NEW YEAR NUGGETS

New Year goal setting requires considerably more time than I’m willing to devote to the activity. Instead, I’ve been thinking about what I’ve learned through the years. I’ve also been wondering what I’ll be learning in 2012 since life’s lessons never end.

This is a not so subtle introduction to the first piece I ever wrote for blogosphere publication -- before I even considered having a blog of my own. These retrospective nuggets previously appeared on Ronni Bennett’s "Time Goes By” on Tuesday, 14 March 2006 (slightly edited here.)

“Some of What I’ve Learned Through the Years.....So Far”

I've been aging all my life. Now, here in Southern California, where I've lived for about half my life, I'm flirting with my seventh decade. I look forward to those unknown decades to come. Isn't that what makes life so interesting and exciting, that we don't know what's coming next?

I'm not ready to leave this planet yet, unless I could finagle a free ride on one of Branson's or Ruttan's commercial space flights. (Last I read, ticket prices were just a bit steep.) Haven't yet traveled all over the world as I wanted, so this way I could just do it all in one grand trip. If for some reason I didn't make it back, well, what a way to go!

I learned long ago there's no way to predict the future. I planned as best I could. Some plans worked out. Some didn't.

I learned I didn't know as much as I thought I did at times. I learned I knew more than I thought I did at other times.

I learned to not waste my time and energy blaming others for something that didn't go right, even though they may have deserved it. Doesn't mean I haven't and don't still try to rectify what I perceive as a few injustices along the way, just means I can do that and keep my life moving ahead at the same time.

I learned there are only so many self-help books you can read, then at some point I learned I just had to get on with life. Then, I wondered why I wasted so much time reading those books. Well, I might have gotten a nugget or two from a couple of them.

I learned that everybody has problems of one kind or another, at one time or another, in their life. I learned that somewhere, someone else has had the same problems I had.

I learned that when it comes to problem solving, one size does not fit all. The same problem experienced by two different people may require entirely different solutions.

I learned it takes such little effort to smile and be pleasant to people 'cause you never know what might be going on in that person's life. They might really need that kind gesture. I've hoped others would give me the same consideration.

I learned to enjoy quiet and solitude, to value time alone without feeling lonely.

I learned to treasure time with friends and family as they may not always be present in my life.

I learned to love others just as they are; to value our differences.

I learned something from every job I ever had and I learned how to enjoy my time at every job I ever had. Doesn't mean there weren't some difficult experiences along the way.

I learned that learning is forever. I still take classwork. I still learn from people of all ages.

I learned that every job and the person who performs it is entitled to be treated with respect. I hope I'll be treated that way, too.

I learned that music, theatre, art, books, travel, nature, good food, pets can bring genuine pleasure though this is an incomplete list and not in hierarchical order.

I learned that viewing life as a glass half full is healthier than an attitude that the glass is half empty.

I learned that laughter is truly the best medicine. Science has finally proven it with all those endorphins we release when we laugh.

If you haven't laughed for a while, I strongly recommend you do so now. I know there are a lot of really humorous blogs to tickle your and my funny bone, to suit each of our tastes, written by people of all ages. I keep trying to find time to explore all those blogs, but can't do that when I'm doing this.

ELECTION 2012 - OWS INFLUENCE

New Years Rose Parade with Occupy Wall Street's participation has prompted recent commentary here. OWS continues to be active in my community and elsewhere though media coverage of their activities has diminished in news prominence. Before my upcoming blog content focuses on other topics I want to mention OWS's future plans and potential significance for the 2012 elections pending continuing needed public support.

Occupy Wall Street continues to thrive with planned actions in 2012 you may track through the months ahead with the link provided here by clicking on the organization's name.

Today I stopped by my local OWS city hall site described in the immediately preceding two posts. A young man who participated in the Pasadena Rose Parade described the enthusiasm experienced by "Occupy" marchers and parade stand viewers. Their action received only token news coverage. He noted that ongoing "Occupy" activities will continue including a major national event planned for May 1st.

The Young Turks Network features a video in which they report:

"Hundreds of Occupy Wall Street protesters created a 'human float' at the Tournament of Roses parade and unfurled giant banners of the constitution an a giant octopus made of recycled grocery bags. Ana Kasparian and Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks discuss."

TYT Network


Here's a very short video of the "Occupy" marchers "Octopus" seen from Rose Parade stands. A full cohesive photo of the octopus tentacles and gigantic copies of the Constitution aren't clearly defined.



This Presidential election year is a prime time to bring pressures to bear on candidates to address the nation's issues which OWS can do. All too often candidates speak in generalities, avoid the pertinent topics, distract the focus to religious and social issues, or become enmeshed in launching and defending themselves from negative campaign attacks.

Unduly complicating the election process has been Supreme Court decisions recognizing corporations as individuals (there's an effort to correct this obvious injustice.) This constitutional interpretation invites undo influences contrary to a real actual persons best interests -- like yours and mine. Criminal amounts of $$$ are now allowed to be spent on behalf of candidates. We the people will be drowning in those advertising $$$. Just a thought, but wouldn't it be more helpful to the financial recovery of this nation if some of those $$$ went into the U.S. Treasury as taxes???
Yes, I know, it's all about power, control and money.

The outcome of recent Iowa Republican caucuses confirmed a fact proven in California's most recent campaign for Governor -- the candidate spending the most money does not automatically win an election. I suggest those excessive campaign $$$ serve primarily to create static, muddy the waters for disseminating the facts and alienate many toward politics and government.

Occupy Wall Street offers an opportunity to bring to bear pressures for desired legislative and government action benefiting that 99% championed. OWS needs citizen support to reach full potential for influencing the focus this 2012 election takes.

"OCCUPY" ROSE PARADE Up Date

"Occupy" marchers did follow the Rose Parade as described in the previous post but none of the television stations provided live video coverage. Audio mention was made earlier in these corporate-owned station's commercial broadcasts. An all-news local radio station provided brief reports confirming "Occupy" presence and post-parade march. Later news coverage, if any, remains to be known.

* * * * *
Here's a link to CBS-TV news accounts:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57350999/rose-bowl-parade-gets-occupied/

Huffington Post provides photos of the "Occupy" march:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/02/occupy-the-rose-parade-pr_n_1179519.html

Los Angeles local news accounts report "Occupy" leaders say 4000 supporters present; police estimate 400.

Here's a video account of "Occupy" preparation, group panels from insideoutnews.org:

"OCCUPY" ROSE PARADE - Monday

2012

H A P P Y
N E W
Y E A R !

What will this new year bring to our lives?

We'll continue to be affected by world affairs with Europe's financial woes, the Middle East's uncertainties, and the Far East's growing economies plus the inevitable unexpected events internationally and/or domestically.

Eventually the U. S. political parties will each officially declare their Presidential candidate. I would welcome a campaign focused on the issues and minus negative attacks.

A new political party, Americans Elect, may emerge with a candidate. He/She may have the potential strength to spoil the election for our traditional political parties, or even be voted into office which could be a positive - or not.

The Occupy protest movement is another group that may have some impact on election outcomes. Their primary focus centers on the growing social and income inequity being experienced by 99% of the United States population.

Southern California's Occupy Claremont has actively supported Occupy Wall Street, Occupy Los Angeles and the movement across this nation. Last October their initial action involved staging a protest at one of our major local banks. Community local activists are often joined by nearby University students. All maintain their tent area erected on concrete neat and clean outside our City Hall.

I've been interested in conversing with a few of the Occupiers. They assured me this movement is still quite active locally and nationally. Also, Occupy anticipates more peaceful protests and actions in the coming year. Perhaps there is still hope some of the more definitive objectives they described will make a difference for citizens and their support will broadly increase.

A handout distributed there provided information promoting a Constitutional Amendment that would rectify the interpretation of law that allowed corporations to be considered individuals like you and me.

The Occupy movement with some protestors from around the country will be marching Monday at the conclusion of Pasadena's famed Rose Parade. After all the floats, bands, performers, celebrities, Rose Bowl dignitaries have passed, typically the multitude of trucks used to transport the floats to the display site appear followed by law enforcement vehicles. Occupy's group most likely will emerge with their display before or after the trucks and police cars. The degree of media coverage Occupy marchers receive remains to be seen.

I wonder if Occupy groups are still active in the community where you live, even if they aren't still camping out?

* * * * *
Up Date with further details for Occupy at Monday's Rose Parade.......
credits: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin - Occupy article by Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer;
Los Angeles Times - Occupy article by Michael Hiltzik


A several thousand large Occupy contingent will be parade side with tents and camping overnight.

Select marchers expect to exhibit "...a giant 70-foot-long octopus and a 250-foot-long Constitution as parade elements."

This will not be an official parade entry but one being "...allowed to march on the parade route after the last float." Rose Parade officials have been quoted as saying other groups have marched in the past under supervision of the Pasadena Police Department.

This will be a peaceful activity as Occupiers stressed to me when I spoke with some of them. This movement is far from over in their efforts to focus citizens attention on issues affecting us all including: bringing accountability to Wall Street, addressing banks excessive power, concern there's too much money in politics, caution that there's increasing infringement on individual rights and privacy.

Citizens aware of inequities must take responsibility to bring about the changes needed for our nation.

New Year's Eve Question - 2011

Sultry Diana Krall vocalizes with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra backing her....

"What Are You Doing New Years Eve". Credits: http://www.dianakrall.com

HOLIDAY GREETINGS 2011

May holiday celebrations bring your family much joy and pleasure with loved ones and friends whether they live near or distant.

Here's a classic Christmas song, "Sleigh Ride," sung by husband and wife, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme:

(Remember LPs?)


(From the 1965 LP: "Goodyear's Great Songs Of Christmas Album 5"
(Columbia Special Products CSP-238-S)

Technological communication systems today bring us close across the miles allowing an ease of frequent contact unlike any time before. We have simple cell phones ranging to the more complex smart phones like the iPhone and Androids, other digital devices. Small netbooks to larger laptops and desktop computers are in use. Email, instant messaging, texting, twittering -- social networks are popular. There are iPods and the latest iPad iteration with evolving competitive gadgetry, plus hundreds of thousands of applications. There's a never-ending steady stream of new digital creations to fascinate, intrigue, challenge, frustrate and confuse us.

I'm particularly enamored with Skype (quickly and easily downloaded free from the Internet) which allows real time interaction with picture and sound for conversations that enhance relationships with friends and family.

I've especially enjoyed Skyping this year since more loved ones are doing so, too. I was pleasantly surprised this week with contact from an older family member who has been able to add Skyping capability to life skills he has been gradually reacquiring since a life-threatening medical event years ago, coupled with subsequent medical issues, impeded his computer digital activities.

I've especially enjoyed keeping up in real time with Skype's audio and video of my grandson born early this year who I finally met this past fall. I traveled east for a delightful time rockin’, singin’, talkin’, readin’, and playin’ with him. I even shared some time with his parents! Meeting again with his other grandparents is always fun, too.

I'm really delighted to periodically see and talk with my grandson via Skype with his Dad providing technical assistance as the little one reaches for a keyboard or touch screen. I've been impressed with how Grandson attends to my face on the screen, may recognize my voice, and responds dialogue-like verbally with beginning sounds though they don't yet make intelligible words. I've been delighted to watch him in real time walking with the support of his push toy, grasping food bites that also can be smushed for finger painting on his table between bites, and his eventually cuddling at bedtime.

Just today, Christmas Eve, (when I'm writing this) I was treated to a video of Grandson now walking independently! Life has suddenly become even more interesting for his parents and their two cats as those of us who are parents know only too well.

Computers will be a given in my Grandson's life, just as television was for his parents. Neither technology existed in my young life except in the comic strips, fantasy and science fiction.

Wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas and most Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year!

Remembering.........

Commemorating lives forever altered on Sunday, December 7, 1941

My deepest gratitude to all those whose lives were sacrificed to preserve our lives and freedom.

… with each passing year fewer people vividly recall the day

… some may only recall parents or grandparents describing the day

… others may have encountered written, pictorial or video historical accounts of the day

This event led to WWII -- the war naively believed to be the war to end all wars.

MARIAH - Some Call the Wind

Strong windy weather is happening where I live. Racing through the mountain passes and canyons tonight, and the next two nights, are predicted 40-50 mph winds arriving in my area about 2 A.M. -- much weaker than earlier winds. We can expect continuing winds for another week. Due to the drying nature of these winds wild fires persist in being a significant dangerous risk.

I’m being reminded of “Mariah,” or “They Call the Wind Maria,” composed by Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe as the song was titled for “Paint Your Wagon,” a 1951 Broadway musical, later a 1969 film.

Singer, orchestra leader, Vaughn Monroe offers his “Mariah” version.



Incidentally, I recall Vaughn Monroe making a guest appearance on the ‘50’s-‘60’s television talk show with which I was associated. He was exceptionally nice and impressed me even further when he spent time after the show providing counsel to a young “girl singer” -- as female vocalists were referred to then. She had arrived from a nearby small town to audition with our Quintet a few weeks earlier, impressing all of us with her vocal talent. Coincidentally, her name was “Marie” (I’ve forgotten her last name.) With the help of music world contacts, including through our show’s host, she relocated to successfully and regularly perform in Chicago clubs. She surprised me with a visit when she returned home a few years later, having chosen for the time being to leave the music business and start a family. We lost touch but I've often wondered how her future unfolded.

On with my present personal windy saga.....
Batten down the hatches, shutter the windows, tie down loose ends has recently become the mantra for those of us living in Southern California’s Los Angeles area. We’re accustomed to what we know as Santa Ana Winds this time of year, but they’ve taken on high velocity ferocity this season. Hurricane strength winds (75 mph to 150 mph) without the rain have been gusting through our valleys. Thousands of homes and businesses are still without power they lost five days ago.

Uprooted trees have fallen into the streets, crashed on to houses, crushed cars, coupled with felled power poles and lines generally wrecking havoc. Traffic lights at major intersections ceased to flash. Some businesses had generators for backup power. Others had to close or were forced to conduct business using old-fashioned mathematics with hand-held battery powered devices, or simple paper and pen to compute sales and make change.

Here’s Frankie Laine, reported to have been in his eighties when he sang this Mariah rendition.



My personal wind experience began last Wednesday night with weather alerts we could expect some strong winds in the mornings wee hours. I became sleepy so retired unusually early, but recall being awakened around 1 A.M. to rushing wind sounds outside my bedroom window. Knowing there was little to be done, I went back to sleep.

Thursday morning when I finally left the comfort of my warm bed I encountered unusually cold air and discovered a household power outage had rendered my furnace impotent. I determined to save my cell phone battery since my land line was still operative. The following hours of news on my battery powered radio increasingly revealed the wind’s widespread damaging effects.

Only small branches had blown into my front yard, which I was able to gather for placement in my green recycle bin. I had a good-natured laugh at myself when I discovered I'd need to wait for power to get the bin because I forgot the procedure for raising the garage door when there’s no electricity. Even more ridiculous, I couldn’t locate the instruction book I received when I had the door installed only a few years ago. I did have the key to the back door into the garage, but I didn’t want to drag the bin into the backyard, around to the front, then back again. Later in the afternoon when I still had no power I phoned the electric company. A recorded message for my area stated electric service was not expected until Friday’s early hours.

I was able to keep appointments Thursday, so could see for myself on nearby streets trees down, one's upper branches barely missing a house. After learning power was on south of famed Route 66 in our city I decided to attend a movie downtown in the late afternoon. The movie theater auditorium was much colder than I had hoped, but “Descendants” film setting in the sunny warm-appearing Hawaiian scenes allowed me to partly suspend reality. I was disappointed when I returned home to find the power still off. Just as I was readying to treat myself to a hot dinner out, the lights came on.

This whole experience has provided me an emergency dry run using some items from what I had always thought of as being for earthquake preparedness. I think I want a solar powered battery charger because we had sun, and little wind during the day.

Eddie Fisher’s “Mariah” is quite enjoyable I think, though he was never one of my favored male vocalists – or “boy singers.”



I don't hear any wind outside, but those gusts come suddenly and seemingly from nowhere. I’ll write here again – if I haven’t blown away!

THANKSGIVING 2011

Hope everyone is ready for Thanksgiving because the day is here! Somehow my mindset has not been prepared for that fact. Surely does seem as though this holiday came pretty quickly this year. I was just getting accustomed to summer evolving into fall.

Thanksgiving memories and thoughts immediately have me vocalizing:

"Over the river and through the wood
to grandfather's house we go ..."


This Thanksgiving song was originally a poem by Lydia Maria Child. Years later the lines were changed to "grandmother's house" and became a Christmas song
Wikipedia reports.

This version is as a Thanksgiving song, but retains the change to grandmother. Enjoy!




Wishing one and all a most pleasant day whether alone or with family and friends.

Mishmash

Mishmash: a confused conglomeration of mismatched information (my definition)


Internet factual personal data independently collected by commercial sites is highly suspect in the event you have any doubts. Specifics about themselves revealed by individuals, or those who know them, on social network sites are a different matter but could be questionable, too.

On a whim I thought I'd see what personal information about me some commercial sites offered free to readers who searched my name. What a hoot! I've never seen such a mishmash of mixed information. I hope no one is ever foolish enough to actually pay any of those sites money to see whatever other data they claim they may or may not have about me. (I don't know what they might have, since I wasn't about to subscribe to find out.)

First of all, the sites often don't even have my name spelled correctly. A nonexistent middle name's initial is indicated in other instances. These name listings are as mixed up as the credit reporting agencies were the last time I checked their written reports (facts they can't seem to get straight.) Reviewing further family data purported to be about me revealed continuing grossly erroneous information including total family members and names in the household.

This experience caused me to wonder how accurate these sites would be for a few other family members and friends, or to question if only my listing was inaccurate. I needed to search but a few names to discover their data was as bollixed up as my own.

Frankly, I'm quite accepting of the fact much data about me on those commercial Internet sites is untrue. I hope anyone who might refer to those sites realizes they may contain little more than a grain of fact in an ocean of misinformation. I have no intention of correcting falsehoods or providing missing particulars to any of those sites.

I guess I belong to a minority group that doesn't welcome the gathering of information about me, that is consolidated in one such public centralized location so readily available for marketing. So, I don't intend to take any corrective action to aid in their so-called fact gathering. At best this effort only slows the assault on my personal privacy.

This Internet activity set me thinking. Just as many individuals seek celebrity today -- either the famous or infamous variety seems desired by many -- numerous other people are dedicated to compiling as many facts as possible about each of us as a way for them to make money. They lead us to embrace the idea that revealing all about ourselves on the Internet is desirable. I think, despite rhetoric to the contrary, the primary motivation for gathering information about us is purely commercial -- to find a way to entice advertising dollars.

Eventually, one day the great computer with infinite storage in the cloud will know all there is to know about us. The mechanical wisdom of this computer, that will have been designed to program itself, will spew forth selected knowledge unique to each of our needs and desires. When we consult that digital wizard about products and other matters each of us will automatically be offered predetermined choices presumed to be our preferences.

I wonder if the computer will know to offer me a pair of special shoes I always wanted? Maybe I shouldn't wait for the wizard to intuit the wish of this then young girl who longed for springs on her shoe soles in preference to the pogo stick she never had. There were no such shoes with springs then, as far as I know, but finally, these many years later, someone somewhere has designed that footwear. Hm-m-m! I wonder if there's a model suitable for elders?

VETERANS TRIBUTE ON 11-11-11

Thanks to our U.S. Military Veterans on this date designated to honor their service to the nation on our behalf. This year we have a unique confluence of "eleven" numbers to which some people attribute special significance for a variety of reasons.

This Veterans Day, which internationally is known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day some places, falls on November 11 (or nearest weekday.) The day refers to the end of World War I which occurred in 1918 formally ending at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The change to the name Veterans Day in the United States came about when in 1953 Emporia, Kansas citizens observed a Veterans Day in lieu of Armistice Day. Subsequently, legislation was introduced in the United States House of Representatives for this official name change to Veterans Day. Then undertaken was a letter-writing campaign directed toward gaining support of state governors for this holidays' observance and name change. All veterans who served would be honored as this name change to Veterans Day was enacted June 1, 1954.

Imbedded in my lifetime's memory are the stories of relatives who served in World War II. I especially recall family members serving in the U.S. Navy. Others were active in local USO events designed to entertain the service men and women who were often far from home, sometimes bringing them into their own homes for family visits.

I do believe that the sacrifices made by our armed forces during WWII are directly responsible for the fact our country continued to exist as the free democracy/republic our constitution's creators intended. For this reason I accord special tribute to those WWII surviving veterans whose numbers diminish daily, as well as to those who live only in spirit now.

Armed forces personnel are often placed in harm's way with tragic results. Lives are lost, outwardly observable physical and/or mental injuries are incurred, and wounds invisible to the eye alter life for some service people. Our sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, friends and lovers -- these men and women are all forever changed, so are their families.

I believe as a nation our people should be insistent that our veterans receive not only initial optimum timely medical care, but continued long term therapeutic interventions needed to maximize their quality of life. I am greatly distressed whenever I become aware veterans have not received the highest level of care. I am particularly concerned that those diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI,) Closed Head Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) receive the extended care they need and their loved ones receive necessary caregiver support.

I think it is important to note that the evolution of Armistice Day to Veterans Day in the United States came about because a group of citizens in the heartland of this country were determined to bring about meaningful change. I have heard from time to time over the years individuals excuse their responsibility for not actively participating in our government by voting in our elections because "My vote doesn't count," or, "It doesn't matter whether or not I vote, as it won't make a difference."

U.S. history is replete with many instances which prove individuals votes and actions do make a difference. The establishment of this Veterans Day is an instance when citizens actions manifested themselves in a desired outcome of benefit to all our citizens.

Our veterans who put their lives at risk, and those we honor on Memorial Day who died, gave of themselves so the rest of us could continue to enjoy freedoms unlike those enjoyed in any other country in the world.

On this day when we honor our veterans, I hope we also make a promise to ourselves that if we've not yet registered to vote, we will do so; that we will educate ourselves on the issues and the candidates, then vote intelligently in every local and national election. Seems to me that is the very least of our responsibilities to our country, ourselves and our children. If that is not enough incentive then, at the very least, we should do so in honor of our veterans. Voting is an important act when we consider our Veterans willingness to lay their lives on the line so that each of us can live in freedom and exercise our voting privilege.

Thank you, again, to our veterans!

BLOGGING -- FINANCIAL INEQUITY NOT FORGOTTEN

Blogging has not been forgotten at "Along The Way," but I have been a bit pre-occupied with family -- all in a most pleasant way I hasten to add. During this time I've taken a month or so away from my part time work, but have agreed to assume some extra assignments when I resume work as a courtesy to those seeing my patients while I'm taking this break. I'll confess that I haven't been visiting any other blogs during this time so will be doing some catch up later. I'll soon return to expounding on a variety of topics I've been intending to write about including a mix of music and whatever else strikes my fancy.

I have had a serious unexpected accident tonight for which I have had heavy guilt feelings the past couple of hours. First, I must give you some background. Present in my household are two personable lively cats with whom I've been discussing their forming Felines Anonymous -- an organization for those cats who jealously guard their privacy but need the support of others to aid in weight loss. We are having a bit of spirited disagreement determining exactly how many steps will be in this program, whether or not we want to insist on weigh-ins and I've insisted small outdoor creatures are not acceptable dues payment.

Morgan is more disciplined, likes to eat small amounts, returning many times to his twice daily meal he parcels independently throughout the day. However, his food must now be provided in a location that Randall cannot access. Randall's problem is that regardless of how little or how much food is presented to him, he will eat it all at one sitting, along with any food Morgan may have foolishly trusted he could leave for later snacking. Furthermore, later in the day, Randall will use his wiles to con more food as many times as is possible.

I guess it's a philosophical difference -- sort of like the petrified politics of the U.S. Congress.

Randall obviously is a 'fat cat' but he wants to greedily take in even more -- no concern for those with whom he should rightfully share. Morgan, more trim but not without excess fat cells, is actually the dominant 'top cat.' He will generously share, but chooses a more equitable distribution of food stuffs. If word gets around about Randall, I wouldn't be surprised at all to awaken one morning to a peaceful gathering of protestors against him -- much like the Occupy Wall Street movement mushrooming across the U. S. and the world.

Both cats spend most daylight hours outdoors enjoying watching winged adventurers in the surrounding woodsy environs that house numerous even more intriguing creeping, crawling and climbing creatures. I suspect Morgan and Randall are mostly observers of the life around them though they often disappear from my sight, but haven't gone far since they respond fairly quickly to calls. They do spend the hours from dusk to dawn indoors which pleases me. Years past I've been awakened too many times to neighbors cats courting under my bedroom window -- making sounds like a baby squalling. Such cat behavior in recent years has ceased. Unfortunately small pets of all kinds -- even those in fenced backyards -- have become victims of a few coyote packs who've moved into our city since our infringement into their wilderness territory.

About the accident, I mentioned -- I was walking down a darkened hallway and suddenly heard a squall that triggered shivers down my spine and sent me leaping -- pretty good jumping for this gal. Rushing into the lighted room was furry black Randall who I had unwittingly stepped on. I felt sick in the pit of my stomach wondering which of his body parts or how seriously he had been harmed. Randall made a hasty retreat to the top carpeted tree perch from which he looks down on all of us. His master quickly moved to comfort him as I soon followed, cautiously, slowly, extending my open hand. Randall's piercing dark eyes looked into mine as I offered soft soothing apologies. I was allowed to slightly caress a leg but faint signs of hair rising on his back admonished me to not persist.

The next two hours Randall let me ponder over the error of my ways and to soak in my guilt. Absent his forgiveness I thought I might absolve myself by writing this. During my writing, I think he may have been reading over my shoulder, because amazingly to me, Randall suddenly deliberately left his perch, resolutely crossed the room, jumped up on the footstool at my feet, stretched out facing me and fixed his gaze on mine. I slowly reached out my hand wondering if I would receive a claw-extended paw in return, or maybe a quick head lunge forward with teeth biting enough to hurt but probably not break the skin. Instead I was allowed to gradually stroke Randall's body, as he eventually purred his forgiveness.

All is right with the world. I can sleep peacefully tonight. We can all hope tomorrow will be a better day.