What goes around circles back…except maybe for gym bloomers like these. The white bands were so tormenting coaches could yell if posture wasn’t perfect or stomach not sucked in.(1957.Commons.wikimedia.org)
Bluffing, strutting, loud loyalties, and win-at-all-cost attitudes. Both of them.
Although one competition is featuring more vicious trash talk than usual this year.
Ring me when it’s over.
Had enough of sandy and verbal volleys last time around.
Faced with a choice of these games, Olympics or Presidential, it’s easy: Click.
People being chased by political pollsters or Rio Olympians after competition? (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Ever wonder who are those people who actually live without mesmerizing screens?
Might be surprised to discover they are from both ends of the society.
That’s promising: actual common ground for liberal and conservative.
(Wondering: Any chance opposites really could attract rather than attack?)
- “Out There: People who live without TV” (LiveScience)
Some even manage to escape servitude to cell phones.
Seriously, if it’s important, they will leave a message or call back. It’s a request to speak with you, not a bossy command.
Freedom of choice. A quality of life thing.
Besides, the people right in front of you might not be there next time you look up.
- A bold initiative: “Bar blocks cell signals to make people talk to each other”.
Instant communication and information grows like piles of laundry: never never stops.
Sticky stinky situation. Ring around the collar that makes you want to wisk away.
Spaced. Need to make time for that. Super Perseid Meteor Shower peaks in August.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
So like many bloggers, I’m going to hit pause until the end of August. Appreciate your understanding. Don’t be surprised if I pop in to read a few blogs, though.
Will be back to jump through hoops and ready to run rings around things after that.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Leaving you with a laugh ’cause I know there’s no way to collar most of you to click the link above. Gotta love that parrot…and being a little flip.
Thought this was funny. She is untying him, right? (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Filled with Futterwacken alternating imitations of that headspinning Linda Blair, August is a challenge.
Gut it up, head down, and charge through it. Multiple charges typically.
Simply a simmering testing ground for higher level thinking and endurance.
A few warm ups to get you into the spin of things:
- Winning the suspicious “Whaaaaat? Really?” Award: It’s no longer necessary to floss your teeth anymore. Yep, hey, who needs teeth? Old people are looking forward to no longer having bleeding gums (and eating only jello). Small children and busy moms are cheering the end of those silly strings. Dentists are tossing their instrument trays. Cats are protesting researchers snatching of hours of batting and pouncing entertainment (and with their little lives already being so hard). No doubt some are mouthing conspiracy.
- For the “Should Have Thought of That” Award: A son now facing murder charges for murdering his parents: he called the police who couldn’t get in as there was no signs of forced entry and they had to wait for the 16 yr old to turn off an expensive alarm system before entering and finding the murder weapon left on the counter. Tragic all the way around. Dunderhead.(When did just running away from home if unhappy stop being an option?)
Tough little lab rats. Up for anything if it’s presented right.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
- The coveted “Oh, Toughen Up” Award goes to area high schools who are now holding football and marching band practices on bakin’ concrete parking lots and artificial turf. Luckily temps are lower this week: only 98 – 100F with humidity pushing the actual “feel like” temperature into triple digits for afternoons. Hey, it was actually a cool 79 degrees at 8 am this morning. Perfect timing for those fall catalogues loaded with sweaters (That’s warm garments, not hot high school marching models. Spelling counts.) Summer practice is one of those remembered-for-life high school experiences. Wouldn’t trade them for all the ..well, on second thought, maybe a cooling blanket and some Gatorade. (Educators are wringing hand over students’ lack of higher level thinking. What if the schools’ administrators and coaches first tried modeling some commonsense thinking skills? Or is this just another example of adults saying “Do as we teach in science and health classes, not as we do in the search for applause and bragging rights”?
- And finally the “Ask Not What your Country Can Do For You. Ask What You Can Do For Your Country” award goes to Olympic swimmers, sailors, windsurfers, and sports broadcasters who are shutting their mouths in Rio. WHO would like to clear the air about it too. (We won’t discuss the body floating among sailboats last week…). They always say “Play is serious work”. Work related injuries can be expected, but WHO knew. Let the games begin!
“The pleasure of jogging and running is rather like that of wearing a fur coat in Texas in August: the true joy comes in being able to take the damn thing off.” (Joseph Epstein)
Running on
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Off to see the Wizard. The wonderful Wizard of Aug. (1935.USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
“You know, I know all the words to all of your songs. My smile is certainly as cute as that 14-year-old Priscilla Wagner’s.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Out maneuvered.
Scrapbook found. With a flourish, placed on the table: ticket stubs, photos, crumbling newspaper articles, flattened coke cup.
“Hmmm. Beatles, Stones, Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, Joplin, Grateful Dead…”
Our arguments escaped like air out of a balloon
“…and 13th Floor Elevators at Luuuuuuv Street Light Circus.”
They were local. Not near as lurid as parents imagined.
Sigh.
Despite dire warnings of 100 degree heat, long lines, and bored celebrities, she bounced all over the back seat the whole way. Quietly mouthing”I’m going. You’re not” to cars we passed.
“Oh, he looked right at me! I’ll wear these contacts forever.”(USPDCommons.wikimedia.org)
We exchanged glances.
Please don’t let him be so jaded that he simply rolls his eyes at her and quickly turns to the next one in line. He’s easily twice her age.
Needless worry.
Not the Harry Potter experience, but enough magic for her.
A real pro behind his soft brown eyes.
“l was in the same room as them. We breathed the same air. My life is complete.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Happy chatter on the return trip home.
“He puppy bowed. To me. Puppy bowed!
He put out his paw. I put out mine. We footsied!
Oreo didn’t do that with that just-groomed German Shepherd. Just a polite sniff for that one.
We shoulder bumped!
He has a tattoo in his ear! He let me sniff it. Can I have a tattoo in my ear?
Sigh.
Not one to take no for an answer. (After all, he did puppy bow.)
She tried to wiggle an invitation to the Dock Dog pool with him, but even celebrity dogs need some relaxed solo R&R away from the enthusiastic fans.
“More adoring fans. Isn’t it break time yet? The Dock Dog Pool out front: so near yet so far….” Yet, Oreo knows so many are depending on him delivering their message. (And you can see Molly’s feet dancing in the background.)©
Now we deal with the dreams and realities:
“Can he come over?
What about his friends that just arrived in town? They need some new digs. We have extra room on the couch.
Don’t answer yet. Listen, they are good dogs not asking for heaven. Just a quiet place, cuddles, and stability. In fact they don’t ask at all, just hope…
Email them. Nooooow nowww, Mom. RC cat won’t mind. They are dog heroes. And some are waiting.”
First batch of 3 dogs from Eastern Securities Corp in Kuwait last week. Now in Houston. The two dogs below arrived stateside last night. On the way here. Much thanks to Kuwait and Eastern Securities for their assistance. (Both images from MissionK9Rescue)
And it’s true. Our hero dogs are coming home – slowly.
Did you know in some places there’s a bounty of $250 for a sliced off dog ear with a tattoo? Military canines are so good at their jobs of finding explosives and protecting soldiers, they are that feared and targeted.
The military is dragging its’ heels about their plans to return and re-home their canine veterans even though it’s the law now. Military being not able or willing to find mandated solutions.
Contractors are working with groups like Mission K9 Rescue to get their dogs back stateside.
Currently 3 dogs at a time are accompanying one human and flying home as “excess baggage” at a cost of $800.00. Then regular civilians are stepping up to help foster and transport dogs to former handlers and to their forever homes.
Yes, costly. But these dogs bravely protected and never questioned.
They save lives.
A scratch on the ears and a tennis ball was thanks enough.
But it’s really not
Leave none behind.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
See the recent news and arrivals: Mission K9 Rescue on Facebook or website.
Check out fostering possibilities, adoption forms and process, some lovely dogs needing to hitch a ride, assisting transport to former handlers, or send a dog toy – a welcome home tennis ball or supplies. And of, course, they always welcome donations of any amount all year round. (Remember: bbeware of scammers!)
“Hey, I know the place and pack. Let me introduce him around the splash pad. He said it was OK and he’d love a dock diving partner. Oh, I know, Mom. Stop inviting myself along. But he’s so cool…Well, he will be once in the pool! Now about me getting a tattoo.”©
What? Scammers scarfing money needed to rescue desperate Dogs of War? Even a cat wouldn’t do that! ©
For veteran military and service dogs, every day is still a battle.
Like any soldier, the Dogs of War deserve to return home and finally have a safe, quiet place to retire.
People are standing paw to toe with man’s best friends.
Barking long and loud got it across to the US congress and military branches that the people stateside expect the dogs who bravely protected soldiers, who suffered along side of them in multiple deployments without complaining, who loyally risk their lives despite danger from enemy snipers because their noses and training was so effective – we demanded they be returned stateside and be released to former handlers or to good homes.
BUT
There are some military dogs who find themselves ending up in the kennels of security contractors in those same dangerous areas.
Efforts are being made to bring ALL the dogs safely home.
MissionK9Rescue Kristin Mauer is on the ground in Kuwait now trying to work some miracles there. Video of her with one of the dogs, here.
Oreo says, “It’s true. The girls can’t resist a guy in uniform – or soulful big brown eyes.”(Missionk9.org)
Oreo is the spokesdog for Mission K9 Rescue.
The 10-year-old Labrador Retriever is trained as an Explosives Detection expert who can sniff out 10 different types of explosive compounds. Retired, Oreo now lives with Bob Bryant, a MissionK9Rescue Co-founder and Director who tosses Oreo all the tennis balls he can chase.
Molly Malamute is totally enchanted from seeing Oreo on TV and hopes to meet him this weekend at her favorite doggy camp (“Everyone into the splash pad pool”), Meadowlake, where a fund-raiser is being held to help other dogs. (You can also donate online here or here. )
The group is especially a tail wager as their mission includes border patrol dogs and airport security canines, too.
RC Cat is pretty miffed though. She has raised “The Paw” in outrage,
(In as much outrage as a cat can muster about a dog issue)
HRH has authorized Dory of a neighboring realm, to issue a warning that fake donation sites have appeared imitating MissionK9Rescue . (Low down dirty curs).
So be as cautious as a cat.
RC would issue a proclamation herself, but she does have a certain image to uphold, while Dory…you know. Youngsters can get away with dancing in the litter box of appropriateness.
“Yes, We raised The Paw. It is enough. One must delegate when possible.”©
That’s the tooth of the matter.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
- MissionK9Rescue Facebook. “Rescue. Reunite. Re-home. Rehabilitate. Repair.”
- Amazon Smile link using Flipcause (Mission K9 Rescue can get 3% donation if you buy anything on Amazon)
- “Every one of them is a hero. Group helps working dogs retire with dignity” (A story to make you smile from Today.com)
- Twitter support is always welcomed!
“My work here is done. I have corners to go stare at.” ©
No point in prolonging it.
Quick. Like jerking off a band-aid stuck to the ouchie.
“Promise you’ll never leave me , Baby.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Her plan was to hobble along with the relationship until September.
Allow time for final words.
A socially acceptable distancing. Ceasing conversations
A graceful exit.
Guilt free.
But no.
Hard breaks. A rough abandonment.
Rocky end.
But wait! A moment of remorse?
He will not travel on alone.
With all communications cut.
With no hope of a reunion of any kind.
“Parting is such sweet sorry, Rosetta. Be brave until we meet again. Love, Philae” Comet explorer departing spacecraft Rosetta for comet. (esa.int/rosetta/2015)
Philae is to be joined by his companion of many years.
Together Rosetta and Philae have faced fire, ice, silences, and distances far from home.
Forced apart so each could concentrate on their assigned jobs, but still communicating as often as they could
Finally, last messages as time runs out for the spent explorer
Rosetta is tired, too.
It’s been 12 years with the last two spent loyally circling Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko listening for her companion, the little comet explorer Philae, who was huddled under a cliff trying to recharge solar batteries and send information when possible. Her mission, too, is coming to an end.
Companionship, a sense of purpose, appreciation of their work: what better measure of a life well lived? (Zoltan.fickr/Commons.wikimedia.org)
ESA has decided the two should be together. Always.
On September 30, 2016, Rosetta will begin a descent to the comet’s dusty surface while sending high-resolution images and valuable new data.
Once on the surface, Rosetta will grow silent – with Philae.
Sometimes you don’t need words when sitting close to a soul mate.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Worried it’s too late to send a last Twitter messages as he requested? (maybe not)
Try this: if you are outside looking at summer’s night sky, and send a smile with love to the brave pair. I’m sure the message will get there and warm their little circuits.
- Space-exploring Robot tweets a heartbreaking goodbye. (Time)
- ESA Comet Chaser Rosetta finale set for 30 September (Where in the world are they? Info here. They sent “wish you were here” pictures, too!)
- Once upon a time. Living with a comet. (Animated Video of Rosetta’s and Philae’s life together.)
- Rosetta, rendezvous with a comet. European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission homepage including final countdown
No, you must face reality. It is what it is. (screenshot YouTube.com)
The flickering screen.
The closeup
Stark, undeniable truth.
Accepted, but only with hope held out.
Here’s looking at you, Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray
1944.WW II Normandy, France.(Eisenhower Center for Military Hist./military.com)
Normandy. Where many died fighting for the innocent. For freedom, For individual liberty.
Normandy has significance.
This Catholic church in Normandy has even more significance now.
Daily Mail Online: “ISIS knifemen film themselves murdering French priest in Normandy attack”
Well, it’s Catholic. You know, that Lamb of God thing. Peace and goodwill. All are equal. All lives matter in God’s sight. That turn the other cheek.
Schools sometimes taught that the Crusades to the Holy Land were mainly about territorial conflicts, and that the Pope used crusades as a political tool to keep Europe’s rulers in line and doing what he wanted them to do.
Now? Innocents murdered and churches invaded.
Have to wonder if something wasn’t deleted from the textbooks.
Like what happens when opposing ideologies crash into each other? (Which might be tricky seeing our schools/textbooks are mandated to be politically correct and free of religious influence.)
French President Francois Hollande says, “France is now at war with ISIS”.
Nicolas Sarkozy: “Everything is being done to trigger a war of religions”
Alea iacta est
2016 Normandy. Priest’s throat slashed in Catholic church near Rouen. (Daily Mail Online)
Meanwhile the US media is wall to wall reporting of those political smooch fests.
Not going to interrupt the celebrity parades or the Hollywood-style scripted corronation event so long in the promising making. Avoid disappointment and don’t look behind the curtain. (61 speeches Monday. Not one mention of terrorism.)
Nothing of any import is going on anywhere. Nope
It’s all Hillary. Every bloody second.
Apologies, France
Can’t do much about some people.
Why is it so difficult? Some things you ignore at your own peril even if it is inconvenient or off your planned message. (you.tube screenshot)
France was the first country to recognize the Republic of Texas in 1839.
King Louis Philippe sent Jean Pierre Isidore Alphonse Dubois to manage the French Legation in Austin.
There’s quite a bit of French influence around here. People still take French lessons, celebrate Bastille Day, and stand for “La Marseillaise”.
So in the spirit of that long-standing friendship: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”
“Vive la liberté”
Phil, the Philosophy Mouse of the Hedge.
True clowns, they move fast, so it’s difficult to determine what’s actually happening. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Well, the circus finally got rid of the elephants. Any hope we can get rid of the clowns next? (That’s all that counts)
Laughable, no? (Newsweek.com)
How is it it’s possible for a company to show glossy, high dollar, emotionally frightening ads on TV and in magazines selling a drug when “The effectiveness of __ against ___ has not been confirmed”?
So, maybe it’ll work or maybe it won’t, although it is expensive. But don’t worry, Affordable Healthcare/insurance will pay for it. (That’s all that counts.)
Now here’s a product that seems to deliver. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Why, with so much clear and present looming at the front door, is US Secretary of State busy traveling and spouting off about a potential problem that is far far away in a far and distant time?
He doesn’t want you to be cool. And there’s something rotten in the fridge.
Who really knows if anything can be done about it. Photo ops, political coin, and extending hands across borders. Busy. (That’s all that counts.)
Is it one of those “Do as I say, not as I do” situations for baseball player Chris Sales?
He’s certainly cut from a different cloth. Only in this current era are temper tantrums appropriate demonstrations showing strength of convictions…maybe. Concern about uniform decisions? It’s happened before.)
Could be a cutting edge protest knifing big money. Winning. (That’s all that counts.)
Could have been worse. How about real vintage baseball attire in honor of White Sox Robert Ferguson who later became president of the league? (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Only thing better than the circus coming to town is when it leaves – taking all the clowns with them.
Entertaining. On all counts.
Phil, the philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
Wolves in dogs’ clothing herding the distracted clowns down the primrose path. Look out sheep. Could be a party conspiracy.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Let’s see what we have in here today. One of the great mysteries of the Universe: Why is it you can put in 6 matching socks and only end up with 5 – that don’t match? (Uterberg, Rolf/Commons.wikimedia.org)
204th day of the year. That should mean something.
Three numbers adding up to six that is divisible by three giving the first number.
Or it could be a complete zero. Up to interpretation.
People are always looking for meaning.
That’s probably “The Secret” the Universe is trying to get across: “Stop it.”
Perhaps a natural disaster as a message would work. Return to base line.
Like the Universe cares.
H.G. Wells: “How small the vastest of human catastrophes may seem at a distance of a few million miles.” (1897. “The Star”)
Apparently 1920 dress code for Congressional Secretaries. Don’t tell me the Universe doesn’t enjoy a joke. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Between the sweltering summer nights, the fireflies’ plight, the ranting about Wall Street (while sports figures sign contracts of $118 million…) and people killing people just ’cause they are mad (as in “angry”…although the other definition might be equally applicable), a whole lot of shaking going on.
Universally looking for solid ground: some perfect number giving insight to it all.
Albert Einstein. “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.”
Arthur C. Clarke. “I’m sure the universe is full of intelligent life. It’s just been too intelligent to come here.”
Why scientists and science fiction writers are universally popular: a sense of humor.
Your choice: What we’ll be doing if the Amazon drones get cranky when they can’t find a place to perch and recharge. OR is it just me or does anyone else think the car designers are channeling old sci-fi movies for inspiration for cars’ chrome grills these days? (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Looking for the magic.
Ray Bradbury. “The magic is only in what books say, how they stitched the patches of the universe together into one garment for us.” (Fahrenheit 451)
The Universe and numbers, partners in time.
It adds up eventually
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
A couple more to universally ponder:
- C.S. Lewis. ““If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning.”
- Alan W. Watts “Through our eyes, the universe is perceiving itself. Through our ears, the universe is listening to its harmonies. We are the witnesses through which the universe becomes conscious of its glory, of its magnificence.” (So never let anyone tell you day dreaming is a waste of time. Serious work, that.)
1959 “Plan 9 from Outer Space” The last laugh is on us. Tunics are still in style. Although, metal belts might be uncomfy in modern aircraft seats. Not to mention the slowdown of TSA security, a universal joke. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Always vague – like The Wizard behind the curtain.©
His soft voice commands attention.
Whispers.
From the hood.
He’s out there. Seeing things. But won’t be seen with me.
If we pass on the street, he pretends not to know. Wouldn’t be wise.
A “birds of a feather” thing, Fool.
He says I must take what is offered and not ask for more. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
All strictly on “need to know” basis.
Silent if pressed.
Aloof. Empowered with a clear view.
We meet over eggs in the morning. As they fry.
I with a spatula.
And he after a fresh shower in the sprinkler
“Wait. Did you hear that? It could be him!” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
The warden of the neighborhood ready for his watch. Perched on the roof next to the stove’s exhaust.
There Undercover Dove loudly coos all the news fit to coo down the vent.
Startled at the sound, the clueless at the table ask “Do you think the kitchen is haunted?”
Messages from the beyond.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge
“Get back. You’ll blow my cover.” ©
More out there than what meets the eye.(PD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Nothing was better.
Running ahead up the stairs and to the balcony rail.
There. Staring. Giant empty eye sockets. A head as big as me.
Nose to nose with a two-story dinosaur unwrapped.
Real. Solid. Bare bones essence of animal magnetism.
No extra needed: no recorded sounds, period correct landscapes, or thoroughly researched hides that flexed and stretched by mechanical motors.
Filled in the blanks without tech assist.
This is the “new” Morian Hall of Paleontology. Modern. Glossy. But there was something about running up the limestone steps with fossils in them, between the towering Roman columns guarding the door at the old entrance that made it seem like going back through time. (HMNS.org)
Everyone loves dinosaurs at some point.
Really young kids, like 3 or 4, are fascinated by skulls and bones and the thought that that’s what’s under their own skin. They handle and closely examine them as only a little kid can.
They only get spooked by bones when older – after adults show them that.
No bones about it. Sticks with you.
And there they are: like a bare bones wagon train rolling across the plains. So plain. ©
One of the coolest things about traveling the Panhandle is spotting The Walkers.
A bit like the White Walkers in Game of Thrones with their mindless march onward. Taking direction from the one.
Actually they are robotic irrigation devices carrying a row of sprinklers and slowly roll, pivoting in a circle.
They have a few tiny lights on them so if you look hard, they can be spotted at night. Useful to keep from getting knocked down by a uncaring Walker at night if monitoring water usage.
The area was unusually green this time, so The Walkers seemed to be mostly sidelined and waiting for the coach to call them up. Dependable, loyal, and true, they don’t mind waiting their turn to roll.
Another field. Another crop. Another obedient well-trained lineup.©
For some reason, The Walkers remind me of a line of dachshunds harnessed one in front of another.
There’s an elemental relationship to the Strandbeests.
Or maybe like some ancient dinosaur who woke up, shook off the dirt and is slowly testing it’s ability to move.
No bones about it, there’s stuff out there to be seen and to be considered.
Anyone up for a game of I Spy or What if?
Everyone can play. Even if over 3.
Who knows what walks.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Highly entertaining: a sprinkler you could bark at and chase. No doubt Molly Malamute or a pack of preschoolers would be game for this.©
“He’ll never leave me. I know I can trust him.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
They used to call her Mariah.
Now it’s more like “Gimme that money, honey”
Totally professional. Starkly posed right out front – Like 50’s office secretaries in tight skirts and high heels – full of self-importance. Whirlwind workers energetically demonstrating their ability to exceed job expectations.
Their bosses thrilled.
You know how that’s going to go,
All smiles and bragging at the start, followed by working them to death, then just walking off.
Leaving them standing there, worn out and ragged.
Now there’s a long stemmed beauty. Towers over the ordinary utility pole.©
I can’t be the only one who’s asking.
What happens when they are no longer wanted.
Surely arrangements have been made.
Contracts. Bound to be something in the contracts.
The rugged ridges and massive bluffs of the high plains have been invaded by chop sticks
Windmills sticking like porcupine quills into the land which has also become laced and corseted by massive power transmission lines with electric poles more massive in diameter than a 100 year old oak tree’s trunk.
Not opposed to alternative energy or windmills/turbines, but….
It’s just the majestic scenery is now a jarring mix of old geological land features contrasted with busy mechanical devices.
Hundreds of oblivious swinging wings chop, chop, chopping the air
Like flocks of some manic insane species of cranes endlessly swooping and slicing
Mindless. Mechanical. Intruders.
Blight for light.
They seem to be in herds moving like the cattle drives across the old west. These originally from China according to their labels..©
So it just seems prudent to ask. What happens when their expiration date comes?
Made things have an end. Outdated.
Who is responsible for the unwanted the husks and shells?
Have the electric providers promised to return sites to original condition?
And up goes another one in a windy corridor of West Texas.©
Hey – the companies could suggest uses for the ruins as they ride outta town.
The remaining poles could be used by horseback riders practicing for rodeo barrel racing or pole bending. Recreational use!
With reflectors or lights, the stalks could signal planes to watch for high power transmission lines. Homeland would like the safety idea.
Hold contest for artistic types to decorate them creating a regional sculpture garden. Cultural attraction!
There’s a series of them under construction. Soon they will line up like uniformed dutiful workers across the horizon.©
Wait. Wait. Once decorated, abandoned windmills could become tourist destination – like that Cadillac Ranch.
Tourists traps with small businesses like taco stands, hamburger joints or food trucks courts. Win-win since there isn’t any other options for food and water. Sell stuff like spray paint. Think miniature copies to collect. Trinkets. T-shirts. Jobs program!
“What? Take you along? Oh, as you can see, there’s no room in the truck. Don’t worry. We’ll send for you, Dearie. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Future generations may wonder of the significance of stumps and stalks.
Another Stonehenge. Homage to their wind gods, maybe.
Giant crafted objects purposely placed on elevated bluffs in isolation areas.
Sacred grounds. Obviously.
As the world turns with the winds of mine.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse on the Hedge
Forget high plains drifting and memories of the old Hollywood westerns. Think “Waterpark. Giant natural water slides!”©
Git out those high water waders.
That Shark Tank idea ain’t comin’ and your pile of unlucky lottery tickets ought to be a clue.
The seas and oceans are a-risin’.
(I’m sure there’s some old swim fins around here somewhere from the last time. Keep up now.)
So get ready to raft up with some real estate opportunities.
Coast lines are floating out a change. No biggie. No need for drama. Been there done that. Really.
(Why the heck some people consider themselves the architects/landscape specialists who can firmly fix where the oceans can roll and exactly where the high tide should be baffles me.)
Oh, look. Some developer has already opened a sales office featuring a quaint windmill.©
You’ve heard that the early seagull gets the shrimp, right?
Don’t tread water.
Check out watery history and the geological maps to catch the investment wave.
Much of this continent was underwater – multiple times.
Like it or not, no matter how many sea walls and dikes are built or extreme eco-friendly actions are taken by people, the ocean rolls in and rolls out as it pleases.
Crossing the Texas Pan Handle and northern New Mexico recently, it was easy to imagine those ancient seas instead of the waves of grass.
Thinking about that, the early dog paddlers net the biggest fish dinner.
Investor sharks will reel in big payoffs with new water front real estate developments as the seas return.
Over there – that deep sunken dry bowl – it’ll fill up first. Perfect spot for a marina. Put some floating docks up to the bluffs.
And that nice flat mesa? Perch a nice ocean front spa resort there. People love a big sky sunset over the water lapping soothingly at their toes.
Thinking that ancient reef over there, The Guadalupe Mountains, would make an ideal spot for a restaurant with a view.
That deep ravine. A canal entrance to a California Venice style subdivision.
Just ignore those snow fences. Rest assured the glaciers didn’t chill here. In any case, a white Christmas is nostalgic, yes?©
What luck with this spot. The glaciers never made it this far, just water. Perfect.
People flock to escape the cold and they love ocean breezes.
It’s the next big area for retirement communities.
They always say: “Location. Location. Location.”
Always eager to help things to go swimmingly,
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Extinct Capulin Volcano, NM. People love volcanoes! It’s already a National Monument with a Visitor’s Center and hiking trails. People love living near recreational areas. Marketer’s dream.©
Capulin Volcano already has a narrow road spiralling up it. All that’s needed is a lovely restaurant on top to take advantage of the panoramic views. What about a Pike’s Peak type motor race event? A concert venue like Red Rocks? Gondola rides? If you’ve been on that road, you know how much a gondola would be appreciated…©
Could it be the oceans and seas are homesick or searching for their roots…Uh, maybe that should be flowing towards their ancestral sea beds. Who could complain about that?
Wide open spaces of the West Texas High Plains. Sorry, the antelope fled the paparazzi. ©
Just in case you dig geology: Rocks of ages (Did you know that Texas area sat close to the equator before the continental break up and shifting?)
- “When Texas was at the bottom of the sea” (Smithsonian)
- “That time when Texas was at the bottom of the sea” (Gizmodo)
- “Geological history of Texas is recorded in rocks…” (Texas Historical Association)
- Geologic map of Texas showing approximate rock ages and geology of Texas through time (Texas Almanac)
- “Geological history of North Central Texas” (NHNCT.org)
- “Our changing continent” (USGS.gov, Science for a changing world)
Amarillo. It’s flat. Flat as a coastal plain, but then again it was. And could be again. Easy to feel small and insignificant in the wide open spaces.©
“You think you’ve got problems? Feeling more ground-up than grounded.” (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Ashes arrive for Spring.
Dust for summer.
Whim blown. Bleary eyed, carry on.
To spare the sinuses, fashion recommendations:
With this mask and these gloves, you’re covered for Spring smoke. No claims made about heat stroke, though. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Each spring they burn the agricultural fields in Mexico. Texas, for some unfathomable reason, imports the smoke. (But it’s Texas, so logic confounds.)
Sometimes hazes so thick school children can’t go out and play.
Not sure what good cutting smoke and emissions here is when we simply get gagged and sick from what wafts north each year. Thoughtless neighbors.
Can someone ask Trump if giant fans blowing south could be installed at the top of that border wall?
Might be worth a whirl. Might even spin a few climbers back where they came from? Win-Spin!
Although some creative entrepreneur would probably turn it into an entertainment complex ride. Possible since not having to deal with the US safety regulations. That’s the fall out from similar things.
Speaking about how the wind blows, might consider this as appropriate attire for the next few simmering summer days.
It’s like a Tupperware party: “Really, ladies, dressing for dust and still maintaining cool is easy with wraps and veils.” (PD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
No, it’s not applauding diversity and cultural differences. It’s registering practicality.
The Saharan dust cloud has arrived. Car washes will be busy.
Not exactly the desired glimmer hoped for by beach bunnies who were finally convinced sticky sunblock is important.
Hey, is this another sneaky way of flying in products that will take the place of those “Made in the USA”? Are the sand pits and sand boxes of American feeling this rubs against the grain?
Will environmentalists shame anyone decrying Saharan dust as anti-nature? (I can hear the chants now: “Replenish the soil without low paid toil.”)
Oh, there will be no federal Swiffer duster kits hand outs. The ENT specialists, allergists, and Healthcare lobbyists will block that only seeing potential customers.
Well, the Saharan dust does usually brings some nice sunsets.
Just don’t breath in too deeply during the viewing. Sort of the way everything’s going right now.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Sometimes you just want to fly away from all the sound and fury signifying nothing.
Oh? No, it is not true that this is a proposed outfit for mosquito control during the Olympics. They sent out invitations to those of us who are natural mosquito magnets to attend the Olympic promising a bird’s-eye view suspended above the stadium seating areas….but there’s something suspicious about it, so declined. (USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Know locally, but maybe not by you: why Police Chief David Brown, a man who grew up in Dallas and who has seen the tragedy of violence in his own personal life is the right man for steadying Dallas right now.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/dallas-police-chief-takes-charge-deadly-shooting-40471620
Oh, to those who would subvert the Black Lives Matter message, some of those cops you are attacking nationwide are of Hispanic/Latino descent among other races/ethnic groups and mixes …Suppose “All look alike”. Cops is cops: all the same to you.
Also note, those peaceful marchers in Dallas, like in so many places, are a widely diverse crowd including many white and those that look “white” including Latinos, Asians, and, of course, all the “mixed races” and “others”. We’re really a collection of mutts here. No problemo.
So please dust off your brains and say what’s true, Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum: ALL lives matter and murder is murder no matter the color. Not one more or less important than the other.
Equal is equal. No excuses for one just because…
We already know what kind of country we want, Tweedle-Dee: one where the laws on the books are firmly enforced. Not one where political figures just pass more and more legislation that is fêted, then ignored like the rest.
I know it’s hard for you two to fathom that – living as you do in cozy isolation apart from others not of your kind (among political amigos, that is). Totally protected by wealth and security personnel…
Those archaics stuck in the past, like you two, should be relegated to the dusty archives.
Shoulder to shoulder we stand as one or sink together.
Now shake off the difficulties. Everyone smile and sing along:
We see who’s got whom under her paw….And she wants it framed…And hung next to her Obedience Class Certificate…The one with tooth punctures where she lunged up during graduation and took it out of the trainers’ hand…”Perfectly bloodless retrieval”, she smiled daintily. As you can see Molly, not shy, is quite the party girl and social butterfly. But, as any wise self-confident young lady, she eats delicately and never chases anything.©
Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 