L U C K Y T H R E E B R I N G J O Y !

 

3 Bald Eaglets emerged from their eggshells beginning March 1st!

(photo courtesy of Friends of Big Bear Bald Eagles)

Please refer to my previous post for a recap of this Big Bear Bald Eagle family I've followed on this blog for several years.  

I find following these lives a welcome respite during these current unsettling times.

READ  Biologist Sandy's storied account HERE.

VIEW live eagle activity at the nest 24/7 HERE.

A snowy cold weather storm is expected in a few days mid-week with one to two feet of snow predicted. Keeping these tiny eaglets warm and fed will challenge parents, Jackie and Shadow, who have been doing a good job.  The eaglets are being fed up to 8 times a day bites of fish and what appears to be a bird. 

I wonder if the last hatched eaglet will be strong enough to get its share of food with the several days older now stronger siblings given their natural competitive natures?   

Eaglets rapidly grow larger so will they all fit and be able to stay warm under either of their protective parents if more cold stormy weather occurs?  

Feathers will begin to replace the eaglets fluff.  The eaglets will begin to exercise in the nest for flying.   

Fledging (their first flight) usually occurs in 10 to 14 weeks from hatching which will be May for these eaglets.

EXCITEMENT . . . . . . FOR THE BIRDS !

Update January 29, 2025  --- This day after Jackie laid egg #3 she and Shadow were spotted briefly off the nest on a nearby tree branch  having a quick mating session.  Will there be another egg -- 4?

 

Update January 28, 2025 ---  Jackie laid a 3rd egg !

 

The American Bald Eagle has finally been named the United States national bird.  Southern California has a pair of magnificent fierce-looking bald eagles nesting in the Big Bear Mountain area east of where I live.  The mountains are even further east from those devastating fires that have been in our current news.

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."  That's what Jackie and Shadow have been doing the past two years -- trying to repeat successfully hatching their eggs and raising their eaglets. 

 Jackie laid two eggs that successfully hatched though only one owlet survived the first year I began virtually visiting their nest.  I shared significant events and videos you may view HERE on this March 2019 report.  Subsequent accounts on the parents and eaglets are accessible in the Archives beginning in April 2019.

More recently Jackie laid two eggs one year that didn't hatch, then three eggs the following year that also failed to hatch, all for unknown reasons.  The birds had been observed mating so the eggs were presumed to be fertilized and viable.  Speculation was adverse severely cold weather conditions might have been the cause despite both parents efforts to keep them warm at needed incubation temperatures.

Last November 2024 Jackie and Shadow returned to refurbish their nest.  

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 Jackie laid her first egg. 

Today, January 25, as I was writing this, Jackie laid a second egg.

Video courtesy of F0BBV on YouTube --Nature Lover Birdlife Odyssey

Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV)website provides 24/7  live action camera views of  Jackie's and Shadow's activities at the nest along with entertaining and written information.  What a spectacular view these bald eagles have  of the surrounding forest and lake from which Shadow brings fresh fish to Jackie.   He shares with her the parenting incubation duties.  

Fiona, the flying squirrel continues her periodic unwelcome visits.  Ravens sometimes become very annoying.   Other unpredictable situations, visitors can disrupt normal life -- this is nature in real time that could never be so closely observed from the ground they are all so high in a giant size tree.  

Will Jackie lay any more eggs?   Some bald eagles have raised three or even four eaglets.

Incubation has begun to keep the eggs safely warm in sometimes bitter weather conditions.   The normal incubation time is 35 to 41 days until pip watch.

Pip Watch is when the eagles will begin to listen for the sound inside of the eaglet attempting to break open the egg shell.    Jackie, Shadow and all of us will be eagerly, but patiently waiting for the emergence of those soft fluffy little eaglets.

Is this third year of unproductive hatching the charm for one or more new American Bald Eagles to be introduced into the world?   

Big Bear Valley is where these bald eagles nest but was never in danger during these Southern California Santa Ana fueled wind fires of catastrophic destruction we've had in case you are wondering.

Last year, in September 2024 there was a major forest fire in the San Bernardino Mountains that did threaten the Big Bear City lake area.   Officials reassured those concerned in news reports that the bald eagles habitat was safe as the fire was being contained.  You may click on this CBS News report on that Line fire that was determined to have been arson caused with an arrest made if you are interested.

USA SIGNIFICANT EVENTS: MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2025. --- Update Added Later

USA flags fly at half-staff to honour Former US President Jimmy Carter at Capitol Hill                                    ANI News

      Former President Carter died December 29, 2024.

      "The flag should fly at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout  the United States and in territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president." 

        Protocol summary per Google from this government publication link. 

           *                                                           *                                                        *

The Swearing In Ceremony of Donald J. Trump Jr as the 47th President of the United States.  He was previously the 45th President of the U.S.

Flags To Be Raised for Trump's Inauguration, Despite Half-Staff Order for Carter's Death.    Article may be read on this NPR link.

            *                                                           *                                                      *

Martin Luther King Jr Day -- Annual Honour -- ABC News

 *                                              *                                              *

Update of DJT's inauguration as 47th USA President ..... 1/20/25 Afternoon

Did Trump Put His Hand On The Bible When He Took  The Oath of Office?

What does that mean or does it matter?

CBS News Video at this link:  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-bible-inauguration/

HAPPY NEW YEAR -- 2025 ! -- MUSIC ..... FIREWORKS !

 HAPPY NEW YEAR -- 2025!

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

     Rod Stewart, Ella Fitzgerald, Singers

      Chris Botti, trumpet; David Foster, piano

Happy New Year 2025 -- Countdown, Music & Fireworks!

WISHING YOU ....

     PEACE

         HAPPINESS

               PROSPERITY

                   GOOD HEALTH

MERRY CHRISTMAS ..... HAPPY HANUKKAH !

 Celebrations of Christmas and Hanukkah occur on the same day this year.

 May all be merry and happy!

White Christmas sung by Mel Torme

     from his album "Christmas Songs"

The Christmas Song sung by Manhattan Transfer

Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah

   with lyrics in English and Yiddish

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

    Sung by Samara Joy

A once-in-a-generation talent at age 25 Grammy jazz winner; 60 Minutes featured artist.

GOVERNING ... DIFFERENCES RESPECTED IN 2025?

Our United States are challenged to be governed in the best interests of ALL of our citizens ... appreciating ... respecting ...

... our cultural, racial, gender, sexual, religious, political, other differences, 

... the many average persons with considerably less finances than the most wealthy, 

... every person. 

2024 Election Result Facts

Donald J. Trump received less than 50% of the popular vote, slightly more than he won in 2016, but not a majority and certainly not a mandate for him to  overturn our government, or violate our constitution.  He did win the electoral college majority of the votes in both of his Presidential elections. -- 2016, 2024.   

Kamala Harris, current Vice President, the opposing candidate conceded.

The current President, Joe Biden,  pledged a smooth transition of powers.   There seems to  have been a bit of a slow process start for the incoming administration to initiate nominees security checks for their Senate consideration of appointment to the significantly highest U.S. government positions.  This Politico link reports "Some Trump Cabinet picks may have trouble getting clearances.  Trump can grant them anyway ... even those whose FBI background checks don't pass muster."

President Trump's and Vice President J. D. Vance's election will officially be certified by December 13, 2024 with the 47th President's swearing in ceremony January 20, 2025.   

Previous Election Remembered

U. S. citizens will never forget what occurred January 6, 2021, when Trump lost the 2020 election, then the Capitol assault in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the certification.      Lying about the legitimacy of that 46th Presidential vote, has been alleged to have instigated supporters' violence with instigators deserving of accountability.   Hundreds of rioters on that day have had their cases adjudicated and almost 500 are reported to have been incarcerated.  ABC News link reports "Trump promises pardon for Jan 6 rioters on his first day...also told "Meet the Press the Jan. 6 committee members should be jailed."

"Supreme Court Grants Trump Broad Immunity for Official Acts, Placing Presidents Above the Law" as reported by this link:  American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Special Prosecutor, Jack Smith's legal case against Trump  "...dismissed "without prejudice", meaning charges could be refiled after Trump finishes his second term as president.  In his request to drop the election case, Smith wrote: "This outcome is not based on the merits or strength of the case against the defendant." Trump had pleaded not guilty in both cases." as this BBC link reports.

This Reuters link reports Jack Smith intends to step down from office before Trump becomes President according to the New York Times.

Voting results in 2024 for the Legislative Branch of government have given the President-elect's political party, the Republicans, a majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives. 

Seems voters denied our democratic republic's promise and freedoms with this 2024 election.   They possibly failed to  fully appreciate President Biden bringing calm and sanity to more of everyday life.   Perhaps with the steps to control and reduce inflation they didn't note this country's overall economic gains, considered best in the world for that unusual time that avoided a U.S. recession or even depression. 

The 46th Presidency of Joseph Biden's and Vice President Kamala Harris' four years leadership shepherded U.S. recovery from the unique circumstances of a global pandemic initially dismissed and minimized by the previous 45th President Trump until he acted much later, but that delay may have lead to the death of multitudes of U.S. citizens some have said.  

Another honest election in 2028 with viable candidates could have a positive effect toward more strongly supporting our democratic republic constitutional government which more informed voters by then can begin to reinforce in the 2022 mid-term election.   

What are some actions I and others can continue to take in the time ahead to best protect and ensure rights and freedoms for ALL of our citizens ...

.... support only those candidates who would preserve our rights and freedoms, swear allegiance to our constitution above any leader, defend our democracy to sustain our republic, and act only to do so,

.... support any of the coming 47th administration's actions that truly primarily benefit ordinary citizens as the wealthy are doing fine, 

.... always seek verifiable facts and truth from the source(s) of our news,

... use critical thinking to select only those in the Fourth Estate's honest press dedicated to verifiable truth and facts to believe, not that from social media, or conspiracy theories often riddled with propaganda including foreign government distortions and lies as is known to be occurring in our national elections, 

... carefully fact check this administration's words as past behavior indicates a great proclivity for stating inaccurate information, even about the obvious that is heard as well as seen by individuals' own eyes,

... trust what my eyes see, verify, not what others may describe to the contrary, 

... continue to believe words matter in reflecting the values, morals and beliefs of a person only if their actions reveal they live them; beware of hypocrites,

... practice civility, tolerance, respect, and love -- not hate and vindictiveness, especially in an autocratic leader's words and actions directed toward those who have different views,

... to be patient in order to survive what may well be chaos deliberately created by the new leader as occurred in the previous 45th administration, 

... keep the peace,

... stay positive in thought and spirit,

... focus on family, friends, and taking good care of our health, 

... seek humor in life to keep our sanity if these coming years are like 2016-2020.

I'm sure you have thoughts and suggestions of your own better than mine you could add.   

NIGHTMARE in November 2024 . . . . . .

I awoke the other morning with memories of a frightening nightmare filling my thoughts.  A familiar man's voice was uttering crude racist and belittling misogynistic words constantly ricocheting in my ears.  In my nightmare, my eyes swept my surroundings filled with the blurred faces of people whose hands pressed against their ears in a fruitless attempt to block the blaring sound and noise as I was trying to do.

Nearby I could see a slightly larger crowd including children, laughing, waving their arms encouraging this obnoxious man to keep shouting his obscenities.  "You love me, don't you!", he said to them.  Their unified voices responded, "Oh, yes!" 

"See, I can do and say anything I want", he said to his nearby cohorts who gave him smug smiles of approval they knew his ego expected, demanded.

I returned to the reality of the day -- our 2024 U.S. Presidential election results with the 45th ex-President to become the 47th President has had my mind reeling with questions about this nightmarish outcome.

We were just finishing a four-year respite with a welcomed degree of calm and sanity after the overwhelming daily chaos and noise from the 45th U.S. President.  That President has been thought by many to have given coded language's "dog whistles" to some fascist-like groups which seem to have interpreted his words as sympathetic to them.   Some of his own other words and actions have led many to see certain of his own ideas and behavior among those seduced by such a fascist ideology.  

During the years following the end of 45's 2016 term of office he successfully mustered enough voter support to receive a winning, over 50% of the popular vote for the first time, in the recent 2024 election. as well as winning the Electoral College votes.

Almost 50% of other voters, including me, were bewildered to appreciate his supporting voters intent when they embraced the apparent fascism our recently elected 47th U.S.President seemed to be promising.  They elected a man who many believe has demonstrated his racism, intolerance, and misogynism along with other undesirable moral, ethical and business practices reportedly throughout most of his life.

Did they not listen to his words or note his actions when he previously was President and when he campaigns?

Did his supporters not recognize the constitutional importance of maintaining the separation of church and state our constitution demands which he seems not to protect?

Did they not respect the right of women to control decisions about the health of their own bodies which he seems not to do?

Did they not believe he would act as he said he would which could undermine or weaken some of our constitution? 

Did they not believe he would obliterate a balanced rule of law and justice despite accusations of his own violations for which he is now not likely to be held accountable if warranted, as a consequence of action by his earlier SCOTUS appointments?

Did they not believe he would be intolerant of anyone whose thinking was different from his own as some allege he has demonstrated in the past?

Do his supporters actually believe in and trust a person who makes up facts, denies and distorts truth, prevaricates incessantly based on documentation of his words?

Did they not believe he would revert to instigating violence to achieve his end as many believe he did culminating in what some consider an insurrection on January 6, 2021?

Did he really mean there would be no more elections after his second 4 years if voters elected him, and why would that be true since our constitution specifies there will be every four years -- or is this just one more of his lies?  

Did voters not consider the meaning when he has reportedly demonstrated he expects everybody to have a primary allegiance to him over all else and is believed by many to have previously responded unfavorably to those who won't make such a commitment since everyone's oath, including him, is to the constitution -- not to a person or a political party?

Did they not know what it would mean in human terms when he said he would be a dictator the first day of his presidency?

Did they not understand what he is saying about women's right's when he said he would protect women whether they liked it or not?

Did they not recognize any fascist views he is expressing?

Did they not realize the dangers a fascist leader poses to everybody's freedoms, even lives, including their own?

Despite the lessons of history with fascist leaders as most recently occurred with another country's  invasion of Ukraine, or before that, WWII fought to preserve many country's independence, freedoms, including our own, save lives for which many sons, fathers, brothers, sisters, mothers, daughters died, also freeing those captive, still living, who had not been tolerated -- do they not know what fascism is? 

Definition:                                                                                                                                           "Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement, characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition", ... as defined in Wikipedia.

I am left to consider the state of my beloved U.S.A. with this election painfully revealing there are far more of my fellow citizens in whom I am so disappointed, saddened, but alarmed, than I thought lived in our proud country which holds high ideals for the individual citizen.

A thought-provoking lead-in to a recent Guardian opinion article resonates with me now.  I believe this is a great country already, but the problem lies with the people, so I have slightly altered the wording:   

"Our mistake was to believe we lived in a" ...  country with more 'better people' ... "than we do".

IS FREE PRESS STIFLING BEGINNING ?

Is the Fourth Estate -- a press independent of government dictates -- a necessary vital check on truth and honesty in our form of government we expect our Presidential candidates to observe? 

Why aren't the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times Newspapers endorsing a Presidential candidate in this critical election year with the very state of our nation's democratic republic, constitution at stake?

Why would the practice of recommending candidates this election year suddenly be discontinued?

Do the billionaire owners of these two newspapers not respect editorial management's decision freedom? 

Are the billionaires aligning themselves defacto with one of the candidates?

Are we already seeing the beginning of the stifling of the free press? 

Isn't elimination of the press one of the goals of countries with dictators, autocratic leaders, despots who determine what constitutes news "facts" citizens receive?

Aren't these "facts" put forth as truth often actually lies from such leaders?  

Have we already been primed by one former President and candidate to accept lies as truth?  

Would we want such a leader to be the President of our country?  

Honor a Man Denying Truth or Honor Our Democratic Republic .....

 

Vice  Presidential candidates Gov.Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance revealed the core issue American voters need to consider I observed after viewing their refreshingly civil debate.

Unlike former Vice President Pence who refused to certify the 2020 election based on Trump citing the election was stollen which was untrue, Vance declined to say Trump lost the 2020 election.   

"Representative Ted Lieu, an impeachment manager in the second impeachment case against Mr. Trump, said that JD Vance’s comments on the transfer of power after 2020 election were disqualifying."  Read the Guardian article by clicking the link.   

What could happen after our 2024 election if Trump loses again and decides to repeat what lead to the January 6th debacle ..... insurrection? 

American voters have a 2024 election choice : "Who's gonna honor that democracy and who's gonna honor Donald Trump?" questioned Vice Presidential candidate Walz.   

"Survival Is Not Enough" for Elders

Fellow elderblogger, Kalilly, who writes at: https://www.kalilily.net/ has launched with several colleagues a petition to urge the Congressional Task Forces on Aging to devise and recommend funding for a plan to provide subsidies that enable remodeling of old outdated facilities and the constructions of new models of affordable senior housing that meet the needs of older adults for safety, comfort, and personal connections she notes.

"Survival is not Enough"  "The crisis in affordable and humane housing for seniors is rapidly increasing. According to Bloomberg, “By 2034, the Census Bureau projects that the US will be home to more people over 65 than people under 18. Finding safe and affordable housing for this fast-growing segment of the population is becoming an urgent task, as the number of 65-and-over residents who are considered cost-burdened reached record highs in 2021, while federal housing subsidies only reached 36.5% of older households who were eligible.”

This certainly seems a pertinent issue with our aging population experiencing homelessness for so many as this nation has.    You are invited to read, sign the petition if you find it to be of interest at https://www.change.org/ImproveSeniorHousing and share with others as well.

2024 ELECTION THOT

 

2024  ELECTION THOT

Food for thought .....  

Patiently waiting for the wheels of justice to roll forward for January 6th accountability about which I've previously written.

Question as voters consider where to cast their 2024 ballot ----

If 45 becomes President, he acts chaotically as he has demonstrated he does .....  his supporters determine they made a mistake ..... but he won't leave office ..... what then?

Citizen voters won’t be able to get him out, legally if he makes all the constitution and court system changes he has said he will make in the process of establishing his dictatorship -- there will be no election as he will have prevented that.  Or, any election, if there is one, will likely be rigged much as he demonstrated attempting to do after  2020.  

At  least if another  political party's candidate has been elected we can legally remove them from office by various peaceful means —  impeachment, or at the latest, with an election at the end of their 4 year term.      

CHRISTMAS, OTHER HOLIDAYS, & NEW YEAR 2 0 2 4

          

                 M  E  R  R  Y     H O  L  I  D  A   Y  S   !     

                                      

       H  A  P  P   Y     N   E   W    Y  E  A  R     2 0 2 4   

         Tony Bennett sings "I'll Be Home For Christmas" 

 90th birthday video of live appearance on NBC- TV Today                                          (promotes a special later that night but not this year)

              

All is well as can be with me.    I keep moving closer to that ninth decade with very few of my long time friends left on this planet to accompany me while I'm here.  I continue my "rightsizing" activities at a snails pace which contributes to why I haven't resumed writing here.  

Perhaps in the significant year to come I will be unable to resist returning here to write espousing my views on whatever topics capture my attention.   

Meanwhile, I continue to enjoy my family and indulging  myself in the ordinary necessities and self-entertaining activities of daily living which give our lives meaning.  

Wishing for peace everywhere with good health, prosperity, a life filled with happiness and  only the best for each of you in this momentous year to come!  

The Secret of Christmas 

       by George Perris, multi-lingual Greek singer

It's A Most Wonderful Time of the Year

    by George Perris, International Singer

NEW YEAR 2023 WISHES --

 H A P P Y   N E W   Y E A R !      2  0  2  3

    W I S H I N G   Y O U .....

          P E A C E,

             J O Y, 

                G O O D   H E A L T H,

                       P R O S P E R I T Y.

ABBA sings Happy New Year

THE TENORS -- Auld Lang Syne  from "Christmas Together" album "... shot on location in Newfoundland and Labrador with generous support of Parks Canada".

2022 HOLIDAYS -- CHRISTMAS -- NEW YEAR'S EVE

                     2  0  2  2

M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S !

     H A P P Y    H A N U K K A H !

        J O Y   A L L   S E A S O N A L   H O L I D A Y S !

The Christmas Song 

Sung by pitch perfect Mel Torme'  -- a song co-written with Robert Wells on a hot Southern California afternoon. 

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

    Sung by Diana Krall superb jazz vocalist.

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR JANUARY 6th -- FINAL REPORT

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

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

                         Accountability

      Dept. of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith

          

Update:

Business Meeting 12/19/2022 -- Monday 

1 P.M. ET -- 10 A.M. PT

390 Cannon House Office Building,  Washington DC 20515

Televised live on the Committee's site, PBS and other channels as mentioned in this L.A. Times newspaper article along with discussion about what to expect, what has occurred and other political commentary HERE 

The final Committee report release expected soon may be discussed.

Past Committee Business Meetings 

Reports Recommending House of Representatives Cite Select Named Individuals for Criminal Contempt of Congress

QUESTION:  Will the Committee's final report rightfully include findings about ALL involved in the January 6th seditious activities?

My continuing "catch-up" break from blogging continues. 

CATCH-UP BREAK -- ACCOUNTABILITY

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

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

    Latest Committee News -- Accountability

Dept. of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith Statement

QUESTION:  Will the Committee's final report rightfully include findings about ALL involved in the January 6th seditious activities -- including any that may have involved former President Donald J. Trump, any Congresspersons, U.S. Government law enforcement departments including FBI, Secret Service, other organizations, any religious entities, corporate and private financial backers, foreign governments? 

CATCH-UP BREAK

Hope all is going well for each of you.  Expect you may be busy with life including any preparations for the coming holidays.  I'm continuing to focus on my need to catch-up on some matters here, so am not writing on any topics interesting me this week and for the next several weeks.   

See you later!

PERSPECTIVE -- JAN. 6th -- INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

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

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

Committee Media Center's Latest News

The Committee's subpoena to Donald Trump to testify resulted in the 45th President failing to comply and suing the Committee.

Former integrity chief Jack Smith, has been appointed by the Attorney General as a special counsel to "oversee the Justice Department's criminal investigations involving Donald Trump" as NPR describes HERE

QUESTION:   Will the Committee's final report rightfully include findings about all involved in the January 6th seditious activities in addition to those of former President Donald J. Trump -- the Congresspersons, Government law enforcement departments including FBI, Secret Service, other organizations, any religious entities, possibly any corporate and private financial backers?

UP WHERE WE BELONG  sung by Buffy Sainte-Marie

This is the composer's version of the song which is best known from the movie, "An Officer and a Gentleman" sung by Joe Cocker.  "Buffy won an Oscar for this song with Jack Nitzsche and Will Jennings."  

PERSPECTIVE

How we view life's experiences is all a matter of perspective.  Buffy Sainte-Marie, now 81 years old,  recalled in her youth being taught in school that in 1492 Columbus discovered America, but as an indigenous native Canadian American Cree Indian she knew that wasn't true.  She said, in 1492 we Indians in America discovered Columbus.

Buffy expressed a variety of thoughts in her music's lyrics through the years including some about current events as others like Bob Dylan did.   Elvis Presley and other singers performed and recorded her songs.  Her career progressed until unbeknown to her the U.S. government began black-listing her, suppressed her music recordings she discovered years later in her FBI files.  Not realizing her activism had become of concern, she thought her popularity has just waned.  

Other credits Buffy has acquired included repeated appearances on Sesame Street introducing that young community to indigenous people.  The story-line with her husband continued through her pregnancy, subsequent natural breast-feeding of her new-born baby.  

Thanksgiving's celebration fostered my remembrances of what I was taught about the holiday in school.  We focused on the Pilgrims and the Indians forging a friendship by sharing a meal.  

Were some of you in later generations taught more facts about the Pilgrims and Indians relationship?

I have long since learned there is much more to the story of the Native American Indians, the indigenous people of our nation, from whom the Pilgrims began taking their land with and without their agreement.  

The American Indian perspective on the Thanksgiving myth can be viewed on PBS.org HERE

"Wampanoag historian Linda Coombs and Narragansett Knowledge Keeper Cassius Spears speak with filmmaker Yvonne Russo about the experiences of Native populations at the time of European settlers'  arrival in New England 400 years ago, and what is actually known about the first Thanksgiving."

The arriving pilgrims encountered the aftermath of a plague thought to have been brought to them a short time earlier by fishermen.  Thousands of Indians died in this fast moving disease that decimated their villages of their health care providers and even those who bury the dead.  Seeing this devastation a pilgrim leader reported God had cleared the land for them revealing an insensitive, even heinous view -- lacking in compassion for other human beings to say the least by this Christian likely intolerant of others different spiritual views.  

Centuries later I recall attending the reading of a new book by author Dee Brown when we lived in Arizona.  "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" proved to be a novel describing how the American west was won.  Heart-breaking descriptions reveal the "...systematic destruction of American Indian tribes in the late nineteenth century" as Good Reads reviews HERE

Native American Cultural Heritage Month is currently being celebrated on PBS.  A number of programs are being aired about life on the reservations today you may find of interest.  

Indian reservation life can still leave much to be desired for many residents lacking basic utilities taken for granted elsewhere.   Agreements between the Indians and the U.S. Government also can continue to present challenges resolving.  

Now may be a reckoning time as our nation's people need to relinquish the colorful notions and stories told about our history.  The reality of our indigenous people, also of those held in slavery often has been romanticized and is long overdue for truthful descriptions. 

We might also want to take special care to tolerate, especially in leadership positions and news disseminators, only those committed to speaking, writing truth.

JUSTICE -- ALLERGIES -- THANKSGIVING -- JAZZ

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

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

The Committee's subpoena to Donald Trump to testify resulted in the 45th President failing to comply, then suing the Committee.

Attorney General Merrick Garland, DOJ, has appointed former integrity chief, Jack Smith, as a special counsel to "oversee the Justice Department's criminal investigations involving Donald Trump" as NPR describes HERE.

QUESTION:  Will we see justice, know the results of the Committee's Hearings and the DOJ's criminal investigations involving Donald Trump before the November 2024 Presidential election?

"The time has come", the Walrus said, "To talk of many things:  Of shoes - and ships - and sealing wax - Of  cabbages - and kings - And why the sea is boiling hot - And whether pigs have wings."        The Walrus and the Carpenter  by Lewis Carroll

One interpretation at interesting literature HERE:  "The story ... is, in one sense, the story of encroachment and entitlement: the sun upon the moon's territory or time, the walrus and the carpenters upon the oysters, which they presume to eat -- because they can."

DROUGHT -- We wait in the midst of our rainy season for more of the wet stuff, but no moisture here since last week.  None projected for this week.  Maybe next week, next month.

Typically, this is our fire season in which dangerous flames every year have been very destructive, often of people's homes, lives, pets, livestock, in addition to surrounding forests, also dislocating, even injuring or killing some wildlife there.  We've been spared fires so far this season said to be due to the absence of diablo (devil) winds.  These winds "catapult embers and fan flames" spreading the fire far and wide.

KIWIS and BAMBOO FABRIC INNOCENT -- (see my previous post. ).  I have since  consulted with my Dermatologist, then referral to an Allergist has me finally getting some meaningful treatment gradually affecting all that itching, hives/rash, watery eyes, runny nose, other symptoms, and energy, alertness level depletions alleviating some sleep complications.  

Seems I did what many people do with my symptoms -- think food or some other item is the potential cause, so we try the process of elimination.  The reality, I was told, is that most often the cause has to do with pollens, airborne matters also affecting the respiratory system.  This may be more prevalent in some areas such as where I live than in others, I think.

So, I can eat those kiwis, wear those bamboo fabric P.J.s I was told (but I may wait 'til this is over).  Given some of the relief I'm experiencing indicates we're on the right track though there is still a toll as each day wears on.  Meanwhile, a thorough examination with blood work and other will be occurring.

My fatigue level, endurance have all been affected for much longer than a month now, resulting in my getting even more behind on so many things.  The annual holidays are coming, too, so, I will continue with limited time spent blogging, probably writing only here, among other things.  Thanks for your understanding.  

MUSIC MEMORIES -- An early 20th century variety of jazz and swing, before my day, continues to be popular with many of all ages -- young and old.  Dixieland is one such style that has had a popular group of musicians in our town.  Jazz evolved into later 20th century styles I especially enjoy more and shared with my husband.  Performing jazz with his groups, including a vocal one, and backing some name artists was my husband's professional avocation for many years which I've previously written about here.   

I welcome promoting jazz so was pleased to recently learn of this 43-year-old Thanksgiving festival.  Check your community for music festivals year 'round featuring the music you favor and support them.  Area Philharmonic Orchestras can be especially enjoyable, too., as are any local area symphonies that sometimes hold outdoor concerts.

2022 San Diego Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza.         

Celebrating 43 Years!       Thanksgiving Weekend     

"The San Diego Jazz Fest is one of the longest running annual music festivals dedicated to celebrating jazz music of the early 20th Century.  Since 1980, this event has been held during Thanksgiving weekend in San Diego, California, and features a variety of musical artists performing traditional jazz, swing, blues, ragtime, boogie woogie, gospel, and rhythm and blues."

MY FIRST THANKSGIVING I recall when I was quite young was spent on a Great Aunt's midwest Ohio farm with other of my family members on what became an extended long weekend due to unexpected snow creating safe driving concerns.  Having had our Thanksgiving dinner, we now needed more food due to our sudden necessary delayed departure in those times before home freezers with an emergency supply of food were prevalent.   

The next day the men, including my older brother, went out hunting for rabbits.  Tracking the rabbits footprints in the snow aided in the task.  They allowed me to traipse along to observe the whole process which culminated in the men dressing the rabbits for the women who later prepared them for dinner.  

I was quite appalled with the demise of the rabbits, refusing to eat any of the meat.  Finally, I reluctantly agreed to taste a bite which led to a second, then more.  Surprisingly to me, the meat was quite tasty, overcoming my focus on what had happened to the rabbits and I continued to finish my serving.  The next morning, I even ate some of the meat cold.  I've never eaten rabbit since, but then the occasion to do so has never presented itself.

THANKSGIVING celebrations will soon have many enjoying time and delicious food with family and/or friends.  Some may celebrate virtually.  Others will settle on relishing long ago memories of those times. 

May Thanksgiving be special for you!

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.

VOTING DST -- DEMOCRACY -- TIME & HEALTH

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

      Accountability for Jan. 6 insurrection.

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

QUESTION:  Will the 45th President, DJT, respond by November 14th to the Committee's subpoena extension he was able to receive to give his deposition and to provide requested documents? 

DROUGHT UPDATE -- We actually received some rain showers last week where I live in SoCal.

Encouragingly we are being told to expect some hard rain, snow in the mountains for a couple days this week.  Promises!  Promises!  Hopefully the moisture arrives here with snow in Northern California mountains plus more to come in the weeks and months ahead, normally our wet months for decades in past years.  

VIRAL COMBAT -- I have my flu shot -- was given the high-dose version this year.  In two weeks I'll seek the latest and final Covid vaccine.  Continued wearing of the N95 mask when I'm in contact with most others will continue to be the order of the day for me.  

I could still contract a virus but the severity of my illness would likely be minimal, might not even require hospitalization much less result in my death.   I like those odds -- better than my winning the lottery.

MIDTERM ELECTION VOTING -- I chose to submit my ballot in a local drop box again this year.  I will receive an email confirmation my ballot has been received and votes counted within the next few days.  

What a tragedy with the suppressing effort to thwart this means as an an individual voter's right in some other states.  There are those who promote proven deliberate lies discounting the trustworthiness of our election system.  

DEMOCRACY PRESERVATION -- I continue to believe our democracy's preservation is the primary issue that needs to guide voters in their candidate selections.  Candidates who are deniers of the legitimacy of the 2020 election results and conspiracy believers unable to discern fact from fiction pose a danger to our democratic constitutional republic's freedoms, true justice with genuine law and order.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME AGAIN!

Barbra Streisand -- Everything Must Change & I Didn't Know What Time It Was                   Performed at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York on Saturday 6 May 2017

Barbra was 75 (!) when she sang these songs with a voice showing minimal age-related effects.

Barbra's dedications were tributes following recent deaths then of Sandy Gallin who was a talent manager adored and respected by many stars you can read about HERE

Virginia Kelley, is a nurse anesthetist and mother of former President Bill Clinton who came to be warmly regarded by many you can read about HERE.   Coincidentally, a friend of mine described her baby's birth as being "midwifed" by Virginia.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME and OUR HEALTH -- Did you remember to "fall back" one hour effective Sunday, Nov.6th at 2 a.m.?

Once again in the U.S. we all must change our clocks for daylight savings time adjustment except for Arizona and Hawaii who did not adopt this DST change system years ago.  I won't go into the whys and wherefores for all this but maybe this will be the last year we will be required to make this time change on our clocks.

You can read the DST history (not simply to accommodate farmers) in this succinct informative PBS News Hour transcript along with what has been learned about the effect of all this time manipulation on our health HERE    

Seems research studies have shown these time changes may be having a more serious impact on our health than we ever knew beyond our own experiences considered merely anecdotal in official scientific 'worldom'.

Our U.S. Senate did finally act based on legislation passed in several states to end this change by establishing daylight savings time year 'round.  That bill has stalled in the House of Representatives since some states, including my own California, desire returning to regular time, which I prefer, too.   This difference must be resolved between both branches of government before officially being signed into law.

Meanwhile, I'm coping with my clock-radio purchased many years ago to automatically "spring forward" and "fall back".  I was delighted to never have to bother with manually changing this clock twice each year -- just my wristwatch and other clocks in my house.  At least one clock would have the correct time to begin the day if I hadn't noticed the time change was occurring. 

Then, a few years ago officials altered the days DST would be in effect so my clock-radio's date for time change has been out of synchronicity ever since.   For example, this past week my clock "fell back" an hour several days before official time changed.  What an annoyance!

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I'll patiently await our Congress to finally act to establish the time system we will use, quite willing to accept whichever one they decide to use -- standard time or daylight savings time.  Then I will determine what to do about my clock-radio.  Maybe I can turn off the automatic date/time change feature as I like the device's size for my bedside table and the other functions.   Otherwise, to dispense with adjusting my clock twice a year, I'll be shopping for a new clock-radio.  

What do you think?  

Do you want to continue the system we have, "springing forward" an hour in early March and "falling back" an hour in early November?   

Would you prefer to adopt standard time or daylight savings time year 'round?  

Your response will have no known influence on how this government policy is decided but perhaps you'll feel better having expressed your point of view.  We can see at least how our legislator's actions reflect our point of view on this one matter -- if and when they act and we live long enough to see the results.