Fall In The Finger Lakes

The past few weeks have been beautiful in the Finger Lakes and on Seneca Lake. Sun shining and temperatures actually rising. Grape harvesting and wineries busy with plenty of visitors. Grape growers have been hoping, praying, wishing for some warmer temps as this helps with the ripening of the fruit. The leaves seem to be changing colors very quickly. Take a ride and you can almost see the changes from the time you leave to the time you get back. The next week looks like continued good weather with some cooler temperatures coming but still good working weather.

That's what I've been getting done. Lots of outside work and organizing of space preparing for dare I say it, winter. I've gotten more done this year than I ever have in the past. Could be because I go so little done during the summer. Who Knows? I feel good about all of the work and the prep. Garden has been harvested, rototilled, manure added and worked into the soil. Some brush clearing and trimming, house pressure washed, and new floor covering put in garage. NYSEG's contracted crew swept through the neighbordood last week trimming trees close to power lines. That helped identify some additional branch cutting and tree removal that has to occur. Hope to get to it this week.

Also trying to organize/reorganize some space in the basement and a few outside sheds that have just become drop off points over the years. Always fun trying to decide what stays and what goes. We all know the drill. Arguments with yourself, your partner, the dog or anyone who will listen and participate. Things get put in piles, some tentative, others almost definite, and once in a while get moved from one to the other. All of this uncovers more work to be done - cleanup, re-stacking, new bins or shelves, etc. Great to find all of the things you've gone out and re-bought because you couldn't find them when you needed them.

I'm also finding some time to get some reading done. Started NYS Senator Kirstin Gillibrand's book "Off The Sidelines - Raise Your Voice, Change The World". It's a good read and she's pretty impressive.

If you're from the Finger Lakes, find some time to get out and indulge in the beauty of the area and get some things done. If you're from elsewhere, come visit, relax and enjoy these seasonal changes.

Planning Return to Selma, Alabama 50 Years Later

I had written here a number of years ago that I planned on returning to Selma, Al in 2015 for the 50th Anniversary and the annual reenactment march across the Edmond Pettus Bridge even if I had to be pushed across the bridge in a wheelchair. Well this month I began making arrangements for that upcoming trip. The reenactment takes place in early March every year but this year is special. This year marks 50 years. There will be thousands of people from all over the country wanting to celebrate this moment in history.

I will be joined by my youngest son who lives in San Francisco. He's interested in being a part of the celebration and the history of this event. There are other friends who have asked about joining us. I began checking around for places to stay and was able to get a couple of rooms in Montgomery. That will allow us to make visits to other civil rights historical sites in Montgomery and Birmingham, Al.

This year has marked anniversaries of the Voting Rights Bill, Freedom Summer, the death of civil rights workers and other significant events. It also was a year where we've watched activities in Ferguson, Mo. that made a lot of people wonder what had been accomplished since Selma. Recently the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. was evoked as part of the justification for bombings in Syria. His non violence is sadly still not understood.

John Lewis, Congressman from Georgia and one of the leaders of the march in Selma in 1965, recently pointed out that there most likely wouldn't have been a President Jimmy Carter, a President Bill Clinton or a President Barack Obama if there hadn't been that march across the Edmond Pettus Bridge. A number of years ago I returned to Selma and was walking with the then mayor of Selma, a young black man. He thanked me for what I did in 1965 and pointed out that it was only because of those 'foot soldiers for justice' that he was able to be mayor of that city.

I look forward to returning with family and thousands of others to mark such an important part of history in our country.

3 Month Check-Up - All Is Well

People who have followed this writer know that in early June I had surgery for diagnosed colon cancer. At the time of my diagnosis I decided I would share my experiences by writing about them, letting people know about the things that people diagnosed with cancer feel, fear and find out as they move along on that journey. I've posted a number of items that you can find here.

Today's post is about my 3 month check up with my surgeon that took place today, Sept. 22nd. But it isn't just about today. As with most other Dr. visits, there is a build up of sorts. A few weeks ago I went for a blood test specifically for a marker that helps the Dr. identify if there is anything going on relative to the cancer that he cut out in June. Also in July I had seen an oncologist and had a good report from him. But there is always apprehension when you get the latest tests and wait to see the Dr. to hear about the results.

In addition, the healing from my surgery has been slow (in my opinion). I still expierience odd pains at and around the incision. I also have done a couple of things that have stretched and/or strained the area. As recently as last week I tripped while stepping over the fence I have around my vegetable garden. The fall caused some ripping and stretching of some of my internal parts and new pain appeared. Also in August I lifted more weight then I should have and felt the results for a few weeks. So I've had some different discomfort and pain going on for awhile. Anyone who has had cancer will understand that pains appearing and disappearing always raise new fears and concerns. The fear is always there and most likely never goes away. This disease is so ornery and insidious.

In the end, my visit today went well. My blood work was fine. No signs of anything odd there. As for the pains, my Dr. spent good time with me explaining the reality of all of the nerves that have been affected by the surgery and getting me to recognize that any trauma to the area effects the ongoing healing. I'm not sure if he realizes how much relief he provided even though I thank him profusely every time he gives me good news. I drove home (about an hour) and crashed on the sofa. I'm sure stress or the relief from it had a lot to do with the nap that ensued.

So now I'm good for another 3 months, another blood test, etc. The cycle will continue and in between I'll probably feel an odd pain here or there but will move on and get things done like preparing for winter in upstate NY.

Culture of Violence

It's interesting that so many people seem genuienly shocked about domestic and family violence within the sports community. Lets be real - Football is a body contact sport that, to a great degree, depends on confrontation, physical contact, and brute force. During the game people celebrate tackles and blocking as well as evasion and breaking through a strong defense. Of course football is not alone. There's also hockey, basketball or any number of other contact sports that depend on just that - contact. We watch them, cheer for our teams and on and on. Billions of dollars are also in play from ticket sales to sponsors to salaries for players, commissioners and coaches. In many ways, these sports depend on violence. It makes for a better and more interesting game. What would boxing be without knockouts or racing without accidents. Less exciting, right?

There is no doubt that these are violent sports. There is also no doubt that we all send a message to participants, managers and sponsors that we enjoy and perhaps love the violence. To a point I guess. That's why we have penalties and rulings by refs that point out unnecessary roughness or un-sportsman like conduct. Yup, penalties like yardage or a points advantage.

So now we struggle with penalties for domestic violence or violence against a child. Some people I guess honestly struggle with these issues as cultures and values collide but the NFL and its leadership at the commissioner and team level have failed everyone. They knew early on what needed to be done and failed. They knew facts that courts and legal systems will probably take months to sort out. They are a corporation with employees and moving parts that most of us may not be able to imagine. They should certainly know better. It seems that they don't. Stories, reactions, sanctions all keep changing. In the end, fans and sponsors will drive what happens based on money spent or not spent.

Many times people walk away from dealing with domestic violence or child abuse. People say its personal between those parties. The very public incidents and the discussions over the past two weeks have made many people realize that it is personal. It's personal for all of us now. It has to be talked about. The violence has to be talked about. The culture that starts as youngsters watch the violence with adults yelling and cheering needs to be thought about because it continues into high school, college and adulthood. Sometimes it leads to sexual assault on campuses or in the workplace.

Professional athletes become role models whether they like it or not. As a result, they need to be held accountable. The NFL and other sport entities also have to be held accountable.

War Is War!

It seems obvious but clarity is necessary when people discuss and advocate for military action against ISIS and in Syria. War is war. You can't tip toe into war or stick your toe in the water of war. Combat and 'boots on the ground' is happening. People throughout the world and in the US in particular are reacting to acts of barbarism/terror relative to the beheading of two US journalists. Watch and listen to the families of these men to begin to understand reconcilliation. We also know that many others have been killed and/or tortured due to their religious beliefs in Iraq and Syria. Its pretty easy to be passionate about war when people see and expierience these atrocities. Revenge sometimes seems to be the answer and something we should base our decisions on relative to a response.

Taking a deep breath and thinking before you shoot is what we should all expect from leaders who eventually make decisions about war. Someone needs to figure out if the alternatives people want (war without casualties) is possible. It's not by the way. Anger and revenge are normal feelings and reactions to violence. But history is our teacher. We have had regional wars, religious wars, wars to end wars, wars to end all wars, strategic wars, dumb wars and all kinds of police actions in between. All have had their proponents and their opposition. All had specific goals. Many of these goals were never attained. Most wars in history have had unintended consequences. Some helped get us where we are today in the Mideast.

In terms of the Mideast, weaponry and dollars have been used and sent to opposition parties for many years. Weaponry and dollars have been left behind or captured after almost every war in history and there is no exception in the Mideast. Isn't it interesting how the opposition later becomes the dictator or oppressor at some point in the future and they end up being well armed. Rebels, terrorists and loyal opposition have a cache of US and European weaponry, vehicles and munitions. How many times will all of this be recycled? Perhaps some real controls on these resources could assist in a peace process. Instead, we assist people in killing each other. Coalitions are also important, no critical, when negotiating or working for peace. Nations like Saudi Arabia have and continue to fund entities like ISIS. There are pressures needed to stop that flow of cash for war throughout the Arab world.

We need caution before we find ways to create more enemies and we need to remember that you can't pretend there is a 'safe' war. War is war.

Civic Diversity and Dialogue

For over a year, a small group of people from Schuyler and Yates Counties have been meeting regularly at Milly's Pantry in Penn Yan, NY to discuss and share ideas and information on diversity, social and racial justice. The group initially came together after the Trayvon Martin incident in Florida. At that time, nationally, the need for community conversations about race and justice was recognized by many people. A number of formal sessions and presentations were done on issues related to racial justice, poverty, education and health care. The group continues to evolve. Currently members of the group meet over lunch at Milly's on alternate Thursdays at noon. There are ongoing discussions about connecting with Keuka College faculty and students over issues of diversity, local, national and international issues.

We all know that diversity is much bigger than race alone. There is cultural diversity of all sorts based on nationality, levels of abilities and disabilities, religious beliefs, economics, sexual orientation, etc. This group discusses them all and tries to find solutions to problems raised by diversity or the lack of it. The group welcomes new members and participants from Schuyler, Steuben, Yates or other surrounding communities. You can visit the groups Facebook page at Civic Diversity and Dialogue. Visit and Like the page and if you can join us. Our next meeting is September 11th. If our meeting time or place changes we will post information on the Facebook page.

Making sure people discuss issues and work together toward solutions with civility and respect is good for everyone. Exposing people to new and different ideas or experiences can and should be fun. That's part of what we're up to with our little group.

Milly's Pantry itself is an example of positive, civic and civil dialogue in a community. The organization located at 19 Main St. in Penn Yan is responsible for the child BackPack program in Yates County, making sure kids have food and school supplies in a rural, economically challenged area of upstate NY. Their motto 'So Children Won't Go Hungry', is a worthwhile mission. Volunteers man a Cafe and artist vendor area, where proceeds all go to support the local BackPack program. Take a look at Milly's website Here.