"...vortex"

This morning during our latest Snow Storm.

After years of getting only slush, and traces.

We get slammed over, and over.

Yet more on the way during the coming week.

Has to do with that Arctic Vortex.

Warm air is forcing freezing air south.

The Pole is having a heatwave.

That freezing air has to go somewhere.

Basically another sign of the slow motion

Extinction Level Event Era we're in.

Still it's nice to see snow again.

 

"...two feet"

Remember when I called Heaven, and asked the Angels to please send some snow? Eh,...well. They're making up for the past few years when we got almost none. When I went to bed they were saying after that near two feet....another one to three inches was on da way. I wake up they're saying six to eight. Perhaps I should have clarified to the Angelic Hosts.

Heaven's sakes I meant just enough to cover my window sill.

 "Me in the 9th U.S. Colored Volunteer Infantry",...1863

In these times of national troubles. I turned to Walt Whitman. His Civil War prose from "The Portable Walt Whitman" Penguin Classics. I've dragged this thing around with me for over 20 years now. It never lets ya down.

In particular his Civil War hospital notes. Written when a scribe with the War Department,...or was it Interior?

Well after Uncle Walt's duties he'd go over to the overflowing soldiers hospitals. These spread about Washington City as it was called then.

He would comfort wounded of both sides. He'd listen give little gifts of writing paper pencils hard candy. Take mail, and such. Small, but vital kindnesses.

The listening he wrote later.

The just being there seemed to these men the greatest gift.

Reading of these survivors from our most bitter war. They tore slashed burned, and shot each other to tatters. This for an idea. Traditionally one fought because your prince or king ordered you to. For them it was a matter of heart.

The unique nature of the War Amongst the American States was that it was fought over dreams. A tragic difference in dreams.

I was asked why would I as a person believing in peaceful resolutions wear a uniform? Below I'm in the tunic of the 9th New York Colored Volunteer Infantry, 1863. Well,...I wear it because like most of you. I'm am willing or not a combatant in the unfinished business of our Republic.

Here we are at a new stage of the great contest. Still imagining different Dreams. Our direction as a community of communities is still being decided. Though now on digital battlefields. The outcome remains as it has so long been,...Uncertain.

 "...chilly"

Here on a chilly evening 

I'm enjoying gleeful 78rpm tunes from a century ago.

By Jove good stuff this.

It passes the time, and takes one's mind off things.

 

"This took off some stress"

 

Things I held on Christmas in Summer at Fall.

 

 

"...mended"

Tink has been keeping me company for near 30 years.

She's battered, and mended as I am.