Wednesday, January 17, 2023

I couldn’t have been more frustrated yesterday upon on discovering that Word Press wasn’t saving that morning’s blog draft. I thought it was ready to post but a blank page showed up!

Every so often something similar happens, and makes me decide to dump Word Press. Soon though I pause, blogging is easy when the platform works correctly. Kudos to good old Google!

At the end of last year, as a Google believer, I replaced my iPhone with a Pixel 7 Pro, and for service chose Google fi. I’m still unclear as to how these will work out. My iPhone experience was better than with the Pixel, but I’m hanging in. Google’s fi service has the advantage of lower costs per phone and per line. Fi has a disadvantage in being totally online. For example, fi has no brick-and-mortar stores for one to enter and find in-person information or adjustments. Instead, one negotiates during long telephone sessions. If one can dare to online chat, there’s that (those often dissatisfy me).

I also considered another advantage of going all online. It was to learn how to navigate and negotiate totally in cyberspace. All signs point to that as the future for cell phone users. I usually have found myself talking with an international support representative. All so far, have spoken in comprehensible English and have been kind and helpful. My worst experience was in having to seek assistance, because my phone completely had failed, from fi’s online chat.

The jury’s still out on Pixel and fi. I remain cautiously optimistic about using google to achieve two key goals: blogging and cell phone. Meanwhile, there’s news that google and other major cyberspace providers are going to lay off massive numbers of employees. Yes, for now, the best is cautious optimism.

Dear Friends: Hoping this blog gets off correctly for a good cyberspace experience. Diana

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

No blog today. Something is wrong with the Word Press platform and my computer.

Just a quick hello.

Hope to be back on board tomorrow.

Diana

Monday, January 16, 2023

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

For a book club, I’ve begun reading this novel. I’d never heard of Anne Griffin, and after disliking the Club’s previous book, was prepared to struggle through this one. I especially wanted to resist on learning that its protagonist, who’s associated with a mortuary, “can hear the dead.”

I was unprepared to discover that Griffin is a fine writer. She writes so compelling that I returned to the story’s beginning and re-read the first chapter, more slowly to better experience it. Plus, Griffin is Irish, lives in Ireland, and I’ll allow her an Irish perspective. So, am suspending some of my resistance to the idea of hearing the dead.

Yesterday, I practiced several times writing in my Passion Planner. I was surprised by how often my thoughts returned to the topic of becoming physically stronger. I’m strong because of property work and animal caring, but do have chronic back pain. I’ve been learning about bench pressing for women, which is reported to strengthen the whole body. Working out with light weights 3X weekly will strengthen one’s core.

I paused writing in my Passion Planner and ordered a workout bench and some light weights from Amazon. That might seem impulsive but isn’t so much. Over several months, I’ve studied ways for women to correctly and regularly perform reasonably light exercises. My Planner convinced me, I want to work out, strengthen my muscles, and hopefully, reduce my lower back pain.

As a beginner, I’m unwilling to join a gym, which stretches my commitment. Besides working out, there’s the driving to and from and the parking. Besides, abundant online videos and descriptions can teach how correctly to perform bench workouts. If all goes well and I wish for more and better, I’ll join a gym.

Dear Readers: I’ll post updates to both topics as they’re progressing. Diana

Sunday, January 15, 2023

The book club meeting was interesting enough to draw me to another meeting. We had met to discuss a not-so-good mystery novel which some liked, while others including me didn’t. I attended the meeting to spot serious readers and hopefully over time connect with one or two. A key enjoyment of mine is reading and discussing books, especially ones more complex than mainstream novels.

About twenty-five women attended, and the meeting’s facilitator reasonably kept the discussion on track. The hour introduced me to a few bright readers, some of which I gathered are writers, or like me wannabe writers. After that meeting, I went to the Library and checked out two upcoming novels. If reading them is interesting enough, I’ll attend the next discussions.

This morning, I am staring at my new Passion Planner, which arrived yesterday, complete with a box of erasable pens and a set of monthly tabs. I’ve never been a journeying or planner type. I became attracted to passion planning after learning of the method from NPR. Here’s a link: https://www.npr.org/2023/01/02/1082040159/best-planner-journal

To this newbie, the Planner while beautiful feels daunting. I’ve thought about how my journeying might begin, and it needs to be with what’s on my mind, call it passions. They’re about my aspirations for book clubbing and creative writing. I can imagine myself creating a clearer path toward more often participating in thoughtful two-way, and/or group communications. My goal calls for working on my inner and outer self and suits the Passion Planner.

Dear Friends: Wishes related to a larger theme may bring journeying with passion alive. Diana

Saturday, January 14, 2023

We’re enjoying a last gasp of relatively balmy weather. I understand we’re about to be greeted with rain and maybe snow.

Today, I have a couple of social events. First, is a book club meeting with an informed facilitator, to discuss THE GUIDE, by Peter Heller. I didn’t particularly enjoy this novel as typical crime mysteries aren’t my thing. A style of mystery writing I enjoy, for example, is THE ROBBER BRIDE, by Margaret Atwood. Her story is complex, slowly unwinding, and a reader doesn’t realize it’s actually a mystery until Atwood reveals that.

As usual, I digress. Now that I don’t work outside my home, I am considering how to become more out and about. Today, I will be a relatively quiet attendee for the book discussion. I want to sense its quality of readership and evaluation. If the group’s pretty good, I’ll read the planned books and attend meetings.

Right afterward, I will go to the Old Mill District and join some former coworkers from our Costco “sample serving days.” They are taking for lunch one we used to work with. Our former coworker now has advanced memory loss and is unlikely to recognize me. I am touched that some have stayed close to her, through assisted living and now memory care. I wish to support their caring generosity.

I’ll hold off on checking whether I won the lottery. Becoming suddenly a billionaire would ruin my plans for today.

Dear Friends: Aging itself is a mystery, with possibilities seemingly unreal until they affect us. Diana

Friday, January 13, 2023

In this early morning, the outside temperature is a mild 46 degrees and predicted to reach into the mid-fifties. I’m loving being in sweater weather, but timidly, for January is the dead of midwinter. Likely, soon ahead will be sudden and dramatic wintery weather changes.

Today’s weather will facilitate my going out and buying lottery tickets. Of course, that will be tossing away money; but will enable hours of sweet dreams of becoming suddenly and incredibly wealthy. The hours will pass pleasantly between my ticket purchase and the lottery draw.

Who could have imagined jackpots big as the current ones? Who’s mind could have wandered into the neighborhood of today’s huge payouts? Who among us could handle suddenly becoming a multi-billionaire? What’s a typical worst financial condition a simple extra few hundred thousand dollars couldn’t relieve?

Actually, a single extra hundred thousand would free most of us from debt and leave extra for spending.

Anyway, this morning I will go for quick picks. My little investment will conjure up fine fantasies. I will stall until tomorrow morning and then check the winning numbers, hoping for a critical few to match mine.

Dear Friends: I very pleasantly can imagine the joy of a simple hundred-thousand windfall! Diana

Thursday, January 12, 2023

I spent most of yesterday reading a mystery novel for a book club because I plan to attend its next meeting. Ordinarily, mysteries aren’t my favorite reads, because resolving fictional mysteries usually adds sudden artificial plot twists. This novel, THE GUIDE, by Peter Heller, began slowly and was interesting enough. Later, Heller heated the mystery by speeding up its action and the plot became difficult to follow. I considered the story’s ending contrived, an abrupt drop-off.

I’m glad for taking the time to read that novel and am interested in what other readers think about it. After finishing it, I felt happier for the freedom to turn my attention to another book, THE MAN WHO MISTOOK HIS WIFE FOR A HAT, by Oliver Sacks. This will be my first in a five-book exploration of the history and evolvement of modern science, as recommended by The Economist.

Even knowing little about the evolution of science, the topic fascinates me. It took eons for humans to gain intelligence and gather into social units. While humans created significant inventions, scientific progression occurred slowly. Until the mid-1800s when the Industrial Revolution began. Afterward, came one significant invention after another, but still more slowly than later, in the 1960s and 1970s. Once electronics were introduced, changes occurred rapidly and science became overwhelming.

I hope to thread the needle by gaining a sense of how slow progress evolved into rapid changes. Science has so affected production, populations, and cultures. The real story is more compelling than any contrived mystery yarn.

Dear Friends: Reading in wintertime, a great offset to challenging weather. Diana

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

For years I worked as a sample server in the local Costco for one of its associate companies. A year ago, I decided to quit and stay home but eventually returned to work for other organizations. I’ve continued shopping at Costco and saying hello to employees who were workplace acquaintances. Last spring, one such, Jan, wondered if I might rent space in my home to her. On a first impulse, I said no, but then considered the possible mutual benefits. Since then, Jan and I have discussed the possibilities, and pros and cons.

On the plus side, we’ve been acquaintances for years and share an affection for dogs. She used to breed and train her adored Airedale Terriers. She’s comfortable around equines and accustomed to riding horseback. Jan works full-time is five years from retirement, and has lots of nervous energy. She wishes to be active and offers assistance with my animals and property. Like me, she’s a cancer patient, in remission, and doing well.

She says she wouldn’t be bothered at midnights as the dogs and I are rumbling through the house so they may go outside a few minutes; says that, like me, she awakens at 5 a.m. to start her days; says she wouldn’t be bothered by my house heating set fairly low to reduce heating costs.

I have hesitated, having mostly lived alone except for romantic interludes. I’d have to adjust to sharing with another person. At the bottom line, however, a housemate would be beneficial and Jan seems suited to the circumstances. We will move ahead in several weeks when she can leave her current living situation.

And, as a must to be settled up front, our political views and preferences are similar!

Dear Friends: This represents a big step ahead for me in lifestyle and personal progress. Diana

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

This day is starting off a bit chilly. The local weather is predicted to warm toward its recent average in the mid-40s. Yesterday, massive cloud banks over Central Oregon, to the south and west, notably obliterated sights normally in view, including the local Cascades.

The header shows the Middle and North Sisters Mountains, a picture I took on a recent clear day.

Despite yesterday’s clouds, or because of them, the late afternoon sunshine incredibly was bright. I was driving on a neighborhood street and wearing sunglasses, but a windshield shine prevented me from seeing the road. I stopped, rolled down the driver’s and passenger’s windows, and peered at the road to get my bearings, before moving ahead gingerly.

Yesterday’s weather report suggested wearing sunglasses and today’s does, too. In Central Oregon, even with a very low UV index, afternoon sunshine in the west can be beyond bright. Yesterday, I happened to be facing west while driving when the shine stopped me. Lesson learned (again!), do avoid driving in late afternoons.

I’m watching weather trends hoping for more cold to freeze my dry lot’s ground, or for more warm to dry it out. I’m frequently caring for horses out there, where walking equates to wading in slushy mush. Cooperative weather is the best way to deal with too wet ground. Please weather, do what will ease my being out with the horses.

It’s well that our average temps are in the forties. This light jacket weather is much better than snow pants and a system jacket, which tend to be bulky and hinder bending and lifting while caring for animals.

Dear Friends: At least, our daylights are a bit longer, telling us the winter is winding down. Diana

Monday, January 08, 2023

Yesterday, the Eight Pines Ranch welcomed visitors. They were my friend (and former coworker at WinCo Foods), Eva, and her look-alike daughter, Amanda, visiting from California. Amanda is an independent thinker and an animal lover, who upon deciding to go traveling won’t leave home without both Rain, her Labrador puppy, and a beloved tabby cat. The kitty wasn’t a visitor to my ranch yesterday but sweet Rain was here. (With apologies for my pitiful photography skills, look for Rain by peering into the lower right corner.)

We toured the Ranch. The three visitors met my dogs, chickens, goat, and horses. Of course, inside the house, they met Peaches, the Cockatoo, and also, Gilbert, my rescued racing pigeon.

The instant Peaches saw Rain, he began screaming as only Cockatoos can. About Peaches, I’m accustomed to his noises and can tune him out. Yesterday, I barely heard his screams before noticing how those sounds captured our visitors. I explained there’s no sense in trying to shut Peaches up, because he starts and stops when he feels like it. On the other hand, Gilbert, as usual was quiet and soothing.

Ava and Amanda are pleasant, enjoyable companions. Now that my home’s interior finally is coming together, it’s a feel good to greet visitors. As a bonus these days, our weather is warmer (knock on wood!), making it easier to go down to my barn and interact with the outside critters.

Here’s a picture of Ava and me. I wonder why we forgot to keep Rain nearby to be in our picture.

A note about Ava. She befriended me when I worked at WinCo. I struggled to learn the cashiering work and she was an unofficial, kind coach. I often asked Eva about various aspects of my job as well as who in management I might approach for something needed. That our friendship is outlasting our time working together is very cool.

By the way, I’m adding another photo. It’s not relevant to today’s blog but is a delight. I captured this interesting Red-Tailed Hawk flying toward its favorite tree and lowering to land. I consider this tree the hawk’s favorite after often seeing the bird perched atop it and eyeing the pasture below. This sighting was timely, for I had a camera.

Dear Friends: Here at the Eight Pines Ranch, a near-perfect whole day. Diana