Celebrating Libraries and Librarians

Today is one of my favorite work days of the year. It is National Library Workers day. We get to give ourselves a little pat on the back for the many hours we put in, and at time when more major cuts are expected. I know we've lost many employees through attrition where I work, and that path will continue since the state of Illinois is in financial woes and can't pay its bills in a timely manner.

The American Library Association (ALA) issued a press release yesterday concerning National Library Week. It said that Americans (and others of course) visited libraries nearly 1.5 billion times and checked out 2 billion items, among them books, DVD's, audiobooks, equipment. I know when I go to my local library, which is generally on a weekend, the workstations are always busy as many in our community use social networking tools and do not have funds for at home broadband use.

Yours truly actually checks out books from time to time, mostly non-fiction. Travel books are among my favorites, especially if Mr. Benny and I are planning to visit a new part of Florida or some where else. I also read a lot of biographies. Last weekend, I checked out Howard Sonnes' biography of Paul McCartney, that was published in 2010 (title is Fab: An Intimate Biography of Paul McCartney). I had started it on the Allure of the Seas (yes, even the ship has a library of books for check-out), but it was so long that I couldn't finish it (it's 563 pages long) as I was reading another book I checked out from our Veterinary Medicine Library, Dewey's Nine Lives written by Iowa librarian, Vickie Myron. It's not exactly a sequel to Dewey, but Dewey became more of a theme for what pets, in particular, pooties, meant to us and got us through the hard times as well celebrating good ones. I confess I had to close the book at times to gather myself when I was reading it on the plane. The stories often turned sad when the kitty died, but other stories were uplifting too.

Today, I hope BW readers will go by and check out something at the Library; most of all, just give a library worker a smile. They make the library work and ensure you get your books, DVD's, keep the building open for teens to do their homework, help promote information literacy, and help job seekers fill out forms. We do a lot, behind the scenes, which is what we do best.

Hats off to my colleagues nationwide, especially to Mr. Benny, who is also a librarian.

Come as You Are

Dear BW Readers,

This is the second of the two part series I intended to write about why I think many folks like cruises.

The pic is yours truly in doing a sport activity on the boat, known as Boogie Boarding on the Flowrider.



The Flowrider pumps 13 thousands and recycles them every minute that it is turn on. As you can tell, I am not wearing any sort of make-up, I am a bit overweight but still not ashamed of wearing a bathing suit as over time I've lost 50 lbs. Yes, I'm certain there were opinions held by others of my appearance, but no one in general cared or said anything openly about it. There were plenty of men and women who were obese or underweight, wore thongs or speedos, but during pool time on the 15th and 16th decks, you came as you are. There were plenty who also never donned a swimsuit, more comfortable in shorts and sitting in the shade to read.

This observation also reminded me of the time when I was involved with the One America blog and with the campaigns. Many of us identified with Elizabeth Edwards as she struggled with her weight. She looked like one of us. And I liked it that on this cruise, people of all ages were comfortable with one another.

Of course, folks like cruising too because everything is provided for them--3 solid meals, plus snacks, entertainment of all sorts, room was attended to 3 times a day by many of the stateroom attendants, and there were people to have lunch with if you wanted. I particularly enjoyed the trivia contests and the dancing parties.

Mr. Benny and I had a great time, but I think we didn't totally drink the cruising kool-aid of some that we met on the ship. One woman was celebrating her 71st cruise. I asked why she was a repeat customer. She said she was born for cruising. Not certain what to make of it. Others said they built up "frequent cruising miles" or perks, whereby their trips, except for the flights and drinks, were almost paid for. There was one couple who had been on a cruise three weeks before and was from Bayonne, NJ. Bayonne is not a great town, so I suppose it was a sad commentary that this couple felt the need to get away on cruises frequently. I think I would have just left NJ and move to Florida.

Drawbacks to cruises: Royal Caribbean in particular "nickels and dimes" you for even soft drinks. We paid extra for those sodas. I drank club soda most nights at dinner, and if we wanted any wine or anything else, we paid for those (which were few) at an entertainment establishment because they were cheaper than the Main Dining room.

Overall, I would recommend a cruise to any landlovers for a different experience. I don't recommend a big ship, such as the Allure of the Seas for very introverted folks; 6200 folks and 2200 staff is a lot of people to encounter daily. But would I do this every year, I think Mr. Benny and I believe that we can wait for a couple of years before going again as we want to do more urban trips in the future.

But I do like the idea of "Come as You Are."

It's a New Year

Hello BW readers--it's 2011.

A time to start fresh or even just little starts.

Last year, I lost at least one size in jeans. 55 Lbs since August 2009. Not too shabby. This year, I hope to start toning up my muscles and still retain my tan. Helps to be with Mr. Benny in Florida and bask in the sun when the weather is pretty.

Speaking of Florida, where I am right now, Mr. Benny and I went to Key West and enjoyed the atmosphere although the food was not quite as good as I rememembered it from 20 years ago. But we also went to the Norton Museum of Art in Palm Beach earlier in the week, and it was a very fine museum. Not overwhelming and one can see most of it in a couple of hours.

During this holiday week, I have seen two new movies: The King's Speech and the remake of True Grit. I recommend both, but I wouldn't give either one quite 4 stars. The King's Speech is well done for a historical piece, but it was very slow at times and I almost fell asleep; True Grit-- I still miss the Duke, but Halie Steinfeld was better and more age appropriate for the role of Mattie Ross. All of the characters were a bit more edgy in this version.

We said good-bye to many people last year. One of them was my best friend's husband, who tragically took his own life on Wednesday morning. They were married for 20 years. I admire my girlfriend for not being bitter considering the financial mess he left the family in.

We also said good bye to Dennis Hopper, Leslie Nielsen, Tony Curtis, Alfie Kahn (economic advisor to Jimmy Carter), Tom Bosley, Rue McClanahan, Barbara Billingsley, Richard Holbrooke (political negotiator extraordinaire), Jill Clayburgh, Dixie Carter, Patricia Neal, Lynn Redgrave (one of the most bold actresses), John Forsythe, Lena Horne, and of course, our lady Elizabeth Edwards.

I also said good-bye to my long time companion, my cat, Elmora.

Wishes for the year: that I can get my house in better shape this spring and start thinking about downsizing into a smaller place. Many changes will be happening in my work place, and I hope that I can accept them with some control involved. I also hope to continue deepening my friendships in Illinois. I would like to get out to Montana this summer and visit my fellow blogger Feral Cat of Freedom. And of course, I still hope to see Mr. Benny about every 40 days if possible. This year marks our 10th anniversary in March.

As this is not an election year, I don't anticipate blogging very much about politics. Certainly if I feel strongly about something that the Congress has done (stupidly), then I might feel inclined to make a blog post here and there. I'll be watching Alan Grayson to see what portends for him if he decides to continue to be in the public service eye. I recommend though if you wish to keep up with national progressive politics to either visit the Daily Kos, Firedoglake, or Taylor Marsh--or watch MSNBC in the evenings, Daily Show, Colbert Report or Bill Maher's Real Time.

To BW readers, I wish you all a good New Year, and may you accomplish many good things.

for Mr. Benny

Hard to believe I was just in his place and now back here. Mr. Benny and I had some serious discussions, but overall, it was a good visit.


This song, by the late Nancy Lamott, is for him, since he discovered her first. And we heard her singing on the Jonathan show on XM Radio (channel 72) last Sunday.

JMW Turner Sky: a South Florida Experience

Dear BW Readers,

Sorry I haven't posted much in the past few days (and my eyeball counts reflect it). I'm visiting Mr. Benny in South Florida where he lives. It's been an interesting experience so far. I have a sunburn from sitting out in the sunburn hours on Friday by the pool. I was engrossed in reading a Molly Ivins biography, so I didn't notice the time nor did I put on a lot of sunscreen either. :-)

Last night I did so some real swimming as the pool temp is perfect--refreshing after a hot day, and it was an opportunity to show Mr. Benny that I really can swim, just out of practice. The evening sky reminds me of JMW Turner painting--clouds which are rose-dusky with flashes of orange and Iowa corn-yellow with a cornfield blue backdrop. It's pretty warm, about 85 but the humidity isn't too awful since there has been little chance for rain. I feel fortunate in that regard for my first trip.

Lots of shopping, even went to a salon to have some work done. I found a specialist for my brows and I have an appointment w/her when I return here in late July. Otherwise, we bought and put together a taller fan so that we don't have to run the AC as much, and try to take advantage of Eastern breezes from the ocean. Also been rearranging things to make the place have more than Mr. Benny's mark on the place. The rug I bought from Red Window is in the kitchen and looks real nice there.

Speaking of, the experts are predicting tar balls within the next week or so to wash up from the bastard princes BP Gulf of Mexico major gush disaster leak. I'm outraged that BP claims it cannot do anything about it until Tuesday. Even Mr. Benny, who is a Republican, thinks this is a total disaster for the environment and doesn't understand why BP, who made record profits in the Billions 1st Q this year, can't do anything about this gusher.

Tomorrow we are going to the beach to enjoy it. I suspect we will be in big company.

Tonight I am cooking semi-wok, tomorrow AM a breakfast on the patio, then off to Dania. Tomorrow night Mr. Benny promises a seafood dinner out. Thus, it's time to get back to the kitchen.

More later...

Happy Mother's Day 2010

Dear Readers,

Many of you are mothers of sons and daughters. I happen to be a pet mom and not a human mom. Given my lack of patience for some weeks now, it's just as well that I only have pets to be concerned with at present since I have a big space and yard to oversee maintenance.

Today, I did do something special for Mother's Day (the rest was trying to get my lawn mowed, which is trickier than one realizes). A work friend and I got together and had a nice lunch to honor our mothers. She had lost hers last fall, whereas I lost mine the spring before that. We each brought one picture that we liked of our mothers and/or families. And it was nice to share a memory of two. So to BW readers who are living alone like me and this work friend, I highly recommend sharing a lunch today with a friend. Remember the good times of your mothers. Look for common ground.

This particular friend asked about Elizabeth Edwards, and I said I had not heard from her since I saw her last. This friend's younger brother has terminal cancer, except his is more advanced than Elizabeth's from what I understand. The friend's sister had been down to visit--and like Elizabeth and Nancy, she is very close with her family.

To my friends Amy, Bettync, Jackie, and to Elizabeth and Nancy, happy mother's day. Aloha Nell Smith and Ruth Zumalt--Mr. Benny and I miss you very much.

Bush's Brain is Only 2 Miles from My House Tonight

Karl Rove, aka Bush's Brain, has been invited by the Champaign County Gross Ol' Party's Lincoln Day celebration.

From the CC GOP website:

“Our goal this November is to challenge every Democrat in all federal, state and local races. It is a privilege and honor to have Karl Rove come to Champaign County to assist in our efforts,” said Jason Barickman, Chairman of the Champaign County Republican Central Committee.

Rove’s visit is part of his book tour promoting his forthcoming memoir, “Courage and Consequence: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight,” scheduled for release March 9.

‘Courage and Consequence’ is a candid and behind-the-scenes view of some of history’s turbulent and momentous years. It tells how President Bush got to the White House and what happened during his consequential presidency. It’s a frank account of what I witnessed and my often-controversial role,” Rove said."

I agree it probably was a controversial role, considering nearly 5000 men and women are dead from the Iraq war, and thousands of troops still stuck there. I don't think Lincoln would have picked this kind of fight for the good of our country, which is bankrupting our government when we could have had universal health care.

If only this had really happened:

Rove should have been arrested and tried for treason for outing a CIA officer.







Mr. Benny and I are planning to have dinner out of town this evening, to say the least. I don't think I eat my dinner, knowing Karl Rove is crapping only 2 miles from my house.

(cross-posted at the DU, with slight modifications)

EE and Mr. Benny: Nova SE

Many BW readers know that Mr. Benny has been out of work for awhile, and has been seeking employment in nearly any area of the country except Alaska, Hawaii, California, and New England.

He's about to sign on the dotted line at Nova Southeastern in a couple of weeks.

Now, here's an interesting thing: Elizabeth Edwards is speaking at Nova tomorrow night.

Planets not quite aligned yet, but man, is that coincidental or what?

Resilence: Another Family's Story

This afternoon, Mr. Benny and I had to make a visit to our veterinarian. Our remaining Aussie Shepherd, Sydney, was low in spirits, would not eat, and had trouble getting up. Her symptoms appeared similar to her sister, Mattie, who went to Rainbow Bridge on October 30, 2008.

We had thought the worst and had expected to help transition Syd as we did with her sister to Rainbow Bridge. However, Syd rebounded yesterday afternoon. She ate some dog food out of a can and she was able to walk a bit better last night. Her spirits and face looked less sad. It was as though Syd knew we weren't ready for her to go; she didn't wish to disappoint us as she knew how much we love her.

While I wish the latter were true, we had some tests run on Syd. Her blood platelet count was exceedingly low, but the rest of the blood levels were fine. However, the x-rays revealed some mitochondrial looking cells around her spleen, lungs, and near her main artery. Her lungs looked compromised. I don't recall what the technical terms are called, but to simplify for BW readers, she likely has two forms of cancer, one benign, the other probably malignant. She has arthritis too in her back, but luckily, we had already started giving her vitamin supplements for it, and it's not quite as bad as it was for Mattie last year.

BW readers remember all too painfully about Elizabeth when her cancer returned with a vengence; this time, there would be no cure. She would have to take meds on a regular basis. We know from interviews and other sources (such as the book Resilence) that Elizabeth gets transfusions in addition to her daily tablet.

And if that weren't enough, her family suffered some other set backs. I read another story in the LA Times this evening about the awkward moments in a restaurant recently. Must be hard on the children, although Elizabeth is still considered popular in the area.

Benny's real world outside of this blog has experienced some setbacks as well. We lost Mattie 50 weeks ago. My momma died 6 months ago. Mr. Benny is now unemployed and while he gets some interviews, more places in his field are pulling the positions, or the HR departments are so sloppy in their "no thanks" responses. Some places haven't offered to pay for his mileage or for a meal in return for driving many hours for the one hour interview. Times have been tough for him. It's demoralizing at times.

Yours truly has taken on extra interim work where I am employed. I receive a stipend for it, albeit I've not seen it yet in my paycheck. Our work place is so stretched that it's hard to get all of the administrative tasks done in a timely manner. I don't make it a habit to talk about my work here, so I won't tell you what I'm doing. But I will say that I'm hoping the experience will pay off on my long term plans of moving ahead in my career. The stipend, when I see it, will be helpful in supporting my family.

I think it would not be wise to put myself in Elizabeth's and JRE's shoes because our situation is very different. Elizabeth and John live a relatively comfortable life. She gets the best health care money can buy (although she wishes for a Medicare option for anyone as I do). Mr. Benny is now on my health insurance, but we have to watch very carefully how it is used. Mr. Benny has make 5 contacts a week to earn his unemployment check. No one in the Edwards family has have to work, although Elizabeth chose to open a part-time furniture store just to leave a legacy for her children to remember. But what Elizabeth's family and my family have in common is that we will continue in the long term to be resilient. We will have more valleys than peaks for the months to come, but we welcome the peaks when they arise.

And in living with Syd's cancer, we were given two options: we could get an ultrasound to confirm, but we also were told that even if Syd would be operated on, she is at high risk for expiring on the operating table in problems with anesthesia. Her tests today were $405. We know we can't afford surgery for her, but even if we could, her survival rate wouldn't be much more than she has in just living with the condition.

Sydney was resilient today. She was happy, went for a short walk, and she had a good appetite this evening. She will continue to have collapses as she did last weekend where she may rebound but each time, the recovery time will take longer--or she may just finally go in her sleep. The vet said she may live a few more weeks or even months, or she may have another relapse in the next days. However, Mr. Benny and I decided not to go forward on other procedures for Syd. We will live each day with her (and for that matter, Elmora, who is afflicted with feline hyperthyroidism, but holding her own at the moment) as though it is another gift from the universe.

We thank all of the BW readers for their positive thoughts and prayers, and ask that you continue to send them as Syd moves through the last days of her earth journey. You are welcome to submit your thoughts in the comments section, even it is a struggle you are experiencing and would like prayers from us.

Blessed be.
Update: Let it Be: