Zooming In

Sunday, March 09, 2025

I’ve begun to explore zombie companies—businesses that generate just enough revenue to keep operating and can service their debt but lack enough profitability to invest in growth or fully pay off their obligations. I’m learning that these companies may survive because of favorable economic conditions, like low interest rates.

I see some publicly traded companies labeled as potential zombies because they have persistent financial struggles (many of which trace back to economic disruptions in the COVID-19 era). Some “zombies” are Peloton, Beyond Meat, Carvana, and AMC Entertainment. Their futures are uncertain, however, as restructuring efforts or shifts in market conditions could turn things around.

I work part-time in a retail department store and see firsthand the mounting pressures on the retail sector, from shifting consumer behavior to evolving business needs. Many zombie retail companies might be teetering even more on the edge in today’s volatile political and economic climate.

I often think of this as a chainsaw environment—a ruthless, high-stakes reality shaped by national leadership. It threatens the broader retail industry and deepens consumers’ personal financial anxieties.

This chainsaw environment—defined by high interest rates, tightened credit conditions, and changing consumer habits—poses a grave risk to zombie companies, particularly in retail. While some large retailers survive in times of cheap debt, rising borrowing costs erode their ability to remain afloat.

Tight economic conditions affect everything. They may force a zombie business into bankruptcy, like Bed Bath & Beyond, or force one simply to disappear. Economics certainly influences our personal comfort as consumers.

My retail experience teaches about a brutal industry. A retail company’s survival depends on its adaptability, capital availability, and market confidence. Unless economic conditions shift favorably—or they secure an external bailout—today’s struggling retail businesses may run out of time.

Dear Friends: Witnessing chaos reduces spending, and we worry about our jobs. Diana

Pimmy’s Check-Up

Saturday, March 08, 2025

Yesterday, to my surprise, Pimmy loaded herself into the horse trailer. She’s teaching me more about donkeys now than when she was constantly among the horses. These days, separated from the horses (for dietary needs), Pimmy seems more like my big dog than an equine.

This time, while encouraging her to load into the trailer, I allowed her to resist loading. I gave her plenty of time to think things over, and suddenly, she voluntarily popped into the trailer.

That’s the thing about a donkey. It doesn’t just follow orders and isn’t just stubborn; it needs to evaluate the possibilities before deciding on an action. It’s taken me over a dozen years with Pimmy to learn this, and yesterday, I felt proud of myself for finally being a bit smarter.

The header photo shows Pimmy getting a physical yesterday. The doc says Pimmy’s vital signs are fine, and her weight is lower. Those are good. The most quickly assessable bloodwork was excellent. We must wait for more bloodwork results to learn if her Cushing’s Disease remains under control and if her glucose level is corrected.

Yesterday, too, she received routine inoculations, and the veterinarian floated Pimmy’s teeth. Then, the slightly drunk donkey needed time to recover from the floating anesthetic, so I left to fill my rig’s tank at a gas station. By the time I returned, Pimmy was awake enough to hear me calling and came to me. She loaded into the trailer relatively quickly, and we left for home.

If her glucose has reached a normal range, I will reduce her meds from twice daily to once daily–a welcome relief. Pimmy’s doctor has ordered an additional ingredient, Vitamin E, for the regimen.

Pimmy is a sweet, smart, and delightful being. Through these months, I’ve not enjoyed treating her illness or separating her from her beloved horses. By now, however, knowing this donkey more personally, I much better appreciate her.

Dear Friends: The horses will get floats and inoculations in two weeks. Diana

Hauling Along

Friday, March 07, 2025

Despite the apparent recklessness of America’s newly installed leadership, the volatile stock market swings that unsettle me, the widespread neglect of climate action, concerns over healthcare, and the moral uncertainties within the judiciary—despite all of it—I must remain grounded in the activities of my daily life, carrying on as usual, unless (or until) those sorts of conditions force me to adapt.

In reality, I’m already adapting by prioritizing savings. My grocery choices are more deliberate and budget-conscious, my online shopping has dropped significantly, and instead of cycling back into the department store where I work part-time, my paychecks are making it home.

Much like during the “Days of Covid,” I can stay grounded and engaged on my small property, tending to the land and my animals. There’s always plenty to keep me active, allowing most of those bigger worries to fade into the background.

Today, I face the challenge of working with my donkey, Pimmy, as she heads to the equine vet for a blood draw to check her insulin levels and overall health. The first hurdle will be getting her into the horse trailer—she tends to resist loading unless one of her horses is already inside. To make the process smoother, I’ll keep her breakfast light, ensuring she’s hungry enough to be tempted by a bag of hay waiting in the trailer. The next hurdle will be to reload her after our vet visit, but on that end, someone will be available to help.

Otherwise, this day off from my part-time job will be routine tasks—feeding the animals, tidying up around the barn, and tackling some organizing (or reorganizing) inside the house. To prevent a tendency to dwell on political and economic concerns, I’ll stick to my to-do list and focus on getting things done.

Dear Friends: Confusion clashes with our sense of order, inviting a “bumpy ride.” Diana

Jittery Edge

Thursday, March 06, 2025

I’m feeling pretty down this morning—the stock market is crashing again.

Those who pushed for a “strong” right-wing leader are now facing the fallout. Under this new administration, layoffs are rising, prices are climbing (or about to), climate progress has been abandoned, and personal freedoms are teetering on the edge.

Businesses are uneasy, investors are on edge, and uncertainty is dragging the market down.

In an attempt to counterbalance personal stress, I am evaluating a couple of recently-ordered mood enhancers: KSM-66 Ashwagandha and L-Theanine. Given this morning’s chaos, maybe this is a good time to put them to the test. I gather that both are known for their ability to support stress relief and mood balance. They are supposed to work in different ways.

Ashwagandha is supposed to help regulate cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. It’s said to build resilience against anxiety and sharpen focus—exactly what I need while dealing with market swings.

L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea. It’s supposed to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness and increase the alpha brain waves associated with a calm yet alert state. People often use it to ease caffeine jitters or stay sharp under pressure.

I don’t recall exactly what led me to order them, but here they are. Given the emotional rollercoaster of this current market, I’m going for it.

And now, a lighter moment from yesterday: As I placed a bottle of wine in my shopping cart, a fellow shopper pointed to it and said, “My grandma used to say, ‘With that in the cupboard, it’s going to be a wonderful evening.’”

We laughed, knowing Grandma was absolutely right!

Dear Friends: I’ll be experimenting with mood enhancers for the next four years. Diana

On Her Birthday

Wednesday, March 05, 2025

If genetic advancements had been available during my mother’s lifetime—capable of extending health and longevity—I might be celebrating her birthday with her today. I’ve long wished for at least one more conversation, a chance to ask the many questions that could fill the blank spaces of her early life.

Reflecting on why I never asked more about her life brings back memories of my own trials and tribulations growing up. Each day was a lesson in adaptation, filled with new challenges and shifting realities. I naturally focused on myself—learning, adjusting, and figuring out how to navigate life one step at a time.

Back then, I felt an urgent need to escape a past that seemed confining; I needed to step into a future that was broader, more inviting, and yet daunting. All that forgotten past included both my parents and grandparents. I might never have seriously reconsidered all of them if not for the rise of DNA and its profound ability to connect one’s history with one’s future.

I give deep nods to technology and genetics and to an equally powerful force—the unbreakable connection between parent and child. Its hold isn’t always smooth but shapes and defines us in enduring ways.

Today, on my mom’s birthday, I’ll hold her in my thoughts. A sudden memory might surface, filling in a blank or two about her life. I like to imagine that she can somehow “hear” my thoughts—so I’ll share a few, letting her know how I’ve grown and changed, shaped in no small part by her insight and encouragement.

Dear Friends: Science fundamentally reshapes how we perceive and evaluate ourselves. Diana

Murky World

Tuesday, March 04, 2025

I worry about today’s stock market because it’s unpredictable and volatile in these early weeks of DJT’s Administration. I like it to behave like a crystal ball, which tells us where the economy is headed. But now, I’m not sure it’s predictive or reacting to what’s already happened, and it’s clueing more confusing volatility ahead.

The stock market reacts in real time. It declines before a recession occurs as investors sell off stocks while detecting hints of slowing growth, tightening monetary policies, and/or shifts in consumer behavior. The stock market responds to political shifts, too, by slumping or rallying.

That’s getting to me right now. The market is reacting wildly to quickly fluctuating employment numbers, worries about inflation, and potential GDP growth. This market is responding instead of predicting.

Its shiftings aren’t based on complex data; they are deeply influenced by investor psychology—fear, optimism, herd behavior, and media narratives. Enough investors believing a downturn is coming and starting to sell may create the crisis they fear.

Financial news sensationalizes markets. Negative headlines spark panic selling and hype, inflating a bubble. The market has predicted recessions that never happened and failed to see crises coming (e.g., the 2008 financial crisis blindsided many).

I struggle to view this market’s potential in light of today’s political complexities. I remind myself to avoid reacting emotionally to daily swings and instead focus on long-term trends. In today’s short-term “noise,” it’s complicated to strategize or know what “proper diversification” currently may mean. (Here’s an instructive fact: Warren Buffet has elected to sit on piles of real cash.)

The market may hint at the future, but it isn’t infallible. I am trying to remain rational and prepared. Today’s volatility may signal a future downturn or reflect much current uncertainty. That remains to be seen.

So, I uncomfortably watch as the stock market predicts, reflects, and seems heavily psychological. The best a small investor can do is be informed, rational, and prepared. Here’s the catch: a stock market isn’t just about numbers, it’s about people—and people are anything but predictable.

Dear Friends: America’s governing body is behaving unpredictably, on steroids. Diana

The Art of Aging Stylishly

Monday, March 03, 2025

I’ve been brainstorming a new blog series focusing on Aging & Style, inspired by my year working part-time in retail, particularly in women’s fashion. I’ve noticed how many women are eager for ways to refresh their appearance, making this topic well worth exploring. My blog could blend practical advice—covering fashion, skincare, and fitness—with personal reflections on style, confidence, and self-expression.

I’ve learned that style isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about wanting to feel vibrant and authentic at any age. Through the new blog, I will explore what that means for women 70+, drawing from my personal experience, my time in retail, and the women I’ve met (and will meet) along the way.

Many aging women still love fashion, beauty, and self-care, yet we don’t always see ourselves reflected in the conversations. I’d love to connect with other women to discuss style and aging challenges—what’s missing from mainstream fashion and beauty discussions and how we can redefine aging with confidence and flair.

I imagine writing this new blog once a week or perhaps biweekly. It might be possible to embed a link to Aging & Style on this WordPress site, making it available alongside Diana’s Morning Blog, but not replace it.

Some of the first topics I could explore include dressing with confidence, choosing colors that brighten and flatter, and finding minor styling tweaks that make a fresh impact.

Could we explore this together? Does this feel like a conversation worth having? What aspects of aging and style interest you most? Your feedback would help shape the direction of this series.

Dear Friends: I know, it’s off-topic, but I’d love to hear your thoughts. Diana

Zelenskyy

Sunday, March 02, 2025

Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s rise from actor-comedian to wartime president has been an incredible journey that testifies to his extraordinary adaptability, resilience, and moral clarity. Few modern leaders have been tested as brutally as he has, and even fewer have risen “to the occasion” with equally unwavering resolve.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Many assumed the Kyiv Government would collapse under the weight of that major military aggression. But, Zelenskkyy didn’t. Standing firm and refusing opportunities to flee, he insisted, “I need ammunition, not a ride.”

Immediately, Zelenskyy transformed himself from a political newcomer into a global symbol of courage. He has proved daily that True Leadership isn’t only about experience. It’s also about conviction, integrity, and an unshakable sense of mission to one’s people.

Zelenskyy is more than brave: he has demonstrated exceptional intelligence and strategic acumen. Leading Ukraine’s war effort has revealed him capable of rallying international support, a requirement he clearly understands. He has shown the world that the battle in modern warfare is fought as much in the information sphere as on the battlefield.

When Zelenskyy addresses world leaders, from the U.S. Congress to the European Parliament, it’s like a masterclass in persuasion that strengthens alliances by invoking shared history and democratic ideals. He communicates not with bureaucratic platitudes but with raw emotion and clarity.

Those skills have proved him one of this era’s most effective wartime leaders. We have watched Zelenskyy skillfully navigate the complexities of global politics, secure military and economic aid, and (incredibly) maintain Ukraine’s sovereignty in the face of existential threats.

Last Friday, Zelensky visited the Oval Office and the President. While there, he demonstrated his deep understanding of the media’s influence. He employed precision and confidence to bait the President and the President’s ever-watchful team into revealing more than they intended and, equally, that group’s sheer brutality.

Negotiations to end the war in Ukraine are taking place; however, Zelenskyy hasn’t been allowed to participate in the discussions to end the war in his country. While seated in the Oval Office, Zelenskyy subtly and successfully nudged “key hidden negotiation and decision elements” into the public eye.

Diplomacy isn’t just about closed-door discussions—it’s about shaping the narrative. Zelenskyy’s shaping skills have made it impossible for the world to ignore Ukraine’s plight. He has leveraged the press as a tool and managed to keep the war and Ukraine in our global consciousness.

His communication skills and focus keep forcing nation leaders to reckon with the consequences of inaction. Last Friday’s televised event in the Oval Office emphasized clearly that Ukraine might not match Russia’s military strength, but Ukraine can outmaneuver opponents in the court of public opinion.

Zelenskyy is extra-deeply admirable because he never sought to be a wartime president, yet he embraced that role with an unwavering sense of responsibility. We’ve seen him staying in Kyiv through bombings and blackouts, walking the same streets as his citizens, showing the world that he’s not just the leader of Ukraine—he is “of Ukraine.”

He is a modern hero who represents more than defiance. He represents a hope that democracy and national identity can withstand even the most ruthless adversaries. Zelenskyy’s story is one of remarkable transformation—from an entertainer to a statesman, from an underdog to an historical figure.

Dear Friends: His legacy will endure long after the war has ended. Diana

Upturn in “The Oval”

Saturday, March 01, 2025

Zelenskyy…Ukraine. A brave man, a worthy nation.

I’ve always wanted to visit—or perhaps even live in—Odessa, a vibrant, multicultural city in Ukraine. Over a century ago, my maternal grandparents emigrated to the United States from Odessa (then a Russian city). They had escaped the violent persecution that Russia’s Jewish population was facing.

Notably, Russia’s brutality toward Jews predated Germany’s even worst atrocities.

Modern Odessa became a thriving and cosmopolitan center of European-style culture that I felt eager to experience (in the footsteps of my ancestors). Today, however, the city endures immense destruction from three years of war, in which Russia is relentlessly attempting to reclaim independent Ukraine and make it Russian territory again.

Much of the larger world fears Russia’s aggressiveness toward Ukraine and wants that warring stopped. Those concerns focus on Russia’s unyieldingly aggressive intent and behaviors in trying to overcome Ukraine.

A Russian win over Ukraine could predate more future aggressiveness, and then, toward other now-independent and vulnerable nations.

Dear Friends: I will write about the courageous, intelligent, deeply admirable Zelenskyy. Diana

Mild Weather

Friday, February 28, 2025

Tomorrow will pop us into March. The weather here in Central Oregon feels summery, a relief and a pleasure, but that won’t last, as March may come roaring in like a lion. The current warm spell will make the return of cold weather feel even harsher. These are “transitional months” when the weather tends to assume back-and-forth patterns.

Later, long after every wintertime, although “it ain’t necessarily so,” I usually recall these months as the most freezing period.

Yes, instead of recalling good weather days like yesterday, when at midday I worked outside in shirt sleeves, I remember the coldest days, with episodes of frozen watering troughs, snow-blown paths to and from the barn, and hoping my four-wheel-drive vehicle won’t slide in braking for stops.

Usually, spring officially starts in March, but not necessarily in Central Oregon. While many areas receive warmth in April or May, the waiting for steady warmth here can continue until sometime in June. A psychological notion is that if you feel surprised by an unseasonal warm or cold day, it’s a sign you’ve adjusted to the current season. Maybe I’m thinking about that now.

There’s more: I am having an unexpected mood change. Lately, I’m feeling slightly more sluggish and am wondering why. I’m also mindful that there are “seasonal mood changes” (Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD]). Maybe winter is making me feel sluggish; if so, it’s a coin with another side that might re-energize me. But spring’s a long wait from now.

Dear Friends: Ahead a beautiful morning, before I must leave for work. Diana