It has been another quiet day that included finishing laundry for the week, reading a peer review manuscript (still have to type comments) and cooking a Sunday dinner. I managed to prepare a few items to be completed early in the week. The weather showed some sun with increasing clouds by the end of daylight. We expect rain over the next two days, so the clouds will stay.
Pondering today went in all directions with no clear theme emerging. The new case numbers today were much lower than we've seen for a long time. That news brought a smile, though there is still a ways to go before we are fully 'open' again. The point in time is closer than it has been for a long while. All I have to do is trust -- a difficult task some days.
While listening to a song for relaxation, I heard lyrics that I put within the context of the current state of the pandemic. "And it's whispered that soon, if we all call the tune, then the piper will lead us to reason. And a new day will dawn for those who stand long and the forest will echo with laughter." Hang onto that vision everyone. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Another Saturday with chores mixed with editorial tasks and personal paperwork -- lots of time for the mind to wander today.
Over the past year and a bit, I've often said to myself and others that this is "not the way I planned to start retirement" -- plans have been altered due to the inability to travel to do the research work that fuels the passion of finding some answers and more questions. Those plans have not been discarded and remain contingent on ability to travel the continent and overseas. I have not spent time preparing the questions and searching for the best places to discover potential answers and questions. I have ideas, just not firm details. Other writing projects became difficult emotionally over the past year. It seems I let them bury me under the many files and potential places to start. I'm hoping that reflecting on the past many months will bring me back to finding a starting point for the key endeavors that have been hiding in the locked filing cabinet drawers in my mind.
Such musings make me wonder if I have wasted this pandemic time. I look at all the chores and the fun stuff that might have been if I'd simply applied myself. Two things send up red flags with that sentence or thought. The first is the use of the word 'simply.' There has been nothing simple about maneuvering a global pandemic plus all the regular disasters and outcomes of human frailties. Needing to know the basics while not being overwhelmed by the the 24/7 OMG nature of the news cycle has taken a lot of effort. Doing so while in isolation only added to the energy required to just survive.
The second point that such a sentence or thought points to is failing to be kind to myself. Not acknowledging the supreme effort involved in getting out of bed each day, performing perfunctory daily living tasks of feeding, cleaning, bathing etc., is sheer folly. Expecting the emotional side of the pandemic to be easily dismissed as we soldier on could be the greatest unkindness we could inflict on ourselves. A friend recently noted that we should treat ourselves like a child that we care about. That gave me a different perspective on self kindness.
As the province begins its multi-step reopening process, with a focus on slow and steady, I realized that re-immersing myself in the research activities and those of a more in-person life, will require a similar approach. Finding my way through assessing what is important to the me that I am now, will take time. I can't jump into everything at full bore like nothing happened. For now, I will look at what my plans were in March 2020 then choose a starting point. One thing is certain already, the interpersonal relationships will be front and centre. The research and writing is part of who I am, but what that will look like may need refurbishing. <smile>
So many ways a song might fit these thoughts today. I chose one that may be relevant to the larger concept of moving forward. It sounds a bit more frenetic than I want the journey to be -- wishful thinking for calm perhaps? <smile> The lyrics refer to a journey -- something we are all in the midst of. Keep safe. Enjoy!
It has been an odd day to end the week. Well, maybe it is the activities that were an odd mix. I streamed a funeral mass for the father of a close friend, steam cleaned the floors in the house, listened to a monthly online talk show with musicians and artistic folk, chatted with a friend, and attended the virtual launch of journal issue. Eclectic, at best <smile>.
The conversation from Myles From Home with host David Myles and guest Alan Syliboy was delightful. They spoke of creativity and continued movement forward, which often leads to entirely new pursuits. This morphing of a career was central to much of their talk. They are both musicians who perform, but Syliboy is also a visual artist who paints the most moving and beautiful artworks from his indigenous heritage. I found the closing words inspiring when Myles noted that we need to remain engaged and remain creative. That began something that will likely be a lengthy ponder.
The launch of a special issue of Critical Dietetics journal dealt with how the pandemic has affected food systems and food choice behaviours. Authors and editors were present and the discussions sparked that creative feeling in me. Much reflexive thought brought out creativity and ideas for writing and discussing. I surprised myself, when I said to the furry one, "I miss that." It stopped me in my tracks as that short three word sentence sank in. The small flame of excitement that comes with new concepts to explore felt so very good. Unpacking it all, I acknowledged that I miss many things and many people. The spark from the conversations today gave me some hope that I will feel that happy, excited feeling again for future visits with loved ones, archival exploration for research writing, and so many other things I used to take for granted. The takeaway message for me today was -- It isn't lost forever. It can be rekindled. It will bring joy again.
The title line from a song played repeatedly in my mind today. It explained the feeling that I'm not truly lost as long as the hope remains lit. I've shared songs from this band often with the blog -- I do love their roots rock sound. This one has a slower tempo with bluesy overtones. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Long as I Can See the Light -- Creedence Clearwater Revival
The day dawned with twilight level light from the major cloud cover and intermittent very light rain. During the afternoon the temperature dropped by 10 degrees. Yesterday there was major heat and tonight some areas have a frost warning. I freely admit to liking the cooler overnight temps. In the afternoon today I ran some errands and then spent a while switching out the summer and winter clothes. Just living the dream <smile>.
The gloomy outside found a way indoors. I tried to find something positive to lift my mood. Our new case numbers are down again -- a great direction. The next week may show some uptick, but we'll see. Vaccines for 12+ could be booked today. I read that wait times for online booking are long, which means that many people plan to be vaccinated -- definitely a good thing. <smile>
Knowing that pandemic things are moving in a good direction provides hope that we will be able to open things a bit -- slowly, of course. I'd love to go for a drive to the cape and sit and listen to the buoy bells or to one of many beaches and coves where I could walk along and search for sea glass. Or just go see something different than my yard, grocery store or pharmacy. On the other hand, I just want the world to be safe soon so I can visit all the people I miss so much. I really don't know what it will be like to travel again. For that matter, what will a hug feel like after all this time? Some days life feels so odd. I read a post a while ago that summed up the way I feel. It stated, "Last year she survived. This year she will live." I have to hold onto that second sentence. It contains the hope for the future.
While working through the nagging negatives today, I thought of a song lyric that deals with holding onto the hope. I smiled when I remembered that a past graduating class sang an altered version of this song for the faculty. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Temperature reached the hottest day this year -- 28C (82F)feeling like 33C (91F)! That is hot especially with no easing into this range. I really am not read for this weather this early. I pulled out more of the summer clothes and put away more of those for winter and spring. The furry one was less active than usual, but nothing like when we get a week of this with higher humidity. Tomorrow the temperature will drop back to seasonal levels. It is a transition season so the ups and downs are expected.
The outing today involved curbside pickup of groceries. I ordered late in the afternoon and got the last pickup time in the early evening. They called an hour early to say that the order was ready for pickup anytime, so I got it about an hour earlier than expected. This week things went smoothly. They called about substituting for one item. I agreed with their option and all is good. The one weird thing is that I haven't been able to find strawberry frozen yogurt in either grocery store recently. Not even ice cream in that flavour is available. I'm not sure what is happening but may need to investigate that one a bit more. That is my favourite. The closest option was fieldberry. I bought it, but whether it works or not remains to be seen -- or tasted <smile>.
One song popped into my mind today to deal with the berry mystery and the super blood moon in the sky tonight. This R&B version of a Springsteen song may entice us all to dance. <smile> to be hondst, the original version is bound to make you move, too. So, it follows below as a two-for today. Stay safe. Enjoy!
I woke feeling positive about the day and the tasks planned. I became frustrated when the lawn service trimmed a lily struggling to survive -- for third year in a row. Yes. I have pointed to this plant each year to ensure that it isn't cut. It is the only pink day lily in the yard <sigh>. This event was followed by the virtual meeting platform failing to function as expected. It insisted there was no meeting planned for today. I had to return to the e-mail message I sent another participant and enter the meeting from that link. This should not be the case when I am the meeting manager. This has happened in the past, too. While the world will continue even in the face of these perceived injustices, I did not like how my mood changed so quickly. Flexibility or calmness appeared only a thin surface layer. This could indicate a tenuous hold on my ability to deal with disappointment today.
As the day wore on, the calm began to return. I spent time with a virtual meeting with a colleague, household accounting, and online orders for groceries and other necessities. Refocusing on details of needed duties helped me focus my thoughts elsewhere. With time, I felt a bit better -- still irritated with the cutting of a favourite flowering plant, but better. The sunshine felt wonderful today, though the wind made wearing a ball cap difficult <smile>.
A strange song fits the topic of the day. Be forewarned it isn't one of this band's best songs, and certainly doesn't display their pre-punk rock sound, but it made me laugh a bit. Hope it can do the same for you.
Today was sunny but cooler so the house didn't get too warm for intense housework. I did a deep clean vacuuming that took longer than I'd expected. I followed that with another load of laundry and kitchen cleaning. Could this be some weird spring cleaning frenzy? Hmm
I strongly dislike cleaning, particularly vacuuming, I thought that I could do the two rooms most in need today and leave the others for another day. Instead, I found myself forging onward. I'm not sure if this was a way of just getting it all done now with no 'later' involved. It almost felt like a competition, though I'm not sure with whom. <smile> I wouldn't let the machine or task get the best of me today. That seems a bit weird to me -- like competing with myself really. Either that, or anthropomophizing went over the top today. <grin> I've seen this in others when it comes to fighting with software. They stick with it far too long trying to best the inanimate. Perhaps this was my day. To anthropomorphize the vacuum or the task itself could lead to a metaphor of sorts. Did this task represent some other aspect of life that I'm railing against? Something I refuse to let best me? Goodness knows there are many such things filling my daily thoughts with the pandemic and all its trappings near the top of the pile. Did my pushing through the literal heavy lifting today show me that I can prevail with other more figurative difficult tasks? Lots to unpack there.
A line of lyric from here or there could fit for the selection today, but the rest of the song just didn't. So, I chose one that fit the best for the pondering of the day. Keep safe. Enjoy!
I completed a couple of major household chores today. One big one remains to be done in the next day or two. It is to be cooler tomorrow, so that might be the best day for a heavy cleaning chore. The skies were very cloudy all day but rain didn't begin until late afternoon. Much less than forecast arrived. More rain would help reduce the pollen levels, rated very high right now. That explains the sneezing and other congestion symptoms of the past couple of days. <smile>
I cooked dinner from scratch tonight. While trying to make double mustard baked chicken, I discovered that no grainy mustard was to be found. So, it became simply 'mustard baked chicken'. To this I added baked potato, baked sweet potato and roasted asparagus. To top it off, a blueberry-raspberry crisp joined these items in the oven. There will be enough for leftovers tomorrow and crisp for the week.
While cleaning chores do bring a bit of satisfaction, cooking can be truly therapeutic. There is a creative aspect to the process. Like an artist, I suppose. I cook by sight and feel using recipes as guides. A background in food chemistry helps to ensure things go well since ingredients drive chemical processes to ensure things look, feel and taste as expected. Over the years, I have developed many of my own recipes. Some come from reading many recipes and then making my own version. Some recipes came from my desire to replicate something I ate in a restaurant somewhere. These take on a trial and error process, tweaking the recipe each time. I have several of these and even developed alternate versions that are just as yummy.Others come from my imagination. After seeing food on the screen or in photographs, I have made dishes that taste like what I imagine they might be like. My online motto for years has been 'food is my life [TM].Cooking is just a part of this. <smile>
Many songs bring with them a sense of peace -- that inner peaceful calm feeling. I felt that while working in the kitchen today. Of the numerous songs that come to mind, I chose one that I noted was like liquid valium when corresponding with one of the co-songwriters. It comes from my favourite album by this band. The intro is great -- that bass line amazing. Just close your eyes, sit back and relax. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Another Saturday already. Today was grey, rainy and cooler than yesterday (thankfully). The ground needs some additional moisture. As usual the day was dedicated to household tasks with laundry leading the way. Even the small jobs seem overwhelming when there are so many waiting to be done. Where to begin?
During my afternoon chai break, I watched a rerun of Madhur Jaffey with Julia Child. These older programs hold so much history. Child delivered the first televised cooking show and then cooked with other chefs on air. My favourite series of the latter featured Jacques Pepin. In this series, she brought master chefs to her kitchen to demonstrate their signature dishes. All are enjoyable. I also watched and episode of Cook's Country that presented different taco recipes. Today I was inspired to cook something I hadn't made in a while -- quesadillas. They were yummy. This brought many other foods to mind -- some I've made and some eaten in restaurants <smile> Looks like more cooking in the future.
A silly song about Mexican food seemed like a good choice today. <smile> Keep safe. Enjoy!
As promised, Friday has been sunny and very warm. The breeze helped things to feel comfortable and the humidity wasn't overly high. I headed out for a walk around the grocery store. I had to get some things that the curbside pickup store doesn't carry, but the walk in store does have. A greeter was at the door to keep count of how many people enter and how many leave, thus ensuring the maximum capacity isn't exceeded. Hand sanitizer was handy at the entry. On the way out, a hand washing station was set up -- soap, water and paper towels. The two people in front of me stopped -- as did I -- so the effort made by the store is being used.
I've been thinking about time passing again. All day yesterday I thought it was Friday. It was Thursday and I was working from the Thursday schedule, but for some reason my mind thought it felt like Friday. When making a time to chat next week, a friend and I chose Monday. I noted it was a holiday Monday and then stated I wasn't sure what difference that makes now. Being retired and being in lockdown seem to make days melt into each other. That degree of sameness can be challenging since regular work schedules can provide signposts and routine to tell you the day. I also find it odd that we are already heading into the end of the month -- June begins in a week and a half. The sameness makes time appear to pass slowly, like me thinking it was nearly the weekend and it was Tuesday or when I thought yesterday was today. The lack of definition between days also leads to a feeling that time is passing so quickly. I often find myself at the weekend and marveling that another full week has passed. Mental health experts say that adding structure to the days can help with getting tasks addressed and helping define the days. I'm not sure when it occurred, but the weekdays seem to have become more relaxed in terms of schedule which makes it difficult to distinguish between Monday to Friday and the weekend. It may be difficult to disentangle these perceptions once we come out of lockdown and move towards a new looking regularity -- one with movement between areas and seeing actual 3D people.
Overall, it feels like time is going quickly. Today I share a song with lyrics that describe this sensation. Stay safe. Enjoy!
During the cloudy morning, I walked out to the drug store to pick great raisin bran muffins that arrive from the bakery down the road at noon on Thursdays. I was there on Friday morning last week and none were to be had. So, this week, I bought two packages so have an even dozen in the freezer. By afternoon, it quite sunny. I had a virtual chat with a friend who was sitting in her sun room.
The whole day had a damp feel to it. A friend in Ottawa told me today that it was very hot with humidex into the high summer range. Uncomfortable. I hate the thought of humidity. Spring is much more pleasant than summer for me. I enjoy the summery foliage and sunshine with warm late spring days and cooler nights. Humidity and heat waves are nearly unbearable for me and the furry one. This weekend -- a long weekend here -- often acts like the first of summer, even though the season will not change for another month. Meteorologists are looking already at the Atlantic for potential storms, since many named storms have begun before the official hurricane season start of June 1. So, the ugly aspects of summer are being waved in front of us now, just to ensure we are anxiously awaiting summer (heavy on the anxious aspect of that sentence <smile>).
Speaking of summer anxiousness -- Summer here will bring second doses of vaccines. Mine will be in early August. Friends have dates in early July. This brings another anxious aspect of summer. While mainly excitement, there are the questions around vaccine supply and if dates will move forward or back. Most of these are unfounded fears, but with the weight accorded this milestone there are bound to be many anxiety-laden thoughts.
Literally and figuratively the sun is on the way. This brings aspects that are wonderful and those that create some stress. Summer is part of the cycle, so I won't wish it away, nor will I wish to hurry it along. I'd like it to be warm but not scorching -- if I could place that order online somehow. <smile> I enjoy the version of the song shared today. This one has some surprises in the video. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Here Comes the Sun -- George Harrison ft. Ringo Starr, Phil Collins, Elton John, Ben E. King, and others
My first outing this week involved the curbside pickup of groceries. The order had two minor glitches. One product was not available on the shelf when it was noted as in stock in order database. The other item was noted as unavailable with no suitable substitutions. This was shanghai bok choy. When I called, they didn't even see that item in my order but said they would add it to the order. This was done without having to substitute -- shanghai bok choy was on the shelf. When I arrived, it took a while for them to find my name and order in the system -- again a minor delay but all worked well in the end. I then headed for the pet store to stock up on a couple of items. Great service here and they carried the heavy stuff to the car even <smile>. When home, I took time to use the bag of potting soil to replant chives that were dropped off by local friends who have an abundance of this herb. I look forward to seeing them thrive and bloom.
Our two week lockdown turned to a full month and now has been extended to mid-June. New case numbers are slowly falling, while hospitalizations are increasing. The eastern part of Cape Breton now has community spread beginning. Rising numbers are small so far, but have potential to surge. Record numbers of vaccinations were provided today. By next week, all age groups approved for vaccines will be eligible to book appointments. Take up percentages have been in the high 80s for 60-70+ and high 90s for 80+. As long as this level of vaccination continues with younger age groups, we will reach the magic number of community immunity in the next 6+ weeks -- for first dose, that is. Testing for disease is encouraged whether symptoms exist or not. Wrangling this virus is difficult and we hear stories of new variants from elsewhere in the world. So, we are encouraged to remain vigilant and isolated and masked and distanced when outside the home as the one designated supply gatherer for the household. I can't way I'm surprised that things will take longer, but I am disappointed that I can't easily visit with friends in town. Patience isn't my best virtue <smile>.
A few lines of a song fit my thoughts today. While the song deals with something different than a pandemic lockdown <smile>, many of the lyrics fit the current situation here. Keep safe. Enjoy!
I woke to a sunny morning with lawn mowing service attempting to cut the blanket of yellow flowers. The end result looks good. The next bloom of the dandelions will arrive shortly, but for now it looks mostly green out there. By noon, the temperature had dropped almost 10 degrees as heavy dark clouds rolled in. I expected thunder, but nothing happened until after 4 PM, when there was a bit of thunder accompanied by an amazing down pour that lasted several minutes. Not enough to soak the ground, but things did get wet. The storm may circle back to try again. We'll see.
The weather struck me as similar to my emotional state some days. I wake with a positive feel and plans to do some task or other. As the morning wears on, that desire dissipates, some self-talk gets me back to thinking the task should be addressed and then I find myself back where the plan is to sit in front of the laptop or television or nothing. The circle continues. I do get things done, but this requires fortitude and forcing myself up to do whatever is sitting in the middle of my path. I feel better and a bit more useful when I have done something. With that feedback, I'd think that doing something else would be easier. Not the case.
Today I managed to get a couple of list items completed. Made a grocery order for curbside pickup tomorrow. Responded to a couple e-mail threads to move other tasks forward. Cook dinner from scratch instead of a frozen prepared meal or takeaway. These and a phone chat to a colleague helped elevate the mood somewhat. A two word song title came to mind. One word describes how I'd like to feel most days and the other notes what I expect to see out the window in a day or two. <smile> Stay safe. Enjoy!
The week began with morning sunshine and heavy cloud in the afternoon. Little rain fell and only a few rolls of thunder appeared in mid-afternoon. I enjoyed a weekly phone call with a friend that helps me to connect outside myself a bit more. in the evening, an impromptu call from another friend brought updates on our lockdown lives. Other than the conversations, I cleared some e-mail and sent some new ones for two different projects. Recycling was prepared and delivered to the curb. An extra bag went out this week containing papers from a decluttering project. I hope to do one extra bag every other week, when the recycling pick up occurs. <fingers crossed> I cooked a nice dinner.
It hasn't been a busy day filled with accomplishments, though there certainly are a number of things on the list that need attention soon. I have plans and wake up thinking I'll get through more than I actually do by the end of the day. That may be an artifact of the lockdown, ongoing isolation, or plain old procrastination or seeing it all as 'work' <sigh>. Today was a good day, as several things received attention, so I will call it a win. The song I share today reflects the weather we had today and maybe some of the inflated work plans that just didn't get finished. I love the rhythms of this one. Keep safe. Enjoy!
When I went out the front door today, I realized I was the recipient of a drive by herbing -- a drop of chives from my local connection. I plant these in large pots and let them grow on the back porch. The flowers bring a great splash of purple to the yard and the chives find their way into many dishes prepared in my kitchen.
The weather was not as predicted yesterday. It is warmer and sunny rather than cloudy with some afternoon rain. Now the chance of showers are small for the next two days and then higher on Tuesday. Computer modeling combines many algorithms to produce a best guess with some statistical support. Obviously such predictions work better some days than others. Seeing into the future isn't as easy as we'd like it to be, I guess. Maybe that is a good thing in some (most?) cases. Hmmm.
The song chosen to share here addresses the idea of seeing into the future. The two singers provinde an intriguing paring. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Another Saturday has arrived. How did the week go by so fast? I was inside most of the day doing household chores and laundry. I chatted briefly with the man mowing the lawn next door. I showed him where the tall wild grass is at the property line so that it might grow well this year. The past two years it was mowed down just as it had begun to grow. I hope this year will help squelch the weeds that have encroached without growth of the planted grass. We'll see.
Being alone during lockdown brings some degree of angst. When speaking with a friend, we thought of meeting for a walk, but realized we can't do that right now. So, it will be solitary walks only for the next couple of weeks -- at least. Moving between closing things to opening bit by bit and then closing down bit by bit -- or all at once as was the case here recently -- is very tiring. How long will it take to relearn social skills and small talk conversing after a year of solitary living? After virtual contacts, many of which are larger group where participants are hidden from view, I find that I talk to the air -- an imaginary audience. Learning to look people in the eye again may take some work <smile>. At present, we are hearing of hope for a more engaged summer than last year and certainly a 'new normal' autumn. Hope. A small word. An elusive concept to grab hold of. We again are alone together. I will admit that during such times I envy those who live with someone else. I need to recall the words of a friend who once said that those of us who live alone must take care of each other. Of course, this can go further right now where we care for others in a reciprocal manner. The fear of looking forward -- getting one's hopes up again -- is ever present. Holding onto a thread of hope is difficult, but so very necessary right now.
A friend shared a song on social media recently. The singer-songwriter is from Manitoba. I share the song here -- with permission -- for the lyrics which reflect much of what I've felt during the isolation of this pandemic and that slim sliver of hope for a changed future. Stay safe. Enjoy!
The early sunny blue sky slowly filled with white puffy clouds into the afternoon. The forecast for tomorrow includes cloud and sun again with warmer temperatures. Interestingly, there is a frost warning for overnight. The large swing in temperature during a single 24 hour period is common in the second half of spring.
I took time to sit on the back porch and complete an overdue outdoor chore. I should have worn garden gloves as the job cost me two minor wounds that now bear bandaids. Trees are beginning to bloom so there is extra pollen in the air. Due to this and ticks in full swing, I showered right after being outside and washed the clothes worn. I do this regularly in the after being outside working in flower beds and around the yard. It helps abate allergy symptoms.
Sitting in the sunshine and fresh air was pleasant today. The sun felt warm on my back -- something not encountered for a while. Sitting there a relaxing song came to mind. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Sunshine with blue sky between angry dark grey clouds greeted me this morning. I wondered what that might bring to the day -- harbinger or hope? Perhaps that should have read -- hope or harbinger <smile>. Putting the emphasis on the negative happens more often than not recently. I canceled a meeting due to the continued lockdown and some allergy stuffiness and headache. I worked through some mail and email and had a short rest in mid-afternoon. By late day I was feeling better and had a great chat with a friend. The dark clouds disappeared by early evening. I took a short walk to the pharmacy to pick a prescription and bread. On the walk home, I encountered a neighbour and we had a good chat.
Speaking with others whether virtually or in person can help boost my spirits most days. Friends and store staff often make me smile and laugh. It feels almost normal some days even if we are distanced and masked. Days can be dull and grey when I'm at home without other people. Online visits keep us in touch with each other. Picking up groceries curbside or one or two needed items at a store help to maintain some degree of social niceties -- small talk and manners.
The sky changed from grey to blue with increased sunshine today. Interestingly, my mood changed as the day wore on, too. A song released earlier this year highlights how I felt and mentions the sun as a positive metaphor. The mother-daughter duet on the chorus is great. Enjoy! Keep safe. Enjoy!
It rained overnight and the day was cloudy and damp. I had two virtual meetings so was in contact with other humans for a short while. Early evening brought some blue sky and a bit of sunshine -- enough that I needed a ball cap and shades. I headed onto campus at a time when anyone who had been there would be gone. I got my mail and did some necessary printing. I heard no one else in the place. That was good, since I really didn't want to encounter anyone just yet. Our new case numbers are coming down slowly, but are still high. The lockdown had been for two weeks, meaning it would have been over today. It is in place until the end of the month, at least.
Getting out of the house the past two days has been refreshing. I saw the magnolias in bloom and the first flush of the spring dandelions. The latter are sneaky things. The lawn was mowed yesterday, but the yellow flowers are able to lay flush with the ground so they miss the mower blades. When I saw that they were all standing tall again, I knew they'd get taller before the mow next week. I don't worry much about them as they are everywhere in town and county. A few folks apply chemicals to the lawns to kill the yellow scourge, but I refuse. They last for 2-3 weeks and support bee colonies. So, I live with them until their time is up for the year.
Thinking of the mowing the lawn today brought up a song from way way back. It made me laugh and certainly is very different than what I'd been pondering today. Keep in mind that the local radio station when I was a kid
played country and western only. <smile> Keep safe. Enjoy!
Today was interesting. I had a face-to-face visit with my MD for the first time since September 2019. We have met by phone to deal with prescription renewals but today was a real 3D person -- even masked it worked so much better. It made a huge difference to discuss things and manage health care. As always, he made me laugh as he explained his take on a treatment often suggested. His understanding of research studies and biostatistics were in line with mine, so I felt better when I left.
Now, the medical office is upstairs from a major grocery store. Given my experience with small appliances that have chosen the lockdown for their exit, I chose to check the shelves at the store. The online purchase software noted that all but one toaster was "low stock" and would likely be need to be substituted with something else. Being in the building already, I thought choosing my own made the most sense. I found a toast that was about 35% off regular price, but kettles were not on sale. There were more kettles than toasters from which to choose. On the way to the checkout, I added a block of cheese and two tomatoes -- an odd cart load for sure. <smile> So, last evening I made a real piece of toast and used the new kettle for the evening snack tea.
At the end of the day with the visit to the MD and the store and new appliances I felt better than I had earlier. If I could just bottle that somehow <smile> -- physically and mentally better. That reminded me of part of a song lyric that asked for something similar to what I was thinking. <grin> Stay safe. Enjoy!
Some sunshine greeted me this morning. We did get some in the hour before sunset last night -- just a sliver of sunshine in the living room coming from the northwest, another sign of summer heading this way.
The excitement for the day -- making a cup of tea with lunch and the kettle made a major humming and buzzing sound with flames at the point where the cord entered the kettle. I unplugged it, set it in the dry sink and proceeded to clean up the rubbery soot stuff. Felt the wall a few times to make sure nothing hot was happening back there. The kettle owed me nothing. It was a wonderful Sunbeam that I got for my 21st birthday <grin>. It did more than was ever expected. So, now I need to get a kettle and a toaster. The latter was much much younger than the the former. Recently made things just don't last as long. I ordered a toaster online last week and 12 hours later got a note cancelling the order since nothing was in stock, despite it telling me the opposite the night before. It wasn't even a 'stock almost depleted' notice -- just a simple 'in stock'. So, today I say goodbye to a faithful friend. Luckily, I had a smaller kettle downstairs that I had used in my office. So I can still boil water while I hunt about for a new full sized kettle. But no backup toaster in the house. The hunt continues.
Given the flames on the counter today, a song title came to mind. I didn't really do anything to bring on the appliance failure, so it sort of fits the events of the day. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Rain continued overnight and into the morning. Less dense cloud appeared as the afternoon progressed. The wind remained strong with some louder gusts as the weather system moved off shore. We do have another one or two rainy events forecast for the next week.
Along with the household chores done today, I completed the 2021 census form. This time, I got the short form which seems to have very little information that could be used in policy development. Yes. The answers would help to define the demographics of the population in a basic way. Further details might help delve deeper into the situations of the populace and help to fine tune existing or new policy directions. I do understand that the longer form goes to a select group chosen randomly and at a level that would be statistically supported. Perhaps it is just that I enjoy doing surveys. Having designed and analyzed many survey and interview projects, I like reading questions and noting how the potential responses for closed-ended questions have been arranged. I've been known to point out when questions or responses are unclear or incomplete -- as long as there is a space for comments at the end. <smile> If the questions or answers are unclear, then the data will not support the conclusions that were desired by the planners. This task, while short, did break up the afternoon a bit <smile> so it wasn't all negative.
I laughed at the song that came to mind when thinking of the questions and answers today. The lyrics are a bit trippy, but hold one of my favourite lines about asking questions and not getting the answers wanted. The video shows one of the first synthesizers well. It was used in this psychedelic song. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Saturday brought colder temperatures and rain during most of the day. This will help the plants and lawns to germinate and grow. A bit of warmth and sun will help, too. My day was rather mundane and filled with laundry, cleaning, and gathering garbage and recycling. Between household chores I watched some recorded TV episodes and rested a bit. Other than the noise of the rain on the roof, it was a quiet day.
Sometimes quiet days bring relaxation; other times they bring anxiety. I've experienced both. Luckily, today was one of the former. Silence can be restful but it can also allow thoughts to swirl into places of stress. Days like today, though, provide space for de-stressing. I even had a short nap that helped me feel a bit refreshed.
Today quiet was my friend. <smile> The selection today reflects the relaxing aspects of quiet times. Stay safe. Enjoy!
It was a cloudy grey day for the pre-recorded convocation ceremony -- pre-recorded by individuals due to the current lockdown. I wore my academic gown and hood while I watched online. It has been almost two years since I've donned the scarlet and royal blue regalia. Several times each year opportunities to dress in medieval gowns and hoods arise, so today was special in that way. It felt so odd, since this is usually a day filled with crowds cheering for the hard work and successes of all the graduates. There were parents and family members online sending messages with the chat feature. It worked but just felt a bit off. The day generally brings many emotions -- excitement, pride, happiness, joy but most of all for me, hope. That was still there today, but most feelings were a bit muted given the format and lack of faces other than those reading names and giving speeches.
Besides being a virtual ceremony, this celebration brought some new bits. This year, students received two parchments -- one in the traditional Latin and one in Mi'kmaw, since the university (and the whole province) sits on unceded traditional territory of the Mi'kmaq people. The honourary doctoral degree recipient was Dr. Robert Strang, the chief Medical Officer of Health for the province. His guidance over the past 15 months helped the province through the various waves of the pandemic. I couldn't think of anyone more deserving of this honour this year. In his brief speech, he shared a saying -- "Never waste the opportunity of a crisis." He stated that we have learned many positive things through this pandemic and where we land when it subsides will be different -- hopefully in a good way after we have recognized the importance of being together locally and globally.
I've been to many convocation ceremonies in my career and three of my own. The formality of the day brings a great sense of closure to the academic work and an opening to the future possibilities. Looking towards the positive fits today with convocation and with the surge in new cases today. the song choice speaks to the potential for a positive future. Keep safe. Enjoy!
This rainy grey day began with rebooking of an appointment. This has occurred often in the past few weeks. One meeting appointment had four dates over a month and the other now has had 3 dates over just under a month. These postponements push planning for another appointment further into the future. None are emergent, but there is a sense of urgency just to get them over and done. All of that said, none of the postponements were for frivolous reasons on the part of the other people involved -- sick leave, lockdown and conflicts with other urgent events.
So, while this is frustrating from my perspective, I understand the situations with others. It does focus on my reduced ability to be flexible these days. It seems my perspective of urgency may not be fully shared, just as I might not share the definition held by others. That idea was an eye-opener for me. <sigh> I advocate for myself, but try to do this gently. Even when some situations call for a firmer approach, I try to remain respectful. I find this technique brings better results in most cases. It comes down to being kind and respectful in hopes that others will return the favour.
Regardless of how such situations are approached, an underlying frustration often remains. That is something that I need to address -- a tall order, I think. Learning to see schedules as more fluid won't be an easy task. A song from just a few <smirk> years ago came to mind while thinking through things today. The chorus lyrics and the tempo reflect the feeling well. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Today was mainly sunny, but rain is expected into the overnight and throughout tomorrow. I headed out to an appointment -- my excitement for the day. things went fairly well. All of the protocols in place to reduce transmission risk are huge. There were a couple of short lines when checking in, but everyone was calm and kept their distance -- sometimes moving beyond the 6 feet distance to something closer to 10 feet. I did not complain <smile>. With the increasing number of cases in the province, it is good to see people taking things seriously.
Reactions I've noticed to the increasing numbers of new cases daily have been a mixture of disbelief, fear and sadness. The hope from the vaccination process seems to have been usurped by the growing number of people affected by this nasty invader -- one that has now brought along its family members in the form of new variants.
A song came to mind about persevering matches the feelings that come with the third wave and severe lockdown regulations. Keep safe. Enjoy!
A warmer sunny day for a change! Several small construction projects are underway in the neighbourhood. I heard and saw the first lawn mower of the season today, too. Each of these activities involves forward thinking -- having a nice lawn or improved parts of the yard or house -- things that demonstrate hope. It also shows that people are keeping active within their own spaces during this lockdown.
One song ran through my mind often when thinking of the activities outside. While today is a Tuesday, this still seemed to demand to be included in the blog. <smile> I chose the original demo of the song by one of the songwriters. This is different than the arrangement many of us recall. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Today was sunny with expansive blue skies. Temperatures were moderate -- like a 'just right' day by Goldilocks standards <smile>. Looking out the windows, I noted that I was still thinking of the leaves/trees/forests metaphor. These are great metaphors for many things encountered along the journey.
The aphorism "can't see the forest for the trees" whirled around my brain all day. Examining this phrase occupied the day. This can reflect how we get so caught up in details that we can't see the larger picture. The opposite also fits. When the big pictures become so overwhelming you can't find the smaller details that can give us hope. My focus on the case numbers in the province can lead me in a direction that can't see that the absolute numbers cover up the rates that put the numbers in perspective -- like the positivity rate. On the other side, a global record set today helped me see some glimmer of hope. One billion people have been vaccinated world wide. Yes, that is one-ninth of the global population, but that is a lot of individuals choosing to be vaccinated -- a lot of leaves on many trees in the global forest.
I have used this metaphor to explain my research methods. The qualitative analysis techniques I use follow a deconstruction - reconstruction process. Many interviews, media transcripts, or web pages are read repeatedly and taken apart to small concepts. Once that is completed, the small concepts are rebuilt into groups and broader themes. So, we begin with the forest and take it apart to form piles of leaves. Then the leaves are sorted into smaller piles that are in turn reconstructed into branches and then trees.From this we are able to see the forest in a different way. The ability to see from multiple perspectives helps with the research, but can also help when navigating life or a global pandemic. <smile>
Again, many songs exist about leaves, trees, & forests. The selection for today speaks to stories from the forest, which fit my meanderings today. The prog rock genre claims this choice. Stay safe. Enjoy!
It has been a grey day with small sunny breaks between the clouds. I looked out the window while doing dishes this morning and saw that the bulbs on a couple of the maple trees showed signs of unfurling. That bright pale green of early leaves has begun to appear. I look forward to watching the leaves as colours turn deeper green when leaves grow and begin the work of feeding the trees. This can be seen up close at the leaf level, at the tree level where each individual changes at its own pace, and at the level of the forest where the tapestry of green shades morphs as the season progresses. Given our lockdown, I'm not sure when I'll get to see drive through the forest, but I can see the hills surrounding town from various vantage points. In this way, I won't miss the show entirely.
A new month has begun. This one brings not only leaves on trees, but other growing plants and warmer temperatures. I grew up on the prairies where most trees in town had been planted. The Boreal Forest grows in the northern areas, but I didn't get there often. Now living in the midst of the Acadian Forest, I see the hardwood and softwood trees go through their annual cycles. It is fascinating.
A song about the forest seemed fitting today. Imagine! <smile> The relaxing melody helps me deal with the latest case numbers in the province and all the other stresses micro and mega sized. Being in nature has been noted to reduce anxiety. I find it helps me feel less lost some days when I can see the progression of a life pattern with daily changes around me. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Today was a cooler rainy day -- again <smile>. I headed out for an errand and then heard the daily numbers and wished I'd stayed home <sigh>. Today 148 new cases but this is due to the catch up with tests done earlier in the week. There were 45,000 tests administered and lab capacity sits closer to 15,000 daily. Public Health officials note that the numbers will be higher for the next few days as the test backlog is completed. Few of the new cases are in our smaller rural region, but seeing increases in urban areas brings many negative emotions.
Now -- I understand that the numbers while the highest we have encountered during the pandemic, seem very small to those in areas where hundreds or thousands of new cases arrive each day. I expect there may be loud eye rolls by some readers <smile>. The population here is small. Similar sized provinces do have larger case numbers. This province has been aggressive in working to contain outbreaks and spread since the beginning, so dealing with the higher transmissibility of variants hits hard. Vaccination uptake and testing (contact and asymptomatic) obviously have been embraced by the populace. Accessibility to these services has been well planned by Public Health. it isn't perfect, but it is well done. We may complain about lockdowns, but continue to support local merchants with online orders and delivery or curbside pickup. I've seen the most amazing acts of kindness between strangers willing to help others in any way they can. Courtesy on sidewalks returned this week as people moved to the sides to provide reasonable space while passing -- and with a smile <smile>. These things will lead us through this current surge.
A positive concept came to mind in the form of a song while pondering things today. It contains some interesting mouth instruments. <smile> Collaboration, cooperation, compassion and kindness will help us all weather this storm. Hang in there wherever you find yourself. Keep safe. Enjoy!
