Monday, October 05, 2020

Yesterday my “weekend” began with a lovely day and beautiful weather. Horseback riding was in the forecast and my friend Janet came to help load the animals. Off in the truck we went, to a nearby desertlike area with water for dogs to drink and space to ride horses.

Border Collie Miles shared Janet’s seat. He doesn’t ride in back with the other dogs, for the littlest, Louie, rides there and often snarls to declare his dominance. Louie’s snarkiness shoots from his twenty-five pounds and rules. The others outweigh and ignore, but Miles who’s less tolerant escapes by jumping up-front. If someone’s in “his seat”, he snuggles and won’t be pushed away.

After stretches of working days, it’s wonderful to climb on a horse’s back and unwind. This starts on beginning a ride and having the horse just meander. In open spaces are enormous beauties among land, flora, and sky. These enwrap a human and soon one begins feeling integrated to a world that’s larger and less defined.

As usual, Pimmy follows the horses and dogs. She wears a noisy bell with racket not natural to the environment but announces her presence and reduces twistings of my too-stiff back to look for her.

Life is wonderful in a saddle, although these days that may offer only brief escapes from the widespread social, political, and economic unrest. I try to resist writing about those hot topics, but even in our ride, they existed in Janet’s and my discussions.

Dear Friends: Many t-shirts are supporting big wishes to, “Please, let 2020 end!” Diana

Sunday, October 04, 2020

It’s almost two years since November 2, 2018, a memorable day when the world learned of a shockingly brutal murder and dismemberment of Saudi Journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. He lived in the United States and was a contributing writer for the Washington Post. His murder occurred in Istanbul almost immediately after he entered the Saudi Consulate to obtain needed documents for his approaching marriage. The order for Khashoggi’s ambush and destruction came from Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and de facto ruler.

In complicated Saudi Arabia, the crown prince, known as MBS, oversees a massively wealthy oil empire with a socially restricted population. Saudi Arabia does business with many countries that through the years have societies shifting toward becoming more open, progressive, and such changes pressure Saudi Arabia to loosen social restrictions. MBS has responded by loosening a few, and now it’s not illegal for women to drive cars or for people to attend cinemas.

Meanwhile MBS has no stomach for dissent. The journalist, Khashoggi, pushed the Saudi government and MBS by offering suggestions. For example, MBS could learn how to open the society gradually by studying nations already progressive; he could learn to manage successfully an open society by studying capable leaders in already socially progressive nations.

Early on, we heard a likelihood that Khashoggi’s death was directly ordered by MBS. Gradually, we saw evidence supporting that perspective. We’re aware that America helped MBS avoid having to reveal his role in the episode, his orders for Khashoggi’s murder. Now, we’re learning that months ago Trump openly bragged to Bob Woodward about having “saved his ass”, referring to MBS, the order, and the murder.

The many political and social elements involved in this story require a written dedicated history to cover them. The result would be a giant book that deals with the evolutions of wealth, society, and leadership. Nonetheless, all these continually are changing, often very dramatically, and we’re watching real-time via modern communication technology.

I’m attentive again to Khashoggi’s murder upon reading today’s Washington Post and a series dealing with the murder, it’s causes and impacts. The Post admirably refuses to allow the episode of its journalist’s murder and wanton destruction to slide into a silent past. Today’s articles on this topic are compelling perspectives with intent and clarity.

The series link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/10/01/jamal-khashoggi-path-justice/?arc404=true&utm_campaign=wp_week_in_ideas&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&wpisrc=nl_ideas&carta-url=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.washingtonpost.com%2Fcar-ln-tr%2F2bea2e5%2F5f79ab7f9d2fda0efb3e8ded%2F5a15839aade4e232ba39053b%2F18%2F73%2Fe238b6ff9ca9e1bab716c7a31c09e3c3

Dear Friends: Worldwide changes are necessary, and voting is our active involvement. Diana

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