The Thursday Ramble: Gratitude for things that led me to where I am today

 

My father's desire to escape the winter cold in Michigan, introduced me to the joys of travel.  For this I am grateful. 

Growing up around little airplanes and little airports led to a love of flying, for this I am grateful. 

Having a grandmother who was born near London, and a great-grandmother who was born in Wales that I was able to spend a great deal of time with, inspired a curiosity in me for exploring the world, for this I am grateful. 

I encountered a handful of great teachers, Mr. Snoffer - who left teaching shortly after I graduated and died far too young, Lee Schlicker who taught me the fundamentals of communication. Carl VanHoff who challenged me to read, for all of them I am grateful.

At University there was the stoned young adjunct who exposed me to the fundamentals of writing well, the professor who helped me gain understanding of how my brain works and encouraged me and the adjunct at Rollins who took my writing a step beyond. The lawyer who suggested law school. For all of these I am grateful. 

In law school there were a dozen professors who challenged and inspired me, for all of them I am grateful.  

Education changed me, and changed my life.  I am grateful for the opportunities and the people who made a difference. 

At Rollins College, I peeked out of the closet. And I met my Sweet Bear. Rollins changed my life I am forever grateful.  

Back in 1980 I ran into a John at McDonald's one morning, we talked, I was having a rough time. He suggested I try a new job, he referred me to someone, who referred me to George and my first real job, my first home builder job.  A couple of years later I built my first home. I am grateful for the connections and the opportunities, that built the foundation for where I am today.  

I have been relatively healthy, at times neglecting or abusing my being. When I needed it, I have been lucky to have talented doctors, I am forever grateful for Dr. W, and Dr. Z. 

I have a good life, and I wouldn't be here, if not for the amazing people and opportunities I have experienced, I am grateful for all of them. 

I can only hope, that in some small way, I helped someone, even one person, the way I have been helped in my life. 

 

My World of Wonders aka The Wednesday Ws Post Valentines Day edition

What is happening in that photo?  The gardeners left carrots in the ground in the kitchen garden (lower garden) at Mt Vernon.  The winter weather has frozen off all of the tops.  The squirrel was enjoying a nice mid-winter meal. Nice fat carrot fed squirrel, I know what my grandfather would be having for dinner. 

Where have I been this week? Home, the gym, the pool, Ikea at Woodbridge Virginia, Aldi, the library, a nice drive and Whole Foods. 

Who have I seen this week? I had a bunch of video calls and meetings with my fellow old lawyers. Not a real social week. 

Who have I talked to? My middle brother called to let me know he was sending the information to do his taxes. The lifeguards at the pool, TJ likes to talk, Marcell less so. 

What have I been reading? Vegetables Unleashed by Jose Andres, a brilliant cookbook. Even when he argues that cheese is really a vegetarian product. 

What blog have I added to my daily list? Sharon from Phoenix has a second channel with photos from her travels, she inspires me daily with places I need to see before I die. 

What YouTube channel made me smile this week? A couple of years ago Angus in St Andrews mentioned Finnegan Chamberlain, an American student at the University of St. Andrews. Finnegan is from Oregon, majors in computer science, runs, and loves to travel.  Oh to be young and rich and free. (How many of those can we claim to be?)

What made me think? A story on National Public Radio about racism in the United States. Anyone who thinks racism is a thing of the past, is dead wrong.  I was talking with someone recently about the terrors of driving while black.  I recognize that being born male and white gave me an advantage.  

What travel planning did I do this week? I booked train seats from London to Edinburgh and arranged travel health insurance. 

What needs to be added to my shopping list this week?  https://canadaisnotforsalehat.ca/ 

What made me smile? Mexico is threatening to sue Google over misnaming the Gulf of Mexico on maps shown in the USA. 

What new toy did I buy this week?  We somehow lost a probe thermometer in the kitchen, when I went to replace it, I also bought a laser thermometer. It uses a laser to measure the surface temperature. I have long wanted one, they are now down under $20. 

When am I headed into DC?  Today, I am having lunch with my replacement at the office.  I will brace myself to listen, it is not an easy time to be in DC. 

Travel Tuesday: Saturday Night in Phoenix

A little after 5:30 local time, on the Saturday evening that I was in Phoenix and direct message popped up on Facebook from Urspo's Someone. A free outdoor concert was set to start at 6:00 next to the theater across the corner from the hotel I was staying in.  He would be there as theater staff.  I pulled on some clothes, but not enough, and went across the street.  After sunset and it turned cold in a hurry, I only lasted about half an hour.  The music was fun, the performers were talented and energetic.  

 

Moody Monday: Take Three

Sometimes I write a post, go back and read it, and make major changes, if I read it again and it still makes me feel sick, I set it aside and write a new post.  This is one of those weeks.  I had six conference calls and meetings last week.  Way too much exposure to people who are paying attention to the chaos in the United States.  

I predict the demand for mental health care, antidepressants, and anti anxiety medications will skyrocket this year. Well and maybe sales of alcohol.  

So how can I redirect. 

I can control what I read. I am still looking at some news, the chaos leaders are hoping that we will become so horrified that we will look away. I need to see enough to know what outrage to express.  

I can control what I hear. There is music playing as I write this.  I can change the subject when conversation moves beyond what I need or want to hear.  

I can control what I do.  My daily walk, and near daily time in the pool make me feel good.  I can make sure I do those things. 

I can play in the kitchen.  I will bake bread at least once a week. I am reading a great cookbook. Time to get creative, I get lost in my time in the kitchen. 

I can control what I watch.  I have a collection  of DVDs that I can escape into for days.  It is Britcom night whenever I decide it should be. 

I can write. I filed a complaint with Google the other day, the map incorrectly identifies the Gulf of Mexico. My blog and very limited Social Media posts can point out the illogic and idiocy. Not by insulting the morons in charge, but with rational logic.  Think through it, unlike the people who have no idea what the collateral consequences of actions might be. 

Take care of yourself. 

Do things that are good for you. 

Don't forget to breath.   

The Sunday Five: The Final Frontier

1: Where were you when men landed on the moon? 

2: Have you seen a rocket launch? 

3: Have you met an astronaut? 

4: How do you feel about humans returning to the moon? 

5: Do you think we really understand what is out there? 

My Answers? 

1: Where were you when men landed on the moon? The house on the farm, my parents bought a color television that summer for the moon landing - that was mostly in shades of grey. 

2: Have you seen a rocket launch? Many of them, including the last Apollo program launches and many of the early shuttle launches.  

3: Have you met an astronaut? I am told I did, at the Grand Canyon when I was about 5 years old, I remember being very shy. 

4: How do you feel about humans returning to the moon? It is the stepping stone to exploring beyond our planet, we should have done it decades ago. 

5: Do you think we really understand what is out there? I think there is far more speculation, than true understanding.  

Please share your answers in the comments. 

The Saturday Morning post: 50 States in 52 weeks: Connecticut

The New England region was one of the last parts of the United States that I explored.  My first time in Connecticut was a trip to Boston by train, a wonderful slow ride across the state.  

Then in February of 2024, I went to a conference on Elder Abuse at Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut.  I took the train up the day before, spent the night, attended the program, and took the train home.  

A real highlight for me was the rare book library. Wow! 

Connecticut is north of New York, along the east coast of the United States.  While the urban area of New York city casts a deep shadow over the state, there are many, many small towns, farm areas, and natural areas.  A very pretty part of the country. 
 

Freestyle Friday: Happy Valentines Day!

 Happy Valentines Day

30-odd years together

Some of them odder than others

We still make one another laugh

We still understand one another

We still allow the other space and time

We are endlessly kind and understanding to one another

Love is Being there

Love is not expecting anything from one another, except Love

Love is a warm bear hug 

Love  is Love

Love Yourself

Love Others