How would our communication be affected if we were restricted to a word diet? Would we be more discerning? Is less really more? There's a zen story about a monastery that was very strict. Following a vow of silence, no one was allowed to speak. But there was one exception to this rule. Every ten years, the monks were permitted to speak just two words.
Read moreCatfish
I've been introduced to the wonders of raising plecos, a breed of catfish. My grandson is knowledgeable about this species and is breeding them as a school project. He has convinced me that this Albino Bristlenose Pleco named Whiskers, is "cute" as is his wife, Gilda. (Gill-da, get the play on words?)
Read moreAn Unproductive Day
The forecast was for snow — not just inches of white stuff, but a winter storm with high winds — a blizzard. There were TV lists of school closings, and recommendations to stay home, and to limit travel to emergencies. Supermarket parking lots filled as people stocked up for a day inside. And me? I planned to do absolutely nothing but watch nature perform. And I hoped to enjoy it from the cozy comfort of a chair near the window.
Read moreGMO?
The food news this week is that genetically modified (GMO) potatoes will be in our grocery stores very soon. This achievement is designed to eliminate the easy bruising that happens to regular potatoes. Hmmm. As a consumer this isn’t high on my list of priorities. My guess is that mass users of potatoes, like fast food restaurants which sell huge volumes of french-fries, will be happy with this development. But what's your reaction to the news?
Read moreTree of Life
Next to our driveway stands a majestic tulip tree that is more than 100 years old. Its visible roots span 30 feet. Despite a yawning hole in the base of its trunk, each spring buds appear on its branches and burst into leaf. Delicate tulip-like flowers in pale hues of green, orange, and yellow give the tree its name. But this year the tulip tree will not blossom.
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