Saturday, October 03, 2020

A segment of Americans are considering that America’s top political layer might be attempting to transform the business of leadership into a reality show. Questions have arisen about whether the president’s “illness and hospitalization” are a ploy and play-acting, a showman’s way of damping today’s vigorous campaigning and voting processes. This pre-election has become an overwhelming process with too little flowing favorably toward the president. The weekend news stories are at work to find, “What’s really real?”. My sense is that coronavirus infections exist among our top leaders. Questioning that becomes the business of better positioned others. The rest of us will watch, listen, and learn.

Even investigating that reveals signs of shenanigans isn’t likely to interest Trump voters. Last week, I did a little probing of Republicans myself with some investigating. First, I asked a known Trumpion, “What do you think about today’s news, that the NYT have obtained past years of the president’s tax records?” The person sniffed and muttered, “What do you expect, it’s The Times!”, and marched away. Another time, I questioned a person more directly, “As a believer in fiscal responsibility, what are your thoughts about Trump’s years-long avoidance of paying taxes?” That person sniffed and muttered, “He’s paid taxes!”, and marched away.

I get it, in some ways we’re all true believers. On being questioned about my own deep-seated beliefs, I’ll stick to my guns. Nonetheless, I’ve a very deep opinion, that it’s essential to remain a lifelong learner. That means trying always to keep an open mind, which is hard as new information challenges and threatens to change us. Changes aren’t easy to make, and so no surprise that mostly, we are who we are.

Some people unabashedly are accustomed to achieving their ends by play-acting and telling lies. As many investigate and report on Trump’s leadership team, we’ll be at a “nearby distance”, wanting to learn. We’ll watch, listen, and hopefully can stay open to think, to evaluate any pros and cons.

Dear Friends: This troubling year is narrowing into a few very troubling few weeks.

Friday, October 02, 2020

I didn’t plan to write so soon again about politics, but this changed last night on news that coronavirus is infecting the president and his wife. The reporting stimulated an immediate flurry of emails and texts of voters’ reactions and concerns. The stock market futures dropped 500 points and many speculated about possible upcoming changes in our current election process. A grim reminder, there are merely thirty-two days remaining before the end of campaigning and voting processes.

There’s little now to be gained by recounting details of America’s current campaigning and voting processes. Voters are aware and most know how they intend to mark their ballots. All understand the importance of submitting completed ballots safely.

There are standout key learnings, from on-high recent communications and anti-pandemic processes, along with the president’s health today. We can understand the needs for communications absolutely honest and constantly transparent. In contrast, from the onset of knowledge among scientists and physician about a possible worldwide pandemic, the Trump administration has ignored evidence of a pandemic reality and downplayed its active expansion.

Now, to loosely quote Shakesphere, “Trump is hoisted with his own petard.”

Dear Friends: An essential standout is the urgency for voters actively to vote. Diana

Thursday, October 01, 2020

These days of hope, pain, and fury make it a high priority to seek comforts that are soothing. Maybe that’s what’s behind the planned start of this year’s holiday shopping season, launching it a month earlier than usual. People already are pushing toward e-commerce. Online buying probably will explode the moment Amazon’s Prime Day hits in mid-October.

I get it, let’s shop, I’m ready! Without a clear purpose, I’m already roaming and searching Costco’s aisles for who knows what–something to comfort and help me feel better. I can’t imagine what unexpected and delightful object might fill the bill, for little captures my imagination. Well, I did buy an inexpensive red sweater after noticing that one looked good on a shopper wearing it.

This searching for comfort, an increasing need, is likely being exacerbated by (1) the ongoing pandemic that limits our outside activities, and (2) the continuing national politics that rage on and on and off the charts. My wanting more comfort increased following this week’s presidential debate, when we were forced to watch (as a friend has pointed out) “three old men arguing”, often incoherently and totally unappealing.

Recently, I found some satisfaction in bringing home a weighted blanket that adds comfort, although its fifteen pounds make sliding underneath cumbersome. But as a cover it adds a sense of security. While snuggling in I easily imagine myself reliving our pre-history, the most ancient times, when human types nestled deeply and warmly under a heavy combination of grasses, leaves, branches. It seems to ease my worries.

Aside from the blanket and that sweater, I’m still searching the shelves. That’s why this year’s earlier start to the shopping season appeals more than it frustrates. Big sellers know we’re ready to start online shopping. We’re already primed, we’re eager to seek appealing products, find reduced prices with free shipping, and to start choosing. These activities are doable as we hang out in our homes, and best of all offer an excuse to avoid television and its unending slew of talking heads.

Dear Friends: Texts and emails suggest that many of us have similar feelings. Diana

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

During and after last night’s presidential debate, emails and texts filled my phone from folks having political views like mine. Trump’s performance seemed a disaster. Oddly nobody felt like celebrating. The debate was a tipping point for an outpouring of confusion prior to some rapidly approaching key processes: (l) of seating a Supreme Court Judge, (2) determining the future of Obamacare, (3) ensuring the election process has a clean outcome, (4) winding up with leaders who consider options seriously, negotiate ideas effectively, and communicate responsibly privately and to the public.

In an badly bruised economy and failing trickle-down economics, dissent arises in sectors that lack a sense of gaining adequate citizen benefits. That “reality is in the eyes of a beholder” is apparent among factions at war in conflicted American cities. It’s important to rethink the concept, “fiscal responsibility”, and today focus less on individuals and money, and more on our nation and money. America needs solid perspectives and plans, cash infusions and jobs, and goals for meeting larger social needs and improving the larger environment. Our democracy may fail with fellow citizens so differently viewing common social-political needs.

Societal differences aren’t driven by a matter of “good people vs. bad people”, but more likely by perspectives among individuals and groups. Much is associated to upbringing, education, and economic optimism.

Last night America’s serious social conflicts played out and were articulated in the televised debate. Regardless of whether the outcome had a winner, let’s be clear. No Americans may remain winners until our nation gains leaders who understand how to plan appropriately and communicate well in all governing positions.

Dear Friends: A burden requires replacing worry with physical action, we must vote. Diana

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Yesterday was Rosh Hashanah. On the Jewish calendar an annual Day of Atonement. My mother grew up in an orthodox family. As an adult she wasn’t active religiously except for Rosh Hashanah when she’d fast from sundown the evening prior to sundown on The Day. She considered this essential, kept her thoughts private.

This year, on the day before, I planned to begin a personal process of observing Rosh Hashanah in honor of my mother. Gone many years, I still miss her. An annual day of fasting might be a way of “reaching-out and touching”. Serendipitously, my new regime dovetailed beautifully with that evening’s plan, a great escape after starving (and unrelated per se to Rosh Hashanah) of joining others from our neighborhood at a friend’s home for liquors and desert.

I’ll skip forward to friends, liquors, deserts, after mentioning that on Rosh Hashanah, after a big breakfast and while hurrying down the hill to feed horses, I remembered, “forgot to fast!” Oh Mom, with deep apologies, next year I’ll try again.

A slip of my brain didn’t impede the lovely evening. Little is more enjoyable than being among intelligent neighbors in a beautiful setting. We sampled fine liquors and superb deserts, and best of all we talked! About where we’re from, how we grew up, our work-lives and interests, and oh boy!, our political views were similar.

We were gathered in the home of Kirsten, Mark, and their three teenagers. Days ago while shopping in Costco, Kirsten saw my name tag and introduced herself. I knew her through Susie our mutual friend. (In our neighborhood, Susie’s “a glue”, having lived here twenty-plus years, knowing almost everybody, getting out and around, and enjoying connecting people.) Kirsten has a similar warm nature and arranged last night’s get together.

Besides Susie and me, were her across-the-street neighbor, Nancy; Kirsten’s husband Mark who joined us awhile to meet everybody; and later her trio of beautiful, bright, very-look-alike teens came and sat with us.

Kirsten is a “keto expert”, she creates serious foods and homemade desserts with high calories and near-zero carbs. Last evening, her almond flour-cream cheese cake was to die for. No, I’ll not atone for having remembered only that evening’s great escape plan. Thank you, Kirsten!

Another thing, and about Susie, who besides “being glue”, is very thoughtful. She insisted on driving to Kirsten and Mark’s–picked me up and later drove Nancy and me home. Another very pleasant thing, she’ll join me to horseback ride.

Yesterday even more and about my wonderful next-door neighbor Frank. He helped me (actually he did all the work) remove a flat tire from the Gater and today is willing to install a newly mounted tire.

Dear Friends: Maybe I’ll hold Rosh Hashanah closely as a day of fortune. Diana

Monday, September 28, 2020

My friend Anna and I went riding, and this photo shows us pausing while my dogs briefly swim. In the center and waiting with us is Miles, usually the first to leap into and out of a water body. The ears Anna’s camera is sighting through belong to Rosie (they’re very pretty!). We’re following a trail that ambles alongside the canal before looping gradually back to the trailhead.

Before this summer’s wildfires and persistent smoke, Anna and I often rode together. Almost every day I wanted to be on horseback, and riding alone I’d be on one and ponying another. Pimmy always followed the horses. Anna’s camera yesterday captured her tagging us.

Anna’s photos combine the beauties of horses, dogs, water, and desert. I didn’t carry a camera, for my main purpose in riding was to get into a recovery mode, to escape the worrying pressures of work, politics, and viruses. The horse’s each step seemed slightly to relax my shoulders. In horseback riding anything might occur, and safety requires an intent focus on animal welfare, trail types, terrain safety, and general surroundings. These immediate worries overcome larger-world concerns.

After riding I felt refreshed. But back home another world weighed-in. I couldn’t find my wallet! That didn’t make sense for I recalled stashing it, knew exactly where. Not finding the wallet was like “losing keys”, and I kept looking, drove to the trailhead to search the ground but no luck. Coming home, I decided to clean the horse trailer, which anyway needed it. After cleaning and cleaning…nothing. On the verge of quitting, I poked fingers into a dark corner, and voila!, my wallet!

A mind trick because of too many worries. Well, I’ll just keep on riding.

From an earlier ride here’s my friend Anna, on Rosie. A fine rider, Anna loves Rosie. She’s helped me understand better this sensitive, sometimes bossy mare.

Thanks for kindnesses from my neighbors: To Bill for providing political yard signs and tomatoes from his garden; and to Frank for sackfuls of apples from his tree for the horses, and they gobbled!

Dear Friends: I hesitate to carry on about politics, but how about those tax returns! Diana

Sunday, September 27, 2020

We sample servers at Costco have off Sundays and Mondays, and my weekend has begun. Setting aside the current large sociological and political issues roiling my brain, I’m going horseback riding.

This is happening after several weeks of staying home. First, a seemingly unending string of smoky days and nights set many of us back on our heels. Breathing was uncomfortable, eyes burned, and throats stung. Most people tried spending lots of time indoors, but attempts locally to escape the discomforting smoke didn’t work.

When breathing’s a problem for humans, for pets it’s equally uncomfortable. During the smoky days, I didn’t load my horses and dogs and head off to a nearby national forest where we’ve enjoyed hours of freedom to play and explore. Even after that smoke cleared, my horses (and donkey!) have been spending their days hanging out in the loafing shed.

My pets are staying longer in place because of my part-time job that consumes time and energy. Interestingly, food producers are increasing their demands for in-store demos. Customers aren’t happy that we’re not cooking foods and serving freshly prepared samples. You’d think product demos wouldn’t be in great demand, but a pile of them are scheduled.

After months of lay-off and upon the company’s invitation to return to work, I said yes to working five days weekly. At first that felt okay, even was fun, but now I’m tired. So besides the smoke, my work has prevented horseback rides, hikes with dogs that run and swim, and tucked in, I’ve too-little off time to tackle a waiting, interesting, growing stack of books.

It’s hunting season, so today we’ll avoid the forest and instead go to a desertlike area where shooting isn’t permitted. No shooting means the horses needn’t sport red ribbons and the dogs won’t wear bright jackets. Today will be a restarting of regular outings, and it’ll be great.

Dear Friends: We’re most successful when balancing work, play, thoughtfulness. Diana

Saturday, September 26, 2020

My long-time friend Linda sent this photo of her son David, at the Supreme Court and standing vigil at Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s coffin. This summer, David began clerking for Ginsburg and has been devastated by her passing. Ginsburg’s past and present law clerks took turns standing vigil over her.

Yesterday, I made the mistake of assuming that today she’d be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Instead that is happening next week. Meanwhile, the American public will be distracted by the furor of an unprecedented process, an incredible rushing to fill Ginsburg’s seat with a presidential appointee, even as our presidential election is rolling, or (to be blunt) roiling.

Somewhere in every good story hides a joke. Our “2020 Story” is full of jokes and they’re even not hidden. Another is about to occur on Tuesday when the president and his opponent will debate. Trump’s idea of debating will be to deliver blows like a flying-wrestler would use to smash an opponent’s persona. In a recent article (link below), a psychiatrist advises Biden to respond to Trump’s lying and blustering by delivering a “humor sandwich”. That would mean tucking a genuine idea between a couple of jabs at Trump’s nonstop lying and prancing throughout his presidency.

My neighbor and friend Bill, active in Democratic politics, responded to my request for a yard sign supporting Biden and Harris. We discussed where to set the sign so it’s least-likely stolen. Our neighborhood has Biden-Harris supporters, but also has a busy through-road with passing MAGA-toughs. The roadside is unsafe and I’ll hinder the sign’s easy-pulling by finding a spot still visible and harder to access.

Here’s debate coaching for Biden from Dr. Richard A. Friedman: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/25/opinion/debate-trump-biden-lie.html

Dear Friends: Relentless tension will include a drama-fraught lame duck session. Diana

Friday, September 25, 2020

Today Americans again pay tribute to our incredible Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

This morning I see the hearse carrying her casket to the U. S. Capital. There she’ll lie in Statuary Hall, in state–a rare honor and for her very deserving. We’ve all benefited from Ginsburg’s high intelligence, rare determination, and knack for gaining a consensus among diversified groups. Right now, military honor guards are removing her casket from the hearse, I’m tearing-up again. Ginsburg never shied from appreciation and would have loved this. She physically was tiny and couldn’t be a heavy-lift for casket bearers.

As the casket bearers bow their heads, I’m crying. After a military salute, Nancy Pelosi speaks briefly, followed by Denise Graves, mezzo soprano (Ginsburg adored opera), accompanied on piano by Laura Ward. Graves sings a tribute, “Deep River”. Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt reads Psalms 118, Verse 5, and speaks to “Justice, justice, justice”, a trio of words framed in Ginsburg’s Chamber and addressed in the Torah. Ginsburg has summarized her own achievements as an “Evening-out the rights of women and men.”

Ginsburg will be buried tomorrow in Arlington National Cemetery. Her family, observing Jews, had time to prepare for this, and surely with Ginsburg herself. This public ceremony lasting a week departs from a traditional Jewish requirement of burial within three days of passing.

She blazed a path for younger citizens. Those inspired by her work, already on that path, and many beginning law careers, will work to keep open America’s progress. We must keep faith in the promises of equality for all.

We all must take action, and above all vote in this presidential election.

Dear Friends: We’ve participated in years of progress and must ensure continuance. Diana

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Last year for the first time I saw weighted blankets available in the store where I work. That seemed an odd but appealing notion, being covered by a weighted blanket. Not feeling need, I forgot weighted blankets until this year when again they showed up. Without pausing, I brought home a fifteen-pounder that boxed felt too heavy to bother with right away. Finally this week, I unpacked and tried the blanket.

Right away the extra weight pleased. Without first needing to shift around for a more comfortable position, I slept on my back and awoke feeling good. After that first night, with the blanket more familiar, I seemed rested in the mornings. My Amazon Halo Armband disagrees, reporting only “medium sleep”. Nightly a couple of times, I get up to let the dogs outside, and poor Halo “can’t get” my not sleeping through. I’m enjoying the blanket.

I often make gut decisions about products without first researching. Now tuned, I’m becoming more informed about the benefits of weighted blankets. They may soothe anxiety, ease insomnia, decrease nervous system activity, and reduce heart-rate. In my experience, the extra weight is comfortable and comforting. Sometimes I feel snuggled in a secure little cave, reminding me of the wonderful video, “My Octopus Teacher”, showing octopus slide into a tiny opening to its hidden nest.

Encouraged, I’ve begun exploring weighted vests. Those mostly are designed for working out, but I’m curious about very lightweight vests, and whether wearing one may increase comfort to one on foot. My comparison is a dog product, the snug “Thunder Jacket”, said to help calm an anxious animal.

Dear Friends: Continuing social conflicts urge an ongoing search for comfort. Diana