Category Archives: Uncategorized

….but they will eat raisins, if there’s nothing else on offer.  And given the choice, they prefer peanuts to walnuts.  At least, these are the anecdotal observations I’ve made of the three representatives of their species with which I now have a nodding acquaintance.  I feel it’s a privilege to be able to watch theseContinue reading “Squirrels Don’t Like Carrots…”

Writer and filmmaker Julio Vincent Gambuto published an essay recently, predicting that the return to “normalcy” in our country will involve the biggest gaslighting project ever put in motion.  That is, media outlets everywhere, of all types, will not only be selling us on the critical importance of ramping up our lives in short order,Continue reading “Unappreciated Gifts”

I’ve always chuckled at those lists titled, Everything I Need to Know I Learned from My Cat (or Dog).  The ones for cats quote such advice as, “Don’t beg for attention.  Demand it.”  Or, “Test the boundaries.”  I’ve never had a cat who didn’t embody every item on the list.  Each animal is an individual,Continue reading “Cat Naps”

I’ve seen some comments lately, both in the press and among my friends, to the effect that these last few weeks seem like the prelude to an apocalypse.  Or maybe that we’re already in the midst of one.  From my reading, I see that in the world last week, there were volcano eruptions, swarms ofContinue reading “Talk About the Weather”

The vet told us a few days ago that our beagle is overweight.  Not surprising, especially as we haven’t been able to go camping in weeks.  The beagle and the foxhound always go for walkies when we’re camping, and from June through November, when the trails are clear and usually not muddy, we do quiteContinue reading “Thoughts on a Walk”

I’ve read a whole roster of articles in the last decade or so that claim that the picture of a thing is as good as the thing itself, for some purposes.  Or, a scent or sound is sufficient.  The smell of oranges, for instance, is said to increase alertness.  A video of running water hasContinue reading “Tree Hugger”

Our next-door neighbor Mike says he never minds the barking of dogs, because it’s the way they express themselves and communicate.  It’s a good thing he’s tolerant, because our shih tzus tend to be vocal around breakfast and dinner times, and whenever I’m out of sight for too long.  And our beagle, well….he sometimes seemsContinue reading “The Joy of Barking”

Going through the day without a path is a weird feeling.  I never was one to be defined by my job.  I always worked hard, up to 80 hours a week for long stretches, sometimes four part-time jobs at the same time.  Long ago, in the resort area where I lived, I was actually soughtContinue reading “Detached”

Social activist Naomi Klein coined the term, “disaster capitalism,” and wrote a book about it.  The concept isn’t new; it just means that entities and corporations take advantage of damaging natural and manmade occurrences to rake in obscene profits.  In fact, Klein says, such individuals and groups may actively encourage adverse conditions—or impede preparedness forContinue reading “Greed ISN’T Good”

With the world in an even more frantic state of chaos than usual, it takes an extremely strong mind to keep calm, keep centered, and carry on.  On my weekly trip to the grocery store, I see people who are going about their business almost as usual, albeit a bit more cautiously.  Some are wearingContinue reading “Pause”