Friday, November 03, 2023

On Sunday, we will lose an hour. Thus, daylight’s slight dawning. now visible at 7 a.m., on Sunday will become visible earlier, at 6 a.m. The morning loss of an hour will shorten the evening’s daylight. It just goes on. By mid-December, here in Central Oregon, darkness will happen around 4:30 p.m.

I’m just saying, of course, for we’re all aware. I am ahead of the change preparing for its impact. With horses to feed, In December, I’ll be caring for them in the darkest afternoons. Our manufactured early shutdowns of winter’s natural light are discomforting.

When darkness is at 4:30, I will start refocusing much as I am now. I’ll be preparing for a light-extending that’ll be about to occur. In winter’s deepest dark days, the daylights will start to increase, just in tiny increments–mere moments daily–stretching the light. By mid-January, we will be aware of a natural light/darkness ratio that feels more balanced.

The annual time changes altering natural lighting are hard on humans. We must plan ahead to absorb them. I am anticipating (1) grumbling my way through Sunday’s hour-drop; (2) surviving the deep winter’s depressing darkness; and (2) celebrating when the daylights start to lengthen.

Dear Friends: This weekend’s shortened night will make us all grumble. Diana

Thursday, November 02, 2023

I live in one of the fastest-growing small cities in the U.S. Its growth is a fairly recent phenomenon that’s evolved quickly. I’ve been assigned to work during late shifts recently and have been driving home in darkness.

For me, night driving in this city becomes a nutty business because most of its roadways are very dark. I have experience in driving on the roads and know how they’re laid out, but am challenged to identify safe spots for shifting into other lanes and for accurately turning onto adjoining streets.

I am less challenged by daylight driving, but it brings headaches, too. Our roads, built for a community of farms and ranches, inadequately support increasingly heavy traffic. Not to mention evermore new roundabouts. Driving through any roundabout calls for experience, and often sheer luck, to move safely into a circling lane that goes toward the wanted exit.

Recently in Home Depot, some customers and I shared our distress about driving on dark and confusing roadways. One woman explained that at night she couldn’t see where to turn to get onto her own street. Her solution was to tear a roll of illuminated tape into strips and glue them onto the post supporting her street sign. Now, her headlights reflect the tape, and she knows exactly where to turn.

I’m from L.A., which has plenty of confusing roads, but with key ones well-lit at night. Unlike here, where they’re dark and challenging. As to the roundabouts, they take practice to navigate safely.

Dear Friends: Changing workplaces might mitigate my night driving. Diana

Wednesday, November 01, 2023

It is dawning on me that I’m in a new world. I suppose my awareness began to emerge during the months of my working at Home Depot. I had to adjust to the company’s ways of managing and selling. The past couple of days, however, have altered my mental landscape because of my interview at Ross Stores and my orientation at Macy’s.

To my surprise, both Ross and Macy’s promote hands-off selling. I’m gathering that while at Macy’s, I’ll work at a register, straighten stock, and be available if a customer wants help, but I needn’t approach anyone. (Too bad, for I enjoy initiating energy.)

Thanks to the internet, consumers have access to more information than ever. They can compare prices, read reviews, and see what items look like on different people before they enter a store. Consumers educated about the products they’re buying are more empowered to decide independently. Also, people are busier today, with less time to browse, and want to get in and out of stores quickly and easily.

So, today’s sales techniques don’t focus on relationships with customers. That’s completely opposite to my many years of training salespeople. In my career days, creating and maintaining relationships were major components in selling and increasing profits. Today, and to my shock, that’s gone.

Retailers under increasing pressure to be efficient and profitable seek ways to reduce costs and improve margins. One is by reducing the number of salespeople on the floor. Whether leaving customers alone is better depends on the buyers’ preferences about shopping at their own pace or being helped by a salesperson.

I can understand now more clearly why Ross Stores has a strict policy of hands-off to helping customers. Yesterday, I observed at Macy’s a balance between giving customers the space they want and being available to help when needed. It’s worthwhile to note that both retailers also sell online.

Dear Friends: More education is leading to readjusting my perspective. Diana

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Happy Halloween! Get ready for Black Friday.

It’s surprising that this year’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas aren’t already history. These weeks of working and shopping have had me constantly in areas noisily celebrating the occasions simultaneously. Our commercial world kills anticipation. Back in the day, It was the eagerness for sharing and togetherness that helped to enlighten the dark months.

Through the upcoming holidays, I might be working at Macy’s. I hope to learn the moods of today’s apparel customers and how they’re anticipating Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our current environment of huge commercialism and price discounting might make gift exchanges less of a big deal than in the old days. Big spending is rampant and especially confusing when trying to relate it to traditional big anticipating and giving.

“Might be working….” is my weasel phrase for another confusion. Yesterday, I interviewed at Ross, liked the manager, and would enjoy working with and learning from her. However, a supervisory position that I assumed I was applying for wasn’t available. She asked for a couple of days to discuss this with her District Manager and maybe create a new position.

Meanwhile, in that “couple of days,” and specifically today, I’ll be onboarding at Macy’s. I’ll go ahead because it’s certain employment for a couple of months. And it’ll give me experience in apparel sales. If Ross becomes “a go,” I’ll decide what to do.

Dear Friends: All activities are guides leading to somewhere that feels right. Diana

Monday, October 30, 2023

Central Oregon mornings are averaging twenty degrees, and daily, I’m out in it feeding horses. I fight against the bitter cold by wearing a heated jacket with heated gloves and topping my woolen beanie are ear muffs. That’s my outerwear, and I’ll spare more details.

Those outings are difficult beyond the freezing temps because I must medicate Donkey Pimmy. She continues to resist my efforts to get near her to administer the meds. Emptying the syringe takes mere seconds, after which and immediately, she’s rewarded with hay.

For the time being, she must have meds twice daily. That puts me in my heated clothing outside in the freezing early and in the freezing late. Oh, Pimmy!

Actually, I was slightly surprised that the early outer temp was nineteen degrees. On awakening this morning, I assumed outside would be warmer because both my arms had rested atop my blankets. Until today, awakening found me totally buried under the blankets. Assumptions are poor guidelines.

Another example: I had assumed that in time Pimmy would succumb to accepting a quickly administered med. So far, no dice.

Another thing about assumptions: without them, we might be stalled. Today, I assume that my job interview at Ross will be enjoyable, even if it doesn’t wind up a win-win. Otherwise, I’d not bother going.

Yesterday, I went out to check the Ross Store. On a late Sunday afternoon, there were few shoppers, and the merchandise seemed low. I wonder if the best way to shop at discounters like Ross and TJMax, is to sense when new merchandise typically arrives, and on those days, shop early in the store.

Interestingly, there’s the new earlier Black Friday coming soon. Today might educate me as to how a deep discounter does planning.

Dear Friends: Adventures every day if we can view activities as opportunities. Diana

Sunday, October 29, 2023

I’m casually into bugs, not the types that jam computers and motors, but the live, interesting-looking species that also appear harmless. The header photo is a recent capture of an insect parked on my vehicle. Its stick-like appearance got my attention as I like those gentle walking-stick bugs that appear this time of year. I will need to download an app in order to identify this bug unless a reader knows and says.

This will be a chilly day off from work, and there’s lots on my mind. First, a couple of new job situations this week: Tomorrow, an interview, and on Tuesday, an orientation to seasonal employment with Macy’s. How my interview goes could affect that temporary gig. Either way, I’m okay and eager to move on.

I’ll miss one thing about working at Home Depot, it’s meeting dogs in the aisles. Real dogs, not customers. Many bring their dogs into the store where the animals learn to expect treats from people wearing aprons. Most dogs are very friendly. For those that are aloof, folks bring them to socialize them more.

Another thing about HD I’ll miss: We’re friendly coworkers. I’ve enjoyed teammates who are cooperative regardless of their assigned departments. I consider HD an excellent company, but not for an older person with ambition. I’m not strong enough to download heavy merchandise from high storage shelves; nor technically informed enough to explain complex tools in response to technical inquiries.

Last night, driving home under this month’s full Hunter’s Moon and feeling optimistic, I looked forward to starting new adventures. Who knows where they’ll lead? Who cares? Longevity relative to security isn’t assured in this topsy-turvey world; while longevity relative to age seems ever more possible. I consider it essential to be active and stay relevant. Today’s abundant job market offers one way to accomplish that.

Dear Friends: Those dogs help workers more quickly connect with customers. Diana

Saturday, October 28, 2023

After swearing never to shop again at Costco, that’s where I went yesterday looking for a little heater for a chilly area in my house. Yes, you’ll guess correctly, I overspent. First, there were winter gloves galore. My turnaround was finding a battery-heated pair in my size, perfect for feeding horses and chickens. Quickly afterward, I shopped wildly: winter clothing, heated throws, space heaters, and, oh well, why not? Wine.

Months had passed without my going there. I discovered other sources for my needs and conducted my clothing shopping online. What struck me differently yesterday was that Costco has upped its clothing stocks. I found wintery items in my size and priced cheaply; they’ll be fine for wearing to work or just being casual.

It’s no accident my interest in clothing. I’m piqued by hopes to move toward selling retail clothing. I’ve less interest in high-end items than those more affordable and trendy. To this end, Macy’s is hiring me through the holidays. That would punch up my retail resume, but a surprise has popped up.

I am invited to interview with Ross Stores for a supervisory position. Perhaps it’ll use my background of experience with employee training and development and sales training. I attempt not to feel overeager, but yesterday in my shopping cart were varieties of inexpensive and trendy clothing items I might be selling for Ross. Before interviewing, I’ll start wearing and getting comfortable with the items; they’ll help me develop a pitch for the position.

Dear Friends: Daily, something different! I’ll keep you posted. Diana

Friday, October 2, 2023

Happy World Lemur Day! The header photo is an AI-generated watercolor of a ring-tailed mama Lemur carrying a baby. Lemurs are primates from the island of Madagascar off Africa’s East Coast. Lemurs live in Madagascar’s rainforest and mostly sunbathe on the forest floor while eating fruit, leaves, bark, and small insects.

Today is the last Friday of October and is also the Annual World Lemur Day, which celebrates the animals and Madagascar, their home and a nation-state rich in biodiversity. Madagascar is one of the top countries affected by human-caused climate change. Its forests are decreasing in size and altering the habitats of its many unique species.

In the header picture note Mama’s huge tail. Ring-tailed lemurs have tails longer than their bodies. But there are over 100 species of lemurs and some are tiny. Working on this blog has made me seduced by lemurs, their cuteness and uniqueness, and their interesting evolvement. I will make a point to learn more about them.

Here’s a photo of Madame Berthe’s Mouse Lemur, the tiniest of the species and the world’s smallest primate. Its average body length is 3.6 in., and its seasonal weight is around 1.1 oz.

This morning, I’ve been watching videos showing lemur varieties beautifully and gracefully flying among giant trees, and between branches. I have ordered books. Starting now and going forward, I will appreciate their long existence and recognize the essential need to support their continuously doing so forever.

Dear Friends: Today, I got way sidetracked and enjoyed every step. Diana

Thursday, October 26, 2023

That’s me in the header photo, captured by my visiting friend, Anna. I’m demonstrating my way of stretching and repositioning fence fabric. I’ve been focusing on repairing and strengthening neglected horse fencing in my spare time. I’m tickled for having discovered that I can do that work myself.

Anna and I had planned to ride horseback, but instead, we opted to take a walk through the neighborhood, talking and catching up with one another. She had brought along some ripe Hood River pears, the best-eating ever. Next summer, I will journey to Hood River for fruit.

I’ve been thinking about fashion trends and how they’re marketed. The shopping experience makes it obvious that new clothing is first marked up and, immediately afterward, tagged as “on sale.” I distrust stores with racks of new clothing that’s mostly on sale. I’m more comfortable shopping at discounters and finding cheap & chic.

It might be worthwhile to consider sewing one’s own clothing. Especially simple pieces like slacks. If I have learned to fix a fence, I ought to be capable of constructing a wearable. Although speaking lightly, I’m seriously considering heading to JoAnn’s and looking for a do-able clothing pattern.

I have a track record of becoming involved in activities associated with my employment. While working at Wilco, I adopted animals; while working at Home Depot, I accumulated tools and made repairs. My next step will be Macy’s, which might get me sewing.

All that makes me curious. Say, for example, if I were working at Dick’s Sporting Goods, would I wish and perhaps plan to hike the Pacific Crest Trail?

Dear Friends: And so it is a process of continuously stretching and growing. Diana

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Last week, my friend Anna and I made a plan to ride horseback today in the neighborhood. The suddenly changing weather might affect us. Freezing rain fell overnight, and this morning’s temps in the low-thirties aren’t welcoming. Our plan might go on hold until next week when expectations are for warmer weather.

During these last couple of weeks working at HD, my shifts are from 3 to 8 p.m. After arriving home around 9, I must feed the horses. That consumes more time because my donkey Pimmy needs medication. I put the horses and Pimmy into the barn, a closed area, for otherwise, Pimmy wouldn’t let me and a syringe near her. She circles in the barn, and I follow until she decides to pause and allow a syringe. Hopefully, she’s realizing that only after taking meds does she get hay.

After letting the equines eat for an hour or so, I’ll release them from the barn. On late outings, my Border Collie, Miles, is my companion. He’s relatively quiet and loves accompanying me. For me, he’s a reassuring presence.

As to Pimmy, I hope eventually that she simply lets me walk to her and medicate. One thing about her I’ve not recognized is her sheer strength. Pimmy usually is easy, unresisting, and willing. But nowadays, without a halter, rope, and her permission, it’s impossible for me to hold her still.

At least we have an okay start. We have a process that works, and she’s receiving medications.

Dear Friends: I’m out to feed horses now, and be ready if we do ride. Diana