Day 8 - 58 -- Nothing On

Just another Saturday. Household chores were front and centre. When I paused to have an afternoon tea break, I watched a movie, though it took much time to find something worth spending time viewing. Now after supper I've not found anything that interests me on the bazillion channels and repositories of programs, movies and documentaries. Saturday offerings seem rather lackluster. <sigh>  In fact, the same offerings were found in 5 different places all from the same network. Why?  

I will concede that my mood today may have something to do with the inability to find something interesting on the screen. <smile> I want to watch something but I'm not sure what exactly. So, I've gone back to some dvr selections. They may fill the void. We'll see. In the meantime, I hope that I can find something to help me move beyond this blue funk. Again, we'll see. Hope springs eternal. 

While washing my hair, a song line ran through my mind that reflected my frustration in not easily finding something to watch. It did bring a bit of a smile. <smile>  Stay safe. Enjoy! 

57 Channels (and nothing on) -- Bruce Springsteen

Day 8 - 57 -- Sparkly Things

The day was colder with brief sunny breaks. I moved the 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) of dry, light snow. Then, I followed up with ice melter for the rain and melted ice that refroze overnight. Hopefully this will help me and anyone entering the yard from slipping and being injured. 

I miss so many things; not just those due to the pandemic, but the many that I can't access here. Today while shoveling, I realized that I hadn't seen sparkling snow for quite a while. On the prairies, one can see this every winter. Here in the maritimes it appears briefly in some winters. I associate this type of snow with cold temperatures and dry snow. The flakes sparkle in sunshine or moonlight so that the ground looks like it is covered in sparkle dust. Even better are the very, very cold days when the humidity in the air freezes and the air shimmers with similar small crystals. I do miss seeing these events, but the longer, colder winters I don't miss as much <smile>. 

A song came to  mind as I was thinking of the sparkly things. It made me smile. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Diamonds on the Soles of the Shoes -- Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Paul Simon

Day 8 - 56 -- A Little Myopic?

I went for another short walk today and encountered the occasional rain drop on the way out and 20 minutes later these had turned to a rain-snow mix -- pellet feeling things. Withing 30-45 minutes after getting back home, foll on snow was falling and trees were doing the 'fly and be free' dance in the wind. Very cold temperatures are on the way with a drop of about 18 degree forecast by morning. This will be followed by several days with temps hovering around or just above freezing -- the transition is beginning. 

As I walked in the strong wind, my brain noted it felt like a March wind -- some residual memory from Springs past. This brought me to thoughts of finding moments of joy in the present with what you have not what you wish for. Looking into the future is important but we can't live there. If we try to, we risk becoming bitter and unhappy with the present -- in essence wishing our lives away. There is so much positive around us but our focus often is into the distance.  Maybe we all need bifocals, eh? Anyone who has lived with animals will understand that they seem able to live in the present much better than humans -- being a bit more zen than we are. This one brings much consternation when working on the balance between now and later. I hope to be able to look for and recognize the good in each day, while keeping future plans or goals in perspective. It can be more difficult than usual given the global changes of the past year -- but not impossible. 

The song for today contains lyrics that fit the idea of searching out happiness. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Every Day is a Winding Road -- Sheryl Crow

Day 8 - 55 -- Habits

Getting a few things done between resting periods <smile>. Moved some heavy slushy snow yesterday. Had to do that due to avoid things freezing solid. Today I walked out to get some milk and then home again to rest. Sunny breaks made walking pleasant especially with temps above freezing. Fresh air on both days helped me feel better. Happily, meds are helping, too, but these make me rather tired, so less online time is happening this week. That adds to the usual isolation feelings of the past year. Outings take a few more steps now than they did in the past, but things are becoming more habitual. I'm always shocked when I almost forget to put my mask on before heading into a building. It is rare, and usually only on days when I'm very tired or preoccupied. 

A song from a long ago movie came to mind when noting my forgetfulness. The lyrics speak well to the changes in our daily habits of late. Interestingly, the song came a few years after Vatican II so the title has a double meaning. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Change of Habit -- Elvis Presley

Day 8 - 54 -- Doing Nothing?

As I find myself taking time to feel better, I found that I felt like I was doing nothing. How is healing or recuperating not 'something' -- and an important something at that? It seems that many of us measure self worth by how much we get done in a day. If completion is required, then my list today would include folding laundry, feeding myself, and watching some recorded television programs. Definitely not an auspicious list. But does it need to be? To be honest, I haven't accomplished mush of what I'd hoped to do when this whole lockdown thing began -- and we're coming up on a year way too soon. I had been doing some major household sort and clean tasks when this all hit and somehow my forward momentum ended. Holding it all together is a major task some days, but it sin't something one can point to as an accomplishment. Does that make it less real? There's a lot here to ponder and begin to understand why I seem so hard on myself. Hmmm

A song that I sang as a child with my mother came to mind. It carries a bit of the judgmental ring of what is running through my head today, though it also brings a smile.  Stay safe. Enjoy! 

 

Lazy Bones -- Leon Redbone

Day 8 - 53 -- Bedtime

This will be a short message today. I spent the day in bed feeling a bit under the weather. Nothing serious just something that requires some rest and little time with screens. I feel better than I did late Sunday night, so that means things are moving in a desired direction <smile>. 

While doing next to nothing today other than feeding myself <smile>, I wondered what song might fit the day well. Several came to mind. The one that seemed most appropriate is shared here. I enjoy the advocacy involved in this one, as well as the general circus-like atmosphere. <smile> Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Give Peace a Chance -- The Plastic Ono Band (John & Yoko)

Day 8 - 52 -- Freedom

The big job today involved moving 4-6 inches of snow that fell yesterday. Happily, the snow was light and fluffy, so much easier to move than that of the past two storms. Inside cleaning tasks were done with time out for a movie. The one chosen today was Harriet, a biography of abolitionist Harriet Tubman. After running to freedom in Philadelphia, this woman acted as a conductor in the Underground Railroad, which involved leading slaves directly from the fields. She conducted many trips back into the South to free family, friends and others - all with a price on her head as a 'runaway slave' and as a conductor. When Congress passed a law allowing former slaves to be hunted and captured in the North, Tubman escaped to Canada, then helped others to cross into the country. During the Civil War, Tubman served as a spy for the Union Army. She led an armed all black unit to rescue hundreds of slaves. 

The movie provided a face for the Underground Railroad, travelers on which settled in the area I currently live. Tubman's story is fascinating and intersects with many other major abolitionists of her time in both the US and Canada. This movie led me to read more online and I will look for a book or two on the subject. The movie also showed the role music played in the Railroad, communicating information about where, when, and how to travel to freedom. The name given Tubman in wanted posters was Moses, since it was assumed that an  unknown man was responsible for leading slaves to freedom in the Northern states or Canada. She sang instructions to those fleeing and some songs used the name Moses. I've read about this musical history in the past, and the movie did a nice job of highlighting it. 

The song that played over the credits is a more recent song about such journeys. The lyrics outline the emotions of making such a trip to freedom. Stay safe. Enjoy!  

Stand Up - Cynthia Erivo

Day 8 - 51 -- Needing a Lullabye

Saturday -- the day of household chores. Even when retired, this seems to be the day most tasks appear front and centre. Outside the day was cloudy with light snow -- teeny tiny flakes -- that began to fall in the late morning. I headed out to pick up two needed items and noted the snow melted as it hit the sidewalks. Temperatures are below freezing with little wind, so precipitation fell as snow. It was a pleasant walk and break in the day. 

On and off for the past two days I've had a headache. It isn't constant thankfully, but when it ramps up it is uncomfortable. This one does not feel like some of the big migraines, it almost feels like eye strain, yet only comes when I'm not reading or keyboarding. Strange. I suppose it could be caused by sinus congestion. Time will tell. Whatever the cause, I wish this would leave. <sigh>

Feeling very tired today, which had me thinking of quiet relaxing songs. One kept surfacing, so I'll share it here today. I've loved the lyrics since the first time I heard this eons ago. Even though it seems a bit heavy, it always makes me smile. <smile> Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Sad Cafe -- The Eagles

Day 8 - 50 -- Off Colour Snow

When shoveling the snow from two weeks ago, I discovered some bits that were yellow tinged. Earlier in the day I had watched a female husky playing on the piles of snow and then ducking in behind some bushes in my front yard -- that is where the coloured snow appeared. I haven't seen the husky before that day when she was out for a walk with her person. Flash forward to today, walking down the shoveled part of my walkway, I discovered a large patch of yellow snow. This was right beside an area covered with deer pellets. Now today, this was from a wonderful golden Great Pyrenees who loves to plow snow in my front yard. That wasn't possible today due to the frozen ice and snow that covers the yard. He is a lovely boy. We chat as friends whenever I go for a walk. And yes, the deer are back in my front yard and chowing down on the yew trees again. <sigh> I haven't seen them but their scat and hoof prints can be seen all over the front yard. We are expecting more snow overnight and through tomorrow. That will provide more snow to move. Also, it will cover the offending 'evidence' in the yard. <smile> 

I giggled both times I encountered the off colour snow and song lines ran through my head. I'll share the song here tonight. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Don't Eat the Yellow Snow -- Frank Zappa 

  

Day 8 - 49 -- Roaming

For the most part, today was bright and sunny but with colder temperatures. It reminded me of a prairie winter day with a high pressure system bringing sun and cold. It is always good to see the sun -- especially between storm systems. A break in cloudy grey days means a lot. It helps to lift moods that may plummet with the darker days and repeated onslaughts of storms. Tomorrow will bring the start of a storm -- this one a Texas low -- currently ravaging the US. How much precipitation has been changing in forecasts of the past two days. By tomorrow, the storm track should be clearer as will the timing and snowfall amounts. In the meantime . . .  <smile>. I had a phone meeting earlier in the day and a weekly virtual chat with a friend late afternoon. I spent time looking at content for a short presentation to the department seminar series tomorrow. I look forward to interacting virtually with colleagues and students. I heard today that sidewalks in main areas and parking lots have been cleared of most of the ice from the last storm. So, I will try to do a quick outing for a few groceries to replace staples and produce -- "making small groceries" in New Orleans parlance. So, I hope to get myself out to roam around tomorrow. 

Today the 202 Mars Mission landed the Perseverance rover and the Ingenuity helicopter drone on the surface of Mars. How cool is that? Several on screen personalities were excited about this today. It does seem to be a positive in a sea of distressing news. We are sure to see many images from these two devices as they roam the planetary surface. 

The selection shared here seemed appropriate to the happenings of the day. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Roam -- B-52s

Day 8 - 48 -- Ice Ice Everywhere

Hindsight <sigh>  Yesterday we received 4-6 inches of ice pellets followed by some freezing rain and rain. When the system was transitioning to rain, I headed out to move the ice pellets off the porches and stairs. Then I did part most of the walkway to the city sidewalk. I left a couple of car lengths there and the path headed to the back porch. Temperatures were forecast to climb to 10C but it seems they didn't get that warm before things began to fall back below freezing. The warmer temperatures would have melted more of the saturated ice pellets. This morning I had a sinking feeling when I looked out the window. It was cloudy and firmly below freezing. When I went out to try to move some of the bits I left yesterday, it quickly became clear that everything had become one solid frozen, slippery mass. So, instead of shoveling, I spread heavy duty ice melting product from the back  yard to the town sidewalk.  Hopefully with the sun tomorrow, this will help to break up thinner sections. We'll see. 

I felt trapped today. A trip to Main Street had been planned today, but walking just isn't safe today. I called to book a couple of appointments and renew the library books that are due today.  Having freedom to go for a walk or pick up essential items feels good. That has been challenged over the past 11 months. Today only added to this. It has been several years since the yard had such paths of ice, so I should take that as a positive, right. <smile> The next storm arrives in two days and will bring 15 cm snow, so more shoveling will be needed, but the base will not be as level as usual due to the ice -- a tougher way to move snow, but it will move. None of this should last for months, but for a few weeks. March often brings melting temperatures and greater solar loading effect -- other hopes for the future. 

The song today was chosen for the title and chorus lyrics. This pretty much explains what the world is like outside my door today. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Slip Slidin' Away -- Paul Simon

 

Day 8 - 47 -- Mardi Gras

In the continuing week of non-holiday holidays (lunar new year, valentines)-- today is Mardi Gras! Laissez les bons temps rouler!! 

Between meetings today, I found myself with memories of sweltering summer days instead of the snow, ice pellets, freezing rain to rain transitions outside the door -- memories of New Orleans. This place is known for s two of my favourite things -- food and music. Since (for those of you who don't know) my motto is "Food is My Life [TM]" I chose to talk about my food memories today. There are many so I've tried to winnow it down to the highlights -- not an easy task. <smile> One of the first meals we had on the first trip there was red beans and rice. I've worked to develop a reasonable facsimile that I make at home regularly. I was introduced to fried catfish with an amazing spicy red dipping sauce, heated with horseradish and creole mustard. Yum. Shrimp etouffe had a more delicate sauce heightened by a healthy dose of black pepper. For this one, the Cajun trinity really shone through -- onions, green pepper and celery. My fave of all was chicken and andouille gumbo. The best I tasted was made with alligator andouille sausage with a wonderful spicy note to the sauce. I've played with this one, though andouille of any sort isn't to be found in my neck of the woods. I have use other sausage or added shrimp to the chicken. The key to this lies in the roux. I will admit to balking at the amount of butter and oil in a roux. From a New Orleans gumbo cookbook, I have mastered the dry roux. This takes a lot of fortitude. It requires the flour to be browned in a cast iron pan until almost copper toned like a penny. It gets darker when water is added to make it the consistency of peanut butter. It does the job of adding the amazing colour of a true gumbo. If making etouffe, the flour should be lighter in colour to provide a creamier colour sauce. The trick is not to burn the flour. It means constont stirring and waiting to see puffs of smoke rise from the pan. Flour cooked this way will not do a good job of thickening since the starch strands have been broken into much shorter strands by the heating -- called dextrins. Hence the browning process is s form of dextrinization (your word for the day <smile>). Now dessert could be the ubiquitous bread pudding (even the phone book had a recipe), pecan pie, or <my fave) sweet potato pie. I so need to go back there just to eat and listen to the music. 

The song for today is about the city by a native son. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Oh, My Nola -- Harry Connick, Jr. 

Day 8 - 46 -- Gatherings

Today was filled with sunshine. The furry one spent much time in a sun bath rolling so that all sides soaked up the warmth of the sun. I thought of getting groceries, but it is a holiday here so stores were not open -- but the letter carrier delivered the mail. That makes no sense. Instead of shopping, I went for a walk to mail a letter and get some fresh air. I enjoy walking. It feels freeing. The sidewalks were mainly clear with a few areas of snow or water. Given the meteorological forecast shows extended periods of ice pellets followed by freezing rain tomorrow, walking today may be safer.  

When I took garbage to the curb for pick up tomorrow, I heard the local crows gathered by the brook. I miss walking home from campus as they congregate and discuss their activities of the day. They sound enthusiastic and somewhat raucous -- like a loud group at the pub after work <smile>.  They always make me smile. This also reminded me of the time spent with friends to just sit and talk. I miss that. Perhaps the crows gave me a bit of hope that we will be able to gather to converse again. In person. Online works, but I want to see and hear everyone and just sit back to watch and enjoy the gathering. Soon. Just need to hang on a bit longer. 

The song shared tonight brings together two aspects  of the day -- the sun and the crows -- sort of <smile>. 

Soak Up the Sun -- Sheryl Crow

Day 8 - 45 -- Finding the Good

Temperatures warmed for this mainly cloudy day with a few sunny breaks. I headed out for milk and a short walk when I noticed there was no wind -- a major change of pace here. The last loads of laundry were completed and I spent some time outside moving the frozen chunks of icy snow left by the sidewalk plow two days ago. I also cleared the major snow off the car from early in the week. This meant clearing that snow from the walkways, too. It felt good to be a bit active. A government website provided a new challenge when it wouldn't acknowledge my email address, userid  or password. It showed me another way to log in through a third party partner, but that still wouldn't let me see my account. In two weeks, I should receive a secret access code that is only sent by snail mail -- hence the waiting time. This has happened every time I've tried to access the site during 2020 -- once was due to a data breach that shut down the account system. But, even then I could log on given the last secret code and such. This is so frustrating. So, one item on the dreaded 'to do' list that can't be done. Not that there aren't other items to focus on instead <smile>. So, I moved on and made something fun for supper -- pepper steak and rice with bok choy. 

Practicing patience is easier said than done <smile>.  Remaining composed and moving into problem solving mode may help when software and such don't work as promised. Anger and frustrations often lead to a state of confusion -- something that doesn't get us far -- just spinning in circles. Finding the absurd in such situations can bring on a smile or laugh. It is all a matter of perspective. Take a look at your reaction and move on from there. 

When thinking through possible songs for the day, one kept surfacing. The lyrics point to a positive outcome for the day while not promising that it will all be great. Who the lyrics refers to could be self, other or situation. I chose a cover of the original with a female voice. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Lovely Day -- Demi Lovato

   

Day 8 - 44 -- Star Gazing

 Much sun appeared between clouds today. I swept the dusting of snow off the porches and stairs to avoid slipping if there were any ice under that layer. Today was laundry day, which entails lots of activity changing linens and heading up and down stairs between loads -- my exercise for the day, it seems <smile>. In between spurts of activity, I paid bills and caught up on e-mail. The latter included a few government and professional surveys that allowed me to add my experiences to a research project and provide opinions for policy development. The evening brought a clear night sky with all the stars visible for a change. I stood on the front porch and then the back porch looking into the northern and southern skies. That felt so peaceful -- for that moment. When I came in to take off boots and such as I stood up I banged my head on the front door knob and got a huge lump instantly. It hurt a lot and I must have yelled since my throat hurt a bit and the furry one came up to me to check me out. He is wonderful that way -- always running to see if I'm OK if I stub my toe or bump my elbow -- anytime I say 'ow'. <smile>  That is comforting. 

While watching the sky tonight a couple of song lyrics played in my head. One was chosen since the description stars watching over us in their orderly spacing across the sky feels somewhat comforting. These celestial bodies provide some degree of constancy during the upheavals we are living through.Stars are always there.  I chose this version due to the amazing voice of the singer. It can bring me near tears when I listen. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Stars -- Phillip Quast (Les Miserables) 

Day 8 - 43 -- Big Activity

It has been a physical kind of day. the back porch has been cleared of the drift from the ground up the stairs to the back door. Finding the stairs again felt good. The process took less time than I'd expected and I was done in 30 minutes. YAY!  Temperatures overnight were colder than they have been but it warmed with diminished winds through the morning, making the outing to move snow more bearable. After a lunch break, I undertook a deep cleaning of the house using the vacuum. Moving furniture and contorting myself to get into the corners. This task took considerably more time than the snow removal <smile>. 

Physical activity often can improve mood. The feeling likely has something to do with the endorphin release that comes with activity. There should be no shortage of those chemicals floating around my brain today <smile>. Often my main activity is walking. This week most activity took place outdoors with shorter walks and much snow removal. Walking through the couple of inches of granular snow on the sidewalks was like walking through wet sand and in a few places this was done while going uphill. Great workout for the calves, I guess.The indoor work today added to the weekly total. Some days involve more sedentary pursuits, so a walk makes sense to take me out of my head for a short while. This week, though, there was no need to look for ways to be active. Nor'easters provide all you want and then some. <smile> 

A couple of song lyrics swirled around in my head today. I share the one song that mentioned the importance of movement in life. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Flashdance (What a Feeling) -- Irene Cara 

Day 8 - 42 -- Gung Hai Fat Choi

Bright sunshine filled the day. For the afternoon walk and a shorter walk around sunset, colder temps with even colder wind chills accompanied me. These are still not in the range of the wind chills in the prairie provinces, but were cold enough to make the quads bark a bit in response to the wintry feel. When the backs of the thighs do the same thing, it is very, very, very cold. <smile> 

I under-estimated the time for a couple of tasks today, so did not get the planned cooking done. Instead, I ordered Chinese take out food to celebrate Lunar New Year. The Year of the Ox generally indicates movement, since the animal is a hard-working beast. Prognosticators suggest this could mean that there is more movement in the second half of the year rather than the stay-home style of life of the past year. I hope that the difficult work that we have been doing to keep the pandemic in check, will pay off with some degree of freedom to move about to visit those we've been separated from by distance and circumstance. 

While pondering the new beginning presented by the lunar new year, I thought of lines from many songs. The selection chosen today speaks to the opportunities of moving forward, so seemed to fit the ideas of the day well. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Times Like These -- Foo Fighters

Day 8 - 41 -- To Do Lists

 A mix of experiences today made for some ups and downs. An online store showed the product I wanted was out of stock. A phone call to the store told me things were in stock there. I made a trip out to the store only to discover when I was almost there that I had left the house without a mask. How that happened is unknown. I have many of them right by the front door and generally have a bag with several in my book bag. Today -- nothing <sigh>. So, that meant a walk back over the icy sidewalks, giving preference to the road when closer to home. After an afternoon meeting, I headed out again -- fully prepared this time. I found what I wanted and chatted with the sales associate about the errors on the store website. Also, setting an online meeting created some new difficulties this week. Different issues seem to arise each time this process is attempted. It makes a 2 minute process turn into 10 <smile>. 

Overall, the ups and downs of the day netted out on the 'up' side. That may have something to do with my mood upon waking today. A planned cooking procedure will wait until tomorrow as will the removal of snow from the back porch. The day was not a wash out, even though multiple attempts to complete plans took more time than desired. The outcome is positive. I was asked once why I made a 'to do' list and what I put on it. I tried to explain that crossing off completed items helped me to see that something was done. I also noted that some of the things on a lengthy list for the weekend were more 'wish list' items. I didn't expect to get it all done. In fact, things were prioritized by day -- which two had to happen Saturday and which ones needed to be done by Sunday. The remaining list then becomes one for the coming week. As time moves forward, some items are deleted and replaced by other items.  So, the list does contain 'have to do' tasks as well as 'nice to do' items. Perhaps I do this so that I remember some things that need doing when I get caught up in serendipitous activities instead. Perhaps, it is to keep me from becoming overwhelmed by the large number of things waiting to be done -- or demanding to be done NOW. <smile> Deleting tasks took me some time to accept. I was not ready to do some of the items, so needed to give myself permission to move things to the next weekend list -- to realize there was more to do than could be comfortably done in the time period given. 

This morning the Canadian Songwriters' Hall of Fame welcomed the newest member -- Dan Hill. The award, which was presented via Zoom not in person, was engraved with Hill's lyrics, "I'm only a writer trapped within my truth." This lyric is from a song for which Hill won 2 Junos -- Best album that contained the song and Songwriter of the year for the song. I'll share this song with you all today. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Sometimes When We Touch -- Dan Hill 

Day 8 - 40 -- Whence We Came

We had sunshine and a bright blue sky with no clouds today, which helped temper the necessity to continue the snow removal. In another two outings, I cleared a path around the side of the house and by the back porch. The back ground level back door is now available for use, giving us two exits. The third door on the porch will wait for another day. My second trip out battled the small pile of snow behind the car left by my plow guy and dug out a path around the car. Removing the snow from the car then transferring it to one of the huge piles to keep the pathway clear will happen later. So -- about 2 hours more to move the stuff around today. The two remaining tasks are about 45 minutes each, so that makes about 5+ hours over 3 days to complete the clean up from this huge store. 

While shoveling I listen to music. A song made me think more about family history. I watched two genealogy shows yesterday that likely triggered my pondering. I wondered what had been behind a family group of three brothers and their sister-in-law from Ireland in 1845. Famine had begun by then, so that may have been an impetus to move elsewhere. What happened to the female's husband -- a fourth brother? Did he die before the family set sail, or did he die on the trip to North America? She and the youngest brother disembarked in Canada while the older two brothers when to the US. Were there other family members there already? We know that the family name was present on both sides of the US Civil War. So many questions and that is just one line of my ancestors. Understanding more of the stories behind travel decisions and situations that were left behind would be fascinating. Definitely something to investigate further. <smile> 

The song that played as I shoveled today is shared here, though by a different group of singers. The lyrics mention one of many entry halls around the world where immigrants land. This particular one was not in place yet when my ancestors would have entered. The picture the lyrics paint of the experience would fit many other locales during the waves of immigration seen throughout history. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Immigrant Eyes -- GIRSA

 

 

Day 8 - 39 -- SNOW!

I found knee deep wind-packed snow on porch and small sidewalk half the width of the house -- lots to move and the effort is great. Mentally not where I should be to do this task -- just so don't want or need this mess. <sigh> I will be doing the moving in stages so it will take a couple of days to deal with it all. Today, I got the front porch and a pathway out the driveway almost to the sidewalk. I stopped short of there since the sidewalk plow hasn't gone past yet today. I will call my plow fellow to clear out the over waist deep stuff left by the street plow, but will hold off on calling until the sidewalk plow goes by tomorrow. It took a bit of effort to open the storm door at the front (opens out) due to snow being deeper than the door sill. It is a slow process moving an inch or two at a time to the point where I can squeeze through the opening. Then the real work began <smile>. So, with two outings today for a total of 1.5 hours, I expect that will be all I do for today. There should be some sun tomorrow, which will make it more pleasant. The wind will also be much less by then, too. 

Not much else happens when such physical effort is expended. No vacuuming today as I had hoped -- yes, really. Much as I dislike vacuuming, I really wanted to do some deep cleaning in a couple of rooms. It won't happen tomorrow either as more time will be spent up close and personal with heaps of snow -- again. Well, all my grumping about snow brought one song to mind. I know I used it earlier in the season, but believe me, it says it all -- and with a bit of a smile, even. <smile>  Stay safe. Enjoy! 

I Hate the Frigging Snow -- G. Salvia

 

Day 8 - 38 -- What Fresh Hell is This?

 What fresh hell is this? Social media reminded me of the blog post for this date 5 years ago -- titled Tempest Brewing. How fitting <sigh>. A major (spelled in all caps in some weather warnings) nor'easter was headed this way -- just like today <bigger sigh>. Forecasts note 16-22 inches of snow should be expected, though it could be 18-22 inches depending on the way the beast tracks. Last night lesser, but still significant amounts were expected, but from the forecast track the mess of moisture has moved a bit so greater precipitation levels follow. Big winds will be involved overnight so there will be huge drifting potential. Past experience of similar storms makes me expect areas of of the yard to be waist to chest deep snow tomorrow when it finally winds down. I generally remove snow from the porch door in the middle of the such storms. There is still a huge amount there the next day, but it might have been 'huger'. 

I found myself thinking through storms we weather -- meteorological and metaphorical. They are exhausting --- a lot of energy needed. Such processes can leave us feeling off in many ways. Moving snow of this magnitude is physically demanding. Moving through and around thoughts from past, present or future experiences is mentally demanding, which also brings a big physical toll. As with snow removal, I take it slow with many breaks along the way -- some just a minute or two and some of a few hours between all out assaults on the frozen nastiness. Those measured bouts can get us through the larger issue. Again, it takes patience and kindness turned inward in a form of self care. 

An instrumental was chosen to share today. There is a frenetic aspect to the music much like the storm preparations underway today. I headed out for eggs and added milk to the list as I walked to the store. Needless to say, no larger containers of milk were to be found. So, a smaller one will have to do. Eggs were there in abundance. The store was busy with people adding to their pantries and storage areas at home in preparation for a couple of snowed in days. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Storm Warning -- Dr. John

Day 8 - 37 -- From Here to There

It has been a sunny Saturday with warmer temperatures again. It feels and smells a bit like spring. We will get a large storm or two before winter ends, but the transition seems to have begun -- slowly but it is a start. In fact, a nor'easter is set to descend late tomorrow and drop heaps of snow -- 25+ cm/10+ inches. So that part of the season isn't over <smile>. To me, spring means transitioning between winter and summer so that weather patterns from each are present. There will be warming trends and there will be snow, but over time there will be more of the former and less of the latter. It isn't an instant change like many people seem to expect. Patience is the name of the game, which I do understand is more difficult to manage in our current global state. 

Moving from one point to the next requires a journey. We haven't mastered the 'beam me up' technology yet <smile>. Walking the path can be difficult if it isn't a nice smooth trail or the distance just seems too far. This is when taking a breath, looking around and appreciating where we are and how we got here becomes necessary. Being overly focused on the road behind or ahead of us takes us away from where we are at any given point in time. Being present can be very difficult to achieve, but taking a moment to assess things can relieve the tension -- bring those shoulders back down from being up around your ears <grin>. Becoming aware of breathing whether we are holding our breath or taking rapid, shallow breathes, can ensure we get enough oxygen and move us away from a heightened anxiety state. So, my advice to myself and others is to take a moment to check in with ourselves before rushing off in all directions <smile>. 

A line from a song ran through my mind a few times today -- the title of the song. The first verse fits my thoughts today best. The rest leads down a very different path <smile>. It has a relaxing tempo and sound, so take a moment to recenter while listening to this one. Stay safe. Enjoy!  

Long and Winding Road -- The Beatles

Day 8 - 36 -- National Treasure Lost

Today the world lost an amazing talent. Christopher Plummer died at 91. His career spanned 70 years in stage, film, television and voiceover for animation. He was a proud Canadian who wore his Order of Canada lapel pin on his suit always. He was a Companion of the order (CC) -- the highest of three levels and thus, the highest civilian honour provided.  His career as a concert pianist ended when he chose to join the theatre.  Plummer's oeuvre involved Sheakespeare on the stage, Broadway plays, narrator for children's animated movies, movies and films. He was best recognized for his role as Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music, though his talents moved firmly into major dramatic roles that showcased his talents and versatility -- A Beautiful Mind, The Insider, Star Trek: Undiscovered Country, ad more recently All the Money in the World, and Knives Out. He won the Oscar as Best Supporting Actor for his role in Beginners at age 84, making him the oldest person to receive and acting award and then was nominated in the same category for All the Money in the World at age 88, making him the oldest actor to be nominated. He also won two Tony awards and two Prime Time Emmy awards. This is a sad loss of a national treasure for the Canada. Luckily, his work lives on so he can remain with us now and for future generations. 

Some of you may expect a particular song in the blog today, but the actual choice may surprise you. The song 'Edelweiss' from Sound of Music had been dubbed. So, I chose another song with a positive message from a later movie. Plummer plays Henri in this one -- a wise older pigeon <smile>.  Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Never Say Never -- Christopher Plummer (from An American Tail) 

 

Day 8 - 35 -- Adapting

I woke to socked in cloud this morning. I drove out to one appointment, then went for a walk. The greyness of the day with a bit of wind seemed a bit of a downer, but the above freezing temps made for a pleasant walk out and back. Along the way, I stopped for a takeout lunch. Sadly, the main menu item I wanted was not available. So, I headed home to make my own lunch. <smile> Late in the afternoon, I had a great chat with a friend. Laughter always helps lighten the day. Today technology wasn't playing well with others, so we moved the virtual visit to the phone. 

Today showed me again, that things don't always go according to plans or wants.It also emphasized that problem solving can provide similar end points or expectations -- not identical but quite doable. Adaptability and a bit of a positive viewpoint often can get us further. Each of the experiences today were approached with a degree of calm so an alternative became clear. This calmness surprises me some days. I can expect myself to react with frustration, even when that isn't the way things always go. <smile> I'm not sure why I feel surprised with myself when an undisturbed approach happens often -- more often actually. That expectation may need to be explored more closely. <smile>

The song chosen for today celebrates the 79th birthday of the singer-songwriter, which occurred earlier this week. It is song about an ordinary day and the calmness of home. I chose this version since it showed the songwriter singing at the birthday of another singer-songwriter back in 2018. It seemed fitting to use this one to celebrate a different birthday. Stay safe. Enjoy!

Our House -- Graham Nash

Day 8 - 34 -- Share Hope

The surprise of the day -- the temperature outside my window today was 15C/58F!!!  Much of the snow from yesterday melted in the pouring rain overnight. The ground sounds squooshy as you walk on it. It is supersaturated. I went for a short walk under bright blue sky with a stop at a locally run department store for some crafting supplies. I may try to resurrect my crochet skills. I will see how that goes and keep you posted. <smile> 

I found the brightness of the day brought hope to front of mind. Hearing a couple of lines from a newscast -- inadvertently -- set me backwards a bit today as did a small event. Keeping the hope alive can be a challenge. Some days there is a light in the tunnel -- it isn't clear if that is the end of the tunnel or just a place where we might be able to see clearer for a bit. Anyways, it seems small happenings in the day can act like someone rushing out of the darkness in that infernal tunnel and shooting out the light so no one can see. Metaphor. I do love the way they can express a feeling or situation in pictures. I know that there are many of us traversing this pandemic tunnel and together we may be able to see the faint glimmers of hope and protect them from those who wish to see them extinguished.   

The songs shared today has a hope theme to the lyrics and uses a light metaphor. It also stresses the need to share hope with others. That fit well with the pondering of the day. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Hope -- Natasha Bedingfield

Day 8 - 33 -- Day with Many Names

Today the television news filled with images of rodents purported to forecast the weather. If you believe these critters can predict spring, then the one in Nova Scotia agreed with the one in Ontario. Not seeing their shadows means that spring will arrive sooner than if they saw their shadows. 

The day also marked a cross-quarter day in the calendar -- the point halfway between the equinoxes and solstices. These days marked the start of a new season. In the Celtic calendar, February 2 was called Imbolc. In Christian tradition, the day is Candlemas -- also seen as a day of potential seasonal change. A rhyme about the day went like this --

    "If Candlemas day be fair and bright, winter will have another flight.

     But if it be dark with clouds and rain, winter is gone and will not come again." 

Locally, weather brought snow that transitioned to rain. I shoveled the 6 inches of snow as the transition began. I wanted to move the stuff before it became overly sodden, which feels like moving set cement. As I worked away outside, the rain intensified. Mixed with rain were ice pellets. I could hear them falling, but nothing was freezing to car or sidewalk surfaces. Temperatures will climb overnight as the rain continues. About 1 to 2 inches of rain has been forecast. Sun is expected by afternoon tomorrow as this system moves off eastward. In its wake have been snow, rain and freezing rain from Virginia through the DC, New York corridor and into Quebec, New Brunswick, PEI and Nova Scotia -- Newfoundland and Labrador will be next in its path. Obviously, a large nor'easter. 

I chose to share a song from a movie named after the day. Take care. Enjoy!

I Got You, Babe -- Sonny and Cher

 

Day 8 - 32 -- Calendar Day

A new month began today. February brings many 'month of ...' topics, birthdays, and various and sundry 'holidays'. It is seen by some as the beginning of a move into spring. I'm all for that, particularly with the huge storm bearing down on us once it has had its way with the eastern seaboard of the US.  

I love changing calendars to see the new photos and ideas. That's why I enjoy my one page-a-day calendar that generally makes me smile. Wall calendars are chosen carefully for their artistic or message content. This year had few calendars from local merchants mainly due to the virus and need to reduce contact surfaces. Over the past few years, there has been a reduction in the number of calendars found in stores as well as those from businesses. With the advent of smart phones, there seems to have been a reduction in paper ways of marking time. That makes me a bit sad, since I have had several hanging in various rooms of the house for years. 

As I went around the house flipping the pages today, I hummed a tune. When I realized the lyrics, it made me laugh. I will share that song with you all today since it is about a calendar of sorts. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Calendar Girl -- Neil Sedaka 

Day 8 - 31 -- Transformative Thinking

It was a weird day in terms of weather. In a matter of seconds we'd go from sun to snow, from blue sky to grey sky over and over again -- meteorological happenings set on repeat today it seems. The flurries appeared to be more on shore or sea effect snow rather than system snow. Temperatures were above freezing during the day, so most of what fell melted on the roads and ground. 

I headed out the front door into bright sun and blue sky and by the time I got to the backyard, skies had changed and snow was falling. I went for a short walk and then decided to head out for groceries. The store was not as busy as I'd expected today. With a storm headed this way for Tuesday and Wednesday, I expected more folks doing the storm stock up with bread, milk, tp and the regional favourite, storm chips.  While not empty, checkout wait times were very short. This meant that I could get through the store and back home more quickly than anticipated. 

The weather today emphasized that as things change, being ready to adjust can help get through the day. Our flexibility is something within our control, whereas most changes around us are not. Transformative thinking can help us survive. A song lyric speaks to such changes in thinking. I chose a version that contains the lyrics in the feed. The singer is known for being artistic, but this selection has a tempered vocal which helped to get the message across. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Revelations -- Yoko Ono