The Haircut 10/10/08

The Haircut 
10/10/08

Weather Report:
Calm winds, clear, visibility unlimited

From the picture at right you can see that I really needed a hair cut and this was taken 10 days ago. Saturday, I finally got a chance to get it cut and tried out another barber. Actually, the first one was a Salon. That gave them an excuse to charge me $30 for a haircut. It was a pleasant experience (she washed my hair and massaged my head) but it was not what I really needed.

The missionaries told me about another spot they use and Elder Worthen accompanied me Saturday to explain what I wanted; at least that was the plan.

When we arrived, we were met at the door by the cashier who was dressed in black, very tight jeans and a sweatshirt that said "Smile and I'm Yours" in English. First clue. She directed me to a chair and a late 20's lady who I later learned was named Eleana. My escort stood in the doorway, seeming not to know what to do. I said, "Tell her not to cut it too short. I want to look about the same." He didn't say a word as she put the drape around me and the tissue around my neck. As she picked up the clippers I again said, "Tell her what I want." Before he could compose himself, she had put a #3 guide on her clippers and began to shave off the hair all around the sides of my head like I have seen in movies about Army recruits at boot camp.

It was too late. The die was cast. She finally turned to him, still standing in the doorway, and said that he could sit in the chair near the entry door. Since he didn't move, I think he was too intimidated but he translated her comments for me. She finally said, "He's not a child. You can sit over there." I told him to tell her that he was a missionary and had to stay where I could see him. He said something and she smiled, but I don't think she understood.

As she worked her way around my head, around and around and around, my hair kept getting shorter and shorter. She was not as gentle as the Salon lady, but I guess that came with the higher price. When she wanted my head tilted, she grabbed my head and turned much like my chiropractor and if I moved she put it back where she wanted. There was no disputing who was in charge here. I couldn't say anything to her and my "Interpreter" was mute so it was what it was and I just decided to endure.

As it turned out, the hair cut cost $10 but I didn't get a shampoo or a massage. Elder Worthen said that they would have shampooed my hair for another 30 roubles ($1.25), but I never had a chance to ask for it. Maybe next time.

Here I am now, looking like a cross between an army recruit and Jimmie Durante. Oh well, the Cabo/California hair is all gone now and what looks like blond is really white fading to gray. Cindy is pleased with the color (it looks more like hers), but thinks it's is a bit short. She says the best thing about my looks is my hair and it's gone. Another gentle woman in my life.

I am told that Russian women are aggressive and strong. If this beautician was any example, I am a believer. She was definitely in charge and I was the sheep being shorn. This country is full of surprises and contradictions. I read about the dominant males and abused women and then meet a lady like this one with strong hands and an iron will. I did get her to smile when I asked in Russian, "Kag vas zavoot", what is your name. For just a moment she softened, looked down, smiled, and said, "Eleana", but immediately got back in control and shook my hand as if to say, OK, who's next?

What a country.
DS

The impact on School Children has begun 10/11/08

The impact on School Children has begun
10/11/08

Weather Report:
Still gale winds 30 mph with gusts up to 50.

The following just came to me and is about 2 weeks old, but it proves my point in the other posting today.

"In the same week that the No on 8 campaign launched an ad that labeled as 'lies' claims that same-sex marriage would be taught in schools to young children, a first grade class took a school-sponsored trip to a gay wedding. Eighteen first graders traveled to San Francisco City Hall Friday for the wedding of their teacher and her lesbian partner, The San Francisco Chronicle reported. The school sponsored the trip for the students, ages 5 and 6, taking them away from their studies for the same-sex wedding.

The wedding was officiated by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who arrogantly welcomed the arrival of same-sex marriage by saying 'The door's wide open now. It's gonna happen, whether you like it or not.' "

No comment is necessary.
DS

I finally had to speak to Prop 8 10/11/08

I finally had to speak to Prop 8 
10/11/08

Weather Report:
Gale-force winds (30-50 mph) from the west with rain and flying sheet metal near construction sites and 2x6's from the collapse of the new roof of the Neighborhood Administration building up the block.

We have been following the Prop 8 campaign from a distance and have been getting updates from many of you. After getting an email from Judy, a Utah friend, I have decided to weigh -in on this issue. My blog usually has a light-hearted undercurrent, but this one is from my heart as well as my head.

To those who oppose Prop 8 AND are going to be offended by some very personal stuff here, DON'T READ THE REST OF THIS. I love you. You are my friends and that means more to me than most public issues. However, when something is right, or something is wrong, it goes beyond friendship, beyond family, beyond fear. I will make an argument for passage of this measure. If you can handle it, if you can love me anyway, lets begin.

First, a big "Thank You" to all of our California friends who are carrying the water for the rest of us. We have been on the front lines ourselves and know that it is a sacrifice and calls for a thick skin. We have sent our money and by this blog are lending our support.

Second, I feel a need to make something clear to my friends who think this issue is political and/or social. It is neither. It is clearly moral according to my belief in scripture and the messages from God through our current prophet and apostles. This is an issue that will separate members of our church just like many other issues have done in our 175+ year history. Those who follow the prophet will stay. Those who oppose him will not because the fence is getting narrower and more uncomfortable every day. As time goes on ,there will be more such issues, and we all need to buckle our seat belts. That is why they call it the Last Days, and even some of the elect will be deceived. The question ultimately is, "If you are not going to follow President Monson and the Twelve, who will you follow?" When the prophet and the Twelve speak as one to the whole world, it is the voice of God and not to be trifled with.

I know that some of you have friends or even family members who live a homosexual life. You love them and may feel that to support Prop 8 would be to hurt them personally. I do not know what you feel, but I do understand the need to defend those we love. However, this issue goes beyond anything else, and it is clearly defined by the direction we have received and the implications for us as a people. I make my case.

Point # 1
Scripture clearly tells us that the Prophet and the Twelve will not be allowed to lead the Church astray. This is the last time God will gather his people, impart His priesthood, and establish His Gospel and He will remove any prophet who will not follow His will. That should be enough for those of us with Testimonies and the discussion should stop here. For me and my house, we will follow the Lord and his prophet.

Point #2
Laws in the U. S. are based on Legal Precedent. What comes after must agree with what has gone before, and all must agree with the foundation document (constitution) as currently amended. Rightly or wrongly, Prop 22 was judged in conflict with this foundation document and the only way to affirm Prop 22 is to amend that foundation document.

Point #3
Why define marriage as between a man and a woman? First, God said so. But to continue, I am not a lawyer, but this is my understanding from the seminars and conferences we attended during our FEP mission. The definition of marriage, as a legal construct, defines other elements of our lives. Every subsection of Family Law, and of most Civil Law, presumes the core definition of marriage unless otherwise defined. Change that definition and you change all Family Law and a great deal of Civil Law. It goes far beyond two people of the same gender getting "married" and will alter every law governing family members' rights, relationships and responsibilities far beyond what we can see now.

As I read and hear the news, families in states that now have legalized same gender marriage are beginning to get "the rest of the story." Adoption agencies are being required to give children to same-sex couples. Churches are being required to perform marriages. Schools are being required to teach children that same-sex marriage is just the same as heterosexual marriage. Those who teach and/or preach that homosexual unions are not sanctioned by God are being sued and jailed for Hate Speech. When you change core values and definitions you change the society.

The ultimate change Mormons will experience is the arrest of our prophet and apostles for Hate Speech crimes and legal sanctions against the church for refusing to marry same-sex couples in our churches and Temples. If we remember our history, we have already felt the crush of government punishment for our beliefs in the 19th century and it will happen again. You think that is impossible? You just wait and see, but when we see it, it will be too late to do anything about it. The horse will be gone and the barn door won't matter anymore.

Point #4
Prop 8 does not take away any right that homosexuals currently have or have had historically. It reaffirms the historical definition of marriage and anchors that in the state constitution. It does not prohibit any other form of contract between same-sex couples. In addition, California is a bellwether state. What happens here is a greater precedent for future action nationwide than what has happened in Massachusetts or Vermont.

I am willing to listen to any argument against Prop 8 from anyone. Go ahead and take your best shot, but please don't bore me with accusations of bigotry or homophobia. That just won't stick to me. My support for Prop 8 is not a sign of my hatred for homosexuals. I have done business with, been friends with, and had close association with people of many different life-styles and cultures without even considering hating them. It is simply a sign of my Testimony about the prophet's Family Proclamation and his guidance on this matter. I don't hate homosexuals and I don't hate those opposing Prop 8. I simply disagree and I have the right, and the obligation, to do so.

If I wanted to hate some defined group of people, I am in the perfect place to find such a group, but that's irrelevant. "Hate" has simply become a shield for a poor argument. I encourage everyone with a Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to get on your knees and ask Heavenly Father if this direction from his prophet is right. The Holy Ghost will witness the truth to you as he always does. When you get confirmation, get off your couch and get involved in this process. Your voice is needed and is as important as the ones currently working for Prop 8. You have the moral high ground and this is your opportunity to make your voice heard.

Again, my thanks to all of you who are doing the work. You are the front line defense for marriage as God created it in the Garden. You are his angels sounding the trump of warning to our nation.


GET INFORMED (if you haven't already) Check out http://www.preservingmarriage.com for detailed information and videos. Many mistakenly think this is an issue of 'letting others do what they want...it doesn't affect me'. But the fundamental core of the family and religious freedom is at stake.


REGISTER TO VOTE AND ENCOURAGE EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO REGISTER
You can download a registration form at http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm. Download the form and fill it in. It must be received no later than October 20th.


SPREAD THE WORD
Post the websites and information on your blogs, facebook, myspace, etc...talk about it to your friends...text them to register..tell your technology minded kids to spread the word to their friends.


VOLUNTEER TO HELP
The coalition we're working with is comprised of many churches in the state and other family oriented organizations. If you don't know who to ask to volunteer, call your bishop or pastor. If we all put in just a few hours a week, it would make a tremendous difference.

If you read this far, thanks for reading this through. If you got this far...you're already making a difference. Call Debi Raphael at 916-722-7995 if you can't find any other avenue to get involved.

What a country to give us all the chance to speak our minds.
DS

New Milestone for Family Enrichment Program 10/10/08

New Milestone for Family Enrichment Program 
10/10/08

Weather Report:Still Babushka Summer, but a lot of wind and dust in the air

When we asked ourselves why Russia and why here we had little idea of the future events that would recall us into the Family Enrichment Program, Family Night books. For the uninitiated, this is a manual of how to hold a weekly family activity called Family Night where family members get together and have fun, learn a moral lesson, play a game, and have a treat. It was written by Shirley Cox and Wendy Sheffield from BYU and is based on the LDS Family Home Evening activity, but without any LDS doctrine, just good values taught by stories from around the world.


Today, another milestone in the FEP saga, and Sister Cindy is pretty excited. We received the first 100 of the 6000 books we ordered a month ago. We were told that this is the largest single printing in a non-English language other than Spanish. As soon as the books were delivered, Sister Simmons got on her (my) cell phone and announced their arrival to everyone concerned.

I digress. As Mission Executive and Financial Secretary, I, let me repeat that, I, was given a cell phone. That was almost four months ago. I have to admit that it took longer to loose it than I expected, but it first became "our" cell phone about a month ago and now she is making and getting more calls on it than I am. Now it is HER cell phone that she lets me use sometimes in the office. In the background, Elder Worthen is stunned at her dexterity and strength on the phone.

I finally got Brat Pyotr to give me one of the old "cast-offs" in his drawer so I could make a call from time to time. Cell phones are endemic here and the costs to call a cell from a land line or vice-versa are dramatically greater than cell to cell. About half of our missionaries have cell phones so using one is much better for me than using my desk phone. The picture shows Sister Cindy with her favorite tool; MY cell phone.

To continue, these books will now go out to missionaries in two cities, Barnaul and Novosibirsk, as a pilot program until the next Zone Leader Conference the first of November. There we hope to start a full-court press. President Mickelsen has really caught the vision of this book's potential and is doing a great job preparing the missionaries.

The plan at this time is a three-pronged approach involving Family Strengthening classes as a service for the general public along the lines of the English Club program. (They use the English Club now as a community service, providing English speaking practice in a twice-a-week program at the Branch buildings.

The second prong would be Family-to-Family. Member families would get the FEP book, practice the program in their homes for a time, and invite a non-LDS family to join them and receive a book to use themselves.

The third prong would be missionaries directly offering books as a community service. They would offer the book to families they meet on the street or tracking on condition that they would accept instruction on how to hold Family Night. It is not a give-away.

This plan would do three things, (1) Serve the community by strengthening families, (2) Bring positive attention to the Church, (3) Provide opportunity to discuss the Gospel and the Church's emphasis on strong families. Here, Elder Watson sees his first FEP book in Russian and is duly impressed; Elder Worthen is still stunned.

A good portion of these books will also be used by Elder and Sister Bowden, Humanitarian Missionaries here, to introduce the concept of Family Night to social service agencies all over Siberia. One agency in Novo visited Sacramento this spring and we met Anna, a social worker here, who we have contacted recently and hope to connect with the Bowdens. If her agency sees the value of Family Night, it they could help promote the concept to other agencies.

We believe that Family Night, in whatever form it may take here, can be an important influence for good for Russian families. Getting families to redirect their attention back to one another can do a lot to foster love, nurturing, and mutual support within these families. Additionally, negative behaviors are more easily changed with the help of loving, supporting family members. Indonesia is promoting it nation-wide, and it has been hailed as a great blessing by many groups around the world. We hope to show its value in Siberia.

Here are the two books; one in Russian & one in English. Shirley & Wendy, did you every think? Did you every hope? Remember the bad Russian translation that no one wanted to have printed? Our Sister Olga and the printer cleaned up the Russian and here we are; your names as authors in Russian.

I feel that old familiar burning in my nose as I try not to cry on my keyboard, but did you every imagine? What a joy. What an inspiration. What a blessing.
What a country.
DS

Happy Birthday Cindy 10/6/2008

Happy Birthday Cindy 
10/6/2008

Weather Report: Solid overcast with occasional sun
Hi 11.4c Lo 5.9c
winds 8-12 mph from the NW

Welcome new followers, the Gayle family and Bob & Doretta.

We have a birthday in our family today. It's Sister Cindy.
You Primary children can all sing along; ready?

Today is such a special day
It's birthday time for you.
We really want to celebrate
This happy day with you.
Oh, zippidia and hideho
There's something we can do.
We'll sing a song that we all know, Happy birthday to you.

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Cindy
Happy Birthday to you.

Today, Cindy got "Happy Birthdayed" from the family, the sisters in the office, the Assistants and office elders, President Mickelsen, and President Drachev (mission presidency 1st counselor). The sisters sang in English, quite an effort for Yulia. The Assistants also sang in English, somewhat less effortful. President Mickelsen joined in with a heat-felt greeting and all felt festive. Later, President Drachev presented her with a home-made card expressing an appropriate birthday greeting.

I must say that Sister Cindy has worked her way into the hearts of all of those she has met more than once. The Branch sisters love her even though they can't say much more than hello. The elders are particularly fond of her, maybe because of the meals that she has cooked for them, but probably it is just her loving demeanor and openness with them. Many of those who frequent the office have confided their softest feelings to her, knowing that they will get an accepting and compassionate hearing from her. She is even corresponding with several mothers of missionaries, giving them news of their missionaries and general support for worried mothers. She feels isolated from people in general but she has connected with a lot of people on a very personal level.

Sister Simmons' desk area is now festooned with flowers several cards, and a flock of sheep all getting into the celebration. Some of the lost sheep are reluctant to get involved, saying that they are just not sure this is what they want to do; maybe it's not right. Maybe they will feel better about it if two of the found sheep go and visit them.

I bought Sister Cindy some flowers on Friday, sort of a pre-birthday kickoff, coming back from the First Branch Presidency meeting from one of the Metro flower shops located underground in the Metro approach tunnel. They were quite an affair, three transvaal daisies on long plastic straws with cups to hold the flower's head straight (sort of a flower-bra), a lot of greenery, a ruffle of clear cellophane with a red and white pattern edged with red, and a skirt of white crepe-paper and more cellophane. If there was ever gilding the lily (or daisy), this is it.

Tonight, I am making the dinner. We are starting off with a creme of mushroom broth prepared with boiling filtered spring water. Then we have an aged cabbage, carrot, and tomato salad with a honey-mustard-vinegar dressing. The main course has a foundation of Harry bread covered with native Russian Mayo, rare yellow cheddar cheese, a slice of Ukrainian onion, Kazakhtany tomato, and questionable native salami, broiled under a heat-convective coil in our very own vintage oven. This is followed by popped Ukrainian peasant corn with salted Russian butter and dead sea salt, accompanied by a native pina-colata demitasse. All of this is served on a footstool in front of a streaming General Conference. Nothing but the best for the birthday girl.

What a girl. What a missionary. What a country.

DS

Saturday Is A Special Day . . . 10/4/08

Saturday Is A Special Day . . . 
10/4/08

Weather Report: Sunny, Clear Sky
Temp at 10:00 am 10.2 c (50 f)


First a welcome to several "followers" that I have not acknowledged. Marilyn and Grant have been there from the beginning along with Trisha, Shannon, & Scott. Brian has recently registered along with Bryce & Joyce, Phil, Dave and Courtney and Stevie W. Thanks all for being registered followers. If you can find a picture to put on your profile, that would be fun.

This past few days is what elder Swenson says they call "Grandma Summer" and we call it "Indian Summer" It is a few days of warm clear weather after the first cold snap. I'm not sure about the etymology of the Russian word, but it might be that this weather may fade (die) soon. An online etymology source says,
Indian summer

"A spell of warm weather after the first frost," first recorded 1778, Amer.Eng., perhaps so called because it was first noted in regions inhabited by Indians, or because the Indians first described it to the Europeans. No evidence connects it with the color of fall leaves or a season of Indian attacks on settlements. It is the Amer.Eng. version of British All-Hallows summer, Fr. été de la Saint-Martin (feast day Nov. 11), etc. Also colloquial was St. Luke's summer (or little summer), period of warm weather occurring about St. Luke's day (Oct 18)

Sister Cindy is enjoying the "Cabo Room" this morning. I called her out of the kitchen about half an hour ago to take advantage of it and she got right to it. While checking out my clothes line in there (I'm doing the last load, sheets) and was checking the chances of hanging a sheet in "Cabo" when I thought she would benefit from a little sun and the sheets could wait.

I tried to get a few candid shots and took this one, but the glare on the window made it impossible to get another so I opened the big window next to the glass door into the Cabo Room and took the other and a video you'll see at the bottom.


Speaking of Grandmas, we are going to a baptism this afternoon of two babushkas (grandmas), one of whom has not been out of her apartment (according to the sister missionaries) in over 5 years. They were worried that she would freak out at the prospect of leaving her comfort zone, but the event is still on.

The story of their conversion is typical of the babushki (plural) in Novo, and I suppose in most of Russia. When you are old and tired or just find it hard to navigate the many, many stairs, you just stay in your apartment and depend on others to bring you supplies. In this case, one babushka is somewhat younger than the other and makes the supply runs for the two of them.

They learned about the church many years ago because a neighbor family joined the church and they saw the missionaries visiting them from time to time. The story is that this young girl visited the babushki regularly, read to them from the Book of Mormon, and often spoke about her activity in the church. The babushki wanted to learn more about it, but where reluctant to interfere with the missionary visits for many years. Finally one of them asked the family if the missionaries could visit them and the process began. Maybe I will learn more details at the baptism, but that attitude of not wanting to interfere with the neighbors is prevalent here. Minding your own business is both a form of protection and isolation that will be difficult to break in a country where trust is so unusual.

I am a little concerned about the mechanics of the baptism, but I just called the sister missionaries and they said that there will be two elders in the font with her to get her into and out of the water. I hope they can get her all the way under the water the first time. That font is a little shallow and she is a little large I'm told. More later; "Pictures at 11".

OK, here are the pictures; and it is actually 12:30 am. The girl who started it all was there arms around the Babushki. They had two elders in the font to help the older Valentina, but she didn't want any help getting into the font. Remember trust issues. It took both elders to get her vertical again after being being immersed and she was grateful for that, but got out of the font alone, holding the hand rails. They were both very excited to have finally been baptized. They will be confirmed tomorrow.

Saturdays are our preparation day and that's when I do my cleaning and the laundry. I washed two loads Friday night and cleaned so that I'd have time to do other things this morning. I have got to start organizing my receipts to send home for tax season and tithing settlement, so that's a project for today and I am trying to fix the light on the wardrobe/food closet, but without my voltage tester it is a little difficult.


Some weeks ago, during the cold snap, we gathered the extra space heaters (the radiator type) to redistribute them (after all, this IS Russia) to the needy among us and one shorted out as I plugged it in, so I took it apart this week, bypassed the connecting block that had failed and got it working. I need a wire nut to replace the electrician's tape I used initially. It is hard to do repair projects here because I don't know where to buy parts and we have not gotten out to explore much.

Yesterday, on the way to the office, a woman pulled along side us in her car, rolled down her window and with a pleasant face and smile asked us something, probably directions, to which we replied in chorus, "Ya nipanimayu ruski (I don't understand Russian). She smiled, nodded, and said, "Sorry" in fairly good English and pulled away. Nice face. Nice smile. Pleasant person. Another positive encounter to put on our list. Cindy asked Lydia how to say, "I'm sorry" in Russian during our language lesson last night. It is "eezveeneetye". You can also say "prozteetya" which is "pardon my fault". We will add that to our lexicon of Russian words. Well, maybe list is a better word; it's a very small lexicon. I bought Cindy some flowers at one of the Metro shops underground and since I can only count to three, I had to have the lady hold up fingers so I could know what to pay her.

Most people we actually meet are very pleasant. The flower lady was very nice and helpful to this Amerikanski, the lady in the car was pleasant, the mailman is cordial, the Fed Ex man has become a pleasant diversion. I think that when our language skills get a little more developed, we might actually meet and have an exchange with people. It is only the groups of drinking men on the streets that I think I will avoid altogether.

What a country
DS

The Transition Coat

Change of Seasons
10/2/08

Weather Report: Sunny, 14 c
Wind Nil
Hazy from smoke

It has become necessary to change from my rain coat to my transition coat. Fall has fallen and winter cannot be far behind. The leaves are turning rapidly and beginning to collect in the streets. There is an added urgency to the brick layers' work across the street as they try to wind up before snow.

That change of coat will make more sense with a little explanation. Here in sunny Novosibirsk we have seasonal clothes to match . . . what else, THE SEASONS .

In the summer I often went coat-less. As it began to cool in late August, I began to wear my suit coat regularly. By the first of September we were having some pretty changeable weather, going from sun, to rain, to snow, back to rain, and sun with brisk winds. At that point I was wearing my rain coat with a scarf over my suit coat and I even wore my silks (long. silk bottoms) to ward off the chilly winds.

Well, that worked pretty well until the last part of September. The snow didn't make another appearance, but the winds and the ambient temperature made the raincoat too light for the weather, so I decided to bring out the "transition coat". This is a long (to the knees) black woolen coat that weighs a little over 7 pounds (according to my scale) and is supposed to be good to 20 below zero centigrade. I don't know who tested it and how they determined that it was not enough for 21 degrees below zero, but that is what the label said.

This is also my transition coat because I have another coat for minus 20 to minus 40 and below. Again, I don't know how the manufacturer determined this, but there it is. I can tell you that the 20 below coat cannot be worn more than a few minutes in the house. I broke out in a terrible sweat and felt absolutely smothered in that coat every time I put it on. I guess it works!

Back to my transition coat. When I bought it at SINAR's, on sale during late July, I thought it was a little big and very heavy. Now that I have lost 30 pounds, it is even bigger. To dress it up I have attached a black otter (I was told) collar that I got from a missionary who was going home and could not take it to the states; some law or something.

I thought it looked kinda cool, or warm, no, that doesn't work. Well, anyway, I wanted to look sort of sleak, like a seal or an otter with a nice fur coat. At first I thought I looked pretty good in it, but after seeing myself in these pictures, I think I look more like a gorilla than a sleek seal. See the resemblance?

Here I am trying to model the collar and scarf, but all it does is bunch up my sagging facial skin and make me look even more like a gorilla, or a cadaver prepared for a cold winter.

Anyway, I like my coat and regardless of how sleek or gorilla-like I look, it keeps me warm. Pardon me just a minute . . . . . . . . . . . .

The people here love to celebrate with skyrockets. Every night between 10 and midnight there is someone shooting off Fourth of July/New Years Eve outside one of our windows, usually the Cabo room, and we take time out to watch if we can get there in time. Sometimes they last 3-4 minutes. Sometimes 10-15 minutes. This one was about 12 minutes and was pretty good. I judge the quality by the number of car alarms the explosions set off. I'd say this was a 12 alarmer. Pretty up there on the car alarm scale. We saw one during the late summer, around midnight, that was a 20 I'm sure. It went on for over 15 minutes with some very big bangs. I have included some view footage of skyrockets on this blog. They didn't take place tonight, but they are typical of what we see nightly.

Well, I'm into my transition coat, weather or not. It was a little warm today because the temperature under a bright blue sky was 62 f and I almost had to unbutton it. We have the same problem with the heat. This building came on line with the heat on Monday I think. It started gradually and was fully on by Wednesday. That would have been great two weeks ago when the temperature was in single digits, but this week is a little warm for the heating system to be comfortable.

In defense of the central command, I must say that the guy that decides when to turn on the heat is much like the guy who decides how much water to let out of Folsom Dam every spring. If he is right, we have a full dam and enjoy a care-free summer. If he lets out too much, we have a drought. If he lets out too little, we have a flood. I don't know if the heat goes on by the calendar or by the weather, but in the fall, the temperature is up and down all the time until winter really sets in. I was cold two weeks ago. Now I'm sitting at my computer in front of an open window. I'm sure they do the best they can; don't they?

What a country
DS