LIVING IN PLACE WINDY CHALLENGES

Interesting times living in place as we age .....  as if the pandemic isn't enough .....

My house at long last welcomed receiving electric power again a short time ago this Sunday night as I write this following a sudden outage Friday night.    We had some pretty strong winds sweep through Friday all night long.  They had such a strong force for only the second time in our area of town that I've experienced in the almost fifty years I've lived here.   

I opened my door early Friday evening once to check for delivery of an expected package which I learned later had been delayed but finally came today, Sunday.   The wind was so strong I could hardly push the door shut again.   As the night wore on I realized the power was not coming back on so I headed into bed.

As the winds howled and whistled I could hear my small empty trash container, half the size of a full size bin, banging and thumping around from the sheltered corner area of my covered front entry where I had placed it in anticipation of easily filling it the next day.  I'm so glad I hadn't yet put anything in the bin as light content weight would likely not have prevented it being upset. 

The next day I found the bin, open, laying on it's side up against my car.  Any contents would have been spread all over -- what a mess it would have been to clean up.   I'm not sure if a few small hard pieces of material I found in my drive are from my house as I will have my gardener coming later this week double-check to see if any others in the yard, though I haven't seen any shingles as I surveyed through my windows, but then I can determine if there is any roof concern.  

We knew there would be winds as there often can be every year with other communities generally receiving the worst and only minor issues in other parts of our town but not on our street.  In fact, this is only the second time in the almost fifty years I've lived here our street has been even remotely close to having such a destructive wind.   

Saturday when I drove out to get some hot food as I drove only a block into an adjoining small town, then others, they all seem to have some power.   I didn't see any trees down on our street, but elsewhere traffic lights were out, major boulevards closed to traffic blocked by fallen trees.   

We received varied reports of when we would have power again.  First it wasn't known yet, then we would have power 3:30 a.m. Saturday, then back to not determined again, later some misinformation, and finally to be 9 p.m. Sunday, but the power didn't come on so they weren't predicting again.   Happily an hour or so later we had electric.  Certainly as winds go these were not comparable to what those having gone through tornados and hurricanes experience, but everything is relative and what anyone experiences brings its own challenges.

I kept warm but it was SoCal cold here, meaning 40 to 60 degree temperatures and I'm glad to have an interior warm house again.   My body has long since acclimated to our climate so I reminded myself that where I once lived we would have thought of temperatures like these as nice winter days -- but this ol' bod just isn't impressed with my effort to influence mind over matter so I was aware of cold air.

Ironically, earlier Friday I had allowed my new iPhone to run very low before plugging in, thought it had fully charged but hadn't actually yet checked it had charged when I unplugged it.    I'll always check immediately now as I discovered the phone hadn't charged, perhaps the plug had been loose.   Such was also the case with my computer.  So, here I was poorly prepared technologically to effectively cope with any long power outage emergency.  

Once again having my landline telephone kept me connected to the rest of the world  with the ability to track my electric company's progress, contact my family, and have the capability to summon emergency help should I need to do so.  

Another learning experience for me in this grand experiment of living in place as I age.   I have decided to finally purchase a solar charger which I first considered doing a few years ago but had not done so.   I must do better emergency preparedness.  

Without the ability to access the internet, publish a blog post early Sunday,  see and hear the news, I did a lot more reading, completing one book and starting a second.  I hadn't been in the mood for reading books for a while as periodically occurs for me, so maybe that spell is broken.

I've learned a family member who has been so very careful has somehow been caught by covid but with only mild symptoms, lots of fatigue.  

Hope all of you continue to be well,  Also, that your emergency plans and preparedness kits are in good order.

 

VICARIOUS LIVING -- VIRUS -- LANGUAGE INFLUENCES HEALTH

       "The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history." 

POV  

I'll refrain for now from elaborating more on the anger I feel toward those U.S. politicians -- who clearly aren't statepersons -- continuing to betray their oath to our constitution and protection of our democratic republic by not holding accountable those responsible for the traitorous acts and murders associated with the Capitol's assault January 6th -- another day of infamy!  Meanwhile we must keep refuting the deceptions, disinformation, lies, conspiracy theories used to undermine our democratic republic.

VICARIOUS LIVING

On a more mood-altering note, living vicariously one night this week, I virtually visited the Big Bear Mountains via the live camera focused on the vacant Bald Eagle nest.  The ferocious sound and sight of wind gusts blowing the spitting snow whipping through the tree nest tapped into sensory memories of times when I had such similar real experiences though on the ground and not hundreds of feet up in a tree.  The recollection caused me to shiver involuntarily though I was now warmly ensconced in my recliner chair far removed from this real scene.

I couldn't help thinking how glad I was the eagles first clutch of eggs had not survived to hatch.  The baby birds might well have not lived through the series of storms we're having with more snow, wind, rain and cold temperatures expected in the coming week.

This past week over 2 feet of snow in 48 hours in those mountains and the ones above where I live became welcome rain at our lower elevation.  "On average, thirteen inches of snow equals one inch of rain in the US, although this ratio can vary from two inches for sleet to nearly fifty inches for very dry, powdery snow under certain conditions" as reported by the National Severe Storms Laboratory.

Hopefully, we'll draw closer to building more adequate water reserves described by California Department of Water Resources since we're behind for the coming dry summer heat.

Will be interesting to see if after this next storm the eagles refurbish their nest which a raven couple rearranged following their devouring the first clutch of eggs.  I wonder, will the eagles try again to raise a family this year starting a new clutch in February?  Here's that Big Bear live cam link if you want to see what's happening up there.  The scenic mountain lake view and sounds can be relaxing even if nothing else is happening.

VIRUS

Here in the human world, we're busy trying to ward off a virus we cannot see but one equipped to inflict considerable disruption in our lives and even take the life of some of us.  This devious virus mutates and evolves to circumvent the medications used to treat and destroy this enemy.  So, we now have variant viruses including at least one version stronger than all others that may be somewhat immune to the vaccines our scientists have created.  

Meanwhile, in the U.S. and around the world people are rushing to obtain what they hope will be a life preserving vaccination against these viruses.   Near me in Los Angeles County at our fairgrounds free vaccinations are being administered to a never-ending line of those driving through who have been able to make a reservation.   Even more people complain of difficult time-consuming efforts on the Internet or even by phone trying to make a reservation because there are so many in need.  The necessary vaccine is limited in quantity, too, as are the distribution sites while manufacturers are rushing to meet the demand.

While I am now eligible to receive a vaccination, I have decided to simply wait for my pharmacy or physician to receive a vaccine supply and have my injection provided by one of them.  They will contact me to reserve an appointment once they have vaccine.  Until then, I will continue to follow the safety precautions I have been taking successfully the past year.   So what are a few more months or however long it takes.  I fully intend to take those same precautions for a time after I receive any vaccination, too.  Who knows, by then maybe the inoculation I receive will have been modified to resist the latest viral variants and might even be refined to require only one injection for protection -- or not.  Whatever, I'm prepared to adjust accordingly.

LANGUAGE INFLUENCES HEALTH

I may be in a better position than many to be somewhat isolated from society,  living alone as I do and no longer working.  Even the challenge of grocery shopping is eased with delivery and pick-up services coupled with the Internet's offerings.  I can still safely drive to drive-thru restaurants.  There are so many people who need to be out and about, are necessarily exposed to other people in the process of earning for their livelihood who are in more need of vaccine protection than I am.   Others seem much less able to adapt to a more confined life with limited physical contact to other people than I experience.  Even virtual contact seems to be intolerable for some after only a short period of time in their life though I'm quite satisfied with the limited amount I have.

Maybe the Just Scream hotline, closed January 21st, serves as a better form of release though I've never found that to be a successful outlet for me no matter how frustrated I feel.  I just read that, apparently, people have more to scream about, so effective February 1st they are reopening Scream's phone line -- in case you're interested click on the link above.

We all have different needs and limitations to our acceptable thresholds for being able to function effectively with the physical absence of others.  Some seem to be better able to accept their situation without becoming distressed.  Others seem to be more needy.  I think for some, just the conscious knowledge their freedoms and choices have become limited for any reason, despite the fact it certainly isn't permanent, has created so much anxiety in their mind and thinking, they seem compelled that they must resist at all cost, however illogical or irrational that may be.   I'm not much for volatile emotional outbursts as a release such as those mask wearing resistors demonstrate.  The stereotypical tale of redheads having hot tempers is another one of those falsehoods which as one I can confirm.

I do believe how and what we think with the words we choose has considerable bearing on how events unfold in our lives.  I remain quite convinced the language to ourselves we use in our heads does influence our attitude, thoughts, emotional state and behaviors to impact our health for better or worse.  When stress becomes distress our language to ourselves can alter that state as described in this Mayo Clinic link.  Self-talk benefits have been noted in various studies including even reducing pain such as discussed at Healthline.com.   I wonder if others put a premium on the words they tell themselves or if doing so matters little?

ADAPTATIONS -- LIFE -- IMMORTALITY

Rain!   We actually had some rain here in Southern California where I live.   I know -- rain, moisture, or snow isn’t that big a deal where most reside, or where I grew up, but times and location change.   Where I once lived in the Midwest we coped with rivers overflowing.  One year there was real concern a dam would break flooding a whole valley, but the waters stopped just shy of overflowing the rim.  

Then, there were the occasional tornadoes that ripped havoc through the area which were of concern.  Wintertime meant snow – lots and lots of snow, cold temperatures often going way below zero – trying to stay warm.  Slipping and sliding on icy surfaces in our cars and trying to remain on our feet. 

I’ve enjoyed nature’s offerings everywhere I lived – including a few years in the Southwest’s desert-like climate with flash floods in washes, dust storms and what they called hundred year flooding that strangely came much more frequently.   Summer came and we tried to stay cool. 

Now in Southern California, the drought we’ve been having for several years gives us reason to not take nature’s gifts for granted.  The fires about which I recently wrote, finally under control, have left those homeowners concerned the vegetation barren hillsides around them could result in mudslides, so once again some have vacated their homes as a precaution.  Fortunately, the worst case scenarios have not developed so far.   Rain is expected again the middle of the coming week, so we have our fingers crossed for their safety once more.

I can be grateful to have never lived where I was immediately subjected to most of these life-threatening dangers.  Where I live now in the foothills of northeastern Los Angeles County these fires, mudslides and the like have not been a close by concern.   Yes, “the Big One” earthquake is a matter with which we know we’re at risk for having, but it’s always something, somewhere, isn’t it?  

***.         

The adaptations we make to our environment so we can not only survive but enjoy ourselves in the process, does keep us occupied.   We humans even keep trying to extend our lives longer and longer.  Only recently did I read statistics have shown life expectancy in the U.S. has declined in recent years as you probably heard on the news, too.  Nevertheless, I can well imagine some among us are querying in their mind whether or not its possible we could remedy that, perhaps even eventually becoming immortal.  

I knew there were some creatures who lived much longer than humans, so was curious to see what they were and how long they lived.  You can read more about them and see colorful photos of them at One Kind Planet HERE:  

Red Sea Urchin – 200 years

Koi Fish – 200 years

Long Finned Eel – 60 years

Mccaw Parrot – 60-80 years

African Elephant – 70 years

Galapagos Giant Tortoise – 152 years

Bowhead Whale – 200 years

Greenland Shark – 400 years

Ocean Quahog – more than 400 years

Then, there’s the ......

Immortal Jellyfish – not truly immortal, but fascinating to scientists because this creature if its body starts to deteriorate or becomes injured can regenerate itself.    What is the secret?  

World Health.net sheds further light on “...this tiny creature the size of a human pinky nail”.

Would you want to be immortal?  

SQUIRRELY SPRING SPRUNG

 
Remember that limerick we used to sniggle conspiratorially about  in our youth because of that forbidden 'bad' word that we dare not say aloud -- at least if any adults nearby?    Those were the years long before George Carlin and his seven dirty words made this verbiage quite tame by comparison.

Spring has sprung,
Fall has fell,
Winter's here,
and it's colder than .....  'last year' (we would giggle and say)

 And then, for English grammar rule lovers was this enlightened tidbit:

We conjugate swim ..... swim, swam, swum
Now conjugate dim .....

Back to the topic of weather -----

"Soupy marine layer" is what TV's weatherman forecast for  this coming morning -- again.    I don't mind since we have an over-abundance of sun days most of the year.   Six weeks ago I was delighted to observe what I thought was one of the first signs a California spring had arrived. 

I was about to exit my parked car at the retirement community where I provide some health care rehabilitation services.   Suddenly, movement under the green leaf-filled umbrella-like tree next to the walkway caught my eye.  There they were -- tumbling around, flitting here and there in short jerky movements as they ran a few steps, stopped abruptly, frozen in place, surveying their surroundings, probably for any signs of predators.  Then, with a flick and swish of their bushy red tails, as though they were mechanical toys winding themselves up, they resumed their antics. 

Transfixed, I soon concluded what I was observing was a courting dance.  The same slightly larger squirrel was making mounting advances on the smaller one who would repeatedly simply sit down each time the pursuer made his critical move.    He would then temporarily scurry aside, but soon return to repeat the flirtatious  process.    Each time the object of his attention would quickly sit down thwarting his efforts for a more intimate relationship.   Aha, I thought!  I have just witnessed the practice of squirrely world  birth control.  

I wonder if the squirrels were as misled as I was that spring had actually arrived.  Since that time my weather prognostication on seasons of the year has been turned upside down.  Our weather has seemed bizarrely unusual in keeping with climate changes continuing to be in evidence all over the world.  Southern California, where I live, can definitely attest to our weather becoming much more erratic in recent years with this one  no exception. 

My Christmas cactus has really been traumatized.  The hearty green plant has adapted in a strangely unique way.   The bright fuchsia red blooms have blossomed in staggered sequence each time on a different portion of the plant on three different occasions since the beginning of the year.     This week, one lone blossom has emerged in what must be a final fourth attempt to synchronize with nature.

I am of the persuasion that the world macro weather picture can be attributed primarily to two different causes for climate change.    Scientists have said our earth is slightly tipping on its axis which accounts for some of the changes we're experiencing.  Scientists have also determined man-made pollution in the atmosphere is contributing to climate changes.   This laypersons opinion is that there is no simple black and white, either/or, one or the other explanation.  Both events are at play.
 
I become annoyed with all the time, energy and words spent arguing over which cause is responsible.   Why can't we all just acknowledge the scientific facts indicating both contribute?   Why not recognize the axis tipping which we know is  beyond our control?  Why not devote ourselves to addressing those pollution factors over which we have control?    Why don't we concentrate on making accommodations to these changes with a goal of human adaptation so we can survive on this earth?

Meanwhile, we better be checking for another planet to which a select few of our species can migrate, just in case we fail to preserve life as we know it on Earth.  Perhaps, that's how Earth became populated in the first place.  Species on another planet had to leave, came to earth and here we are.   I don't find this earth-settling  scenario  incompatible with various religions beliefs.   Perhaps we'll eventually have to leave our planet.  Perhaps this is our history which we're doomed to repeat if we don't learn from past lessons.