Wednesday, October 24, 2018
new painting
Trip wants me to paint! He handmade a bunch of beautiful, tight stretched canvases for me. Here is something I painted on one of them. I will probably tweak it a tad.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
remnants
It has been over a month since Hurricane Flo hit Wilmington, and we can still see the effects. I've heard that some people are still displaced, living somewhere other than their homes, and that some lost everything. There is still a lot of work going on all over, and downed trees are still being picked up. With the exception of Hurricane Michael, we haven't had much rain since Florence, thank goodness. My neighborhood is in good shape now.
One day last week I went to CB, the north end. I needed a walk on the beach, and enjoyed it despite the wind. There were a few piles of destruction there. Here is a pic of the jetty and the pier, that, though standing, is missing boards and stilts. Must be closed.
One day last week I went to CB, the north end. I needed a walk on the beach, and enjoyed it despite the wind. There were a few piles of destruction there. Here is a pic of the jetty and the pier, that, though standing, is missing boards and stilts. Must be closed.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
For Mental Health Day
As anyone who works in psychiatry can tell you, the mismanagement of sex is a terrible thing.
It was the rare female admission to the psych facility who had never experienced sexual abuse. It was rarely a male stranger rape but a slimeball of a relative who got to them first. And there were aggressive lesbians who preyed upon lost, vulnerable otherwise heterosexual women. Males are also victims, and it is harder for them to speak out. Most common was the male on male abuse. However during my time, I heard horrible tales of mother and son, preachers, neighbors and family members with boys. Generally, out of a sense of not belonging and feeling confused, both males and females can be lured into some terrible sexual relationships and become deeply wounded - if they survive. Molestation causes irreparable damage to children that determines much of the way they function throughout their lives.
Anyone can sexually abuse anyone or anything.
It also undergirds many political issues today.
Sex is one of those behaviors that is most likely to be used for power, control, revenge, and rage.
It should come as no surprise to anyone who has turned on a television or been to a movie within the past quarter century that the cesspool of Hollywood has more than its its share of amoral deviants.
It was good that is was brought to light and spawned the MeToo movement. It has helped some people to heal. However the movement itself is subject to corruption and misuse.
If sex were in its proper place, mental illness would greatly lessen. Generally an upbringing in which a child feels secure, loved, and is taught healthy values like self respect will provide resistance to abuse as an adult. It is important to remember the source of the problem.
Those are my thoughts for World Mental Health Day.
It was the rare female admission to the psych facility who had never experienced sexual abuse. It was rarely a male stranger rape but a slimeball of a relative who got to them first. And there were aggressive lesbians who preyed upon lost, vulnerable otherwise heterosexual women. Males are also victims, and it is harder for them to speak out. Most common was the male on male abuse. However during my time, I heard horrible tales of mother and son, preachers, neighbors and family members with boys. Generally, out of a sense of not belonging and feeling confused, both males and females can be lured into some terrible sexual relationships and become deeply wounded - if they survive. Molestation causes irreparable damage to children that determines much of the way they function throughout their lives.
Anyone can sexually abuse anyone or anything.
It also undergirds many political issues today.
Sex is one of those behaviors that is most likely to be used for power, control, revenge, and rage.
It should come as no surprise to anyone who has turned on a television or been to a movie within the past quarter century that the cesspool of Hollywood has more than its its share of amoral deviants.
It was good that is was brought to light and spawned the MeToo movement. It has helped some people to heal. However the movement itself is subject to corruption and misuse.
If sex were in its proper place, mental illness would greatly lessen. Generally an upbringing in which a child feels secure, loved, and is taught healthy values like self respect will provide resistance to abuse as an adult. It is important to remember the source of the problem.
Those are my thoughts for World Mental Health Day.
Monday, September 24, 2018
Storm Update
Another busy day in the streets of Wilmington as chainsaws whir and people try to get back to business. There is so much volunteer work going on. I am glad I got home in time to participate. Many places offer food. One has been occupying a vacant shopping center parking lot and serves only barbecue. It has trucks with shower stalls and trucks for sleeping. Several church based groups are set up and offer food and necessities. The place where I "helped" yesterday was World Central Kitchen and is run/organized by chefs. It appeared chaotic, but in fact it wasn't. It was well organized, just very busy. They prepare meals for 12,000 people! The food is taken to various places within probably a radius of up to 100 miles of Wilmington. They plan to stay through the week.
I stopped by Greenfield Lake today to see what Florence had done to it. There were quite a few trees down and men with orange vests cutting them up and moving them out. I saw a lot of white birds flying and nesting in the trees on the other side of the lake. One close to the walking path was staying put. At that spot, there were hundreds of smelly, dead fish, and not small ones either. A woman who was sitting nearby said it was due to the lack of oxygen, and that a group she was in had brought an aerator to put in the lake there. It's funny how the great trees go down but delicate looking plants remain. The pix are at Greenfield Lake. 1) high lake and trucks on the road 2) John standing on an uprooted tree 3) flowers
Then on to the Cape Fear River, broader than usual and faster moving. I've heard the water is receding faster than they thought. Good news. Mother Nature is awesome.
At my house, there must several hundred downed pine cones, mostly green and new. I definitely rather get them now than when they become seedlings.
Next post: The birds at the lake.
I stopped by Greenfield Lake today to see what Florence had done to it. There were quite a few trees down and men with orange vests cutting them up and moving them out. I saw a lot of white birds flying and nesting in the trees on the other side of the lake. One close to the walking path was staying put. At that spot, there were hundreds of smelly, dead fish, and not small ones either. A woman who was sitting nearby said it was due to the lack of oxygen, and that a group she was in had brought an aerator to put in the lake there. It's funny how the great trees go down but delicate looking plants remain. The pix are at Greenfield Lake. 1) high lake and trucks on the road 2) John standing on an uprooted tree 3) flowers
Then on to the Cape Fear River, broader than usual and faster moving. I've heard the water is receding faster than they thought. Good news. Mother Nature is awesome.
At my house, there must several hundred downed pine cones, mostly green and new. I definitely rather get them now than when they become seedlings.
Next post: The birds at the lake.
Saturday, September 22, 2018
storm recovery
I arrived back home about 6:30 pm yesterday.
Nobody returned by way of the same route they left.
Evacuees had to check the latest news on what was safe, flooded, or closed, and we did the best we could, no matter how long it took.
I left Lugoff and drove miles and miles through the rural midsection of South Carolina. When I finally reached I 95, was I so relieved! Then I had smooth sailing to 26, and up 17. I didn't see any real damage until I got to Leland.
When I pulled into my neighborhood I saw pine tree debris in the streets, fallen trees, and neat piles of lost trees stacked by the road ready for pick up. I was impressed by how much work had already been done.
Riding around today, I saw lots of work trucks big and small, more trees down, open businesses, and many places for people to get free food.
I think the aftermath of Florence has gone very smoothly. From President Trump down to our mayor. and the citizens, everyone has worked together. The meteorologists were accurate in all their predictions.
Much more could be said, but it is real aggravating trying to write on my old iPad.
Nobody returned by way of the same route they left.
Evacuees had to check the latest news on what was safe, flooded, or closed, and we did the best we could, no matter how long it took.
I left Lugoff and drove miles and miles through the rural midsection of South Carolina. When I finally reached I 95, was I so relieved! Then I had smooth sailing to 26, and up 17. I didn't see any real damage until I got to Leland.
When I pulled into my neighborhood I saw pine tree debris in the streets, fallen trees, and neat piles of lost trees stacked by the road ready for pick up. I was impressed by how much work had already been done.
Riding around today, I saw lots of work trucks big and small, more trees down, open businesses, and many places for people to get free food.
I think the aftermath of Florence has gone very smoothly. From President Trump down to our mayor. and the citizens, everyone has worked together. The meteorologists were accurate in all their predictions.
Much more could be said, but it is real aggravating trying to write on my old iPad.
Monday, September 17, 2018
how quickly we adapt
It's a sunny, blue sky day here in the Midlands of South Carolina. There are different kinds of butterflies flitting around, and I saw a hummingbird outside the window. Peter said they nest in the tall trees about forty yards from their house. The ground soaked up the rain that fell softly over the past thirty-six hours. I could get used to life in the country. It will be hard going back to my tenth of an acre no matter how convenient it is.
Meanwhile back in Wilmington, the people who stayed behind must adapt to worse conditions. I am trying to stay on top of it all and that is mainly through Facebook. Each time I see a picture of the flooding or read a story of someone helping or making it through a difficult situation, my mind goes back there. I do love Wilmington and I hate to see the devastation. They say it is now an island, not approachable by land vehicles. I will leave here when the "all clear" is given.
Hearing the continued news about the approaching huge hurricane, I mulled over getting the heck out of dodge. I was torn. I really didn't want to leave, but thinking I should, on Wednesday I quickly made the decision and quickly organized. I prepared the house the best I knew how, putting some things on higher ground and covering others. I didn't know what to pack. I was filled with questions. Would the house flood? When would I ever get back? In three days or two weeks or ever? Would I lose everything? Then I realized that is was all just stuff, and even if I were still alive in twenty years, I wouldn't need any of it. Even five years! I tossed three changes of clothes, my thyroid medicine, and a few personal items in one bag. In another I put my laptop, camera, iPad, chargers, books, and pens. A few shareable groceries went in another. Wisely I threw in my duck shoes and rain hat that ties under the neck. Some bottles of water, a sandwich and snacks, and I was ready to go. I was thankful I had the car serviced the week before and had found a place to fill up the gas tank on Tuesday. At that time it was hard to find gas, and grocery store shelves were being emptied. Now Hurricane Florence has gone, but the flooding remains. As the Cape Fear River fills with water from the bodies of water that empty into it before going to the Atlantic, the unknown is how high will it go.
pics of the day
Hearing the continued news about the approaching huge hurricane, I mulled over getting the heck out of dodge. I was torn. I really didn't want to leave, but thinking I should, on Wednesday I quickly made the decision and quickly organized. I prepared the house the best I knew how, putting some things on higher ground and covering others. I didn't know what to pack. I was filled with questions. Would the house flood? When would I ever get back? In three days or two weeks or ever? Would I lose everything? Then I realized that is was all just stuff, and even if I were still alive in twenty years, I wouldn't need any of it. Even five years! I tossed three changes of clothes, my thyroid medicine, and a few personal items in one bag. In another I put my laptop, camera, iPad, chargers, books, and pens. A few shareable groceries went in another. Wisely I threw in my duck shoes and rain hat that ties under the neck. Some bottles of water, a sandwich and snacks, and I was ready to go. I was thankful I had the car serviced the week before and had found a place to fill up the gas tank on Tuesday. At that time it was hard to find gas, and grocery store shelves were being emptied. Now Hurricane Florence has gone, but the flooding remains. As the Cape Fear River fills with water from the bodies of water that empty into it before going to the Atlantic, the unknown is how high will it go.
pics of the day
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