The house I live in used to have a hard wired door bell. When I bought the house, it worked. I am not sure when the door bell no longer worked.
For the longest time, I did not really care.
But within the last twelve months, I did care, and I purchased a wireless doorbell. It was before Halloween 2013, when I purchased it.
When I installed the wireless door bell, and tried it out, the cats scattered and hid. I understand that. The bell sound is very loud. I think that is not probably very bad. There were several options for the doorbell. Rather than going with a simple chime, I chose the Westminster Chime. Which further added to the cats' discomfort as it is more extended than a simple chime. It is not a deep rich tone, but is a little tinny. But what do you expect from an inexpensive door bell.
Well, tonight was a wonderful West Texas evening: I was sitting in the back yard, enjoying the night air, reading, and relaxing. I heard the door chime in the yard. One of the reasons I chose this chime was because it was loud enough for me to hear it in the backyard, if I was on the patio.
I went directly to the front door. I did not even check the door front through the blind, but opened the door, knowing that the storm door was locked. But no one was there. I did not go out into the front yard to see if someone was down the street that might have wrung the bell.
I am a bit of a hermit or recluse, and am usually just as happy to be by myself, and not have my neighbors enter into my personal space, including my house. So the fact that no one was there was sort of okay.
However, someone "casing" the neighborhood could decide that because I did not answer the door bell, I was not home. That is not a very comforting thought. But it is one that I will leave on this blog and not take to bed with me. The reason that thought is not comforting is because whoever was checking out the house might have a plan to return, whether I am here or not, to burgle the place.
I hope my negative thoughts do not come to pass. I hope no one invades my house, uses their thought that I am not home as permission ot burgle my house But, whatever happens, I will deal with it.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Another Windy Night
I was able to spend some time outside yesterday, and the wind was pretty strong. I spent some time outside again today. Again the wind was gusty. Neither yesterday nor today did the dust seem too bad.
The weather reports indicate that the wind may continue to be strong overnight. While this is not uncommon, usually the wind abates at night in West Texas.
We shall see what the wind does tonight.
The weather reports indicate that the wind may continue to be strong overnight. While this is not uncommon, usually the wind abates at night in West Texas.
We shall see what the wind does tonight.
Major League Baseball - The National Pastime
The Major League Baseball Season is opening http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/03/mlb-opening-night-dodgers-padres-opening-day/. The first opening games were the ones that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks played in Sydney, Australia. I get it that MLB is trying to expand the appeal of Major League Baseball. They have done other opening games outside of the United States, such as in Mexico, (which makes a lot of sense to me) and Japan, which (as with the games in Australia) really screws up opening day because of the time differences.
Maybe we should just face it that Major League Baseball has reached its saturation point in the United States.
I think MLB revived itself after 9/11, and really (hopefully sincerely) capitalized on its standing as "the national pastime" by all of the patriotic and commemorative activities it has done, including the singing of God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch during weekend games, special games, and I believe, all New York Yankee games.
Also, the Boston Red Sox tribute http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/21/us/massachusetts-fcc-ortiz/ after the Boston Marathon bombing last year was another act of solidarity with the nation.
Tonight I am watching the game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140330&content_id=70465642¬ebook_id=70465648&vkey=notebook_sd&c_id=sd. The Padres are wearing camouflage shirts with the American Flag patch sewn on the sleeve, and JC on the sleeve as a tribute to their now deceased but long time announcer, Jerry Coleman. Jerry Coleman was a World War II veteran, and a Korean War veteran, and his rank was colonel, so the military aspect of the commemoration is an acknowledgement of his service to this country. This is fitting.
I hope all the commemorative activities of Major League Baseball is sincere. It is good marketing, and I understand that. But I hope it is sincere.
Major League Baseball has a commemorative history: the National Baseball Hall of Fame, retiring numbers, honoring special players while they are still alive, Old Timer's Games, player days, All Star activities. How much of this is sincere and how much of this is good marketing.
Yes, Major League Baseball has some shrewd marketers. I think an activity like the Boston Red Sox tribute after the Boston Marathon was as much sincerity as marketing. But on a national level, I am skeptical.
Sorry.l Iove baseball, but I am not naive.
Maybe we should just face it that Major League Baseball has reached its saturation point in the United States.
I think MLB revived itself after 9/11, and really (hopefully sincerely) capitalized on its standing as "the national pastime" by all of the patriotic and commemorative activities it has done, including the singing of God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch during weekend games, special games, and I believe, all New York Yankee games.
Also, the Boston Red Sox tribute http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/21/us/massachusetts-fcc-ortiz/ after the Boston Marathon bombing last year was another act of solidarity with the nation.
Tonight I am watching the game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140330&content_id=70465642¬ebook_id=70465648&vkey=notebook_sd&c_id=sd. The Padres are wearing camouflage shirts with the American Flag patch sewn on the sleeve, and JC on the sleeve as a tribute to their now deceased but long time announcer, Jerry Coleman. Jerry Coleman was a World War II veteran, and a Korean War veteran, and his rank was colonel, so the military aspect of the commemoration is an acknowledgement of his service to this country. This is fitting.
I hope all the commemorative activities of Major League Baseball is sincere. It is good marketing, and I understand that. But I hope it is sincere.
Major League Baseball has a commemorative history: the National Baseball Hall of Fame, retiring numbers, honoring special players while they are still alive, Old Timer's Games, player days, All Star activities. How much of this is sincere and how much of this is good marketing.
Yes, Major League Baseball has some shrewd marketers. I think an activity like the Boston Red Sox tribute after the Boston Marathon was as much sincerity as marketing. But on a national level, I am skeptical.
Sorry.l Iove baseball, but I am not naive.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Protracted Time
I know I have written about this before, but today was a day of protracted time. I slept in, and the cats did not bother me. I waited to go to the store for a matter of timing, as I wanted to run an errand that could not be done until after 10 AM, and I wanted to do that before I bought groceries.
And, as it turned out, I had another errand to run that put me even further behind with my regular chores. But, they all got done.
I read this afternoon before I did house work. And, the lengthened daylight made the day seem very long. Even this evening, the night has seemed long.
I just go through periods when time seems protracted. It did today.
And, as it turned out, I had another errand to run that put me even further behind with my regular chores. But, they all got done.
I read this afternoon before I did house work. And, the lengthened daylight made the day seem very long. Even this evening, the night has seemed long.
I just go through periods when time seems protracted. It did today.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Spumoni
I remember getting spumoni http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spumoni as a child. I think we used to get it at Italian restaurants, and also, sometimes, it was available for home consumption.
I love spumoni. Today at work, we had cake and ice cream as we were honoring a long time employee who was changing jobs. They had rainbow sherbet. I like ice cream, but I love sherbet. As I was standing there looking at the rainbow sherbet, spumoni popped into my head.
In Lubbock Texas, you have a hard time finding spumoni. I remember, years ago, we went to lunch as a group somewhere, and spumoni was on the dessert menu. Only two of my co-workers, one who grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and one who grew up in Southern California, knew what spumoni was.
I have seen it in one of the supermarkets on rare occasion, but spumoni in Lubbock, Texas is rare!
I love spumoni. Today at work, we had cake and ice cream as we were honoring a long time employee who was changing jobs. They had rainbow sherbet. I like ice cream, but I love sherbet. As I was standing there looking at the rainbow sherbet, spumoni popped into my head.
In Lubbock Texas, you have a hard time finding spumoni. I remember, years ago, we went to lunch as a group somewhere, and spumoni was on the dessert menu. Only two of my co-workers, one who grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and one who grew up in Southern California, knew what spumoni was.
I have seen it in one of the supermarkets on rare occasion, but spumoni in Lubbock, Texas is rare!
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Feeding Cats
So, I went out to dinner with friends and coworkers after work tonight, and did not immediately go home and feed cats. While this was a break in the routine, I know that the cats could maintain while they were waiting for dinner: They do not always eat the wet food I put out, and there is always a lot of dry food available.
So, when I got home, the fresh cooked chicken was about gone, the liver was about gone, the Fancy Feast Chicken Florentine was about gone. The treats were about gone, but the human tuna was not gone. I fed as usual, resupplying the various foods, except I did not put out any human tuna. Sake picked at the new supply of fresh chicken So, I do not know if she ate what was set out earlier, or if she was just not very interested in eating tonight. The drawback of changing our schedule.
So, about 11 PM tonight, Taki and Haiku were asking for dinner: I put out human tuna, and they were very busy eating it.
I realize the term human tuna sounds cannibalistic. I just mean that they are getting tuna that is packaged and prepared for human consumption. I am not sure why the cats prefer that to cat food prepared tuna. But human tuna is lighter in color, and seems to be less processed than cat tuna.
I do what I can to please my cats which includes providing specific brands of food, cooking fresh foods instead of providing canned foods with preservatives, and in general, providing a wide variety of foods.
I sometimes feel inadequate, however, when Sake is not feeling well, and I cannot feed her something she will eat. This happens occasionally, but when it happens, it is very frustrating.
So, when I got home, the fresh cooked chicken was about gone, the liver was about gone, the Fancy Feast Chicken Florentine was about gone. The treats were about gone, but the human tuna was not gone. I fed as usual, resupplying the various foods, except I did not put out any human tuna. Sake picked at the new supply of fresh chicken So, I do not know if she ate what was set out earlier, or if she was just not very interested in eating tonight. The drawback of changing our schedule.
So, about 11 PM tonight, Taki and Haiku were asking for dinner: I put out human tuna, and they were very busy eating it.
I realize the term human tuna sounds cannibalistic. I just mean that they are getting tuna that is packaged and prepared for human consumption. I am not sure why the cats prefer that to cat food prepared tuna. But human tuna is lighter in color, and seems to be less processed than cat tuna.
I do what I can to please my cats which includes providing specific brands of food, cooking fresh foods instead of providing canned foods with preservatives, and in general, providing a wide variety of foods.
I sometimes feel inadequate, however, when Sake is not feeling well, and I cannot feed her something she will eat. This happens occasionally, but when it happens, it is very frustrating.
The News and Television Talk Shows
Well, when I was in junior high, I was not really interested in the daily news. But I did enjoy the television talk shows with monologues: The Tonight Show; The Merv Griffin Show; The Dick Cavett Show, to name a few
From these monologues, I learned that I needed to keep apprised of the daily news, so I would understand the satire, jokes, and barbs during the monologues.
I really watched The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson regularly. When Jay Leno was the host, my viewership was intermittent. And, now that Jimmy Fallon is the host, my viewership is still intermittent.
When Dick Cavett had a talk show, I really watched his show, and the news. He was so intellectual and sharp, I really appreciated his humor, his insight, his knowledge, and his satire. And, I appreciated the need to keep abreast of the current news, so I could relate to his monologue.
It is sad that sometimes in my life, the reason I follow the news is because I want to understand the comedy routines poking fun at the news.
From these monologues, I learned that I needed to keep apprised of the daily news, so I would understand the satire, jokes, and barbs during the monologues.
I really watched The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson regularly. When Jay Leno was the host, my viewership was intermittent. And, now that Jimmy Fallon is the host, my viewership is still intermittent.
When Dick Cavett had a talk show, I really watched his show, and the news. He was so intellectual and sharp, I really appreciated his humor, his insight, his knowledge, and his satire. And, I appreciated the need to keep abreast of the current news, so I could relate to his monologue.
It is sad that sometimes in my life, the reason I follow the news is because I want to understand the comedy routines poking fun at the news.
Missing News
I no longer subscribe to the Lubbock Avalanche Journal. I would like to, but they have priced themselves out of my acceptable bracket. They have sent me some "offers" for a few months, but I do not see the point of subscribing for 3 months at a reasonable price and then being expected to continue at the exorbitant price.
So, I miss out on the news. I forget to check their online website. I try to watch the local news in the morning and evening, and even the "late night" version, which airs at 10 PM, and which I do not consider late night.
I subscribe daily to the headlines from The Austin Statesman and The New York Times. I try to log on regularly to the online version of The Greenfield Recorder, which is the newspaper for the home where I grew up, for the headlines, and to check the obituaries. This keeps me connected to my past.
For years and years, I used to check the obituaries in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal. But even before I stopped taking the daily paper, I stopped checking the obituaries, probably in about 2008 or so. It was too depressing
I really enjoy the NPR news shows: "Morning Edition" http://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/ or "All Things Considered" http://www.npr.org/programs/all-things-considered/ I usually listen to these during "drive time" going to and from work. Sometimes, I will turn on the radio at home to listen to something on NPR.
I am amazed about the way the news is presented. Sometimes a story I hear one day that is presented the next day by a different source as "fresh information." And, of course, it makes me less trustful of the source.
I have long said that I get much of my news from The Weather Channel http://www.weather.com/. And, I do. If there is a major national or international story breaking, The Weather Channel will air it with a weather angle. And sometimes, that is not much of a stretch.
Sometimes, I feel like I am so on top of the news of the world. Sometimes, I feel that I am very isolated.
I hate that the news is depressing. But I want to keep apprised of what is happening in the world.
So, I miss out on the news. I forget to check their online website. I try to watch the local news in the morning and evening, and even the "late night" version, which airs at 10 PM, and which I do not consider late night.
I subscribe daily to the headlines from The Austin Statesman and The New York Times. I try to log on regularly to the online version of The Greenfield Recorder, which is the newspaper for the home where I grew up, for the headlines, and to check the obituaries. This keeps me connected to my past.
For years and years, I used to check the obituaries in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal. But even before I stopped taking the daily paper, I stopped checking the obituaries, probably in about 2008 or so. It was too depressing
I really enjoy the NPR news shows: "Morning Edition" http://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/ or "All Things Considered" http://www.npr.org/programs/all-things-considered/ I usually listen to these during "drive time" going to and from work. Sometimes, I will turn on the radio at home to listen to something on NPR.
I am amazed about the way the news is presented. Sometimes a story I hear one day that is presented the next day by a different source as "fresh information." And, of course, it makes me less trustful of the source.
I have long said that I get much of my news from The Weather Channel http://www.weather.com/. And, I do. If there is a major national or international story breaking, The Weather Channel will air it with a weather angle. And sometimes, that is not much of a stretch.
Sometimes, I feel like I am so on top of the news of the world. Sometimes, I feel that I am very isolated.
I hate that the news is depressing. But I want to keep apprised of what is happening in the world.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Cat Phenomenom
For the longest time, Sake has not been happy about my spending so much time at the computer in the computer room. She would cry and complain and meow to get me to leave the computer and move to the living room.
I tried to accomodate her wishes while still using the computer. It was a struggle, and I know I did not satisfy her.
Recently, Sake has taken to sitting in the computer room on one of the chairs, curled up. I know it can be comfortable for her, so I am pleased she has settled into the computer room.
I am thrilled to know that she negotiates her way on the computer desk. She is very careful to avoid the keyboard when she is climbing on the computer desk. I am so proud of her for doing that. Haiku does pretty good, but sometimes I have to guide her paws. Taki totally does not get it. She tries, but she does not get it.
I think Sake is not feeling well. She eats, and maintains her weight just barely. She is not very active, and sleeps a lot. I hate that she may not feel well, but she is not totally incapcitated.
The interesting phenomenom to me is Taki and the trash basket. I have a basket lined with a plastic bag for a trash can near the computer. Taki just seems to have a fetish for the basket and bag: She scrapes and picks and claws at the bag, pulling it out of the basket. It does not matter how much trash there is in the basket. She just empties it out, and sits, her head and much of her body in the basket. I do not get it. But, it seems to satisfy her.
I love my cats, and their antics and activities are amazing to me. I am thankful I can enjoy them.
I tried to accomodate her wishes while still using the computer. It was a struggle, and I know I did not satisfy her.
Recently, Sake has taken to sitting in the computer room on one of the chairs, curled up. I know it can be comfortable for her, so I am pleased she has settled into the computer room.
I am thrilled to know that she negotiates her way on the computer desk. She is very careful to avoid the keyboard when she is climbing on the computer desk. I am so proud of her for doing that. Haiku does pretty good, but sometimes I have to guide her paws. Taki totally does not get it. She tries, but she does not get it.
I think Sake is not feeling well. She eats, and maintains her weight just barely. She is not very active, and sleeps a lot. I hate that she may not feel well, but she is not totally incapcitated.
The interesting phenomenom to me is Taki and the trash basket. I have a basket lined with a plastic bag for a trash can near the computer. Taki just seems to have a fetish for the basket and bag: She scrapes and picks and claws at the bag, pulling it out of the basket. It does not matter how much trash there is in the basket. She just empties it out, and sits, her head and much of her body in the basket. I do not get it. But, it seems to satisfy her.
I love my cats, and their antics and activities are amazing to me. I am thankful I can enjoy them.
Tax Day
For years and years and years, I did my own taxes. There were a couple of times that I made mistakes, and received letters from the IRS about that, but we were able to correct that with no problem.
Well, some few years ago, I submitted my taxes. I had just inherited some investments, and thought I did the taxes as they should have been done. It was a year in which the IRS was supposed to be developing a more customer friendly image. So, although I totally miscalculated the way the taxes were supposed to be calculated, I received a nice letter from the IRS that said I had made a math error, they recalculated my taxes, and to my benefit, changed my refund.
But this scared me. I do not want to be in trouble with the IRS. So, the next year, I brought my taxes to a professional tax preparer. And, that year, they told me about some tax credits that I would not have known about. And saved me a lot of money. And, when I was audited because I used those tax credits, the IRS agreed with my return so I had no problem.
I have used this service for years now. It is Sue Johnson Business Services http://prep.1040.com/taxdepot/default.aspx?custom1040page=6625. Ken and I used them years ago. And when I was renting my house I used them as I needed the professional tax preparer to help me with that business venture. Most recently, I have used them consistently because I want to be sure I file my taxes correctly. Last year, they gave me a gift certificate for being a loyal customer, for several years in a row.
As I was driving to Phoenix, a week and a half ago, I was listening to the radio, and heard a story about income taxes. And realized that I had not even thought about filing my taxes. I collect all the tax information forms I receive, and this year, forgot about them. So, I made an appointment to get my taxes done. The appointment was for today.
Sue Johnson's office is south of town, and not far from the prison. I was gone from work about an hour, and had the tax return completed. It is so nice to have someone else deal with this headache, and I just give them the paperwork, and sign off on the forms. Yeah!
Well, some few years ago, I submitted my taxes. I had just inherited some investments, and thought I did the taxes as they should have been done. It was a year in which the IRS was supposed to be developing a more customer friendly image. So, although I totally miscalculated the way the taxes were supposed to be calculated, I received a nice letter from the IRS that said I had made a math error, they recalculated my taxes, and to my benefit, changed my refund.
But this scared me. I do not want to be in trouble with the IRS. So, the next year, I brought my taxes to a professional tax preparer. And, that year, they told me about some tax credits that I would not have known about. And saved me a lot of money. And, when I was audited because I used those tax credits, the IRS agreed with my return so I had no problem.
I have used this service for years now. It is Sue Johnson Business Services http://prep.1040.com/taxdepot/default.aspx?custom1040page=6625. Ken and I used them years ago. And when I was renting my house I used them as I needed the professional tax preparer to help me with that business venture. Most recently, I have used them consistently because I want to be sure I file my taxes correctly. Last year, they gave me a gift certificate for being a loyal customer, for several years in a row.
As I was driving to Phoenix, a week and a half ago, I was listening to the radio, and heard a story about income taxes. And realized that I had not even thought about filing my taxes. I collect all the tax information forms I receive, and this year, forgot about them. So, I made an appointment to get my taxes done. The appointment was for today.
Sue Johnson's office is south of town, and not far from the prison. I was gone from work about an hour, and had the tax return completed. It is so nice to have someone else deal with this headache, and I just give them the paperwork, and sign off on the forms. Yeah!
The Missing Tile
Some time ago, I noticed that there was a tile missing from the keyboard on the laptop: I have two loose tiles, the Home tile and the Page Down tile. I have tried multiple times to replace them so they will stay, with no success. They sort of stay, but they are not situated as they should be. Sometime, in the past, I was able to place tiles solidly, and have done so, but not with these two tiles. But it is a hit or miss situation. And lately, it has been miss.
Well, I know it has been at least a month since the Page Down tile went missing. The computer desk is cluttered, but I looked in the trash, and the obvious places on desk, including the pull out tray where the mouse pad and mouse are located. I lifted the desktop keyboard, the wrist rest, the box with all the papers I have for the passwords and codes, the mouse pad where the TV remote resides. I checked it all.
I moved the laptop, the pencil holder, the papers, and all sorts of clutter on the computer desk.
And saw nothing.
I decided that someday, when I was not looking for it, the tile would show up. Well, guess what, the tile did show up. Today. I replaced it as best I could.
Who knows how these mysteries occur and are resolved.
Well, I know it has been at least a month since the Page Down tile went missing. The computer desk is cluttered, but I looked in the trash, and the obvious places on desk, including the pull out tray where the mouse pad and mouse are located. I lifted the desktop keyboard, the wrist rest, the box with all the papers I have for the passwords and codes, the mouse pad where the TV remote resides. I checked it all.
I moved the laptop, the pencil holder, the papers, and all sorts of clutter on the computer desk.
And saw nothing.
I decided that someday, when I was not looking for it, the tile would show up. Well, guess what, the tile did show up. Today. I replaced it as best I could.
Who knows how these mysteries occur and are resolved.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
The Recalcitrant Microwave Oven
So, several months ago, I woke up and found that the micorwave oven that I had was behaving quite strangely: It was beeping and acting as if it there was something cooking in it but there was nothing cooking in it. It would not reset, nor cook and it just kept beeping. I decided it was dead, and brought it to the city recycling center, and bought a new microwave oven.
So, a few nights ago, the microwave oven behaved quite strangely: I tried to heat something, but the microwave did not heat up. It ran, the clock worked, but there was no heating. I discovered that the plug was loose from the wall outlet. I disconnected the plug, let the microwave sit for a few minutes, and then plugged it back into the wall outlet. I ran the microwave, and lo and behold, it worked!
I was pleased that I did not have to purchase another microwave oven.
So, a few nights ago, the microwave oven behaved quite strangely: I tried to heat something, but the microwave did not heat up. It ran, the clock worked, but there was no heating. I discovered that the plug was loose from the wall outlet. I disconnected the plug, let the microwave sit for a few minutes, and then plugged it back into the wall outlet. I ran the microwave, and lo and behold, it worked!
I was pleased that I did not have to purchase another microwave oven.
Spring Has Sprung
Spring in West Texas is interesting. This year, spring officially started shortly after noon on March 20, 2014. Hmmmm. The weather did not change much. But amazingly, the trees responded: All of a sudden the trees that bloom did so within just a few hours of the official arrival of spring! This is amazing to me. But, it usually happens every year in Texas.
The locals tell us that the mesquite trees tell us if we have had a final freeze or not: The mesquite trees do not leaf out or blossom until after the final freeze occurs. There is a mesquite tree down the street from where I live, and I need to check to see its status.
The locals tell us that the mesquite trees tell us if we have had a final freeze or not: The mesquite trees do not leaf out or blossom until after the final freeze occurs. There is a mesquite tree down the street from where I live, and I need to check to see its status.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Time Warp
I was on vacation this past week. I drove to Phoenix, Az on Sunday and spent two wonderful days with family. I drove back to Lubbock on Wednesday. Both driving trips were wonderful: the weather was good, the roads were good, and the scenery was great. I had hoped to see antelope in New Mexico or elk or deer in the White Mountains of Arizona, but I did not. Even so, the scenery was just great. It always is.
When I first moved to West Texas in 1977, I thought the scenery was dull, boring and mindless. Having lived here some 37 years, I have come to appreciate the beauty of the plains and desert landscape, the desert cactus scenery, not to mention the dry mountains and the tall pine mountains. On my trip to Phoenix, going through the Cline's Corner area of New Mexico, there was snow on the landscape. There is nothing more beautiful than snow on the desert landscape.
I love driving through the desolate countryside, where there are few vehicles.
Returning to Lubbock, I went to work on Thursday for part of the day, in preparation for tier review. And on Friday, I went to work, specifically to be there for tier review. So I arrived late and left early, after I completed all the paperwork I needed to complete.
Saturday and Sunday have almost been surreal. I did all the chores and tasks I usually do on Saturday. I ran some extra errands and sat out in the warm afternoon air.
Sunday was not as warm. I did run some errands, did some chores around the house. But the day has dragged on: this is a function of the fact that it is now daylight savings time, and daylight is longer. It was too cold to sit outside today. And the daylight lingers.
So, it makes the day seem longer than it really is. When nightfall is early, the days do not seem as long, although I stay awake as long.
It is just a time warp sensation, vs reality.
When I first moved to West Texas in 1977, I thought the scenery was dull, boring and mindless. Having lived here some 37 years, I have come to appreciate the beauty of the plains and desert landscape, the desert cactus scenery, not to mention the dry mountains and the tall pine mountains. On my trip to Phoenix, going through the Cline's Corner area of New Mexico, there was snow on the landscape. There is nothing more beautiful than snow on the desert landscape.
I love driving through the desolate countryside, where there are few vehicles.
Returning to Lubbock, I went to work on Thursday for part of the day, in preparation for tier review. And on Friday, I went to work, specifically to be there for tier review. So I arrived late and left early, after I completed all the paperwork I needed to complete.
Saturday and Sunday have almost been surreal. I did all the chores and tasks I usually do on Saturday. I ran some extra errands and sat out in the warm afternoon air.
Sunday was not as warm. I did run some errands, did some chores around the house. But the day has dragged on: this is a function of the fact that it is now daylight savings time, and daylight is longer. It was too cold to sit outside today. And the daylight lingers.
So, it makes the day seem longer than it really is. When nightfall is early, the days do not seem as long, although I stay awake as long.
It is just a time warp sensation, vs reality.
Fund Raisers
Where I work, we have a Christmas party every year. During the year, we do fund raisers so the employees and their families can attend the Christmas party at no cost. Some years, there is lots of food and door prizes. Some years, there is mostly food.
But we have fun fundraisers at work. This year, one of the fund raisers will be an Easter Basket silent auction. We have done this in the past, and it is a lot of fun.
The baskets vary: from piddly toys, gifts and what not to extravagant gifts, including vacation get-a-ways, and other big ticket items. We are doing Easter Baskets again this year. My department is sponsoring 4 baskets: Made with Love, Chocolate Lovers Basket, Spa Basket, and Car Care Basket. I have acquired something for each basket this weekend, and will bring it to work this coming week.
It will be fun to see what baskets are available and what they include.
But we have fun fundraisers at work. This year, one of the fund raisers will be an Easter Basket silent auction. We have done this in the past, and it is a lot of fun.
The baskets vary: from piddly toys, gifts and what not to extravagant gifts, including vacation get-a-ways, and other big ticket items. We are doing Easter Baskets again this year. My department is sponsoring 4 baskets: Made with Love, Chocolate Lovers Basket, Spa Basket, and Car Care Basket. I have acquired something for each basket this weekend, and will bring it to work this coming week.
It will be fun to see what baskets are available and what they include.
Cooking Dinner
I have not felt much like cooking recently. So, I was just eating snacky type meals, take out, or whatever. I am not sure why, but that was where I was at.
Yesterday, I made hot and sour soup. It is an easy recipe, and one that I really like. I had some chicken broth that needed to be used. So, that was my fall back. Today, I made stir fry. I had stir fry and hot and sour soup for dinner tonight. It was not a heavy meal, and it was very tasty.
Yesterday, I made hot and sour soup. It is an easy recipe, and one that I really like. I had some chicken broth that needed to be used. So, that was my fall back. Today, I made stir fry. I had stir fry and hot and sour soup for dinner tonight. It was not a heavy meal, and it was very tasty.
Gifts for Book Lovers
I googled "Gifts for Book Lovers" and found there are a lot of things for book lovers: Various kinds of book marks, book ends, reading lamps, shelves, book bags, and book stands. Hmmm.
I would also add a journal, or an ongoing list for book lovers to track the "read, currently reading and to read" lists. I am enrolled in Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/ which helps me with just that. I appreciate how it helps me to track what I have read. And how it gives me input from other readers who update their lists, which then gives me suggestions of books to read.
Another website I really like is Fantastic Fiction http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/ helps me to track authors and their series. If I am going to read a series, I want to read them in order. This helps.
I also keep my own "traveling book list" which I take to the library with me. It has some books that are not available at the Lubbock libraries. So, I also use the inter-library loan option. This used to be free, but is now set at $3 a book. Still a bargain (I did not understand how the library could offer the service for free.). And, you can order your selections online rather than having to go to the library to place an order.
So, I am glad to have options as a book lover.
I would also add a journal, or an ongoing list for book lovers to track the "read, currently reading and to read" lists. I am enrolled in Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/ which helps me with just that. I appreciate how it helps me to track what I have read. And how it gives me input from other readers who update their lists, which then gives me suggestions of books to read.
Another website I really like is Fantastic Fiction http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/ helps me to track authors and their series. If I am going to read a series, I want to read them in order. This helps.
I also keep my own "traveling book list" which I take to the library with me. It has some books that are not available at the Lubbock libraries. So, I also use the inter-library loan option. This used to be free, but is now set at $3 a book. Still a bargain (I did not understand how the library could offer the service for free.). And, you can order your selections online rather than having to go to the library to place an order.
So, I am glad to have options as a book lover.
Recreational Marijuana and Tax Dollars
Colorado is one of two states, Washington being the other, that recently legalized recreational marijuana. And in the first month, Colorado rrealized $2 million dollars in taxes http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/colorado-marijuana-taxes-brought-in-2-million-in-january/2014/03/10/5411257e-a891-11e3-8599-ce7295b6851c_story.html.
According to one source http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881 20 states and Washington DC have legalized medical marijuana. I am surprised by the number, but maybe I should not be.
I think, though, that the idea of acquiring a quick and high tax revenue source will cause many other states to look at legalizing recreational marijuana.
When Lubbock voted to allow packaged alcohol sales throughout the city, there were those who thought that would increase sales tax revenue for the city. But, that did not happen http://m.amarillo.com/news/latest-news/2012-12-07/expectations-lubbock-going-wet-not-coming-reality.
The point is, there is no real way to ultimately predict the tax impact of legalized alcohol sales or legalized marijuana sales until the situation occurs. And, if many states legalize recreational marijuana, will that cut into the sales in the few states that will have the early edge on sales?
According to one source http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881 20 states and Washington DC have legalized medical marijuana. I am surprised by the number, but maybe I should not be.
I think, though, that the idea of acquiring a quick and high tax revenue source will cause many other states to look at legalizing recreational marijuana.
When Lubbock voted to allow packaged alcohol sales throughout the city, there were those who thought that would increase sales tax revenue for the city. But, that did not happen http://m.amarillo.com/news/latest-news/2012-12-07/expectations-lubbock-going-wet-not-coming-reality.
The point is, there is no real way to ultimately predict the tax impact of legalized alcohol sales or legalized marijuana sales until the situation occurs. And, if many states legalize recreational marijuana, will that cut into the sales in the few states that will have the early edge on sales?
Chickens in the City
So, I was in Phoenix, AZ. recently, and heard that there was some sort of controversy about raising chickens in the city limits. The controversy is rights to raise chickens vs. neighbors' rights to peace and quiet.
Evidently raising chickens for fresh eggs has caught on in the city. One person interviewed talked about having allergies to various store bought eggs, and the eggs the chickens lay are "organic." They feed the chickens unadulterated food, no chemicals, no antibiotics, and so they have organic eggs.
The neighbors complain, of course, because the chickens crow at the crack of dawn, which is very, very early in Phoenix.
I am in favor of chickens in the city. If they are properly cared for, and contained in their appropriate yard or pen.
We already have a lot of ambient noises in the city, and we learn to live with them: traffic, dogs, airplanes, helicopters, sirens, buses, trucks, trains, street sweepers. Depending where you live in the city, the noises are not so bad. But there are noises. So, crowing and cackling chickens are not so bad.
Evidently raising chickens for fresh eggs has caught on in the city. One person interviewed talked about having allergies to various store bought eggs, and the eggs the chickens lay are "organic." They feed the chickens unadulterated food, no chemicals, no antibiotics, and so they have organic eggs.
The neighbors complain, of course, because the chickens crow at the crack of dawn, which is very, very early in Phoenix.
I am in favor of chickens in the city. If they are properly cared for, and contained in their appropriate yard or pen.
We already have a lot of ambient noises in the city, and we learn to live with them: traffic, dogs, airplanes, helicopters, sirens, buses, trucks, trains, street sweepers. Depending where you live in the city, the noises are not so bad. But there are noises. So, crowing and cackling chickens are not so bad.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Going To Bed
I just returned to my house from a short trip out of town. The first night I was on vacation, I was tired but could not go to sleep. So, I picked up the murder mystery I was reading. I was close to finishing the book, and as it grew closer to the end, I was more and more interested.
So, I did not want to go to sleep until I finished the book. And I did finish the book. I went to bed for a short while, because it was early morning, local time, when I finished the book. But because of the time difference, I still got a good night sleep.
The next few nights, I was tired local time, tired enough to go to bed and go to sleep.
Some of the problem was a strange bed. Some of the problem was the time change, although, I should have been more tired, not less.
Oh well, I am now home, and I am waiting to get tired enough to go to sleep. You would think that after driving about 12 hours, I would be ready for bed.
But, when I got home, I was not tired. I emptied the Vue, and put things away. I got caught up on the mail. The cats had been tended to, which was a blessing, but still, required some attention. But I wanted to be sure I was tended to. So, I did read the mail, but did not act on it, including paying a bill.
I am grateful I have good help when I am out of town, so that my cats are well tended.
So, I did not want to go to sleep until I finished the book. And I did finish the book. I went to bed for a short while, because it was early morning, local time, when I finished the book. But because of the time difference, I still got a good night sleep.
The next few nights, I was tired local time, tired enough to go to bed and go to sleep.
Some of the problem was a strange bed. Some of the problem was the time change, although, I should have been more tired, not less.
Oh well, I am now home, and I am waiting to get tired enough to go to sleep. You would think that after driving about 12 hours, I would be ready for bed.
But, when I got home, I was not tired. I emptied the Vue, and put things away. I got caught up on the mail. The cats had been tended to, which was a blessing, but still, required some attention. But I wanted to be sure I was tended to. So, I did read the mail, but did not act on it, including paying a bill.
I am grateful I have good help when I am out of town, so that my cats are well tended.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Ignoring Annoying Things
Early in my life, if something was annoying or irritating, I addressed it head on, and sometimes, like a bull in a china shop. That did not always get the resolution I wanted, and in fact, often made matters worse.
As I have matured and aged, (not mutually inclusive or exclusive), I have learned to ignore a lot of annoying things. I no longer complain to a commercial establishment if things did not go well. I no longer try to resolve a situation that really has no consequence for me. I walk away from problems or confrontation more often than not. I do not complain. I just shrug and move on.
What has changed? Well, me. I have come to realize that not everything is an issue. And, of course, I have learned about "pick your battle." But mostly, I have learned that the contention created is not worth it. If it is truly important, the confrontation (We equate confrontation with conflict, which is not the same. Confrontation is facing the situation. Conflict is disagreeing about the situation.) can often be handled in a non-adversarial sort of way, which I did not realize 40 years ago. We can be accommodating, conciliatory, generous, open-minded, and willing to listen and respect if not compromise.
I do my best to keep things low-key, mellow, non-confrontational, and even, sometimes, non-assertive. I so want to low-key, back door, and slide by that I go out of my way to present that front.
Am I less passionate about issues. Yes, some. Am I less concerned about issues, no. But not as fervent or passionate. I think bridge building, alliances and cooperation gets us a lot further along than confrontation, stand offs, power plays
As I have matured and aged, (not mutually inclusive or exclusive), I have learned to ignore a lot of annoying things. I no longer complain to a commercial establishment if things did not go well. I no longer try to resolve a situation that really has no consequence for me. I walk away from problems or confrontation more often than not. I do not complain. I just shrug and move on.
What has changed? Well, me. I have come to realize that not everything is an issue. And, of course, I have learned about "pick your battle." But mostly, I have learned that the contention created is not worth it. If it is truly important, the confrontation (We equate confrontation with conflict, which is not the same. Confrontation is facing the situation. Conflict is disagreeing about the situation.) can often be handled in a non-adversarial sort of way, which I did not realize 40 years ago. We can be accommodating, conciliatory, generous, open-minded, and willing to listen and respect if not compromise.
I do my best to keep things low-key, mellow, non-confrontational, and even, sometimes, non-assertive. I so want to low-key, back door, and slide by that I go out of my way to present that front.
Am I less passionate about issues. Yes, some. Am I less concerned about issues, no. But not as fervent or passionate. I think bridge building, alliances and cooperation gets us a lot further along than confrontation, stand offs, power plays
It Has Been A Busy Week
It has been a busy week. I cannot put my finger on just one thing that made it a busy week, but I know it was. There are two indicators of it being a busy week: I did not read much, and I did not blog or journal.
When my brain is so tired at night that I am worn out, I cannot read and retain, and I have no creative thoughts to write.
There have been really a lot of things going on.
I have had several email conversations regarding the non-profit charitable organization for which I am a board member.
I was involved in a social work recognition ceremony.
For the same group, we were working on finalizing the brochure for the annual ethics workshop.
I am working on getting ready to go out of town on a vacation.
So, with all of these things, I have been busy. That is okay.
When my brain is so tired at night that I am worn out, I cannot read and retain, and I have no creative thoughts to write.
There have been really a lot of things going on.
I have had several email conversations regarding the non-profit charitable organization for which I am a board member.
I was involved in a social work recognition ceremony.
For the same group, we were working on finalizing the brochure for the annual ethics workshop.
I am working on getting ready to go out of town on a vacation.
So, with all of these things, I have been busy. That is okay.
The World Wide Web
March 12, 1989 is celebrated as the birth of the World Wide Web, which makes it 25 years old, this year! Most of us did not realize it, but there was an Internet, and the military and large industries were using it, to share information and communication before this. I realize, for example, airlines were using computers many, many years ago.
But Tim Berners-Lee http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2014/03/12/inventor-celebrates-reflects-on-world-wide-webs-25th-anniversary/ had the vision, and WWW was born!
This has so changed the world, that someone who was in a coma in 1988, and woke up in 2014, would not recognize the world.
I got on the web in the mid 1990's. I remember watching the Today show in 1994, when the Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_Winter_Olympics were being played. NBC http://www.nbc.com/ was touting the use of the Internet, specifically Prodigy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prodigy_(online_service) to show real time broadcasts of the Olympics. The connections were slow, frequently interrupted, and the quality was not very good, but the concept was so exciting.
I bought my first computer about 1994 or 1995. I did not know what all I could accomplish with it, but I had it. I had a dial up connection with Prodigy that was slow, disconnected frequently and was unstable and unreliable. After a while, I gave up. But then, I used AOL http://www.aol.com/ and although it was dial up, the connections were more stable and reliable.
After that, the Internet and WWW soared!
Now we have access at home, in WIFI hot spots, by cell phone, Tablets, IPods, IPhones, and so many other ways. We can have wireless networks at home. There is Internet access in many public places, many commercial and municipal places, even rest stops on highways, sometimes for free, sometimes for a subscription service.
I feel lost when I do not have regular access to the Internet.
When I was first connected, I liked being able to have email access to so many people who were also on the Internet.
But now, I most appreciate the ready access to information. I grew up perusing the World Book Encyclopedia just because I liked looking at the pictures and reading the information. Well, being an information junkie, you can imagine how I feel about the Internet: I can just look up whatever, whenever.
I do not have a smart phone. I can live without one. But sometimes I think I would so enjoy the use of the smart phone to access information "on the go."
I think eventually I will graduate to a smart phone, because the World Wide Web is so accessible by a smart phone.
What an exciting time we live in!
But Tim Berners-Lee http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2014/03/12/inventor-celebrates-reflects-on-world-wide-webs-25th-anniversary/ had the vision, and WWW was born!
This has so changed the world, that someone who was in a coma in 1988, and woke up in 2014, would not recognize the world.
I got on the web in the mid 1990's. I remember watching the Today show in 1994, when the Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_Winter_Olympics were being played. NBC http://www.nbc.com/ was touting the use of the Internet, specifically Prodigy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prodigy_(online_service) to show real time broadcasts of the Olympics. The connections were slow, frequently interrupted, and the quality was not very good, but the concept was so exciting.
I bought my first computer about 1994 or 1995. I did not know what all I could accomplish with it, but I had it. I had a dial up connection with Prodigy that was slow, disconnected frequently and was unstable and unreliable. After a while, I gave up. But then, I used AOL http://www.aol.com/ and although it was dial up, the connections were more stable and reliable.
After that, the Internet and WWW soared!
Now we have access at home, in WIFI hot spots, by cell phone, Tablets, IPods, IPhones, and so many other ways. We can have wireless networks at home. There is Internet access in many public places, many commercial and municipal places, even rest stops on highways, sometimes for free, sometimes for a subscription service.
I feel lost when I do not have regular access to the Internet.
When I was first connected, I liked being able to have email access to so many people who were also on the Internet.
But now, I most appreciate the ready access to information. I grew up perusing the World Book Encyclopedia just because I liked looking at the pictures and reading the information. Well, being an information junkie, you can imagine how I feel about the Internet: I can just look up whatever, whenever.
I do not have a smart phone. I can live without one. But sometimes I think I would so enjoy the use of the smart phone to access information "on the go."
I think eventually I will graduate to a smart phone, because the World Wide Web is so accessible by a smart phone.
What an exciting time we live in!
Friday, March 7, 2014
Chance Meetings
I work in a psychiatric prison, and have done so since September, 1995. I am so often amazed about the Hand of God influencing my work. So often, I do not know what to say or how to respond to a patient. But when I do, so often the patient responds as if what I have said is what I needed to have said. I think it is God putting words in my mouth.
March 6, 2014, I wanted to have a brief meeting with my supervisor before lunch. I did not plan to spend much time talking to her, but as we often do, we spent quite some time talking about a variety of topics. After this session, which I had thought would end sooner than it did, I went to the officer diner room and got some lunch. I was going to eat by myself, but was invited by someone to eat with her. She is a volunteer chaplain. It turned out that she has been a volunteer chaplain at the prison for 17 years, shortly after the regional medical facility had opened. I had never met her, and I have worked at the prison for about 18 and a half years. The reason I had not met her was because she works in the medical regional facility, and I work in the psychiatric facility.
As we talked, we marvelled at the way that God influences us and our work, how we are directed to do his will,whether it is in chaplaincy, in which a person can promote the word of God, or in social work, in which we can just advocate neutral values.
This was such a moving, spiritual experience. This volunteer obviously knows the spirit of God in her ministry and understands that. I wish I had more of the spirit of God with me, but, I am so thankful for the spirit of God that is with me.
This chaplain gave me such inspiration and hope for my continued work and influence at work. I think this was a gift of God, to give me some support and inspiration while I am doing my social work tasks at the unit.
March 6, 2014, I wanted to have a brief meeting with my supervisor before lunch. I did not plan to spend much time talking to her, but as we often do, we spent quite some time talking about a variety of topics. After this session, which I had thought would end sooner than it did, I went to the officer diner room and got some lunch. I was going to eat by myself, but was invited by someone to eat with her. She is a volunteer chaplain. It turned out that she has been a volunteer chaplain at the prison for 17 years, shortly after the regional medical facility had opened. I had never met her, and I have worked at the prison for about 18 and a half years. The reason I had not met her was because she works in the medical regional facility, and I work in the psychiatric facility.
As we talked, we marvelled at the way that God influences us and our work, how we are directed to do his will,whether it is in chaplaincy, in which a person can promote the word of God, or in social work, in which we can just advocate neutral values.
This was such a moving, spiritual experience. This volunteer obviously knows the spirit of God in her ministry and understands that. I wish I had more of the spirit of God with me, but, I am so thankful for the spirit of God that is with me.
This chaplain gave me such inspiration and hope for my continued work and influence at work. I think this was a gift of God, to give me some support and inspiration while I am doing my social work tasks at the unit.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Rebound
I went to work today. I am so glad I did not push myself yesterday to go to work. I felt very weak and shaky this morning. I suspect it was because I had so little to eat yesterday. If I had gone to work in the afternoon, after only eating a few crackers, that might have been bad!
The other thing I have noticed that as I get older, I do not rebound from illness as quickly as I did even 3 or 4 years ago. I expect this as a function of aging. But, it is disappointing.
The other thing I have noticed that as I get older, I do not rebound from illness as quickly as I did even 3 or 4 years ago. I expect this as a function of aging. But, it is disappointing.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Sick Leave
I took sick leave today. I do not do that very often, and when I do, in the past I used to feel guilty. Today, I took sick leave. The truth be known, I could have probably returned to work in the afternoon, but I still had a horrible headache. In the past, I would have pushed myself to return to work, not matter. But I am getting older, and I need to slow down and take care of myself. I have the sick leave, so today, I used it.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Gasoline Prices
I usually just buy gasoline at Wal-Mart or Bolton's (a local corporation) because they tend to be the lowest or close to lowest price in town. But I am learning that I need to pay better attention to that.
I drove to the northeast part of the county today. As I went through the town of Idalou, I was amazed at the gasoline prices. On the west side of town, the prices were $3.1899 per gallon at two stations, but on the east side of town, it was $3.2599, which was the lower price in Lubbock, I thought. But look at this: http://www.texasgasprices.com/Lubbock/index.aspx.
So is there a gasoline price war going on in Idalou. Maybe.
The price differences shown at the link are not really great, but are within a mile or two of where I usually fill up my vehicle. It might be worthwhile for me to check the prices before I do that fill up. A penny would not make that much difference, but there is more than a one cent difference in these prices.
Years ago, when I lived on a very tight budget, I researched these kinds of things. I have become lazy about researching savings. Maybe, I need to pay better attention to that.
I drove to the northeast part of the county today. As I went through the town of Idalou, I was amazed at the gasoline prices. On the west side of town, the prices were $3.1899 per gallon at two stations, but on the east side of town, it was $3.2599, which was the lower price in Lubbock, I thought. But look at this: http://www.texasgasprices.com/Lubbock/index.aspx.
So is there a gasoline price war going on in Idalou. Maybe.
The price differences shown at the link are not really great, but are within a mile or two of where I usually fill up my vehicle. It might be worthwhile for me to check the prices before I do that fill up. A penny would not make that much difference, but there is more than a one cent difference in these prices.
Years ago, when I lived on a very tight budget, I researched these kinds of things. I have become lazy about researching savings. Maybe, I need to pay better attention to that.
Temperature Difference
For the second time in the last 7 days, I have had occasion to travel to the northeast part of Lubbock County. To be a little more precise, about 14 miles north and 16 miles east of where I live. This is out in the country. Way out.
There were two things I noticed. The wind was more obvious. But of course, there is nothing to block it. I have long known that the effect of the wind inside the Loop of Lubbock really is minimized compared to the outlying country areas. And, this is truly amazing, when the winds are 40 MPH or more.
The other thing I noticed was the temperature difference. The first time I went out to this area of the county, I realized the difference in temperature was about 10°. While this surprised me a little bit, it made sense. The effect of the buildings decreasing the influence of the wind, and more importantly, the effect of the urban warming of buildings, concrete, and asphalt all influenced the temperature.
Today, when I went out to the country again, I noticed the temperature difference. It was striking. As I returned to town, I realized it was about 15 degrees, and of course the wind was stronger in the country.
Years ago, a friend of mine and I talked about the influence or effect of urban warming on the micro-atmosphere of the "urban area." Neither of us had heard about this as science, but we thought it made anecdotal sense: We would see weather fronts with moisture head toward the city of Lubbock, and as they arrived, the moisture, which was minimal, dissipated.
About the same time, a favorite NASCAR announcer talked about the "race track vortex effect." His theory was similar: The heat generated at a NASCAR track: from the paved track, the heat of the vehicles, and the fans, automobile traffic, and etc. created a heat vortex over the track which would dissipate minor rain storms.
Well, low and behold, science has proved these theories to be correct.
I noticed the temperature difference tonight. It is not a fluke.
There were two things I noticed. The wind was more obvious. But of course, there is nothing to block it. I have long known that the effect of the wind inside the Loop of Lubbock really is minimized compared to the outlying country areas. And, this is truly amazing, when the winds are 40 MPH or more.
The other thing I noticed was the temperature difference. The first time I went out to this area of the county, I realized the difference in temperature was about 10°. While this surprised me a little bit, it made sense. The effect of the buildings decreasing the influence of the wind, and more importantly, the effect of the urban warming of buildings, concrete, and asphalt all influenced the temperature.
Today, when I went out to the country again, I noticed the temperature difference. It was striking. As I returned to town, I realized it was about 15 degrees, and of course the wind was stronger in the country.
Years ago, a friend of mine and I talked about the influence or effect of urban warming on the micro-atmosphere of the "urban area." Neither of us had heard about this as science, but we thought it made anecdotal sense: We would see weather fronts with moisture head toward the city of Lubbock, and as they arrived, the moisture, which was minimal, dissipated.
About the same time, a favorite NASCAR announcer talked about the "race track vortex effect." His theory was similar: The heat generated at a NASCAR track: from the paved track, the heat of the vehicles, and the fans, automobile traffic, and etc. created a heat vortex over the track which would dissipate minor rain storms.
Well, low and behold, science has proved these theories to be correct.
I noticed the temperature difference tonight. It is not a fluke.
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