Day 2-58 -- Time for some "me" time

Another sunny day and the end of the work 'to do' list -- well, for now <smile>.  I went for a walk and it was much icier than yesterday. There is so much out there, I'm not sure when it will ever all be gone. The sad news today was the death of Leonard Nimoy. He and that amazing voice were part of my formative years and both will be sorely missed.

So -- before the last half of the term begins on Monday, I plan to do 'me' things -- cook, shop, read and such, along with the regular weekend chores. It is my 'get a life' weekend <smile>. Perhaps grab onto life would fit better. There are jobs -- paid and unpaid -- that can demand much from an individual, leading the person to put the needs of others before their own. While this is not all bad -- the world is not all about 'me' -- each of us needs some time to focus on self. Without this, we may have less to offer others and can damage ourselves with burnout or resentment.The negative mental health issues brought on by giving too much can have short and long term health impacts. So -- we all need to grab onto life when we can to ensure that we remain who we really are.

The song I thought of for today has fun lyrics and video. While I believe a 'break' can help us stay true to who we are, the lyrics present this from a slightly different angle. Also, the video centres around a bit of sci-fi -- a great send off for Mr. N. Enjoy!

I don't have to be me ('til Monday) -- Steve Azar

Day 2-57 -- If the creek don't rise . . .

I spent this partly sunny day prepping lectures indoors and moving snow around outside. Well, I'm not sure snow is the correct term. It was more like ice bits that were glued to the underlying ice. The good thing is that the path is now even -- at least until the next semi-thaw when the footprints in the slush will make it all uneven again. I chipped the last of the ice and snow layers off the car -- lifting large slabs of ice from the windshield. I called my plow guy who has a wicked cold, but he sent a backhoe along to move the piles of ice left by the street and sidewalk plows and I now have an open driveway. I started the car to see if it would move or was mired in ice and frozen to the ground. It moved back and up onto the next layer of ice. I believe this means I can make a trip to the grocery store <grin>. It is amazing how odd it feels to have one's regular schedule disturbed.

A few minutes ago we were sitting here and a loud clicking noise began. I soon realized it was a dripping noise. This time the water is from the exhaust fan in the kitchen -- 2 feet east of the cupboard that had water on the weekend. Almost everyone has some degree of leaking at work or at home or at the mall.  Roof ice is blocking the melted ice from running to the eaves troughs.  So, it backs up under the shingles and finds a way into the building. Water always finds a way <sigh>. A plastic container will catch the drips for now and we'll think positive no-drip thoughts for long term.

The song that came to mind today has lyrics that remind me of potential major difficulties. It does this in an upbeat way. Enjoy!

Up on Cripple Creak -- The Band

Day 2-56 -- Remaining upbeat

At lunch today, I did a community talk for a lunch and learn for adults 55+. It was great fun!  I'd love to do another session some day. The snow began just before we left the library -- like big flakes of horizontal snow. It was warmer than yesterday and even with the wind chill it was bearable. The wind blew me sideways a few times, though, which is disconcerting when walking on the snow covered ice. Coming back down the hill to pick up some milk and a late lunch, the snow had turned to ice pellets with a ferocious sting -- a Nova Scotia winter facial, I guess.  Luckily, this quickly changed to misty rain that made my mittens wet <grin>.

I'm still hoping for spring soon. Not that I'm wishing my life away, but I'm ready for this any time now. I would like to go to bed and wake up tomorrow with no ice or snow. While this isn't likely to occur, it will happen in the coming weeks. After all, March begins on Sunday. My next big project is to get the driveway cleared again and get the car out of the driveway so I can go to the grocery store that is more than a walk away and buy all the heavy stuff I'm running low on -- sidewalk salt and gritty litter stuff, actual cat litter, and several heavier grocery items. So -- once the lectures for next week are completed and the several other smaller work-related tasks, I'll move in that direction. I remain optimistic that there will be time to move these tasks off the to-do list, even if it is a long list. 

A song came to mind over the past few days as I've wondered about my  hope for an early spring. It seems to fit well for today. I heard this first as a child; my mother loved the soundtrack to the movie. It is a little goofy but fun. Enjoy!


Cockeyed Optimist --  Mitzi Gaynor (from South Pacific)

Day 2-55 -- Relaxation of Baking

Another day working away at grading but it was productive.  It was very cold outside and felt coolish even in the house. It seemed like a good day to turn on the oven and bake something. So, I did. I made some regular buns and sweet rolls.  They are 'resting' at present, awaiting sampling. <smile>

I love cooking and baking. Time doesn't always allow me to do this as often as I'd like. I have learned to do binge cooking and baking when time presents itself. The deep freeze can be filled with all types of delights, which makes dinner easier after a long day at work. I'm hoping that I'll be able to make some muffins this week and some larger pots of soup and chili with biscuits. Other ideas may come to mind -- we'll see how things go. Cooking can be very calming while giving the feeling of accomplishment -- something we all can use <smile>.

Since I'm writing about making bread in a blog that is diary-ish, this song seemed to fit perfectly for today. The song is one that I heard often while working in a department store record department (along with sporting goods, china and housewares). It brings happy memories and is relaxing, just like baking. Enjoy!

Diary -- Bread

Day 2-54 -- Future Planning?

Traversed the icy streets today for an appointment and to check on the cat of a friend. No wind made the day feel almost balmy for a change, but it was just around freezing so really not cold. It is to drop to -20C overnight and stay cold during the day tomorrow with major wind chill factors. Luckily <smirk> I have enough grading to keep me occupied indoors all day tomorrow.

My appointment was the annual RRSP banking discussions. Retirement -- some days I'd start in a heartbeat and other days bring more measured plans <smile>. Planning for a new phase of life is daunting to say the least. Scary might be a better descriptor. I never really thought about it years ago when I began saving for retirement. Now when they refer to holding a product for 5-10 years, I wonder if that is too long or not long enough. How would one know if they were ready to retire -- not financially, but psychologically? There must be a planning group somewhere that allows people to think through the process. I firmly believe one must have a plan and not just 'stop' working. Getting a handle on what should be in that plan brings a variety of anxieties. Hence, my thought to find a group to deal with the fear of change.

While walking from the banking appointment to my next task, I was singing this song in my head. It always makes me smile and it seemed to fit the wishing or dreaming aspect of financial planning <smile>. I love this group -- in all iterations and this was one of their wonderful early songs. The lyrics are filled with double meanings and puns. Enjoy!

If I had a Million Dollars -- Barenaked Ladies

Day 2-53 -- A Rainy February Day

The rain poured down most of the day.  Sadly, the temperatures were not very high, so very little melted. Snow and existing ice have just been reinforced. I was prepared for the rain, but I wasn't prepared to have it indoors with me. There was a constant drip through the ceiling fan in the bathroom for most of the afternoon. Then it stopped just as it had begun. Abruptly. When I was making supper, I reached into the cupboard above the stove for the tinfoil, and found a soggy, disintegrating box. So, the rain seemed to get from the roof to the bathroom fan but also across to the wall the two rooms share. That seemed to be the only place with any ugly brown water. Luckily in the bathroom, the fan is directly above the toilet, so no water made it to the floor -- one should be thankful for small mercies <smile>. Temperatures will fall more than 20 degrees in the next 24 hours, so all the roof ice will freeze until the next day with rain and such.

My home is not the only place with such invasive water. A friend's bedroom had water coming in through the light fixture. At work, several offices had water through the ceiling much of last week. The roof ice is everywhere. Icicles are larger than seen in many years and they are in places I've never seen them before. While lovely, they can create quite dangerous situations. I do recall my first winter here when they had chain saws out to cut the icicles off the cathedral. Definitely something I'd never encountered on the prairies.

There was a song line that came to me today that I'll share with you all.  The song is an older tune -- one from those early days of rock 'n' roll . Enjoy!

Baby the Rain must Fall -- Glenn Yarbrough

Day 2-52 -- Infiltrative Thoughts

Today seems to be one of those days when sad thoughts infiltrate the mind. A couple things likely set off this train of thoughts that just ferreted its way in. I'm tired of many things from winter to regular frustrations to the (real) pain in my neck. <smile>  Perhaps this is the January blues showing up a bit late --I seem to feel behind in many tasks, so maybe this one got shoved to the side and is now demanding attention.

Thoughts that I would rather ignore find their way into the front of my mind -- often when I least expect them. In the grand scheme of life, these are not huge things, but they do create several negative feelings. I focused on some grading most of the day, which helped me to push the other thoughts out of the centre  space they were vying for.  I walked to do some cat care for a travelling friend and the ice on the hilly sidewalks demanded all of my attention. Often walking helps me to remove the stressful thoughts, but this walk brought in new srtesses <smile>. Knowing that more rain and snow is expected over the next 2 days and again mid-week is just more than I care to ponder.  I guess the bottom line is that I am just tired physically and mentally --either that or I'm becoming a curmudgeon. <smile>

The song that came to me today discusses a painful feeling -- one caused by the thought of a person. The lyrics fit well with the infiltrative thoughts experienced in my day. The singers work well together. Enjoy!

Here Come Those Tears Again -- Jackson Browne ft. Bonnie Raitt

Day - 2-51 -- Ice, ice, everywhere

Today was the end of a long week, even though it was only four days in the office. So much happening all at once creates a frenzied feeling. There is a lot to complete in the coming week when we have no classes.

The sun shone all day with bright blue skies. The freezing rain that occurred overnight left the ground covered in a slick layer of ice. Even with warmer temperatures and sunshine, the rain left the slushy piles of yesterday as solid, slippery mounds today. Hand rails on stairs on campus were covered and gave little support to anyone hoping for something to steady their assent. Walking today was compounded by a major wind that pushed me off my intended path -- that well chosen and thought out route across an icy expanse. Extra salt in some places provided some slushy areas for the walk home. These areas allowed walkers to relax briefly and breathe before traversing the next section of ice. It reminded me of driving the east-west Trans-Canada in southern Saskatchewan in the winter. The small tree breaks on the north and south sides of the road led to areas where ground drifting was eliminated for a couple car lengths. I found this helped to relax, breathe, and reposition before the next area of drifting. So, as silly as some people think the small trees are, they do the job for which they were intended.

Today's selection ran through my head as the wind chilled my cheeks and threatened to blow my toque off my head. The relentless keyboard back beat reflects the never-ending winter weather issues. It can create a feeling of anxiety if one concentrates on it too much. The title and chorus lyrics definitely reflect an aspect of this particular winter. Enjoy!

Cold as Ice -- Foreigner

Day 2-50 -- celebrations, crowds and ruminants

An auspicious day today -- it is lunar new year and my mother's birthday -- The Year of the Sheep or the Year of the Goat, depending on what you read. I've been told the traditional greeting translated from the original Chinese does not mean Happy New Year, but something akin to "congratulations on becoming wealthy."  That is a good wish -- to have as much as one needs.

I've been in Hong Kong on Lunar New Year before.It was the year of the Horse and the decorations in the city had been amazing. The shopping district was wall to wall people. Hundreds and hundreds of people crossing at the lights.We held onto each others coats to ensure the four of us were not separated. It was a wild experience for someone who hasn't lived anywhere nearly as large as that city. On New Year's Eve Day the whole city seemed to be out shopping for new clothes, household goods, and fresh flowers. The crowds there were nothing compared to what we encountered at the airport the next morning. This is a major four day holiday and everything shuts down as people go to visit family. Flights are generally over-booked as was our flight. We stood firm and refused to be shunted to a different airline with very different routing and arrival times in Vancouver. The flight itself was bizarre, with flight attendants in the galley for 9 hours of a 10 hour flight, totally ignoring the passengers. Another interesting life experience everyone should try -- but just once <smile>.

I expect that everyone feels lost in a crowd every once in a while.  Its a sort of anonymity among many even if they are people who know you. Maybe it is more like feeling ordinary or shunned. It may be an almost lonely feeling that can be very fleeting, but it can settle in for a nano-second every now and then. Sometimes it involves a moment of anxiety or panic, but just a tiny moment. Then before you have time to fully grasp the breadth of the event, it is over, much like our experiences crossing those streets years ago. Perhaps it is a reminder to choose not to go with the flow -- sheep mentality <smile>. So -- today the song of choice mentions a line that I've thought of often. It is a simple song, but very effective.  Enjoy!

A Face in the Crowd -- Tom Petty

Day 2-49 -- Little changes making big waves

How many Mondays can there be in a week that had a holiday Monday? Tuesday had several odd occurrences and seemed non-stop from waking until sleep. Today seemed worse <smile>. Several typos were discovered during a midterm exam -- granted I had a major headache the day I wrote it and proof reading failed me then, too. For the first time in 16 years of examinations, several had errors from printing -- great black swaths running from top to bottom of random pages.  That created further stress in the exam room.  We managed and most gave me a smile as they left. Now that may be out of pity, but today, I'll take it and hope the exam tomorrow goes more smoothly.

It is interesting that a long weekend can be so disorienting. Perhaps it is a result of the holiday after a number of snow days. We must be greater creatures of habit than we wish to recognize. When thinking of this, I realized that changing my surroundings - like moving things from one place to another can create some frustration. For years my jewellery has sat on the dresser top in the original little boxes. I've wanted a wooden jewellery box, but have never found the style and size that would work best. Instead I purchased three nesting boxes made of bamboo. A couple of weeks ago, I put all the little boxes inside the three new boxes and artistically stacked these three on the side of the dresser.  Not seeing all the little boxes seems to remove them from my mind and I find that I'm going to work without bracelets or broaches more often than not. I do know that my personality type does need to see things. If I put papers in a file in the filing cabinet, it is like they no longer exist. I've read that having file folders in stacking cubes or something similar would make them much more usable -- all because I can see them.  This may be the reason I have piles of files out in the open so often and deal well with chronologically piled papers and journals. It does mean the office has that absent-minded professor look to it -- papers piled everywhere. It also means that I would have a high score for the clutter-blindness scale (a real thing -- really). I just fear someone will call that show about hoarders <smile>.

Today's selection deals with change through intriguing lyrics and an artistic video. Enjoy!

Everything Changes -- Julian Lennon

Day 2-48 -- Laissez le bon temps rouler!!

It seems at work all brains need a major break -- some very silly questions received today and we're all making silly errors.  Reading week is next week but this week is still midterm week.  We will all survive with few disruptions -- no disruptions actually would be my goal. <smile>

When I finally got home today, there was no question about what to make for supper -- it is Shrove Tuesday -- so it was pancakes. Well, to be technically correct -- pancake. One large cranberry pancake folded with a filling of spiced apple sauce and topping of melted creamed honey.  Very yummy. It is fun to have breakfast at supper. <smile> My other choices were blueberry pancake with maple syrup or corn & cormeal pancake with maple syrup.  The syrup, blueberries and cranberries are all relatively local -- within an hour of home for the cranberries and the other are about 10 minutes outside of town -- 20 minutes from the house. So, today I went local.  As I came home, the Knights of Columbus hall had many cars arriving, so there must be a pancake supper there, too.

While I grew up calling this Shrove Tuesday, it is also Mardi Gras.  I love New Orleans, but I don't think you could get me into those parade crowds for anything. Parades begin around Epiphany with different krews presenting their king and queen. It all ends with the grand Rex (king) arriving by boat on the Mississippi into the French Quarter. This occurs on Monday, so is called Lundi Gras (we ate red beans and rice with greens at home last night). Tuesday has a big parade for Mardi Gras -- a day for beignets and king cake and all things purple, green and gold. It is the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the lent season, which often is marked by fasting and self-denial.

The song today is a cover of one made famous by Professor Longhair. The singer is another prominent New Orleanian. Enjoy!

Go to the Mardi Gras -- Fats Domino

Day 2-47 -- Stormy Holiday Monday

Very strong winds blew snow about all night long and are still audible outside my windows. I moved more snow today, but far less than others in the maritimes have encountered. We also had a reasonable amount of rain yesterday, but haven't seen quite the same degree of flooding as elsewhere in the province. It is a long weekend, so while many businesses were closed due to road and visibility problems, there were no school closures due to weather today. The campus is closed, but classes and offices had not been planned due to the holiday.

Today marks the first time for a new provincial holiday in Nova Scotia -- Heritage Day. The honoree chosen for this inaugural year is Viola Desmond.  A Canadian stamp issued earlier also honoured her active protest for equal rights for African Canadians. In November 1946, this woman was travelling from Halifax to Sidney for business. Her car broke down and while it was being fixed she went to the local movie theatre. She tried to buy a ticket to sit on the main floor, but was refused. It seemed that persons of colour were relegated to the balcony seats only albeit at a 10 cent price reduction.  She still chose to sit on the main floor. This protest led to her being taken to jail overnight and subsequently convicted of defrauding the province of 1 cent tax that would have been included in the price of a main floor ticket. She was given the choice to pay a fine of $26 or go to jail for 30 days. Desmond ran a beauty school and could not abandon her work, so paid the fine. It was 2010 before a pardon was provided (posthumously) due to the unfair treatment she received in the courts based on her colour. Desmond's protest occurred before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in the US. Both women showed courage in pointing out that the practices in place at the times were unfair.

Only one song came to mind to fit the Heritage Day honoree and those like her -- a simple lyric and melody that speak to the hope behind such advocacy. Enjoy!

We Shall Not be Moved -- Mavis Staples

Day 2-46 -- Horizontal Snow and Waving Flags

Horizontal snow flew past the windows for most of the morning. Once it became less thick out there, I went to move the snow off the porches and stairs. The rain began once I started moving snow. I'd wanted to get the snow moved before it became slush. There is a flash freeze warning and that would be a terrible mess.  The snow was heavy and wet and got wetter as I moved it around for 40 minutes.  It was perfect snowman snow,  When I came in, my jacket was soaking wet. It is an interesting experience -- the coat gets heavier and heavier as one shovels. <smile>.

The winds today were major this morning and then died back a bit but still with hefty gusts. It would be a great day for flying kites. It has been a perfect day for flags, too. A good thing, since today is the 50th anniversary of the red and white maple leaf flag of Canada. Prior to adopting this flag, Canada flew a red ensign with the 'Union Jack' in the upper left corner and the shield from the Canadian coat of arms. This naval flag was widely used despite the Union flag being the official flag of Canada. This all changed in 1965 when, after heated debate, the red and white maple leaf became our national flag. It is an interesting story of politics and emotion that is well worth reading.

A teacher from an elementary school in Kitchener, ON wrote a new song for the occasion. It was recorded with the teacher and the school choir. The video is delightful. Enjoy!

Canadian Flag Waver -- Stephen Bergen and Smithson Public School students

Day 2-45 -- For the Love of Hockey

St.Valentine's Day is today. It is a non-event for many of us.  I wish people happy Valentine's day and even send a card or two.  Other people I spoke to didn't have anything major planned for the day either. Some noted they'd be home watching a movie -- waiting for that next storm to arrive overnight perhaps <smile>.

Another event today is seeing a lot more action -- Hockey Day in Canada - though an unofficial designation. Saturday night has been hockey night in Canada since the original 6 -- those pre-expansion days when one knew every player of every team. Today games involved all 7 of the Canadian teams -- Leafs, Habs, Sens, Jets, Oilers, Flames, & Canucks. This past week there have been many events across the country including the International Pond Hockey tournament in New Brunswick.  I understand hockey and can follow a game, I am a Canadian after all; yet it isn't my favourite sport so I don't follow it with weekly fervour. I do know who is in the playoffs as they work their way down to only two teams that will meet in the Stanley Cup. I do have a favourite team, the same one since the days of Jean Beliveau. 'Nuff said. <smile> I've been to an NHL game complete with two overtime periods and sat right behind the glass on the blue line. It was an exciting evening. I also enjoy women's hockey, but see this less often.

So for those who love hockey and are celebrating Valentine's Day with the multiple games today, I share a song -- a truly Canadian song from the lyrics to the singer-songwriter. Enjoy!

The Hockey Song --Stompin' Tom Conners

Day 2-44 -- Triscaidekaphobia

Today was Friday the 13th.  Since I was 10 this day has held some degree of dread for me.  I've only broken one bone in my life thus far <touch wood> and that was on Friday 13th in a freak incident. As a child, this did create some anxiety and I will admit to still having some residual angst these many years later.

I suspect some of this comes from growing up with a superstitious Irish-descended grandmother. I loved her dearly, but some of those OCD-like habits seem to have transferred to me <smile>. Spill salt -- it goes over the shoulder. Tempt fate --I touch wood like an old druid. Snag a nail on Sunday -- it waits until Monday to be filed. I could go on, but that might seal my reputation as being an odd person <smile>.  I am a scientist but as I often say, knowledge does not lead directly to behaviour change. I often find myself doing or saying something without even thinking about the background of the behaviour -- superstition. It seems to be well ingrained and I'm not sure how difficult that change might be. Some day, perhaps. <smile>

A song for today came to mind earlier this week when I thought about the fact that a Friday 13th in February means another one in March <yikes>.  The song is another from the '60s performed by a stellar group. The lyrics deal with superstitions so seemed to fit the day. Enjoy!

Run, Run, Run -- The Who

Day 2-43 -- Pains and Pearls of Life

The week has one more day -- not that I want to wish my life away, but I so need it to be midterm break. That is still just over a week away. The faces of those around me -- and in the mirror -- look so tired. I often feel like I'm walking through water and am not fully aware of what is going on around me. If I stop, I will fall asleep in place. I heard someone else say today that they wanted to go home and sleep for a month. So, I know I'm not alone. It would be great to hide from the world and sleep at will with nothing or no one expecting something from me. That is a fantasy, but getting to some recovery would be so pleasant. There are bright spots in the days, without doubt. But I just need more time to rest so I can enjoy the good bits even more <smile>. This isn't a new theme for this blog, but it is a fact of academic life, it seems.

There definitely are some thoughts rattling around inside my head this week -- wondering about life with all its pains and pearls. This time of year is a struggle at work, which affects all aspects of life. I suppose one might not take a job if people were truthful about the impacts it might have <smile>.  Having worked in several jobs throughout my career, I can say that they all have a down side. As long as that side is outweighed by the other sides, things will work out.

For a song today, I chose an older tune <surprise!>  <smile>. The lyrics clearly fit my thoughts of today. Enjoy!

Life ain't easy -- Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show

Day 2-42 -- Gotta get a life

Two events today made me think about normalcy in a life.  One colleague noted that planning social events was difficult for 'us' but not for others who have a 'normal' life. I've often felt a twinge of envy or jealousy when work becomes all consuming. I wonder what I am missing that other people have, though I'm sure this could be noted in reverse, too.  It's not that I dislike my life, but one wonders some days about other routines.

In the afternoon, while talking to another colleague, she noted that she was going out for groceries. I immediately asked if she wanted a tag-along.To be honest, I was almost giddy. I told her I really needed to 'get a life' being as excited as I was with a trip to a grocery store. It has been two weeks between shopping trips and I so needed to just get out somewhere for some produce and a few other things that we'd run low on at home.  I met another friend at the store, as well, who was shopping before the next expected storm coming tomorrow into Friday. There are two others in the offing for the weekend and into next week -- maybe.

What song fits that sort of feeling? One did come to mind from a Lerner and Loewe musical.  It does need some clarification, though, just to be clear on the motivations behind this choice.  This song came to mind when thinking of songs that talk about understanding others -- one societal sub-group wondering about another sub-group.  This song portrays a major hierarchical difference between royalty and commoners. I in no way feel that I am in a sub-group that is better than any other -- just different. So, I don't see myself as a put upon queen <grin>. The lyrics are questioning and wondering how others cope with daily life events. It is light and upbeat. I've chosen a version of the original Broadway cast. Enjoy!

What do the simple folk do? -- Julie Andrews and Richard Burton

Day 2-41 -- Paying tribute to a musical icon

Yesterday saw the 73rd birthday of Carole King. In the past, this blog has featured songs of Carole King and Gerry Goffin -- a song writing power duo of the 1960s -- the hit songs recorded by King and many others. These songs stand the test of time. Some are fun and somewhat frivolous while others made bold statements or presented deep thoughts.  I will admit that the melodies often grabbed my attention, while the lyrics seemed inviting and often said what I felt or thought as a youth. The fact that many of the recordings had a keyboard playing a key riff or background caught my attention, since that was the instrument that I played. A look at my iPod and my CD collection shows many albums that feature songs written by this duo and by King herself.  So, it is no surprise that I find myself drawn to her songs regardless if the original hit recording or a cover. So many singers and groups have recorded from this prolific song collection, it is very easy to find a multitude of songs without much effort. The effort comes at having to pare down the list to share here today <smile>.

I have settled on three songs to share today -- a very difficult task, but a wonderful chance to revisit so many favourites.  The first presented a song that was distinctly from a female perspective sung by a powerhouse. The second is a cover by an early group new to the pop scene in the early '60s. This one was one of the first roles as lead vocalist for one group member in a group dominated by two other key leads.  The last for today still is a favourite of mine in all its iterations, but I'm going with the early recording with the fresh young vocals for today.  Enjoy!

You make me feel (like a natural woman) -- Aretha Franklin

Chains -- The Beatles (with George Harrison as lead vocalist)

Some time in the Morning -- The Monkees

Day 2-40 -- Remembering a Friend -- Music, Metaphor, & Philosophy

Where to begin -- early today I received news of the death of a friend, colleague and co-author.  She had been struggling for a long time with a rare chronic condition and her struggle ended last Friday.  Oddly, I had been thinking of her a lot over the past week as I was putting together materials to introduce metaphor in writing qualitative research findings. You see, she studied metaphor, once writing a wonderful piece called "What's a Meta for?" <smile>. That title alone tells you something about her keen wit and sense of humour. I was also thinking of our January conference visit to Honolulu over the past few days as I've dealt with all the snow from the latest storm. I often think of the evening we spent with two other friends from Nova Scotia at a small outdoor bar on Waikiki beach -- watching the sun set as we drank mai tais. It was 27C even as the sun set and the internet had told us it was -25C back home.  If the time change hadn't been 7 hours, I'm sure we'd have made a call to our colleagues just to say 'hi' <smirk>.

Her mind was sharp up to the end -- filled with creative ideas and deep philosophical thoughts. I loved spending time chatting with her as it was never dull. She enjoyed music and loved to socialize and discuss all those questions about life that arise with a table full of academics <grin>.  I recall discussing a research question with her and I used the term 'deconstruction' which perked up the ears of a positivist at the table who wanted a definition. I gave a basic definition which was met with a bit of scepticism and she rescued me by pulling in the philosophical underpinnings of post-modernism and post-structuralism. It was then we decided that we would write something together. I still love that piece, though it isn't easily accessible from the conference proceedings 10 years later.

The world is different without her in it.  I take heart knowing her family, friends and one of her cats were with her at the end. I smile thinking of her now having those philosophy discussions with some of those she studied. Finding a song wasn't easy -- so many ideas came to mind. In her honour, I settled on one that uses metaphor in a fun way. Enjoy!

Everything -- Michael Buble

Day 2-39 -- Escape Routes

Time went by too quickly today.  The 'to do' list wasn't completed. Almost, but not fully finished. The grading was finally done in early evening. The shovelling of the last of the snow-filled areas from the last storm of the week was completed today, which ate into the time for the regular Sunday activities.

In the bright sunshine early this afternoon, I shovelled a path alongside the house and then tackled the huge drift up the back stairs. The basement door was cleared, too.  I've often felt stressed when there was only one exit from the house.  As of mid-afternoon, I had all three escape routes open should the need arise.  The remaining snow duties involved clearing the huge drift off the front of the car and shovelling that debris onto the growing piles at the side of the walkway.  The car started with no hesitation and with a bit of rocking it moved backwards about 2 feet.  I hate leaving the car sitting in the same spot when there is ice and potential melting.  It is unpleasant to have it sink into the slush and then freeze to the ground. The sidewalk plow cleared a path earlier today and did not refill my driveway. <smile>  So -- I now have a way out of the driveway, too.  You'd almost think I was planning on escaping somewhere <grin> -- heading through the furrows of walkways.

While shovelling, I reflected on these small escape routes and pathways used by the neighbourhood. That led me to pondering the underground railroad that had end points within Nova Scotia. Those were elaborately planned routes that used musical signals to travellers.  Music played a major role in the freedom trails. Today, in honour of Black History Month and African Heritage Month, I share a song about the many people involved in travelling and assisting people wishing to escape the slave trade.

The Ballad of the Underground Railroad -- by Boyer-Alexander -- sung by Armstrong School

Day 2-38 -- Still Shovelling

Today was a day without shovelling.  Not that there isn't more to do, but I'm sore and had housework to contend with along with lecture prep.  It was sunny outside so may have been pleasant to be out. I just made a choice to avoid it today.  The next session will be to make  a path along the side of the house and up the back stairs. I can't get out that door due to a chest high drift against the storm door. The basement exit will be easier as it is only mid-calf deep there. The car needs to be cleared, too, so that should be an hour of work doing it at a slow pace. Good exercise, if done correctly.

Yesterday I spent about 2 hours across two sessions shovelling the light drifted snow.  It was knee deep in most places and a little less elsewhere. I did all but 2 car-lengths of the drive way -- just a shovel width wide. The back hoe came while I was at the front end of the car. He used the loader to push snow from the street to the back of the car, depositing it all in an 8 foot pile on the front lawn.  Now the sidewalk plow hadn't been by nor did it go by today. So, I would suspect when I head out on Monday morning at 7:30, it will have just gone by and buried me in again. The trick with that debris is to get to it almost at once or it freezes as large icy chunks. We'll see. I may have to make a consumer complaint call <smile>. Monday class begins at 8:15 so not a lot of spare time to push extraneous snow for the second time.

I'm sharing a selection today that is from an indie band. The music and lyrics are oddly haunting, yet pleasing. The accompanying video is beautifully done. It fits with the ongoing winter theme of my life <smile>. Enjoy!

While I Shovel the Snow -- The Walkmen

Day 2-37 -- What do you like for breakfast?

A conversation yesterday centred on breakfast foods.  When we usually picture breakfast it is often a 'hot' meal of eggs and pork products or hot grains such as oatmeal or cream of wheat.  Other common meals include cold ready-to-eat cereals with milk and a glass of juice. The latter is a more recent arrival with their advent at the end of the 19th century.  However, these choices may appear a bit ethnocentric as there are many traditional breakfast meals found amongst different cultures.

In the conversation yesterday, I'd mentioned that I'd never encountered baked beans as a breakfast food until moving to eastern Canada. This is common here and in Newfoundland. To me, this would be a wonderful breakfast meal with toast or biscuits. One other meal that appeals to me is the traditional hummus and pita common in middle eastern cultures.  The serving size for the hummus is large compared to the snack-sized portion we usually eat here -- 3/4 cup (175 mL) vs.2 Tbsp. (30 mL). As a public health nutritionist I recall a fantastic poster (from a dairy producers organization) that promoted breakfast consumption in children and youth.  It showed a series of pictures of meals with many non-traditional breakfasts -- homemade pizza, leftover spaghetti or macaroni and cheese, smoothies, yoghurt shakes, or fruit salad with muffins, and a variety of colourful sandwiches. It received great interest from the kids and I expect they took some unusual ideas home with them.  It reminded me of when I was a kid and we were away at a family wedding. We went out for breakfast and I wanted a toasted tomato sandwich and my mom was certain this wasn't what I should eat. My uncle met us and he ordered a toasted tomato sandwich <smile>. I ate that for breakfast for years.

A friend shared a wonderful new song today that I'll share here. The lyrics are wonderful, but it may help to read them as they are being sung <smile>. This is definitely something that could be used with youth to promote breakfast consumption. Enjoy!

What makes the breakfast? -- Mike Phirman

Day 2-36 -- Wide expanses of water

It was a rather long day at work -- two regular classes and one longer make up class.  Walking in was pleasant as the temperature was rising and the rain was just a mist.  The frozen ground cover had a layer of slush on top that gave a bit of traction.  The trip home at supper wasn't as pleasant. It was dark so depth perception made choosing safe footing more challenging.  While on the trip in this morning, there were a couple small areas of water that had diminished since yesterday.  However, on the homeward trip great ponds or maybe lakes had developed with the warmer temps and rain through the afternoon -- and not only in the usual places but in most areas.  The slushy areas were lessened with only glare ice often and beside the lakes (really -- these were 2-3 meters long and 7-10 cm deep) there was no secure footing with half meter piles of ice on either side. I chose one of these once and then decided that slipping into traffic wasn't much of a choice over wading through the lakes. It was a slow trip home -- and I remained upright.  <smile> I thought wit would be pleasant to  have a walking partner to share the terror or at least have a ferry across the lakes and the torrents flowing down the gutters. I will admit to one odd thought as I traversed the wildness -- "I must remember to take my vitamin D when I get home." <grin>

The slush from the melting today hadn't fully frozen when I got home, so I took time to shovel more of it off the accumulated glaciers in the yard. In many places it is now more even, but still far from reaching the ground. My hope was that this would make shovelling easier for the current falling snow -- 20 cm expected overnight and there are already a few cm down from the evening.  It should be light snow at least as the temps are dropping about 20 degrees C overnight. That makes me feel pleased on one hand, but to have all that flowing and stagnant water freeze up will be problematic. The Brook overflowed its banks from ice build up and jams earlier this week. This freeze up could add to that as well as push water into businesses on Main in the areas with deep standing water.

The song for today is a relaxing one. The lyrics reflect my wish for another way over the water. I like this version with singers from Lilith Fair just a 'few' years ago <smile> and the wonderful acoustic guitars.  Enjoy!

The Water is Wide -- Sarah McLachlin, Jewel, & Indigo Girls

Day 2-35 -- Disruptors to routine abound

Disrupt -- defined as "to throw into confusion or disorder," "to interrupt or impede progress" or "to break apart or alter so as to prevent normal or expected functioning." (The Free Dictionary).

Trying to maintain the regular daily pattern has become difficult. The repetitive stormy weather has been disorienting. Having 'snow days' during the early part of the week has left us challenged to know what day it is today. The disruption to the routine of classes and labs has left many people in a type of daze. Added physical stress from getting around town and campus and moving snow and ice may be the reason behind the exhaustion visible in faces of people seen at work. Mental stresses from the relentless string of storms lining up across the continent to wreak havoc on the east coast is trying.

Today I realized how difficult the past three weeks have been. Knowing that there is always something looming creates constant feelings of anxiety. The physical activity of walking through snow and ice and trying to remove enough to make a walking path is not only tiring, but it takes time out of one's schedule. I also realized today that the whole process has been isolating.  I generally get out to the grocery store and other vendors weekly. With the storms and colder weather I tend not to drive, so don't frequent my usual haunts. The office is the only place where I see other people. Even when walking this week, I haven't really seen anyone else. There are many others out walking rather than driving, but my head is down as I try to navigate the nastiness frozen to the ground. Doing so means that I don't look up and around as I usually do, so I don't see other people or things as is natural. Exhaustion, isolation, stress -- all major disruptors of life's rhythms caused by weather disruptions.  Hmmm --  I may have to call a taxi to go to the mall and get out among the people <grin>.

The title of a song came to the front of my mind today -- it described what I am feeling perfectly.  It is a fun little song with interesting visuals and instrumentation. Enjoy!

Complicated Rhythms -- Bella Ruse

Day 2-34 -- A World Covered in Ice

What a crazy day!  The storm last evening left about 15-20 cm snow and then it poured rain -- about 15 mm were expected. The top of that snow layer turned into a crust of ice -- at least 5 cm thick. I've seen this phenomenon before, but not as thick as this.  In many areas, this ice layer was so thick it couldn't be broken by kicking and stomping. The icy coating was solid, smooth and slippery. It took about 45 minutes to shovel off the small porch, 5 stairs and less than 10 feet of narrow sidewalk in front of the house. Luckily, while I changed to head into work, two intrepid students walked through the yard -- a commonly used short cut -- and broke the beginning of a trail for me to get out to Main Street.

I've never experienced such a thick coating of ice on every surface.  The ploughs had been through early in the morning to clear the streets and sidewalks. Under the ice layer had been snow and under that was slush.  The slush that remained after the heavy equipment did the job, froze solid by mid-morning due to a flash freeze.  In some areas there are pools of water that gathered during the storm and had no where to flow -- leaving no where else for walkers to go either. Good news -- the new water proof boots work as expected. <smile>  The walk into the campus for the afternoon class was wild. Coming back down the hill this evening showed no changes. The roads are covered and hills very icy. So glad I didn't need to drive to work. There was beauty in the ice crystals on the tree branches -- some of the freezing rain that fell during the freeze -- and in the bright sun this afternoon they sparkled like diamonds.

Interestingly, only one song came to mind earlier today as walking into work.  I found myself muttering and the next thing I did was laugh as I thought of the lyrics to the song selection for today.  The rhythm is wonderful and the dancing great -- just not something that could be attempted outdoors here today <g>. The lyrics say it all for today. Enjoy!

Ice Ice Baby -- Vanilla Ice

Day 2-33 -- Stuck in Time Warp

Well, it is Groundhog Day for those who feel a rodent can predict weather better than someone with a science degree. I will admit to thinking this possible, but tend not to hold much stock in the outcomes since the major furry prognosticators do not always agree -- even the ones in fairly close geographic proximity. That said, I'd be quite happy for an early spring <smile>.

I had thought that the nor'easter every third day had gotten old rather quickly. It is like being on a merry-go-round -- first the storm day, then the clean up day, then the scramble to get errands done day to be prepared before the events repeat themselves.  Storm. Clean. Ready. Repeat.  It reminded me of that silly movie Groundhog Day. The feeling of repetition brings odd thoughts -- how many storms have there been in the past two weeks? Really -- or are you just imagining more since you dislike them so much? Will I be able to get out the door tomorrow morning? The later is uppermost in my mind right this minute. Often the storm door (which opens out) must be forced to open just a couple of inches. Hands must be used to move enough snow to get the shovel out the door and then the door open enough for a human to pass through.  This challenge seems rather absurd especially when I think of trying to explain snow and ice to people in Thailand -- where 70F temperatures lead them to wear sweaters and longer skirts and pants <smile>. I keep hearing their response to an explanation of the -35C temperature we'd left in Saskatchewan. One young man noted this must be like a freezer. When we told him it was far colder than a freezer he said, "Why do you live there?" Indeed.  An explanation of not being able to get out of the house due to deeper snow on the porch likely would convince them we are not in possession of our full faculties.

I've chosen a song that speaks to the feeling of being stuck in this repetitive 3-day time warp. This was part of the first foray into recording for this quartet. If nothing else, it brings some feelings of relaxation. Enjoy!

Deja Vu -- Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young

Day - 2-32 -- A love of history

While working and wondering about the next storm heading our way, I found myself thinking about my love of history. I've always enjoyed learning about the past. Historical novels and biographies have been part of reading fare as long as I can recall - from the Little House books to the period pieces of Agatha Christie and more recently with the tomes of Rutherford and Gabaldon.  I enjoy historical movies with life stories such as the musical biographies of Glenn Miller, Red Nicols, Billy Holiday, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and Bobby Darin (and so many more <smile>). Biographical movies of other famous people have made an impression including Charles Lindberg, Queen Elizabeth I, George VI, Elizabeth II, and Nelson Mandela.  Other notables, like the books, take place during historical events but are not all works of fiction. Many of these have involved wars, battles or uprisings like A Year of Living Dangerously, Blood Diamond, The English Patient, Man in the Iron Mask, The Count of Monte Cristo and so many more. Of course there are many television programs -- series and mini series -- that have informed understanding of various times throughout history. I've been an avid viewer of these, too.

Perhaps then it isn't a wonder that I have been drawn to historical research <smile>. I have read much of the start of the dietetics profession as we know it today from the mid-1800s. Luckily much is available online or through interlibrary loans. Yet some key pieces of information from writers of the day are only available for reading in international libraries. I've made a journey to the British Library and read some historical items that helped to contextualize some of the interpretive writings of other researchers.  It is a joy to pursue this type of research question.

So -- Imagine my joy when a friend shared a link with me today with an historical theme!  Needless to say that helped me with the struggle for a single choice of a musical selection for today. The theme speaks for itself with these talented vocalists. Enjoy!

Evolution of Music -- Pentatonix