Wednesday, December 29, 2021

_{(December’s fullest “Cold Moon” is in Waning Gibbous phase; January’s fullest “Wolf Moon” rises on the 17th.)}

I’ve tried a couple of times to call my old friend, Rose. She’s now in an assisted-living facility. Each call has somebody in the speaking chain letting me down. Rose and I haven’t yet spoken.

I received her Christmas Card and note (written by someone else). The message was she’s well but confined to a wheelchair, would love hearing from me. The same note probably went out to everyone else close to Rose throughout her life.

She’s now about 92 years old.

Rose was the youngest of many children, of immigrants living in Wyandotte County, or what then was the rural-east of Kansas City, Kansas. She grew up on a small farm, her elderly parents taught their child old-country traditions with a devoutly-Catholic perspective.

I first met Rose when we worked in the same office building, she as a bank clerk and I as a general office-worker. She was older, kind, maybe timid and old fashioned. We connected because our differences offset one another. I was an angry young woman, frustrated and searching. Rose seemed settled, reassuring.

And then she met a man. I can’t recall his name or how they linked up. Rose fell for him. She disliked that he was a drinker and rounder, but found him more fun than men she long knew and usually dated. To my (and to Rose’s) astonishment, he managed to get her into bed.

Rose changed, on one hand was happier and on the other worried. Besides disliking her fellow’s drinking habit, she began avoiding Confessing in Church. She made a huge personal decision to quit Confessing and stuck to it.

Eventually the boyfriend’s shenanigans overcame Rose’s needs. She made another huge personal decision, to break up with him. He was unhappy and continued pursuing her, but Rose never backed away from a serious decision.

She remained devoted to her friends, many from childhood. I came later into her life, yet was considered a dear friend. I was neither secure nor dependable, so periodically floated into and out of Rose’s life. She stayed in touch, remembered, cared, and somehow was a cornerstone.

A couple of years ago, Rose fell and broke her hip, or a thigh bone. She had to leave her house and begin healing as a resident in assisted living. A caring neighbor of hers got in touch with me, explained where Rose was, and why, said Rose never got the hang of using a cellphone. There wasn’t a way to call her. I did try but never got through to anyone.

This Christmas, my letter from Rose suggests she’s reasonably well and cognizant and reveals the facility where she lives. I’ve tried reaching her by phone. The first time, a kind lady offered to help by getting Rose to a payphone, so she could call me, or by giving Rose a cellphone to talk with me. I waited several hours before finally realizing that plan had failed.

Another day, I phoned and got stuck with an impatient, angry-sounding person. She couldn’t help me, wouldn’t help me, didn’t know who could help me, and clearly wished me off that line. I went easy on her because these days it’s hard to find help, and thankfully someone was answering that phone. I managed to obtain the facility manager’s name, and today, will attempt to reach Rose.

Thinking about her stoic conservatism, it broke a little in the time that Women’s Rights were opening. That period changed me, too, for I sought therapy and eventually returned to school. The events of a liberating period united us in ways we never have discussed. I’ve always felt that Rose and I share some meaningful history.

If it becomes possible to re-connect through time. and by phone, maybe we can share memories of events that bounded us.

Dear Friends: I’m thankful for “forever friends”, or “my family” over many years. Diana

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

_{(December’s fullest “Cold Moon” is in Waning Gibbous phase; January’s fullest “Wolf Moon” rises on the 17th.)}

If it can be worked out, I’ll adopt two mature hen turkeys and the three chickens living with them. Their current owners are about to sell their house and move. They’ve enjoyed the little flock, want it re-homed to a caring environment.

My friend, Bill, has facilitated this after reading an earlier blog in which I spoke of wanting to add a hen turkey to my chicken flock. From my fantasy, to Bill’s ear.

The couple selling and moving are Bill’s friends, they supply him with fresh eggs. I’ll become his new supplier. Actually, when my first flock were young, eggs aplenty went to Bill. He’s a pay-back kind of guy who gardens, keeps a productive greenhouse, and often exchanges freshies for eggs. That’s how I came to appreciate some uncommon herbs and leafy vegetables.

A problem now will be to create an adequate shelter for the newbies. I’ve a fenced space, adjacent to my current-chicken area, that would let the flocks become mutually familiar. I’d plan eventually to open a gate, and all could integrate. Until then, the designated space needs a covered, three-sided shelter, large enough to wind-proof and keep dry the critters and a hanging feeder.

At my feed-store cash register, folks have wondered if turkey eggs are edible and how they might differ from chicken eggs. I asked Bill, who laughed and said, “Tackle a turkey egg with a sledge hammer!

Adventure ahead! I like this image.

Dear Friends: Nothing ventured, nothing gained, all’s to learn and enjoy. Diana

Monday, December 27, 2021

_{(December’s fullest “Cold Moon” is in Waning Gibbous phase; January’s fullest “Wolf Moon” rises on the 17th.)}

One of my all-time favorite writers on science, culture, and psychology, Edward O. Wilson, has died. He was 91 years old.

Wilson, a lifelong biological scientist, is renowned for his studies of ant species. His works are legend. A dedicated researcher, Wilson applied his vast knowledge from insect research toward understanding other life species. His insights introduced fresh theories that he applied to human capabilities and motivations. He also focused primarily on the importance of maintaining an optimally-functioning, world-wide ecology.

The author of numerous scientific articles and books, Wilson’s learning and ideas continue being studied. Many of his former students are researching, or have researched farther, his insights and theories.

Wilson published one novel–about a boy who after learning to study ants managed to create a career focused on gaining an understanding of insects. Although based on Wilson’s early life, the book was fictional. I read it, fascinated with the boy’s interests and insights. That novel taught me about ants. Prior, it never occurred to me that ants might be human-like. Or that, humans might be ant-like.

I continued to follow Wilson’s work, recognized how well he understood living creatures. He illustrates all beings as socially inclined, and despite their diversities, share many behavioral similarities. His publications make Wilson one of my heroes.

Also wonderful, he had a long life. Throughout, he was cognizant, creative, productive, and best of all, communicated continually intelligently and often.

Dear Friends: A cool read, Wilson’s, Anthill: A Novel, published April 2010. Diana

Saturday, December 25, 2021

_{(December’s fullest “Cold Moon” is in Third Quarter phase; January’s fullest “Wolf Moon” rises on the 17th.)}

It’s the day after and now I’m returning to work, to face a week of gift returns and exchanges. Following next week, I’ll be adjusting to a New Year in the retail world. Hopefully, fewer customers won’t make my job become too boring.

My horses received a welcome gift. As a foursome, we walked down the snowy road to my neighbor’s place (Bobby’s). Those three were released and spent all day grazing on winter pasture. Happy horses!

This winter, having them on that pasture has been challenging. In the lead-up to Christmas, I worked many hours and daylights were short. For safety, we need daylight while going to Bobby’s and later coming home. Soon, in January, daylights will begin to lengthen, and the horses more often may go to graze.

The dogs weren’t forgotten. Yesterday, all got fresh chew bones and cool toys. One needing more supplies received a “puppy sling” (for being carried while mom shops), a car seat (for keeping an active pup where it belongs), and for these days of frigid-temperatures, warm-wear.

Dear Friends: After long adjusting to Christmas, we begin adjusting from it. Diana

Saturday, December 25, 2021

_{(December’s fullest “Cold Moon” is Waning Gibbous; January’s fullest “Wolf Moon” will rise on the 17th.)}

I was curious and arose early to watch NASA’s launching of the new James Webb Space Telescope. I didn’t expect the event to be exciting, but it was captivating. I couldn’t tear myself away.

This Telescope is an amazing creation with incredible potential. Its mission is to travel far and deeply into space. It’s scientific capabilities include sending previously-unreachable information to Earth and NASA. There are astonishing predictions about what more the Telescope may be able to teach humans about entire-space and -world history.

The launch originally planned for earlier this week was delayed until today. Its launch, occurring in United States time on Christmas, offered a visually beautiful, wondrous gift.

NASA has become genius at communicating rocket launches into space. In today’s watch, NASA made it easy for viewers to anticipate and track the Telescope’s early journey. I could see its planned travel-route, the booster cast-offs, and everything about the vehicle speeding upward at 1500 mph.

My readers are bright and many who watched the launch know the experience was grand. Just-in-case this morning, some missed or forgot it while gift exchanging, I’ll share a link.

So, skip a short ad, ignore several seconds of French-speaking, and enjoy an exciting gift from NASA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViXoWdbF-Ys

Dear Friends: Merry Christmas! Wishing you “Joyous Holiday”, and significant others close. Diana

Friday, December 24, 2021

_{(December’s fullest “Cold Moon” is Waning Gibbous; January’s fullest “Wolf Moon” will rise on the 17th.)}

In America, this time of year trumps Thanksgiving as a period for reflecting, remembering, and cherishing. Because, Thanksgiving is a symbolic holiday and Christmas is very personal. We all were little on first learning to anticipate, hope, expect. We anxiously awaited “the Day”. Unless we were lucky and allowed the night before to open one or more gifts.

Last night through dreaming and awakened periods, my brain replayed early Christmases. I relived the excitement of something special soon happening. I remembered, presents wrapped, tearing off wrappings, and the flat pleasure of finding socks and practical items. There was a thrill of one special gift, sometimes too large to wrap and brought from hiding in the garage.

My family’s history was Jewish, we never had a Christmas Tree. My mom had grown up in an Orthodox household, but she didn’t deprive her modern kid in our small town of what my school chums would experience. Mom wrapped and stacked gifts which I stared at and mentally drooled. In the after-Christmas periods, we school friends shared excitedly.

This year, more Christmases rush through my head. I work part-time in a store that carries varied merchandise. A busy venue with folks seeking gifts. Routinely crossing my check-out counter are clothing, jewelry, plants and decorative items, food delicacies, hardware and construction tools, animal foods and gear, and hot/cold mugs. To name a few.

So, I can’t get my mind off childhood Christmases. Vivid are my school-yard friends, and my most-favorite gift: a Rainbow Girls’ shawl, all complete, with seven colors of fabric stitched around its bottom.

Nearing closure to this holiday, store customers seem somewhere between happy and on-edge. While checking people out, I try to connect with the happy, avoid triggering the on-edge. Today, I’ll be working, it’ll be busy, and thankfully, nearly over.

Except for memories and gifts. And except for next week’s busy-crazy returns and exchanges.

Dear Friends: Wishing for all of you, enjoy a Wonderful Christmas Eve. Diana

Thursday, December 23, 2021

_{(December’s fullest “Cold Moon” is Waning Gibbous; January’s fullest “Wolf Moon” will rise on the 17th.)}

How could it be! I only just have discovered the writer, Grace Paley.

Several weeks ago some article that referenced her work attracted my attention. Feeling interested in what that writer had produced, I sought online used copies of her books. Now I have two: one contains essays, the other poetry.

I’ll write more about her later.

Because this is an early-to-work morning for me, I’ll be helping to open the store. It’s being slammed by customers hurrying for last-minute items, their moods wavering from good to impatient. Yesterday, my working hours, shorter than usual felt long as ever. Still, I’m happy doing the job.

I wonder how it’ll be when the pre-Christmas mad rushing ends. When we cashiers stand around with little to do but wait for another customer’s appearance before one of us. That change soon will occur, following next week’s rushing-returns and -exchanges of Christmas merchandise.

Gotta hurry now, out to feed horses. More later, about Ms Paley’s work.

Dear Friends: Already, it’s nearly, “‘Tis The Night Before”, and everybody’s, Wow! Diana

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

_{(December’s fullest “Cold Moon” is Waning Gibbous; January’s fullest “Wolf Moon” will rise on the 17th.)}

Writing these daily blogs while aging tests my strength of memory, it’s always on my mind. Essentially, blogs are essays. Each has a central topic, is relevant to the larger world, and must be worthwhile reading. Some of my blogs turn out better than others, because daily fresh essays can’t always hit squarely on the mark.

Over the years daily blogging has exercised and improved my writing skills. Blogging actually is the art of practicing to create clear and concise communications. Essaying is choosing topics that connect with readers vis a vis life experiences and educations.

Blogging also is a way of gaining self-insight. Mine have made me aware of focusing often on learning and remembering. I’ve tinkered with ideas for writing larger essays about human learning and remembering, for publication in a large venue. Say, The New York Times or Washington Post.

Hey, Diana, go for the Gold!

Those newspapers often publish “guest essays” from outside contributors. I’d like to make a contribution, too, although the challenge feels daunting. If I believe in my ability to write and have ideas for topics, trying should be okay. Yes, I ought to contribute an essay.

This wish has been on my mind long enough to bolster confidence. Actually, I’ve begun creating a contribution. I’m writing as if its to become a blog, but it’ll have differences. The piece’s underpinnings will be more complex, and longer, with more twists and turns.

As I continue writing a guest essay, I’ll blog occasionally about keeping an appropriate focus. It’s another way of doing my work, of developing ideas and rolling them out logically.

Dear Friends: In everything we do, practicing hones skills and elevates goals. Diana

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

_{(December’s fullest “Cold Moon” is Waning Gibbous; January’s fullest “Wolf Moon” will rise on the 17th.)}

Here today on the West Coast, the 2021 Winter Solstice will occur about 8:00 a.m. (PST). That’s when the sun will be taking its lowest and shortest path through the sky. And when we will see our shortest period of daylight. Afterwards, daylight will start increasing, daily, by seconds. In early January, we actually will see daylight increasing. It’ll add about a minute a day, mostly apparent in the evenings.

Annually, I celebrate days of Winter Solstice. A turning point, making me barely able to await a January’s beginning. Once the extending light becomes apparent, and despite whatever outside weather may exist, my heart feels warmer, my energy expands.

Newly expanding light represents enlightenment and hope. In my life, it energizes the caring of property and livestock. In everybody’s life, it encourages rethinking the whole world, in general.

About my deeply-held appreciation of Winter Solstice. I suppose it’s tantamount to my fascination with newly arising moons, as they’re shedding first-lights on otherwise blank-dark horizons. Those first lights are like a dawning of consciousness, it’s as if a known world is beginning anew.

“New light”, what does that represent to us all? How about, in our childhoods? During our twenties and thirties? And afterwards, in long periods over which our lives and brains evolved? What does it represent today, in regard to who we may be, wherever we may be?

In my past life, as a city girl Winter Solstice never meant much. Only after I self-re-identified as a country girl did solar system and natural lighting became big deals. Just a few seasons of trudging through darkness, and in rain or snow, to take care of large animals, will make an individual start to embrace the solar system, and ‘heart’ its rhythms.

Today, I’m aiming to publish before 8 a.m. For that’s when I intend to be outside, standing tall and wide-armed, to welcome this Solstice.

Dear Friends: As January’s “Wolf Moon” beckons, just imagine the possibilities. Diana

Monday, December 20, 2021

_{(December’s fullest “Cold Moon” now wanes gibbous; January’s fullest “Wolf Moon” will rise on the 17th.)}

Tomorrow is the Northern Hemisphere’s winter solstice. At approximately 8:00 a.m. (PST) will start Earth’s “astronomical winter” which introduces both an ending and a beginning. Exactly then, will occur Northern Hemisphere’s fewest daylight hours of the year, and in other words, this year’s longest night. The Southern Hemisphere will have its shortest summer day. From that point, Northern Hemisphere’s natural daylights will stop dwindling and instead gradually lengthen.

Essentially, our hemispheric Earth world will begin its transition from darkness to light. The changeover is a physical phenomenon, it’s scientifically defined. We actually will witness changes that occur.

Our known world, concurrently also, will remain dark, but in ways not scientifically defined. Earth’s people have evolved in cultures that bring many different social and political views often worlds apart. The conflicting, deeply-held views can’t enable proper facilitation toward making significant repairs to our Earth.

Differing opinions and worldviews about social and environmental concerns represent a basic conflict that today’s leaders can’t resolve. It’s about how, and whether, to continue enabling a relatively small portion of world citizenry to keep accumulating great wealth, and keep very tight grasps on it.

With much of our planet under pressure, countries have begun looking skyward. Technology is wonderful, space is exciting and dreamy. Hopes of someday colonizing other planets shouldn’t suggest an eventuality of escaping Earth’s very desperate needs. We must fix our planet. Somehow.

Dear Friends: Darkness to light, equally about physical phenomenon and worldviews. Diana