Thursday, January 12, 2017

This is not a typical "farm post"

If that's what you're looking for, then it's probably better to move along and come back another day. ;-)

First, a state-of-the-resolution address, in a manner of speaking. My non-acquisition decision is holding firm, without much difficulty so far. Every once in awhile I have to remind myself that I'm not buying any "stuff" this year and Self goes, "Oh, that's right; no point in looking then." I've listed a couple things on eBay, and I'm working on utilizing and using up what I already have in foodstuffs. Between the weather and less need for me at the office, I haven't had much opportunity to go grocery shopping this year anyway.  Recently I took stock of what I had, consulted a favorite cookbook, and made Russian Carrot Pie for supper. It was tasty; even the pie crust turned out well with relatively little fuss. (That was obviously a confidence-builder, because I made a pumpkin  sweetmeat squash pie for dinner tonight!)

Yesterday we went to town in Rick's 4WD vet truck (Brian had another snow day), so I was able to pick up some staples like potatoes, dry beans, and brown rice. We also stopped at a few stores to find a couple items recommended for Brian's upcoming Wilderness Class snow-camping trip. Most of the time I stayed in the truck and knit (not looking, remember) but I picked up a prescription at Walmart and asked a clerk if they had any toboggans. The response? "What's a toboggan?" =:-O  Brian looked for snowshoes there and at Big 5 Sporting Goods, and the clerks directed him to snow boots – you know, footwear for cold weather. Ay-yi-yi! I mean, I understand that we do not live in an area that usually sees this much winter weather, but don't people READ? Like, BOOKS??? What happened to basic vocabulary?

Speaking of vocabulary, I listened to the First Lady's farewell speech (and stayed up to watch her on late-night TV – which I rarely do – last night), President Obama's farewell speech, and read (I could only handle listening for so long) the transcript of Trump's first press conference since July. (I also read every word of the transcripts from the last two presidential debates.) Ai-yi-yi! The differences are stark, and very unflattering to the president-elect. Regardless of party or policy, I want the leader of the free world to be well spoken; i.e., to sound like s/he has the experience, temperament, intelligence – and yes, vocabulary – to interact calmly with those around them, including other world leaders. Would any elementary or high school teacher want their students to emulate Trump in words or actions? I certainly expect and require better from my son.

Moving on to less depressing foci, I cast my eye around the place this afternoon. As always, there is beauty to be found, beauty that reminds me of the Creator who is ultimately in charge. That doesn't mean bad things won't happen in this world; that's the price of free will. But someday all the ugliness will be destroyed. Beauty wins.










That's it for now from . . .

7 comments:

Theresa said...

Michelle,
When is the camping trip? I have two pairs of LLBean snow shoes. They are plastic and work well. Now what I grew up with as snow shoes.....no cat gut.....
Wasn't Pres. Obamas speech wonderful, uplifting and hopeful? Oh god I'm going to miss that man and his lovely wife. I'm sorry to say I turned off the Cheetos speech after a few minutes. I couldn't bear it. Hugs.

Peg Cherre said...

Can you provide a link to your eBay store? Might be interested in buying what you're selling. :-)

Susan said...

Good for you! I am having the same year and it is rather a relief to have a reason not to enter a store. I can't believe they didn't know the difference between snow shoes and snow boots! Wowee! It is such a pity that we are now being 'led' by someone who can only tweet and doesn't even do that well. I will miss the Obamas - they were a class act. You truly live in a beautiful place - your photographs are so lovely.

Mama Pea said...

For us up here in snow country, that's a little mind-boggling that toboggans and snowshoes are unheard of by many in your area!

I agree with what you said regarding wanting the president of our country to be dignified, well-spoken and admirable. (What are we gonna do?) :o/

Your icicle picture is stunning. And that RED yarn? Totally yummy!

C-ingspots said...

I agree that he's got a lot to learn in the etiquette and likely vocabulary departments. But personally, I am anxious to bid Obama farewell. I've grown so weary of his flowery speeches where he depicts our current atmosphere from some place of fantasy, certainly not of reality. I hope for a president who says what he means, and means what he says, even if the truth hurts us a bit. Truth over proper, even if it's a bit course.

I love that red yarn too, it's a beautiful shade!

Michelle said...

I just learned today that it is the first weekend of February, Theresa. Brian's teacher has a few pairs to rent out, so we're planning to go that route, but thanks!

Peg, right now I just have a couple pairs of shoes listed....

I agree, Susan; going into stores and "shopping" is tiring. But once in awhile I have fallen for a dose of retail therapy . . . not this year!

I'm still dumbfounded, Mama Pea.

Lorie, the problem with Trump in all that I've listened and read of his words is that he says whatever he wants – and then promptly denies it. I saved a copy of his campaign "Contract with America" and he's already reneged on quite a few key points. He does not give specifics on how he will accomplish his many vague promises, claims to be smarter than specialists in many fields and therefore doesn't need to listen to them (such as scientists, the intelligence agencies, economists, judges), and consistently puts down individuals and whole classes of people. Diplomacy means NOT ALWAYS saying everything you think. Individuals may be able to "spout off" and get away with it most of the time; if leaders of countries do it, it can lead to devastating consequences for millions. What do we do with someone who is both coarse AND untruthful?

300 Days said...

Good for you. I am having a no buy year too. Ladt year I bought everything I wanted so time to recoup this year😀