One week before Christmas, Boone and the rest of the High Country received a big snow dump. At the house we got 15 inches. Other areas nearby got up to two feet of beautiful snow. It was said, by those who know such things, to be the biggest single snow event in over 20 years.
Christmas eve freezing rain moved into the area. When it moved out it left broken trees, downed power lines and and a landscape coated by a half an inch of ice in its wake. Three counties were without electricity for the holidays. No heat certainly made cozying up to your relatives a lot more attractive. Our electricity was off for about 30 hours. We were lucky. Some others went several days before the crews got them back on line. It was the worst power outage since hurricane Hugo blew through in 1989 the paper declared.
On New Years Eve the wind picked up; the temperature began to drop and kept going down. The wind from the northwest howled through the trees and set them swaying. And so it will go for the next week. It's to be the longest cold spell (It's 6 this morning with negative wind chill.) in, you guessed it...20 years according to Ray's Weather Site.
I'm beginning to see a pattern here. I'm not looking forward to mosquito season.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Thursday, November 19, 2009
External locus of control
You would think by this point in life that I would have be able to control myself. I can in so many areas. I pay my bills on time. I exercise regularly. My personal hygiene is good. I don't say everything that crosses my mind. I clean up after myself. I take care of our pets.And on and on and on. In other words, I am a mature, responsible adult. However, there is one area where I continually, consistently can't control myself: food and as a result weight. Despite my mental resolve to loose more weight before the end of the year, I have instead gained about seven pounds since we moved here.
I know all the rules about intake and output. I know what foods I should avoid. I know about portion control. I know to eat more slowly. I know that I should eat lots of fruit and vegetables. I know all this, but do I do it? My scales and tighter jeans say no. Because my weight is not just a vanity issue and has a direct bearing on my health, I am headed back to Weight Watchers. I will pay someone so that I can go in each week and be weighed under their eyes. Perhaps someday I will have internalized the ability to weigh myself and alter my habits when the scales start moving up.
Someday....
I know all the rules about intake and output. I know what foods I should avoid. I know about portion control. I know to eat more slowly. I know that I should eat lots of fruit and vegetables. I know all this, but do I do it? My scales and tighter jeans say no. Because my weight is not just a vanity issue and has a direct bearing on my health, I am headed back to Weight Watchers. I will pay someone so that I can go in each week and be weighed under their eyes. Perhaps someday I will have internalized the ability to weigh myself and alter my habits when the scales start moving up.
Someday....
Friday, November 6, 2009
Eight Random Things
1. Sadie is exactly the color of the fallen oak leaves.
2. I bought a rosemary plant because I love the smell when you pass your hand over the leaves. I don’t like the taste of rosemary much. The plant has developed mildew and harbors bugs, so I probably wouldn’t use it for cooking anyway.
3. I think the downside of the internet is that it allows misinformation to be disseminated so easily.
4. Christmas trees have started going to market this week.
5. It is difficult to see the forest for the trees here.
6. Is it better to wait until they burn out to replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs or just do it now?
7. Why can I have a fire in the fireplace, but cannot burn these piles of leaves? Remember that wonderful smell?
8. We spend a lot of time trying to make sense of the acts of mad men.
2. I bought a rosemary plant because I love the smell when you pass your hand over the leaves. I don’t like the taste of rosemary much. The plant has developed mildew and harbors bugs, so I probably wouldn’t use it for cooking anyway.
3. I think the downside of the internet is that it allows misinformation to be disseminated so easily.
4. Christmas trees have started going to market this week.
5. It is difficult to see the forest for the trees here.
6. Is it better to wait until they burn out to replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs or just do it now?
7. Why can I have a fire in the fireplace, but cannot burn these piles of leaves? Remember that wonderful smell?
8. We spend a lot of time trying to make sense of the acts of mad men.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Who knew?
There have been a number of pleasant surprises about living in the Appalachian high country in North Carolina. That there are few bugs including mosquitoes, makes sitting on the deck in the evenings pleasant. That there aren't snakes under every rock, log, leaf, or bush is a relief. And who knew that this area is the apple capital of the South?
I've been going regularly to the Watauga County Farmers' Market since we moved here. After years of living in produce poor Wyoming, I've loved being able to buy fresh, local produce which we gobble up. Relishing the changes in what's ready in the gardens as the season progresses. The past couple of weeks have seen the addition of brightly colored peppers, okra and apples. The apples are wonderful. I have lived away from an area where apples grow well so long that I forgot the taste difference between locally grown, recently picked and store bought. The difference is as striking as that of homegrown and hothouse tomatoes. And as tasty.
It's delightful to have the juice run down my chin as my teeth snap a bite off one of these North Carolina apples. And the varieties! So many I can't remember them all. There are the common ones, red and yellow Delicious, Gala, MacIntosh, Jonagold and Granny Smith as well as lesser known Cameo, Honey Crisp, Roma, and Cortlands. There are kinds I have not heard of Sweet Sixteen, Mutsu, Stayman and Tydeman's Red and more. One vendor told me that they raise one hundred varities in their orchards. I can hardly eat the one's I bring home from the market fast enough. How would anyone get through a hundred kinds?
I've been going regularly to the Watauga County Farmers' Market since we moved here. After years of living in produce poor Wyoming, I've loved being able to buy fresh, local produce which we gobble up. Relishing the changes in what's ready in the gardens as the season progresses. The past couple of weeks have seen the addition of brightly colored peppers, okra and apples. The apples are wonderful. I have lived away from an area where apples grow well so long that I forgot the taste difference between locally grown, recently picked and store bought. The difference is as striking as that of homegrown and hothouse tomatoes. And as tasty.
It's delightful to have the juice run down my chin as my teeth snap a bite off one of these North Carolina apples. And the varieties! So many I can't remember them all. There are the common ones, red and yellow Delicious, Gala, MacIntosh, Jonagold and Granny Smith as well as lesser known Cameo, Honey Crisp, Roma, and Cortlands. There are kinds I have not heard of Sweet Sixteen, Mutsu, Stayman and Tydeman's Red and more. One vendor told me that they raise one hundred varities in their orchards. I can hardly eat the one's I bring home from the market fast enough. How would anyone get through a hundred kinds?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Pay up.
Today is Constitution Day. Some years ago this day was established to invite Americans to honor the Constitution and its role in our lives. Schools were urged to take time to expound upon the importance of this document. Schools responded in various ways, but commonly by having public readings of the Constitution by members of a government, civics, political science, or other similar class. While I am all in favor of people reading he Constitution, when I hear of such exercises, I am reminded of the several times I took part in reading the names of those who were victims of the Holocaust to a freezing, wind swept, empty pasture at UW. No one listened as I stumbled through as many mispronunciations as I could during my alloted time on the podium. I suspect few listen as young students read by turn the Constitution.
Most Americans know that the Constitution is the document which gives the guidelines for our government and our rights. For most people that is about where their knowledge of the document ends. Like the Bible the Constitution is widely misquoted, misinterpreted, generally misunderstood and often unread. That's a shame. For unlike the Bible the Constitution is short, written in fairly simple language, was written in our native tongue and is short enough that most would not be too taxed to read it in its entirety. One printed copy I looked at was only 17 pages long including amendments and lots of white space. Short does not mean simple, of course. There have been many, many scholars who have devoted their lives to its study and interpretation. Our court system is predicated on doing just that.
Like the holy books of religions there are countless interpretations. Differences of opinion about what the words mean have existed since before the ink was dry. They still exist. Yet, most people rely on others to tell them what they mean rather than reading the texts themselves and deciding based on their own reading.
Public schools attempt to introduce students to the way our government works and the documents which give it direction. I used to tell my students that such classes were where they paid for their free education. If the purpose of free public education is to prepare students to be good citizens, then such courses should be a cornerstone and in fact are required by all schools for graduation. However, most students are bored what they consider irrelevant material often poorly presented and opt out by daydreaming, sleeping, writing notes, etc. Few have the foresight to understand the material's importance and the diligence to study it well enough to gain an understanding. Many figure that by occupying a seat they are paying their dues.
Later, these very people are outraged when they feel their rights are being trampled on, when government does not act or react the way they think it should. Most see their rights as absolute as in the right to free speech means that they can say any thing they want any time they want. Not exactly. They want government to help them in many ways, but not to tax them to pay for the help, and certainly not to help others whom they see as freeloaders. A bit of paying attention in school would really help allay their angst.
Take the time to read the Constitution.
Most Americans know that the Constitution is the document which gives the guidelines for our government and our rights. For most people that is about where their knowledge of the document ends. Like the Bible the Constitution is widely misquoted, misinterpreted, generally misunderstood and often unread. That's a shame. For unlike the Bible the Constitution is short, written in fairly simple language, was written in our native tongue and is short enough that most would not be too taxed to read it in its entirety. One printed copy I looked at was only 17 pages long including amendments and lots of white space. Short does not mean simple, of course. There have been many, many scholars who have devoted their lives to its study and interpretation. Our court system is predicated on doing just that.
Like the holy books of religions there are countless interpretations. Differences of opinion about what the words mean have existed since before the ink was dry. They still exist. Yet, most people rely on others to tell them what they mean rather than reading the texts themselves and deciding based on their own reading.
Public schools attempt to introduce students to the way our government works and the documents which give it direction. I used to tell my students that such classes were where they paid for their free education. If the purpose of free public education is to prepare students to be good citizens, then such courses should be a cornerstone and in fact are required by all schools for graduation. However, most students are bored what they consider irrelevant material often poorly presented and opt out by daydreaming, sleeping, writing notes, etc. Few have the foresight to understand the material's importance and the diligence to study it well enough to gain an understanding. Many figure that by occupying a seat they are paying their dues.
Later, these very people are outraged when they feel their rights are being trampled on, when government does not act or react the way they think it should. Most see their rights as absolute as in the right to free speech means that they can say any thing they want any time they want. Not exactly. They want government to help them in many ways, but not to tax them to pay for the help, and certainly not to help others whom they see as freeloaders. A bit of paying attention in school would really help allay their angst.
Take the time to read the Constitution.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
put downs
Last week the news was full of a story about a heated response to a question which an offended Hillary Clinton made while in the Republic of Congo. There were several reports as to what the question really was and how it may or may not have been mistranslated.
I read the widely distributed account which held that this question, "We've all heard about the Chinese contracts in this country. The interference is from the World Bank against this contract. What does Mr Clinton think through the mouth of Mrs Clinton and what does Mr Mutombo think on this situation? Thank you very much." Was muffed by the translator who substituted "Mr. Clinton" for "Mr. Obama". I also read an account that said that the translator did not err, the questioner had said "Mr. Clinton". I don't think it makes any difference. Both questions belittle Hillary Clinton as a representative of her country and as a woman. They ignore her opinion and ask for the opinions of men implying that those are the only opinions which count. Moreover, the question belittles the US and President Obama for choosing a woman to represent the US.
A few years ago, I was at a meeting of social workers from around the state of Wyoming. At the social hour I was introduced to several people in a group which included a man who was a social worker at the state hospital in Evanston. I shook hands with people as we were introduced. But when I was introduced to this man he said, "I cannot shake hands with you. My religion forbids my touching women who are not family." I smiled and nodded instead, but I felt put down. I also felt like I was on the horns of a dilemma. As a social worker, I try to respect the customs and cultures of others. However, the reason Muslim men do not shake hands with women is to avoid any possibility of temptation. This suggests either that all women are out to tempt them, or Muslim men have so little control that a handshake can lure them into sexual temptation. Ultimately, the message is that women are not to be trusted. I was lumped with all women as untrustworthy. I was right to feel put down.
I am so tired of customs and cultures, nations, cults, religions, sects and individuals who think, say and act in ways which make women second class, less than. It is this kind of thinking and acting which is responsible for violence against women which is pervasive in every country and culture. So I say, "Good for you, Hillary. It was a put down. You were right to be offended. You were right to show it."
I read the widely distributed account which held that this question, "We've all heard about the Chinese contracts in this country. The interference is from the World Bank against this contract. What does Mr Clinton think through the mouth of Mrs Clinton and what does Mr Mutombo think on this situation? Thank you very much." Was muffed by the translator who substituted "Mr. Clinton" for "Mr. Obama". I also read an account that said that the translator did not err, the questioner had said "Mr. Clinton". I don't think it makes any difference. Both questions belittle Hillary Clinton as a representative of her country and as a woman. They ignore her opinion and ask for the opinions of men implying that those are the only opinions which count. Moreover, the question belittles the US and President Obama for choosing a woman to represent the US.
A few years ago, I was at a meeting of social workers from around the state of Wyoming. At the social hour I was introduced to several people in a group which included a man who was a social worker at the state hospital in Evanston. I shook hands with people as we were introduced. But when I was introduced to this man he said, "I cannot shake hands with you. My religion forbids my touching women who are not family." I smiled and nodded instead, but I felt put down. I also felt like I was on the horns of a dilemma. As a social worker, I try to respect the customs and cultures of others. However, the reason Muslim men do not shake hands with women is to avoid any possibility of temptation. This suggests either that all women are out to tempt them, or Muslim men have so little control that a handshake can lure them into sexual temptation. Ultimately, the message is that women are not to be trusted. I was lumped with all women as untrustworthy. I was right to feel put down.
I am so tired of customs and cultures, nations, cults, religions, sects and individuals who think, say and act in ways which make women second class, less than. It is this kind of thinking and acting which is responsible for violence against women which is pervasive in every country and culture. So I say, "Good for you, Hillary. It was a put down. You were right to be offended. You were right to show it."
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Portable
I've started a new project. I'm memorizing poems I love. I think it will be wonderful to carry them around with me and pull one out to enjoy whenever I have a moment. I enjoy graphic art. Having pictures in my house, visiting galleries, taking it in where I find it is a pleasure and an inspiration. But, sooner or later, I have to walk away from it. Their impression fades and is subject to the distortions of memory. Memorized poems will go with me. I can check the accuracy of my memory easily. I can recite them aloud or to myself, share them or not.
I wish I had started this project years ago. I think of all the mind numbing meetings I sat through. I could have been silently, inconspicuously enjoying my trove of loved poems.
I wish I had started this project years ago. I think of all the mind numbing meetings I sat through. I could have been silently, inconspicuously enjoying my trove of loved poems.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)