Breast Milk Ice Cream

My attention was drawn to this latest “weirdo thinking” as I watched a hunting and fishing program. The good old boy carrying the gun up the mountain side stopped, looked at the camera, and began his small rant. Usually he talks about BBQing or safety tips… not this time.

Quoting from an article and press release from Tracey Reiman, executive Vice president of PETA, that stated the following…
“Burlington, Vt. - This morning, PETA dispatched a letter to Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, cofounders of ice cream icon Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc., urging them to replace the cow's milk in their products with human breast milk.”

"The fact that human adults consume huge quantities of dairy products made from milk that was meant for a baby cow just doesn't make sense," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Everyone knows that 'the breast is best,' so Ben & Jerry's could do consumers and cows a big favor by making the switch to breast milk."

Usually this dude’s recipes and words of wisdom don’t really have much to do with my life… I mean I don’t climb tall mountains to look for illusive mountain goats to pop off. I don’t shoot a gun anymore. Nor do I plan to trot off to a Big Game farm in a country in Africa to lay down a Cap Buffalo with one powerful gun.

But his “explanation” this day caught me attention. ICE CREAM made from Breast Milk of Humans – COME ON! Are you nuts or worse? THIS HAS TO BE A STUNT for attention. It cannot be that someone would be so absolutely crazy to state something like that.
But yep – it is very true. Check the Link below. Tracey is real, the statement is real and was made in Sept 23, 2008 – just a while ago.

The Big Game hunter on TV went on to point out some very funny ramifications if this recommendation was to be followed through. Some of which were –
* A new job opportunity would evolve for Pregnant Mothers… for months after their baby is born they could make a handsome amount from Lactating Extra…
* Farm boys would not be so quick to leave the Farm for city because of “boring chores”…
* Bill Boards beside highways might change as well as TV advertisements – Instead of quiet pastoral scenes with happy cows grazing on the hill side… partially naked(or other wise) women would lull around on sofas waiting for their next milking – on the Bill Board… recruiting more women to work.

The dude went on to point out some other very obvious facts that would have women substituted for COWS. In fact as he went on it became even more ridiculous… if you think women are subject to silly things over these years past – it would be nothing besides what would happen should PETA’s suggestion come true.

In Peterborough we have a huge Baskin and Robbins Ice Cream Factory(Like Ben& Jerry’s in the USA) that makes millions of gallons of Ice Cream every year. It is not unusual to see the huge Milk Trucks pulling in and out of their large loading docks.

One of the products that they produce is for the Troops that serve in war zones all over the world. Troops in hot countries love their ice cream – a touch of home.
Now substitute the large semi trailer Milk Trucks that pull in all the time… with women...
“Tank trucks are referenced by their size or volume capacity. Large trucks typically have capacities ranging from 7500 gallons (28,400 litres) to 9900 gallons (37,500 litres).”(from Wikipedia)

Simple math and practical, personal knowledge of a lactating mother – they do not produce anywhere near ONE GALLON – let alone ONE LITER in one pumping. It may be more like ¼ of liter at one time – 250 mls. So with that in mind the line up at Baskin and Robbins would have to be 113,000 to 150,000 women lined up to “give milk” that one truck brings to the factory.

Peterborough’s population is only 75,000…

Canada ranks as 10th in the Top 10 Milk Producers of the World – with a production of 94.7 liters of Milk per capita. Finland is Number 1 with 183.9 liters per capita.

Convert that to PETA’s thinking in Canada you would need 390 women producing that much per person in Canada per year. And they need to be willing.

Now I am as bad as the Hunter Dude on TV. This is so ridiculous that you cannot leave it alone. It needs someone to point out the NUTSO PEOPLE that say really STUPID things.

Why Blog IT? Well it is very cold in Canada – most of us are suffering from Cabin Fever(staying inside far too long) – and we need a good laugh.

So if I hear that you have talked to some one about this story… snickered about it, laugher about it… and then smiled at someone… I have accomplished what I set out to do today.

Nope – I will not buy Breast Milk Ice Cream. There is absolutely no appeal to it. I lost the urge to drink that stuff about 64 years ago. Give me a Chocolate Milk Shake and a Big Hamburger – the Cow gives me both. Wahooo!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
Sources:
http://www.peta.org/mc/NewsItem.asp?id=11993
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tank_truck
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk

Secrets of Old Men Talking

There is no doubt in my mind that Old Men are the funniest thing that God has ever created!

Now you may not agree if you live with a miserable old “gaseous” man. “Gaseous” is the better known “F” word ending with a “T”. (If my wife reads this later she would protest the use of such a word by her husband – who is sometimes a MOG Man – or simply a MOF also)

Well a MOG man or MOF needs to join a group like I did yesterday. These guys on their own might be MOG men or MOFs – but together they were hilarious!

I joined into the group action at a beautiful senior’s residence in our city. Specifically I joined into their wood carving group on Thursday AM.

As I came through the door they heartily greeted and welcomed me – asking where I lived in the residence and how long I lived there. Yikes – that was the first funny as I backed away from my own “oldness” and denied living there yet!

Attention quickly changed from me to their bowels. Quick change – but welcomed by me.

“When you guys have your Colonoscopy – how did you get along?” asked the one fellow in the electric wheel chair.

One of them replied, “It isn’t a problem at all. Kind nice actually. You go to sleep for a while. It is the horrible diarrhea that they make you have before the procedure that nearly kills you! Dam – that is the worst part!”

“One thing about it is that you are a “perfect ass” when you come out of it!” responded one man. They all roared.

The guy next to the last comment responded, “You don’t need to have a colonoscopy to be that!” More laughter…peals of laughter. Men with men laughter!

Three of the guys had been friends on the ‘outside’ and in the community for more than 35 years. Two had joined the one fellow that lived in the senior’s residence now – to start this wood carving club.

Then attention turned to me. Oh boy. They quizzed me about carving. I am good. I answered all their questions easily. After all I am a professional now. I have taught many all over the world. They listened kindly.

I should mention at this point – every man in the room was at least 20 years older than me.

Then they shared with me that three of them were “World Class Carvers”. Oh Boy. They have often competed in Carving Competitions at the World Class Carving Level…meaning that there is NO ONE better than you are… in your community for sure… in your country likely and only maybe at the World Class Level – where only the absolute best come together. Every carver knows that!

“I don’t carve anymore – gave it up and I hate it now!” stated one of the three. “One winter I had orders for 5 commissioned bird carvings. My wife had to call me to bed over and over again at 1 and 2 AM. I worked all day and carved all night. I burned out doing them… and never want to see carving again.”

That was a powerful moment where he had shared a glimpse of his personal and deepest love that had been shattered. Needless to say it seemed even worse to me in that he was sitting in a Wood Carving Group and NOT CARVING. He hates it but loves to be with guys that do it.

I was quiet as one of the three rolled over to me and asked about my carvings. I shared a few things but was careful. I was sitting in the presence of a MASTER… a Man that could use a knife and tools better than anyone in the room. Now he was in a wheel chair and not carving because of his sore hands. But he was encouraging me.

That was a special moment that I needed – an old master talking with me.

As we talked another old fellow started up the Scroll Saw on the table behind us. My new friend scowled and looked at the dude sawing. “For *&^%$ sake who is making that racket?! Do you know what that does to your hearing aids!!!!? Some people….” Then there was a peal of laughter again.

The guy using the saw looked at me and said, “You gotta watch out for certain people here… they are just plain miserable! That is why his wife makes him come down here!” More laughter…
When old men get together it is amazing. When old men talk – stuff happens. And there are secrets when old men talk.

In my mind I was taken back to a time in my life when a group of us boys on our street built a tree house out of old lumber we scavenged from the neighborhood. Structurally it didn’t survive two winters. But what happened in and around the tree house – the conversation – the laughter – the bragging – the jostling – the put downs and the encouragement was so powerful that you never forget.
Yesterday I was in their tree house. I was a new boy on the block. And now they had welcomed me into their tree house. I was now part of the gang.

“Hey John… what is the word for a Bra in German?” They roared with laughter. John waited a little – maybe not remembering the joke. I gave the answer – to which they all roared and told me that was only one word way… they gave another… to which we all laughed.

I had learned that word when I was a boy in my puberty stage… and roared with laughter in our tree house when I learned it from the other boy that eventually became a Catholic Priest.

Now some of you will be aghast that a minister knows the word for a Bra in German… well that minister is still a boy inside… and at that moment he(me) was about as free as a bird sitting in that “tree house” with his new buddies.

One then asked me what I had done for a living. To which I told them that I was a minister in my working life. More laughter… after the guy asking stopped and then stated, “You knew that word…!”

I was carving a feather at that stage and dropped my knife laughing with them.

The secrets of old men talking are really cool. And when old men share their secrets with you – well that is “way cool”.

“I hope you come back Murray” said one of the World Class Carvers. I replied, “I would love to…”

~ Murray Lincoln ~
One of the Boys…

When Bad Happens

Craaytech is belly up… so what?! The news came across our TV first. I had driven by the company many times never thinking much about the place or what it did for business. Yesterday I found out.

143 people working there make plastic parts for the automobile manufacturing companies. And in our area the manufacturing of automobiles is dead stopped for at least 6 weeks… and when they are dead stopped – nothing is ordered. So Craaytech had no more orders and no more business means no more money to pay staff.

Many people will drive by today with new understanding of the company – but so what?! Does it really matter to the rest of us?

Something special was dropped into my understanding two weeks ago. I have been mulling it over for a while now.

Among unemployed people the divorce rate and separation rate is very high. People that have left their jobs due to shut downs and lay offs and things like the Craaytech events – have an unusual rate of marital problems. And further to that – people starting new businesses and new ventures also see the same amount of marital problems.

Yikes! Pressure has nearly killed them. It is killing their relationships and will tear their family to bits.

I have gone through this stage in my own life – lay off, loss of a job, loss of who you are… and stress is real. I am a minister as you will know by now – having read the bio at the side of this page. I have dealt with this kind of thing all the time – professionally – but personally it is a different story. It is very stressful.

In our personal case – the “new stress” is far less than the “old stress” of working in a pressure cooker place worrying about everything and carrying unlovable burdens. In fact the “new stress” feels good.

Our community is suffering as more and more companies are pressed to the edge. More and more people are losing their jobs with businesses closing.

Our local United Way chair person made a statement that is very interesting. He stated that if every person in the Peterborough area would give $5 – the United Way would reach its 2009 campaign goal. That would mean – every person – man, woman and child.

The fact is that the United Way folk across our country have watched a rapid and very strong decline in given.

Last week my wife and I were into the Government Office that deals with E.I. (Employment Insurance) and other Federal departments. The waiting room was full of people needing help and information. Six months ago I sat where each of them are sitting today. The numbers are growing each day. Before, on any day, there were lots of seats. This past week – every single day, every single seat was filled… and people were standing at the walls.

Our communities are in trouble.

I write today to express my personal concern for 143 people newly laid off and out of a job. Where will they go? Will I see them at the E.I. office on my next visit? Add to this group two weeks ago another factory has also announced their plant is closing. Still more people will be lined up in that same office.

Where is the church….?
Our local churches are feeling the crunch as well. The ones that rely on the older and more stable congregants are running fairly smoothly. The only thing that affects their running ability is death. The younger based church that relies on younger people, is really feeling the slow flow. After speaking with a person in the know in a church of this make up – it is their kind of people that are losing their jobs – when the cut backs come.

Someone said to me, “Maybe the downturn and the economic problems are a good thing. When it happened in the past – people came back to God… or to church.”

That may be true in the past – like in the “dirty thirties” – but in the tough 2009 era we have E.I. and Government assistance for at least 41 weeks before you need to worry – then we can move to Alberta or Saskatchewan. “Church…? God…? is that a program that will help me? I have never heard of them.”

We attended a wonderful church last week. Their songs were good, their music lively, the order was great… it was a just right church. But before we finished the service we heard of all the people that had trouble… sick… unemployed… dieing… and not able to work again. Even the minister was in bad shape physically and not able to attend church for over two months.

Three things in closing that I have come to realize…
* Be thankful for what you have in your job right now.
* Be diligent to make your company the best and most secure working place.
* Be ready for different days to come – things could change in a hart beat.
* Be looking for some outside help before “Bad Happens”– God is interested in your application and tends to not have long line ups.

~ Murray Lincoln ~Sources:
http://www.paintedplastics.com/
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1388726

A Touching Moment Shared By Only a Few

Follow me on this adventure by a flash back or two.

Do you remember your first day of school when you were little… maybe the very first day…? or maybe a first day in a new school? Remember the apprehension and anxiety?

Now… next – flip over to another time. You are the parent and you are walking your son or daughter to school for the very first time. They are excited about their new adventure – and maybe even scared, holding back a little. Do you remember the feelings that you had that day when you waited all day for the kids to come home – wondering how they were doing?

Now place these two feelings together and you will be able to understand what happened yesterday in my small world.

My mom and I played out this scenario all over again. It was a flash back BIG TIME!

About 59 years ago she walked me to school. I didn’t really want to go. I was the oldest of the three kids and was the first chosen to plod the way off to a new school. Then it happened again at a new school two years later… I didn’t want to change schools.

Mom had to walk to school to get me – because I was “sick” in the nurse’s office…crying and carrying on… wanting to simply go home that day! Yikes that feeling suddenly rushed back over 57 years and shook me again.

Yesterday…
The role reversal has taken place. I am 64 years old – mom is now 87 – soon to be 88 years old. Together we walked out to the vehicle on a cold winter’s day and readied ourselves for the journey to the very old school… built well over 100 years ago.

The school is the home of “Activity Haven” a wonderful program for Seniors in our community. Mom was enrolled now for her first day at the senior’s program.

On the way she wasn’t sure about taking this much effort to get there and making me take time to get her to the old school. She wasn’t sure what it was all about… but was excited at the same time.

As we pulled up to the school there was apprehension about her staying for the whole morning – four hours to be exact. I wondered if she would be okay. Would she make the needed friends? Would she want to go back again – or would she simply want to stay home next week?

We walked together up the ramp. We entered the huge doors of the ancient school. The well worn banisters and the worn walls declared the age of this building. And all the “students” were around mom’s age or older. WOW!

The new “teacher” met us at the door to welcome mom. She then took down my telephone number in case they needed to call.

As I walked away my mom was pushing her walker into the large class room. Other ladies came to meet her. One said, “Hi my name is Anne, what’s your name?” I called out, “See you later mom…” but she was already inside and talking to others.

Four hours later I returned to pick mom up. She was inside watching a movie with the other “kids”.

When she came out of the class room one of her fellow class mates was fussing over finding her boots. Her son was struggling to find the right pair of boots. His mom couldn’t remember which ones were hers. I heard her tell him, “I’ll try this pair. They look like they will fit okay.” They were too big from what I could see… but she wore them home. (The other person missing these boots would likely have to squeeze into something smaller.) The last I heard him say was, “Mom we will have to mark your name in your boots next week!”

On the way home…
Mom described the program. One lady in the class is deaf. The teachers both can communicate with her by sign language. So to help everyone new in the class, mom and her fellow students, started learning sign language too.

They talked about lots of things, including going through the local newspaper and some of the events that were taking place. But most important mom made new friends and is looking forward already to next week.

The Rush…
59 years ago mom picked me up at school and listened to me bubble over with the stories of what happened that day. Yesterday she did the same to me.

I am not sure how I should feel. Good? A loss? Excited? Hopeful?

For almost two years mom has waited to meet new friends. Now she is ready and she is excited and she can’t wait for School next week.

Oh boy… I am getting old… or something. One thing for sure – this is a touching moment shared by only a few.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

Photo source.

http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1557/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1557R-267073.jpg

I Like Being Old

Every once in a while something comes my way that is simply too good to not pass on. Today the following post is one of those “something-s”.

Lately I have noticed more and more of my friends have experienced health issues. They are my age. In fact my world of friends now plan around their health issues – we used to plan around Family Needs… or work related demands. Now we are careful to look at calendars to see if potential plans might interrupt the needed doctor’s appointment for something that is too sore to neglect – or some health issue that is simply frieghtening!

So today, on a cold winter’s day in Canada with a storm or two barreling down on us from somewhere else… I toast Being Old. Here’s to aches and pains, here’s to over weight and out of shape, here’s to slow steps and creaky joints that plain hurt when the weather changes, here’s to old age – when you are not old… Lift your coffee mugs today – Ladies and Gentlemen “To Early Old Age!”

~ Murray Lincoln ~

Author Unknown… but passed on to us by one of my wife’s fellow graduates from their RN Graduating Class of 1967 – 42 years ago…

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon, before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60's &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A RAINBOW OF SMILES ON YOUR FACE AND IN YOUR HEART FOREVER AND EVER! FRIENDS FOREVER!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


Image source
http://www.inmagine.com/bcp024/bcp024014-photo

Where is the Urn? – Where is the Respect?

The thief is not all that bright. A few days ago he opened a truck door and snatched a gold coloured vase. This particular Vase also had a lid.

When Mr. Thief opened the lid all he found was a few pounds of gray coloured ashes mixed with small white coloured pellets. Some one likened it to gray Aquarium Gravel. He actually would be starring at a “Mr. Wightman” in his final stage from this world.

Mr. Wightman was waiting for his son to take him to the Dominican Republic for his final holiday. His final resting place was likely going to be one of his favorite spots on a beach. That is my guess at least.

I feel for Bill Wightman his son. When he came out to his truck that fateful day last week to find his father gone – he was likely beside himself.

The news piece that I read stated…

"A dying man's last wish may not be granted following a heartless theft.

Bill Wightman was preparing to head to the Dominican Republic to spread his father's ashes when the urn they were contained in was stolen from his vehicle in St. Catharines.

Luckily, Wightman has a security video mounted outside his home, and caught the theft on tape, but he's still not sure he'll ever get to fulfill his dad's dying wish.

"There are two cameras outside...He's in the vehicle for three minutes which I would think is a long time, but he's pretty comfortable while he's doing it," he said while watching video of the crime in progress.

The crook also took his G.P.S., and several CDs, but it's the urn that he's concerned about.

"He had asked if I could spread some ashes for him in the Dominican so I actually went to get the urn because we're leaving for the Dominican next week and that's the reason it was in the truck, and it just so happens that was the night the truck got broken into."

Now he's hoping the person responsible will show some heart and return his father's ashes.

"In all honesty I don't know if I will get it back but I hope I do. I would think if somebody's watching this, the guy who took it, he can drop it anywhere. I don't care if he's caught I just want the urn back."

The suspect is described as: White, Between 40 to 50 years of age, 6 feet tall, 170 pounds, has a mustache and was wearing a baseball hat, black gloves, jeans and darks shoes..."

Now this story has triggered some thoughts in my mind. These thoughts are growing with an impact on my thinking.

So what is the deal? Can we distribute someone’s ashes based on their simple request? Is it legal? And where can it be done or cannot be done?

I found scant info on the Web Search that I did… one quote is here… from Oregon…
“Of course, if specific legal restrictions are to be avoided in the future, common sense must be applied, now. For instance, while it may be OK to scatter cremated remains on your own private property, it would not be a good idea to scatter them on your neighbor’s property without permission. And, though it may be OK to scatter cremated remains at the beach, it would not be a good idea to do so at a crowded beach on a windy day. Similarly, though it may be OK to scatter cremated remains quietly in a national forest, it would not be a good idea to erect a permanent monument commemorating the spot.”

There appears to be no definite laws in place to restrict a family from scattering anywhere they would desire – Canada or USA.

But there is a “Moral Issue” here that needs to be looked at. I think we need to look closer at what is actually happening.

First we are taking care of the remains of a loved one. What we do with them expresses to us our love for the one departed. It has little to do with what the person that has departed thinks or wants. They will not know any different. They are gone.

Second… It has all to do with us… and how we feel... and if we feel. It also has something to do with the generations that will follow. Where is the respect and concern for life? It is somewhat rooted/connected in death I believe. There will be no permanent earth record of where the person was all about.

There is something about a memorial spot that indicates the life that was lived. It is a focus point that brings our attention to the one that is departed. That focus is good for our own being.

Much more is mulling there in my thoughts. I need more time to deal with it.

I personally need a place where I can come and reflect. Now my backyard is wonderful for scattering my wife’s ashes (hypothetically that is). I can come out in that back yard that she loved so much and think of her often. She loved the yard so much.

BUT if I sell the house, I cannot pick up the ashes. She stays there. And the new folk might not like me wondering back into the yard again in years to come – let alone have the freaky feeling that she is there. And when our grandkids bring their kids to see the beautiful back yard – the second and third owners might not understand.

Worse yet if the future people don’t take care of the beautiful back yard – I will not be happy – nor will my wife!!!!!

Now suppose that Mr. Wightman is laid to rest on a beautiful beach in Dominican Republic. In a year or so when the new waterfront property is developed – Mr. Wightman may well be resting under the foundations or a new hotel. The original view will be changed.

Personal…
This factor came into our family when my Mother-in-law decided to scatter her second husband’s ashes in their favorite spot down by the Lake. In their better times of relationship the two of them had enjoyed feeding the geese on that spot… you know sunsets… warm weather… and beautiful, graceful Canadian Geese…

So when my wife told me that she had accompanied her mom to scatter the ashes and then told me where… I was a more than a little amazed. There among the goose droppings lay her husband. He was covering a good portion of the lawn.

Coming from a rural setting I know one thing for sure. Geese, like other fowl, pick up small stones and particles to aid their digestion. Soooooo… the likelihood of my mother-in-law’s second husband dwelling inside a Canadian Goose is very high.

In the following years as we returned to that same lakeside – they had redeveloped the whole area. The new gardens are in front of the large Arts Centre probably covering the man named “Marshall”.

Now to be honest here… my mother-in-law’s last years with Marshall were nothing less than a nightmare. Her role was to stay alive – longer than him. It was not good to say the least.

Soooo… maybe ending it all as Goose Droppings is kind of appropriate. But Marshall had a son and some grandkids… where will they remember him?

The world has changed big time. Death now means an inconvenient pause in our life schedules – when someone we know loses someone we don’t know. Worse yet eventually after taking part in a few of these kinds of events – we then lose someone and it is our pause time.

The care is gone. The time of reflection is shortened and almost non existent. What has happened to our species? And worse yet – I can do little about it…

Bill Wightman, as much as I feel bad for you and definitely see your loss as more than tragic… I have no answers. The man that took the Urn – likely stored the junk that he stole from your truck in it. Urns at Hock Shops are a not a big seller. The total story is one that makes me think – a whole lot of disrespect happening here… Yikes!

~ Murray Lincoln ~
Sources to Consider…
http://www.funerals-usa.com/oregon/2008/07/oregon-scattering-of-human-remains/
http://www.funerals.org/frequently-asked-questions/cremation/376-scatterbrained
http://www.fluther.com/disc/5783/why-is-it-illegal-to-scatter-cremated-remains/

Perigee and Apogee of Life

I couldn’t feel any difference last evening. The report that I read stated that the Moon was the closest to the earth last night than it has been or will be – for a long time. I almost past that thought over until I read more and realized a great find of something that had passed me over for 64 years… the moon and my knowledge of it.

Did you know that the Moon is 1.2912 times brighter—about 30% in perigee compared to apogee? Now there is a mid winter, cold night warming up idea.

Did you know that no two full moons are the same? In other words you could snap a photo of the moon each time it was a “full moon” – no two photos would be exactly alike. The moon moves around a lot and thus the differences. Add to that – you move a lot too. Try it and see what I mean… now remember that there has to be no clouds too…

Most of us go for – “Did you see the Full Moon?” and that amazement is enough.

Having read the report about the Moon being so close and then looked at the full moon this morning early – it is really true – it is amazing!

For 64 years I have taken much for granted. It has been happening all around me and I simply move on – not thinking much about all the dynamic forces that are coming to impact my life. Much like the closeness of the Moon last evening – I slept through it. It happened and I moved on without knowing about it.

This past week my wife has been sorting and reordering old photographs. Together we have giggled at the images in front of us. There were our girls when they were young… then their growing up years… then their older years…next were the coming of grandkids… and all that was taking place during the last 13 years… with six arriving – one after another. It all was happening without me even knowing about it.

Now add the simple fact that people – like the Moon – are kind of in Perigee or Apogee in relationship to us – all the time. And I am to them.

Now there is a “thought stopper”. Relationships – wow!

So why write about it? Well right now I have a number of friends that are suffering big time from what we call “Cabin Fever” in Canada. We are shut in so long and so much with cold weather that we start acting weird and even miserable toward each other. Sometimes that leads to some real stressed times and difficult moments.

Reports came my way a longtime ago. In the winter season there are more Eskimos that are killed than any other time. In the very old days the author claimed this was true. In that they were confined to one small igloo for days, weeks and months at a time during long blizzards. In the igloo there was no TV, no radio, no diversions… only your family huddled together to keep in from the cold winter outside. (I am convinced that many 13 year olds were killed by their little sisters.)

Can you imagine – one family for a whole winter with nothing to do? And through a long blizzard you stay inside and away from the cold outside – or you will die.

For my readers in Florida and Texas today – that may be hard to comprehend. But for Canadians it is a reality.

Some simple thoughts – I think Mothers and Fathers designed Schools so that their kids could drive someone else crazy. Going back to school after a winter break is the Greatest Holiday ever!

Now back to Perigee and Apogee of my life – and yours. We need some change and some difference to stay alive. Too much of me cannot be good for anyone. Too much of you – to be fare – is also not good. We all need a little variety… or we might kill each other!

In a Senior’s Residence nearby I have found an interesting factor. People that sit in one spot and doing nothing are weird…. People that move around a lot and do different things – add activity and variety to their lives – are ALIVE! One man that I came to visit often – was hard to find by visitors and staff. He was never in his room or where he SHOULD BE. I asked him why. He told with a big grin.. “You want me to be like them?” then he pointed to an older person(that was younger than him). “No way baby… no way!”

Now put that into your own life and situation. Sitting still with nothingness will likely drive you NUTS. Doing something is good… it is out there and way from here!

Have you noticed in Florida that Canadians are always moving? They hardly ever sit still. Given an opportunity they will shop till they drop!

Now have you noticed something comical about this? They travel almost 1000 miles south to get outside and do things – constantly vibrating with doing!!!!

That isn’t a HOLIDAY – that is Cabin Fever gone crazy when it hits sunshine and warm weather.

So what do I do? Well right now I am composing a series and lists of “things to do when you have Cabin Fever…” It could also fall under “cheap dates for old people”. My wife and I are doing each of them to try it out. Lots of fun.

In our area it will be a good seller I am sure!

So today are you Apogee or Perigee?? Or are you just a miserable old so and so… that no one wants to talk to – or are you a Moon? The choice is yours.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

Source to consider…
http://www.fourmilab.ch/earthview/moon_ap_per.html

Perigee

Apogee