2011 - Already? How did THAT happen?

Here we are, already knee deep in another year.  The days flash by with blinding speed - particularly if I'm on vacation - or otherwise playing.  I don't notice the hours flying by that blend into days, weeks and months.

Observation of the day is how attitude changes with the age we become.  Earlier in my career, I was such a workaholic, burning midnight oil over task d'jour.  Truthfully, I can't recall any of the specifics of those frantic nights of work.  That brings me up short.  Now, here I am within 2 year of retirement, and I have such a different attitude.  Work is no less important, but there are self imposed limits.  Perhaps they're age imposed limits, but I'm recognizing that there are differences.  

Maybe it is only that these days, I no longer feel like my job owns me, but the other way 'round.  There is a freedom in that attitude. No less dedication to detail and getting things done, mind, but a freedom that the frantic part can be managed away.  Happily.   Gosh, I wish I had learned this at a younger age!

BP Criminal Charges? Oh, Don't be silly!!

Photo: (AP Photo/Dave Martin) 

See the collection @ Huffington Post

Among environmentalists there seems to be speculation regarding the possibility of BP being charged with CRIMINAL complaints regarding their business operations.  I have to say, that the very thought that this might happen is simply amusing.

Reality bites, but the fact is - we had a whole White House full of people who broke the LAW with impunity and TORTURED other human beings.  Not only did they torture others (who may or may not have been the nicest people in the world - but to my mind that doesn't matter.  We are the good guys, the USA, and we do not TORTURE.) but they broke about every law that exists regarding torturing in wartime, AND, they have BRAGGED about it too.  We can't seriously expect Eric Holder to get either of these cases dragged into court, now can we??

So, in my estimation, the chances of any criminal charge actually STICKING to BP is almost laughable.  (Take heart Tony).
Real news about criminal charges can be found at the links below:

Bloomberg Businessweek

New York Daily News

36 Hours That Gave Citizens a Wake-Up on War.

Evidently, it doesn't take much to rattle Washington.  But when General McCrystal seemed unable to get over the case of loose lips, political people couldn't believe it.  There is more than enough in the story about Afghanistan that is beyond belief.

If nothing else, history must be the teacher that outsiders do not change the tribal relationships of the country's people.  Here we are at 9 years and counting, a war that has no "winners", over a thousand deaths, and over $1 Trillion US dollars poured into the conflict, with no clear path to a positive outcome.  As Frank Rich of the New York Times Opinion Page  put it, regarding the Administration's war philosophy: When we voted Mr. Obama, we thought we were getting a Prius, and instead got a Tank.  Mr. Obama seems unable or unwilling to change the course of the Beltway war machine.

At least I will give the General thanks for the frank discussion of the prospects ahead in the war effort.  Slim and none about sum it up.  While his personal evaluation of Washington and the President were probably not politically astute, his honesty should be appreciated.  And I do.

As a nation, we need to find the will to leave this conflict behind. In the long view of the world, it will gain us little to stay.  We cannot afford that war, its price in dollars, the cost of young lives, and goodwill of the people of the country.  We certainly do not need to prop up a government that is suspect at best - and staying to accomplish the chore - in the Afghan government's estimation will be at least a 20 year task.  Thanks, but no.

When our children and their schools are doing without because we're spending too much on war material, it's time to give it some thought.  The price tag would already have paid for reinforcing Social Security, Single Payer Health Care and better schools.  Take your pick.  We need any of those options more than we need to continue this war.


New York Times - Opinion from Frank Rich - 36 Hours that Shook Washington and
Buzz Flash -  Mark Karlin's Editor's Blog BuzzFlash

Politics you can believe in...

The "Change you can believe in" Administration isn't.  A great number of people believed in the promise of change that Mr. Obama made during his campaign - only to be left wondering now what happened to that promise.  There have been some successes. But, could there have been so many more if the White House had invested itself as promised?

Where is the bold leader that we elected? The guy who looked straight at the camera and spoke against Washington's attitude of business as usual seems to be perfectly happy to adopt business as usual at the worst possible time.

The lackluster performance on BP is only the latest in a series of leadership surprises.

What happened to the promise of transparency in government? The deals made with the drug industry during HCR put that part of progress on the back burner.  Couple that with a surprising lack of leadership during the health-care reform political process, almost derailing the whole effort. Financial reform has become an issue in which the White House appears to be working against the best interests of Main Street. Between Geithner and Summers, its only surprising that any progress has been made. The abysmal effort for underwater home-owners is almost wholly owned by Geithner. Mr. Summers fortunately falls asleep during meetings, minimizing the consequences of his work.   The company formerly known as Blackwater still collects millions from the US government as does Halliburton.  The administration continues to work against its own stated goals.  Guantanamo Bay?  DADT?  Bi-Partisanship with the Party of No?

It was Blanche Lincoln who asked that the administration consider being more like the previous administration in its policies. Certainly isn't the kind of change that core voters were looking  for, yet the administration threw support her way, and bashed unions after the Arkansas primary vote.

More observers are now taking note of a presidential disconnect that is particularly striking since the BP gusher pushed its oily way to the front pages and the wetlands of the Gulf Coast. 


Can only wonder what direction is next on the Beltway agenda.

Baseball and Apple Pie?

I find it impossible to convey how disgusting I find the exchange about baseball  between Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid on the Senate floor on June 9, 2010. What planet are these two individuals living on? See it on C-SPAN

I expect leadership that cares about the country and the people they represent. I want leaders who understand that they are among the most fortunate people in the country, and their work better reflect that understanding. Leaders of both parties must realize that it is their JOB to attend to the people's business - particularly when unemployment is hovering - in real terms - about 20%. Discussing baseball on the Senate Floor is just bad form. How is it they don't understand that some Americans are having a hard time affording food when the unemployment funding didn't get completed? They didn't take care of getting that job done. Too much baseball and too little cooperation to complete the backlog of bills that have been stacked waiting for Senate attention.

I am demanding a better work ethic from the elected. Discuss baseball if you want to - just not on my time.

Watch That Calcium Level - Too Much Will Kill You!!

We all hear about how to stay healthy, be fit,
Eat the right foods... You name it it's out there. Internet, print, TV. BUT, something you may not know is that your calcium level - usually shown in those annual blood tests, is vitally important, and not just for your bones. Too much will literally cause your life to ebb away in waves of exhaustion.

Because I have Primary Lymphedema, I am driven to be watchful of my health, having annual physicals, gyn and mammogram exams, lab tests, and blood tests too, every year. But even with this watchful maintenance, I had felt that my wellness was just not what it should be. Mind numbing fatigue coupled with short term memory loss had taken over my life. It was frightening. I gained weight, a LOT of weight. My hair started to fall out, my skin was dry and rough, I was always cold, and I had kidney stones. One problem after another it seemed, all contributing to a feeling of being unable to get a grip on good health.

Over the past ten years, I visited three different primary care doctors hoping for some new insight, some relief. In all this time, one doctor raised red flags because of a high calcium level, and started looking for a cause.

A tumor of the parathyroid glad caused these symptoms. This non-cancerous tumor is typically diagnosed by a high level of calcium in the blood. The cure is surgery to remove the tumor. No other post-surgical treatment is required in most cases.

I had surgery six weeks ago, and I no longer think that my mind slipping away in a fog of tired forgetfulness. My brain is plugged back in, and I am surprised by the amazing change that has occurred in my body. I have REAL energy, and feel like I've turned back the clock by more than 10 years or more! My hair has started to grow back and I can think and remember. I have more energy, and hopes that weight will disappear with good diet and exercise. Now, with my new lease on life and higher energy level I walk every evening after work. It feels GREAT.

When you have lab tests, ask for a copy of the report. Most will show results and a target "normal" range. File your reports away for comparisons. In keeping my results, I knew that my calcium level had been on the increase for over 8 years. Don't be afraid to ask questions or search the web for information. Fortunately, for me, a sharp-eyed doctor noticed the problem when she read the lab results. That was an important day for me, and life has been getting better each day since.

Visit http://www.parathyroid.com for more information about Parathyroid health.

Age, Recovery, and Getting over it all

So, I'm in the recovery stages the past few days.  Surgery is not what it was when I was a kid.  These people have it down to a science  - get you in the door, take care of business, cut, fix, stitch, and kick you out the door before you're aware of anything that hurts.  With a prescription for pain killers in hand there is little need for listening to the complaints after the fact.  Not that they don't do an amazing good job of it, they DO, its just that you had better be paying close attention or you're going to miss it.

This is the third time in 3 years.  Little stuff.  Trigger finger.  Kidney Stone, Thyroid.  Well, maybe not so little, but at least I'm keeping things spaced out about a year or so apart from the last.  But this I have noted - Whatever it is that "THEY" say about that surgery - it nothing compared to your first hand experience after the fact. 

So, "They say you're going to be up and back to work in just 2 days".  You have got to be kidding!! Two days after that Kidney Stone Surgery, I was thinking that there was no amount of pain killer in the world that was going to put me together again.  Who are "THEY:" kidding??  and how do I get my hands on those THEY people long enough to throttle them for giving me those expectations??  I should have learned well before the third time through this that there is one solid rule regarding anything medical and surgery in particular. 

Whatever THEY say, you can expect recovery is best ruled by the same formula computer programmers use: to estimate a job.  Double the number and go to the next time incremental.  (1 hour? estimate 2 days.  2 weeks? better plan for 4 months!)  Happy recovery!

Birth defects as a punishment from God?

Virginia Delegate Marshall Resignation Petition

We, the undersigned, call on Representative Bob Marshall to issue a public apology for his offensive statements calling disabled children "God's punishment." We further expect and demand his resignation from public office since his beliefs do not represent the majority of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Marshall apologized today while defending his comments at the same time.

Health Care - Mine.....

I have great health insurance.  But, insurance is only part of the problem with the medical system we have... I need surgery, and can't get even a consult most places in less than 6 weeks.  Placed calls to major medical centers in both Virginia and North Carolina.  Same bottleneck at every hospital. Found one doc that could fit me in at 4 weeks, only because I had seen him a few years ago.  Are we facing a shortage of the well trained?

Story in Roanoke Times reports over 1600 applicants for 64 openings at the new Virginia Tech Med school.  Sure sign that there is no lack of interest.  Do we need to address the need for more physicians ?

More on this soon after reviewing national statistics.

2010

Here we are, 2010 already.  Strange weather, strange still health problems, and life always moves on.  New Websites worth of a look throughout the new year:

Pew Research Center can tell you what the public knows @ http://pewresearch.org/

http://www.opencongress.org/  Understand what is going on in the halls of Congress

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/  News

http://www.businessinsider.com/  Business News

Best wishes for us all this new year.  More jobs and an improved economy are on my wish list.
Maryellen

Late November 2009

With the approaching holiday season, I notice though it's not Thanksgiving yet, homes down the street are decorated for Christmas.  I suspect there are a good number of people who are forcing themselves to think ahead for a spot of happiness and cheer.  Never mind rushing the season a little, if it works, OK by me.

All other holiday preparations are well underway - I got an email from a wicked, evil woman the other day, hawking the annual Chocolate DRENCHED Peacans and other assorted treats. Manna from heaven that chocolate - I may as well slather them on my hips as eat 'em, because they're going the same place.  Every catalog that lands in the mailbox offers everything from soup to nuts.  How do these people know my weakness so well?  Darn those web cookies anyway!


According to the Southern-born skiier in the house, all we need is snow, but since I've moved this far South for warmer weather it hardly seems fair that the skies would even consider opening up and letting loose with a blanket of the frozen mush.  Thanks, but no.  One of these winters, I'll drag him to Iowa for a full winter - not the usual week long visit that's only sticking your toe in the cold, oh, no. Two months minimum - at LEAST!!   THEN we will see who wants snowy cold......

Cold, and it's gettin' COLDER!!!

 

Here we are well into November.  I've looked out the window at the dreary sky, bare-naked trees and rain puddles wondering just how the time of "FALL" flew!!

Barely two weeks to enjoy the golden and red that crept down the mountain side, along with the coming cold temperatures of winter.

It was GREAT while it lasted.

My Offfice Window - October 23 2009 - Morning

Morning October 23, 2009

The view from my office looking east across the Blue Ridge.  Amazing.

Sunrise on Pinnacle Ridge, Roanoke, Virginia

 Sunrise on Pinnacle Ridge

Another day begins - with these amazing colors at daybreak, it's easy to start the day.

I will admit that this shot - taken at 5:30am is unusual for me.

I live by believing that there is NO civil hour before noon.

A Front Row Seat at the Show of the Year!!

Photo taken 10 October 2009

From Pinnacle Ridge - Mill Mountain

Roanoke, VA

"Recession" Jobs Loss

There are no words to describe.  Real people. Frightening statistics.  What next?

My Garden Grows

Dahlia - Gardening in the Blue Ridge 2009

Publish Post

4th of July

On my calendar, the 4th has always marked the time that summer is in full swing, with lots of sunshine and more warm than I had been wishing for in January. This year is somewhat different maybe less heat, certainly more rain, and an angst that permeates the air no matter where I go. People are very cautious, worried about their jobs, and worried about where we're going as a nation.

The Congress, aka the Beltway Bunch is working on Health Care. I don't think they understand that "Health Insurance Choice" is an oxymoron: There is NO choice today. The "choice" of the uninsured, unemployed, and those with pre-existing conditions is very simple - food or insurance! The cost of health insurance outside a group is staggering - out of reach of most who need it.

I read with dismay that Senator Grassley from Iowa, one of the most vocal opponents of a Public Option suggested that those wanting better insurance should "work for the government" or "go work for John Deere". While that would take care of the dilemma of those who are hired, what happens to those who are not? In these economic climate the very idea that jobs are available for everyone simply shows how insulated the Beltway Bunch remains. Grassley Town Hall Meeting

So, the bottom line here is WRITE, CALL or Twitter those who live in the Beltway Bubble otherwise known as Washington DC. Give them a sense of your reality.

Here it is, almost the middle of summer. Back from an Iowa visit, touching base with all things of home and familiar. Odd, I've been transplanted to Virginia all these years, and still think of Iowa as "Home". Even more difficult to explain is why I think of Virginia as "Home" every time I'm away.

Iowa has grown into a wonderful place over the past few years- the Great Mississippi River - that I miss even after a 20 year absence, has been incorporated into local recreation and events. Farm wineries are sprouting up all over - and this isn't just amateur hour at the winery either. Very credible wines coming out of the midwest. Well done, and a pleasure to enjoy.

There are wineries local to most everyone in the US. A google search of "Farm Winery" yields results in almost every state in the union. Visit. Enjoy a smile

2009

It's not that I've not thought of posting to the world of blog, but there is so much that must happen between thought and post that it's almost amazing to me that the words could possibly fit themselves into one sentence.

Thought was often times interrupted by the happenings of the past months - economic meltdown, UVA graduation, Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Weddings, too. Posting, another necessary part of the blogging function, was delayed by the very stuff of life - UVA Graduation in May - a happy ending to one of my very first blog posts.

In spite of all the woes people tie themselves in knots over, seems that life always manages to go on. The little things happen right along with the big things. Sun comes up, and goes down in the same path it has been taking for a good number of years now. Tomorrow is always another day away.

Happy Valentines Day!!
New Camera, and the resolution to be Blog-Active in 2009.

Warming temperatures are reluctant this year, with the winds of winter
unwilling to release their hold on the mountains around us.

THINK SPRING

A Day of the "Slows"

Age creeps up upon us without much fanfare.  It's like being younger and having the "slows"  You remember?  when you overdid it, you would have a day of the "slows" following.  No one ever mentioned that aging is a progression of one day of the "slows" following another.   

Even dreaming I've found can be a case of the "slows".  I was dreaming about being at a party but needing to go to the bathroom - really really bad.... The dream must have gone on for a good while -  because I clearly remember visiting at least 4 different bathrooms in my dream.  I finally awoke to be somewhat surprised that the uncomfortable need to pee had followed me out of the dream.  Took a few seconds for the "slows" to disappear so i could pull my brain together enough to jump out of bed and take care of things. 

It's not that the brain and "me" that have changed.  It's just that I've got the "slows".  Some days more that others!

Election Wisdom

“It isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble,
it's what we know that ain't so”

Will Rogers quote

Everybody's Talking AT me....

I've been reading political blogs. One thing is striking: People just don't seem to be listening to each other.

Oscar Wilde once said "To look at a thing is very different than SEEING a thing. "

This election season, I'm reminded of this because, logically, it follows that listening is very different than hearing...

I hope people are hungry for a change in the divisions that exist between us. People seem to be embracing not only the messenger but the message of doing things differently, erasing the line of divisions between us all on a political level. As one American to another, Aren't you ready to be able to really talk about our differences and resolve some of the problems that face us all?

Let's just Listen for a while......
Oh, and use FactCheck.org, too.

Stupid is, as Stupid does.... Market Watch

If Stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out?"” -W.Rogers

Will Rogers was a first rate thinker.