Wednesday, October 04, 2023

The days are getting shorter, and my chickens are laying less. After gathering some fifteen eggs daily throughout summer I’m now finding only six or seven. Fewer eggs seemed a relief as summertime production was larger than I could handle for lacking an adequate egg storage facility. I busily searched for egg-takers, after learning that thinking about discarding excess fresh eggs goes deeply against my grain.

It’s because my flock consists of twenty chickens, a bit crazy without others at home to help consume lots of eggs. Also, I don’t cook much. However, I enjoy the chickens themselves–their unique personalities and reasonable smarts. Best, I love that my days start with poaching a freshly laid egg and enjoying it on toast.

I gathered my flock while working at a local farm supply. I was its “baby chick seller” and was great in that role, encouraging many first-timers to start flocks. However, I discovered my weakness of caring too much, and so adopted nearly every infant in the chick sick tank. Most of those adoptees survived–winding me up with twenty birds.

Two were roosters, and early on, the dominant roo threatened and chased the lesser. They finally have worked out a separation that’s held. The lesser stays over on the coop’s far side, away from the dominant, and the hens travel to and fro in enough numbers to keep both boys happy.

If there’s a “next time” flock, this will be what’s different. I’d adopt only chicks labeled “sex links” because they’re bred to have gender-specific colors. Thus, my all-hen dream flock would always be fully feathered, beautiful, and productive.

Dear Friends: Chickens are smart and handled with care, they will trust and learn. Diana

Tuesday, October 03, 2023

I’m waiting for a cup to become filled with coffee and looking through a kitchen window at my favorite satellite. I am astonished again, at myself, for feeling fond of that which isn’t a natural star or moon but a people-made satellite. In my heart, in these early mornings, I’d love to see a natural sky element, having it be as bright and equally as in place, and as steady as this satellite.

Daily, I spend moments gazing at that easy-to-locate satellite; it’s my morning buddy. From way up there, it shines clearly, easily is sighted, and reassuring in an always-position. That satellite is a continuous factor, it’s dependable and unchanging. Those are pleasing to sense nowadays when such attributes lean unsteadily.

Dear Friends: It’s another early to-work morning, and I must be off. Diana

Monday, October 02, 2023

Yesterday, I spent the day working on my horse fence. I set two new posts using this recipe: (1) dig a hole, (2) add gravel and a concrete form, (3) measure for a post height, (4) cut the post, (5) set the post and attach to the top rail, (6) mix concrete in a wheelbarrow, and (7) fill the form with concrete. Finally, leave and let the concrete mix harden.

Yes, it’s all physical labor and more than I’m accustomed to doing. But I have learned how to do the work, and especially know that it’s doable by me. That frees me from finding and hiring workers to repair my horse fence, which is under constant pressure from the big animals.

That evening, I fell into an easy chair and streamed a couple of movies from Amazon Prime. That surprised me as I’ve not sat watching a movie in many months. Also, it was unusual that I decided to choose the light comedies: “Ticket to Paradise” and “Eighty for Brady.”

I’m no fan of light (or “romantic”) comedies, but in these had experienced and capable actors making them attractive, and indeed they were. In their roles, I enjoyed Clooney and Roberts using silence and facial expressions, as well as being capably physical. In the “Brady” movie, each actor understood how to handle her character; as an ensemble, they delivered laugh-out-loud moments.

Also interesting is that Clooney and Roberts produced their “Ticket” movie, and Tom Brady produced the other. And that both movies employed the talents of great actors. Hollywood’s processes of funding and making movies are very complicated, and going forward, Hollywood’s current strikes’ outcomes likely will boot up the complexities.

Dear Friends: Today, I’m returning to work, and having early shifts all week. Diana

Sunday, October 01, 2023

In the header photo and in a Home Depot aisle, I’m saying hello to an Akbash. The Akbash is a Turkish-originated herding dog known for intelligence, loyalty, bravery, and independence. This fellow is the first Akbash I’ve met in person. He’s totally sweet and about five years old. His person said he’s not a working herder but has every “good” attributed to his breed.

I’ve been interested in the Akbash since learning that they’re known to be absolutely great herding dogs. Most breeders let only those needing herding dogs have their Akbash puppies, as an Akbash isn’t a particularly good couch potato. The breed has a very strong herding instinct and a highly independent streak.

Years ago, I adopted a Kuvasz, a Hungarian-originated breed known for intelligence, protectiveness, clownishness, loyalty, patience, and independence. The Kuvasz looks much like a Great Pyrenees, which originated in France, but a Kuvasz lacks the extra rear toes.

I can’t speak to my dog’s clownishness, but she had everything else. It was tough living with a highly focused herding dog who was nonworking and experiencing her high independence. She could not be off-leash in an unconfined area unless I was willing to let her go off and on her own way, leaving me behind. Early on, and more than once, I climbed into my Jeep to follow her and worked hard to entice her to load up to come home.

She was an amazing dog, and I can tell stories explaining how great she was. Nonetheless, my experience with such an independent herding dog has prevented me from exploring the possibility of acquiring an Akbash. But I sure fell in love with that guy in the aisle.

For the record, here’s my fabulous, challenging “Alpine.”

Dear Friends: Outside it’s sunny and warm, have a great day. Diana

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Today’s header photo was captured early yesterday, by my friend Rachelle Chaikin, showing this year’s Harvest moon rising. Afterward, Rachelle didn’t set aside her camera, and at midmorning we went hiking with our dogs. Afterward, she shared more fine captures.

Yesterday, rain throughout our hike kept us all damp. Nonetheless, our water-loving dogs couldn’t get wet enough. This fun capture has Rachelle’s Ryder and my Chase emerging happily from their umpteenth full-body dip.

This young and energetic pair constantly are on the run, going nonstop, except for diving frequently into the canal. Upon emerging, pausing only for quick shake-offs, they’re off and running again.

Here’s a nice capture and almost a mood piece. Little Mitzvah and I are going to the canal. I wanted to support Mitzvah, as she refuses to enter a body of water, but will tiptoe to its edge, drink, and let her paws get wet.

My friend and neighbor, Susie, and I had planned to drive east of the city yesterday evening, and watch the Harvest moon rise, and take photographs. But it rained all-day, bringing gloom and depriving our hopes of seeing anything in the sky. So instead, we settled at Susie’s, before a cozy fire, and sharing a beer and a jar of nuts caught up with one another. Good evening, even without the fall moon.

It wasn’t late when I started home, but a very thick fog created conditions of nearly blind driving. I moved slowly while feeling grateful for knowing the local roadways. In the heavy gloom, a newbie to our neighborhood trying to navigate its twisty roads would have been mega challenged.

Dear Friends: The rain was welcome and we need a great deal more. Diana

Friday, September 29, 2023

Senator Diane Feinstein, who appeared rapidly weakening, physically and mentally, passed away at the age of 90. Aging is a controversial issue today as more humans are living longer than ever. One of the hottest issues is comprehending the capabilities of those aging vis a vis those thought young by common health standards.

I am interested in a current article featured in The Economist, entitled, “Living to 120 is becoming an imaginable prospect.” The author cites known progress in using medications that are being understood as helping to extend human life and also describes new research designed to enable modifying and/or renewing aging body cells.

Recently, at Home Depot, where I work, I bumped into a former co-worker. She was pushing a cart and proudly said she’s 90 years old, hard for me to believe as we caught up with one another. For many years she had taught dancing, and to this day, she easily can isolate her body muscles. Soon, she began pointing out ways that I might better control my muscles to improve my strength and posture.

I was shocked to learn she regularly talks by phone with a mutual acquaintance, now 103 years old, and someone I had assumed had passed away long ago. Really though, that’s not so odd these days, for more people in that age range are staying alive and remaining cognizant. I have a book of excellent poetry I love, written by a woman who took a beginning poetry-writing class when she was 98 and published her poems as she turned 100.

The biggest hurdle to extending human aging might be the rescuing and/or rejuvenizing of brain cells. There’s still too little understood about how to treat Alzheimer’s. A future that provides care for people diagnosed with that disease and physically able to live longer presents huge issues.

Dear Friends: We humans are approaching a very brave new world. Diana

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Preamble: Last year, our winter season hit quickly. One day was warm, and the next was freezy-snowy. My horses’ watering pump froze immediately, and so did their water. I frequently had to be out chopping very thick ice.

Currently: A few days ago, I was shopping at the supermarket Winco, where for months last year I was a cashier. While checking out, I asked if Cindy, the HR Manager, was in the store and, on learning yes, went to Cindy’s office to say hello and was greeted with a big hug.

When I worked there, Cindy was fairly new in her HR role in that highly successful and busy market. Although always swamped, Cindy was kind and willing to make space to listen, advise, and help. We discovered ourselves sort of soul buddies–each named Cynthia (my middle name), and both determined Geminis.

Last winter’s weather shift caught me unable to care for livestock while working away from home, and I had to make a decision. Cindy tried, but unsuccessfully, to adjust my working hours. And so, I left Winco.

As winter lulled months later, I job hunted but avoided Winco for having left there suddenly. I even hesitated to shop in the store. Recently, Stacy, a long-time Winco employee, and I bumped into one another in a Home Depot aisle. As we were catching up, I realized how much I had missed Stacy and other ex-coworkers.

I had been in touch with one ex-Winco employee, Eva, who now lives in Texas. And, after meeting Stacy, I went shopping in Winco and was surprised to find friends still working there recognizing and greeting me. Thankfully, my sometimes screwball brain is returning me to folks I have enjoyed.

About Cindy: she has traveled full circle and mastered her demanding HR role. Moreover, she’s busy outside, preparing for her daughter’s upcoming huge wedding. I asked Cindy what she plans to wear at work on Halloween (a huge event in Winco). She laughed and said that she’s creating a special costume to be topped by a pink “Grease Jacket.”

Dear Friends: It’s fun these days, retracing some special footsteps. Diana

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

This is a short good morning because I must be at work early and am running late.

On a quick note, I have been waiting for Verizon Internet to arrive in this area, and this week it did. Yesterday, I set up the Verizon equipment and it works fine. There are details to work out before I am comfortable enough to dump the national internet provider I’m using, the one that bought Bend Broadband and changed its services, offerings, and pricing. Based on general feedback from local users of alternate internet providers, I understand the services often fail and repair waits are lengthy.

So, I have been waiting; ahead will be new learning.

Dear Friends: That’s the news from Eight Pines, and now, I must get going. Diana

Monday, September 25, 2023

These are the wee morning hours before I am to clock in for an early shift at work. I savor these early times of quiet for offering a sense of peace and solitude that’s rare elsewhere. While there’s the pressure of needing to prepare for work, there’s also a welcome offset. It’s the perk of being free in the early afternoon. That’ll gain enough light and time to construct more fencing or improve my photography skills.

The available light and time should allow some of both activities. I have enough materials on hand to construct a fence post and if uninterrupted could finish that task in an hour. Then, I could head out in my Jeep with dogs, a camera, and a tripod.

Hmm, maybe it’s poor planning to have dogs around while I practice using a tripod. They don’t cooperate well during needs for steadiness. I will plan differently, to progress in understanding the cameras and how to utilize more their vast capabilities.

On a related note, soon I will need a heated jacket so brought home a new one. Working at HD indicates that technologies improve rapidly. I expect my new jacket to be equipped with an improved battery and can heat more quickly and warm better for longer.

Dear Friends: Now a shift in focus will have me getting ready for work. Diana

Sunday, September 24, 2023

I was invited to an outside, around “the fire pit,” birthday party for Kelli, a close friend of our mutual friends, Ashley and John. Yesterday after work, I went to the event and was surprised to find an almost large gathering. I knew some of those folks and felt comfortable. Ashley whispered that a surprise was about to occur. At seven o’clock, a handsome bagpiper playing “Happy Birthday” came rhythmically toward us, and then continued to serenade with Irish melodies.

He’s a retired Bend firefighter and among a group of retired firefighters that meet and play their bagpipes regularly, and they march in firefighting- and police-related parades. He explained some history of firefighting’s complex evolving and learning about ways to protect this, then even more vulnerable growing community.

He described starting to play a bagpipe at twelve years old, and that he’s never stopped nor wanted to change instruments. A cool fellow. I’ll try to learn more about that group of ex-firefighting bagpipers.

The party was great. I found myself among a mix of horsey and unhorsey folks. Our farrier usually avoids such gatherings but is close to Ashley, John, and Kelli, and was enjoying himself. The group was interactive, talking and laughing lots. I made some new friends, and later, while driving home still felt delighted for having been there.

Dear Friends: I find myself in a “reconnecting period” and am savoring it. Diana