Friday, August 23, 2024

In another couple of months, which will probably be blistering with rhetoric, Americans will elect a new President. Like many, I am fascinated by this round’s process and eager for its ending. Not only do we have a fresh candidate for our major leadership role, but the Feds have announced that ahead will come reduced long-time and sky-high interest rates. Whew!

Here at the Ranch, my donkey Pimmy is a serious topic. She has been diagnosed with a metabolic condition labeled Cushing’s Disease. A couple weeks ago, I separated Pimmy from her horse buddies to feed her prescribed food and provide routine medications. Over several of the past days, she has appeared depressed by standing listlessly in a dim corner of the barn and not eating.

I assumed her not wishing to eat was related to her meds, so I didn’t call the vet. However, a month had passed since her initial examination and blood draw. Neither the clinic nor the veterinarian had contacted me about Pimmy’s bloodwork and follow-on care routines. I contacted the clinic and learned that my case had been overlooked. Essentially, contacts from Pimmy’s vet were overdue.

Mutual accusations: The clinic had dropped the ball; neither I nor the vet had initiated a call.

That veterinarian, a capable clinician, became distressed to learn that Pimmy wasn’t eating normally, potentially creating serious liver problems in the donkey. I’ll leave out my expressions of anger and frustration.

I was directed to stop the medications. I was to offer grain, hoping Pimmy would eat. I then was to release her to be among the horses, hoping she would eat with them, regardless of their hay not being appropriate for Pimmy’s metabolic condition.

Pimmy did eat some of the grain before rejoining the horses. She approached Rosie’s hay and ate bits of it slowly but steadily. A relief to see.

I will try to get a veterinarian here today to check on her. I have mixed feelings about continuing with the clinic we were using. It’s overlooking Pimmy’s case, creates distrust, and feels unforgivable.

Dear Friends: The mismanagement! By that clinic, its veterinarian, and by me. Diana

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Today’s header photo of Osix and Miles watching me from a high and distant deck proves the worthiness of a quality automatic-focus camera. This quick shot surely would prove a throwaway. The dogs, active and noisy behind a complicated structure, would yield a no-good fuzzy image. But oh my, I do love it!

This scene is what I see on my trips downhill to the barn. All four dogs are usually at that deck barrier, clamoring for my attention. Soon, they’ll rush downhill, demonstrating more eagerness to be alongside me but confined by chain-link fencing. I haven’t attempted to capture their images through the chain-link, a highly complicated structure for the camera to ferret out. Today, the clarity of my casual deck shot encourages experimentation.

Here’s another complicated capture and definitely a throwaway, but it’s surprisingly clear, despite adverse conditions that my camera had to ferret through.

Peaches’ cage makes it difficult to capture him clearly enough. This image handles the image-interfering cage bars, but the structure beside a sliding glass door reveals part of a fuzzy outer deck. This shot uses the camera’s impressive automatic capabilities.

This is a fun, distant capture. I love Ravens, especially the family that annually nests nearby. My favorite spottings are of the parents training their fledglings. It’s impossible to miss Raven activities; the birds are as noisy as they are large. Here, the babies, instructed to park, are awaiting the return of their parents; they’re making lots of noise.

Again, the automatic setting makes a quick and revealing grab.

Today, I’ll shoot for the dogs high on that deck and also when they’re lower at the chain link. I will be eager to learn how my camera handles the challenges.

Dear Friends: Capturing through a fine telephoto lens is my distant dream. Diana

Thursday, August 21, 2024

Today, I will arrange to leave work early. I want to tune into the Democratic Convention. My hero Nancy will speak tonight, and Kamala will accept the Party’s nomination. Until last night, I had questions about the First Gentleman’s viewpoints, and Doug Imhoff’s speech blew away all doubts; he was great.

America’s new leadership is brimming with exciting potential. Chicago, in particular, is showcasing a wave of talented individuals who are both fresh faces and seasoned veterans. These modern, intelligent, and experienced leaders, mostly in their prime, are thoughtful and poised to champion a Reasonable Democracy.

As a woman, I feel a sense of pride and empowerment, not because my gender is superior, but because we’re moving towards a world where genders must be valued more equally. Ultimately, societies that embrace the full potential of all individuals, regardless of gender, will reap the rewards of increased participation and meaningful progress in cultural, economic, and political spheres.

Dear Friends: When it comes to holding one’s head high, perspective is paramount. Diana

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Last night’s Central Oregon sky was cloudy, mostly dark, and with striations. Susie and I, a moon-chasing team, were on the east side of town in the darkness, gallantly waiting and intent on photographing the first lights of the soon-to-appear rare August Super Blue Moon.

There were challenges ahead for us. Before the first light appeared, we tried watching the horizon from behind which the moon would rise, but the darkness let us see only bits of it. Fortunately, Susie has an innate sense of location; she spotted the first light.

Despite the arguing sky, that rising moon was uniquely beautiful.

And it stayed that way, even almost becoming Saturn-like.

Our camera has a “Moon Setting.” We’re practicing and learning how to use it. This is a capture of that striated moon in the larger setting, representing more of our total view.

Finally, in rising, it begins to disappear behind layers of very dark clouds.

We sat wrapped in blankets waiting hopefully for that moon to reappear. When it didn’t, we turned to an alternate form of entertainment, a back-up, with snacks, liquids, and lots of talking. Moon chases are grand as monthly catch-up opportunities.

Also great is that this beautiful moon will remain full for two more nights. If the sky is clear, sightings will be special still.

A quick capture as we are getting ready to head home.

Dear Friends: Carve out moments: break the mold and make them extraordinary. Diana

Monday, August 19, 2024

I’m battling a relentless influx of emails. They’re from seemingly countless sources and clamoring for my attention. The ceaseless inbox flooding is overwhelming. An unexpected email might appear to represent one advertiser, but that’s not so. Instead, it comes from one sender that represents many advertising clients and uses my address captured in its system.

It’s impossible not to admire the internet world’s boundless creativity; it’s truly awe-inspiring. The constantly unveiled imagined possibilities are making remarkable achievements. Even seemingly minor advancements are reshaping our lives in unprecedented ways.

Consider the world of commerce. It’s now increasingly online and fueled by the powerful combination of widespread advertising, effortless purchasing, and lightning-fast deliveries. Those masses of unwanted emails have become huge in today’s internet-related marketing.

I am an internet junkie; I use it to blog, search for information, and access products. I am interested in the emerging capabilities of artificial intelligence and eagerly await its potential capacity to create figurative illustrations.

Yet, the sheer invasiveness of online advertising is overwhelming. Every site I visit seems to unleash a torrent of advertisers tracking my every move through cookies. Perhaps, in the future, someone ingenious will devise a readily accessible tool, a protective measure allowing us to effortlessly silence those unwanted marketing tentacles with a single click.

Dear Friends: Love or hate the internet, as its grip on our lives keeps tightening. Diana

Sunday, August 18, 2024

Tomorrow marks the commencement of the Democratic National Convention, with the first day dedicated to honoring President Biden’s achievements. Subsequently, the spotlight will shift to Vice President Harris, who seems poised to embrace this pivotal moment.

As the political arena gears up, nature offers its own spectacle: tomorrow evening, the almost-full moon will grace the sky, a rare Blue Moon adding to its allure.

These events herald the subtle transition into autumn, already a palpable shift in the crisp morning air. Even at the department store where I work part-time, the change of seasons is evident. Winter coats and heavier clothing styles are making their way onto the shelves.

The inevitable passage of time and the cyclical nature of life.

Natural transitions in the political landscape and the natural world keep us remembering time’s ebbs and flows. Seasons change, and so do political climates and our personal journeys. The human challenge is to embrace changes, seek beauty in all of time’s phases, and nurture hope for the possibilities ahead.

Dear Friends: About the constant changes and cyclical nature of life. Diana

Saturday, August 17, 2024

These evenings, a nearly full moon is gracing the sky. Its ethereal beauty offers a glimpse of the upcoming full Blue Moon. A blue moon in August is rare. This one will be at its fullest and illuminate the evening on Monday.

On the town’s eastern edge, our Moon-Chasing Team will be waiting–decked out in our finest lunar-themed attire, enjoying snacks and lively conversation while eagerly spotting for the moon’s earliest glimmer. Our photography equipment will be poised to capture its majestic ascent.

Over the years, our moon-chasing has evolved into pleasantly more complicated events. First, there’s a thrill of being in total darkness and glimpsing the earliest moon glow, a breaking light that encourages our deep sense of promise and hope. We dance in appreciation to the thrilling light and play, almost childlike, at being creative. We photograph to capture and illuminate our sheer joy.

The full moons have become our serendipitous gateway to learning, playfulness, and flights of fancy. Yes, adults, too, need moments of liberation to safely loosen their grip on reality and embrace the whimsical.

Dear Friends: Deep down, our inner child never fades away. Diana

Friday, August 16, 2024

Yesterday evening, my friend Susie and I went out for dinner. Over sliders, French fries, and beer, she patiently listened to me explain a dilemma that I was facing. Talking makes me feel better and clarifies my thinking. Later, I managed to identify an overlooked element, adding understanding to my situation. Always a good listener helps; thanks again, Susie!

Yesterday afternoon, I had a lovely horseback ride on Sunni; she behaved perfectly. All the pups were running along, having a great time. Miles’ arthritic right front leg was noticeable but seemingly not bothersome, perhaps from his musculoskeletal additive. Osix was her usual self, independent and cute as a button. Chase was everywhere, and he flushed and chased a bunny with his own style of long rabbit-like leaping. Little Mitzvah at Sunni’s heels, followed in sand cooled by the recent rain.

While riding, I didn’t have my phone handy for photos. Today I will work during the store’s evening hours and this morning is open. I might horseback ride again, this time on Rosie. I would have a phone handy to capture images. Our high desert remains a bit smoky, but temperatures are perfect for being and doing in the outdoors.

Dear Friends: In the waning days of summer, reawakening to the magical outdoors. Diana

Thursday, August 15, 2024

It rained overnight, lots of it, and heavily, on four exposed bags of concrete mix outside my barn. The rain awakened and upset me. I had planned to repair a broken fence post today, but I must go shopping to replace now-useless materials and haul them home.

I have another choice today. I could trust the horses not to break through my fence’s weak spot. Outside is cool and horse trails will be nice and moist. I have been owing myself and my animal family an outing. By deciding “to heck with the fence,” I could load a horse and the dogs. We’d roam for a while, which feels like a win over coping with concrete challenges.

Here in Central Oregon, this last part of August feels the opposite of my earlier years living here. I used to anticipate these August weeks as the hottest of the year, but this season, they’re the coolest part of our summer.

I’m leaning toward horseback. That’s been waiting too long. I’d be on Sunni. She’s pretty safe for an out-of-practice rider, climbing onto her saddle, staying on, and refreshing one’s horseperson skills.

Dear Friends: New plans here in Central Oregon on a late summer soggy day. Diana

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Critical skills enable a newcomer to fit into an organization. They involve insight, sensitivity to the essence of a culture, adaptability, or an ability to fit in. This topic is big in my brain because a new hire is joining our department sales team at my workplace.

I immediately sensed her aggressiveness as she gave me an earful of her resume. She’s managed this organization and that one; she’s a licensed masseuse and is now applying for an Oregon license. She had no interest in my background, and sensing that she wanted to manage me, I began avoiding her.

She affected my coworkers similarly. Our consensus was “too aggressive and pushy.” The other day, she felt neglected by our department manager and complained to top management. That angered our department manager, and the day became tense. I received instructions to teach the new person about closing the department at the end of the day. After thanking me for showing her, she intended to complain again the next morning about our manager not treating her correctly.

I said, “You must be able to get along with our manager.” She said, “No!” I looked directly into her stare and repeated, “You must get along with our department manager.” She didn’t answer and appeared to be fuming internally. Finally, I reminded her, “Every organization has a culture.” To her credit, she nodded.

I don’t know what was churning in her brain. Hopefully, as an experienced worker, she has enough insight to recognize that up-front winning is less effective than being open to learning and adaptable. She has the basic smarts and sales skills for our sales team, and if she can adapt, she will be a valued coworker.

Culture is what it is, and it is neither right nor wrong. A culture is adaptable and can be influenced, but can’t be bullied. I know from experience how hard it is to grasp and adapt to a new culture and that doing so requires conformance. I also know that one can spice up a culture later by thoughtfully voicing bits of opposition.

Dear Friends: A concept of culture goes hand in glove with mutual trust. Diana