October 2018

Unlike most of my blogs, this one will have few pictures, but many of my thoughts about the little things...

October 10

Between the political news, global warming, a huge drop in the stock market, and more rainy days in a month than I can remember, I’m feeling a little depressed.  So, I decided to count my blessings.

Among my many blessings are the birds that visit our yard.  Our yard is comprised of various elements that attract the birds.  All of our trees are small, but each year they offer more branches to welcome new birds.  We’ve had several springs now with robins who build nests and hatch their young. The commons area behind our fence is a drain field so it has tall grasses and a small rivulet of water during most of the warmer seasons, which attracts the field birds.   Nearer to our fence is a garden area that nurtures a variety of perennials and annuals.  With such diversity of fauna, we also get a diversity of birds.

Robins

Sparrows

Doves

Red-winged black birds

Cowbirds

Dicksissels

Meadowlarks

Gold finch

Purple finch

Bluejay

Bluebirds

Eastern kingbirds

Western kingbirds

Cardinals ( saw a pair one day; I think they were lost)

Barn swallows

Tree swallows

Hummingbirds

Grackles

Falcon (sat on our deck rail one time)

Red-tailed hawk

Crow

Phoebe

I give credit to my very, very large zinnia bed for bringing in finches, hummingbirds and a host of butterflies. The finches are crazy about the zinnia seeds.  Thankfully they leave enough seeds behind that I can harvest them for the following year.  It’s common for me to see about a dozen butterflies on the zinnias at one time.  I don’t know much about butterflies, but the few that I can identify are:

Cabbage white

Orange sulphuric

Regal fritillary

Monarch

I know even less about bees, but all of my flowers seem to attract them.  I’ve seen every type from big, fat, fuzzy bees, to tiny little things no bigger than a dime—-and all sizes in between.  Generally they seem to be quite passive.   I’m much less thrilled with the wasps, hornets, or whatever they are that threaten to sting. Gretchen has been stung a few times and is now quite wary of them.

It’s the little things...

On my bike ride October 16, I was appreciative of the many trails we have in Lincoln.  I rode 27 miles and all of it on paved trail. I biked through the Haymarket and happened upon a Project Homeless Connect event.

a man receiving medical attention

How wonderful that Lincoln is doing what it can to help the homeless.  At this event people could get free

Medical services

Flu shots

Eye care

Dental care

Clothing

Haircut

Pet care services

Bicycle repair

Awareness and connections to agencies that can help with all types of homeless issues 

It's the little things that so many of us take for granted...

The downtown area has become a popular place for condos and apartments.  Until recently, there has not been a viable grocery store within five miles.

For residents who mostly walk or bike, this new market is a gem!

It's the little things...

Why would these beautiful white iris decide to grace my garden in October?

A good biking friend hit a little patch of loose gravel while riding 20 mph on a trail.  He injured many parts and spent 3 weeks in a hospital with rehab 5 hours each day.  Members from my riding community celebrated his transition to home.

Gerry (in wheelchair) surrounded by biking friends.

Every day on my bike I am cognizant that this could be me in the wheelchair.  I try to be as careful as possible.

I am thankful for the little things...

Rusty's hip replacement surgery went smoothly.

Fresh flowers for his table---it's the little things...

Post-op has been a challenge for us.  Rusty has had non-stop severe hiccups which make it difficult for him to breathe, talk, eat or sleep.  Hopefully all will resolve itself in time.

In the middle of the night Rusty made this sign for me.

It's the little things... that make me feel appreciated.

Our church commemorated the 20 year anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard.  The service included a cello piece written as a special memorial and was accompanied by two dancers.  It was a somber and compelling performance.

Matthew Shepard's body has now been buried at the Washington National Cathedral.  Shepard has endured as a symbol of violent hate crimes against LGBTQ people.

It often is the horrendous and violent things that eventually lead this country forward.

Rusty treated me to coffee and a sweet at The Mill on Innovation Campus.  It gave us both a chance to get out of the house and enjoy a little sunshine.

The building in the left background is the convention center where I attended the following discussion.

The Heuermann Lecture Series first guests were former Nebraska senators Bob Kerrey and Chuck Hagel.

Bob Kerrey (D)

Chuck Hagel (R)

Having ridden my bike to this event, I'm the one in bright yellow.

The focus of the discussion was how people from either side of the isle should engage in civility.

"We are not seeing the leadership required in our country," said Hagel, who added that he doesn’t care whether someone is Republican or Democrat, and instead looks for leaders with character, courage and good judgment. 

The former senators said the issues go much deeper than whether someone supports the president. It’s also about what people are doing to improve their homes and communities.

Despite the challenges facing the country, Hagel and Kerrey said they remain hopeful for the future. They long for a return of civil leadership and are confident American politics will find its new center of gravity.  

It may be difficult to be civil to someone with different political views, but it's the little things that build our community. 

Go vote!