Snowstorm Linus . . . . .

  With a name like Linus this storm just conjurs up images of wrapped up in quilts reading books and drinking tea or cocoa.  Although the thoughts danced through my head . . . the driveway was calling to be shoveled and the dinner made . . .  I love the night or day immediately following a big storm.  It is very quiet outside and the earth is blanketed in such thick white downy snow.  Often there are not any animal tracks yet and it is pristine.  This was definitely the case with this storm.  I only wished I had more time to be out in it but work was calling early the next morning . . .   all said and done I think we got about 18 inches, then we keep getting 2-3 inches each day on top of it.  The piles are getting pretty big.  The wood pile is bigger still though so we are in good shape.   We do not have a snow blower so we shovel the old fashioned way, a little at a time and the it is all done. 
Hoping everyone is snug and safe for a 3 dog night-  the opposite of the dog days of Summer I think .

Just Thinking . . . .

When walking, you see things that you miss in a motor car or on the train. You give your mind space to ponder.
 

Tom Hodgkinson

This is some of the summer fun already . . .taking apart motors, making dirt bikes go fast, making something out of nothing, questioning- "Can we do it?"  Trying out hypothesis, sitting and tinkering, eating Taco Bell, drinking Mountain Dew, contemplating life.

Volunteering . . .

                So this morning I am pondering  . .Why do some people volunteer their time while others sit by and watch?  Why are some willing to help where needed and others can actually poke fun at those that are doing an act of kindness or volunteerism?   " what - you don't get enough snow shoveling at home?  - as one shovels the walkways at church . . .  " Oh don't worry Jason will do that . ."  " Oh Jason can do that"  " Just ask Jason"   But why?  Why do these individuals not step up themselves? Why always think that someone else will?  Is our time not as valuable as theirs?  Do those volunteering have skills that others do not?  - I could agree for some specialty things but not general things.   ( ie being an EMT vs helping at a Bake Sale)   Are people intimidated by volunteering, are they nervous or are they just lazy-?  " Oh the Walton's will do it - they always do"  This article from Volunteer Maine discusses some of the thoughts about why people Volunteer.

Wikipedia defines volunteering . . .

Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity and is intended to promote goodness or improve human quality of life. In return, this activity can produce a feeling of self-worth and respect. There is no financial gain involved for the individual. Volunteering is also renowned for skill development, socialization, and fun. It is also intended to make contacts for possible employment. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Others serve on an as-needed basis, such as in response to a natural disaster.



Why do people Quit volunteering . . ?

.Number 7: No flexibility in volunteer opportunities or scheduling
Number 6: Too much wasted time in useless or unproductive meetings
Number 5: Lack of communication
Number 4: Lack of professionalism
Number 3: The feeling that the volunteer is not really making a difference
Number 2: No feedback from leadership about how the volunteer is doing

And the Number 1 reason: The volunteer leader who doesn't know how to lead

            So as I look at the list above, I can agree with many of the points . . . in other-wards every organization that needs volunteers must be organized like a well run business, I can totally agree and support except  - that to get to that point it is a lot of volunteer hours.
            I think one of my big issues is those that complain a lot about what is not happening or information that they are not getting but those same individuals are never the ones that are helpers. Step up folks, make a difference, or at least give support and thanks to those that do.  But do not make fun of your volunteers, they give their time and talents to make the world a better place.  

 

Memorial Day 2014

Before the Parade!

View from the Hammock -dappled sunshine, gentle breeze, summer's coming!

Sweet Scones and Doughnut Muffins on the deck with Tea of course

The current Read . . .

After breakfast with Korean War Veteran Grandpa Bob

Every year the boys march with Scouts from in Town to the cemetery, where a short ceremony will take place, the Middle school band will play a few numbers, the Legion will lay a wreath and fire some shots. We give thanks for the Veterans of today and of yesteryear for those that remain with us and for those that have passed on.  We can have this public ceremony to thank them today because of their service to protect our freedoms- you only need to watch World News this week to see how precious those freedoms are.
                   We went out for Breakfast afterwards and got my Dad to tell a few stories.   He served in the Korean Conflict in Sapporo, Japan on the Island of Hokkaido in the National Signal Core as an Interceptor. He listened to Morse Code during all of his shifts and translated it.  He told us on the boat ride over- he did not have a job.  He was in the middle of about 5 berths deep for sleeping and his head was by a water fountain and frequently he would get sprayed while sleeping.  On the return trip he worked in the on-board bakery. " oh we made jello and pie bars for the men in big sheets"  " we used some steam to cook the jello until we found out it was not safe"  "The officers and their wives got real round pies. We had a little cooking area and we cooked eggs or things if we got hungry, it was a good job"  He served there for 3 years.  I would love to interview him and record it on video- these times and stories are fading fast.   Happy Memorial Day to one and all.  We are blessed.

Early Spring at Chestnut Hill

Pussy Willows and Sunlight and Maggie!

Almost Syrup!!

Maybe where our ceiling friends have gotten in  . . .???

Finally Winter Aconites!

Snowdrops just today!

3 days ago 3-31

Sap man!

Thinking of Boston . . . .

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world.” — Mister Rogers

I am thinking of Boston and all those around the world affected by the random act of violence yesterday.  Some days things just do not make sense. Keep all those affected by this both near and far in your thoughts and prayers.