Category: Informational

Bethlehem Star … Fact and Faith

In a year that has been unlike any other, our earth’s sky will display a visual symbol of the hope we hear in the Christmas story. On December 21st, Jupiter and Saturn will orbit close to Earth and appear as one giant star. This alignment is also rare, having occurred in 1623 but actually last seen on March 4th, 1226! According to the NASA website, “Look for them low in the southwest in the hour after sunset.” 

The Great Conjunction

The astronomy world calls this event between Jupiter and Saturn a ‘great conjunction’ as the two planets overlap each other in their separate orbits. According to a Huffington Post article, Nahum Arav, physics professor at Virginia Tech, states this rare event is “special because of how bright the planets will be and how close they get to each other in the sky… about 1/5 of the moon’s diameter.” Although appearing close, the distance between the two planets is still 450 million miles!

Get your cameras ready!

Southwest sky

Alan Duffy, the lead scientist at the Royal Institution of Australia, states, “For those who are in the business of taking pretty pictures, you probably want to snap them a little earlier,” he said. Duffy offers instructions to look for ‘two dots that, unlike stars, do not twinkle: a pure white dot for Jupiter and one with more of a golden hue for Saturn’.

‘I can tell you what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown’

Linus from Charlie Brown Christmas, gives one of the most endearing Christmas story narrations. This familiar Christian account of the Christ child’s birth is found in Luke Chapter Two. But nowhere is mentioned the famous star! However, in the Bible’s Book of Matthew, the story of the Magi following the Bethlehem Star is clearly described. Some Biblical scholars speculate if this star was a result of the conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn and Mars in 6 B.C.

A coming star…

Interestingly, the Old Testament also references a ‘coming star’: A sorcerer by the name of Baalam, at King Balak’s request, gave four oracles intending to curse Israel in the early 1400’s B.C. Instead, he blessed Israel and predicted, “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star will come out of Jacob.” Numbers 24:17(referencing the future coming of Jesus Christ).

Looking Upward

So, no matter what scientific or spiritual thoughts may come to mind, we can look up on December 21st in awe and wonder. This once in a lifetime moment will no doubt put a little perspective and context to this tiny speck of our planet called Earth. And no matter what dark moments 2020 may have held, we look forward with joy and to a bright tomorrow!

Wash It Away…

… and help keep yourself and others healthy

Did you know the beginning of December kicks off ‘National Handwashing Awareness’ week? 

In the current state of our world, this basic information can be live saving for some and a definite health benefit for all! A few high points for effective handwashing include: 1. getting a good lather 2. washing the palms, back of hands, and between fingers and fingernails, and 3. do this for at least 20 seconds. Finish up w/ drying your hands on a clean towel.  Or, remember it by…

Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry

Keeping you Healthy

Washing hands has long been determined to be one of the best ways of minimizing the spread of illness. There are a number of ways to help keep us healthy in the cold and flu season. Some suggestions include: avoid/minimize time in large crowds during the high risk season, keep our hands away from our face, eat well to boost our immune system, and get a good night’s sleep. The CDC also recommends getting the flu and pneumonia vaccines. Be sure to talk with your health care provider if these recommendations are right for you. 

Keeping Others Healthy

If you are not feeling well, it is best to stay home! Do the ‘Superman’ when you sneeze(sneezing into your upper arm) instead of sneezing into your hands. Or use a tissue and immediately throw it away. Do the fist bump or ‘air’ hand shake when greeting others. And remember to wash your hands- FREQUENTLY!

Being ill is no fun and you can make a difference in keeping yourself and others healthy. Keep on making those soap bubbles!

KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON!

After a two year hiatus(oh, how time can fly!), I am so happy to be sharing with all of you again! Buddy and I are enjoying life in our new community and magical corner of the world. The adventure continues after leaving our home base of 35 years – a true blessing for our marriage and life!

Check out August 25, 2018 ‘On the Road Again- the Backstory’ to give a little background as to my ‘itchy feet’ that led to our move. And yes, I will write ‘part II’! As to the longer than planned RetirementWives break, it’s been a time of having fun each day without a lot of plans. Buddy and I have been enjoying the beauty of the four seasons– hiking, biking, skiing, and water sports… AND right out our own back door! I’m still pinching myself, even after two years!  

New Adventures

Oh, and I guess I should mention we are in house building mode. It’s been a 2 year project that has taken up just a little bit of our time!

Buddy and I once again prove that opposites do attract- if he likes a particular finish or design style, I am more inclined to pick the other one! I do know after 35 years of marriage and a few home remodeling projects, we eventually come around to either one of us giving in or choosing a new compromise. Who knows, we might even be beating the world record odds of couples that divorce after a prolonged home building project!

We also have a recent new addition and FIRST to our family clan: A PRECIOUS GRANDBABY! I’m sure to be blogging about the joys of grandparenting in future posts. And I do have to tell you that being a grandma, nana, memaw, Mameo (Irish for grandma) is somethin’ special!!!

On the retirement front, Buddy and I are now BOTH retired! My job finally came to a close the middle of 2019. I am blessed to have had such an awesome career and a work team that gave me the autonomy to work remotely after moving. 

This Little Light

So, for those of you that have been the second partner to retire, how has it affected you? Was retirement an easy transition for you or were/are there some challenges that maybe you weren’t expecting?

I don’t know if it is necessarily a retirement thing or just part of ‘getting older’, but I do think more about this season of life. Will it be a slow beautiful sunset, displaying the kaleidoscope of evening’s colors, a hazy or subtle overcast that casts a dull film over the emerging stars, or a rush of clouds and sudden storm that darkens the transitioning evening sky? I don’t really know and will choose to focus on the ‘keeping the lights on’ to the best of my ability each and every day!

With the year that we all have experienced together, I will share a little ‘wash it away’ in my next blog post coming soon. Until then, stay healthy and spread some good cheer as we eagerly await 2021.

BE PREPARED

Buddy was both a Cub and Boy Scout but not long enough to really understand and practice the Scout Mottos: Leave No Trace and Be Prepared. Having been with my spouse for close to 35 years, I believe he embraced these two scout lessons as life dealt him both the happy and challenging moments as he grew into adulthood.

My thoughts of ‘Being Prepared’ go to my and Buddy’s early hiking adventures together as a young couple: starting with the research (oh, boy, does he like to research!), having the right gear and supplies, strategic packing of it all, and knowing the terrain, environment and weather. I’m sure there is much more that I am not including…
but you get the idea!

I would like to put the ‘hiking boot’ on the other foot and share a recent experience of my needing to ‘Be Prepared’. As I wondered how I would write about Buddy’s recent biking accident, this classic scouting phrase came to mind. And having had a long history as an AHA BLS Instructor and completing a recent update, CPR training was a physical lifesaver for my spouse and an emotional lifesaver for me on this fateful day.

Although not having nearly the level of preparatory ability as Buddy, I have guided many individuals and families in wellness related areas as a health care provider.  My BLS instructor training has been put to good use in multiple circumstances throughout the years. But none more important than a couple of months ago when Buddy sustained serious injury while we were on a group biking vacation. His injuries could have been so MUCH worse, and thank God, has recovered exceptionally well.

I won’t go into too many details about Buddy’s accident but will share important CPR related instructions that helped me assist my spouse and gave me a solid plan during this highly emotional event. The following information is taken from the American Heart Association’s ECC Guidelines:

  1. Scene Safety Importance of having a safe environment for both the rescuer and victim

This was critical for Buddy and I as the accident happened on a public street at the bottom of a hill with approaching traffic in both directions. As I approached Buddy, I was waving my hands high over my head to alert the car coming down the hill and I engaged the driver of the stopped car on the opposite side of the road to help stop traffic.

2. Assess victim Checking for responsiveness, breathing, pulse

Because of the nature of the accident and my observation of no movement as I was running up to Buddy, I was already moving onto Step 3, ‘Activating EMS’ by yelling at the stopped passerby to ‘Call 9-1-1’

  1. Activate EMS Send someone to activate EMS or use your cell phone or leave the victim to call if you are alone and secure an AED as quickly as possible

Upon assessing Buddy for breathing and circulation, I again yelled to the passerby to confirm EMS activation. Because this was a possible head injury/neck trauma, my training was telling me ‘DO NOT move the victim’ unless we were in physical danger or my needing to initiate ventilations/compressions

  1. Begin CPR as indicated following the most recent AHA guidelines

Going through my CPR steps, no rescue breathing or compressions were initially necessary. However, I was also aware that I did not know the extent of any internal injuries. I physically and mentally prepared myself to be ready to initiate ventilations/compressions if Buddy’s condition changed before the paramedics arrived.

*Know that the above steps can be done simultaneously dependent upon the situation

According to the 2015 updated AHA guidelines, ‘there is clear and consistent evidence of improved survival from cardiac arrest when a bystander performs CPR and rapidly uses an AED’.     About Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

 

I would strongly encourage all of you to take an American Heart Association Heartsaver course which includes the use of an AED. I would also recommend taking a First Aid class. Most of the time, the help you offer will be with SOMEONE YOU KNOW. Keep your skills current and periodically review these life saving steps. You just never know…

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BE PREPARED which means you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your DUTY.  (Scout Motto)

 

On a happier note… scroll down the bottom of the Photo Gallery for pictures and happy memories
 of Acadia National Park and beautiful East Coast farmlands

The Black Hills-pictures & perspective

A FORGOTTEN PEOPLE…

As Buddy and I rambled across the S. Dakota Plains, our conversation seemed to do the same while reflecting on the Crazy Horse and Mt. Rushmore historical monuments we had recently visited.  We also shared our personal recollections of learning about and experiences related to this part of our American history.

Buddy grew up one of the Plains states and has often shared his favorite phrase describing the area of his birthplace, ”It’s not the end of the world but you can see the end of the world!”  As we each described our individual perspectives of Native American history, it became apparent that Buddy’s education as a youth was more experiential while my understanding came purely from high school and college American History classes.

I have to be honest and say that my perspective of our First Nation was likely influenced by the ‘good vs bad’ culture that I grew up with: having family dynamics with the good girl or boy label, being a ‘good Catholic’ or watching the Hollywood ‘spaghetti westerns’ and being part of the neighborhood kids shouting about who got to be the cowboys in our childhood game of ‘Cowboys and Indians’. As my education progressed, I don’t recall hearing any professorial perspectives or having any discussions/debates of perceived injustice toward our American Indian peoples during the time when our nation was being explored by our early settlors.

Fast forward to our present day, we now have literary works that are attempting to correct earlier accepted written history of how the Western plains were settled.  And we did hear and see evidence of this while visiting the local Plains area. My heart aches as I learned of treaties that were made and broken to our First Nation peoples- all for the sake of moneymaking commodities like gold and oil.

In our current society, we live in an atmosphere of heightened racial and social injustices that takes many forms.  What is personally bothersome for me, having just visited two incredible National Monuments in the Dakota Plains, is the lack of NATIONAL attention to the challenges that faced the American Indian people in the past as well as today. I believe they can be considered a forgotten group of citizens in our nation’s political arena.

Buddy shared that the same social injustices experienced by African Americans and have received national attention were also pervasive in the American Indian culture as he was growing up in North Dakota.  Being denied entrance to places of business was common for the Sioux population as Buddy often witnessed. Talking further, we agreed it may come down to a disparity in awareness and cultural education about the American Indian on a regional rather than national level.

This is the FIRST time I have traveled through this part of the country; and this trip has ignited my interest to revisit our First Nation history with fresh eyes and be sensitive to the many and not well known consequences of our forefathers’ exploration westward.  And I certainly do not consider myself qualified to make any historical determinations without first doing my homework!

 

Hope you enjoy the pictures and descriptions!

“Spurred by rumors of gold, many prospector groups attempted to enter the Black Hills in the 1870’s. Without regard to the Fort Laramie Treaty, they planned to enter the region and explore the untapped wealth. A group of 28 people headed west from Sioux City, Iowa, and eluded the calvary across the Dakota Territory. Following the wagon trail of the Custer Expedition, they made a permanent camp in this area December 1874. Named after their leader, John Gordon, their structure became known as the Gordon Stockade…”

This stockade is located just outside of the town of Custer and next to the Custer State Park


                          

 

    

Custer State Park

                    

                

Mt. Rushmore

Crazy Horse Monument

Letter from Henry Standing Bear to Korczak Ziolkowski requesting his help to sculpt the Indian Chief

         

 

 

Custer, South Dakota

          

Three Little Words

I have always been a softie for love poems about those ‘Three Little Words’ sweetly written, quietly whispered, or shouted from a mountaintop. Our hearts flutter just a bit when these words are spoken to us or mouthed softly from our own lips.

BUT… those are not the words I am thinking about today! Rather, the three words that come to mind sting just a bit and can cause me to catch my breath. What words could cause such a reaction, you might ask?

“LET ME FINISH”. I have heard these words more since Buddy’s retirement and they stop me in my tracks. I have sometimes justified my interruptions as knowing my spouse so well that I can finish his sentences! Or is it because we are both getting older and want to help as our partner grasps in the air for that elusive word or phrase that just cant seem to make it’s way to the front of our lips?

Whatever the reason, I frequently need to remind myself to be quiet and listen better when I am in conversation with my spouse… or anyone else for that matter! Which brings me to sharing a few tidbits from a great article I found by Roger Flax, PhD, ‘You’re Probably a Bad Listener’ (Bottom Line Personal Sept. 15, 2016).

Dr. Flax believes most people don’t think they bad listeners but in all reality, they probably are L. But, be hopeful! Recognizing the problem is half of the solution! I invite you to read on and see if any(or most) of these habits ring true for you. The good news: By recognizing any shortfalls, we can be on our way to improving those less than stellar listening skills!

Distraction: Is your mind already focusing on where you think the conversation is going? Do you ‘check out’ if the conversation or topic is not of interest to you? Do you disagree with what is being said or does it strike an emotional chord? Dr. Flax suggests using the PDA strategy- (not Public Display of Affection) but Purpose/Detail/Action to help w/ the distraction listening habit. He states that focusing on the purpose of what the speaker is trying to say can be helpful- especially if the speaker is not a ‘to the point’ kind of person. Pay attention to the details and ask questions if more information is needed and then determine what action the speaker would like you to take. Again, ask the speaker if you are unclear!

Inward Focus: Is your mind already jumping ahead to what you are going to say in response? Dr. Flax offers the sometimes difficult challenge of keeping the conversation focused on the other person rather than on ourselves. Ask follow up questions instead of responding with information about our own life’s activities, experiences, or opinions.

Perfunctory Listening: Are we just not listening ‘deeply enough’- as Dr. Flax states ‘in the right way or with sufficient compassion or patience’? How often is body language or tone of voice ignored? Or we misinterpret what is being said and don’t ask for clarification? What about the habit of rushing someone who is speaking with well intended but annoying affirmations such as ‘Yes, Yes’ and ‘I get it’. Dr. Flax recommends more focus on a person’s ‘non verbal’ speech and posture to help create a complete picture of what the speaker is trying to say.

 

My listening skills shortcomings shine like a neon light from this article’s information and suggestions! So if you find yourself saying (very) quietly, ‘Yep, that’s me!’, then it’s time for a listening makeover!! These techniques might not come easy at first but will sure be helpful in being a better listener to those we love, work, and play with in our daily lives! Buddy will love me for it and I sure will enjoy hearing the other 3 little words!

How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, 1806 – 1861

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

 

 

 

 

National Cookie Day

Our country will celebrate one of the sweetest days on December 4th… plate-of-cookiesLets raise our wooden spoons and spatulas to National Cookie Day! According to NationalDayCalendar.com, our English word, cookie, was derived from the Dutch work ‘koekie’, which means ‘little cake’.

It is likely that cookies had their origin in the Middle East when sugar became a regular staple in food preparation. All levels of European society enjoyed the benefits of cookies around the 14th century and America followed in the 1600’s.

There are a number of cookie categories, from Bar cookies to Pressed, No Bake or Sandwich cookies. And if you for some reason miss baking or eating your favorites on National Cookie Day, you can take the opportunity to make it up on National Oatmeal(April 30th), Pecan(September 21st)or National BakeCookies Day(December 18th).

In some other regions outside of the U.S. the word ‘biscuits’ is still used when speaking about cookies. I prefer ‘cookie’ as biscuit just doesn’t sound sweet enough and conjures up the image of a doggie treat in my mind!

dog-with-biscuit

But if you want yet another day to celebrate the biscuit, then ….. for our beloved canine friends, this day is for you!

dog-biscuit-apprec-daydog-biscuit-jar

 

 

 

Whether it was the Blue Chip Cookie Company or The Cookie Monster who proclaimed the start of National Cookie Day, we can take this day to enjoy a smattering of our most delectable treats!!cookie-monster

 

 

A Fall trip to Boston

As I previously wrote about the city of Seattle, my and Buddy’s vacation travels gave me the idea to post info. about the areas we visit from a ‘Could I live here?’ perspective.  Whether you may be planning a move or vacation, I’ve included the following:

Accessibility -Navigating the area
Activities -Things to do
Affordability -Cost of living

BOSTON, MASS.

Accessibility:
Boston is a beautiful city with a unique blend of our Country’s early American and modern architecture, entertainment, education, parks, and waterways. It is an easily walkable city, but also has a local rail system and bus lines that timely serves the need for people moving.

The city of Boston has many one-way streets and alley/corridors that go back to horse and carriage days- too narrow for our gas powered cars but continue today as pedestrian passageways. There are also a few remaining cobblestone streets(check out beautiful Acorn Street in Beacon Hill) and brick sidewalks in some areas of the city- including the infamous 2 ½ mile Freedom Trail that extends between the Boston Common and Bunker Hill.

Acorn Street
Acorn Street

We all know that Boston enjoys the beauty of having four seasons with winter lasting approximately 3 months and an average snowfall of about 44 inches. Summertime can get hot and humid with July generally being the hottest month and September having the highest humidity. Wind is not a great factor in Boston but prepare for some gusty strong breezes in early spring. Having the appropriate gear- depending upon the time of year, will help make navigating the city more enjoyable.

Activities:
A first on the list when visiting Boston is to take the on/off trolley or bus attraction to see this city’s historic and entertainment highlights. You can stop at a variety of locations or just stay on the open air vehicle to view the city’s historic gems: U.S.S. Constitution, Old North Church, site of the Boston Massacre and Old State House, Boston Commons and State House, and of course Fenway Park and Harvard University, to name just a few!

Whether you are walking along the Charles River, taking a stroll through Beacon Hill, North End or down Commonwealth Ave., there are many more places and parks to explore and enjoy! The beauty of this city’s historic and modern architectural structures, gardens and squares, along with the energy and aromas of the local restaurants and pubs, add to Boston’s appeal and attraction.

paul-r-landing
Paul Revere’s landing

I can’t really pin point to any one place or activity in Boston that I would consider a favorite. There are just too many from which to choose! Standing at historical sites I learned about in American History- such as Paul Revere’s ride or the Battle of Bunker Hill- is an amazing experience in and of itself! But then, sitting inside Bleacher Bar, being at eye level of Fenway Park’s center field and next to ‘Green Monster’ is a ‘to do’ on the ol’ bucket list!

What I can say is that Boston is full of ‘The First…’ ,‘The Oldest….’ or ‘The Last Remaining…..’! We visited the oldest operating Bar in Boston(Bell In Hand) the oldest ballpark in the U.S. (Fenway) and the first public park(Boston Common). Of course, Boston’s last remaining snow melt from the historic 2015 snowfall didn’t happen until July of that year!

Affordability
As with Seattle, Boston ain’t cheap, either! Approximately half of the city’s population are students who are attending the many prestigious(and expensive!) colleges and universities in the area. Apartments in Boston average about $2,500/month and a one bedroom runs close to $2000/montb. The outlaying areas of Somerville and Cambridge run even slightly more than the city area rent costs.

There are a number of desirable areas in the heart of the city, such as Commonwealth Ave., North end, and Beacon Hill. A home in these areas of Boston carry price tags easily over the million dollar mark! And be prepared to get on the waiting list and shell out another couple hundred thousand for a personal parking space in the nearby garage! One unique advantage of this area of the country is the ability to rent or buy a home that has true historical significance.

In case you are not a city guy or gal, there are many beautiful areas outside of the city that offer stunning rolling New England countryside and beaches that offer their own village charm and stories of American history. We visited the beautiful (and tasty!) http://www.RussellOrchards.com in Ipswich, Mass. The drive was beautiful, especially with the changing leaves of the fall season!

Russell Farms
Russell Farms

 

Five (or more) Fun Facts about Boston:

*The statue at Harvard University is not that of John Harvard, its founding father.
*‘Happy Hour’ is against the law in Boston
*Boston experienced a massive ‘molasses flood’ in 1919
*Candlestick bowling had it’s start in Boston
*$100 million dollars of paintings are still missing from a great heist at the Isabella Gardner Museum in 1990
*More people walk to work in Boston as compared with other major U.S. cities
*Christmas was banned by the pilgrims in Boston for 22 years during the late 1600’s
*The first subway and chocolate factory was built in Boston

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settling in Seattle?

Since Buddy and I have begun traveling a bit more, I thought it would be fun to highlight different locations from a ‘Could we live here’ perspective. There are other factors to consider when seriously contemplating a move, but you may find these details helpful in planning a vacation adventure!

I’ve included the three ‘A’s:

Accessibility            Navigating the area
Activities                  Things to do
Affordability           Cost of living

And just for kicks and giggles, I will include Five Fun Facts about each location. It may be just the information you need for your next trivia game!

IMG_0500

SEATTLE, WA.

Accessibility
My first impression of Seattle is that it is a culturally diverse and hilly city with a beautiful coastline! The downtown area is very accessible by walking, bus, or rail and the various ferries can transport you into a different world of the nearby surrounding islands. No matter the area, Seattle and its neighboring communities never seem to lose their woodsy or seafaring appeal.

City traffic, one way streets and designated bus lanes can be a little daunting for the ‘suburban’ driver; but transportation options like Uber and Lyft can get you in and out of the immediate city limits with ease. It is also not uncommon to see many of the locals getting from place to place on their ‘gently used’ bicycles.

Of course, weather must be considered in the accessibility factor- it rains alot(!) and snow is not uncommon, although not typically in significant amounts during the winter months(Nov- March). It’s wise to have a jacket or sweater available as well as an umbrella for that unexpected change in weather.

Activities
What can I say about a city that has over 400 stunning parks, approximately 40 museums, and a city shoreline that is home to the famous Pike’s Market? And there are more interesting and culturally diverse places to eat than I have ever experienced! Definitely a ‘foodie’s’ paradise!

Seattle has a colorful and very interesting history; the building architecture- both old and new- frame the sky. Two unique architectural icons are the Space Needle and Monorail built in the 1960’s for the World’s Fair – scenes straight out of a cartoon from The Jetsons!  Unknown-1

A must see is Victorian Pioneer Square with its underground city and stories of a raunchy origin. And who can miss a few fish getting tossed at the famous Pike’s Market? At almost every turn, modern architecture commercial/residential high rise boxes pop up indiscriminately in many of the neighborhoods.

The immediate areas surrounding downtown Seattle are often experienced like witnessing a walking carnival; each having their own unique personality and character with an obvious liberal appeal in dress, attitude and décor.

Affordability
Seattle aint cheap- at least in the city and surrounding neighborhoods! A one bedroom loft will cost an average of $2000 according to 2016 stats.   But the good news is that Happy Hour eating can be a real bargain for those on a tighter budget! There are plenty of activities that are free or minimal cost. Just be prepared to have a little extra cash on hand if you want to visit the various ‘tourist’ attractions.

Five Fun Facts about Seattle

Seattle as we know it today had much financial backing from ‘Seamstresses’ who helped rebuild the city after the great fire of 1889.

Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks Coffee!

The Space Needle was built in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair and was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River.

Seattle is home to more houseboats than anywhere else in the United States.

Jimmy Hendrix was born in Seattle.