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SARS [Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome virus], West Nile virus, Tuberculosis, war, and terrorism, rank high among the new equalizers in North American culture. Who will die, who will live? Death and taxes; two things thought here to be the certainties of human existence. There is some doubt as to the equitable distribution and application of taxes. Taxes are a human invention, subject entirely to human decision. Death, on the other hand, is seldom subject to human decision. Yes, the privileged can afford heroic measures and precautions to preserve their lives. However, there has never been any indication that this does anything more than improve the odds of survival. The interesting times in which we now live have greatly decreased the efficacy of privilege in preserving life. So much for philosophy. My bottom line is that I do not want to die, nor do I want anyone I know or care about to die, ever! The reality is that I, and the human network that I cherish, will eventually move into history. I hope to live in dignity until this comes to pass.
It is warm and pleasant in my living room. Soft light illuminates the book on my lap. Mist sleeps contentedly on the ottoman at my feet. Meanwhile, a brittle coat of ice accumulates on the surface of the trees, the houses, and everything that can be viewed from the front window of the house. On the ground, there is snow, there is ice, and more ice plummets from the sky. Screaming "Uncle" does not quite cover the intensity of my frustration with this spring weather. Never have unpleasant atmospheric conditions felt so overwhelming. It is probable that the emotions generated by exposure to media coverage of war and pestilence have been transferred to the relatively safe inconveniences of the weather. In the last ice storm, in our back yard, a huge branch was brought down by the weight. On its downward journey it caught and carried our cloths line to the ground, ripping it from the side of the house with great force and much noise. Luckily there was no significant damage to the house. In various areas of "The City", power lines were damaged by falling trees and branches. Although many in our area were without electricity for some time, our power flickered occasionally but held fast. Most of the ice on the trees has been shaken off by the gusty winds, taking weak branches with it. Today the temperatures may not rise above freezing. Tomorrow, it is said, will be partially sunny, and above freezing. Let it be so. As the world turns uneasily around me, I continue to pursue my interests. The transcription of the 1871 Census for one Ontario County is but six pages from completion. This County is where my GGG Grandparents were among the first to settle and register Land Grants. Most of the families entered into my files from the 1871 Census, will eventually have one or more members marry into my ancestral blood line. This past week a copy of the 1881 Canadian Census arrived from Utah, a Family History Resource File, from the CD-ROM Library . This will provide years of entertainment. Just in case that does not keep me well occupied, the Vital Statistics CDs for North America and the British Isles are on their way from the same source. Confined to the indoors by the inclement weather, my time is spent working on the computer, baking bread and treats for Attila's lunches, counting the stones as I pace five minutes out of every thirty, and entertaining myself with my genealogy database. Life is good. |
RECIPES :: Cast Worldly Distractions  Enough! Quote “He knows of no natural force greater than himself... generations gifted with the strength and industry of the ox and with the courage of the lion, but, alas, with the intellect of the former and the self-restraint of the latter.” from Hereward the Wake by Charles Kingsley page 11 On the Screen Anna and the King starring Jodie Foster & Chow Yun-Fat Weather 11:02 EST Temp: -2`C Humidity: 93% Wind: E 19 km/h Barometric: 102.7 kPa Sunrise 6:55 AM EST Sunset 7:58 PM EST |
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