Monday, July 11, 2022

I’ve a lifetime fascination with movies. Hollywood produced many musicals that I loved and still do. The studios didn’t produce many non-musicals that particularly interested me. It were foreign offerings that taught me to see, feel, and understand films. They usually appeared in “art theaters” and still today might represent cinema-making’s most creative years.

Enough of that now, because comparing filming styles and artistic technique is a huge discussion. It’s not possible to speak with justice of artistic styles within a quick blog. Today’s technology lets us discover. We can stream old movies and be transported back in time.

The Criterion Channel and other venues are reminding me of films maybe worth watching again. While not a huge fan of Hollywood productions, there are titles emerging that deserve attention and accolades. I remember one from 1973, entitled “Oklahoma Crude,” directed by Stanley Kramer, written by Marc Norman, and acted superbly by Faye Dunaway, George C. Scott, Jack Palance, and John Mills.

I didn’t watch “Oklahoma Crude” when it was new but years later saw it televised. I remember being struck by the fine directing and acting, and the excellent, memorable script. The film’s spoken ending consists of a single word, spoken by Dunaway’s character. The word is astonishingly clever, summarizing the story’s action and firing up imagining the possibilities ahead.

I won’t reveal the word. It’s most valuable being heard in context.

Dear Friends: There’s likely value to be found by re-exploring old Hollywood. Diana

Sunday, July 10, 2022

My floors are transitioning from carpet-covered to manufactured vinyl. There’s no continuing with a carpet after almost twenty years of living with dogs–wonderful pets but imperfect housemates. Dogs get old and have accidents; or they are young and have accidents; or worse, simply don’t care and have accidents. Lots of dogs living together at once compound the issue. They’re active and interact by arguing and playing and accidents happen.

My capable flooring person, Leroy, already has removed bunches of carpeting. Our arrangement has him working on his own time. I’ve a bit of waiting between his returns. Leroy is one of the best in the flooring business; we’ve been friends for years (his wife is one of my horsey buddies).

For me, it’s not so bad looking at the original ugly tile squares this home’s original owners glued onto floors. New vinyl will cover such ills.

What’s tough about this is having to move everything so Leroy may work without bumping into fragile pieces. I quickly stashed such stuff anywhere space allowed. Now there’s the problem of living in confusion. It’s confusing as to where something/anything might be located and searching isn’t always successful.

It’s also difficult to housebreak my puppy, Chase. He’s about five months old and a quick squatter. On catching him in the act, I can’t find quickly a newspaper, or a leash, to help move him outside. He’s little but compact and too heavy to lift and toss. Meanwhile, Chance has not a sense of being punished, is happy-go-lucky, affable, and sure to squat again soon.

Dear Friends: All this, too, will pass. Diana

Saturday, July 09, 2022

Recently, I read an article suggesting techniques to help retain good memory by a physician specializing in Alzheimer’s. One of his key suggestions is to read fiction. He finds that preferring to read nonfiction over fiction often accompanies reduced memory capability.

He points out that fiction requires higher reader engagement with words, sentences, and ideas. For example in a novel, page 135 might require a reader to recall something mentioned briefly back on page three. Both the creative writing and visual arts call for fully engaged responses.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve fallen away from fiction. Not thinking it’s too hard to follow, but for too little interest in contemporary stories. Recently, I’ve written about having “discovered” fine writers, now unknown, who created during the second half of Twentieth Century. I intended to read their books and ordered them.

When new books arrive, I often set them aside and plan to read later. Sometimes (I don’t know why) not returning to them. This time, on receiving the books with creative short stories, very soon after reading the doctor’s article, I made a priority of starting to read immediately.

This reading is rewarding. The stories by relatively un-remembered American authors were created during a cultural period I understand well. They make me recall cultural changes over the years–say, from the nineteen sixties through about 2000; they revive experiences and memories of my own.

These stories speak to a shift in cultural norms by refreshing old social conditions large and subtle. They increase an understanding of why it’s difficult for older generations to comprehend more fully today’s youth culture.

Dear Friends: More later about these stories, what reading them offers. Diana

Friday, July 08, 2022

Yesterday, a chef for one of the restaurants at Sun River checked-out through my register line. She described a key dish that this weekend she’ll prepare for guests at her home. She will use a sous vide for cooking. I claimed little knowledge of sous vide. She said it’s a cooking method that consistently creates very tender and delicious outcomes.

I felt curious and did a little research, learning that sous vide cookers are designed to heat water in which a bag floats with vacuum sealed food as a pouch for cooking. The sous vide heats the water bath at a precise temperature. The cooked outcome relies not on perfect timing but on precise temperature control. According to experts, just set a sous vide and walk away; the cooker consistently delivers perfect results.

That chef alluded to all these goods describing sous vide.

I will consider obtaining a sous vide cooker. They’re relatively inexpensive, and there are many choices to comb through. I’d also need a vacuum sealer and appropriate plastic bags.

I’m thinking about it, while weighing the kinds of foods I’d cook against the worthiness of adding kitchen tools. Easy and delicious eating would be nice, and it would increase counter-space clutter.

Dear Friends: Another episode of learning while working in a busy supermarket. Diana

Thursday, July 07, 2022

The header photo captures several of my chickens enjoying a “flock block” right after watching me set it down. I push such a block tightly against the pen that houses babies being introduced to the flock so they too may enjoy the treat. Oh yes, my goats also like blocks. They’re fifty-pounds of compressed feed destined for brief existences.

Speaking of feed, yesterday while checking out supermarket customers I saw much fresh broccoli passing my register. It dawned on me that being in the store anyway will let me bring home just enough fresh veggies for an evening’s dinner. That’ll curtail my usual habit of storing fresh food for later and forgetting its existence.

Collecting dinner could be quick and easy, like collecting fresh eggs!

I’ve appreciated that easy-steam packages now are available. Pop one, packaging and all, into a microwave for minutes, and presto, cooked veggies. They’re pretty good tasting, too.

Well, yesterday I shopped. Had a Fresh Broccoli Dinner! After popping crowns into a microwaveable bowl and adding a little water, I covered and steamed the veggies a few minutes. Better tasting than those from frozen, less expensive, and I’m a convert.

It helps to be inside the store anyway. I’ll start routinely getting what’s needed for a moment and using it while in the mood. It helps to know, for speedy selecting, the store’s layout, and how to identify products quickly and self-check out.

Another thing about being a checker. One notices what’s available, newest and freshest. Fun!

Dear Friends: Now after I clean the fridge, keeping it unclogged will be easy. Diana

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Daily I read a couple of major newspapers, wanting to “get a handle” on moods in general about one or more public issues. I suppose, too, hoping that gathering information will reaffirm my mood(s) or encourage me to make adjustments.

Dear Readers, we know that on some mornings I dump grumpier feelings here. Today, I’m dumping again, but now differently–less with anger, much with hope.

Because of a wonderful piece by Alexandria Petri, The Washington Post’s contributing editor. She’s returning from maternity leave, has composed “just the best” about loving and worrying. Her words make me feel warm, laugh aloud, and reflect on human kindness.

Sharing Petri’s piece: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/07/05/alexandra-petri-baby-news-returns-maternity-leave/

Dear Friends: Today, zeroing in on the very good that sometimes we forget. Diana

Tuesday, July 05, 2022

Yesterday, the critters and I were honored by a visit from our friend, Judy, and her visiting granddaughter, Ruby. Ruby lives in Missoula, is sixteen years old, loves animals and is considering becoming a veterinarian. She has a small flock of chickens.

Well, here’s what happened here.

They met turkeys! These hens followed us around and welcomed our petting. They chatted constantly, conversing in their squeaking and whistling manner.

Judy captured an excellent turkey portrait.

We talked “chickens” for a while. Ruby is interested in breeds and particularly admired the Silver Laced Wyandottes.

Our visitors loved puppy Chase. He offered his wiggling, itchy best. We couldn’t get Chase only separated from the pack, Osix and Mitzvah also slipped out. Poor Miles, locked within the fenced area, watched and envied the loose ones. Those scampering three kept us too busy to take pictures!

Ruby who’s not a “horse person” yesterday started along a path that could lead there. We three took a walk in the neighborhood with Pimmy, Sunni, and Rosie. Judy who has ridden Sunni led “her horse.” I managed Rosie’s lead rope. Ruby strolled with Pimmy.

Yesterday, the annual Pet Parade marched through downtown. Judy and Ruby attended and looked for Pimmy among the marchers. This year, my cute donkey didn’t march, which brought Judy and Ruby here to Eight Pines. Pimmy has a wonderful way of drawing our friends to visit.

Thanks to my critters, it was cool to meet beautiful young Ruby and catch up with Judy. Ruby is here looking at universities and considering her choices. She’ll return soon to Montana. Judy and I soon will horseback ride together again.

Dear Friends: It’s time for me to saddle up and go riding, so maybe today. Diana

Monday, July 4, 2022

Happy July Fourth! If you’re so inclined enjoy this day along with many who are like-minded.

Yesterday, we checkers continually were busy in the supermarket. Never-ending lines of folks checked out, their carts filled with salad-stuff, beer, wine, giant cuts of meat.

Independence Day. It’s a trigger-time for Booze & BBQ, dredging-up the good old days.

Those Good Old Days preceded our current worries, our overwhelming economic, social, and political issues. Modern issues pop up, seemingly only for seconds, and become superseded by mind-boggling newer concerns.

We’re living contemporary history that’s passing in the blink of an eye. Before our key current concerns can be worked through to meaningful extents, new concerns arise and divert our attention.

I’m going to check out from worrying and think less about what might happen regarding Ukraine, Roe, climate change, and etc. I’m returning to literature, and yes, starting today will read–serious stuff, written in earlier times and alluding to what we’re experiencing today.

I’m not kidding about “earlier times” writings. For one thing, I plan to re-read George Eliot. My first time reading her, I was a lightweight thinker and didn’t consider larger significance to her work. Now I will approach it differently.

Recently, I’ve become aware of talented writers, active from about the late thirties through the early 2000’s. I’m sampling short stories by incredibly excellent writers whom I’ve not known previously. Articles in the NYT have introduced me to Grace Paley, Bette Howland, and Lucia Berlin. Embarrassing for a lifelong reader, only now to discover them. My saving grace might be knowing and appreciating, already, some superbly talented writers like Tillie Olson and Jean Rhys.

How did many writers of equally fine ilk slip my attention? Today I will start catching-up.

Dear Friends: The sky will host light explosions; reading will enlighten my head. Diana

Sunday, July 3, 2022

Today begins my second month cashiering for the supermarket chain, WinCo. I like working in the well-managed cost-cutting store. Its customers fairly represent this area’s growing and increasingly diverse population.

I like diversity but dislike coping with heavier vehicle traffic. Nearly always on my way to work, I’m surprised by unexpected sights, apartment buildings, road closures, new construction projects.

There’s also our weather.

Yesterday, in a heartbeat, the temperature dropped from beautiful t-shirt weather in the seventies, cooling about thirty degrees. Besides that sudden cold, the change brought thunder and lightening, rain and hail. Several hours of all!

Loud noises terrify my dogs, Miles and Osix. If we’re out hiking and suddenly hear from far or near a gunshot, both leave and race to the Jeep (it’s hatch remains open for hiding purposes). On arriving I may find Miles curled low in a passenger seat and Osix flat on a floormat.

At a first thunderclap while he’s home, Miles seeks some way into the house. At an open window, he rips its screen and tries climbing inside. Otherwise, he’s at the sliding glass doors, thumping and scratching, “Help me!”

Yesterday, I was home to let dogs inside. Today, I’ll be away, and forewarned of storms ahead, will leave windows shut. To soothe anxieties, my deck offers a row of DogLoos, each protects against the elements and sports a soft cushion.

Dear Friends: The thunder is a prelude to tomorrow’s fireworks! Oy vey. Diana

Saturday, July 02, 2022

Surrounding me, my dogs are chewing on pigs’ ears. All but two have finished their treats. One still chewing is Mitzvah, now surrounded by would-be takers of her prize. Louie, too, is chewing, and no other dares challenge his ownership.

My other attention is on the rising sun. Today will be beautiful. More so because I have the day off from my supermarket job. Yesterday, during a “perfect storm” (payday, holiday weekend, and great weather) customers slammed the store and purchased from early to late.

July Fourth isn’t a holiday that I enjoy. This City will be shooting fireworks off a nearby butte and lighting up the sky. The area here is trending very dry and hopefully sparks won’t light up the ground. Besides, noisy fireworks frighten animals. Tonight, while trying to keep my dogs calm, I will worry about my horses during the hour of noises and lighting clusters.

Today, my floor guy is coming to complete one room. I must get it ready. Later, I will go down the street to check on a horse that’s temporarily being housed in a neighbor’s pasture. I understand the animal’s owner might be in transition and busy. I’ve been alerted that the trough might need filling with water.

The pasture owner is out of town. Its on his pasture that my horses often graze during winters. The large water-trough for some reason is an awkward distance from the nearest faucet. I have a hose of correct length to fill it, giving the animal plenty of days with access to water.

I hope that lone horse will be okay through this night’s noises and displays.

Dear Friends: Have a pleasant and above all safe Fourth. Diana