Buddy and I spent today visiting family on a nearby island. There is news, but I am quite happy to have left it behind for a day. I’ll be back at it tomorrow, but until then, here was the view coming in from the island in Buddys boat this evening. It has been a good day.
And that's how we can stay confident, and grateful, that you are able to watch it all happening without losing your sanity. You see the chaos, you analyse it and make the connections, but it doesn't suck you in; you have a stronger counterweight. This is happiness. Happy for you, happy for us.
My friend and I walked by the water, enjoyed a small town by the river's edge, and put on more than 10,000 steps crossing the bridge of the St. Croix River (between MN and WI) and back as part of savoring one of the waning summer days here. We need this sometimes. Work will wait. This news won't change if we ignore for a day. I feel peaceful and refreshed and hope you do, too.
Today while I was working in my garden or driving around doing errands, I listen to The New Yorker Radio Hour. It was an hour long interview with Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of "Braiding Sweetgrass." For too many of us, we have lost touch with nature and its beauty. The photos share here are a reminder of what is truly beautiful in this world. While Buddy goes large, this is much beauty in the small. I spend too much time watching bees among flowers, but they are vital to us, pollinating the vegetables and fruit that we eat. We need to stop and appreciate the beauty in nature, large and small. I note the I only comment on the weekly photos. Maybe because they are truly beautiful, but Heather's comments on the rest of the world are priceless. Stay well everybody.
Oh yes. Nature - even if it is a small garden on a balcony - is so needed by everyone. We are beyond grateful to have been able to move to a paradise of green. Trees. Moss. Ocean. River. Tranquil walks. It truly has saved, and possibly lengthened, our lives.
But do you talk to the bees? I bet you do :) I plant flowers somewhat randomly in the vegetable garden to attract them. And I find calm discussion has prevented them from stinging me. Maybe I am just lucky. Or maybe if we all brought down the temperature of the stuff that comes out of our mouths, we could find some harmony.
Easy to say. So hard to do. But after reading the news and venting at the insanity gripping the world, a visit to the garden is mighty fine therapy - and you can get tomatoes!
I talk to the bees and butterflies all the time in my garden. I move slowly and talk softly to them. They just buzz and flutter around me. The tiny forager ants, however, bite. Being in my garden is soothing.
My husband taught me how to pat a bumble bee. The trick is to find a bee on such a large flower that it will stay put for while. If it's busily working on the flower, it won't sting me. It really does work.
The bumble bees are amazing. They are the hardest workers I've seen. They visit my garden and especially the flowers on the perimeter and scattered within. They've never been a problem for me as we work side by side in different tasks. What's most special is watching them go into sleep/coma as dusk and cooler temps. take over. They stop working and stay exactly where they are on a [sturdy] flower, ready to renew their task when morning conditions prevail.
Carpenter bees are a different matter. They're bigger and more brutish in color. I haven't been stung by one yet, but they're not afraid to get in your face and try to intimidate you.
I grew up in Texas in the 1940's and '59's, before air conditioning. I spent the 5th grade in Rio Grande City where Fort Ringgold is located. It is reported that Gen. McClellan was stationed there for a period during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848. He is rumored to have said: "If I owned Texas and Hell, I'd rent out Texas and live in Hell." So, it was hot back then, too. For the record, this is the war fought over Texas becoming a part of the U.S., resulting in Mexico losing one-half of its territory (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California and portions of other states. ) So, for me, when those Mexicans cross the border to come here to work and live, I have no objection. We stole it from Mexico in the first place.
In many cases, if not the majority, we humans are going to believe what we want to believe. This is why in large part teaching critical thinking skills in our schools, starting in the 6th grade is so important. The first obstacle? Confirmation bias. It's a struggle. This website https://thinkingispower.com/ is run by Melanie Trecek-King, an associate professor of biology at Massasoit Community College in Massachusetts. In my sometimes less than humble opinion, Prof. Trecek-King absolutely "nails" it.
And we should do this. For a number of reasons, one to honor and recognize Frances Perkins for what she did, and two, to give others a capsule of what their political philosophy should be.
"The people are what matter to government, and a government should aim to provide all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life." All the people. That means education, health care, shelter, jobs, security and more.
And, Late Bloomer, how many know that it was a female who was responsible for the New Deal, for Social Security, for Worker's Compensation, for the CCC, and more? I think that we need a new generation to bring our history up to date. We need to learn the lesson anew as to what government is for.
Frances Perkins: "The people are what matter to government, and a government should aim to provide all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life."
Albert Einstein’s Philosophy of Government
“I am an adherent of the ideal of democracy, although I well know the weaknesses of the democratic form of government. Social equality and economic protection of the individual appeared to me always as the important communal aims of the state.”
Wondering if anyone in this community can recommend a good book on the Mexican-American war? Not as interested in battles as what led to it, results etc.
I don't know a book off the top of my head that I can recommend. What led Texas to declare its independence from Mexico in early 1836 in part was Santa Anna's refusal to permit slavery in the territory. My great grandfather, younger brother of my great, great uncle, William Depriest Sutherland who at age 18 died fighting in the Alamo on March 6, 1836, was 16 years old at the time. He inherited my great great Grandfather's slaves and in 1850 fathered a daughter with one of his slaves. Her descendants through DNA have made contact with me but they are not quite ready to meet. James Polk was president of the U.S. when the U.S. war with Mexico took place and the county in Florida where I now lived was named after him and in the recent past was the home of the Grand Wizard of the KKK, so that Polk County was known as Imperial Polk County. It is a very, very red county. I'm trying to change that some.
Thanks, Richard, for sharing your history and efforts in Polk County. My first job out of college many moons ago was in Polk, an eye-opening experience for this born and raised New England girl.
NPR had a story about a year or so ago about the KKK infiltration in FL law enforcement. Unfortunately,that’s not front page news here in the “sunshine state”.
The confluence-of-events phenomenon is very interesting. For example, the very, very last Americans to get the right to vote were Black females. And, now, who stands at the front of the effort to save our democracy? Black female prosecutors. This is such poetic justice. You can't make this kind of pure justice up. TFG must be beside himself knowing that Black females are exercising such power over him. I love it.
You teach your readers how to see current events in the context of history and you reminds us that occasional time off from the news cycle is wise and healthy.
On this day I finally tested negative for COVID-19, and we attended a free concert at a defunct dairy. Beautiful setting, inspiring music from local artists, sunshine, and dancing - including kids, affiliated adults and random strangers - reaffirmed my joy of life.
This is what’s most important - people of all persuasions gathering in appreciation of nature and community.
And that's how we can stay confident, and grateful, that you are able to watch it all happening without losing your sanity. You see the chaos, you analyse it and make the connections, but it doesn't suck you in; you have a stronger counterweight. This is happiness. Happy for you, happy for us.
Perfectly said!🥰
Nicely expressed, Lorri.
I was about to say "perfectly said," and now I see Lynn already said that so, 'Ditto."
What a beautiful photo! I’m so glad you had a lovely day with family! Rest well! We’ll be here tomorrow.
Please enjoy all of your down time♥️
You and Buddy are much appreciated 🙏❣️
My friend and I walked by the water, enjoyed a small town by the river's edge, and put on more than 10,000 steps crossing the bridge of the St. Croix River (between MN and WI) and back as part of savoring one of the waning summer days here. We need this sometimes. Work will wait. This news won't change if we ignore for a day. I feel peaceful and refreshed and hope you do, too.
I live in Golden Valley so it might not happen immediately ... by thanks for the invitation and head's up!
Today while I was working in my garden or driving around doing errands, I listen to The New Yorker Radio Hour. It was an hour long interview with Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of "Braiding Sweetgrass." For too many of us, we have lost touch with nature and its beauty. The photos share here are a reminder of what is truly beautiful in this world. While Buddy goes large, this is much beauty in the small. I spend too much time watching bees among flowers, but they are vital to us, pollinating the vegetables and fruit that we eat. We need to stop and appreciate the beauty in nature, large and small. I note the I only comment on the weekly photos. Maybe because they are truly beautiful, but Heather's comments on the rest of the world are priceless. Stay well everybody.
Oh yes. Nature - even if it is a small garden on a balcony - is so needed by everyone. We are beyond grateful to have been able to move to a paradise of green. Trees. Moss. Ocean. River. Tranquil walks. It truly has saved, and possibly lengthened, our lives.
Well said, Joe.
But do you talk to the bees? I bet you do :) I plant flowers somewhat randomly in the vegetable garden to attract them. And I find calm discussion has prevented them from stinging me. Maybe I am just lucky. Or maybe if we all brought down the temperature of the stuff that comes out of our mouths, we could find some harmony.
Easy to say. So hard to do. But after reading the news and venting at the insanity gripping the world, a visit to the garden is mighty fine therapy - and you can get tomatoes!
I talk to the bees and butterflies all the time in my garden. I move slowly and talk softly to them. They just buzz and flutter around me. The tiny forager ants, however, bite. Being in my garden is soothing.
My husband taught me how to pat a bumble bee. The trick is to find a bee on such a large flower that it will stay put for while. If it's busily working on the flower, it won't sting me. It really does work.
The bumble bees are amazing. They are the hardest workers I've seen. They visit my garden and especially the flowers on the perimeter and scattered within. They've never been a problem for me as we work side by side in different tasks. What's most special is watching them go into sleep/coma as dusk and cooler temps. take over. They stop working and stay exactly where they are on a [sturdy] flower, ready to renew their task when morning conditions prevail.
Carpenter bees are a different matter. They're bigger and more brutish in color. I haven't been stung by one yet, but they're not afraid to get in your face and try to intimidate you.
Thank you for this - it's a good talk, by people with pleasant voices.
You deserve many, many good days...thank you and thank Buddy as well. You both help us all stay focused and hopeful ✨♥️
Thank you, Lorri. Spot on.
Focused and hopeful and sane...
Beautiful photo and a great way to end what was a beautiful day here to. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Visiting family on a nearby island. That phrase keeps me enthralled.
Their family:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CweIle0sLhi/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
And in central Texas we had a bit of rain with a slight drop in temp which felt so good!
I grew up in Texas in the 1940's and '59's, before air conditioning. I spent the 5th grade in Rio Grande City where Fort Ringgold is located. It is reported that Gen. McClellan was stationed there for a period during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848. He is rumored to have said: "If I owned Texas and Hell, I'd rent out Texas and live in Hell." So, it was hot back then, too. For the record, this is the war fought over Texas becoming a part of the U.S., resulting in Mexico losing one-half of its territory (Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California and portions of other states. ) So, for me, when those Mexicans cross the border to come here to work and live, I have no objection. We stole it from Mexico in the first place.
I tried to tell that to an old woman about fifteen years ago, she didn’t buy it.
In many cases, if not the majority, we humans are going to believe what we want to believe. This is why in large part teaching critical thinking skills in our schools, starting in the 6th grade is so important. The first obstacle? Confirmation bias. It's a struggle. This website https://thinkingispower.com/ is run by Melanie Trecek-King, an associate professor of biology at Massasoit Community College in Massachusetts. In my sometimes less than humble opinion, Prof. Trecek-King absolutely "nails" it.
Then promote her far and wide, as you are doing here
And we should do this. For a number of reasons, one to honor and recognize Frances Perkins for what she did, and two, to give others a capsule of what their political philosophy should be.
"The people are what matter to government, and a government should aim to provide all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life." All the people. That means education, health care, shelter, jobs, security and more.
How many Americans know about the purpose of the Mexican-American war?
And, Late Bloomer, how many know that it was a female who was responsible for the New Deal, for Social Security, for Worker's Compensation, for the CCC, and more? I think that we need a new generation to bring our history up to date. We need to learn the lesson anew as to what government is for.
Frances Perkins: "The people are what matter to government, and a government should aim to provide all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life."
Albert Einstein’s Philosophy of Government
“I am an adherent of the ideal of democracy, although I well know the weaknesses of the democratic form of government. Social equality and economic protection of the individual appeared to me always as the important communal aims of the state.”
I am old enough to remember when Civics was a requirement.
Wondering if anyone in this community can recommend a good book on the Mexican-American war? Not as interested in battles as what led to it, results etc.
I don't know a book off the top of my head that I can recommend. What led Texas to declare its independence from Mexico in early 1836 in part was Santa Anna's refusal to permit slavery in the territory. My great grandfather, younger brother of my great, great uncle, William Depriest Sutherland who at age 18 died fighting in the Alamo on March 6, 1836, was 16 years old at the time. He inherited my great great Grandfather's slaves and in 1850 fathered a daughter with one of his slaves. Her descendants through DNA have made contact with me but they are not quite ready to meet. James Polk was president of the U.S. when the U.S. war with Mexico took place and the county in Florida where I now lived was named after him and in the recent past was the home of the Grand Wizard of the KKK, so that Polk County was known as Imperial Polk County. It is a very, very red county. I'm trying to change that some.
Thanks, Richard, for sharing your history and efforts in Polk County. My first job out of college many moons ago was in Polk, an eye-opening experience for this born and raised New England girl.
NPR had a story about a year or so ago about the KKK infiltration in FL law enforcement. Unfortunately,that’s not front page news here in the “sunshine state”.
Keep fighting the good fight!😎
Thanks Richard. Interesting family history and such a confluence of events!
The confluence-of-events phenomenon is very interesting. For example, the very, very last Americans to get the right to vote were Black females. And, now, who stands at the front of the effort to save our democracy? Black female prosecutors. This is such poetic justice. You can't make this kind of pure justice up. TFG must be beside himself knowing that Black females are exercising such power over him. I love it.
Something to make me smile
Happiness! So needed for so many.
A beautiful Sunday news free for me. A gift I give my sanity every week. The photo is lovely, peaceful.
Beautiful. Glad you had a well-deserved good day.
Peace.
You teach your readers how to see current events in the context of history and you reminds us that occasional time off from the news cycle is wise and healthy.
Waasibik! Sparkling waters🩵 beautiful color💯
Absolutely lovely!!
Beautiful, peaceful picture.
On this day I finally tested negative for COVID-19, and we attended a free concert at a defunct dairy. Beautiful setting, inspiring music from local artists, sunshine, and dancing - including kids, affiliated adults and random strangers - reaffirmed my joy of life.
This is what’s most important - people of all persuasions gathering in appreciation of nature and community.