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The weather is gray. The scenery, unlike human the landscape, is a study in black and white. My new bifocal lenses were installed last Friday and the difference is simply amazing. I am reading again, without strain and without pain. I continue to watch the world. Today, as I drove by a residence for the elderly, I slowed to accommodate blocked traffic. A lone pedestrian, a woman with a walker, had been unable to travel on the ice covered sidewalks and was struggling down the side of the street. The width of the street, already narrowed by the wide snow banks, could only accommodate the woman and one car. I wonder how difficult it would be to keep the sidewalks clear near the homes for the aged. I can think of less humane ways to spend public monies. Today I am thinking about hamsters and squirrels. Because walking is so dangerous, I have taken to walking about the house. I walk from the front of the house to the back, down the stairs and across the basement, back up the stairs and front to back on the main floor again. I repeat this activity for thirty minutes. It reminds me very much of "The Oldest Daughter's" hamster and his hamster ball. The hollow, clear plastic ball sported air holes and provided the hamster with the freedom to roam the house without escaping into small spaces where he might do damage or die. He enjoyed a good workout every day, rolling that ball here and there. I enjoy a good workout running about in my safe little enclosure. I may remind myself of a hamster, but I live with a human squirrel. As a child, Attila loved the stories recorded by Danny Kaye. One of these stories was "Stone Soup". It tells of a traveler who persuades a frugal woman to part, bit-by-bit, with ingredients from her well-guarded larder to improve the taste of his stone soup. Attila took the concept of the well-guarded larder completely to heart. Like a squirrel, he collects and stores a variety of culinary delights. He often forgets just what he has put by, and enjoys the experience of rediscovery. When living with a human squirrel, I recommend a relaxed attitude towards food preparation. Planning meals is an activity one must abandon. It is best to relax and learn to love the element of surprise. What treasure will Attila find today? What marvelous meal will he dream up based on the mysterious stores in the basement? |
RECIPES :: Cast Worldly Distractions  The Narrow View By the Easy Chair Georgia O'Keefe by Roxana Robinson Airwaves The Four Seasons: Winter Vivaldi Weather 02:13 EST Temp: -1` C Humidity: 69% Wind: W 6 mph Barometric: 29.97 in Sunrise 7:42 AM EST Sunset 5:17 PM EST |
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