Feel The Universe

The Storms of Summer

2011-09-09T06:09:00.002-04:00

Until you have experienced the wholesale destruction of a hurricane, you cannot appreciate how hellish things are after one has come and gone after making landfall. The Northeastern states that make up the coastline and just inland, have been handed a nightmare that those of us in Florida have experienced before, and will experience again. The situation, in a word, sucks. Yes, the Northeast gets it's fair share of Nor'easter's and Nor'wester's that come and visit during the winter months, bringing plenty of rain and/or ice and snow. But those "blows" are not the same size and power as a rotating mass of energy that swirls along, getting stronger as it sucks up fuel from the bathtub-warm waters of the Gulf, the Caribbean Sea and southern Atlantic Ocean. Florida has dodged a bullet this last week, watching Hurricane Irene pass by as a Cat 3 storm and pushing up towards the north, towards many of our families and friends, who don't need or want the storms of summer to ruin theirs. Florida, who had so many people from so many states come to our aid after the twin hurricanes of 2004, sent crews of electrical workers from Florida Power and Light to help with the restoration of power in the several states. It was the least we could do.

We still have 2 1/2 months of "hurricane season" left to endure, and we are way down on the list of names. Right now, Hurricane Katia is headed into the far north Atlantic, away from everyone, while Tropical Storm Maria heads towards us, albeit messily, and may give us aggravation by next week. In the Gulf, another depression formed and created Tropical Storm Nate, who is building strength in the Yucatan Peninsula, and is forecast to become a hurricane, possibly a Cat 2 which is headed toward Brownsville, Texas. The remaining Gulf coast states just endured a visit from Tropical Storm Lee, who also headed north after dumping loads of rain in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and even part of the Florida Panhandle.

I have been slowly freezing my bottled waters, which I started to do when Irene was first on the move towards us. I will keep freezing them, in batches, stacking them up in our mini freezer. I have candles, matches, flashlights, but need more batteries, weather radio (on all the time), two good-sized coolers, a gas generator in the shed, gas chainsaw (next to the electric one - ha ha) and a machete. I don't have the supply of canned food I should, or extra gas in my six gas cans, but the price of that has kept us from being able to stash a good supply of it. My biggest and best hurricane supply is my husband. He lived in the Virgin Islands when he was younger, then in Miami. He has been through all five categories, including the deadly monster Andrew. He has skills. His Irish/German and Russian roots give him the strength and stamina necessary to deal with the prep before and messy after of the storms. His knowledge of the combustion engine is vital to maintaining a power source until the electricity comes back on. He knows how to fix almost everything, and his barbecuing skills are excellent. We even cooked a pizza on our gas grill during the 2004 storms. It can be done. We are as ready as we can be for the storms of summer. I just hope they don't come.

Life really can be a bowl of cherries...

2011-08-01T08:10:00.004-04:00

The economy sucks for everyone. It doesn't matter who you are, or how much money you have, we are all affected by this horrific turn of events. Those of us unemployed, or under-employed, must find legitimate ways to survive until the world as we know it improves. Some sources of survival are embarrassing, such as having to visit food banks, or use food stamps, or borrow money from family and/or friends, never knowing just how long it will be before you can pay them back. Some of us are working jobs that we never thought we would be doing, but hey, it's a paycheck, however small.

So here I was, returning from my part-time job, one I campaigned for and got, a physically-demanding job that while it brings me satisfaction to do it, and do it well, it also translates into hours of pain from aggravating my car accident injuries. Dare I say it - we need the money. I immediately go into feel-better mode: a glass of ice water with lemon, a cool shower and a snack. Just what kind of snack, you might ask? I root around in my freezer and find - wait for it - frozen Rainier cherries purchased last season and just waiting for me to remember them.

So into a shallow cereal bowl they go, waiting for me to organize my beverage, my book, aspirins, and to clothe myself in pajamas (at 3 o'clock in the afternoon),TV on and tuned in to a re-run of an episode of "Bones" - more for white noise than for any other reason - and into bed the cherries and I go to lounge. They are cold, and slightly sweet, and collecting the stems and stones in my bowl, alongside the whole fruit remaining, reminds me of how lucky one can be sometimes, in the worst of times.

A bowl of cherries = hope.

Time Flies?

2011-07-29T08:30:00.003-04:00

Where have I been? "Life is what happens when you have made other plans" (John Lennon). I think that I lost myself somewhere in the big quagmire of life, and like the phoenix rising, I am trying to be re-born through my thoughts, words, deeds and desires. How much time do any of us have, really? How about that "bucket list" people?

Those of us who are members of the Baby Boomer Club are acutely aware of how much time is left. I have always had the same "list" since I was a teenager: Ride an elephant, ride a camel, ride in a Bell helicopter (I may re-think this one). I think I would like to add visit Mount Palomar, or the crash site at Roswell (I have been to the museum, but did not have time for the field trip - my bad). I would like to visit the city of Vancouver - I really enjoyed watching the cable TV series "Dante's Inquest" - it made me want to see a place that appears to be quite culturally diverse. But you know TV - it lets us see what it wants us to see. Have to find out for ourselves...

Maybe I should just figure out how to explore my own giant backyard, so to speak, in the time remaining. Florida has so much history, so many things that are wonderous (i.e. The Coral Castle) it could easily take a lifetime to see them all.

My Dogs Are Cold!

2007-02-21T06:29:00.000-05:00

I don't just mean my feet, either. My little doggies are here in Virginia with me (yes, I am back up here again - long story) and they are quite shocked at having to do their "business" as it were, on top of snow and ice. These are Florida, sunshine havin', warm weather canines. I can tell they think we have landed on Mars or something. My husband bought Boomer (my Chihuahua) a sweatshirt to wear to help keep him warm. He absolutely hates it. Twenty-two dollars down the hole. Trust me everyone, dogs HATE wearing stuff, but I do like seeing Labs in bandannas. I don't know why. I guess it's the cute factor. PS - both my dogs were "homeless." I have had both of them a long time now. Boomer came from the Humane Society (now there's an oxymoron) and Pinky was abandoned. Just as I have to get them through this unplanned winter visit, I also have help them through the winter of their lives. But I will never regret giving either of them a home or my love, no matter how tough things get.

Revenge of Phil

2007-02-20T05:47:00.000-05:00

I think Punxsutawney Phil has had enough. Despite the fact that he DID NOT see his shadow this past February 2nd (which supposedly predicts an early Spring) he said nothing about the weather conditions for rest of our winter being hunky-dory. I think that after years of being ripped out of a warm burrow at the crack of dawn, Phil has apparently had enough. The freakishly cold weather being suffered in the Northeast is Phil's Gotcha! Or perhaps, it is Mother Earth trying to hang on to her hat a little bit longer before global warming finally creates Hell on Earth. Stay warm everyone, and please remember to "Love Your Mother."

It's a New Year! (duh)

2007-02-07T16:13:00.000-05:00

Well, I see I have really let things go...no blogs, logs, posts, emails - you name it. I haven't posted squat, mainly because I have allowed life to happen when I have made other plans (this is a John Lennon quote somewhat paraphrased). So, I will make this one of my "New Year's Resolves" - write or ELSE! I will, and have, returned to the land of Blog.

I Have Returned! (to Florida, that is)

2006-09-10T15:05:00.000-04:00

I know, I know, who really cares, except for my family, friends and pets. But that's ok. I am back in the tropics after a hellish trip home, and yes, I did stop in Virginia Beach to see my son and his new digs. It's a very cute house, in a very cute neighborhood. The house is devoid of furniture, more or less, but the living room is filled with amps and guitars (boy, are his neighbors in for it!). They may not care however, as F-18's fly over alot, and while I think it is wild to see and hear, my son says everyone living there complains. My response: "Do Not Buy House In Military Air Space If You Want Peace & Quiet."

There are two items I would like to note, and that is the 40th Anniversary of Star Trek, which aired for the first time on September 8, 1966 (this past Friday). I was also was home in time to see the launching of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, whose launch was supposed to take place last week while I was still in Virginia, and was postponed due to Tropical Storm Ernesto (bitter irony there). I am actually able to see the shuttle blaze across the sky from where I live, south of Cape Canaveral. It is fascinating, to quote a certain Vulcan. I also sky-watch for the Space Station, and when the STS is docked to it, it makes the watch a little more exciting.

Pluto, We Hardly Knew Ye

2006-09-04T13:22:00.000-04:00

As I am wrapping up my final day(s) here in the Old Dominion, I thought I might direct those who are interested, to a great article about the planet Pluto by Jim Kundreskas. Mr. Kundreskas is an outdoors writer for the Free-Lance Star. While there have been a few articles written about the recent demise of our number nine planet, this particular one is very poignant. "Pulling the Plug on Pluto" makes some interesting observations, and I for one, am sad that our solar system has been shrunken like a proverbial head.

A Visit with the Funny Pages

2006-09-02T10:32:00.000-04:00

All it takes is going out of town to find out what comics print where, and the differences in your geo-political location. Major metropolitan areas (such as Washington, DC) seem to have no problem issuing a two-section comic insert, while those of us living in lesser-populated areas only get one. Unfortunately, what we do get isn’t necessarily so hotsy-totsy.

I guess I should be pleased to be able to read old "Peanuts" strips now that Charles Shultz is gone. I used to read those little "Peanuts" paperbacks when I was a kid. I still love watching “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

In general, I should be thrilled that "Doonesbury" is even printed in my comic pages, considering I live in a heavy-Republican Southern state.

But what is this comic strip “Rhymes With Orange?” The title alone amuses me to no end, since there is not any single word in the English language that rhymes with the word “orange.” (or is there)? Plus, its writer/creator is a woman. How great is that? “Sherman’s Lagoon” is adorable, and I thought “Monty” and “Out of the Gene Pool” are not bad. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of these while I am temporarily staying in the area. I am also delighted to be able to read “Opus,” which is an off-shoot of “Bloom County,” my all-time favorite comic. It just so happens that I own several stuffed Opus dolls. They are currently in storage, waiting for the time my house is finally remodeled inside, and the dust has settled enough to allow me to have kafca on display.

So, as all good things must come to an end, I will be returning shortly to that comic desert in which I reside. I must say, though, I really do miss Bill the Cat.

Beam Me Up As Soon As Possible, Please.

2006-08-30T02:26:00.000-04:00

I think I have entered a personal twilight zone. Although I am in a familiar (albeit foreign) environment for the past two weeks (week 3 started Sunday), I actually think I might be able to head for home. But the question is: Do I want to? I am in no rush (for a number of reasons) but I also want to "get gone." My dog seems fed up as well. I think she misses her home and the rest of the "pack." I am sort of antsy to see my daughter and her new apartment (it's actually not so new, she's been there awhile, but I just haven't seen it yet). There is also my son and his new home to lay an eyeball on, especially since he is in a location that is sort of on my way back down 95. He just reenlisted in the service for another 4 years, and I would like to see him before he goes out of country again, as I suspect he will. It's a big reason to leave soon.

Do I stay or go? I am like the unfortunate Big Boy of Bob's fame. Remember when the Bob's restaurant chain held the contest on whether or not to keep their robust red and white checkered icon? I admit it, I voted to keep him. My decision was more than validated when the Big Boy showed up in the first Austin Powers film as an escape pod for Dr. Evil. This is exactly what I need - an escape pod. I just have to put new tires on it first.

Sibiling Rivalry (or Who Gets Their Favorite Coffee Cup First)

2006-08-27T12:46:00.000-04:00

My mom has a coffee mug that I gave to her a million years ago (or so it seems) that has a picture of a gray and white stripe tabby Kliban cat sitting on a bar stool, legs crossed, playing a guitar and singing a song. The blues-implied song lyrics are printed on the mug (corralled within a cartoon balloon) and they go like this: "Love to eat them mousies, mousies what I love to eat, bite they little heads off, nibble on they tiny feet..."

I love this coffee mug. First, I must state for the record that my mother IS NOT a cat person, but she used to be able to sing and play blues BRA (Before Rheumatoid Arthritis), and the theme of this mug is why I bought it for her. Second, I am the one who is fond of Kliban cats, I have a cat (my other cat died last year after 15-1/2 years of ownership) but I am not a "cat person" in the way other people might be considered so. This coffee mug is a source of comfort to me when I come "home" to visit. I try to drink out of it every day. I sing the little ditty (badly) throughout the AM time period allotted for coffee consumption. My coffee cup obsession is, I am sure, (from comments I hear) annoying to both my mother and husband.

So imagine my annoyance, when I find out that my brother Joey, also loves the same coffee cup, and has had the nerve to pluck it, clean from cupboard, if I don't get to it first. This has happened for the last two days, as he has come to vist our mother this weekend while I am here in Virginia caring for her. Although I feel a bit miffed, I said (in true sisterly fashion) "That's ok, you enjoy it while you are here" all the while knowing damn good and well that I will win in the end. And why is that you might say? Because my mother has already said: "why don't you just take that mug with you when you go back to Florida"? At first I said no, I liked it being here, waiting for me when I come to visit. But now I am having second thoughts. Should the coffee mug stay, or go?

I think that I will ruminate about my decision over a cup of coffee...

Life is Haiku

2006-08-24T12:37:00.000-04:00

Okay - here is my submission to the Washington Post per request of my sisters:

"I used to live here. I've traded palms for pines and oaks, but just temporarily. The humidity is the same. I am here because my mother is ill. I am the oldest. It's my job to take care. I am making everyone feel safe, but just temporarily.. I forgot that I miss the Sunday Washington Post. To whom I may offend: Sorry. Florida newspapers suck.

I will go home, back to palms and our daily fish-wrapper. (I have heard it called this, but not by me). Hopefully, it won't be just temporarily." (Wordcount=92)

A Star, if Born

2006-08-24T00:46:00.000-04:00

I did something very bold today. I faxed a submission to the Washington Post for possible publication in their Sunday column: "Life is Short - Autobiography as Haiku." I originally wrote it out on the back of a to-do/shopping list this past Sunday. I typed it into Notepad when I found approximately 5 minutes in-between taking care of my mother (my drama is my mama). I did about 10 edits before I felt satisfied that it would at least receive a rejection letter, rather than be sent directly to the "round file." I had no idea how hard it is to write about your life (in the now), in 100 words or less. It so happens that I actually cross paths, on occasion, with writers who live in the same town that I do. The honest ones say there is no glamour being a writer, it's alot of thankless work done while wearing sweatpants, and no going out to 3 martini lunches everyday (sorry boys, but the women writers are the ones who have said this very thing to me. Unfortunately, the men writers I have met so far have heads puffed-out to the size of hot air balloons and would never admit it). It has always been a dream of mine to be a writer (this sounds SO cliche). I want to be an "unprolific novelist." I just want to write one profoundly deep, soul-moving tome. Like Harper Lee. Or Margaret Mitchell. I know I could be a excellent essayist. I am a huge fan of the Op-Ed page. Time will tell if I will burn bright.