Ann Carol Goldberg

Blog, The Week that was(n’t).

Note, I haven’t blogged in a long time. I am anxious to get back to it; sharing experiences, books to read, films, art, drama to share and weekly or bi weekly photos to share. I do welcome your feedback and your stories. This week was to be devoted to many things, including many long awaited medical procedures and appointments. Sometimes, as we all know too well, G-d laughs when humans plan. It is humbling and when there are no dire consequences, illnesses, losses and such we can toss it off. The only losses were that several of my procedures have to be rescheduled. However, let’s start at the first day of the week, Sunday the 8^th. We had our wonderful early morning zoom with our family and heard stories of the blankets of snow and cold in Rochester, NY reported by our Grandson Josh and Granddaughter, Rohma. Also, on our son Dan and daughter in law malena’s 240 acres of property in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia was snowed in and Paul’s Sister Sandy and David in Shelbourne, Vermont. They are all good sports, smiling and sharing stories, a good choice even if they are shivering a bit.

• In Jojoba Hills, our RV park in SoCal, it was 80F midday, so we decided to get in the Bolt and drive to the intersection with HWY 374 to buy local honey from the beekeeper himself and then Paul drove up the mountain to a favorite haunt of ours–the sky high town of Idyllwild; at 6,000 feet and upwards. It was no longer 80F but 57F as was expected. Climbing the winding, mountain road, we passed Dore’s Mountain Art Garden-and artists studio and home that is beautiful to behold. It features a vast sculptor garden of his work to explore. The address: 28815 Hwy. 243, Mountain Center. Phone-951 659 0791. It is on the right on the way up. If the gate is open stop in or call Dore ahead of your visit. His large and small creations in metal and blends of stone, clay, other metals and more are spectacular. We own one, hanging on the side of our shed on site 801 in Jojoba Hills, CA. Made of stone and metal. We have taken many friends to visit through our years in Jojoba Hills and they too have purchased his work. We continued our climb up the road, (the views are spectacular in both directions). Up top, there are great restaurants, galleries, shops, foods of every type, clothing, souvenir shops, shoe and boot shops, boutiques and walks up and down and around and hikes in the hills as well. We headed down the road and back to our Jojoba site happy with our return to a favorite place.

Then Monday Feb 9^th happened. The echo test I had scheduled was canceled, Tuesday’s long awaited foot surgery canceled as the Doctor had become ill. I hope he recovers quickly and safely. Then Thursday and Friday appointments were canceled. It makes one take stock but none of it is under my control or life threatening. I now have a new appointment. My foot surgery will happen after all on the 17^th of Feb. The Echo test follow up was canceled as I have to reschedule. Do I dare make new appointments? La Di Da.

I believe I am among the “Poster Seniors” attesting to the theory that Mom Nature is through with us once we pass our reproductive years; hence the advent of menopause and men’s problems of worn out parts. I am not meaning to make light of it. The discomforts and pains can be intense. The cap on this crazy week is the Valentine Dinner dance on the 14^th of course-always a joy. We will return to our hometown, Rochester, NY, arriving in April, where we also have family, friends and life long connections. It is all a blessing. I look out the window of our trailer today, Feb 11^th, The light is gun metal gray and glowing with long needed rain. Then on Thursday the 12 the sunset was spectacular, but too short lived for me to put my shoes on my sore feet, grab the Leica and take the golf cart up the hill only to miss the short lived glow. Happy Valentines day and a good week to come for all.

 

On a visit to Sarajevo in 2015 we came upon a glorious concert in a park on a warm summer’s night. A lovely feast for the eyes and ears, swaying to the classical rhythms and meeting many lovely people. What a treat.  

This beauty is found in the mountains of So Cal.

Sharing photos some new, some from my collection. I came upon this wonderful colorful dawn over a marsh in Alabama as I was hiking on a wonderful trail. It was quiet and peaceful.

There are people we encounter in daily life and often take for granted. They include salesclerks and cashiers in grocery stores, retail stores, other shops, ice cream scoopers, nurses, PA’s, nurses aids, custodians, medical techs, doctors, waiters, waitresses, people in neighboring seats at a venue, children (a special favorite), traffic cops halting traffic for pedestrians at festivals or venues and one of my favorites? guards in museums and art galleries. These people are there to help us, to serve us and need to be noticed as more than two feet on the floor. I enjoy engaging them in conversations when feasible to inquire about their stories. They often open up and answer my inquiry with enthusiasm stopping to help other patrons.

1, three recent encounters; a clerk in a grocery store, young woman from Venezuela whose family emigrated to the US several years ago when she was about 12. They walked through every kind of weather and crossed the Treacherous Darian Gap. entering through Mexico and the southern border with her younger sister, mom and dad and an elderly and ill grandmother, but miraculously making it through all of the other hardships en route.

 

2. Museum guards, I talk to museum guards. They fade into the walls of a museum or art gallery, watching, waiting. They caution people if they are too close to a work of art, are crossing the viewing line and are mostly ignored by the patrons Their feet hurt, their legs hurt, their backs hurt. Some may change location every couple of hours. They work long hours with short breaks and are highly knowledgeable about the displays, historical factors and exhibits. The most frequent questions they handle are “where are the bathrooms?” “or where is a specific exhibit?”

In speaking with them I learn so much more about the exhibits, individual pieces on display, the history of the building, the history of an artist or culture and learn about their families and birthplace as well as their stories as immigrants, becoming American citizens, or recent worry about deportation, education, applying for the job and being hired, level of training and degree of satisfaction on the job. They thank me for taking the time to converse with them and sharing my point of view of a particular work or tidbits of history about a display items.

Traffic Cops at crossroad or crowded venues. They help us cross the street safely, give directions when asked, and again are on their feet in all kinds of weather, small and large crowds, busy streets, school crossings, festivals, concerts and more. They too are ignored. If things are quiet, I thank them for their help, and in slow times, hear their stories. Again, many are immigrants sharing their hardships and joys, frightened for family members left behind, grateful for the America we used to know, worried about the America that they thought would be welcoming and free.

3. Medical aides, Librarians and more: nurses, doctors, PA’S, burned out by the long hours, long pay and again, ignored by many patients. They too are human beings with stories and tales to tell. They tell me that most people, probably in great pain, can be mean, harsh and demanding. Just a smile and a thank you would heal their angst. Many of them tell me of their families. Very often after a long shift in hospital, surgery, techs or office staff, they go home to serve as caregivers to ill family members, parents, relatives, children with special needs and manage to cook and play and sleep for their return to work. Of course, Covid results in fewer staff members burning out and looking for other work. Thanks to all of those wonderful folks. It is a joy to take time to notice them and ask about their stories. It results in smiles and hugs. And mention of other workers, library staff dealing with banned books, Universities and unrest, and the whole scope of governmental and illogical changes. Bring back our open and welcoming arms.

ANGST

1. Angry

     2. Nervous

        3. Grieving

           4. Sad

              5. Terrified

I awake every morning, if I have indeed slept well

With these feelings gripping my stomach and my head

And frequent angst during my waking hours

It is a staircase of fear as to what the current government will do next

Insanity, self interest, cruel job cuts and firings

Where do we go from here?

Thanks to the judges who refuse to listen or comply and

Those who have planned the multitudes of protests, loud and clear.

Make your voices heard!

My hands hold
the pattern that
          holds them fast. Your

hands pluck the string
          to make the music
that frees me up

          at last. We lift away
entanglements

 

and so on for many verses continuing in this fetching style. So begins the poem by Amit Majmudar as received in my inbox from Knopf publishers and their annual celebration of poetry sent every April to your email for a month of “A Poem a day”. Cat’s Cradle is neither a soft cat bed nor a hammock for your cat’s frequent cap naps. We all know they sleep ¾ ‘s of the day. Don’t we all wish we could sleep as soundly without all of that time wishing we were asleep. But that is a different problem.

Mujmudar’ Cat’s Cradle poem is full of memories that I share from my childhood, and since, have taught to many children and young adults. It can be played solo or with a friend. Loops of string are held by the fingers and then pulled taught so the strings can be maneuvered with the fingers into different configurations. Some are named, such as “Witch’s Broom”. The game is addictive and does not need electronics or a ton of money to buy. If you are not familiar with the game, go to YouTube and search the many results. Videos are included as well. Then you can teach it to your children, nieces, grandchildren or friends. Guys, you can play it as well. Personal note, with my arthritic fingers is more difficult to maneuver.

 

The history of the game; It may have started in China, or the Middle East. It had many different names, traced back to the 1700’s, often called “Catch Cradle”; referring to the cradle in which Jesus was born. I am not sure I could play the game with out snarling the yarn with my arthritic fingers. However I am not sure I could play many of the childhood games such as jump rope, Tidily winks or Ball and Jacks. I played that game daily in grade school, arriving early so we could have B and J tournaments. I was the class champion, winning most of the time. I hope you enjoyed this journey back in time and enjoy when you share your stories.

Nowadays, the youngsters play anything electronic and often solo not with friends. Times change but the old remains in our memories. Back to the NYT crossword puzzle and solitaire on my computer. Just thought I would share and seek your memories.

 

          

So much is on my mind that I feel as if I were on a highway in a can of worms, chasing ramps round and round and getting nowhere. The stories every day are the same with some differences in the casts of characters. The question of a “happy” year to come with the country still so split; is a dream considering 4 years ahead being lead by a crazed, criminally convicted would be king shepherding his doting brain-washed disciples. The News seems to repeat the same stories day after day little progress moving ahead.

1. wars on many fronts and doubts regarding cease fire on all war fronts, most especially in my heart and mind; Israel/Gaza,

2. populations becoming refugees suffering, trying to escape with their lives and families,

3 Deportation threats from a president elect who lacks compassion excepting for himself,

4. Extreme weather world round, caused by dire and belated environmental issues,

5. mass shootings, such hatred and abuse-whatever happened to “all humans men and women are created equal,”we all are made from the same mold and come in designer colors. What has happened to-”love thy neighbor as thyself.”

As you know, there are a multitude of individuals and funding organizations with the means to meet these needs. Cases in point: Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State played a huge roll in saving the lives of thousands of Afghan women in May of 1921, and the quick, dangerous and heroic withdrawal of these desperate woman under threat from the Taliban. They were evacuated under harsh conditions and identified by the white scarfs wound around their necks to safety. It was a contentious and dangerous effort but she pulled it off from the Situation room talking to officers in the country and receiving their help. It is breath taking chapter in her book, Something Lost, Something Gained, copyright 2024.

Being well informed locally, nationally and internationally is important and delving into the true source of news we hear and read. Conversing with folks from many points of view with an open mind promoting ideas that helps us grow no matter our political beliefs and age. I want to feel confident that this year will bring promise and solutions to some of the problems that we all face. The earth we share is our home, we must cherish and protect it by supporting those who have some power and devote our lives to ensuring we have done our part in taking charge of the future.

Israeli women are devoted as well to reaching a peaceful solution and bringing the Hostages home. The are devoted to this cause. For photos go to

https://www.gettyimages.com/search/2/image?phrase=israeli%20woman%20soldiers&sort=mostpopular&license=rf%2Crm

For photos of these Afghan women, copy and paste this URL- https://www.gettyimages.com/search/2/image?sort=mostpopular&phrase=afghanistan&license=rf%2Crm

 

We headed into Memphis,   eastern bound 

To celebrate my birthday, with dinner on the town

After parking the JEEP we walked up the ramp

to the restaurant we had chosen, with a curious name, hard to figure,

the Complicated Pilgrim. The chairs are cushioned, more comfortable to sit

Soft fabrics covered everything to absorb the chatter to a tolerable pitch

Tables were spaced to give privacy galore.

Service was slow, but we had all night,

And would gain an hour to return to mother nature’s time frame making it right

A lovely meal we enjoyed, served by Shea, a hard working waitress with a smile very bright.

We departed the restaurant a lovely birthday gift to me, Paul plugged in our destination GPS it was to be. We joked about the closed bridge on the route 55 but with detours at every turn we were stuck,

Feeling like Charlie on Boston’s MTA. going round in circles scratching our heads, we said we have seen every crook and cranny of Memphis, enough is enough. We must look for route 40, that was the answer to our puzzle, after 35 minutes, back to west of the Mississippi shore we did indeed return. Home and parked behind the motor home to unwind and watch the barges navigate

in the river of so many dreams, hopes and good times and hard times.

A memorable birthday. I just wanted to share. I hope the rather free verse made you smile a bit more: Something we all need in the weeks to come. May the year bring peace, unity, healing, a strong democracy and steady government in the land that we cherish and love.

Note; Most of you know I enjoy feedback to my blogs and enjoy your stories, so please share.

If you cannot open the blog, go to my website and read it there and view my photo gallery at

cgstudio.net​​

 

  

The joys of crossing the country in our RV have always been the freedom to change our route on a whim. My loving husband Paul is an expert on mapping our route and finding camping stops. Our aim is to visit friends when possible or discover new adventures. This is our 6^th day on the road since leaving Rochester and we have visited dear friends in Cleveland, June and Bert and their daughter Beth who is recovering from a difficult but thank goodness, successful kidney transplant. We met June at Tommy’s, a popular restaurant with line-up of hungry folks lined up outside. We had reservations, no waiting, and enjoyed a delicious lunch with more talk than chewing. I had wanted to take a gift to Beth but did not know what would work, Food? Other? June suggested Beth’s favorite sandwich and smoothie from Tommy’s; a perfect takeout. We drove to Beth and her devoted husband Jim’s house, they moved in two months before an appropriate kidney was found, a lovely, contemporary

home awaited her return. We played with their dog and 2 cats and admired the embellishments they made to the house reflecting their eye for design and color. Beth is doing amazingly well, hooked to Oxygen but walking and enjoying life on this side of surgery. What a wonderful visit reflecting, healing, love and happiness.

We departed the next day for Columbus, OH to visit Lee Cherney, whom Paul and I have known since Kindergarten. The two of them graduated from Brown University as well. Lee is a wonderful musician. He plays guitar, Banjo,

 Mandolin and any other string instrument he gets into his hands. The basement of his house is a “museum” of vintage, unusual and contemporary string instruments such as this Mongolian “3 hole” instrument hanging on the wall and the Vintage Mandolin in his arms, banjos and an army of guitars It was a joy to see Lee again. But we must move onward. The next stop, Louisville, KY, our first time in that lovely city.

We did the one day, a Monday, tourist stint; The Louisville Slugger Museum and factory. 

The exhibits feature the long history of baseball in America and introduce all of the great players and their custom made bats. We opted for the walking tour where the guide explained the complex manufacturing process. We were directed to touch nothing and stay within the yellow floor markings for safety. Videos explained the process in good

detail. At the end of the tour, we were each given a small size bat as a fun souvenir. Our hope was to visit the Art Museums in the area but they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. We drove to Churchill Downs to view the vast and famous stadium but skipped the large museum, as it was late in the day and headed back to the campground. As is our habit, we try to meet and talk to folks wherever we go and had several friendly conversations about our travels and rigs. There is a train track 100 yards from our windows, thus the photo of the train trundling by. How I love the sound of the train, powerful and full of freight or better yet, people and all of their stories.

It was time to get on board. A tour bus pulled

 up next to our rig to return tourists to the campground. Tomorrow, we depart for Nashville and tune up our ears for more adventures, with tickets for The Grand Ole Opry. 

A reminder that I welcome feedback and your stories. I share my birthday with my wonderful grandson Azriel on November 2nd. Her is hoping for a good birthday present on the 5th. Don’t forget to exercise your vote.