging where I have many memorial pins. This one was older, and the pin was broken. It was in a plastic case. I enclosed my name, where and when I was a Girl Scout.
The celebration included singing. I did not know the songs, but typical for girl scout songs, they were easy to learn and sing-a-long with. And, we did a friendship circle. I had forgotten about friendship circles, but it all came back, including right over left hands crossed.
It was a small group, considering the size of Lubbock. But it was a nice group, and lots of fathers and brothers in the crowd, which was nice to see. I am honored that I received an email to attend, and I am honored that I was able to attend.
Go Girl Scouts!
The celebration included singing. I did not know the songs, but typical for girl scout songs, they were easy to learn and sing-a-long with. And, we did a friendship circle. I had forgotten about friendship circles, but it all came back, including right over left hands crossed.
It was a small group, considering the size of Lubbock. But it was a nice group, and lots of fathers and brothers in the crowd, which was nice to see. I am honored that I received an email to attend, and I am honored that I was able to attend.
Go Girl Scouts!
A Good Samaritan
I was shopping tonight, and as I left the store, a friend called to me in the parking lot. She has lived in Lubbock about 15 months, and for the second time during that time frame, her car has been damaged in a parking lot. The left front fender around the wheel well was crumpled, but the car is still drivable.
The most amazing thing was that, while this occurred while she was in the store, the perpetrator was going to drive away. My friend told me a young man who saw the entire event stopped the perpetrator, and obtained all of his identifying information, and then waited to give it to my friend. That is an amazing act of good citizenship and charity.
Thank you for the good people in this world.
The most amazing thing was that, while this occurred while she was in the store, the perpetrator was going to drive away. My friend told me a young man who saw the entire event stopped the perpetrator, and obtained all of his identifying information, and then waited to give it to my friend. That is an amazing act of good citizenship and charity.
Thank you for the good people in this world.
A Change In Time
This was the first morning, after the semi-annual time change, now to Daylight Savings Time, that I had to awaken and go to work. I do not know if the alarm clock sounded, and I shut it off, or if it did not sound because I changed a setting when I reset it on Sunday. Either way, I woke up about 7:10 AM, which would, of course be 6:10 if it were still Central Standard Time.
However, arising that late made me about 15 minutes late to work. This is not an issue for me or my supervisor, as long as I get my work done, and I am not late for assigned meetings. I had no looming deadlines today, so no harm, no foul. On the other hand, I frequently arrive at work well before the standard starting time, and get a “head start” on the day.
This morning, because of my late start, because I had a long list of tasks and chores I wanted to accomplish, and who knows what else, I felt like I started behind. It seemed like the morning just flew by, and I did not accomplish everything I had set out to do. Then, this afternoon, all of a sudden, I started completing tasks in an inordinately rapid succession, and it felt like time slowed down.
I have written before about this change in time: mostly, I refer to the periods during which time seems protracted, not compacted, like it felt this morning. I have actually been going through a period of protracted time: I am experiencing insomnia, and have been for some three weeks. I am not sure why, but my nights seem to consist of extended time. I may be doing more reading than usual, but am not remembering to or getting around to accomplishing other tasks. But the time still seems protracted.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
A Beautiful Day
I had planned to watch the NASCAR Sprint Cup race today. I ran some errands before the race, then turned it on to watch. But I was drawn to the outside and it was so pretty and warm, although windy, I stayed outside. It was glorious.
The sky was clear, and a sharp bright blue. The plants were vibrant in color: as is usually the case in the spring, and helped by the recent rain, which cleaned the dust off as well as hydrated all.
Yeah Spring!
The sky was clear, and a sharp bright blue. The plants were vibrant in color: as is usually the case in the spring, and helped by the recent rain, which cleaned the dust off as well as hydrated all.
Yeah Spring!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
My Fictional Friends
Two of the authors whom I early on followed are Sue Grafton http://www.suegrafton.com/ and Sara Paretsky http://www.saraparetsky.com/. They both are mystery authors who have written a series based on a main character. Both had recurring characters who developed more or less. Because Grafton is a bit more prolific than Paretsky, her recurrent characters grew more. For Graton's books, less so for Paretsky's, these additional characters were people I got to know.
When I started reading Susan Albert Wittig, I found a cast of recurrent characters who developed along with the main characters, and the community, in her series with herbs as a recurrent theme http://www.susanalbert.com/. Partly because the stories were set in the Hill Country of Texas, some of which towns I know, and the characters of these towns being familiar, the stories felt very "at home" for me. Additionally, Albert intentionally developed characters that we came to "know" as if they were real people. Witness, the introductions in the books that foster this perspective.
More recently, I have been introduced to Louise Penny http://www.louisepenny.com/, who writes about murder in Canada, typically set in a very small town, called Three Pines, but always involving residents who live in Three Pines. The chief detective becomes friends with the residents of Three Pines, who are potential suspects. This leads to one of the many tensions of the book because the chief inspector has blurred the boundaries. I have grown to love the town of Three Pines, and the recurrent characters.
When I read these books, I am transported to an environment in which I am sharing experiences with people I know, and perhaps, even friends.
I have read other mystery series which include recurrent characters. These characters do not always grow on me and become acquaintances as have the Albert and Penny characters. I like those people, and I think it would be nice to live in a small town with these people in my life.
I think, for me, you could say these authors have achieved a great success.
When I started reading Susan Albert Wittig, I found a cast of recurrent characters who developed along with the main characters, and the community, in her series with herbs as a recurrent theme http://www.susanalbert.com/. Partly because the stories were set in the Hill Country of Texas, some of which towns I know, and the characters of these towns being familiar, the stories felt very "at home" for me. Additionally, Albert intentionally developed characters that we came to "know" as if they were real people. Witness, the introductions in the books that foster this perspective.
More recently, I have been introduced to Louise Penny http://www.louisepenny.com/, who writes about murder in Canada, typically set in a very small town, called Three Pines, but always involving residents who live in Three Pines. The chief detective becomes friends with the residents of Three Pines, who are potential suspects. This leads to one of the many tensions of the book because the chief inspector has blurred the boundaries. I have grown to love the town of Three Pines, and the recurrent characters.
When I read these books, I am transported to an environment in which I am sharing experiences with people I know, and perhaps, even friends.
I have read other mystery series which include recurrent characters. These characters do not always grow on me and become acquaintances as have the Albert and Penny characters. I like those people, and I think it would be nice to live in a small town with these people in my life.
I think, for me, you could say these authors have achieved a great success.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Relapse!
When Taki was a baby, every time I took out my knitting, it was a like a magnet which drew her attention, even if she was in another room, and it became a struggle to knit without her trying to chew and otherwise play with the yarn. Then, last fall, we came to an understanding, and while she sometimes showed interest in my knitting, I could re-direct her attention, and continue knitting. Until the last week or so. She has again become insatiably interested in my knitting, to the point I sometimes have to put her in the cat stroller so I can pick up the knitting and put it away, then let her out of the stroller. I hate to do that, but it is better than constantly chiding her about leaving the yarn alone, and she is in the stroller for less than 5 minutes.
Taki has also taken a liking to playing with toilet tissue rolls. She went through a period, not too long ago, when she played with rolls regularly, unraveling them and biting them. Finally, she seemed to get the message that such an activity was a "no no." Until about 3 days ago. Although I do not use the wall mounted roller, but keep the tissue rolls in a covered wicker basket on the tank behind the toilet seat, she still digs the roll out and unravels it or bites it. I am not sure why she has resumed this activity.
It seems like she is going through growth spurts. Sometimes her behavior is a little less infantile and more sedate, and then she becomes less able to maintain some self control and becomes more destructive. I try to correct her without scolding her, but when I am knitting, I do get frustrated. She responds better to correction than frustration, so putting her in the stroller and picking up the knitting seems to be more positive. And redirecting her from the tissue rolls does seem to help. Some.
Taki has also taken a liking to playing with toilet tissue rolls. She went through a period, not too long ago, when she played with rolls regularly, unraveling them and biting them. Finally, she seemed to get the message that such an activity was a "no no." Until about 3 days ago. Although I do not use the wall mounted roller, but keep the tissue rolls in a covered wicker basket on the tank behind the toilet seat, she still digs the roll out and unravels it or bites it. I am not sure why she has resumed this activity.
It seems like she is going through growth spurts. Sometimes her behavior is a little less infantile and more sedate, and then she becomes less able to maintain some self control and becomes more destructive. I try to correct her without scolding her, but when I am knitting, I do get frustrated. She responds better to correction than frustration, so putting her in the stroller and picking up the knitting seems to be more positive. And redirecting her from the tissue rolls does seem to help. Some.
Cold Feet and Dreams
I have experienced lengthy periods of time in my life when I can not get warm. Warm clothing, sitting next to a fire or a heater, using a heating pad, and hot showers all help temporarily, but ultimately, I feel a central chill that I can not shake, even if the ambient temperature is not uncomfortable.
I am not referring to being in the cold. I am referring to getting a chill, and after I am trying for a period of time to warm up, not succeeding at warming up. I have thought that during these times, I might be suffering from Raynaud's Phenomenon http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000412.htm.
Although I have periods of being cold, the insufferable, persistent cold has not been with me for several years. I can not think of when it was last with me, but I am guessing before 2006. Oh, I have had a few days of being cold, but not persistent, and usually due to cold weather or cold climate control inside...
Until about 3 and a half weeks ago. I noticed it first at night, when I could not warm my feet. They would be ice cold. I would wear socks to sleep, and have an afghan at the foot of my bed to help warm my feet. It sometimes did not seem to do any good. I would wake up in the middle of the night and have to rub my feet to warm them.
At the same time, I noticed something that I have not paid attention to previously, so I do not know if it has been associated with this experience of being cold in the past: I was remembering my dreams. I am sure I dream, but most nights, while I might wake up knowing I was dreaming, I do not remember my dreams. During this period of my experiencing this uncomfortable cold, I am remembering my dreams. I am often waking up, I think, and then returning to sleep and to the dream in progress. Sometimes I am not sure I am fully awake, and I am just experiencing a change in the level of my consciousness.
Most of my dreams are strange, and are about things in my past. Most of them are not scary, and some are down right intriguing, so I want to "finish the story." It seems that while the dreams are about my past, they skew the information in strange ways, combining various peoples in my life in odd or unusual pairings. Some of these dreams are almost comforting.
I wonder if, because of the cold, I am not achieving a deep enough sleep, so I awaken during the dreams and remember them. I do not know enough about sleep theory to know if that coincides with what sleep theory says, but I think REM sleep, when we do most of our active and memorable dreams, is not as deep a sleep as other stages of sleep.
Well, I do not mind dreaming, and I do not mind remembering my dreams, although the memories usually do not stay with me more than a few minutes, then I move on to thinking about my day. But I do wish I could get warm and stay warm.
I am not referring to being in the cold. I am referring to getting a chill, and after I am trying for a period of time to warm up, not succeeding at warming up. I have thought that during these times, I might be suffering from Raynaud's Phenomenon http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000412.htm.
Although I have periods of being cold, the insufferable, persistent cold has not been with me for several years. I can not think of when it was last with me, but I am guessing before 2006. Oh, I have had a few days of being cold, but not persistent, and usually due to cold weather or cold climate control inside...
Until about 3 and a half weeks ago. I noticed it first at night, when I could not warm my feet. They would be ice cold. I would wear socks to sleep, and have an afghan at the foot of my bed to help warm my feet. It sometimes did not seem to do any good. I would wake up in the middle of the night and have to rub my feet to warm them.
At the same time, I noticed something that I have not paid attention to previously, so I do not know if it has been associated with this experience of being cold in the past: I was remembering my dreams. I am sure I dream, but most nights, while I might wake up knowing I was dreaming, I do not remember my dreams. During this period of my experiencing this uncomfortable cold, I am remembering my dreams. I am often waking up, I think, and then returning to sleep and to the dream in progress. Sometimes I am not sure I am fully awake, and I am just experiencing a change in the level of my consciousness.
Most of my dreams are strange, and are about things in my past. Most of them are not scary, and some are down right intriguing, so I want to "finish the story." It seems that while the dreams are about my past, they skew the information in strange ways, combining various peoples in my life in odd or unusual pairings. Some of these dreams are almost comforting.
I wonder if, because of the cold, I am not achieving a deep enough sleep, so I awaken during the dreams and remember them. I do not know enough about sleep theory to know if that coincides with what sleep theory says, but I think REM sleep, when we do most of our active and memorable dreams, is not as deep a sleep as other stages of sleep.
Well, I do not mind dreaming, and I do not mind remembering my dreams, although the memories usually do not stay with me more than a few minutes, then I move on to thinking about my day. But I do wish I could get warm and stay warm.
That Woman!
I frequently peruse the 7 day book shelf at the library, but often do not get a 7 day book, depending upon what I know my reading schedule to be. Last week, I looked at the 7 day shelf, and saw the title That Woman http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/8735153/That-Woman-The-Life-of-Wallis-Simpson-Duchess-of-Windsor-by-Anne-Sebba.html and knew immediately about whom it referred.
Years ago, when Princess Diana and Prince Charles http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana,_Princess_of_Wales were all the publicity rage, an older co-worker of mine talked about the abdication of Edward VIII because he wanted to marry Wallis Simpson. My co-worker always referred to her as "that woman." When I saw the book title, and knew immediately about whom the book was written, it struck me as how monumental an event the entire saga of Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was and is.
At the mystery book club meeting tonight, while we were visiting, I mentioned reading this book, and several of the members immediately knew, without a hint from me, who "that woman" was.
As I read the book, it became obvious to me that this story was more than a love story, or gossip magazine fodder. The story of the king who abdicated his throne is the story of a major shift in the way politics would be handled in the United Kingdom during that period in history.
Of course, the story had so many levels: it said something about the way Edward VIII perceived himself and what he thought was his power. It said something about how the Royal Family behaved in public and in private. It said something about how the common people of the United Kingdom perceived the Royal Family. It said something about the character and persona of Wallis Simpson, and Edward VIII. It spoke volumes about the double standard of the role, rights, responsibilities, freedoms, expectations and enfranchisement of women during that time period.
Wallis Simpson, like so many women prior to that time period, during that time period, and since that time period was stuck being dependent upon men for her welfare and well being. Although women's rights have come a long way since then, many women still face that stifling dependency on men for their existence.
There are many lessons to be learned from this story. I think one of the most important for women is to appreciate and safeguard the freedoms, rights, and responsibilities we have gained by the struggles of women who came before us. And, to help promote those freedoms, rights and responsibilities so women, who still in this day and age do not have them, may move closer and closer to having them.
We forget about how much the United Kingdom changed during the 20th century, when so many of the countries became independent of England, but still in some ways are more or less loyal to England and the monarchy. It is certainly a different way of life and different attitude than what we have in the United States. Yet the lessons regarding women's rights ring true and solid in both cultures, and around the world.
One person can change history, intentionally or inadvertently, especially because of the impact that one person has on those that person impacts. What a lesson!
Years ago, when Princess Diana and Prince Charles http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana,_Princess_of_Wales were all the publicity rage, an older co-worker of mine talked about the abdication of Edward VIII because he wanted to marry Wallis Simpson. My co-worker always referred to her as "that woman." When I saw the book title, and knew immediately about whom the book was written, it struck me as how monumental an event the entire saga of Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was and is.
At the mystery book club meeting tonight, while we were visiting, I mentioned reading this book, and several of the members immediately knew, without a hint from me, who "that woman" was.
As I read the book, it became obvious to me that this story was more than a love story, or gossip magazine fodder. The story of the king who abdicated his throne is the story of a major shift in the way politics would be handled in the United Kingdom during that period in history.
Of course, the story had so many levels: it said something about the way Edward VIII perceived himself and what he thought was his power. It said something about how the Royal Family behaved in public and in private. It said something about how the common people of the United Kingdom perceived the Royal Family. It said something about the character and persona of Wallis Simpson, and Edward VIII. It spoke volumes about the double standard of the role, rights, responsibilities, freedoms, expectations and enfranchisement of women during that time period.
Wallis Simpson, like so many women prior to that time period, during that time period, and since that time period was stuck being dependent upon men for her welfare and well being. Although women's rights have come a long way since then, many women still face that stifling dependency on men for their existence.
There are many lessons to be learned from this story. I think one of the most important for women is to appreciate and safeguard the freedoms, rights, and responsibilities we have gained by the struggles of women who came before us. And, to help promote those freedoms, rights and responsibilities so women, who still in this day and age do not have them, may move closer and closer to having them.
We forget about how much the United Kingdom changed during the 20th century, when so many of the countries became independent of England, but still in some ways are more or less loyal to England and the monarchy. It is certainly a different way of life and different attitude than what we have in the United States. Yet the lessons regarding women's rights ring true and solid in both cultures, and around the world.
One person can change history, intentionally or inadvertently, especially because of the impact that one person has on those that person impacts. What a lesson!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Capsaicin
I like analgesic creams and rubs that soothe muscle and joint pain when rubbed on the body. I like the menthol or eucalyptus smell, and I like the heat generated by the rub. I have also discovered rubs that have capsaicin as the active ingredient. I like the way these rubs work, too. Capsaicin is the chemical that produces heat in hot peppers.
Years ago, I bought a box of Capzasin patches for my back, and brought them to work, to use if I had back pain at work. The patches were thin, and did not smell of menthol, so were suitable for the work setting. I can not longer bring patches in like that, but I can wear one into work, if I wake up with back pain.
I have looked, for years for more patches by Capzasin, but could not find them. I have used various types of back patches: I used to use ThermaCare, but while the patches work, they are held on the back with a cumbersome belt, and the patches themselves are a little bulky. I used IcyHot, and like the patches: they are thin, use an adhesive to hold the patch in place, but have a menthol or eucalyptus odor. I dislike pulling the patch off, but if I time it right, I leave the patch on until I take a shower, and let the water remove the adhesive.
I have tried the Tylenol Precise patches. They are okay, but I prefer the IcyHot patches. Just recently, I was in the market to purchase back patches. If I have a coupon, I use it. But, I did not have a coupon when I was going to buy patches. I saw Capsaicin patches, sold in individual pouches for $.97 per patch, which is less expensive that if they are sold for $5 in a box of 4. And, other brands are even more expensive than that. So, I purchased a couple to try them out. These patches are attached by adhesive. They have no odor, and are thin.
When I used the Capsaicin patch the first time, the relief was immediate. Not only that, but the relief continued after I removed the patch, even after I took a shower. I am sold!
When I am just sitting, at the computer, reading, or watching TV, I use a heating pad. But, I do not use a heating pad if I have a heat patch on my back. The heating pad helps, but it is not as portable as the heat patch. I have discovered if I am going to do serious work that might hurt my back, a dose of medication and a heat patch makes the work much more tolerable. This has been a blessing, as I enjoy doing yard work, but my back becomes sore very easily these days. This has been a good discovery.
Years ago, I bought a box of Capzasin patches for my back, and brought them to work, to use if I had back pain at work. The patches were thin, and did not smell of menthol, so were suitable for the work setting. I can not longer bring patches in like that, but I can wear one into work, if I wake up with back pain.
I have looked, for years for more patches by Capzasin, but could not find them. I have used various types of back patches: I used to use ThermaCare, but while the patches work, they are held on the back with a cumbersome belt, and the patches themselves are a little bulky. I used IcyHot, and like the patches: they are thin, use an adhesive to hold the patch in place, but have a menthol or eucalyptus odor. I dislike pulling the patch off, but if I time it right, I leave the patch on until I take a shower, and let the water remove the adhesive.
I have tried the Tylenol Precise patches. They are okay, but I prefer the IcyHot patches. Just recently, I was in the market to purchase back patches. If I have a coupon, I use it. But, I did not have a coupon when I was going to buy patches. I saw Capsaicin patches, sold in individual pouches for $.97 per patch, which is less expensive that if they are sold for $5 in a box of 4. And, other brands are even more expensive than that. So, I purchased a couple to try them out. These patches are attached by adhesive. They have no odor, and are thin.
When I used the Capsaicin patch the first time, the relief was immediate. Not only that, but the relief continued after I removed the patch, even after I took a shower. I am sold!
When I am just sitting, at the computer, reading, or watching TV, I use a heating pad. But, I do not use a heating pad if I have a heat patch on my back. The heating pad helps, but it is not as portable as the heat patch. I have discovered if I am going to do serious work that might hurt my back, a dose of medication and a heat patch makes the work much more tolerable. This has been a blessing, as I enjoy doing yard work, but my back becomes sore very easily these days. This has been a good discovery.
The Hat
There have been times in my life when I wore a hat. It was usually a fad, or for warmth in winter. Since living in West Texas, I have seldom used a hat, until recently, when I have been out kayaking. I like a nice wide brimmed hat to help with the sun, and the glare of the sun from the water.
I have a dorky hat that offers a little protection, and has a wire in the hatband, which helps the band to mold to my head, and helps the hat to stay on in high winds. I purchased a straw hat that came with a stampede string. This helps the hat to stay on, but mostly if the wind is coming at me. If the wind is coming at my back, the hat blows forward. I purchased the hat for very little at the fair, and the straw on the crown has started wearing out. It needs to go away.
I went to a local hardware store today, looking for a pet carrier, which they had on sale. When I walked in, I saw a display of straw hats, felt hats, cowboy hats, camouflage hats, and what have you. I found a wonderful straw hat with a wide brim all the way around, and ribbon ties! It was less than $7. What a deal! I was not in the market for a hat today, but I knew I needed a new one for this summer! It was sort of an impulse buy, because I was not in the market for a hat today. But how could I pass it up?
I have a dorky hat that offers a little protection, and has a wire in the hatband, which helps the band to mold to my head, and helps the hat to stay on in high winds. I purchased a straw hat that came with a stampede string. This helps the hat to stay on, but mostly if the wind is coming at me. If the wind is coming at my back, the hat blows forward. I purchased the hat for very little at the fair, and the straw on the crown has started wearing out. It needs to go away.
I went to a local hardware store today, looking for a pet carrier, which they had on sale. When I walked in, I saw a display of straw hats, felt hats, cowboy hats, camouflage hats, and what have you. I found a wonderful straw hat with a wide brim all the way around, and ribbon ties! It was less than $7. What a deal! I was not in the market for a hat today, but I knew I needed a new one for this summer! It was sort of an impulse buy, because I was not in the market for a hat today. But how could I pass it up?
Coffee, Tea or Caffeine?
I used to be the kind of person who had a coffee cup in her hand from first thing in the morning until I went to bed at night. I started drinking coffee when I was in high school, and continued on for years.
Sometime in the 1980s, I stopped drinking coffee, but continued to drink cola and other sodas that contain caffeine. I also drank tea. That lasted about a year, then I started drinking coffee again. Sometime in the early 1990's, I changed from morning coffee to drinking diet cola in the morning. I went back to drinking coffee at some point.
In the late 1990s, I got away from drinking coffee, except in the morning. I slowly weaned myself off caffeine drinks during the day, and for a while used tomato juice for my afternoon pick-me-up. I now use neither, and mostly drink non-caffeine containing sodas. I also drink herb teas, more correctly called infusions, which do not contain caffeine.
I still occasionally have a cup of coffee for breakfast, especially on a cold Sunday morning. I have learned not to have two cups of coffee, because it REALLY gives me the jitters. I sometimes drink real tea, with caffeine, especially if I am at a Oriental food restaurant. I like jasmine tea, which is usually a brewed tea with jasmine flavor in it.
The last time I went out for Chinese food in the evening, I finished the pot of tea which I was provided. I thought it would keep me awake, but it did not.
Today, I went to a meeting at a delicatessen. This place is strange, and does not offer warm tea. Their beverage choices are limited. The have really good BREWED tea, not instant tea, and only sell "iced tea." They serve it in very large cups, I suspect maybe even 32 oz cups. I bought one today. They let me get tea with out ice, since they do not serve hot tea. I gulped down the entire cup of tea in the course of our hour long meeting. One of my colleagues commented she would like tea, but at that time of the day, did not dare to, due to the caffeine influence. I understand.
When I left the meeting, I could feel the influence of the caffeine: my heart was racing, I felt jittery, and my head was pounding. It did not feel good.
Today was a beautiful day, and my plan was to do some serious yard work after the meeting (I would have started it before the meeting, but I did not want to go to the meeting smelly and sweaty, and would not have had enough time to make it worth my while to work and then take a shower.) Well, I arrived home very energized. I was able to accomplish all I wanted to do, and then some, in my yard. I am grateful for that, and I believe the caffeine jolt helped me.
The trick will be, now, if I can go to sleep. We shall see. The caffeine in tea does not seem to me to be as powerful as that in coffee. That may just be my mindset, and we do know the influence the mind has in regards to such things.
I think I am still racing just a little. And, it really is too early for me to think about going to bed, but my eyes are getting tired, and I am starting to yawn, which are good signs that I may be able to sleep tonight.
Sometime in the 1980s, I stopped drinking coffee, but continued to drink cola and other sodas that contain caffeine. I also drank tea. That lasted about a year, then I started drinking coffee again. Sometime in the early 1990's, I changed from morning coffee to drinking diet cola in the morning. I went back to drinking coffee at some point.
In the late 1990s, I got away from drinking coffee, except in the morning. I slowly weaned myself off caffeine drinks during the day, and for a while used tomato juice for my afternoon pick-me-up. I now use neither, and mostly drink non-caffeine containing sodas. I also drink herb teas, more correctly called infusions, which do not contain caffeine.
I still occasionally have a cup of coffee for breakfast, especially on a cold Sunday morning. I have learned not to have two cups of coffee, because it REALLY gives me the jitters. I sometimes drink real tea, with caffeine, especially if I am at a Oriental food restaurant. I like jasmine tea, which is usually a brewed tea with jasmine flavor in it.
The last time I went out for Chinese food in the evening, I finished the pot of tea which I was provided. I thought it would keep me awake, but it did not.
Today, I went to a meeting at a delicatessen. This place is strange, and does not offer warm tea. Their beverage choices are limited. The have really good BREWED tea, not instant tea, and only sell "iced tea." They serve it in very large cups, I suspect maybe even 32 oz cups. I bought one today. They let me get tea with out ice, since they do not serve hot tea. I gulped down the entire cup of tea in the course of our hour long meeting. One of my colleagues commented she would like tea, but at that time of the day, did not dare to, due to the caffeine influence. I understand.
When I left the meeting, I could feel the influence of the caffeine: my heart was racing, I felt jittery, and my head was pounding. It did not feel good.
Today was a beautiful day, and my plan was to do some serious yard work after the meeting (I would have started it before the meeting, but I did not want to go to the meeting smelly and sweaty, and would not have had enough time to make it worth my while to work and then take a shower.) Well, I arrived home very energized. I was able to accomplish all I wanted to do, and then some, in my yard. I am grateful for that, and I believe the caffeine jolt helped me.
The trick will be, now, if I can go to sleep. We shall see. The caffeine in tea does not seem to me to be as powerful as that in coffee. That may just be my mindset, and we do know the influence the mind has in regards to such things.
I think I am still racing just a little. And, it really is too early for me to think about going to bed, but my eyes are getting tired, and I am starting to yawn, which are good signs that I may be able to sleep tonight.
The Year of the Girl
The Girl Scouts of the United States of America celebrate their 100th anniversary this year http://www.girlscouts.org/news/news_releases/2011/yearofthegirl.asp and they have declared 2012 as The Year of the Girl.
I do not know how my name showed up on the Girl Scout list, but I received an invitation to attend the local celebration during which we will recite the Girl Scout Promise, and be able to put something in a time capsule. I think I have two Girls Scout pins, and if I do, I may put one in the capsule.
I really recall my years as a Girl Scout with extreme delight and fondness. I think one of my regrets as an adult was not to be involved as a leader to help foster the program. I do buy cookies whenever I can.
When I sold cookies as a Girl Scout, we took orders. Now the Girl Scouts get cookies and sell them by going door to door, or setting up in various places: parking lots, store fronts, front yards. I can not pass a Girl Scout cookies sales without buying some. I usually buy two boxes at a time, but by the time cookies sales are done, I have purchase 14 or 20 boxes of cookies. I am very pleased to support the Girl Scouts.
I do not know how my name showed up on the Girl Scout list, but I received an invitation to attend the local celebration during which we will recite the Girl Scout Promise, and be able to put something in a time capsule. I think I have two Girls Scout pins, and if I do, I may put one in the capsule.
I really recall my years as a Girl Scout with extreme delight and fondness. I think one of my regrets as an adult was not to be involved as a leader to help foster the program. I do buy cookies whenever I can.
When I sold cookies as a Girl Scout, we took orders. Now the Girl Scouts get cookies and sell them by going door to door, or setting up in various places: parking lots, store fronts, front yards. I can not pass a Girl Scout cookies sales without buying some. I usually buy two boxes at a time, but by the time cookies sales are done, I have purchase 14 or 20 boxes of cookies. I am very pleased to support the Girl Scouts.
Plug!
The other day, I was lamenting the lack of performance of most vacuum cleaners, after they become a few years old. I have a vacuum cleaner that I purchased in 1984, from a home demonstration salesman.. In 2006, I replaced it with a much less expensive in store brand. This past winter, I became very distressed that the new vacuum cleaner was not working. It lost most of its suction power. I became more and more discouraged when trying to use it, and became less and less interested in using it.
My coworker and I talked about buying really expensive vacuum cleaners, or else being distressed by the fact that most vacuum cleaners lose their power within a few years of purchase.
Well, I had decided I was tired of not being able to clean the carpet well, and was going to look for vacuum cleaners this weekend. Saturday morning, I took out the newer of my two vacuum cleaners, and tried to use it. And decided enough is enough. Well, I pulled the hose off the machine, and discovered a very dense plug in the hose. It was so dense, I had a very difficult time dislodging it by pushing a broom stick through the hose. It took a while, but I eventually was able to dislodge the plug.
It was amazing how much better the vacuum cleaner worked after I dislodged that plug in the hose! I am amazed how many times operator errors is the reason things do not work as they should around my house.
My coworker and I talked about buying really expensive vacuum cleaners, or else being distressed by the fact that most vacuum cleaners lose their power within a few years of purchase.
Well, I had decided I was tired of not being able to clean the carpet well, and was going to look for vacuum cleaners this weekend. Saturday morning, I took out the newer of my two vacuum cleaners, and tried to use it. And decided enough is enough. Well, I pulled the hose off the machine, and discovered a very dense plug in the hose. It was so dense, I had a very difficult time dislodging it by pushing a broom stick through the hose. It took a while, but I eventually was able to dislodge the plug.
It was amazing how much better the vacuum cleaner worked after I dislodged that plug in the hose! I am amazed how many times operator errors is the reason things do not work as they should around my house.
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