The art of mimicking Swiss cheese. (© image)
Spotted
Whimsical art
Instructional: Stand on the spot or take a stand on the spot?
Wishful thinking this “will pump you up” restoring things to level?
“Look, Dunderheads. We of the HOAA have had it with the human doddering and disorganized thinking. Pay attention to Our attempts to teach problem solving skills in order to encourage logical reasoning and then, what to count on. It’s pretty simple. Observe and try to build on it.”(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Spot on there
Anyway,
The city has been spotted trying to punch up damaged sidewalks in our neighborhood by using a quicker/cheaper method than complete sidewalk replacement. The Level Concrete Company jackhammers holes in the problematic section then pumps material underneath the slab to raise it up…supposedly to make the surface smooth and level again.
Rooted in consideration for trees: just fold on the dotted line as needed. (© image)
What we end up with looks like giant dominoes lining the streets.
They must be getting paid by the hole.
Hank the Husky studying an unexpected alteration. It’s a concrete sidewalk – embellishments normally not encountered unless of the colored chalk kind. (© image)
“What game is this? If only the dots were dog treat surprises like the recent Easter eggs for children.” (© image)
Space aliens won’t have to wonder if these are a Rosetta Stone group. Already museum catalogued: Three lead dominos, probably dating to the 18th century. “The earliest domino sets are thought to date from the 13th century and originate in China. The game reached Europe by the 18th century and is thought to derive its name from the French word ‘Domino’ for a black and white hood worn by Christian priests in winter. “(WIKI) (Portable Antiquities Scheme/Trustees of the British Museum/Commons.wikimedia.org)
There were always multiple boxes of dominoes at the farm.
Little kids built towers, bridges, barns, and highways populated by small plastic animals and Matchbox cars. The fun never ended – even solo – nothing like lining up rows of dominoes then watching them crash one by one into each other until they all fall down. No one blah, blah, blah-ed about cause and effect – the concept unobtrusively present – simply integrated and absorbed with the fun.
Oh, Mom wished. We free range kids were always a lot grubbier than this. We always did remember to wash out hands before getting out the ivory dominoes. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Never failed that once the clatter of dominoes was heard, the older kids appeared and, with noses in the air, said they would show us how dominoes should be used: Game battle on.
Eventually, once bored or minus a combatant, an older kid might “allow” a younger kid (thrilled to be in the presence of a self-proclaimed Wise and Magnificent One) to touch the commandeered dominoes. Those chunky rectangles were the era’s informal method of painlessly teaching counting, sorting and grouping. The older cousins smirked full of “superior advanced knowledge” as they “instructed” and directed the wide-eyed Littles.
Late at night in bed just before sleep, we kids would hear the clacking and shuffling of dominoes as the adults in the farmhouse’s main room with the golden glow of the one lamp took over the worn smooth pieces. A lullaby of clinking dominoes accented by laughter and quiet talking.
“Maybe if I leave them casually placed on the table, they will be curious and start to wonder. Wonder is always the beginning of knowledge.”(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
I could have objected when clearing the family home after dad died. Older brother hesitantly asked if he could have the oldest ivory domino set in the tattered box barely held together by brittle, aged scotch tape.
He smiled and clutched them close as he ran off like a little kid at Christmas to put them in his suitcase.
I loved the smooth cool feel of the blocky pieces – and still carry the sound of them clinking and shuffling on the table. Can picture it clearly with all senses. With that, I have enough. So we each got what was needed.
Talk about a big game: Granite domino pieces as sculpture. (Image: Toronto’s Ivan Hernandez/FLickr/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Once good thing about that COVID shutdown was that many discovered or rediscovered old fashion games. The laugher, the jeers, the thrill of a win with whoops and the grumpy loses – but learning there’s always chance next time for a better outcome – “So no tears now – it’s just a game, after all.”
Shuffling on. Connecting the dots.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Open invitation. (Wikipedia/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Why?” you ask. Because it’s a once in a lifetime event! People will tell their grandchildren about it: the day you tripped in a gopher hole, twisted your ankle, and missed the whole darn thing. Yep, the stuff legends are made of. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
It’s a big deal
The stars will be out.
Lots of cameras and reporters jostling for position
What to wear of great importance.
I will be wearing a rain coat.
Upon hearing about once-in-a-lifetime eclipse, I said, “It will rain.” And that’s the prediction: three days of clouds with severe storms and hail across the eclipse path. Possibly just to make a point
The Universe annoyed with those profiting from what is offered for free.
Giant cosmic joke.
Ticks. Bull nettle. Mad cow.
WHAT COULD POSSIBlLY GO WRONG?
The sky darkens.
The line of cars wobbles erratically
Honey, just stop here! Pull over – that field will do. Pull over or we’ll miss it. Once in a lifetime! Stop.
Kids out of the car. Put your eclipse glasses on and let’s go. Wait, wait. Put on your shoes – forget the socks. Let’s go.
Oh, the keys? They are inside? Worry about that later! It’s starting.
We can break a window if necessary.
We can call 911. Rural police are so resourceful.
Jason – stop running. Keep your glasses on. Oh, stop – there’s a fence. OH. Yes, kid, it’s sharp. Barbed wire.
Why would someone use this sort of fence these days? Really. Stop whining It’s just a little cut and you’re up to date on your shots…I think. Here. We’ll splash a little water on it.
Now try to duck between these wires while I…Oh, stop, Jason, you’ve snagged your Vineyard Vines polo shirt. Wait. Oh, it’s OK. I’m sure someone at Goodwill will be thrilled to have it even with a little hole in the shoulder.
Oh, Look. Dad has figured out how to open that gate.
Let’s go that way.
Honey, just leave it open to make it easier for those other people stopping here.
And it begins. (Image by CSIRO/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Hey, some old farmer guy over there is waving his arms and a hiking stick or something ….probably his cane, right?
Wonder why he’s waving it horizontally – seems to be confused over hiking stick concept.
He wouldn’t be actually loading salt pellets like someone running back to the cars said.
What is his problem?
Posted? What’s he talking about?
Oh, yes, Sir, we did post already on Facebook. Appreciate your reminder, though
Why is he yelling?
It’s a once in a lifetime event!
Ought to be happy to share such a perfect viewing spot
Doesn’t he have any kids?
Anyone could understand ours are a a bit hyper with the eclipse.
We can’t watch them every minute – it’s a once in a lifetime eclipse. Good it’s outdoors.
They’re kids – can’t help kicking a few furrows or tripping over a few plants.
How many vegetables can be actually damaged – there’s a whole field of them here. Kids’ never seen rows of crops before. A learning experience.
Sandra leave that alone. It is not a vintage Frisbee. It’s dried cow poo. Don’t throw that at your brother.
Don’t make me come over there. Now put those eclipse glasses back on. I don’t care if it’s dark.
Jason, please stop stomping around and making a dust storm. For goodness sakes, we brought you all the way out here to see a once in a lifetime events and you are not even looking!
No, poking that big mound with a stick does not make you a giant. Well, yes you may look like one to the ants, but those are probably Fire Ants and will bite you and it will hurt. Get over here and let me check your socks.
What? What are you looking at now? A funny stick? It’s moving? Don’t touch it! It’s a snake. Get over here, now. Not that way. That’s the way the snake went. Geesh, kid. You’re seen snakes at the zoo. You know what they are like. You’ve seen pictures in books.
Well, she may not have her eclipse glasses on, but she remembered the umbrella. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
What, Sandra? Honey, there’s not a potty here.
Just go behind that big plant and go there. Do you really need toilet paper? Here’s a tissue in the bottom of my purse. It is not dirty. Just kick some dirt over it afterwards…
Oh? Well, I guess we can go knock on that farmhouse and say we need to use theirs. I’m sure they would say to come right in. Country folks are supposed to be friendly.
Oh, Honey, do you think someone should have shut that gate?
It looks like that elk is trying to escape…a cow? With those horns? Cool.
Hey, how about we run over there and sit kids on it and snap a pix for Facebook?
Hey, where’s the dog? Anyone seen the dog?”
WHAT COULD POSSIBlLY GO WRONG?
Both “I love Lucy” and “Twilight Zone” potential. Could go either way
In any case, flip flops not recommended. (But pack a raincoat.)
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
What I will be wearing – under the raincoat. (T-shirt design from Life is Good company)
Cabbage: not just for corn beef anymore. A Totally Modern Sillie.(Woman wearing cabbage dress. 1870’s/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Possible explanation:
- The Peeps are out there (Also called sugar overload)
- Only organic materials made by green energy are allowed for prom attire.
- Alternatives for banned plastic or paper takeout food containers
Not sure whether to be amused or bemused about things these days?
Whether you like dogs, music, bunnies, or traditional cultural attire and activities, maybe this will suffice. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Did you miss “National Window Replacement Day in March?” (I almost did, but a local window company was reminding people) Don’t worry, there are still openings for:
- National Window Safety Week (April 1-7) which coincides with the arrival of Spring. The National Windows Safety Task Force (established in 1997) wants to raise awareness of actions homeowners can take to prevent accidents and falls. There’s a free activity book for children! The National Safety Council wants you to share on social media. Here’s the info and media kit!
- The Department of Energy wants to pull back the blinds and offer info on tax credits for updating windows here! (Can you see through that?)
- National Window Film Day is April 30. “a day of public education focusing on how homeowners and businesses can save on cooling and heating costs, protect their skin and home decor from the sun’s damaging UV rays and to promote window safety.” Here.
- Not to be left unopened: National Window Day is June 1st. “promoting public awareness of the invention of the window and its contribution to buildings and architecture.” Blinded by de light.
How dare you ask “Who comes up with this nonsense?”
As if it wasn’t odd enough, there’s a bottle of wine on the table waiting for them….What? Didn’t they have wine boxes? (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Ever wonder what the Wack-a-doodle is going on? Can’t help it after these:
- “President Joe Biden declares Easter Sunday ‘Transgender Day Of Visibility’ ” Like another day wouldn’t have been a better day to pick.
- Children, please create Easter Egg designs for the annual art contest – but without using any religious symbols. “Biden administration banned children from submitting Easter eggs with religious themes for its 2024 “Celebrating National Guard Families” art contest. The competition, which is part of the White House’s annual Easter Egg Roll, explicitly stipulated that egg designs not feature any “religious symbols” on the Christian holiday”. So no crosses, lillies, lambs, and, of course, that means, no bunnies either. (Wait. This is Easter, right?)
How about I-love-you-I-love-you-not daisies? Or a silly goose? Are those on the approved list? Fancy Easter church dresses, I’m guessing not. (1870’s Easter trade card/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
-
And there’s more:
“The White House returned to the “EGGucation” theme again for the 2024 Easter Egg Roll on Monday, promising to turn the South Lawn and Ellipse into a school community for its young visitors. First lady Jill Biden, a longtime educator, will lead the festivities, which will include a reading nook, picture area, farm field trip, STEM school, and a snack area.”
Oh, that sounds about as much fun as the neighbor who hands out toothbrushes on Halloween.
The Easter Egg Roll is a White House tradition that dates back to 1878. (Could all the above bulleted be considered cultural appropriation? Or would that be cultural misappropriation?)
(Wonder if the Giant White Bunny will once again be the white cane guide for the Leader-in-Peeps to keep everyone hoppin’ in the planned and approved upon direction.)
Dunderheads to the front of you and Wack-a-doodles pressing close behind.
Lettuce as snacks, Jill would approve. The obedient ones couldn’t possibly be potential subjects for STEM experiments, right? (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
It seems much better outdoors except
The only problem with avoiding being inside is that is that stuff can go rotten pretty quick – like in the fridge – if you’re not paying mind.
But I would have missed the Great Chicken Escape Attempt by the neighbor’s chickens if I had been indoors. Wild and feathery with much achoo-ing from fleet chicken feet dusting up pollen. Now that’s the real gritty. The three escapees avoided hawks, cats, teen drivers, and a yard crew thinking it was a free food bank site. Whew.
The chickens have come home to roost. But no doubt that, like so many things, it was just a test run.
No, it was It was not at all a serene and romantic scene like this. One neighboring mom is now rueing the day she agreed with the kids that having chickens 3 sounded like a good idea. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
It may seem like Alice at Wonderland’s Mad Hatter’s Tea, but it really is Easter – traditional Easter – to me.
May peace, joy, and comfort find their way to your door.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Easter card. 1881. I never had an Easter bonnet as Dad preferred to go to the farm and leave room in the Church pews for those who only showed up on High Holy days. Seems logical to me. Free range ducks, chickens and bunnies. Celebrate life as intended. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Should we tell them there’s an easier way – or just watch and enjoy the chaos?”(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Be assured no coffee beans were harmed in this incident….although it became obvious that you can make coffee with a fork. (Some survival skills are more critical than others.)
Normally mornings are pretty routine here. Serene, even. A new day, you know…
But not when picking up the glass coffeemaker carafe, you notice a big crack spiderwebbing across the bottom.
Arrrrgh! It was NOT there last night.
Either invasion of obese June bugs were drunkly having a rogue takeover like the teen show-off car drivers do at midnight in parking lots and roadways –
Or there was a midnight catastrophe stirred up when the dish ran away with the spoon (Possible illicit affair cooking? One of them forgot to not rock out if you live in a glass house?)
Stranger things are happening: body image acceptance and all. Guess I should count the silverware. Maybe he was just a convenience to be tossed aside and left broken once she made her escape? That would really be top drawer, Babe.(C.Wood/Commons.wikimedia.org)
In any case the water was already poured in the coffee maker, and the ground coffee already measured into the filter, but cracking all efforts, was a disabled glass pot.
Staff is nothing if not problem solvers.
(The dog quickly shrugged and ran to the back)
Look. It can’t be all that difficult.
All we had to do was: let the water heat up, filling the filter tank area until at “drip and serve” level, then reach under and push up on the “let go and flow” release valve (which would normally be pushed up by the carafe lid) while someone held a big mug under the opening so coffee could drain downward as it would normally if the glass carafe sat waiting there.
Easy peasy. Life would flow once cup at a time.
Optimism is not what it is cracked up to be.
Oh, realizing the steamy potential, Sr. Staff was not foolish enough to try and operate the valve with bare fingers. Not one who fell recently off the turnip truck, no.
A nice long fork would work to reach in and depress the button-size valve.
Voila! Fresh cup of coffee on hand.
Well, actually just fresh coffee on fingers.
Should have realized the scalding liquid would run downhill in the first and easiest path – just like a rain leak running down attic rafters – run right down the fork’s tongs onto the handle then scalding any fingers holding that.
Hot. Hot. Hot. The dilemma:
- Drop the fork and run for cold water or ice (which would meant the drip valve would close and the coffee filter holding tank would overflow, and there would be much dancing and yelling trying to sop it up – for a seemingly never ending period of time.
- Or gut it up and grin with the pain as coffee cups were filled. (Oh, the promise of vast rewards!)
- I did mention that coffee withdrawal had been setting in…..so you know the desperation. (Stop saying the “The dog is the smart one.”)
Of course it could have been a serious kitchen flood event. You weren’t there! Neither was the dog. I think he took stock in the situation before grabbing his favorite toy and dashing to the back for safety.(USPD/Common.wikimedia.org)
As luck, not careful planning, would have it, there was a dish towel within reach of the resident Sr. Risk Taker, so Assistant Staff was able to drain off two mugs of coffee which lowered the coffee level in the coffeemaker, avoiding flooding the counter, cabinets, floor, bare feet…
(Don’t ask. Past experience…so who hasn’t forgotten to shove the glass carafe in after punching the coffee maker’s “On” button? Sometime you get distracted by one crisis or another. A phone call. Oatmeal boiling too vigorously. Stepping in the dog’s water bowl…)
Finally the martyr Sr. Staff (John Wayne tough) was persuaded the crisis had been averted, so now he could accept cooling treatment (no lingering damage other than redness.).
Morning’s not always what it is crack up to be, but the cup’s always half full around here.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
And there was much merriment once the new coffee maker arrived later that afternoon. Even the little dog joined in. Odd: an entire new coffee maker is only $20.00 more than a replacement glass carafe? Something’s seriously cracked and outta kilter there. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org
Ah, and not a grain of pollen in sight. (USPD/Morse Museum of American Art/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Don’t say that Spring has come until you can put your foot on nine daisies”
(Unknown author)
“The first day of Spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another.”
(Henry Van Dyke)
The curious – and party planners – always want to know,
Exactly (and, of course, everyone wants things pinned down exactly) exactly when does Spring begin?
It depends. Astronomically speaking or Meteorologically speaking? (Discussion of why multiple dates are correct here.)
Talk about special effects. The Mayan must have wowed the Spring crowds.
Around 1000 AD, the Mayan architects designed and carefully constructed the giant Kukulkán Pyramid at Chichén Itzá, Mexico, to astound and amaze on the Spring equinox, a day they called “The Return of the Sun Serpent.” The pyramid was designed so the Sun’s light moves across and down the structure making it look like a giant snakes slithering down the steps.
Now that’s entertainment!
Smug by nature and in nature.(USPD/commons.wikimedia.org)
Not so famous quotes
“If cats could text you back,,,they wouldn’t.”
“Pilates? I thought you said ‘Pie and lattes!’ “
“I used to be addicted to doing the Hokey Pokey, then I turned myself around”
Spring is nature’s way of saying “Let’s party”.(Robin Williams) (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Science has never drummed up quite as effective tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day.”
(Wilton E. Hall) Should be an annual Spring prescription be given to go outside everyday to relieve anxiety, anger, and depression?
“In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours”
(Mark Twain) Got a giggle out of that one. So true around here. Bouncing between sweltering heat to thundering to shivering. Yet, the pollen count remains constant!!!
“In the Spring, at the end of the day you should smell like dirt”
(Margaret Atwood) But I doubt the kids in the picture above ever did. Probably some of today’s kids experience the same neglect due to overly cautious, germ-phobic parents and the abundance of children’s screen entertainment. We should organize a petition...
On the lookout for those 9 daisies!
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
A real flight of Spring fancy. (Boston Pub.Lib/USPD/Commonw.wikimedia.org)
1923. And you thought they didn’t know how to chill. St Patrick’s Day ice cream recipe from Children’s Party Book. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Never too young to learn to look behind the curtains, to not bite the hand that feeds you, and to play nice. (And for goodness sake, don’t go sitting in the lawn looking for 4 leaf clovers in your good clothes….some of us never learn that part.) (1923, Children’s Party Book. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Of course the adults have an ulterior motive for letting the kids party early, get sugared-up, and then crash early! Even the clergy and pig join in. (1902 St Patrick’s Day dancing and festival by Leonard Linsdell. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Has to be the original Pedal Pub/ Party bike/ Bar Bike? No seat belts, so watch out below. Oh, in no way related to the sudden appearance of Chinese balloons floating across the US. Really. Those did not have safety modifications necessary for approval for commercial use across the states. (St Patrick’s Day airship. 1908. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Here’s a poster child for the day after St. Paddy’s day? “And a grand time was had by all.” (1881 Boston Pub.lib/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
May your troubles be few and your pantry be full. (and the kids sound asleep)
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
(Valerie Everett/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Thoughts not always flying as the crow goes. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Every thought that comes across your brain doesn’t have to come out of your mouth…except if you are a writer it probably does.
What’s with dogs?
Do they have an auxiliary bladder tank or something like trucks can have an extra fuel tank?
Have you ever noticed no matter how long the walk or trail, a male dog never runs out of liquid to water each and every tree, weed, piece of grass, shadow…
How the heck do they store it all?
Hmm. They always talk about yellow snow. Better than dropped bread crumbs. Bird proof! ((USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Algae. I know it’s green, but considering this unsettled world with threats of nuclear winter – should we worry?
As one scientist says, “It is the ultimate Halloween story — when the lights go out, everyone starts eating each other.”
One little harmless ocean plant life apparently learned to survive that huge meteor/asteroid strike by changing to eat other living animals. (Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water.)
That destructive impact that pretty much wiped out most of multicellular life on Earth, but one rare ocean algae learned to swim to chase prey and became mixotrophic: able to consume other organisms as well as to use photosynthesis to make food. (research article here).
This algae became a dominant life form for a million years while being kind enough to rebuild the food chain for others before reverting back to a sun worshiping grocery supply source.
So when Green Food advocates start yackin’ about algae as an alternative food, a question: What if you choose the wrong algae, swallow it only to have it decide in your stomach to presto chango and eat its’ way out? Horrors!
“OMG. The recipe said nothing about make sure it’s dead before tossing it into the pan. How the heck do you tell if it’s dead? Would using a hammer as a cooking prep utensil put it into the overly-processed food category? (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
From the small to the tall horror tales. Both the Mega Cerrejon Croc (28 feet) and Titanoboa, (43 foot snake) appear to have also been able to survive the big meteor strike by slinking down into the watery bottoms. Not only survived, but thrived.
Hey, all those weak and dying land creatures were like a buffet – with plants for garnishes! The two giants became fearsome predators not only due to size but also their hunting styles. Good times do come to an end eventually as the prey thins out, the giant species turn on each other for the world’s title: powerful bite force vs powerful constriction force. (Source here).
As one who grew up with cheap black and white Saturday matinée horror films, and has seen what was once thought extinct, only to be discovered hiding in plain sight – has to wonder what actually lives deep in the swamps or under deep, dark waters.
(Maybe take it seriously when some little snake looks up and snarks, “Hurt me and I’ll tell my big brother!” Check out the discovery of 100 million-year-old snake fossil found in Argentina here. It had hind legs!!! It only gets creepier and creepier!)
Bunches of out-to-lunch hunches
DST has made everyone a bit groggy and unable to focus for long
Over and out and about (but not without thought)
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Another day, another mystery to ponder. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia,org)
Not sure if this is a cautionary tale of flying too close to the sun, a “You’re it; I quit. Catch me if you can” situation, or “Oh, hey, last one over the cliff is a loser!” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
The cat ate my blog post. (Wait! Wait! How believable is that?….Even a big cat who hacks up big hairballs effortlessly at will….)
Wait! The Canadian Geese snagged it on the way out as they left…(Uh, still not plausible. Canadians are proud of their own original productions and humor.)
How about: The blog post was up for editing detangling when the Odysseus moon launch went up in a different browser window and somehow there was this digital connection strung between them, so there was a lot of unraveling like a snagged sweater as Odie fought navigational tangles and landed – despite distractions and entanglements – but still broke a leg and fell over. (If it was due to human error being leashed here, so sorry about that Odie.)
This blog will be 13 years old this month.
For good reason, it has been unhappily nagging over the past year’s inattentive production by staff.
(Where is a pushy Realm Staff Director when needed? And they say Siberian Huskies are the most high energy demanding dogs ever…Well, no. We have the exception…never a dog so low key or lounging oriented than Hank…RC Cat would be appalled: all the preparation for Realm’s handoff – all those post-it notes! Wasted. Oh, my paws and claws!)
“OK, my little ones. I’ve taught you all the stem-work I can peddle. Don’t sell yourself short and go off without a grouping. Beware of sitting cats!” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Won’t bore you with the details but the last 2 years have required energy and attention in other directions. Hopefully, things will level out and return to the normal-ish.
Hey, finally got the fertilizer on the lawn, most of the leaves raked (Our oaks shed in Spring) – given up on the backyard weeds (It’s got flowers, who’s to know it’s not planned HAHA), and not quite time for cheaper flower plants to arrive yet. (Just spots of color this year – mostly in pots by the door. So darn expensive now – doing my best to encourage the ones that survived the winter to wake up and flourish to reduce costs). Soon it will be hotter than blazes and I’ll hibernate indoors.
Also time consuming, there’s been serious need to support re-listing the wolves in Congress and in several states.
We have been involved with this cause for years as some of you know. Critical turning point. Biden did not step in as promised. (No surprise)
- “Federal government denies petitions to restore protection to gray wolves” (Thanks, USFWS)
- “Conservationists signal intent to sue over wolf re-listing decision” (USFWS “used flawed population estimates and overestimated the population’s genetic diversity…” “The current killing regimes in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming put wolves at obvious risk of extinction in the foreseeable future, and this core population is key to wolf survival in the West,”
Wolves and Mustangs R Us. Stay tuned.
“Just a head’s up you relocated to Colorado wolves. We haven’t given up. Just wander across the state lines to Idaho, Wyoming, or Montana. We’ll be waiting – tagged collars or not: Boom!” They aren’t kidding. Using digital wolf calls and meat to lure them one step over the line, so please, don’t add wolf sightings/share photos on that “Tracking CO Wolves” Facebook page. It’s not what you think. Keep the wolves wild and away from humans. (Image: Amazon)
Climate Change People and Conservationists are not the same.
(Another topic for future blog meanderings. I may not have been writing, but plenty of musing over odd things.)
Funny, how humans seem to consider themselves outside the environment ecosystem rather than as one small piece of it.
Note to the “children” tossing paint on pictures or gluing themselves to things. Please stop the Jr. High dramatics. All that looks like is self serving “Lookie at me – I’m making a difference!” No, you are not.
Hmmm, wonder how all those solar farm devices and windmills are faring in the extreme heat of those panhandle fires? Thought about that? Haven’t heard a peep.
Apparently few are curious as there’s not been a whisper of their conditions. Over-looked on purpose? Naw. No way. Just curious, though.
Really hoping huge, oozing, dripping toxic messes won’t be left in the burned zones. We can hope. That land is valuable.
There’s already been a lawsuit filed against Xcel Energy claiming a down power line started the Smokehouse Creek wildfire. Pole maintenance has gotten pretty sloppy over the years locally here, so in rural area with frequent high winds and few people, what are the chances?
We may all be left sitting in the ashes from wildfires in the high plains. Not just the loss of cattle production and property, this area grows cotton (for your clothing and bedding), soybeans, corn, and grains for human and animal consumption. Not only unable to plant the normal crops on time, all the irrigation equipment mangled, farm machines destroyed, wells damaged – fences cut trying to let animals to run for it. So what’s FEMA gonna do? Consider assisting transporting the surviving cattle to BLM lands? Food is a national security issue, Homeland. More and more mouths are showing up daily! People around the state are already donating and moving hay and feed to rescued cattle. These fires will be a game changer no matter where you live and buy food. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Sooo, after plowing through all this, are you really sure you’ve missed me? HAHA.
Solar eclipses, solar flares and, darn it, here comes that annoying Daylight Savings Time scam.
Taking flights of fancy if you fancy to dance along.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
“I, the cat across the street, am about to throw the book at Staff if she doesn’t get with the care and feeding of this blog. I told RC Cat she should have taken me in as an understudy! But that tale another day…” (Image: Amazon)
“Oh, dear. Only one of you was scheduled to appear at 2. Now what do I do?” (Frear’s advertising trade card, 1881.USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
The completion may be fierce!
Will Valentine’s Day become an Olympic event?
Certainly a chase.
Going for the gold:
Bragging rights and love to hold.
Don’t try to hide or go AWOL There would be that uncomfortable reckoning the day after…. (1882 Advertising trade card. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Something simply sweet. (Valentine advertising trade card.1870’s USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Here’s the one I want to send to all my readers. (1900’s.USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Happy Valentines Day
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Cutting to the point: a Valentine message delivered. Intricate and elegant Papercut art by Adele Schopenhauer who had no formal education but was a gifted writer of poetry, fairy tales, and novels – as well as a talented papercut artist. During her early years, she grew up surrounded by artists and scholars who attended a literary salon run by her mother. Unfortunately a bank collapse lost most of the family money although through lawsuits, she did recover. More about her here. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“OK, Hank, you can go hiking in the woods with me, but you gotta lug your own water and haul out your own poo.”(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Long fringes in the wind always make it sound like there’s something watching and whispering as you slip through their woods.
Longleaf pines are something like the show ponies of the pine tree species.
Actually the elegant, emerald greens are barely hanging on. People always think of animals as being endangered of extinction, but old plants like Longleaf Pines should also be considered as possibly circling the drain forever.
Once dominating the forest scene from Texas across to the SE seaboard, the trees are making a last stand in Texas’ The Big Thicket and on the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation. This specific species of pine has been an important part of their tribal culture.
The long graceful needles were used to build the traditional homes as well as for medicinal purposes, and as material for their signature basket work. In fairly recent times, the basket weavers artists had to travel to Louisiana to gather the 18 inch long needles for their baskets.
Naturally people assume the tree’s decline is due to agricultural clearing, but there’s another cause, too – one that’s surprising: forest fire suppression and prevention.
As it turns out this particular tree needs the extreme heat of regular forest burns to flourish.
Once again, know-it-all humans blundering in and make decisions before complete understanding.
Working with the Nature Conservancy and the Indigenous Peoples Burning Network, the Alabama-Coushatta tribe has a goal of returning 400 acres to Longleaf pines.
Read more about the tribe’s and their partners’ efforts here. (“Ensuring the Legacy of the Longleaf”)
Alabama-Coushatta: not just a casino anymore!
Sheepishly, we go…although quite prepared to take a quick U turn at the cliff’s edge …free will and all. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
As a kid I always wondered while wandering through whispering woods if…
If pine trees were quietly, stoically, telling the old stories to anyone who would listen
And if their elegant long pine needles weren’t the inspiration for the long fringe on much western and rodeo wear. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, right?
But then again, kids always come up with the oddest ideas.
And, as you know, I am easily amused.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Easy to lose your head around here.
Especially for the small or squirrelly
After a week of stormy weather, it’s everyone out for themselves.
Yes, but is a long stretch of ominous grey and dreary really an excuse? (© image)
“Take out food” got a whole different meaning.
Had to duck during yesterday’s dog walk in order to avoid getting whacked by a low flying hawk hauling a squirrel as limp as an old lady’s mothballed fox stole draped across her shoulders.
Didn’t know our side fence qualified as a “park here until your order is ready” spot.
Naturally dressed for dinner in an exquisite killer outfit. Large hawk sitting on fence watching to see which way his meal ran off to. (© image )
Then there’s this: An example of heavy metal distress.
(Proof that years of constant service is no guarantee of recycling to happy retirement.)
It’s been there almost two weeks.
Should be obvious by now that the neither the garbage men nor the recycle truck crew are going to collect it.
Can’t touch that!
(Maybe they know something we don’t. Spooked by some AI horror movie perhaps.)
Muffler kicked to the curb and helpless. Motherless orphan.(© image)
Do you have any idea how hard it is to walk past this day after day?
It’s all I can do to keep from getting a galvanized bucket, drawing two big round eyes on it, then plopping the bucket headlong above those sad little arms.
With a sign propped up next to it saying, “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”
“Bender” type (Futurama) robot. Could be a long lost relative looking for a connection. You trace genealogy, they trace circuits and primary metal sources. (Michael Neel/commons.wikimedia.org)
Found sculpture.
Yard art, naturally.
Tell that to the HOA!
Get back you trashy ones!
Heading outta here
Heedlessly
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Who’s to say what being alive or a family has to look like? (1918 cover of The Tin Woodman of Oz. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Overconfidence? “Together we stand; divided we smush.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Life intervenes, “ she said.
“It’s things like that that makes some have hard feelings against cats,” he said.
A shrug. “Like it matters. In 100 years what difference shall it make?” (Accompanied by a small, unconcerned smoothing of a bit of fur lifted by the breeze.)
“Maybe, but Staff isn’t going to be happy with that big circle of smushed pansies from your butt in that pot.”
“Oh? Is that problematic? It always appears part of your Staff’s duties is organizing the plants. The flowers? They will fluff – as they always have. Besides an elevated location is required to search and destroy and observe that frog who lives in the corner behind the plant pedestal.”
“The frog is not yours! Staff likes the frog!”
“Are you listening to me? I hope the message isn’t lost in translation.” (Gatobarato/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Piff, you assume much. Consider the athlete who does hurdles. A coach. Yes, yes. A coach encourages good form, strength training, and motivation. Similar function here with frog.”
“Just because you say it doesn’t meant mean it’s true, “ Hank the Husky sniffed. “Why are you here on my porch anyway? Instead of in your bush outpost observation bunker?”
“Oh, a social visit. A neighborly thing”
“Has nothing to do with the soggy ground and standing water from all the rain, right? Your own Realm has a porch right there next to the bush.”
“True, but this one is known for its welcoming warmth on a sunny morning. Staff doesn’t mind. The Treaty, you know.”
“Staff prefers you curl up on the nice, dry bench. Not on the pansies.”
“Nothing is so cushioning or so soft as a velvet-like flower. Their little faces do not look alarmed.”
“They are smushed.”
“Life is full of challenges. When life is too easy, things get soft.”
“And next you will claim to be a life coach. Life less, is more like it.”
“We shall consider bringing a gift in thanks – perhaps a dead mouse on the doormat?” (PD/ Commons.WIkimedia.org)
“Ah, so, mon chère, our discussions are so delightful. Sadly, I must now depart – my Realm’s front door has opened and no doubt lunch is about to be served. My human servants Attendants are so thrilled when I grace them with my immediate attention and greetings. Dunderheads. They hear “Oh, I have been distraught waiting for your return”, instead of the “You better have a good excuse for being unavailable for so darn long!”
“Yeah, good idea to dance that butt on over there. Hey, I see you swishing and sashaying as if Queen of the Universe. We all know who you are, Missy C. P. Meow!”
“Yes. Indeed. See that you do. Oh, if you don’t mind, encourage your Staff to fluff the pansies before my return. Such a sunny throne is a delight. Oh, and is useless to attempt to stir up resistance by the blooms. We of the “Velvet Paw” shall not be denied. Au revoire.”
“Cats. As verbose as a verbena. Can’t just say ‘Butt outta here.'”
Yours in Paws and Disorder Pawsabilty and Order
Warning! They are alive! (And watching)
“Scientists film plant ‘Talking’ to its Neighbor. And the footage is incredible”
“Consider this a call to arms. Uh, leaf that as to a call to stem.” (H.Davies/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Rearing to get you going. (They have one for sloths, donkeys, and unicorns, too)(Screenshot Amazon)
Horses are to lawn ornaments as calendars are to____?
If actually human (and not just nags or historians), print calendars would probably be one of two personalities:
- A super organized, proactive planner, you know, one who is rather rigid and wedded to routine or
- A very open ended, flexible individual who always has room for spontaneity.
It would depend on the company it keeps
Offspring of a print calendar’s family would probably page along with the family business yet, long to be wired a little differently – wishing to be seen as a “new and improved” updated version as opposed to simply a replica of those who came before.
Maybe hanging with a trendy, high gloss illustration style, or perhaps boxing up with the minimalist simplicity of a focused tear off one page a day offering one word-a-day or s self help daily affirmations.
Of course as you expect, the youngest would probably choose to be the birth order clown smugly poking with humorous cartoons like Garfield or The Far Side.
Cute calendar girl on piano as Neil Sedaka sing his 1959 hit “I lova-lova my Calendar Girl” ( YouTube screen shot of record promo)
Watch the entire video with all the Calendar Girls here:
(Besides the catchy tune, the outfits are reason enough.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr2S8X7DF1Q
Not sure how many print calendars are actually used as intended any more.
Some trying to stay relevant by really becoming photo albums.
Either featuring glorious pictures of places people would rather be, or those created by new parents who gift grandparents with month after month of overly cute pictures of small children. (And burdening grandparents with the dilemma of what to do with it after the year has ended…it doesn’t seem right just throwing it away – but things stack up. Yet…)
Smiling girls on 1892 grocery calendar (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
People don’t want to be anachronistic – not accepting of technology.
Print calendars with hand written notations are a bit like cave drawings – a personal history or journal of a year. By nature flat, they can hide only to be rediscovered by descendants much later who wonder at discovering who the owner was and what their life was like.
Will phone and computer calendars survive and offer the same?
Or does it matter.
Like the car industry, calendar society is in transition – a hybrid model preference seems a bit cumbersome.
How are you flipping through these days?
Days of counting on remembering
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
These count:
- “Dates in calendar are closer than they appear! Time is what keeps everything from happening at once. Keep a diary, and someday it’ll keep you.” (Mae West)
- “Most modern calendars mar the sweet simplicity of our lives by reminding us that each day that passes is the anniversary of some perfectly uninteresting event. (Oscar Wilde)
- “I’ve learned a formula for avoiding these exaggerated fears of age: you take care of every day – let the calendar take care of the years” (Ed Wynn)
- “The day after tomorrow is the third day of the rest of your life.” (George Carlin)
- “I’ve been on a calendar, but I’ve never been on time.” (Marilyn Monroe)
- “If I had my way, I’d remove January from the calendar altogether and have an extra July instead.” (Ronald Dahl)
- “There is a riddle about a man who is locked in a room with nothing but a bed and a calendar, and the question is: How does he survive? The answer is: He eats dates from the calendar and drinks from the springs of the bed.”( Kurt Vonnegut)
Rockdoodles 2024 Punny Daily Desk Calendar (Amazon screenshot)
Can we talk?
I know the French have a whole different style of raising children, but, isn’t rushing them into the social party scene like this a little too progressive? French postcard, 1900’s (USPD./Commons.wikimedia.org)
“So long, losers.” Yep the white cloth says, “Happy New Year.” He’s off on a holiday cruise? Or just another sailor on shore leave last week making his escape just in the nick of time? Interesting Imperial Russia and Germany both seemed to have a lot of New Years cards with sailors in the riggings. (1881 card. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
The message inside this New Year’s card said, “Happy New Year”, but what’s with the odd “Hands up. I’m going to shoot you through the heart” message here on the front? “Happy New Year, I want a divorce?” Unclear. Just looks dangerous. Any ideas or explanation out there? (Australia, 1900’s. Murrell Family; the Coalfields Local History Association.USPS/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Forget who let the dawgs out. Who let the kid outta the car seat in the plane. He’s obviously flown through a rose bush somewhere. Maybe snagged a horse. Kid, that horseshoe is upside down so all its luck has run out – Yours may be too. Could be a very short happy new year. (1926 Nat.Lib. of Poland. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Finally, a traditional message. Simple good wishes. Still nervous about those horse shoes – the way things are going, the world and all of us need all the luck we can grab. But there are 3 horseshoes – a lucky number – and maybe, just maybe, the luck is channeled over and over safely across them. Someone familiar with electrical or metaphysical circuitry might be able to explain that. (1900.Nellie Murrell Collection, Australia. Murrell Family and the Coalfields Local History Association. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
This snowy card may look cold, but the wishes are quite warm! (1912. USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
May 2024 bring mirth, delight, and wonder to your door.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 