Phenomenon

 We have noticed this phenomenon for a few years now. We used to think of it as a joke almost. When rain is predicted we watch the radar and as it reaches Jefferson, Greene County Iowa, it separates and the rain goes around us. We do not get it. The rain does not come. We might get a sprinkle but not the kind of rain one needs for sustainment. Now this happens mostly in summer. We are not here for 6 months of the year so we need to be careful about the word "always". So let us say it happens often enough to get noticed, and often enough to not fill our rain barrel, and often enough to feel a bit scary about it. Especially when I am listening to an audio book about the duststorms of the 30's.

It is a good book. Brings me to tears in places. Some of the reviews say it is better as an audiobook and that is what I am doing.

Synopsis: The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set in Texas during the Dust Bowl era of the Great Depression in 1934. The story follows Elsa Martinelli and her family as they struggle to survive and hold on to their American dream. Elsa must make a difficult choice between staying on the land she loves or moving west to California in search of a better life. 

Oh, by the way as I put this post together it is sprinkling! 

Being Mayor

 I was Mayor of a small town of 300 people for a few terms and when I was first elected there were classes recommended knowing my knowledge was marginal. Apparently, more people running for or getting elected need these classes. I clearly remember one of the rules. Never pass a law that cannot be enforced. I would add that would be difficult to enforce. 

Example: A woman in Florida miscarries a baby and it is perceived to be an inflicted abortion, she can be jailed along with her doctor and carry the burden of being a felon. There are so many holes in this law it is impossible to count!  What were they thinking? Answer: They weren't!

Loose Ends

 We have been taking care of loose ends. My computer chores take longer and longer each year. Add in a Doctor appt or two and I can get way behind. Yesterday was my annual cardiology appointment. I had a carotid test added to a echo test and then a visit with the doctor. Shot the heck out of the morning. All is well. Afterward we did some shopping and shot the rest of the day.

Today was a follow-up with Butch. He was having some respiratory issues and he didn't think he was coming along as well as he should, made the appointment a couple of days ago. And you guessed it! He was feeling much better today. Kept the appointment anyway and has confirmed he is better. 

I had a rough patch with my pool game. Butch kept telling me it was the "F" word...'focus' and he was right but it took a couple of weeks for me to believe him. It is much better now and I am on the right track. It makes my days much brighter and less stressful.

This was taken last year. Butch in his windowless cubbyhole and on his computer. It was shortly after this that I organized his desktop. Can't tell it now though. He will tell you that he knows where everything is and he probably does. His eyes are not sore but mine are! ❤

Wanna be challenged?

 I have been more in touch with my camera lately. My NikonPIX P900. It has some age on it now and has given me a challenge or two lately. One was fixed with a low battery and another with a played-out SD card. No matter all the hype from the phone people I have yet to find a phone pic that lives up to the quality of my Nikon. I took one this morning that proves the point beautifully to me once again.

Here it is:

For years we have had an abundance of stray cats. I do not mind because they keep the rodent population under control. The city and some residents declared war on them a few years back and we haven't seen many for a few years. This morning I saw this beauty in our back alley. I could tell she had recently given birth to a litter. She made her way to our patio and looked straight at me through the window. She is beautiful.

Back to being challenged. I have been attempting to organic pictures. I have thousands, old and new, mostly digitalized. Now that is a challenge! I would not even be tempted except; have you ever had a special picture in your mind that you remember vividly and want to share with a friend? So you start to look for it? But can't seem to find it? Now there is a challenge!