Today's Life: Recent Episodes
Joseph McGuire
Something New at the Zoo CYNTHIA TANNER: I'm keeping a secret. That's not the healthiest thing to do in a relationship. This could really bite me on the tail if it doesn't work out.
Across the Country CYNTHIA TANNER: If we're going to move, we'll have to do some research. We've lived here a long, long time. It's going to be a lot of work... I don't know how to move during a world wide pandemic.
Fall Clean Up JORDAN TANNER: Every time the seasons change, we have some transition chores to do. Getting the outdoors ready for different weather. Getting the indoor stuff switched from Summer to Winter.
Bioluminecence CYNTHIA TANNER: Nature and magic are so close to one another... in my view. For instance bugs who glow in the dark?! Fireflies and fairies fly about together but kids only catch fireflies in their jars.
Visiting Nature Part 1: Weird Flowers CYNTHIA TANNER: Nothing is quite what it seems. Are all these costumes and Day of the Dead designs supposed to be scary or fun... or beautiful?
Bumpy Pumpkins CYNTHIA TANNER: 'Weird and wonderful' is a phrase I like. 'Spooky' and 'scary'? ... not so much. We definitely have a fear of the unknown. But, really, some of the greatest gifts in life are surprises. And, some of the greatest beauty is unique and different.
The Stampede of Goats CYNTHIA TANNER: There's something in the angle light of Autumn. Something in the air, too... it's a feeling of expectation and change... Who knew we'd have fire refugees.
Summer Bucket List CYNTHIA TANNER: There is a phrase that I hate, 'Bucket List'. As if thinking about your ultimate demise will bring clarity to the things you don't want to miss out on. FOMO. That's another phrase I hate.
Transition to Fall CYNTHIA TANNER: We haven't seen anybody for a whole week. Are they hiding out? Is it that last blast of adventure, before summer ends? All I get the urge to do is a Fall cleaning.
Leaves of Change CYNTHIA TANNER: We're leaving Summer behind. We welcome Fall with harvests and changing leaves and comfort food. I'm being taken on an outing. A day of surprises. Hm...
Leap into the Lake CYNTHIA: In our modern version of a world wide pandemic, the meaning of 'seasons' has changed. We are not measuring time by birthdays, or school years, or by holidays...
Baking the Berry Harvest CYNTHIA TANNER: Baking is always enjoyable. Beautiful aromas in the house. The toasty warmth, circulating. Anticipation of delectable delights.
Resting Up CYNTHIA: We are all aging. Every single one of us, even infants. So what’s the big deal. It shouldn’t be a problem to act your age.
What's the Plan CYNTHIA TANNER: The whole world has been overwhelmed for almost 2 years, now. Global warming, 'Me too', 'Black Lives Matter', 'de-fund the police', Global Pandemic! I'm in emergency overload.
Episode Notes DANIEL FORDHAM: Summer has so many things to do outside. But, this year we're outside all the time. Last year we stayed inside, all the time. Now, everybody hunts for things to do outdoors, that aren't crowded.
Back Up Beep Beep Beep JORDAN TANNER: Do you know how to back a truck up, when it has a trailer attached? I don't! Can you learn it without getting a commercial driver's license? Dad used to say, 'Practice, practice, practice'...
Escape the Flames JENNIFER SORENSON: This smoke filled world seems so different and ominous. I have a great deal of responsibility with these animals. Herding goats is difficult at the best of times. If we need to escape the flames... how's that gonna' work?
The World is on Fire CYNTHIA TANNER: The sky is so ... so yellow. But, I don't see the sun. Last night is was orange, no stars, no moon. Smoke gets in your eyes, and nose, and throat...
A Tropical Heatwave CYNTHIA TANNER: I love the Summer! Long days of lovely sunlight. Bright and warm. Green and colorful growing things. People and animals all playing in the water. But, when it's this hot, everything seems to wilt.
Not Out of the Woods Yet ``` CYNTHIA TANNER We're back in the drink and going under. People are bickering about everything. People are blaming everybody else. People aren't scared enough tolearn what's really happening...
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Varient Waves Hello JORDAN TANNER: It had to be expected... and now it's here, again. Do bad things come in threes? Does that mean another variant after this one? Of course it does, did we learn nothing from history?
What Kind of Yoga!?! JORDAN TANNER: I remember the days when exercise was blood, sweat and tears. How many repetitions, how many pounds, how many laps. Competition over health benefits. Does that still hold true?
Light Sabre Battle CYNTHIA TANNER: This is a great step towards the good old days. Life before social distancing. We can even get together with the elderly, as long as everybody is safely vaccinated.
A Ferry Ride Doing any Summer activities means we have to get somewhere, first. It takes all of the fun out of Summer to be in a car, on the road, in crowds of other cars.
Island Hoppers CYNTHIA TANNER: It gets complicated, when you try to find unusual things to do. What's unusual for me, might be an everyday activity for somebody else.
Beach Fitness JORDAN TANNER: I've always liked going to the beach. The soothing sound of the waves, the weird sea life in the tide pools. The warm sand covering my feet. The beach is so relaxing.
Goats on the Move CYNTHIA TANNER: Today we take some of our coop. vegetable bounty, over to our friends house, and swap. Things have gone well with our garden until this horrible heat wave.
Taste and Texture JORDAN TANNER Cynthia is working on an herb fest. It looks pretty tiny, so far. I don't know the method to pack in the most flavor, but I do know FLAVOR IS KING.
Good Habits and Bad Habits CYNTHIA TANNER: The things we do everyday, become habit. Does that mean we can't stop doing them? Does it mean we don't think about what we're doing? Is it a bad habit or a good habit?
Episode Notes CYNTHIA TANNER: The main thing we put our energy into on the fourth of July... is keeping our dogs from loosing their minds. We've done this for decades now. Poor dogs.
Water Logged Dogs CYNTHIA TANNER: Keeping the dogs cool is a challenge. Shade and wind are outside our control. Water is just about our only tool.
To Heb or Not to Herb CYNTHIA TANNER: This is the time the green leafy herbs need some pampering, and attention. Apparently they need to be encouraged to branch out... even as tender infants.
To Educate or To Entertain CYNTHIA TANNER: There are people who have struggled more through the Pandemic. Because the struggle more through our typical routines, everyday.
Nobody Knows It All JORDAN TANNER: I like learning new things. What I don't like is people telling me that they know, is the one and only, right way. And, they're going to convert me!
Pesky Pests JORDAN TANNER: People are always critiquing. Everyone has an opinion. Which of these opinionated people is going to actually pitch in?
Summer Surprises CYNTHIA TANNER: Another sunny experience is coming our way. It's great to have friends who are adventurous, but don't have anything to prove athletically. We get outside for pure fun.
It's No Picnic CYNTHIA TANNER: Picnics and camping are alike as far as recreation vs. Leaving your chores at home. The food, and the cleaning up are something we take along.
Take A Different Tack JORDAN TANNER: Ah, a day off. Back into nature, for a sailing expedition. I love the sound of the water... but, not the surf.
Episode Notes CYNTHIA TANNER: Moving forward with income, in these uncertain times. We have some successful side gigs, but now we need to 'grow' them or we're wasting our time and effort.
Get Out With It CYNTHIA TANNER: Our friends are getting out more. They're inviting us along. Whose vaccinated and who isn't? Whose masked and who isn't? Whose coughing and sneezing and touching things...? and does that matter?
Catching Up JORDAN TANNER: Gardening is a constant, when you grow food. If you are not planting, weeding, chasing pests. You are trying to cook or can, all of the food that insists on being picked.
That's Not Funny CYNTHIA TANNER: People have some truly strange past times and activities. In addition they have peculiar habits and weird ways. I am not speaking of eccentric behavior... that would be me.
What's in a Name JORDAN TANNER: It's important to have a good friend in your life. In celebrations and in sadness. But, the truth is... they can help get you through the day-to-day, brilliantly.
Paper or Plastic JORDAN TANNER: Speaking to people ought to be about communication. Am I wrong? Then, why do so many people just spout off and release their emotions on the wrong listeners? Couldn't they just mutter to themselves about it?!
Share and Share Alike CYNTHIA TANNER: It's kind of fun now that some harvest is coming in. What's the phrase? The fruits of our labors? Well, fruits and vegetables.
Fruit Recruit CYNTHIA TANNER: I'm told that April is a time of transition (in the garden). In the year of a global pandemic, everyday is a time of transition.
Ready, Set, Scrub! CYNTHIA TANNER: Now you Know that I have really run out of anything interesting to do... or to see... or to talk about. These are the words that came out of my mouth, this morning...'deep cleaning'. Yuck!
Bored? Jennifer: There's never any down time. I always have a to do' list, and a stack of papers, and a pile of clothes, and animals that need looking after, and then, we go around, again.
Speech Analytics CYNTHIA TANNER: We've had a couple of conversations about income. They're never comfortable conversations. There not always productive either. This time we're going to 'Ask the Expert!'
Thinning Out JORDAN TANNER: Gardening seemed like a leisure activity... until we started doing it. Not the flowers... they are easy. The 'crops' definitely take it up a level
Update Classes CYNTHIA TANNER: It's time to assess. See what works and continue that. See what isn't working and cut that away. Get out the pruning shears.
Summer Travels? CYNTHIA TANNER: Summer is just around the corner. Are people making travel plans? So many of the typical travel destinations have not made progress with reducing cases or increasing vaccination...
Fauci Ouchie CYNTHIA TANNER: It's a new day! But, is it? I feel better prepared physically and mentally, to 'face the world. Yet, I still don't feel that it's safe, quote 'out there', unquote.
Road Apple JORDAN TANNER: Finishing the 'window boxes' is the last big project for Spring. I can't remember why we wanted them... or what we plan to plant, in them... hmm
Open Air Art Fair CYNTHIA TANNER: Another outdoor activity! I had forgotten about Spring sidewalk art fairs. This requires no work at all and it's pretty enjoyable. I like the sculptures best... how about you?
Splash Play Jordan Tanner: Gardening is hard work. Relaxation can be harder. Especially if you’re blowing bubbles.
Plein Air JENNIFER SORENS: Spring has Sprung. The sunshine is becoming a constant companion. I hope most of our students have the tech. capacity, to take our class outside.
Ticky Tacky Boxes JORDAN TANNER: There is always plenty of work to do. Sometimes one project, stacked on another and another. The weather creates a definite deadline with gardening...it's good to have extra hands chipping in.
Window Boxes JORDAN TANNER: I had a 'brainstorm'... Okay, maybe it was, 'the calm , before the storm'. Either way, I had a good idea! Some of this gardening is 'backbreaking' because it's down on the ground...
Wedging Clay CYNTHIA TANNER: The garden waits for nothing! We can't take a break from gardening to take care of other projects. Jennifer and I will prepare our lesson and materials while Jordan digs on...
Gardening Solutions CYNTHIA TANNER: This is serious farming... not gardening at all. I used to work, a bit, at growing flowers... but really, they either bloomed or they didn't. The work involved in reaching a harvest is substantial.
Let Them Eat Cake CYNTHIA TANNER: Trading garden harvest, is the way to make suburban gardens work. Trade fruit and veg. with friends and neighbors increases the choices (and hopefully decreases the workload.
Farming in Suburbia CYNTHIA TANNER: Gardening is not a hobby when you are actually trying to provide food. I feel as if we are in a 'back to the land movement', but we forgot to leave the city.
Dig In JORDAN TANNER: There are quite a few supplies involved in gardening. I thought it was simple, and bucolic... It's really just hard labor. Here we go.
Planting Time JORDAN TANNER: Preparing the yard to plant food, is completely different than preparing the yard for flowers or a lawn.
Cat's Paws CYNTHIA TANNER: Teaching on line has been interesting. Anticipation was the worst part. Now that I've delivered some lessons I see that I can do it. And, I'm meeting new people.
Dog Vaccines CYNTHIA TANNER: I've done my best to avoid any crowds of people. I use the drive up teller at the bank and the drive through food or spaced out patios, to eat out. I stay away fro the doctor's office, all together.
Warp and Woof CYNTHIA TANNER: We tried something really different! Riding horses, in the snow... now we have to shift our thinking to Spring... hmm...
Snowman CYNTHIA TANNER: I am too old to play in the snow... I have arthritis and my hands and toes are always cold. Being wet and sloppy out in the snow is not my idea of fun.
Heigh Yo Horses CYNTHIA TANNER: It's so good to get out of the house and still not be busting our pod. Keeping safe Covid boundaries and still getting out and about.
Vaccine, Where? DANIEL FORDHAM: It's definitely time to get out of town. The stress level is rising every time something changes. This constant searching for a vaccine... it's time for a break.
Finish The Quilt JORDAN TANNER: We've all become comfort seeking missiles. Disasters will do that to your perpetual disaster creates a country of PTSD. Let's seek comfort...
Customers JENNIFER SORENS: We are ready to start a new set of art courses. That means we need to advertise... and to do that we need to know what it is we're selling...
Day Trip With Friends DANIEL FORDHAM: Planning a vacation isn't what it used to be... I'm trying to talk my friends into a vacation. Instead of making reservations to beat the crowds, you have to avoid the crowds.
Pioneer Quilts CYNTHIA TANNER: Jennifer's idea of a 'story quilt', has put me back on the path to social activities. In the 19th century, a quilting bee was the social gathering of lonely rural folk.
Story Quilt JENNIFER SORENS: Art can be used to trace and understand historical experiences. Art is also a form of communication. Let's try art as a form of communication.
Vaccines CYNTHIA TANNER: If a Global Pandemic works the same way a story plot works... we've had the problem. We've had the inciting incident... we have had waves of rising action. I don't know where a Vaccine fits in this plot.
Garage Crafting CYNTHIA TANNER: I like the way my friend Jennifer teaches. I think I will be able to follow her lead and do some remote art teaching, too.
Basket Weaving JORDAN TANNER: : Cynthia has never been a perfectionist. But, when she's doing something new... well, let's just say she doesn't learn well by listening and reading, Cynthia learns best by doing something.
Pottery How To JENNIFER SORENS: Stress is an inhibitor to learning. These days we don't have a choice. Rather than announcing a crisis, news reports sort multiple crises ... in a list.
More art and History JORDAN TANNER We took a day trip. Getting into the great outdoors is good for the soul. Even if it's nearby. Coordinating a trip with friends is more complicated.
Vacation Backlash CYNTHIA TANNER: Jordan is always worried about how much stress I'm under. He has some mighty weird ways of trying to help out. Do you have well intentioned people in your Covid pod?
Pre-School CYNTHIA TANNER: Art is in the eye of the beholder. If you're teaching a large, scattered group, how do you get everyone on the same page? Do you need to?
Survival Skills JORDAN TANNER It is interesting to me, how few people know basic survival skills. You don't need to be running from zombies or get trapped inside a video game to learn how to build a fire or collect clean water.
Art History JENNIFER SORENS It's a funny thing when teaching... I never seem to get to, the material I intended to cover. I hope I manage to stay on track, this time.
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JENNIFER SORENS: I feel as if I've fallen into a science fiction novel. Some of our habits are going back in time to accommodate our version of the plague.
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CYNTHIA TANNER Another shift, another wave, another shift another wave... I hope we don't get a tsunami!
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CYNTHIA TANNER I'm lining up all of the great minds, I know... to figure out how to make a living without leaving our house. The longer this goes on the fewer jobs out there...
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JORDAN TANNER The personal economy for businesses who can stay open during the pandemic is improving. For those, not able to be open consistently... it's probably not sustainable. Does the third wave trigger lay-offs? Will the vaccine allow jobs to increase?
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CYNTHIA TANNER:
I'm going to learn to make cheese. Goat cheese, to go with all of the bread, everyone's been baking. It's nice to have a resurgence of home making skills that had been largely left behind
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DANIEL FORDHAM:
It's just about time to get out of town. After the holiday rush with grandchildren... all complicated by sheltering at home... I know how we can get out of town.
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JORDAN TANNER The ebb and flow... time and tides... basically we are just along for the ride...
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CYNTHIA TANNER Is it 'the end of the world, as we not it?'No, it's just the end of another year. Will we say "Happy New Year?" I'm getting ahead of myself. We still need to get through December.
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CYNTHIA TANNER We are getting out of the house, today. We are getting out of the yard... in fact we're getting out of the neighborhood. The sun is out and so are we!
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JORDAN TANNER
We have had several flurries of conflict, lately... elections... counting, not counting... Covid-19: counting, not counting... And Now... nothing.
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CYNTHIA TANNER
Here we are, between holidays. It's a non-traditional years or traditional holidays. The days are shorter but the weeks seem longer. What about disasters. Are we between disasters?
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CYNTHIA TANNER
Things seem to be dragging on and on... how can we stay in emergency mode for 9 months and more? Come to think of it... that's the way Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is formed.
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CYNTHIA TANNER
'Covid Fatigue' what does that mean... worn out? Are people worn out? It's not tired... fatigue means my muscles have been over worked and won't go any further...
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JENNIFER SORENS I have a new hobby... a new pet... two new pets... I don't know if they are pets or a hobby. I did not get goats to be self sufficient... I did it for fun.
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CYNTHIA TANNER This is no laughing matter. How we elect our representatives and government leaders is vital to our democratic republic. And yet...
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CYNTHIA TANNER We're going to try a 'internet chat holiday'. We will have music and treats and toasts and dancing... We'll see how it goes.
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CYNTHIA TANNER
We have had some strange, new activities, these days... Nothing could surprise me, now.
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CYNTHIA TANNER
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What are you all doing to take the stress out of
Seasonal Celebration Expectations? If it's about
family togetherness, how are you doing that at a
distance to keep everyone healthy?
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CYNTHIA TANNER We are creatures of habit. It can be comforting to visit the past, visit childhood, visit the family we no longer live with... not this year.
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JENNIFER SORENS: Have any of you ever heard of Animal Assisted Therapy? Neither had I... but, now I'm a cog in the wheel of recovery... I don't get it either... Find out more at https://today-s-life.pinecast.co
CYNTHIA TANNER Relating to other people's children is a lot of fun. Doable doses. I'm able to give them my undivided attention. Even if they are acting out the entire time... soon enough they go back to their parents. Find out more at https://today-s-life.pinecast.co
CYNTHIA TANNER I'm well aware that taking a pet into your home should never be an 'impulse buy'. The balance of life has been thrown off dramatically. Cozy pets are great... but...
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CHERYL STANON: I'm so grateful to you for coming. Tonight you will learn about maintaining safety for yourself, your goat and your teen. You've been chosen because you are quick learners... here we go...
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DANIEL FORDHAM I love to find new and entertaining things to do with my grand kids. It's a real strain to keep any of the old traditions, these days... it used to be all about gathering together.
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Responses to stress have definitely increased. And, since so many of us are staying home, the stress is staying home with us... kid's, too.
To be past middle age and find out that life still has some changes in store... it's quite a surprise. Have you found yourself doing something you never, ever thought you would?
No gatherings, social distancing... Protests demanding changes in policing...But, we still have to pay the bills, get the food, pay the taxes... and vote... yes America... it's time to vote..
There are few more taste treats I associate with this time of year. I know it's the current meme to complain about 'pumpkin spice' everything...but, spices smell amazing...
I guess a harvest festival was to celebrate the great crops you got out of the ground. Or, maybe to appease whoever you think controls that? In my world, any chance to eat good food and be creative? I'm in.
The season's are changing. Much of the country is used to diving into a string of celebrations... but, without gathering together, it's a whole new ballgame.
You know the saying, 'Necessity is the mother of invention'?! Instead, I would say, 'boredom is the fertilizer that sprouts weird and useless ideas. You know what I mean.
How you gonna' keep them down on the farm... I guess a world wide pandemic ought to do it... Then again, we have been taking farm animals, on field trips... (not that kind of field)
How often does starting something new... or addressing a problem, lead to more problems? Have you done something recently that you thought was a great idea and suddenly, you have 6 or 7 things to fix?
Society has changed. There is an occasional fist fight over face masks! There is less human interaction. There is an increased number of pets in people's homes...social distances used to be cultural... now they're medical...
I've always liked the idea of being self sufficient. It hasn't taken the exact direction I thought it could... but, we're finding out that more and more can be accomplished right here at home.
Each of us has a different idea about how we want to interact with animals. Some people feel that ALL animals should remain wild. Others feel it's important that we have face to face, contact...
I wish we had not visited the pet store. So many animals needing homes and so much boredom with being home bound... It's lead to many inappropriate adoptions. Do you have a 'Covid' caused pet?
It's good to get out of the house... although it's not recommended for containing contagions. Done carefully it can help you hold it together and blow off some steam. Where to you go and still keep your social distance?
What sort of good deeds is everybody doing these days? The volunteer in person idea has gone by the wayside with social distancing. We don't make enough money to donate... now what?
It's all happening over the internet... I used to do yoga, I recently took a watercolor lesson and that connection lead to a book club... I miss the closeness of people in the same room.
School days, school days. There's a lot of conflict! Hybrid distance learning and classroom instruction, Instruction that's all at a distance (with a pod). All in the classroom 5 days a week... how many will fit with 6 foot spacing?
I have changed...I didn't think that would happen. I really believed I already had all the tools and techniques I needed to face any challenge. Even at my age... apparently new situations and unknown circumstances might actually require new tools.
One of the things I used to do to solve problems or work out my thoughts was to talk to a variety of people. My contacts are so limited, now ... I don't get any new perspective.
Projects, projects, projects... how many of you have started new projects while sheltered at home? I think that's everybody! And, under these circumstances I'm much more likely to actually finish them!
Which do you think is ore important, How you learn or what you learn? There is a new emphasis on remote learning and whether or not it includes remote teaching. How will this be done well?
We've had a lot of problems to solve, this year...and a lot of problems that can't be solved. I decided to apply play and games theory...How do you solve these monumental problems?
We've had so many problems to solve. I tried to lighten that up by being creative... Now, I just want to forget the problems...This time we'll get creative, just for fun.
The joking around at work has become chaotic... the flip side is everybody sounding off with the deepest darkest thoughts, too...Tragedy and comedy... like a roller coaster.
Work... Home...Work...Home...what's the difference. All the work has to be done, whether I'm at work or at home.
The circumstances of life have changed so much. These changes might be long term. Growth has to happen... new ideas, new ways... I've been looking a 'Game Theory'... What philosophies have you dropped?... or picked up...?
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Coming up with a new idea is easy... it's carrying it out that becomes work. I've got myself started on a project ... when will it end?
Have you designated your Social Pod, yet? We've kept it very simple. Three people... but, it can still get complicated...
How many of you are giving up on news media? I cannot even follow it anymore. Reality is certainly bizarre... but the soundbites are ... what's a more extreme word...? I don't even know...
I thought we had this alternate work options kinda' figured out...My hours were all 'Telehealth', Jordan's are part-time at the office, part time at home... Now it's all up in the air, again.
Today we're gonna' explore. We've been camping, and that's been nice...But... there's nothing I love more than a carnival... unless it's a mystery...
"Camping" I thought I knew exactly what that term meant... we always camp in the 'cheap seats'. Camping with a friend is teaching me about luxury and Glamping?
Camping is one of those activities... they say it can 'make or break' a relationship. This year we're doing things differently, of course. Is it a good idea to take friends along, camping?
New experiences are good for us... right? It expands the mind... and maybe increases tolerance? I guess that all depends on what the challenge is... I mean what the new experience is.
Traveling... sort of... driving to a camp ground 300 miles away... with a reservation... with all of our own food... with a barrel of sanitizer...I hope we can have fun...
Vacation is a concept we have to apply in completely weird circumstances, now... Do you see vacation as 'fun' or as something else?
Once I get something started, I like to complete it. There is no point in stalling them momentum when you could just as easily move forward.
I think I need to reduce my clutter. The more time we're forced to stay at home, with all of our stuff...Do you need more elbow room?
Everyone's talking about schools... I want to know how to get through summer vacation... 'Travel-don't travel'... travel if you can isolate...
'To each his own' has been an ongoing method for us to avoid conflict and conversations that we think may be impossible. That only worked as long as 'live and let live' was true. When we are presented with matters of 'life or death'... How are You dealing with that?
Time to take you dogs around the block...again? I'm starting to feel like a hamster on a wheel... round and round and round again...Do you walk your kids? Do you get them to run? How far away is too far?
Things don't always stay on course. Isolation is not fun, but it's worrisome to have anybody over
I don’t know about you… but when I can’t go to the entertaining places I used to...I start to bring all sorts of recreation into the house and yard at home. At least I get to go into work… Things were much more stressful when I was working from home with all the distractions...
Getting out of the house has meant walking the dog, gardening, volleyball in the backyard and driving around protests, on a weekly trip for groceries...
Trying new things is one of the ways to keep your mind flexible... or so I'm told. Today Cynthia has some ideas that I get to stretch my mind around...
Getting outdoors is healthy, right?! But, our outdoor forays don't include any distance at all... can't take a vacation... not these days.
Chaos is the word for the day. These roads were an empty desert (and that was weird). Now they're teeming with people in surgical masks and fashion masks and army issue gas masks...holding placards. This incident in America has reached the world... like another epidemic.
No matter what changes, we still have the same human interactions and everyday chores...humans may be more like cockroaches than I thought... we just keep marching forward.
I enjoy being in my cozy little house...paying attention to my pets and working on my cozy little projects...I'm reading more than ever and creativity seems to grow when it doesn't have to compete with a real job and the outside world.
You know how a project can start out fairly simply... and then get way out of hand?! I would like to learn to apply the brakes in that situation. You know...instead of getting swept up in the momentum, just stop and think...
Being out and about used to mean mixing with people. Friends.... strangers... smiles... sharing a thought... We're gonna' keep trying new things until we find the ones that get us out and about... safely.
It's a new phase in the garden. Mowing and growing and mowing and growing... and growing some more. Lush, green, vital life... Magnificent! And, totally out of control.
How many new hobbies have you started and dropped in the last 3 months... more than ever before? More than you've had in the last 10 years? Desperate times call for crafting and woodworking?
I want to remind myself of things that are stable, consistent, reliable. Tonight I'm doing some star gazing. It'll be a relief to look up and away from the earth
My normal, everyday activity is all off kilter. Looking to the inside, is something I have always done, but it's not a priority. I don't know if improving myself is just superficial. I'm looking for something new to do.
Each decade we kind of stop and assess. I do, anyway. They used to say, 'You need a one year plan, a five year plan and a ten year plan'. These days I'm lucky if a get through a 10 minute plan before it's overcome by some monumental change.
Family matters are part of human existence, no matter the era. In suburbia, neighbors are part of human existence, too. How do you negotiate the complicated relationships on these complicated times?
I've heard bad news comes in threes. These days, difficult things are coming in layer, upon layer, upon layer. We're in a pandemic that lead to 'shelter at home' and closed businesses and schools. We are having protests about the 'shut down', bringing out people to protest the protesters. We're having protests about police brutality. We're having protests about those protesters.
We are used to our old ways. We have figured out what we like to do and how we like to do it. But things insist on changing and now we have to give up some old habits and learn some new skills... Do you resent it?
We've lost our sense of connection. All of the norms for greeting, communicating affirming each other are kind of obsolete. We can't see facial expressions behind the masks... Even talking is awkward I tend to raise my voice 'cause of the mask, too. The worst part is no shaking hands or hugs.
My work has always been hands on. I work with people who have been injured and need rehabilitation to build their strength or improve their coordination. How many of us are not able to do our 'hands-on' work now? I'm going to try Tele-health sessions... here we go...
Remember the 60's when a bunch of people told everybody else to eat granola and yogurt and recycle aluminum cans... they also touted a vegetarian diet. Then, trends and habits swung back the other way, to Kobe beef and gourmet pork belly recipes...And, now, once again the tides shift...
Nothing stays the same. We've had weeks and weeks of staying a home for a world wide pandemic. Now, they say it's tie for another change... change is hard.
Society has some funny reactions to shift in the commerce, sales and production. This current shut down is leading to some huge shifts. It seems like our attention gets drawn to some truly bizarre topics and schemes for a recovery. Have you changed your eating habits?
We can no longer live our lives on automatic. Everything we do these days is outside the norm. I have to pay attention, all the time. No routine... gotta' make one up... no visiting... pull out old hobbies..
Who do we talk to, these days... how do we approach them: seriously because life is serious or with humor 'cause we all need humor... We each have our own unique way of reaching out and connecting...
We are still locked indoors and we've been here long enough to want to remake ourselves. We've changed our hairstyles, our accessories and now we're combing through a huge variety of internet workshops and courses... things get weirder by the day...
When we 'Shelter at home' we need to adjust. Going back outdoors means experimenting and trying new ways to connect and communicate with those on the outside...while keeping our distance. It's confusing and go against our instinct and expectations
"When we 'Shelter at home' we need to adjust. Going back outdoors means experimenting and trying new ways to connect and communicate with those on the outside...while keeping our distance. It's confusing and go against our instinct and expectations"
Melancholy sets in as Cynthia and Jordan talk about past disasters. Disasters like the great depression and how their parents came through it.
While noodling on the internet while sheltering in place, Cynthia and Jordan, puzzle out the names of generations and why.
Jordan and Cynthia Tanner in Today's Life. Jordan cooks and Cynthia sews as they continue to shelter in place.