Day 4 - 243 -- Helping?

The news today brought stories of distress in many areas of the world. People have been evacuated or lost their homes in a major storm in Houston and other parts of Texas and Louisiana. As the water has begun to recede, crews have begun door to door search and rescue -- which has led to the beginning of the recovery operations, too. In south Asia, many people have experienced major flooding in India, Nepal and Bangladesh -- with many lives lost and millions displaced. A flash flood filled basements in Windsor, ON after heavy rains. Fires in western Canada still have people displaced in BC and many people are being air-lifted from northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan due to fires and smoke threatening the communities. Reporters try to show what it must be like to be removed from your home quickly, but most don't seem able to portray the enormity of emotion that comes along with such emergencies -- fear, guilt, anger, sadness, anxiety, panic -- it all shows up. Not knowing what will remain when or if they are allowed to return brings a flood of many emotions all at once. Sorting through it requires some assistance. In some relief centres, counselors often volunteer to help people through the pain.

I've never been evacuated. I have a go bag that is prepared for such occasions -- generally major storms. I also have a routinized check list of tasks to complete when we know something wicked is coming this way. That doesn't mean that I get everything done and checked before a storm, though. If I didn't have time to pack before leaving, many necessary things would be left behind. Medications, cash, important documents, clean clothes, underwear, food, and so much more. Across the globe tonight many people will be without adequate sanitation, food or sleeping quarters. Many aid agencies try to get to the hardest hit areas as soon as possible. Red Cross/Red Crescent is a global organization that delivers assistance -- not only water safety and first aid training -- along with many local and national governments and organizations. While we all may not be trained as emergency volunteers, we can assist by donating to registered charities. Sending truck loads of material goods isn't always the best way to deal -- it may feel like we are 'doing something' but a $10 donation allows agencies on the ground to do what is needed in the area. For example, blankets may not be needed if there is a decent supply warehoused in the affected area. Often after disasters -- earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes -- warehouses filled with material goods remain unused since they weren't what was needed at the time. Donating funds does work well. It also can keep local economies functioning by purchasing from vendors in the area -- all without adding to the shipping costs, time, financial needs and environmental challenges.

Locally, we can volunteer to assist with our expertise skill sets. If this isn't possible, we can donate funds or the specific items that a major charity requests. In person or on social media, we can listen and try to understand without using trite platitudes in response -- a judgement free approach, if you will. Keeping such disasters in our view, even when the media moves on, can ensure that long term rebuilding occurs. The song for today seemed to fit the idea of helping others in whatever way needed. The video shared is lyrics only since the photo ones just didn't fit the theme today. Enjoy!

I'll be There -- Josh Turner

Day 4 - 242 -- The Bounty of Summer

The highlight of the day was visiting a local farming group and coming home with the bounties of the end of summer. A peaches and cream variety of corn, the sweetest yellow cherry tomatoes and wonderful yellow and green zucchini (small ones) -- all followed me home today. They had been picked early this morning before the seller came to town. The freshness could be seen when looking at the produce -- perfection. I cooked the corn for supper along with a saute of zucchini, onions, garlic and tomatoes with a hint of red pepper flakes. There is enough for leftovers for tomorrow evening and some raw squash and tomatoes left for other recipes. Added to the delights of the foods, I love knowing who grew it. Knowing some of the growers to speak to helps me to connect with the food --from seed to harvest -- by understanding the world of the producer. My dad developed relationships with the producers of bread, eggs and chickens that we bought directly from growers. It is a privilege.

I so love the end of summer harvest. Some years the home gardens yield far more than a household can manage -- particularly if zucchini and tomatoes were planted <smile>.  As a nutritionist, I have been asked what people can do with the excess. My response is often, what can you not do? Freezing grated zucchini, especially if it has gotten large when you had your back turned, works well. That means fall zucchini loaves and zucchini latkes. Tomatoes lend themselves to freezing as well as roasting or saucing prior to freezing. Luckily, these two vegetables are very versatile. Now corn -- I tend to binge on it when fresh, boiled on the cob. It can also be cut off the cob, blanched and frozen. But to me, there is nothing better than eating it fresh from the cob dripping with butter -- a bit messy at times, but that is part of the experience. I remember waiting for the Taber (a town in southern Alberta) corn truck to come to town in late summer. A half-ton with sacks of corn in the back would set up at the mall or a parking lot in town. The anticipation made the acquisition that much sweeter. <smile>

Each of the three seasonal foods is imbued with vivid and deep set memories -- ones I will carry with me forever, I'm sure. When speaking with others over the past couple of weeks, there seems to be a sense of giddiness at the abundance we have at the markets at present. I see a wistful look as part of that anticipation and have heard their stories of childhood corn boils and fresh tomato sandwiches. These good basic foods are central to the culinary histories of many people from different parts of the country -- a wonderful thing to have in common.

The song today should bring a smile. The fun lyrics cover the process of growing, but focus heavily on consumption <smile> -- and sung by a country boy. Enjoy!

Home Grown Tomatoes -- John Denver

Day 4 - 241 -- Road Adventures

Travels down 'new to me' roads filled the day. A friend and I headed to Cape Breton to drive the back way to Louisbourg -- we went out the Fleur-de-lis Trail (on the south and west coast and cross country) and came back along the Bras D'or Trail (runs along the west side of the lake). The scenery was lovely both ways. We stopped at the Fortress of Louisbourg, which has been restored to the mid-18th century French fort during the war with the British for what is now Canada. After two major sieges in the mid-1700s, the French withdrew. It was used as a place for the British to gather troops and supplies for the Siege of Quebec, which culminated in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham -- where the nation began. It seemed a fitting visit for the 150th year since confederation. We ate lunch at one of the period restaurants in the fortress. I had split pea soup with bread made in the local fortress bakery. We ate from pewter dishes with only a large serving spoon and a huge napkin to tie around your neck. With the bend in the lip of my spoon that was less helpful since the spoon dripped badly there <smile>. They bottle their own rum -- Fortress Rum -- which we sampled in a rum cake -- very yummy. About 1/4 of the original walled city has been rebuilt and the rest will remain as it is. There have been many archaeological digs in the area. Much of the original stone was used to re-build. The place does take one back in time -- all site staff are dressed as armed forces or towns people. It is a true treasure.

On the way home we drove the Bras D'or lakeshore route. We stopped in Big Pond to visit Rita's Tearoom -- had tea and a take on the English cream tea scone. Tasty. Rita was a prolific singer/songwriter from the small hamlet. The tearoom is a former one room school house that she had rebuilt for her home and then made the Tearoom. The place houses all her musical history -- gold and platinum albums along with many great photos. We arrived late -- 20 minutes before closing, but they did let us pause for tea and a snack. The drive along the lake was lovely in the evening sunlight. The sky was an amazing blue and the lake was smooth and calm. We tried to capture the beauty of the expansive vistas. Even panorama mode wouldn't take in all we could see, but it did capture some great memories.

I settled on two songs to share today. The first was for the lovely views along a river on our way to the Fortress. It was written by a local songwriter, Alistair MacGillivray. The version here is sung by a Canadian singer with an Irish group. The video has a couple of views of the river. The second song is one that ran through my mind today as we toured more of Nova Scotia. It is sung by Rita. The video for this one shows sites from around the province with a quick one of the stone buildings of the Fortress just before the 3 minute mark. Enjoy!

Song for the Mira -- Anne Murray with Celtic Woman

She's Called Nova Scotia -- Rita MacNeil

Day 4 - 240 -- Another Monday

Mondays. They bring the promise of a new week, but often seem to be drenched in the anguish of the end of a weekend. Getting into the rhythm of the week days means that Monday can be the day when people have less sleep, are less productive and are more prone to accidents. Perhaps this is what brings the Monday dread.

As a child, Monday was laundry day. Clothes lines throughout the neighbourhood were filled with linens and clothes flying in the wind -- or hanging limply waiting on a breeze. Even in the winter clothes were out. I recall my grandmother bringing in items frozen stiff and propping them up around the kitchen to thaw before folding or ironing. My grandfather's long johns would be standing upright by the back door on days such as these. <smile>  The city bylaw banned burning on Mondays -- refuse was still burned in barrels in the alley ways behind homes in those days. So, no burning meant no smoke to taint that fresh laundry odour -- all done without beads or scented stuff that creates carcinogens in the dryer and its vents. <sigh>. In Louisiana long before I was born, big pots of boiling water were used to wash clothes before hanging them to dry. With the fires fully stoked for the day and little time left to cook meals, red beans and rice became the staple for Monday washing day dinner.  Beans and rice could be boiled in smaller pots during the day and came to be known as Lundi beans. So the tradition of washday Monday went far beyond southern Saskatchewan. <smile>

Today came with some frustrations and some calmer activities. When thinking of a song for the day, I chose one sung by a '60s group with a Canadian front man -- actually a Nova Scotian fellow. Harmonies make the sound for this one. Enjoy!

Monday, Monday -- The Mamas and the Papas.

Day 4 - 239 -- Water

The bit of rain overnight brought with it cooler drier air. The highs today were about 22C with mostly sunny skies. I got groceries and finished the laundry in the afternoon. High points included the completion of the ceiling tile work from the water leak in June and the installation of a new shower head -- so I now know that the water will fall down and not spray up or sideways <smile>. A phone conversation with a dear friend back in Saskatchewan, where the summer has been extremely dry, helped me feel good about things. I've been watching social media to keep track of a friend in Texas - between Houston and Galveston -- not a good place to be right now. They survived the winds but the rains have been incessant. Black Hawk helicopters were in the area rescuing people from rooftops. My friend and her family left the house as the water was in the garage and continuing to rise. A boat passing by in the street picked them up and delivered them to a relative in a drier area. With rain expected for the next 3-4 days, this will be epic -- and that may be an understated word. In 24 hours that city received 17 inches of rain, with 11 of those coming in a mere 6 hours. It sounds so surreal.

The occurrences of the day seemed to involve water -- mostly in minor ways except for Texas. Water is key to life, but it has its downsides, too. I've had minor flooding in my basement a  few times and my parents had 5-1/2 feet that came in through sewer pipes flooding the place in minutes. The loss of tangible items brings grief. Being out of one's home while not knowing what will be there upon return brings overwhelming anxiety. It was heartening to hear that rescue crews were at work today. Hearing and reading of people helping those around them shows their base goodness. My heart goes out to those in the area where Harvey rain continues. Holding onto hope and finding a way to get some rest and sustenance might help with getting through. I hope that the knowledge that others, like me, just wishing we could bring you home for supper and a smile, will help you all to move forward.

The song today is one that has been bandied about on social media. I do love the song and it does state what many are thinking -- just make it stop. I chose the original band recording rather than the newer songwriter concert versions, because the guitar is just so much better. <smile> Hang on. Enjoy!

Who'll stop the rain -- Creedence Clearwater Revival

Day 4 - 238 -- Saturday Work

The day began disgustingly early for a Saturday. A carpenter arrived early to work on the ceiling in the basement. He worked for about 4 hours and then had to leave. He will return tomorrow for about 20 to 30 minutes to finish -- he needed his nail gun and it was elsewhere. He has done a great job with some new corner molding on the pipe box area that needed to be lowered an inch or two due to the new piping put in by the plumbers. It does look so nice, clean and new. The cat was distressed by the removal of the old tiles and the drilling of plywood to the joists nearer to the end of the process. While the work was going on downstairs, I did housecleaning jobs upstairs, followed by laundry downstairs once the carpenter had left for the day.

If I felt tired yesterday, having less sleep than usual with an early rising -- including the disrupted sleep due to worrying about getting up on time -- I surely do feel tired today. I tried to do some fun things from the to do list, but had to set it aside until tomorrow. I plan to watch a movie this evening and get to sleep before midnight for a change. I also noticed today, the sounds and rhythms of work tasks -- mine and the carpenter's. Some are quite relaxing such as sweeping the floors or washing windows. I've noticed this with snow shoveling, but never really listened as well to indoor work. I had planned to do very little real work this weekend, but couldn't rest and read or watch a movie with the workman downstairs. Hopefully, tomorrow will be more like the original plans for the weekend.

The song that seemed to work for today, albeit in a somewhat sarcastic manner, comes from the days of 'muscle' shirts (look like camis today), leather pants and less structured suit jackets <smile>. Originally from Calgary, they are still going strong, though with a newer wardrobe. I had heard the title and chorus line in my head with a changed preposition -- 'on' instead of 'for' -- which does change the intent of the rest of the lyrics <smile>. Enjoy!

Working for the Weekend -- Loverboy

Day 4 - 237 -- Sky Gazing

It's been a busy Friday that brought with it many things to ponder. It began with me heading to the hardware store for ceiling tiles so the repair guy can fix the gaping hole in the basement ceiling tomorrow. They sent me to warehouse #1 to find a person to help load them into the car. From there, the assistant sent me around the back of the lot to #7. While standing there waiting, I could see him walking through the second floor and hear him muttering about not finding the things. I then told him they'd just come in overnight on the latest truck. It seems they had been in #7, but for some reason were now in #6. While moving from place to place, I had time to watch the sky and the clouds moving with the wind. Everyone was pleasant, which also helped me go with the flow. I then went to a sporting goods and clothing store. They have a sale on shoes and online had many options of the brand I want. At the store, nary a one was on the floor. I wandered looking at the shoes and at the boxes that held shoes for over 10 minutes. All the while the sales folks were chatting up at the cash. I can order them online, but had hoped someone would speak to me so I could just have them bring in the ones I wanted. I left there and again watched as more clouds gathered in the sky -- an omen perhaps <smile>. Other errands at the post office and grocery store went smoothly.  As I unloaded the car at home, I found there was a cooler breeze every so often. By supper time, this was cool enough to require jeans instead of shorts when I headed out to the local wood-fired pizza mobile oven for supper -- cherry tomato, fresh basil, roasted garlic, red onion and chili peppers -- totally great combo.

The weather has been hinting at the end of summer. Looking at the calendar, I'm just not sure how we got to the 25th of August already. So, the dog days of summer may be over. This might also explain my lack of energy or motivation of late.  The dog days are defined as hot summer days filled with "lethargy, inactivity, and indolence" (dictionary.com). That pretty much sums up my past week and a bit. The current rising anxiety made me think of ways to disengage the limbic system and get the thought processes back on track. Taking time to watch the sky today helped with that.

Noting what we see, hear, smell, feel and taste can redirect brain functions and help regain a sense of control again. A song lyric instructs to hear, smell and feel and then to let things go. The version shared here is a cover by a Canadian artist -- one I met at a wedding many moons ago <smile>.  I love the unplugged aspect of this cover -- gives him time to show his skills with an acoustic guitar for a change. He is a prairie boy from less than an hour from my home town. <smile>. Enjoy!

Into the Mystic -- Colin James

Day 4 - 236 -- Plans for Change

Another day feeling overly tired. I slept through the alarm -- luckily didn't need to be anywhere. All day I've felt totally fatigued. This happened a couple of weeks ago and ended in a migraine. I may not set an alarm and see if I feel any better waking when my body chooses. It may be the weather -- difficulty sleeping and hearing the fan all night means I'm not getting the deeper restful sleep needed to operate at even moderate efficiency.

While things do get done when feeling tired, they take longer (or it feels that way) and fewer of them get done. Ten days remain before I return to work and classes begin in 11 days. Is this like the Sunday anxiety phenomenon only feeling the end of a vacation coming? I'd understand if we were a week down the road and there were only three days left before needing to be in the office. Ten days seems just too long to wind up when I'm trying to wind down. Really, really trying.

Thinking of working towards getting more restful sleep, knocking a few more things off the 'to do' list, and seeking to relax, a lyric from an older song came to mind. The lyrics describe someone seeking to work harder to be successful at something. While her something and my something are different entities, the work involved is similar. The melody and phrasing describe the difficulty and the distress that come along with making changes.  I had to check to make sure that there was Canadian content, and indeed there was <smile>. The singer is American, but the backing band members are from Ontario. Enjoy!

Try -- Janis Joplin and the Full Tilt Boogie Band

Day 4 - 235 -- Mired Down

The sunny day predicted dawned with a lot of cloud. By noon, heavy cloud hung everywhere. The wind was no longer just a breeze and it carried heavy moist air. I visited a friend today and we worked on some writing projects and had a good visit. I felt very reflective today. This meant that I often found myself following a path that went in circles and got me nowhere. With help, I got out of that circular train of thought, yet something inside me seemed determined to go off the main path today. I am nothing, if not tangential, but this was less constructive than usual. For whatever reason, today I seemed well and truly stuck in the vortex.

I recall a story told by a friend about a visit she made to Treetops Lodge in Kenya -- where the Queen was when she heard of the death of her father -- princess became queen there. My friend was there about a decade later. Their guide for the safari had them escorted into the complex one or two at time, while he stood guard with his rifle. Why? A baby elephant was stuck in a mud hole where the herd had been drinking. The females expressed great distress and worked to free the little one, but it hadn't worked yet. The baby was getting exhausted, which only added to the panic among the herd. The arrival of a loud group of humans heading to their rooms for the night was not something that needed to be added to the situation. Fear of a charging elephant among the people only added to the tension in the air. With further work, the infant was finally freed. Today I felt like that baby elephant -- mired down in thinking that I hadn't wallowed in to this degree for some time. Generally, I just stop at the side of the mud hole and move on or maybe stick one foot into the edge of the boggy bits. Today I jumped right into the middle with both feet. There are tricks to noticing when I wander off the beaten path and risk the dreaded circular thinking. Friends have gently extricated me or diverted my attention in another direction (Ooohh, shiny things <grin>). I can do this for myself, but when tired, migraine-y, or thinking of past challenges, it becomes more difficult to avoid the sucking mud holes.

A song for all this comes from a Canadian singer/songwriter -- one who so aptly puts feelings into words. The lyrics fit well with the concept of the need for work over time to change that ingrained thinking style. His voice is amazing. Enjoy!

Oh -- the rains finally arrived in early evening and the temperatures had cooled noticeably. <smile>

All in Good Time -- Ron Sexsmith

Day 4 - 234 -- Heat-Impaired Rest

Whew!  Today has been very very HOT with little to no breeze. The house become an oven. Is this some leftover from the sun being upstaged yesterday? Now it has the need to make up for the missed sunshine hours. The other option is that heat is venting straight from hell. Not sure where the crack in time and space would be to facilitate that. Now, I can sweat but the feline must be so uncomfortable. I worked in the house for the afternoon and ran errands about 7 PM. It was still oppressively hot outside. By 8 PM a noticeable cooling occurred -- and it was still about 25C. Drier air appeared then, too. I can only hope that some of the cooler air outside leaks into the house overnight. That will help us start at a lower temp when it all repeats tomorrow.

I find the heat disrupts sleep. I have had difficulty getting to sleep and today had difficulty getting up with the alarm. It is a vicious cycle. The noise of the fan at night also can disrupt sleep, but it can help somewhat with the illusion of coolness. Heat can create a headache, as it did yesterday -- though that may have been the bright sun. Seems I walked the two blocks home without my hat on after tea yesterday -- I was aware it seemed brighter but put that down to the solar events that occurred in the sky.

The melody of the song shared today projects tension and the video brings some disturbance. Each of these remind me of the anxiety of trying to get some rest, a theme alluded to in the lyrics. Enjoy!

Heat of the Night -- Bryan Adams

Day 4 - 233 -- Sun and Smiles

It was another sunny and HOT day today, with mild humidity. I had a few errands to run around town so was grateful for the a/c in the car. It was 27C or more with feel like temperature above 30C. I met a colleague and friend for tea this afternoon. The cafe was more humid than outside and just as hot. We did acclimate as we sat there. It has been a while between taking time to chat. Work has been very full at both ends the past year, and are looking fairly full again for the coming term. We spoke about research projects and the time that seems to disappear for writing the reports and publications. As I've said before, I many need to retire to get the writing done. <smile>  I did notice that we both smiled a lot when speaking of our research projects. These things provide a sense of joy and are  topics that we feel passionate about pursuing. So, having to use the time we'd like to set aside for research writing to do other work tasks can create frustration with a tinge of sadness. Having time to immerse oneself in a project can help to re-centre and refocus.

The solar eclipse of today has been all over social media. We were in the band that had about 48% of the eclipse. However, in 7 years -- April 2024 -- there will be a total eclipse in this part of the continent. The predictability of future events brings a sense of order and comfort to an otherwise disordered world. Many songs have been part of social media and news channels. The one line that came to mind this morning spoke of a total eclipse in the near vicinity. This version is sung by a Canadian singer, songwriter, poet and blogger. The video is far from perfect and the sound is a bit iffy in this live concert capture, but the words are there <smile>. The three women on stage are from CTV's The Social.  Enjoy!

You're so Vain -- Jann Arden

Day 4 - 232 -- Long Distance

Wow! the sun shone today with temps in the high 20s but feel like temps in the mid-30s. The air outside was so thick. It hit you in the face when you opened a door. I spent most of the day inside working on housework and writing some letters to friends and family, so it was a bit cooler -- but just a bit <smile>. Tomorrow is to be similar with even higher temps on Tuesday. I'll need to find somewhere cool to hang out.

A family member reminded me that three years ago we were touring the Annapolis Valley and Fundy shore together. Where does the time go? That got me thinking about many things. I found myself thinking of all the people who live far away from me -- people that I feel close to in my heart but not geographically. That last word was the key. It is the sheer distance between us all. It took a while to get to that as the crux of feelings. I do miss friends and family, but it is the vastness of the country -- no continent -- that places the barriers to more frequent visits. Being able to drive somewhere for the evening or for a weekend would be great, but most people live much further away. Flying can be done, but it can take 12 or more hours to get from here to places out west or down south. That eats into a weekend. Having lived, worked, and gone to school in four provinces, many friends and colleagues are spread across Canada and into the US. So, the culprit isn't me, or laziness, but distance. Hmm -- need to find a way past that.

A line from a song came to mind -- 'being far away for far too long' -- seemed to sum up the day's thoughts. The rhythm mimics the angst of being so far from everyone. Enjoy!

Far Away -- Nickelback

Day 4 - 231 -- Storylines

I spent today working through basic housework and some work with household files. Plans were made with a carpenter to do some of the work in the basement. That should occur next week. I just need to get some of the supplies needed. That will be on Monday. I've been reading some of the bedside pile of 'to reads'. It is fun to have time to read something that isn't needed for work <smile>. I've also been listening to -- and sometimes watching -- some movies. Most are fairly recent, but a couple have been a bit older and well worth a repeat viewing. I've also been doing mini-binges with an older sci-fi series that I enjoyed when it was new. I've discovered I still like it <smile>.

While that may sound like I'm doing nothing, that isn't really the case. I've always had the television or stereo on in the background when reading or working at home. I don't get the whole plot most days, but that means if there's a bit of interest, I can re-watch another time. <smile>  I've thought of the storylines of different genres of movies and tv series. Common themes, the tropes, abound. Interestingly, some plots are similar to those of classic books. It makes sense since these themes explore the basic human condition, just with different characters, times in history, and places. It is not uncommon to see Shakespeare in a sci-fi movie. It can be fun to find the basic story in the midst of all the staging.

The song for today takes its title from classic literature and puts its own twist on things. The lyrics focus on science fiction, which likely comes from what I've been listening to today <smile>. The Canadian band began anonymously, which shrouded it in conspiracy theory -- definitely an intriguing beginning. Enjoy!

Around the Universe in 80 Days -- Klaatu

Day 4 - 230 -- Quiet Sunny Day

A day overdue again -- I do apologize.  Yesterday was sunny but a bit cooler due to the north wind that blew in behind the hurricane that passed by two days ago. A few clouds came and went in the sky, but blue sky was present well into the evening. I walked out to the store, post office and library. Got some time sensitive mail into the system and got assistance in setting up the new tablet -- for work when traveling -- much easier to carry around.  When these tasks were completed I settled in to do some of the computer work for the household. It seems so easy to let this get behind, so summer vacation becomes a time for catching up -- it is fun, though <smile>.

A quiet sunny day can be precious. The cooler air made the sun feel manageable for a change. The house remained cool, so working was less sweaty as is common in August. It let me think of the joy of summer -- being able to travel around without winter weather disruptions. The light quality is changing a bit, a sign that summer is moving towards the end. Such a day allows the mind to wander and think of many different topics. That was the day today.  Given that, the song for today is more general than other days. It is an upbeat song by a Canadian band from a while back. The video shared does show the band members in a more recent concert. Enjoy!

Sunny Days -- Lighthouse

Day 4 - 229 -- Racing Clouds

The day began and ended with blue skies and next to no wind. In the middle of the day it was another story. Angry looking clouds blew in from differing directions. Winds picked up noticeably as the clouds raced across the sky. At one point, the sky in the backyard was fully covered with dark, stormy looking clouds, while the front yard was clear blue sky and sunshine. And no, the yard is not that big <smile>. Fifteen minutes later as I drove a short way south of town, no blue sky could be found. Within the hour, the sky was back to large clumps of what looked like rain-filled clouds that billowed upwards, interspersed with large patches of blue. By 8 PM, there had been less than a millimeter of rain, no wind was present -- not even a breeze -- and the sky was clear again.

While running errands and going to an appointment, watching the sky was intriguing. Coming from Saskatchewan, Land of the Living Skies, people keep an eye on the sky daily. Like Montana, the sky is big -- about 75% of the view. I miss that. Feeling closed in is common to me here among the trees and hills. I don't really notice how tense I am at times until I enter an agricultural area and let out a long breath. This occurs whenever I leave the ferry and drive onto PEI -- though some of that relief may also come from getting off a ship <smile>. Watching the weather move across the horizon makes me feel part of something larger. I've felt that the weather changes over the course of a day are analogous to fluctuations in our thoughts and moods.

The selection for today comes from a Canadian songwriter. Much of his career has been as a record producer for artists including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson and others. He is best known for his work with U2. He holds many Grammy Awards for his extensive list of production credits. As a songwriter, many other artists have covered his songs. The one shared here is from one of his own albums. Enjoy!

Under a Stormy Sky -- Daniel Lanois

Day 4 - 228 -- Historical Musical Date

Where were you 40 years ago? I was traveling through Nova Scotia with my family. We were ending the trip around the Cabot Trail when the news came on the radio -- Elvis Presley had died. Everyone in the car knew of him from one or more parts of his musical career. While I wasn't an avid fan like a good friend and an aunt, I did enjoy his music and some of the movies. Much of what I enjoyed would be more from his earlier career than his later career. It was strange to see how the world reacted to this news. People still make the pilgrimage to Graceland -- and I used that word since it seems to be a spiritual trip for many. There were many years when Elvis sightings seemed all too common. Conspiracy theories abound. Elvis impersonators have become common place, not only in Las Vegas. Velvet paintings of Elvis became de rigeur for collectors. All of these cultural aspects of remembrance have also been subject to great derision. So, while he may have become somewhat cartoonish in the way his personage remains ever-present, he did have an incredible recording career. That should be remembered.

A song that speaks to much of the man and the myth was written by two Canadian songwriters -- Christopher Ward and David Tyson. It was recorded by a Canadian singer. The beat is infectious and the lyrics speak well to the phenomenon that was Elvis Presley. Enjoy!

Black Velvet -- Alannah Myles

Day 4 - 227 -- Traveling through History

Yesterday (I'm officially a day behind here) involved touring in a corner of this province. A friend and I traveled about 550 km as we explored along the Northumberland Strait shoreline. The day was sunny with clear blue skies. Scenery along the way was stunning -- forests, fields, water, streams, and more. We checked out the harbour in a town I've driven past but never actually driven into. Many expensive looking boats and an historic masted ship were moored. Lunch was at an historic site in a dining car -- part of a former train station that is now a bed and breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant and gift shop.  The food was yummy and portions rather generous. We chose to have a cup of soup and split the seafood Caesar salad -- which turned out to be large enough for two -- not sure how one person could eat it all. Later we stopped to visit Thinkers' Lodge, a house that in 1957 hosted the first of the Pugwash conferences, which are still held annually at various places around the world. This meeting, the Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs occurred in 1957 during the Cold War, and was attended by scientists from both sides of the Iron Curtain.The proceedings produced a statement about the need for nuclear disarmament. In 1995 the Pugwash conferences and Dr. Joseph Rotblat were jointly awarded the Noble Peace Prize. Rotblat, a physicist, had been part of the Manhattan Project, but left the work for ethical reasons. He was a signatory of the Russell-Einstein Manifesto on halting nuclear proliferation and served as the secretary-general of the Pugwash conferences for 16 years. His Nobel prize medal is on display in the Lodge. The Lodge sits on a point of land at the mouth of the Pugwash River on the Northumberland Strait. The site is imbued with a feeling of peace -- quiet, contemplative scenery of the water would be ideal for thinking and writing. The buildings and the point of land on which they stand have been named a National Historic Site for Canada.

Again, the day was calming,  filled with fun, newness and a sense of freedom. Near the end of the journey along the back roads, we encountered a tractor being driven at about 25 km/hr down the road in front of us. We had one stop left at a local market and it took a very long time to get there. We thought he'd be driving to the next field, but it was not the case. It did bring much laughter. Of the cars that chose to pass on a solid double yellow line, only one honked in what seemed to be an angry manner. Others understood that farming was key to the area and took it all in stride. We did pass him once a dotted line emerged with no oncoming traffic -- the two lane, no shoulder, windy, hilly road made passing a challenge.

Several songs came to mind today that fit with the various adventures of the day. The one shared here went through both my mind and my friend's thoughts. I've used it in the blog before due to its understanding of the agricultural lifestyle. Enjoy!

The Farmer's Song -- Murray McLauchlan

Day 4 - 226 -- Joy of Spontaneity

Another hot sunny day but with cooling breezes along the water. I drove out to the next town over to do some shopping -- a few items not available in the smaller town I live in. The drive along the old highway that is closer to the shoreline, was delightful. The views were wonderful with the drier clear air today. On the way back I stopped at a place I've driven by for 19 years and always said I'd stop one day. Today was that day. It is a cairn to commemorate three survivors of the battle of Culloden (1746), who moved here during the clearances after losing that battle -- the second Jacobite rebellion. Stones used in the construction in the of the cairn in the 1930s included stones from the battlefield. It is a 7 minute walk through a trail in the woods that ends at the shoreline. It is a simple memorial, but powerful. Each year on April 17, a memorial service is held at 11 AM -- the time the battle started in Scotland centuries ago.  After this visit, I stopped at a roadside trailer that serves fresh caught and hand battered fish (haddock) and chips. It has been many years since I had eaten this food, so guilt wasn't part of the meal. <smile>  It was very good and worth the once-a-decade splurge <smile>.

Heading out for the drive and various activities felt freeing. The spontaneity was empowering. I enjoyed the day, though being on the backside of a migraine, there was major fatigue by the time I got home -- though, not enough to detract from the fun of the day. Why is it that we seem to do less of this type of afternoon? Why does being an adult bring with it a lack of spontaneity? When was play squelched out of us as something frivolous and selfish? My five hour trip was not a huge chunk of time, certainly not one that would mean shirking one's responsibilities to others. Self-care -- that responsibility to self -- can improve productivity for all the other 'have to dos'. Learning to do fun things more often and without guilt may be a big challenge, but it will be worthwhile.

A song from Nova Scotia is shared here today. The music sounds like my day <smile>. The lyrics definitely address that feeling of freedom that came with the afternoon. The singers are siblings from Cape Breton. enjoy!

Haven't Got a Care -- The Barra MacNeils

Day 4 - 225 -- Quiet Time

I've always been a night person -- mornings are not my best part of a day. I was born at 12:36 AM, so have been active at that time of day from the beginning. My mom once told me that half the day was gone before I got up (on weekends). I responded that half the day was still left when she went to bed. Recent research found that genes are likely at the root of this behaviour. Some workers in Europe even took their 8-5 work hours to court using the genetic defense -- not sure where they netted out on that one <smile>. It seems reasonable that we begin by understanding that some people function better at particular times of day.

I've often thought about why I like to be awake later than other people. The night can be a time for me to focus on me without interruptions from others. I am an introvert, so having that 'me time' helps me to feel calmer and recharge a bit. The night is generally quieter outside the windows -- except when the neighbours have a blow out party <sigh>.(On those nights earplugs help to make it a somewhat quieter night.) Even in larger cities, the sound changes at night. I find this is when I read, listen to music, watch TV, and write a blog <smile>. The quiet allows time for reflection and relaxation. I feel I sleep better on nights when I've had this time for myself.

The song that came to mind today has been covered by many artists, several of them Canadian. The selection shared involves a duet with a European artist. The song was written in Portuguese and then had English lyrics provided.  This version for today uses both languages. Enjoy!

Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado) -- Andrea Bocelli ft. Nelly Furtado

Day 4 - 224 -- Changing Plans

As I woke this morning, I heard my head say 'you're not going anywhere today'. I had plans to drive down the highway to the next town to shop. A migraine had settled in overnight. Now, it was to rain a bit throughout the afternoon but not too much. Luckily, I didn't try to drive as it poured for some time right around the time I'd have been halfway between here and there. There was even thunder. So, once I realized that eating breakfast would have to wait for the nausea to pass, I chose to focus on laundry and weekly cleaning. I spent a fair amount of time resting and sorting through the most recent caches of stamps gifted to me by colleagues. I sort through and choose from those I don't already have and then send the package to another colleague who does the same and then passes it along again. It made me feel I was doing something -- and it was something that I love to do but don't get time to devote to it except when on vacation. I'd like that to change, but then some wise singer once sang 'you can't always get what you want.' <smile>

Tonight is the peak of the Perseid meteor showers. (reread that last sentence above once more). I've just checked out the window in hopes of seeing the sky. No luck. It remains cloudy and fog is to set in overnight with more rain that should end midday tomorrow -- no Perseids for me tonight. The list of wishes still exists, it just will have to wait another day or two. There will be meteors for several more days, just fewer to see than tonight. The learning for the day -- plans fall through and we should always have a plan B or C at the ready.

Knowing that the comet debris is burning up in the atmosphere made me think of the general makeup of life. Some say we are made of atoms from eons ago. A line from a song says it much more eloquently. I'll share that song here today. It has an introspective mood. The lyrics show the flexibility or spontaneity of the change to the narrator's travel plans. It just fit today so well on many counts. This version has the younger voice of this wonderful singer-songwriter. The timbre is perfect and the notes so clear in this unplugged version. I've always enjoyed the near atonal aspects of this composition. Enjoy!

Woodstock -- Joni Mitchell

Day 4 - 223 -- Music Genre

Today the Google Doodle tells us that 44 years ago Hip Hop music began. As with music styles that emerged in the past, this genre grew from a view of the world -- an epistemology if you will (likely with an ontological stance wound up in it). Music has been a platform to express ideas and emotions. Just as jazz, swing, rock, and country sprang from philosophical bases of the time, so has Hip Hop. The life experience of urban youth is the core of this genre that involves rebellion, social commentary and emotion wrapped in a different beat style. Over the decades several sub-genres have emerged, just as occurred with previous genres. The use of scratching and spoken word poetry are two interesting aspects of this music style. From this came break dancing and human beat boxes -- fascinating expressions of  'difference'.

Learning to decipher the lyrics takes some focus to those of us from the rock era <smile> but it can be worthwhile. The musical poetry reminds me of slam poets -- wonderful use of internal rhyme schemes and mixed meter. The selection for today carries a positive message about being who you are not what others expect you to be. The opening lyric states, "It's so hard to remain authentic." Later, the artist notes, "elevate, meditate, eliminate thoughts from my past - keep knocking upon my gate. Shouldn't let them in. The answer's not to debate." Insightful. The selection today is performed by an artist who was born 45 years ago -- a year older than Hip Hop music. Enjoy!

b-boy stance -- k-os

Day 4 - 222 -- Beautiful Day

It was a sunny day but one with humidity. Thankfully the car a/c helped with that while driving. I headed out for errands that were out in the county. I had a long conversation about many things with one person -- something very enjoyable. The trip to a local grower's store was late in the day, but I found some delightful small zucchini and baby patty pan squash that I sauteed for supper. This is definitely vegetable time of year. I got local orange cherry tomatoes yesterday so delightfully sweet -- along with raspberries. So supper was some tuna with the summer squash saute, big veggie salad, fresh corn on the cob, and raspberries with lemon yogurt. So, so yummy. An evening conversation with a good friend and the arrival of two books at the local library helped keep the day on the up side.

The day was delightful. I enjoyed feeling the freedom to take the afternoon to do errands, one of which has been waiting for a very long time. Lyrics entered my head for a song with the overall feeling of an enjoyable day. This cover is by a Canadian singer whose voice and crooner style make me smile. Love the 007 video style, too <g>. Enjoy!

Feeling Good -- Michael Buble

Day 4 - 221 -- Disappearing Time

Where does time go? I've wondered about the nature of time passing for many years. It has been the topic of this blog several times. I've chatted with friends who retired recently. All have noted that one loses track of which day it is, which has pros as well as cons <smile>. It means that a new rhythm may be developing and the usual Sunday and Monday work-related anxieties diminish. One friend noted that having a schedule helped for the first few months, otherwise the days would just disappear. I laughed and noted that with my to do list-making propensity, that shouldn't be a problem <smile>. This comment did make me recall my parents' calendar on the fridge. They found this useful as they often double booked themselves -- something that made me smile, for it meant that they weren't just sitting around in rockers on the front porch <grin>. As for my main question, I may have to read Hawking's A Brief History of Time to get the physics and philosophical sides of the time story clearer.

This week has made me think more about time. My vacation days officially began yesterday after a long weekend. Being away from the usual routine has made me unsure what day it is -- already! Plans are underway to get the fun stuff on the 'to do' list onto a calendar. If not, the time may just disappear on me. Questions of time moving by without noticing evolved from discussions and readings about the challenge of illness particularly dementias. Time takes on a different meaning when one is sick. If that becomes a chronic illness, it must be demoralizing that time passes without the ability to do things as one might wish. Early dementia carries the knowledge that memories and abilities are and will continue to decline. Knowing that time will continue without making new memories must be challenging.

So many things seem to impact the way we perceive the passage of time. Simply knowing there is more behind one than in front of one can sharpen the desire to make the most of each and every day. Without being maudlin, Glen Campbell and his family provided a positive example of how to do this. On June 9 of this year, just two months prior to his death, his final studio album was released. It is on my summer shopping list. Most of this album was recorded in 2012 and 2013. His producer sat in the recording booth with Campbell and recorded the songs line by line. Melodies could be recalled, but the words created memory difficulties. So, even in the midst of great personal change -- in health status and understanding of time passing -- it is possible to continue to do what we enjoy and maybe even to learn something new.

The selections from today come from that final album. The voice remained clear with a breath-taking tenor pitch. The first song was recorded with the songwriter and deals directly with the passage of time. The second selection is the title song from this final album. The video is stunning and features Campbell's daughter and many others in a wonderful metaphorical journey. Enjoy!

Funny (how time slips away) -- Glen Campbell ft. Willie Nelson

Adios -- Glen Campbell

Day 4 - 220 -- A Musical Loss

Well, the news today made me wonder about the blog yesterday, since Brian Wilson played a major role in another singer-songwriter-musician's life -- Glen Campbell, who died today. In his early career, Campbell worked as a session musician as part of Phil Spector's Wrecking Crew, a much sought after backing group. Campbell was part of this group when they played with Jan and Dean, The Righteous Brothers, the Monkees, Frank Sinatra, and so many others. Brian Wilson got to know Campbell's session work. When Wilson pulled out of the 1965 tour, he brought in Glen Campbell to tour in his stead, making Campbell a Beach Boy. Not something everyone is aware of, I'm sure. <smile>. During the taping of Pet Sounds, the Wrecking Crew played a major role in developing the new sound Wilson heard in his head. Campbell was part of this historic album, where he played guitar and banjo.

With the experience from his session work, Campbell moved to a solo career. His amazing tenor voice and ability to personalize songs, made him a star. He launched about 75 albums and sold around 45 million records, some going gold, platinum and double platinum. He earned several Grammy awards in 1967 and 1968 (and several others in the decades that followed) -- one of the first artists to cross the country-pop lines in a single awards year. The term crossover artist was coined from Campbell's career. In his later years, Campbell continued to record. Thankfully, music can stimulate brains of those with dementias. He put a face on Alzheimer's disease by doing his farewell tour surrounded by family on stage. It took a lot of personal strength for them all to walk that road so publicly.

It took a lot of thought to choose a song -- or in this case two songs -- to share here. The first is a duet with a Canadian artist. The lyrics are a goodbye song, which seemed appropriate today. This duet is one of the gems that is lesser known and shouldn't be. The intertwined melodies and  blending of two voices is magical. The second is not a song where we can pick out Campbell's work easily. It is however, part of that astounding album, Pet Sounds. These lyrics also say what many artists could say, given that his session work was on hundreds of songs from the 1960s. It is also something that many of us could say since his work has been part of our lives' soundtracks. Enjoy!

I say a little prayer/By the time I get to Phoenix -- Anne Murray and Glenn Campbell (from an eponymous duo album)

God Only Knows -- The Beach Boys (from Pet Sounds album)

Day 4 - 219 -- Need for Compassion

Mental health -- what images does this bring to mind? Large proportions of Canadians fear being around someone with a mental illness; believe that mental health issues are an excuse to get special attention; and feel that people with such illnesses should not be in the workforce. Now, given that the vast majority of Canadian adults experience -- either self or family -- depression by the time they are 50 years old, it is difficult to reconcile the first beliefs listed here. The stigma that goes along with mental illness brings fear to people who should seek care, though are unlikely to do so. Fears of job loss, bullying, and losing friends and family are real and sadly seem to be justified.

Many programs exist to create greater understanding that these are illnesses, complete with biochemical and physiological changes. Creating an environment that enables people to become empowered to seek care is a major goal. Talking about mental health is becoming more common with youth and young adults -- based on what I've seen in the past 20 years and what research has shown to occur. Attitudes are changing. Health insurance offered by employers now often contains greater coverage for various treatment modalities. Ramping up the number of practitioners available to provide this care is the next step. I still struggle with what to call this -- mental health seems to segregate this from other health care needs. It is all about maximizing health and health care, regardless of the illness involved.

Last night I watched a movie that chronicled the (mental) health journey of Brian Wilson. Love and Mercy presented part of his life story in two distinct time periods -- in a non-linear fashion. It is a complex situation that arose in his early 20s and was exacerbated by drug use -- often seen as self-medicating with some disorders. Things got well out of hand before an illness was recognized. Granted, it was the 1960s and less was known about mental illnesses compared to current day. After a couple of decades of seclusion with an overpowering primary caregiver, he was re-diagnosed and was able to return to making music. The story made me think of vulnerability and all the negatives that carries. By showing us a single story from 1960s and 1980s and looking at the state of care in the 2010s, we have come a long way. We do still have far to go, so can't become complacent.

Two songs ran through my head -- one from the movie and one from a Canadian band. They each speak to the need for compassion and acceptance of people in mental illness situations. As the singer-songwriter of the first selection says, love and mercy to you all tonight. Enjoy!

Love and Mercy -- Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson -- The Barenaked Ladies

Day 4 - 218 -- Rain and Laughter

From early morning into the afternoon monsoonal rains poured down. We haven't had any rain to speak of for about a month, so this was needed. Getting it all at once can be challenging, particularly for anyone trying to travel through this weather. I spent the day indoors doing some annual cleaning chores. I did make a dent in the pile, but will need to spend another day or two to get through it all. The weather outside made the air very humid. While the temperature wasn't very high, the amount of moisture in the air made it feel so much warmer -- just sticky, wet, yuckiness. When the rain had been stopped for a while, I walked out for milk.

A group dinner occurred tonight with five of us visiting with a former colleague who is back this way for a quick visit. It has been five years since we all were out for a meal together. It was fun to see how we all chattered away just like in the past <smile>. I enjoy seeing people that I don't get to see as often as when we lived in closer proximity. This can happen when I travel or when they travel or when we both end up at a conference or event together. Social media helps me keep up with some of the happenings in the lives of others. This is so much quicker than writing letters and sending cards, though I do so love to get a real card or a real letter. They are few and far between these days. Social media posts cover many people but even the messaging directly to a single person happens rarely. So, when we do have time to see each other in person it is a special time.

I walked out to supper tonight since the rain had stopped, but had a back up plan to drive the short distance had the rain torrents continued. I was happy that rain was falling on the drier areas locally and this didn't interrupt my plans for the day, though I know for some it did. Grey days can make me feel happy as they often bring cooler temperatures in the summer. A song that fit these feelings is a lively, up tempo tune with fun lyrics. The band is from Montreal and look like they are having fun in this video. Enjoy!

Singing in the Rain -- Simple Plan

Day 4 - 217 -- Fairy Tales

Fairy tales -- stories that are familiar across ages and cultures. They generally involved some form of enchantment and magical creatures. The stories consist of cautionary tales as well as the 'happily ever after' tale. For a couple of centuries, these stories have been part of children's literature, though they have been part of oral tradition for much longer than that. Many are rather dark stories that have been sanitized in the past 70 or more years.  They have been translated into opera, ballet, plays, and movies. The stories are told and retold in all genres. They are timeless, drawing listeners even when the ending is known from the outset.

A cable channel showed a series of fairy tale movies today. While doing house work, in the background played variations of Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White and the rescuing of damsels in distress. I hadn't seen all of these, so found interest in the way the story was unfolded by the screenwriters and directors.  I'll admit to liking some of the movies I've seen over the years. I've enjoyed Ever After -- the Cinderella story with the inclusion of Leonardo da Vinci. A newer fairy tale, Maleficent, gave the backstory to this darker fairy. Many stories are directed to adults rather than children, so there is something to entertain everyone.

While pondering fairy tales and what they can teach us about courage, hope and kindness, a song ran through my head. It is older, but the cover chosen is by a newer artist. Enjoy!

Young at Heart -- Michael Buble

Day 4 - 216 -- Busy Day

Many events in what seemed set to be an ordinary day. I spent most of the day working on lectures for early September classes. Things seem set for the first week or two there. Several other bits will need to be completed and polished a bit. I spent the time today on these tasks since I am officially on vacation now. Interestingly, little came through e-mail and telephone today, but then there had been a major fibre cable break that cut things to Atlantic Canada for six hours -- made for a quieter day to focus <smile>. It did disrupt the plans of many people at airports in the region and those hoping to make purchases with plastic (debit and credit). Banks closed and ATMs didn't function. Cell phones and landlines went down. TV was interrupted. Being the Friday before a long weekend, those planning to pick up cash before heading out would be out of luck until much later than they may have planned. The day ended with a celebration at the pub -- once phone lines had been restored. A pleasant breeze cooled the air that had been very hot and humid -- feel like temps well into 30s as air temp was 30C.

It felt odd knowing that I'd be out of the office for a while. Much of my social contact occurs at work, so this will be different. I have a number of activities I'd like to try to do while out of the office. We'll see how that goes -- my 'to do' lists are infamous, after all <smile>.  Taking time for self can be difficult when one's day to day life involves caring for others. Yet, self care is necessary or the job won't be done well later. Reminding myself of that needs to happen often to counter the feeling of being 'lazy' and other negative terms -- self talk can be rather destructive at times. So -- looking forward to some fun activities and positive thinking.

The beginning of a song came to mind today with the lack of phone connectivity. The lyrics also contain lines that made me smile as I left the office for this break. It is a cover of a Beatles song by a Canadian songstress. I love this version, though the video has two black bars but the audio is wonderful. Enjoy!

You won't see me -- Anne Murray w/ Chicago

Day 4 - 215 -- Sustainable Practice

The day brought visits with friends and some help to unpack heavier boxes at the new research office. I stayed late to finish some of the course work that needs to be done this week -- so I don't have to do it on vacation this year. <smile>  Unpacking showed me there are some items to recycle and others to donate. That will need to wait until September.

While reading email today, I noted that yesterday (August 2) was Earth Overshoot Day. This day represents the point in the year when humans have used all the resources that the earth can readily renew. It draws attention to the lack of sustainability of our current lifestyles in Canada and other western or northern nations. This year is the earliest the day has been reached, indicating that we aren't reversing things as quickly as hoped.  The point is not to bring a message of doom and gloom, but rather to advocate for some change. Even small changes made by many people can move things in the right direction. Another article I read today discussed the goal to moving to a more plant-based diet. Even choosing lower on the food chain more often with fish and fowl, plus one or two plant-based days each week, can make a difference. Recycle papers and plastics. Start composting in the backyard. Use public transit and walk more often, where possible. There are many small changes we can make, we only need to find the willpower. Many tips and ideas can be found on websites such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Suzuki Foundation. 

Several songs came to mind when thinking of this topic. I settled on one from the '70s when fossil fuel reliance became a major issue. I've loved this song and the singer-songwriter since I first heard her many years ago. She is a fellow Saskachawanian. Enjoy! 

Big Yellow Taxi -- Joni Mitchell

Day 4 - 214 -- Planning Days

Lots of planning happening this week. Trying to get next term together online and in my head -- and not likely in that order <smile>.  Developing something new for assignments, a new topic or a new way to present an old topic takes time. Doing something new isn't easy; it takes a lot out of a person. New ideas or new twists on past ideas can enliven a person. If it is for a lecture on a topic taught several times, a new presentation format can keep the lecturer enthused. The down side is knowing that while it may work wonderfully, it can also fall flat right in front of you. I've often said that learning is a multi-directional process. I learn everyday in the classroom whether I am at the front or seated. This is a difficult concept to help students understand. To me, this can democratize a class setting and facilitate the learning process.

When the class, research and vacation plans ran through my head today I thought of Frost's lines about taking the path less traveled. Those roads in the woods have been part of my thinking since high school. Interesting that the key idea of that poem returns to my mind often. A song line that is similar to Frost's words seemed the best to share here today. It is by a Canadian band, one that has dealt with a lot of trash talk <smile>. The lyrics fit my whole thought processes for future planning. Enjoy!

If Today was Your Last Day -- Nickelback

Day 4 - 213 -- Reminded of Home

Slept poorly last night -- had difficulty getting to sleep and then staying asleep. I managed to negotiate some of the work on the desk to prepare course websites for September. There is a lot more to do there, but hopefully tomorrow will be productive. The sun shone brightly and without the wind, it would have been oppressive.

The ancient harvest festival of Llughnasadh -- a great Gaelic word, isn't it? Sort of sounds like 'loo-na-sa(v)" -- a lightly aspirated v for the 'dh'  This celebration occurred when wheat harvests began. Christianity named the celebration Lammas or Loaf Mass. It is way too warm to fire up the oven to bake bread, but thankfully I have some in the freezer that can be thawed and consumed <smile>. This reminded me of home since wheat harvest will begin this month. I do miss seeing that occur, especially the lights going through fields in the night, working to get the crop off before the weather turns -- frost or rain downgrades the crop.

Thinking of a song for today,  I read that the anniversary of when the furry one was rescued was also World Tiger Day. <smile>  That did help me find the song to share with you all. It is a Canadian band from the early new wave era with a song that speaks of home. Enjoy!

My Song -- Glass Tiger