Recently, when I was at a movie theater, they advertised an airing of a Drum Corp International http://www.dci.org/ event. Well, I love Drum and Bugle Corps as much as I love a brass band, so I was hooked, and I bought my ticket
It was interesting during my most recent trip to New England for the Crochier family reunion, that my oldest brother and I had similar memories about the Millers Falls Drum Corp http://home.earthlink.net/~andepaula/id5.html http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2209&dat=19520902&id=DYtjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=H3oNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6959,16044. My cousin now lives in the house that is attached to Redman Hall which was their home base. We recalled that they hosted parades and competitions, and played across the country.
Well, I went to the Drum Corp International event that was aired on June 23rd. I was surprised to see a colleague and her daughter in the audience. But it made sense. Her daughter is a band director for a high school in Austin, Texas. And, two of her daughter's students were in various bands, one of which was going to be aired during that show.
I learned that there is a large network of drum and bugle corps, they compete during the summer season nation wide, and the competitions culminate in finals. And, the finals have aired on the network that aired the show we were going to watch. My colleague and her daughter have been at many live performances. I recalled that some years ago, they made stop at AT&T Jones Stadium at Texas Tech. I attended the performance that was foreshortened by electric storms (thunder and lightning as well as rain.)
My colleague and I agreed we wanted to watch the next event that would be available to us, the Prelim, which will be performed August 7, 2014. It starts early, and is long, but it will be the best of the best. Most of the bands that performed for the show we watched were well polished with their performances, which is surprising, becausing usually, the bands improve their showmanship as the season progresses. But, maybe these will make the preliminaries for the finals.
The performances we watched this week were interesting. One was very strange, and was rated last. One was very magical and was only rated 4th. One was very historical and patriotic, and was rated first. Hmm. I am not sure agreed with the ratings, but I am not an expert.
This was a very fun activity. But, I had to leave work right at 5 PM to get home and feed the cats, then get to the theater, with just a few minutes to spare. So, part way through the performance, I started to nod off. And then, I started thinking about a junk food dinner (usually a fast food junk food meal for me is from Subway, but I was salivating for a Big Mack and fries.)
So, after the performance, I headed to MacDonald's, then went home for dinner, checking my blood pressure, doing my PT exercises, and finally, getting on the computer to read email, and do the various puzzles and games I work on daily to exercise my brain.
No wonder I was tired, but not ready to sleep. Going out for activities revs me up. Listening to about 2.5 hours of brass and drums really revved me up!
Even so, I finally wore out. So, I was too tired to work on a post last night. But, I am pleased to offer this tonight.
All and all, it was a good night. If you like Drum and Bugle Corp, and Fathom Events http://www.fathomevents.com/#event/2014-summer-encores I would encourage you to check out their upcoming broadcasts, for something you might enjoy.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Electronic Escapades, or at least, Episodes
So, when I returned home from my vacation, I was having technical difficulties in my life. The TV in the same room, on the same but split feed, from the cable company to my computer system (wi-fi router), was having reception problems. Grrr.
And, my computer was running distressingly slow. I had to reboot, I had to wait, if I clicked more than one thing it did not work, you get the picture. I even stopped going to Facebook, which was a mega-slow download before I went on vacation. I just assumed I that while I was using the free wi-fi at the hotel, had gotten into something that slowed my computer way down.
By chance, I remembered I had a spy ware program, and I ran it. It took for ever, and it identified about 10 files that I needed to "fix", so I clicked on "fix." Hmmm, a little better but not great.
I called the cable company about the TV, and was advised to unplug the box and restart it after 15 seconds or so. That lasted a few hours. But, then, I unplugged the box for several hours, and that helped immensely.
For a couple of days. Today, I had the same signal interruption problem that I had before. This time, I was told to try to connect the cable directly into the box, by-passing the splitter (to the modem for the computer as well as the TV). I did so, and the television worked better than ever!
So, I purchased a new splitter tonight. When I installed it, the TV was working fine. I turned on the computer, and downloaded email and Internet stuff, then lost the Internet signal. I rebooted the Internet by unplugging the modem and router and plugging them in, one at a time, with several minutes in between. That did not work. I disconnected and reconnected the Internet. That did not work. I remembered that the router has a reset button, so I tried that, and so far, tonight, things seem to be working as well, if not better than when I went on vacation.
I had decided that after I returned to work, I would take the laptop in to be fixed. I can always check my emails at work, and do not have to do other online stuff I like to do. But, I may not have to do that.
The litmus test was Facebook, which had been excruciatingly slow before I went on vacation and all this happened. While it was slow tonight, it was not so bad.
Hopefully the new equipment and the resets have made a difference. We shall see.
And, my computer was running distressingly slow. I had to reboot, I had to wait, if I clicked more than one thing it did not work, you get the picture. I even stopped going to Facebook, which was a mega-slow download before I went on vacation. I just assumed I that while I was using the free wi-fi at the hotel, had gotten into something that slowed my computer way down.
By chance, I remembered I had a spy ware program, and I ran it. It took for ever, and it identified about 10 files that I needed to "fix", so I clicked on "fix." Hmmm, a little better but not great.
I called the cable company about the TV, and was advised to unplug the box and restart it after 15 seconds or so. That lasted a few hours. But, then, I unplugged the box for several hours, and that helped immensely.
For a couple of days. Today, I had the same signal interruption problem that I had before. This time, I was told to try to connect the cable directly into the box, by-passing the splitter (to the modem for the computer as well as the TV). I did so, and the television worked better than ever!
So, I purchased a new splitter tonight. When I installed it, the TV was working fine. I turned on the computer, and downloaded email and Internet stuff, then lost the Internet signal. I rebooted the Internet by unplugging the modem and router and plugging them in, one at a time, with several minutes in between. That did not work. I disconnected and reconnected the Internet. That did not work. I remembered that the router has a reset button, so I tried that, and so far, tonight, things seem to be working as well, if not better than when I went on vacation.
I had decided that after I returned to work, I would take the laptop in to be fixed. I can always check my emails at work, and do not have to do other online stuff I like to do. But, I may not have to do that.
The litmus test was Facebook, which had been excruciatingly slow before I went on vacation and all this happened. While it was slow tonight, it was not so bad.
Hopefully the new equipment and the resets have made a difference. We shall see.
"In The Cathouse"
So the title reference is to being "in the doghouse." But I do not have a dog and sometimes, I do things that upset my cats.
Today was one of those days. I misjudged my time. I washed the linens, but did not get the bed made before I went to the concert in the park, and then ran a quick errand.
So, when I arrived home, about 9:40 PM, I was met at the door by Haiku, who gets upset when it gets late and the bed is not made.
She sulked around in the bedroom until I did finish putting up the laundry, and made the bed. I am not sure why it upsets Haiku so much when the bed is torn apart, but it does. I try to be cognizant of that and not let the bed be unmade for too long, but sometimes, things happen.
Haiku complains about so little. Yet, she has such a plaintiff cry, sometimes it sounds like she is complaining when I do not know what she is complaining about. She is such a low maintenance cat that I am afraid I overlook her sometimes.
On the other hand, Sake has been doing very well recently. And, she has been asking for fresh food in the middle of the day. This means I will be going home for lunch as much as possible while she is still eating good. I just want her to do well. She is grooming herself and letting me groom her more.
So, when I got home tonight, she was sleeping on the dining table. She was really sleeping. I could tell because when I turned on the overhead light, she blinked a lot, and grimaced, so I shut off the light. About 10 minutes later, she woke up enough to ask for some chicken, which I provided for her. I am so thrilled she is eating well.
Taki had no complaints today, but I almost had to put her in time out. I was doing my physical therapy exercises. Take and Haiku joined me. Haiku just watched, and later joined me on the bed for the exercises I do there. But Taki kept attacking my feet. I told her "no" but that did not help. I gently pushed her away several times. She came right back. I threatened to put her in time out, but did not. If this happens again, I will put her in time out. (One of the cat stroller cages.) I hate to do it, but I cannot have her attacking my feet while I am trying to exercise. Last time I was doing physical therapy, I did put her in time out while I was doing the exercises, and after a while, she learned to not attack my feet.
I think it was a tough day to be a cat in my house today.
Today was one of those days. I misjudged my time. I washed the linens, but did not get the bed made before I went to the concert in the park, and then ran a quick errand.
So, when I arrived home, about 9:40 PM, I was met at the door by Haiku, who gets upset when it gets late and the bed is not made.
She sulked around in the bedroom until I did finish putting up the laundry, and made the bed. I am not sure why it upsets Haiku so much when the bed is torn apart, but it does. I try to be cognizant of that and not let the bed be unmade for too long, but sometimes, things happen.
Haiku complains about so little. Yet, she has such a plaintiff cry, sometimes it sounds like she is complaining when I do not know what she is complaining about. She is such a low maintenance cat that I am afraid I overlook her sometimes.
On the other hand, Sake has been doing very well recently. And, she has been asking for fresh food in the middle of the day. This means I will be going home for lunch as much as possible while she is still eating good. I just want her to do well. She is grooming herself and letting me groom her more.
So, when I got home tonight, she was sleeping on the dining table. She was really sleeping. I could tell because when I turned on the overhead light, she blinked a lot, and grimaced, so I shut off the light. About 10 minutes later, she woke up enough to ask for some chicken, which I provided for her. I am so thrilled she is eating well.
Taki had no complaints today, but I almost had to put her in time out. I was doing my physical therapy exercises. Take and Haiku joined me. Haiku just watched, and later joined me on the bed for the exercises I do there. But Taki kept attacking my feet. I told her "no" but that did not help. I gently pushed her away several times. She came right back. I threatened to put her in time out, but did not. If this happens again, I will put her in time out. (One of the cat stroller cages.) I hate to do it, but I cannot have her attacking my feet while I am trying to exercise. Last time I was doing physical therapy, I did put her in time out while I was doing the exercises, and after a while, she learned to not attack my feet.
I think it was a tough day to be a cat in my house today.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Soccer
I do not know much about what we call, in the United States, soccer, but the rest of the world knows as football. I do know that currently, the World Cup is being played in Brazil. And I know FIFA (the Fédération Internationale de Football Association http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/organisation/index.html) is the world governing body.
If you listen or watch any news, you will know that the previous World Cup champions, the team from Spain, has been eliminated from the match! This is big news in football circles.
I watched a football game the other day, with my niece and her friend, and they explained a little about the rules to me. I also have looked through some of the rules.
I am trying to develop a broader view of the world. I am not working hard at it, but I am trying to pay attention. International sports is included in that, so I am paying attention to the FIFA World Cup results.
If you listen or watch any news, you will know that the previous World Cup champions, the team from Spain, has been eliminated from the match! This is big news in football circles.
I watched a football game the other day, with my niece and her friend, and they explained a little about the rules to me. I also have looked through some of the rules.
I am trying to develop a broader view of the world. I am not working hard at it, but I am trying to pay attention. International sports is included in that, so I am paying attention to the FIFA World Cup results.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Weather Warning
I know my weather radio works, because I have heard recent notifications of severe weather on it. It is set for watches and warnings in Lubbock County. Currently, there is severe weather warnings in Cochran and Hockley County. No warnings coming across my radio. This is as it should be.
Frank Lloyd Wright
I like Frank Lloyd Wright architecture http://www.franklloydwright.org/. I did not know who it was who created the house in A Summer Place http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053320/?ref_=tttr_tr_tt but I knew I liked the house. It is at Carmel by the Sea and is the Clinton Walker House http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/topcalifornia/ig/Frank-Lloyd-Wright-California/Clinton-Walker-House.htm.
Many years ago, I was in California, and we visited a Frank Lloyd Wright house, but I do not recall the name of it. I remember it being set back amongst the trees, and it was in need of work. It seemed damp and moldy. But the architecture was wonderful.
I have heard of Fallingwater http://www.fallingwater.org/20/slug and maybe, someday, I can visit that house.
There is the Sterling Kinney House in Amarillo, Texas http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Frank_Lloyd_Wright_works_by_location#Texas. I have never heard of it, and apparently, it is not open for tours.
Well, the reason for all of this discussion of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture is that there is an exhibit of Samara http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samara_(house), a Frank Lloyd Wright house, at the Texas Tech Museum (April 27 - July 7 Frank Lloyd Wright's "Samara, A Mid-Century Dream Home." This exhibition tells the story of how a young couple from Indiana and a world famous architect worked together to build the Christian Family dream home, and how they continued to honor the architect's vision long after his death. The exhibition contains 117 works including furnishings, photographs, drawings, family memorabilia, videos, and interactives.) You might wonder what there is to see about a house, but I spent 2.5 hours viewing this exhibit, which includes some videos and displays.
It was a very interesting display. The genius of Frank Lloyd Wright is beyond amazing!
Many years ago, I was in California, and we visited a Frank Lloyd Wright house, but I do not recall the name of it. I remember it being set back amongst the trees, and it was in need of work. It seemed damp and moldy. But the architecture was wonderful.
I have heard of Fallingwater http://www.fallingwater.org/20/slug and maybe, someday, I can visit that house.
There is the Sterling Kinney House in Amarillo, Texas http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Frank_Lloyd_Wright_works_by_location#Texas. I have never heard of it, and apparently, it is not open for tours.
Well, the reason for all of this discussion of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture is that there is an exhibit of Samara http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samara_(house), a Frank Lloyd Wright house, at the Texas Tech Museum (April 27 - July 7 Frank Lloyd Wright's "Samara, A Mid-Century Dream Home." This exhibition tells the story of how a young couple from Indiana and a world famous architect worked together to build the Christian Family dream home, and how they continued to honor the architect's vision long after his death. The exhibition contains 117 works including furnishings, photographs, drawings, family memorabilia, videos, and interactives.) You might wonder what there is to see about a house, but I spent 2.5 hours viewing this exhibit, which includes some videos and displays.
It was a very interesting display. The genius of Frank Lloyd Wright is beyond amazing!
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Storm
I did yard work tonight. And rested afterwards. The clouds moved in. There was thunder and lightning. Was there rain? Drops. http://www.weather.com/weather/today/Lubbock+TX+79413?from=hp_promolocator&lswe=79413&lwsa=Weather36HourInterstateCommand There may be some rain tonight. But wind is also an element of a storm, and there was plenty of wind.
Customer Service
I have returned from my vacation out of town, but still have the rest of the week off. I had two dr. appointments last week, and this week I will go to PT 3 times. That does not seem like much of a vacation, does it? But not going to work is nice.
I stayed at the Quality Inn in Greenfield, Ma., http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-greenfield-massachusetts-MA186#listpos1. I knew the pool was unavailable, but I am not much of a fan of chlorinated pools. The room was adequate. There was cable TV, minus ESPN http://espn.go.com/ and The Weather Channel http://www.weather.com/, but there was NESN http://nesn.com/, so I got to watch the Red Sox games (or reruns of the Red Sox games.)
The free wi-fi was easy to access, and unlike some systems, this one did not require me to change email settings to use it. The staff was helpful and sometimes, intuitive.
But, the key card repeatedly did not work in the outer door. My room was near the front, so going around to the front desk and having the key card re-set was not too inconvenient, but uncomfortable Thursday and Friday in the pouring rain. Grrrr. But, the staff at the front desk were pleasant and helpful. When I left, I mentioned the problem. One of the clerks, who had re-set my key card and thought it was set to use throughout my stay, was present. They agreed they needed to list that as a maintenance item. But did nothing to compensate me for my inconvenience.
I ate free breakfast every morning. The selection was small, but adequate. I just wish they had had ketchup for the eggs, but that is me. So, all and all, it was an adqueate experience.
I used Dollar Rental Car http://www.dollar.com/Locations/gen.aspx?locationId=BDL. Although the rental car lot is off site of the airport, access by van was easy, and drivers were helpful. Check in was quick, and they provided maps and directions to get to the interstate, and then to return to the site from the interstate.
When I returned the car, I mentioned that I had had to add a quart of oil. My brother had mentioned they should pay for the cost of the oil. I thought that would be fair. They did not.They took 20% off of my bill. I thought that was more than fair. Wow! It was not really that wrong, but they sure made it right!
I used the Airport Shelter Park http://airportshelterpark.com/ for my car at the airport. I usually use uncovered parking at another lot, and that lot has covered parking, but the cover is not as good as at Airport Shelter Park. We are in a weather cycle with intermittent chance of severe weather, including hail, so I wanted the car under the more substantial cover. The driver insisted on loading my bags into the car, explaining that should I hurt myself doing so, I might not return as a customer. Sounds like good customer service to me.
I flew American Airlines http://www.aa.com/homePage.do. I am used to Southwest Airlines https://www.google.com/search?q=Southwest+airlines&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7ADBF&gws_rd=ssl and the attitude of we will make your experience pleasant. American Airlines was a neutral experience.
So two out of four got good marks for customer service. The others did not get bad marks, but nothing to write home about, either.
I stayed at the Quality Inn in Greenfield, Ma., http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-greenfield-massachusetts-MA186#listpos1. I knew the pool was unavailable, but I am not much of a fan of chlorinated pools. The room was adequate. There was cable TV, minus ESPN http://espn.go.com/ and The Weather Channel http://www.weather.com/, but there was NESN http://nesn.com/, so I got to watch the Red Sox games (or reruns of the Red Sox games.)
The free wi-fi was easy to access, and unlike some systems, this one did not require me to change email settings to use it. The staff was helpful and sometimes, intuitive.
But, the key card repeatedly did not work in the outer door. My room was near the front, so going around to the front desk and having the key card re-set was not too inconvenient, but uncomfortable Thursday and Friday in the pouring rain. Grrrr. But, the staff at the front desk were pleasant and helpful. When I left, I mentioned the problem. One of the clerks, who had re-set my key card and thought it was set to use throughout my stay, was present. They agreed they needed to list that as a maintenance item. But did nothing to compensate me for my inconvenience.
I ate free breakfast every morning. The selection was small, but adequate. I just wish they had had ketchup for the eggs, but that is me. So, all and all, it was an adqueate experience.
I used Dollar Rental Car http://www.dollar.com/Locations/gen.aspx?locationId=BDL. Although the rental car lot is off site of the airport, access by van was easy, and drivers were helpful. Check in was quick, and they provided maps and directions to get to the interstate, and then to return to the site from the interstate.
When I returned the car, I mentioned that I had had to add a quart of oil. My brother had mentioned they should pay for the cost of the oil. I thought that would be fair. They did not.They took 20% off of my bill. I thought that was more than fair. Wow! It was not really that wrong, but they sure made it right!
I used the Airport Shelter Park http://airportshelterpark.com/ for my car at the airport. I usually use uncovered parking at another lot, and that lot has covered parking, but the cover is not as good as at Airport Shelter Park. We are in a weather cycle with intermittent chance of severe weather, including hail, so I wanted the car under the more substantial cover. The driver insisted on loading my bags into the car, explaining that should I hurt myself doing so, I might not return as a customer. Sounds like good customer service to me.
I flew American Airlines http://www.aa.com/homePage.do. I am used to Southwest Airlines https://www.google.com/search?q=Southwest+airlines&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7ADBF&gws_rd=ssl and the attitude of we will make your experience pleasant. American Airlines was a neutral experience.
So two out of four got good marks for customer service. The others did not get bad marks, but nothing to write home about, either.
Readership
I try to post daily. However, I am on vacation, and do not believe in advertising the fact that I am not living in my home right now. So, while I have been writing regular posts, I have not been publishing them. And, I will not publish them until I return home.
So, there will be a record of my thoughts while I have been traveling, but posted after the fact.
What I have noticed these few days while I have not been publishing, and in the past, when I have not published regularly, is that my readership goes down when I do not post regularly.
Really, this does not worry me too much. I know of only two people who regularly read my blog, and only one of those comments, but only sporadically. The other does not write comments, but discusses the blog with me, so I know she reads the blog.
I receive the rare comment from someone unknown to me.
When I look at the information about my readership, it makes no sense to me: What blogs are read, who the audience is, where the audience is. Usually the audience is predominately in a non-English speaking country. And the blogs that are read are often older blogs, so I know the readers are not following me chronologically. The "readers" are randomly clicking on this blog. I suspect it is being "browsed" by automated browsers in foreign countries.
Well, I blog for me. I would like comments and acknowledgements, but I blog for me. I do not care who is or is not reading the blog. I blog for me.
So, there will be a record of my thoughts while I have been traveling, but posted after the fact.
What I have noticed these few days while I have not been publishing, and in the past, when I have not published regularly, is that my readership goes down when I do not post regularly.
Really, this does not worry me too much. I know of only two people who regularly read my blog, and only one of those comments, but only sporadically. The other does not write comments, but discusses the blog with me, so I know she reads the blog.
I receive the rare comment from someone unknown to me.
When I look at the information about my readership, it makes no sense to me: What blogs are read, who the audience is, where the audience is. Usually the audience is predominately in a non-English speaking country. And the blogs that are read are often older blogs, so I know the readers are not following me chronologically. The "readers" are randomly clicking on this blog. I suspect it is being "browsed" by automated browsers in foreign countries.
Well, I blog for me. I would like comments and acknowledgements, but I blog for me. I do not care who is or is not reading the blog. I blog for me.
Indian Heritage, Part 2
I while back I wrote about the controversy over the name of the Atlanta baseball team, the Braves, as disrespectful to Native Americans. Especially disrespectful in the eyes of many, was the use of the Tomahawk Chop. But the practice continues. At the time, I wrote that this might be considered an honorific.
Most recently, the controversy has returned, because of calling the Washington, DC football team the Redskins, http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/anti-redskins-ad-to-air-during-nba-finals/2014/06/10/9808a964-f058-11e3-bf76-447a5df6411f_story.html. as the term "Redskins" is seen as being disrespectful to Native Americans. One news item stressed the need for education about the term "redskin." The speaker pointed out that the term "redskin" referred to the fact that a bounty was payed for scalps of Native Americans, and that skin was red with blood after they were scalped. The following reference http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2014/06/11/321074391/the-fight-over-the-redskins-name-moves-to-prime-time contains a link to another story about the origins of the term Redskins that go back even further. It has long been a common term to refer to Native Americans. That does not necessarily mean it is not a derogatory term.
This week, I visited the "Hail to Sunrise" statue, erected in 1932 by a group who were not Native Americans, but called themselves The Improved Order of the Redmen http://www.redmen.org/. They claim to be the oldest fraternal organization in the United States. http://www.abbottmemorial.org/teacherspages/4thgrade/history1/?page_id=29
The "Hail to the Sunrise" statue is located on the Mohawk Trail, in Western Massachusetts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hail_to_the_Sunrise_Statue http://www.answers.com/topic/mohawk-trail. It was a favorite spot of mine as a child, and it is still a favorite spot of mine. Native Americans in the area and across the country have been more vocal about re-asserting themselves as a people and promoting and re-newing their Native American heritage http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_Heritage_Day. http://www.indians.org/. The upshot has included reclamations and restitution, including of sovereign rights. Indian Gaming (establishing and running casinos) is one of the activities that has come out of that. Increased appreciation and pride in young people of their Native American Heritage is another. I am not passing judgement on these or other things that have occurred due to the efforts of reclaiming Native American rights. I am just pointing out some of the things that have occurred.
Native Americans are working very hard to improve their lot, their benefits, their education, and the respect they are accorded by others. They are also trying very hard to preserve, promote and respect their traditional ways. These can be in conflict with each other, but are both important to their survival as distinct cultures.
As a general rule, we need to be sensitive to what others find offensive, even if we do not see it as such. There are those in sports who would say the name Redskins is not meant to be insensitive or derogatory. That may be the intention of the owners and promoters (including fans) of the Redskins.
But, I am not a Native American, and I do not know how the term is perceived by someone who has lived the Native American experience. I have to respect their reporting to me regarding what that means. I have to think that the use of the term Redskins has to be reconsidered by thinking, respectful, sensitive people.
Most recently, the controversy has returned, because of calling the Washington, DC football team the Redskins, http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/anti-redskins-ad-to-air-during-nba-finals/2014/06/10/9808a964-f058-11e3-bf76-447a5df6411f_story.html. as the term "Redskins" is seen as being disrespectful to Native Americans. One news item stressed the need for education about the term "redskin." The speaker pointed out that the term "redskin" referred to the fact that a bounty was payed for scalps of Native Americans, and that skin was red with blood after they were scalped. The following reference http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2014/06/11/321074391/the-fight-over-the-redskins-name-moves-to-prime-time contains a link to another story about the origins of the term Redskins that go back even further. It has long been a common term to refer to Native Americans. That does not necessarily mean it is not a derogatory term.
This week, I visited the "Hail to Sunrise" statue, erected in 1932 by a group who were not Native Americans, but called themselves The Improved Order of the Redmen http://www.redmen.org/. They claim to be the oldest fraternal organization in the United States. http://www.abbottmemorial.org/teacherspages/4thgrade/history1/?page_id=29
The "Hail to the Sunrise" statue is located on the Mohawk Trail, in Western Massachusetts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hail_to_the_Sunrise_Statue http://www.answers.com/topic/mohawk-trail. It was a favorite spot of mine as a child, and it is still a favorite spot of mine. Native Americans in the area and across the country have been more vocal about re-asserting themselves as a people and promoting and re-newing their Native American heritage http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_Heritage_Day. http://www.indians.org/. The upshot has included reclamations and restitution, including of sovereign rights. Indian Gaming (establishing and running casinos) is one of the activities that has come out of that. Increased appreciation and pride in young people of their Native American Heritage is another. I am not passing judgement on these or other things that have occurred due to the efforts of reclaiming Native American rights. I am just pointing out some of the things that have occurred.
Native Americans are working very hard to improve their lot, their benefits, their education, and the respect they are accorded by others. They are also trying very hard to preserve, promote and respect their traditional ways. These can be in conflict with each other, but are both important to their survival as distinct cultures.
As a general rule, we need to be sensitive to what others find offensive, even if we do not see it as such. There are those in sports who would say the name Redskins is not meant to be insensitive or derogatory. That may be the intention of the owners and promoters (including fans) of the Redskins.
But, I am not a Native American, and I do not know how the term is perceived by someone who has lived the Native American experience. I have to respect their reporting to me regarding what that means. I have to think that the use of the term Redskins has to be reconsidered by thinking, respectful, sensitive people.
Family Reunion, Just Nice
So, I traveled to New England to attend the family reunion for the Crochier side of our family, which is my mother's side. My mother and all of her siblings are deceased, so the matriarch is the wife of my mother's oldest brother. The reunion was at her house, and organized by one of her sons, and my cousin, who is the oldest of the Crochier cousins. That cousin and her now deceased husband have made partying a science, and have wonderful set ups for partying, usually at her house, but not always.
Because my elderly aunt was concerned about mobility, the party was at her house. My cousin and her children loaded up and brought the party to my aunt's house.
My aunt's children and some grandchildren were present, of course, and several of my cousins from another uncle, with some of their children. My oldest cousin, her children, and some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren were present.
All my siblings were present. Some of my nieces were present. Some of the children of my nieces were present. The partner of one of my nieces was present. I live in Texas and have family in Phoenix. Most of the rest are spread out in New England, with one niece living in the Upper Midwest. It seems we do not get together enough. This was a good opportunity to do just that.
I arrived in New England Wednesday night. It was rainy until Saturday morning. The skies cleared and it was a beautiful day.
It was just a nice reunion. Nothing special. A chance to get together, visit, catch up. No problems. No personality clashes. Just being nice with nice people.
As it should be.
I am grateful to my cousins and aunt who decided it was time for a Crochier family reunion. The last one we had was in August 1962, when Meme and Pepe Crochier celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary! It was time!
Because my elderly aunt was concerned about mobility, the party was at her house. My cousin and her children loaded up and brought the party to my aunt's house.
My aunt's children and some grandchildren were present, of course, and several of my cousins from another uncle, with some of their children. My oldest cousin, her children, and some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren were present.
All my siblings were present. Some of my nieces were present. Some of the children of my nieces were present. The partner of one of my nieces was present. I live in Texas and have family in Phoenix. Most of the rest are spread out in New England, with one niece living in the Upper Midwest. It seems we do not get together enough. This was a good opportunity to do just that.
I arrived in New England Wednesday night. It was rainy until Saturday morning. The skies cleared and it was a beautiful day.
It was just a nice reunion. Nothing special. A chance to get together, visit, catch up. No problems. No personality clashes. Just being nice with nice people.
As it should be.
I am grateful to my cousins and aunt who decided it was time for a Crochier family reunion. The last one we had was in August 1962, when Meme and Pepe Crochier celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary! It was time!
Homeless Hotels
Evidently there is this program in Massachusetts to help the homeless that involves temporarily housing them in hotels, and offering "start up money" to get them into an apartment or other suitable housing http://topics.masslive.com/tag/homeless-hotels/index.html.
The first day I ate breakfast at the hotel I am using in Massachusetts, there were two families (mother and children) in the breakfast room. They were talking about their circumstances. One women talked about her belongings being boxed up in storage, and her daughter just that day learning how to get back to Boston (get a cab, get on a bus) so she can go back to work and hopefully rescue her job.
The other mother talked about taking the $6000 incentive to get an apartment. The first woman said not to do it until she could have a job, because the apartment rents are so high, $1400-1500, unless she has a way to support herself, she will be homeless again in a couple of months.
I suspect both of these women want to work. They both talked about wanting to be self-reliant. If either of these women is not qualified for work that is much above minimum wage, which was $8/hour in Massachusetts, but was recently raised to $10.50/hour in April 2014, the prospects are not good. If my math is correct, at $8/hour, it takes 175 hours/month to earn enough just to pay rent. At four weeks a month, that is 44 hours/week. Most minimum wage jobs are less than 35 hours/week, to avoid paying benefits. Do the math. How can someone on minimum wage be expected to be financially independent? I know I am making some assumptions that may not be correct. But get real.
But, if all of your income goes into housing, how do you buy food? Get medicine and see the doctor? Buy clothing? Have transportation? I think there is something wrong with this picture. I am not sure what the problem is, but living wages and job readiness training seem to be two things that can help. And, I think job readiness training should be paid at minimum wage (not $8/ hour but at least $10.50) At $10.50/hour, someone could pay rent working 35 hours per week, if the rent is $1400 per month. But again, they would have nothing left for all the other expenses of life.
It used to be, if someone worked hard, did a good job, was thrifty, and planned well, they might get ahead. Not anymore. The deck is stacked against the low wage earner. It is very frightening to me that we cannot help folks in that category to improve themselves.
I think our economy is in a hole. I think there is an ever widening gap between the rich and the poor, and the middle class are becoming poorer and poorer. I resent that honest, hard work does not allow people to live independent and economically safe lives. I am not a great thinker, and I do not have an answer. Just prayer.
The first day I ate breakfast at the hotel I am using in Massachusetts, there were two families (mother and children) in the breakfast room. They were talking about their circumstances. One women talked about her belongings being boxed up in storage, and her daughter just that day learning how to get back to Boston (get a cab, get on a bus) so she can go back to work and hopefully rescue her job.
The other mother talked about taking the $6000 incentive to get an apartment. The first woman said not to do it until she could have a job, because the apartment rents are so high, $1400-1500, unless she has a way to support herself, she will be homeless again in a couple of months.
I suspect both of these women want to work. They both talked about wanting to be self-reliant. If either of these women is not qualified for work that is much above minimum wage, which was $8/hour in Massachusetts, but was recently raised to $10.50/hour in April 2014, the prospects are not good. If my math is correct, at $8/hour, it takes 175 hours/month to earn enough just to pay rent. At four weeks a month, that is 44 hours/week. Most minimum wage jobs are less than 35 hours/week, to avoid paying benefits. Do the math. How can someone on minimum wage be expected to be financially independent? I know I am making some assumptions that may not be correct. But get real.
But, if all of your income goes into housing, how do you buy food? Get medicine and see the doctor? Buy clothing? Have transportation? I think there is something wrong with this picture. I am not sure what the problem is, but living wages and job readiness training seem to be two things that can help. And, I think job readiness training should be paid at minimum wage (not $8/ hour but at least $10.50) At $10.50/hour, someone could pay rent working 35 hours per week, if the rent is $1400 per month. But again, they would have nothing left for all the other expenses of life.
It used to be, if someone worked hard, did a good job, was thrifty, and planned well, they might get ahead. Not anymore. The deck is stacked against the low wage earner. It is very frightening to me that we cannot help folks in that category to improve themselves.
I think our economy is in a hole. I think there is an ever widening gap between the rich and the poor, and the middle class are becoming poorer and poorer. I resent that honest, hard work does not allow people to live independent and economically safe lives. I am not a great thinker, and I do not have an answer. Just prayer.
Day Two on Vacation Out of Town
The day dawned grey and misty. The local weather forecasters said it would clear, and although I should know better, I left my poncho and light jacket at the motel. Technically, I did not need either, but I should know better.
I timed my departure to get me to the Normal Rockwell Museum http://www.nrm.org/ about opening time. I took the very indirect route of I-91 South and I-90 West, getting off at exit 2 in Lee, and driving on local roads for just a few minutes. It took the expected 1.5 hours, and arrived just a few minutes after opening time.
I spent 3 hours at the museum, longer than I had anticipated, but it included 3 video presentations and 2 live presentations. I was going to eat lunch, but the cafe was on the terrace. Although it was tarped over, it was damp, and I did not want to bother to eat a cold sandwich in those conditions.
So, I headed to the Hancock Shaker Museum http://hancockshakervillage.org/, some 20 minutes away. I realized I should have probably started with this museum, because it closed at 4, and then I could have gone back to the Norman Rockwell museum, which was open till 5. But, I would have lost that extra travel time to arrive at opening, as to do so, I should have left the motel a half hour earlier.
Anyway, I paid for the self guided audio tour, and realized if I went by geographic location of the buildings, and not by the numbered recordings, I could be more efficient at seeing the museum. I often read while I listened to the audio presentation, but it all made sense to me, and was very, very interesting.
One thing that I did not realize about the Shakers was that they were progressive: They built a sluice to use water power for milling and to cool their dairy house. They used automobiles, and electric sewing machines. They updated their store building to make them more attractive so people in the world would want to do business with them. They produced goods for the world that were more elaborate and decorative than for themselves, to promote trade. They were about increasing productivity and efficiency.
In that vein, the museum has set up a solar panel farm to power the museum. As they explained, the Shakers built their buildings with thick brick, and south facing windows to capture sunlight and heat. It makes sense to me.
It began misting as I was finishing my self guided tour. I was glad I got to see the museum, most especially the round stone barn. When I was young, my favorite thing of the Franklin County Fair http://www.fcas.com/index.html was the Round House (agricultural exhibit.) The rides made me sick, I could not win at the games, I ate some junk food, and as I grew older, I liked the demolition derby, but I do not believe they do that anymore. But I was always fond of the Roundhouse. I recall as a young adult even attending plays in that venue. So, touring the round stone barn had a special significance for me.
Anyway, by the time the museum closed at 4 PM, it was really misting.
I had thought to stay in the area and attend the Pittsfield Suns http://pittsfieldsuns.pointstreaksites.com/view/pittsfieldsuns game. However, I did not bring my rain gear, although they were selling ponchos at the Shaker museum. And it was cool. And they are not a team affiliated with the Red Sox or the Yankees. And, I was tired. And the prospect of another late night drive dissuaded me.
I decided not to head back to the interstates, though, and went on local roads. What I made up in distance, I lost in time.
I had added the Crane Museum of Papermaking http://www.crane.com/about-us/crane-museum-of-papermaking onto my list. It is only open from 1 to 5 PM in Dalton, Ma. The Crane Paper Company http://www.crane.com/about-us/history is the company that produces most of the paper for the United States paper currency and passports. If you look at their websites, you might not be able to detect that. But it is true. They are very low key.
Well I arrived in Dalton well after 4:30 PM. While I would have loved to see the museum, I thought it would be in bad taste to show up at that time. They are only open Monday through Friday, 1 to 5 PM, so maybe, another time.
I had not eaten lunch, so I was looking for a nice looking local establishment that might have some atmosphere. I like places with maple captain's chairs and old time decor. Well, I passed a couple of places that did not look promising, and made it into Williamsburg http://www.burgy.org/Pages/WilliamsburgMA_WebDocs/about. This is apparently one of many Western New England towns that demonstrates by its atmosphere, signage, lack of large box chain stores, predominance of locally owned businesses, that it is resisting the "homogenization of America."
I ate at The Brewmaster Tavern http://www.thebrewmasterstavern.com/. It was just what I was looking for. They were advertising a clambake on Saturday, July 12, mid-day. If I was not obligated to a family reunion at that time, I would have bought a ticket, and returned. Oh well.
While investigating the history of Williamsburg, I have added two books to my reading list: In The Shadow of the Dam by Elizabeth M. Sharpe, and American Phoenix by Sarah S. Kilborne.
I had a few errands to run before I was ready to return to the hotel, including fueling the rental car, and getting a couple of things at the grocery store. I got to the hotel at about 8 PM. What was I thinking of! Instead of planning to watch a baseball game in Pittsfield, I have access to watching the Red Sox on NESN http://nesn.com/. It was in the third inning by then, but I was able to watch the win! Go Red Sox!
I timed my departure to get me to the Normal Rockwell Museum http://www.nrm.org/ about opening time. I took the very indirect route of I-91 South and I-90 West, getting off at exit 2 in Lee, and driving on local roads for just a few minutes. It took the expected 1.5 hours, and arrived just a few minutes after opening time.
I spent 3 hours at the museum, longer than I had anticipated, but it included 3 video presentations and 2 live presentations. I was going to eat lunch, but the cafe was on the terrace. Although it was tarped over, it was damp, and I did not want to bother to eat a cold sandwich in those conditions.
So, I headed to the Hancock Shaker Museum http://hancockshakervillage.org/, some 20 minutes away. I realized I should have probably started with this museum, because it closed at 4, and then I could have gone back to the Norman Rockwell museum, which was open till 5. But, I would have lost that extra travel time to arrive at opening, as to do so, I should have left the motel a half hour earlier.
Anyway, I paid for the self guided audio tour, and realized if I went by geographic location of the buildings, and not by the numbered recordings, I could be more efficient at seeing the museum. I often read while I listened to the audio presentation, but it all made sense to me, and was very, very interesting.
One thing that I did not realize about the Shakers was that they were progressive: They built a sluice to use water power for milling and to cool their dairy house. They used automobiles, and electric sewing machines. They updated their store building to make them more attractive so people in the world would want to do business with them. They produced goods for the world that were more elaborate and decorative than for themselves, to promote trade. They were about increasing productivity and efficiency.
In that vein, the museum has set up a solar panel farm to power the museum. As they explained, the Shakers built their buildings with thick brick, and south facing windows to capture sunlight and heat. It makes sense to me.
It began misting as I was finishing my self guided tour. I was glad I got to see the museum, most especially the round stone barn. When I was young, my favorite thing of the Franklin County Fair http://www.fcas.com/index.html was the Round House (agricultural exhibit.) The rides made me sick, I could not win at the games, I ate some junk food, and as I grew older, I liked the demolition derby, but I do not believe they do that anymore. But I was always fond of the Roundhouse. I recall as a young adult even attending plays in that venue. So, touring the round stone barn had a special significance for me.
Anyway, by the time the museum closed at 4 PM, it was really misting.
I had thought to stay in the area and attend the Pittsfield Suns http://pittsfieldsuns.pointstreaksites.com/view/pittsfieldsuns game. However, I did not bring my rain gear, although they were selling ponchos at the Shaker museum. And it was cool. And they are not a team affiliated with the Red Sox or the Yankees. And, I was tired. And the prospect of another late night drive dissuaded me.
I decided not to head back to the interstates, though, and went on local roads. What I made up in distance, I lost in time.
I had added the Crane Museum of Papermaking http://www.crane.com/about-us/crane-museum-of-papermaking onto my list. It is only open from 1 to 5 PM in Dalton, Ma. The Crane Paper Company http://www.crane.com/about-us/history is the company that produces most of the paper for the United States paper currency and passports. If you look at their websites, you might not be able to detect that. But it is true. They are very low key.
Well I arrived in Dalton well after 4:30 PM. While I would have loved to see the museum, I thought it would be in bad taste to show up at that time. They are only open Monday through Friday, 1 to 5 PM, so maybe, another time.
I had not eaten lunch, so I was looking for a nice looking local establishment that might have some atmosphere. I like places with maple captain's chairs and old time decor. Well, I passed a couple of places that did not look promising, and made it into Williamsburg http://www.burgy.org/Pages/WilliamsburgMA_WebDocs/about. This is apparently one of many Western New England towns that demonstrates by its atmosphere, signage, lack of large box chain stores, predominance of locally owned businesses, that it is resisting the "homogenization of America."
I ate at The Brewmaster Tavern http://www.thebrewmasterstavern.com/. It was just what I was looking for. They were advertising a clambake on Saturday, July 12, mid-day. If I was not obligated to a family reunion at that time, I would have bought a ticket, and returned. Oh well.
While investigating the history of Williamsburg, I have added two books to my reading list: In The Shadow of the Dam by Elizabeth M. Sharpe, and American Phoenix by Sarah S. Kilborne.
I had a few errands to run before I was ready to return to the hotel, including fueling the rental car, and getting a couple of things at the grocery store. I got to the hotel at about 8 PM. What was I thinking of! Instead of planning to watch a baseball game in Pittsfield, I have access to watching the Red Sox on NESN http://nesn.com/. It was in the third inning by then, but I was able to watch the win! Go Red Sox!
Wide Awake
On Wednesday, June 11, 2014, my first day of travel went well. I was glad to have the time to get ready before flying out in the afternoon, but as I sat in the DFW airport http://www.dfwairport.com/, I was thinking "if I left early, I'd be there by now." Well, such as it is.
I flew American Airlines http://www.aa.com/homePage.do this time. Even figuring in the checked baggage fee, it was less expensive than Southwest http://www.southwest.com/. We were delayed because of traffic control issues at Bradley International Airport. Our pilot got us out of the gate about 30 minutes late, and into the queue for take-off quickly, so we were less late than the airline had anticipated.
I signed up for phone calls regarding flight update status, and received multiple updates. It was a little much after a while.
I thought seriously about packing my clothing into my carry on bag, and leaving all of my toys at home (those are the space consumers.) But, I am glad, after all, that I did pack my toys. I used the computer the first night, and enjoyed reading on the plane. I was reading The Closer http://www.amazon.com/The-Closer-Mariano-Rivera/dp/0316400734, about Mariano Rivera, who retired last year from the New York Yankees http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nyy from a stunning career as a relief pitcher.
We were late getting into Bradley International Airport http://www.bradleyairport.com/ near Hartford, Ct. I got to the rental car agency, picked up my subcompact, and drove to the hotel, in Greenfield, Ma. I had thought to buy a late meal, but had been eating nuts and jerky all day, and had a frozen yogurt at the airport.
I also had a diet Coke http://us.coca-cola.com/home/ on the plane. I ordered a caffeine drink on purpose, wanting the effects to keep me awake on my drive north. I started getting sleepy, after 3 AM EST. I know some of that is excitement, too.
By the way, if you did not notice, this and other vacation posts will not be posted until I arrive home. I do not want to advertise my absence.
I flew American Airlines http://www.aa.com/homePage.do this time. Even figuring in the checked baggage fee, it was less expensive than Southwest http://www.southwest.com/. We were delayed because of traffic control issues at Bradley International Airport. Our pilot got us out of the gate about 30 minutes late, and into the queue for take-off quickly, so we were less late than the airline had anticipated.
I signed up for phone calls regarding flight update status, and received multiple updates. It was a little much after a while.
I thought seriously about packing my clothing into my carry on bag, and leaving all of my toys at home (those are the space consumers.) But, I am glad, after all, that I did pack my toys. I used the computer the first night, and enjoyed reading on the plane. I was reading The Closer http://www.amazon.com/The-Closer-Mariano-Rivera/dp/0316400734, about Mariano Rivera, who retired last year from the New York Yankees http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=nyy from a stunning career as a relief pitcher.
We were late getting into Bradley International Airport http://www.bradleyairport.com/ near Hartford, Ct. I got to the rental car agency, picked up my subcompact, and drove to the hotel, in Greenfield, Ma. I had thought to buy a late meal, but had been eating nuts and jerky all day, and had a frozen yogurt at the airport.
I also had a diet Coke http://us.coca-cola.com/home/ on the plane. I ordered a caffeine drink on purpose, wanting the effects to keep me awake on my drive north. I started getting sleepy, after 3 AM EST. I know some of that is excitement, too.
By the way, if you did not notice, this and other vacation posts will not be posted until I arrive home. I do not want to advertise my absence.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Buffalo Grass Update
Last year I wrote about the Buffalo Grass in my yard spreading nicely. Once again, this year, I did not water expect the trees and bushes. In the last couple of weeks we have had over 3 inches of rain at my house, and the grass is growing.
I am delighted to see the buffalo grass taking off still. I am having to mow because of the Bermuda grass. It did not yet head out, but for various reasons, today is the day I need to mow. But, the Buffalo Grass does not need mowing. It would be nice to have a yard full of Buffalo Grass.
I am delighted to see the buffalo grass taking off still. I am having to mow because of the Bermuda grass. It did not yet head out, but for various reasons, today is the day I need to mow. But, the Buffalo Grass does not need mowing. It would be nice to have a yard full of Buffalo Grass.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
The Night Air is Not Cooling
I like to crack the windows locked open a few inches at night, when the night air cools. I did that one night last week, when the air was heavy with humidity, and I did not feel cooled and I did not sleep well. Last night, I did the same thing, with the same results.
The thermometer says it is 71° outside, but the air feels heavy and hot. Although I left the house open most of the day, it did not cool off because there was no cooling breeze, and the humidity holds the heat in the air. So the house, at 77° felt hotter than at 80°.
So, tonight, when I came home from my evening activity, the house was closed up, and the air conditioner was on. Although the inside temperature is actually warmer than the outside air, if feels cooler in the house than outside. I do not think I will open up the house tonight.
The thermometer says it is 71° outside, but the air feels heavy and hot. Although I left the house open most of the day, it did not cool off because there was no cooling breeze, and the humidity holds the heat in the air. So the house, at 77° felt hotter than at 80°.
So, tonight, when I came home from my evening activity, the house was closed up, and the air conditioner was on. Although the inside temperature is actually warmer than the outside air, if feels cooler in the house than outside. I do not think I will open up the house tonight.
A Night to Remember
Tonight I went to A Night to Remember the primary fund raising event for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Lubbock http://www.cclubbock.org/. This is a yearly event. The best way I can describe it is a giant cocktail party with heavy hors d'oeuvres, with silent and live auction items, and a final raffle.
This year, it included a live band, with nice jazz/swing style/club music. The are called Ad Hoc, and they did a very nice job! It added so much to the atmosphere!
There is a professional auctioneer who has done the last three live auctions. His part of the night is a show in and of itself. I really enjoy that!
It was a good night. I did not successfully bid on anything, which is fine, because that means someone else paid more than I offered for the items I wanted.
It was a fun night. I think it was successful.
This year, it included a live band, with nice jazz/swing style/club music. The are called Ad Hoc, and they did a very nice job! It added so much to the atmosphere!
There is a professional auctioneer who has done the last three live auctions. His part of the night is a show in and of itself. I really enjoy that!
It was a good night. I did not successfully bid on anything, which is fine, because that means someone else paid more than I offered for the items I wanted.
It was a fun night. I think it was successful.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
D-Day, Part 2
So, I did go to the Silent Wings Museum http://www.mylubbock.us/departmental-websites/departments/silent-wings-museum/home today. I have never seen the parking lot that full, but they did two very smart marketing things: They had the USO style concert scheduled, and later in the day, they were having a South Plains Honor Flight Reunion http://southplainshonorflight.org/.
I arrived in time for the USO Concert performed by Moonlight Musicals Directions http://www.lubbockmoonlightmusicals.org/youthensemble.html. I especially enjoyed the performance of "La Vie en Rose https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0feNVUwQA8U& https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nCZHF1U1g8 The performer even had the little bit of the waiver in her voice as did Edith Piaf.
I watched the DVD D-Day Remembered http://www.ebay.com/ctg/D-Day-Remembered-DVD-2004-2-Disc-Set-/43795577. The volume was too low, and the background noise to great, to be able to hear it well. But, I sat through it.
All in all, it was a good way to commemorate D-Day.
I arrived in time for the USO Concert performed by Moonlight Musicals Directions http://www.lubbockmoonlightmusicals.org/youthensemble.html. I especially enjoyed the performance of "La Vie en Rose https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0feNVUwQA8U& https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nCZHF1U1g8 The performer even had the little bit of the waiver in her voice as did Edith Piaf.
I watched the DVD D-Day Remembered http://www.ebay.com/ctg/D-Day-Remembered-DVD-2004-2-Disc-Set-/43795577. The volume was too low, and the background noise to great, to be able to hear it well. But, I sat through it.
All in all, it was a good way to commemorate D-Day.
National Ice Cream Day!
When I did the Universal Uclick jigsaw puzzle for the day http://www.universaluclick.com/puzzles/category/puzzles, I learned that it was National Ice Cream Day!
I have been thinking about spumoni for a while, so I took myself to Orlando's http://www.orlandos.com/ this afternoon, for a bowl of spumoni http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spumoni. That was fun. I am not sure if there are other restaurants in Lubbock who serve spumoni.
Happy National Ice Cream Day!
I have been thinking about spumoni for a while, so I took myself to Orlando's http://www.orlandos.com/ this afternoon, for a bowl of spumoni http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spumoni. That was fun. I am not sure if there are other restaurants in Lubbock who serve spumoni.
Happy National Ice Cream Day!
Friday, June 6, 2014
Baskets
I love baskets and small wooden trinket boxes. I used to have so many baskets that they covered one wall of the dining area in my house. The mother of a friend of mine sent me a wonderful picture: It says "You can never have too many baskets." And of course, it is pictures of baskets.
In 2005, when I divorced, I purged my collection, keeping only the unique and interesting baskets. I have not added to my basket collection recently. In the past, people who knew me well would add to my collection with some wonderfully unique baskets.
I am going to the part of the world where I grew up. I have been thinking about things to do, and have a good list. I realized that one of the Sunday afternoon drives that I used to enjoy was the trip to Putney, Vermont, where we visited Basketville http://www.basketville.com/retail.php. Most of the baskets I buy come from garage sales or flea markets. The baskets from Basketville are probably out of my price range. I might go there, though. Who knows.
In 2005, when I divorced, I purged my collection, keeping only the unique and interesting baskets. I have not added to my basket collection recently. In the past, people who knew me well would add to my collection with some wonderfully unique baskets.
I am going to the part of the world where I grew up. I have been thinking about things to do, and have a good list. I realized that one of the Sunday afternoon drives that I used to enjoy was the trip to Putney, Vermont, where we visited Basketville http://www.basketville.com/retail.php. Most of the baskets I buy come from garage sales or flea markets. The baskets from Basketville are probably out of my price range. I might go there, though. Who knows.
D-Day
This is the 70th anniversary of D-Day, World War II. Tonight, I went to the Science Spectrum to watch the movie: D-Day, Normandy 1944. It was very good. It was made this year.
I also watched a couple of shows on PBS tonight about D-Day: D-Day, June 6, 1944 and Dick Winters: Hang Tough. What I did not know, or if I did I forgot, was that the TV program Band of Brothers http://www.hbo.com/band-of-brothers#/band-of-brothers/about/index.html was based on real characters of Easy Company, including their letters and journals. Real stuff. Primary sources. It makes a real difference; I knew it was an excellent series when I saw it the first two times ( I liked it that much.) I knew the stories were based on real events, but not the characters! Someday, I will watch it again.
Tomorrow, I plan to go to the Silent Wings Museum http://www.hbo.com/band-of-brothers#/band-of-brothers/about/index.html and http://www.mylubbock.us/departmental-websites/departments/silent-wings-museum/special-events/2014/06/06/default-calendar/d-day. I often go there for military remembrance events. This year, they will have World War II vintage planes, military vehicles, and a USO concert. I will plan my visit to attend the concert. I will also watch the documentary, D-Day Remembered. I may have seen it before, but I can watch it again.
I really am interested in, and have been since I was a child, World War II movies. I am not sure why, but they have generally been a favorite of mine. My two most favorite are Otto Preminger's In Harm's Way http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059309/ and The Longest Day. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056197/. The Longest Day is a star studded who's who of Hollywood. It is a good story, about real characters and events. And the more I learn about the history of D-Day, the more I learn that a lot of the minutiae of the movie is true. And, I really like the music.
I have not read Tom Brokaw's The Greatest Generation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Greatest_Generation but in keeping with my desire to read more non-fiction, that will go on my list.
I also watched a couple of shows on PBS tonight about D-Day: D-Day, June 6, 1944 and Dick Winters: Hang Tough. What I did not know, or if I did I forgot, was that the TV program Band of Brothers http://www.hbo.com/band-of-brothers#/band-of-brothers/about/index.html was based on real characters of Easy Company, including their letters and journals. Real stuff. Primary sources. It makes a real difference; I knew it was an excellent series when I saw it the first two times ( I liked it that much.) I knew the stories were based on real events, but not the characters! Someday, I will watch it again.
Tomorrow, I plan to go to the Silent Wings Museum http://www.hbo.com/band-of-brothers#/band-of-brothers/about/index.html and http://www.mylubbock.us/departmental-websites/departments/silent-wings-museum/special-events/2014/06/06/default-calendar/d-day. I often go there for military remembrance events. This year, they will have World War II vintage planes, military vehicles, and a USO concert. I will plan my visit to attend the concert. I will also watch the documentary, D-Day Remembered. I may have seen it before, but I can watch it again.
I really am interested in, and have been since I was a child, World War II movies. I am not sure why, but they have generally been a favorite of mine. My two most favorite are Otto Preminger's In Harm's Way http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059309/ and The Longest Day. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056197/. The Longest Day is a star studded who's who of Hollywood. It is a good story, about real characters and events. And the more I learn about the history of D-Day, the more I learn that a lot of the minutiae of the movie is true. And, I really like the music.
I have not read Tom Brokaw's The Greatest Generation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Greatest_Generation but in keeping with my desire to read more non-fiction, that will go on my list.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Cat Company
So, very often one, two or all three of my cats join me where I am sitting. Sometimes, next to me, sometimes, on me. And, if I want to move, change positions, do something else or otherwise engage in an activity that will disrupt the cat(s), I have this feeling of guilt. I think that they have sought me out for my companionship (although I may be totally wrong) and I hate to disturb them.
Sometime, it is necessary to disturb them. Other times, even when I am done with what I was doing at that locale, I can continue to be there and do something else, not to disturb them.
I just want to be a good human to my cats.
Sometime, it is necessary to disturb them. Other times, even when I am done with what I was doing at that locale, I can continue to be there and do something else, not to disturb them.
I just want to be a good human to my cats.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Cooking Chicken
Sake has indicated an interest in eating yesterday and today, but all the cooked chicken I had left was dark meat. She just does not seem to like it. She has eaten some soft canned food, so that is good. Tonight I am cooking another chicken, but it was totally frozen, and not finished cooking after an hour and a half.
I need to plan better. I can eat the dark meat and plan for having white meat for her. I really like the new microwave. The Hamilton Beach microwave I had did not defrost even when I used that setting. It cooked and dried out the food. The Emerson microwave I have really does defrost the meat and leaves it moist. Sake and I are both much happier with this microwave.
I have also started watching for sales on chicken. For example, Lowe's Supermarkets http://www.lowesmarket.com/ has fryer chickens on sale for $.87 a pound. I will buy a couple this weekend and freeze them until I need them.
I need to plan better. I can eat the dark meat and plan for having white meat for her. I really like the new microwave. The Hamilton Beach microwave I had did not defrost even when I used that setting. It cooked and dried out the food. The Emerson microwave I have really does defrost the meat and leaves it moist. Sake and I are both much happier with this microwave.
I have also started watching for sales on chicken. For example, Lowe's Supermarkets http://www.lowesmarket.com/ has fryer chickens on sale for $.87 a pound. I will buy a couple this weekend and freeze them until I need them.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Brass Bands, Marching Bands, and Drum and Bugle Corps
It is Concert in the Park Season in Lubbock, Texas. The West Winds Brass Band http://westwindsbrassband.org/ started it's summer concert series tonight. These are free concerts on Sunday nights in June and into July. They also play a couple of patriotic concerts, one in conjunction with the First United Methodist Church choir, http://www.fumc.com/music/concerts/_concerts.htm and also at the 4th on Broadway street fair http://www.broadwayfestivals.com/street-fair.
I have never made it to the First United Methodist Church event. It is usually a full house, and getting home to feed the cats, and getting downtown to the church will put me there late. I hate those kinds of crowds, so avoid the crush.
For the last several years I have done the 4th on Broadway Parade and Street Fair. I go to the Stars and Stripes venue, where the West Winds Band plays. They have a variety of music at the venue. One year, they had a touring military band. One year they had bagpipes. They usually have some mariachi music, balletfolklorico, and local music groups, including a jazz band.
This year, as they did last year, the West Winds Brass Band will be playing a patriotic concert with the Texas Tech Band Camp Band at the Texas Tech Museum. This was a wonderful event last year, but they did not plan for the attendance they had, which was great! I will plan to attend again this year.
I do not get to the "High Noon Concert" at the County Courthouse Gazebo, as it is in the middle of the work day.
I love marching bands, but have only made it to the combined high school marching band festival at Lowery Field. It is during the week, mostly publicized through the schools, and seems to always sneak up on me. I need to plan for this. http://www.uilforms.com/regions/16/.
Several years ago, Drum Corp International http://www.dci.org/ came to Lubbock. I went. The event was about half done when an electric storm blew in. The event was halted, and eventually ended, due to the danger of the ongoing lightning. There were a lot a local marching bands in the audience, and they were derisive about the shortened program, but in reality, if they were on the field, the powers that be would have taken them off the field. The danger of a lightning strike is too great.
I was at the movie theater lately, and the trailers included an advertisement for a Fathom Event airing of the kick off of the Marching Music's Major League 2014 season http://www.fathomevents.com/#event/dci-2014-tour-premiere/more-info/details. I was at another event, Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me in 2013. The people I attended that event with told me they had friends who also attended opera events presented this way.
Well, I bought my ticket tonight. I am looking forward to this event!
I love brass bands, marching bands, and drum and bugle corps.
I have never made it to the First United Methodist Church event. It is usually a full house, and getting home to feed the cats, and getting downtown to the church will put me there late. I hate those kinds of crowds, so avoid the crush.
For the last several years I have done the 4th on Broadway Parade and Street Fair. I go to the Stars and Stripes venue, where the West Winds Band plays. They have a variety of music at the venue. One year, they had a touring military band. One year they had bagpipes. They usually have some mariachi music, balletfolklorico, and local music groups, including a jazz band.
This year, as they did last year, the West Winds Brass Band will be playing a patriotic concert with the Texas Tech Band Camp Band at the Texas Tech Museum. This was a wonderful event last year, but they did not plan for the attendance they had, which was great! I will plan to attend again this year.
I do not get to the "High Noon Concert" at the County Courthouse Gazebo, as it is in the middle of the work day.
I love marching bands, but have only made it to the combined high school marching band festival at Lowery Field. It is during the week, mostly publicized through the schools, and seems to always sneak up on me. I need to plan for this. http://www.uilforms.com/regions/16/.
Several years ago, Drum Corp International http://www.dci.org/ came to Lubbock. I went. The event was about half done when an electric storm blew in. The event was halted, and eventually ended, due to the danger of the ongoing lightning. There were a lot a local marching bands in the audience, and they were derisive about the shortened program, but in reality, if they were on the field, the powers that be would have taken them off the field. The danger of a lightning strike is too great.
I was at the movie theater lately, and the trailers included an advertisement for a Fathom Event airing of the kick off of the Marching Music's Major League 2014 season http://www.fathomevents.com/#event/dci-2014-tour-premiere/more-info/details. I was at another event, Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me in 2013. The people I attended that event with told me they had friends who also attended opera events presented this way.
Well, I bought my ticket tonight. I am looking forward to this event!
I love brass bands, marching bands, and drum and bugle corps.
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