It is midweek, Wednesday. Today I have a early appointment with my primary care physician. I will be cleared for surgery on Wednesday of the coming week. My eyesight is in need of surgical attention, the consequences of age and diabetes. I did not understand the meaning of having a body that is subject…
Our philosophy discussion group convened virtually last night , via zoom video. We discussed an essay by Olufemi O Taiwo, a philosopher who teaches at Georgetown University. The Who Gets To Feel Secure essay treated the down-to-earth security that all human beings need in order to survive, to preserve their humanity. I mean the…
Sunday morning, the New York Times Weekend Briefing has again arrived in my iphone mailbox. Among the usual topics is an overview of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, an anticipated reinforcement in the push to immunize the population against accelerating transmission of the corona virus. The pandemic aid bill which has gained House approval…
Yesterday we received the first of two vaccinations to immunize us from the coronavirus. We received email notice from the Kane County Health Department that an appointment was offered. I felt a reaction of relief, of thanksgiving. Upon receiving the Moderna vaccine, if I should become ill, I am unlikely to be hospitalized or…
The most distant object that most folks can see with the unaided eye is also the closest major galaxy to our own Milky Way. Although the Andromeda Galaxy lies a mind-bending 2.5 million light-years from Earth, its trillion stars are enough to emit a strong glow across the vast reaches of space. Despite the wide gap, the…
Recently I considered the books piled upon my desk. I am fortunate to be able to purchase whatever I am inclined to read. I am happy in a strange way, — happy like a soldier departing on a mission, grasping a rifle with clip of full metal-jacket rounds, and plenty of spare ammo. I…
BURNT NORTON By T. S. Eliot Time present and time past Are both perhaps present in time future, And time future contained in time past. If all time is eternally present All time is unredeemable. What might have been is an abstraction Remaining a perpetual possibility Only in a world of speculation. What might…
Difficult to write this morning. The weather is forecast to warm in a day or so in Illinois. We have had a week of single digit temps, which is not unusual for winter in the Midwest. In Texas, they have been besieged with severely below normal temps, and ice storms with snow. Power failure…
Yesterday was marked by two events. I initiated and finished cleaning the shower. The necessary and unpleasant biweekly chore was alleviated by my Spotify playlist of music. I use several small fans to ameliorate the noxious fumes of the cleaning agent which removes hard water residue. There’s no need to describe in further detail…
Yesterday I received report of my granddaughter’s visit to the physician. She is a toddler, walking about, exploring, and babbling. I sense that she is on the cusp of language. She understands simple commands and responds with appropriate behavior. She runs about her play area, with obvious excitement, laughing, to point out the…
