Parenting after your own children are grown and gone is a real challenge. What does it mean to “parent” adults who in many cases are themselves parents? How is parenting dependent children or quasi-independent teens different from parenting independent adults? Is such parenting even welcome or wanted? If so, when or under what circumstances?
I don’t have answers to these questions. I know others, including some LDS authors, have written about this topic. I haven’t read any of these books. And I don’t know if I plan to do so any time soon. Other authors have written about grandparenting. I haven’t read these books, either. I can’t help but think I could have more impact and positive influence as a grandparent if I lived near my grandchildren. This is something I would love to do, but it doesn’t seem to be in the cards any time soon. For now I must be content with sending cards or letters each month and visiting when I can.
I know some aspects about adult parenting that are very hard. First and foremost is watching my children struggle and, in some cases, suffer. Gone are the days when I could “make things all better” for my children when they ran into the house crying with a scraped knee or owie. The adage “little kids, little problems – big kids, big problems” certainly seems true at times.
I know there is value in struggling and that growth occurs from overcoming trials and adversity. I’m clear that we are in mortality to be tested and tried, and to learn from our experiences. That knowledge doesn’t stop me from wanting to ease the burden for my children, especially when the challenges appear to be so great that I don’t see the opportunities for growth and learning.
I have to remind myself that I am to God as a toddler is to me in understanding, maturity, patience, wisdom, faith, and so on. Trusting in God’s way and timing is truly an exercise of faith and patience. I pray for my children and their families constantly. That is easy. I also, when praying, ask for guidance on what I can do to help my children. Knowing the answers to that question is much more difficult.
Another challenge in adult parenting is knowing what NOT to say and when NOT to say it. It is true that wisdom comes with experience, age, and perspective. It is also true that most people don’t learn from the wisdom of others as well as they do through their own experiences. For example, it took me nearly three decades to learn that when you try to change another person the only thing you do is make two people unhappy – that person and yourself. Each and every time I try to change someone else I succeed only in creating unhappiness. But how do you pass along a lesson like that? Can it even be understood or “learned” except by personal struggle and experience? Suffice it to say that my tongue is much tougher than it once was from having bitten it so many times!
Another challenge is being connected. Children have their own lives and are busy with the tasks and chores of everyday living. As a result, I know far less about the lives of my children than I once did. I am very grateful for all the modern conveniences that make it so easy to stay connected. This has not always been the case. Long distance phone calls were prohibitively expensive when I was a child. Usually, receiving a long distance call meant a death or serious illness/accident in the family. Today such calls are virtually free. And we have blogs, social media, texting, email, web cams, etc., making staying connected easier than it ever has been.
Ironically, the very availability and ease of these tools may not always translate into connectedness. Because we CAN connect doesn’t always mean that we DO connect … at least, not as often as parents (especially long distance parents) might desire. And this is the rub. I certainly can make calls or send emails whenever I want. But how much connection is good? One of the things that make calls and visits so special is that they are not everyday occurrences. Ideally I would live close enough to my children and their families to drive by their residences frequently, see the children outside playing, and stop to say hello. That arrangement is increasingly rare in today’s world. I'm very lucky that my children use a variety of means to keep connected with me. I receive phone calls and can view photos posted online. I love receiving funny and unexpected text messages. I keep up with daily life through social media pages. Though I live very far away from my grandchildren, I am not disconnected from them.
Later this month we hope to visit Utah to celebrate Christmas with most of my children and all of my grandchildren. I am so excited to see everyone again and to participate in the magic of the Christmas season. So for a few days I will get to be a close up and hands on Poopa. What a wonderful Christmas gift for me!
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Getting Too #*%^&! Old
I first started playing basketball when I was 11 years old, having moved to South Jordan and entered West Jordan Junior High School (the "Shamrocks" ... yes, the fighting Shamrocks!). I was involved in helping my PE teacher do some research on what must have been a thesis for his Master's Degree. This entailed visiting a number of schools and conducting tests on those trying out for their teams. So I would use a stopwatch and time players as they ran through a series of skills exercises. I'm not clear on the hypothesis for the research and never was all that interested in the results. But I did get hooked on basketball. Unfortunately, I was not particularly skilled and also was not in good physical shape. When I first started running up and down the court I would get so light headed that I thought I was going to faint. I was glad to get past that stage fairly quickly and develop the stamina and wind that allowed me to play.
Today there are organized basketball leagues starting at very young ages. At that time we had little league baseball and football, but there was no opportunity to play basketball outside of pickup games with friends in the driveway. I dreamed of being good enough to play at the highest level, but obviously that was not in the cards for someone with my stature and skills. I did make the high school team my first (sophomore) year, but was not as skilled as most of the other players who had been on the Junior High team. Church basketball provided another outlet for competition and some wonderful opportunities, including playing on a team with former high school players that won the All Church Tournament championship game (Junior Division) the last year this contest was held. What a thrill that was!
Fast forward forty years -- I am still playing basketball Saturday mornings at the church, mostly with people 20-30 years younger. I have certainly lost a step, but still can play at a respectable level. However, every so often I sustain an injury that has Brenda questioning my sanity. Earlier this year I lost a toenail when another player landed hard on my foot. And yesterday I landed on another player's foot and sprained my ankle.
These images show how a sprain occurs and the results. The photo is not of my ankle, but this is what my ankle looks like today. I suspect that later this week the bruising will be very colorful. While I'm not surprised to sprain an ankle, I am disheartened by how long healing seems to take now. My aging body wonders why I am still playing a young man's game and is encouraging me to think about retiring!
Today there are organized basketball leagues starting at very young ages. At that time we had little league baseball and football, but there was no opportunity to play basketball outside of pickup games with friends in the driveway. I dreamed of being good enough to play at the highest level, but obviously that was not in the cards for someone with my stature and skills. I did make the high school team my first (sophomore) year, but was not as skilled as most of the other players who had been on the Junior High team. Church basketball provided another outlet for competition and some wonderful opportunities, including playing on a team with former high school players that won the All Church Tournament championship game (Junior Division) the last year this contest was held. What a thrill that was!
Fast forward forty years -- I am still playing basketball Saturday mornings at the church, mostly with people 20-30 years younger. I have certainly lost a step, but still can play at a respectable level. However, every so often I sustain an injury that has Brenda questioning my sanity. Earlier this year I lost a toenail when another player landed hard on my foot. And yesterday I landed on another player's foot and sprained my ankle.
These images show how a sprain occurs and the results. The photo is not of my ankle, but this is what my ankle looks like today. I suspect that later this week the bruising will be very colorful. While I'm not surprised to sprain an ankle, I am disheartened by how long healing seems to take now. My aging body wonders why I am still playing a young man's game and is encouraging me to think about retiring!
Monday, November 01, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Hunting Season
Recently I ran across an old album featuring some of the “cowboy music” my father enjoyed in the early 1960s. Because of the wonder of modern technology, now it is possible to find recordings of many of these old songs online.
One song still makes me nostalgic for those days, a novelty song called “I Won’t Go Huntin' With You, Jake (But I’ll Go Chasin' Women).” Yes, country titles are sometimes more entertaining than the songs themselves. But I have fond memories of this particular song because of a story relating to it.
This version was recorded by Jimmy Dean in 1962 when I was 7 or 8 years old. I used to listen over and over again trying to learn the words so I could sing along. But there was one phrase I didn’t understand. “… them gals wear clothes that we ain’t seen beneath them gingham gowns!” When I asked my Mom to explain what those words meant she was embarrassed and initially refused to tell me. Finally I think she mentioned something about women’s underwear – that was all I cared to know. (Remember, these were the days when my Grandmother Oviatt would not utter the word “pregnant.” The proper language was to say that someone was expecting or was “PG.”)
One song still makes me nostalgic for those days, a novelty song called “I Won’t Go Huntin' With You, Jake (But I’ll Go Chasin' Women).” Yes, country titles are sometimes more entertaining than the songs themselves. But I have fond memories of this particular song because of a story relating to it.
This version was recorded by Jimmy Dean in 1962 when I was 7 or 8 years old. I used to listen over and over again trying to learn the words so I could sing along. But there was one phrase I didn’t understand. “… them gals wear clothes that we ain’t seen beneath them gingham gowns!” When I asked my Mom to explain what those words meant she was embarrassed and initially refused to tell me. Finally I think she mentioned something about women’s underwear – that was all I cared to know. (Remember, these were the days when my Grandmother Oviatt would not utter the word “pregnant.” The proper language was to say that someone was expecting or was “PG.”)
It is funny how this song – and the memory of that story – has remained with me all these years. I’m including a link to an audio recording of the version I listened to as a child and hope you enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6Uq5VHGuPA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6Uq5VHGuPA&feature=related
Monday, October 25, 2010
Vandalism
Saturday afternoon I received a phone call informing me that someone had vandalized our church building and asking for help cleaning up. I was very surprised ... things like this just don't happen in our town. Initially I was concerned that this might have been done by someone with an axe to grind against the church for a real or perceived slight, or as a reaction to church involvement in sensitive political/social/moral issues. I even felt somewhat unsafe as I thought about how easy it would be to gain entry into the building and cause extensive damage. (Apparently our building was unlocked following an activity earlier in the day.)
When I reached the church I learned that the vandalism was carried out by a young man who apparently struggles with some psychological or emotional issues. The damage included broken glass, damaged artwork, an overturned piano, splotches of blood, and some smoke and fire residue (the fires were small paper fires and not very significant). The man also apparently drank some cleaning fluid from a custodial closet and vomited in the building. A member of our bishopric actually caught the man inside the building. Fortunately, no one was hurt (except for some cuts the man sustained) and we were able to clean up enough to hold church services the next day.
Vandalism is never okay. I am sorry this happened. And I am even more sorry that this young man (not a member of the church and with no apparent agenda directed against us) reached a point in his life where this occurred. I offered up a prayer of thanks that our building was not heavily damaged and also a prayer in behalf of this young man.
When I reached the church I learned that the vandalism was carried out by a young man who apparently struggles with some psychological or emotional issues. The damage included broken glass, damaged artwork, an overturned piano, splotches of blood, and some smoke and fire residue (the fires were small paper fires and not very significant). The man also apparently drank some cleaning fluid from a custodial closet and vomited in the building. A member of our bishopric actually caught the man inside the building. Fortunately, no one was hurt (except for some cuts the man sustained) and we were able to clean up enough to hold church services the next day.
Vandalism is never okay. I am sorry this happened. And I am even more sorry that this young man (not a member of the church and with no apparent agenda directed against us) reached a point in his life where this occurred. I offered up a prayer of thanks that our building was not heavily damaged and also a prayer in behalf of this young man.
Eat, drink, and be merry ...
Mom and I started something we’ve never before done together when we began a weight loss program today. No, we weren’t selected to appear on The Biggest Loser! We joined a program offered through my employer. Not surprisingly, the very common sense approach is based on eating more nutritious and filling foods, managing portion sizes, exercising (which might not be possible for Mom, given her poor health), and ensuring that calorie intake is less than what is expended. Hopefully, by joining forces and doing this together we can help each other succeed.
There really is no magic bullet to fitness and maintaining a healthy weight. I am amazed at how high “average weight” has climbed in my lifetime. I read recently that one of the reasons for the government starting school lunch programs following World War II was because there were too many military recruits who did not meet the minimum weight requirements to serve in the armed forces. I don’t know if that story is true; if so, it is a sad commentary on our physical fitness today. I’m quite confident that our problem as a nation is not thyroid problems or slow metabolisms as much as it is poor nutrition and lack of exercise.
When I was a boy I thought that when you grew up you stopped liking candy. The reason for this is that my mother seldom ate candy and didn’t seem to like it. So I believed that when you reached adulthood some hideous transformation took place and you started liking vegetables and hating candy. When I asked my Mom about this, she said that as a child she rarely had candy … except for horehound candy, which doesn’t taste all that great. And no wonder – horehound was used to soothe sore throats. What kind of candy is also a medicine? Horehound even looks like a cough drop! http://www.ehow.com/about_5042766_horehound-candy.html
There really is no magic bullet to fitness and maintaining a healthy weight. I am amazed at how high “average weight” has climbed in my lifetime. I read recently that one of the reasons for the government starting school lunch programs following World War II was because there were too many military recruits who did not meet the minimum weight requirements to serve in the armed forces. I don’t know if that story is true; if so, it is a sad commentary on our physical fitness today. I’m quite confident that our problem as a nation is not thyroid problems or slow metabolisms as much as it is poor nutrition and lack of exercise.
When I was a boy I thought that when you grew up you stopped liking candy. The reason for this is that my mother seldom ate candy and didn’t seem to like it. So I believed that when you reached adulthood some hideous transformation took place and you started liking vegetables and hating candy. When I asked my Mom about this, she said that as a child she rarely had candy … except for horehound candy, which doesn’t taste all that great. And no wonder – horehound was used to soothe sore throats. What kind of candy is also a medicine? Horehound even looks like a cough drop! http://www.ehow.com/about_5042766_horehound-candy.html
Today we are literally surrounded by unhealthy, prepared, sugar-laden food and treats. Our children were allowed candy once during the week, our “Saturday treat” tradition. This was started out of self-defense because the older children asked for candy every time we went to the store. Fortunately, we were able to convince them that Saturday treat was the eleventh commandment and they did not challenge us (until they were older).
On our new nutrition program, perhaps Mom and I will go back to Saturday treats ... but not to hourhound!
Friday, October 22, 2010
It's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it
The siding is installed on the house, but the work is not completed. I am fighting a race against rain, trying to replace the dirt I removed along the foundation so the painting could be done. I dug down several inches to make sure the paint would extend below the soil line. This left a trench several inches deep all around the house ... a perfect place for water to collect and run down the foundation looking for any little crack to seep into the basement.
When I removed the soil I placed it in the garden plot, where it has been sitting for three weeks. Because we have enjoyed such dry weather, the soil has hardened. Before replacing it, I have tilled the pile of dirt several times to break down all the large clots.
I hoped the dry weather would last, but the forecast calls for rain tomorrow and perhaps again on Tuesday. Last night I provided day care for the Relief Society get together and tomorrow Brenda and I are going to Omaha, so tonight I worked until it was too dark to see. I did get the soil replaced around all three sides of the house with basement windows, which is where water has found its way into the basement previously. Hopefully this will be sufficient protection against the rain.
We've been very fortunate to enjoy such mild weather this late in the season. Last year we already had experienced snow by this time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that when it rains the next few days the precipitation won't turn into the white stuff!
When I removed the soil I placed it in the garden plot, where it has been sitting for three weeks. Because we have enjoyed such dry weather, the soil has hardened. Before replacing it, I have tilled the pile of dirt several times to break down all the large clots.
I hoped the dry weather would last, but the forecast calls for rain tomorrow and perhaps again on Tuesday. Last night I provided day care for the Relief Society get together and tomorrow Brenda and I are going to Omaha, so tonight I worked until it was too dark to see. I did get the soil replaced around all three sides of the house with basement windows, which is where water has found its way into the basement previously. Hopefully this will be sufficient protection against the rain.
We've been very fortunate to enjoy such mild weather this late in the season. Last year we already had experienced snow by this time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that when it rains the next few days the precipitation won't turn into the white stuff!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Judging a house by its cover
Yes, as a matter of fact I think we WERE overdue for new siding! In some places our old siding was as soft as a wet sponge and would literally crumble away in our hands. Clearly, we were beyong the point of repainting this siding as we did twice previously.
The old siding was VERY stained in many places. Also, you may be able to tell where the downspout was removed just above the steps the difference in the color of the paint behind the downspout and how much the rest of the house has faded over the years.I didn't make it easy for our installers by removing the deck boards! But I wanted to be sure that the siding was installed properly and that I would not have any problems replacing deck boards once the siding is in place. Here Mike is making do with what I left him. You can see the old deck boards sitting atop the deck supports. This is NOT an OSHA approved workplace, I'm sure!
It's a wrap!
Before the new siding goes on, the house is wrapped in a reflective material that is a moisture barrier. It also provides a minimal amount of insulating factor. On the back of the siding is a thick foam layer, which provides most of the insulation and a cushion to protect the siding against damage.
After a summer with much higher than normal precipitation, we enjoyed very nice weather (except for one day when Mike and Dustin got drenched). So the reflection of the sunlight actually made wrapping the house a hot, sweaty job.
And I helped!
As you can see, Tara and I are an indispensable part of this project in that we supervise, inspect, and approve the work. My job is to stand in the back yard and tell the installers what a good job they are doing and how great the new siding looks. (And I guess my other job is to write a gigantic check when they are finished.) Tara's job is to safeguard equipment and supplies, protect against intruders, and lick to death the installers every day when they arrive and again before they depart.
Here is a half-and-half view contrasting the new and old siding. Guess which looks better?
Here is a half-and-half view contrasting the new and old siding. Guess which looks better?
Not a tornado, just a home improvement project.
This is not a photo of our house (though our old siding didn't look much better than this)! Half our driveway is taken up with a dumpster that is filled to the top with debris from our house ... all the old siding, gutters and downspouts, deck boards, and various odds and ends. The sides of this medium-sized dumpster (the large one apparently wasn't available) are six feet tall.
As you can see, the back yard is the staging center for all the equipment and supplies. What you see here is only a small portion of what is actually there.
As you can see, the back yard is the staging center for all the equipment and supplies. What you see here is only a small portion of what is actually there.
Extreme Home Makeover
For the last week and a half our house has been undergoing a transformation as new siding is installed. Brenda has been taking lots of photos. I will share a few for a sense of just how great a change this is for us.
Here is a photo of the rear view of our house. The deck boards have been removed for convenience in replacing the siding. The old narrow step has been replaced with a new step that runs the length of the deck, making it much easier for Brenda to get up and down. Also you can see that the lower foundation is painted to match the new siding.
This photo shows Mike and Dustin, our installers, putting up the new siding. They have wrapped the lower part of the house and the new siding is going on. They started on the south side of the house and then moved to the back, the north side, and will finish with the front.
And now, Move That Bus!
Here is the finished view of the west side of the house. What a transformation!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
One year later ...
One year ago we lost Laura. It is hard to believe it has been a year. And it is still very difficult to believe she is gone.
I miss Laura a great deal. And I am sorry that she suffered so and reached the point where she felt she had no other option than to end her life.
The last year has been full of pain and second guessing. I still feel very vulnerable and fragile. And I don't think I will ever feel normal again.
But I am glad, even with all the pain.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to know Laura. I feel very privileged to have been her father. I'm thankful for Laura's wonderful sense of humor and how she could one-up me with jokes better than mine. I'm very glad to have had Laura's music in my life. I'm grateful for precious memories of having Laura accompany me on the piano while I sang. I'm thankful for daddy-daughter dates we enjoyed, particularly the times we would succumb to the temptation of decadent chocolate desserts even though we promised ourselves we wouldn't. I have very fond memories of "wing and rings" lunches at the North End Diner. I am very grateful for many good memories.
Most of all, I am glad that Laura is no longer suffering like she did here. I love you, Laura. I'm sorry I couldn't help you overcome your fears and depression. I hope things are better now. And I pray for you continually. ~Poopa
I miss Laura a great deal. And I am sorry that she suffered so and reached the point where she felt she had no other option than to end her life.
The last year has been full of pain and second guessing. I still feel very vulnerable and fragile. And I don't think I will ever feel normal again.
But I am glad, even with all the pain.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to know Laura. I feel very privileged to have been her father. I'm thankful for Laura's wonderful sense of humor and how she could one-up me with jokes better than mine. I'm very glad to have had Laura's music in my life. I'm grateful for precious memories of having Laura accompany me on the piano while I sang. I'm thankful for daddy-daughter dates we enjoyed, particularly the times we would succumb to the temptation of decadent chocolate desserts even though we promised ourselves we wouldn't. I have very fond memories of "wing and rings" lunches at the North End Diner. I am very grateful for many good memories.
Most of all, I am glad that Laura is no longer suffering like she did here. I love you, Laura. I'm sorry I couldn't help you overcome your fears and depression. I hope things are better now. And I pray for you continually. ~Poopa
Sunday, October 03, 2010
How firm a foundation ...
Tomorrow the contractor will arrive to begin installing our new siding. Because we are changing colors, the concrete foundation of our house will be painted to match the color of the siding. You may remember that the concrete in our foundation is shaped to look like bricks, complete with a rough texture or finish.
I spent the last couple of days removing several inches of soil next to the foundation to make sure the new paint will be applied below the soil line. And I used a stiff brush to wash away as much of the soil as possible so the concrete is clean and ready for painting.
This was too much like work to suit me. I felt like Tom Sawyer facing his tall board fence with a whitewash brush in hand. While washing the concrete wasn't punishment for me as was Tom's whitewashing chore, I dreaded my work as much as Tom did his. But no friends wandered by to jeer, only to trade various treasures for the opportunity to be one of the few Tom would trust to help whitewash the fence facing the street where everyone could see the results.
Tom learned a great truth, "that Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, and that Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do." In gospel terms, we have the choice to act or to be acted upon. I could have left the foundation dirty and hoped the contractor would do a good job of preparation. However, now I know the foundation is ready to go. And if the foundation is firmly clean, whatever is put on it should stick and last.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
General Conference tradition
In the Internet age I can watch General Conference on my computer in the comfort of my own home. More accurately, I can watch most of the conference sessions. The Saturday evening Priesthood session cannot be seen online, but only at the chapel.
I don't mind going to the chapel for this session. This is part of the tradition I established with Ben and Brian. But the best part of the tradition was stopping at Baskin-Robbins on the way home for ice cream.
Once I tried yogurt at TCBY, but it just wasn't the same. And even though the boys are gone, I carry on the tradition of ice cream following the priesthood session of conference ... a single scoop hot fudge sundae with nutty coconut ice cream, chopped nuts, and whipped cream -- but no cherry!
I don't mind going to the chapel for this session. This is part of the tradition I established with Ben and Brian. But the best part of the tradition was stopping at Baskin-Robbins on the way home for ice cream.
Once I tried yogurt at TCBY, but it just wasn't the same. And even though the boys are gone, I carry on the tradition of ice cream following the priesthood session of conference ... a single scoop hot fudge sundae with nutty coconut ice cream, chopped nuts, and whipped cream -- but no cherry!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, Monday ... so good to me
Today I received a call from our contractor informing us that they want to drop off tools at our house tomorrow and start our siding replacement project on Monday! This is much sooner than we expected, so I have a LOT of work to do Saturday to get ready.
I will be very glad to get this work done. The siding on our house now has been painted twice and is beyond painting again because it is literally spongy and crumbling. I am looking forward to having a (nearly) maintenance free exterior.
The second time we had our house exterior painted we hired our neighbor Ron Trobaugh to do the work. I still remember that the day he started painting he called me at work to ask if I was really sure I wanted to go ahead with such a bright yellow color. When I drove home to look I confess I was startled at just how bright the yellow paint looked on the house; it didn't appear to be that bright on the color chip. I told him to go ahead because I knew that over time the yellow would fade to a less bright shade. Sure enough, in a couple of years the color was much closer to what we wanted.
While I like the current color of our house, unfortunately yellow really shows dirt. The siding we have now is permanently stained from water that has run off the dark roof shingles. The new siding that has a color fast guarantee and will be replaced at no charge if the color fades. And the Cypress color should do a much better job of hiding dirt and grime.
It will be strange to change house colors after nearly twenty years. I wonder how many times I will drive past the house because my brain is looking for yellow.
I will be very glad to get this work done. The siding on our house now has been painted twice and is beyond painting again because it is literally spongy and crumbling. I am looking forward to having a (nearly) maintenance free exterior.
The second time we had our house exterior painted we hired our neighbor Ron Trobaugh to do the work. I still remember that the day he started painting he called me at work to ask if I was really sure I wanted to go ahead with such a bright yellow color. When I drove home to look I confess I was startled at just how bright the yellow paint looked on the house; it didn't appear to be that bright on the color chip. I told him to go ahead because I knew that over time the yellow would fade to a less bright shade. Sure enough, in a couple of years the color was much closer to what we wanted.
While I like the current color of our house, unfortunately yellow really shows dirt. The siding we have now is permanently stained from water that has run off the dark roof shingles. The new siding that has a color fast guarantee and will be replaced at no charge if the color fades. And the Cypress color should do a much better job of hiding dirt and grime.
It will be strange to change house colors after nearly twenty years. I wonder how many times I will drive past the house because my brain is looking for yellow.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Parting is such sweet sorrow ...
Brian came by tonight for what may be the last time before he and Laura move to California on October 1. I have mixed feelings … sorry to see them go and at the same time excited for them to have this opportunity. This has come together very quickly for them. But they are pretty much ready to go and already found a place to live in Santa Monica. I do not envy them the drive from Des Moines to California.
As a missionary, I served for a short time in Orange County, California. One of the refugee families I helped resettle lived in Santa Monica. I remember being overwhelmed by the crowded area and congested roads. But I also remember great weather and fabulous people. I think anywhere you live has advantages and disadvantages. And, as always, what you experience is more about what is inside you than what is around you.
I am reading a wonderful book written by Harold Kushner, “When All You’ve Wanted Isn’t Enough.” He gives an example of a man who was so concerned about “moving up” and “winning” in his profession that he became dissatisfied, jealous, and lonely. But a significant change took place, resulting in the man becoming happy, loving, and caring. And what was the change? Kushner writes, “Nothing around him has changed but something inside him has changed, and he can look forward to his remaining years … as being productive and satisfying ones.”
The inside change is, I’m convinced, the biggest factor in how we experience life. I’m not so naïve as to think that there aren’t selfish, bad people in the world. And I am certainly aware that terrible things happen. But we are here to act and not to be acted upon by our circumstances or surroundings. When we have no choice or control about the things that happen to us, we always have a choice about how we view those things and respond to them.
Good luck, Brian and Laura. May you travel safely and enjoy the next stage of your life in a new place.
As a missionary, I served for a short time in Orange County, California. One of the refugee families I helped resettle lived in Santa Monica. I remember being overwhelmed by the crowded area and congested roads. But I also remember great weather and fabulous people. I think anywhere you live has advantages and disadvantages. And, as always, what you experience is more about what is inside you than what is around you.
I am reading a wonderful book written by Harold Kushner, “When All You’ve Wanted Isn’t Enough.” He gives an example of a man who was so concerned about “moving up” and “winning” in his profession that he became dissatisfied, jealous, and lonely. But a significant change took place, resulting in the man becoming happy, loving, and caring. And what was the change? Kushner writes, “Nothing around him has changed but something inside him has changed, and he can look forward to his remaining years … as being productive and satisfying ones.”
The inside change is, I’m convinced, the biggest factor in how we experience life. I’m not so naïve as to think that there aren’t selfish, bad people in the world. And I am certainly aware that terrible things happen. But we are here to act and not to be acted upon by our circumstances or surroundings. When we have no choice or control about the things that happen to us, we always have a choice about how we view those things and respond to them.
Good luck, Brian and Laura. May you travel safely and enjoy the next stage of your life in a new place.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The Rain in Spain falls Mainly in Des Moines
It is raining today – again. This is certainly in keeping with the wetter-than-normal summer we have experienced this year. Remember 1993, the year of the terrible flooding, when it rained practically every day all spring and summer? This year isn’t quite that bad, but it certainly has that feel. According to the official state records, 2010 “ranks as the 19th warmest and 2nd wettest summer among 138 years of records.” http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/climatology/weatherSummary.asp
Last year we replaced two basement window wells with an improved design to eliminate the problem we had of the drain pipe backing up and leaking water through the window into the basement. Now there is no longer a drain pipe in the window wells and we have a much better seal around the windows. This week we replaced the third and final window well. So we shouldn’t see that problem again.
Fall is a funny time for weather in Iowa. Yesterday we ran the air conditioner as the house heated up in the afternoon. Today we are running the furnace because it is quite chilly today. Summer is definitely waning and it won’t be long before we are shoveling snow. I hope we get the siding installed and the deck boards put back on before the snow starts to fall!
Last year we replaced two basement window wells with an improved design to eliminate the problem we had of the drain pipe backing up and leaking water through the window into the basement. Now there is no longer a drain pipe in the window wells and we have a much better seal around the windows. This week we replaced the third and final window well. So we shouldn’t see that problem again.
Fall is a funny time for weather in Iowa. Yesterday we ran the air conditioner as the house heated up in the afternoon. Today we are running the furnace because it is quite chilly today. Summer is definitely waning and it won’t be long before we are shoveling snow. I hope we get the siding installed and the deck boards put back on before the snow starts to fall!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Calling and Selection ... Are You Sure?
Recently Bishop Helton pulled me aside in the hall at church. With Jay, you can never tell if he is going to talk basketball, ask about the family, or extend a church calling. In this case, it was door number three. He informed me that he planned to extend a particular calling in the near future.
I waited for several weeks without hearing any more, but wasn’t concerned because I know that sometimes these things take time. Then a couple of weeks ago the bishop’s secretary called to ask me to meet with Bishop Helton. I thought this was to make things official for the call Jay had mentioned, but was surprised to learn that the bishop had something else in mind for me. He explained that some changes in the stake and ward caused him to rethink the original assignment and instead extend a call to teach the Gospel Doctrine class in Sunday School.
I was substitute teacher for this class recently and did not suspect at the time that the lesson I taught that day was a warm-up for teaching each week. This year the course of study is the Old Testament. I am taking over as we begin to study the record of Isaiah.
I have read the Old Testament several times and know what a challenge it can be to digest and understand the writings of the prophets. I am looking forward to the challenge and hope Bishop Helton’s confidence in me is not misplaced.
I waited for several weeks without hearing any more, but wasn’t concerned because I know that sometimes these things take time. Then a couple of weeks ago the bishop’s secretary called to ask me to meet with Bishop Helton. I thought this was to make things official for the call Jay had mentioned, but was surprised to learn that the bishop had something else in mind for me. He explained that some changes in the stake and ward caused him to rethink the original assignment and instead extend a call to teach the Gospel Doctrine class in Sunday School.
I was substitute teacher for this class recently and did not suspect at the time that the lesson I taught that day was a warm-up for teaching each week. This year the course of study is the Old Testament. I am taking over as we begin to study the record of Isaiah.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
All hands on ... deck?
Just a trim, please
This is why Brenda doesn't like me to trim trees ... and why I wait until she is gone to do so!
Madame Butterfly
Brenda and I have been feeding two caterpillars for a few weeks. They grew from tiny spots to large specimens a couple of inches long. The day before we left for Utah, I told Brenda I would have to let the caterpillars loose because we wouldn't be home to feed them. But the next morning I was surprised to find they both were spinning coccoons.
I hoped they would keep until Brenda returned this weekend. But this morning I noticed the chrysalises turned a dark color. And when I came home for lunch today I found two butterflies in the container.
I put them outside so they could dry their wings in the slight breeze and managed to get some photos before they flew away. Brenda, here are your Monarch butterflies!
I hoped they would keep until Brenda returned this weekend. But this morning I noticed the chrysalises turned a dark color. And when I came home for lunch today I found two butterflies in the container.
I put them outside so they could dry their wings in the slight breeze and managed to get some photos before they flew away. Brenda, here are your Monarch butterflies!
Especially for Emily
At my advanced age I still play basketball. It is one of the few forms of exercise I enjoy and I find that it is good not only for my body, but also for clearing my mind and reducing stress.
But sometimes it isn't good for my toes. Recently a player who jumped high for a rebound landed hard on my toe. As soon as I got home I was quite certain I would lose my nail. Sure enough, my nail detached from the base and filled with fluid. I drained my toe several time over the next few days until finally I got some relief when the nail came off.
My daughter in law, Emily, is rather squeamish about toe trauma. So I dedicate these photos to her! :)
But sometimes it isn't good for my toes. Recently a player who jumped high for a rebound landed hard on my toe. As soon as I got home I was quite certain I would lose my nail. Sure enough, my nail detached from the base and filled with fluid. I drained my toe several time over the next few days until finally I got some relief when the nail came off.
My daughter in law, Emily, is rather squeamish about toe trauma. So I dedicate these photos to her! :)
New (cough, cough) bathrooms
Today I had a contractor refinish the tub and shower in our bathrooms. This completes the remodeling work in those rooms I started two and a half years ago. Hey, I may not be good but at least I’m slow! When this work is finished tomorrow, our bathrooms will be the nicest rooms in the house.
I decided on refinishing because it is much faster and only a fraction of the cost of tearing out the old fixtures and replacing them with new ones. As an added bonus, the color now matches the new toilets. I am pleased with the result; it looks like a page out of “Better Bathrooms and Gardens.”
One downside is the pungent odor from the bonding and refinishing agents used. It was good to have this work done while Brenda was away. Otherwise, the smell undoubtedly would have triggered a migraine headache or a bout of asthma. Currently I have doors and windows open (and am wearing a sweatshirt) with floor fans running to circulate the air and hopefully exhaust the fumes as quickly as possible. Tara is sneezing to let me know she is not pleased. But she is welcome to spend some time in the back yard barking at the backhoe that is demolishing the condominium complex behind us. This is the building that burned so fiercely a few weeks ago. Almost half the building came down yesterday and it appears that in a day or two it will be entirely razed. I’m glad I’m finishing up, not starting over.
I decided on refinishing because it is much faster and only a fraction of the cost of tearing out the old fixtures and replacing them with new ones. As an added bonus, the color now matches the new toilets. I am pleased with the result; it looks like a page out of “Better Bathrooms and Gardens.”
One downside is the pungent odor from the bonding and refinishing agents used. It was good to have this work done while Brenda was away. Otherwise, the smell undoubtedly would have triggered a migraine headache or a bout of asthma. Currently I have doors and windows open (and am wearing a sweatshirt) with floor fans running to circulate the air and hopefully exhaust the fumes as quickly as possible. Tara is sneezing to let me know she is not pleased. But she is welcome to spend some time in the back yard barking at the backhoe that is demolishing the condominium complex behind us. This is the building that burned so fiercely a few weeks ago. Almost half the building came down yesterday and it appears that in a day or two it will be entirely razed. I’m glad I’m finishing up, not starting over.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Progress?
Not all progress is good.
Today I had a new furnace installed. It is about half the size of the old furnace and far more efficient. Over time, it will certainly pay for itself. So our utility bill will be lower, I have greater peace of mind because I won’t worry losing heat in the middle of a blizzard, and the installation went smoothly. Perfect, right?
Not exactly. A new programmable thermostat came with the furnace, so this was also installed. I like my old thermostat. I had misgivings when I was given a 24 page instruction booklet for the new thermostat. 24 pages! I don’t think I even had an instruction booklet for my old thermostat. I didn’t need one because there were only three switches – one to turn the fan on or have it come on automatically; a second one to activate the furnace or air conditioner; and a third to change the temperature setting. These three switches did everything I wanted and the thermostat was intuitive and simple to use.
With the new thermostat there are all kinds of settings … time, date, temperature settings for morning, day and night, more settings for weekdays and weekends, a setting to override the programmed settings (either temporarily or permanently) and allow manual adjustments, system settings to allow the temperature to control the furnace or air conditioner, a recovery mode indicator (whatever that means), a low battery indicator, and probably more.
I haven’t figured out how to use this new thermostat. I’m not sure I want to. I’m not even sure I can. I want my old thermostat back.
Today I had a new furnace installed. It is about half the size of the old furnace and far more efficient. Over time, it will certainly pay for itself. So our utility bill will be lower, I have greater peace of mind because I won’t worry losing heat in the middle of a blizzard, and the installation went smoothly. Perfect, right?
Not exactly. A new programmable thermostat came with the furnace, so this was also installed. I like my old thermostat. I had misgivings when I was given a 24 page instruction booklet for the new thermostat. 24 pages! I don’t think I even had an instruction booklet for my old thermostat. I didn’t need one because there were only three switches – one to turn the fan on or have it come on automatically; a second one to activate the furnace or air conditioner; and a third to change the temperature setting. These three switches did everything I wanted and the thermostat was intuitive and simple to use.
With the new thermostat there are all kinds of settings … time, date, temperature settings for morning, day and night, more settings for weekdays and weekends, a setting to override the programmed settings (either temporarily or permanently) and allow manual adjustments, system settings to allow the temperature to control the furnace or air conditioner, a recovery mode indicator (whatever that means), a low battery indicator, and probably more.
I haven’t figured out how to use this new thermostat. I’m not sure I want to. I’m not even sure I can. I want my old thermostat back.
Monday, September 13, 2010
While the cat's away ...
This mouse is playing. Well, okay, working. Brenda is in Utah visiting most of our children and all of our grandchildren. I was the chauffeur and drove her there over the long Labor Day weekend. Since returning home the day after the Monday holiday I have been trying to accomplish many things on my “to do” list before she comes home.
For example, I have arranged for companies and contractors to come in and do some long-needed work on the house. Today one fellow installed a new lock on our sliding patio door. We considered installing a new door, but in the end I decided refurbishing our good Andersen door made better sense than trading down to a newer, but probably less well-built, door. After more parts come in, he will be back to replace rollers and a weather seal. Our door will be like new, but at a fraction of the price.
Tomorrow I will be inundated with workers. In the morning I am having a new high efficiency furnace installed. For the last three years I have been “warned” by service technicians to think about replacing our furnace before it gave up the ghost. Because it kept working, I held off. But the tax credit available this year is a tremendous incentive to upgrade. My next door neighbor, Steve, will inherit our furnace for his shop. He’s been looking for one since his quit working and I’m happy to let him have ours … he’s helped us in so very many ways.
After work I’m meeting with the company that replaced two of our three basement window wells last spring when we had trouble with water backing up and coming into the basement through the window. We have one more window well to replace on the north side of the house and I want to get this done before new siding is installed.
I also have an electrician coming over in the evening to install several GFI receptacles, add a switchbox in our downstairs storage room, and bring some amateur wiring up to code. This man is a member of our ward who previously has helped us with electrical work. Each time he refused to accept payment and suggested I make a donation to the ward in the amount I would have paid him. I told him I wouldn’t have him do any more work for me unless he would be paid for it. He just smiled, so I’m not sure what to expect.
I scheduled some work in our bathrooms for Thursday and Friday. Over the years our tub has been chipped in several places as a result of items being dropped during showers. Also, a few years ago the handrail in the side first became loose and then came out entirely, damaging the tub surround in the process. In the other bathroom, our shower has several holes along the edges where the glass shower door once was attached. I’m replacing the shower door, which always leaked and I could never keep clean (I really HATE bathroom mildew and mold!), with a shower curtain. So the chips and holes need to be repaired, then both tub and shower will be refinished. I am also having installed a large, heavy duty hand rail to help Brenda get in and out of the tub safely.
Now, it sounds like I am hiring all my chores done and not doing any actual work myself. This is not all that far from the truth, but I am doing SOME work on my own. Last weekend I mounted my ladder and with trusty reciprocating saw in hand trimmed many branches from the tree in our front yard and from two trees in back. This is especially important to do while Brenda is gone, because we have different definitions of what “trim” means. Actually, it was pretty clear how much needed to be done because I have to get overgrown branches away from the house and roof before new siding and gutters are installed next month. We had reached the point where our fierce storms caused branches to scrape our walls, windows, and roof, and where gutters in front and back regularly became clogged with falling leaves and twigs. I didn’t cut away as much as I thought should be done, but probably took more than Brenda would have allowed. Still, I think the trees look better. Once Brenda gets over the initial shock, I think she will agree.
Finally, I braved the basement long enough to move boxes from the guest room and set up our old bed. Now I have a cool place for naps in the heat of the summer. When Brenda comes home we will work on sorting through all the boxes to see how much stuff we DON’T need anymore. There is still a lot of work to be done to recover from the flood earlier this year, but we are making (slow) progress. Like I always taught my children, I'm not as worried about velocity as I am direction. Someday we'll get the basement put back together.
For example, I have arranged for companies and contractors to come in and do some long-needed work on the house. Today one fellow installed a new lock on our sliding patio door. We considered installing a new door, but in the end I decided refurbishing our good Andersen door made better sense than trading down to a newer, but probably less well-built, door. After more parts come in, he will be back to replace rollers and a weather seal. Our door will be like new, but at a fraction of the price.
Tomorrow I will be inundated with workers. In the morning I am having a new high efficiency furnace installed. For the last three years I have been “warned” by service technicians to think about replacing our furnace before it gave up the ghost. Because it kept working, I held off. But the tax credit available this year is a tremendous incentive to upgrade. My next door neighbor, Steve, will inherit our furnace for his shop. He’s been looking for one since his quit working and I’m happy to let him have ours … he’s helped us in so very many ways.
After work I’m meeting with the company that replaced two of our three basement window wells last spring when we had trouble with water backing up and coming into the basement through the window. We have one more window well to replace on the north side of the house and I want to get this done before new siding is installed.
I also have an electrician coming over in the evening to install several GFI receptacles, add a switchbox in our downstairs storage room, and bring some amateur wiring up to code. This man is a member of our ward who previously has helped us with electrical work. Each time he refused to accept payment and suggested I make a donation to the ward in the amount I would have paid him. I told him I wouldn’t have him do any more work for me unless he would be paid for it. He just smiled, so I’m not sure what to expect.
I scheduled some work in our bathrooms for Thursday and Friday. Over the years our tub has been chipped in several places as a result of items being dropped during showers. Also, a few years ago the handrail in the side first became loose and then came out entirely, damaging the tub surround in the process. In the other bathroom, our shower has several holes along the edges where the glass shower door once was attached. I’m replacing the shower door, which always leaked and I could never keep clean (I really HATE bathroom mildew and mold!), with a shower curtain. So the chips and holes need to be repaired, then both tub and shower will be refinished. I am also having installed a large, heavy duty hand rail to help Brenda get in and out of the tub safely.
Now, it sounds like I am hiring all my chores done and not doing any actual work myself. This is not all that far from the truth, but I am doing SOME work on my own. Last weekend I mounted my ladder and with trusty reciprocating saw in hand trimmed many branches from the tree in our front yard and from two trees in back. This is especially important to do while Brenda is gone, because we have different definitions of what “trim” means. Actually, it was pretty clear how much needed to be done because I have to get overgrown branches away from the house and roof before new siding and gutters are installed next month. We had reached the point where our fierce storms caused branches to scrape our walls, windows, and roof, and where gutters in front and back regularly became clogged with falling leaves and twigs. I didn’t cut away as much as I thought should be done, but probably took more than Brenda would have allowed. Still, I think the trees look better. Once Brenda gets over the initial shock, I think she will agree.
Finally, I braved the basement long enough to move boxes from the guest room and set up our old bed. Now I have a cool place for naps in the heat of the summer. When Brenda comes home we will work on sorting through all the boxes to see how much stuff we DON’T need anymore. There is still a lot of work to be done to recover from the flood earlier this year, but we are making (slow) progress. Like I always taught my children, I'm not as worried about velocity as I am direction. Someday we'll get the basement put back together.
Monday, August 30, 2010
The Money Pit
We moved to Iowa in 1991. When we purchased our house, I imagined we would live in it 6-7 years and then move. However, events took a different course and this summer marks 19 years since we established our residence here. In the last couple of years we have moved beyond routine home maintenance to some major repair and replacement projects.
We replaced our water heater, air conditioner, and garage door and opener within the last 2-3 years. We also remodeled both upstairs bathrooms with new paint, ceiling fans, medicine cabinets, floor tile, and toilets.
Last year we installed a brick patio in the back yard for Brenda, creating a little oasis where she can sit on a yard swing in the shade and take photos of the animals and birds she feeds.
This spring we dealt with basement flooding caused by a failed sump pump and had new carpet, carpet pad, trim, and doors installed downstairs. And this month we had installed atop the insulation in our attic an aluminum energy saving barrier that will hopefully save money and also regulate the fluctuating temperature inside our house.
Next is the biggest improvement project of all. We are replacing the siding on our house, the top boards on both the front and back decks, and installing a new energy efficient furnace – all at one time! What are we thinking?
After talking to a few vendors for siding projects – and getting past the initial sticker shock of the estimates we received – we decided on a company with whom to work. Then we faced the really difficult decision, which was deciding on a color. Initially we thought we would stay with something like our current yellow, though a more muted Wheat color. But when we looked at some houses with this siding we noticed they showed dirt and grime more than did darker, more neutral colors. And Mom decided that she has lived in far too many yellow houses. So she has been deliberating between two colors, Clay and Cypress.
A house identical to ours just down the street has the Clay siding, so we have been able to view this in all light and cloudy conditions. I think that Mom leans toward Cypress, however, so that is probably what we will choose. I’m so color blind that I can hardly tell the difference between the colors and didn’t realize that Cypress has a subtle green hue. (You can see these colors online at http://crainsiding.net/ by selecting "Launch the Interactive Style Tool" and choosing Cypress siding – though this color looks a brighter shade of green online than it does installed.) Tomorrow we should finalize our order and schedule the installation.
More to follow …
We replaced our water heater, air conditioner, and garage door and opener within the last 2-3 years. We also remodeled both upstairs bathrooms with new paint, ceiling fans, medicine cabinets, floor tile, and toilets.
Last year we installed a brick patio in the back yard for Brenda, creating a little oasis where she can sit on a yard swing in the shade and take photos of the animals and birds she feeds.
This spring we dealt with basement flooding caused by a failed sump pump and had new carpet, carpet pad, trim, and doors installed downstairs. And this month we had installed atop the insulation in our attic an aluminum energy saving barrier that will hopefully save money and also regulate the fluctuating temperature inside our house.
Next is the biggest improvement project of all. We are replacing the siding on our house, the top boards on both the front and back decks, and installing a new energy efficient furnace – all at one time! What are we thinking?
After talking to a few vendors for siding projects – and getting past the initial sticker shock of the estimates we received – we decided on a company with whom to work. Then we faced the really difficult decision, which was deciding on a color. Initially we thought we would stay with something like our current yellow, though a more muted Wheat color. But when we looked at some houses with this siding we noticed they showed dirt and grime more than did darker, more neutral colors. And Mom decided that she has lived in far too many yellow houses. So she has been deliberating between two colors, Clay and Cypress.
A house identical to ours just down the street has the Clay siding, so we have been able to view this in all light and cloudy conditions. I think that Mom leans toward Cypress, however, so that is probably what we will choose. I’m so color blind that I can hardly tell the difference between the colors and didn’t realize that Cypress has a subtle green hue. (You can see these colors online at http://crainsiding.net/ by selecting "Launch the Interactive Style Tool" and choosing Cypress siding – though this color looks a brighter shade of green online than it does installed.) Tomorrow we should finalize our order and schedule the installation.
More to follow …
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Getting to the bottom of things with Tara
We made an unplanned trip to the veterinarian because Tara was having some problems. I thought perhaps she had intestinal worms because she was licking her back side and scooting across the floor. When I was a boy and our dogs got worms we didn't take them to the vet; my Dad would simply feed them cigarettes . The tobacco was a tried and true de-wormer remedy handed down from generation to generation.
As it turns out, the problem was not worms but a burst anal gland. Anal gland? I'd never heard of such a thing. It was no consolation when the vet said that this problem is unusual in a dog so young. It was also no consolation when he said that once a dog has this problem it can happen again.
So we left Tara at the clinic overnight so Dr. Johnson could repair the burst gland. And as long as Tara was anesthetized we had her teeth cleaned, also (don't ask why a dog has to be put under to clean its teeth).
Now Tara is back home, but she has a drain on her backside to allow healing from the inside out. Twice a day we have to wash her wound, clean the drain, and move it back and forth to promote healing. Needless to say, this is not something Tara enjoys. Nor is it something I enjoy, for that matter. I will spare you the details about what exactly I have to do to clean the drain and apply medicine, but will say that it takes two of us to hold Tara still enough for this to happen.
And Tara has to wear a cone to keep her from licking the gland as it heals. I don't have a photo of Tara, but here is a photo that gives a sense of what she is wearing. Tara HATES her cone. Twice she tore off the cone, but now seems resigned to wearing it. The healing will take 10-14 days if everything works well. In the meantime, I remove the cone when I let Tara outside to do her duty and when I take her for walks. Otherwise, this is her newest fashion accessory.
As it turns out, the problem was not worms but a burst anal gland. Anal gland? I'd never heard of such a thing. It was no consolation when the vet said that this problem is unusual in a dog so young. It was also no consolation when he said that once a dog has this problem it can happen again.
So we left Tara at the clinic overnight so Dr. Johnson could repair the burst gland. And as long as Tara was anesthetized we had her teeth cleaned, also (don't ask why a dog has to be put under to clean its teeth).
Now Tara is back home, but she has a drain on her backside to allow healing from the inside out. Twice a day we have to wash her wound, clean the drain, and move it back and forth to promote healing. Needless to say, this is not something Tara enjoys. Nor is it something I enjoy, for that matter. I will spare you the details about what exactly I have to do to clean the drain and apply medicine, but will say that it takes two of us to hold Tara still enough for this to happen.
And Tara has to wear a cone to keep her from licking the gland as it heals. I don't have a photo of Tara, but here is a photo that gives a sense of what she is wearing. Tara HATES her cone. Twice she tore off the cone, but now seems resigned to wearing it. The healing will take 10-14 days if everything works well. In the meantime, I remove the cone when I let Tara outside to do her duty and when I take her for walks. Otherwise, this is her newest fashion accessory.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Global Warming, Local Cooling
Des Moines is currently in the deep freeze with a severe cold front settling in the area for a time. The temperatures are bitterly cold. Yesterday I took Mom to an appointment with her doctor and the frigid air triggered a serious bout of asthma. For the first time in many months Mom has had to use her nebulizer machine to clear her airways and help her breathe. Scary!
So now Mom is remaining inside ... and going just a little bit stir crazy. She would like to get outside, but is still pretty ill and dares not risk another asthma attack. When I was running an errand this afternoon I heard the weather forecast on the radio. The current temperature was minus six degrees and the wind chill made it feel like minus 23 degrees.
Des Moines just completed the second snowiest December on record. The city has already expended more than one third of the snow removal budget for the entire winter season. I suppose we are fortunate in that our last nine winters have reportedly been milder than normal. But while global warming apparently is occurring in some parts of the world, we are experiencing local freezing.
So now Mom is remaining inside ... and going just a little bit stir crazy. She would like to get outside, but is still pretty ill and dares not risk another asthma attack. When I was running an errand this afternoon I heard the weather forecast on the radio. The current temperature was minus six degrees and the wind chill made it feel like minus 23 degrees.
Des Moines just completed the second snowiest December on record. The city has already expended more than one third of the snow removal budget for the entire winter season. I suppose we are fortunate in that our last nine winters have reportedly been milder than normal. But while global warming apparently is occurring in some parts of the world, we are experiencing local freezing.
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