'Twas the last blog post before Christmas

when all through the house,

clutter reigned, but luckily no mouse. 

 While at home, to herself, the writer asks,

 (therefore no need to wear any cloth masks)

will there soon be heard massive outrage and clatter?

We've wanted so much change that matters!

Yet four such difficult years are now ending.

Give us fortitude for the future that's pending.

On to equality, fairness, compassion!

On putting democracy back into fashion! 

Stay safe, stay brave and stay healthy, too.

Be grateful I can't sell this to get wealthy! Whew!

 

 post #522

not a Christmas photo, but I'll try for one this year

This was a trial Christmas photo one year, in Denver, but it happens to be a favorite of mine. Can't remember what in the world I was saying to them....

          We have had a single day this year with visible snow on the ground.  So far.

 

 

 This last photo is from a few days later, going for a walk across the road from my place, on the neighbor's hay field. My house is sort of visible through the trees.

All best wishes for the season to everyone, but please stay patient and believe that we will need to wear masks for many more months. More than a few people I know well have had to deal with the virus. I just found out yesterday that, sadly, my niece, in Los Angeles, is one of them.  I'm so sorry for the hardships this pandemic brings to people across the world. America has not done as well as it could have. Different leadership will have a big impact, and thank goodness, as I have said before, for the hard work of so many health provider teams everywhere. I hope they are getting their vaccine pronto.    

I also hope you enjoyed my poetic effort, with more emphasis on the effort part than on the poetic. Once I got started, I couldn't let it go. 

I'm not going to do a post next Sunday -- will take a week off, especially since no one will have time for it. But I'll be back in the new year! Again, all best wishes.

Some same 'ol stuff and a first time something

 post #519

                Busy day. I heard that Joe Biden sprained his ankle today while playing with his dog.  I'm so sorry it happened. Who has time for that?  ( oh well, maybe Trump does since he hasn't been not doing much that's presidential lately. His service to this country continues to be peculiar. His legions of Republican enablers are also tragically hard to figure out .)                  note added on Monday: it seems Biden has hurt his foot in the very same way I did a year and a half ago!

            I didn't get out for a walk, BUT I did do something new -- painted the front of the front door!  It's the FIRST door I have ever painted. The door is no longer dirty white! It's blue!   I took a photo of this little miracle, and put the geraniums onto the photo since it may be their LAST night. I've had them for two years and there's not a good place for them in the house.  I've wanted to paint that door for at least five years.

           We are expecting 12 or so hours of rain before the next night when it will turn to snow.  In Kentucky, we usually get snow later. Hmmm, I don't know yet if from home learners get to have Zoom snow days!? 

        Yes, time for some photos:

The door color isn't really how it looks, but, hey, seeing is believing....that something happened!

a closer view of the two year geraniums -- thanks thanks thanks

     Another project made great headway today.  My friend Carolyn in town made a random comment a couple of months ago about needing another project while spending so much time at home. I replied in a joking manner that I had a task I would love to have her do, if she really wanted it. She said it sounded great, and today she reached the almost done stage -- working an hour or so most days she has typed out the 93 page journal from the notebook Frank and I kept every day -- while we traveled from California, going west, because our first stop was to visit his brother, who was in the Peace Corps in Western Samoa in the Pacific.  We were there for Christmas. We went on to Fiji, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, India, and all the way around back to the USA. Six months. This was in 1970-71, when there were cheap airplane tickets available as long as we continued more or less in the same direction. We went where we knew someone or where someone back home knew someone. We each carried a back pack, stayed in youth hostels or cheap hotels when not in someone's home, and we kept track of every thing we spent -- averaging ten dollars a day.  To pull that off actually takes a lot of work, but that trip was the privilege of a lifetime.

        Carolyn also loves traveling and has done quite a bit of it after growing up on a farm in Kansas.  I think she has enjoyed our adventures, and I can't thank her enough. She and I are going to figure out a sheltered way soon to go over the pages and decipher words or even clarify here and there. I never expected anyone to be able help me with this, and I knew I'd never manage to do it. I wanted to be able to share the adventure without having it be hard to read.

        Here's a photo of the modest looking notebook (our constant companion.) I've not been to Africa or South America; a thin line around a globe shows how much we haven't seen, but it was a precious adventure all the same. I'd always wanted to know what was on the other side of the world.

 

Frank did much of the detail recording, and I could add, or visa versa.

    

         

             

     

            Then there's these two photos of T., posing as a hairbroom in the first one, and showing her hair from the back in the second.  I have a better photo of her sitting down, but it's a vertical shot, and I STILL have not figured out how to make the transfer of a vertical to the current posts with the newly revised secret rules.  The sun was making her hair sparkle, but I couldn't get that to show either.  But we had fun trying -- though I was constrained to my chair in the corner....The attempt to convince me I'm elderly -- and therefore virus vulnerable -- continues. 

             I hope everyone is safe, healthy, and ready for what the next two months will bring us. I wish the wall that Trump is determined to complete was instead a structure that was being taken down, as a symbol of how much more important it is instead to break through our current partisan divide. It's going to take a long time to come to our national senses.  I'm sad that we couldn't make the trip now that we made 50 years ago, plus the world has real problems to solve, like the air, the water, and the access to food for all.  We don't need to spend time on egotistic walls and unrelenting tantrums.  We need to return, at the least, to being able to hug each other.  I'm grateful for friends, family and others who are keeping their eyes and hearts focused on a future filled with healing for each of us.  Ann

Getting closer to the big election

post #509

            I'm not a credentialed political pundit, but I have always cared about politics/ social change/ community support and such. (I was going to be a government major in college until I decided to go with a degree in French literature.  After I discovered photography, I began to wish I was young and hardy enough to be a photo journalist.)

        Our current national mess interests me. When it gets dangerously out of hand, like it currently is, I am always trying to figure out WHY something is happening, what can we each do to make it better, and why do so many people accept the difficult without thinking they can instead contribute to the search for change. Even the Appalachian area of Kentucky, where I live, has a long history of passionate political activity. It's like a glue that keeps our national heart beating and renewed.

     I'm also curious about a lot of things. I like figuring stuff out for myself. I'm fortunate to have discovered a love for photography in my fifties, so I continue to have a lot to learn. I wanted to share tonight just some pleasures I get from noticing the small and the lovely in my every day walking around.  And I found a cartoon from the The New Yorker in July that I recently realized speaks to what I do every day.

This is actually lavender, one of my few tended plants, and it has provided blooms almost all summer! The deer don't eat it.

Panicled Aster! Who knew! A weed is never just a weed....

 I totally missed seeing this poor squashed baby snake at first, but there it was on my return.  Then the next night, it was all gone. Was it eaten? if so, by what or whom? or totally smashed by a tire?

 

 

(See the cartoon ahead.)

a Golden rod variety -- this is the first year I've noticed it

        Yesterday I happened on this cartoon in a pile of New Yorker magazines, and this time it struck me as hilarious, my own little way of seeing the world.  No one is going to believe me all that much either. I don't arrange my photos. I just work with what I see, though that does require getting out in the world you're in. None of us needs to be spectacular every day, but we can still be both amazed and honored to be present.

         Now it's fair to remark that some day no one is going to believe the close call we are currently having concerning our precious democracy.  We are letting our President get away with doing anything he pleases with no concern for the well being of others or of the world. Right now the main thing I ask is for EVERYONE, including Republicans in the Senate, to be clear-eyed about our tomorrows. Let's be kind and be attentive to the world we are forging for our kids and grand kids. Greed or fear have never provided a true key to happiness or made our lives better. 

 

August concerns and life's threads

post #436
       I try not to go on and on about American politics during these posts, but at the same time I feel I have an unusual responsibility to all the visitors to this blog who are not living in the USA. I've decided it's all right to speak up every few months, at the least, about how so many of us Americans are in severe distress at the constant attempts around us to destroy democracy. I feel truthfulness needs to be celebrated instead, and honored, even as many, many of us wish this wrenching situation would all just go away.
       From the beginning of Trump awareness, I have considered the constant lies, the constant inability to acknowledge a mistake, the constant use of chaos to divert, etc. to be signs of mental illness, not of leadership. Even a simple public statement -- like "I am the least racist person in the world"-- has to be a brazen falsehood since there's no way for any one to know who is the least -- or the most -- of anything.  Proclaiming such to the world is instead a confirmation of what has to be called a serious disorder. I certainly am not comfortable with such an unstable person being technically in charge of the nuclear button, to say nothing about separated young children at our borders, or decisions being made by others about my woman's body. 
        Dear readers from all over, I want to be clear that many, many of us are doing what we can to bring back civility and trust and caring, including the essential work needed to heal our wounded planet. How can so many deny the possibility of climate change? of science? of human kindness? Maybe some day we will even be able to figure out how any politicians could willingly ignore how consequential this ongoing national travesty is to the fabric of our nation. As an American, I long for healthy leadership. I long for calmer seas (and ones not laden with plastic.) I long for sanity.

         These three paragraphs above have been, of course, just my personal plea. It will be the voices of all of us that will make the difference. 

finally bales this year, on the way to town

deer neighbors on Sideway Road

Here's a sky view, along Sideway Road, of the pipeline "path" to the far field in the middle of the photo. I love the color of the sky captured in this photo during an evening walk.

In Lexington, on Saturday, near the large annual Woodland Arts Fair, I saw "my" book cover in the window of Black Swan Books, along with 7 other books by Wendell Berry. I was totally surprised to notice it (near where I had miraculously found a fabulous parking space.) However, the day was way too hot for me to hang around to make a better photo.

OK, those were some random photos, to top off all my banter about what needs to happen to make the world a better place. I have also found out this afternoon that my son and his family have climbed Pike's Peak these last three days! They live in Colorado, and the two kids are 8 and 10.  And my daughter and her family have put up tons of basil from their garden and made a place for their two ducks to swim.  (These ducks live with the chickens. They think they are chickens. I think it is called bonding.) Then there were three loads of laundry hung out to dry on their line in 90 degree heat and other such activities on a "non-workday". Also, this afternoon our Kentucky public television station ran a long concert version of Les Miserables, which I couldn't help tuning into at times while working on this post. I mention all this to express how grateful I am for the opportunities I have had and for the choices I have been able to make. My pleasure in doing this blog for 7 years is one way I have to share some of that feeling with friends and strangers alike.
       Please note: this Gerbera Daisy appeared on my porch early in my broken foot days this spring, but I still don't know who left it there! It's now blooming again. Hopeful events are fine with me.

the wider world

post # 437
       It has been weeks since I've said much about the world outside the downstairs of my house or the physical therapy location.  However, while I have been busy healing from a small break in my left foot, I've not stopped being concerned about all that is evolving in the public arena. Being preoccupied is not an excuse for accepting the current chaos threatening our perceptions of what is normal.  I stay somewhere between brooding and distress. I do know that history will not be kind to non-action at a time like this.
         I have not accepted that anyone could deny that we are facing global consequences for what is happening with the world's climate. To not even encourage all the research possible about what could happen is folly. What has become of our backbones, to our brains, or to our souls to not take on this challenge. I live in coal country, and yet even programs that take on how we could do better don't even get a chance of support in the current government. I grieve for what we are ignoring despite our children and grandchildren whom we all supposedly love and care for. 
         In addition, I have absolutely no way to understand the separation of families at our southern border. Those young children are paying a huge price for the inability of grownups to communicate and do the work of compromise with compassion. It is seriously evil that records aren't even being kept about where the kids end up and whom their parents are. If nothing else, this is again cruel behavior by so-called adults bent on bullying and domination, and, might I add, greed.
          Of course I like many others am appalled by the constant lies from the president, and others, and his constant need for attention.  He seems willing to keep up constant chaos in order to feel that his life has meaning. I have met other people who also have this disorder, but they are not in a position to inflict so many people. For example, there is no way the discussion of how many people would be injured this week by some retaliation by our military wouldn't have --- early on ---- discussed how many people could be killed by it. Yet T. would have us believe that he did a generous thing by calling it off at the last moment. If it were true that he was not told, he should have fired all the members advising him for their incompetence, but instead he prefers to throw them under the bus so he can "look good."

          I know that I have had more time than usual to stew on this stuff, so thanks for reading this far -- I've said nothing for weeks, and now this. So, before sharing the two photos at the end of this post, here is a shout-out to other people who have had the "no weight bearing allowed" experience like I have had. And also here are some stories.
           It seems there are friends and family who had it and didn't complain loud enough at the time for me to hear them clearly, like my son, his son (age 8!), my college friend (Liz), my Martha's Vineyard friend (Patty), a local friend (Ginny), the manager of the Rowan County Arts Center (Ashley), my niece, and more. Patty had 8 months of not bearing weight, Ashley was a teenager who chose not to follow advice well so she went swimming with her boot, etc. (She now admits that was a very bad idea.) My niece has two small children and a demanding full time job but also family support.
           I've been hearing additional stories, usually from strangers of all ages who simply saw my boot and shared about how hard it had been for them. I know I got off easy, but by now I really know it. I could drive! I have insurance! I had help from family and neighbors and friends! I had many fewer obligations than I did when I was younger! And so forth. (BTW, I no longer have my boot, which I call my very own story starter.)

          I do want to share two photos today, because they are light-hearted and fun. Humor is essential, no matter our circumstances. 

       First, I've known this sweet rescue donkey for many years, but somehow I didn't pay attention to his name, until yesterday. (By the way, these photos have NO political meaning, honest.) Say the name aloud to figure it out:

Meet DonKeyOatey!

     Then, second, as a companion photo, there's this friendly moment during a walk that I once took in Alsace, France, with the youngest daughter of the French family I had lived with for a year in high school as an exchange student:

 
        with kisses and brays to you all -- Ann
        

five moments over the past three weeks

post #402
       Pieces of a life from the past three weeks, five bits in all, three photos each.  Next week, more humor and the joys of the unexpected. After that, everyone, please vote, to support our joined democracy since it's too essential to be taken for granted for a single minute.

       First, the annual Storytelling Festival took place near Morehead the last weekend in September, on Cave Run Lake.  Twenty years of amazing story tellers.  This year we had good weather, and the lake is always beautiful no matter what the weather. What's also fun is that many of the families who attend are now bringing grand children whose parents were once kids at this same festival.

          Then there is the prep for the annual Hallowe'en party at the end of our road -- I loved these spiders, and the "statuary" located along the route.  I couldn't go to the actual party (see next bit) but maybe next year. (The party happens a couple of weeks early.)

        A week ago Saturday night, on a chilly eve with some showers, I went back to Cave Run Lake, this time for an outdoor wedding, Emily and Jenna's.  Lots of good food (a soup bar, perfect for the temperature), tears, and love.

       I also was able to go with T. to her weekly horse riding lesson, and it was so interesting. The three of them that were there that night helped get the horses ready, and then it was time to go into the square ring to do their paces.  The horse's name is Blue.

        To end, one last photo, my moment in the political event of the day, a visit by Joe Biden to share the stage with Amy McGrath, in Kentucky's nearby 6th District. I was so glad I went. Lots of good energy for new approaches to governing that currently aren't working all that great. Amy's trying no PACs and minimal attack ads. So far she's holding her own.
       It's fun to see some of what goes on around here as we wait for November 6.  We are even finally getting some fall color in our leaves. Believe in the power of change.

political pause

post #399
       Even as I look out on blue skies for a second day, after rain, rain, rain, I find that I remain caught up in the current wrenching display of wounds to the core democracy that supposedly defines our nation.  
      In honor of all those who are finding their voice, and in recognition of all the work that still needs to be done to inspire greater empathy among all of us, I feel the minimum I can do today is say a few words myself, instead of sharing photos as usual.
      These are not usual times, and I, for now, trust they are not some kind of new norm.
       
      My understanding is that those who make it to a confirmation hearing for a place on the US Supreme Court prepare for that day almost their whole life. I would think not being welcomed with open arms once the time comes could feel like a huge repudiation of hard work and the definition of self. I suspect that there has not been equal emphasis along the way on learning to cope if, for some reason -- and there are many possible reasons, as a matter of course -- the actual appointment does not actually happen. It would seem that somewhere along the way, some candidates soak up the idea that he or she is entitled to the appointment. 
       Of course women are not so likely to experience that entitlement aspect of the preparation because they have been barred until recently for even a place at the table. 
       It is also my understanding that the rant we heard on Thursday from Judge Kavanaugh, beyond the pain he was clearly experiencing for not being welcomed with those open arms, was so full of partisan rancor that it revealed his truer motivation. He is supposed to be the knight in shining armor designated by his "clan" to cement deeply conservative ideology on the Supreme Court. He doesn't want to be the one to disappoint the team.
       He has also made some pretty dicey explanations, under oath, that defy common sense. Perhaps his team doesn't call him on his inaccuracies because they would act the same way were they in his shoes? Or are lies now so commonplace in our public discourse that they're barely worthy of mention? 
       Maybe one big question is whether we are still able to value the truth when we hear it! I happen to think that the testimony by Dr. Ford on Thursday was filled with honesty. I think that is one reason why so many found her public statements compelling. And generous. She clearly did it not for herself but to have the information out there for consideration. 
       
       Since I am blessed with many friends over my lifetime, I can share that one of them called me Friday to let me know, for the first time, what happened to her 12 year old self. She has tried over the years to get into the habit of not remembering it. It's not like a badge. I'm so glad she's finally speaking about it. I thank her for her trust and, as always, for her friendship. 
       
Probably this post has enough words for now. Thank you for reading this through.  Ann
       
      
       

In times like this, we need community even more than ever.

post #392
       It has been two weeks of hot weather -- and our shared worry about the soccer team kids trapped in a cave. Also there remains no resolution for the shoddy situation at the USA border that has made life even harsher for immigrants who are fleeing horrific situations and who were separated from their children with no warning.  How can it be that there are no reliable records or notification to parents where their kids would be sent! This is beyond cruelty for thousands of kids.

      However, at least yesterday evening on this ridge was a good day for community -- at an annual post 4th of July picnic, with music making (not country or bluegrass) on the lawn, and, some fireworks, though I had left by then. The weather was perfect -- so I left, before the wonderful light was all gone, in order to get a few more photos at my pond.  

welcome sign

      
 My photos at the picnic were very random, but I hope they are of interest even to those of you who don't know the people. This is the first year I have been able to join in the fun connected to the 4th.. 

arriving

later, looking back from the family cemetery

the "hamburger cooking" host

tending to a bee sting

recent Morehead State graduate and musician! Bravo!

thanks for all the prep work done!!

"snappers"

anticipation

Two pond area photos: 

       I got so absorbed in the photos that I was taking from the car window (using the car as a tripod in the evening light) that, yes, I must have had the headlights on because I ended up not able to start my car.  Blush, blush, blush !!   Thanks, J, for the jump start today!  

Here is the photo I made with my iPhone to show what I was doing while the car lights were on, by mistake:

The camera is resting on my trusty bean bag placed on the open window next to the driver's seat.

 Again, I am delighted to be able to share these photos, in honor of community and family. I thought it a wonderful occasion. As always, thanks to everyone for letting me take a few informal photos.

Note: if I may, I'd like to speak up, apart from my art and Appalachia and only because I have this way of presenting my concerns. I remain upset that our democracy is under such enormous strain, including the choice of another Supreme Court judge who seems to be selected because he (or she) is just like several judges already on the bench. How boring is that when everyone's decision can be predicted! Brings to mind the phrase "rubber stamp". I always thought that having nine justices of great talent works best if there were to be a lot of interpretation possiblities that benefit from multiple perspectives. Otherwise, why bother to have a supreme court in the first place! I have seen the table where the nine sit in a room that is totally private to discuss the decisions they are reaching during the term.  When I was there, it felt impressive and condusive to thoughtful consideration.  By now I imagine it to have a dimension that might be considered a brawl. These are all brilliant people, but I guess that never guarantees open minds -- or a willingness to acknowledge a common good.