Month: August 2019

At the radio club meeting last week, final plans for the TinMan triathlon next sunday were finished.  I’ll be doing Net Control at the clubhouse. Kamille is doing my old station at a busy corner which gets bicycle riders going both directions plus normal sunday church traffic.

Next event, and last for this year, will be the Headwaters Trail Runs the 28th.

~~~

The newer laying flock, the whites, are beginning to carry their weight.  We are getting 3 or 4 white eggs a day. Mark didn’t expect their output to start until next month.

Way to go, ladies.

~~~

As part of the ongoing “clear out the detritus” project, I came across a box of pictures and letters.  The pictures are sort of fun … memories and adding names to allay future confusion.

But the letters … mostly from me to George when he was traveling so much full of day-to-day small stuff sort of like these blog postings.  

One thing that surprised me was the number of people who came to visit when he was away.  Guess they thought I needed looking after. Or maybe they were coming all the time whether George was away or not and I’ve just forgotten.

One entry which gave me tears was a note about my Daddy visiting, playing with the boys (John was 9 and Michael was 1) in spite of being in pain with arthritis.  I now know he was having heart trouble as well, but he was hiding it at the time.

Letters full of life.  I hadn’t known George kept them.  Now I can read only one, or at most two, at a time.

~~~

I have been invited to join friends in two different classes.  One was an invitation to join a writing class at COS. The other was to learn Morse code.

They both sound interesting.  But at this time I think I will pass on the code class since it meets from 1900 to 2100, and that would mean driving home after dark.  Maybe I can catch a ride with someone. If so, I’ll reconsider.

The other meets from 1000 to 1200 so we could “do” lunch after.  I went to the first session of that one yesterday. It was interesting and I want to participate.  But wouldn’t you guess … life seems to be getting in the way. There are to be only 15 sessions and, according to my calendar, I will miss 5 of them.

I will miss one due to a medical appointment. I will miss another because it is the day after surgery and, although I don’t expect trouble, I don’t think I’ll be ready for people that soon.  The other three conflict with days I have already agreed to work for Great Northern.

I will let the teacher know and show up as often as I can.

At the end of the first session we were given time to just write. What came to me was poetry … a Haiku …

Words can be teasers — Seducing through sight and sound — To fill empty time.

… a freeform joke …

I think out loud To woo the crowd. Is that allowed? Oh well.

I’ll spare you the others. (I’m still learning the new computer programs and don’t know how to post in poetry form.)

~~~

Great Northern, where I volunteer for the food sharing programs, held a bar-b-que for volunteers last sunday in Bel Aire Park next to the COS campus.  I wore a muumuu. First time any of those folks had seen me in a skirt. It felt a little funny. Maybe I’ll do it more often.

The regular crew with which I work were all there plus some who volunteer at events I don’t.  Two of them know Mark, so as I’ve thought before (and most likely said) … I started as John’s daughter, became George’s wife, and then John-Michael-Mark’s mother.  In a strange way, that’s a comfort.

At the get-together, I learned there is an indoor pool at the new Community Center in Weed, but not Olympic size for swimming.  More like an exercise pool in a gym. We had been hoping it was one where Paul could keep up his swimming skills . Oh well …

I also learned there is a Seniors’ Lunch Program which meets every monday and is catered by restaurants from around the area.  The first monday of each month is Casa Ramos day. They serve good Mexican style food, so I may add that to my away days until the snow sets in.

~~~

I spent last thursday morning making strawberry preserves.  We now have topping for pancakes, french toast, ice cream, peanut butter sandwiches, rice pudding, …

Next up ??? Peaches.

~~~

Finished reading “Wanderers”, an apocalypse tale.  It was pretty heavy along the lines (as is stated often in its reviews) of King’s “The Stand”.  It was an acceptable, if long (700 pages), but not great read.

Next will be a fantasy or a light mystery.  Maybe another of Coel’s tales of the Arapaho res.

~~~

… and here’s a thought for every time you leave the house next week …  

“A SMILE costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it. A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship. It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and is nature’s best antidote for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.”

   … Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch

So … ‘til next week …

Well … I have a new computer … and all the agony that goes with learning new procedures.  It is a Nantucket sleigh ride and it isn’t done yet. I read somewhere that you never really know what you don’t know and boy-oh-boy am I learning.

Of course, learning is the big thing right now (age hasn’t made me dumber, just slower) … and making decisions about what to hold onto, what to discard, and what to attempt to recreate.  Were you aware that you can now rent computer programs instead of downloading from a disk onto your hard drive?  

I thought I wanted to get Microsoft Office rather than use the Chrome Doc program since I’ve been using Microsoft for years and so have a hold on understanding how it works.  Then I had to decide between buying and renting. To buy was ~$250. To rent was between $60 and $70 a month. Office 2003 was what I had been using, so that meant it lasted 16 years, or between $960 and $1,120 per year at rental rates and, since I plan on at least another decade, between $9,600 and $11,200 in the future.  Of course I’d not get updates if I bought. But I’ve been able to do what I wanted without updates for the past 16 years.

Another way would be to learn the Google options for word processing, spreadsheets, and (I hope) the publishing program I know how to use.

See what I mean about decisions?  

What would you do?

Mark is trying to teach me about the brave new world of computing.  Seems I’ve been living in prehistoric times and now must run to catch up since the way I am used to doing it is no longer viable.  Whoooooeeeeeeeeeee boy !!!

Among the data I lost were my address list, phone list, email connections, the draft of my book, and ALL my genealogy research notes and trees and pictures.

I had failed to backup the computer for three months or more.  I know better, but …

Oh well …

We don’t yet know if it was the motherboard or the hard drive that died.  That will make a difference in how much data Mark is able to retrieve for me.  Wish us luck.

~~~

We are moving into Robert Louis Stevenson mode … “In winter I get up by night …”

I’m up at 0515 to start the coffee, pour juice, and lay out the morning supplements for Paul and myself.  Paul and Kamille have to be out the door by 0630 … school and work.

I have hung an array of crystals in my east window, so I look forward to sunrise, whatever time, and the rainbows which fill my room when the sun king hits the crystals.

Chicken morning check (and garbage feed) is after 0630 now and will gradually get later.  In between first chores and chickens I have breakfast, tell Kamille and Paul “Cookie Day” (as per CookieMonster), and plan my day. 

And that will be my weekday mornings for the next few months.

~~~

And speaking of chickens … last evening I brought in the first egg from the new, white layers.  Excitement.

~~~

Yesterday was a busy day.  I did the August Tailgate sharing beginning at 1100.  This time the fresh stuff was zucchini (with instructions on how to “share” with neighbors and friends such as leave it at the front door, ring the bell, and run or toss it over the fence … of course, most of us will cook it for ourselves, but it made for good laughs), eggplant, cucumbers, cob corn, cantaloupe, and strawberries – strawberries – strawberries.  The berries were a bit late this year. We got them about a month earlier last year. We are enjoying sliced, fresh strawberries for breakfast and over ice cream. Tomorrow morning I will make jam.

Volunteer work with the food share programs is slowing however.  No more lunch packing, and there are only two or three more days of Tailgate fresh produce to go … August, September, and possibly October.  Then weather will close in (with snow if we’re lucky) so staying home will be the rule. I should be able to get some knitting done … maybe even begin spinning again.  I have a stash of fiber in lovely colours which promises to be enjoyable.

About 1300 I went to a radio friend’s house and the two of us went with the organizers of the upcoming TinMan Triathlon to assess the routes.  They were checking for obstacles to running and biking. Ken and I were looking at radio station sites. It was a pleasant time. The weather was clear and warm.  Cross your fingers that is how it will be for the event.

Autumn colours were showing here and there, and Ken is a good companion.

~~~

Last saturday, for their final “fling” before school, the family went over to the Lava Beds.  In the past, I would have liked to go with them but I no longer enjoy hiking for any extended time. 

And I’ve seen the Lava Beds. Several years ago, George and I were over there for a long day doing amateur radio stuff and sightseeing.  It is high desert, feels desolate, and has an interesting history with the stories of Captain Jack and the Modoc wars.

~~~

Have you ever seen an epileptic seizure?

They can be very frightening to watch.  An interesting aside is that the actual seizure isn’t frightening for the one having the seizure.  Maybe because they aren’t “there”.

The ones I’ve seen begin with a startled look, followed by a tonic phase during which the body goes rigid, and then a prolonged clonic phase during which the body jerks about.  People who have this condition often have what is called an aura, some kind of a warning which they recognize and which allows them time to lie down.

When the seizure is over, the one experiencing it often drops into a soft sleep.

I’m sure I’ve told you the family dog has epilepsy.  Monday was particularly difficult. He had three seizures in a short period of time that morning.  Not regular ones. Rather severe ones. He cried out as the seizure began, and during the follow up (which is called postictal) he stumbled around without control of his legs, banging into furniture etc., for what seemed like an extraordinarily long time, looking startled and fearful .  He wanted to be with people (his pack) as he recovered.

The vet advised upping his seizure medication and he settled until late afternoon when it happened again … twice.  None since.

I don’t know why I’m telling you this other than if you ever see a seizure, don’t be afraid.  Don’t interfere, other than doing what you can to prevent injuries during the thrashing period.  And be supportive both physically and mentally post-seizure.

~~~

The issue with water flow for the hydro seems to have been settled.  It was not a WIN, but a downstream neighbor is taking the ruckus to the Watermaster District, the state Water Control Department, and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers and we will learn to live with whatever happens.  Due to climate change drought conditions, and the current Deputy Watermaster, the hydro system will be unusable most of the year.

More than forty years was a good run with hydro power. I am so glad Mark got the solar in place and he plans to add wind.  That way when the sun shines we will have solar. When there are clouds it is most often windy so then wind will be the source.  And with good battery banks, we’re all set.

The other water problem has yet to be settled.  Availability of water for maintenance, keeping roads passable for fire equipment, has yet to be solved.  The optimal solution (use of water from the agricultural reservoir) is still under negotiation and I am researching two other possibilities.

As part of that project, I got invited to the sunday evening soireés at the home of the President of the irrigation association.  I’m not clear on what is involved in these evenings and so am not really excited. However, I will go at least once or twice in order to make a judgement and possibly facilitate further interactions.

~~~

Yesterday, while I was out, I noticed something interesting.  

Last fall the oak trees held onto some leaves as the turned brown and died.  That was unusual. In the past the dead leaves have dropped so the oak trees were bare for winter.  This past spring, new leaves budded … just not where there were still dead leaves attached. Left the trees looking strange, dead in spots and vigorous in others.

What I saw yesterday is that the trees are LOADED with acorns.  I know that when plants feel threatened, they produce strong seed crops.  Maybe last year’s strange Autumn stressed our oaks. I think I will gather acorns later and scatter them out here.  With climate change, maybe we can begin to see a firewood lot up here. Such a grove won’t be ready while I’m still around, but planting trees is not for next year anyhow.

~~~

A while ago I found a book of poems printed in 1965, written by a woman named Ona Jane Meens.  It is an interesting book physically. It is small (5 x 7.5 inches) and the cover is red suede.  I had no idea who she is or was. The author signed the title page, but without a dedication, so I could only guess at its origin.  My guess was the author had been a friend of George’s mother so I googled Ona and sure enough … she had been active in the WCTU. Mother Dibelka had been active with the WCTU as publicist, writer, etc.  

I remember a story Mother used to tell about being at a conference of that organization and noting that on the speakers’ stand was an older gentleman who was obviously an “Old Granddad” and a woman wearing a hat adorned with “Three (White) Feathers”.  For those of you too young to know about the WCTU, it was a 20s and 30s organization triggered by prohibition … the Womens’ Christian Temperance Union … whose rallying cry was “White Feather, White Feather” as they waved white feathers in the air.  In addition, the references were to top whiskey brands of the day … Three Feathers and Old Grand-Dad.

Mother enjoyed a laugh every time she told that story.

But how I got the book ???  Still haven’t a clue.

I’ve been skimming it occasionally and a couple of the poems (which the author calls “thoughts” … sound familiar?) are intriguing.  One I really liked I’m using as my thought for this week …

With myself I must keep friendly.

With myself I must agree.

So I guard my thoughts and actions

So myself approves of me.

So … ‘til next week …

P.S. Because I no longer have an email list, I cannot send out blog reminders. I hope you can find me.

I’m still here but …

Want to really screw up your life? Switch to a new computer.

Stay tuned. I’m in “school”.

First full week without Kamille and Paul.

~~~

My presentation at the WaterMaster Board meeting last wednesday  didn’t improve over the May presentation.  I get very anxious whenever I am faced with a situation requiring a challenge to “authority”.  As a consequence, I had a desert mouth and (in Paul’s terms) the tremor checked in at a full 6 point handquake. 

But I got through it and I’m still here.

~~~
Five of us from the south county went to the SCARA (Siskiyou County Amateur Radio Association) meeting last Saturday morning.  The head honcho from the ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) in Trinity County was there to talk about becoming an ARES operator and/or forming a Siskiyou County ARES group.

It had been tried here a few years ago, but personalities and politics got in the way. Mark was active in ARES back in New York and knows we need it here.  Some folks seemed interested and there was input from CalFire as well.

It may happen this time.

Shirley is still waiting table at Poor George’s and, as I have told you before when George and I were regulars there, the ham and cheese omelet is great.

~~~

Weather has been almost HOT with relatively high humidity.  It isn’t humid by some measures, but 33% is wet for here in the summer.  Nearly every day we have had a sky full of cumulus clouds and breezes.  There has been lightening and thunder around us but not here, and we have had smoke but not overwhelming.

In spite of the humidity, the local fire company has been busy putting out residential and lumber mill fires, doing smoke checks, responding to medical calls (some due to heat), working a string of I-5 median fires, and aiding with traffic accidents. 

Because of problems in the past on our private dirt roads, if it is a “get-there-asap” situation, Mark has been using the siren on his way out during daytime hours.  I know that out here sound carries, so folks all over the Ranch now know when the fire company is toned out in a hurry.

There was a medical call last week for one of the “old timers” on the Ranch.  It set me to thinking.  Of the folks who were the core community in the early years (Lowry, Stewart, Allen, Komrij, Rayburn, Barline, Ramey … to name a few), the one who was the reason for the call and I are the ones still here.

Oh well …

~~~

Every summer COS (the local community college) puts on a Theatre Arts Camp which exposes students to all aspects of theatre, both onstage and backstage.  This year their “graduation” production (they call it their “Annual Broadway Summerstage”) was a musical from 1992 Broadway using Gershwin music.  Of course I had to go.

I grok Gershwin.

It was very much a “high school” production.  The oldest participant was 17.  The youngest 7.  There were some good voices which will benefit from training.  High enthusiasm.  More girls than boys, so girls in beards.  A Broadway showgirl style chorus line (complete with pink ostrich feather fans) ranging in age from about 8 to mid-teens and from really skinny to plump … and remarkably good, if a little hesitant a times.

As I said, I grok Gershwin and the kids did a good job.  Well worth the ten dollar admission.

~~~

Next to last children’s lunch preparation for this summer was yesterday.  I was asked to do one more prep tomorrow.  The summer food programs for kids are ending, since school starts the 20^th, and hence no more free lunches.

Wow … where did the summer go?

The other food share programs are still functioning.  My next “gig” is scheduled for later this morning.  Then it will be back to only the tailgate parties (until autumn is done) and the sharing days at the church.

Volunteering with these programs has given me a chance to meet some great people of all ages.  I have a clutch of new “friends” aged from late teens to nearly as old as me.

Well worth the time it costs.

~~~
I have an appointment with a surgeon later this morning.  She will be doing a minor procedure for me in a couple of weeks … an outpatient procedure.  I had originally planned to have it done in September 2017, but then George …

At any rate, chances are good I will be home by evening the day of surgery.  Then I get to play invalid for a day or so.  One of our neighbors is a home health RN.  Maybe he’ll be assigned to me for follow-up. 

That could be interesting.

~~~

Occasionally, on FaceBook, I see stuff like “Nora is having seafood at the Deep Sea Bar with Harry in Newport”.  I’m afraid my reaction is usually along the lines of   “So ???”

Then a few days ago, FaceBook asked where I was.  Caught me off guard.  I should have answered.

I am currently reading “Who Fears Death” by Nnedi Okorafor … so I am often in a small village on the eastern edge of the Sudanese desert. Once I was in a big sandstorm and I’ve eaten beetles and lizards.

Last week I was solving a murder spree in west LA and the Palisades with a police detective and a child psychologist. 

Next week I’ll probably be in England with Eleanor wondering what (or who) Henry II will be up to next … or maybe in Germany with a blind detective who works with the BKA, the Federal Criminal Investigative Office.

I read books.  I know things.  I go places. 
~~~

In closing for now, some reminders for us all …

We all know there is a lot which can go wrong, so watch for things which go right.                   … Unknown

and …

What is hateful to you do not do to your neighbor.  That is the whole Torah. The rest is commentary.                 … Rabbi Hillel

And …

If you have to choose between being kind and being right, choose being kind and you will always be right.

So … ‘til next week …