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May 17 Soon the Golden MonthsStreams of buttery light
melt through the frame.
Warm puddles on velvet
while sounds of life
pour through inviting glass.
Home breaths deeply.
Languid black fur stretches
golden warm today.
Siestas from the sun
restrain pink tongues
from chronic appearance.
Anticipate.
Warbling white summer rays
bounce and invite,
wavering on facades.
Plan escapes to
backyard Rivieras.
Is school out yet?
May 14 Welcome Sophia to the FamilyHere she is! Sophie is our new Mini Schnauzer. Take a look at her picture below.
She comes to us from Miniature Schnauzer Rescue in Portland, Oregon. The vet says she is about 10 years old. Her teeth were in such horrible shape, that infection had spread to her sinus cavities. They pulled tha last of her rotten teeth, and placed her on some heavy anti-biotics. Now she is feeling much better and is adapting to life in our household. Sophie was a stray found by Clackamas County Animal Control. Her fur was badly matted so they had to shave her completely, including her trademark Schnauzer beard. But fur grows back quickly. It's better to be healthy than pretty right now.
We chose the name Sophia (Sophie) for two reasons. First, it means wisdom. We believe Sophie has been through alot in her life and she's older than our Amy dog, Sadly, Sophie must be wise about the cruelty of life. How anyone could abandon such a pretty little girl, I have no idea.
Also, she reminds us of a little old gray haired toothless lady, like Sophia on the TV show Golden Girls.
We were trying to find a name that didn't end with a long "ee" sound because the new dog's name should not be too similar to Amy. But we gave up on that because most nick names end with that sound. Therefore, Sophie it is! Sophia Elizabeth Carroll Uttinger! May 11 Why Are People Thoughtless and Mean?Mean people suck! Mean people are those who intentionally hurt others, or, because of a lack of thought or caring, unintentionally hurt others - then deny the damage they have done.
I've decided there are two categories of mean people: the criminally mean, and and the non-criminally stupid. The former do short term damage, but they are few in number. The later are numerous, and hurt society the most. Often the damage that stupid people do lasts a lifetime.
Recently, I had a few electronic enounters with the criminally mean. Someone has been trying to steal my identity and that of my partner. They have impacted my credit rating and they are trying to steal money from the banks who do business with me. Apparently, by requesting a credit report, someone has been trying to get credit cards issued, and gain a cash advance through our existing credit cards. In the long term, this will probably have little impact on our lives because our banks caught on quickly and we have taken additional steps to protect ourselves. But I have no doubt my fees and interest rates will increase as banks must spend more money to protect themselves and their customers against te growing problem of identity theft and electronic fraud. Yet I worry less about those vile and self-centered crooks. I worry most about the average Joe or Joanna who can't get his or her head out of their ass.
Why do some parents routinely arrive late to pick up their kids from school or daycare, and then complain when they are charged a late fee? Or, God forbid, a teacher complains - how horrible it is! How dare a teacher complain about having to wait half an hour three time in the last month because mom can't pick up her son on time? What do her action tell her son about his importance in life?
Why do some people speed through residential streets, while others drive slowly in the freeway passing lane? Do these average folks ever consider the children playing in a neighborhood, or the drivers unable to pass because Mr. Self-righteous won't move over to the slower lane of traffic?
Why do some people get burried in debt to such an extent that they can't pay their bills, and then throw a fit because the utility companies want to turn off the phone and power? I got in too much debt during my 20s, I felt horribly embarassed. When a clerk too away my credit card, I walked away in shame. I said not a word, because I was the one who made the mistake.
Why do some parents allow their children to run about in public places? And then they look at me aghast when I complain because the brat ran into me and caused me to spill my coffee?
Why are some adults allowed to breed, even though they don't have the financial means and they lack parenting skills too? Should my tax dollars support people who can't make healthy choices in life?
Why do some people marry (or not) and have children - then divorce and wreek havoc on their children in the midst of a battle between screwed up adults? Perhaps it is the parents who are acting most like children.
I used to think I was a pessimist. But I've learned in the last year or two I am actually an optimist. I truly believe I have the ability to accoplish any goal on which I set my mind. And I am far from perfect. But damn it, friends and family alike - if I have been thoughtless and negligent, you better call me on the carpet. I promise I won't try and make you the bad guy if I don't have my head in the right place. I hope I always admit my mistakes, apologize for any negative impact I have on people. I always try to think ahead. And I believe everyone who knows me knows I make every effort to be ethical and caring.
But, I don't trust most people. I've learned there are a lot of mean and thoughtless people in the world. And the ones that leave the worst taste in my mouth are not the criminals. It's the ones who've forgotten that God gave them a brain, and they should use it to think and take responsibility for themselves, their actions, and the impact they have on others - especially chidren! God save us all from the average mean person who will never spend a day in jail, and will never apologize for screwing up the life of a child, or causing inconvenience to a neighbor. May 01 See @ L !The weather is warming and flowers are blooming thoughout the city. Once again, Seattle is going through it's yearly transformation. This is one of the finest summer cities in the world. Here are 7 reasons why Seattle is a great place to visit during the summer.
1. WEATHER - No climate is better than Seattle in the summer. It's dry, warm, sunny, but not humid. In fact, it's a lot like San Diego, my home town.
2. PERFORMING ARTS - Intiman Theatre is an award winning regional company that performs during the summer. There's also the fun performances by Civic Light Opera. Of course, the Seattle Pops offers indoor and outdoor concerts, as well as numberous rock, pop, and jazz artists performing in parks and at winderies.
3. CELEBRATIONS - Seafair is our big local summer festival. Just about every neighborhood has some sort of local parade and party. Then, in early August, the largest parade in the Pacific Northwest is the capstone event of Seafair: The Torchlight Parade. It's simple and fun. The second largest parade is the Gay Pride parade and festival. This year, that event is moving to downtown and the Seattle Center.
4. NATURE - Sailing on Puget Sound or powerboating on Lake Washington, hiking in the Cascade Mountains, strolling trough Discovery Park or the Arboretum. Wow! There is so much to do.
5. SWIMMING - The lakes are warm, the boats are cruising and sailing, and the beach crowds swarm. FUN!
6. URBAN ENERGY - All the locals are out and about. Streetside benches are full during the lunch hour. Shops are often open late because during the peak of summer, the sun doesn't set until 9pm or later. That also means outdoor cafe's are brimming with customers.
7. FARMER'S MARKETS - Many neighborhoods offer the bounty of summer and spring. Most of it is organic and inexpensive.
So much to do. For me, summer is all about spending time in our pool, boating on the lakes and canals, as well as attending summertime outdoor concerts. Lucky for me, I'm a teacher, and I have vacation time during all of July and August. I'm counting the days until summer vacation begins. |
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