tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59748112024-03-19T04:46:32.490-04:00The Thoughts of a Frumpy Professor............................................
............................................
A blog devoted to the ramblings of a small town,
middle aged college professor as he experiences
life and all its strange variances.PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.comBlogger3187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-24046060689595160772024-03-18T09:52:00.001-04:002024-03-18T14:05:45.517-04:00Tentant <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/9f2cd0526c045ad6dff95a45b849d9d32652f16a/0_335_4961_2976/master/4961.jpg?width=1200&height=1200&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&s=f0e26ee04a2342bf4958244d5a0648c7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="239" src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/9f2cd0526c045ad6dff95a45b849d9d32652f16a/0_335_4961_2976/master/4961.jpg?width=1200&height=1200&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&s=f0e26ee04a2342bf4958244d5a0648c7" width="239" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>"Tentant" is a Latin word, and it means "to try". </p><p>I have decided that TENTANT is what I must focus on this week for me. I am still feeling a great deal of the doldrums of the difficult month of March, even though I have past the Ides of March. As I talked about somewhat the last week and a half, I am feeling a big sense of loss. I am recalling and remembering a lot of the deaths of loved ones, and feeling their loss. But, to live in those thoughts is to live akin in an abyss. That is not what life is supposed to be about. </p><p>When I can get my mind focused and wrapped around the concept, I know damn well that life is MEANT to be a time to WORK, to STRIVE to do good and positive things, a time to do SERVICE to attempt to make life better and kinder. It is easy to lose sight of that focus, when hurts and hardships, and harshnesses and difficult memories can so easily flood into the mind, and so easily disrupt our focus and our efforts. </p><p>So, March be damned. I am not serving my love ones I have lost.... I am not serving my living family and friends.... I am not serving my students.... I am not serving my community.... I am not serving my faith..... IF I LET these harsh feelings and harsh emotions rule over my mind and prevent me from what I SHOULD do.</p><p>So, the oft-used phrase of "picking myself up by my bootstraps" happens again TODAY. I will force myself to get back up to snuff.</p><p>My work for today is the "usual" teaching (only 3 hours today), but a special emphasis this afternoon will be in organizing some of the needed animal use applications for research done as well, so I can get some of my students off and running on some new projects associated with my most recent grant. I have as a goal, the completion of at least 1/2 of the applications before I leave for the day. </p><p>Other varied thoughts:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I POUNDED OUT as fast a 10 miles as I could this morning. I do find that the effort does help me shed some of the gloom.</li><li>I have set an appointment to talk with the specific duo of my researchers who procrastinated and really were not focused nor motivated. I am going to give them "the talk" to see what is their future. They are both thinking more about jobs, socialization, etc.... and not planning for their future. </li><li>I was able to talk with the "cigar fellow" from Mass this past Saturday. He was wondering why I hadn't been out there, as I had told him of my interest. Unfortunately, because of my work at the U, the "club" (just a bunch of guys who get together to talk and smoke cigars) he belongs to there, meets at noon on Thursdays..... and so for the time being I am unable to go. Most of the fellows are already retired, so the time is of little consequence. I told him, that I am looking forward to going as soon as I can. I told him, however, that I likely will not have an open Thursday from work until the end of April. He even told me Saturday, as a manner of <i>encouragement</i> before I told him of my work schedule, that I <i>could smoke my pipe there</i> since I had told him earlier that I had relatively modest experience with cigars as I was primarily a pipe smoker. He remembered that part and was trying to encourage me, I think, thinking that I was hesitating about cigars. <i>(Late addendum.... his mentioning my pipe smoking made me smile, as I felt glad he was interested enough in having me join the group that he remembered that detail. It felt nice to have that encouragement.)</i><br /></li><li>My wife and I are going swimming (I hope) late this afternoon. It should be refreshing. </li></ul><p>I have to get to doing more work. I have been listening to Ian Anderson's works lately. He is most famous for his leading of the group, Jethro Tull. However, he has a lot of music of various sorts. <i>(Late addendum.... just to make sure.... I very much enjoy Jethro Tull. But, I also greatly like Ian Anderson's other work as well. I did not want anyone thinking I was being in any way disparaging about Jethro Tull.)</i><br /></p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-40988329105637328042024-03-14T09:35:00.008-04:002024-03-14T09:35:00.254-04:00Semi-Important Thought<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/-/media/kcms/gbs/patient-consumer/images/2013/08/26/10/52/hq00812_ds00172_im02886_ha7_hearingaidstylesthu_jpg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="468" height="296" src="https://www.mayoclinic.org/-/media/kcms/gbs/patient-consumer/images/2013/08/26/10/52/hq00812_ds00172_im02886_ha7_hearingaidstylesthu_jpg.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>It occurred to me while running this morning, that a REASON I am not fond of the idle chit-chat at the sorts of dinners I have this week is (besides being an introvert) because I tend to not talk A LOT at these sorts of things. I am not generally a person who will easily or willingly just rattle off the myriad of thoughts that are going on in my head. Some people can do that READILY. Some folks have what I guess can be called a "gift of gab" where they can simply keep up a continual, extemporaneous, exogenous dialogue of whatever pops into their mind. </p><p>That is NOT me. While I have (what seems like) 852 billion thoughts percolating through my mind at any given moment much of the day, I need to precisely and carefully select which (if any) of those thoughts are ones that become verbalized. SELECTING thoughts to discuss is exhausting in "mixed company" ("mixed company" in this context means basically any folks in a social setting who are NOT family, friends, or work associates). There are also all the "contextual" considerations of a) who may find which thought interesting or boring, b) which "code" to adopt in speaking (should I pepper my speech with the blue collar malapropisms and slang I grew up with, should I use my "professorial" diction and tone, should I adopt my "dad joke" style of speech, etc.), c) how loud or soft to speak to an "intimate" table of 8 folks (the typical U seating arrangement) that allows others at the table to hear, but does not unnecessarily contribute more noise to the din of the banquet room by mixing in more sound to the chaotic cornucopia already going on.... and many more considerations. </p><p>So, what I do for the most part is LISTEN. And I am a DAMN GOOD listener. I listen so carefully and so intently that I could often repeat verbatim the conversation at a table. What I mean by this is that I actually PAY ATTENTION to what folks are saying. Some folks DO NOT do this. It matters not if the conversation is inane and nonsensical or if it is a doctoral dissertation..... if I am needing to LISTEN, listen I DO, dammit. And, so, it is very much the norm that folks who like to talk.... LOVE to talk to me, because I do listen and do hear them. But, at a table of eight folks with a whole helluva lot of random talking back-and-forth, it is EXHAUSTING and damn near overwhelming to listen and remember the details of every single person's story. But, it is how I am wired. In conversation, I do not "weed out" (aka ignore) some folks, nor some folk's DETAILS.... perhaps out of worry/concern that I will ignore something that was meaningful to that person. And to have that worry/concern that I ignored someone would be further exhausting. </p><p>But, that is why, as an introvert, after a "social" event of this nature, I am wiped out. I am a relatively noise-sensitive person to begin with, but after a social event, I need QUIET. </p><p>To not be ALL GLOOMY today, I have to end with what I consider a <i>somewhat</i> funny story of one of my beloved uncles, Uncle Chet (Chester). Later in life, when he grew harder of hearing, he aquired the standard style of hearing aids of that time frame (1980s). These hearing aids had a small dial on their side that (with your fingertips) you could rotate to adjust the volume. My Uncle's wife (my aunt of course was a bit of a stereotype, and her Italian heritage (and slight Italian accent she gleaned from her parents who WERE actual immigrants from Italy) was displayed in her personality of being a very loud talker, who used her hands a lot when talking. She also tended to be very directive to my Uncle (liked to tell him what to do and how to behave). Well, my Uncle and Aunt would argue occasionally, and just because he KNEW it would annoy her during an argument, my Uncle would make a very purposeful gesture with his hands, to turn off the volume of his hearing aids when he didn't want to hear what my Aunt was saying. She would get SO exasperated. I am not really sure if he DID actually turn down/off the volume on his hearing aids or not.... but I know he at least pretended to do so. <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-52750872877579620662024-03-13T09:57:00.002-04:002024-03-13T09:57:41.992-04:00Low<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.creativefabrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/07/1631001578/Low-battery-580x386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="580" height="165" src="https://www.creativefabrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/07/1631001578/Low-battery-580x386.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>I am feeling very low emotionally. I am trying to pull myself out of it, but not having a lot of success currently. I feel TOO busy. I feel TOO much like my life is being a "robot". I feel as if I have no time to live an actual life as much of what I am doing of late is just getting things DONE, usually at the last moment, in order to just keep things going. <p></p><p>I know in my mind that these feelings are from a) getting over and through the disruptive meeting I had undergrad students present their finding at.... and their last minute focus and last minute panic that I had to guide them through, b) March is always a sh*tty month in terms of memories of hard, sad things, c) the added focus on the harshness of March due to the suicide that I mentioned in the prior post that further stoked the memories and feelings and thoughts about that 30 year ago suicide by my niece, and d) the need to attend some yearly U functions this week that just disrupt my schedule and time (these are some "care & share" dinners where there are awards presented (and I have to go to them because I am getting an award) but is really in most regards to me, each dinner is just a three hour period of torturous, idle, "small talk" and "chit-chat" that drains me of energy. Introverts NEED to decompress from these sorts of things. <br /></p><p>As an introvert by nature, it may seem odd that most of my day-to-day is in talking and lecturing to folks. And, perhaps it is odd. But, I have grown over the decades to be able to do (and enjoy) lecturing and teaching. Idle "chit-chat", however, is still something that by-and-large has me feel uncomfortable. There is a bar at both of these events, so that typically helps to "lubricate" my tongue a bit and I can grapple with the idle chit-chat and even probably am perceived as "charming" in my frumpy, sort of way. But.... it is DRAINING.</p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-75987832094915033612024-03-11T14:15:00.000-04:002024-03-11T14:15:12.446-04:00Suicide<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/1*6Te9D3_DU6gPCRymPkhBxg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="230" src="https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1400/1*6Te9D3_DU6gPCRymPkhBxg.jpeg" width="408" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I have been feeling rather low the last several days. I have much to say about MANY things, but today I will focus on this:</p><p>A young adult kid of a family my wife and I have watched on television occasionally over the years committed suicide last week. It was shockingly unexpected by the family. </p><p>Even though I only knew of this family (and this kid) through a television program, this death stirred up a lot of emotions in me. Suicide is a horrific thing, and a family that experiences suicide is forever changed. <br /></p><p>The emotions this first stirred up in me were of the emotions I felt about my niece, who committed suicide 30 years ago now. She was 17 when she ended her life. I can only imagine what she could have/would have become today as a 47 year old if she had not chosen this path. </p><p>I tend to <i>try </i>to not think about her suicide much any more because it does not really have any benefit to do so. It simply brings up the sadness of the loss of her, it brings up a great deal of anger that she did this, it pains me to see how it has changed many facets of my larger, extended family. </p><p>With the news of the television kid's suicide last week, it brought all those emotions back to the surface. As I have stated before, the year that was 30 years ago was the worst year I have ever experienced. Several deaths of relatives occurred that damnable year in addition to my niece (my Dad, two close uncles, my major professor/mentor, an extremely close family friend). Those sad feelings too have resurfaced. </p><p>And, it caused a resurgence in my dislike of March, for over the many years, a much higher than normal percentages of deaths I and my family have experienced have been in this month of March. My Dad, my Mom, one of my uncles, two aunts. My wife experienced the miscarriage of one of our kids in March as well. Several cousins also passed away in March. <br /></p><p>Then, even though they were more recent, the suicide of one of my colleague/friends, and the deaths of three others .... all of these since Covid started.... those memories also flooded back. </p><p>None of the above is new news, other than the television kid who committed suicide. But, it does not mean the emotions are not difficult. I am trying to figure out how to put these emotions "back on the shelf" so as to just carry on. As much damn sorrow the above produces, it does no damn good to try to do anything BUT put the emotions "back on the shelf". They do not "go away" as that is impossible. But, they can be managed. I need to wrangle them back in. I think just writing (at least) the main points out here is a way I can help myself get them "back on the shelf".</p><p>I ran an <i>extra hard</i> (tried to be faster) 13.1 miles (~21 km) this morning on the damn track to stomp out the emotions and pain as well. It is called carrying on. </p><p>I will just keep on trying to carry on. Some folks try to suggest suicide is a "noble" thing or that it is a
"right" that people should have. But I think suicide is the sh*tt**st
thing a person can do to people that they love. </p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-74345564110582000882024-03-05T08:44:00.003-05:002024-03-05T08:44:00.151-05:00Practice & Practice<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.firstcry.com/education/2022/06/24112737/284869040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://cdn.firstcry.com/education/2022/06/24112737/284869040.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Running was nice this morning. <br /></p><p>Today will be a day of tremendous practice with my students. I am hoping each team is prepared enough to do a good job with only needing polishing for their talks. But, it is possible that the one group may still be unfocused, which may mean today will be a long day. </p><p>I think my wife and I will go to a restaurant to eat tonight. It is likely we will go to a place in our region that is a primarily "Chinese" place, but it has a bit of diversity straying into other cuisines as well. The hallmark of this place (for me) is not the prepared dishes, but the option they also have of creating a dish of your own choosing using a pseudo Teppanyaki style of cooking. At this place, fortunately (for me), the actual perpetration occurs behind a glass wall at one side of the restaurant to limit the heavy frying odor that many choose and use a lot of oil (not my favorite odor). </p><p>The true hallmarks, however, are that you have a "salad bar" style arrangement to pick your vegetables, meats, noodles, spices, etc for this Teppanyaki style.... and you simply bring a plate of what you would like them to prepare for you. </p><p>In my own case and style, I typically choose every vegetable available.... zucchini, onions, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and more, and then add spices of your choosing. I typically have a very heavy dose of Indian curry, pepper, and a bit of chili (my wife always chooses traditional Chinese spices, meats and noodles in her version). I forgo noodles and meats, and have been very successful in having them prepare my dish sans oil, by asking them very nicely to add "no oil" whatsoever. It is wonderfully tasty.</p><p>With it I usually have a monster sized salad. Additionally, I get a side of rice and they have a "sushi" bar as well, and there I typically get 4-6 pieces of fresh spring rolls (not fried), 4-6 pieces of sushi often with a bit of crab, and one piece of some fancier sushi I have not tried before. Plus, lots of wasabi and ginger on the side. </p><p>I hope it will be a fruitful day... and a nice evening with my wife.</p><p>The potential pipe day is only a few days away. Keeping fingers crossed. <br /></p><p>PipeTobacco </p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-78912363509542734962024-03-04T09:39:00.000-05:002024-03-04T09:39:00.151-05:00The Roughly Nine Months<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://gclabels.net/image/cache/data/new/inv/new/Number-Nine-9-Fluorescent-Circle-or-Square-Labels-c178p-600x600.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="560" height="162" src="https://gclabels.net/image/cache/data/new/inv/new/Number-Nine-9-Fluorescent-Circle-or-Square-Labels-c178p-600x600.png" width="151" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Roughly, nine months is the gestational period for human development in utero. At the moment, we are close to that same gestational period in the U.S. for the election of our next president. If this upcoming election cycle were to be equated with a pregnancy, I am of the opinion that this next nine months of election "pregnancy" will undoubtedly be amongst the most chaotic, destabilizing period of time I have ever experienced in all my many, many years. </p><p>I never ascribed to the "never trust anyone over 30" crap that was a common phrase in the late 1960s. It always rang of ageism to me then and still does. Yet, ageism is again at play, this time universally applied to both presidential candidates. Age is NOT the problem. In my opinion, Nikki Haley is a loon for having that be the (feeble) focus of her (useless) campaign. I do not think age discrimination is a good strategy. </p><p>I cannot imagine how the next nine months will unfold with the two nominees. While I will assuredly vote for Biden, polls thus far show Trump ahead of Biden. Various other thoughts: <br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If Trump were to win, it would be a new "Grover Cleveland" occurrence, only the second time where a president experienced two non "back-to-back" presidencies.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Regardless of who wins, polls suggest that little would change in the House or Senate, and basically we would stay mired in another four years of gridlock with minimal substantive work occurring. </li></ul><p>I think the next nine months may truly be the most chaotic time our nation has ever experienced. </p><p>PipeTobacco<br /> </p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-36600652526883340262024-03-01T09:27:00.001-05:002024-03-01T09:27:00.169-05:00A Mind of Hidden Ideas<p>I am too embroiled in the coaxing and cajoling phase for my undergraduate researchers in the moment to actually expound on the myriad of thoughts I have been having since receiving my notification about my grant being approved. </p><p>But, I can say I have many exciting (to me) ideas about how I may be able to utilize these funds to do all sorts of wonderfully intriguing things. And, one of these things, that my be only a pipe dream, but also may be able to BECOME reality.... is that I may have enough focus from this grant to actually write a damn BOOK! Not an article (they will come), not a chapter (yawn), but a whole damn book! Again, it may be a pipe dream, but right now it feels do-able. </p><p>It will take a lot of work, of course, but also a lot of organization. So, we will see. </p><p>I was reaching in my pocket for my keys to get back into my office earlier. There was a student out front waiting for me to "talk" about his grade. I reached into my pocket and as I drew out my keys, part of the chain holding some of my many, many keys in a somewhat unified mass must have caught on the Zippo lighter in my pocket, and the lighter popped out onto the floor and clanged around a fair amount. The kid looked down to the floor due to the noise, and then he asked with an odd hint of surprise in his voice, "You, have a lighter?" </p><p>Not being quite sure which direction he was coming from with that question, as he could have been meaning the question/statement from a host of different angles (he could have been anti-smoking, pro-smoking, pro-camping, hell, perhaps pro-marijuana, or who knows what the inflection in his voice was about)..... I did not know how to frame my response. As I ushered him through my outer office door, I simply said, "Yes, and perhaps another 5 of them at home." <br /></p><p>The POTENTIAL for a visit to the pipe shop on my way back from this regional meeting next week is still a possibility! No research kids have thus far asked me for a ride. Other aspects of the meeting still seem "ok" for this pipe shop possibility as well! <br /></p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-19665873065469013502024-02-29T10:59:00.025-05:002024-02-29T10:59:00.138-05:00A Potential Week of Running OUTSIDE<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://runningmagazine.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/gettyimages-859932810-170667a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="509" height="191" src="https://runningmagazine.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/gettyimages-859932810-170667a.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><p>Oh! My friend Pat also commented on my post from Tuesday, and I unfortunately did not see it until later in the day on Wednesday! Pat added insight into my pipe deciding process. I can admit I am no closer to any sort of decision at the moment. But, Pat's reminding me of Dr. Bruner and his psychological theories stirred pleasant memories. It may surprise some, but as a biologist who is focused on endocrine and neural physiology, I have a deep appreciation of much psychology research and theory. Bruner's ideas are very creative and strong. And, I do, of course attribute that at least IN PART to his being a pipe smoker. And, as Pat mentioned, Bruner did smoke his pipe his entire life..... which was a THREE DIGIT lifespan. It is food for me to think about, for certain. </p><p>We have had an awfully damn surprising surge in temperatures for this latter part of February. ALL of this week has been mostly above freezing, except today. But, tomorrow we will again be experiencing robustly warm weather. For most of the week, we have had temperatures in the 50s and even 60s! It is amazing and not NORMAL February weather. </p><p></p><p>I can say that as of this morning, ALL THE SNOW we had is MELTED and GONE! Good riddance!</p><p>There is a potential that I may actually be able to venture out of doors for my runs again.... perhaps I may even attempt it tomorrow. It will probably be only ~35-38 degrees (2-3 C) at that time when I run in the early morning, but it is not FREEZING and there will be no ice!!!!!</p><p>Transitioning from track (and when unavoidable, treadmill) running to outdoor running actually has some challenges. I can and do run more "freely" when outside. By this I mean, my gait is a bit longer. This leads to some muscle soreness for a few days. Also, I do not have to pay as absolute close attention because MOST of the time I am running in a straight line. On the track, I am having to turn every 15-20 seconds, and I have to have a beady eye on the other folks on the track as well. Most everyone EXCEPT ME is there to walk. And, a sizable number of the folks DO NOT read the signage that states rather clearly that runners should use the OUTSIDE lane and walkers should use the INSIDE lane. This sizable number of folks just kind of meander every which way between the lanes depending apparently on only a whim. So, I have also be extremely alert and focused to continually dodge around and between those folks who do not believe in signs. Outside, there are so many fewer folks and there is no circular track... just a path.... that I can run miles in basically a straight line.... and I can drift into my thoughts and imagination better, with a far less "focused" eye and mind on dodging around and turning every damn moment. </p><p>I have plenty of dreams that are both aural and visual. But, do you ever have a dream that is olfactory or gustatory? I have, though not all that often. But, last night, I had an extremely vivid gustatory olfactory dream where I was smoking a beautifully thick and chalky bowlful of Iwan Ries "Three Star Blue" and in the dream, I was tasting and smelling the beautiful nuttiness of the burley, and the fruit essences, which have aspects of melon and citrus. Purely olfactory I was also experiencing the hint of the flowery essence of what is almost close to a hint of lilac. In my dream, the pipe tobacco also had just a hint of the flavor of latakia as well, which I do not remember noting with the bowlful in Chicago, so that may be a bit of flight of fancy in my dream. This dream had rather minimal visual or auditory components, but was almost exclusively olfactory and gustatory. It was an oddly satisfying dream, and one that would be fun to have on occasion. I only wish I could steer dreams towards a goal type. </p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-41188102229884056222024-02-28T09:36:00.004-05:002024-02-28T09:36:32.772-05:00"Bad Boy"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f3/18/bb/f318bb52e92b2e6b0512db263e11ffc8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="736" height="321" src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f3/18/bb/f318bb52e92b2e6b0512db263e11ffc8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Hah! Josh, in a comment yesterday, suggested I should "be a bad boy sometimes". And, the very thought of it tickled me so much so that I grinned ruefully. I do think there is some sort of mystique that is a truism where everyone at different times would like to be a "bad boy" (or girl) in terms of having a persona where they didn't really "give a damn" about what others thought and just become a wild, ornery sort. I have often imagined being a rough-and-tumble biker sort of fellow, muscling my motorcycle across the country, stopping into every small town, and partying up a storm in various dives.... generally causing a ruckus of sorts with the town folks with my demeanor and attitude and devil-may-care attitude. </p><p>The idea of a pipe smoker, like myself (er, I guess my <i>FORMER</i> (sigh) self), being considered a "bad boy" also was wonderfully fun to imagine. For the many decades of my life, pipe smokers were generally thought of as the antithesis of a "bad boy", rather being a calming, thoughtful, "insightful" sort. </p><p>In all my years as a rather frumpy, dare-I-say "nerdy" professorial sort, there has always been an admiration for the rougher personality types that are not a natural part of my own visage, nor demeanor. Although, I can say it would be fun as hell to be able to be THAT for at least a period of time. </p><p>Last night, I allowed myself the luxury as I nodded off to sleep, to imagine myself as burly, muscled, pipe-smoking biker "dude" just drifting across the landscape, taking and seeking pleasures and adventures as they came to me. It was a very fun mental exercise. I am not really sure if my wife would handle needing to become my "biker chick" or not, though. :) <br /></p><p>* * * * *</p><p>Margaret and AC both also have given insightful comments regarding my post yesterday. It does seem like I need to be making some sort of decisions in the matter. I am very, very appreciative for all of the comments as I try to better figure this out. </p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-24116623676705393952024-02-27T09:50:00.001-05:002024-02-27T09:50:00.128-05:00The Truth<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ncse.com/files/images/haeckel4th.img_assist_custom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="360" height="282" src="http://ncse.com/files/images/haeckel4th.img_assist_custom.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>After six years of not smoking my pipes and pipe tobaccos (except the two glorious exceptions of the Chicago trip and on my father's 100th birthday), I guess I can say I have gotten "used" to being without them. BUT, being USED to that lack of companionship is NOT the same as feeling happy or upbeat in that lack of companionship I am now USED to.</p><p>When I was a younger man, the IDEA of being away from my pipes and pipe tobaccos was not a thought that ever crossed my mind. I had always assumed they would be companions on my journey. </p><p>It feels like I am in a conundrum not of my own choosing. It feels very odd to think about how so many facets of life are vastly different in 2024 than they were in my younger days. Change of course happens, but I, perhaps naively in my youth, thought that history suggested change would drive in a positive direction by-and-large. </p><p>These were the thoughts I experienced while running this morning on the track. I had awoken from a delightfully pleasant "historical" dream and reliving of a memory from far ago of my reading an engrossing textbook as an undergraduate. I was sitting under a newly budding tree in the early Spring, smoking my pipe while being fascinated at the ideas of life awakening in me as I read this biology textbook.</p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-77309073808400543332024-02-26T09:10:00.002-05:002024-02-26T13:30:00.261-05:00Hooves<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/JTEEHocwWF2vBHjegz2bPTwbkPU=/5221x0/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/close-up-of-a-horses-hoof-with-a-new-horse-shoe--705005173-5c2d627846e0fb0001052817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="291" src="https://www.thesprucepets.com/thmb/JTEEHocwWF2vBHjegz2bPTwbkPU=/5221x0/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/close-up-of-a-horses-hoof-with-a-new-horse-shoe--705005173-5c2d627846e0fb0001052817.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>As I ran around the track doing all my damnable loops to get to my usual ~10 miles (~16km), I began to think about, "How long will I try to keep this up?" Some days it <i>is</i> enjoyable. But, some days it really is rather exhausting and I would rather remain in bed longer. <p></p><p>I always feel good when I am FINISHED running for the day. Sometimes I feel good because I showed myself I could do it. Sometimes I feel good because the damn task is DONE for the day. And, on days when I am not really wanting to run, I will feel "good" afterwards because I can finally STOP running.</p><p>Part of the issue I think, though, is that I am currently, and have been for months now, stuck running INSIDE on a damn oval track (or occasionally a treadmill, which is a whole helluva lot worse). Running on a treadmills is shear tedium. Running on a track is better, but only marginally so. I am hopeful that once I can again venture outside daily, my mood about running will improve. </p><p>The consistency is important, however. Besides the (obvious) fact that some aspect of my personality CRAVES consistency, running consistently is the only way I can hope to maintain the ability to "Run the Year" again. If I do so this year, it will be the fifth year in a row. For a grey, old, wrinkly, codger, that is <i>decent</i> accomplishment of sorts. I think if I were to suspend running (take a break) in any appreciable sense, I likely would never again get back to the 50 mile/week (~80km/week) average. My allowing myself to nudge down from 53 miles/week (~85km/week) down to 50 miles/week at the start of 2023 has shown me that it is a risk to become lax. I have NEVER had a week of 53 miles since that time. None in 2023 nor any this year in 2024. I feel chagrined about this. </p><p>I do not know if I can muster the energy to complete this year's "Run the Year".... but I hope so. I am not sure, but I have been thinking that perhaps this will be my last year trying to do this. I do not know. It makes me nervous. </p><p>I had a beautifully odd, but pleasant dream last evening. It was only a snippet, but it seems like I experienced this snippet in many different replicates and from many different "camera angles". The focus in this repetitious dream, was my opening of a brand new, pound-can, of Sir Walter Raleigh pipe tobacco. Of course I had this action be reality many, many times across the years. But, in the dream, especially vivid was with each instance of opening the can, I experienced the delightful, classic "hiss" sound as the vacuum seal was disrupted by my using the pull tab on the metal lid and air rushed in. Also vivid was the uniquely beautiful aroma of a full pound can of the beautiful cube-cut burley leaf that is Sir Walter Raleigh. Also, the small "clink" sound that would always occur as the last small part of the metal lid pulled away from the can was like a melody. Then I would fluff-up the top layer of the pipe tobacco a bit, before putting a handful or two into my zippered, leather tobacco pouch. It seems like in this dream I repeated the same above pattern a good dozen times, each beautiful, each flooding so many of my senses with beauty.</p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-47420804920767426822024-02-21T13:57:00.000-05:002024-02-21T13:57:06.580-05:00Rough Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://img.freepik.com/premium-photo/glass-water-spilled-wooden-space_392895-17256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="626" height="249" src="https://img.freepik.com/premium-photo/glass-water-spilled-wooden-space_392895-17256.jpg" width="374" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I am stupid.</p><p>You may remember a while back, perhaps a few months ago, where I talked about my dog, and her behavior that arose of her getting off the bed during the night and attempting to drink the glass of water I had on the floor by my side of the bed. </p><p>After following through with my plan for a few weeks of putting my glass of water on the bathroom counter with the bathroom door closed, I drifted back into bring my water to the floor by my bed. I do not even remember NOTICING I had reverted back to this behavior. I believe I sort of forgot about what the dog had been doing because she stopped jumping off the bed during the middle of the night. </p><p>So, for at least a month if not longer, the glass has been again by my bedside on the floor. </p><p>You can see where this is going. At ~2:30am this morning, my dog again decided to jump off the bed and apparently was drinking from my glass when she knocked it over. </p><p>The noise woke me up and unfortunately I had to spend the next 30 minutes or so, wiping and cleaning up the mess. The way that the glass tipped over had the water flow under the bed, and unfortunately, besides dust bunnies, I had several books, a few errant bite socks under the bed. The biggest concern was trying to take care of and save the books. </p><p>I can attest that I was quite angry and very, very frustrated. I was cussing under my breath the entire time, and by the time I was done, I was wide awake and still rather angry. </p><p>I desperately need the sleep I get. So, this disruption at 2:30am was not appreciated and was not helpful in any capacity. I TRIED to relax and TRIED to fall back asleep from ~3:00am to 5:00 when my damn alarm began to bleat at me. </p><p>I am feeling so groggy, unfocused, and aggravated STILL. I did run my damn miles. But, I did not want to. I did get to work on time, but I damn well did not want to go. </p><p>I am just trying to figure out a way to ease myself out of this mood, so the rest of the day can be better. But, I have so damn many things to do, that I cannot just stop and take a nap. </p><p>What I would like to do:</p><p>1. Grab one of my largest bowled pipes and very slowly smoke a bowlful of Prince Albert in it as I close my eyes purposefully lift up my eyebrows (scrunching my forehead) to relax the sleep-deprived "squinty-eyed" feeling my eyes have at the moment, and work to stretch and relax my neck and my shoulder muscles in a similar fashion, all the while mentally trying to disengage from the frustration.</p><p>2. Have an iced glass of (diet) 7-Up with a shot or two of whisky in it (this was one of the preferred drink of my FIL) <br /></p><p>3. Lay down on the bed and sleep for a few hours. </p><p>But, since the above 1-3 sequence is not possible, instead I will be:</p><p>1. Doing more damnable writing of some of the background for the errant group's upcoming talk</p><p>2. Waiting for my last class of the day to start (I have already lectured two classes). </p><p>3. Doing more writing after the class. </p><p>I am tired. I am just tired of working so damn much.</p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p><p> <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-36942822930631140172024-02-20T15:31:00.004-05:002024-02-20T15:31:50.824-05:00Stygiophobia<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-ef570be8db0898eb4d7898723e935459.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="600" height="238" src="https://qph.cf2.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-ef570be8db0898eb4d7898723e935459.webp" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>I am feeling a bit ornery. I have felt this way for the last few days. I am aggravated at one cadre of my undergraduate research students who are dawdling at working on getting needed data for talks they are scheduled to be giving <b>soon</b> at a regional research meeting. </p><p>What I want to do is to put the "fear of hell" in them about their sloth-like progression. Way back in the "ice age" when I was a college student, this is exactly what a lot of professors did. They would yell and holler, cuss at and denigrate folks who were not up to snuff. I had this happen to me ONE time way-back when. After the dressing down I received, I never did it again.... which of course was the "goal". </p><p>But, it left a bad taste in my mouth. And, I actually resented the fellow for doing this. </p><p>So, even though I am annoyed at this cadre, I do not want to treat this group in a way similar to what I experienced. And, over the many years, I have NEVER done this. But, it is a thought that keeps occurring from frustration. Instead, however, what I am going to do is to try to goad them <b>more gently</b> into realizing how damn stressful they are making things..... for themselves AND for me as well. I am hoping to get them to step up to the challenge and push through. </p><p>Undergraduate students can often be a bit "flaky" at times. It is <i>somewhat</i> understandable, as being a full-time undergraduate student has you pulled in a helluva lot of different directions. But, it is making things more and more stressful for me as well. I have been trying to work with them in developing their talk, but without the damn data being complete and collected, it is difficult to SHAPE a talk. What I dread, which is likely to occur, is that I will end up having to pull a few "all-nighters" with this cadre once they get their damn data, so that they can finalize, practice, shape, and polish their talk in the day or two before they have to head to the damn conference. And, I hate "all nighters" at my age. They are no damn fun, especially when I have so many other things to do as well.</p><p>I am sending four different groups to this regional meeting. I am also a section leader at this meeting and on the society's Executive Board. So, it is a pretty busy time that is fast approaching. This sloth-like condition has only happened to one of my groups two other times across the many decades. But, when it does occur it is annoying as hell. </p><p>There is one POTENTIAL bright spot to this regional meeting. I MIGHT (might being the definitive word), if I can get out of the meeting early enough on the end day, be potentially able to stop at a pipe shop I know in that region, and enjoy a pipe before I drive home. The "potential" is dependent upon many ambiguous factors at the moment:</p><p>1. Will I get done EARLY enough on the last day to leave towards heading home with appropriate time to enjoy a bowlful before they close for the day (they do not stay open particularly late).</p><p>2. Will I get to drive to (and back) from the conference SOLO, meaning I will not need (usually at the last minute) to give a ride to one or more of the undergrads who likely did not fully conceptualize their travel needs until the last minute. The idea of trying to stop "frivolously" for a pipe while traveling with a non-pipe smoking person does not work well. </p><p>3. Will I have enough fortitude and stamina at the end of the conference which is a very busy one for me from an "administrative" position, to do anything but drive home and immediately fall in a heap on the bed? </p><p>Not really sure how it will go. I have my wishes and dreams, but I cannot predict reality.</p><p>PipeTobacco<br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-14086375178814239862024-02-15T14:51:00.000-05:002024-02-15T15:31:57.388-05:00Ashes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.thecalifornian.com/gcdn/presto/2020/02/27/PSAS/f95b0acb-1371-407b-98be-f64604addf62-20200226_ASH_WEDNESDAY_021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="524" height="240" src="https://www.thecalifornian.com/gcdn/presto/2020/02/27/PSAS/f95b0acb-1371-407b-98be-f64604addf62-20200226_ASH_WEDNESDAY_021.JPG" width="157" /></a></div>We went to Ash Wednesday service yesterday and it was tranquil and beautiful. The image is not me, but it is a nice image of a fellow having received ashes. My ashes appeared similarly on my forehead and the fellows beard and mustache are similarly robust like I am currently sporting (mine may be a <i>bit</i> larger and more round than the fellow, but similar). <p></p><p>Every year, on Ash Wednesday, I remember a humorous comic that was in the weekly Catholic newspaper that used to be published. This comic was probably from 30-35 years ago now, and SOMEWHERE, I think I have a copy of it that I cut out of the newspaper. But, it being a Catholic focused newspaper (of general Catholic oriented news and also with a specific focus as well on our local Diocesan news), the comics were also Catholic inspired. Not always, but often this particular comic featured young kids play-practicing something of Mass. This one tickled me, as it featured little kids play-practicing Ash Wednesday. For the vestments (the stole, sometimes called an epitepitrachelion), the little kid serving as the priest used one of his Dad's neckties with each end draped over his shoulders. Then for distributing the ashes which are normally housed in a ash pyx, the young fellow had one of his father's pipes, and was using the bowl of the pipe as a facsimile pyx. He was shown dipping his thumb into the pipe tobacco ashes in the bowl of the pipe to then draw the cross in ashes on the foreheads of his play-congregation. <br /></p><p>This morning, I got up early to do my loops (11 miles (~18km)) and as I was driving home to get ready for the U, it started to rain and icy rain. I pulled into the garage and by the time I went upstairs, I could see out the window that it now transitioned into snow.... VERY HEAVY, PROLIFIC snow. I had been looking at the weather reports last night and it is/was predicted we would get ~6 inches (~15cm) of snow in just a few hours this morning. So, I checked various sources, and every public school in our region had closed for the day, and even the two close-by community colleges did as well. For whatever damnable reason that I cannot fathom, the U decided to STAY OPEN. By the time I had changed, and taken care of pottying the dog and a few other sundry items, the storm had turned into a whiteout. It was very rough going on the roads by that time, as there was not only the building levels of snow and the whiteout conditions, but the period of freezing rain that had occurred created a layer of ice under the building snow. Much of my drive is on roads that normally have a speed limit of ~55mph (~88kph), but I ended up needing to carefully trudge along at a TOP speed of ~20mph (~32kph) using my four wheel drive to assure I could maintain stability. By the time I arrived at the U, I only had ~15 minutes before my first class would start. Normally, I would arrive and have a bit more than an hour before the start. </p><p>During my journey to the U, I saw upwards of 8 or 9 cars/trucks who were not careful and had slid off the roads into a field or ditch. None of my three classes was was even close to half full. This was not normal for me, as rarely do students "skip" my lectures because they know to do so would be detrimental to their exam performance. </p><p>I think the U was NOT thinking prudently today. </p><p>I have a headache, and I am going to try to do the last few mandatory odds and ends I need to do, and then ship out back home early. </p><p>PipeTobacco<br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-14594468778359612732024-02-14T11:14:00.005-05:002024-02-14T15:34:03.127-05:00"Gather" Us In<p> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://live.staticflickr.com/198/454478568_22aeff7b66_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="304" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/198/454478568_22aeff7b66_b.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">My wife and I have found the opportunity to swim late this afternoon. We shall hopefully get together around 4:00pm or 4:30pm to swim and wind down from the day. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Our new parish has Ash Wednesday services at Noon and at 7:00pm today, so because of work, my wife and I will be obtaining our ashes at the 7:00pm Mass. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">After Mass, my wife and I will relax and consume a simple dinner of soup (and salad). But, I will also give to her a few additional small gifts I have for her on Valentine's Day. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">But, because of today's Ash Wednesday fasting (guided to be a single, simple, small meal), I gave my beloved a heart-shaped box of fancy Bissinger's Chocolates yesterday evening so she could enjoy some prior to the start of Lent. And, I have also….. being delivered to her at work today... a dozen roses of a mix of red and pink.</li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Yet, there is one other facet of this day, which has been resonating in my mind, and has lived in infamy for these last six years. Six years ago today, I began the arduous effort of laying down my pipes and pipe tobaccos. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">That is a grand total of 2,191 days (there was a leap year). But, technically, I should say 2,189 days because I did indulge in the two nirvana-like bowls-ful of pipe tobacco (one in Chicago, one on my Dad's 100th birthday). </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b>Have I learned anything from this "adventure"?</b> </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">My gut reaction was to answer..... NO. However, that is not completely accurate. I have learned the falsehood of thinking that my love of pipe smoking would diminish as time progressed. I still feel the deep loss of this avocation of mine. I have, however, become more adept at coping with this loss than I was at the beginning. I am now rather used to feeling the emotions of that loss.... that initially overwhelmed me moment to moment.</li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b>What is my "next step"?</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">I sincerely DO NOT KNOW. Part of me wants to say..... perhaps "I proved what I needed to prove." But, that doesn't seem legitimate. I never really thought I had anything to prove by laying down my pipes. I was doing so because.... well.... I was grieving (the loss of my FIL)..... I was worried (about health risks, etc).... I felt a need to atone (for all the wrongs I have ever done).</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">I really do not know what will be my future path. I could, so very easily step back into my prior "pipe clothes" metaphorically and just return to my prior self. It sounds so comfortable. But, would it remain so? I could continue to search for a viable "occasional" pattern of some sort. This too sounds enjoyable if I can wrangle it in appropriately. But, it also seems rather complex and lacking in any sort of "spontaneity". You may laugh at me seeking spontaneity, which is not really a calling card of mine. But, I do know that throughout my pipe smoking life, I would stumble across unexpected moments where I found I could indulge in a pipe when I initially thought not possible. And, almost invariably those "spontaneous" moments were especially sweet, rich, and felt almost... "wholesome" which even remembering a few even now causes me to smile broadly. Or I could stay basically where I am at, and continue to refrain, with perhaps some monumental trip somewhere in the future be a point in time where I might indulge in a bowlful. I really do not know. I do know that I am not much of a "rolling stone" so it appears I may continue to become mossier. </li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">On Pandora right now, I am listening to the <i>Bossa Nova</i> hit, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcOvqpOWCwM">Inspiration</a>, by the Gipsy Kings. Please give this song a listen. THIS is what I would like to be able to play on the guitar. But, it is only a pipe dream.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">I should probably conclude now, but I wanted to leave you with a beautiful pipe-related poem from a fellow I follow online: </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b>Smoke Rings From My Pipe</b></p><p> by Malcolm Guite <i>(a Canadian/English Poet I follow)</i> <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">All the long day’s weariness is
done</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">I’m free at last to do just as I
will</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Take out my pipe, admire the
setting sun</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Practice the art of simply
sitting still</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Thank God I have this briar bowl
to fill,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">I leave the world with all its
hopeless hype,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Its pressures, and its
ever-ringing till,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">And let it go in smoke rings from
my pipe</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">The hustle and the bustle, these I shun</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">The tasks that trouble and the
cares that kill,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">The false idea that there’s a
race to run,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">The pushing of that weary stone
uphill,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">The wretched i-phone’s
all-insistent trill,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Whingers and whiners, each with
their own gripe,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">I pack them in tobacco leaves
until</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">They’re blown away in smoke rings
from my pipe</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">And then at last my real work is
begun,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">My chance to chant, to exercise
the skill</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Of summoning the muses, one by
one,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">To meet me in their temple, touch
my quill</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">( I have a pen but quills are
better still)</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">And when the soul is full, the
time is ripe</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Kindle the fire of poetry that
will</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Breathe and expand like
smoke-rings from my pipe</p><p> </p><p>Prince I have done with grinding at the mill, <br /><br />These petty-pelting tyrants aren’t my type, <br /><br />So lift me up and set me on a hill, <br /><br />A free man blowing smoke rings from his pipe.</p><p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">* * * * * </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">And a favorite quote of mine from the pipe smoking writer:<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b>Edward Bulwer-Lytton </b><i>(an 1800s writer who is perhaps most "famous" as being the originator of the often mocked writer's opening phrase "It was a dark and stormy night....".)</i><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</p><p class="MsoNormal">“A pipe is a fountain of contemplation, the source of
pleasure, the companion of the wise; and the man who smokes, thinking like a
philosopher and acts like a Samaritan.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">PipeTobacco <br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"> </p>
PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-28270400685652113782024-02-13T15:22:00.007-05:002024-02-13T16:56:51.295-05:00Very Tired<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cache.getarchive.net/Prod/thumb/cdn12/L3Bob3RvLzIwMTYvMTIvMzEvZmlyZS1saWdodGVyLXppcHBvLWQ2YTdjZS0xMDI0LmpwZw%3D%3D/240/180/webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="240" height="143" src="https://cache.getarchive.net/Prod/thumb/cdn12/L3Bob3RvLzIwMTYvMTIvMzEvZmlyZS1saWdodGVyLXppcHBvLWQ2YTdjZS0xMDI0LmpwZw%3D%3D/240/180/webp" width="190" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>I didn't sleep well last night. When I got home from band rehearsal, I was actually very enthused..... I had practiced a bit some of the harder parts, and the rehearsal went well. The music is very enjoyable. I had also prepared a new reed for my horn this week, and was trying out for the first time a significantly stiffer reed. </p><p>My typical reed strength had been a "3" for many years.... mostly because it was the strongest reed typically available locally, and that for me, a stronger strength of reed helps me to produce both a more "pointed" sound and a pleasantly "rumbly" resonance in the lower register. A lot of folks play on “2” or “2.5” reeds because they are softer and tend to be “easier” to blow through. But, I am a big old bag of wind, so I like the stronger reeds. </p><p>But a month or so ago, I found a surprisingly good deal on a pack of 10 reeds of the brand I like in STRENGTH 4..... on eBay. I was surprised. The few times I have ever seen them (in music catalogs) these higher stiffness reeds were awfully damn pricey. The "4" I tried out last evening was wonderful! I was able to manipulate my sound even more. Even though none of our current music calls for it, sometimes the bass clarinet is desired to produce deep, "growly and grumbly" rumbly sounds. I was testing out this possibility as we were warming up to play, and I was impressed at how much I liked the additional firmness of the "4" in that regard. </p><p>So, why didn't I sleep well? Well, a stray comment from my wife after I got home, unfortunately reminded me of a particular "issue" in the relationship with the individual I no longer talk about here. And, it was NOT my wife's intention at all..... it was just a word association she made that reminded me of some aspect of the context of the situation with that non-spoken about individual. It made me feel sad and frustrated and I ended up ruminating on it long into the night and into my dreams. <br /></p><p>So, I woke up with a very mushy thought process this morning. I hoped my stomping out 10 miles (~16km) this morning would have had me pound out the mush in my mind. But it did not. I made an ESPECIALLY LARGE, very robust, very bold iced coffee this morning, hoping the caffeine would solidify the mush. It did not. I have been lecturing in a very mushy state all day. I have been trying to write a research talk with my mushy mind. </p><p>And, even though, I can tell you that I truthfully would enjoy nothing more at the moment than to smoke a pipe or two or three. And, I can tell you that I have reached for my pipe and tobacco a few times..... to at least smell the bowl and smell a pouch of the beautiful leaf. I have been looking at the steadfast Zippo I have been carrying around in my pocket too. I have flipped open the cap on it and spun the flint wheel and it would ignite beautifully each time. </p><p>Yet, even though a bowl or two or three of beloved pipe tobacco would be so very soothing and comforting to me.... it likely would not alleviate my mushy headed feeling. It appears that nothing will likely do that except perhaps a good night's rest. </p><p>But, with the work I need to accomplish, sleep is unlikely an option until perhaps ~11:00pm. I will just have to muddle through as best as I can for the rest of the day. I am trying to work at NOT falling back into further rumination about the situation. With tomorrow being a "quad-fecta" of "busy-ness".....1) very heavy teaching in three classes..... 2) it being Ash Wednesday, with the needed Ash Wednesday Mass.... 3) it being Valentine's Day, and my need and desire to more overtly show my beloved wife how much I love and cherish and appreciate her in a <i>traditional</i> sort of "Valentiney" way..... and 4) it being the 6th Anniversary of my starting of this... (choose appropriate adjective below) <br /></p><p>a) contemptuous, </p><p>b) sorrowful, </p><p>c) "good" for me,</p><p>d) #$&#!! (substitute cuss word of choice for the grawlix) <br /></p><p>e) other (Fill in the blank _________________)<br /></p><p>... "journey" of laying down my friendly pipes.</p><p>and I can see Wednesday will be a VERY busy day. I need to work to wrangle my mind into submission by bedtime, so rest will be attainable. </p><p>PipeTobacco<br /></p><p> <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-62468441830634555192024-02-12T14:41:00.004-05:002024-02-12T14:59:48.015-05:00Forrest Gump<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/3b516cb39a65905afae6b8f895c145d603cc33ee/0_178_1600_960/master/1600.jpg?width=1200&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=252109e6450c534ed3d6cab4ac268e81" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="800" height="197" src="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/3b516cb39a65905afae6b8f895c145d603cc33ee/0_178_1600_960/master/1600.jpg?width=1200&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=252109e6450c534ed3d6cab4ac268e81" width="329" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Ok. </p><p>"Forrest Gump" is a film from ~30 years ago, that starred Tom Hanks. It was a wildly successful film. Audiences LOVED this film and found it utterly delightful in so many regards. It also was <i>somewhat</i> of a breakout film for Hanks because while he had done a lot of good work, this film firmly entrenched him into the echelon of actors who are the "big draws" at the box office. </p><p>However, I actually did NOT like this film. To me, the film was very "cliche-ic" and I felt that it was rather "maudlin" and felt that Tom Hanks, IMO was greatly OVERACTING in this role to the point where Gump was a caricature. His diction felt quite contrived, and his "southern" accent was gratingly overboard. To me, nothing felt honest or real about the film, and I sort of equated it as being akin to taking the very WORST Hallmark television movie and multiplying it by a factor of 100. I am also not really that comfortable with Hank's portrayal of a person who may be somewhat mentally "slow". That portrayal seemed very "actory" and not real. <br /></p><p>So....</p><p>Why the hell am I bringing up a 30 year old movie, especially one that I do not really enjoy? </p><p>Well, lots and lots of folks who saw this film in the theater DO look back upon it fondly. At the track where I run in the morning (yes, I ran 10 miles this morning (~16 km)).... I have become a bit of a curiosity of sorts by many. And since January there has been a large number of "newcomers" to the track at the early morning period I typically run. A lot of new folks started coming in January (presumably as part of New Year's Resolutions). At this indoor track, the VAST majority of folks who are there at 6:00am are WALKERS usually walking one or two miles. I am the only one who RUNS most of the time. There are two other runners who come..... but they are quite sporadic in coming at that early time of the day..... they each show up <i>perhaps</i> about two or three times a month and are significantly younger than me. Adding to the overall curiosity I suspect, IS that I am definetly in the oldest 20% of folks who are at the track. I think my being an older fellow who is very grey headed and bearded and is also running…. is a part of why they are curious as well. <br /></p><p>But, as I am there so very consistently, I have grown to be enough of a curiosity by some, that I get a nickname… one fellow, probably in his early 80s calls me "Speedy Gonzales" while I am running...... in reference to the Warner Brother's cartoon mouse. But, the curiosity is especially pronounced in the locker room after I am finished with my many loops. Numerous folks have told me I remind them of "Forrest Gump" because they LIKE this movie and remember the scenes where Gump ended up running across America (for some sort of charity if I recall correctly). Then they ask me what I "did". Many of the folks at that time of day are retired, and they presume I am as well. I tell them I am a professor at the U, and this often makes them even more curious. They ask me what I teach, and when I tell them my field, they find it very curious and interesting. </p><p>So, overall it is very nice getting approached by folks who want to talk and share their thoughts with me. It makes running at the track more interesting when I know folks a bit more. So, even though I really do not like the Forrest Gump characterization, I take it with a grain of salt, because I know the folks are meaning well, and if they are bringing it up, they likely remember the movie fondly. </p><p>While GOOD, the sudden, abrupt end to jury duty caught me a bit off guard. With jury duty finished, I now have little hope of getting to visit the cigar shop "old fellows" group on Thursday's at noon..... probably not until sometime perhaps in May. I had hoped to sneak in a visit to talk with the fellow from Mass and his buddies to see if I would "fit in" as "member of the fraternity" too (and of course, smoke a cigar). It would be nice to have that sort of camaraderie and friendship again.</p><p>But, with hoped for "membership" in the cigar group off the table for at least a while... my mind easily wandered back into my true passion of pipe smoking. While my wife, her sister (my SIL) and my wife's sister's husband (my BIL) were taking brief breaks from our card game on Sunday...to watch small parts of the Super Bowl (usually 10 minutes or so each time), because I very truthfully have absolutely no interest in football, while I was sitting on the couch <i>pretend</i> watching with them, I would drift into my imagination remembering a medley of powerful and meaningful bowls of pipe tobacco I have had the pleasure of having over the decades. </p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-87173396773966052442024-02-09T12:44:00.000-05:002024-02-09T12:44:04.758-05:00Screwy<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdnimg.cabinetparts.com/media/images/p/m/46d9a9a5139ea5ce6787a0e45285d177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="214" src="https://cdnimg.cabinetparts.com/media/images/p/m/46d9a9a5139ea5ce6787a0e45285d177.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>The courthouse in my community is awfully damn screwy. Yesterday, when I called in to the recorded message to see if I had to report, it said no jurors were needed, and it thanked folks who had served through January 28th that their service was done. It said there was no need to call back.<p></p><p>But, my jury duty service did not start UNTIL February. So, what the hell was going on? The recording did not seem to apply to my service, so I did not know what to do. It *DID* say no jurors were needed February 9th.... so it was accurate in mentioning a current date, but it was also talking about folks who had service end 10 days before. </p><p>So, I had a bit of a restless night. When I got done running this morning (yes, I have fortunately completed the 50+ miles for this week (80+ km)), I quickly changed and dressed in "U" attire and went to the U. I then proceeded to *try* to get an actual living and talking person at the courthouse to seek clarification.</p><p>After trying about a dozen different numbers, half of which were the damnable "press or select the number from the following menu" which inevitably, no matter what number selected put me through to voice mail. The other half directly put me into someone's voice mail. Finally, I found a number there where an actual person answered. I explained the situation and the confusion. I ended up being on hold for about 25 minutes. </p><p>Finally, a person came back on the line and told me that my group's jury duty service was ended early (today) instead of next Friday. I thought in the back of my mind, "How in the living hell was I supposed to know this from the damn recorded message?" but I said instead, "So, uh, you are 100% SURE that I no longer need to call in each evening, even though the original schedule said to do so through the end of next week?" And, the voice told me, yes. And, this same voice then said I will likely get an e-mail sometime today to that effect. </p><p>So, I am tickled pink that my service has abruptly ended! But, I am not sure I trust this. I do hope to receive the e-mail "the voice" suggested may come. We will see. </p><p>Supposedly my wife and I are going to go out to eat tonight with two of my sisters and their husbands (of course, my BILs). I will be having a beer of some sort. </p><p>There has been just too damn much chaos this last week-and-a-half. Even though I never had to report to the courthouse during this time, did not mean it didn't mess up my work and my schedule. I feel behind in a whole helluva lot of things. </p><p>But, if I can manage to shake off this feeling of frustration, and also accept and trust "the voice" in her proclamation, I am hoping I can return to a sense of normalcy by sometime Saturday. I do think I will have to spend a significant part of the day catching up on things that have built up, but I think I can at least NOT use the alarm clocks NOR the alarm light tomorrow morning to allow me to wake up naturally. </p><p>Another thing before I head back to working.... it is damn close to six years now since I laid down my beautiful, wonderful, pipes and pipe tobaccos (of course, there were the two very vivid and delightful exceptions). It still sometimes shocks the hell out of me to realize that I think about my pipes pretty damn much the same amount of time I did while indulging in the actual, ethereal pleasures. That really makes no damn sense to me. Logic would suggest that at the very least, with this time away I should have had a mental change where pipes and pipe smoking would have become de-emphasized in my thoughts. Do not get me wrong, there have been ebbs and flows, up-and-down periods I have often written about here.... but those ebbs and flows were things I would also experience during my years AS a pipe smoker as well. It just does not seem logical to me. I want to smoke a pipe this very moment just as much as I always had when I was a traditional, daily pipe smoker. <br /></p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-85608060272383167472024-02-08T15:37:00.002-05:002024-02-08T15:37:18.792-05:00Close, But No Cigar<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.cubacollectibles.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/8/cigar-box-flor-de-las-antillas-1_1000x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="296" src="https://www.cubacollectibles.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/8/cigar-box-flor-de-las-antillas-1_1000x1000.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>Well.... (somewhat) unfortunately, my jury number was again bypassed for today.... so while I was happy to NOT have to serve.... as I mentioned yesterday, if I HAD to serve at all, today would have been the best potential day to do so out of the lot because it POTENTIALLY meant I could mosey to the cigar shop the fellow from Mass visits and participate in the "Old Geezers Club" festivities that occur around lunch (if I had also been dismissed early). So.... "close, but no cigar". <p></p><p>It would have been a helluva lot of fun. I have been imagining in my head the enjoyable camaraderie that likely occurs at this sort of gathering. I am not sure when/if I will ever have a free lunchtime on a Thursday in the foreseeable future. (sigh)</p><p>Even though it may sound like a bunch of carping on my part..... I can attest that the daily uncertainty of what I am going to do each day and when..... leaves me feeling awfully "damn dog tired". This is a phrase I remember being used by some of my relatives when I was a kid, and I always found it alliterative, descriptive and fun. So, I occasionally pepper it into conversation when appropriate and possible. </p><p>Being "dead dog tired" is so TRUE, however, even though I have not yet had to report for jury duty. The waiting until each evening (or the day of) to know..... drains me.</p><p>I ran another 11.5 (~18.5 km) miles this morning. </p><p>I would so relish a pipe. I so would feel invigorated by its comfort. </p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-89133301166731365382024-02-07T13:37:00.001-05:002024-02-07T15:27:41.711-05:00Busy Beaver<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/American_Beaver.jpg/330px-American_Beaver.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="330" height="250" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/American_Beaver.jpg/330px-American_Beaver.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>When I called at noon yesterday, a very large group of folks had to report. But fortunately, the highest number selected was ~20 numbers away from my ID number. <br /><p></p><p>It may seem that everything should be smooth sailing as I have yet to be called in to actually serve on Jury Duty Service. <b><i><span aria-level="1" class="yKMVIe" role="heading">Au contraire</span>!!!!</i></b></p><p>"Smooth sailing"<b><i> </i></b>is not really the case. Because of the AMBIGUITIES of jury duty service, even though I have not YET had to go in, my day-to-day has been FAR more hectic and busy than it usually is. All the fussing and planning for all the potential back-up plans take a significant amount of time, and I am falling behind in some aspects of non-classroom work (aka research) as a result..... because I can actually (somewhat) push it to the side for a bit. But.... unfortunately even though I AM pushing back some of my research because of the time commitment needed for these back-up plans.... that TOO will likely come back to bite me in the butt sometime down the road. <i>(sigh)</i></p><p>What is also a damn perplexing thing..... but I am NOT complaining about this at all...... is that when I called into the courthouse last night to hear about TODAY.... I was expecting my number to be called. And, they DID call in ~ 100 new folks.... but the jury id numbers did not continue sequentially! As stated above, my number was about 20 away from the highest number they called in yesterday afternoon. For today, the called in new folks, but began with a jury id number that was ~ 45 numbers ABOVE mine. There was a patch of ~60 or so numbers that were skipped. So, I did not get called in for today!!!!! I was happy..... but, the lack of sequential continuity is damn odd….. MORE than odd in my opinion.</p><p>Could it be that my number may somehow get fully overlooked the whole time?!?? I sure as hell hope so. I doubt it, however. I have seven more days (<i><b>or more</b></i> if I get stuck on a jury) of this b*llsh*t.</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I nervously got up early and ended up stomping out 12 damnable miles (~19 km) this morning. It does help quell some of the frustration and anxiety.</li><li>I have felt continuously and compulsively as hungry as a bear the last several days. I have to be very careful to NOT overeat. </li><li>My MIL is now having another challenge.... she is trying to escape! Not escape, really.... but twice yesterday, she decided she needed to go deliver some documents to the school she used to work at. So, she meandered with her walker outside looking for her car (which she has not had for a long time now). Obviously she has no documents, nor a car, nor a job at the school any longer. My wife is very nervous for my MIL's safety regarding this and I am too. We are hoping the behavior dissipates, but if not, we may need to have her assisted living situation move to the more restrictive wing with locked doors.... and unfortunately much smaller apartments, fewer windows, older, less "pretty" apartments, residents with significantly more severe deficits, and an increased cost per month of ~$500 more than current. It is a wing that has more supervision, but is still assisted living. </li><li>Even though I DO NOT want to be called in for jury duty service..... if I have to go in, tomorrow might be the only day that I could generally find mildly enjoyable to do so. In my mind, the best case scenario for tomorrow would be if I got called in for service to begin in the morning..... so I would have to cancel all classes for the day (by e-mail tonight).... then I go in... and they give their "monumental" spiel of the ins-and-outs of jury service (which I could almost recite by now).... then they typically select some folks to stay that they think they MIGHT use that day, and dismiss others. I would enjoy being in the group that is dismissed in late morning, for then.... as my classes are cancelled anyway for the day (and I cannot call them back IN after cancelling)..... tomorrow being THURSDAY, I could.... just maybe, mosey up to the cigar shop the fellow from Mass has been encouraging me to visit..... and it being mid-day Thursday, I would end up meeting with the "old geezers group" (his moniker for the group, he simply means a bunch of cigar smoking friends who have retired) that he is a part of .... that sounds like it could be a helluva lot of fun. Since I typically work at the U midday on Thursdays, I could not typically go.... but this would be really nice to enjoy the camaraderie, and to enjoy a cigar as well. NOW.... a cigar is NOT a pipe.... and pipes and pipe tobaccos are SIGNIFICANTLY more invigorating, pleasant, enjoyable, and awfully damn fun compared to a cigar. But.... cigar lounges typically do not allow pipes (nor cigars they did not sell) in the lounge. So, a cigar would be far better than nothing. And, the gathering sounds like fun. </li></ul><p>But.... NO INDULGENCE is ever better than the ethereal beauty and charm inherent in a pipe and in pipe tobaccos.</p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-86385093295825606962024-02-06T09:48:00.001-05:002024-02-06T09:48:10.008-05:00ChAoS<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.grateful.org/uploads/2017/06/09215312/hans-peter-gauster-jigsaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="272" src="https://cdn.grateful.org/uploads/2017/06/09215312/hans-peter-gauster-jigsaw.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>Well, it seems that CHAOS rules the day. I thought I had a great system worked out on how to deal with jury duty service, but my jurisdiction decided to throw an unexpected monkey wrench into the gearbox to further complicate matters. <p></p><p>Today I am on what they call "Standown". This means that I MIGHT need to report.... but.... I might not, and will not know until I call in to them at NOON today to see if I am required to report in at 1:00pm. </p><p>This adds additional uncertainty to the day. I now have to go teach my morning class. My late morning, and early afternoon class has an EXAM which I will at least go and START. I have had to wrangle a very kind friend to be potentially available to FINISH proctoring the exam if necessary (because I would have to scoot out before the class is finished), and I have to also notify my afternoon class.... AFTER I call in at noon on whether I will be there or not.</p><p>Days like these would be enough to drive a man to drink. But, in my case, it would be more akin to driving me to PIPE. And, it sure sounds like a pipeful of strong burley would be nourishing and quieting to my soul at the moment. </p><p>I pounded out 12.5 miles (~20km) this morning. </p><p>Wish me luck.</p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p><p> <br /> </p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-59538419674094931952024-02-05T14:21:00.005-05:002024-02-05T14:49:21.564-05:00Hmm. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://extra-images.akamaized.net/image/d0/4by3/2021/09/09/d08b0e2b786840c68480d502c52a7422_xl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="252" src="https://extra-images.akamaized.net/image/d0/4by3/2021/09/09/d08b0e2b786840c68480d502c52a7422_xl.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>I have not (yet) had to report for jury duty service on any of the (thus far) three days of my 14 days of service. This has been WONDERFUL. </p><p>It is still nerve wracking.... especially because I have to make up all the "back-up" plans anyhow for each day, as I do not know until ~7pm the day before any given day if I should or should not report. </p><p>But.... NOT going is better than GOING. </p><p>* * * * *</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>10.4 miles this morning! </li><li>I even ran a couple of miles OUTSIDE this past Saturday too.... the trail was clear and the temperature on Saturday was an amazing, tropical ~ 40 F (~ 4 C). </li><li>I even washed the windows of my trusty steed (my vehicle) on Saturday in celebration of enough warmth to keep the Windex from freezing. :) </li><li>Yes, I feel very similar to Michael Constantine's character (in the film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding".... not his role as Principal in "Room 222").... in that I tend to think Windex is good for damn near everything! </li><li>I absolutely was enamored with "Room 222" when it was on. I had a crush on Karen Valentine, that is for certain. I should see if that series is available on DVD when I order Seinfeld. </li><li>The fellow at Mass who is the cigar fan that I spoke to about a week ago.... he mentioned to me when we were shaking hands at "the Sign of Peace" at Mass... that he missed me at the cigar shop on Thursday. Sadly, when I spoke to him, he said that the "group" tends to get together there to sit and talk and smoke a cigar on Thursday around noon. He encouraged me to go, and I would like to, for the camaraderie. Even though I only very occasionally smoked a cigar in the "old days", I think the camaraderie would be delightful. Unfortunately, I teach at the U at noon on Thursdays, so I am unable to go then. I didn't think to ask him, but perhaps if he is at Mass next week, I will ask him if he knows of times other folks (or he) goes there regularly that are in the late afternoon, which would potentially better fit with my schedule. </li><li>I did have a very beautiful pipe dream this weekend which pleased me no end. In this dream, I was on a train, traveling in Manitoba, Canada, on a trip up to Churchill. I have never gone there, but, I have always had it in the back of my mind, for I would love to go see the migration of the Polar Bears, and also see the very small, but near arctic town. I have had a thought of going to Churchill (via Canada's VIA rail system) since I first learned about it as a undergraduate so many decades ago. In this dream, it was in the late 1970s, and (because I did take a VIA trip back around then, but to Nova Scotia, and also another time on my honeymoon (to Montreal)) I knew they had smoking cars. And in my dream, a younger version of myself was actively enjoying the peace and calmness of the train travel and regularly visiting the smoking car to have a pipe and to read a book. I even remember in this dream, I was reading Vonnegut's "Cats Cradle" which happens to be my favorite of Vonnegut's novels. The whole journey was so peaceful and tranquil and serene. Unfortunately, I awoke (by alarm) before reaching Churchill. But..... all the pipes I indulged in where extremely enjoyable (not as enjoyable as in real life, of course, but.... it was still pretty damn nice). </li></ul>PipeTobacco <br />PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-27863057468074728142024-02-01T09:55:00.000-05:002024-02-01T09:55:00.146-05:00The Potential Plan<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRfe26PB7brMhq5Yht-TlRadlV2ysn7RhtK_w&usqp=CAU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="168" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRfe26PB7brMhq5Yht-TlRadlV2ysn7RhtK_w&usqp=CAU" width="168" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Well..... last evening, I called in to the damnable courthouse......</p><p>And I DID NOT have to report today!!!!</p><p>In yesterday's comments, Pat suggested I could potentially use the Jury Duty Service as a way to have an option to have another pipe. It seemed like a WONDERFUL idea! But, then I thought about it a bit more, and unfortunately, I felt it was a bit too risky. I could POTENTIALLY have to be there every day for two weeks (or more if I get stuck on a long trial). I fear that allowing myself a pipe each day I am there would set me up on a repetitive pattern that could ultimately prove to be my downfall. </p><p>But, Pat did inspire in me a thought that I might employ to help this jury duty feel more manageable. I am considering being a bit "more" of some of my admitted eccentricities while I am there. I am imagining, considering:</p><p>1. Going in a more "disheveled" than <b><i>usual</i></b> version of myself.</p><p>2. Instead of trying to shape my big beard and mustache into a professorial shape, I may let it just be as it is upon awakening, regardless of how skewed it may appear.</p><p>3. I may likely wear my seediest sport coat, and have the other clothes.... shirt, pants, tie, etc.... clash as much as I can figure out. </p><p>4. I think I will pipe or two or three in the pockets of my coat so they jut out and are more noticeable. And I will have pouches of my more pungent pipe tobaccos in my pockets to also give me an aura. </p><p>Basically, I am going to try to look and act the part of someone not paying much attention, and I will also try anytime I am questioned to tell all that can hear that this is disruptive, especially for the ninth time! And I will rattle off how many students are affected etc. </p><p>The above may be silly, perhaps. But, I need to try to do something that a) gives me a bit of a sense of "control" on how I have to spend each day when/if I am called, b) feels a bit "freeing" and not as "anxious", c) gives me a way to (at least in my mind) show I am frustrated with this ninth time of service, d) and it will make my mornings easier to navigate when I may have to have the disruption of service. </p><p>* * * * * </p><p>Also in my familial news, unfortunately, yesterday was a scary, frightening day as my MIL had an episode of rectal bleeding. My wife spent the day taking her to the emergency room, almost having her be admitted to the hospital.... which changed because the hospital's sole gastroenerologist had apparently quit a few days before.... almost had her transferred from that ER to the other hospital in town.... but the GI doc there said there was no room, and she would have to be seen as an "outpatient". Eventually, my wife was able to get a late appointment with my MIL's family doc (way out in the outskirts where she used to live). The general practitioner suggested that the most likely cause may have been ruptured hemorrhoids... and with no continued bleeding that it would likely be best to take a "wait-and-see" approach because of my MIL's significant dementia making an actual hospital stay be very difficult and problematic.... and that she would try to schedule a POTENTIAL colonoscopy if there were signs of any further bleeding. This DID seem like a wise decision as my MIL would not cope well being in the hospital. </p><p>* * * * * </p><p>With the above chaos and other worries as well, I was a bit behind in running, so today I ran 13.1 miles (~21 km) .... to work to catch up on miles.... and to pound OUT of my body some additional stress. Keeping fingers crossed today will be calmer. Also keeping fingers crossed that perhaps I will not be called in to serve when I call late tonight for Friday. </p><p>Life seemed simpler and calmer when pipes were a part of it. But, perhaps that is only a pipe dream? Eh, not sure what to think about that. Onto lots of "big voice" lecturing for the next 5 hours.<br /></p><p>PipeTobacco<br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-65268146206553322462024-01-31T09:43:00.007-05:002024-01-31T09:43:00.148-05:00Gavel/Planet/Pipe <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://s.turbifycdn.com/aah/executiveengravables/personalized-rosewood-gavel-with-gold-band-sounding-board-66.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="448" height="269" src="https://s.turbifycdn.com/aah/executiveengravables/personalized-rosewood-gavel-with-gold-band-sounding-board-66.png" width="269" /></a></div>Part of me is anxious to the brim. Part of me is just resigned. I am tired, worn out, and exhausted.<p></p><p>Tonight BEGINS the minimum of two weeks of Jury Service. The following is my new routine:</p><p>1. I must call the courthouse each evening, around 7pm to see if I need to report the next day. </p><p>2. Regardless of the outcome of that call, I then have to write e-mails to all of my students in all of my classes about the details of what the "plan" will be for the next day. </p><p>3. If I do not have service, the day will be as "normal". (And I will have done a sh*tl**d of extra work for nothing.)<br /></p><p>4. If I do have service, I have to a) link one or more of the video lectures I have been creating (in my "spare" time since before Christmas) to my electronic classroom, b) try to pin down potential "Zoom" office hours I may be able to hold in the evening to make up for missed regular office hours, and c) fill out idiotic paperwork for the administration of my "absence" so that it can be submitted each day.</p><p>5. I also have to have plans for what I can do regarding my evenings as well. I need to be at band each week, I <i>should </i>try to continue the church group during this period of time, and I paid for the non-refundable guitar lessons (signed up and paid before knowing about damnable jury duty).... so I should do that with my wife as well. </p><p>6. I called the courthouse and asked for a return call.... because NOWHERE on their damnable website does it say what I can BRING with me to the damn courthouse. I do not know if I can bring a laptop with me to potentially TRY to do work while I sit around in a throng of people all waiting around to do <br /></p><p>But, if I do get called in consistently.... even my best laid plans will potentially spiral out of control. The plans and enacting them make me feel exhausted just thinking about them. </p><p>And, because there are vague ambiguities about what TIME I need to report (again, only <i>revealed</i> the evening before) on days I do serve.... this leaves me rather ambiguous and frustrated about what impact this may have on my running as well. I am fearful that b*llsh*t timing issues with the courthouse will make it extremely hard for me to get to the 50+ miles (80+ km) I need to stay on track with my vows/goals. I am a bit worried I may have to have some/many shorter days and be forced to try to compensate to get my miles in by running on both Saturday and Sunday. That too sounds exhausting.</p><p>* * * * * <br />So, I do not feel "chipper" at the moment. I feel actually rather aggravated..... 9 damnable times !!!!</p><p>* * * * * </p><p>Perhaps our hardest new piece in band that has me a bit nervous is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu77Vtja30c" target="_blank">Gustav Holst's "Jupiter"</a>. Do not get me wrong.... it is an absolutely beautiful piece... and even if you do not know a lot of classical music, I suspect you will recognize this piece. But, to be frank, it is in some ways testing my skills and abilities in new ways. <br /></p><p>I do love the song, however. My favorite part begins around the 1:30 mark in the above video if you want to see my favorite section of the whole beautiful work. The last minute of the video is ALSO especially worth a listen. It is a cacophony of beautiful sounds... but my part and the speed of the tempo of that section feel awfully damn difficult... and the limits of my meager abilities may be exceeded. <br /></p><p>* * * * * </p><p>I would also like to spend time discussing the deep pipe tobacco longing I am feeling, but at some level I believe folks tire of hearing me whine and complain about it, so I have been trying to be more "frugal" in my discussion of the pipe. I could meander and muse about every minutia of the avocation that I crave, desire, want, wish I was immersed into, and all the recollections of the beautiful past memories of my active participation from my memory banks. I do, I believe, need to let those thoughts, feelings, and memories out, at least on occasion.... because they build and build if I do not. Talking about them keeps things more even-keeled. </p><p>PipeTobacco<br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5974811.post-34144656892940450452024-01-30T09:17:00.002-05:002024-01-30T09:17:00.216-05:00Orange Marmalade<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.paddington.com/media/1488/_uk_heritage1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="380" height="179" src="https://www.paddington.com/media/1488/_uk_heritage1.png" width="179" /></a></div>I admit freely to being almost "Paddington-like" in my fondness for orange marmalade. In my region, however, it is sadly NOT particularly popular. The grocery stores in my neck of the woods MAY have one brand of orange marmalade, but even that it is rather sketchy much of the time. It is EXTREMELY rare that a restaurant may have a packet, let alone a jar of orange marmalade. The restaurants here universally have grape (yawn) and strawberry (similar yawn). A (very) few "adventuresome" restaurants here have raspberry (pleasant) or occasionally apple "butter" (also pleasant).... but orange marmalade.... I think the last time I saw it at a restaurant in my locale.... was perhaps 5-6 years ago. <p></p><p>This past Sunday, I casually spent a few minutes looking on-line a bit for some "fancier" orange marmalades. There appear to be several brands I could potentially order. When I get a bit more time and have seen the range of what could be ordered, I think I will order 2-3 jars to try them out. But, last night, while falling asleep... and yes, I was imagining a beautiful memory of smoking a pipe..... that memory was of some Sir Walter Raleigh I was smoking in a simple Dr. Grabow pipe (dublin shaped) while I was an undergraduate and driving to a potential graduate school I was considering applying to. That road trip was memorable and peaceful. And, the Sir Walter Raleigh was just so damn pleasant that words cannot adequately describe how it enhanced this trip. But, back to the relevant aspect...... last night, while falling asleep (and thinking about the pipe).... I also thought about my search for orange marmalade..... and I wondered to myself.... "I wonder if anyone makes a <b>GRAPEFRUIT marmalade</b> that I could purchase?!?!?" </p><p>Since I find pure delight in grapefruit.... I thought that if such a marmalade exists, it would surely be a top favorite as well. So, when I get back to perusing the orange marmalade.... I am going to sneak around a bit and see if there are grapefruit marmalades as well! </p><p>PipeTobacco <br /></p>PipeTobaccohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17746884792061867611noreply@blogger.com3