9-59 (28/2/22) -- A Proverbial Monday

Well, it has been a Monday <sigh>. Sewer backup + backhoe messing up my cleared driveway = frustrate little me. 

I woke to sounds of street and sidewalk plows. I cleared my driveway all the way to the street. The snow was light and easy to move. I was able to get right down to the asphalt and grass and gravel.  So far, so good. I went to speak to the landlord about the sewer backing up in the basement. When I walked out to the street, I discovered that a backhoe had come by to 'clear' my already cleared driveway. About half of the asphalt area was now covered in snow packed by tractor tires. In additions, this new guy left a knee deep pile of snow across the town sidewalk. I did the best I could -- the sidewalk was easy to clear as it was from the edge of the loader bucket. My driveway however, will be solid ice in the next day or so. I managed to get down to the ground in enough places that there is a small pathway over the packed area. I called the plow manager to say that there had been two visits that I had not called for -- one yesterday and one today. We left it that if I needed him to help clear what had been left by the backhoe, I would call him. I did not call. Surprise! He came by with his truck and plow blade that moved much of the packed snow, but now the whole asphalt area is covered in a thin layer of smooth packed snow as is the end of the drive that I had gotten down to the ground. <sigh> So, I was out three times -- once where all was cleared well and twice to try to fix what heavy equipment had done. My arms hurt. 

I'd like to soak in the tub, but can't add that much water to the system without risking an overflow of the backup downstairs. The plumbers arrive early tomorrow morning. Hopefully things will be cleared quickly so I can do the laundry, wash my hair and have that tub soak  I'd planned for today. 

Grasping for an up note here, the sun did come out a couple of times -- once while I was shoveling. That felt warm on my back on this cold and windy day. The landlord was in the office today so the call to the plumber was handled quickly. The snow I moved was relatively light and easy to move, even if there was far more than forecast again. I spent an hour or so in kitchen therapy preparing an etouffee sauce. A song came to mind while I was chopping and stirring. The title seemed to say it all for me today. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

A Little Good News -- Anne Murray

9-57 (26/2/22) -- Super Cold Evening

Guess what! Early in the day, I shoveled snow -- about 12+cm (5+ in). There was a lot more out there than expected from the forecast. Considering I had moved a fair bit of snow yesterday, the larger amount moved today was more than I'd had in mind. <smile> The snow was mainly light so was much easier to move. I still have the car to uncover, but that will wait for another day. The sun shone most of the day, which helped make the process more palatable. 

I headed out to supper at a friend's home in a small group of four. It was a fun evening to visit, chat and laugh. I walked over and back. The trip home was decidedly colder than the trip to dinner. My quads felt the cold as I've rarely felt at this end of the the country. Prairie cold can create that discomfort and on the very cold days, the back of the thighs just above the knee would feel very cold, too. Tonight It was mainly the front with some minor impact to the back of the thigh. It was cold! The walk invigorated me after a wonderful meal, though -- enjoyable exercise despite the temperature. 

I chose a cover of an older song  to share. It deals with winter temperatures but holds onto the positive knowledge that seasonal changes will arrive. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Looks Like a Cold, Cold Winter -- Ingrid Michaelson

 

9-58 (27/2/22) -- Refocusing Thoughts

Today temperatures near freezing -- a bit change from yesterday. I moved about a foot of snow off the car and moved it all from around the car. Then I headed out for a walk to help relax and breathe. The afternoon had become grayer, which often finds its way into my thoughts. Walking and other physical activity helps to mitigate the negative impacts of such thoughts. I often listen to music as I walk since that can add to the relaxing aspects of the exercise. Today, I decided that I will need to listen more often to the physio play list I put together a few years back. At that time I needed something to focus emotions and keep me pushing through the pain and frustration while recovering from a major elbow break.  The hard work paid off and without the music it would have been more challenging. The playlist consisted of a couple of songs that made me smile and others with lyrics that motivated the 'yes I can' mindset. Personal power focus can take on other formats, too. Some people choose a mantra to repeat daily. Such internal conversations can help to develop new neural pathways that can over-ride the entrenched negative thought patterns. I haven't used the physio playlist for some time. Perhaps these lyrics can be part of moving forward with positivity. <smile> 

While walking today with the mp3 player on shuffle, one song 'broke through' the thoughts. I share that one here.  The lyrics promote a focus on self  and individual power. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Fight Song -- Rachel Patten

9-56 (25/2/22) -- Sparkling Snow

Today was grey and cold again. Surprise it is Friday which seems to be storm day for 2022. <sigh>  Snow began in late afternoon and is to continue through this evening. I shoveled 7 to 10 cm (3-4 in) before a late supper. I walked out in the snow for take out supper. The sidewalks had a good 5-7 cm (2-3 in) so walking was slow to avoid slipping. The shoveling happened later when snow became heavier. There was little wind, so snow was not blowing around or drifting. There will be more to shovel tomorrow and the end of the driveway will be filled in by street and sidewalk plows by then, too. Tonight was cold. My hands got cold when walking and my toes got cold when shoveling (I wore warmer mittens to shovel).  On the up side, this won't last long since spring-ish weather will continue. 

While outside with the snow, the crystalline structure of the snow was highlighted by street lights. It was dazzling. The sparkly ground cover brought a smile and relaxed my shoulders. It looked magical. I miss the sparkling snow that we often see on the prairie due to colder temperatures. Even more exciting are the sunny days when the moisture in the air freezes so that you can walk through the sparkling air. Of course, those days are extremely cold, but it is worth a short jaunt outside just to marvel at the beauty of it all. 

The title and chorus lines of a song fit some of what I was seeing tonight. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Raining Glitter -- Kylie Minogue

9-55 (24/2/22) -- New Perspectives

Cold temperatures returned overnight. Rain that fell last night as the temperature dipped, left me with a frozen front door. I was able to break the icy seal with some tapping and pressure. Then, once opened, I ensured that the outside push-button style latch was also freed from it's icy coating. I've learned from past iciness that if I don't do this, I am locked out -- frozen out to be precise <smile>. Talking with a friend today, she noted that her door would not budge, so she had been using the back door or the basement door. I have both of those, but don't always have the backdoor key on my key chain -- something else I need to remember to do.   

My walk today took me to Main Street to do my bi-weekly purchase of bread and muffins. These are brought to a local pharmacy from a bakery about 45 km outside of town. The wind had died down a bit, but it was still bitter when walking into the wind on the way home. The cold helped me keep my focus on positive thoughts from earlier conversations in the day. I know warmer days are ahead and while it was cold today, it wasn't painfully cold -- just a bit invigorating.  <smile> 

The talks and walk helped to see things from a different angle -- something I almost encountered at the house earlier in the day. That thought brought a song to mind along with a smile. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Lookin' out my Back  Door -- Creedence Clearwater Revival

9-54 (23/2/22) -- Uplifting Visits

Today was a warm day with less sun than forecast, but pleasant none the less. I headed out for groceries -- something that has given me pause often recently. Today was no exception. I got about 10 staple items and nothing extravagant and the bill came to $78CND. How are families managing with the ever increasing prices? Current inflation levels have been eroding buying power of consumers. The absence of corn chips on the shelves points to a price hike by the manufacturer that was refused by the retailer. The ensuing price war will limit access to this food product for an undetermined time. Now, for chip lovers (which I am not <smile>), that section of the store was filled with potato chips of all types including those from the company involved in the price dispute. Interesting. 

In the afternoon, I had a virtual tea break and visit with a friend and colleague. I miss our daily face to face chats from before my retirement and weekly lunches after I retired. Our conversation left me relaxed and smiling more than I had been earlier. Human contact brings so much. I've been reminded of its importance in the past few days. Even virtual meetings can lift spirits. This is so important during the slowly changing pandemic as well as the darker dismal time of year. I miss seeing people and chatting. I hold some small degree of hope that this will increase in the near future. I recognize how such contact affects me but also understand how I can affect others by reaching out for a chat. It all adds a bit of normalcy to a very abnormal-feeling world. I suspect that our reaching out to others can improve our overall outlook, too. That is definitely something to add to stress reduction and gratitude lists.

Thinking of the effect of inflation brought to mind a comedy routine by Victor Borge. It helped me to laugh at his response to inflation by introducing some inflationary language. While it isn't a song, I've included it here for you. A song that has appeared in this blog before just kept running through my mind today, so I will share it again. The message is positive and the tempo upbeat. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Inflationary Language -- Victor Borge

Count on Me -- Bruno Mars

9-53 (22/2/22) -- Unexpected Contact

Today I spent some time in the yard picking up branches and twigs from the last couple of wind storms. Many of these had been frozen into accumulated snow and ice, so with that mostly melted, they were free to be moved around. I chose this activity to help me deal with the frustrations of the day. A planned meeting had to be rebooked due to technology problems. The only time it could fit was a day where I had three other events set. Luckily, one could be moved a bit to accommodate but a third had to be pushed much later in the day than I'd hoped. That frustration blossomed as it merged with the irritations with the weather and the state of the world -- all of which seem to want to impact my future plans. I just felt so tired of it <sigh>. There are just too many things to juggle and adjust to. During a particularly cranky moment, I got a message from a former student and friend with some good personal news That made me smile and see some positive -- even a few happy tears there. We had a short video call where I could see and speak to the kids -- that made me smile and laugh. 

I understand that I am far from the only one in this space these days. I still feel isolated often. During our chat, my friend noted that we feel shame for a number of things that aren't of our making. I fully agreed. Shame is something that we rarely share with even the people closest to us. That idea made me realize that a many people carry shame for similar reasons, but we don't share so it only adds to the isolating feelings. Interesting. Hmmm. 

The unexpected contact today brought gratitude to the fore. Some days are easier than others to find three things that helped make the a good one. Some days go the other way. On those days, I try to look up when walking to see the sky and plants and such. That can often bring me something to be grateful for. Given the many cloudy days and nights recently, even seeing a star or the moon can make me smile. The selection chosen today speaks about things that can help us to feel grateful. I chose a version by a different artist than is usually connected with this song. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

What a Wonderful World -- Joey Ramone

9-52 (21/2/22) -- Tea Time

Sun shone early in the morning, but the rest of the day was cloudy. While above freezing, it felt quite damp and cold. Temperatures continue to fluctuate above and below freezing for the forecast this week. There will be some liquid and some frozen precipitation, as well. Despite being incredibly tired of the wet and icy days, this spring pattern makes me smile knowing that other spring changes will begin in the coming weeks. 

I went out for milk and had a short visit with friends for a cup of tea this afternoon. We discussed coffee, tea, decaf vs. regular, and herbal teas. I drink decaf tea most of the time, but have a couple of favourite caffeinated varieties that I enjoy. I don't enjoy fruity or flavoured teas, but I do drink a lemon ginger blend on occasion. A song came to mind as I thought about my unexpected afternoon visit. That brought a song to mind. -- one that makes me smile. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Java Jive -- The Manhattan Transfer

9-51 (20/2/22) -- A Day of Nothing

Today was a day of nothing. I felt under the weather shortly after rising -- nothing major, but not 'right'. I made some soup and spent the day in bed -- sleeping often. I tried watching a couple movies, but had to revisit large sections due to sleeping through some key story lines <smile>. My hope is that resting today will help me to feel better tomorrow. I had plans to run out for milk and a couple other small errands. I'm hoping that I can get some of those done tomorrow. It will be a 'wait and see' sort of thing, though. 

A song title that fit the day well hit my consciousness between sleeping bouts. I hadn't heard this one for a while. I love the group performing this one. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

The Shape I'm In -- The Band

9-50 (19/2/22) -- Hammering Morning Alarm

The day has been bright sunny day with warm sun and temperatures just below freezing. I woke about 8 AM to the a morning alarm of hammers that sounded for all the world that they were coming from my back porch. When I looked, I saw men on the roof of the building out behind me. They had been up during the freezing rain event putting some cover on the peak area, so there must have been a leak indoors. Today, they were redoing shingles in that area. All was completed by noon.  They flatbed and covered trailers were loaded up with equipment, but were still there into the evening. I hope this doesn't mean they will be back early tomorrow morning <smile> Happily, today I got a bit more sleep this morning due to earplugs. <smile> 

I didn't do a lot of constructive activities today. We all have days like this, but it feels like I have experienced more than usual recently. Such days do little for my frame of mind since I feel somewhat useless on such days. Days like this are not without their positive moments, though. Today I cooked a couple of nice meals and got to visit virtually with a dear friend despite technology glitches. I even did a bit of work on a project for discussion at a meeting early in the week. I had a few more tangible tasks in the house that I hoped to complete, but these got moved into the next few days instead. 

A song came to mind when I thought of the workmen who woke me earlier in the day. It is a song that I've found relaxing since I heard an a capella cover many years ago. The version shared here is from an original demo by the songwriters -- one of the few I've heard with this vocalist. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Up on the Roof -- Gerry Goffin (vocal) & Carole King (piano)

9-49 (18/2/22) -- Instant Ice

The day continued with very strong winds and much rain. Most of the yard has ground visible but with small bits of water accumulation in places. Forecasters tell us a flash freeze will enter the area by late afternoon. So, we have more ice on the way to replace what melted overnight. Due the rapidity of the temperature change, the presence of mixed frozen precipitation will be mercifully short. 

The term flash freeze reminds me of the instant freezing seen in fictional weather disaster movies such as The Day After Tomorrow, where the frost is shown moving forwards several feet per second. Of course, this isn't what a flash freeze looks like. Today temperatures will drop 20-22 degrees Celsius in 12 hours, but the first three hours will see a 12 degree drop over 3 hours -- from 12C to freezing. That is a very rapid drop. During this time period, the wind changes from a southerly flow towards a northwesterly flow. The freeze will occur right around evening drive time -- not huge here, but still significant for the many people in town who live out in the county. Road surfaces will be impacted along with the many bridges in the area. I suspect some places will close early for this reason.

Yesterday, I planned to do  a couple of errands today, but with the rain and strong winds, I chose to treat this like a storm day -- found time, if you will. Loads of housework exists, but I moved into a day off mode instead. That may sound odd for a retiree, but having a day to do nothing in particular is necessary. Most days have errands, appointments and meetings booked -- things at specific times of day or have hard deadlines. Responsibilities don't disappear when paid work exits the picture. <smile> I recall  my parents often double-booking themselves even with a calendar on the fridge door to keep track of everything. <smile> I now understand how easily that can happen.

A song came to me as I surfed around for a bit this afternoon. The Latin tempo acted as a perfect pick-me-up on this stormy day. The Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter brought in an East Coast singer-songwriter on this version. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

In 1 2 3 4 -- Alex Cuba ft. David Myles

 

9-48 (17/2/22) -- Unseasonably Warm

Today we have some south winds to go along with the melting from warmer temperatures. The wind is expected to pick up overnight with major gusts Scary.  

Wind is often used as a metaphor for change. It can blow us away from something or towards sometheing. It can clear the cobwebs t help us think better. It can bring something good or not so pleasant. It can caress or buffet. In reality, wind can create much drama -- heavy storm winds. The wind we have today and tomorrow brings major temperature changes -- record breaking warmth today and much colder tomorrow. 

A good friend reminded me of the choice of the day while we were discussing the weather. Many covers of this selection exist. I chose two to share here. The first version is by the artist for whom John D. Loudermilk wrote the tune.  While the artist often played this on an acoustic guitar, this version is electrified. The audio is old and has some scratchiness and a few pops to it, but I chose it due to the solo nature of the performance. So many others have other instruments or full orchestras that overshadow the guitar. The second version shared takes the instrumental into a very different genre, showing the versatility of the piece. Keep safe. Enjoy!  

Windy and Warm -- Chet Atkins

Windy and Warm -- The Ventures

9-47 (16/2/22) -- Musical Tapestry

The day was cold, but the sun felt warm and even melted areas in direct sunlight. I cleared the back porch and moved a foot of snow off the car. My afternoon walk was a delight. The sun was so low and bright that a ball cap would have helped, but I needed a touque to keep ears warm. <smile>

This evening, I watched a documentary about the musical collaborations of Carole King and James Taylor. A friend reminded me of this one after I'd posted on social media about King's recent birthday. I've enjoyed their solo careers and their combined performances and tours. Their historic first joint performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles in November 1970 must have contained some great songs, though they don't clearly recall which songs were included that night. They have toured together many times since including a 40th reunion Troubadour tour in 2010. Another tour is in progress  in 2022 -- The Carole King and James Taylor Story tour. This gives me great hope since he is 73 and she is 80. These two aren't moving to their porch rockers anytime soon. <smile> 

The songs I share tonight were part of their past tours. These are but two of the many songs written and sung by these two amazing and favourite artists. King and Taylor definitely are woven into my life tapestry. Keep safe. Enjoy!     

Going to Carolina -- James Taylor ft. Carole King

So Far Away -- Carole King ft. James Taylor

9-46 (15/2/22) -- Jeans & Identity

It seems we got somewhere north of 25 cm (10 inches) of snow when the forecast had suggested 10-15 cm (4-6 inches). Cleanup for the latter amount is much easier than the former. I moved much of this yesterday, today I moved around the ankle deep snow (with some deeper areas) and called the plow guy for the stuff from the sidewalk and street plows. I lifted that all yesterday and my arms told me a flat out 'no' today for a repeat of that process.Most snow was quite light with the colder temperatures. I worked away for 40 minutes and left the back porch area for tomorrow. 

During the day, I watched a documentary on blue jeans that challenged common origin stories. It contextualized the story of jeans in the USA with social, commercial and racial history. have loved all of my jeans. They become a part of me -- the second skin that the documentary presented. I've even noted that I would like to be cremated with my the pair in heaviest play when that day arrives. I generally have one pair or sometimes two. At present, I have three pairs, each a different leg cut -- boot cut, straight leg and skinny. Historically, most jeans have been blue but I did have a white pair lined with flannel for winter. Now I have a dark blue, paler blue, and a pinkish wash. I like the way they feel except when they get wet. Nothing feels as uncomfortable as wet denim. Basic work wear jeans or high end fashionista jeans are all around us. Different styles denote a uniform of sorts for many societal sub-groups -- a form of identity. Jeans truly are more than just a pair of pants. <smile> 

Whatever we call them, jeans, blue jeans, dungarees, denims, this clothing piece has infiltrated all levels of fashion and society. They help us portray our self to others. Of the songs that focus on jeans, I chose one that presents expectation to wear denim for the rest of my life. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Forever in Blue Jeans -- Neil Diamond

9-45 (14/2/22) -- Escape

 

This week's storm dropped a lot of snow. I shoveled twice today and each time a lot more snow fell. The forecast noted we should get 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) by the time it tapered later in the evening. I am sure that I moved at least that much snow already. It was still falling into the night. I'll have more to move around tomorrow. I cleared the end of the driveway by hand when the forecast noted things would slow considerably. When I headed out in the evening, there was so much more present than what I moved earlier. <sigh> As I was walking in mid-evening, a live of street plows and trucks with plow blades drove past. The sidewalk plow was out somewhere, too. This means that the snow accumulated at the end of the driveway will have a lot more added to it by the street and sidewalk plows. Guess I will call the plow guy again tomorrow. 

Today was Valentine's Day. Given the snow storm, I was surprised to see several restaurants doing a good business tonight. It has been a long time for those businesses. I have done takeout mostly for the past two years. If dining 'in' it has been outside on decks, sidewalks and patios. I ordered something for dinner tonight and was pleased that even with the busy nature of indoor dining, they were still doing a brisk takeout business. The walk out to pick up dinner took much longer than usual given the amount of snow on the sidewalks. Where others had walked or driven through the snow, it was very slippery, so I walked slowly. I felt like walking through sand, but without the warmer beach-like weather <grin>.  

A song lyric fits my thoughts of being somewhere else -- somewhere warmer and without snow and ice. The chorus describes the thoughts while the verses outline situations different than mine, but that pointed to a need to escape. 

Some Beach -- Blake Shelton

9-44 (13/2/22) -- Practicing Kindness

 

Today was grey again with snow forecast over the next 24 hours. There will be more than enough to shovel tomorrow. The prediction is for 10-15 cm (4-6 in) of accumulation. So, enough to cover the ice and give a bit of traction until the rain later in the week transforms snow to ice again. It feels like we have been stuck in a revolving door, but that is part of the transition of the seasons. 

I did not accomplish much during today. Some bits of housework were tackled which makes the place look a little cleaner for now <smile>. Several items remain on the 'to do' list, though -- some batch cooking, deeper cleaning, de-cluttering corners and such. I did arrange a pickup time next month for donations to Diabetes Canada. They take clothing, linens, household items and many other things that are hiding in corners of the house --things that I no longer need or use. Such donations bring in over $6 million annually for the organization, which is used to fund research and education. The environmental footprint of reusing plays to my green roots. Besides, I now have a deadline for preparing boxes or bags that requires me to sort through closets and boxes. I hope this will be the impetus I need to begin the process. One box, bag, or closet a day should get me through a lot of stuff I squirreled away over the years. I will book another pickup date once they arrange the next dates when a truck will be our in our part of the province. 

There are many ways to give back -- even a smile for a stranger. <smile>. The lyrics from the selection today emphasize the potential impact of compassion and kindness. It sounds like a challenge to focus on caring for others, the environment and our communities. The group performing this song struck me as interesting -- a country music boy band. <smile> Keep safe. Enjoy! 

A Random Act of Senseless Kindness -- South Sixty Five

  

9-43 (12/2/22) -- Positives of Three Coats

Today was very sunny and unseasonably warm. Temperatures in mid-afternoon sat at 11C (52F), though my kitchen window thermometer had this closer to 15C (60F). I picked up a few of the twigs and branches that came down in the storm earlier this week. There are many others mired in the snow-ice, since I picked up those that were easy to get to without wading through deeper snow or slipping across the icy patches. I've heard complaints about the ups and downs of temperatures. Forecasts note that temperatures this week will hover around freezing with highs one day into the minus teens and the next day being well above freezing. Each time I hear this frustration expressed, I mention that this is a spring pattern -- the fluctuations of a transition season. I insist on taking some joy from the need to have three coats in heavy rotation. To me this provides some hope, despite what the groundhogs did or did not see earlier this month. 

Signs of hope are present; we just have to remain open to seeing them. Being mired in complaint mode colours our days with negativity. There will be moments of both positive and negative in every day, which we can acknowledge and accept. We should try to see both and all that lies in between. There will be times when a major experience will pull us towards one pole or the other. Still, positive and negative will be part of each day. Working to disrupt the downward spiral of a negative focus takes a lot of work. It certainly isn't as easy as 'just do it', and will take time and effort. I believe the end point will be worth it.

Lyrics of the selection for today came to mind since they explained the hard work involved in getting to a more positive place. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

On Top of the World -- Imagine Dragons

  

9-42 (11/2/22) -- Friends and Sunshine

I went grocery shopping in person for the first time since early December -- it felt good to check out a number of items before putting them in my cart. Many empty shelves were present across all aisles -- so no commonality between missing items. My favourite brand of oatmeal had nothing on the shelves, while  other brands were fully stocked. I encountered a friend and colleague while shopping and we had a short visit. We haven't seen each other in person since the pandemic began! We met virtually a few times and sent messages by various methods. It was so nice to just pick up where we had been way back then. <smile> 

In the afternoon, I walked out to a local store for a treat -- a white chocolate-caramel bar. I will eat it a square at a time so it will last a while. The first taste is always the best and eating it all at once makes me feel uncomfortable and I lose the amazing flavour after a couple of squares. I then met a friend and we had some tea and a visit. We also walked out to Main Street and back. The sunshine and above freezing temperatures today made the sidewalks much easier to traverse than they were earlier in the week. I still spread ice melter today to help with erasure of the major ice in the front walk and driveway. I am so ready for this all to be over <sigh>. 

 The weather and visiting with friends gave me smiles. Walking on my own and with a friend felt wonderful in the warm sunshine. The song chosen for today is an upbeat tune with lyrics describing happy times. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Walking on Sunshine -- Katrina and the Waves with Soweto Gospel Choir

9- 41 (10/2/22) -- Corners

Yesterday, a former colleague noted that building and maintaining social connections has been challenging when we keep being sent to our corners. This reminded me of a school punishment from back in the dark ages. Before the concept of a 'time out' became common, there was the old 'stand in the corner' with your back to everyone. In short, it was a punishment for talking or acting out in some way. This effectively separated you from the group -- a form of reverse shunning. They could all see me, but I couldn't see them. It was hateful. It wasn't until I shared the message from my former colleague today, that my mind moved from the boxing metaphor of being sent to our respective corners to the dim distant memories of standing in the corner. The former appears more 'time out'-ish while the latter falls firmly into the punishment category. 

This realization helped me to understand more about the negative feelings that have come from the social isolation common to the past two years. While there were bits of feeling safer being hidden away, there was the feeling of being punished for something that was not of my doing. Many negative feelings come along with being punished for something we haven't done -- loss of trust, disappointment, betrayal ad so many more. A focus on the positive aspects of isolating uses the frontal cortex of the brain -- the thought centre, while the negative emotions work through the limbic system and thus are not as logical or controllable. I feel that the negative emotions and anxieties about dangers outside our door, which include those who it feels punished us for some unknown reason, have increased as the process of being in and out of the metaphorical corner had dragged on. Unpacking all that new baggage will not be an easy or short task. 

The selection for today includes lyrics about a corner -- albeit less punitive in nature. Overall, the lyrics promote self care. Happily, the melody is one that I find relaxing, so I can re-center more easily. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Take it Easy -- The Eagles

 

9-40 (9/2/22) -- Major Music History Day

Today marks two interesting historical occurrences that happened on this date. The first was the birth of Carole King, who celebrates her 80th birthday today.  As a songwriter with her husband Gerry Goffen and on her own, she was responsible for the soundtrack of many of our lives. The early work the duo did in the Brill building in New York City had them churning out songs on a daily basis along with several other writing pairs -- each holed up in their little work rooms. After their breakup, King wrote and recorded for herself. I still have my vinyl copy of Tapestry -- an album that won three Grammy awards and contained songs that many know by heart to this day. 

On this day 58 years ago, the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. I recall the TV being on in the living room while we were eating in the kitchen. We heard the group being introduced and my dad told me I could go watch 'your Beatles' -- something that rarely occurred during a meal. In the school year the next morning, kids were running around and singing the songs we'd heard the night before. That image has stuck with me over these many years. It was an introduction of the group to North America -- a group who would shape our ideas of music, fashion, spirituality, politics and so much more. 

So -- today is a two-for. The first selection is from Carole King's early album and later became the title of the Broadway biographic show. The second is one of the songs played during that first Ed Sullivan show. Keep safe. Emjoy! 

Beautiful -- Carole King

All My Loving -- The Beatles

9-39 (8/2/22) -- Uncle!

Uncle!  Enough already. Mercy.  I muttered such phrases as I maneuvered around the driveway and sidewalks with my penguin style walking today.  

Three soaking wet coats. Many very wet mitts. Deceptively deep water making lakes on sidewalks. Boots taxed to reveal areas with inadequate seals. Socks soaked and stained from leaking boots. A book bag propped to dry in front of a baseboard heater. Winds that blow rain sideways and put pressure on already stressed trees. All are images of what lies outside my windows today. 

On the upside, ice chunks fell from trees and from power and utility lines as temperatures rose above freezing and the rain began in earnest. Before rain intensified, a front end loader broke through the two piles of ice chunks that froze into one solid barricade of ice. So, the driveway is now opened. I hope to get out to a grocery store in a couple of days. In the meantime, we will need to contend with ponding in lower areas and on sidewalks where there is no where for the water to run off due to the large banks of ice left by the street plows over the past few storms. Forecasters note that we will have above freezing highs for almost a week. Overnight lows are to be just below freezing. The melting of ice and snow today compounded by 25-35 mm (1-1.5 in) rain will leave a lot to be cleaned up in the next few days. Warmer temperatures and sunshine will help with that. 

The song that came to mind as I was wading through an ankle deep section of the sidewalk is shared tonight. It was the first that came to mind when I cried 'uncle' at the sidewalk. The lyrics of the second part have a chorus with word that would help many of us remain upright while wading and wadding over the ice. <gmile>  Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey -- Paul McCartney 

9-38 (7/2/22) -- A Mentor Gone

 I received word that my masters degree thesis supervisor passed away a few days ago. I recall him fondly. We worked on a project that developed a photographic record method for food intake surveys. The unique aspect of this involved estimating food volumes (3-D) from a two-dimensional image. I determined this mihgt justify my being forced to take a physics course as an undergraduate <grin>.  I learned much from his innovative approach. There was always a way around any barrier -- even the naysayers. <smile> I often marvel at the technological aspects of that study -- truly cutting edge since the first internal hard drive appeared near the end of the project. We were still using typewriters though some of these did use early macros. My work was to validate the process and refine the algorithm for the estimation. 

During an overseas project that took Gustaaf to Addis Ababa for an extended trip, I was left in Winnipeg to guide the project. He and I provided updates with questions -- asked and answered -- via mailed letters. The added barrier -- which also added time -- was that the Ethiopian regime of the day headed by Mengistu was Marxist. All incoming and outgoing mail for the nation went through government censors. Gustaaf was working on a joint project between the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and WHO (World Health Organization) to guide the implementation of a national household nutrition survey. Data were recorded on 7-inch floppy disks -- many of them needed for the 250 data points for each member of 10,000 households. I was charged with the statistical analysis of the massive database. First, though we had to work with the campus computer system to load the data into a single merged dataset on the mainframe, which I accessed through a dummy terminal to run a very early version of a statistical analysis software. My reports went back and forth across the Atlantic for feedback and further analysis questions to address.It was during this time that the famine in northern Ethiopia came to light based on some unprecedented footage and reporting from a CBC news crew in that country. 

The obituary for Sevenhuysen was published in the Winnipeg Free Press. I witnessed the sparkle in his eyes noted in the obit. I saw this as he thought of something new or was pursuing a solution to a problem encountered. It always made me smile when I might have felt more like tossing the terminal out the window. <grin> I took some of that excitement for innovation with me when I graduated and put it to work in my doctoral studies, public health work, course instruction, and research advisor to students. My research program grew in directions for which I had passion even when they were off the beaten path. I thank Gustaaf for encouraging that part of my thinking and action. It provided me a great base for a wonderful career. 

Feeling a bit nostalgic with the news so the selection for today goes back to the mid-1980s and the many advocacy and fund-raising projects that grew in response to the CBC televised report of the famine. This song was released in 1985 by a group of Canadian musicians and produced by David Foster. Granted the faces are 37 years younger than today, but what a group to have gathered together. This song still inspires me with its message that we are stronger together. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Tears are not Enough -- Northern Lights 

 

9-37 (6/2/22) -- Platinum and Ice

On this day 70 years ago, Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne after the death of her father, George VI. She was 25 years old and on an official visit to Kenya when she received the news. Today marks the beginning of her Platinum Jubilee year.  Most official celebrations will occur in June. 

I moved some snow and ice pellets from the porches and walkways this afternoon. The bright sun made the ice sparkle on all the trees, shrubs, lines, car and anything else that is outside. It is all coated with a heavy layer of ice. The sidewalk plow went by and left a pile of ice chunks on either side of the town sidewalk. These accumulations of ice froze solid overnight when temperatures dipped lower than usual. Tonight will be even colder. At least it will get warmer tomorrow and be above freezing for a few days. The ice piles will make getting out of the driveway without damage to the undercarriage impossible. So, I'll need to talk with my plow connection to see if that can be moved this week.

The title line from a song ran through my mind as I shoveled. It came from my looking up -- way up -- at the trees in and around the yard. Later it made me laugh as it fit somewhat irreverently with the Jubilee start. Stay safe. Enjoy! 

Still Standing -- Elton John

9-36 (5/2/22) -- Encased in Ice

Trees and power lines hold a fair amount of ice today. Precipitation changed to snow by this afternoon, but very little fell. The wind picked up a bit during the day, too. This adds risk of downed trees and power lines due to the weight of the ice and the force of winds. Temperatures overnight will be bitterly cold with a colder daytime high tomorrow -- not great for the many people without power from this storm. The sun will shine for the next two or three days with temperatures rising to above freezing on the third day. Perhaps some of the sun will help to move some of the ice off the trees and lines even with cold temps, since the solar loading has been noticeably greater in the past week or two. 

Major wind storms bring anxiety, worry and fear for me. Ice storms create similar feelings, though I've only experienced two big ones -- the current one and one that I've termed the 'flying slush' storm since the winds blew the snow horizontally -- and the snow was the consistency of slush. This slush froze to whatever it encountered. We lost some big limbs of trees and the top 6-7 feet of the white pine in that storm. The current storm was deceptive. Without winds, it was very quiet -- eerily so. I had to look out windows to see what was happening. Even today, it seemed prudent to remain indoors. Staying upright is top of my list as is avoiding ice dropping on me from the treetops. 

So, how did I deal with the anxiousness today?  I made and canned a batch of spiced applesauce -- great with pancakes, french toast or gingerbread cake. I also listened to some of the coverage from the Olympics and listened to some music. The song shared today was chosen due to the title. Even if the ice storm is technically over, we are still dealing with the issue of ice and will be for another day or so. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Storm Front -- Billy Joel

9-35 (4/2/22) -- Ice Everywhere

I woke to a 6 am phone call noting campus was closed due to weather with plans to reopen tomorrow. I ate an early breakfast and then went back to sleep for a bit. My big experience of the day involved moving 5-7 cm (2-3 in) of ice pellets that fell overnight into the morning. There was another 5 cm (2 in) left stuck to the ground. While outside, the ice pellets turned back to rain. My parka weighed considerably more coming into the house than it did when I left -- it was a bit damp <smile>.  Forecasters note that freezing rain may fall for an extended period from late afternoon until the morning, though more ice pellets may be involved followed by snow. Personally, I would rather it be snow and ice pellets, since those can be shoveled and create less damage to trees, power lines and power poles. A positive to this mixed precipitation storm is that there will be very little wind and for those of us with electric heat, the outside temperatures are close to freezing, so not bitterly cold. 

Heavy equipment has been working on roads and parking lots in the downtown core since 6 AM and they will be continuing through the evening and night -- sanding, plowing and whatever else is needed. Emergency electric utility folks are on standby. In past storms,  I've fond the darkness of a power outage disconcerting, since nothing can be seen clearly without some light. One can't see the trees and if there is a problem with any of them. It can be very isolating when no lights glow through windows in the neighbourhood and no cars are out on the roads or people on the sidewalks. It can make me feel very alone. Once I listened to the local FM station, which was set to pull in a program from the US since no one was at the station during that hurricane. I have a hand-crank radio that I can use to try to find news, but that night I found summery beach music. The storm had created a lot of tension in my shoulders and legs, so it felt great to just dance to the music -- in the dark with no one watching <grin>.  Thinking of that brought lyric line to mind and that brought a smile to my face. I love the melody and the chorus lines. I'll share that with you tonight and hope that it can help you relax from any stresses encountered today. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Perfect -- Ed Sheeran

9-34 (3/2/22) -- Crazy Drivers

I drove along Main Street this morning with parking on both sides and two to three feet of snow and ice blocking the actual parking area. Still many cars drove in the two two lanes for traffic, which was very crowded. Many were not driving in the same path as the car in front of them, so they were over the centre line and making those in the other lane tuck in as close as possible to the parked vehicles. A crazy experience today. In  the end, the street parking that I had planned to use once off Main Street wasn't safely out of the drive lanes on the other street, so I just headed home, ate lunch and walked up to the business to pick up my package. That walk was much like driving -- lots of ice and melting ice creating slippery walkways with deep puddles. and no where to dodge the spray from cars driving through puddles on the street. It was a huge obstacle course.  

When driving today, I said that this was like driving in Bangkok. Now, I haven't driven in that city, but being in a taxi coming in from the airport was wild. The two lane highway had five or six lanes with drivers making more as any tiny bit of roadway opened up. It was harrowing to say the least. That brought to mind the wild roundabouts in London, where cars and buses go careening around the circles mostly avoiding crashing into each other. The idea of everyone for themselves seemed to run through the experiences I encountered or recalled today. 

While driving down Main Street I decided that the song today would be by this band. Then when walking to errands, I was reminded that my winter boots work very well with frozen ground cover but when ponding begins, they leak in a few places. <sigh> That secured which song by the band fit best today. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Hole in my Shoe -- Traffic

 

9-33 (2/2/22) -- All About the Twos

The day began with a sunny clear blue sky this morning with a few clouds beginning to appear into the afternoon. I went for a walk after a late lunch. On my way home, I looked up --rare with all the ice these days -- and saw three parallel jet contrails in the northern sky. They appeared to have been from planes heading west -- with origins likely from Newfoundland or Europe. The air humidity allowed these to show for a long time as they slowly dissipated. Before the pandemic, there were days where you could count two to three times as many trails in the sky. The visual of three made me smile and feel hopeful that overseas travel will land on my agenda once again. 

Today was also one of two fun number days this month -- 2/2/22. The next will arrive in another 20 days. So, I thought of songs that dealt with the number 2. The one that I chose turns out to have been a single released that hit number 22 on the charts back in 1978. So it fits in two ways <grin>.  The single version is shared here instead of the more commonly heard album version. Keep safe. Enjoy!  

2 Tickets to Paradise -- Eddie Money 

9-32 (1/2/22) -- Sunny Day

All day we had bright sun with colder temps. I salted the very icy walkway out to the street again today.If nothing else, it should provide some traction, though I slipped several times when I was walking back in after a short trip to get some milk. The sun helped me get past some cranky moments as people cut in front of me in line, blocked the only entrance to the store, or parked up on the sidewalk leaving next to no place to walk (here, I slipped and would have ended up under the truck had I not been able to steady myself, which transferred a lot of dried salt stains onto my coat <sigh>). 

I completed a few things today that should have been done by the end of last week. I had tried to source some local things locally but had to wait until today to order directly from the local warehouse. A few household chores were done, too. It feels good to get something done, even if it is a smaller task or later than planned. When checking outdoor temperature today, forecasters were updating viewers on the next storm -- another Friday storm day this week. This seems to be the weekly pattern this winter -- every Friday wind, rain, and snow in varying amounts. I am so over this <smile>. The whole routine got old a few weeks ago. <grin>.   

The sun helped me find a few moments of calm in my grumpy day. I was reminded of a bright little song that helped me to smile today. Keep safe. Enjoy! 

Good Morning Sunshine -- The Beatles