October 16, 2019 thought: First improve yourself, and then judge others. Jewish Proverb

I was in a pretty deep slump yesterday afternoon. It took an evening of crocheting and reading and a good night’s sleep to find a little peace. The problem is still there and will be brought up in my mind from time to time to determine if adjustments need to be taken. The problem is any “adjustments” would be life changing so they need to be considered slowly and thoughtfully.

To add to last evening’s slump the micro wave went out. It has been giving some indications that it would be happening soon. I enlisted Sue to go with me to pick out a new one this morning. I did some research on the computer before we left to chose the best place to shop for one. We went to Home Depot. I found one I think will fit us. We also picked up some of other things we need.

A lot of my photos are shot around the neighborhood and at the park a couple of blocks from my house. Yesterdays was captured at the park. In the post processing with my “digital darkroom”, Photoshop, I used a filter to soften the edges and boost the hues of green and blue. I titled it “in the park” nothing seemed to fit better. .

Before we left, I worked some more on the church newsletter. I have at least three articles I need to put in. I hope to get them in over the week end before the deadline so I will be on top of things when I get some other entries.

While we were out I looked for my daily photos. But I  may still need to search for some. I shot a couple but realized when I got home that I had the camera set for shutter settings instead of automatic so they may not be as good as I had hoped.

The word is book.  The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries, Rene Descartes.  A man is known by the books he reads, Ralph Waldo Emerson.  If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads, Ralph Waldo Emerson. To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark, Victor Hugo.  I cannot remember the books I've read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me, Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, Henry David Thoreau.  You cannot open a book without learning something,Confucius. One more, Books are the bees which carry the quickening pollen from one to another mind, James Russell Lowell. 

The article today is about the annual Stand Down program of vets. This year there were a lot of events offered for the females, as well as the males, who gave a part of their lives to the military service. There were cloth bags handed out to collect things like ink pens, notebooks, socks boots and winter clothes. There were also groceries and personal care things given out. One lady even had a back pack to collect items that were available and would be of value to her. One particular lady mentioned that the event also allowed her to make new friends who had experienced that kind of life too. There was a women’s only space that made “shopping” a little easier and more comfortable for the ladies. They could get makeup lessons, nails polished and even wigs to try. Flu shots were free. There were fun things provided at the event also. A miniature horse was provided to pet and give a gently and kind way to relax. Part of the even offered a fly fishing excursion through “Project Healing Fly Fishing”. All in all it was a beneficial and comforting event for our military vets.

I captured and made several images while Sue and I were out looking for our microwave. I took a look at them in-camera when be got home and wasn’t all that please with what was there. As I was shutting the camera off I noticed that Sweet Pea was begging for a small tidbit of a sandwich Sue was had just fixed for a snack. I moved as quickly and quietly as I could to get the camera out of view mode and into shoot mode. Sweet Pea changes position when she knows I am getting ready to shoot. What you see here is want I was able to capture.

I think I will make Salmon patties for dinner to go with the rice pilaf left from last night. I use canned Chicken of the Sea Pink Salmon. After I open the can I pull the fish apart and take off the darkest skin and remove the fatty residue as well as the bones although you can crush the bones with your fingers. I add about a half cup of bread crumbs, one jumbo egg, a squirt of mustard, and about a fourth cup of Bisquick, a couple of shakes of Mrs. Dash’s Onion seasoning. Mash all the ingredients together, form into patties and fry on a Pam coated grill or skillet. For the rice pilaf I follow the instructions on the Minute Rice package. I use Swanson’s Chicken Stock instead of water to cook the rice. I use several of the Mrs. Dash’s spices such as the onion, garlic, table blend, original blend. I add a touch of Worcestershire sauce and a dash of Zinfandel white wine.

Joy