March 29, 2020 thought for the day: The pleasure of finding something is worth more than what you find. Persian Proverb

There is not much on the agenda today. I would have slept in but the dogs got me up twice around five o’clock then again around six o’clock. A couple of hours later when Bob took the dogs out in the back yard he said the gate was open and our neighbor who was out in his back yard too said that someone had been around their back door. Now, after the fact, I am thinking the dogs got me up because they heard something outside.

March 28th’s photo theme was “in the air”. That theme can cover many things, birds, planes, clouds, frisbees, balls, and on. I chose the flag we have mounted on a side yard pole.

Yesterday, I talked to one of the ladies from the church and during our conversation on a few things she suggested that some of our congregation may not know how to get to our pastor’s online Sunday sermon. So I spent the first part of the morning putting together a page of instructions on how to get there. I used several print-screen-shots to put it together. It had to be something near home since we still can’t wander to far from home.

I use to upload photos to contest/stock sites but somehow got away from that. Yesterday I ventured back to it, at lest for the day. I worked in the “darkroom” and uploaded a contest/stock photo for eleven sites to my contest upload file archives. I hope to get them uploaded today. I should be using some of this time to work on household organizing but I don’t seem to have the oomph for that. I am not and never have been the best housekeeper in the world. My interests lie in other directions. I keep it as neat as I can and “decorate” it to be at least pleasant. Beyond doing dishes, laundry, cleaning the toilet and straightening the rest can wait til I get a push of some sort or other. 

I listened to the online church sermon a little while ago. The pastor added a couple of things not in last weeks to the presentation. I think it made it much more comforting. 

The word for today is expression. Prayer is as natural an expression of faith as breathing is of life, Jonathan Edwards. If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle, Vincent van Gogh. Caresses, expressions of one sort or another, are necessary to the life of the affections as leaves are to the life of a tree. If they are wholly restrained, love will die at the roots, Nathaniel Hawthorne. Where painting is weakest, namely, in the expression of the highest moral and spiritual ideas, there music is sublimely strong, Harriet Beecher Stowe. To suppress minority thinking and minority expression would tend to freeze society and prevent progress… Now more than ever, we must keep in the forefront of our minds the fact that whenever we take away the liberties of those we hate, we are opening the way to loss of liberty for those we love, Wendell Phillips.  Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men and animals. Some seem to smile; some have a sad expression; some are pensive and diffident; others again are plain, honest and upright, like the broad-faced sunflower and the hollyhock, Henry Ward Beecher. Happiness is an expression of the soul in considered actions, Aristotle. 

The photo challenge for today is “chair”. That is a simple and wide-open theme. I have all types of chairs in the house since my decorating is pretty much eclectic. I chose one that we have had for a while and needs a bit of repair. It seems elegant in its lines and design. 

A couple of years ago when I was just a little bit younger and had little more energy, I had an interest and finding places around Columbus to make my photos. I kept looking for interesting ideas of where to go to find them. I have always had an aversion to driving so I had to add that feature into my scenario in  my search of places to go. One of the places I found to help in my searches of places to explore was the annual “Easter Egg Hunt” by Joe Blundo of the Columbus Dispatch. He has begun the hunt again, that is the article for today. After reading the clue in todays article, putting two and two together and a google search with my “secret” search string I think I came up with the answer. My guess...the local Champions Golf Course on Westerville Rd. The heading of the article is Virus not stopping hunt for Joe’s Easter eggs, By Joe Blundo, The Columbus Dispatch. Just before every Easter season Joe has put this scavenger-hunt type article/contest in the Dispatch. This year's contest will go on through April 7. He will give us ten rhyming riddles (one each day) on where to find the imaginary eggs. The article states that the “hidden and imaginary” eggs could be in landmarks, businesses, artwork, cultural attractions or other spots. I won’t give the full quote for today’s puzzle but you can find it in Joe’s column in todays Dispatch. The last line of the clue for today is “....But this one’s where they holler “fore.”  After the last riddle on April 7 we are to email the guesses, numbered one through ten to Joe no later than five o’clock that day. The prizes, for three winners, is $50. The first person emailing the correct answer is the top winner. 

I froze some chicken from the night I had chicken cutlets, I am going to thaw them and cut to bite sized pieces and make chicken spaghetti.

Love you
Grandma

March 27, 2020 thought for the day:  The sky is the same color wherever you go. Persian Proverb

The day started with the usual virtual visits and responses. Then I grabbed hold of Bob to “escort” me to church to print the abbreviated church bulletin I have opened this new and temporary version of the bulletin with “A Vigilant” Gathering of the People (as opposed to the normal “The Gathering of the People”). I copied two documents, Pastor Tom’s sermon and the abbreviated bulletin. I folded each as they came off the copier. Then stuffed the envelopes. The envelopes weren’t the size I really needed. They were the #10 size and I needed the #12 size. So I had to fold again the material to fit the envelope. When I got home, I got on line and ordered the size I will need for next week’s mailing.

Yesterday’s theme was “so good!”. For the most part we are staying close to home so most of my photos have to come from somewhere close by. I noticed Sweet Pea laying all stretched out taking one of her morning naps so that would be the shot of the day.

Sugar ran out of her pro-biotic medication so I called the vet’s office from the church to order a refill. We stopped there on the way home. Their mode of operation has changed too. No persons are allowed in the office now. If you have a sick pet, the staff comes to the car to get them. To get my medicine I called when we got to the parking lot to let them know I was there and the staff brought it to me.

We made one more stop at White Castle for “brunch” and a swing though Westgate Park for a photo shoot.

Rebecca stopped by. She had picked up some peanuts for Sue. She didn’t want to come in due to the distancing order. So she left the peanuts on the porch and we each gave a wave through the window.

The word today is expectation.  Loving, hating, having expectations: all these are attachments. Attachment prevents the growth of one's true being, Laozi. Well done is better than well said, Benjamin Franklin. The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools, Confucius. We need never be ashamed of our tears, Charles Dickens. I have been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape, Charles Dickens. Take nothing on its looks; take everything on evidence. There's no better rule, Charles Dickens. We never live; we are always in the expectation of living, Voltaire.  Life is largely a matter of expectation, Horace. All earthly delights are sweeter in expectation than in enjoyment; but all spiritual pleasures more in fruition than in expectation, Francois Fenelon. A youthful mind is seldom totally free from ambition; to curb that, is the first step to contentment, since to diminish expectation is to increase enjoyment, Fanny Burney.

Today’s photo theme is “the view”. As I mentioned above Bob and I were out this morning and I stopped at the park for a photo shoot. This is what I saw, one of the views of many at the park.

I have wondered how the delivery services were working in this time of the coronavirus. This article touches on that. The article said that the services doing food delivery, groceries and packages are thriving during this time. They are having to be more careful and alert. They use the hand sanitizer and leave the delivery items on the porches. Uber East and DoorDash are two of the services making the deliveries. Early on this practice the fees were waves. One of the drivers said that the Uber and Lyft services for passengers is way down if not “completely dead”. It was also noted that customers are no longer paying delivery fees but tips have increased. Delivery services and restaurants are adding the safety of setting up special tables for the drivers to pick up orders keeping personal contact with others to a minimum. Once delivers are left on the porch the owner are contacted to let them know the delivery has been made. Drivers have found like most of us that cleaning products are harder to find now. Many stores have now set up limits on how much of one product can be bought at a time. They also need the wipes and disinfectant sprays to keep them selves as safe as possible.

Its Pizza time again!!!

Love you
Grandma

March 25, 2020: The world is a rose; smell it and pass it on to your friends. Persian Proverb

It’s turned out to be a busy day. Several years ago, while I was still working, I subscribed to a home grocery delivery programs called PeaPod. I was so sad when they left Columbus due to seemingly an uninterested  city for that kind of project. Now that we are all homebound, many of the grocery stores are offering that service. I decided to try it with Kroger today (Kroger was the store in Columbus that sponsored PeaPod all those years ago). Anyway, I placed my first order today. It is due to be delivered later this afternoon. I also was given the choice at a cheaper rate to pick it up in the parking lot. I may try that version the next time. It is one relief of mind not to have to go into the store to avoid people. On the other hand, I miss the idea of “shopping” for things and food I may have forgotten and for just being among people and out of the house and following everyday life. Ah well, back to the old ways one day....maybe.

March’s 24th theme was “morning”. In Ohio some mornings as winter ends and spring comes forward the morning sunrise is not always at the peak of a photographers hopes. I found this one to be of that nature. So I dipped once again into my archive and found many gorgeous morning sunrises right here in my neighborhood. I chose one of those. 

I worked on getting a few things done around the house too. I cleared the dish washer and cleared out the frig. Then I made a meatloaf to put in the oven a little later this afternoon. I don’t have a “long” list today so I am reaching for projects to work on. I think I will make som

e cherry turnovers.

The word today is existence. The whole secret of existence is to have no fear, Gautama Buddha.  No power of genius has ever yet had the smallest success in explaining existence. The perfect enigma remains, Ralph Waldo Emerson. I took one Draught of Life - I'll tell you what I paid - Precisely an existence - The market price, they said, Emily Dickinson. No one would choose a friendless existence on condition of having all the other things in the world, Aristotle. A man may fulfil the object of his existence by asking a question he cannot answer, and attempting a task he cannot achieve, Oliver Wendell Holmes. Unrest is the mark of existence, Arthur Schopenhauer. Reflect often upon the rapidity with which all existing things, or things coming into existence, sweep past us and are carried away, Marcus Aurelius. We sometimes meet an original gentleman, who, if manners had not existed, would have invented them, Ralph Waldo Emerson.  The very impossibility which I find to prove that God is not, discovers to me his existence, Jean de la Bruyere.  Books, not which afford us a cowering enjoyment, but in which each thought is of unusual daring; such as an idle man cannot read, and a timid one would not be entertained by, which even make us dangerous to existing institution - such call I good books, Henry David Thoreau. We must be purposely kind and generous or we miss the best part of life's existence, Horace Mann. 

Todays challenge is “I’m loving”. As I sat here at the computer and looked at the window by my computer monitor I saw gorgeous light and shadow on my neighbor’s fence. I loved the view but I couldn’t get the same positioning if I went outside. I ended up using one of my pets again as I so often do in my photography.

At least there are some bright things in this time of stress and worry. The article I picked for today is about some revitalizing  projects are continuing in Columbus. It was noted in the article that the governors “order” defines construction as “essential infrastructure”. The specifics of what kinds of construction are covered more in detail elsewhere. New projects are not being started at this time. Here are some of the continuing projects in Columbus. Convention Center Hotel-Preliminary site work just began in December, “the construction schedule for expansion of the Hilton Columbus Downtown remains unchanged.” CoverMyMeds Office Campus-Work is also continuing on the $240 million office complex now going up in Franklinton. One of ths spokes persons for this project said.  “Our teams are taking every precaution necessary to protect crews on site with an emphasis on prevention, social distancing and the protocols outlined for essential businesses in the Stay At Home order.” Founders Park-Thrive Companies (formerly Wagenbrenner Development), is overseeing several significant developments and are keeping up with the COVID-19 safety protocols. Such protocols are no in-person meetings, no visitors inside construction trailers, the use of protective gloves are required, disinfectant washing stations have been set up for both personal care and for contractor tools, etc. Construction of the new OSU Arts District continues and other OSU Construction-the new Postle Hall and the new Health Sciences Faculty Office and Optometry Clinic are two construction areas at OSU. 15th and High-The 15th and High project does not fall under the direct purview of OSU – it is being managed by the nonprofit Campus Partners. The article stated that all of these sites are fully considering safety procedures.

I made the meatloaf earlier and started some eggs boiling. I will add masked potatoes and baked beans to the menu. 

Joy

March 23, 2020 thought for the day: The old for want of ability, and the young for want of knowledge, let things be lost. Spanish Proverb


Things have moved to another phase in this quick moving coronavirus epidemic. We are now ordered to “stay-at-home”. Bob, and some of his peers, were sent home for two weeks an hour after he arrived at work. At least they are being paid. The “order” goes into effect at midnight tonight. It made me a little more concerned about what I had on today’s agenda. I planned to print the church newsletter to get to folks for information as well as possibly giving a touch of normalcy with its presence. I didn’t know whether to go ahead with the plan or stay at home. The order wasn’t in effect until midnight as well as the fact that there is absolutely no one at the church now. So I decided to go. Bob was home by then so he went with me.  I got the printing done in about an hour then brought all the supplies and folded newsletters (I did that as they came off the copier) to finish the preparation for mail. Believe it or not I did some research on whether people should be getting mail at this point in this major world wide dilemma. What I found was that it is not suspected that the virus is passed on through mail. One of the reasons is the length of time from the creation of the letter to the time of the delivery, that is among other reasons.

My photo a day theme yesterday was “horizon”. Well, I live in the city so it is difficult to find a good photo of the horizon that isn’t blocked by houses and other structures. So, as I found it necessary at time, I dipped into my archives. I am lucky I carry a camera at all times so that I can and have built up an archive. This one was shot on my way to a village a few miles away from my home. 

Added to the above item, I have been lost in time working on some ideas I have had for a church bulletin in this time of stay-at-home (shelter in place). I am hoping to make things look and/or feel a tiny bit more like a real church service for our congregation even though they are mostly going to be via digital means. I don’t know how this will be accepted but I am hoping for the best. At the same time (multitasking), I have been skipping from one thing to the next with the newsletter. I have been putting on the tabs, the labels and the stamps. I have one third of those done at this point and about half of the bulletin I am trying to design. At least it is all taking my mind off some of the stress that comes with our times right now.

One of my neighbors stopped over to ask if I needed anything at the store. I told her thanks, and that I am planning on placing a pick order later this week. I also had a call from my tax preparer saying they have cancelled face to face meetings and gave me a couple of alternatives. I have (had) an appointment for next week. 

Today’s photo theme is “clouds”. Because we were having a particularly gray day I didn’t think I could get a decent shot but I make a couple attempts. I almost decided to use one from the archives again but once I used the Photoshop darkroom. I chose this one where the camera directed at the heavens across the street from my house.

The word is excess. The desire of power in excess caused the angels to fall; the desire of knowledge in excess caused man to fall: but in charity there is no excess; neither can angel nor man come in danger by it, Francis Bacon. Life etches itself onto our faces as we grow older, showing our violence, excesses or kindnesses, Rembrandt. The excess of pleasure is pain, Almeida Garrett. He who holds on to the Way seeks no excess. Since he lacks excess, he can grow old in no need to be renewed, Laozi. As scarce as truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand, Josh Billings. The road to excess leads to the palace of wisdom...for we never know what is enough until we know what is more than enough, William Blake. The excesses of our youth are drafts upon our old age, Charles Caleb Colton.

It continues to interest me to see all the ideas people are having to live and handle this time of trouble that is occurring in all our lives. This article is about a family who have tried and found that keeping a daily schedule helps with their routine and sanity. One of the notes on the posted schedule was “don’t talk to dad” between 1 and 2 pm. The family said that doesn’t mean things don’t get “messy” from time to time. One example was their printer broke down and the dad at one point wanted to throw the scanner out the window. Another, the teen wanted to have friends come to “hang out”.  Also the adults have to make sure the kids are keeping up with the homework assignment. This all goes on the printed schedule.  The dad works from home. Another member video-conferences with her students. It was also pointed out in the article that it’s not all that easy to be around each other all day long. When the schedule was set up there was room for breaks for some relaxation such as games, out door breaks, exercising and “alone” time. One of the things I enjoy is reading but that isn’t new to this stay at home period of time. I have and do read (fiction) at least an hour every day. Right now I am reading. “Hells Corner” by David Baldacci an ebook borrowed from the library and read on my ipad.

Since I have lost track of time today, I am going to be “ordering in” for dinner.

Joy

March 21, 2020 thought for the day: However bright the sun may shine, leave not your cloak at home. Spanish Proverb

The dogs got me up about nine o’clock. As I was waking up, I was putting together a short agenda for the day. The main thing was getting the newsletter done. I haven’t gotten too much input from others for it but I think I have enough to get it done. I also wanted to get the hard copy of the first sermon on the web page. That is the first thing I tackled. That and generating a list for sending a copy of the sermon to folks who may or may not have access to a computer for the Live broadcast the pastor is going to try on Sunday at 10:30. I got the first two on the list done in short order. The newsletter took a couple of hours but it is finished and ready to print. But I will wait for any possible late requests.

My theme photo’s title for yesterday was “fashion”. I am no so much into the clothing thing. I have a black sequined blouse that I got for my grandson’s wedding a few years back. I wear it only on special occasions. That was my pick for a shot today.

I went to Kroger yesterday for a few things that were running low. I was nervous about going out with my age, being what it is and the almost ,constant warnings not to go out. I went as early as I could and I wore surgical gloves while I was in the store. I am going to try to order for either delivery or pick up after this though. I didn’t have any problem and there were not a lot of people there.

My basement was flooded for the first time since we had the new gutters put up as part of the remodeling. There were many areas of the city that had major problems so it wasn’t out of the question that we would most likely have a problem. I didn’t go down to check it but Bob said there were things turned over from the force and height of the water. The water has gone down almost completely but Bob still has to run the shop vac.

Yesterday was another of those days that I had a second photo a day. That challenge was titled “camera on the ground”. I took shots of several things and picked this as the best one. It really was a bit of a challenge too because every time I put the camera on the floor and pointed toward Sweet Pea, she would move. Finally, she went to sleep, tired of the
at game. 

The word today is excellence. Consider first, that great or bright infers not excellence, John Milton.  Success is not something to wait for, it is something to work for, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. When superstition is allowed to perform the task of old age in dulling the human temperament, we can say goodbye to all excellence in poetry, in painting, and in music, Denis Diderot.  Men are born to succeed, not to fail, Henry David Thoreau. We succeed in enterprises which demand the positive qualities we possess, but we excel in those which can also make use of our defects, Alexis de Tocqueville. The moral sense is the first excellence of well-organized man, Thomas Jefferson. There is no excellency without difficulty, Ovid. One's only security in life comes from doing something uncommonly well, Abraham Lincoln. The more we sympathize with excellence, the more we go out of self, the more we love, the broader and deeper is our personality, Edwin Hubbel Chapin. Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous, Confucius. , Marcus Tullius Cicero.  By education I mean that training in excellence from youth upward which makes a man passionately desire to be a perfect citizen, and teaches him to rule, and to obey, with justice. This is the only education which deserves the name, Plato. 

Today’s challenge is “on the street”. This one took some thought. There are many things that could be on the street. The first thing that came to my mind was cars. So that is what I went for. I got several different views. I liked this one best for it’s angles and shapes.

It’s hard to find news that isn’t about some off shoot of the coronavirus. This one is about what some kids are doing to use up time and to stay healthy. It opens with telling about a family who are in their backyard throwing shots at the basket ball net. Their hope is that this will help keep them ready if the season will be allowed to open soon. Many of the games had already been scheduled. A coach was optimistic and stated that nothing had officially been canceled. A captain of one of the teams said “As captain, it’s my duty to keep everybody’s hopes up and set an example”. They all seem to feel that they have to keep in shape in case things become more promising. The schools have been “slated” to open on April 6, but that remains to be seen. One student commented that he and his sister go to the backyard or the street the throw a ball. He said  “At least it’s something you can do.” One coach said that some of his team uses a phone app the gives a daily workout for "various specialties”. Most seem to be looking or hoping for at least an abbreviated season starting in May.

I pulled one of the containers of homemade vegetable soup out of the freezer for dinner. I will add some chicken fries to that.

Joy

March 19, 2020 Thought for the day: I never was satisfied with "I will, I will." One "take this" is better than two "I will give you." Spanish Proverb

Stupid me....I set my alarm to get up at seven this morning and there was no real reason for that according to my age-old theory that staying in bed too long in the morning is wasting the light of the day.

Onward and upward, I am still keeping up with the photo a day, as I mentioned before it is not only a hobby but it offers a release of stress as well as a sharing of the universal language of art as a means of comfort to others, hopefully. Yesterday’s theme, “close-up”. I made several shots and chose this one after studying the others as enlarged in my Photoshop darkroom.

My agenda is mild for the day. I got the bulletin printed yesterday. Then came home to find that the Presbytery elected to close all church activity for a while during this darkened time of virus.

I updated the church’s web pages including facebook sites to spread the word to any of our congregants and others who may visit those pages for our input.

Sue needed to get some errands done so I took her where she needed to go. When we got home, I started my laundry, and guess what? ..... I started it LATE AGAIN today. I will be working on in into the evening after dinner is over and cleared away. 

My cousin Danny, who has been anxious to come back to Ohio from Texas since his mothers recent death, finally arrived at another cousin’s a few hours ago. He had to stop several time to get gas. I am relieved he got here safely. I am sure he is as frightened as all of us are of the virus, which tops off the grief of the loss of his nearest relative, a lonely trip based on all the money he has left to his name, no job at the moment and no permanent home. He’s young but still....

The word for today eternal. The eternal stars shine out again, so soon as it is dark enough, Thomas Carlyle. Public opinion contains all kinds of falsity and truth, but it takes a great man to find the truth in it. The great man of the age is the one who can put into words the will of his age, tell his age what its will is, and accomplish it. What he does is the heart and the essence of his age, he actualizes his age. The man who lacks sense enough to despise public opinion expressed in gossip will never do anything great, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. So a voice in the mountain is enough to let loose an avalanche. A word too much may be followed by a caving in. If the word had not been spoken, it would not have happened, Victor Hugo. How is it that we do not die of love in seeing that God Himself could do no more than shed His divine blood for us drop by drop? When as man He was preparing for death, He made Himself our food in order to give us life. God becomes food, bread for his creatures. Is this not enough to make us die of love? Teresa of Avila. All that's necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing, Edmund Burke. Just living is not enough... One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower, Hans Christian Andersen. Time is the only test of honest men, one day is space enough to know a rogue, Sophocles. Give me the benefit of your convictions, if you have any; but keep your doubts to yourself, for I have enough of my own, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It is not enough to be busy. So are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about? We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us. ... Believe you can and you're halfway there, Henry David Thoreau. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop, Confucius. Time stays long enough for anyone who will use it, Leonardo da Vinci. 

Today’s theme is “black and white”. I didn’t set the camera to shoot black and white as it has the capacity to do but used the darkroom to make that change. I used several disinfectant products for the shoot as a nod to the crisis we are having. That is a notable image to the other purpose of my blog, a journal of daily happenings in my life and the world around me.

In a time like this, or any time actually, it is good to see how much kindness there is out there and how many ingenious ways of doing good for other are being found and used. The article I chose today talks about some of the “good deeds” folks around our town are doing for others in the crisis. It opened with telling of two ladies walking up and down the street with plastic bags. They put the bags with a flyer in it that said  “Help us help them!” (The “them” is hungry children) on door handles. In less than a week one of the ladies said she has raised $11,550 for her new “Feed the Kids Columbus” organization. Food in the way of  oatmeal cups, granola, boxed macaroni, and cheese, etc have been given to kids.  Another “good deed”, a family leaving jigsaw puzzles on their porch for people to take to relieve the boredom of being home bound. The article mentioned that if we give help “we can take back some control over a seemingly uncontrollable situation and feel a little more at ease.” A person who delivers Meals on Wheels in the Westgate area knocked on a door and waited. When the door was answered the lady said “I’m so happy to see you”. She had been worried that the Meals on Wheels may have been cancelled due to the virus. LifeCare Alliance has made some changes because of the outbreak, one is that people don’t have to sign for their meals as before. It was mentioned that with so many people off work for now there are more folks trying to find ways to help others. Another story of help is about an Ohio State University student who was afraid she had no where to go when the dorms were closed, she was offered a room by a lady who runs Zora’s House (a community space in the Weinland Park neighborhood for women of color). Another area of help, a chain of volunteers who would pick up groceries and prescriptions for the elderly, people with limited mobility and other self quarantined in the community. Stated at the end of the article: “Everyone is (seems to be) looking for ways to help in this sudden and shocking process of self-quarantine”.

I am in the process of deciding the dinner menu as I am multi tasking the rest of todays agenda. It looks like it is leaning toward creamed chipped beef. The prep time had to be considered and the food supply also.

Joy

March 17, 2020 thought for the day: When the devil says his prayers he wants to cheat you. Spanish Proverb

Well, plans for this day actually started yesterday. I got a call that our food pantry had been closed. I was planning on working there today, tomorrow and two days next week but they have been canceled in trying to join others in keeping this virus at bay. It looks like we will be home bodies, more or less, whether we want it or not. We are keeping the church open at this point because we are a small congregation and church related meetings are also small. My biggest worry is going to the grocery store.

Here at my house we are ok on that front, grocery shopping, for about a week. For me staying home won’t be too bad as long as I have my computer, crocheting and TV. I am a "home body" by nature.

The photo a day challenge for March 16 was “fresh”. I haven’t been to the store for a few days so “fresh” fruits and vegetable were not readily available for me today. My thoughts went to the “fresh” growth that is occurring in the earth as nature moves on its merry way in spite of the destruction of the infamous virus of 2020. 

The minister for this week sent me her information early this morning so I was able to get the bulletin completed and sent to the proofreaders. That is the biggest thing on my to-do list for today. I still want to get a few things done in the kitchen.

This is the day Bob gets off work early. He is home and helped me with my photo challenge for today. The title is “throw”. That would be hard to do without a little help. This image is my photo of the day and met the required theme title. I used some Photoshop darkroom tricks to give a more conducive background. The original back ground had one of the dogs walking past Bob (I didn’t see it at the time I stopped time).

The word is enlightened. Reading nurtures the soul, and an enlightened friend brings it solace, Voltaire. True religion extends alike to the intellect and the heart. Intellect is in vain if it lead not to emotion, and emotion is vain if not enlightened by intellect; and both are vain if not guided by truth and leading to duty, Tryon Edwards. Every burned book or house enlightens the world; every suppressed or expunged word reverberates through the earth from side to side, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day, Thomas Jefferson. Love works a different way in different minds, the fool it enlightens and the wise it blinds, John Dryden. The press is the best instrument for enlightening the mind of man, and improving him as a rational, moral and social being, Thomas Jefferson. The true grandeur of humanity is in moral elevation, sustained, enlightened and decorated by the intellect of man, Charles Sumner. He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened, Lao Tzu. So it is with human reason, which strives not against faith, when enlightened, but rather furthers and advances it, Martin Luther. He that fancies himself very enlightened, because he sees the deficiencies of others, may be very ignorant, because he has not studied his own, Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton.   

This time in history is interesting. It seems governments, local and federal, are doing a pretty good job of working things out under nearly impossible time constraints. People in businesses seem to be trying to make adjustment in their services too. We may all make it through this and have learned valuable lessons and renewed thought to the way we live our lives in the process. The article today is about one way the schools are trying to keep the kids fed even though the schools are closed. The article described one of the cafeteria workers as she prepared food in an “eerily” quiet building, South High School. She had on her mask and gloves as she filled and stacked the foam containers. Pepperoni pizza and apples were among the foods in the containers. These containers of food were offered to not only students who are out of classes but to anyone under eighteen.  On Monday 837 breakfasts and 1,103 lunches were served. It is planned that these free meals will go on as long as the schools are closed. On Sunday, Ohio's Governor DeWine, said schools could remain closed for the rest of the spring semester depending on the rate of the spread of this virus. Spring is normally the time of testing and preps for graduations. Many areas are offering on-line learning with the teachers scrambling to set up the lessons for that method of teaching. The article said that there would be none of the regular end of semester testing during this period. The ACT tests have been moved to June 13. The article went on to explain that Google Classroom and Canvas are two of the platforms being used for the assignments from home. There are some students who don’t have computer access which is further limited by the closure of libraries. These students are being provided technology or assignments on paper. I was happily surprised to learn that Hilliard is extending its WiFi into the school parking lots so that students can do their assignments outside the building.  Programs are being set up to assist special needs students. A couple of personal views on this subject are: one grandmother is strongly suggesting her grand children has use of her computer. Another, a student mentioned in the article was sent home with a 100 page packet of work along with her teacher’s phone number to use if she needed help.

It’s amazing, and proudly so, to me as I hear many of America’s plans taking place to help with the problems that this ugly virus dumps on society. For example, I hear that there are plans held in reserve for military assistance in setting up “Mash” style hospital quarters if/when necessary. Also assistance from construction companies (masks) and veterinary facilities offering their masks and other supplies where needed because they are hard to get for our medical personnel.

I am using mom’s recipe for chicken cutlets for dinner tonight.

Joy

March 15, 2020 thought for the day: A little smile adds a great deal to your face value. Traditional Proverb

At yesterday’s special meeting of the Session (board) at church we decided on a few adjustments for the service and other church activities for the next few weeks due to the Coronavirus. The congregation this morning was small, extra small as expected. Hopefully it won’t be too long before things can get back to normal. I was thinking all of this was to-much-to-do-about-nothing but as it has grown my trepidation has grown also. We should just pray and wait it out, taking the common sense precautions. The feeling I get is a little like the Twilight Zone.

The photo theme for March 14 was “this is fun!”. It passed through my thinking cap that outside and social events can affect the way people, me included, feel in their surroundings and events going on around them.  That being said, I had difficulty finding something to present as “this is fun”. There was some snow lightly falling outside the window. It gave me a soft feeling of nature still going on. That is “fun”with all else that is happening.

While I was at church, Bob said I had a call. My neighbor was going to the grocery store and called to see if we needed anything. I to called them to thank them for thinking of us.

I was up a little early after some kind of off the wall dreams due, I suppose, to this hysteria that is going on right now. I got all my daily starts out of the way before getting ready for church.

I talked to Lowell on my way home from church. He and Rebecca may have been exposed to the virus through some daily activity so are on a self imposed isolation until they hear the results of the testing of the other party.

As usual I have not set up a must-do agenda today so I am “following my nose” for computer activity this afternoon. I do have two photo shoots to do today.

Today’s challenge is “cool”. I glanced around as I was absorbing this choice for an image that fits. My eye settled on my Winterberry plant that was half in the sun and have descending into shadow. that's cool.

The word today is enjoy. One man lies in his words, and gets a bad reputation; another in his manners, and enjoys a good one, Henry David Thoreau.  Life is like our game at whist ... I don't enjoy the game much, but I like to play my cards well, and see what will be the end of it, George Eliot. Let him who believes in immortality enjoy his happiness in silence; he has no reason to give himself airs about it, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. If wisdom be attainable, let us not only win but enjoy it, Marcus Tullius Cicero.  A book should teach us to enjoy life, or to endure it, Samuel Johnson. A third heir seldom enjoys what has been dishonestly acquired, Juvenal. He scatters enjoyment who can enjoy much, Johann Kaspar Lavater. Good men make life a twofold span to last: Twice does he live who can enjoy his past, Marcus Aurelius. Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too, Voltaire. May our children and our children's children to a thousand generations, continue to enjoy the benefits conferred upon us by a united country, and have cause yet to rejoice under those glorious institutions bequeathed us by Washington and his compeers, Abraham Lincoln. Do the best you can . . . enjoy the present . . . rest satisfied with what you have, Seneca the Younger. Let me posses what I now have, or even less, so that I may enjoy my remaining days, if Heaven grant any to remain, Horace. O how sweet it is to enjoy life, Living in honesty and strength! And wisdom is sweet, And freedom, Gautama Buddha. For Solomon, he lived at ease, and full Of honour, wealth, high fare, aimed not beyond Higher design than to enjoy his state, John Milton.  I work even in the middle of the day, in the full sunshine, and I enjoy it like a cicada, Vincent Van Gogh. And hearts resolved and hands prepared The blessings they enjoy to guard, Tobias Smollett.  

This is one of those days that I had a second photo-a-day shot.
This title was “vanishing point”. Again I was on a search for a thing that fit. I caught a shot of the stairs and then a quick shot of the street in front of my house as it headed for the park at the end of the block. The attention that these photos require has taken on another facet. It is helping to calm some of the stress of this moment in history. There are many other times that this hobby lends a calming affect but a bit more of its strength is needed now.

Well, I have to mention the virus again. It would be hard not to at this point. So here is an article that tells something about what is happening. This article I saw today was about outdoors activity during this crisis. One of our citizens was playing with his dog in one of the local dog parks. His dog and others were happy to be outdoors and playing, oblivious of what humans were experiencing. They didn’t seem to notice the antibacterial wipes in the human pockets. The pets didn’t realize that their owners were making silent decisions about travel for a job. They didn’t know what was going on when the 20-second hand washing was going on. Downtown buildings were vacant and locked, parking meters are empty. The number of people on the streets are few and far between. Teachers and restaurant workers along with small business owners and many others are going without pay. It could be they will miss pay days for a long while. This doesn’t even mention what it happening on the Stock Market. One of the bars mentioned in the article said they weren’t having their normal customers preparing for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. One lady said she figures after everyone gets use to the social distancing and hand washing things will adjust....almost.

I think it is going to be another “take out/order in” dinner tonight, tacos or subs.

Joy

March 13, 2020 thought for the day:  Never ask of him who has, but of him you know wishes you well. Spanish Proverb

We had the twins for a little while last night but things came up that forced us to let them go home without spending the night this time.

On March 12 the FMS photo-a-day challenge theme was “trees”. Right now there are lots and lots of bare tree limbs climbing to the sky. I love them when these same limbs are full of leaves and we can’t see through them. But this season is also a miraculous display of tree shapes, forms and patterns that give rise to contemplation of nature and their Maker.

I don’t have an agenda list today so I am working on projects as they come to my attention. These projects have been mostly research on things that have interested me but that I have not had the time to investigate, some of these searches are/ were with my photography, some with crocheting and some with health issues.

I got some plant watering done and some dishes tended to. So it has been one of those ho hum days, I think this kind of day is needed every now and then.

I have become more concerned about this health situation that the world is facing today and just how I can protect myself and my family as I imagine the rest of the world is also concerned with that. We are living in one of the memorable times in history. That in itself, besides being frightening, is enlightening.

I found out in my searches today that the photo book layout program I am using will not let me send my finished book to Amazon for selling so, if I want to try my hand at this, I am going to have to start over with a different site.

The word today is energy. Thoughts create a new heaven, a new firmament, a new source of energy, from which new arts flow, Paracelsus. Energy and persistence conquer all things, Benjamin Franklin  The energy of the mind is the essence of life, Aristotle.   Our energy is in proportion to the resistance it meets, William Hazlitt. The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled, Plutarch. Love is an undulating energy that moves through you, within you, and radiates out of you, and changes everything, Bartholomaus.  The energy of the universe is constant, Rudolf Clausius. Happiness gives us the energy which is the basis of health, Henri Frederic Amiel. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm, Ralph Waldo Emerson. For purposes of action nothing is more useful than narrowness of thought combined with energy of will, Henri Frederic Amiel. A person of intellect without energy added to it, is a failure, Nicolas Chamfort. Every individual who is not creative has a negative, narrow, exclusive taste and succeeds in depriving creative being of its energy and life, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

The photo challenge today is “need”. This is one of those kinds that give me much cause for thought. For me, it is more an emotion, hard to solidify into an image, than an object. It took me a while to go about this photo shoot. I finally settled on an empty bag that needs filled with something....food, gifts, surprises or just something.

Most of the news today is about the Coronovirus but I elected to pick something different. This article is about what one teacher in the Hilliard schools is using as lessons for his students, third graders. It involves a game using the Iditarod race. The game raceway is built with rolls of paper decorated with snow and bitter cold scenes of mountains and lakes around a trail. The children have placed stickers on the drawing to represent directions, maneuvers and so on. After the scenery is ready, they use a robot Ozobot to move along the path. The teacher has used this game to teach the kids about math, history, geography, language and more.  According to the article this teacher and game caught the attention of the Iditarod Education Department. The teacher is one of three finalists for a national contest and could win a nine-day trip to Alaska among other goodies. The teacher was a long-term substitute in the Hamilton school district before coming to Hilliard. He said he likes dogs and competition and feels they are natural things kids are interested in. The article goes on to relate that “the hall outside his classroom is decked out with maps and colorful flags resembling a finish line. Listed on each are facts on a musher whom a student has researched and will track for the entire upcoming real Iditarod race”. Along with the game the kids have written essays about the sled dogs and some history of the actual races.

PIZZA!

Joy

March 11, 2020 thought for the day: Cunning is a short blanket - if you pull it over your face, you expose your feet Traditional Proverb

This is the latest I have slept in a long while, almost nine o’clock. Then things got a slow start but the agenda list for today grew quickly.

On the 10th I had two photo of the day themes to shoot. The main one’s title was “off center”. That is an easy theme for me to shoot. The challenge is to find one that is suitable. I think this one will serve the purpose nicely.

I got the bulletin to the proofreaders then began to add to the list. I am teaching myself a feature using Photoshop that I have been meaning to try to accomplish for some time. I want to turn a photograph into a line drawing. I studied that for a while and printed some instructions. I was thinking about food for dinner and decided it has been a while since I made Johnny Marzetti. I tried to find the recipe I used for years, that took a while. There are several different versions out on the web but I wanted the original. While I was looking for that I decided I was in the mood for home made bread again so I worked on getting the dough stated. While I was working on the food projects, I realized it was time to make meatballs for the dogs too. So I began that task.

The second theme title for the tenth was “part of a car”. I chose the third of forth shot I made because of all of the lines, curves and shapes. Visible in the image.

I was multitasking, as usual. As I accomplished one of the food preps I got back to the computer for other researches and checked email for any corrections to the bulletins.

The word today is endurance. He conquers who endures, Aulus Persius Flaccus. Endure, and keep yourselves for days of happiness, Virgil. Nothing befalls any man which he is not fitted to endure, Marcus Aurelius. Wondrous is the strength of cheerfulness, altogether past calculation its powers of endurance, Thomas Carlyle. Patient endurance attends to all things, Teresa of Avi. And have you not received faculties which will enable you to bear all that happens to you? Have you not received greatness of spirit? Have you not received courage? Have you not received endurance? Epictetusla.  For it is in our nature to endure patiently the decrees of fate, but not the ill-will of others, Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The endurance of the inequalities of life by the poor is the marvel of humansociety, James Anthony Froude. Memory cannot exist without endurance of the things perceived, and the thing perceived cannot remain where it has never been, William Hazlitt. Wondrous is the strength of cheerfulness, and its power of endurance - the cheerful man will do more in the same time, will do it better, will preserve it longer, than the sad or sullen, Thomas Carlyle. Wealth and honours, which most men pursue, easily change masters; they desert to the side which excels in virtue, industry, and endurance of toil, and they abandon the slothful, John Milton. Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

My photo challenge for today is titled “green”. It seems like I used green one or more times before in this month so far so it was hard to make a decision. I just roamed through the house and looked for things that were green. Then tried to decide if they were “interesting” enough.

I hope this effort is successful. Some areas of the city need cleaned up and hopefully kept up. This particular article is about plans for new single family homes in a run downed area of the city. Several contiguous lots of land in one area became available for revitalization. The first of five new single family homes have been started. Due to some arrangements that were made the houses will be offered at a lower price than would be normally possible, a tax abatement was part of the arrangements. The total cost will be twenty-five to thirty percent of what it would be. The area of the city in question is called Milo-Grogan. Before the late 1870s it was an area filled with factories. Later there were some revitalization efforts. According to the article, neighborhood leaders who are working to mitigate the negative effects of a changing real estate market on seniors and other longtime residents......it is a great community for a variety of reasons, yet there is so much untapped potential for growth,” There is a lot of work done by the same group in the Franklinton revitalization.

I am going to make Johnny Marzetti for dinner and home made dinner rolls.

Joy

March 9, 2020 thought for the day: Education is learning a lot about how little you know. Traditional Proverb

It is a bit strange waking up to the sun not being fully on duty for the day. The time change is still sinking in. The next sentence is unrelated to the time change but is related to change and growth, I am also noticing that with age simple things that were once easy and not given a second thought become more time consuming and at times painful, just one elementary example,  pulling on a pair of socks. It takes me half an hour now to dress myself and make the bed.

Anyway, once up and on my way to a productive day, things were more promising. With the pets care and virtual visits out of the way, the bulletin set up for final touches, and a good cup of Chamomile tea, I made a run to get some thinking-of-you cards I will need to prepare for a meeting tomorrow night.

I have been neglectful of the dishes in the sink and those taking up space in the frig for the past few days so when I got back from the errand, I corrected that little chore.  After bleaching the sinks I time to start the dish washer with its new load.

Yesterday’s photo titles was “get in the photo!”. I keep trying to find different ways of “getting myself in the photo” without getting my whole self in the photo.


Now, onto the photo decision, setup, post processing and upload.

Today’s word is encounters. Everything that we encounter leaves traces behind. Everything contributes imperceptibly to our education, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be, Horace Bushnell. A chief event in life is the day in which we have encountered a mind that startled us, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world, John Milton. He who is in love with himself has at least this advantage - he won't encounter many rivals, Georg Christoph Lichtenberg.  Don't let us make imaginary evils, when you know we have so many real ones to encounter, Oliver Goldsmith. I have seen some who did not know when to turn aside their eyes in meeting yours. A truly confident and magnanimous spirit is wiser than to contend for the mastery in such encounters. Serpents alone conquer by the steadiness of their gaze. My friend looks me in the face and sees me, that is all, Henry David Thoreau.   

The photo challenge today is “two”. I have several spider plants, they are easy to propagate, so that is my choice for today. Some of the ends of the leaves need a little care. There are so many leaves on the plant that I may miss some that need tending to so I used a filter to make the image on the “painterly” side. 

I was a nurse a long, long time ago. So articles about improvements and new finds in the medical field interest me. They interest me not only because I was a nurse but because I or someone in my family or friends may need to know what can be learned from this kind of article. There is a simulator that allows surgeons to practice on heart issues before the meet the real event. This is happening at the Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center. So as to make it clear a pigs heart is used for these training sessions. According to the article this mechanism is named “KindHeart Cardiac Surgery Simulator” and is only found in five other hospitals in the country. It is operated with balloons that inflate and deflate the “heart”. The students learn coronary artery bypass surgery, transplanting aortic valves and more. While they practice with this machine, they learn about adverse effects and how they can be handled. In one of the recent training sessions an air embolism was presented. This embolism can block passage of blood and be life threatening. It can travel to the brain, heart or lungs and cause a heart attack, stroke, or respiratory failure. One of the students stated that it would take her a week to learn how to treat this event in the operating room rather that the training time on the simulator.

Bob, Sue and I are on our own for finding our dinner tonight. I don’t feel like cooking and cleaning up tonight.

Joy

March 7, 2020 thought for the day: He who teaches a boy teaches three a youth, a young man, and an old man. Traditional Proverb

I “slept in” this morning. I made it up just before nine o’clock. There is not much on the agenda so there was no rush to get started.

After tending to the dogs and a cup of tea, I got started with the must have virtual visits. Then moved onto trying to find material for our upcoming “Resurrection Party” at church. We have elected to do a party-type celebration than do an Easter egg hunt this year.

The photo theme for March 6 was “old”. I could have done my grey head or hair or the 85-year-old basement wall but I decided on shooting the collection of old books I have kept over the years. They have been handed down from grandparents and aunts for years.

I woke up hungry so between the virtual visits and other items for consideration for the day, I made pancakes and homemade maple syrup for Bob and me and then cleared away the mess I had made.

In the process of finding information for the party I discovered that my Photoshop software has been shut down with the notice that I needed to renew it. My life pretty much relies on the tools that I use in Photoshop. I need it for my photography interests as well as adding colorful touches to all the printed material I do for church activities. So I had to back off the other projects that I was multitasking to spend time in the sign up for the new software and the set it up. It’s back and I am in a much better mood.

The word is empty. Preparation for old age should begin not later than one's teens. A life which is empty of purpose until 65 will not suddenly become filled on retirement, Dwight L. Moody.  None are so empty as those who are full of themselves, Benjamin Whichcote. It is said that our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength, Charles Spurgeon.  Empty vessels make the most sound, John Lydgate. What spirit is so empty and blind, that it cannot recognize the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe, and skin more beautiful than the garment with which it is clothed? Michelangelo. If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest, Benjamin Franklin. It is hard for an empty bag to stand upright, Benjamin Franklin. Those who visit foreign nations, but who associate only with their own countrymen, change their climate, but not their customs 'caelum non animum mutant': they see new meridians, but the same men, and with heads as empty as their pockets, Charles Caleb Colton.  It takes so little to make a child happy, that it is a pity in a world full of sunshine and pleasant things, that there should be any wistful faces, empty hands, or lonely little hearts, Louisa May Alcott. Empty yourself of everything. Let the mind become still. The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return. They grow and flourish and then return to the source. Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature. Laozi. 

Today’s photo challenge is “my colour” (I know my spelling is a bit different, the origin of this photo group is in Australia). It has always been blue but as with so many things, changes in decisions, tastes and experiences through the years lead to color change favorites too. I like many colors for many reasons but green is a favorite for the plants and nature.

Since I am an animal lover, I thought this article today sounded interesting and had to read further than the title.  The title was “Music calms savage beast”. A group called Spotify provides a play list for your best furry friends. Your pet dog, cat or even lizard can benefit from sounds while you are away. According to the article Spotify has used an algorithm to create these play lists that can sooth. There is a set of questions such as the breed, relaxed or energetic, curious or calm, large and so on. They like to have the name of the pet and a photo. From these specifications a personalized play list is formed. During the formation of this phenomenon it was discovered that “dogs don’t like low-register tunes because they can be threatening”. It went on to say that an energetic dog may be an upbeat list and a shy cat might get a slower rhythm. Pets seem to prefer classical and soft rock. Five thousand animals were surveyed in the US, UK, Australia, Spain and Italy. In this survey it was discovered that people play music for their pets, sing to them, and even dance with them. It is hoped that this project will work in its proposed purpose to calm the beloved pets while you are away.

Maybe Spam and mac and cheese for dinner tonight, still a little more thinking to do.

Joy

March 5, 2020 thought for the day: He who wants to warm himself in old age must build a fireplace in his youth Traditional Proverb

It was a usual start for Thursday. It is typically the day I print the church bulletin. So once the morning virtual visits were done I headed for the church. The printing went quickly and easily, I had two extra pieces to insert which took more time.

Yesterday’s photo challenge was titled “so colorful”. Winter is dreary finding a lot of color is difficult. Two things came to mind when I was considering my choices. One was the stained glass windows at church which would have been easy since I was there for the printing. I also considered the wall art at the park that is a couple of blocks from my home. That turned out to be my choice.

After a stop at White Castle I headed for home and the rest of the agenda for today. I started on  that list by deciding how I wanted to set up my next “my story” page on facebook. I decided to see if I could do a PowerPoint document for that purpose. First I did some research on Google to make sure it would work. Once I got the information I needed I started the PP document. I haven’t tried to upload it yet but I did save it as a video clip which should upload to facebook. I will try it later today or tomorrow after I get some other things out of the way.

I started the laundry and watered the thirsty house plants.

While working on all of the above things, my thoughts went back to thinking about the two photos of the day that I have today, guess that part of the meaning of “multitasking”. 

The word today is emotion.  For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Who told you that one paints with colors? One makes use of colors, but one paints with emotions, Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin. The feeling is often the deeper truth, the opinion the more superficial one, Augustus William Hare.  Emotions have taught mankind to reason, Luc de Clapiers. No emotion, any more than a wave, can long retain its own individual form, Henry Ward Beecher. Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame, Benjamin Franklin. Painful as it may be, a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us - and those around us - more effectively. Look for the learning, Louisa May Alcott. Jealousy sees things always with magnifying glasses which make little things large, of dwarfs giants, of suspicions truths, Miguel de Cervantes. He who fears he will suffer, already suffers from his fear, Michel de Montaigne. Give yourself completely to the one you call God. If you are not doing it you are wasting your time here, Rumi. I find the pain of a little censure, even when it is unfounded, is more acute than the pleasure of much praise, Thomas Jefferson. 

Today’s FMS photo theme challenge is “art”. I couldn’t find any of the twins arts right off hand but I remembered Sue had just opened her sketch/painting portfolio recently so I asked her to let me choose something.

It’s quite obvious that our city is still growing with all the news about the revitalizing, the new buildings, and the clean-ups. Several of the articles I have been sharing are about these changes and happenings. I have only been to Easton Mall once or twice but it is a fascinating mall. It sort of puts me in mind of what I visualize as European shops. The French Market is another that makes me feel the same way. According to this article the mall has continued to grow for about twenty years and may be adding even more soon features to that growth. The additions may include more high-rise type structures than are currently in that community. The article went on to say that have been planning for t his for a while. They hope for these building to be mixed use style activities. The people in authority for the growth hope to use the land available wisely. Another plan they are considering is to have no more surface parking in the consideration to “density”. Also, on the planning list is for more residential units as a long term goal.

This is another one of those days that I had a second photo a day project due. This title is “bokeh” (bokeh forces the viewer to focus on a particular area of the image. The word comes from Japanese language, which literally translates as “blur”.) Where I have seen the bokeh affect most often is in the area of the photo where there is intense light spots. This isn’t the best example of bokeh but it was the closest I could find at the time.

We will have baked Tilapia and mashed potatoes and gravy for dinner.

Joy

March 3, 2020 thought for the day: Holy Mother Earth, the trees and all nature, are witnesses of your thoughts and deeds. Traditional Proverb

We must have had a lot of wind with the rain last night. I heard the moaning and groaning and the dogs were restless. So it was a toss and turn night.

The theme yesterday was “alone”. I had to pen the dogs up because we had a visitor who doesn’t understand a dog’s body and vocal language. So it was most comfortable for all for them to be in a segregated space for the time being. Sweet Pea, my mini Australian Shepherd/Corgi was sitting and staring at me with her mournful eye technique and I couldn’t pass up the shot that presented itself at the moment. 

I got the information in an email this morning that I needed to finish the bulletin. So that’s what I did at the start of today’s agenda. That was after the usual virtual visits.

I am going to do a little more cooking than usual today. I was planning to make a cream cheese lemon pie but realized when I checked the recipe that I didn’t get the right amount of ingredients. So I will have to put that one off until I get to the store again.

As I was waking up this morning, I thought of a whole set of things I wanted to put on today’s agenda. Somehow they evaporated from my thinking mechanics. I will regroup on them after I get the croquettes and soup made.

The word today is embrace. Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires, Laozi.  Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course, William Shakespeare. His love was like the liberal air, embracing all, to cheer and bless, William Wordsworth.  We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another, Lucretius.  As for old age, embrace and love it. It abounds with pleasure if you know how to use it. The gradually declining years are among the sweetest in a man's life, and I maintain that, even when they have reached the extreme limit, they have their pleasure still, Seneca. The illimitable, silent, never-resting thing called Time, rolling, rushing on, swift, silent, like an all-embracing ocean-tide, on which we and all the universe swim like exhalations, like apparitions which are, and then are not, Thomas Carlyle. Traveling is a fool's paradise. Our first journeys discover to us the indifference of places. At home I dream that at Naples, at Rome, I can be intoxicated with beauty, and lose my sadness. I pack my trunk, embrace my friends, embark on the sea, and at last wake up in Naples, and there beside me is the stern fact, the sad self, unrelenting, identical, that I fled from. I seek the Vatican, and the palaces. I affect to be intoxicated with sights and suggestions, but I am not intoxicated. My giant goes with me wherever I go, Ralph Waldo Emerson. 



Today’s challenge is “hands”. Since I am alone in the house for now it had to be my own hands. They are most often on the keyboard so that had to be my choice. It could have been my hands as I crochet, another frequent pastime or cooking, both of which would be more difficult to shoot.

Columbus State is important to a lot of people in Columbus. The article today brings up the facts that there are a lot of areas of the campus that are desperately in need of repair. The university is asking for Franklin County voters to approve a bond to cover the expenses for the needed repairs. The plan covers money to address the maintenance and upgrades as well as new spaces and upgrades to classrooms and labs. The article mentioned how important Columbus State is to the job market. There are those who oppose the tax request and say the Columbus State is a state-supported college and “attracts students from all of Ohio’s counties”. They state that it shouldn’t be Franklin Country’s job to support the whole project. The article goes on to say that 75% of all Columbus State graduates’ work locally. Many Columbus businesses have supported the college in the past. On the list are: Columbus YWCA, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Urban League, NAACP Columbus, the Columbus Partnership, Nationwide Insurance, American Electric Power, Cardinal Health and L Brands. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

I am making ham croquettes from my mom’s old family recipe along with homemade vegetable soup.

 Joy

March 1, 2020 thought for the day: Hurt not others with that which pains yourself. Traditional Proverb

I got up a little earlier than usual so that I could get to church earlier than most other Sunday mornings. We had a bible study scheduled. The congregation was small today and the message was one of the kind that makes me do some soul searching and deep thinking.

Yesterday the theme was “repeat”. This is another one of those challenges that offers a lot of possibilities. I first thought of my neighbor’s privacy fence all the slats and peaked tops. But a closer one was the collection of slats on my porch swing. The view between the slats was a little messy for my taste so I used a darkroom technique of separating the background from the object. Then “burned” the background slightly.

There is nothing on the agenda as far of projects that need immediate attention. The weather is supposed to be really nice for the next week. So I may go out to get some things to concentrate on the plants that I put out late in the season last summer. At the present, it looks like items in my schedule are growing for next week. I have something scheduled for every morning except Friday and for two evening meetings. 

The twins got to spent time with their dad this week end so they didn’t get here Friday as we expected but they are here now for a couple of hours to visit.

I would like to find time in what is left of the day to work on one of two projects I am trying to get started, some with my photos and some with computer techniques.

The word today is elude. I am a happy camper so I guess I’m doing something right. Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder, Henry David Thoreau.  Look for the stars, you'll say that there are none; Look up a second time, and, one by one, You mark them twinkling out with silvery light, And wonder how they could elude the sight!  William Wordsworth. I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother and I found all three, William Blake. We sail within a vast sphere, ever drifting in uncertainty, driven from end to end. When we think to attach ourselves to any point and to fasten to it, it wavers and leaves us; and if we follow it, it eludes our grasp, slips past us, and vanishes for ever. Nothing stays for us, Blaise Pascal. The present offers itself to our touch for only an instant of time and then eludes the senses, Plutarch. Life is short, science is long; opportunity is elusive, experiment is dangerous, judgement is difficult, Hippocrates.  

I made a lot of shots for today’s theme, “blue”. I took several of the stained glass windows, some of people I was in contact with wearing blue clothing and this one. It is a base for a sign at the White Castle drive through.

I am so glad to hear about people helping other people, people who have something to give helping those who are in need. This article is about a convenience store here in our city that gives away clothes and food and lets a homeless man come in just to get warm. This new and special experience is called Come & Go Center. As present is it a corner market with a “free store” merging with it. The person who runs it want to open a dormant kitchen with the plan that he will make and sell sandwiches that will then be given to people who can’t pay. The article states that the person who is trying to form all of this is a Palestinian immigrant and has a family here. There is also an airbrush artist involved. Apparently volunteers who do some of the cleaning. He does have a few needs, one is more volunteers and the other clothing racks.  The biggest concern that has been considered is that offering things free of charge will cause some to take advantage of the generosity. Their answer is that they think it is worth the risk.

Since yesterday was the last day of the month it was the time I make my composite of each of the days photos for the month.

 I pulled some homemade spaghetti and meat balls out of the freezer for dinner.

Joy