International Women's Day was Sunday, but a comment on my blog Saturday where I incorrectly indicated that there were no more female candidates in the Democratic race for nomination to run for President reminded me of a woman who made her mark years ago in politics.
She may not be well known today, but for today, which is an important primary day, I want to remember a Senator who was the first woman to run for a major political party's nomination for the candidacy for President of the United States.
But years before her run, she gave a speech considered one of the most important speeches in the United States Senate of the 20th century. It's called A Declaration of Conscience and was given on June 1, 1950, during the Joseph McCarthy era. I invite you to read the summaries online - in many ways it is as relevant today as it was back then.
Margaret Chase Smith, Republican Senator from Maine in the mid-20th century, gave that speech, and almost 14 years later announced her candidacy for President of the United States. Smith was not the first woman to run for President, but was the first to be nominated at a major party convention.
The running for President clip of January 27, 1964 is about 17 minutes long. No need to listen to all 17 plus minutes if you click the link below, but if you listen to the first few minutes and the last five or so minutes, you will note a lot of one thing:
Laughter. Lots of laughter.
Was a woman announcing a run for President that funny? But let's remind ourselves that we listen to this recording with 2020 ears.
Link to Announcement of Margaret Chase Smith's candidacy for President - take note of about 13:00 and onward
Smith did not win any of the Republican primaries she was entered into in 1964, and lost her nomination bid to Barry Goldwater. But she lived to the age of 97. At the time of her death, in 1995, she was the last living Senator to be born in the 19th century.
The century where women worked tirelessly to get us the rights we enjoy today.
Hopefully, since 1964, we have come a long way, baby.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Monday, March 9, 2020
Clocks and Other Distractions #MusicMovesMe
It's Monday! It's time for music! I know many of us live in areas where Daylight Saving Time was implemented yesterday, and we don't feel too perky. Allow me to change that and get your day going.
Who are the members of Music Moves Me (4M)? We are bloggers who blog with music each Monday. If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only- Please post containing links to You Tube or Vimeo for actual music. Other posts are subject to removal or labeling as "No Music".) Every other week we have a theme and on alternate weeks we have "You Pick".
Our conductors? First, there is XmasDolly. Her chief co-conductor is Cathy of Curious as a Cathy. Her other co-conductors are Stacy of Stacy Uncorked, and me.
For March our guest conductor is Marie from Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty.
Her theme for today is "You Pick".
First, I pay my homage to the time change.
Coldplay - Clocks
Here are some other songs that move me me out of my Daylight Saving funk.
Jackson Browne - Lawyers in Love
Paul McCartney and Wings - Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five.
Elton John and another of his covers that I like more than the original - "Pinball Wizard". Noting that some of the lyrics are not "PC" in our world, I also note this song was written back in the late 1960's.
Finally - it's not September but I needed one more song to get us all going. The greatest cover band of all time (or close to it, anyway) Leonid and Friends do "September".
Shall I say it? Yes - it's a wrap. Now, go check out some of these other fine blogs for more Mewsic...
See you next week, same time, same place!
Who are the members of Music Moves Me (4M)? We are bloggers who blog with music each Monday. If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only- Please post containing links to You Tube or Vimeo for actual music. Other posts are subject to removal or labeling as "No Music".) Every other week we have a theme and on alternate weeks we have "You Pick".
Our conductors? First, there is XmasDolly. Her chief co-conductor is Cathy of Curious as a Cathy. Her other co-conductors are Stacy of Stacy Uncorked, and me.
For March our guest conductor is Marie from Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty.
Her theme for today is "You Pick".
First, I pay my homage to the time change.
Coldplay - Clocks
Here are some other songs that move me me out of my Daylight Saving funk.
Jackson Browne - Lawyers in Love
Paul McCartney and Wings - Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five.
Elton John and another of his covers that I like more than the original - "Pinball Wizard". Noting that some of the lyrics are not "PC" in our world, I also note this song was written back in the late 1960's.
Finally - it's not September but I needed one more song to get us all going. The greatest cover band of all time (or close to it, anyway) Leonid and Friends do "September".
Shall I say it? Yes - it's a wrap. Now, go check out some of these other fine blogs for more Mewsic...
See you next week, same time, same place!
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Does Anyone Know What Daylight Saving Time It Is?
It's back.
It's going to be a beautiful day here in upstate New York, although it is starting out cloudy. It should warm up later.
Only one problem - today is 23 hours long, if you believe the clocks.
Daylight Saving Time has arrived.
Blame Ben Franklin: here's a history of the practice, and a reminder it is just a shifting, not a taking away.
A couple of musical songs for today. First, this one (by the way, it is Daylight Saving Time) It has a rockin' recorder solo, too.
Today, most of the United States lost an hour. We won't find it until November 1.
So, once again we will be off-kilter for several days until we get used to it - but I sure will enjoy those evenings with a later sunset.
Then, we'll forget all about the trauma until November and go through this again in the other direction.
Maybe then, we'll remember what time it is. (Thank you, Leonid and Friends!)
Now...can spring be just around the corner?
It's going to be a beautiful day here in upstate New York, although it is starting out cloudy. It should warm up later.
Only one problem - today is 23 hours long, if you believe the clocks.
Daylight Saving Time has arrived.
Blame Ben Franklin: here's a history of the practice, and a reminder it is just a shifting, not a taking away.
A couple of musical songs for today. First, this one (by the way, it is Daylight Saving Time) It has a rockin' recorder solo, too.
Today, most of the United States lost an hour. We won't find it until November 1.
So, once again we will be off-kilter for several days until we get used to it - but I sure will enjoy those evenings with a later sunset.
Then, we'll forget all about the trauma until November and go through this again in the other direction.
Maybe then, we'll remember what time it is. (Thank you, Leonid and Friends!)
Now...can spring be just around the corner?
Saturday, March 7, 2020
International Women's Day - The Declaration of Sentiments
Tomorrow is International Women's Day.
Imagine - the Democratic list of candidates for the 2020 election of the President of the United States for the next four years started out with several female candidates. This week, the last one (with a serious chance at the nomination) suspended her campaign.
I am inspired by the realization that my spouse's aunt, who died in 2019 at the age of 107, was born into a world where she did not have the right to vote.
Let's rewind history a little.
In Seneca Falls, New York, in July of 1848, the First Women's Right Convention was held. Out of this convention a document called the Declaration of Sentiments came, signed by 68 women and 32 men.
In 2016, I "wrote" a letter to all the signers of this document, but especially, the women:
"Dear signers of the Declaration of Sentiments:
"I owe so much to you, as a married woman living in the United States. Due to your courage:
-I have the right to vote
-I can keep the wages I make
-I have the right to own property and to pass it down, upon my death, to the person or persons I choose
-I have the right to an education...
...and I have other rights women in some other countries don't have - the right not to have their bodies mutilated, the right to marry or not marry, the right to become or not become pregnant, the right to attend school without worrying about being kidnapped and sold into slavery, or being killed, and even the right to drive a car.
If I wanted to write a book, I could do that under my own name. I wouldn't have to pretend to be a man.
It took so many years for you to win those rights for me. Instrumental in getting these rights were your efforts in getting women the right to vote.
And now, too many women take these rights for granted. Many of us don't vote. We don't take advantage of educational opportunities. We devalue ourselves.
A sad thing about history is, if you didn't live it, you tend to forget it. I can remember the days of "Male" and "female" help wanted ads, just as one example. I can remember when one of my high school teachers became pregnant, and had to leave when she started to show. (This, incidentally, was in 1969.)
You all taught me never to take rights for granted. Rights taken for granted are rights lost.
Worst of all, there are places where women have never had those rights, and both men and women suffer for it. That's part of women's history, too, the story of the present.
Those once called suffragettes, thank you for your courage.
Thank you for what you did for generations yet unborn. Like mine.
Sincerely,
AM"
Imagine - the Democratic list of candidates for the 2020 election of the President of the United States for the next four years started out with several female candidates. This week, the last one (with a serious chance at the nomination) suspended her campaign.
I am inspired by the realization that my spouse's aunt, who died in 2019 at the age of 107, was born into a world where she did not have the right to vote.
Let's rewind history a little.
 |
| Elizabeth Cady Stanton's House, "The Center of the Rebellion", Seneca Falls New York |
In 2016, I "wrote" a letter to all the signers of this document, but especially, the women:
"Dear signers of the Declaration of Sentiments:
"I owe so much to you, as a married woman living in the United States. Due to your courage:
-I have the right to vote
-I can keep the wages I make
-I have the right to own property and to pass it down, upon my death, to the person or persons I choose
-I have the right to an education...
...and I have other rights women in some other countries don't have - the right not to have their bodies mutilated, the right to marry or not marry, the right to become or not become pregnant, the right to attend school without worrying about being kidnapped and sold into slavery, or being killed, and even the right to drive a car.
If I wanted to write a book, I could do that under my own name. I wouldn't have to pretend to be a man.
It took so many years for you to win those rights for me. Instrumental in getting these rights were your efforts in getting women the right to vote.
And now, too many women take these rights for granted. Many of us don't vote. We don't take advantage of educational opportunities. We devalue ourselves.
A sad thing about history is, if you didn't live it, you tend to forget it. I can remember the days of "Male" and "female" help wanted ads, just as one example. I can remember when one of my high school teachers became pregnant, and had to leave when she started to show. (This, incidentally, was in 1969.)
You all taught me never to take rights for granted. Rights taken for granted are rights lost.
Worst of all, there are places where women have never had those rights, and both men and women suffer for it. That's part of women's history, too, the story of the present.
Those once called suffragettes, thank you for your courage.
Thank you for what you did for generations yet unborn. Like mine.
Sincerely,
AM"
Friday, March 6, 2020
Choose Your Sky and Cloud Adventure #SkywatchFriday
We are in the home stretch, here in upstate New York, with winter almost over. True, it is snowing today. But in the past week, we have had so many different skies, I decided to show a variety. Choose your own sky and cloud combo.
Which do you choose? The sky over a frozen pond?
Trees reaching for the sky?
An early week view of a library gazebo?
Or come back on a sunnier day?
Buds waiting for their moment?
It's your adventure. You decide!
For more sky views, visit #SkywatchFriday.
Which do you choose? The sky over a frozen pond?
Trees reaching for the sky?
Buds waiting for their moment?
It's your adventure. You decide!
For more sky views, visit #SkywatchFriday.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
The Time Has Come To A to Z
Back in 2015, for the first time, I signed up for an annual April blog challenge called the A to Z Challenge. (Intrigued? Here is the signup.). I have participated every year since.
On Tuesday, I signed up again.
The way A to Z works is easy - and hard. You blog every day except Sunday (Sunday is a "free day" for those who do blog on Sundays, like me.) That's the easy part. The alphabetical part is the challenge. 26 days in April require 26 blog posts. The topic of your first post must start with A, the second with B, and so forth. Some letters are killers. You can guess which ones they are.
Now, as usual, I say to myself "What have I done? And why am I doing it?"
You'll find out on March 16, when I reveal my theme. The only hint I will give you is that it will involve photography.
But, now, I think "how much our world has changed since 2015."
It isn't just political turmoil. It isn't just COVID-19. Or, the tornado disaster that hit the Nashville, Tennessee area. Nature reminds us daily that we are in its power.
There are silver linings, but they can be hard to find.
So, forward we March towards April.
Are you going to participate in A to Z this year?
On Tuesday, I signed up again.
The way A to Z works is easy - and hard. You blog every day except Sunday (Sunday is a "free day" for those who do blog on Sundays, like me.) That's the easy part. The alphabetical part is the challenge. 26 days in April require 26 blog posts. The topic of your first post must start with A, the second with B, and so forth. Some letters are killers. You can guess which ones they are.
Now, as usual, I say to myself "What have I done? And why am I doing it?"
You'll find out on March 16, when I reveal my theme. The only hint I will give you is that it will involve photography.
But, now, I think "how much our world has changed since 2015."
It isn't just political turmoil. It isn't just COVID-19. Or, the tornado disaster that hit the Nashville, Tennessee area. Nature reminds us daily that we are in its power.
There are silver linings, but they can be hard to find.
So, forward we March towards April.
 |
| Not yet, but soon. |
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Nature Announces Spring #WordlessWednesday
This picture says it all for the winter weary of the Binghamton, New York area.
Nature has announced spring, 2020.
The snow has been replaced by...
...blooming heather in the Broome County Library garden.
Also snowdrops in a couple of places I wasn't able to photograph.
It's official. SPRING! We still will have wintry weather for a while, but now that we know it's on the way, we can rejoice.
Joining the following Wordless Wednesday bloghops:
Sandee at Comedy Plus
Esha and Natasha at #WordlessWednesday
And while I am at it, a happy birthday to a childhood friend I lost touch with years ago. Maybe one day, we will find each other.
Nature has announced spring, 2020.
The snow has been replaced by...
...blooming heather in the Broome County Library garden.
Also snowdrops in a couple of places I wasn't able to photograph.
It's official. SPRING! We still will have wintry weather for a while, but now that we know it's on the way, we can rejoice.
Joining the following Wordless Wednesday bloghops:
Sandee at Comedy Plus
Esha and Natasha at #WordlessWednesday
And while I am at it, a happy birthday to a childhood friend I lost touch with years ago. Maybe one day, we will find each other.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
On The Cusp of the Future
We in the United States are about to be tested as never before. Will we panic? Will we make the wrong decisions? Or will we work our way through and act on what we learn?
Today 14 states vote in Presidential primaries and few states have mail in voting. Will the coronavirus be a factor in November?
Let's think of the times before.
BEFORE
In the innocent days of last month....
This was something I barely had to think about, because I have good insurance. But for many, that wouldn't have been the case. Looking back, with the probability of a new virus becoming a pandemic (we are almost there, if we aren't there already, as I blog this) a simple visit to a walk in may not be something we can just do.
Back in February, I found myself seeking medical attention for a UTI (urinary tract infection). I woke up one morning about 5am knowing, it was time to seek medical attention.
The walk ins where I live have online appointments available - yes, I know it really doesn't sound right to make an appointment for a "walk in" facility, but it's more like saving your place in line. The facility opened at 8am, so I texted my job, then went online for an appointment. They had an appointment for 8am. I took it. Registration was easy.
The last time I had used their walk in, this facility (which is part of the same medical system all my care goes through) didn't even have my medical records available. That had been several years ago.
There were a couple of minor problems - their acknowledgement said "arrive 10 minutes early to fill out paperwork". Got there at 7:50 and they were locked up. I might as well have arrived at 8.
But once they opened and the check in window opened, it was so smooth. I had to show my drivers license and my medical card, which is standard, and then the check in woman smiled and said "you're all set". No paperwork. And maybe a five minute wait, which is good for someone who really needs to pee.
The nurse practitioner (female) I saw had a good bedside manner, gave me some advice on how to try to flush it out if it happened again (I know it will, knowing my past history) but admitted even she can't flush many of them out, and took my pee sample. Several minutes later I had a diagnosis and two prescriptions.
NOW
So...what about the rest of the story? This isn't February. This is March and many of us may be exposed to a new virus we don't have immunity to. Going to a walk in may become difficult. Think of how many health care workers may become sick, themselves...
The best piece of advice people are giving are: DON'T PANIC.
The second best: Don't spread information about cures on social media. Please. Just don't.
Finally: Soap is your best friend. Panic is our worst enemy. We will get through this.
You are observing history in action.
Our community and medical system may be tested in ways they haven't been in years. Think about people who don't have the financial ability to go out and prepare for a possible community quarantine. They may not have vacation or sick time to tide them over. What about health care if they can't afford insurance? What about the suggestion of stockpiling medication but insurance won't pay for it?
There are already some empty shelves in places where we shop, here in upstate New York. I overheard a conversation in the local supermarket about when they might get hand sanitizer back in stock. The employee being questioned had no idea. And those empty shelves are only the beginning.
Will we face empty shelves in some markets dependent on goods made in China and other countries being hit by the virus? Will we listen to politicians trying to whip up fear for their benefit?
It's a lot of ifs and, best case scenario, deaths will be minimal. But in that best case scenario. so many weaknesses of our system will be unveiled. Will they be addressed?
This is not a time to lose faith in our system. But we must vote for those who show the ability to adapt to changing situations, and show compassionate leadership.
THE FUTURE?
Would I want the ability to see the blog post I write a month or two from now?
Today 14 states vote in Presidential primaries and few states have mail in voting. Will the coronavirus be a factor in November?
Let's think of the times before.
BEFORE
In the innocent days of last month....
This was something I barely had to think about, because I have good insurance. But for many, that wouldn't have been the case. Looking back, with the probability of a new virus becoming a pandemic (we are almost there, if we aren't there already, as I blog this) a simple visit to a walk in may not be something we can just do.
Back in February, I found myself seeking medical attention for a UTI (urinary tract infection). I woke up one morning about 5am knowing, it was time to seek medical attention.
The walk ins where I live have online appointments available - yes, I know it really doesn't sound right to make an appointment for a "walk in" facility, but it's more like saving your place in line. The facility opened at 8am, so I texted my job, then went online for an appointment. They had an appointment for 8am. I took it. Registration was easy.
The last time I had used their walk in, this facility (which is part of the same medical system all my care goes through) didn't even have my medical records available. That had been several years ago.
There were a couple of minor problems - their acknowledgement said "arrive 10 minutes early to fill out paperwork". Got there at 7:50 and they were locked up. I might as well have arrived at 8.
But once they opened and the check in window opened, it was so smooth. I had to show my drivers license and my medical card, which is standard, and then the check in woman smiled and said "you're all set". No paperwork. And maybe a five minute wait, which is good for someone who really needs to pee.
The nurse practitioner (female) I saw had a good bedside manner, gave me some advice on how to try to flush it out if it happened again (I know it will, knowing my past history) but admitted even she can't flush many of them out, and took my pee sample. Several minutes later I had a diagnosis and two prescriptions.
NOW
So...what about the rest of the story? This isn't February. This is March and many of us may be exposed to a new virus we don't have immunity to. Going to a walk in may become difficult. Think of how many health care workers may become sick, themselves...
The best piece of advice people are giving are: DON'T PANIC.
The second best: Don't spread information about cures on social media. Please. Just don't.
Finally: Soap is your best friend. Panic is our worst enemy. We will get through this.
You are observing history in action.
Our community and medical system may be tested in ways they haven't been in years. Think about people who don't have the financial ability to go out and prepare for a possible community quarantine. They may not have vacation or sick time to tide them over. What about health care if they can't afford insurance? What about the suggestion of stockpiling medication but insurance won't pay for it?
There are already some empty shelves in places where we shop, here in upstate New York. I overheard a conversation in the local supermarket about when they might get hand sanitizer back in stock. The employee being questioned had no idea. And those empty shelves are only the beginning.
Will we face empty shelves in some markets dependent on goods made in China and other countries being hit by the virus? Will we listen to politicians trying to whip up fear for their benefit?
It's a lot of ifs and, best case scenario, deaths will be minimal. But in that best case scenario. so many weaknesses of our system will be unveiled. Will they be addressed?
This is not a time to lose faith in our system. But we must vote for those who show the ability to adapt to changing situations, and show compassionate leadership.
THE FUTURE?
Would I want the ability to see the blog post I write a month or two from now?
Monday, March 2, 2020
The Name's in the Title #MusicMovesMe
March has arrived, and with it, another episode of #MusicMovesMe.
Who are the members of Music Moves Me (4M)? We are bloggers who blog with music each Monday. If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only- Please post containing links to You Tube or Vimeo for actual music. Other posts are subject to removal or labeling as "No Music".) Every other week we have a theme and on alternate weeks we have "You Pick".
Our conductors? First, there is XmasDolly. Her chief co-conductor is Cathy of Curious as a Cathy. Her other co-conductors are Stacy of Stacy Uncorked, and me.
For March our guest conductor is Marie from Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty.
Her theme for today is "Songs with a name in the title".
Alexander's Ragtime Band, an Irving Berlin classic from 1911, has been covered by many singers. I could not resist this performance from Ethel Merman - disco style. Why not?
For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her, is a Paul Simon song sung by Art Garfunkel. I loved this song as a teenager (I may have almost worn out my copy of this album). The lyrics of this song are so pure, and so is Art's voice.
Abraham, Martin and John is as timely today as when Dion, who, like me, grew up in the Bronx, first sang this song. Dion DiMucci is 80 years old now, and is still going strong.
Neil Diamond's 1969 hit Sweet Caroline is played at every Boston Red Sox game. Is it about Caroline Kennedy? You decide. I decided on a Neil Diamond playing it live at Fenway Park performance just days after the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013.
Help Me, Rhonda by the Beach Boys. Another live performance here.
I'm on a 1960's roll, apparently. So why not a couple of more? First, The Four Seasons with Dawn (Go Away) from 1964.
This cover of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by Elton John is from 1975 and I happen to like it more than the original. But I'll count it as a 1960's song, nevertheless.
And that's a wrap! While you are here, why not visit some other of these fine bloggers below:
Join me again same time, same place, next Monday.
Who are the members of Music Moves Me (4M)? We are bloggers who blog with music each Monday. If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only- Please post containing links to You Tube or Vimeo for actual music. Other posts are subject to removal or labeling as "No Music".) Every other week we have a theme and on alternate weeks we have "You Pick".
Our conductors? First, there is XmasDolly. Her chief co-conductor is Cathy of Curious as a Cathy. Her other co-conductors are Stacy of Stacy Uncorked, and me.
For March our guest conductor is Marie from Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty.
Her theme for today is "Songs with a name in the title".
Alexander's Ragtime Band, an Irving Berlin classic from 1911, has been covered by many singers. I could not resist this performance from Ethel Merman - disco style. Why not?
For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her, is a Paul Simon song sung by Art Garfunkel. I loved this song as a teenager (I may have almost worn out my copy of this album). The lyrics of this song are so pure, and so is Art's voice.
Abraham, Martin and John is as timely today as when Dion, who, like me, grew up in the Bronx, first sang this song. Dion DiMucci is 80 years old now, and is still going strong.
Neil Diamond's 1969 hit Sweet Caroline is played at every Boston Red Sox game. Is it about Caroline Kennedy? You decide. I decided on a Neil Diamond playing it live at Fenway Park performance just days after the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013.
Help Me, Rhonda by the Beach Boys. Another live performance here.
And that's a wrap! While you are here, why not visit some other of these fine bloggers below:
Join me again same time, same place, next Monday.
Sunday, March 1, 2020
The First Signs of Spring 2020
A continuation of yesterday's House in Upstate New York Flower Show but this time we have moved outdoors.
Yes, I know, it is too early to expect much in this upstate New York yard, but we are showing the results of a (for us) mild winter.
Spring is here.
All photos taken today on a rare sunny day.
As the snow melts back on my front lawn, crocuses have appeared.
My early daffodils are coming up on the side.
The pansies bred to overwinter in this climate have overwintered.
An experiment - lingonberries. We bought two plants last year and will see what happens.
But one more coming attraction - under leaves (because the early flowers that were exposed were caught by our coldest weather of the winter), my white Lenten Rose continues to bloom.
Can gardening season be far behind?
A flower a day really does keep happiness in our lives, even as uncertainty swirls around our daily affairs. These posts may seem unimportant today, but who knows about tomorrow?
Tomorrow, after all, is not promised to us.
Yes, I know, it is too early to expect much in this upstate New York yard, but we are showing the results of a (for us) mild winter.
Spring is here.
All photos taken today on a rare sunny day.
My early daffodils are coming up on the side.
The pansies bred to overwinter in this climate have overwintered.
An experiment - lingonberries. We bought two plants last year and will see what happens.
Can gardening season be far behind?
A flower a day really does keep happiness in our lives, even as uncertainty swirls around our daily affairs. These posts may seem unimportant today, but who knows about tomorrow?
Tomorrow, after all, is not promised to us.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
The House in Upstate New York Leap Day Flower Show
Once every four years, we are given a bonus day. Today is leap day.
Why do we leap? It's interesting.
At my Weight Watchers meeting this week, we were asked if any of us were born on February 29 or, if not, if we knew anyone who was. No one born on that day, but a couple of us knew people. The next question: do they celebrate on February 28 or March 1?
Today they can celebrate on February 29.
But, the bonus day has been interesting so far for other reasons.
A Facebook friend reminisces about her late father, who was born on February 29, 1916.
A person I sometimes interact on Facebook with reported a scam.
And...I decided not to go to the Philadelphia Flower Show, a show I've wanted to go to for years. I had taken off yesterday and Monday from work to do this. We were waiting for the last minute because it's still winter, and a snowstorm could have prevented us going down this weekend.
But it wasn't the weather that stopped me. It was fear. Not of the flowers and plants, but of the massive number of people expecting to attend - perhaps over 250,000 in a week's time.
It's true that the flower show is taking various precautions. And, there are no known cases of coronavirus in Philadelphia. But this show also attracts people from various parts of the country and the world.
Ironically, in a way, we did our normal food shopping this morning in a crowded 100,000 plus square foot supermarket. Perhaps you are less fearful at home.
But even at the checkout, I looked over at the next checkout and a couple were rubbing their hands with hand sanitizer. And I find myself reading a bit obsessively about the virus and how to prepare (and we did go to the store for extra supplies. Also, hand sanitizer - which I normally try to avoid using, being more of a believer in the power of soap.) I'm becoming a lot more conscious of touching my face, and trying to break the habit.
So, I am going to do my own little flower show today. No, it's not the Riviera theme of the Philadelphia Flower Show. Call it the House in Upstate New York on Leap Day theme.
Usually I don't even have this many flowers.
But this year is special. It's a leap year. And my Thanksgiving cactii will all be in bloom a couple of days from now.
Do you get the idea that I like pink flowers?
A poinsettia from 2018 continues to rebloom, slowly. Looks better than it did on the 15th.
With us posed on the knife edge of who knows what, all we can do is hope for the best, and take a flower break from time to time.
Happy Leap Day to you.
Flower Power!
Why do we leap? It's interesting.
At my Weight Watchers meeting this week, we were asked if any of us were born on February 29 or, if not, if we knew anyone who was. No one born on that day, but a couple of us knew people. The next question: do they celebrate on February 28 or March 1?
Today they can celebrate on February 29.
But, the bonus day has been interesting so far for other reasons.
A Facebook friend reminisces about her late father, who was born on February 29, 1916.
A person I sometimes interact on Facebook with reported a scam.
And...I decided not to go to the Philadelphia Flower Show, a show I've wanted to go to for years. I had taken off yesterday and Monday from work to do this. We were waiting for the last minute because it's still winter, and a snowstorm could have prevented us going down this weekend.
But it wasn't the weather that stopped me. It was fear. Not of the flowers and plants, but of the massive number of people expecting to attend - perhaps over 250,000 in a week's time.
It's true that the flower show is taking various precautions. And, there are no known cases of coronavirus in Philadelphia. But this show also attracts people from various parts of the country and the world.
Ironically, in a way, we did our normal food shopping this morning in a crowded 100,000 plus square foot supermarket. Perhaps you are less fearful at home.
But even at the checkout, I looked over at the next checkout and a couple were rubbing their hands with hand sanitizer. And I find myself reading a bit obsessively about the virus and how to prepare (and we did go to the store for extra supplies. Also, hand sanitizer - which I normally try to avoid using, being more of a believer in the power of soap.) I'm becoming a lot more conscious of touching my face, and trying to break the habit.
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| Valentines Day Gift |
So, I am going to do my own little flower show today. No, it's not the Riviera theme of the Philadelphia Flower Show. Call it the House in Upstate New York on Leap Day theme.
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| Black Friday special at Home Depot and still has some blooms |
Usually I don't even have this many flowers.
But this year is special. It's a leap year. And my Thanksgiving cactii will all be in bloom a couple of days from now.
Do you get the idea that I like pink flowers?
A poinsettia from 2018 continues to rebloom, slowly. Looks better than it did on the 15th.
With us posed on the knife edge of who knows what, all we can do is hope for the best, and take a flower break from time to time.
Happy Leap Day to you.
Flower Power!
Friday, February 28, 2020
Spring Backs Off #SkywatchFriday
The week started off so mild. People took to the local rail trail to exercise in the amazing 50 degree weather on Sunday where I live near Vestal, New York.
The sun shone, the sky was blue, and the snow was melting.
Monday, a beautiful clear sky. But that was the last of the sun. By Thursday, the snow had arrived again.
Not visible in the picture, the buds on these Bradford Pear trees were covered in snow and were not going to hear the signal to start their bloom cycle today. The sky was white, the sky we know as a "snow sky".
Neither were these Bradfords, as the wind blew.
Courthouse, downtown Binghamton. No end to the gloom here. In this picture, what started as a slushy mix made for some slippery walking.
Around sunset, the sunset tried to give us a show.
We missed the blizzards to the north and to the west, thankfully. Spring has backed off and winter has reminded us to look at the calendar.
Join Yogi and other skywatchers each Friday for #SkywatchFriday.
The sun shone, the sky was blue, and the snow was melting.
Monday, a beautiful clear sky. But that was the last of the sun. By Thursday, the snow had arrived again.
Not visible in the picture, the buds on these Bradford Pear trees were covered in snow and were not going to hear the signal to start their bloom cycle today. The sky was white, the sky we know as a "snow sky".
Neither were these Bradfords, as the wind blew.
Courthouse, downtown Binghamton. No end to the gloom here. In this picture, what started as a slushy mix made for some slippery walking.
Around sunset, the sunset tried to give us a show.
We missed the blizzards to the north and to the west, thankfully. Spring has backed off and winter has reminded us to look at the calendar.
Join Yogi and other skywatchers each Friday for #SkywatchFriday.
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Library Tree in White #ThursdayTreeLove
As I write this, we haven't had snow on the ground in a few days, but that is about to change later today. Just to the west of us, parts of New York State are under a blizzard warning - intense snow and wind, through Friday night. The Great Lakes aren't frozen due to our relatively mild winter and that's a perfect setup for lots of snow near the lakes.
We won't get the massive snow where I live but we are going to get strong winds, too. No surprise - March is almost here.
We had some snow earlier in February and I decided to head to the public library.
On the side of the library parking lot in Endicott, New York, I saw two trees.
One person's everyday view is another person's visual treasure.
Joining Parul at Happiness and Food with her #ThursdayTreeLove.
We won't get the massive snow where I live but we are going to get strong winds, too. No surprise - March is almost here.
We had some snow earlier in February and I decided to head to the public library.
On the side of the library parking lot in Endicott, New York, I saw two trees.
One person's everyday view is another person's visual treasure.
Joining Parul at Happiness and Food with her #ThursdayTreeLove.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Swamp Root #WordlessWednesday
This is the building Swamp Root built.
The Kilmer Building on the edge of downtown Binghamton, New York was built in 1903 as a facility for manufacturing Kilmer's Swamp Root, a patent medicine that made its creator quite wealthy.
It later had other tenants, including a perfume making facility. Eventually, it stood vacant for some 17 years. In the early 2000's, it was renovated and opened with two tenants, a jewelry store (which closed earlier this year) and an upscale restaurant.
Inside the Kilmer building.
A fireplace inside the then-jewelry store.
Mosaic.
Some more of the mosaic work in the building.
Our area has a wealth of old buildings. Sadly, many are in ruin
But others, like the Kilmer Building, have been rescued.
I am joining the following blog hops this Wednesday:
Sandee at Comedy Plus
Natasha and Esha's Wordless Wednesday
It later had other tenants, including a perfume making facility. Eventually, it stood vacant for some 17 years. In the early 2000's, it was renovated and opened with two tenants, a jewelry store (which closed earlier this year) and an upscale restaurant.
Mosaic.
Our area has a wealth of old buildings. Sadly, many are in ruin
But others, like the Kilmer Building, have been rescued.
I am joining the following blog hops this Wednesday:
Sandee at Comedy Plus
Natasha and Esha's Wordless Wednesday
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
She Did the Best She Could
I grew up in the 50's and 60's, a time when we were in a space race with the Soviet Union.
All the astronauts were men. The people in the control room were men.
Little did I know about the female "computers", who, starting as early as 1939, helped to put airplanes in the air and, eventually, the United States into space. No one talked about them. No one taught us about them in school, even in the science oriented high school I attended in New York City in the late 1960's.
No, NASA's face was totally male.
I did not pursue a science career (I was never able to conquer mathematics) but the space program always remained dear to me.
Some of these computers, not machines, but humans who did their calculations by hand, were women of color. They rode to work in segregated buses, consigned to the back. They worked in segregated rooms. Some had to go to the bathroom in a different building than they worked in.
In those days, a "computer" was a human. Machine computers were primitive, and not trusted for many calculations.
Eventually, a book called "Hidden Figures" told some of the stories of three female computers of color.. Among them was a woman by the name of Katherine Johnson, who did the calculations for some of the first Mercury missions and Apollo 11, the first manned mission to land on the moon, among many other accomplishments. She retired in 1986.
In an interview several years ago, she humbly said "I did the best I could".
Fast forward to 2017, when spouse and I traveled to Columbia, South Carolina to view the total eclipse of the sun.
At the museum where we saw the eclipse, there was a NASA trailer and a long line to get in. We saw their display and, at the end, were invited to the Langley, Virginia NASA facility where Katherine Johnson and others had worked, for an open house that October. They only hold the open houses every five years, and this one was special - their 100th anniversary. Health permitting (Ms. Johnson was in a wheelchair by then), Katherine Johnson was planning to attend.
But my elderly mother in law's health was starting to fail, and we could not make the trip.
Yesterday, we lost Katherine Johnson, aged 101.
May she rest in peace.
All the astronauts were men. The people in the control room were men.
Little did I know about the female "computers", who, starting as early as 1939, helped to put airplanes in the air and, eventually, the United States into space. No one talked about them. No one taught us about them in school, even in the science oriented high school I attended in New York City in the late 1960's.
No, NASA's face was totally male.
I did not pursue a science career (I was never able to conquer mathematics) but the space program always remained dear to me.
Some of these computers, not machines, but humans who did their calculations by hand, were women of color. They rode to work in segregated buses, consigned to the back. They worked in segregated rooms. Some had to go to the bathroom in a different building than they worked in.
In those days, a "computer" was a human. Machine computers were primitive, and not trusted for many calculations.
Eventually, a book called "Hidden Figures" told some of the stories of three female computers of color.. Among them was a woman by the name of Katherine Johnson, who did the calculations for some of the first Mercury missions and Apollo 11, the first manned mission to land on the moon, among many other accomplishments. She retired in 1986.
In an interview several years ago, she humbly said "I did the best I could".
Fast forward to 2017, when spouse and I traveled to Columbia, South Carolina to view the total eclipse of the sun.
At the museum where we saw the eclipse, there was a NASA trailer and a long line to get in. We saw their display and, at the end, were invited to the Langley, Virginia NASA facility where Katherine Johnson and others had worked, for an open house that October. They only hold the open houses every five years, and this one was special - their 100th anniversary. Health permitting (Ms. Johnson was in a wheelchair by then), Katherine Johnson was planning to attend.
But my elderly mother in law's health was starting to fail, and we could not make the trip.
Yesterday, we lost Katherine Johnson, aged 101.
May she rest in peace.
Monday, February 24, 2020
Jump In - Music Moves Me
It's Monday, and it's time to rock into a 29 day February! It comes only once every four years, so it's time for a celebration.
Who are the members of #MusicMovesMe?
We are bloggers who blog with music each Monday. If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only- Please post containing links to You Tube or Vimeo for actual music. Other posts are subject to removal or labeling as "No Music".) Every other week we have a theme and on alternate weeks we have "You Pick".
Our conductors? First, there is XmasDolly. Her chief co-conductor is Cathy of Curious as a Cathy. Her other co-conductors are Stacy of Stacy Uncorked, and me.
For February our guest conductor is Robin at Songbird's Crazy World. For today, her theme is: "You Pick".
I can't resist one song about leap years: Leap Year Song by Jonathan Mann. After all, Saturday will be Leap Day.
But I did look for some songs that talk about leaping, or jumping, for a leap day theme. These aren't Leap Day songs, but enjoy, anyway!
Jump, by Van Halen.
Jump Into the Fire, sung by Harry Nilsson.
Jumpin' Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones, in a live performance.
And one more, from their first album. You either like this or you don't. The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Get Up and Jump.
Speaking of jumping, I couldn't resist including a little Double Dutch. I grew up in New York City watching this style of jumprope, and this video give you a taste of its competitive level. I could barely single rope jump, with my lack of coordination. This jumping is so athletic.
And that's a wrap!
Please join me same time, same place, next Monday!
Who are the members of #MusicMovesMe?
We are bloggers who blog with music each Monday. If you have music to share with us, you are most welcome to join! (Music Posts Only- Please post containing links to You Tube or Vimeo for actual music. Other posts are subject to removal or labeling as "No Music".) Every other week we have a theme and on alternate weeks we have "You Pick".
Our conductors? First, there is XmasDolly. Her chief co-conductor is Cathy of Curious as a Cathy. Her other co-conductors are Stacy of Stacy Uncorked, and me.
For February our guest conductor is Robin at Songbird's Crazy World. For today, her theme is: "You Pick".
I can't resist one song about leap years: Leap Year Song by Jonathan Mann. After all, Saturday will be Leap Day.
But I did look for some songs that talk about leaping, or jumping, for a leap day theme. These aren't Leap Day songs, but enjoy, anyway!
Jump Into the Fire, sung by Harry Nilsson.
Jumpin' Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones, in a live performance.
And one more, from their first album. You either like this or you don't. The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Get Up and Jump.
Speaking of jumping, I couldn't resist including a little Double Dutch. I grew up in New York City watching this style of jumprope, and this video give you a taste of its competitive level. I could barely single rope jump, with my lack of coordination. This jumping is so athletic.
And that's a wrap!
Please join me same time, same place, next Monday!
Sunday, February 23, 2020
No Golden Snowball This Year
In the midst of turmoil in our government and a possible pandemic of something originally known as the "coronavirus", spring made a temporary visit to the Southern Tier of New York State today.
The sun was out. And it was (sort of) warm.
It seemed everyone was out and about, soaking up the 50 degree F (10C) temperatures. The walking trails were crowded.
True, it will be a while before the snowpiles are gone.
But the trees were responding to signals we humans do not pick up. I am sitting in my yard, in fact, as I blog this, and I am looking at a tree glowing in the sun. Its sap is rising.
Soon enough, it will be cold again. We also can have some of our worst snowstorms in March. Right now, though, we are some 25 inches (63.5 cm) below normal in our snowfall.
We sit in the middle of the Golden Snowball statistics (the Golden Snowball is an informal competition between five cities in upstate New York for most snowfall in the season.) Rochester is in the lead, and even they are below normal.
But I was thinking of all those walkers out today, even if the breeze took some of the heat out of the air.
Spring, New York pleads, please don't tarry!
The sun was out. And it was (sort of) warm.
It seemed everyone was out and about, soaking up the 50 degree F (10C) temperatures. The walking trails were crowded.
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| Vestal Rail Trail, Vestal, New York |
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| Vestal Rail Trail, February 23, 2020 |
Soon enough, it will be cold again. We also can have some of our worst snowstorms in March. Right now, though, we are some 25 inches (63.5 cm) below normal in our snowfall.
We sit in the middle of the Golden Snowball statistics (the Golden Snowball is an informal competition between five cities in upstate New York for most snowfall in the season.) Rochester is in the lead, and even they are below normal.
But I was thinking of all those walkers out today, even if the breeze took some of the heat out of the air.
Spring, New York pleads, please don't tarry!
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Washington Our First
Back when I was growing up, today would have been celebrated with a day off from school - George Washington's birthday.
Our first President.
And everything that can be said about him has been said, right?
Wrong.
To get us into the mood: 11 Little Known Facts About George Washington.
I'm enjoying a biography of George Washington called "You Never Forget Your First", A biography of George Washington, by Alexis Coe.
I'm not sure I will finish it, as I don't seem to have the stamina to read a lot of non-fiction right now. Perhaps, once I retire, that will change.
But there is a lot of fascinating information here, as a good modern biography must explore: his actions towards the enslaved people he owned, the truth about him freeing them when he died (particularly heartbreaking), and his beliefs concerning the abolition of the institution of slavery. None of this was ever discussed in my history classes back in the 1960's.
There's more, including a fascinating discussion of his false teeth, the lies he told, and the things people believe about him that just aren't true.
The various charts in the book (diseases he suffered from and how he was treated for them, the animals he owned, including his beloved dogs, the battles he fought in) are worth the reading all by themselves.
All in all: a complicated man, this man who was "the father of our country".
Warts and all.
Our first President.
And everything that can be said about him has been said, right?
Wrong.
To get us into the mood: 11 Little Known Facts About George Washington.
I'm enjoying a biography of George Washington called "You Never Forget Your First", A biography of George Washington, by Alexis Coe.
I'm not sure I will finish it, as I don't seem to have the stamina to read a lot of non-fiction right now. Perhaps, once I retire, that will change.
But there is a lot of fascinating information here, as a good modern biography must explore: his actions towards the enslaved people he owned, the truth about him freeing them when he died (particularly heartbreaking), and his beliefs concerning the abolition of the institution of slavery. None of this was ever discussed in my history classes back in the 1960's.
There's more, including a fascinating discussion of his false teeth, the lies he told, and the things people believe about him that just aren't true.
The various charts in the book (diseases he suffered from and how he was treated for them, the animals he owned, including his beloved dogs, the battles he fought in) are worth the reading all by themselves.
All in all: a complicated man, this man who was "the father of our country".
Warts and all.
Friday, February 21, 2020
Spring Tempts #SkywatchFriday
T.S. Eliot thought April was the cruelest month, but I beg to disagree.
February is, at least, where I live in upstate New York. At sunrise now, the birds are singing, preparing for spring. Buds are appearing on the trees. Soon, I'm sure I'll be seeing the glow in the upper branches, indicating sap is rising.
But it's still cold, and snow still threatens.
Meanwhile, the sun still rises every morning. It starts out small.
Then spreads (it's hard to see, but there's a little orange block in the lower left hand side - this is the sun reflecting off a building.). Pink appears.
Slowly, the glow grows.
Finally, the sunrise sweeps its way to a stand of Bradford Pears. Visible to me, but not to you in this picture, are their buds. It's a bit early, and I know that they are only teasing me.
Their buds await the signal that will send the trees into glorious bloom.
Until then, I dream of spring.
And sunsets.
It's Friday, and I'm joining the bloggers who watch the sky (led by Yogi) at #SkywatchFriday.
February is, at least, where I live in upstate New York. At sunrise now, the birds are singing, preparing for spring. Buds are appearing on the trees. Soon, I'm sure I'll be seeing the glow in the upper branches, indicating sap is rising.
But it's still cold, and snow still threatens.
Meanwhile, the sun still rises every morning. It starts out small.
Slowly, the glow grows.
Their buds await the signal that will send the trees into glorious bloom.
Until then, I dream of spring.
It's Friday, and I'm joining the bloggers who watch the sky (led by Yogi) at #SkywatchFriday.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Strawberry Onions
I've been dreaming of strawberry onions since March of 2013, when we visited a Florida farmers market and discovered them.
Strawberry Onions? Yes. They are a mild variety of onion. They grow in strawberry fields in the Plant City, Florida area, which is a major strawberry producer.
They don't get their taste from their strawberry neighbors, but they thrive on the water and fertilizer given to the strawberry plants. They used to be grown at the perimeter of the strawberry fields but production is growing, thanks to a growing demand.
It's a win-win situation.
Onions can be somewhat ordinary, I admit.
We grow them quite successfully in our community garden in Binghamton, New York. But right now we have gone through our entire 2019 harvest.
So, back in January, we were in Florida and went to a strawberry stand in Plant City, Florida.
Yes, we were told, they ship strawberry onions. In fact, they ship them all over the country.
We'll be getting our shipment next week.
We can't wait.
Will they taste as good as we remember?
Strawberry Onions? Yes. They are a mild variety of onion. They grow in strawberry fields in the Plant City, Florida area, which is a major strawberry producer.
They don't get their taste from their strawberry neighbors, but they thrive on the water and fertilizer given to the strawberry plants. They used to be grown at the perimeter of the strawberry fields but production is growing, thanks to a growing demand.
It's a win-win situation.
Onions can be somewhat ordinary, I admit.
 |
| Our onions in the community garden |
So, back in January, we were in Florida and went to a strawberry stand in Plant City, Florida.
Yes, we were told, they ship strawberry onions. In fact, they ship them all over the country.
We'll be getting our shipment next week.
We can't wait.
Will they taste as good as we remember?
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