Friday, July 05, 2024

(Note, edited later, to correct the joke about “winter’s two seasons.”)

The most stressful (from my perspective) annual holiday this nation celebrates once again is history. Throughout last evening and night, my dogs were constantly on edge, scurrying around in response to the endless fireworks and rockets. I downed a cocktail and went to bed.

Like many, I wish for our community’s celebrations to replace real fireworks with simulated lights projected into the sky. Although projected lights with simulated sounds still could cause some stress, they significantly would reduce the risks of injuries and property damage from traditional fireworks.

This morning mirrors yesterday’s pleasantly cool start. But again, Central Oregon’s temperatures are expected to climb to an uncomfortable high this afternoon, likely reaching the 90s as they did yesterday. I retrieved my trusty electric fans from storage to combat the heat without resorting to costly air conditioning. Their whirring blades circulating air effectively are cooling my home’s interior.

Today is another day off from work. I’ll take advantage of the morning to complete any pressing tasks before the summer heat arrives. There’s an old joke that Central Oregon has only two seasons: “winter and the 4th of July.” This year, that rings true. Just days ago, it felt like jacket weather, and now we’re facing the intense July 4th heat.

Dear Friends: Enjoy the day despite the heat; summer has finally arrived. Diana

Thursday, July 04, 2024

The weather prediction is for unusual temperatures covering the West Coast today and for more days. We Central Oregonians are anticipating triple-digit heat and are warned to plan for staying cool enough indoors and outdoors through the overheated days and nights.

That’s the expectation on this July 4th. Tonight, open windows will let hot air into our homes, accompanying the noisy, lengthy serenading of exploding bombs and skyward rockets. We must hope no sparks ignite something highly flammable in this dry heat.

Despite the many weather warnings, last night’s was wonderful, and the coolness continues this morning. I’m not on today’s work schedule, so I will be home to ensure all stays okay through the heat and noise.

Yesterday, a customer gabbing with me offered very welcome news: Tyler Newton, a very capable equine veterinarian who used to be with Bend Equine, still is working locally and has his own mobile practice.

Tyler had been at my place several times to examine and treat my donkey, Pimmy. He was capable and kind. Sometime later, I heard, and unhappily, that he had left Bend Equine; and that practice was tight-lipped about his whereabouts. Now that I know how to contact Tyler, I will call him tomorrow to say hello and learn about his practice.

Dear Friends: Even idle chatter can spark unexpected insights. Diana

Tuesday, July 02, 2024

Yesterday at work, I followed a detailed checklist I had created for my role in the Fine Jewelry Department. Throughout my evening shift, I methodically checked off each task, which helped me manage the various requirements without feeling overwhelmed. When it was time to start closing the department, I smoothly handled all the necessary routines—fine jewelry has more closing tasks than any other area in the department store. As a result, I’m often one of the last employees to clock out.

Last night, after completing my checklist, I was indeed the last employee to clock out. As I walked down an aisle towards the employee exit door, my iPhone rang. My watch showed it was a call from North Carolina, so I dismissed it, thinking it was a marketer. Little did I know that I would soon face an unexpected problem: the exit door wouldn’t open, and I found myself locked inside the store.

Fortunately, the night manager was still outside the door, concerned that a last vehicle was still in the employee parking lot. While I pushed on the stubborn exit door, the store manager called out loudly, asking if I was still inside. She unlocked the door, setting off silent alarms, and I stepped out. We waited together to see what would happen next.

How could I have known that the call from North Carolina was actually the night manager trying to reach me?

As we waited, the store’s General Manager called the night manager and provided instructions on how to resolve the situation. Thankfully, no police arrived, the alarm was reset, and my “savior car” took me home.

Had I been left entirely alone, I wouldn’t have been able to contact anyone for help. This experience taught me the importance of having store-related emergency phone numbers handy as part of my checklist.

Dear friends, Gratefully, I didn’t have to walk outside with my hands raised in surrender! Diana

Monday, July 01, 2024

I ordered a new e-collar this morning for Chase, my young Rottweiller/Shepherd. Yesterday, Chase behaved badly by picking a fight with old and arthritic Miles. I managed to distract Chase and immediately sent him into lockdown. He spent all day in solitary, looking pitiful.

Going forward, he’ll spend longer hours in the standalone escape-proof kennel and also will be reintroduced to wearing an e-collar.

I felt angry with Chase and again wanted to rehome the problem dog. Chase is a great companion but he’s also an efficient escape artist and tends to be aggressive toward older and weaker dogs.

Some unknown breed in Chase’s complex mix has given him a mega-streak of determination. When Chase digs, it’s nonstop; when focusing on leaping a fence, it’s nonstop; and when combating a weaker dog, it’s relentless.

I dislike thinking about tossing this smart problem boy. He needs special attention, and how many others would bother with that? Well, I’ll try to hang on until he matures and hopefully becomes more mellow.

Starting now, Chase may freely roam among my other dogs only when I’m home, is in an e-collar and I’m carrying a remote. When I must leave home, Chase will be in the standalone until I return.

Miles is approaching 13 years old and is special. After years of running alongside me on horseback, he’s a little arthritic and stiff. So far, Miles’ larger size has deferred Chase’s dominant behavior, but recently, I’ve noticed domination hints from Chase and that Miles tends to avoid the younger dog. These will escalate unless stopped.

Dear Friends: Sweet mother of pearl! It’s like Groundhog Day over here. Diana

Sunday, June 30, 2024

This morning, while planning my day, I had a pleasing surprise–this is a day off from work. That’s calling for wrapping my head around, feeling free, and replanning a lot.

This day off also relieves me of having to go in and face the music. Last night, while closing the jewelry department, I became sidetracked and neglected a step in the evening’s routine—a small one and without much obvious purpose, but always getting done.

I was anticipating having to listen today about my error. Now, I can hope that that issue will seem more minor tomorrow.

My problem is that I prefer to organize and track only in my brain and rarely write a routine. Now, that must change. I did some research and downloaded a daily planning sheet. I will commit each morning to writing a plan for carrying, referring to, and adjusting as needed.

I know the Jewelry Department’s opening and closing routines well enough, but I recognize that I may become sidetracked and thus forgetful. To counter this, I will write a list of all the daily tasks required and check each off upon completion.

This is a new beginning for me. A written daily plan is undoubtedly a valuable tool for maximizing productivity. It’s a writing habit that helps to reduce stress and achieve goals. I will experiment to find the best planning style to support my evolving needs and priorities.

Dear Friends: Mistakes are simply unacceptable when it comes to fine jewelry. Diana

Saturday, June 29,, 2024

Yesterday evening, my friends (and neighbors) Dale and Susie got together with me to celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary. We had a fine and fun dinner at Blacksmith, appreciating the establishment’s excellent service and perfectly prepared food.

After dinner, we strolled around on the downtown streets. Although last evening wasn’t a “first Friday,” many others like us enjoyed walking around the streets or simply hanging out.

It took planning to free Dale and Susie for a non-work-related period. For several years, they have owned and operated their growing business. Their “HeliLadder” product began as a vision, dreamed up and then created. The HeliLadder is specifically designed to accommodate better and thus facilitate helicopter repair. HeliLadder is an exciting product; it has international appeal and is increasingly becoming more known and in demand. (It’s also a colorful and pretty ladder.)

Even though elements associated with business responsibilities always top their minds, Dale and Susie relaxed last evening for some fun. Each is very bright with a fine sense of humor and a quick grasp on “the moment.” Their often unique “takes” on what’s happening make ordinary moments more enjoyable and interesting.

I’m honored that they’re friends as well as neighbors.

Dear Friends: The sense of ‘a village’ slowly is weaving itself into my understanding. Diana

Friday, July 27, 2024

Again, today, I haven’t had time to think up and write a blog. I must hurry early to a lab for a blood draw before a routine appointment with my doctor later this morning.

Yesterday, I went to the lab to have that done. I arrived there at 4:14 and learned it routinely closes at 4 p.m. Across town is a sister lab and it’s open until 7 p.m., but Seri fell down on me by not recognizing the lab address. I repeatedly entered it into my phone, and each time, Seri gave me directions to various neighboring cities and/or other states. I told Seri to shut up.

Dear Friends: Dear Friends: I really need to get better at planning my days. Diana