Another day of cleanup. I chose to spend only one hour shoveling the heavy wet stuff. I got the four sides around the car dug out, but chose to leave the piles on the car for another day. The temperature warmed a bit above freezing, so snow was dropping from the branches and wires as I shoveled. Rather than have a branch or ice fall onto the cleared off car, I left the foot or so of slush as a type of cushion. As I was gathering up the shovels and heading in, something large, hard and round fell onto the top of my head. It appears that one of the larger trees chose to drop a frozen snowball on me. I do have a distinct bump on the scalp, but it didn't break the skin. It hurt for a while, but doesn't hurt now.
I'll admit that when I first went out the door, in my head I heard the warnings given after ice storms -- not to walk under trees that might drop limbs or by large buildings that might drop ice. Yet, all that seemed to be falling was wet snow and water. Very little action in the area today -- I only heard a few pieces of large equipment in the distance. After supper was a sound that I'd dreaded -- a chainsaw. It lasted for a short while but I expect there will be more in that chorus over the next couple of days. I've heard that campus lost many trees, so the walk in tomorrow may look different than usual. I have planned a walk that takes me up walkways that are not tree lined, at least not on both sides of the road.
The song today contains a line or two about getting rid of pain that fit well with the headache that seems to have left. I would suggest that anyone trying this method might want to exercise it indoors rather than in the icy world outside my door <smile>. Enjoy!
Dance the Pain Away -- Benny Benassi ft. John Legend
Sunday 31 January 2016
Saturday 30 January 2016
Day 3 - 30 -- cleanup and sadness
Waking this morning brought the immediate anxiety of not wanting to look out the windows. Perhaps I could ignore the external environment by just pretending it wasn't there. Maybe it wouldn't be worse than it was after midnight when I headed to bed for the second time last night. Well, much as it would have been nice to just shrink the world down to the interior of the house for just a while longer, I did have to look and face it like an adult. There had been a measurable increase in snow as the storm tapered off overnight. Everything was enrobed in white. Trees were bending to the earth. Trying to see beyond a few feet was challenging today because of the reduced depth perception of the monochromatic world. I ventured out to clear off the steps and see if I could make a walkway out towards the street. I moved the 15 foot-ish branch from across the driveway and shoveled onwards. It took two hours to get to the back of the car. The loader would come later in the day to clear from the street to the back of the car. The top layer was wet, middle layer lighter and drier and the bottom was solid slush. I changed to a cooler coat early into the process and then took a break to go in to put lunch in the microwave so it would be quicker to heat and eat when I stopped the shoveling.
As I got closer to the street, the enormity of the situation became clearer. I could see workmen on my neighbours house across the street -- in bright orange jumpsuits -- as they seemed to be working on the reattachment of wires to the house. That seemed odd, but I just shoveled onwards. As I got up by the car, I saw the huge branch from their maple that obviously had fallen across the wires onto the street. The workers had moved the branches to the side of the road and rehung the wires. The house next to them had the better part of a younger tree lying across the width of the yard. The top of the pine between the two yards was bent toward the ground and someone in the street could see a split in the trunk that I couldn't see from my vantage point. I expect that both trees will be taken down which makes me sad. There were other trees and branches across lines further down the street. The people shoveling across the street said that a couple homes down the road had huge trees in front of the doors so they couldn't even get out that way. Other reports from friends and colleagues note major tree damage. Needless to say, the world will look different well beyond the whiteness of today.
The selection for today is one that brings a sense of calm, yet also speaks to a love that could be similar to that I have for the trees around the neighbourhood. They've been there for a long time, long before I arrived, and they just seem to be part of 'home' here. The song is by a favourite band that really was part of the soundtrack of our lives <smile>. Enjoy!
Seven Bridges Road -- The Eagles
As I got closer to the street, the enormity of the situation became clearer. I could see workmen on my neighbours house across the street -- in bright orange jumpsuits -- as they seemed to be working on the reattachment of wires to the house. That seemed odd, but I just shoveled onwards. As I got up by the car, I saw the huge branch from their maple that obviously had fallen across the wires onto the street. The workers had moved the branches to the side of the road and rehung the wires. The house next to them had the better part of a younger tree lying across the width of the yard. The top of the pine between the two yards was bent toward the ground and someone in the street could see a split in the trunk that I couldn't see from my vantage point. I expect that both trees will be taken down which makes me sad. There were other trees and branches across lines further down the street. The people shoveling across the street said that a couple homes down the road had huge trees in front of the doors so they couldn't even get out that way. Other reports from friends and colleagues note major tree damage. Needless to say, the world will look different well beyond the whiteness of today.
The selection for today is one that brings a sense of calm, yet also speaks to a love that could be similar to that I have for the trees around the neighbourhood. They've been there for a long time, long before I arrived, and they just seem to be part of 'home' here. The song is by a favourite band that really was part of the soundtrack of our lives <smile>. Enjoy!
Seven Bridges Road -- The Eagles
Day 3 - 29 -- Weathering the Storm
Friday was to be a stormy day, so I stayed home to work on a number of tasks from there. The snow seemed to begin by 1 pm -- just light fluffy flakes. By supper there was about 5-10 cm down and then it got really crazy into the early evening. The snow turned to those fine small flakes and they covered everything. There was a bit of melted precipitation mixing throughout, which created the consistency that just stuck to wherever it fell or was blown. Tree branches were all weighted down as were power, phone and cable lines. Seeing beyond a few feet outside of the window was impossible most of the evening. Just before 7, as I was finishing supper, the power went out, hence this message being a day late. First I packed a go bag and brought boots and coat into the bedroom with me. I found the comforter from the guest bed, doubled it and put it onto my bed. With a sweatshirt and sweat pants and 2 pairs of socks, I headed to bed about 9:30 pm. Electricity came on about 10:30 pm or later. By midnight when I got up for a hot beverage, there was about 15 cm more than there had been earlier. Two major branches were down -- one large one off the maple in the front fell and managed to miss the wires even though it lay under them. The other was the top 6-8 feet from the huge white pine in the back. That had come down before I headed to bed and by midnight was buried under much frozen white stuff. I believe we heard that one hit the roof and skate across with one huge gust of wind. Looking out the windows showed something like a scene from some apocalyptic weather movie. Even the light eerily shone though the source of the light was a mystery given the power outage and thick cloud and snow.
Once the heat was back on, I got to sleep again despite the anxiety about trees falling on the house or across the wires. The winds died down after midnight but the snow continued -- not as thick as earlier, but it was still falling. I will admit that only one line ran through my mind from a song my Dad played often. The song lyrics go beyond just the first line, particularly when I thought about the clean up that would be required over the coming days. The singer has a wonderful voice and sang many standards from the early '40s. Enjoy!
When the lights go on again -- Vera Lynn
Once the heat was back on, I got to sleep again despite the anxiety about trees falling on the house or across the wires. The winds died down after midnight but the snow continued -- not as thick as earlier, but it was still falling. I will admit that only one line ran through my mind from a song my Dad played often. The song lyrics go beyond just the first line, particularly when I thought about the clean up that would be required over the coming days. The singer has a wonderful voice and sang many standards from the early '40s. Enjoy!
When the lights go on again -- Vera Lynn
Thursday 28 January 2016
Day 3 - 28 -- New music, Old memories
Came across a 'new to me' Canadian band this week when they were featured on a morning show. Their first album was released in 2013 -- the same year that they won a Juno for Breakthrough Band of the Year. The second album will be released in February this year -- about 3 weeks from now. One of the pre-released songs was played and I just stopped and listened. They reminded me so much of many musical sounds from the past with their solid rock format -- regardless of the modifiers some people may try to put in front of 'rock'. They even looked like singers of the past <smile>. I wouldn't use the term 'retro' for these guys, though, as they really seem to be channeling that music from the past, rather than merely imitating it. This song took me back to friends and places I haven't thought of or seen in my head for a long time -- like right back to residence rooms and group gatherings, clothes I was wearing and the campus walk to the side door of Res. That is some powerful music and it was new not one of the many bands we listened to in those dorm rooms <smile>. Isn't music a wonderful thing?
I'll share the song that stopped me in my tracks. Enjoy!
Don't Tell me How to Live -- Monster Trucks
I'll share the song that stopped me in my tracks. Enjoy!
Don't Tell me How to Live -- Monster Trucks
Wednesday 27 January 2016
Day 3 - 27 -- Keep the conversation going
Let's Talk -- that is the annual message that begins in January each year. The day is sponsored by Bell, a major telecommunications and media corporation. The day advocates for more open discussions about mental health issues including reducing stigma, working for adequate care and access to that care, improved workplace health, and improved research for better understanding and better treatments. That is a huge undertaking, but the beginning is getting people talking about it. There is a theory of behaviour called 'agenda setting' part of which is to tell people what to think about -- get a discourse going about a topic with exploration of all views of the issues. This can move to the media coverage and social support needed to push forward for health policy changes.
One of the major aspects of the Let's Talk campaign has been getting people to actually think and discuss the topic -- taking mental health out of some dark attic corner and acknowledging its existence as a bona fide disease -- complete with biochemical alterations in the brain. Such discussions show that it isn't just a 'snap out of it' sort of thing. The hope is that more people begin to talk about it and how it may have affected their lives -- either through a family member, friend, colleague or the individual themselves. Each year spokespeople put a face on mental health -- depression, anxiety or panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder to name just a few. I've found that it has helped classroom discussions of mental health to go much smoother than a decade or more ago. Inaccessibility to adequate treatment has been a large part of the discussion, particularly among returning veterans. But, even access to services for campuses, communities and workplaces seem sorely inadequate. Research funding for all types of research is needed to ensure we understand societal situations, disease prevalence, and changes in social discourses around the subject as well as finding new treatments. There is much work to do, but before that can happen we have to be able to talk about this openly without fear of repercussions and use this to build a better society.
The two songs today come from two spokespeople for this campaign. The first singer has said that music was his therapy when working through mental health issues. He played out his feelings on his acoustic guitar "old brown". The first selection today is one of his songs in which he sings acapella with the bodhran. The second is from a wonderful muscial artist. She has many songs that could fit for today's topic. These singer/songwriters have lent their voices to removing the stigma. Enjoy!
Help Yourself -- Sean McCann
Counting Mercies -- Jann Arden
One of the major aspects of the Let's Talk campaign has been getting people to actually think and discuss the topic -- taking mental health out of some dark attic corner and acknowledging its existence as a bona fide disease -- complete with biochemical alterations in the brain. Such discussions show that it isn't just a 'snap out of it' sort of thing. The hope is that more people begin to talk about it and how it may have affected their lives -- either through a family member, friend, colleague or the individual themselves. Each year spokespeople put a face on mental health -- depression, anxiety or panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder to name just a few. I've found that it has helped classroom discussions of mental health to go much smoother than a decade or more ago. Inaccessibility to adequate treatment has been a large part of the discussion, particularly among returning veterans. But, even access to services for campuses, communities and workplaces seem sorely inadequate. Research funding for all types of research is needed to ensure we understand societal situations, disease prevalence, and changes in social discourses around the subject as well as finding new treatments. There is much work to do, but before that can happen we have to be able to talk about this openly without fear of repercussions and use this to build a better society.
The two songs today come from two spokespeople for this campaign. The first singer has said that music was his therapy when working through mental health issues. He played out his feelings on his acoustic guitar "old brown". The first selection today is one of his songs in which he sings acapella with the bodhran. The second is from a wonderful muscial artist. She has many songs that could fit for today's topic. These singer/songwriters have lent their voices to removing the stigma. Enjoy!
Help Yourself -- Sean McCann
Counting Mercies -- Jann Arden
Tuesday 26 January 2016
Day 3 - 26 -- Bright Morning
As I was washing up and making breakfast this morning, the sun shone directly into my eyes and reflected off the countertop and sink. It was semi-blinding, but pleasant at the same time. Doing makeup became a challenge since it was so bright, it was difficult to tell what it looked like. This is the sort of lighting that makes you think there is little to no product covering the skin until you get to the office and, in the less bright and harsh lighting, discover you look like a clown <grin>. I've learned to be light-handed on such brightly lit mornings.
The day was fairly bright as well -- lecture, meetings, and shopping going well and some unexpected sales at the grocery store. Cloud arrived into the afternoon and is to bring a small bit of rain tonight and into tomorrow. It won't wash away the snow, but could add a crusty ice topping to the snow piles around town. The warmer temperatures may also create ice on the roof and in the gutters, but we'll deal with that as it arrives. Today, I just enjoyed the sun and tried to ignore any silliness that arose -- not fully successful there, but working on it.
The morning brightness fits the opening lines of a song by a Canadian 'alt rock with country overtones' group. The lyrics are intriguing and follow a stream of consciousness style of writing -- at least to me. Enjoy!
Sun Comes up it's Tuesday Morning -- Cowboy Junkies
The day was fairly bright as well -- lecture, meetings, and shopping going well and some unexpected sales at the grocery store. Cloud arrived into the afternoon and is to bring a small bit of rain tonight and into tomorrow. It won't wash away the snow, but could add a crusty ice topping to the snow piles around town. The warmer temperatures may also create ice on the roof and in the gutters, but we'll deal with that as it arrives. Today, I just enjoyed the sun and tried to ignore any silliness that arose -- not fully successful there, but working on it.
The morning brightness fits the opening lines of a song by a Canadian 'alt rock with country overtones' group. The lyrics are intriguing and follow a stream of consciousness style of writing -- at least to me. Enjoy!
Sun Comes up it's Tuesday Morning -- Cowboy Junkies
Monday 25 January 2016
Day 3 - 25 -- A Day for a Celebrated Scot
Monday -- a day filled with tasks for the next work week with many interesting events in store. My office was less hectic now that project topics have been agreed upon. That left time to update some files and work on upcoming assignments. Today is also Robbie Burns Day -- a celebration of this Scottish poet's birth 257 years ago. Many of his poems were set to music -- one we likely all recognize is Auld Lang Syne. While a Burns Supper generally includes all manner of traditional items, tonight I chose to forego the haggis and chose turkey a la king with perfect light flaky biscuits and a veggie side of a ratatouille saute and bok choy. Granted, this is a rather eclectic mix but it was very tasty. My evening treat was trying one of the oatmeal bars -- not too bad -- chewy yet crunchy but could use a bit more cinnamon as that flavouring seems lost. Still it is not a 'once-r' as one of my friends terms recipes that don't need to be made a second time. My grandmother was more emphatic and in one of her cookbooks that I have, she simply wrote 'NO' in capital letters. Needless to say, I haven't ever tried those recipes <smile>. So, I'll likely try the oatmeal bars again with a bit of tweaking with the cinnamon to determine if it is a keeper or not. They do have a quality that could lead someone to eat them rather quickly. Luckily, the recipe noted that they freeze well <grin>. A trip down the stairs to the deep freeze helps one be more mindful of food choices.
To celebrate Robbie Burns Day, since I live in the Highland Heart of Nova Scotia where Gaelic is a teachable subject of a Bachelor of Education degree, I chose this song to share today. And, I may even have a 'wee dram' while listening to this updated version of the traditional song. <smile> Enjoy!
comin' thro the rye -- The Real McKenzies
To celebrate Robbie Burns Day, since I live in the Highland Heart of Nova Scotia where Gaelic is a teachable subject of a Bachelor of Education degree, I chose this song to share today. And, I may even have a 'wee dram' while listening to this updated version of the traditional song. <smile> Enjoy!
comin' thro the rye -- The Real McKenzies
Sunday 24 January 2016
Day 3 - 24 -- Isolating snow
It was sunny today and outside my windows very little snow fell from the edge of the system that set snowfall records along the eastern seaboard. Other areas of the province got snow, but mainly the southern end and along the Atlantic shore. It was a productive day indoors for me. I cooked a number of items, including the oat bars discussed here yesterday. They are overnighting in the fridge to be cut into bars tomorrow. Several meals of dinner leftovers rest in the deep freeze for those days when energy or time to prepare dinner just isn't present. Several cleaning tasks were completed this afternoon, too. A few items on the infamous 'to do' remain untouched, but that means there are several somethings to keep me busy in the coming days <grin>.
I feel for those in the US who are facing enormous clean up to get themselves outside, into the street and then somewhere down the road. One friend noted their home was about to join the "snow-blower symphony" -- I loved that metaphor. Here, snow blowers only work on some snowfalls, since we get much heavy wet snow that clogs some machines. The newer 3-stroke engines claim to be able to throw slush, ice and water, but they are huge and cumbersome to move around. Without a garage, it would be difficult to store here since the shed is still a fair slog through deep snow from the house. Thus, I am still doing it old school with a shovel. <g>
Walking and driving after a major snow storm accentuates the isolation of being 'snowed in'. Huge piles of snow along the roadways can make seeing oncoming traffic difficult when turning into a street. It also means those driving down the street may not see you either -- until you are in the intersection. Walking is much the same. All crosswalks aren't cleared at first. So, one walks through the shoulder high piles that block the view of the street until finally an opening at an intersection appears. Sometimes, there just isn't an opening, which requires climbing up and over a large pile of ice and snow. The worst is finding an opening and getting partway across the street only to notice that the opening expected on the opposite side is not there. I've learned to look for a crossing with both openings to save me from slipping back into traffic while scaling the mountain on the other side. The isolation feeling comes from walking in what in essence is a maze. You can't see the way to the cheese, but you know it is there somewhere. Neither can you always see how many others are scurrying to find the same prize you are hunting. It is a weird sensation indeed.
The song for tonight is from a Broadway musical and it just seemed to fit my ponderings. <smile> Enjoy!
It's a Maze -- from Secret Garden
I feel for those in the US who are facing enormous clean up to get themselves outside, into the street and then somewhere down the road. One friend noted their home was about to join the "snow-blower symphony" -- I loved that metaphor. Here, snow blowers only work on some snowfalls, since we get much heavy wet snow that clogs some machines. The newer 3-stroke engines claim to be able to throw slush, ice and water, but they are huge and cumbersome to move around. Without a garage, it would be difficult to store here since the shed is still a fair slog through deep snow from the house. Thus, I am still doing it old school with a shovel. <g>
Walking and driving after a major snow storm accentuates the isolation of being 'snowed in'. Huge piles of snow along the roadways can make seeing oncoming traffic difficult when turning into a street. It also means those driving down the street may not see you either -- until you are in the intersection. Walking is much the same. All crosswalks aren't cleared at first. So, one walks through the shoulder high piles that block the view of the street until finally an opening at an intersection appears. Sometimes, there just isn't an opening, which requires climbing up and over a large pile of ice and snow. The worst is finding an opening and getting partway across the street only to notice that the opening expected on the opposite side is not there. I've learned to look for a crossing with both openings to save me from slipping back into traffic while scaling the mountain on the other side. The isolation feeling comes from walking in what in essence is a maze. You can't see the way to the cheese, but you know it is there somewhere. Neither can you always see how many others are scurrying to find the same prize you are hunting. It is a weird sensation indeed.
The song for tonight is from a Broadway musical and it just seemed to fit my ponderings. <smile> Enjoy!
It's a Maze -- from Secret Garden
Saturday 23 January 2016
Day 3 - 23 -- Baking Memories
Between Saturday housekeeping tasks and lecture prep for next week, I took a few moments to look for recipes for oatmeal based granola-type bars. Not being a chocolate fan, many recipes had to be filtered. The books had a few but the internet positively swims with recipes for such items. Further filtering eliminated the cooked varieties. After reading through several -- well, many -- samples I found that the one I had begun with was pretty much what I would go with. It is from a professional magazine filled with practical food-based ideas. I have some kitchen activities planned for tomorrow -- these bars and some things for supper tomorrow and other nights.
When re-reading the recipe, I noticed that the samples I'd been drawn were very similar and all used cinnamon as a flavouring. I shouldn't be surprised, I guess. I've been drawn to this spice for most of my life. My favourite oatmeal cookies made by my grandmother contained a bit of coconut, another fave flavour. But when I first read the recipe I was surprised to see they had a touch of cinnamon that pulled all the flavours together without being a cinnamon or coconut cookie. I was intrigued. Many of the other special recipes from childhood contained cinnamon -- fruit cake, crumb cake, spice cake, ginger crinkles, Christmas 'rocks', and this list could go on for pages. Even now I gravitate to yeast-raised cinnamon buns, the cinnamon pinwheels (biscuit base) common locally, apple crisp, chai -- that delightful beverage I have twice daily to help boost my milk intake -- and pumpkin pie <happy sigh>. This was one of the spices behind explorers' quests to find the spice route. All this from the bark of a tree -- nature is pretty amazing, eh?
Well, many of you will likely be right where I am for the musical selection today. It was too easy <smile>. The singer has a star on Canada's Walk of Fame and has received the Order of Canada and the Order of Manitoba for his long musical career. Enjoy!
Cinnamon Girl -- Neil Young w/ Crazy Horse
When re-reading the recipe, I noticed that the samples I'd been drawn were very similar and all used cinnamon as a flavouring. I shouldn't be surprised, I guess. I've been drawn to this spice for most of my life. My favourite oatmeal cookies made by my grandmother contained a bit of coconut, another fave flavour. But when I first read the recipe I was surprised to see they had a touch of cinnamon that pulled all the flavours together without being a cinnamon or coconut cookie. I was intrigued. Many of the other special recipes from childhood contained cinnamon -- fruit cake, crumb cake, spice cake, ginger crinkles, Christmas 'rocks', and this list could go on for pages. Even now I gravitate to yeast-raised cinnamon buns, the cinnamon pinwheels (biscuit base) common locally, apple crisp, chai -- that delightful beverage I have twice daily to help boost my milk intake -- and pumpkin pie <happy sigh>. This was one of the spices behind explorers' quests to find the spice route. All this from the bark of a tree -- nature is pretty amazing, eh?
Well, many of you will likely be right where I am for the musical selection today. It was too easy <smile>. The singer has a star on Canada's Walk of Fame and has received the Order of Canada and the Order of Manitoba for his long musical career. Enjoy!
Cinnamon Girl -- Neil Young w/ Crazy Horse
Friday 22 January 2016
Day 3 - 22 -- A giddy Moment from the Day
I felt better today than I have in a couple of weeks. Hopefully, that means the head cold is moving elsewhere. I ran some errands and then headed to the office for a meeting. We covered a lot of ground there, so it felt satisfying. We had treats during the meeting, too -- sugar helps many things <smile>. We had fruit cake and penuche -- the most buttery, melt-in-your mouth fudge. It takes a lot of upper body strength to get something that smooth. So, kitchen skills can substitute for some upper arm and core strength training. <smile> After work, I went to the mall for one item using a Christmas gift card and walked home with three things -- 2 books and a new cardigan. Finding items other than the one planned was a bonus -- fun and exciting. I want to just sit and read all weekend. I've already got an outfit ready for next week that includes the new sweater. Very cool. I guess feeling a bit better physically can help in many ways.
During the meeting we had a semi-giddy moment tripping over the words motion, notion and emotion. There was a moment when a couple song lyrics ran though my head and a colleague even sang one of them for me. It is the song shared here today -- the lyrics seemed to fit the moment best. Enjoy!
Rock the Boat -- Hues Corporation
During the meeting we had a semi-giddy moment tripping over the words motion, notion and emotion. There was a moment when a couple song lyrics ran though my head and a colleague even sang one of them for me. It is the song shared here today -- the lyrics seemed to fit the moment best. Enjoy!
Rock the Boat -- Hues Corporation
Thursday 21 January 2016
Day 3 - 21 -- Nearing the End of the Week
It seemed that it should be the end of the week today, when in fact it was the penultimate day instead. Events of the day went fairly well with a couple major items being knocked of the 'to do' list. The cold symptoms are changing, which I am taking as a good sign of things taking their course. <smile> I had several wonderful conversations with students today; it is a joy getting to know them a bit more by moving beyond just the course material and assignment details.
Walking home tonight was pleasant. The sun had not fully set yet, so the sky colours of blues with clouds and the rising moon were very clear. One just needs to look up instead of at the slush and such on the walkways <smile>. I paused a few times to look at the almost full moon. The crows were just congregating by the cathedral so the sky was filled with the usual suspects as the murder gathered. Even after I was across the brook and amongst the traffic of Main Street, I could hear them and stood to watch them flying black against the darkening sky. Its very interesting to watch them fly as a group.This was more like a group of individuals than seen with other species like starlings that fly as a unit. It just made me think again that crows seem to be fiercely individual even when working as a team or gathering as a community. Very intriguing creatures.
The song for today reflects the day of the week and the need to take a moment and notice the world around us. The lyrics cover that need to move outside ourselves and see that we are individuals but can function in union with others. The version shared here has an interesting, if not eclectic, arrangement. Enjoy!
To Claudia on Thursday -- Django, Django
Walking home tonight was pleasant. The sun had not fully set yet, so the sky colours of blues with clouds and the rising moon were very clear. One just needs to look up instead of at the slush and such on the walkways <smile>. I paused a few times to look at the almost full moon. The crows were just congregating by the cathedral so the sky was filled with the usual suspects as the murder gathered. Even after I was across the brook and amongst the traffic of Main Street, I could hear them and stood to watch them flying black against the darkening sky. Its very interesting to watch them fly as a group.This was more like a group of individuals than seen with other species like starlings that fly as a unit. It just made me think again that crows seem to be fiercely individual even when working as a team or gathering as a community. Very intriguing creatures.
The song for today reflects the day of the week and the need to take a moment and notice the world around us. The lyrics cover that need to move outside ourselves and see that we are individuals but can function in union with others. The version shared here has an interesting, if not eclectic, arrangement. Enjoy!
To Claudia on Thursday -- Django, Django
Wednesday 20 January 2016
Day 3 - 20 -- Murder at the Cathedral
The wind blew all night with bigger louder gusts providing background to my sleep. It sounded ominous. When I woke this morning, I had to take a deep breath before looking outside to see how much snow had drifted in on the wind. Luckily it was only about 1-2 cm. Pushing that off the steps and long path to the street only took about 10 minutes. The wind has blown all day. Out the front doors of the building where I work it looked like snow squalls. In fact, it was just snow blowing off the building roof and once getting beyond the front of the building, there was just wind with little snow to heft and blow into your face. It is still gusting loudly in the trees around the house. Something is on the way, but it will be into the end of the weekend or sometime between Saturday and Monday and it may bring oodles or it may bring just a bit. We are too far out for accurate predictions, so it seems odd that there are forecasts communicated with differing outcomes every hour or two, They seem to induce panic more than help people prepare sensibly.
On the walk home tonight, the sun had set and the moon had risen behind some mist and cloud. It was a pleasant walk. Even though it was dark, it was earlier than I usually walk so the crows outside the cathedral were just beginning to gather. There was still a large group gathered to discuss their daily exploits. They really do have different voices and vocalizations -- very intriguing to listen to while walking past. It sounds like an after work pub or coffee shop -- laughing, arguing, discussing but always intriguing.
The song for today wasn't too difficult to choose. It is by an amazing voice showcased on this blog often -- another Saskatchewan girl. Enjoy!
Black Crow -- Joni Mitchell
On the walk home tonight, the sun had set and the moon had risen behind some mist and cloud. It was a pleasant walk. Even though it was dark, it was earlier than I usually walk so the crows outside the cathedral were just beginning to gather. There was still a large group gathered to discuss their daily exploits. They really do have different voices and vocalizations -- very intriguing to listen to while walking past. It sounds like an after work pub or coffee shop -- laughing, arguing, discussing but always intriguing.
The song for today wasn't too difficult to choose. It is by an amazing voice showcased on this blog often -- another Saskatchewan girl. Enjoy!
Black Crow -- Joni Mitchell
Tuesday 19 January 2016
Day 3 - 19 -- Sinus Rebellion
Another busy day with further snow clearing at work and around town. More is occurring tonight on campus for the remaining overnight parking areas still to be cleared. I expect town will begin clearing the piles from the major streets soon. Main Street has snow filling the parking lanes and burying the parking meters. I did notice while walking home tonight that this hadn't deterred folks from parking on both sides of the street -- the major truck route through town -- leaving little room for cars driving down the road. I headed home earlier than planned today, ate and will do the blog and head off to bed. Sinus infection seems to rule today.
I slept poorly last night due to the repeated coughing -- just enough to clear the throat, but enough to almost wake me up. Short of sleeping while sort of sitting up, there is unlikely to be any relief tonight. It isn't the sort of thing that cough syrup generally helps with -- at least not the type I have in my medicine chest. I may need to consult my local pharmacist for a different concoction tomorrow if things seem unimproved tonight. My appetite isn't what usually exists. I'd thought of having some hot soup to help with the de-congestion. Instead I opted for a curry -- could likely taste more with a highly spiced dish due to reduced odor detection at present. The spice mixture could also help relieve congestion. Washing my hair in the shower added some relief with the steaminess that occurs inside when it is colder outside. I dislike cold meds that dull senses and make one feel stupider than the infection alone does. So -- I will try new home remedies tomorrow if things persist -- ginger tea can be soothing and spicy enough that it might do the trick <smile>.
My physical symptoms reminded me of a song from the dark recesses of my brain. It is an instrumental with a bit of spoken word. You'll love the accompanying photo. Enjoy!
Suze (the cough song) -- Bob Dylan
I slept poorly last night due to the repeated coughing -- just enough to clear the throat, but enough to almost wake me up. Short of sleeping while sort of sitting up, there is unlikely to be any relief tonight. It isn't the sort of thing that cough syrup generally helps with -- at least not the type I have in my medicine chest. I may need to consult my local pharmacist for a different concoction tomorrow if things seem unimproved tonight. My appetite isn't what usually exists. I'd thought of having some hot soup to help with the de-congestion. Instead I opted for a curry -- could likely taste more with a highly spiced dish due to reduced odor detection at present. The spice mixture could also help relieve congestion. Washing my hair in the shower added some relief with the steaminess that occurs inside when it is colder outside. I dislike cold meds that dull senses and make one feel stupider than the infection alone does. So -- I will try new home remedies tomorrow if things persist -- ginger tea can be soothing and spicy enough that it might do the trick <smile>.
My physical symptoms reminded me of a song from the dark recesses of my brain. It is an instrumental with a bit of spoken word. You'll love the accompanying photo. Enjoy!
Suze (the cough song) -- Bob Dylan
Monday 18 January 2016
Day 3 - 18 -- Feeling Overwhelmed
Walking in to work this morning was a challenge. The sidewalks had been partially cleared but had a couple inches of slushy snow to walk through. It was like walking in sand and it was uphill. Feet seemed determined to slide out to the side making me walk on my arch instead of the ball of the foot. It was a great cardio workout, not that there was need for another source. After work, it took about 80 minutes to shovel out the three sides of the car and remove the two feet of snow lying on the roof and 18 inches on the hood. It was another cardio session. I still have the back porch to clear, so there will be more exercise planned for tomorrow. Campus was busy clearing by hand for the many stairs and areas where the sidewalk plough couldn't access. The overnight parking lots are a mess with just a road cleared between parking lines -- not sure how anyone was to get out from or into the parking spaces. Even the handicapped spot by our building had been filled in by the road plough. Not a great day, so I was happy to have walked and will likely do it again tomorrow. Aiming for Wednesday as the drive day just to give all equipment and workers time to do their work clearing. I have to say the snow has gotten old very fast. Sadly I expect there will be more before any of the current snow leaves.
The feeling of being overwhelmed has been building with one negative event followed by another. It has been a week with two snow storms, but also a week of many celebrity deaths. It seems to be a marker of aging when people we grew up listening to or watching on TV or film begin to leave. Today it was Glenn Frey a songwriter and band member of the Eagles, a group that I listened to a lot then and still do now. I know most songs and often sing along. Frey died from complications of chronic conditions and pneumonia at the age of 67. It is difficult to deal with these losses as they pile in one upon the other, not giving one time to recover before more is heaped upon the thought processes. It is difficult to find words to express what I feel tonight. Thankfully, Frey with colleague Don Henley said it for me.
The two selections for today were co-written by Glenn Frey. The titles and the lyrics speak to the feelings of the day. Enjoy!
Hole in the World -- Eagles -- This studio style video is amazing -- made me smile and tear up a bit.
Heartache Tonight -- The Eagles -- The title says it all <sigh>
The feeling of being overwhelmed has been building with one negative event followed by another. It has been a week with two snow storms, but also a week of many celebrity deaths. It seems to be a marker of aging when people we grew up listening to or watching on TV or film begin to leave. Today it was Glenn Frey a songwriter and band member of the Eagles, a group that I listened to a lot then and still do now. I know most songs and often sing along. Frey died from complications of chronic conditions and pneumonia at the age of 67. It is difficult to deal with these losses as they pile in one upon the other, not giving one time to recover before more is heaped upon the thought processes. It is difficult to find words to express what I feel tonight. Thankfully, Frey with colleague Don Henley said it for me.
The two selections for today were co-written by Glenn Frey. The titles and the lyrics speak to the feelings of the day. Enjoy!
Hole in the World -- Eagles -- This studio style video is amazing -- made me smile and tear up a bit.
Heartache Tonight -- The Eagles -- The title says it all <sigh>
Sunday 17 January 2016
Day 3 - 17 -- Finding the Road Forward
The day was filled with activity, much of it being outside. There was a report that just outside of town 43 cm (~ 17 inches) of snow had fallen yesterday. It seemed that there was much more than a foot that had blanketed my yard. I shoveled the snow to make a walkway to the street and around the side of the house as well as the front porch and narrow walk there. After that 2 hour effort, I worked at writing a piece for an international newsletter. While writing, the backhoe came to clear out the shoulder high piles left by the street plough. Before I had a chance to get out to clear away the leftovers, the sidewalk plough made an appearance. Luckily it left very little to clear.
When getting out the front door, which took a bit of work, standing to survey the snow fall brought very dismal thoughts. I worked away at the piles and decided that I needed something to move me forward -- a type of encouragement. The playlist made for physio exercises fit the bill. Just the addition of music helped me move through the deep snows with a positive feeling. Generally the quiet of the town as everyone digs out is pleasant enough, but today just needed something else. Music helped me focus on what I enjoy about moving snow. This playlist brought to mind the suggestion made by one physio that I find someone to move snow for me this winter. She said it would cause pain, but when I asked, she noted that it wouldn't cause damage. I chose to try it to see what I could and couldn't do. With some practice, I have found a new rhythm and ability to move snow with a reasonable pace and minimal pain. I was commenting on the stubbornness of others the other day, and today I recognized the same streak in me <smile>. Refusing to let an injury hold me down, I have chosen to do what I can and shoveling seems a good strength building activity -- if I pay attention to ergonomics <smile>. I also was reminded when prepping lectures that shoveling snow uses a fair number of calories -- I wonder if that means I can eat a cookie or two or three. <giggle>
Lyrics from a song came to mind while outside today. It speaks to the refusal to give up and the need to find a positive road forward. The group is a wonderful mix of talents. Enjoy!
I won't back down -- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
When getting out the front door, which took a bit of work, standing to survey the snow fall brought very dismal thoughts. I worked away at the piles and decided that I needed something to move me forward -- a type of encouragement. The playlist made for physio exercises fit the bill. Just the addition of music helped me move through the deep snows with a positive feeling. Generally the quiet of the town as everyone digs out is pleasant enough, but today just needed something else. Music helped me focus on what I enjoy about moving snow. This playlist brought to mind the suggestion made by one physio that I find someone to move snow for me this winter. She said it would cause pain, but when I asked, she noted that it wouldn't cause damage. I chose to try it to see what I could and couldn't do. With some practice, I have found a new rhythm and ability to move snow with a reasonable pace and minimal pain. I was commenting on the stubbornness of others the other day, and today I recognized the same streak in me <smile>. Refusing to let an injury hold me down, I have chosen to do what I can and shoveling seems a good strength building activity -- if I pay attention to ergonomics <smile>. I also was reminded when prepping lectures that shoveling snow uses a fair number of calories -- I wonder if that means I can eat a cookie or two or three. <giggle>
Lyrics from a song came to mind while outside today. It speaks to the refusal to give up and the need to find a positive road forward. The group is a wonderful mix of talents. Enjoy!
I won't back down -- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Day 3- 16 -- Suspending Belief
Just another Saturday or so it seemed. I ran out for milk, did laundry, prepped classes for next week and chatted on the phone. The weather folks forecast some snow for the day but managed to predict everything from 1-3 cm to 15-25 cm,, back and forthing much of the past couple of days. The snow began in early afternoon and it seems to be still falling after midnight, but not as thickly as it was around supper time. This nor'easter is moving out of the area in the next few hours.
I looked out the window just a bit ago and had to open the inside door just to have a better look through the storm door. I will admit to not fully believing what I was seeing. There have been only light winds so the snow fell at a very mild angle and accumulated on the porch rails quite well --the same at the backdoor. It would appear that the piles there are close to 35cm (14 inches) and there are deeper drifts in front of each door, so it will take some work to get out of the house to even begin to move it tomorrow. Had it been easier to get out, I'd have checked with my ruler to see if my estimate is close to reality. It has been a few years since we've had this much snow in one storm. Moving it will take at least 3 hours -- broken into several sojourns over tomorrow and Monday. It is difficult not to feel frustrated when I've managed to get a couple hours to myself this weekend and now they will be taken by moving snow. Temperatures are right around freezing, so it shouldn't be too nasty to be out even if the wind increases.
The selection for today reminded me of a song from my childhood. It seemed to fit the cat-like thought processes I'm encountering in myself -- if I can't see it, it isn't really there <smile>. Enjoy!
The Age of not Believing -- Angela Landsbury -- Bedknobs and Broomsticks
I looked out the window just a bit ago and had to open the inside door just to have a better look through the storm door. I will admit to not fully believing what I was seeing. There have been only light winds so the snow fell at a very mild angle and accumulated on the porch rails quite well --the same at the backdoor. It would appear that the piles there are close to 35cm (14 inches) and there are deeper drifts in front of each door, so it will take some work to get out of the house to even begin to move it tomorrow. Had it been easier to get out, I'd have checked with my ruler to see if my estimate is close to reality. It has been a few years since we've had this much snow in one storm. Moving it will take at least 3 hours -- broken into several sojourns over tomorrow and Monday. It is difficult not to feel frustrated when I've managed to get a couple hours to myself this weekend and now they will be taken by moving snow. Temperatures are right around freezing, so it shouldn't be too nasty to be out even if the wind increases.
The selection for today reminded me of a song from my childhood. It seemed to fit the cat-like thought processes I'm encountering in myself -- if I can't see it, it isn't really there <smile>. Enjoy!
The Age of not Believing -- Angela Landsbury -- Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Friday 15 January 2016
Day 3 - 15 -- Greyer Issues
The work day began with a guest speaker in seminar. The turnout was lower than expected -- could have been that it is Friday or could be the colder temperatures this morning. It is never clear. The topic dealt with research ethics -- what must be done, how and why. Most of the room had heard the message before, but hearing it from someone new can't hurt. It gave a number of things to ponder.
Ethical concepts in health care practice go beyond those of research. Rights, responsibilities and consequences are clearly stated in codes of ethics developed for each profession and for each institution. Each person also has their own internal code, even if they haven't articulated this -- it is based on personal philosophy or approach to life and policy or set of rules governing behaviour. It seems at times that the personal does not mesh with the larger ethical principles. People share confidential information over coffee or on social media, petty theft occurs whether it is shoplifting, taking office supplies home or not adding payment to the local coffee fund. Such actions seem so common and expected, is it any wonder that one might encounter plagiarism in all document types or data manipulation in studies? Understanding motivations isn't easy since these may be as varied as the infractions encountered -- greed, power, entitlement, thrills or fun. We see things in the news ranging from small to large infractions, but all just as ethically wrong. The speaker today got me thinking of these broader situations. It often isn't black and white, but rather concepts that are firmly lodged in that grey zone in which we all live. Just something to make you say Hmmm <smile>
The song choice for today covers the personally held ethical concepts. The lyrics can be read here. They may not be fully understandable in the song -- a bit overproduced for my taste, but still interesting musically. Enjoy!
Code of Ethics -- Manhattan Transfer
Ethical concepts in health care practice go beyond those of research. Rights, responsibilities and consequences are clearly stated in codes of ethics developed for each profession and for each institution. Each person also has their own internal code, even if they haven't articulated this -- it is based on personal philosophy or approach to life and policy or set of rules governing behaviour. It seems at times that the personal does not mesh with the larger ethical principles. People share confidential information over coffee or on social media, petty theft occurs whether it is shoplifting, taking office supplies home or not adding payment to the local coffee fund. Such actions seem so common and expected, is it any wonder that one might encounter plagiarism in all document types or data manipulation in studies? Understanding motivations isn't easy since these may be as varied as the infractions encountered -- greed, power, entitlement, thrills or fun. We see things in the news ranging from small to large infractions, but all just as ethically wrong. The speaker today got me thinking of these broader situations. It often isn't black and white, but rather concepts that are firmly lodged in that grey zone in which we all live. Just something to make you say Hmmm <smile>
The song choice for today covers the personally held ethical concepts. The lyrics can be read here. They may not be fully understandable in the song -- a bit overproduced for my taste, but still interesting musically. Enjoy!
Code of Ethics -- Manhattan Transfer
Thursday 14 January 2016
Day 3 - 14 -- Another Entertainment Industry Loss
Wow -- this is a difficult week for the entertainment industry. Anther extremely talented man has left this earth. Alan Rickman died of cancer today. Many younger people will know him as Professor Severus Snape, from the Harry Potter series. Yet he was a prolific actor and director having been involved in many movies that span genres -- action (Die Hard), classics (Sense and Sensibility), SciFi (Galaxy Quest and the voice of Marvin in the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy), adventure (Robin Hood Prince of Thieves) -- just to name a few of the dozens in his repertoire.
He was a joy to watch in a film. He embodied a character in such a way that it made you forget the other characters you'd seen him portray. His dour continence seemed deadpan, yet ably expressed multiple emotions. And when he cracked the hint of a smile, it was mesmerizing. He was said to be one of the best British actors and was named in the top few best and sexiest of all time. His voice could make your blood run cold or heat it up. It is clear why he was in demand for speaking parts and recordings, including Tubular Bells II. His body of work will last and we can revisit his creations as we wish, that was his gift to us, sharing that immense talent.
It may be that many people are not familiar with his forays into the musical field. I couldn't choose just one, so I'm including three here today. The first from musical film and the latter two from music videos, of which the second video (and third selection) seems to fit the emotion of the day. Enjoy!
Pretty Women -- Sweeney Todd - Johnny Depp & Alan Rickman
In Demand -- Texas ft. Alan Rickman
Start a Family -- Texas ft. Alan Rickman
He was a joy to watch in a film. He embodied a character in such a way that it made you forget the other characters you'd seen him portray. His dour continence seemed deadpan, yet ably expressed multiple emotions. And when he cracked the hint of a smile, it was mesmerizing. He was said to be one of the best British actors and was named in the top few best and sexiest of all time. His voice could make your blood run cold or heat it up. It is clear why he was in demand for speaking parts and recordings, including Tubular Bells II. His body of work will last and we can revisit his creations as we wish, that was his gift to us, sharing that immense talent.
It may be that many people are not familiar with his forays into the musical field. I couldn't choose just one, so I'm including three here today. The first from musical film and the latter two from music videos, of which the second video (and third selection) seems to fit the emotion of the day. Enjoy!
Pretty Women -- Sweeney Todd - Johnny Depp & Alan Rickman
In Demand -- Texas ft. Alan Rickman
Start a Family -- Texas ft. Alan Rickman
Wednesday 13 January 2016
Day 3 - 13 -- Major Snow Removal
While we've had snow 3 or 4 times in the past weeks, with the warmer temperature and the wind and rain from Monday, most of the white stuff had disappeared by last evening. This was just before the next storm was expected. Overnight the next snow arrived. The porch rails, which serve as my snow measuring devices, held close to 20 cm (8 inches) when I looked out this morning. It was still falling lightly. I checked the university web site to find that there was a delayed opening until noon. My course was at 11:15, so that is the first snow day of the term for me. I shoveled the front porch and then a pathway to the street (about 100 feet) followed by a path around the side of the house to clear off the back porch. A call was placed to have the end of the driveway cleared by a plough -- the mid-calf deep slush would be much too difficult to move by hand. Weather reports foretold of a temperature drop by late afternoon, so once the driveway was cleared, I headed out again shovel in hand to clear the detritus left by the loader and to clear off the huge amount of snow on the car. If I didn't clear the car, it would freeze solid and create a several inches thick covering fully adhered to the car -- taking way to long to clear the windows and the roof would pose a potential hazard should it slide off along the way. So -- we're set for the early morning departure for work tomorrow.
While shoveling, I found it somewhat relaxing. I've decide this is due to the deep breathing that I do while pushing and lifting each partial shovel-full of snow -- exhaling with each push and lift sounds like I am lifting weights at the gym. As I began the job, it was very quiet with backup beepers in the distance. As time progressed, I heard heavy equipment clearing out behind the house and a few voices from the next street over that I assumed were students moving snow from their front doors and walkways. The puppy from next door was running excitedly through the snow -- the first major snow he's encountered in his puppy life. His owner called out to him several times to keep him close -- seems the little fellow's name is Boomer. <smile> The sun was behind heavy cloud cover by the time I began shoveling, but it reappeared with a clear blue sky before I had finished. The warmth on my back was pleasant and made me think that if I was to be out much longer, I'd need to change to a lighter coat. Temperatures were above zero during the outing. Since there has been few episodes of moving snow, I will have some sore muscles tomorrow, but the efforts seemed worthwhile.
The song for today notes that music can be a way to escape even a Canadian winter. Love this singer and this is from the album released last June. I've included a short background piece in which he explains the idea behind the song. Enjoy!
SnowTime -- James Taylor -- Behind the Song
SnowTime -- James Taylor
While shoveling, I found it somewhat relaxing. I've decide this is due to the deep breathing that I do while pushing and lifting each partial shovel-full of snow -- exhaling with each push and lift sounds like I am lifting weights at the gym. As I began the job, it was very quiet with backup beepers in the distance. As time progressed, I heard heavy equipment clearing out behind the house and a few voices from the next street over that I assumed were students moving snow from their front doors and walkways. The puppy from next door was running excitedly through the snow -- the first major snow he's encountered in his puppy life. His owner called out to him several times to keep him close -- seems the little fellow's name is Boomer. <smile> The sun was behind heavy cloud cover by the time I began shoveling, but it reappeared with a clear blue sky before I had finished. The warmth on my back was pleasant and made me think that if I was to be out much longer, I'd need to change to a lighter coat. Temperatures were above zero during the outing. Since there has been few episodes of moving snow, I will have some sore muscles tomorrow, but the efforts seemed worthwhile.
The song for today notes that music can be a way to escape even a Canadian winter. Love this singer and this is from the album released last June. I've included a short background piece in which he explains the idea behind the song. Enjoy!
SnowTime -- James Taylor -- Behind the Song
SnowTime -- James Taylor
Tuesday 12 January 2016
Day 3 - 12 -- Value of Friendship
It was a lovely day today -- calm and clear skies with an amazing crescent moon in the night sky. After a productive day at work, I headed out with a friend for a visit over food and wine. What a great way to cap off the day --conversation that ran from travel to long term plans to those deeper questions of life plans. All of this done in that easy give and take, finishing sentences -- smiling and laughing through it all. Aren't friends just wonderful?
The conversations have me reflecting on the joys of friendships. Some relationships have been in place for most of my life -- like before my first birthday -- while others have come along as I've moved through my career in different venues across this country. Some are the type you know will be with you for life, regardless of where we might find ourselves located. Others may not stand that test of geography, but are nonetheless valued and important. Without friends, life would be much more difficult if not impossible to maneuver. Friends help us celebrate the small and large triumphs and to face the small and large despairs. They share with us and we share with them -- that reciprocity is key to the equation. Friends are able to pick up when it may be a day or month or year between visits. They are close in our minds and hearts even if not physically beside us every day. An address book that I had years ago stated on the cover that friendship was a gift. I believe it is a gift we give to others, but it is also a gift we give ourselves by being open to others. Changing locations for work or personal reasons can bring fear of being alone, but as long as we remain open to the idea, we will find friends wherever we are.
Two songs came to mind today and I've chosen to include them both. The lyrics of the first fit well with some of my musings today. The second one has been shared on this blog before, but it just seemed to fit the outing tonight. The video seems to focus a bit more on the singer than the topic, so just shut the window and listen without the distraction <smile>. Enjoy!
Friends -- Elton John
Good Friend and a Glass of Wine -- Leann Rimes
The conversations have me reflecting on the joys of friendships. Some relationships have been in place for most of my life -- like before my first birthday -- while others have come along as I've moved through my career in different venues across this country. Some are the type you know will be with you for life, regardless of where we might find ourselves located. Others may not stand that test of geography, but are nonetheless valued and important. Without friends, life would be much more difficult if not impossible to maneuver. Friends help us celebrate the small and large triumphs and to face the small and large despairs. They share with us and we share with them -- that reciprocity is key to the equation. Friends are able to pick up when it may be a day or month or year between visits. They are close in our minds and hearts even if not physically beside us every day. An address book that I had years ago stated on the cover that friendship was a gift. I believe it is a gift we give to others, but it is also a gift we give ourselves by being open to others. Changing locations for work or personal reasons can bring fear of being alone, but as long as we remain open to the idea, we will find friends wherever we are.
Two songs came to mind today and I've chosen to include them both. The lyrics of the first fit well with some of my musings today. The second one has been shared on this blog before, but it just seemed to fit the outing tonight. The video seems to focus a bit more on the singer than the topic, so just shut the window and listen without the distraction <smile>. Enjoy!
Friends -- Elton John
Good Friend and a Glass of Wine -- Leann Rimes
Monday 11 January 2016
Day 3 - 11 -- Loss of an innovator
My day always begins with news and weather reports from morning television programs. Today was no different. There was difference on the first images I saw today, though. They were of Ziggy Stardust with no voice over for some time and then that dreaded announcement. David Bowie had passed away. I was familiar with his career and some of the songs from the different time periods. Even though I wasn't a major fan familiar with everything he'd ever done, I admired his style and ability to reinvent himself. He reminded me of my desire to 'do it all' and try all the different aspects of a career. Bowie made major contributions to the music of the time -- from glam rock to electronic to new wave to soul and many, many other genres. He was particularly gifted interpreting and innovating in these many musical styles. He was a singer, songwriter, musician, who played many different instruments, and also an actor and artist. Simply put -- he was a creative genius who saw fit to share his gifts with us all.
I chose two of his songs to share here today. Their lyrics seem a fitting send off for this man of vision. Enjoy!
Let's Dance -- David Bowie
Starman -- David Bowie
I chose two of his songs to share here today. Their lyrics seem a fitting send off for this man of vision. Enjoy!
Let's Dance -- David Bowie
Starman -- David Bowie
Sunday 10 January 2016
Day 3 - 10 -- Finding the Passion
Today had a bit of everything -- household chores, a short shopping jaunt for something fun to read, preparation for classes tomorrow and Tuesday, and talking about research with a collaborator and friend. There are times I feel bitter about having to do work on days that aren't office days. Today this didn't cross my mind. I love food -- I'm known for my motto "food is my life [tm]" <smile>. It's true -- if people didn't eat, I wouldn't have a career <smile>. I love sharing the details of food and nutrition with others -- community members, clients, students, friends and peers. The field is a passion of mine, so often working on projects and courses can be fun and part of that love for the topic.
It struck me today that one of my goals when teaching or presenting research findings at conferences, is not just to get the facts across, but to impart some enthusiasm for the topic at hand. For students, I would feel I'd done my job if I added to their love of the field or helped them understand an area of practice that they had written off as something in which they'd never want to spend time. It happens -- likely more often than I may actually realize (I hope <smile>) -- and when it does it brings a smile that lasts for a while. So, I need to find a way to remember this goal and reconnect with my passion when life and workload can push any positive feelings off the desk onto the floor. Hopefully, writing it here will allow me to reconnect with the feelings that keep me going in this profession.
The song tonight plays two roles. Firstly, it reminded me of the joy of finding something that one can spend a lifetime exploring without ever tiring. When I chose the song, I realized that it is also a tribute to a woman who recently passed, leaving a hole in the world musical fabric. Enjoy!
This Will Be -- Natalie Cole
It struck me today that one of my goals when teaching or presenting research findings at conferences, is not just to get the facts across, but to impart some enthusiasm for the topic at hand. For students, I would feel I'd done my job if I added to their love of the field or helped them understand an area of practice that they had written off as something in which they'd never want to spend time. It happens -- likely more often than I may actually realize (I hope <smile>) -- and when it does it brings a smile that lasts for a while. So, I need to find a way to remember this goal and reconnect with my passion when life and workload can push any positive feelings off the desk onto the floor. Hopefully, writing it here will allow me to reconnect with the feelings that keep me going in this profession.
The song tonight plays two roles. Firstly, it reminded me of the joy of finding something that one can spend a lifetime exploring without ever tiring. When I chose the song, I realized that it is also a tribute to a woman who recently passed, leaving a hole in the world musical fabric. Enjoy!
This Will Be -- Natalie Cole
Day 3 - 9 -- Resolutions
Again, it is the time of year when people frantically try to promise themselves to do or not do something or several somethings. Resolutions -- the majority of which are broken before the first two weeks of the year are out. Why? Often people resolve to make major changes that are simply too difficult to do all at once. Success in changing habits works best when we break a large change into small steps, allowing each step to be mastered prior to moving on to the next. Lifestyle change is not something simple that can be done without much thought and planning. What happens when people realize they can't keep their promises to themselves? It often leads to negative views of oneself, which is likely what got a person into the situation to begin with.
Why do we often try to work on changing our external selves? Is it likely that outside change will change what is going on inside? In terms of physiology, this may have an affect on metabolic processes and alter disease states. But, in terms of the social and psychological self, it is unlikely that we will be happier, have more friends, or feel more content. Yet, every year people quietly tell themselves they will change the way they look through exercise and diet. Each January talk shows, news magazine shows, print media, and advertisements tell us that we should be different to be better people. When well known spokespeople encourage weight loss, as with the former star of Cheers and a well-known media mogul are doing this year, their use of emotion creates a need or want within the viewer or listener. It is no different than selling fast food or shampoo -- someone manipulates emotions to convince someone else to buy something that they don't really need. Whether it is an individual meal based dieting program, a cleanse, or an herbal supplement, few are supported by evidence of effectiveness. Even with those products that do lead to weight loss, most people will regain the weight within a year and their self-loathing will not really change much. Sometimes it seems as though the marketing industry is the cause of much of the negative body and self image. Perhaps if one must make a resolution, it should be to learn to ignore all the pleas for ways in which we should spend our money. Or to learn more about who we are and then learn self acceptance.
The song for today hit my consciousness mid-afternoon. I think it is part of the theme for "A Chef's Life," which was on in the background. Two lines from near the end of the song always make me think of body weight for some reason -- likely my profession <smile>. The accompanying video here shows the lyrics, but the sound quality is better for this one. Enjoy!
Will you return? -- Avett Brothers
Why do we often try to work on changing our external selves? Is it likely that outside change will change what is going on inside? In terms of physiology, this may have an affect on metabolic processes and alter disease states. But, in terms of the social and psychological self, it is unlikely that we will be happier, have more friends, or feel more content. Yet, every year people quietly tell themselves they will change the way they look through exercise and diet. Each January talk shows, news magazine shows, print media, and advertisements tell us that we should be different to be better people. When well known spokespeople encourage weight loss, as with the former star of Cheers and a well-known media mogul are doing this year, their use of emotion creates a need or want within the viewer or listener. It is no different than selling fast food or shampoo -- someone manipulates emotions to convince someone else to buy something that they don't really need. Whether it is an individual meal based dieting program, a cleanse, or an herbal supplement, few are supported by evidence of effectiveness. Even with those products that do lead to weight loss, most people will regain the weight within a year and their self-loathing will not really change much. Sometimes it seems as though the marketing industry is the cause of much of the negative body and self image. Perhaps if one must make a resolution, it should be to learn to ignore all the pleas for ways in which we should spend our money. Or to learn more about who we are and then learn self acceptance.
The song for today hit my consciousness mid-afternoon. I think it is part of the theme for "A Chef's Life," which was on in the background. Two lines from near the end of the song always make me think of body weight for some reason -- likely my profession <smile>. The accompanying video here shows the lyrics, but the sound quality is better for this one. Enjoy!
Will you return? -- Avett Brothers
Friday 8 January 2016
Day 3 - 8 -- Week 1 Down
The first week of term is history. Things went well -- not perfect, but OK. Slides managed to work for lectures even though not those originally worked on over the holiday. Meetings seemed to move projects forward. Today had been a plan for a short trip to the office and then to cloister myself to get slides done for next week. The trip to the office took six hours as several new responsibilities surfaced as the day progressed. Many tasks were completed, just not those on that infamous 'to do' list <smile>.
I've had several conversations this week about the way the week seemed to go by -- quickly due to the over-full schedule, yet it seemed like it had been several weeks and not just a few days by the time Friday arrived. Even so, stress levels seemed a bit lower most of the time with a few moments of stress before the problem solving began. That made sleeping a bit easier, too -- better quality sleep and some improvement in length. Sleep does help with managing shifting priorities, new task requests, technology failures and understanding the stress of others. Overall the week has been a good one. Helping students to move forward with projects and career plans does help with the job satisfaction.
The title of a song came into my head tonight as I reflected on the happenings of the week. I enjoy this era of music from this band -- the early harmonies and rhythms provide the base from which all the future work grew. The video shows the running and chasing -- feelings that will come as the term moves forward -- and the escape offered by a ride home. The lyrics and images just stuck with me today. Enjoy!
A Hard Day's Night -- The Beatles
I've had several conversations this week about the way the week seemed to go by -- quickly due to the over-full schedule, yet it seemed like it had been several weeks and not just a few days by the time Friday arrived. Even so, stress levels seemed a bit lower most of the time with a few moments of stress before the problem solving began. That made sleeping a bit easier, too -- better quality sleep and some improvement in length. Sleep does help with managing shifting priorities, new task requests, technology failures and understanding the stress of others. Overall the week has been a good one. Helping students to move forward with projects and career plans does help with the job satisfaction.
The title of a song came into my head tonight as I reflected on the happenings of the week. I enjoy this era of music from this band -- the early harmonies and rhythms provide the base from which all the future work grew. The video shows the running and chasing -- feelings that will come as the term moves forward -- and the escape offered by a ride home. The lyrics and images just stuck with me today. Enjoy!
A Hard Day's Night -- The Beatles
Thursday 7 January 2016
Day 3 - 7 -- What did I say?
Today was sunny again and a very pleasant day. Inside the office things were constant from when I arrived to when I left -- several meetings and two classes, with just a few minutes in between to try to get through e-mail messages and plan the work for tomorrow and the weekend. Most things went smoothly with just a few bumps. Miscommunication was at the root of these hiccoughs. While in lecture, I seemed to create confusion when discussing the genetic research that informed our understanding of a hormonal aspect of fat storage in the body. It was only the basics without any in depth scary genetic and metabolic details -- sort of the 'just the facts, ma'am' version <smile>. While I was talking to explain things from the second slide, several hands went up before I had finished. It did show me that they'd missed a key sentence during the transition from one slide to the next. Sadly, trying to backtrack created other confusions. So -- I have decided to go over this again from the start in our next class. Hopefully, the different sentences that come from me will help to clarify the two visuals on the slides. <fingers crossed>
I've spoken of this before here -- miscommunication. Well planned or extemporaneous, our speech can carry very different messages. The speaker may mean one thing, but the words produce a different meaning in the listener. I always maintain that words have power and also connotations can be very different between people. Just like sitting in front of an artwork at a museum, we see very different things. Its a wonder that we ever manage to get any message across! The failure to clearly transfer one's thoughts to others can be very frustrating. I find this can stick with me as I reflect and wonder 'what if I'd said it this way instead' sometimes having the chance to try to fix things and sometimes that opportunity will never surface. When things like this occur, it seems to support the concept of living as a hermit somewhere <smile>.
The selection for today is short and fits one of the miscommunications encountered today. Enjoy!
It's Called Genetics -- original from Bill Nye the Science Guy
I've spoken of this before here -- miscommunication. Well planned or extemporaneous, our speech can carry very different messages. The speaker may mean one thing, but the words produce a different meaning in the listener. I always maintain that words have power and also connotations can be very different between people. Just like sitting in front of an artwork at a museum, we see very different things. Its a wonder that we ever manage to get any message across! The failure to clearly transfer one's thoughts to others can be very frustrating. I find this can stick with me as I reflect and wonder 'what if I'd said it this way instead' sometimes having the chance to try to fix things and sometimes that opportunity will never surface. When things like this occur, it seems to support the concept of living as a hermit somewhere <smile>.
The selection for today is short and fits one of the miscommunications encountered today. Enjoy!
It's Called Genetics -- original from Bill Nye the Science Guy
Wednesday 6 January 2016
Day 3 - 6 -- The story of a journey
Today is Orthodox Christmas eve -- or 'old' or 'Ukrainian' Christmas eve depending on your geographic and cultural locations. I admit that I've always found the story of the magi to be quite interesting. I have a decorator plate that depicts the three men travelling on a black horse, a camel and a white elephant, which relates to the names often given to the three being Balthazar (to represent Arabia), Melchior (to represent Persia) and Gaspar (to represent India). It is a wonderful folk art style painting that I do enjoy seeing at this time of year. I also recall a poem introduced to me during high school literature class. It was written by t.s. eliot, titled The Journey of the Magi. This tells a less glamorous story than is often heard, and contains some wonderful imagery linking to the Easter story. I have felt the realism of this telling added something more to the story of three men following a star. You can read that poem here.
There seems to be only one song that deals with this part of the Christmas story -- well, one that I am aware of <smile>. That is the one shared here today. This arrangement brings forth the middle ages tone of the song, though it was written in the mid-19th century. Enjoy!
We Three Kings -- Celtic Woman
There seems to be only one song that deals with this part of the Christmas story -- well, one that I am aware of <smile>. That is the one shared here today. This arrangement brings forth the middle ages tone of the song, though it was written in the mid-19th century. Enjoy!
We Three Kings -- Celtic Woman
Tuesday 5 January 2016
Day 3 - 5 -- And they're off!
Well, I guess we are fully back in the swing of things. I gave the first content lecture today and worked tonight on the slides for tomorrow morning in the other course. I had planned to do this task during the day today, but instead my office had a revolving door. I arranged meetings for the rest of the term with research students and chatted with colleagues about a couple of bumps we've hit at the beginning of this term -- nothing huge, but a few wrinkles that needed ironing out. By the time I was free to sit down to work, it was supper time and I was very hungry <smile>.
I've said this many times, but September begins with a slower pace -- a sort of long uphill climb with a gentle incline. One doesn't feel breathless until getting nearer the top of that first big slope and the air begins to get a little thin. January, on the other hand, begins in the middle of the climb up a hill with a seemingly impossibly steep incline. Breathlessness occurs before you've even noticed that you are exerting yourself. Perhaps it is more like living at sea-level and when on vacation in Denver you climb a slope just as you would at home, only to discover that you have to sit down and try to catch your breath and slow the heart rate after ten steps. I've done that and it takes some work for the brain to begin to comprehend the effect of altitude. Either metaphor notes that life becomes overfull before you've had time to see the dumptruck backed up to your office door. There I go, explaining a metaphor with a metaphor <smile>.
The lyrics of the selection I chose to share today note that running may be an effect of our surroundings and our need to be elsewhere. Enjoy!
Brand New Sun -- Jason Lytle
I've said this many times, but September begins with a slower pace -- a sort of long uphill climb with a gentle incline. One doesn't feel breathless until getting nearer the top of that first big slope and the air begins to get a little thin. January, on the other hand, begins in the middle of the climb up a hill with a seemingly impossibly steep incline. Breathlessness occurs before you've even noticed that you are exerting yourself. Perhaps it is more like living at sea-level and when on vacation in Denver you climb a slope just as you would at home, only to discover that you have to sit down and try to catch your breath and slow the heart rate after ten steps. I've done that and it takes some work for the brain to begin to comprehend the effect of altitude. Either metaphor notes that life becomes overfull before you've had time to see the dumptruck backed up to your office door. There I go, explaining a metaphor with a metaphor <smile>.
The lyrics of the selection I chose to share today note that running may be an effect of our surroundings and our need to be elsewhere. Enjoy!
Brand New Sun -- Jason Lytle
Monday 4 January 2016
Day 3 - 4 -- Sleepless night, Fatigued Day
Today went fairly well. The sun shone between episodic flurries,we got one of the laptops to work, and I managed to talk to two classes, though not likely as coherently as I'd wished. I did sleep poorly last night. Today was the first official day back to work since just before Christmas. Add to that the beginning of a new term,at 8 am no less, and I was primed to sleep less than usual. I will admit to being rather fatigued right now and I hope to get to sleep earlier this evening so the morning alarm doesn't seem as improbable as it did today.
Researchers have found that Sunday brings increased anxiety levels for those who work Monday to Friday. Whenever I read of this finding, I wonder that there are so many people who find that work interferes with life. If we are to follow our passion, how can work become a four letter word -- one that brings trepidation and loathing? How often have you heard, "do what you love", implying that it won't be work then. The pressures of doing something you enjoy can make it seem less enjoyable. The trick is to be able to find some quality leisure (READ: non-work) time to help with the 'work-life balance.' Granted, some vocations, since they really are more than jobs,, do mess with this balance. Perhaps if it is something that people find fun or interesting, the imbalance created by the massive hours of work can be justified -- or at least rationalized. More things to ponder if I find myself awake when I should be sleeping tonight. <smile>
A song from the dim distant past came to mind today. It was introduced to me long after it had been a hit and was included on a movie soundtrack. It isn't anything with much depth, but my brain was rather tired for that today. Enjoy!
Tossing and Turning -- Bobby Lewis
Researchers have found that Sunday brings increased anxiety levels for those who work Monday to Friday. Whenever I read of this finding, I wonder that there are so many people who find that work interferes with life. If we are to follow our passion, how can work become a four letter word -- one that brings trepidation and loathing? How often have you heard, "do what you love", implying that it won't be work then. The pressures of doing something you enjoy can make it seem less enjoyable. The trick is to be able to find some quality leisure (READ: non-work) time to help with the 'work-life balance.' Granted, some vocations, since they really are more than jobs,, do mess with this balance. Perhaps if it is something that people find fun or interesting, the imbalance created by the massive hours of work can be justified -- or at least rationalized. More things to ponder if I find myself awake when I should be sleeping tonight. <smile>
A song from the dim distant past came to mind today. It was introduced to me long after it had been a hit and was included on a movie soundtrack. It isn't anything with much depth, but my brain was rather tired for that today. Enjoy!
Tossing and Turning -- Bobby Lewis
Sunday 3 January 2016
Day 3 - 3 -- Anticipation
9-1/2 hours left before classes begin again. There is always some trepidation involved in beginning a new term. While watching a movie today, I heard a statement that summed up my feelings well. It was The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, in which the character played by Judith Dench stated, "The difference between what we want and what we fear is the width of an eyelash." How terribly insightful that is. The two feelings often go hand in hand and are given such names as anxiety, distress and anticipation.
A song that seemed to fit this feeling well is shared here today. The lyrics speak to the need to face such situations with bravery. So -- tomorrow morning will begin with a few deep breaths and then move forward as needed. Enjoy!
Brave -- Josh Groban
A song that seemed to fit this feeling well is shared here today. The lyrics speak to the need to face such situations with bravery. So -- tomorrow morning will begin with a few deep breaths and then move forward as needed. Enjoy!
Brave -- Josh Groban
Saturday 2 January 2016
Day 3 - 2 -- Reflecting on Past Experiences
This afternoon I spent several hours purging old files from the e-mail inbox. Several folders were completed, while there are many left to tackle. I generally keep course communications for a year and committee messages for longer. So, sorting through things can get tricky. I was amazed at some of the things I'd actually saved. That seems an indication of how crazy things were at that moment that I managed to save four messages rather than only the final response in the chain. Other messages really said next to nothing, yet I saved them. <sigh>. It was interesting to revisit some of the conversations and decision-making trails after a few years. After getting through the few folders today, there were many files deleted so there should be a bit more space left for the next term messages. I'd like to do one folder daily, but I know this won't hold once we hit the ground running on Monday. A virus has infected my home computer and the flash drive I use for course slides and materials -- so any updates done since before Christmas are gone -- unless they can be retrieved by IT. Things will work out, just not as smoothly as intended with the need to redo things.
Revisiting past experiences can be enlightening. How negative and positive topics were dealt with can clarify any revisionist memories one has about a situation. The many aspects of an issue become clear again, rather than the one big one that we tend to recall. Upon re-reading messages today, subtle details became clearer in retrospect. I find it interesting that minds can sometime oversimplify things into a dichotomy -- us and them -- rather than all of us in this together. No doubt, it helps to have a bit of time and space to do the review. I will try to do further file clearing with a dedicated 30 or 60 minutes to ensure that I have the time to capture the positives from the purges.
Several songs ran through my mind today. I chose one that hasn't been used here before. The lyrics speak to the process of reflection while the singer gently delivers the words and phrases. Enjoy!
Memories -- Elvis Presley
Revisiting past experiences can be enlightening. How negative and positive topics were dealt with can clarify any revisionist memories one has about a situation. The many aspects of an issue become clear again, rather than the one big one that we tend to recall. Upon re-reading messages today, subtle details became clearer in retrospect. I find it interesting that minds can sometime oversimplify things into a dichotomy -- us and them -- rather than all of us in this together. No doubt, it helps to have a bit of time and space to do the review. I will try to do further file clearing with a dedicated 30 or 60 minutes to ensure that I have the time to capture the positives from the purges.
Several songs ran through my mind today. I chose one that hasn't been used here before. The lyrics speak to the process of reflection while the singer gently delivers the words and phrases. Enjoy!
Memories -- Elvis Presley
Friday 1 January 2016
Day 3 - 1 -- Third Time's the Charm
A new day in a new year spent doing very little other than watching movies, catching up online and eating, of course <g>. The freshness of the year is invigorating. All those blank calendar pages waiting to be filled with life can be pretty wonder filled -- so much possibility. While wishes shared with friends and family are for all the good things, we all know that there will be other types of events. As long as there are more of the good and less of the other, the year should be remembered with fondness.
Today marks the beginning of the third year of this blog -- and I've only missed one day of posts (and that occurred inadvertently last month). For the most part, I tend not to use the same musical selection more than once, though there are days when this does become a bit tricky. I have used different covers of the same song in hopes that this could count as a new item -- but there are very few of these even. We'll see how the next year unfolds for new songs -- thankfully there is no shortage of these. <smile>
I enjoy writing here - it can help me to recentre at the end of the day. Granted some days may appear as a laundry list of things done, but great insight doesn't always occur daily <grin>. I appreciate hearing from those of you who read -- never expecting that anyone would really read this, at least not regularly, I do find it intriguing.
I have two selections for today. The first is from a musical friend. His music is thoughtful, laid back and fun all rolled up together. This one is especially significant for today. (from the link below, just click on the top link on the page). The second selection title fits with facing a new year and the lines about cold do sort of fit. The artist had a stunning voice and wrote wonderful songs. He died way too early at the age of 33 in a plane fire while on the ground at the Cincinnati airport. A great loss for music in Canada and everywhere but we are blessed with the prolific recordings he left to us all. Enjoy!
New Years Song -- James Lee Stanley
Take it from Day to Day -- Stan Rogers
Today marks the beginning of the third year of this blog -- and I've only missed one day of posts (and that occurred inadvertently last month). For the most part, I tend not to use the same musical selection more than once, though there are days when this does become a bit tricky. I have used different covers of the same song in hopes that this could count as a new item -- but there are very few of these even. We'll see how the next year unfolds for new songs -- thankfully there is no shortage of these. <smile>
I enjoy writing here - it can help me to recentre at the end of the day. Granted some days may appear as a laundry list of things done, but great insight doesn't always occur daily <grin>. I appreciate hearing from those of you who read -- never expecting that anyone would really read this, at least not regularly, I do find it intriguing.
I have two selections for today. The first is from a musical friend. His music is thoughtful, laid back and fun all rolled up together. This one is especially significant for today. (from the link below, just click on the top link on the page). The second selection title fits with facing a new year and the lines about cold do sort of fit. The artist had a stunning voice and wrote wonderful songs. He died way too early at the age of 33 in a plane fire while on the ground at the Cincinnati airport. A great loss for music in Canada and everywhere but we are blessed with the prolific recordings he left to us all. Enjoy!
New Years Song -- James Lee Stanley
Take it from Day to Day -- Stan Rogers
Day 2 - 364 -- Peace, Love and Friendship
The end of a year is upon us. In just a few moments, 2016 will begin outside my window and continue its journey across the western hemisphere. As the old year takes it's leave, there are many memories that go along with it -- memories of all sorts -- good, bad and in between. As always, I will partake of my annual ritual of welcoming the new year in the front door and saying farewell to the old year as it leaves out the back door -- something I learned from a dear friend and second mother many years ago. <smile> .
My hopes for the new year include one filled with love, peace, health and joy for us all. Friends and family are at the centre of this wish, with family meaning all those who are close friends over time and not just the legal definition of family. I've been blessed with many wonderful friends that augment the concept of family. I've also been blessed with family members who are true friends.
The selections for tonight fit with the evening. I am repeating a song from last year since the version that I wanted to share isn't available online. The second song is a traditional one for the day sung by a less traditional man, though his roots are from the same place as the song. Peace to you all and a very happy New Year. Enjoy!
P.S. It seems that I missed a posting in the flurry of final exams this month. Thus, the 364 days rather than 365 days that were posted this past year. I'll do my best to make up for it in 2016. <smile>
Dona Nobis Pachem -- Yo Yo Ma
Auld Lang Syne -- Rod Stewart
My hopes for the new year include one filled with love, peace, health and joy for us all. Friends and family are at the centre of this wish, with family meaning all those who are close friends over time and not just the legal definition of family. I've been blessed with many wonderful friends that augment the concept of family. I've also been blessed with family members who are true friends.
The selections for tonight fit with the evening. I am repeating a song from last year since the version that I wanted to share isn't available online. The second song is a traditional one for the day sung by a less traditional man, though his roots are from the same place as the song. Peace to you all and a very happy New Year. Enjoy!
P.S. It seems that I missed a posting in the flurry of final exams this month. Thus, the 364 days rather than 365 days that were posted this past year. I'll do my best to make up for it in 2016. <smile>
Dona Nobis Pachem -- Yo Yo Ma
Auld Lang Syne -- Rod Stewart
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