This is a really obvious statement but I'll say it anyway. The further we get from an experience, the more likely we are to forget about it, how it felt or what its implications were. I've thought about this recently as I've watched politicians and others from both major parties discuss and fight about immigration.
For whatever reason, people opposed to other people entering this country, seem to have forgotten the experience of their own relatives and ancestors who left their homeland to discover this new country. Here we have people talking about 'merit based' immigration that most immigrants of the past would almost never have met. The people that most of us know as our own relatives usually didn't speak english. They usually didn't come with large amounts of money. They didn't have college degrees and wonderful work experience. In fact, many came with 7th and 8th grades of education. I believe people we can put on that list include the relatives and ancestors of Steven Miller, Donald Trump, John Kelly.
It seems to me that the 'merit based' system being discussed is really a code for people who look like, act like and think like the rest of us. This eliminates people of color, and people of limited means. So 'Making America Great Again' is really about keeping America as it was, a place for mostly white, eastern and western European immigrants.
There is certainly a question about why people like Trump, Kelly, Bannon, Miller and so many others feel the way they do? None of us can get into their hearts and minds but we can continue to remind them that Native Americans, Black slaves and poor and oppressed people from all over the world have made up the genealogical history of the United States of America. They may be fearful of the browning of America or they may just dislike people who are different. That is a shame. The last thing we need is a country that looks like and thinks like all of them. They have genealogical glass houses just like the rest of us and they should be wary of throwing stones.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Monday, January 15, 2018
The American Experience and an UnAmerican President
It is most appropriate that these words are being written on the day celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday and 50 years after his violent assassination and death. It is being written in the midst of a controversy about Donald Trump's statements in a meeting with Senators and House Members on immigration policies related to children and young adults who were brought to this country illegally but through no fault of their own.
Many of the things that I'm thinking and writing now, are things that I have said in the past. Perhaps not as clearly or strongly but they have been there, on paper and in words. I don't take pleasure in saying them and my goal isn't to demonize Donald Trump. His actions and words speak for themselves.
I'd like to talk about this before we become too divided to think logically or converse sensibly with each other. Lets really look at the American experience that most of us know and most of us accept. Most everyone knows and accepts that our ancestors, whether they were first, second or third generation immigrants, came to this country with very little in terms of wealth. We also realize that they came from countries where there was extreme poverty, hunger and or oppression of some sort. In addition, those of us who have families dating back to the actual origins of this country also realize that those ancestors were mostly not well off by any means. They were farmers, working new and difficult land. They were hunters, trappers and explorers. We all have our own and unique stories.
My maternal grandmother came from Ireland with a brother and sister without her parents. She was a scrub woman initially, rising to cleaner and waitress in a fancy outdoor club in northeastern Pennsylvania. She met my grandfather, who's farm land had been sold to the club where he became a hunting guide. On my father's side of the family, the story is not that different. His mother was from a German immigrant family of butchers and shopkeepers. His father's family was in this country longer, but they were not wealthy, most working with their hands as carpenters and builders. The fact is, this is most of our experience. This is the American experience. The majority of our early relatives came to this country or lived in this country with little wealth. Oh yes, there has always been a small minority of wealthy immigrants or families in America but they have always been a minority.
At the time our relatives traveled those long distances, the countries they were coming from were most likely in some sort of economic or political upheaval and they were most likely seen as some sort of "hole". The folks who came were not looked up to. They of course were "holers" They had to take the most menial task and sometimes couldn't get a job at all, so they went on and created their own work or business. Not all were successful. Some failed and went in the direction of crime, alcohol or drugs. Yes, all of this is the American experience and we all share some portion of it. It brings us together. America is extraordinary in that it takes people like my relatives and yours and lets them be and do better.
Other things also bring us together. The ability to have different views, to argue and to debate them, with passion and respect. Republicans, Democrats, conservatives, liberals, etc. have been debating each other and trying to come to workable solutions for years. But it's not as easy as it once was. Nationalism and real hatred has begun to appear in these discussions at a much higher level.
The challenge we have today is that we have a President who is not a Republican or a conservative. Instead, we have a President who is unAmerican in everything he says and believes. In addition he says and does hateful things and attempts to divide an entire nation. Some will be shocked that I am saying this but look at the facts. Look at what he says about people of color, people of the Muslim faith, immigrants from poor countries. Look at what he says and does relative to the Judiciary, a separate branch of government. Look at what he does and says relative to the Justice Department and his expectation that it exists for his protection. Look at what he says about the First Amendment and his view of a free press. Look at statements he makes and has made about a former President and his birth. Look at his actions and beliefs relative to going after political opponents and suggesting their arrest and jailing. Look at his statements on Charlottesville. His view and lack of knowledge on the US Constitution are shocking to say the least. His extremely strong belief that his business interests present absolutely no ethical conflicts with his role in government is beyond most of our country's business and ethical standards. He believes other government officials and employees should have unquestioning loyalty to him rather then to the Constitution they swear to uphold. He scoffs at the rule of law and seems to believe it is different for people depending on their status. Last but not least, he is a bully. He makes up nicknames to make fun of his questioners.
To me, these things are at varying levels un American. Many won't say it. Many don't want to say it. Many rationalize their support or silence citing the fact that they're trying to get bigger and more important things done or sadly because they fear his retaliation. But nothing can be more important than telling the truth about the man who would like to be an Emperor or a King. We are at a very dangerous time. The danger needs to be shouted from every corner. This really is unAmerican.
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s last book's title may provide some of the questions we need to ask right now. That title is "Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community?"
Many of the things that I'm thinking and writing now, are things that I have said in the past. Perhaps not as clearly or strongly but they have been there, on paper and in words. I don't take pleasure in saying them and my goal isn't to demonize Donald Trump. His actions and words speak for themselves.
I'd like to talk about this before we become too divided to think logically or converse sensibly with each other. Lets really look at the American experience that most of us know and most of us accept. Most everyone knows and accepts that our ancestors, whether they were first, second or third generation immigrants, came to this country with very little in terms of wealth. We also realize that they came from countries where there was extreme poverty, hunger and or oppression of some sort. In addition, those of us who have families dating back to the actual origins of this country also realize that those ancestors were mostly not well off by any means. They were farmers, working new and difficult land. They were hunters, trappers and explorers. We all have our own and unique stories.
My maternal grandmother came from Ireland with a brother and sister without her parents. She was a scrub woman initially, rising to cleaner and waitress in a fancy outdoor club in northeastern Pennsylvania. She met my grandfather, who's farm land had been sold to the club where he became a hunting guide. On my father's side of the family, the story is not that different. His mother was from a German immigrant family of butchers and shopkeepers. His father's family was in this country longer, but they were not wealthy, most working with their hands as carpenters and builders. The fact is, this is most of our experience. This is the American experience. The majority of our early relatives came to this country or lived in this country with little wealth. Oh yes, there has always been a small minority of wealthy immigrants or families in America but they have always been a minority.
At the time our relatives traveled those long distances, the countries they were coming from were most likely in some sort of economic or political upheaval and they were most likely seen as some sort of "hole". The folks who came were not looked up to. They of course were "holers" They had to take the most menial task and sometimes couldn't get a job at all, so they went on and created their own work or business. Not all were successful. Some failed and went in the direction of crime, alcohol or drugs. Yes, all of this is the American experience and we all share some portion of it. It brings us together. America is extraordinary in that it takes people like my relatives and yours and lets them be and do better.
Other things also bring us together. The ability to have different views, to argue and to debate them, with passion and respect. Republicans, Democrats, conservatives, liberals, etc. have been debating each other and trying to come to workable solutions for years. But it's not as easy as it once was. Nationalism and real hatred has begun to appear in these discussions at a much higher level.
The challenge we have today is that we have a President who is not a Republican or a conservative. Instead, we have a President who is unAmerican in everything he says and believes. In addition he says and does hateful things and attempts to divide an entire nation. Some will be shocked that I am saying this but look at the facts. Look at what he says about people of color, people of the Muslim faith, immigrants from poor countries. Look at what he says and does relative to the Judiciary, a separate branch of government. Look at what he does and says relative to the Justice Department and his expectation that it exists for his protection. Look at what he says about the First Amendment and his view of a free press. Look at statements he makes and has made about a former President and his birth. Look at his actions and beliefs relative to going after political opponents and suggesting their arrest and jailing. Look at his statements on Charlottesville. His view and lack of knowledge on the US Constitution are shocking to say the least. His extremely strong belief that his business interests present absolutely no ethical conflicts with his role in government is beyond most of our country's business and ethical standards. He believes other government officials and employees should have unquestioning loyalty to him rather then to the Constitution they swear to uphold. He scoffs at the rule of law and seems to believe it is different for people depending on their status. Last but not least, he is a bully. He makes up nicknames to make fun of his questioners.
To me, these things are at varying levels un American. Many won't say it. Many don't want to say it. Many rationalize their support or silence citing the fact that they're trying to get bigger and more important things done or sadly because they fear his retaliation. But nothing can be more important than telling the truth about the man who would like to be an Emperor or a King. We are at a very dangerous time. The danger needs to be shouted from every corner. This really is unAmerican.
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s last book's title may provide some of the questions we need to ask right now. That title is "Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community?"
Friday, January 12, 2018
Hatred and Racism As A Response To A Political Base
Donald Trump's Presidency is terrible theatre. At least we could turn off the Apprentice or change the channel when he was on TV and providing a show, but this is real. The hatred he spews is not a show it's very real.
But let's try to understand the showman. As recently as this week, Donald Trump met with a bi-partisan group of Senators, Congressmen and women, to discuss a way forward for people who have been named Dreamers. He showed himself off as someone who could bring people together to discuss a tough issue centered around immigration. But if we look closely at his act, we see that he truly is a fake President.
Soon he got pushback from the people defined as his political base. These folks were shocked and angry that he seemed to be so reasonable about an issue that he yelled about in his campaign speeches. Yes, we need to understand it, there are people who expect and cheer hateful speech from Donald Trump. Yes, there are people who expect and cheer the authoritarian and strong man language spoken most of the time by Donald Trump. That should make everyone think hard about this Presidency, this man and this country.
So yesterday, the showman, the leader of the US, responded in his own way. He made sure that he threw out more bait to his base. He spoke hateful words about whole countries Haiti, El Salvador and all of Africa. Who knows if his words are from his heart or a political trick from a trickster? Frankly, it doesn't matter. His words are disgusting, racist and full of hate. I have little power and less recognition but I want to add my apology to all of the countries and people who were insulted yesterday by Donald Trump.
This man was elected President purely by mistake. He was elected by a lot of mistakes by a lot of people. He is what we have, but he deserves little if any respect. What he has done and what he is doing to our country is appalling in my view. We can not, should not be known as a country led by such a hateful man. Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals need to realize, there is no longer anyplace to hide. People cannot ignore the lying and the hate anymore. Every bully needs a time of reckoning, a time of consequence.
The memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. was insulted today. These are shameful times for all of us.
But let's try to understand the showman. As recently as this week, Donald Trump met with a bi-partisan group of Senators, Congressmen and women, to discuss a way forward for people who have been named Dreamers. He showed himself off as someone who could bring people together to discuss a tough issue centered around immigration. But if we look closely at his act, we see that he truly is a fake President.
Soon he got pushback from the people defined as his political base. These folks were shocked and angry that he seemed to be so reasonable about an issue that he yelled about in his campaign speeches. Yes, we need to understand it, there are people who expect and cheer hateful speech from Donald Trump. Yes, there are people who expect and cheer the authoritarian and strong man language spoken most of the time by Donald Trump. That should make everyone think hard about this Presidency, this man and this country.
So yesterday, the showman, the leader of the US, responded in his own way. He made sure that he threw out more bait to his base. He spoke hateful words about whole countries Haiti, El Salvador and all of Africa. Who knows if his words are from his heart or a political trick from a trickster? Frankly, it doesn't matter. His words are disgusting, racist and full of hate. I have little power and less recognition but I want to add my apology to all of the countries and people who were insulted yesterday by Donald Trump.
This man was elected President purely by mistake. He was elected by a lot of mistakes by a lot of people. He is what we have, but he deserves little if any respect. What he has done and what he is doing to our country is appalling in my view. We can not, should not be known as a country led by such a hateful man. Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals need to realize, there is no longer anyplace to hide. People cannot ignore the lying and the hate anymore. Every bully needs a time of reckoning, a time of consequence.
The memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. was insulted today. These are shameful times for all of us.
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Nuclear War and Weapons As A War Crime and Genocide!
Very few people seem to realize why the use of nuclear weapons raise such serious questions about morality and war. Perhaps now, with the very real threat of the nuclear annihilation of hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people, the issue will get the attention it deserves before it's too late. We can go back to Ronald Reagan noting that nuclear war should never be fought or nuclear weapons used, ever. We can revisit the reality of the US's use of the A-Bomb in Japan at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We can review articles and papers by scientists, religious leaders, generals. If we don't do that, we are as guilty as those who would use these weapons. We have to understand the issues now more than ever.
Obviously, it is also incumbent on leaders who have access to these weapons to study and understand these arsenals and the consequences of their use. It is not important who these leaders are - they can be from the US, North Korea, China, Russia or any other country with access. It doesn't matter if you consider one good and the other bad. It doesn't matter if one is reasonable and the other is unbalanced. What matters, is that more and more people begin to understand the consequences of these weapons of mass destruction and leaders understand what these people think.
It may seem like an elementary exercise but we should all review the fact that nuclear weapons, like many others, do not discriminate between combatants and noncombatants. They don't discriminate at all between men, women or children, the wealthy or the poor, the healthy or the sick, or the young or the elderly. The critical difference, is that nuclear weapons can kill as stated above, hundreds of thousands to millions of people, all at once, in an instant. Whole countries and potentially an entire world can be destroyed in minutes.
You have to let this sink in - every person in a country, the good and the bad, the ones you agree with and those you don't, all destroyed.
I believe such an attack by anyone would rise to the level of a war crime that would make Hitler look like an amateur. The definition of genocide is the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation. Therefore, in my mind, the annihilation of a country would most likely fit the definition of genocide.
As usual, our tribalism, patriotism or nationalism tend to get in the way of our moral compass every now and then. We can't, we just can't let that happen in the discussion about the use of nuclear weapons. Yes, it's always the other guy who we can't trust. It's always their president or prime minister who is crazy or who is wrong. But honestly, we can't spend time worrying about who's right and who's wrong. We, all of us, have to have an understanding of what is so wrong and evil about nuclear war. Yes, the genie is out of the bottle and that's why we need to understand the consequences, work at negotiations and continue efforts at nonproliferation. In addition, it's critical that we educate ourselves and others about the reality of nuclear war, for all of our sakes.
Finally, nuclear weapons and their use, should not be joked about by any world leader. They are very serious business. They are instruments of war crimes and genocide.
Obviously, it is also incumbent on leaders who have access to these weapons to study and understand these arsenals and the consequences of their use. It is not important who these leaders are - they can be from the US, North Korea, China, Russia or any other country with access. It doesn't matter if you consider one good and the other bad. It doesn't matter if one is reasonable and the other is unbalanced. What matters, is that more and more people begin to understand the consequences of these weapons of mass destruction and leaders understand what these people think.
It may seem like an elementary exercise but we should all review the fact that nuclear weapons, like many others, do not discriminate between combatants and noncombatants. They don't discriminate at all between men, women or children, the wealthy or the poor, the healthy or the sick, or the young or the elderly. The critical difference, is that nuclear weapons can kill as stated above, hundreds of thousands to millions of people, all at once, in an instant. Whole countries and potentially an entire world can be destroyed in minutes.
You have to let this sink in - every person in a country, the good and the bad, the ones you agree with and those you don't, all destroyed.
I believe such an attack by anyone would rise to the level of a war crime that would make Hitler look like an amateur. The definition of genocide is the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation. Therefore, in my mind, the annihilation of a country would most likely fit the definition of genocide.
As usual, our tribalism, patriotism or nationalism tend to get in the way of our moral compass every now and then. We can't, we just can't let that happen in the discussion about the use of nuclear weapons. Yes, it's always the other guy who we can't trust. It's always their president or prime minister who is crazy or who is wrong. But honestly, we can't spend time worrying about who's right and who's wrong. We, all of us, have to have an understanding of what is so wrong and evil about nuclear war. Yes, the genie is out of the bottle and that's why we need to understand the consequences, work at negotiations and continue efforts at nonproliferation. In addition, it's critical that we educate ourselves and others about the reality of nuclear war, for all of our sakes.
Finally, nuclear weapons and their use, should not be joked about by any world leader. They are very serious business. They are instruments of war crimes and genocide.
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Welcome 2018 - Hello Table!
My New Year didn't start out great. Its a bit of a long story but may have some lessons so here it is.
Everything started out fine during that week between Christmas and the New Year Holiday. There was a wonderful visit from my oldest son Nathan, his wife Wendy and my granddaughter Dylan. Busy, busy, busy. Energy oozes out of both Nate and his daughter. Conversation and movement, activity and action, its all the same after awhile and its all good. I've gotten to the point in my life where the only response can really be to sit back and enjoy it and I did. They were only here for a short time but it was a great visit.
While they were here we had to rearrange things for eating playing, etc., so we moved an antique 48" round oak table out from the wall to make room for everyone. As the week progressed, the table stayed where it was until maybe Friday night or Saturday morning long after the kids had gone. We decided the table should be moved back so we lifted it on each side and stood holding it as we heard one of the legs drop to the floor. There we stood, holding a heavy three legged oak table. What to do other than to set it down on its side and work it around to lie on its top with three legs in the air. That's how I was able to assess the damage. A wooden bracket that held the dropped leg in place had split in half from years of rocking and wiggling. I knew the brackets and legs were a bit in need of maintenance since whenever we did lift it to move, I would always have to kick a leg or two to straighten them out.
The table came from my mother and father. I got it from my dad probably 30 years ago. It served my family well. It held a goose one Christmas, many dinners and get togethers. It was loaned to a friend for a Thanksgiving dinner and she even had to have a second leaf made to make things work.
So now, there it sat, upside down on the floor between the two doors leading to the outside deck. I decided to dismantle the other three legs instead of having them sticking up in the air for however long it would take me to figure out where to put the table or how to get it repaired. Oh well, a holiday weekend coming up and no-one would be able to be contacted right away. So the obvious answer was to just leave it where it sat.
Next thing I knew it was New Years Eve. I stayed up later then usual and watched the ball drop, crowds cheer, etc. There was also a Super Moon. One of those rare occasions where the moon either is or looks like it is bigger than normal. From my front room I could see towed the lake side of the house that it was in fact huge and bright. I turned off the TV, shut down the front thermostat and headed to the lakeside of the house. Turned out lights behind me and didn't turn any on in the lake room since the moon was shining so brightly. Here it was about a half hour into the New Year. I decided to go to the deck doors and get a good look at that moon before I went to bed.
As I approached the door to the deck I felt something by my foot but it was too late. The next thing I knew I was falling at a good rate of speed. I felt different parts of my body hit uneven surfaces of wood. First my shin, then my knee. Pain in both areas but the worst was yet to come. Smack - my mouth, specifically my front tooth, followed by my nose hit the tin baseboard cover. I knew I was in trouble. Actually I knew I was in trouble before that. I layed on my belly feeling my tooth, feeling my nose and looking at blood in the moonlight.
After a few minutes I rolled off of the now famous antique table on to my back and laid on the floor like an old beached whale, trying to get up but not able, holding my mouth and nose hoping for the best. No phone, no life alert like the lady on TV, just me laying there trying to figure out what's next. I began yelling for my partner, best friend and soon to be nurse. She had gone to bed early and was behind a closed door in what turned out to be a very sound sleep. I found myself yelling - "I'm hurt, I fell, I can't get up". The only words I knew came from that stupid ad on TV and they got louder and louder. Finally, like an angel of sorts, she appeared in the moonlight, assessing me, the situation and what to do next. After getting me on my hands and knees, we figured out how to get my rear end up in a chair where my wounds were looked over. Ice packs and washcloths were applied and used to clean me up. We got up, moved around, bent knees and went to a mirror. It was time for bed so that's where I ended up, with ice packs on my leg and lip. I slept thinking of that damn table.
The next morning I seemed to have come through it all ok. My tooth and nose are better than the whack on my shin. Nothing's broken except the table and yesterday we got it up on its side and rolled it into the garage, leaning against one wall.
So 2018 didn't start out so good but its like everything else - its a challenge. You take a fall and you get up with a little, or maybe a lot, of help from your friends or a friend. That's what we do. The down side is that now every time I go to a doctor they're going to ask me if I've had any falls recently? You know, one of the standard questions for elderly folks like me. I'm going to have to tell this whole story and try to explain myself and more importantly, place blame on the table. But now I have to go find the furniture doctor.
Everything started out fine during that week between Christmas and the New Year Holiday. There was a wonderful visit from my oldest son Nathan, his wife Wendy and my granddaughter Dylan. Busy, busy, busy. Energy oozes out of both Nate and his daughter. Conversation and movement, activity and action, its all the same after awhile and its all good. I've gotten to the point in my life where the only response can really be to sit back and enjoy it and I did. They were only here for a short time but it was a great visit.
While they were here we had to rearrange things for eating playing, etc., so we moved an antique 48" round oak table out from the wall to make room for everyone. As the week progressed, the table stayed where it was until maybe Friday night or Saturday morning long after the kids had gone. We decided the table should be moved back so we lifted it on each side and stood holding it as we heard one of the legs drop to the floor. There we stood, holding a heavy three legged oak table. What to do other than to set it down on its side and work it around to lie on its top with three legs in the air. That's how I was able to assess the damage. A wooden bracket that held the dropped leg in place had split in half from years of rocking and wiggling. I knew the brackets and legs were a bit in need of maintenance since whenever we did lift it to move, I would always have to kick a leg or two to straighten them out.
The table came from my mother and father. I got it from my dad probably 30 years ago. It served my family well. It held a goose one Christmas, many dinners and get togethers. It was loaned to a friend for a Thanksgiving dinner and she even had to have a second leaf made to make things work.
So now, there it sat, upside down on the floor between the two doors leading to the outside deck. I decided to dismantle the other three legs instead of having them sticking up in the air for however long it would take me to figure out where to put the table or how to get it repaired. Oh well, a holiday weekend coming up and no-one would be able to be contacted right away. So the obvious answer was to just leave it where it sat.
Next thing I knew it was New Years Eve. I stayed up later then usual and watched the ball drop, crowds cheer, etc. There was also a Super Moon. One of those rare occasions where the moon either is or looks like it is bigger than normal. From my front room I could see towed the lake side of the house that it was in fact huge and bright. I turned off the TV, shut down the front thermostat and headed to the lakeside of the house. Turned out lights behind me and didn't turn any on in the lake room since the moon was shining so brightly. Here it was about a half hour into the New Year. I decided to go to the deck doors and get a good look at that moon before I went to bed.
As I approached the door to the deck I felt something by my foot but it was too late. The next thing I knew I was falling at a good rate of speed. I felt different parts of my body hit uneven surfaces of wood. First my shin, then my knee. Pain in both areas but the worst was yet to come. Smack - my mouth, specifically my front tooth, followed by my nose hit the tin baseboard cover. I knew I was in trouble. Actually I knew I was in trouble before that. I layed on my belly feeling my tooth, feeling my nose and looking at blood in the moonlight.
After a few minutes I rolled off of the now famous antique table on to my back and laid on the floor like an old beached whale, trying to get up but not able, holding my mouth and nose hoping for the best. No phone, no life alert like the lady on TV, just me laying there trying to figure out what's next. I began yelling for my partner, best friend and soon to be nurse. She had gone to bed early and was behind a closed door in what turned out to be a very sound sleep. I found myself yelling - "I'm hurt, I fell, I can't get up". The only words I knew came from that stupid ad on TV and they got louder and louder. Finally, like an angel of sorts, she appeared in the moonlight, assessing me, the situation and what to do next. After getting me on my hands and knees, we figured out how to get my rear end up in a chair where my wounds were looked over. Ice packs and washcloths were applied and used to clean me up. We got up, moved around, bent knees and went to a mirror. It was time for bed so that's where I ended up, with ice packs on my leg and lip. I slept thinking of that damn table.
The next morning I seemed to have come through it all ok. My tooth and nose are better than the whack on my shin. Nothing's broken except the table and yesterday we got it up on its side and rolled it into the garage, leaning against one wall.
So 2018 didn't start out so good but its like everything else - its a challenge. You take a fall and you get up with a little, or maybe a lot, of help from your friends or a friend. That's what we do. The down side is that now every time I go to a doctor they're going to ask me if I've had any falls recently? You know, one of the standard questions for elderly folks like me. I'm going to have to tell this whole story and try to explain myself and more importantly, place blame on the table. But now I have to go find the furniture doctor.
A View On Seneca Lake
Like every where else, the past week or so has given us extremely cold days and nights here on Seneca Lake and throughout the Finger Lakes of New York. Mostly single digits with some readings below zero, especially in the overnight hours. The cold weather accomplishes a number of things. First, the views of the lake and the scenery around it change many times throughout the day. Most mornings a thick mist rises from the lake distinguishing the different temperatures between the water and the air above it. I watch as on most mornings the winter mist moves from west to east opening up unseen portions of the lake's surface a little bit at a time until the entire surface is exposed. Then a quick blast of snow from one of those lake effect engines makes everything disappear again. In an instant the lake and the hillside across toward the other shore are gone, everything a blur. Then in a moment, the vision returns.
The other thing the cold weather does is that it makes it easy for me to stay put. Who in their right mind would want to throw on layers and layers of clothing to fetch the mail or worse yet, venture to town to complete some menial task that can wait. Staying put means finding a chair or placing one in front of the glass doors leading to the deck that overlooks the lake. A fine place to listen to some music, check email, write a bit or just stare out into the wondrous view of Seneca and its eastern shore.
Snow Geese have arrived and create white platforms or islands in the distance up and down the lake. Duck hunters (perhaps not in their right mind) are shooting off in the distance and every time they do another flock of ducks flies by, perhaps missing a few of their friends this time around. If I'm patient and don't get too consumed by my computer, I have a good chance of seeing one of the eagles of Seneca Lake. Once or twice a day I can usually count on seeing an eagle fly a few hundred feet out just above the horizon of the hillside across the lake. He or she is a big one, out for their morning or afternoon scenic fly over of the lake, scanning the water below for breakfast or dinner. I'm never sure if it's an immature Bald Eagle or a Golden Eagle but that doesn't matter much. Just to watch the flight, the ease of movements is enough for me.
So the cold does have its advantages. It forces some of us to sit and stare and wonder. It forces us to see things that we may have never noticed when warmer breezes blow and we become oh so very busy.
The other thing the cold weather does is that it makes it easy for me to stay put. Who in their right mind would want to throw on layers and layers of clothing to fetch the mail or worse yet, venture to town to complete some menial task that can wait. Staying put means finding a chair or placing one in front of the glass doors leading to the deck that overlooks the lake. A fine place to listen to some music, check email, write a bit or just stare out into the wondrous view of Seneca and its eastern shore.
Snow Geese have arrived and create white platforms or islands in the distance up and down the lake. Duck hunters (perhaps not in their right mind) are shooting off in the distance and every time they do another flock of ducks flies by, perhaps missing a few of their friends this time around. If I'm patient and don't get too consumed by my computer, I have a good chance of seeing one of the eagles of Seneca Lake. Once or twice a day I can usually count on seeing an eagle fly a few hundred feet out just above the horizon of the hillside across the lake. He or she is a big one, out for their morning or afternoon scenic fly over of the lake, scanning the water below for breakfast or dinner. I'm never sure if it's an immature Bald Eagle or a Golden Eagle but that doesn't matter much. Just to watch the flight, the ease of movements is enough for me.
So the cold does have its advantages. It forces some of us to sit and stare and wonder. It forces us to see things that we may have never noticed when warmer breezes blow and we become oh so very busy.
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