Day 3 - 120 -- Thinking of Trees

Today was Arbor Day in this part of the world -- a day to plant, care for and celebrate trees. I come from the prairies where trees are not as plentiful as they are where I live now -- in the middle of a forested part of the country. Locally, they aren't budding out yet, but on the way home this evening, we noticed that the magnolias are ready to burst forth in flower any day now. The bare tree branches hold many different birds that have returned from their winter sojourns south. Yard cleanup has been working to remove broken branches from the frozen slush storm of the past winter. I find it sad when we have to trim parts off a healthy tree after storm damage -- or worse, take down a whole tree.

We use trees as metaphors of strength, growth, home and family. Their endurance over years represents survival through the ups and downs of life. In the centennial year for Canada, grade school children were given tree seedlings to plant. In our town these were evergreens and houses around the city nurtured these tiny plants that grew into huge beautiful trees over the decades. Travels across Canada have taken me to places with different trees -- the boreal forest, Carolinian forest and temperate rain forest. We visited the giant redwoods in California -- those ancient trees were humbling, as were those in the rain forest of Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island. When in London, I visited Berkeley Square which contained trees that are said to be the oldest in the city -- planted when London was just new centuries ago. While tree types are similar in shape, size and growth pattern, each has individual differences -- unique aspects that set it apart from others. The maples in my yard are of three varieties, but even the three that are the same variety have grown with slight differences. Each is a unique organism.

Choosing a song for today was a challenge. There are so many songs about trees or that mention trees that it took some thought. I chose two songs to share. The first is a poem put to music. The singer should be a familiar face, but the voice may surprise many <smile>. The second is a folk song performed here by a favourite group with amazing harmonies. Enjoy!

Trees -- Bob McGrath (Joyce Kilmer poem)

Lemon Tree -- Peter, Paul, and Mary

Day 3 - 119 -- Wind, White and Work

This Thursday was a very full day. It began with a major meeting to determine the graduation list for the weekend convocation. Later the internship orientation wound up for the incoming group and we celebrated with a stone soup lunch -- everyone brings an ingredient -- it is a fun twist on the potluck lunch. During the afternoon, preparations for the post-convocation ceremony tea were organized. This event brings faculty members, students and families together, often for the first time. I enjoy this time to meet people and to say goodbye to our graduating students. In between these tasks there were some software glitches that needed work-arounds, trying to plan meetings for next week and for tomorrow. The evening involved finalizing the tax return.

Looking at that list, I understand why I felt I was heading in several directions at once -- often like the wind was blowing me in a direction other than I'd planned for that moment. While walking back from a meeting, the bits of snow that had been in the air had brought along all their relatives and it became a bit blustery. Nothing was staying on the ground then, but about 30 minutes later when I looked outside, visibility was greatly reduced -- seeing the building across the parking lot was tricky -- and there was a white covering on the grass. When I left the office at supper time, no traces of white were to be found. Blue patches were visible between clouds, though the temperature was still quite chilly. Spring weather can be so unpredictable and unexpected.

The arrival of white ground covering, even temporarily, got many people thinking of warmer climes and beaches. There were frustrated comments in the hallway outside my office during the snowiness. The song for today deals with this thought of warmness and the feeling of being moved along by the wind. I do like this singer's voice. Enjoy!

Shores of White Sand -- Emmylou Harris

Day 3 - 118 -- A Sure Sign of Spring

Well, another sunny day -- but without heat. Spring, being a transition season, sends us many signs that warmer weather is on the way. We have spring bulbs blooming around town, magnolias budding that should appear soon, greater solar loading -- that warm feeling from sun beams, and slightly longer days as sun rise moves back and sun set moves forward -- each of these is a sign of moving into the next season in about eight more weeks. Nature is filled with different signs each day.

I've even found signs of spring in the house! A few intrepid ants have found their way inside, much to my dismay. The most prominent sign indoors is surely the clusters of cat hair found on the floors <smile>. Again, nature is fascinating. The changing light vs. dark hours trigger the pineal gland, which produces melatonin. These biochemical changes trigger hair follicles to renew growth, which means the existing hairs are shed. Spring shed is much larger than an Autumn shed due to the heavier winter undercoat. So, science does explain why it is so evident. My guy reminds me of Pigpen from Peanuts comic strips -- there is a cloud of spare hairs that fill the air surrounding him. <smile>  We brush at least once daily at this time of year, to ensure he swallows less when grooming. There would be enough to card and spin if I were so inclined -- it would make a cool scarf, but likely would be a bit on the scratchy side with some of the longer topcoat hairs. Thankfully it is easy to sweep up or just plain pick up in clumps some days. As long as I keep up with it daily, there will be no major issues for him or me.

One song from the dim distant past came to mind today. I was able to find a wonderful live performance to share. Enjoy!

Hair -- Broadway cast at 2009 Tony Awards

Day 3 - 117 -- Losing Things or Losing It

Over the past few days, there has been a constant trail of lost items. Maybe misplaced would be a better word, at least that sounds less permanent. Moments of panic have ensued, when it felt that things were lost to me forever. These are odd items -- a credit card statement that was there and then it wasn't; an article of clothing of some sentimental value; and a credit card -- to name just three of these items. Each reappeared in places that had been thoroughly searched. The statement appeared on top of a pile of papers to which it belonged -- right where it should have been but wasn't when I looked there repeatedly. The card was under a car seat where I had searched several times -- getting the flashlight and looking from the backseat made this appear in front of my eyes. The clothing had been packed, but not where I'd expected it to be -- it was found when I looked in a very unexpected place that hadn't even crossed my mind until I was sitting on the floor wondering how I could misplace/mis-pack this one item.

I mentioned this at supper tonight and a friend said it reminded her of the book series from childhood -- The Borrowers. I did love those stories -- wonderful stories about a family of tiny people who lived in attics and walls and borrowed items from the house owners. I said I liked this thought better than poltergeist that I'd imagined <smile>. For each item when I was near panic or totally giving up, it was as if someone suggested to me that I look somewhere else or look from a different angle -- like a voice whispering to me -- definitely interesting. It is difficult when things that one needs go missing. Backtracking all through the times and places that you used or handled the item can help or can lead you on a wild goose chase. Finding the item right where you had already looked makes me wonder why I didn't see the item even when I'd handled it. I'm going to put this down to extreme fatigue and major multi-tasking demands thrust upon me (and scientific evidence supports our inability to multi-task at any age). I find these explanations easier to deal with than losing my mind entirely.

The song chosen for today has a beautiful melody. The evocative lyrics address the aspect of loss and the mental distress it can present, particularly the last verse. Enjoy!

Lost -- Michael Buble

Day 3 - 116 -- Need more sleep

Such a seemingly long day. I haven't felt awake since I got up today -- so terribly tired. I can't say that I've slept well the past couple of nights -- been asleep but a lot of semi-conscious tossing and turning and the most interesting dreams. Nothing there that is disturbing, just interesting. I'll admit that I love the huge mansion like house we lived in for one dream <smile> -- a gorgeous Victorian or Edwardian style house -- but huge!  <smile>  Maybe that comes from my mind trying to find suitable places to display the new artwork and ornaments and such -- who knows?

The feeling of overwhelming weariness made me think of lullabies. One that seemed to almost fit the bill is a cover of a song made famous by the Beatles and written by John Lennon. I do love the playfulness of this arrangement, though -- so much more relaxing, which is what a lullaby is all about after all. Enjoy!

I Call Your Name -- The Mamas and the Papas

Day 3 - 115 -- Opening for Closure

The day was filled with catching up on errands around the house. I worked at taxes, household accounts and cleaning chores. There were a few boxes that had arrived from my mother's apartment that needed to be unpacked and places found for the contents. Many of these items have some practical uses, so found homes readily. Others need some thought before they are placed in just the right spot -- these include the artwork for walls and shelves. Mom often changed items on display with the seasons -- that may be worth a try.

While unpacking the boxes, waves of nostalgia washed over me and then retreated only to return again. I have broken up the unpacking for this very reason. It is emotionally draining -- smiles and tears. Today was earmarked as the final day for this job. There will be some revisiting of the photos and scrapbook materials at a later date, but today was the day to move the practical things and artwork somewhere where they can be used or seen. Most of this will be placed over the next week, but things are out of the cardboard travel cases now. The memories held in these few items are pleasant -- the gorgeous prints and photos that adorned the walls of the house where I grew up and then Mom's apartments. Many of the ornaments show the love of travel, cultures, and local artists. I did not bring everything back with me <smile> only a selection of some of my favourites. Still, finding appropriate homes for the items will take some thought.

The nostalgia and anxiety of unpacking things that belonged to my mother, brought some music to mind. What I chose to share is a song about trying to find the closure and reduce anxiety of loss of that sense of home. Enjoy!

The House that Built Me -- Miranda Lambert

Day 3 - 114 -- Levy, surcharge, tax

The day began with wondrous sunshine and warmth -- 20C, the warmest it has been in 2016. I went for a walk to get some milk and spent time cleaning up in the front yard. By later afternoon, the clouds had returned and light rain began after supper. Many tasks inside were also completed today or at least moved forward. The last one I tackled was income tax. I usually get this done much earlier, but life intervened this year. I entered much of the information and was in the midst of the final prep forms, when the computer shut down. The battery had run down but I missed seeing a warning or hearing a beep. Once I'd powered up again, the files had vanished. To be honest, I am so tired now, that I couldn't face re-entering things again tonight. Tomorrow will have to do -- still eight days to deadline if I owe anything.

I've often wondered why filing tax returns must be so complex. I've been a government employee and am familiar with the overly officious forms that are used within and outside the bureaucratic system. These can be difficult for many people to complete. It is heartening to know that there are community volunteers to help those who need assistance. But back to the question, why must this be necessary? Software packages may make this easier for some people with computer access. The CRA lists recommended software, free or otherwise. I use one of these and it does help with some of the more complex parts, yet it doesn't help with others. It is better than doing it all by hand, but still has a way to go. <smile> Perhaps the sun was trying to tell me something when it slipped behind the clouds today.

The first song that came to mind this evening is by a truly iconic band. It covers much of the negative feeling that comes around this time of year -- feelings that have been around since the concept of taxation found its way into daily life. <smile>  Enjoy!

Taxman -- The Beatles

Day 3 - 113 -- working for sustainability

Happy Earth Day 2016! For 46 years Earth Day has been on April 22. It is a day to celebrate the positives in addressing climate change and to remind ourselves what we as humanity can do as nations, regions AND individuals. I'm proud to live in province that has legislated waste management to be more in line with sustainability and environmental protection. Each home has a large green bin, which holds compostable materials -- kitchen wastes and yard waste. This goes to a regional compost site and the degraded wastes become rich soil for planting and gardening. Our recyclables go into clear blue bags -- one for paper-based products and the other for plastics and aluminum containers. Anything else goes into a clear colourless bag and this goes to the landfill.  Each large clear bag can contain a small opaque kitchen size bag of personal wastes. If it is clear that items from the clear bags should be in other containers or are hazardous wastes, the bag is tagged and left at the curb for resorting. If this recurs a fine can be imposed. This took much community awareness building and buy in, but it works reasonably well.

I've read recently of other places thinking of trying a similar format, where waste collectors would be able to see inside the bags. This disturbs some folks, it seems. My bags go out and sit on the curb. Other neighbours put their bags into garbage bins on wheels, so no one but the guys on the truck will see what you are throwing away. It isn't an invasion of privacy. I put the cat litter in clear vegetable or bread bags so they see that it really is waste even if it seems sort of heavy <smile>. Others use the opaque bag for this sort of thing. I love the process. I've tried to help folks at work sort correctly and to be frank, these are people with several degrees <smile>. Some days are better than others, but it seems pointless to start a battle when I can use gloves and resort a few items. Why do I bother?  I want the world to be healthy. Melting polar ice caps are raising water levels at shorelines. Many coastal communities have become flood prone areas, when they weren't before. The sea temperatures are rising, which will alter weather patterns due to changes in major current flows. I am a foodie and work to promote food security for all people -- so no one is hungry or has to eat less nutritious foods because that is all they can afford. All our food comes from the earth. If weather patterns change, traditional food growing areas may need to change crops due to temperature and precipitation patterns. We've seen the effects of the drought in California and the poor wine grapes in Europe. If those areas are forced to move to growing other items, who will pick up the large salad green crops from California and will there be enough to meet global demand? It isn't as easy as 'someone else will grow it.'

The song for today came to mind when thinking of this topic and other recent news. The artist is another that we've lost this year. The lyric "How can you leave me just standing?" seemed to fit the plight of many people, animals and plants that keep our globe turning. The title also covers the negative impacts of humanity on the world. Enjoy!

When Doves Cry -- Prince

Day 3 - 112 -- Dreaded Q and A

Final exams grading is completed. Now begins the process of calculating the final course grades. Software should make this easy, but it always seems to take some time to get the equation syntax fully correct <smile>.  That will begin tomorrow. For now, I'm taking a break - well getting ready to turn in for the day, actually.

This grading process always makes me think of how we ask and answer questions. In a conversation, we could stop someone as they headed off in an unintended direction with their answer. Written responses require that we read the question several times to ensure that we fully understand it and then move forward. If clarity is needed, we can ask our own question to see if our interpretations are on target or not. Often, though, this isn't available to us -- or we just forge ahead thinking we know what the questioner wants to hear <smile>.  The idea of asking and answering questions can bring with it satisfaction or frustration. Are people not understanding the question or the response? Is someone asking too many questions and becoming irritating? So many things can go right and so much can go wrong as we try to find a path to communication.

These ponderings from a day filled with red pen brought to mind a quote from Goldsmith. It seemed a song lyric said something similar. So, the selection today uses the paraphrased quotation to speak to the frustration caused by too many questions -- the burden of demands. Enjoy!

Don't ask me no questions -- Lynyrd Skynyrd

Day 3 - 111 -- Breathing

Control -- and the fight for it -- was the word of the day.  Workers came to fix the basement and put things back where they came from. I went to assist with that and it seemed to be that one person just wanted to move things to the two rooms they came from without much attention to where and which room.  I can't heft furniture or my file boxes, so I have to have them where they should be so I can find things without it being like I just moved in. This made me a bit stressed and I tried to hold on and not lose my temper. I kept saying where things should go and then made it clear that I wasn't going anywhere. She kept moving on to another place where they'd squirreled things away without finishing the space she felt she had completed. I calmly went into each corner to ensure that anything extraneous was moved where it should go. It was a battle of wills. Luckily the third person there was more willing to do it well. So -- the basement is almost back in shape. The carpenter didn't put the drapery rod hardware back up nor did he put the door sill back in the doorway. So -- someone will return sometime to complete that.

Feeling a bit out of control with what was going on with my stuff was a major challenge for me. I can tend towards perfectionism, but really do want things to be at least done well and done correctly. When this was someone being paid to do this, it needed to be done well. Working to guide people without being rude or angry can take a lot, especially when tired before issues begin to arise. I stood and breathed a bit and worked at being present rather than having to end up watching myself from somewhere outside myself when I lose control. The worker wasn't rude, but just thinking of the next job rather than being present at this one. We all have times like that.

The lyric that came to mind deals with breathing and learning to stand up for oneself. Enjoy!

Catch my Breath -- Kelly Clarkson

Day 3 - 110 -- Moving Day

This time of year on campus reminds me of years ago. It is filled with smiling faces and happy voices. As I drove around yesterday and today, there are cars being filled as people move out of residences. It is a non-stop process -- like ants scurrying about in a long, seemingly unending line. As I walked in from the far parking lot today, I encountered a large gathering of people and suitcases waiting for the bus. Many students were saying good-bye to each other until fall -- a touching scene. Others were anxious to get the journey started. The bus lines bring in two buses for each run for days such as this. So much activity leaves the quieter feeling of summer on campus in  its wake. Our President posted a photo with this sentiment yesterday, and it was featured on the national morning show segment on 'things found on social media today.'

The memories these activities bring are so real I can almost touch them. Little has changed over the years, except friends can stay connected electronically so much better than we ever could with just land lines. <smile>  My dad would move me up and back to Saskatoon every fall and spring. The items to pack and move grew incrementally each year. I still laugh when I recall our last trip home after finishing the degree program. We filled the trunk and back seat of the Plymouth Fury -- a big boat of a vehicle. Dad was an expert packer. It was like a 3-D puzzle for him. We got it all loaded, had some supper and then headed home. It was dark shortly after we began the 2.5 hour journey. Oncoming cars began flipping their lights at us. When I asked why they kept doing this, Dad explained that they thought he had the high beams on, when he didn't. We were so weighted down in the back end, that the headlights pointed much higher than usual -- we were lighting up the sky it seemed. <smile> We had a good giggle over that and I can still smile or even laugh when thinking about this.

As all students are busy packing and moving, I heard one line run through my head, silly as it may seem. It makes me giggle, too. <g>  Enjoy!

I Like to Move It -- Madagascar movie

Day 3 - 109 -- Miscommunication

I've been reading exams and papers for some time now and I'm always taken by surprise by a word choice. To be truthful, these are mis-choices -- often from choosing an incorrect word from the spell checker. There are many commonly misused terms and words, but it is the uncommon ones that grab one's attention. One that shows up more often than it should is when mistyping the word 'definitely' people choose from the drop-down box 'defiantly.'  The first time I saw this, I did laugh. In any sentence, this interchanged word definitely changes the meaning. Just think -- defiantly changes the meaning. <smile>.  One that I saw for the first time recently, was in a reference to visual materials for use in counseling. When noting the intensity of the colour, the paper stated the use of 'mutated' colours. I'm sure this was a spell check error. These are so similar to autofill errors that change meaning in major ways.

Pondering this made me think of the many misheard song lyrics. My favourite has always been the line from Jimi Hendrix and Purple Haze -- 'Excuse me while I kiss the sky,' which has been infamously misheard as, 'Excuse me while I kiss this guy.'  A true change in meaning there. I heard a recording recently where the singer spoke about a song from his youth. I'll let him explain the lyric mix up in his own musical way. Enjoy!

But not for Me -- Micky Dolenz

Day 3 - 108 -- Physical Labours

A day for wrapping up several things on that infamous 'to do' list. We held another meeting to work through grading of a major assignment. These things seem to take longer than I expect <smile> -- now that shouldn't surprise anyone who reads here. I find it easy to head off on a tangent so that may be part of the problem. It is good that we can find many things to discuss on and off topic. I sent off a review report that is due tomorrow.  After that process, I felt the need to do something physical to work through some negative thoughts and feelings that had settled in today. Luckily for me, the front yard still had many branches to clear from the ice and wind storms of the past 6 weeks or so.  I call this an adult game of pickup sticks. I filled the compost cart -- a very large garbage style bin on wheels -- and added to the pile of larger branches that need the attention of a saw before disposal. The larger maple branch is still in the middle of the lawn and is a bit too heavy for me alone to carry -- who knew hardwood was heavier than softwood. Hey, I am from the prairies after all, so my tree knowledge is not innate.

Other household chores were partially done. I'd hoped to get to several other things, but time didn't allow today. I can fit a couple items in tomorrow before the non-stop meeting barrage that begins after lunch. I did find the physical labour today to be therapeutic. Somehow focusing on muscle movement clears the brain -- pushing the circular thoughts back into their own smaller spaces, thereby allowing the usual brain function and mood to resume. I'm sure I'll have some sore muscles tomorrow, but that may remind me and my brain to move forward rather than descend into the vortex of negativity.

Lyrics that best fit the events of the day are written and sung by a rock icon and advocate for a better world. Enjoy!

Cleanup Time -- John Lennon

Day 3 - 107 -- Accommodating

Today I found some flexibility. A meeting had to be pushed later in the day and took a bit longer than expected, but it didn't create any anxiety in me. That is different than the way I have been feeling for a long time -- made me feel freer than usual. I know others often adapt to work around my silly schedule. It was nice to be able to be the one able to let someone else's schedule take the lead for a change.

At this time of year, things get very stressful and time -- every part of a minute -- seems full of things that need to be done yesterday or at best, tomorrow when there simply aren't enough hours to do whatever is necessary in the time frame given. This puts everyone in a heightened anxiety state -- so there is much frustration all around. When meetings have to occur during such times, it can be almost impossible to get even two people together. When it means gathering 4 or 10 or 50, it is worse -- we all can act like stubborn mules that refuse to budge. The feeling that one more thing required of one's already inadequate time can be just too much to handle. But today wasn't like that for me -- and that was a rather pleasant surprise.

There was a phrase that I thought of while reflecting on this fleeting flexibility. I immediately thought, isn't that a song title? <grin>  I found that it was indeed the title of several songs. The one that seemed to be one I'd heard in my head is shared here today. I love the upbeat tempo and the great group efforts with singing. Enjoy!

Any Way the Wind Blows -- Home Free

Day 3 - 106 -- Ordeal of Grading

I've often worried that this job might promote binge behaviour. It certainly does during the grading of midterms, assignments, and finals. Some people work in the office for several days, but I want to get this task over with. Improved consistency with marking for a single question comes when I can grade each question across all exams -- one at a time.  Once the process begins, a rhythm arrives as you enter that grading zone. Once the mood begins to turn, that is when it is time to stop for a short break or until the next day. Being in a foul mood does not bode well for grading <smile>.

Grading becomes ever present. If I stop for the night, I dream of adding and counting. It is odd, but being all consuming means that it is with you until the end -- bitter or sweet. I grade blind -- I don't know who wrote the exam as I grade it. It is wonderful to find unique responses that show they really understand the concept, rather than the verbatim responses that often come from a class other than the one I'm grading. That shows a loss of focus and often occurs closer to the  end of the exam for those who wrote the questions in the order they were presented in the exam sheets. When the last question is completed, I learn their identities as I add up the sections and calculate the grades.

Grading is a very strange feeling of isolation and anxiety. In a way, the responses reflect how well I did my job throughout the term.  A song that deals with numbers, trying to get through an ordeal and being in a type of stupor -- seemed to fit the situation of this week and next. Love the opening guitar riff <smile>. Enjoy!

25 or 6 to 4 -- Chicago

Day 3 - 105 -- Technologically Inept

The day began with a workman repairing the crack in the foundation. Looks good from my unskilled viewpoint. Hopefully the rest of the basement can be put back in order soon. Several errands were completed on campus and then I returned home to bury myself in grading for 6 hours.  I chose to stop for the day at that point since my brain was going mushy and my attitude was getting cranky. <smile>  I will work away at the pile again tomorrow. This is the smaller group -- only 42 in this pile. Next week will see the arrival of 98 from the other course.

I tried to print some pdf documents so that I could work on another report due as soon as I can get it submitted. Each time I tried to print one of them, the screen froze and I had to shut down with the power button. While extremely odd, this was totally irritating. I was in a hurry after all, and the computer would not cooperate. I delivered another report and chatted about my irritation to an admin assistant who tried to print it for me -- only to have the same freeze occur. I said it was just me standing too close to her machine <smile>.  Luckily I was on my way to IT for two other errands, so I asked them if they'd heard any complaints from anyone. She hadn't so she logged the call for me. We'll see if there is an answer or if this is just another of the 'that shouldn't happen' events with no explanation available.

I had an overwhelming feeling of being inept with basic technology today mixed with some betrayal. While I can feel geekish most days, this was not one of them. Feeling let down by a machine was also a bit weird <smile>.  I laughed as I heard a line from a song in my head. I laughed again when I thought back to a song I posted earlier this week about running in circles. Today's song is a variation on that theme. It makes me smile and reminds me of the concert I went to about the time this album was released. Enjoy!

Hip to be Square -- Huey Lewis and the News

Day 3 - 104 -- Stars in the Night

It's been a long day. I worked at home on thesis grading and report generation and finished the tasks just in time to head into work for an evening exam. I met with a couple of students about the exam next week and a few others with other news -- job interviews, grad school acceptance, an illness. They are fun to talk to. The exam was over by 9:30 and I stayed in the office another hour finishing e-mail conversations with other students. Two were still writing tonight's exam with accessible learning, so I'll pick their exams up from that office tomorrow. I was so tired when I left campus. I'm generally up later, but tonight I was 'on' for the whole time, so did feel fatigued when I decided to stop for the day.

When I left the building, I was greeted by a bright half moon. Walking across the parking lot, I saw many stars for the the first time in a long time. It has been cloudy in the evenings I've been outside recently, it seems. Seeing these celestial bodies felt comforting. I was reminded of a stanza from a song that described stars so perfectly. The song is from a musical, and while the lyrics explain a personal philosophy of the character, they also present stars in a lovely way.  Enjoy!

Stars -- Phillip Quast (Javert from Le Miserables)

Day 3 - 103 -- Running in Circles

It was a day filled with backing and forthing. I went up to campus to print a document, off campus to deliver the document,and to pick up other documents. Once that was completed, I headed home for a late, late lunch. After eating, I headed back to campus to deliver the box of papers I'd picked up and headed back home to work on yet more grade calculation.  Supper happened and then I headed back to campus to give a colleague a break in the midst of the final she was invigilating tonight. Then -- you guessed it -- I headed back home again. If there had been a hop on and off bus route doing the circle from home to office, it would have been well used today. Thankfully, work is close -- 5 minute drive or 15 minute walk.

The physical moving about in circles today seemed to mimic the way my brain has been functioning in the past couple of days. Trying to prioritize tasks to get things completed on time, only to have new tasks try to replace the established priorities. Sleep has been filled with dreams of busyness and  my attempts to redo the magic list or restart the tasks at hand. I'm hoping that once exams begin and I have piles of grading, these feelings may diminish and be replaced by the introspective focus of grading -- a hateful job at best. So -- between now and tomorrow evening, I have to complete grading of a major paper and write a report due at the end of the week. Hopefully, focus will arrive for a long visit then.

There was only one song that went around and around in my head today. This has the original singer with an amazing guitar artist. Enjoy!

Will it go round in circles -- Billy Preston & Eric Clapton

Day 3 - 102 -- Invisibility

Ever wish you could wear a cloak of invisibility like the one from Harry Potter or  be able to make yourself invisible at will like the character on Soap (at least in your own mind <grin>)? It is a feeling I've had at times, often when there is already too much on my desk and someone tracks me down to add more to the piles. Today was one of those days. If I could blend into the background more, there would be no need to feel the desire to hide.

I've encountered this feeling when in large cities where anonymity is the norm. There are pros and cons to that, but there are days when being by myself in a crowd is a pleasant feeling. After living in a small town of 5000 people (plus 4500 students Sept through April), seeing familiar people wherever I go is also comforting. When I needed assistance, I knew there weree many people close by to help -- physically or emotionally. There are some places to 'hide' but often one is found unexpectedly -- like at course registration or final exam times when students stop you at the mall or on the street for assistance.  Again, this is not all intrusive. It is positive that students feel comfortable approaching you other than in your office. I've learned to expect encounters rather than be surprised by them, as I was when I first moved here from only city living.

There are, though, still many days or times when being invisible would be of benefit. I laughed when I thought of this song today. It is from a Broadway show and is performed by a favourite singer of mine since almost forever <smile>. Enjoy!

Mr. Cellophane -- Micky Dolenz

Day 3 - 101 -- Weather Predictions

Well -- the meteorologists didn't completely mislead us this time. There definitely was a white world outside my window this morning. Luckily, it wasn't the amount that they had suggested, though their numbers went from 4 cm, to 15 cm to 20+ cm yesterday during forecasts. Guess that helps with the accuracy rate <sigh>.  There is enough that I'll need to clear the porch and stairs, but that will wait until tomorrow morning. It is to be sunny tomorrow, so that may help remove some of the stuff on the ground and the car before I need to walk or drive. I remained indoors today and worked on household tasks and some major work for the office. Several things moving along nicely, but still not getting to all the items I seem to dream I can do over the weekend <smile>.

I will admit that even though it is clearly the transition season of spring, it is disappointing to see snow and ice pellets arrive. The upside is at this point in the game, it won't last long. The ground is warming and spring bulbs are showing their leaves. My tulips are up about 3-4 inches. Crocuses, snowdrops and periwinkles should show up within the next week. We will likely be under heavy cloud for most of the week, if the forecasters are anywhere close to correct. April showers can clear away some of the ugliness leftover from winter and coax the flowers and grass to green up a bit. I do like spring and I don't expect it to be summer quite yet. I'm one that enjoys the cooler temps of spring and fall and early and late summer.

That all said, I did think of being somewhere warmer without snow cover -- just briefly. If it had been the 20+cm predicted yesterday evening, I would have pondered this idea more fully <smile>.  The song that I'm sharing today is a cover of a wonderful one from the '60s. I love the soulful aspect of the singer's voice. This version makes me hear the song differently. Enjoy!

California Dreamin' -- Sia

Day 3 - 100 -- Vimy Day

Imagine -- cold, dark, wet. Rats running by. Even the heavy wool clothing doesn't add any comfort. As far as you know on either side are men just like you -- stretched out for miles through winding trenches. Then add the anxiety of knowing something horrible is about to happen and you have no choice but to participate and do your best to survive. Hoping against hope that the they'd get the rolling barrage right this time. Sitting in the dark waiting for the dawn to begin the fight to climb the hill and oust those who currently saw it as their own.

Imagine -- 99 years later and that same hill still belongs to Canada -- given by the French government as an historic battle ground and national historic site. A hill that holds heart-wrenching marble sculptures of a nation in mourning. After all, 10,000 casualties happened over the 4 day battle -- 3000 dead and 7000 injured -- and many others mentally scarred for life. But they fought as one -- the first time all four Canadian divisions were side by side through the battle. It was a turning point for the nation -- but at a huge cost.

Imagine -- the war to end all wars yet those hopes have been dashed repeatedly. Yet, even though those who fought 99 years ago have left us, we remember.

Four years ago for the 95th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge, an amazing song was sung in remembrance. I share it here today. It has a celtic feel with a wonderful voice to carry the story. The link includes the lyrics.

Vimy Ridge -- Lizzy Hoyt

Lyrics to Vimy Ridge

Day 3 - 99 -- Learning Flexibility

I woke before the alarm today and then realized that the power had gone out about 15 minutes earlier. It was off for 6 hours which made things interesting. Finding work-arounds for all the usual events wasn't possible, but a few worked. Hot water from the tap made a warmish oatmeal and lukewarm tea flavoured beverage. Lunch was a tuna sandwich with fruit and yougurt -- easy peasy. I read through the text book to find a few new exam questions but couldn't get to the online test bank to search for others. So, I moved on to the next major task -- reading theses. There are three that need to be back by beginning of the week. I finished one by the faint light from the window. It was still very cloudy and extremely windy -- gusts would have been over 80 km/h with sustained winds of 60+ km/h.  Tree falls were most likely the cause of the outage. It was definitely loud throughout the morning and did calm down by late afternoon. Luckily the temperature was about 12-14C outside, so we didn't freeze inside (I have electric heat), but I did resort to wearing those thin stretchy gloves while reading -- that made page turning a bit of a challenge <smile>.  The feline dude was agitated again. It may be that the quiet in the house is unsettling for him -- no humming machines -- or it might just have been the wind noise and debris hitting the house.

While this was a bit of a disruption to the usual day for many people, it was still fairly minor in the grand scheme of things. This made me think about how as humans we can become quite self-centred, becoming irritated by external forces that we can't control, but which mess with our plans. It is a bit odd when you think about it. Small inconveniences should challenge us to rethink our planned approach to the day or event, bringing us to a new way to get things done. Granted some things won't be possible, but they can be pushed onto a later agenda while moving something from future work plans to today. Seeing the flexibility available in that tightly planned schedule can be somewhat freeing and remind us that there is more than one way to get through the maze of the 'to do' list. It is not a linear beast, but much more 3D in the way we can approach it. Ain't that a cool idea <grin>.

A song that came to mind today was for the main chorus lines, since the weather events today and yesterday were nasty but not totally catastrophic. The song shared here uses modified lyrics from the traditional folk song, but the central message is the same. This version is sung by a number of people and was included on a Nancy Griffith album. Enjoy!

Wasn't that a mighty storm -- Nancy Griffith (and others) 

Day 3 - 98 -- Crazy Wind

Errands was the word of the day. I had many things that had been left for several weeks and now needed to be addressed -- made big groceries, got CO2 refill for carbonator, made health appointments, filled car with gas, exam #1 to printer and stop at the bank. A time was set for the foundation crack fix next week. All in all, it seemed a productive day.

The only impediment was the wind. A strong breeze was present when I did the walking portion of the errands on Main Street. By the time I headed out with the car it was crazy wind. My jeans flapped around my legs as I stood to fill the gas tank -- and so did everyone else's. When I walked to the car with a cart of groceries, the wind blew the cart almost out of my hands. I had to stick my leg between the cart and the car to avoid a major damage. While transferring one heavy bag to the trunk, the wind thought it would be better left outside the car -- it was a struggle, but all bags were added to the back and the lift gate was successfully closed. Pushing the cart back to the corral was just silly. Heading into the wind made me feel like a mime -- walking but not really moving forward. Driving was even challenging as the gust made steering difficult -- so glad the roads were dry and clear -- ice would have been a nightmare today. It was difficult to determine exactly from which direction the wind was blowing -- it seemed to hit me and the car from all directions at once.

A song from the dim distant past came to mind mainly for the way it described the wind as strong. The version I'm sharing here is by a wonderful Canadian folk duo -- when they were young and just beginning long musical careers. The harmonies are classic. Enjoy!

Four Strong Winds -- Ian and Sylvia

Day 3 - 97 -- Delightful Musical Find

The morning began slowly today with a touch of sun that became bright and blinding by late afternoon. Listening to the national morning show to catch the main news and a bit of weather, I heard a new-to-me band with some amazing music. I loved the contemporary sound. The two songs performed seemed autobiographical. Family was the centre of each of the selections played today. I discovered there were many other songs available online that were just as wonderful with lyrics filled with imagery and emotion.

Today I want to share the two 'starter' songs that got me listening to more from this Danish band. I hope it may do the same for you. Enjoy!

7 years-- Lukas Graham

Mama Said -- Luka Graham

Day 3 - 96 -- A Very Full Day

It has been a day filled with many key events. The last class of the academic year occurred today. It ended well with smiles and laughs and one student thanking me for the past 4 years (he graduates in 3 weeks). It all made me feel somewhat happy and somewhat sad. Endings do this to me. As the day wore on, there was a student meeting, good talk with a friend, and completion of tasks that have been sitting while the grading took over life. Just as I was leaving to get groceries, a phone call came to tell me that the movers would be delivering the boxes from home tonight. I hurried out to the store and then realized that my list was still on my desk at the office, so maybe tomorrow.

The movers were a lovely older couple who schlepped the boxes into the house and into one of the rooms downstairs -- one of the empty rooms waiting for redressing once the foundation crack is fixed -- the only space there is for these things except the living room. When they left, I looked at one of the chairs with a cross-stitched seat cover that my mom had made and that brought on the tears. Opening the boxes will be difficult, but I will need to do this to get things ready to go into storage, display, or closets. I have three upstairs in the living room that I'll have to tackle first. The others are out of sight downstairs right now, but I can't wait too long to move things elsewhere, even if I don't fully unpack the boxes.

Interesting song for today -- one I came across online - from an artist that has a large body of work that many people recognize. This song is sort of bluesy and not as well known. Enjoy!

Sometimes We Cry -- Van Morrison

Day 3 - 95 -- Musical National Treasure

Yesterday a Canadian rock legend was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Burton Cummings received this honour for his solo career. As front man for The Guess Who,  he was inducted in 1987, but this time it was for his 40 year solo career. I've always enjoyed his vocals and songwriting. As a fellow keyboardist, there is an affinity for his musician skills, too. He is from Winnipeg and spent some early career time in Regina -- places that I have lived as an adult. This latest honour is added to a long string of accolades -- Officer of Order of Canada, Order of Manitoba, Canadian Songwriter's Hall of Fame, 7 Juno awards and many other music industry recognitions.

Cummings has recorded many wonderful songs. I want to share a couple here today and for me this one was extremely difficult to refrain from posting links to all the albums. The first choice was his debut single that became certified gold -- one of his big ballads done in the early solo years with the great vocals of a younger voice. The second selection is one that his mother loved. It definitely speaks to me right now.  I'm including a third selection from the Juno's last night (for those who haven't seen it) to show that he's still got it <smile>. This last one contains part of the first selection, but it is done quite differently. Enjoy!

Stand Tall -- Burton Cummings

Heavenly Blue -- Burton Cummings

Tribute to Burton Cummings Juno Awards 2016 -- Break it to them Gently with Jann Arden; Stand Tall with The Tenors; My own Way to Rock with Burton Cummings 

Day 3 - 94 -- Snow, Wind, Power

Well another dismal looking day outside and piles of grading inside. Somehow I felt a bit better about the latter today, though. It was still a long slog, but I got it completed before bedtime. By supper tonight, the snow was so thick I couldn't see the buildings on Main Street or the cathedral on the hill. The power has flickered many times and gone out 4 or 5 times for just a few seconds. There were very loud noises outside somewhere twice when this happened. There seemed to be sounds of a chain saw a while back, too, but I could be just so tired, I'm making this all up <g>. The cat gets very freaked out when the power goes out and it is all dark. Odd as I thought he wouldn't really even notice that. So, it seems that domesticated (and I use air quotes with that term <smile>) felines are very used to the creature comforts of house life.

My mood, while better than yesterday, was still a bit down today. When I stopped to think about it, I decided that it was because it was Sunday. Mom and I would often talk on a Sunday afternoon. Another of the many small things that have changed. Two lines from a song came to mind today. One about always being on my mind and the other about catching tears. So, that is the song that I'll share with you all today. The singer has an amazing voice and her style is very relaxed. She comes from famous parents, one actor and one musician. So, she comes to her career understanding the pros and cons of fame. Enjoy!

Don't Know Why -- Norah Jones

Day 3 - 93 -- Ongoing Repetitive Task

Today was a tough day. I woke before I'd hoped to and worked throughout the day. A bit of laundry, but most of the work was grading. It took hours to get through a third of the papers. I'm not sure why they are as long as they are or why I am reading as slow as I am. All I know is that tomorrow the whole process needs to be repeated so that the assignments can be returned before the end of classes. Generally there are two weeks allowed to return these, but this one is less than that due t my being away. Sometime in the next day, the final exam format has to be considered. This will need to be talked about in class Monday, too.

Grading can be interesting. Often the insights of the writers can be intriguing. It is the sheer amount and the limited time that taint the joy of understanding what has been learned. That is unfortunate. It turns the task into work -- something to dislike and see as an enemy rather than something that can show the accomplishments of all involved.

While feeling buried beneath a mountain of papers, several songs came to mind. I share one here that carries the feeling of forced drudgery that often accompanies this repetitive process.  Enjoy!

Look Down -- Les Miserables

Day 3 - 92 -- Unplanned Event

Temperatures climbed into mid-teens today and the humidity grew with the temp. Cloud and mist were present by late afternoon and rain by early evening. Rain is expected for the next 24-36 hours with some snow in the air within 48 hours. Five hours ago forecasts called for 10 cm on Sunday and 20-30 cm on Tuesday.  At present that has been revised to 5 cm on Sunday and 1 cm on Tuesday. With that range of difference in forecasting, they are bound to be in the ballpark and hang onto their 95% accuracy rate. Precipitation generally can't be predicted with any degree of accuracy within 4-5 days in advance. I still don't understand the need to confuse people with the prediction models that change moment to moment. I've said several times this week that having a job where I can be so off the mark regularly and not fear any repercussions would be interesting. <smile>

After work today, I met a friend at our local community supported pub. She had arrived with another colleague who I hadn't met before and we were joined by two others, one of which I'd met a while back. Spontaneity in play. I don't always do well in a group, especially of new-to-me people. It is the curse of an introvert. Tonight, however, worked very well and we made plans to all get together again in a couple weeks. It was a fun evening of interesting conversations and much laughter. At the end, I noted how much I had needed just that -- something unplanned and fun. It made returning home to grade papers much more manageable. <smile>

The pub we usually meet at is small and we are often recognized by face if not by name. The place is always busy and Fridays, especially so. It made me think of a TV show theme song, so I'm sharing that one with you all tonight. Enjoy!

Where everybody knows your name -- Gary Portnoy & Judy Hart-Angelo