Day 334 -- Another Ending

It is the final day of November. How did that occur so quickly? The weather patterns continue with the transition into winter. It has been cold but the winds today are bringing warmer weather for one day. It is expected to dip down and pop up above freezing all week. Wearing the correct outerwear when leaving the house in the morning is a challenge, but I've not put away the lighter jackets and gloves.  I keep them close for the winter thaws <smile>. They give me hope just seeing them in the closet.

Endings bring mixed feelings. They also bring beginnings. Much as winter is not my favourite season -- temperatures I can deal with but I dislike major snow and ice that impede mobility -- I will not wish too strongly for spring. As my 98 year old friend says, "Don't wish your life away."  Sage advice that.  It is something that I think of often as I find myself in the midst of something objectionable that I just want to get through and move on to something more pleasant. Without those negative experiences in our lives, we would not be who we are. They teach us how to deal with adversity and can provide strength for future times of stress.  Wisdom can come from these situations, too. For these reasons, I often hear my friends words and I can smile -- at least on the inside -- and know that 'this too shall pass.'

The song for today is about endings. It was the last song on a major album and the last song collectively recorded by this group. The final phrase of the lyrics provides a positive outlook for something dealing with finishing of an activity. Enjoy!

The End -- The Beatles

Day 333 -- Strolling the Main

Today was "Shop the Neighbourhood" day -- an anti-mega-corporate-shopping-mall-big-box-store response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  So -- I went out and walked Main Street to frequent the many independent merchants with shops there. It is always enjoyable to spend time and walk the street window shopping, browsing and people watching. It is rare not to run into someone I know at least well enough to say 'hello'. It is a small town after all -- not that I have any degree of fame or anything <smile>.  I found a few small gift items and some other gift ideas that I may return for later.

It was a perfect day for a walk. The sun was shining. It required adequate outerwear as there was a slight wind chill. Nothing like friends and family on the prairies are dealing with, but it is a damp cold here <grin>.  I was glad to have a number of interesting places to enter to warm my face before moving further down the block. The Christmas window displays are lovely and the evergreen bough spheres are hanging from the lamp posts all along the street. While I only spent an hour browsing, it was a fun break from housework and grading.

Today's selection is from an old movie -- like 1949 -- On the Town. Main Street plays a major role in most smaller towns and cities. It is the centre of social actions as well as commerce. This song reflects that importance. Enjoy!

Main Street -- Gene Kelly ft. Vera - Ellen)

Day 332 -- Pleasant evening for end of a hectic week

A very long day today with meetings and classes -- very challenging, but we all made it through. The carrot on the stick for me today was knowing that I was meeting a friend for supper and a glass of wine. We planned to do this in October, but had to rebook for today. So, while there was a bit of snow and the wind feels very cold, the day ended with the warmth of good food, conversation and friendship. We talked of many things from day-to-day items to deeper discussions of serious stories from the news. It was relaxing and invigorating - if those two can happen together <smile>.

The weekend is upon us and I have some grading and reading to do for the last two classes of the term along with a short planned trip to do some shopping. I am looking forward to it all -- work and leisure. It will be time to begin to get holiday decorations out in the coming week, so some of those items may find their way out of storage this weekend, too.

Today's selection deals with friendship -- it is a reciprocal relationship so knowing someone is there for you and that you can be there for someone -- all important aspects of the social support of friends. Enjoy!

Lean on Me -- Bill Withers

Day 331 -- nearing the weekend

One more day and then the weekend. Even though there is much work carried into the weekend, it can often feel a bit less frenetic. It seems that these two days allow me to recharge somewhat, even if it may not be what everyone else does -- or what television leads us to believe is normative behaviour on weekends <smile>.  It is quite possible that this myth doesn't actually exist, but I  hear anecdotal data from colleagues that they go out and do 'stuff'  -- perhaps I should try to head out to Main Street on Saturday. Promotion for local business Saturday has hit social media -- right between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  Definitely something we should consider.

Thinking through the long tunnel that is end of term, led me to a song that reflects some of my thoughts well. Taking the lyrics as metaphor rather than literally, seems to fit much of how I (and most others on campuses across North America) feel at this time of year. The singer/songwriter is another of my favourites. The best video I could find comes packaged with a second song -- it doesn't fit today's topic, but it is a lovely bonus. Enjoy!

Much too Young (To Feel this Damn Old) -- Garth Brooks

(with If Tomorrow Never Comes)

Day 330 -- Another nor'easter arrives

I'm at the point in the term when I don't know what day it is <smile>.  I woke this morning and thought it must be Monday since it was just the weekend. <sigh>  The nasty tiredness is back; I feel as if I could fall asleep anywhere, any time. There are a couple days on the horizon where there will be some respite. Until then, I am functioning on autopilot, low level functioning, but functioning nonetheless.

The beginning of a nor'easter is making its way here. The rain sounds on the roof are becoming more regular and sounding heavier. Other areas will get rain, ice pellets and snow. So far, it looks like this will be mainly rain here with some other bits of frozen precipitation. I have my rain gear all set for tomorrow's trip to work.

The selection today is a short one -- the title says it all <smile>.  Enjoy!

Cold Rain and Snow -- The Grateful Dead

Day 329 -- Fall Food Day

Fall food festival -- we had one at work today as the students marketed their fall food projects. This event is much anticipated and this year did not disappoint. There were some very different products compared with past years -- jarred salsa, bottled  fall apple soda, 'gummies' made from fruits with a bit of juice, hot smoothie (cinnamon apple scent that permeated the building), carrot-zuchinni squares, banana and fruit bites with chocolate, a fruit and yogurt parfait in a shell, and cheesecake bites (3 flavours with varied toppings). I did not try them all, but did leave with some snacks for later <smile> and some leftover fresh fruit at the end of the day. A truly yummy experience.

Fall harvest brings such wonderful flavours. Winter squash and pumpkins make wonderful soups, baked vegetables and yummy dessert items. Apples and pears add to daily enjoyment as fresh crunchy fruits and many cooked items from soups to sauces to crisps to muffins. Mix in some fresh cranberries and amazing tastes appear. I do love apples. My favourite is a McIntosh. I like some tang with the sweetness, so find honeycrisp too sweet. I also have chosen not to purchase this newer apple as their marketability has led to farmers ripping out orchards of many varieties of apples to move to this one variety only.  Monoculture of any type bothers me -- it just isn't sustainable.  Some of the older varieties and heiloom varieties of apples have so much to offer. I am enjoying living with orchards just down the road and cranberry bogs even closer. So, as I ponder what to cook when I have a bit of time in the coming weeks, I know these local products will be part of the process <smile>.

In honour of the venerable apple, I chose today's song. This is a song that I heard as a kid -- one of my dad's favourites. The harmonies are tight and the voices blend well. Enjoy!

Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree -- The Andrews Sisters

Day 328 -- Walking Memory Lane

Today an email message told me about a reunion attended by two colleagues. I found myself thinking of events from my first foray at university -- the people, classes, life events all flooded back from the long term storage to be played out again in my mind.  It was an interesting time as it is for anyone away from home for the first time and learning who one is or wants to be. It was delightful to revisit. I will admit to thinking about this and other things when grocery shopping -- to the point that I turned around after filling a bag of tomatoes and walked off with someone else's cart. Now that was embarrassing <sigh>. Definitely a first for me <smile>.

Recalling events can often result in a bit of revisionist history <smile>, but I did note the less than stellar parts of the undergrad years but did not dwell. There were many happy and exciting memories to spend bits of time on today. I still find doing the math hard to believe -- anything over 10 years seems to be unbelievable, I've found. How could it be so much time passes and I'm not sure I feel much different in some ways. I believe some of my older friends and my parents told me this was the way things would unfold <grin>.

Naturally, I began to think of some of the music we listened to during those years. There were so many genres that I loved even then. I've chosen to share two songs that were in regular play. The first is from a female trio from Montreal. I always found their songs uplifting -- the beat and the melody. The second selection is from a male singer/songwriter with an amazing soulful way of singing (and writing lyrics). Each album contained some early techno funk within the larger arrangements.Enjoy!

It Always Happens this Way -- Toulouse

Still Falling for You -- Boz Scaggs

Day 327 -- Calm beginning to the week

Today was a peaceful Sunday. We got some things done around the house and listened to a movie. It doesn't sound exciting to many, but this was a day that was a long time coming. <smile>  It was pleasant to be able to take things slow and not rush to pack in too many tasks.

I find it interesting that when some downtime arrives, that it seems like I do nothing. In reality, I do several things during the day, yet the pace is slower, so it seems like I did nothing. I wonder sometimes what type of preparation one needs for retirement if work years have been filled with such a crazy pace. Surely one can't just stop. How does one develop 'outside interests' to sustain the brain when workload doesn't really leave room for this? Hmmm.  I've been part of retirement seminars as the nutrition expert to help people understand the physiological and psychological changes that can affect food intake, but I never paid attention to the average weekly work hours of the workshop participants. In hindsight that might have been a good idea <smile>.

Today the selection deals with the feeling of calm that pervaded the day. Enjoy!

Peaceful Easy Feeling -- The Eagles

Day 326 -- sunshine and shovelling

Saturday began with the need to shovel 6-8 cm of snow. I recall they forecast about 1 cm. <sigh>. With that much snow down and temperature rising with possibility of rain, this needed to be moved or it would have turned to a slippery mess. The sun shone while I shovelled making it more manageable. It still seems too early to begin this sort of activity.

Grading papers is completed for the next couple of days. I also got lectures for next week completed and now only need to put together the exam review and course wrap up for December 1 and 2.  Then I should have time to do some of the neglected housework and plan a bit for the remaining Christmas shopping. Even though busy this weekend, it feels less stress-filled compared to the past two weeks. I do realize the crazy binge grading of finals will arrive before I'm ready for it, but in the meantime things feel a bit better.

A song selected for Day 101 fits today, too. It is one that I love and it always makes me smile or laugh. Lyrics are about the need to escape a less than perfect situation -- and it bears striking resemblance to my life at this time of year. Have a listen from the archives. For today I chose a song about the sunshine. The lyrics deal with warmer weather, but they do reflect the enjoyment of being in the sun -- even if I was shovelling frozen stuff. This Canadian band has been singing together for 45 years -- still having fun by the looks of things. Enjoy!

Sunny Days -- Lighthouse

Day 325 -- Thinking Warm Thoughts

Another long day, but a Friday <smile>.  As I left the building tonight I could hear some type of precipitation hitting my coat. I checked and it was snow not freezing rain this time, just a few flakes. I crossed the street and walked the length of a couple cars and the wind and snow picked up so that it was difficult to see through it all. I drove home in this and it stopped just as I got parked in the driveway. The snow did continue through the evening with a forecast of 1 cm and we now have 3-4 on the porch.

Last night we were blessed with freezing rain, but the salting trucks were out in force before the early drivers headed off to work. Thunder-snow happened tonight and they tell us that next week will bring above freezing temps and rain followed by mixed precipitation and snow. Needless to say, the memories of Hawaii seemed foremost in my mind today <smile>.

The song for today conjures images of palm trees and the tropics. This is an older song (like older than me <grin>) but has been covered by many amazing singers. Tonight I'll share the version from a favourite singer/songwriter that we haven't heard from for a while. Enjoy!

Begin the Beguine -- Michael Nesmith

Day 324 -- Looking Up

Well, after two days of feeling under it all, today did seem a bit brighter. The sun shone briefly and the 'to do' list was addressed for the most part. It is always a bit over-ambitious <smile>.  I've been trying to map out the last few classes (5 in one course and 4 in the other) -- it seems that we should be able to get the main concepts covered but with little wiggle room for much else. Major paper grading should be completed tomorrow with the rest of the smaller items completed in the next 5-6 days. So life is looking more hopeful.

Emotional wellbeing seems to become the main issue when life gets overwhelming. The vortex that one is sucked into ensures a cycle of tiredness and little time for oneself. If I could find an answer, I could write a book and make money for retirement <smile>.  This is the time that HR departments could ensure there were supports in place -- reminders to take a 5 minute break to stretch, listen to music, look out the window, or even head to the bathroom (Workman's compensation won't likely cover bladder repair for those fully engaged in the binge process of grading or writing <smile>). This is also the month when many evening events are available -- I've seen very interesting lectures advertised, but the energy to get to them just isn't there. This only adds to the feelings of deprivation. While some type of reminder or intervention would not be welcomed by all -- having the ability to add to the stresses -- it still might be something to explore. Cool -- I just added to someone else's workload <grin>.

Snippets of the selected song have been running through my mind today. Again, there are many covers of this one since its original appearance in a movie. The version shared here is from another movie about 20 years after the first. The lyrics and music have a definite 'tongue in cheek' tone. I think it is almost guaranteed to elicit a smile. Enjoy!

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life -- Art Garfunkel

Day 323 -- Feeling Overworked

Today has been packed with tasks for work -- not unlike every day for the past couple of weeks.  The end of term is always so full of things to do -- more to do than time allows. Every year.  So, you'd think that I'd be ready for it, right? <sigh> The exhaustion comes from disrupted sleep, pressures to get the content into the few remaining classes, grading term papers, grading regular smaller assignments, and did I mention the grading? <smile> I have yet to meet someone who finds this task pleasant. Hateful is the best thing I can say about it.

The 7 day work week of the last half of term is untenable. Each day is full. The weariness isn't only physical, but also  psychological. Finding time and energy to shop, cook, do household chores and such is challenging. Given that first term ends the first week of December each year with final exam grades due by end of the third week of the month, the job messes with the holiday season. When does one prepare parcels for mailing -- and meet the Canada Post deadlines in the process? Putting up a tree must occur around December 1 or not at all. Baking and cooking and such depend on the exam schedule. Some years it happens and some years it doesn't. Then one week later the cycle begins all over again.  Needless to say, this is the time of anxiety dream central <smile>. There are things that happen that make days worthwhile, but the sheer amount of prep work is ridiculous. 

So -- a song to fit all that <smile>.  There are a couple lines about the sheer enormity of a workload in this song. I'm digging into the past again and this is an early one for this Canadian band. Gotta love the distinctive voice of the lead singer, though <smile>. This version has full on solos for all my guitarist friends. Enjoy!

Working Man -- Rush

Day 322 -- Grocery Shopping Quest

Grocery shopping -- why can't it be easier?  After work I headed to one of our two grocery stores to pick up about 10 items. These are items that this store carries and the other one doesn't or they were things from the flyer this week. It is the store with the layout that drives me mad. They are so busy trying to look like a bigger store, that they don't realize that no one can find things. It makes me a bit frustrated on a good day. Suffice it to say, today was not a good shopping day.

I walked out with 5 items -- three from the list and two others that I was in need of, but hadn't made it to the master list. One item that I didn't find has not been on the shelf for almost two months, though the shelf tag and empty space remain.  Several other items showed vacant spaces, too, and these were not on sale. The sale items were simply no where to be found -- not even an empty shelf space. The one item that this store carries that I can't find elsewhere in town is baked nacho chips. I could not find any corn chips, though there is an aisle for potato chips -- really, that is all that is there. As I checked out I was hoping the cashier wouldn't ask me if I found everything, as I knew I would not be able to hold back the frustration. Instead, she chatted the entire time to the woman behind me who used to work there, but after 10 years had been fired. She told her former co-worker how sick it made her to be shopping there -- I turned to her and said that is exactly how I felt. By now two former co-workers had joined into the conversation and I was the response to -- 'One of these things is not like the other' <sigh>. I had been muttering for some time as I walked by all the marketing and admin suits in the store trying to put things in new places so we could all play hide and seek. Frankly, that was my last visit for anything of note.

I had an hour today to shop and then get home. I had to go to the second grocery outlet and get the needed items. Again, a few empty spots on the shelves, but not for the must haves on the list. Those I got. So two hours later I headed home. The title and first verse of today's selection summed up my feelings from this adventure. Enjoy!

Lost in the Supermarket -- The Clash

Day 321 -- Personal Losses

The past 36 hours have brought sadness to two colleagues. They each have lost a parent.  I will admit to thinking a lot about my father this past weekend as it has been nine years since he passed. Now, others will be dealing with the freshness of grief -- all I can say is that it gets easier. It never goes away, but it gets easier to move forward.

Grief is a very interesting process. We all experience the same stages of grief, yet the timing of each and the length of the process are unique to each person. There is no formula. It is a path that we each must walk in our own way, seeking guidance where necessary. It can be easy for others to assume everything is all right, including the grieving person. That is, until some emotional outburst occurs -- that leaves everyone wondering what caused it. This isn't always a huge outburst, but a sharp word or a tear when these are not part of the usual behaviour. So, to support those going through the process, understanding is needed -- and a bit more tolerance than might be most common.

A song for loss can be challenging to avoid being too maudlin. I settled on one that provides some hope and peace -- two goals of grief. Again, I'm going with the original rather than a cover version today. Enjoy!

Blackbird -- The Beatles

Day 320 -- grandmothers uniting

Friday evening I attended a showing of a new film release that chronicled the African Grandmothers Tribunal held in Vancouver in 2013. The film was from the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which had begun a grandmother to grandmother campaign several years ago. Canadian grandmothers (and grand 'others') have started community groups who fund raise and support the African Grandmothers. The testimony of African women and a 3-judge tribunal including Gloria Steinem and two women working in African development projects was stunning.

The stories of the grandmothers showed great courage, one even testifying through a written document since it was too dangerous for her to do so in person, even should she have been allowed out of her country. Others told of their struggles as older women caring for their grandchildren and other orphans. Many had buried their own children and husbands, often from complications of AIDS. The lack of human rights for women in many developing nations was presented clearly. While these women are nurturing the next generation for their countries, they have few supports and many barriers -- being 'inherited' by their husband's family, losing the land owned by their husbands, caring for many children with little available money. Grassroots organizations have developed in rural and urban areas with the goal of supporting all grandmothers. Policies are being spoken of, but there is a long road ahead. These grandmothers are the trailblazers -- standing up and demanding basic human rights. They have developed strong bonds with other grandmothers in their area, countries, the continent and Canada. Together these women are poised to change their worlds.

The evening reunited me with some people I had worked with on a support program for HIV/AIDS organizations in Rwanda and Botswana. I found it heartening to see about 40 people out on a miserable night with rain, ice pellets and snow falling since mid-afternoon.  The evening left me with much to think about -- but most of all, the hope for change. The song today is different than the 'we shall overcome' that was part of the film. Different, but I think it carries the idea of working together. There are many versions of this. I've chosen one from the Live8 concert (for Africa) in 2005 -- it seemed to make sense. Enjoy!

Sisters are doin' it for themselves -- Annie Lennox

Day 319 -- Different colour out the window

First look outside today showed what I'd feared -- a covering of white on everything. Daytime high temperatures barely made it to the freezing point. It was a quick  but chilly walk out for milk. <shiver> I guess it really is time to pull out the winter gear and make sure it is all ready to go.

The rest of the day went without major excitement -- grading papers, making quizzes, and doing laundry. Wow, eh?  Neck is still sore and it makes me feel very tired dealing with the constant 'owiness.' At least the outdoors didn't beckon loudly. I chose not to push the stuff off the porch in hopes that nature and the warmer temps expected early in the week will move it for me. <smile>

So, in honour of the arrival of the 's' word, I'm sharing the first song that came to mind as I looked out the kitchen window today. Several covers have been made for this one, but I still enjoy the original. Enjoy!

Whiter Shade of Pale -- Procol Harem

Day 318 -- Hall of Fame Memories

When I came back to my office between classes today, I smiled as I looked at the computer screen.The screen saver that scrolls through my pictures had kicked in while I was out. There on the screen were a pair of electric blue platform shoes -- a big block heal with a platform from toe to instep -- yeah, that older style of platform <smile>. So much that went through my mind was happy memories.

The shoes had belonged to Keith Moon, drummer with The Who way back when. The picture came home with me from a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 20 years back. During this trip I met a large number of my online friends. There at the RRHoF, we had a wonderful tour and had some photos taken of the group outside the I.M. Pei pyramid -- managing to draw a crowd in the process. Go figure! <grin> A smaller group of those friends are part of my daily life -- we have kept in touch, with some of us meeting at various venues over the years. Yet, that first trip can always bring a smile and even giggles. We did have a blast. Cleveland has never been the same, I'm sure.

As soon as I saw the shoes, there was a song in my head. This song is a tribute to the owner of the shoes. I've enjoyed this singer's style over the years, including forays into acting. This video is from the mid-80s and I'm unsure that the hairstyle is my fave <smile>. Enjoy!

Under a Raging Moon -- Roger Daltrey

Day 317 -- Change is in the air

Have you ever stopped to notice the way the world changes as a new season approaches? As winter weather hovers on the horizon, amazing changes occur around me. When I step out the door in the morning it has had a 'crisp' feel to the air. The quality of light has changed so that colours are more subdued, but then is has been rather cloudy for some time, too <smile>. Since childhood, I've noticed the smell of the air. It changes as the temperature falls. It has smelled 'cold' recently as the mornings have been near the freezing point.

As we get into the true winter season and weather, when the temperatures dip well below freezing overnight, the air has a distinctly different odour -- to me this smells 'COLD' not the 'cold' of mid-autumn, but COLD. <smile> I've always found this interesting. Living in the Maritimes, temperatures don't fall much below -20C very often, but when it does I'm always reminded of home when I step out the door. <smile>  It smells like that cold prairie landscape. The coming of spring will bring new air scents of 'wet' and 'mud' so there is always something new to look forward to in the cycle of seasons.

We are now getting the arctic blast that has been visiting much of North America this week. Snowfall warnings are much closer than the last storms. So far, it appears that we will have mainly rain during the day tomorrow. This forecast made me think of the oncoming colder weather, so today's selection contains lyrics that deal with the look and feel of the approaching changes. It does this in an upbeat way, which helps me to feel less grumpy about it all <grin>. Enjoy!

Hazy Shade of Winter -- Simon and Garfunkel

Day 316 -- Pain in the Neck

For the past two weeks I've been battling with neck pain -- spasms that sometimes head halfway down the back.  I've been to my wonderful physio, but this event seems rather stubborn.  I was feeling things were a bit better today as I was at work.  After leaving the office I went for a walk. That's when I realized that turning to look at store windows or to check for traffic as I crossed the street, that I was turning from the waist and shoulders. So, more physio visits in my future. I will admit to being a bit of a wuss with some pains, and this is one of them. Others I can manage without too much melodrama <smile>.

Pains of one sort or another are part of the lives of most adults. Coping with the pain and keeping the forward momentum, is a learned skill. As with many daily hurdles, one begins to adjust. Recurrent flare-ups of one type of discomfort or an another remind us that we are alive and perhaps, not to take the good days for granted <smile>.

I will admit to smiling as I walked down the street tonight  when the song title for today ran through my mind. Though the song deals with mental and spiritual pains, I heard it today from a physical pain standpoint.  The song is somewhat mellow and even relaxing in an odd way. The video can detract a bit with the subtitles, but this is the best quality sound I could find -- so feel free to turn away from the screen and just listen <smile>. Enjoy!

Everybody Hurts -- R.E.M.

Day 315 -- The Nature of Freedom

On this Remembrance Day, I've reflected on the nature of freedom. Earlier this week in a conversation about the protocols requested by the Legion for wearing the poppy (as in not with a different pin in the centre), I was stymied by one response. We were told that they will wear it as they please, since freedom is what the vets had fought for.  I couldn't respond as the root of my "Really?" (with just a touch of sarcasm) needed time to be clarified in my own mind.

My thoughts congealed a bit and I understood my discomfort with the reply. The poppy is worn in remembrance of those who died in service. Its iconic format has changed little over the decades, yet people have begun to wear a tie tack in the centre to keep the thing on their clothing and not be poked by the pointy pin. There are many ways to deal with both of these issues including purchasing a replacement should the poppy be lost. My concern with the response about wearing it how one chooses being equated with freedom seemed at best disrespectful and at worst anarchy-inducing. Freedoms we have include speech, assembly, religion and others. With these freedoms come rights as well as responsibilities. The latter involve following mandated rules and respecting those who serve and have served. So, to me it seemed disrespectful to put one's own comfort or ideas ahead of those of the poppy vendors -- the veterans themselves. For two weeks of the year, this shouldn't be too much to ask, should it? I've realized that to me 'freedom' isn't that childish desire I had to 'get to do anything I want' but rather it is something that holds responsibility to act within the laws and social expectations.

Not surprisingly, my remembrance today involves music from major conflicts <smile>. I still own a functional wind-up record player complete with many discs from World War I; it belonged to my grandparents. The World War II songs were ones that my dad and grandfather played often. I know many songs well from each of these wars. Today I've chosen to share a couple of these, though choosing was very difficult. Enjoy!

It's  Long Way to Tipperary -- Albert Farrington

The White Cliffs of Dover -- Vera Lynn

Day 314 -- The Witch of November

Listening to the weather forecast there is much discussion about the expected effects of Typhoon Nuri. It seems this Pacific storm will create a massive plunge of polar air that will spread through the centre of the continent. It is expected to be cold further south than usual in the US and will cover most of Canada with the exception of the east and west coasts -- for now.

In the east, we've had nor'easters that have brought major rains from the end of October and into November. Temperatures have been mild to cold, typical of the transition of fall. In the west, Alberta and Saskatchewan as well as eastern areas of New Brunswick and Quebec have seen significant snowfalls. November generally brings a storm or two at the end of the Atlantic hurricane season and as the ocean temperatures are still warm. Storms from this time of year across the continent have their own local folklore and names. Regardless of the name, these are generally filled with moisture, wind and cooler temperatures.

Thirty-nine years ago today, a major storm struck northern Ontario with some disastrous results. A Canadian folk singer and songwriter immortalized this in a song that many Canadians and Americans know word for word. Today's selection features this song with some of the early news reports woven throughout.  Enjoy!

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald -- Gordon Lightfoot

Day 313 -- A Quarter Century

I've asked myself several times today, how it has been 25 years since the fall of the Berlin wall.  I do remember watching this on television, but would not have guessed it was that long ago. The Google doodle for the day is quite wonderful -- showing parts of the wall now all over the world -- reminders of what once was.  This was a time of many changes in the world in terms of governance and ideologies. The change was infectious, it seemed.

While the removal of the wall played a major symbolic role, it also signalled changes to the daily lives of many people. Some of the changes were positive, yet others were challenging. Rebuilding economies takes time and without infrastructure, can leave some people outside the new mainstream. As the decades have passed, systems have begun to improve, but not for all people. It is like public health, where programs are implemented for the good of the many. The few can be left behind.

When I saw the wall being dismantled on news footage, it made me stop and just watch. When thinking of a song for this day, one did come to mind for two reasons -- the main one was how I had been affected. The title of the song says that well. The group singing it says the rest.  Enjoy!

Take my Breath Away -- Berlin

Day 312 -- Thanksgiving, Moonlight, & Harmony

Today we celebrated Thanksgiving. Granted, it is neither Canadian nor American Thanksgiving -- but our own small Thanksgiving. Several of us were not up for celebrations last month, so we postponed things until today.  The meal was filled with amazing vegetable dishes to complement the turkey.  A turnip-carrot puff, Brussels sprout bake, a beet and chard salad, and fluffy, mashed potatoes.  And a pear cranberry crumble pie for dessert. It was fantastic! It is always fun to get together with friends and relax for a few hours while enjoying great foods. It helps us all leave the stresses of work behind us for just a bit.

On the way home the sky was clear, revealing a bright full moon. Last night it was only partially visible through the mist. The colder, crisper air today made it seem much clearer. (The temperature fell from just over 60F (15C) to below freezing today causing some snow and ice pellets early in the morning). It was a treat to be able to see the sky, even briefly, this evening.

These thoughts brought a number of songs to mind. Two in particular stuck around longer than the others, so they are the duo selected for today. Each of these songs contains harmonies that I enjoy. The first is by a singer that I heard often growing up, with this song being one that I've known by heart since being a wee one. The second is a duet that is much newer and yet has a voice from my childhood and one from much later in life. Great harmonies both. Enjoy!

Carolina Moon -- Connie Francis

Moonglow -- Tony Bennett and k.d. lang

Day 311 -- end of week/beginning of break

The end of a long week -- and thus begins the 4 day Fall study break. Much of the time will be spent grading to get the many papers and assignments completed. It is a needed time to recentre for everyone in preparation for the final push to the end of term. Today most people seemed almost giddy.

The weather brought more rain -- as in MORE rain. It poured overnight and rained most of the day. There were several episodes of torrential downpours. As I left the building this afternoon to get to the car, it was a fine steady rain. This changed quickly once I was about halfway to the car. I left a puddle on the car seat and my jeans were soaked through from the rain running off my rain coat. Wet denim is never a comfortable feeling <smile>.

The day ended with a lovely dinner out with friends to celebrate the birthday of one friend's mother. It was a delightful time together. I realized that I'd seen one of them for a few minutes at the photocopier this week and we generally cross paths more often. We all have been holed up madly working to get things done for deadlines -- just heads down and ploughing forward. Not the healthiest situation.

Today's song speaks to a type of ending. The relaxed style of the Canadian songwriter can bring a feeling of peace. Enjoy!

End of the Day -- Doug Paisley

Day 310 -- Repetition

Today began at the office with a notification that the software program I'd used to enter requested data (using the link in the request) doesn't actually work. I got no error messages yesterday in the hour it took me to find and enter all the bits of information needed.  Others seem to have had difficulties opening the program and some got error messages saying data had not been saved. For me, it opened and noted it was saving information, but no indication that it wasn't actually doing so. <sigh> So, I had to find the bits all over again and send it all in an e-mail <smile>.  Thus began a day of repetition.

Technology and I have been having run-ins all term. Things that should work or say they will work in a particular way, seem not to work for me. I sometimes feel like I'm turning into a luddite. I really enjoy newer technologies and would love to try them, having often been one of the innovators -- those people that try things before the early adopters choose to move things forward. <smile>. I will admit to having inadequate time to learn and re-learn as new iterations arrive on the scene. It has nothing to do with not wanting to keep up; there just isn't time in the current job environment where 50 hours/week can be a slow week. That is not a complaint, just the fact. I would like to move forward to newer devices, software upgrades and apps. I hope to be able to move in that direction soon before it is too late to catch up.

There really was only one song that would work for the tone set early today  It is from the psychadelic '60s, and the lyrics say it all. Love the singer, too. <smile>  Enjoy!

Long title: Do I have to this all over again? -- The Monkees (Peter Tork singing)

Day 309 -- Struggle to be less confined

Today, I finally got to do a bit of shopping for groceries and some household items. I still need to do the shopping for winter items and get things prepared for the winter season. That may be another few weeks before time frees up to do it all. The afternoon was a bit warmer than this morning but still very grey skies. Rumour has it the sun will shine tomorrow.

I tend to be a non-conformist, liking things not piled up inside neat little boxes, but more in an organic or amorphous format. Yet, having a bit of a routine that allows time to run errands can be helpful. Little conflicted me <grin>. Some people stick to a rigid routine that means spontaneity is impossible, but everything else has its time and place. There are times that last minute plans don't fit for me -- when tired I do need a bit of time to adjust. But, it isn't always a definite 'no' as it is for some people. I am working on finding a way to react more positively while I take a few minutes to determine if a change in plans will fit into my day. Being mindful of the needs of an introvert and not giving in to 'the feeling pressured to make an instant decision' will help.  Again, successes appear more on days when I am less fatigued or already overwhelmed by other events. I try to ask when a response is required or ask if I can get back to people once I get through the current item that was interrupted to ask if I could add something new to the mix. Many days this is working better, but there's always one of those off days to keep me humble. <smile>

The song I had thought of for today fits with my desire to be less regimented in how I do and what I do. I laughed when I realized that today was also Guy Fawkes Day (from the Gunpowder Plot of the beginning of the 17th century). So, the song seems to have a bit of meaning for this historical day, as well.  This is sung by one of my favourite country artists -- a true poet and philosopher.  Pardon the subtitles in this video but it was the only one of reasonable quality. Enjoy!

Standing Outside the Fire -- Garth Brooks

Day 308 -- Advent of holiday stressers

Is it just me or does it still seem a bit early for Christmas shows and commericals? The first show I noticed on the schedule was on Saturday -- the morning after Halloween, with the first commercial earlier in that week. The marketing of the holiday seasons seems way out of control. Halloween treats were in the stores since early September -- that is 8 weeks early. Anything purchased that early would never make it to the end to October. What a great way to justify over-consumption  -- eating and purchasing <sigh>.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy holiday specials, even repeats of movies and such from previous years. It just seems a bit early to start the movies now -- that means they will be played many, many, many times before Christmas. Another of my pet peeves.

The days seem to be so filled with pressures for everyone -- buy this, travel here, eat this, think that. The mass media follow us everywhere trying to get us to conform to help someone make a profit. The Christmas shows can add pressure making people feel they are behind schedule -- need to buy gifts, decorations, treats, cards, and  so on. So, the earlier this begins, the more anxiety that can be induced in viewers. I choose not to watch holiday specials until at least mid- November, but generally not until closer to US Thanksgiving. That is enough time to begin to get into the spirit of things. I don't want this to sound like a big 'bah humbug' just that I feel it may be healthier if we pace ourselves a bit.

Today's selection talks about the external and internal stresses we are subject to. I enjoy the repetitive melodic aspects that seem to embody the stress. Enjoy!

Pressure -- Billy Joel

Day 307 -- Finding Warmer Clothing

The warmth of the Sunday weather changed dramatically today. In the region yesterday it was about 20C (68F) with a feel like temp about 25C (77F).  Today it was 3C (37F) around 4 PM. The drizzle was cold and I expect it to be a solid form of precipitation this evening, at least while it is in the air.  Regions to the west of here got measurable snowfall today, but that isn't in the forecast so far for here. The wind chills were below freezing today making me wish I'd worn a heavier fleece under the rain coat.  Periods of sunshine appeared early in the day, with clouds arriving later in the afternoon -- enough clear sky so I could see the moon as I arrived home tonight.

It seems that the transition season of autumn is heading into more cold days and fewer warmer days. We have had a very warm and dry October, so it makes sense that as we head into November things might be wetter and cooler. For some reason this always seems to surprise people. I heard the hyperbole this morning when a news reader stated that winter had officially started. <sigh> Really? November 3 and winter is 'official'? It is the transition season, so some wintery weather is expected and does occur every year -- sometimes even earlier on the calendar. So, why are we surprised? We don't seem to be as surprised to see a warm day in the Spring, but winter weather seems to be less valued. I dislike the heavy snows any time of the year. I'm sure I could deal with cold, but snow and ice are less manageable. It inhibits our ability to travel and move about for daily activities. Digging out the warmer set of clothes and reluctantly storing the summer clothes seems almost traumatic <smile>.  However, today was not that extreme -- it was just autumn letting us know what was coming and helping us to get used to finding mitts before leaving the house in the morning -- perhaps trying to break us in gently.

The song today reminds me of the thoughts I had about needing the heavier fleece layer tomorrow. It is an upbeat song that is an ode to an article of clothing. Imagine <smile>. Enjoy!

An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down -- Rod Stewart

Day 306 -- All souls day

Time change makes such a difference. I knew that we'd moved an hour and yet when working on a time sensitive document, I was worried when I looked at the clock and thought I had 30 minutes to deadline. In actuality, I had 90 minutes. <smile>  Needless to say all went as it should, and I 'found' that mythical extra hour. All this reminded me of flying back from Asia where we left at noon and arrived in Vancouver at 6 AM on the same day.  What does that do for aging, I wonder <smile>?

The weather here consists of pouring rain and climbing temperatures.There was a loud thunder storm late this afternoon. It will be much cooler tomorrow. Looking at the snow out west, I'm not going to complain about the rain.  There are major pools of water collecting in depressions in the yard and around the neighbourhood. This is definitely rubber boot weather.

The selection for today deals with the final day of the hallowmas season, All Soul's Day. The lyrics have a very Celtic feel. The singer has a wonderful soprano voice and the musical arrangement is delightful. Enjoy!

All Souls Night -- Loreena McKennitt

Day 305 -- a Saintly Day

November 1 -- where has the time gone?  It seems as if it were just September -- this may be due to the academic term being so full, but I suspect others find it difficult to realize that a new month has arrived already. Overnight tonight, Daylight Savings time ends. While I feel that time change may not be as useful as it once was (for farmers before electricity and mechanized farming as we now know it), fall is easier to manage than spring for me. Getting an extra hour of sleep on the weekend is a dream <smile>. Adjusting to getting to sleep will be challenging for the coming week particularly if one watches evening news or an evening drama. It does all work itself out, but not without mental and physiological effects.

Today is also All Saints Day in some Christian denominations. It is also the Celtic festival of the dead -- Samhain, and in Mexico, Dia de los muertos (Day of the Dead). There have been religious festivals around this time of year for centuries and across belief systems, all dealing with remembering those who have died. I find this commonality or convergence of celebrations quite interesting -- similar, yet each unique.

The selection for today seemed to fit with the theme of All Saints Day.  This version of a traditional spiritual is one of many done in a secular format. This particular version is unique in many ways dealing with musicians and composers. It is great to watch the two singers having fun with this one. Enjoy!

When the Saints Go Marching In -- Danny Kaye and Louis Armstrong (from movie The Five Pennies)