Reality wait listed.(Halsman/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Season of The Wait.
Has nothing to do with Wait Time with Customer NotService or Waistline Commiseration (a few months away).
It’s the whole region holding its’ breath ready to chill.
It’s the teenage girl glaring at her closet desperate to put on a new long-sleeved wool sweater or anything with long sleeves at all.
It’s the annoying tree in the back that ignores firm shaking of branches and clutches that last cluster of leaves – way up high so there’s no hope of reaching them even with a rake. Obviously a yardie power struggle..
Each Wait Season, We have witnessed the arrival of the Unfortunates Waifs.
Those small in tattered patch up clothing who migrate each fall hoping to be taken in before winter weather savages those with no shelter.
They stand so straight and tall – in flower beds and by trees as if auditioning for a landscape position. Almost inconspicuously as if hoping the residents might assume they have always been part of the scenery, so of course they must be allowed to stay.
It might help if someone tipped them off and brushed away the straw sticking to them from the last haystack they must have slept in for warmth on the road. Honestly. The way applicants show up for interviews these days.
While shy, the migrant orphans do not run from you. Looks like she brought her lunch…or are those scouts for the Vegetable Invasion? (Image ©.)
Some years the orphans were said to be fleeing the Chick-among-us. And there were warnings about approaching Seriousians who stare mindlessly without blinking
We, considered a social warrior by many realms, have penned treatises pleading for assistance for these unfortunate children. (Which we shall list here as We know you are interested in Our expertise and guidance on this subject: “Last straw: save the children” Yes, you are welcome.)
However this Waiting Season has seen few huddling children.
Perhaps they worried resources were stretched too thin to support them and have tied their hopes elsewhere.
Or over the years they have become acquire self-consciousness and are hiding in back rooms. Some in society shun the blemished, those with zits.
Locally there is so much discussion of Zikas. (How people love to coin catchy phrases for every little thing these days!) Moisture and humidity are supposed to be good for the skin. Apparently encourages zikas and mold moles, too.
Why the young worry so much about superficial things is a mystery. One should reach out and welcome the characteristics of each age – not hide from what is normal.
Seriously. So concerned there are studies over “Safety and immunogenicity of an Anti-Zika vaccine?” Honestly,when is safety a real issue when living with a zit?
Orphans, We suppose, have no parents to guide them into appropriate perspectives.
A shame. Some are so easily confused.
We are waiting reports of any blow-ups with orphans sticking around in The German’s Realm as it is a bit more north.
Meanwhile, The Molly shall continue to be on the lookout for any sign of annual Vegetable Invasion here.
Cat on blue. Might as well be comfortable while We wait..( Image ©.)
We wait. It is the Season of Waiting.
And, yes, We are waiting your Autumn tribute of open cans of cat food.
The shiny lids contrast so well with the colorful leaves. The thought warms Us.
Fall? No, We may be old, but We are careful.
The left side of the sideboard could use a little more silver circular accents among the foliage.
There. No, there. The Paw is pointing – how difficult is it?
We do love balance in arrangements and thoughts.
But you already discerned that.
Adieu.
Audience fini.
Enough waiting on you to leave!
The Paw has waved.
I am RC Cat and I approve this message.
Obiter dictum
Only
A thought
“The world would be a better place if all simply found their spot in the sun, ate their greens, and agreed to live and let live.” From The Wisdom of RC Cat. (Image ©, but feel free to spread the words.)
I remember. The terrifying rumble as the sidewalk shook under my feet as, just inches away, the tank bullied it’s way down the normally busy street in Madrid.
“Don’t look! Don’t make eye contact. Don’t.”
“The men in black – Guardia Civil – they have the right. To shoot anyone anyplace at will. And they do.”
Those that have the guns make the rules.
Silent, we huddled. Waiting for the trembling to stop. The street? Or our legs?
Across the street barbed wire strangled University.
Passed and past.
Yet now.
- “Catalonia civil war warning as independence declaration fears grow” (Historical Timeline from 1469)
- “Catalonian referendum violence plunges EU into crisis as 90% of voters back independence.”
- “Catalonia referendum: Spain apologizes to inured Catalans” (But it’s their own fault for holding an election…BBC news)
The young are fearless. The brave, determined. Gambling to save heritage, be liberated from an oppressive government, and be free to set their own course. (Sounds a bit familiar)
Be safe, my friends and colleagues in Barcelona. Take care.
The whole world is watching.
Or should be…
(But you know, there’s baseball playoffs, millionaire entertainers may kneel, quarterbacks insulting women, some celebrity’s bound to be having a baby or a divorce, and all sorts of people sticking their nose in other people’s business. Not to mention stupid Tweet wars…)
Rumblings
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
(As approved by RC Cat. She’s a cat. It’s Catalonia. Her interest should not need explanation.)
“If they would even do one of three…but We fear Our efforts are wasted.” (Image ©.)
Chilling horror all right. Referee calls “Holiday barging.” Possible foul for any time.(Gemmy/Walmart)
Whooshing shiverings in the trees with those wonderful autumn breezes are arriving the doors of Halloween yawning wide.
It’s the Season of the Which and Whether:
- Finally, the spirit of Halloween is handed back to the kids.
So much horror for Kids of the Flood (Now if that doesn’t sound like a movie, I don’t know what does), but Harvey can’t scare Halloween away thanks to a couple of moms. “Halloween Costumes-a-Go-Go” Sounds like a pumpkin perfect plan.
- Load ’em up and fly them out.
The 2017 Hummingbird Festival was cancelled due to Hurricane Harvey damage, but the loyal little birds didn’t get the memo. Arriving on a wing and a prayer that food will be there. (VIDEO Hummingbirds’ migratory visit is bringing cheer and normalcy to the storm battered Rockport area.)
For an on the scene report of all the efforts to provide the hummers nourishment before they lift off for their winter resorts: The Coastal Crone’s “Harvey and the Hummers.” (I know. The title sounds like a rock band, but click over for news about the area, the birds, and how Wild Birds Unlimited, the King Ranch nature crew, even Winter Snow Birds are assisting the hummingbirds. A sweet recipe for a hummingbird dinner, too.)
- “No tricks if you want our treats,” say FEMA’s suspicious
ghoulsbureaucrats.
Did you know that disaster areas must hire and pay out of pocket monitors to scrutinize each truck picking up storm refuge?
A specialist in a special costume vest watches to make sure the only thing put into the trucks is actually storm damage materials (there are strict guidelines of what qualifies…doubt kitty litter or little doggie bags count). These ghouls follow the entire path of the “debris collection team” to document how much is picked up and how many loads each truck takes to the dump.
Slow dance for sure with FEMA extreme documentation requirement for reimbursement for collection and removal of storm debris.
Our little community halfway between Galveston and Houston had about 7,700 homes flooded. A California company, Tetra Tech, has been awarded an initial contract from city council for $800,00.00. FEMA may reimburse some of that…maybe…
Spooky how Life’s web is so complicated. (Or proof vampires really exist?)
- There’s got to be a more appropriate way to suggest to visitors that it’s time to leave.
El Capitan might consider checking into Miss Manner’ etiquette classes to close out the season. Some social climbers just won’t take a hint.
Enough to rock anyone.
But after all, it’s October.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
“For these beings, fall is ever the normal season, the only weather, there be no choice beyond.
Where do they come from? The dust. Where do they go? The grave.
Does blood stir their veins? No: the night wind.
What ticks in their head? The worm.
What speaks from their mouth? The toad.
What sees from their eye? The snake.
What hears with their ear? The abyss between the stars.
They sift the human storm for souls, eat flesh of reason, fill tombs with sinners. They frenzy forth….
Such are the autumn people.”
Ray Bradbury (“Something Wicked This Way Comes”)
There’s this tropical depression, Nate, out there with a 70% chance of developing. Currently the strike cone for puts landfall somewhere between the upper Texas coast, New Orleans, and the west coast/panhandle of Florida. Seriously? Reasonably calling for the winds of change.(© Image)
And you think traffic is bad where you are…(screenshot.khou)
It’s there. Holding down the fort street.
What’s your best guess?
A.) Uber’s newest category of rides. (Hey, it’s Texas. You know what they say…”)
B.) Warning to any boy wanting to date the family’s teenage daughter
C.) Looters are really bad after the hurricane. (River Oaks is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Houston)
D.) Vehicle solution to avoid expensive car repairs from the bad roads and potholes. (And can’t be too careful with road rage incidents on the rise…)
F.) Kid’s extreme birthday party
G.) Too much parent involvement in their kid’s History Fair project
H.) Patriotic yard sculpture
I.) Preparing for battle with the HOA
Video of the delivery.
This guy already gives a bunch to charity, so if he wants a full operational tank, no problema. Who wouldn’t want to drive a tank around? Talk about stress relief.
Besides, saves a bit of history from the scrap heap. This WWII survivor made it through Normandy, liberated Paris, and went all the way to Berlin.
The neighbors and the city as a whole seems to be enjoying the tank.
He’s right. Lighten up folks. After all the recent flooding, we all can use a few laughs. (And what is more hilarious than a tank in River Oaks? I guess you have to be from here to really appreciate that.)
Whimsy is good.
Besides, Halloween is coming! Talk about ultimate costume accessory. (It is Texas, you know…)
Oh, you know you want to go climb on it, too. Go ahead. It’s OK!
Tanks for the memories
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Fruits of my labor. (image ©)
Still life.
The reality is.
Despite storms – of your own making, of thoughts, or elements
It’s still life.
This is the last batch – for now, anyway.
Life’s fabric gets torn pretty regularly.
Beds for displaced pets – not home, but something more than harsh concrete and confusion. Good to do what you can when you can.
Animal rescue teams are still here assisting the storm pets in shelters. Fortunate. Distemper has broken out in one large pet shelter facility with 15 dogs now in isolation. Vets are taking care it, but for humans and animals living in close quarters is not ideal.
There are stories daily of owners being united with animals. Monday a tired white horse stepped out of the trailer and gratefully buried her head in her owner’s shoulder. This one had been injured and was located in Austin being cared for by a vet clinic there. Pet finder groups and shelters are doing a remarkable job locating and arranging for people and pets to get back together. Home is where your person is.
People ask how it is going here after Harvey. Uneven as some areas got hit harder than others.
Houston’s mayor expects the majority of trash along roads to be cleaned up in 4-6 months. This city is used to reinventing itself. There was constant construction before the storm. We always tell people that if you don’t travel any part of Houston for a month or so, you won’t be able to recognized it when you go back through it. The building landscape changes quickly. Architects and historians weep, but the city is organic and defies musing or restraint. If only the roads were routinely improved as well. Visitors often say they have never seen a city with so many giant metal plates spanning the road. It’s the continual utilities work to keep up with the building. Add in the occasional floods, a few washed out areas, and a much too generous sprinkling of potholes and you understand why we tell people you need a truck or SUV if you live here and have to commute. Not kidding about that or everyone should have flood insurance. One bright observation immediately after the storm, the highways that were open never looked cleaners – washed and wind blows to perfection.
Rockport, where the storm made landfall is still in survival mode.( Think recent images of Puerto Rico). It’s a tourist, retirement, sports fishing, “snow bird”, bird watching coastal town and it looks like this winter will not be prosperous unless things get up and running soon.
But people are optimistic.
The thing is that it’s Texas. This is a harsh unforgiving climate – as many places.
Earth really isn’t human friendly – a theme in science as well as literature.
The ones who came to this area were hardy folk – many had burned bridges behind them.
It was sink or swim . Literally, as this year has proved.
Adapt, bend, break, or leave
Many did and will this time.
After all, after the chaos and noise of any storm is silence.
And you have, still, life.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Still more? Oh, yeah I could go into the symbolism of flashlights and glasses – sun glasses – birds and the picture – but wouldn’t that be like your high school English teacher pointing out all the symbolism in a literary selection you were enjoying until she ruined it for you? Besides, there’s always the possibility that some things are simply coincidences or even clutter. People see what they want to see – and that’s OK. I see it’s time to go play with the dogs. (Image © all rights)
The light is so harsh when one is so broken. ©
Who knows what happened.
Did she overhear us and misunderstand?
It was a joke that “We could move and leave no forwarding address.”
Or maybe our mumbles about, “Such a cutie when small, but once they get that growth sprout, then it’s all demands and taking up so much more room around the house…”
It was a joke, I tell you.
The tender ones can be overly sensitive sometimes.
They always tell you to watch for signs: the not cooperating, pushing boundaries, getting prickly, and growing where shouldn’t.
Oh, we just shrubbed and said “It’s only growing pains.”
We didn’t realize the depth of the depression.
I guess the hurricane’s dreary grey and constant rain was the final flood that soaked to her soul.
Made her brittle.
Drowning in her sorrow (To teach us a lesson! They will miss me when I’m gone!)
It does look bad to the neighborhood.
They had noticed our calculating glances when we thought no one was watching.
Perhaps heard the quiet plans about what we’d do if she were gone…
It was plant suicide – not murder!
(Although that variegated plant that fought with her over dirt space does look a bit too smug and more fluffy than usual…)
Wait. Does it look like those Variegated Liriope are actually pushing poor Rosemary out despite her distressed condition? Hooligans!(© image.)
RIP Rosemary plant. We’ll miss you.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge (who, like The German, is pretty bushed after last week.)
Rosemary, darling, we’ll miss your sweet welcomes. (© Seriously. Stealing a plant funeral portrait?)
If wishes were doggies, how they would run.
Please make it stop. More exhausting than keeping an eye on the streets.(Image: ©ALL rights reserved.)
If electric car companies want to find out how to do rapid recharging, they need to come follow the short dynamo around.
Trainee Ella and I thought our houses were safe, but he’s going in and taking the Kongs. Our Kongs! Not like he doesn’t have enough of his own.
Although Ella did sneak a taste of his and said although it was ‘way too flimsy for dog stress relief chewing, the chicken and rice leftovers clinging did give it a nice seasoning. Staff reclaimed it quickly.
When do they train him to share and to ask politely first?
He’s got “Sit” already.
Sigh. Long suffering dogs expected to be the shining example.
Even if run into the butt at full speed by rolling terror charge.
Relief Staff is doing an excellent job of “pet softly”. I can forgive the stickiness….as Ella says, “Tasty.” Especially when he’s dangling fingers at the dinner tower. Staff has recognized he is bribing us doing this intentionally. Dogs are better than a Rumba afterwards. Efficient and dependable.
Despite our vigilance at the gate, chaos continues to arrive.
Just when you think there’s some down time, the smoke alarms go off.
Don’t care if it’s raining, I refuse to sit around with that. I’ll consider coming back inside when it’s fixed.
Like there isn’t enough noise around here. See that red monster with the circular legs and green boots? It sings. Far too perky.
The only thing holding me back from giving to The Toy Destroyer my trainee, Ella, the signal to search and destroy is that Staff says it’s the greatest small person workout trainer ever. He must be training for a marathon.
At least if he’s anchored in there, he’s not stealing my Kong. Compromises. Life is all about compromises. He will learn that means everyone gives up a little, not just the dogs on duty? Sigh.
Everything considered, he’s shaping up nicely and we strut quite proudly on either side of his rolling stage when performing down the sidewalk.
We are in step. The Three Amigos!
Dragging staff behind us.
Clever of the kid to give Staff that sturdy handle to hang onto. Why is it Staff can’t seem to keep up without support?
Must be out of shape. The frantic stair charges should help that.
Yep, the next alternative energy source right in front of them…and behind them…and over there…
(I’ve suggested something called a hamster wheel, but Staff seems less than convinced it would be a practical energy producer if scaled up. Something about being inhumane. Ella and I think if you don’t tell the kid, he won’t know.)
Generate that, hurry cane.
On the run again. (Staff asked me to memo you patience. Dogs nose that.)
Hasta later.
The German
Peace for paws
And they say dogs are always coming up with unbelievable excuses.(© image rights reserved)
Remember the kid who was naughty and just didn’t realize it was wrong? Is this new excuse explanation just like that?
Can we still say “naughty”? Can’t say “the kid’s bad” as it might hurt their feelings. Oh, poor pobrecito.
Affluenza. Sounds sleezy sneezy.
They’ve been trying to eradicate it since the 50’s. The 60’s were promising, but reinfections keep piling up.
Possibly because it appears not to be income related any more. Anyone at any age of any group can equally not know things are bad or violent antisocial behavior or against the law naughty these days and get a do-over. All are entitled. Can’t sneeze at progress.
In any case, there’s a new gambit that’s bound to score with all sorts of athletes: “Overtraining Athlete Syndrome”
Sounds painful, doesn’t it?
Maybe a little for one football player. (But after all he’s a big guy and shouldn’t expect a pass.)
Can’t blame his lawyer for trying ….It’s not his fault…Little is these days for anyone.
Totally trying, this gamey trend.
Oh, well, you can always just choose to turn it off….supposedly
Really busy trying to find the Off Switch for bad human behavior.
Or maybe Mother Nature has already beat me to it.
Batter up.
Wait, put that bat down….Not the fuzzy one, you dunderhead! Those actually do need a little pick me up after the hurricane.
“The Waugh Bat Colony Didn’t Escape Harvey” (Houstonia Magazine. Why the bats couldn’t fly away. Who came to the rescue and how. Why the bats won’t miss the mosquitoes when those are sprayed.)
That ought to fly.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Please excuse that blogging here will be interrupted this week as I assist The German and her trainee, Ella, with their Little Person to free up their Staff for bigger things. I’ll try to keep up with your blogs if there’s any energy to spare, but there are still shelter pet beds in progress (Houston animal rescues’ update here and Galveston County area pet rescues are now pooled at the old Gulf Greyhound Park. A better use than ever before for that place). And with another disaster (Houston area electric companies staged linemen and supplies just outside Florida before Irma hit so they could get in there and help get the power on ASAP. Everyone knows there is no back to normal without power.) ….So many stitches, so little time….Shouldn’t have given away that sewing machine, but concrete is so cold when you’re lost and alone, so sew….on the run it seems…
You see those little hands? There. I’m pointing at them. Someone find the off button. He never stops. So exhausted. Bring in the relief pitcher and book me a spa treatment. Oh, OK. book me a quiet corner at least. (Image©)
Oh, fabjous day. Maybe things are picking up. Oh, things yes, but not the piles of storm debris?(USPD/Commons.wiki)
She spoke with authority as the head of trash Refuse Collection Department. (So it wasn’t rubbish – what she said, not the piles which could have been binned.)
“We are exhausted. And Ewww, the smell! It’s terrible.”
Well, yeah. It’s storm garbage shake and bake. (Bound to have been mentioned in the job interview: “Have any trouble managing odoriferous materials?”)
Grab the requisition slip pad: Please send crop dusters with large spray tanks of Fabreeze.
(“Did anyone get back to you about Burning Man type fire events? We’ve got some great flammable stuff. What? They wouldn’t consider a bonfire carrying barge anchored off shore? Think of the tourists coming to watch from the sea wall. Toss in a few firework for punctuation. No? Oh, well, next…What if contestants were loaded onto a barge load of storm stuff as part of a reality show? All sorts of possibilities there… “)
(“Has anyone organized the neighborhoods to go in and adopt neutered storm displaced cats? We’re going to need a battalion of them. Roaches are just the training appetizers…”)
Oh, balderdash. Scoop up the trash.
Is this like Where’s Waldo for FEMA?
Knowing how it goes from past experiences, the Mayor of Houston has proposed a 9% property tax increase to pay for getting the job done ourselves. Awkward: the people who got hurt, get whacked in the wallet next. (Street views video)
Asking for residents’ patience. Truth is, residents don’t want to be patients.
If you’ve got a truck, a front end loader, a highway department dirt hauler, maybe a mule and a wagon, a you’re hired.
Ready to transcend the experience.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Just tell me what you want. A sacrificial maiden perched to the top of the pile? (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Frabble”: an archaic, said to be obsolete, word.
(Depending on your style or how many beer cans there are at your feet)
As a noun: confused or wrangling. As a verb: to bicker or to wrangle.
It’s like a Where’s Waldo word!
Spotted in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles, by James Murray, (1888-1933) in a discussion of English philosopher Henry More (1614-1687) who “could not swallow that hard doctrine”of his Calvinist parents.
“More believes that moral ideas are innate in us. When we are born, we possess already the moral character that shapes our actions for the rest of our lives.” (source).
“But souls that of his own good life partake,
He loves as his own self; dear as his eye
They are to Him: He’ll never them forsake:
When they shall die, then God himself shall die:
They live, they live in blest eternity.”
Henry More
This passage chosen by transcendentalist author Ralph Waldo Emerson as epithet for his remarkable “The Over-Soul” (WIKI or try the Cliff Notes as a refresher..but you really need to read Emerson if you haven’t). He said stuff like “Bad times have a scientific value. These occasions a good learner would not miss”, “Every wall is a door”, and “It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can be stupid with them.”
Some believe people are born good and that goodness directs their actions. Disputed by modern thinkers who say environment is what impacts behavior. It the last is true, those piles of trash need to be gone ASAP or people could become so trashy!(USPD/Wikimedia.org)
I just want to go home. (Chip Brewer FB)
For an old guy, he’s got bite.
But then again, everyone tends to get snippy when forced out of their neighborhood without notice.
Police stopped him as he was attempting to walk home after Hurricane Harvey’s flooding because it was dark, he was stopping traffic on Memorial Drive, and, not to mention, he appeared to be between 70 and 100 years old. (He was too busy trying to leave to confirm.)
All 89 pounds of him firmly resisted Houston Police Officers’ offers of assistance. (Must believe that no one will ever take as good of care of you as you will yourself. Self reliance worked for him for years…)
Still, police insisted the giant alligator snapping turtle get checked out, so he was carefully loaded into a special van and whisked to the Wildlife Center of Texas for evaluation.
Happy to say, the endangered gentleman was determined to be hale and hearty and was given a lift back to his Buffalo Bayou habitat Tuesday afternoon. No place like home.
“Slow down! Turtle stops traffic on Memorial Drive” (More Video from scene)
Some slow motion is snappy action
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Oh, more good news:
Houston has been no kill animal rescue for a week thanks to Houston Pets Alive. Keep up the good work and increasing hope. So many animals displaced and so many families making the tough decision to surrender pets. (Video of their work here) Big thanks to all the volunteers and to Dr. Jeff, Rocky Mountain Vet and to Animal Planet for coming to Houston and helping raise awareness to the animals impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
Texas Animal Health Commission and partners have assessed more than 24,662 livestock by air or ground and continues to work with partners to help coordinate hay donations and deliveries. Operation Air Drop(more pictures there): when stranded livestock marooned by flood waters can’t be reached by boat or vehicle, the Texas Army National Guard is flying in and air dropping more than 210,000 pounds of hay, generously donated by individuals across the state and nation.
Helicopter loaded with hay for stranded livestock. (USDA Sec. Sonny Perdue.Twitter)
You can poke a pig or be a cowpoke.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty and the pig likes it.” (George Bernard Shaw)
Nothing like a few pig-headed ideas to start the week.
You know the most popular unit of measure in Texas, the land of “Friday Night Lights”?
Not inches, meters or miles, things are measured by football fields.
It’s “about the size of a two of football fields”.
Just normal in keeping with the state’s pigskin obsession.
Yep, keeping things real. Simple.
It was really simple for feral hogs to see lifestyle adjustments were necessary after the hurricane.
One smarter than the average wild hog bunch is already out there reinventing their lifestyle and being flexible – open to new ideas and ways to bring home the bacon.
Perhaps THE experts in the nursery rhymes, they seem to be auditioning for preschool assistants. Not deterred by a sloppy playground. Who better to teach piggy toes’ “This little piggy went to market. This little piggy went home…”, or “To market, to market…”?
The homeowner might not have considered hiring childcare help quite yet, but with two boys and brand new set of hurricane twins, she might just be willing to give them a try. (Peek in on the hogs rehearsing for their playground interview!)
When NOAA says they are “high on the hog” it’s not a joke.
Want top know why Miss Piggy flies with NOAA’s hurricane hunters?
Well, you knew about Pigs in Space, so now get a grin how Miss Piggy became Queen of the Sky.
When pigs fly, indeed. We couldn’t manage without you, Miss Piggy.
Miss Piggy flies in style (USPD/NOAA.gov)
One thing that isn’t up in the air as expected is hunting wild hogs from hot air balloons.
The oddest pork-chopper bill became law Sept 1, but for some reason the new hunting style isn’t soaring. (Oh, bill sponsors will blame the hurricane. It’s blamed for just about everything right now, right?)
Some balloon insurance agencies aren’t ready to soar with it. And there are some logistic issues. Not to mention guns with balloons (And you though just clowns on the ground were scary…)
A fledgling recreation opportunity not ready to leave the nest?
“New law allows hunting hogs from hot air balloons, but few balloonist offering it”
So that’s the thick and thin of it.
Pigs out. (Mind the swine!)
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
“I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.”
(Winston Churchill)
Pig in a space at home. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
There’s sibling rivalry. Then there’s sibling one-upmanship. But do we all have to suffer this dysfunctional family affair?
Quiet and quit fidgeting. Look harmless. Once the neighbors go inside, we’ll let the other two out.(Twilight Zone/USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
The oldest is always an opening act. The one who creates a buzz in naive anticipation of the unknown. Who gets the full benefit of hyper-excitement and the chance to snooker the unprepared. Lucky draw of being the first.
The second is the stormy one. Given second-hand attention and clearly annoyed about not being the headliner. Determined to bluster bigger, better and louder than first-born competition.
The third is often a follower – a copycat. Something of a shadow – following along behind. Almost invisible on the hand-me-down trail until eventually finding his own identity.
The fourth, now that’s the sleeper. Seemingly harmless and congenial. It’s all an act. Don’t forget it was probably the innocent baby Maggie who shot Mr Burns. Once everyone’s busy with the others, watch out: who’s slipping out for a party blowout?
Sometimes when a new bunch shows up, you just know they are trouble.
This stormy family seems to follow that pattern: First came Hurricane Harvey, then pushy Irma, closely trailed by Jose, with Katia nonchalantly hanging out off to the side.
Nothing but revolving trouble.
Lose their forwarding address.
May they be gone with the wind. (Leaving you and yours safe and sound)
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
“Why are you always watching what I do? I am not being overly dramatic. Harvey gets everything because he’s was the first. Well, we’ll see who gets the most attention now! No, it is not the good tablecloth. I picked it up along the curb in Houston. Someday I will not have to be satisfied with his discards – I shall have my own.”(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
We’ll be wishing us up the mountain when she comes…”(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Dad would yell, “We’re going up a hill. Pick up your feet so we’ll make it”. As little kids, we were sure the car would stall – and maybe even roll backwards – if we didn’t comply.
Extend that concept:
Everyone west of the Mississippi please face Eastward/ South east, puff up those cheeks and exhale with such force and determination that Irma and Associates blow into reverse.
Wave brooms and towels, too.
All together now: “Hurricanes, Hurricanes. Hurry, hurry far away!”
Seriously, Harvey must have texted, “The water’s fine. Come on down!”.
Won’t show you any flood recovery images. Residents are tired of being gawked at by outsiders. Enough already; we’re busy.
You’re probably glazed over by now anyway. Yes, there’s still flooding.
We’ve been warned if and when Irma makes landfall, resources will be shifted there.
Having watched far too much of Twin Peaks, a tree strikes a Venus de Milo pose in a shadowy appeal for help turning the storms. (Image ©)
So we really need air support right now, if you don’t mind.
Florida and the Carolinas would appreciate the assist, too.
Huff and puff and blow that storm down.
Driving rain.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Hurricane Harvey recovery notes:
- Birds. It’s so quiet. Not even doves. I heard a bird calling early Monday morning sounding so lost and lonely. That night we heard, then saw, an owl perched on a roof gable. Tuesday morning a whole line of ocean-going birds sailed over headed to the coast. Later that afternoon, our local red tailed hawk swooped over us hunting once again in the neighborhood. Hopefully we’ll be in fine feather again soon. Fall migration isn’t too far away. Worried the Whooping Cranes will find their wetland habitats south of us too damaged to sustain them this year.
- A neighbor has spent the past 3 days helping to clean his mother-in-law’s room and her nursing home. He’s older himself with health problems, but what can you do? He was chuckling this morning when I ran into him walking his Labrador. Said he’d gotten a postcard from the nursing home in that “handwritten” script relaying how much fun his Mother-in-law was having playing bridge and that she enjoyed organizing bridge tournaments the past couple of days. He said, “How would we know? These cards always looked authentic and reassuring.” Smart marketing strategy by Corporate, but easy to get tripped up during hurricane season.
- Tell me again why it’s a smart idea to take down the elevated portions of both Hwy 59 and Hwy 45 and run them underground instead of over downtown as they are now. I know the tunnels of Boston, but considering the massive flooding issues that don’t seem to be so rare any more? All I can say is “I see dead people.”
- Being ridden out on a rail maybe isn’t such a bad thing. Gee, what if there was high speed commuter rail from Galveston to Houston to Dallas to San Antonio to Austin? We’ve been asking for decades, DC and elected officials. Considering the need to move large numbers of people quickly before and after big storms, all the people with flooded out cars who could really use a ride – not to mention taking cars off the roads and easing everyday traffic problems.
- Need more proof German Shepherds are really smart? People noticed him in the GRB regional shelter. Nobody seemed to come check on him. Had he been left behind as families and evacuees were moved to apartments and hotels accommodations? A volunteer took him in as a foster. Social media scorned his owners. Actually, the dog’s a typical self-reliant Texan. A Metro bus driver surfaced with his story. While she was shuttling people to the shelter during the hurricane, she noticed this German Shepherd standing on the corner – by a bus stop. It was storming, so she pulled over, opened the door, told him to get on and he did. Sat quietly and once at the shelter, he was escorted to a nice dry spot, feed, and generally pampered by volunteers in the pet area. He’s got a spot now. Not to worry. Safe and sound no matter what. (Animals need to be chipped, but owners need a good picture, too. This app also provides new hope: Finding Rover and the story “APP uses facial recognition to reunite owners with lost pets”)
- I’m healing a small gash (stupid stick) on one leg and some fire ant battle scars on the other ankle, so no contaminated flood water or bacteria oozing mud zones right now. Busy making dog beds. Lots and lots of dog and cat beds that are badly needed. Not fancy but just as comforting. Which brings up these two local groups sheltering lost pets: League City Pets Alive (Volunteers fostering keep our city shelter no kill) and Bayou Animal Services (Galveston county: Dickinson/and others) Both of these shelters took in over 100 pets and are working to reunite them with ones as well as offering to house pets until owners can get things sorted out. They are also handing out pet food and supplies to evacuees and pet owners who are in hotels or damaged houses. Galveston Island Humane Society has offered dry rooms to store (and distribute) donated food. Big thanks for all who swam, rowed, waded in to rescue and those who are tending (a young vet from out of state is one), driving in food and pet supplies, fostering, and walking all back to normal-ish. We won’t forget. Thanks.
That’s a wrap. (Image ©)
The point
A death spiral intercepted?
Arms of a savior or a lover’s quarrel. “I’ll hug you to death”. “Leaf me alone!”
Maybe something less decay oriented.
A green pair practicing tango for Dancing with Under the Stars
A naturalist’s version of a Swan Lake
Fresh take on the Elizabethan drama of “Lettuce Elope, Juliet”
What does this stem from?
Selfless leaf to leaf recitation.
An analogy for post hurricane Harvey week
“Lean on me when you’re not strong.”
“You ain’t heavy, you’re my brother.”
Well rooted.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
This particular plant is just so busy. Such ambitions: “Getting to the point.” or “Scary Organics”
Eat your heart out, Rudolf Nureyev.(Image ©)
Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 