MIDTERMS -- EAGLES -- DISRUPTION -- INDIANS

 Republic -- "If you can keep it."  [Democracy]

U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings

DJT, 45TH President, is suing the Committee in what appears to be his classic technique designed to avoid or delay having to respond to their subpoena compelling he testify, initially delayed to ll/14/22 at his request.  If 45's political party takes control of the House of Representatives as is presently expected, pundits expect the Committee will cease to function meaningfully and/or will be terminated since his party has previously declared the Committee to be nonpartisan.    

QUESTION:  Will the top U.S. government officials in the executive, legislative, judicial, other law enforcement individuals including Secret Service, FBI, Police Departments aligned with organizing and support of the January 6th Capitol coup/insurrection/assault ever be held accountable to the American people?

MIDTERM ELECTION RESULT projections as I write this restores my faith the majority of the U.S. voting public is determined to maintain our form of democracy with the current Administration retaining Senate control.  There is much more to be accomplished. 

May such voter numbers increase in all future elections.  This dedication to thoughtfully participate in all future elections must continue in order to preserve our democratic republic based on our current major political parties ideologies.  

So Cal where I live actually received about three inches of rain, more in other communities.  Snow fell in California mountains, including Northern California, earlier in the season than usual, leading us to hope there will be more rain and snow contributing toward ending our drought.

BIG BEAR BALD EAGLES FRIENDS site HERE  you may read the latest report about the eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, recently observed to have returned to the area.    Likely these eagles may soon begin refurbishing the nest in readiness to hatch a new brood for 2023.  The Friends update (9/29/22) describes all the maintenance and enhancements provided for live 24/7 audio and video coverage of the eagles' nest with a spectacular background view of the surrounding area and lake.

LIFE'S DISRUPTIONS continue for me interfering with my having any semblance of routine.  Annoyingly, to say the least, I'm again periodically experiencing nights when I'm unable to sleep with or without itching.  Early in October I wrote HERE about what I took to be a simple allergic reaction I attributed to Kiwi fruit.  I've not eaten any Kiwis since but clearly my problem is far from over.  Surely there has been ample time for the Kiwis to leave my system.

A pattern has developed with increasing reactions including itchy feelings, inflammation with red rash splotches spreading these symptoms, finally over my whole body this past week.  I did get a high dose flu shot at the end of the previous week but don't think that would have been a causal factor.  Coping with these symptoms, erratically trying to get adequate sleep through varied daytime hours is my priority as I address this not-always-so-mild discomfort while I try to figure out what is the cause.  I think I best wait for my final Covid booster vaccine until this issue is resolved.

Most recently I have begun to wonder if some new bamboo fabric pajamas I began wearing weeks prior to my symptoms might be the cause, so I've ceased wearing them.  I never heard of bamboo fabric much less considered it could trigger such skin issues, but I don't yet know if this is the cause.    I continue taking an antihistamine.  I have consulted with my doctor who was unable to provide a curative medication, referring me to see a Dermatologist which I will do if there is no resolution soon.

The Night Watchman, 2021 Pulitzer Prize winning novel for fiction written by Louise Erdrich captured my attention to read on sleepless nights, selected from my stack of unread books.  Erdrich, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, has authored many novels, as well as volumes of poetry, children's books, and a memoir of early motherhood, received numerous awards.  She lives in Minnesota with her daughters, owns a small independent bookstore, Birchbark Books.

Recent news stories about efforts to suppress the native American Indian vote reminded me of this historical fictional story based on the author's grandfather's life.  The story describes Indian life on their reservation, the challenges they face surviving attitudes and obstacles encountered from our government.  They deserve to retain decent productive soil on land where they can live and prosper, keep their culture, language.  All this with individuals lives created are embedded in a story of the true Americans on this land our immigrant forefathers forcefully took from them.  

The Brennan Center explains how voter suppression laws target Native Americans HERE.   These citizens often have to travel many miles to vote, may have few,  if any, ballot deposit boxes they can readily access to name a few deterrents.  Native American voting rights need to be protected by Congressional action with just such a bill defeated in the 2021 Senate.

A political party that actively attempts to thwart citizens ability to vote in our elections through sabotaging restrictions including gerrymandering undermines the basic foundation of our Constitution and form of government.  

FREEDOM -- Jon Batiste

An American singer, songwriter, musician, bandleader, television personality, and Grammy Award winner.

DAILY MINUTIAE -- PODCASTS -- JAN. 6th HEARING

 U.S. Select House Committee on January 6th HEARING

"The eighth Jan. 6 committee hearing on its finding is scheduled for prime time July 21 [Thursday] and will walk through the events of Jan. 6, 2021 "minute by minute," Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., said Tuesday.  The hearing will focus in on the 187 minutes between Trump's "Stop the Steal" rally on the Ellipse and his tweet urging his supporters to go home," USA Today reports HERE.  (check schedule where you live for date, time confirmation, where to view)

"Thank You for Your Servitude" by Mark Leibovich is a book worth reading about some in Congress who have been cynical and hypocritical "about-face" enablers now making excuses for our ex-President, shifting his accountability for words and actions by blaming others.  Fear has been a factor which is a hallmark of authoritarianism.  The author is interviewed on Amanour and Company-PBS with segments you can view on the site HERE, also on this video: 

PBS NewsHour 

 

Earlier today, Sat., July 16th as I write this, I received my Covid 2nd booster vaccination.  Originally, I planned to wait for the next vaccine expected in October or November.  Currently, scientific/medical reports convince me given the rapidly increasingly high level of Covid infections here in Los Angeles County that having stronger protection now would be wise.  Outdoor exposure, especially in groups, may even be a more real possibility I also read.

This BA.5 omicron variant has evolved "...to be more contagious and evade the immune protection that people had from infection, vaccination or both" Dr. Gregory Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, is quoted saying in the "Mayo Clinic News Network" report HERE.

"A new study published in Nature found the variant was four times more resistant to messenger RNA vaccines than earlier strains of omicron.  The Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are messenger RNA vaccines."  

Currently there is no evidence of a higher death rate from BA.5 but "...you have very little protection against BA.5 in terms of getting infected or having mild to moderate infection.  You have good protection against dying, being hospitalized or ending up on a ventilator."

"...among the unvaccinated with this variant, they're about fivefold more likely to get infected than people who have been vaccinated and boosted, about 7 1/2 times more likely to be hospitalized, and about 14 to 15 times more likely to die if they get infected," says Dr. Poland.

I keep wearing my "N95 masks or a KN-94 mask when indoors and in crowded areas outdoors" as Dr. Poland recommends.   What new variants may be in the offing, I wonder?

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Environmentally, the SoCal drought with hot temperatures rolls on, water usage restrictions continue -- so what's new?

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I've been trying to locate some lab sites that are easily accessible for parking, require minimal walking to the store and once I'm inside since I've been having some mobility issues.  Most of the large chain drugstores place their pharmacies, clinics, labs where they can draw blood clear at the back of their stores.  It sure would be nice if they provided riding carts as some grocery stores do but that seems not to be the case.  

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Podcasts seem to be popular with many people though I haven't devoted time listening to any of them.  They could be enjoyed I realize while engaged in other necessary activities about the house.  Maybe some podcasts could be an entertaining source of humor.  There seem to be an abundance of podcasts described as humorous including for seniors, older people, boomers, other age groups, various interest areas.  Perhaps some of you have favored podcasts.  We do need lots of humor.  

Laughing is contagious but living alone can limit that shared stimulation.  I recall when I was in undergraduate college some of us operating our campus radio station gathered in the control room one day.  We decided to record ourselves laughing which started with artificial laughs.  The next thing we knew we were laughing genuinely at the ridiculousness of what we were doing.  Our laughing kept getting more hilarious to each of us until we all were laughing so hard our stomachs hurt, tears were coming from our eyes -- we were quite out of control. 

I wonder if there would be a health care market for such a potentially therapeutic recording releasing all those healing endorphins -- a simple plain recording of laughter, nothing else, with which to laugh along?

ROUTINEOLOGY -- CENTENARIANS -- JAN. 6 HEARING

U.S. Select House Committee on January 6th Hearing -- Tues., July 12

UPDATE:  Hearing time had been changed to 1 pm ET (10 am PT)

     Tuesday, July 12, starting at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT

           (That's Emmy nominations morning in Hollywood.)

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Shirley Horn -- "Here's To Life"                                                                                                 John Williams and The Boston Pops 1993

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ROUTINEOLOGY

Has my daily life become too filled with routine is a question I asked myself recently?   I realize I've been spending more time in my home than in years past partially due to aging's slowing but also as a consequence of efforts to minimize Coronavirus exposure.  Maybe this perpetual sameness so many days after days I feel is beginning to be too repetitive.

Unfortunately, the number of known individuals contracting the latest Covid-19 variants BA 4 and most dominant now BA 5, is increasing exponentially daily.  The actual official infection numbers are less accurate now due to so many home tests in use with the result not being as easily tracked for reporting by health authorities.  Here in SoCal's Los Angeles County, we're being told to possibly expect reinstatement of mandatory mask wearing by month's end if infection rates continue to increase.

These virus variants, especially BA 5 are much more able to avoid some of the protections our vaccinations with boosters have provided.  Much of our U.S. population seems to behave as though this pandemic is over.  Saying or believing so does not make it so.  Covid 19 coronavirus goes about infecting at will, evolving new more virulent variants, not caring what humans may think.

At least, so far, vaccinations and booster shots have seemed to prevent development of more serious illness and deaths for most who become infected.  Still our older population, especially those with various medical conditions are at risk.  I keep wearing my N95 masks when encountering others.  Perhaps I'm being unnecessarily cautious.  

So, it seems my daily routine may continue to be somewhat limited if I want to minimize risk exposure to contracting Covid 19.  To break my routine in what is beginning to feel like a monotony of sameness I've thought I need to introduce new and more activity variation into my life.

Coincidentally, I recently encountered a Business Insider article about routine which introduced a new term to me: "Routineology": https://www.insider.com/people-who-live-to-100-have-habits-in-common-routineology-2021-6

A review I read of the book The Art of Routine said in a Bookshop.org review: 

"Conventional wisdom suggests that the best way to navigate our noisy new world is to accept change.  Open up to novelty.  Go with the flow.  Live in the moment.  Embrace the relentless pelting of content minute by minute.  But routine experts Angel Iscovich, MD, Joe Garner, and Michael Ashley are here to say that's a bad idea.  Humans don't just benefit from structure; they require it."  

I have a certain amount of routine as I've always had during most of my life but too much of the same pattern day after day can lead to a rather boring existence absent excitement.

Some researchers emphasize commonly held healthy habits of those living long lives due to eating mostly "plant foods", also "...maintaining strong relationships, and moving regularly".  Isovich makes his point by focusing on unhealthy habits of some 100 years and older.   

This Insider article reinforces what many scientific studies have shown that routines are important in our lives including throughout our aging years.  Intriguingly, however, this article indicates that healthy eating may not be a necessary feature for all who live a long life.

People 100 or older are only a fraction of a percent of the population.

A few examples cited include centenarians who swear by the significance of their daily intake of potentially unhealthy items such as whiskey or in quantities of ice cream or bacon.

For many years or decades, Elizabeth Sullivan, a retired math teacher in Texas drank three cans of Dr. Pepper daily she reported on her 106th birthday:  

"People try to give me coffee for breakfast.  Well, I'd rather have a Dr. Pepper," she said in a 2015 interview with a local TV station.  "Every doctor that sees me says they'll kill you," she continued.  "But they die and I don't, so there must be a mistake somewhere."

Then there's Agnes Fenton, "... New Jersey's oldest living resident until she died at age 112 in 2017.  Her secret?  Three Miller High Lifes every day and a shot of Johnnie Walker Blue daily, her obituary says."

"Her habit began after her doctor prescribed her alcohol in 1943 to treat a benign tumor.  She maintained it until a few years before her death."

Dr. Iscovich argues that structure is what matters, not so much that it must be healthy.  His conclusion is:  "People who live past age 100 often have 1 trait in common:  a penchant for routine, even unhealthy ones."  

Novel and spontaneous experiences are acknowledged as important for happiness and fulfillment, but "...humans are wired to live rhythmically" as begins in the womb.  This routine extends throughout life into "...the field of chronobiology, or the 24-cycle that affects your sleep, focus, and sociability."

Coordinating these cycles is " ...the key to finding purpose, meaning, joy --- and longevity," Ischovich and his co-author Michael Ashey state, "pursuing those activities that reduce fear of the unknown and mitigate stress [that] can lead to a more controlled environment, offering stability and aiding in longevity."  They also write: "Coupled with the importance of consistent activities is the need for purpose."  

Humans will persist in seeking to learn what extends human life though there seems to be no one simple answer.  Meanwhile, we'll each make judgements  based on the latest scientific findings about what we think we need and adopt those practices.  

I don't think specifically in terms of wanting to live a century or longer.  I do think in terms of wanting to be as healthy as possible with my mind intact for whatever the number of my years.  Quality of life is what matters to me.

That said, perhaps I'm wise to reassess my daily routines to experience the best of life.  What about you?

AGING CHILDREN EXPERIENCE HAPPINESS, COPE

A new year presents many unknowns.  Probably we'll all be well-advised to focus on living in the present, day-to-day, wise to do at any age, but especially in our older years.  Making future plans can be complicated given the circumstances of each of our own lives coupled with uncertainties created in recent years by the pandemic.

Traveling life's road probably many of us have taken special notice of the years when as youngsters we just couldn't wait until we were older.  Then, we reached each succeeding decade -- 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, etc.  I was aware of turning 30 but gave little thought to that change.  When I reached 40 years I recall taking a bit more notice.  When age 50 rolled around I thought of that age as being a half-way mark in my life, optimistically assuming I'd live at least until I was age 100.

Having reached that fifth decade, years numbers after that seemed hard for me to believe I was really that age since in my mind I didn't feel that old.  Certainly, age 65 was a marker year, but 70 years -- really?  After that I began to lose track as my age no longer seemed important.  So much so that this year my daughter called to my attention I was actually a year younger than what I had been saying I was.  Oh, well!

Once I had some experience with unexpected aches and pains, I did begin to think in terms of the fact my body probably was reflecting some of the wear and tear of living all those years even if my mind did not -- or at least I thought my mind was intact.  That's what all those whose minds have flitted about a bit think, too.  I understand, so maybe I'm not as sharp as I think I am.  I confess, somewhere along the line I did begin to find writing down important dates, other matters have become more necessary to insure I don't forget, but I keep challenging myself.

I began to notice news stories of a few individuals my age and older engaged in physical events I was now less able to perform -- running marathons, playing team basketball games, weightlifting (none of which I did before, anyway).  Some had not taken up those sports unti their older years, but not an option for me now.

I don't really embrace the idea older people should aspire to engaging in activities to which younger bodies are most able which seems to be what attracts media attention in our youth-oriented society.  Still the search by some for eternal life goes on though no other animals seem to be capable of living forever either.

What is fascinating to me is how we all age differently, a fact of which I'm reminded when I'm tempted to compare myself to others featured in the media engaging in amazing activities.  I don't fret about all that and instead focus on what I can do, what gives me joy and pleasure.  I think most, if not all the bloggers I've encountered here, seem to be leading generally happy lives through their aging, older years, doing much the same.

The pleasurable experience of living is often revealed in the writings of numerous older authors I've read, also in how so many of even my now mostly deceased family members and friends chose to live their lives.

"Songs to Aging Children Come" Song Cover

Written by Joni Mitchel in 1969; featured on her album "Clouds".                                                    (This recording is reported on YouTube site as being sung by M. A. Ludwig)

  

Noting the happiness of aging children I recently noticed is Katharine Esty, who surveyed some of her contemporaries in the retirement community where she lives.  I wholeheartedly agree with her blog's concluding findings:

"I learned that one's attitude is almost as important as one's circumstances.  I also saw possibilities for a whole new vision for old age, a vision far larger than eldercare or geriatrics."

"Eightysomethings" written by Katharine Esty, PhD -- Expert On Aging Well and Family Dynamics is a book described as "A Practical Guide to Letting Go, Aging Well, and Finding unexpected Happiness", though I have not read it.  She notes: 

"People in their eighties have not gotten much attention from the media.  Baby Boomers and GenXers -- the adult children of people my age -- get lots of attention, but not the cohort of people over eighty, even though this crowd is growing faster than any other older group."

Esty shares 10 Questions with her responses of interest to individuals and their adult children or others wanting to understand the aging experience.  One question refers to the five coping skills she learned "...most eightysomethings use when it comes to having unpleasant health issues."   She perceives   individuals as being either Deniers, Stoics, Complainers, Worriers, or Realists describing their behaviors.  

Sooner or later all ages who survive will become "eighty something" or maybe even older.

Your thoughts and attitude about ageing through the years are welcome whatever your current age.

HEALTH ISSUES - SCHMIDLEY

Two of my favorite bloggers who offer thought provoking, informative, intelligent, factual, and opinion commentary -- not only deadly serious on current topical matters, but often with satirically good humor --  have revealed, or a family member has, serious personal health issues interfering with their lives. 

Schmidley’s Scribblings, I just learned about tonight, Thurs., 2/16 P. M. in this message her daughter posted on her mother’s blog:

“This is Diane’s daughter. Mom has had a stroke and is in ICU at the hospital. If anyone reads this, please get the word out and keep her in your prayers. Thank you.” 

The other blogger will be coping with medical treatments to overcome cancer that has intruded into her life.  Though she has revealed this on her blog, I hesitate to identify her here since I have not contacted her to obtain her permission to do so.   She continues to post some of her experiences as she realigns her focus more on needed self-care.   I look forward to her completing all her treatments on the road to wellness.   

On opposite geographical sides of our nation, these bloggers each share so much more about their daily lives, family, plus entertaining fare such as travels, local governing issues where they live, good reads, interesting links and occasional nonsense. 

Selfishly I’m more than annoyed with anything interfering with their doing so as I appreciate and enjoy visiting their blogs.  

Much more importantly, I care about them and want them to be well and happily engaged with their families.  

ORDINARY DAY

I've been lackadaisical about posting here and visiting other bloggers as you may note.  Had a few matters to take care of, but must confess to just being lethargic toward blogging -- though I've thought of a never-ending number of topics about which I could easily have written with all that's transpiring in the world politically and otherwise.

Today seemed like an ordinary day when I awoke after another good nights sleep.   Disappointingly I didn't recall having a dream, or one I remembered, but I figured  there would be other nights with dreams to ponder the following morning.   Preparing my oatmeal breakfast for microwaving  I was quite pleased with myself that I hadn't let my mind wander as I did  a couple of times weeks earlier with startling consequences. 

I still laugh with chagrin  when I think about those mornings when I was mentally preoccupied so I unscrewed and removed the cinnamon bottle's cap instead of lifting the lid designed to restrict any amount poured out.  I had tipped that bottle over allowing a quarter or more of the contents to spill out instead of the desired light sprinkle in my fat-free milk filled cereal bowl covered with uncooked oatmeal, and now lots and lots of cinnamon.    Once cooked, the cereal became unusual tasting hot oatmeal that I covered also with bran, fresh banana slices,  red raspberries and blueberries.  Hopefully it was nutritionally good for me.  

Today's fare was more normal and  I combined my eating with other activities.    I addressed a couple of birthday cards with mailing to be timed for specific arrival dates  -- one staying in the Southern California area and the other going further west to the Hawaiian Islands.     I could send digitally generated cards but both recipients, quite computer literate, are more appreciative of these paper cards  to hold in their hands that also bear the senders handwriting, plus they visit their email accounts very inconsistently.  The one greeting is a surprise card shower orchestrated by the Portland, Oregon daughter on her mom's 70th birthday.   The daughter tried to write or email everyone her mother ever knew and asked them to contact any others who knew her Mom to send a card, phone or an e-card. 

The daughter had done the same thing last year for her Dad's birthday and he was absolutely astounded at all the friends who made contact.    I promised in my card to her Mom to definitely arrange to keep our annual meet next Spring -- half-way between her home and mine at a restaurant we found several years ago.  (Hope they're still in business.)  I've been lax in coordinating with her so we missed the past couple of years.    I know how much to treasure friends since so many of my younger and older ones have died.   In my defense she has more children, grandchildren to visit, plus annually she meets girl friends in Europe with whom she hikes.  

Writing of girl friends, I'm reminded another friend recently sent me an email noting the content described our mutual interest in brain and neurological functions with the conclusions confirming  what we knew to be true years ago from our own mutual interactions and experience.    I don't know the writer, or original source of the emailed story that I've re-printed here,  but think many of us have likely encountered this information elsewhere that her friend sent her.  

"In an evening class at Stanford the last lecture was on the mind-body connection - the relationship between stress and disease. The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends. At first everyone laughed, but he was serious.

Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences. Physically this quality “girlfriend time" helps us to create more serotonin - a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well-being. Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities. We share from our souls with our sisters/mothers, and evidently that is very GOOD for our health. He said that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym.

There's a tendency to think that when we are "exercising" we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged — not true. In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking!

So every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health! We are indeed very, very lucky. Sooooo, let's toast to our friendship with our girlfriends. Evidently it's very good for our health.

Stay in touch with your girlfriends.  Maybe even forward this to them.   Thanks
to all the girls in my life who have helped me stay healthy, happy, and feeling very loved. "
My day continued with my writing a check to help with U.S. government expenditures, since seems I erroneously figured my income tax and owe them a few dollars more  including, literally, a few cents in interest.  I can't seem to compute my taxes correctly, (and they're not that complicated) 'cause one other year they sent me a refund I hadn't expected.  Our government is going to need a lot more money than I'll ever see since I heard on today's news our national debt is over a trillion dollars.  

Checks and cards written, I dutifully headed to my local post office, then stopped at a nearby department store, but disappointingly they didn't have what I wanted.   The clerk said, "Maybe this fall."   Before I had left home I had turned on the TV during my activities, but when I turned it off prior to going to my local postal office I noticed a strange video problem that would not correct.  I turned the set off deciding to check again when I returned.  Maybe a rest period would allow the TV to self-correct.

I stopped to purchase a fish sandwich on the way home but even this additional time had not provided healing time for my TV I noted when I still couldn't get a picture.    But I was at least pleased the fish sandwich was actually a fish sandwich, since in recent weeks I purchased fish on two other occasions only to discover once I actually  received a chicken sandwich and the last time was some sort of beef sandwich.   I ate the chicken on that first occasion, but the last time I was really angry and took the burger back.    Both times when I originally ordered in the middle of the day, the place wasn't even busy -- with no customers inside and none in the drive thru.   I've decided the moral to that story is, service is better if a business is busy.  Staff must get really lazy, careless and nonchalant when they have only one customer, one order to prepare.

But, about my TV -- no TV picture was the moment of truth.  I had to accept the fact the TV was definitely malfunctioning and I just wasn't sure where the glitch was.    What that meant was  I would not be viewing the Olympics opening ceremonies ..... unless ..... yes! .....I'll bet  I can view Olympic streaming video on the Internet!     I successfully viewed streaming video before and wrote here about it when Ronni Bennett spoke at a Washington State tech convention several years ago.  I again viewed streaming video and wrote about a Florida AARP convention event a few years later that a couple of  Elderbloggers attended.  So, I was ready.

Not so fast ..... I was disappointed to discover that those of us who choose to receive our  Olympic television signals via that simple technology called an antenna are discriminated against by NBC on the Internet.  The TV station with which I was associated years ago was one of NBC;s major network affiliates.   How could they abandon me???  The best of those Olympic opening ceremonies I could view were delayed excerpts of a few one minute or so long videos.    For example, I saw the current James Bond actor meet Queen Elizabeth and walk down the steps with the Corgis, had a glimpse of helicopter rotorblades -- but then as Porky Pig would say, "That's all folks!" 

I resorted to listening to an audio news account on that old-fashioned tech medium called a radio.   The news reporter who had viewed the actual event reported that Great Britain's elder Queen Elizabeth skydived with the Bond character out of the helicopter into the Olympic arena.  Now that would have been a sight to behold, even if it was actually stuntmen. 

Furthermore, when I discovered -- before the opening ceremonies -- this viewing complication for me -- I went to NBCOlympics.com contact page to inquire whether there was a way this antenna TV viewer might access that live coverage.  I dutifully typed the requested information with my question, but was unable to send the message because.....they must have had a CAPTCHA system since they told me to enter the numbers in the picture above, but there was no picture above, much less any numbers.  They said if I couldn't see the numbers to click on the picture (that wasn't there,) so I clicked on the space where it all should have been, but to no avail.  Maybe my eyes are going.

Tomorrow (today when this publishes) I'll try a couple things with the TV -- maybe install a new converter box I have, if it's not too complicated, (my son easily installed the first one) and see if that brings back my TV picture.  Otherwise, guess I'll have to acquiesce to purchasing a new TV and subscribing to .... yuk! ....cable (pricing pkg better for me than satellite.)    Or, I could try life with my all news radio station, newspaper news and Internet news.  Will have to find entertainment (though that's what a lot of so-called news is anymore) on the Internet and maybe view some DVDs. 

I wanted to hold out on a new TV purchase until the inevitable future I see with Internet and TV more prevalently converged and get a set then -- figured with the rate tech progresses today, it could be less than a year, or maybe up to a couple of years.  I don't want 3D 'cause I learned last year watching a friend's 3D set that after about an hour I get a headache.    Without Steve Jobs maybe tech won't move so fast toward the TV/Internet convergence marketable for the masses.   I'm still waiting to get a computer tablet (may want to get one and some apps I can use with select patients.)  I don't have an e-book (have too many paper books yet to read to justify buying an e-book, though I appreciate the benefits and will likely eventually get one.)  I'm not hung-up with having to read the latest best seller.  I still like actual physical books.

Since I've evolved into talking about digital and tech, I'll mention I still don't Twitter -- my circumstances simply don't warrant doing so.   I continue to enjoy my regular old cell phone,  use only a few of the features, mostly text with it which has been a really valued activity for myself and others.   I don't have a smart phone -- yet -- but having one is an attractive option eventually.   Young and old with whom I communicate still prefer our landline and portable phones for many conversations.  I also enjoy Skype -- interacting with and seeing the person to whom I'm speaking.

I have a Facebook account on which I've put very little personal information, no photos, use only with family (only one member uses FB but very little,)  a couple old high school, college friends (we had very small classes) and rest don't use FB -- for me it's all about not wishing to provide so much personal tracking info on the Internet for commercialization tracking purposes.   I only visit FB every few months, 'cause even those people and I communicate through other means.   I don't click on "like" or sign up with anything that requires I must follow them through FB and/or Twitter.     I prefer communicating with blogger buddies via our blogs and comments, personal emails, or other arrangements we might choose.
        
Also, I did finally succumb to repeated invites to sign on with Linked-In and will accept or provide invitations from those I know who want to connect with this business oriented community.    Again, I've seen no reason to post information about myself there, since I work only part time, am not seeking additional employment so networking is of little value to me anymore.  Mainly, I appreciate the regular news summaries on topics of interest to me sent to my email.   Anyone hoping to make connections through my account will likely be disappointed since I'm not actively building it, or pursuing links to add to my account.  If a name pops up I know, I'll likely add it.

Well, I think I'll be able to watch selected Olympic events on the Internet while I resolve issues surrounding my lack of television.   Advertisers and broadcast media won't care whether or not I watch TV because I'm not part of the age demographic for which they make their programming decisions.    Might be interesting to experience once again what life was like in the days I remember before TV.  Of course, it won't be the same because I have the computer and the Internet.

Preparation for Next 50 Years -- Again

Almost twenty-five years have passed since I sought a fifty-year medical check up to prepare for my next fifty years. I recall telling my doctor, in part seriously and partly in jest, I was planning to live to 100 years of age, so needed to ready myself. Of course, I explained, my intent was to optimize my physical health. I also emphasized quality of life was an important issue, so my mental and spiritual health were also vital components to aid in reaching my goal.

My then general practitioner medical doctor and I had established an ideal patient-doctor relationship by my standards. His approach epitomized to me the mutually interactive collaboration most effective for a doctor to provide optimal patient care, at least with me. When there were serious matters we could be serious, but we laughed a lot other times. His examination’s result confirmed that considering the wear and tear of the first fifty years of life to which my person had been subjected, I was in pretty good condition. My body was probably carrying about twenty pounds more weight than needed but I was confident I could drop that when I made the effort to do so. After all, at forty years I had started bike riding, successfully ridding myself of extra pounds I had kept those years following my childrens birth.

Earlier years when in graduate school I unintentionally caused myself a potentially serious spinal disc problem that with effort I had effectively overcome. During that time there were family stresses with the vagaries of young children becoming teenagers, a dedicated husband coping with professional issues along with the beginnings of his own medical problems, and my additional struggles intertwined with my dear mother’s care, especially after her stroke. In those ensuing years for myself I had regrettably been less attentive to or successful in avoiding the body effects from constant long term distresses that cause unhealthy chemical releases into the system.

Still, I had a naturally positive attitude. I knew relaxation and imaging techniques, but may not have utilized them as much as I needed. I neglected to maintain some sort of exercise regimen, was careless with my eating habits and may have reaped the consequences of too many years of minimal erratic sleep patterns that were continuing even then. Eventually parent caregiving following my mother’s death evolved into increasingly complex spousal coping complicated by my husband’s declining health.

I did take care of myself as much as possible but probably not in as beneficial a way as I might have. When some pressures released I tended to think I deserved to reward myself with periods of unstructured time for having survived years of what seemed like 24/7/365 scheduled routines. So exercise, eating, sleep habits remained unaltered. My doctor of many years died and though my new younger doctor was simultaneously admonishing and supportive as he could be, the relationship was not the same. There was too much history in dealing with me, the whole person, that the new physician would never know, nor given what health care had become would there be time to delve into such factors had I been so inclined, which I was not.

My husband’s unexpected sudden death seemed premature despite his increasing health problems. A few years spent adjusting to that major life change had to pass before I finally began to focus on core life planning for my future. The past year or two I gradually reached the conclusion I needed to get myself into the best condition possible. Coincidentally, at that time various medical issues periodically developed as deterrents. I persisted in viewing these problems as only temporary as I became determined I would eventually initiate my plan.

Just as I concluded I could safely start I experienced what at first seemed another medical delay, but one I was able to turn into a motivating factor. That impetus came from some of my body parts sending me strong, sometimes painful messages. Not only have I been neglectful but the question arose in my mind as to whether I might have waited too long to begin re-invigorating my system physically and just what would be my limits.

Well, I’m convinced now that it’s never too late to begin some sort of physical exercise program. Intellectually, I knew this and had someone asked me I would have told them so. Now I know it in quite a different way from the first hand experience of what I’m learning through a regimen of physical therapy I’m receiving. I have been able to integrate my own plan with those exercises that I’ve been able to implement over the past three months.

Meanwhile, I’ve been hearing media references to increasing belief that future life expectancy may well be extended beyond the current 70+ and 80+ years, especially since more people now are living into the 100’s. Speculation is that future generations may well experience 120 year plus life spans. Such news has given me cause to re-examine my whole life plan. I’ll be sharing here more on what I’m doing on this topic in the future.

So it is that I have concluded I may well have another fifty years ahead of me. I’m not going to fool around when it comes to rectifying some of my shortcomings caring for my mind, body and spirit this next fifty years. I’ve already started with major emphasis on the body, so maybe I’ll make it to 121 years because I’m getting a years head start.