21st
October
2015
One of my rules for living is that I don’t bet. Not on pony races, or sporting events or eventual award winners. After all, even though I try to lose graciously, I’m not a fool. And, based on my record, I shouldn’t vote, either. This last round of marking the bulletin demonstrates that an educated, well-considered choice of best candidate doesn’t translate into picking a winner. We really do need a better system of elections, just to give people like me a say in the result.
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posted in genealogy, politics |
20th
October
2015
The returns from last evening didn’t evaporate under the warming of a new day. In about three weeks, we’ll have a different legislature, and across social media the collective sigh of relief was evident. A very positive spin to keep us moving forward. I can relax for the first time in a decade; no more nasty surprises.
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posted in environment |
19th
October
2015
The first flurry of activity. Symbolic, in terms of election returns. Natural, in terms of the weather. We had our first traces of frozen precipitation on the deck this morning. Nothing on the lawn. Too soon to stick. The dog seemed unimpressed by the cold underpaw, and I began to consider just how long I could wait to change tires.
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posted in politics |
18th
October
2015
Sometime after one in the morning. I’m awake, reading and waiting. On schedule, the house goes dark, and within fifteen seconds the lights came back up. As a background theme, the roar of a two cylinder motor. Our generator has passed its test; by extension, we’re now “autonomous”, as long as I keep the pair of propane tanks filled. A lot of planning and research went into this, and the only secret was the final price (yes, higher than I had hoped). Part of the package.
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posted in technology |
17th
October
2015
Call it a life lesson. If you turn down the thermostat, and leave the house for the evening, the place will be cooler when you get back. Simple AND scientific. I hope that the zealous soul who decided to economize on energy will keep that in mind.
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posted in environment, food |
16th
October
2015
On the binge channel, today: a retrospective of Dark Angel. With roughly fifteen years to allow selective forgetfulness on the part of the family viewers, a surprise in how well the program has held up. I’m not actually watching; the TV is one room over, but the dulcet tones of Ms Alba keep me calm, knowing that “things can only get better”.
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posted in economy |
15th
October
2015
Evidence that the justice system does rule correctly, on occasion: In the UK, a High Court judge has ruled that Contract Bridge is NOT a sport. I knew that; in high school, we had to dress appropriately for physical education classes. The various, and genuine, sports were presented, sequentially and seasonally. Even the trampoline. The only card game that ever offered physical activity was that ongoing euchre circle in the cafeteria (woe be to he who disturbed the players).
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posted in food, technology |
14th
October
2015
Just settling down to write when a knock was heard at the front door. Checked through the window, saw nothing. Opened the door, and closed it immediately. The largest bug I’ve ever seen on the Island was wandering back and forth on the porch! Son #3 found a Tupperware pot and we had a safer view… long enough to Google, and identify, the visitor.
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posted in environment |
13th
October
2015
I believe in the art of vaccination. Even when the “best guess” doesn’t target the virus (like last year), the placebo effect was sufficient to keep me healthy. Seriously, I think that the public health campaign to keep me armoured against illness deserves my support, and for the last who knows how many years, I’ve lined up to receive my “shot”. A new place does not mean an exception.
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posted in health, music |
12th
October
2015
I claim bragging rights for today’s meal. Not because it was out of the ordinary; rather, because I delivered what I wanted, when I wanted, without stress. Everything arrived at the table, at the right time and temperature. Even the “put away” went smoothly, thanks to my assistant. No need to repeat the experience tomorrow. I’m going to coast on this one, for a bit.
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posted in food |
