Don Quixote's dragon was a windmill. Just as he was ready to charge the foe that Sancho had told him were not giants, but windmills, Don Quixote replied, "It is easy to see that thou art not used to this business of adventures; those are giants; and if thou art afraid, away with thee out of this and betake thyself to prayer while I engage them in fierce and unequal combat." As Quixote charged the windmill, Sancho was soon to follow.
Many dragon battles (real and perceived) are being fought on a daily basis. Currently, tons of folks here in Fairfield Glade are battling Apex Clean Energy in an attempt to prevent them from bringing an industrial wind turbine farm to Millstone Mountain (next "hill" over, less than five miles east of us). I have rallied with many in getting petitions signed. I also know several people who are currently battling different dragons, such as cancer or a variety of other monstrous ailments. And then, there's this whole political race... one giant fire breathing dragon. "If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools." - Plato I fear, regardless of our efforts, we will be ruled by fools. The war on drugs, sex trade, abusive situations, poverty, etc. has been ongoing since the fall of man. As neighbor Allen mentioned, "Crooks have been improving their trade since Cain killed Abel."
Everyone fights dragons, monsters and beasts of different kinds,
everyday. This consumes time, energy, money, our thoughts and often our dreams. At what point, though, should we put down our lance, give up
the good fight, and let go of things we can not change? "One of the happiest moments ever is when you find the courage to let go
of what you can't change." - Author unknown. I think this is true, but it can also be a cop-out. We are programmed to
deceive ourselves with false comfort or in this case labeling things in
life as not changeable to avoid the hassle of actually having to change
things and partake in the necessary efforts to reach that change. I
tend to feel this way with the big dragons... so I choose not to enter
battle.
I
finally took charge in my battle of fitness, and went to the gym to
work out. Stevie continued with lounging around while I was gone. It was three weeks ago when I last lifted weights, so this
time I had to scale back on the number of repetitions with some of the exercises. I also went
slower (and for less time) on the elliptical. But at least I
had gotten myself some exercise.
After a late lunch
and a quick walk of the dog in a light sprinkle, I went in to work. This time there was a wedding and reception at the CC. It was simple, but nicely done.
There were vases of live flowers and goldfish on the
tables. Early in the afternoon we had to fish some dead ones out of a
few bowls. However, later, but before the guests were to go from the make-shift chapel, into the reception
hall, we noticed many more dead fish. The maid of Honor was agreeable
to have the dying and dead removed. Only six (out of 25+) fish showed
any vigor at all. By the end of my shift (almost 9:40 pm) the party was
coming to an end and I brought the six fish home in a plastic bag,
since the wedding folks didn't want them. As Wendy pointed out, even though we had
to work a Saturday night, we are thankful we don't have the life of a
goldfish. :-/ 
Sunday I felt run down, tired, and was pre-occupied. I was frustrated because I couldn't find anyone to sub for me on the up coming Saturday, except maybe for Sabrina. I have let this schedule become a dragon that is beating down my spirit of working and cooperation. I need to lance it and be done with it once and for all. But how? I guess for now, a change in my attitude would help because Kim said my schedule will not change until the end of May. I sat here at my computer much of the morning, unable to get motivated to do anything other than start this blog post. A Red Headed Woodpecker ->
We hiked on the undeveloped gravel and grass roads between Lake Glastowbury and Lake Malvern, enjoying nature. Seen right, is another bear "trap," with bait in the bag and surveillance camera on the tree to the left. The Wildlife Ranger does not want to fight this dragon, but just get it relocated farther away from the Glade.
It ended up being a longer hike than expected because I missed a turn and had to back track. At one point, this little Green (or Grass) snake was making its way across the gravel road.
Finally, once back to the car, we scooted over to Wildwood Stables for a party for Sara. She has worked there since she was eleven, but is graduating in a few weeks and moving to where a nursing job and her boyfriend are located. Seen right, Maggie has made new friends. Sara is in the black shirt and Ivy is also graduating from nursing school with her.
There was a taco bar and tons of other food we all brought, and enjoyed.
You never know what is or might have been in my sippy cup. Ha ha ha. (usually it is full of ice water - really.)
After eating, there were games to play. I had Maggie tied to the fence, and she got along well with the three barn dogs and anybody who came to see her.
There was going to be a group ride, but it ended up being just Jan and I riding bareback around the barn and yard. I put Maggie in a crate since I couldn't keep a close eye on her while on Amiga.
Ambrie, Judy and Shirley hangin' out, enjoying perfect weather on a beautiful evening.
Ivy and Ambrie helped Sara park the wagon before we all headed home for the evening.
I got home about 7 pm, fed the critters, took out the trash, cleaned up in the kitchen and put out a sleeping bag and pillow on the back porch where I planned to sleep. Then, during our 9:00 (before bed) walk, I found a glow stick on the ground. I carried it for better visibility and brought it home. Later, while I was still up, Stevie got into the glow stick which I had set on the kitchen counter. She had bit into it and ate some of the glow juice. It came to my attention when she was running around the living room, spitting out a greenish froth and foaming at the mouth. I grabbed her, shut her in the laundry room, cleaned up all her spittle so the dog wouldn't eat it, and then went in to check on her. She was still gagging and spitting out green bubbles. She had it down her front and all over her front paws. I got her all cleaned up.
Next I gave her a bowl of milk. I hoped it would neutralize the glow juice and make her throw up, because she tends to over indulge. Long story, and night, short... she finally threw up, several times, everything she had eaten and drank since her 7 pm canned cat food. I was so relieved, yet kept an eye on her even as she seemed to perk up and not act rabid (or like a fire breathing dragon) any more. It was after midnight before we settled into "bed" out on the back screened porch. Despite the beautiful night, frogs and bugs chirping, and gentle breeze blowing the leaves, it was hard to relax. I was still wound up from the cat episode, and I kept looking at her to see if she was glowing green. Photo off internet. Ha ha ha.
Monday morning I was slow to roll out of the sleeping bag. It had gotten down to 64 degrees so was a little cold out. But I enjoyed lying on the back porch, looking out at the woods and listening to nature wake up. It was a peaceful, easy morning and later, I even caught a little nap on the couch. I finally took care of the new goldfish by cleaning my tank and filter, and then adding them. I took these photos of some blooms on the Rhododendron out front to show the series of blooms opening.
I knew rain was coming so went out to do a little work in the back yard and fill in some bare spots with grass seed. I could hear thunder in the distance, and eventually the golf course "fog" horn (to clear the course) blew so I knew I didn't have much time left. The storm dragon was approaching. It sprinkled on me as I cleaned up and put away my tools, and came inside.
The Forest Pansy Redbud leafing out on a gloomy day. During the storm, I puttered around indoors, but got cold, so had tea and read under a blanket on the couch. It wasn't long and I fell asleep
for quite a nice nap, second of the day. Then I went to the gym and put in a tough work-out.
Once back home, I fed and walked Maggie; and then picked up a pizza and
went to Shirley's house. She had made a salad and we enjoyed a lovely
dinner and catching up on life.
Shirley had this toy Miss Kitty didn't play with, so I brought it home for Stevie, who was quick to check it out and try to figure it out.
Tuesday I subbed for Cindy at work, so was at the CC just after
6:30 am. It was great working a day shift again, seeing lots of
regular customers I never see during the afternoon/evening shift.Once home, I ate a late lunch and then crashed on the couch for over an hour... not sure why I was so tired. Joe had gotten home from his Iowa trip and was out golfing. I wasn't in the mood to be productive with yard or house work but I did take Maggie for over a two hour FG road walk.
We accidentally came upon and frightened this goose off her nest along the Lake Glastowbury Town Homes walkway. After two quick photos, I hurried away so she could get back to the business of sitting.We got home after 7pm. Joe had a frozen dinner cooked and that took care of our evening meal and ended the day.
Wednesday was Ladies club. I picked up Carole at 9:45. This month's program was on gardening, presented by a very funny guy. I did learn that I am overwatering and over fertilizing so will cut back on that. He also said to use new potting soil each year for your container gardens (oops) because the plants deplete the soil over time. Well, over fertilizing might help with that problem. I also won this decorative stone (the center piece on our table) by having the correct chair number. Whoot whoot.
I couldn't get motivated once home. The wine (before noon) at Ladies Club, does it to me every time. So I took a nap. Rain was due to come by late afternoon, so I went out to weed whack the tall grass in back. Once the battery died, I quite that job and used hand trimmers and took most of the growth off the daffodils and trimmed back the holly tree. I am not sure when or exactly how to trim back these mums (seen right). Last year I didn't do anything with them and by fall, they were falling over because they were so top heavy.
I brought a third of the big, yellow peony bush here from our farm in Illinois. This is the first it has bloomed since the move. Yay!
Rain chased me in, so I proceeded to make a fire and have a cup of tea. Joe left for his weekly poker game. I watched HGTV, made a big toss salad, and was on this computer the rest of the evening.
Thursday started out overcast, with a good chance of rain so I started out slow and unmotivated. The dragon was winning. But, because the weed wacker was newly charged, I eventually went out to finish off the tall weeds that partially obstructed our view of the pond. This photo was taken a day later.
Again, the weed wacker battery died and the rain came, so I retreated to the house. I was tempted to sit idle... but decided I wasn't going to let this slow me down, so I went to the gym and worked out for two hours.
The skies had cleared and the forecast looked great for the next several days, but I was exhausted from the exercise and ended up taking a nap.
I got up from my nap in time to go (with Joe) to the Cumberland Mountain Preservation Coalition meeting. I guess we are now part of this group. Here is the (website). There were over 250 individuals at this meeting. Hopefully, we can raise enough concern to prevent this project from going through. I know, you might ask, "but isn't wind power good clean energy?" Well, do the research, and you will see that the negatives far out weigh any positive.
We came home, made a quick change and walked the dog, and then went to Stonehenge for dinner. Bob and Jean (who had been at the meeting) joined us. We talked windmills much of the time. Above, a panoramic view of the back yard from our picture window. Below, the front yard.
Friday the sun was finally out to stay. My pot of herbs is doing well. I guess I need to start cooking so I can make use of this good stuff. Me, cooking or baking over a hot oven or stove, feels like I am doing battle with a dragon. It is just scary.
I had a nearly two hour first aid re-training session for work in the middle of the morning, so didn't get anything done before hand... and once home, only had time for a little more trimming in back with yet another re-charged battery. I am a little like my weed wacker... my battery doesn't last long... but can be recharged overnight. Ha ha ha.
I ended the day and week with a 2-9 work shift. I worked with Gwen, who I have dearly miss the pleasure and fun of working with.
When fighting dragons, I have come to realize:
1. It is best to put on the armor of God.
2. Don't enter into battle alone, but have your trusty
squire (like Sancho) by your side.
3. If you don't fight, or join the cause, then
don't complain about the outcome.
4. No matter the outcome, there is honor in doing battle.
5. It is okay to throw down your lance and surrender...
but know when this should be done.
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