Always beautiful images. And your description of foggy days, so different from our Northern California heat and clear skies reminds me that we live in change. Changing climate, changing politics. And Poet Carl Sandburg’s simple poem, FOG, my students easily memorized, and had a name for the changing weather, the quiet fog that only hides what’s right in front of us.
The poem FOG sings to me. I’m from San Francisco and every day I could see the huge fog bank roll in off the Pacific. You could set your watch by it coming in around 4:00 p.m. The fog would be around all night and it would be somewhat drizzly all the following morning until it dissipated around 10:30 a.m. It looks so beautiful and would blanket the east bay – Berkeley- Oakland - and the Peninsula to the south, and parts of Marin County to the north. From my place in the hills in Berkeley, nothing can compare to the sight of fog completely covering the Golden Gate Bridge, It looked like the bridge had completely disappeared.
This poem brings back a memory of a wonderful friend I had who was given homework in the third or fourth grade to write a poem. He looked through some books and copied out Fog, putting his name to it. The next day, the teacher asked him, "Did you write this poem Jimmy?" And he replied, "Yes ma'am." She said, "Well, it's a very good poem." And just left time to teach him the rest of the lesson.
Very appropriate. 'Changing climate, changing politics.' We must be aware of both challenges and that is what honest media sources are for, to speed the clearing of the fog.
Thank the Universe that we had Lincoln when we did. A remarkable man. I have a coffee mug on my desk with the photo of him in the tent with Little Mac taken after Antietam. You can see him thinking "If you don't go after Bob Lee tomorrow with this army, I'm going to fire your ass and keep at this until we find the right man to finish the job."
That was a good quote from Lincoln. There's so much irony around Antietam. Mac was not an abolitionist but gave Lincoln enough of a victory to issue the preliminary Emancipation. If AP Hill had not arrived when he did in the late afternoon, there's a possibility the Federal left flank could have cut off Lee's retreat route, or rolled up Lee's right flank....ending the war in the north east. Lincoln may not have had to issue the Emancipation...thoughts to ponder.
Thank you. Having remembered only the first three lines, living in Chicago near the lake, I have thought them (from 8th grade) many times. Now I have a huge extension to follow, plus the sudden realization that I have moved from the land of Washington and Jefferson to the land of Lincoln. Perfect trajectory in an American life.
And when I think of Sandburg I always hear his poem Chicago which I did once for a speech class on the fly. I had planned to do Johnson's Creation, but the prof used that as an example, so I was stuck to find something else quickly. And I was so nervous that I got the pace of the poem right. Chicago was my big city growing up as my mother graduated from high school there and we visited her best friend often. Could never keep up with her even when she was older. We went on a trip to Chicago many years later on a tour and we had a hard time keeping up with our tour guide who was not exactly young.
Thank you. I did have a little time to prepare and I can't remember if I could read it or had to memorize it. The prof used the poem I was going to use as an example to us and I had that one memorized from a high school class. I was so nervous that I got all the emphases right because I think I rushed through it. I guess I did OK because the prof then wanted me to take oral interpretation. I was in a no credit speech class that I had to take because I was going to be a teacher and I didn't do well in a speech we had to do. I am a terrible public speaker and to my eternal regret I didn't take the class in oral interpretation.
Did you see the one called “Sea glass“? I couldn’t believe how gorgeous that picture was. I asked HCR if it was OK with her and the photographer just to post it briefly on Facebook as my background. Not making any money off of it -not selling it -not doing anything like that and noted credit to Ralston Gallery-and I never got a response, but I have it up there….
Your excellent photography cheers me up when HCR posts it. I hope to get to your gallery some day along the rock-bound coast of Maine. Sea Glass was my favorite too Dianne.
I did the same, posted it as my fb cover with attribution to Peter Ralston. It's also currently the wallpaper on my computer, which I generally only change when HCR posts a striking image. Sea Glass is probably going to stay up for quite awhile (sorry, Buddy!).
Jerry, thanks for that link. Very interesting and so true reflections on what it means to confront Russia.
My wife is from Shanghai and, in Chinese fashion took a long view and put things in historical perspective when she quickly pointed out, in February last year, how foolish it would be to write off Russia after the initial failure of its army to take over Kyiv. Remember who put a stop to Napoleon! Remember who put a stop to Hitler!
Since February last year I have argued, a lonely position to take on comments sections of NYT etc., that negotiation would be the only way to bring this war of attrition to a close, that concessions and compromises will be needed, that to expect a military victory of either side is foolhardy, that the west failed in not understanding Putin's speeches and actions for many years before the buildup along the border with Ukraine in August 2021, that the west failed in its lack of diplomatic and backchannel search for ways to avoid the war before the invasion started. My position has not changed one iota.
As time has gone on, the articles of the type listed in the linked article that have 'experts' giving their opinion about Russia's imminent collapse, about Putin's serious illness, about Ukraine getting the upper hand and about the need to arm them to the hilt and then the war will be won, etc. - those opinions have all rung hollow and sounded more like wishful thinking than real analysis. Disappointingly, Serious journalists in the NYT, The Guardian and other good publications have also jumped on board the "kill, kill, kill!" shouting train.
Correction... it was Herodotus rather than Thucydides who delivered the tale of king Croesus asking the oracle of Delphi what would happen if he went to war with Persia. "You will destroy a great empire" came the answer. Not having the wisdom to ask the next question, or feeling that you don't second guess an oracle, Croesus failed to understand the warning and was educated too late by events. Michael Hudson lays out the current day consequences of the same choice.
Another interesting look at history. I also find it disingenuous that western powers point critically to China's helping African countries with aid programs to build their economies and self-reliance on, for instance, agricultural products of the genuinely home-grown type (as opposed to US companies' seeds, fertilizers and other imports). Nothing that the US, British, French or other imperialist European powers did in Africa or Asia was ever altruistic in nature or aimed at helping those countries achieve self-reliance or autonomy. It was done primarily to promote their own mercantile, commercial and financial interests and to satisfy domestic demand for imported goodies.
Former Marine and currently active military and political analyst Brian Berletic lives in Thailand and describes in detail the often successful attempts to create chaos and lift up, with generous budgets, candidates useful to the outside corporate interests. His careful reading of events in Thailand and other countries where China's investment in trains and roads has pointed to US funding of violent groups killing Chinese engineers and promoting cancellation of high speed rail or any rail at all. Quite a contrast with the 'children's version' that mainstream media publish. Having joined with advocates for peace and justice in our neighboring countries and with Veterans for Peace re our policies, I see our responsibilities (and more than enough work) in restraining the worst of "our team's" actions rather than simply decrying actions of others. That's what I see in Berletic's effort at honest narratives.
Without knowing Berletic's writings, I can see what he aims to do from your description and a quick google search. I applaud those efforts. I served for 3 years as a volunteer teacher in Laos 1972-1975 and then with the UN PK mission in Cambodia 1993 and know well some of the truths behind the US and European powers' actions in SE Asia. What does not come out in the 'children's versions' we are fed by our governing powers!
Bill, Reading HCR’s note, all I could think was how blessed I feel when the fog moves in carrying with it the ocean’s cool mist. Truthfully, I don’t take any of these days for granted because I never know how long they’ll be with us.
No worries. The rain is coming. It will cool and Minnie (German Shepard) and I will walk in the coolness of the mornings. She likes to walk and gather the smells and I need to walk and maintain. It is a good combination.
I have always been in the sun no matter where we lived or I was stationed. The cold and sun of Wisconsin in Winter or the sun and heat of AZ or 8th Marines in Cuba. We make the best of it. Thank you for your return comment.
Bill, If this summer, with its record-breaking heat, is the coolest we’ll ever again experience, I imagine we’ll all need to adopt your attitude and resilience. Meantime, I’ll think of you and Minnie relishing your cool morning walks, while I, and others I imagine like you, work our asses off to try and ensure there are many more such mornings.
I look at these things - the rising global temperatures, the enormous national debt that we have dumped onto the backs of our children and grandchildren, and I think to myself: What have we done? We've permitted a select few to peddle their climate-damaging fossil fuels while letting others plunder our national treasury, enriching themselves beyond imagination, leaving our successors broke and with an almost inhospitable world. We were (are) the luckiest of generations, yet we passed on a torch that barely flickers. I grieve for our successors.
Richard, While I wouldn’t dispute any of your assertions, in my view, as long as we stay in the fight, the fate of our successors is not entirely written.
Barbara, though I am 83 years old, I'm not giving up. I am motivated by the words of Edward Everett Hale, a 19th century preacher: “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” Further to this statement, I will continue to work to get voters registered and to the polls on election day. That is something that I can do and something that I shall do. And, it may be the least that I can do, but it can make a difference.
This is my feeling also. I have gardened for about 50 years and have seen lots of changes. Now I have an olive tree which does produce olives although I have no idea about curing them and they appear at a time when i am busy with other produce.
I had an olive tree in California and never did cure them. I regret that now. I have a neighbor who emigrated from Italy who does cure his olives and they are outstanding. Give it a go.
Lol Getting heated up here between 80 and 95+ some degrees south of Chicago. (Plus humidity) We didn’t have rain for a while and we had a few days of beautiful rain. I was so thrilled -the grass, the flowers everything needed it. Midwest corn and vegetables needed it -I’m looking forward to good, fresh sweet corn and veggies, from IN, IL, IA, etc.
I grew up in Chicago when the Prudential was the tallest building in Chicago. I worked the scaffolds with my dad when I was 18-19 before I enlisted. I went to an all-boys high school in Chicago, a magnet school called Lane Tech. I was very fortunate.
I left the Marine Corps in 71 as a sergeant, was promised a future, and instead went to NYC as I had to see about a girl. She was beautiful and I was young and military. Thin and tough. Fifty-one years later . . .
I could still work as I am sought after for supply chain. I prefer to write about the economy which my Masters is all about.
If I could tell you it was easy, I would be lying. She was 20 and I was 22. We learned from each other and she was forgiving. At 74 and 72, life is pretty good for us. There is a long trail of events in our lives. I was fortunate.
Bill I met my true love about the same time you did. We were in college and ended up going different paths for 20 years. Our paths crossed again 24 years ago when we really needed each other...and we have not been apart very many days since then. Her 96 year old dad just passed on...ran out of fuel and we are dealing with that, with family. He was the last in all of our extended families to be a part of the WWII generation. He was a kind man who joked with everyone and will be missed. Peace
My mother graduated from Waller High in north Chicago and it still exists although I think it is Lincoln now....anyway not the same name. We did our peace corps training at George Williams College near the U of Chicago and our student teaching for that at Wendall Phillips high school down the street from the White Sox ball park.
Thank you for your stories. The pleasure of imagining Chicago when “the Prudential was the tallest building” is almost too glorious! Now the city is filled with mostly undistinguished skyscrapers, including a you-know-who tower that is polluting the river.
And view that big white Terra Cotta Bldg on Michigan Ave and on the other side of the river? My dad would rig rope scaffolds on it.
I would come down once and a while and have lunch with him and the workers at the Billy Goat, Cheese-Burger, no fry, Chips. He would drink a beer and some would have boiler - makers. Then they would get back on the scaffolds 5, 10 or more stories up. Across the street from the Wrigley Bldg. was the Tribune Tower. Beautiful architectural structures.
While working at the United of America Bldg, I met Chicken-Charlie. He always had a chicken on his shoulder. A Chicago icon, I chanced to meet. The foreman Marty told me who he was. Some time, I will tell you a story about Marty.
I graduated from Lane Tech in 67. I had taken there Architectual Drafting courses. Lane was an all-boys high school with almost 5,000 of us back then. Did my 4 years of math, three years of science, 4 years of English, etc. and filled in with the available house framing, wood working, and electrical shops.
They discontinued all the shops and the Architectual courses years later to become more of a college prep high school. There were auto repair, machine tool, plumbing, shops as well as other shops too. I believe it was a mistake then as we need those disciplines. There are not enough places teaching these disciplines. And there are many people who could excel as these disciplines where college would be a mistake for them.
What a loss. There are many who have tried college, failed at going, and are saddled with unpayable loans. It could have been another avenue for many before trying out college.
Right on! Learning skills that serve husbands and fathers was a boon. Now they are slaves to repair shops or worse, irreparable everything. Go buy a new one which will be inferior to the old one. It’s all about American greed, which may well be what does US in.
It was meant to teach us a trade. If you did not want to go to college, you could go to work with some semblance of knowledge and capability. Mostly, you would be taken on as an apprentice. I worked as a draftsman for a while and then went to work with my dad till I figured out what I really wanted to do. Vietnam interrupted many of our plans in the sixties. Rather than the draft, I enlisted for more than the two years if drafted.
What I am saying, young men and women later lost a valuable resource at Lane and an alternative for high school students. Lane is still a highly rated high school in Chicago. Colleges will take you.
You are right about the skills; however, it was more than knowing how to fix things at home. All the equipment needed to turn metal or wood, weld, frame a house, etc. were there. Yoi could learn the beginnings of a trade or prepare for college.
Indeed, death star's tower pollutes that interesting architectural area. When we were on the tour, our hotel was almost directly across from it. Someone in our group took a photo and deliberately lined it up to eliminate the T. It was 2016 when we were there.
We had our prom at the Marshal and Fox designed Edgewater Beach Hotel. A grand hotel that no longer exists and was taken down shortly after our Prom.
Afterwards, we took our young ladies or dates to the London House on Wacker Dr. and Michigan Ave. At almost 18, I was uniformed about a lot of things. From the time I was 13 till I was 22, I was in the presence of men. I was like a piece of rough-sawn wood or a rock waiting to be chiseled or sculpted into something better. Fortunately, I learned.
At the London House, we were treated to the presence of Gene Krupa who acknowledged us while we sat and ate. At almost 18, I could not appreciate who he was or his talent on the drums. Again, I learned.
There are many things to be learned. I have been fortunate enough to be taught by people who cared.
What a wonderful experience to hear Gene Krupa. Our hotel was close to State Street and is it Wacker Drive along the river. If so, it was on just opposite death star's monstrosity. When we there last time, we had dinner somewhere north of the river where there was nice band, Bobby Broome, according to my hubby. Not too far away, on the north side of the river, we went to a Gospel breakfast. It was fun, but too loud. Saw some things like the Bean that weren't around when we were in Peace Corps training in the early 60s. At that time we saw Earl Fatha Hines and heard Isak Perlman for free in Lincoln Park. I have good memories of all my times in Chicago.
My dad had a jazz band in North Chicago and played at the Algonquin Hotel. He took me with him one night and let me dance on his shoes in my socks to the Ted Weems Band when I was 4 and his band was on break. (Sadly it burned down, but couldn't erase the memories. He and mom divorced a year later.)
I had reports from my relatives who live in southern Illinois and who were without electricity for a few days. I also have an ex-student who lives near Lynchburg in VA and she reported an inch of rain and I told her I was envious. She answered that the violent storms give too much rain at a time.
I grew up in Gurnee and I so miss the scent of fresh cut hay, the tall green cornrows and fields, the amazing black soil, riding my horse on the back 40. And going to Chicago for special events like seeing Santa at Marshall fields every Christmas (and Mrs. Clause, of course)...and the cold winters, 4 foot snow drifts covered in black on downtown streets while huge plows tried to keep the roads from freezing.
Do you live in a warm climate now? I lived in Denver for almost 10 years and I missed some things about the Midwest. Husband and I came back here after I had my first child because aunts uncles and grandparents were here. I think I’d like to live back west like in the Colorado area around Denver possibly. Fall is not the same in Denver as it is in the Midwest and in the east. Not the same colors as the maples and the oak trees. Golden leaves on the Aspen and some reds and golds on the bushes —scrub brush in Colorado.
I was thinking about that too. It's not that hot here in Oregon, but no rain for a very long time. This next weekend looks to be hot in the 90s again. We spend a lot of time watering, watering, watering....as we have almost a half acre lot much of it in gardens and hedges.
Yes in NorCal too! It’s been nice to have mid-70 weather but tomorrow will warm up quite a bit. Let’s just hope for no wildfires that cannot be contained. 🤞🏼
You are so lucky. I lived in Santa Barbara as a child, four years. I’m there and with you in spirit! And now in the beautiful but fragile mountains of Northern California.
It had a moment in 2009 when I was there on the way to cruise in Alaska. Hot as I had ever been in Houston. Maybe it lasted only long enough for me to feel at home.
Always beautiful images. And your description of foggy days, so different from our Northern California heat and clear skies reminds me that we live in change. Changing climate, changing politics. And Poet Carl Sandburg’s simple poem, FOG, my students easily memorized, and had a name for the changing weather, the quiet fog that only hides what’s right in front of us.
FOG by Carl Sandburg
The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbor and city
in silent haunches
and then moves on.
The poem FOG sings to me. I’m from San Francisco and every day I could see the huge fog bank roll in off the Pacific. You could set your watch by it coming in around 4:00 p.m. The fog would be around all night and it would be somewhat drizzly all the following morning until it dissipated around 10:30 a.m. It looks so beautiful and would blanket the east bay – Berkeley- Oakland - and the Peninsula to the south, and parts of Marin County to the north. From my place in the hills in Berkeley, nothing can compare to the sight of fog completely covering the Golden Gate Bridge, It looked like the bridge had completely disappeared.
I miss my City By The Bay!
Karl, the Fog
This poem brings back a memory of a wonderful friend I had who was given homework in the third or fourth grade to write a poem. He looked through some books and copied out Fog, putting his name to it. The next day, the teacher asked him, "Did you write this poem Jimmy?" And he replied, "Yes ma'am." She said, "Well, it's a very good poem." And just left time to teach him the rest of the lesson.
Very appropriate. 'Changing climate, changing politics.' We must be aware of both challenges and that is what honest media sources are for, to speed the clearing of the fog.
I haven't seen that poem for years and had forgot all about it. Thanks for the reminder!
Thank the Universe that we had Lincoln when we did. A remarkable man. I have a coffee mug on my desk with the photo of him in the tent with Little Mac taken after Antietam. You can see him thinking "If you don't go after Bob Lee tomorrow with this army, I'm going to fire your ass and keep at this until we find the right man to finish the job."
Lincoln to McClellan, "If you don't want to use the army I should like to borrow it for awhile."
That was a good quote from Lincoln. There's so much irony around Antietam. Mac was not an abolitionist but gave Lincoln enough of a victory to issue the preliminary Emancipation. If AP Hill had not arrived when he did in the late afternoon, there's a possibility the Federal left flank could have cut off Lee's retreat route, or rolled up Lee's right flank....ending the war in the north east. Lincoln may not have had to issue the Emancipation...thoughts to ponder.
I was born on his birthday and grew up in Illinois...where my every birthday was a holiday off from school...best present ever. Thanks, Abe!
How wonderful to once again see how “everything” is connected. From one Poetry lover to another.
Thank you. Your Sandburg sketch and invitational link ..like little cat feet... delighted.
Thank you. Having remembered only the first three lines, living in Chicago near the lake, I have thought them (from 8th grade) many times. Now I have a huge extension to follow, plus the sudden realization that I have moved from the land of Washington and Jefferson to the land of Lincoln. Perfect trajectory in an American life.
And when I think of Sandburg I always hear his poem Chicago which I did once for a speech class on the fly. I had planned to do Johnson's Creation, but the prof used that as an example, so I was stuck to find something else quickly. And I was so nervous that I got the pace of the poem right. Chicago was my big city growing up as my mother graduated from high school there and we visited her best friend often. Could never keep up with her even when she was older. We went on a trip to Chicago many years later on a tour and we had a hard time keeping up with our tour guide who was not exactly young.
Thank you. I did have a little time to prepare and I can't remember if I could read it or had to memorize it. The prof used the poem I was going to use as an example to us and I had that one memorized from a high school class. I was so nervous that I got all the emphases right because I think I rushed through it. I guess I did OK because the prof then wanted me to take oral interpretation. I was in a no credit speech class that I had to take because I was going to be a teacher and I didn't do well in a speech we had to do. I am a terrible public speaker and to my eternal regret I didn't take the class in oral interpretation.
I always like the photos, but do not react. This one was incredible. Thank you for sharing.
Did you see the one called “Sea glass“? I couldn’t believe how gorgeous that picture was. I asked HCR if it was OK with her and the photographer just to post it briefly on Facebook as my background. Not making any money off of it -not selling it -not doing anything like that and noted credit to Ralston Gallery-and I never got a response, but I have it up there….
Dianne, glad you like Sea Glass…and I thank you for your kind words as well as your wish to use it. I’m more than happy to say Go For It!
Hi Peter,
Your excellent photography cheers me up when HCR posts it. I hope to get to your gallery some day along the rock-bound coast of Maine. Sea Glass was my favorite too Dianne.
Thank you so much! Your photos bring people joy. If I ever make it out to your neck of the woods, I’ll look up your gallery. Best regards, Dianne
I did the same, posted it as my fb cover with attribution to Peter Ralston. It's also currently the wallpaper on my computer, which I generally only change when HCR posts a striking image. Sea Glass is probably going to stay up for quite awhile (sorry, Buddy!).
Like the offerings of our historians, reflections from the natural world help us see.
This reflection, with historical details, sheds needed light ....
https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2023/07/underestimate-russia-at-your-own-risk-a-comparison-of-hubris-by-germany-during-wwii-and-todays-collective-west.html
Jerry, thanks for that link. Very interesting and so true reflections on what it means to confront Russia.
My wife is from Shanghai and, in Chinese fashion took a long view and put things in historical perspective when she quickly pointed out, in February last year, how foolish it would be to write off Russia after the initial failure of its army to take over Kyiv. Remember who put a stop to Napoleon! Remember who put a stop to Hitler!
Since February last year I have argued, a lonely position to take on comments sections of NYT etc., that negotiation would be the only way to bring this war of attrition to a close, that concessions and compromises will be needed, that to expect a military victory of either side is foolhardy, that the west failed in not understanding Putin's speeches and actions for many years before the buildup along the border with Ukraine in August 2021, that the west failed in its lack of diplomatic and backchannel search for ways to avoid the war before the invasion started. My position has not changed one iota.
As time has gone on, the articles of the type listed in the linked article that have 'experts' giving their opinion about Russia's imminent collapse, about Putin's serious illness, about Ukraine getting the upper hand and about the need to arm them to the hilt and then the war will be won, etc. - those opinions have all rung hollow and sounded more like wishful thinking than real analysis. Disappointingly, Serious journalists in the NYT, The Guardian and other good publications have also jumped on board the "kill, kill, kill!" shouting train.
An American historian whose name I'd love to be reminded of
said, "[we] historians remind people of things they'd rather forget."
Since soothsayers have traditionally lived a chancy existence
- Julian Assange being our most stunning current example - historians
are well advised to deliver stories from the more distant past.
Thucydides' warning seems distant enough, and since Michael Hudson
believes in straight talk on a range of economic issues, he shared this
spectacularly ironic observation involving King Croesus, the oracle and the Persians:
https://michael-hudson.com/2023/06/america-has-just-destroyed-a-great-empire/
Correction... it was Herodotus rather than Thucydides who delivered the tale of king Croesus asking the oracle of Delphi what would happen if he went to war with Persia. "You will destroy a great empire" came the answer. Not having the wisdom to ask the next question, or feeling that you don't second guess an oracle, Croesus failed to understand the warning and was educated too late by events. Michael Hudson lays out the current day consequences of the same choice.
Another interesting look at history. I also find it disingenuous that western powers point critically to China's helping African countries with aid programs to build their economies and self-reliance on, for instance, agricultural products of the genuinely home-grown type (as opposed to US companies' seeds, fertilizers and other imports). Nothing that the US, British, French or other imperialist European powers did in Africa or Asia was ever altruistic in nature or aimed at helping those countries achieve self-reliance or autonomy. It was done primarily to promote their own mercantile, commercial and financial interests and to satisfy domestic demand for imported goodies.
Former Marine and currently active military and political analyst Brian Berletic lives in Thailand and describes in detail the often successful attempts to create chaos and lift up, with generous budgets, candidates useful to the outside corporate interests. His careful reading of events in Thailand and other countries where China's investment in trains and roads has pointed to US funding of violent groups killing Chinese engineers and promoting cancellation of high speed rail or any rail at all. Quite a contrast with the 'children's version' that mainstream media publish. Having joined with advocates for peace and justice in our neighboring countries and with Veterans for Peace re our policies, I see our responsibilities (and more than enough work) in restraining the worst of "our team's" actions rather than simply decrying actions of others. That's what I see in Berletic's effort at honest narratives.
Without knowing Berletic's writings, I can see what he aims to do from your description and a quick google search. I applaud those efforts. I served for 3 years as a volunteer teacher in Laos 1972-1975 and then with the UN PK mission in Cambodia 1993 and know well some of the truths behind the US and European powers' actions in SE Asia. What does not come out in the 'children's versions' we are fed by our governing powers!
Prof. Heather:
I will swap you for the rain. I can offer you at least 110 degrees and sunny days every day. Care to swap???
Bill, Reading HCR’s note, all I could think was how blessed I feel when the fog moves in carrying with it the ocean’s cool mist. Truthfully, I don’t take any of these days for granted because I never know how long they’ll be with us.
Barbara:
No worries. The rain is coming. It will cool and Minnie (German Shepard) and I will walk in the coolness of the mornings. She likes to walk and gather the smells and I need to walk and maintain. It is a good combination.
I have always been in the sun no matter where we lived or I was stationed. The cold and sun of Wisconsin in Winter or the sun and heat of AZ or 8th Marines in Cuba. We make the best of it. Thank you for your return comment.
Bill, If this summer, with its record-breaking heat, is the coolest we’ll ever again experience, I imagine we’ll all need to adopt your attitude and resilience. Meantime, I’ll think of you and Minnie relishing your cool morning walks, while I, and others I imagine like you, work our asses off to try and ensure there are many more such mornings.
I look at these things - the rising global temperatures, the enormous national debt that we have dumped onto the backs of our children and grandchildren, and I think to myself: What have we done? We've permitted a select few to peddle their climate-damaging fossil fuels while letting others plunder our national treasury, enriching themselves beyond imagination, leaving our successors broke and with an almost inhospitable world. We were (are) the luckiest of generations, yet we passed on a torch that barely flickers. I grieve for our successors.
Richard, While I wouldn’t dispute any of your assertions, in my view, as long as we stay in the fight, the fate of our successors is not entirely written.
Barbara, though I am 83 years old, I'm not giving up. I am motivated by the words of Edward Everett Hale, a 19th century preacher: “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” Further to this statement, I will continue to work to get voters registered and to the polls on election day. That is something that I can do and something that I shall do. And, it may be the least that I can do, but it can make a difference.
This is my feeling also. I have gardened for about 50 years and have seen lots of changes. Now I have an olive tree which does produce olives although I have no idea about curing them and they appear at a time when i am busy with other produce.
I had an olive tree in California and never did cure them. I regret that now. I have a neighbor who emigrated from Italy who does cure his olives and they are outstanding. Give it a go.
Lol Getting heated up here between 80 and 95+ some degrees south of Chicago. (Plus humidity) We didn’t have rain for a while and we had a few days of beautiful rain. I was so thrilled -the grass, the flowers everything needed it. Midwest corn and vegetables needed it -I’m looking forward to good, fresh sweet corn and veggies, from IN, IL, IA, etc.
Dianne:
I grew up in Chicago when the Prudential was the tallest building in Chicago. I worked the scaffolds with my dad when I was 18-19 before I enlisted. I went to an all-boys high school in Chicago, a magnet school called Lane Tech. I was very fortunate.
I left the Marine Corps in 71 as a sergeant, was promised a future, and instead went to NYC as I had to see about a girl. She was beautiful and I was young and military. Thin and tough. Fifty-one years later . . .
I could still work as I am sought after for supply chain. I prefer to write about the economy which my Masters is all about.
Thank you for your reply.
If I could tell you it was easy, I would be lying. She was 20 and I was 22. We learned from each other and she was forgiving. At 74 and 72, life is pretty good for us. There is a long trail of events in our lives. I was fortunate.
Bill I met my true love about the same time you did. We were in college and ended up going different paths for 20 years. Our paths crossed again 24 years ago when we really needed each other...and we have not been apart very many days since then. Her 96 year old dad just passed on...ran out of fuel and we are dealing with that, with family. He was the last in all of our extended families to be a part of the WWII generation. He was a kind man who joked with everyone and will be missed. Peace
My mother graduated from Waller High in north Chicago and it still exists although I think it is Lincoln now....anyway not the same name. We did our peace corps training at George Williams College near the U of Chicago and our student teaching for that at Wendall Phillips high school down the street from the White Sox ball park.
Thank you for your stories. The pleasure of imagining Chicago when “the Prudential was the tallest building” is almost too glorious! Now the city is filled with mostly undistinguished skyscrapers, including a you-know-who tower that is polluting the river.
Did you walk up State Street to the river?
And view that big white Terra Cotta Bldg on Michigan Ave and on the other side of the river? My dad would rig rope scaffolds on it.
I would come down once and a while and have lunch with him and the workers at the Billy Goat, Cheese-Burger, no fry, Chips. He would drink a beer and some would have boiler - makers. Then they would get back on the scaffolds 5, 10 or more stories up. Across the street from the Wrigley Bldg. was the Tribune Tower. Beautiful architectural structures.
While working at the United of America Bldg, I met Chicken-Charlie. He always had a chicken on his shoulder. A Chicago icon, I chanced to meet. The foreman Marty told me who he was. Some time, I will tell you a story about Marty.
Just some history from the sixties,
Thank you for the story. Skills like yours are rare these days.
I graduated from Lane Tech in 67. I had taken there Architectual Drafting courses. Lane was an all-boys high school with almost 5,000 of us back then. Did my 4 years of math, three years of science, 4 years of English, etc. and filled in with the available house framing, wood working, and electrical shops.
They discontinued all the shops and the Architectual courses years later to become more of a college prep high school. There were auto repair, machine tool, plumbing, shops as well as other shops too. I believe it was a mistake then as we need those disciplines. There are not enough places teaching these disciplines. And there are many people who could excel as these disciplines where college would be a mistake for them.
What a loss. There are many who have tried college, failed at going, and are saddled with unpayable loans. It could have been another avenue for many before trying out college.
Right on! Learning skills that serve husbands and fathers was a boon. Now they are slaves to repair shops or worse, irreparable everything. Go buy a new one which will be inferior to the old one. It’s all about American greed, which may well be what does US in.
Virginia:
It was meant to teach us a trade. If you did not want to go to college, you could go to work with some semblance of knowledge and capability. Mostly, you would be taken on as an apprentice. I worked as a draftsman for a while and then went to work with my dad till I figured out what I really wanted to do. Vietnam interrupted many of our plans in the sixties. Rather than the draft, I enlisted for more than the two years if drafted.
What I am saying, young men and women later lost a valuable resource at Lane and an alternative for high school students. Lane is still a highly rated high school in Chicago. Colleges will take you.
You are right about the skills; however, it was more than knowing how to fix things at home. All the equipment needed to turn metal or wood, weld, frame a house, etc. were there. Yoi could learn the beginnings of a trade or prepare for college.
Indeed, death star's tower pollutes that interesting architectural area. When we were on the tour, our hotel was almost directly across from it. Someone in our group took a photo and deliberately lined it up to eliminate the T. It was 2016 when we were there.
It was a kool place to be in the sixties too.
We had our prom at the Marshal and Fox designed Edgewater Beach Hotel. A grand hotel that no longer exists and was taken down shortly after our Prom.
Afterwards, we took our young ladies or dates to the London House on Wacker Dr. and Michigan Ave. At almost 18, I was uniformed about a lot of things. From the time I was 13 till I was 22, I was in the presence of men. I was like a piece of rough-sawn wood or a rock waiting to be chiseled or sculpted into something better. Fortunately, I learned.
At the London House, we were treated to the presence of Gene Krupa who acknowledged us while we sat and ate. At almost 18, I could not appreciate who he was or his talent on the drums. Again, I learned.
There are many things to be learned. I have been fortunate enough to be taught by people who cared.
What a wonderful experience to hear Gene Krupa. Our hotel was close to State Street and is it Wacker Drive along the river. If so, it was on just opposite death star's monstrosity. When we there last time, we had dinner somewhere north of the river where there was nice band, Bobby Broome, according to my hubby. Not too far away, on the north side of the river, we went to a Gospel breakfast. It was fun, but too loud. Saw some things like the Bean that weren't around when we were in Peace Corps training in the early 60s. At that time we saw Earl Fatha Hines and heard Isak Perlman for free in Lincoln Park. I have good memories of all my times in Chicago.
My dad had a jazz band in North Chicago and played at the Algonquin Hotel. He took me with him one night and let me dance on his shoes in my socks to the Ted Weems Band when I was 4 and his band was on break. (Sadly it burned down, but couldn't erase the memories. He and mom divorced a year later.)
I love the veggie stands up there, The sweet corn, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
I had reports from my relatives who live in southern Illinois and who were without electricity for a few days. I also have an ex-student who lives near Lynchburg in VA and she reported an inch of rain and I told her I was envious. She answered that the violent storms give too much rain at a time.
I grew up in Gurnee and I so miss the scent of fresh cut hay, the tall green cornrows and fields, the amazing black soil, riding my horse on the back 40. And going to Chicago for special events like seeing Santa at Marshall fields every Christmas (and Mrs. Clause, of course)...and the cold winters, 4 foot snow drifts covered in black on downtown streets while huge plows tried to keep the roads from freezing.
Do you live in a warm climate now? I lived in Denver for almost 10 years and I missed some things about the Midwest. Husband and I came back here after I had my first child because aunts uncles and grandparents were here. I think I’d like to live back west like in the Colorado area around Denver possibly. Fall is not the same in Denver as it is in the Midwest and in the east. Not the same colors as the maples and the oak trees. Golden leaves on the Aspen and some reds and golds on the bushes —scrub brush in Colorado.
I’m in the part of California now where I can make almost the same offer—but so far not over 108.
Citizen:
I believe it. Weather always seems to balance out. We will get past this. 117 in another week.
I was thinking about that too. It's not that hot here in Oregon, but no rain for a very long time. This next weekend looks to be hot in the 90s again. We spend a lot of time watering, watering, watering....as we have almost a half acre lot much of it in gardens and hedges.
Your daily letters have been increasingly magnificent.
There are not enough words to express our gratitude to you for your work documenting these tumultuous times.
Enjoy your respite.
Beautiful, even in the rain and fog. Same here on Cape Cod . Thank you for your honest and intelligent words. Sleep well!
Lovely! In parts of SoCal we have also been experiencing overcast mornings. I love it, keeps us cool. We are expecting a heatwave later in the week.
Yes in NorCal too! It’s been nice to have mid-70 weather but tomorrow will warm up quite a bit. Let’s just hope for no wildfires that cannot be contained. 🤞🏼
Yes, this week’s heatwave may bring some fires. Stay safe!
Going to be a scorcher Janet.
Yes, it is! Glad I live on the coast since I don't have AC!
You are so lucky. I lived in Santa Barbara as a child, four years. I’m there and with you in spirit! And now in the beautiful but fragile mountains of Northern California.
Robbed of summer? If so, sad. They’re all the more precious in places normally with short ones.
we all depend on you so much that we want you to take good care of yourself--oh, and Buddy too.
Would be glad to send you our heat. Seattle does not do hot weather period.
It had a moment in 2009 when I was there on the way to cruise in Alaska. Hot as I had ever been in Houston. Maybe it lasted only long enough for me to feel at home.
Our weather has been f’ed up since the 1990’s. Most homes don’t have AC.
Pity any creature there when I was. Can’t imagine those temps without AC
It's even better when you have solar panels and don't have to sell your first born to pay for the AC......
Beautiful photo. Thank you. Sleep well.❤️🐼
Lovely light - a beautiful photo.
Sweet Dreams, dear friend.
Great photo, lousy summer. My boat (in Maine) feels deeply neglected.
I look forward to a great photo and you certainly deserve an evening of quiet and a good night rest
Your Substack Pack loves you and are happy you're taking care of yourself!
The postings at 3 am make us concerned. ❤️