Random Thoughts . . . very random

 

          All summer long I have been able to open the windows and allow fresh air to enter the house early each morning.  And this month has been great for early morning air – that is until recently.  Smokey skies since Saturday.  I don’t even know where the smoke is coming from.  There are three fires just below the California border. 

          Alexa tried to tell us it was the Bootleg fire – the biggest fire in the nation – in 2021.  I don’t think the smoke that lingers outside is from that fire. Emigration, perhaps.  But I don’t know.  I am currently not able to open the windows or door as I will start coughing.

          Watched Jimmy Kimmel’s return – suspended indefinitely but less than a week later . . . I had never seen his program before but am happy to see not only his return but the support for freedom of speech.  It’s the principle of the thing.  I am happy to learn that abc has not allowed the bullyism of some to pull the plug on one-sidedness.  Forget dictatorship. I support Jimmy Kimmel’s message and endorsement to continue.

          Pres. Nelson passed away Saturday night.  On Sunday a congregation gathered for a stake conference in Grand Blanc Michigan.  Another crazy shooter and arsonist upset the meeting.  Lives were lost and several others were injured.  We don’t know the motive or intention.  Did the individual specifically target the LDS church or an individual who happened to be there?  Freaky.  And no flags were flown at half mass for any of them.

          Signs of the times.  More reason to turn to the Lord.

Shortly after I posted the above, Richard and I went to Roseburg to pay a bill.  We were blessed with a rain which thus far has cleared out the smoke.  I have the window open once more.  And it is beautiful!

Thoughts Triggered in Just Two Minutes on Facebook

There was a post from Joh pleading for his family with an attachment for gofundme.  Both Corey and Joh are aware that it is a hard time for everybody and raising money has been an issue for everyone towards one cause or another and probably struggling themselves.  I reposted his gofundme plea along with my own words that his mom and I share the same birthday.  I was able to enjoy eating cake and playing games.  She could not.  She has been in the hospital for two weeks.

          The next post I saw was a mother and a son spending time in an amusement park enjoying themselves while social distancing.  They were on a ride in the air.  The ride itself offers a large space between each “lift”  -  my first thought was, “Yes, there’s an essential – to open the amusement parks” but I did not leave my snarky comment.  Outdoor activities seem like they are less risky than indoor.

This particular family who had gone to the amusement park has had a hard go at staying afloat.  Perhaps someone had given them complimentary tickets.  Perhaps someone could see their need for something that I don’t fully understand.  Perhaps she had some pressing issues that she needed a break from and saw the amusement park as an opportunity to do so.  I have never walked in their shoes and hope not to.  I have never walked in Joh’s shoes either.  I just feel closer to his situation as he is family.

          His father had passed away in June 2013.  Two months later my mom passed.  Both had dementia.  Joh’s mother had offered to take in my mom.  Of course that did not come to pass.  I have always been appreciative of her offer – as well as Corey who told me about her offer.

          Next post was Corey’s concerns that aren’t COVID related.  So many racial prejudices and slanders going on our country right now.  He shared these words by Langston Hughes:

 

"What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?"

 

          Have we learned nothing while in this pandemic?  I think some of us have grown stronger while others have been creating a past that shouldn’t be forgotten but certainly not embraced.  Why do these things have to happen? 

 

          And then I come across this post.  Seriously?  Who’s bright idea was this?  Have they ever been to a public school classroom?  How is anybody supposed to learn in this kind of environment?  Can you feel the depression? 

          Another post shows a woman in the pool happy to be in the swimming pool on an overly warm day.  Not me.  There is no way I am getting into a public swimming pool any time this year. I’d feel like I was climbing into a giant petri dish. 

           We can try putting ourselves in the shoes of another but still will never fully understand their point of view or why they do certain things or why they don’t.  I am amazed by the actions of others.