tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21054849037782784672026-08-29T15:08:01.822-07:00Writing from "The Cat Engineer"Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-27384594400263359942026-03-30T12:35:00.000-07:002026-03-30T12:35:36.285-07:00<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Yummiest of food, my bowl now<br />Is there before me yet somehow, <br />I meow about the kitchen floor <br />To ask for better food once more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHj0vvOB8qspm0Yx-NdI6DLri8WRoT0gZ04TEwAegflSyQyBlGS9MEE3mb__rp_70m5kF-T0eKqivV0snL67YYHYpR00P5KSnWwXKiytdMLTDyLU57D9nT0dR1K-zgYnNhQm4SgQ6dYgp1uGXslZWnWsbTDesd-pCKIJv0JmCAyvO1ASQTZr7gZGGcpw/s4160/yuck%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHj0vvOB8qspm0Yx-NdI6DLri8WRoT0gZ04TEwAegflSyQyBlGS9MEE3mb__rp_70m5kF-T0eKqivV0snL67YYHYpR00P5KSnWwXKiytdMLTDyLU57D9nT0dR1K-zgYnNhQm4SgQ6dYgp1uGXslZWnWsbTDesd-pCKIJv0JmCAyvO1ASQTZr7gZGGcpw/s320/yuck%201.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtRgvoSinXSfP2f6NIfQopvpgYXSFL1P-ohXAI6ugW1kfmhC_m6Oc8QwZwNHho-9Vo7LmFhzVxj1Qjvdbommb1qmRU24gqDn9sqRSjfcTYe2f5LemkHtwACa5mYvnn_uIqloFk-SI-K06r_XERzGonlVH67cT574tsvbe3vhfI7Bfh4S1Ej4gw_Yvht4/s4160/yuck%203.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtRgvoSinXSfP2f6NIfQopvpgYXSFL1P-ohXAI6ugW1kfmhC_m6Oc8QwZwNHho-9Vo7LmFhzVxj1Qjvdbommb1qmRU24gqDn9sqRSjfcTYe2f5LemkHtwACa5mYvnn_uIqloFk-SI-K06r_XERzGonlVH67cT574tsvbe3vhfI7Bfh4S1Ej4gw_Yvht4/s320/yuck%203.jpg" /></a><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilw2uIKnNYLhJRyFTfPJNh0Gfj9E4JInO1vurL63dfeQ3YgcR-baeZJTb_uF93zLb9N0-iJl2oPijOC19U8XSTK3P20apAbUKrGkFSmziyD5S1h3Wh6BpT4t2zc7dhRUVKMd8xuP517PVFlkDmd-AXgVyBFmIXIEHXHx3HdTrhi0D29S17aLESFC6COQA/s4160/meow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilw2uIKnNYLhJRyFTfPJNh0Gfj9E4JInO1vurL63dfeQ3YgcR-baeZJTb_uF93zLb9N0-iJl2oPijOC19U8XSTK3P20apAbUKrGkFSmziyD5S1h3Wh6BpT4t2zc7dhRUVKMd8xuP517PVFlkDmd-AXgVyBFmIXIEHXHx3HdTrhi0D29S17aLESFC6COQA/s320/meow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Now, late last night at half past ten, <br />Here this morning meow again, <br />And cry with shame the unjust score <br />Of yucky food served here once more.&nbsp;</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiku18LPCbwK2eCX9oi4kD1GRIz-qcorBUaAmuBAmvXTDi7wG-mtAa-75opNhyphenhyphenukcLW-VMQ20DicnVQ4TZ5oGDC_8RHgYpHJDjTwD0-ENRa19Z1I8XNccrGiQMaL2cFCPwBFZgnM_S89QUnwn3rFEH5LhaslkJGyV6gMxqEPF_8eEiKJarBuDlsd28xnWM/s4160/silent.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiku18LPCbwK2eCX9oi4kD1GRIz-qcorBUaAmuBAmvXTDi7wG-mtAa-75opNhyphenhyphenukcLW-VMQ20DicnVQ4TZ5oGDC_8RHgYpHJDjTwD0-ENRa19Z1I8XNccrGiQMaL2cFCPwBFZgnM_S89QUnwn3rFEH5LhaslkJGyV6gMxqEPF_8eEiKJarBuDlsd28xnWM/s320/silent.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_lpUfWjN99GPUQ7Dd2Mx4KHsY-T5puoUH4kFN8EFxxF5fZaImnwjKlBmn_hbhKFOmNpRHij4hoJgvKB-zgQb6oWcwTPg8k5ert7q2x5lJHNiOfbDCCh2GgLrHfwaVDQBVWi4BWq4qnVy1ffsPinybPqmT3cgZtyn1TvAXnSD2Z9MUmWKAa1Yi-fc3SQ/s4160/meow%202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_lpUfWjN99GPUQ7Dd2Mx4KHsY-T5puoUH4kFN8EFxxF5fZaImnwjKlBmn_hbhKFOmNpRHij4hoJgvKB-zgQb6oWcwTPg8k5ert7q2x5lJHNiOfbDCCh2GgLrHfwaVDQBVWi4BWq4qnVy1ffsPinybPqmT3cgZtyn1TvAXnSD2Z9MUmWKAa1Yi-fc3SQ/s320/meow%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And when the man ignores my gloom, <br />Goes into the living room, <br />Alone at last I eat my meal. <br />Prey my tortured soul to heal. <br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-N9JCeHOPUT85OySt-_eZ3Thw7w3E5O7GZ4BTBWwOmbVlAc2lfvTeo7-kK-5-dAMBp8eTX7z6dD0nhmbgrYdB16msgQpSXyQMuZLBH98OzoG9pjoAe1okb56W6mfOXcCRxhiBxdxyurBWgm6S8U8fhozDBsCcPqIKyWQv6H5HOGnWuLNHQ_3zWs-VkHg/s4160/Eat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-N9JCeHOPUT85OySt-_eZ3Thw7w3E5O7GZ4BTBWwOmbVlAc2lfvTeo7-kK-5-dAMBp8eTX7z6dD0nhmbgrYdB16msgQpSXyQMuZLBH98OzoG9pjoAe1okb56W6mfOXcCRxhiBxdxyurBWgm6S8U8fhozDBsCcPqIKyWQv6H5HOGnWuLNHQ_3zWs-VkHg/s320/Eat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">*Hat tip to A. E. Housman </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-84729109835472519732026-02-22T18:40:00.000-08:002026-02-22T18:46:14.974-08:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">What food my lips have smacked, and where, and why,<br />I have forgotten, and that my bowl has lain<br />Empty from night till morning; but the reign<br />Of hunger persists tonight, that makes me try<br />To wake my human before I die,<br />And on the carpet there shows a stain<br />For regurgitated meals that not again<br />Will I eat though hungry meow and cry.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Thus out the window stands a lonely tree,<br />With birds I would eat one by one,<br />Yet my bowl is so empty as before.<br />I cannot say though all my meals are free,<br />I only know that after eating when done<br />A little while, that I meow and cry for more.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IM7zgwLzzGyBwKJqewy21jTy3qiXVV_7MdPsYbkIrx0Gbm8NMeJgvvZzKcG55oKzNHwTrPQ8Jqk2R17SoCPq_u0WEf7TULHD34WAbJWwmSuSWRA4GaUqvZbSFGRkJi6X0wzPTjaSFmfX8hqvHlFiXnMNlP0lQxLpX2afjsspimu0c05_R1jXmq5IZRY/s1017/Screen%20Shot%202026-02-22%20at%208.35.03%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1017" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IM7zgwLzzGyBwKJqewy21jTy3qiXVV_7MdPsYbkIrx0Gbm8NMeJgvvZzKcG55oKzNHwTrPQ8Jqk2R17SoCPq_u0WEf7TULHD34WAbJWwmSuSWRA4GaUqvZbSFGRkJi6X0wzPTjaSFmfX8hqvHlFiXnMNlP0lQxLpX2afjsspimu0c05_R1jXmq5IZRY/s320/Screen%20Shot%202026-02-22%20at%208.35.03%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*Hat tip to Edna St. Vincent Millay</span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-13853219562350989722025-12-19T16:55:00.000-08:002025-12-19T19:49:12.303-08:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1.<div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch.<div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">2.<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch...&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch&nbsp;skritch skritch skritch&nbsp;skritch.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br /></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div></span></div>ZOOM!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">ZOOM around the room!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY48Rx3TTKjdgm-VAp7BwgqATcgCgbnabXXXHFqkn8zyAh-NJ34FmY-Pm6cfnejw9IPbpkRVJWob58wmNDFOafTFWYwruEL4iQunFT33ty72Kab4X1URg58aqKDpQcUInirxxRaUXp7YWcJubGHjLgkcobMBhMH3HRB3M64OUMQkrmIsdneihkxQ-98ZQ/s1004/Screen%20Shot%202025-12-19%20at%206.43.33%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="624" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY48Rx3TTKjdgm-VAp7BwgqATcgCgbnabXXXHFqkn8zyAh-NJ34FmY-Pm6cfnejw9IPbpkRVJWob58wmNDFOafTFWYwruEL4iQunFT33ty72Kab4X1URg58aqKDpQcUInirxxRaUXp7YWcJubGHjLgkcobMBhMH3HRB3M64OUMQkrmIsdneihkxQ-98ZQ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202025-12-19%20at%206.43.33%20PM.png" width="199" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-29762180321834922162025-12-01T03:38:00.000-08:002025-12-01T03:38:32.568-08:00<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The most perfect thing in the world<br />Is my cat in the bed<br />Under the cover<br />Taking the form<br />Of a soft furry ball<br />In the crook of my arm<br />Breathing in and out together<br />On a cold winter's morn<br />On a Saturday with damp gray weather</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br />We linger in this moment<br />With no cares at all<br />And nowhere to be<br />Except the here and now<br />This creature and me<br />Brought together<br />Out of the rest of the world somehow<br /><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I lift the cover to see her perfect face<br />Awaken then sleep again<br />And close my eyes<br />And drift away<br />To that inner space<br />Of dreams<br />As the clock ticks a&nbsp;quarter to ten</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBclbkb91oERJByFK44Fi6lQixwn7Xk0rgsyGeguc0DDB76myErxnMxfmD3WzouTBWquNsll9YUZoeUzz8Sxo8Dsd0rkuCmYO2sWQrlFVJx3CqkUonl8KI-KiW8Y0JyM0Pm9s087cnIpzmWYN0QS4mufu6thG5r4-4yYBpE3OqtTu5HLAvJ8Pqp56iZzY/s2560/Under%20covers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBclbkb91oERJByFK44Fi6lQixwn7Xk0rgsyGeguc0DDB76myErxnMxfmD3WzouTBWquNsll9YUZoeUzz8Sxo8Dsd0rkuCmYO2sWQrlFVJx3CqkUonl8KI-KiW8Y0JyM0Pm9s087cnIpzmWYN0QS4mufu6thG5r4-4yYBpE3OqtTu5HLAvJ8Pqp56iZzY/s320/Under%20covers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-82751766274522557402025-07-29T16:53:00.000-07:002025-07-29T19:06:22.740-07:00<div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whiskers in the morning</span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And paws on the bed<br />To bring me to waking<br />From dreams in my head<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">To soft eyes to greet me<br />To soft purrs to hear<br />Lying beside me<br />As day gathers near<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Oh great one oh small one<br />How sweetly you call<br />As nights long dark shadows<br />How swiftly they fall<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">From light through the window<br />From light from your soul<br />Stay here awhile now<br />And make the world whole</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPtnOktO4dq1aXijU2nZcOtAht8DxIFXVlPKKzLlia6eV1Sqq7E0vsDKl7aarpGTHw7A72Zd5y2GgECOzNj-_JCVY-oQRFIW7XCctK9mQCbIVEg5TERMzB1hZDZ2ON8yHkB0rC99v-z_dv4qYeuC7Tvz79blRRyjMFMcAUMImar1vaFCFwLzB04BY8jE/s2560/20250630_101926_2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPtnOktO4dq1aXijU2nZcOtAht8DxIFXVlPKKzLlia6eV1Sqq7E0vsDKl7aarpGTHw7A72Zd5y2GgECOzNj-_JCVY-oQRFIW7XCctK9mQCbIVEg5TERMzB1hZDZ2ON8yHkB0rC99v-z_dv4qYeuC7Tvz79blRRyjMFMcAUMImar1vaFCFwLzB04BY8jE/s320/20250630_101926_2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-57888857418367823932025-03-07T07:52:00.000-08:002025-03-07T07:52:13.423-08:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Homer lived a long time ago<br />He wrote poems that you may know<br />Though his poems weren't bad<br />He's better known as the Dad<br />On "The Simpsons" TV show</span></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lVWHW9jfra2GlUxRug6Ep_4mVNI1IvNRca2iz7ul835KH5yrRczyxwGkRIOHVUT2DXSAb4RDn6xZ7pU5YIMadxwLwYAbO_gmGkcmbO4X1aSHEPCLovgo1hKOIThbfs3QdiwvaZJiX7GjAYNM29JIxHqfM3YeHkEMgf4zlfPIgD_VRXnmokkTvSWfP3o/s582/Screen%20Shot%202025-03-07%20at%209.44.01%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="582" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lVWHW9jfra2GlUxRug6Ep_4mVNI1IvNRca2iz7ul835KH5yrRczyxwGkRIOHVUT2DXSAb4RDn6xZ7pU5YIMadxwLwYAbO_gmGkcmbO4X1aSHEPCLovgo1hKOIThbfs3QdiwvaZJiX7GjAYNM29JIxHqfM3YeHkEMgf4zlfPIgD_VRXnmokkTvSWfP3o/s320/Screen%20Shot%202025-03-07%20at%209.44.01%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-39882166475157443892025-03-06T15:47:00.000-08:002025-03-15T14:11:56.358-07:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My kitty sheds at both ends;<br />All day and every night;<br />On cotton, wool, and polyester blends -&nbsp;<br />My clothes, a sorry sight!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">(Version 2)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My cat has fur at both ends;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And sheds both day and night;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">On cotton, wool, and polyester blends -</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My clothes, a sorry sight!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTWDGW6KYKiBZr8bZbO7ZcKpwTIrsd06GSUo_Y4NWT82oOPt-8vV12zeTSu-6NHXba5n9u_9TluRp8E6izBuLymEB1xXAfwGoKzVy4deyOCsMe6UbSS6a_gNBC9grnMGb9d9pH7mVAbd0voKuxK9TejcG_iNkVSxZY-DT8BNYP1mHhCtqmjD0sctiGO0/s680/roller%20cat%20hair.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="680" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTWDGW6KYKiBZr8bZbO7ZcKpwTIrsd06GSUo_Y4NWT82oOPt-8vV12zeTSu-6NHXba5n9u_9TluRp8E6izBuLymEB1xXAfwGoKzVy4deyOCsMe6UbSS6a_gNBC9grnMGb9d9pH7mVAbd0voKuxK9TejcG_iNkVSxZY-DT8BNYP1mHhCtqmjD0sctiGO0/s320/roller%20cat%20hair.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">*Hat tip to Edna St. Vincent Millay</span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-868132239328549612025-03-01T09:21:00.000-08:002025-07-29T19:05:02.510-07:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">The tail is happy the tail is high</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The tail is proudly tall</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The tail is a fluffy question mark</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">That gladly comes to call</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-b-_n5itlgomxEgaJRoUhFjRZ-3FlTCe2bWYnCryq0X6Bq9o9hY6cqyw11cZr2-SUIIzQ-MZ01xRasgzY3JNQyNAi3cmevZKfAB0IAbxn-LX7hQNLaYcf00ISq90vVfRYLORyvObbxLeKHyCzZvDU5LjNJ8lqnjWlbFAKOHBS5PJL4_ReUXO03itqqI/s689/first.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="689" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-b-_n5itlgomxEgaJRoUhFjRZ-3FlTCe2bWYnCryq0X6Bq9o9hY6cqyw11cZr2-SUIIzQ-MZ01xRasgzY3JNQyNAi3cmevZKfAB0IAbxn-LX7hQNLaYcf00ISq90vVfRYLORyvObbxLeKHyCzZvDU5LjNJ8lqnjWlbFAKOHBS5PJL4_ReUXO03itqqI/s320/first.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">When skies are gray and days are short</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In the coldest winter season</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When joyful moments are hidden away</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Kitty's tail always sees them</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The tail is calm the tail is grace</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Waving to and fro</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The tail brings up the kitty's rear</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Wherever she may go</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbCP07jHF2KbhNH8dRTPy88kZ6BfOXPzakt9bUS9aJB2tzF-BVSeJ1__3enjlPCT5EzSJJBJpSVGSbJBYGPR1yIvZj0S21x0EKR5Tgh_Yde49VfZLTfLEFifKNA3BcRIB1xZAGFF1gJBbzK20ZDfGDG2jwUDex0tK5k14Do-W_XC1HESyFA-QZ6jT1mQ/s843/on%20perch.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="843" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbCP07jHF2KbhNH8dRTPy88kZ6BfOXPzakt9bUS9aJB2tzF-BVSeJ1__3enjlPCT5EzSJJBJpSVGSbJBYGPR1yIvZj0S21x0EKR5Tgh_Yde49VfZLTfLEFifKNA3BcRIB1xZAGFF1gJBbzK20ZDfGDG2jwUDex0tK5k14Do-W_XC1HESyFA-QZ6jT1mQ/s320/on%20perch.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">The tail is quiver the tail is tense</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With a bird up in a tree</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Outside a window and kitty perched</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With focused energy</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The tail is curled and tucked in tight</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Around the dainty feet</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Napping curled into a ball</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Saving body heat</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCC8CdeNB0W4ahF1Qii4YCaBqepP0G-oGdVKTk7lLmq3eXmRIYdCte5fSb18o_ZgFNSaTrbasUrjgnUWHLK7J1g8QByi58ZmetZ2JHw_7hM4_n53Qm5feOk71hrfJJrJF8Y8W2hNGpn3l8udZp2S6CN0q_4Em6QQ2eEH_zPFOo6X4TbB10e-w-E-eb6Tg/s845/sleeping.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="845" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCC8CdeNB0W4ahF1Qii4YCaBqepP0G-oGdVKTk7lLmq3eXmRIYdCte5fSb18o_ZgFNSaTrbasUrjgnUWHLK7J1g8QByi58ZmetZ2JHw_7hM4_n53Qm5feOk71hrfJJrJF8Y8W2hNGpn3l8udZp2S6CN0q_4Em6QQ2eEH_zPFOo6X4TbB10e-w-E-eb6Tg/s320/sleeping.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The tail is fast the tail is quick</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As the kitty zooms</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Streamlined in a furry streak</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Chasing 'round the rooms</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOy92y9I075JPMGjzDCCAhZwsDdKf08jjgwvYv7ZeiTwG7XvRKBWLlbdANk9Ev0juV0-ZogbieUepD3XuxKXbfn9-SGKRxdyPMGUWE5RxeRQl-NztAS9583DP3uySIqeJfHP5LURHEjFeKuuCIwF7pPzlIGXrYUl63t9mwckWzyHTt0n3mxo_f-09-to/s1272/Screen%20Shot%202025-01-28%20at%207.10.38%20zoom%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1272" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOy92y9I075JPMGjzDCCAhZwsDdKf08jjgwvYv7ZeiTwG7XvRKBWLlbdANk9Ev0juV0-ZogbieUepD3XuxKXbfn9-SGKRxdyPMGUWE5RxeRQl-NztAS9583DP3uySIqeJfHP5LURHEjFeKuuCIwF7pPzlIGXrYUl63t9mwckWzyHTt0n3mxo_f-09-to/s320/Screen%20Shot%202025-01-28%20at%207.10.38%20zoom%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">The tail is constant the tail is true<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The tail is ever reliable<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The tail is rarely ever blue<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The tail is undeniable</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And if the tail is hanging low</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When kitty's mood is poor</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Scratch the head and soothing words</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The tail goes up once more</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIORVkCBVU_QpLR2IA2IzeMdPoQQyU7KdEihJlx1WZJnTUND8aXJI6lxBf5eRgLOrwQuPaHXMjfguD9Zjk2k0VK1P3N0emMyepHVAumPhtDGWGiNCl0-Rjk4KHSgwoLOAuL_1zpWh6eMWUi81i8-Ceis4-uxulsthzyWunel-Gv4vntKl2nd6J3RPuUUI/s826/bed.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="826" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIORVkCBVU_QpLR2IA2IzeMdPoQQyU7KdEihJlx1WZJnTUND8aXJI6lxBf5eRgLOrwQuPaHXMjfguD9Zjk2k0VK1P3N0emMyepHVAumPhtDGWGiNCl0-Rjk4KHSgwoLOAuL_1zpWh6eMWUi81i8-Ceis4-uxulsthzyWunel-Gv4vntKl2nd6J3RPuUUI/s320/bed.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-61795480938409023552024-12-27T15:45:00.000-08:002024-12-27T15:53:15.821-08:00<div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Emily had a bird in a cage.<br />Named “Hope” that sang and played.<br />At the bottom was eternal<br />The Wall Street Journal<br />Editorial Page.</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-1zQp1os-af8QNYqN_HHw4h-X_Vv5ZfX3wEc-5iYerfSpUluW3rwzTh8-3CKF4d32cmz7JQTJlc0kDV5Fk6HpbeQBTen9Go7OlhrPcGjLC5NkibJV6frR8LLNrIEweRkrHayC_JhLEDiQjCwtetIztaDlY33jBuURdzVsF37NEdFZTT7fClILTLlxHs/s422/Screen%20Shot%202024-12-27%20at%205.38.59%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="420" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-1zQp1os-af8QNYqN_HHw4h-X_Vv5ZfX3wEc-5iYerfSpUluW3rwzTh8-3CKF4d32cmz7JQTJlc0kDV5Fk6HpbeQBTen9Go7OlhrPcGjLC5NkibJV6frR8LLNrIEweRkrHayC_JhLEDiQjCwtetIztaDlY33jBuURdzVsF37NEdFZTT7fClILTLlxHs/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-12-27%20at%205.38.59%20PM.png" width="318" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-78236525371158029592024-10-31T12:37:00.000-07:002024-11-01T08:32:13.574-07:00<div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The greatest toy that ever was<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brown paper and a spoon<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the floor lurking in<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">The messy living room</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></div></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-b30cddfe-7fff-aac6-7660-dd0b4c1f9961"><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg11H9fMYa7jtWALGlO2fSTJ-8RznZTnW1ebqzeJmJizOmSfVKJ5vw23HcarEG8uzsOlGAquOtjpiEdcmeSxO_ogQ10gWJt142nTF4y3FaQy6Vt9ssJQ-nxWCyoqdN_vfmFVN3wL2Qq_4y3VSzZRN1U1WYmcwCOvPsQURAr21HNFdfqwGPVLTQZOntH2w/s692/Wed%20comp%200.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="692" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg11H9fMYa7jtWALGlO2fSTJ-8RznZTnW1ebqzeJmJizOmSfVKJ5vw23HcarEG8uzsOlGAquOtjpiEdcmeSxO_ogQ10gWJt142nTF4y3FaQy6Vt9ssJQ-nxWCyoqdN_vfmFVN3wL2Qq_4y3VSzZRN1U1WYmcwCOvPsQURAr21HNFdfqwGPVLTQZOntH2w/w530-h302/Wed%20comp%200.png" width="530" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">It takes no AA batteries</span></div></span><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It has no on-off switch</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's endless fun and scratches</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The ever playful itch</span></span></p></span><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For minutes or an hour</span></span></p><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Playing hide and seek<br /></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wiggle butt and flying claws</span></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What furry lightning streak</span></span></p></span><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrkF1tQf-syAlYihKxRNo8VsBFUmjHyNuDlWw1CMjMC5NWUPlQhLv1Ho8DEebGsQ9DhQe7HsCquWW9Q57_qYRB3lBvAHC10USQw4PLgI3rySuSmLa8FXabhwZs60HvDqHTEMM61GM3fisZvzpWKfn28jwuATfI1OwzXhn3nZSfXNDdbA0c8y0o-H2sbI/s693/Wed%20comp%201.png" style="clear: left; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="693" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrkF1tQf-syAlYihKxRNo8VsBFUmjHyNuDlWw1CMjMC5NWUPlQhLv1Ho8DEebGsQ9DhQe7HsCquWW9Q57_qYRB3lBvAHC10USQw4PLgI3rySuSmLa8FXabhwZs60HvDqHTEMM61GM3fisZvzpWKfn28jwuATfI1OwzXhn3nZSfXNDdbA0c8y0o-H2sbI/w531-h301/Wed%20comp%201.png" width="531" /></a></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hunts the kitchen ware</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Like brave dragon slayers</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Underneath and in between</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The crinkled paper layers</span></span></p></span><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Until the deadly pounce</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At long last is made</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sent to meet it's maker</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Long handle Rubbermaid</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p></span><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q41FOpi_tnVhI3JFQhQeh15_XIeAOLLN6sXAII-k73X3m4QVqZPYslIeN9p-pZnQpl2-ssgRLTE5B1jRh8uY1P5P__u_VVSXg99GFF_k2d_Dk-U4tVaRMgHMpIyMcGIbvEH2vE9ZoFfGhS0k6yo6l6QJXtmf_RXOIsZ_Pr3tkgYFKC3qt6IMP5Y3kWM/s692/Wed%20comp%202.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="692" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q41FOpi_tnVhI3JFQhQeh15_XIeAOLLN6sXAII-k73X3m4QVqZPYslIeN9p-pZnQpl2-ssgRLTE5B1jRh8uY1P5P__u_VVSXg99GFF_k2d_Dk-U4tVaRMgHMpIyMcGIbvEH2vE9ZoFfGhS0k6yo6l6QJXtmf_RXOIsZ_Pr3tkgYFKC3qt6IMP5Y3kWM/w528-h300/Wed%20comp%202.png" width="528" /></a><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Victory now it's time to rest</span></p><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The hunt is at an end<br /></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But woe to serving spoons<br /></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">That pass this way again</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4rUUY8dlXdg7-P1GfBEmoJVvYkTo8bb1hrHTY_ksYRWZZpP5Q0l5ky1F4L8nb72JQjTKrsitu-Bu9dpBj4rw9k1xmhu0UtuZSLjffFxg47fu_E6DN5GbK0moVKMdEXnlmafwlYlgx2hufiTwfNheKHLNavHEX8PsfomVJltyyTCsE8l-fHq0Ef7hY70/s1273/Screen%20Shot%202024-10-26%20at%206.11.35%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1273" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4rUUY8dlXdg7-P1GfBEmoJVvYkTo8bb1hrHTY_ksYRWZZpP5Q0l5ky1F4L8nb72JQjTKrsitu-Bu9dpBj4rw9k1xmhu0UtuZSLjffFxg47fu_E6DN5GbK0moVKMdEXnlmafwlYlgx2hufiTwfNheKHLNavHEX8PsfomVJltyyTCsE8l-fHq0Ef7hY70/w422-h236/Screen%20Shot%202024-10-26%20at%206.11.35%20PM.png" width="422" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; white-space: normal;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><br /></div></span></span><span><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-42392611860610429372024-06-05T21:25:00.000-07:002024-06-05T21:25:04.075-07:00<div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Twinkle twinkle little black</div><div style="text-align: center;">Panther in my home</div><div style="text-align: center;">How you shine in morning’s light</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where the sunbeams roam</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_Xcl7AAFi4FaH2bf0CKJPHXcQFOQ9aYOAY46ga_sMcH7L_GvJGmS2MJyMUE2oEGGTZWTyFxjgSsiUMdpWLG_i43r7pxKWcrkIFcFFuntW6_u0iPFJJpig6ND2tnhg2usi5GBiUzqX89c3vLwyd-3EnLviIqBlX01kO_V0_Ic3m4RK9jcYbJdA2Kk9YHM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1356" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_Xcl7AAFi4FaH2bf0CKJPHXcQFOQ9aYOAY46ga_sMcH7L_GvJGmS2MJyMUE2oEGGTZWTyFxjgSsiUMdpWLG_i43r7pxKWcrkIFcFFuntW6_u0iPFJJpig6ND2tnhg2usi5GBiUzqX89c3vLwyd-3EnLviIqBlX01kO_V0_Ic3m4RK9jcYbJdA2Kk9YHM" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Twinkle twinkle coiled spring</span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">My ankles catch your eye</div><div style="text-align: center;">Waiting for attack</div><div style="text-align: center;">As I'm walking by</div><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr5tlm8pFaBc9D0t_HmRAaVkbg5aD117uK1E2Gi-nRbajWQyvwdCtYpkCe4YiW6mphicZfZ1Zbj2YKFr_R0jkSnrFlch3pjlvUPtKhwv0drmK9f5a8BaV37nNFRWBvpS1OQ00fSpo5ksyy18vg4eKUfCIYSIeL7fg6tZw_eJlZdl_dd_-2mgc14GSl-7g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img alt="" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1357" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr5tlm8pFaBc9D0t_HmRAaVkbg5aD117uK1E2Gi-nRbajWQyvwdCtYpkCe4YiW6mphicZfZ1Zbj2YKFr_R0jkSnrFlch3pjlvUPtKhwv0drmK9f5a8BaV37nNFRWBvpS1OQ00fSpo5ksyy18vg4eKUfCIYSIeL7fg6tZw_eJlZdl_dd_-2mgc14GSl-7g" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Twinkle twinkle twelve o’clock</span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">At the window sill</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your steely eyes watching</div><div style="text-align: center;">Quiet stealthy still</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0xVVx_c2c4o8EbGv4ZVYW6O-7rANDpb2DD8nK7LXA0NE4mF5rb-4HjnBXgP27M2fndZ4v2uB-s1uyDoJ6psbw1MkN_6DxjIqg1LAee6caQrs03O4oHwpK2AqtC4ZVTysiuUVlgE7G1obHJx3U0pOf3iVc5b7mebwr6ltArSEeqeDKKe2_wSQ3CQZozVI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="853" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0xVVx_c2c4o8EbGv4ZVYW6O-7rANDpb2DD8nK7LXA0NE4mF5rb-4HjnBXgP27M2fndZ4v2uB-s1uyDoJ6psbw1MkN_6DxjIqg1LAee6caQrs03O4oHwpK2AqtC4ZVTysiuUVlgE7G1obHJx3U0pOf3iVc5b7mebwr6ltArSEeqeDKKe2_wSQ3CQZozVI" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Twinkle twinkle afternoon</span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">Sleeping in repose</div><div style="text-align: center;">Twitching eyes and whiskers</div><div style="text-align: center;">Galloping little toes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0gvRY7Wuvp7ujri0h9PPiN0KYpuaTPpPeWwRKpPPM22zX97kBCnj4cyVu4zOUq6nUgQmSXT-VhapNtie1zmWYGxFEDjaCNTph2Ykzw9jlgqsiPfaXK7Yv59A0L480I0BFM2PLpYBr9WL8rlxTYhYoCcbO-T_eEbet5K0n5Wa9GNV8UoUItO3Qfb4NH1E" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="853" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0gvRY7Wuvp7ujri0h9PPiN0KYpuaTPpPeWwRKpPPM22zX97kBCnj4cyVu4zOUq6nUgQmSXT-VhapNtie1zmWYGxFEDjaCNTph2Ykzw9jlgqsiPfaXK7Yv59A0L480I0BFM2PLpYBr9WL8rlxTYhYoCcbO-T_eEbet5K0n5Wa9GNV8UoUItO3Qfb4NH1E" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Twinkle twinkle late at night</span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">The day is growing old</div><div style="text-align: center;">Blending into shadows</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two rings of glowing gold</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWE9McA5_eL3xW53em-QMp71hlpmup9ZgYNuEyXeMKP3f7a1x9YZeD4zzZQh0dxvwfdEYzDvjmyFEY4JhmsXk_6CpIsFJwLuSlSyyvWISAwguRdjBj4gW454SM0p6LkXoRAhTvotdW8vuwhVCp3_iqEObjCK4x41QxkpggBzbGwEasFgKVtY-sjbbqiUQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrV-Z4IDupHTEaCISkU6_Atha_Q0EkKGRSPuE_dju1-9DIjUiDzL_50-f7xKkiuf431jjf344d2kXC0hBsShIw83mqZgjtqvFIeu7mROTLz9JO0La92qlVkhYdZO7m6E7OJKGXLuwzIF2mycwBlXlDSm4JuiwKlUQaC9Cofft94MGDmzS9zoXsVwRKttg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1323" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrV-Z4IDupHTEaCISkU6_Atha_Q0EkKGRSPuE_dju1-9DIjUiDzL_50-f7xKkiuf431jjf344d2kXC0hBsShIw83mqZgjtqvFIeu7mROTLz9JO0La92qlVkhYdZO7m6E7OJKGXLuwzIF2mycwBlXlDSm4JuiwKlUQaC9Cofft94MGDmzS9zoXsVwRKttg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div></div><br /></div></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Twinkle twinkle good luck charm</span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">You ebony feline art</div><div style="text-align: center;">I’m glad you crossed my path</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love you cross my heart</div></span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-24051166104423597342023-12-04T15:13:00.000-08:002023-12-04T17:39:24.634-08:00<div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Out on a walk this morning I came across a squirrel in the road recently hit by a car. Looking closer I could see rapid breathing and no signs of serious injury except a small hint of blood in its mouth and nose. The poor thing was twitching and making pitiful little noises, and it was in the middle of the road exactly where another car might run it over. I was nervous about getting bit but I couldn't just leave it there, so I carefully picked it up and moved it to a sunny patch of grass.</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uzA2u0XCsuoQh7TOqQEPPgpB36tuNL_zHmRggNg0JFR3f7-pplS1ybyalQswhrNq26t7ToSGEfAwn7jzb7Bqin8UBol6yMX9dPC_lQ8s3bpFWSAR_K4XYQCTCPRWTILrS0Vce-9vMELx3XjqtGx1nujVbWQtGWDtNxUMHt1Uo-rO4-gwRPwouPRK43I/s1587/Injured%20sqrl%20crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1587" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5uzA2u0XCsuoQh7TOqQEPPgpB36tuNL_zHmRggNg0JFR3f7-pplS1ybyalQswhrNq26t7ToSGEfAwn7jzb7Bqin8UBol6yMX9dPC_lQ8s3bpFWSAR_K4XYQCTCPRWTILrS0Vce-9vMELx3XjqtGx1nujVbWQtGWDtNxUMHt1Uo-rO4-gwRPwouPRK43I/s320/Injured%20sqrl%20crop.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Poor little squirrel friend continued to twitch and struggle, and I was certain the end was near when it suddenly jumped up and ran a short distance only to collapse on its side again. I watched it for a few more minutes as it repeatedly tried to run and collapse.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: large;">I went back to my house for a snow shovel hoping I could use it to move the poor squirrel to a more secluded spot.</span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When I arrived back to the squirrel friend I saw it up on its feet and moving. It ran underneath a van and appeared to crawl up into one of the wheels for shelter. I peeked underneath and I could see its tail hanging down from inside the wheel. I decided against trying to wrestle the injured squirrel out from underneath the van hoping it would recover and exit on its own.</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7gkTtGGlkJdpcPzAFXtKrwnliOxCaZEFf4wKuQkbeB29hhQojKuzOGO7f_DTa8Nzr77R-LV37nC8RMIcwRzECn65qtgikR2X9U2ASals06ZEE00x7Xs78RgZEFg7Rj_8e2eV5uc2vP9TJi6PE-gTfqSHYnwM0vba883VtOTTXQjhypZJkiRq2eGxhNU/s2560/tire%20and%20tail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7gkTtGGlkJdpcPzAFXtKrwnliOxCaZEFf4wKuQkbeB29hhQojKuzOGO7f_DTa8Nzr77R-LV37nC8RMIcwRzECn65qtgikR2X9U2ASals06ZEE00x7Xs78RgZEFg7Rj_8e2eV5uc2vP9TJi6PE-gTfqSHYnwM0vba883VtOTTXQjhypZJkiRq2eGxhNU/s320/tire%20and%20tail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">A few hours later I came back to check on squirrel friend and offer some raisins, peanut butter (100% natural), and water. What appeared to be the same squirrel was enjoying some berries at the foot of a tree. I checked underneath the van and happily there was no squirrel inside the wheel. I wasn't 100% sure, but this squirrel under the tree looked pretty much like previously injured squirrel friend. I didn't ask for ID.</span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejjZRLRyviX0iKjoy1BTYFhQXh5VJJrfU45Dv8qugzY2X9ErWjXdgtimgBh49fTXhUP0Q04Jh1gg4ib-c7vCROZKcyXp26t37D9vFhWU7NVGsSHaeBQJ5KKwoXq3-2vOGltoNpGaP_XotTRbCoCx567nud7dHIJtoS8ovREfrwIFW2ONv4uEXI-TY5Zc/s2287/food%20prep.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2287" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejjZRLRyviX0iKjoy1BTYFhQXh5VJJrfU45Dv8qugzY2X9ErWjXdgtimgBh49fTXhUP0Q04Jh1gg4ib-c7vCROZKcyXp26t37D9vFhWU7NVGsSHaeBQJ5KKwoXq3-2vOGltoNpGaP_XotTRbCoCx567nud7dHIJtoS8ovREfrwIFW2ONv4uEXI-TY5Zc/s320/food%20prep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I set out the refreshments and whoever this squirrel was enjoyed a luxurious treat. After getting a full belly, squirrel friend retreated to another tree further removed from the road and climbed up onto a branch to rest in the late afternoon sun. I set the remaining food and water in a secluded spot under a nearby bush for whatever critter may enjoy.</span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0K9J74TBatfdWHz6cmHUeJJDaYymCULeZpOK8jDzM85bo6kldcILy1DQECHOjpJ1VHJFfOefLJqgxqDgzzSgL5lc3iSQ15flFxKt8DvArLxoKnWwsvorVIgh2wN33Inc59ccOzvxI3CgQoSE7MCPfGZbe4BbotvcNM_5oOqT82FaRe91X5yYw2Uy1h7g/s2560/sqr%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0K9J74TBatfdWHz6cmHUeJJDaYymCULeZpOK8jDzM85bo6kldcILy1DQECHOjpJ1VHJFfOefLJqgxqDgzzSgL5lc3iSQ15flFxKt8DvArLxoKnWwsvorVIgh2wN33Inc59ccOzvxI3CgQoSE7MCPfGZbe4BbotvcNM_5oOqT82FaRe91X5yYw2Uy1h7g/s320/sqr%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNZ8wZ2DTl9PSmhjt_i2vjpI62SXCkbM4q36Q91luZ3gdvYkwxYz9IMPDqo2x9yAqhDvr4oWLZnoIot2C3dJO0jLuKgsQHyTeKjadmftJhBhNm1QgfDe4vf0_4xDRkvyPbxirXQijC4Mr2xH963KyLQPs_KuFW-1oVCjFzH2icd1zHSNmZtLxDNir_Zc/s2560/sqr%203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNZ8wZ2DTl9PSmhjt_i2vjpI62SXCkbM4q36Q91luZ3gdvYkwxYz9IMPDqo2x9yAqhDvr4oWLZnoIot2C3dJO0jLuKgsQHyTeKjadmftJhBhNm1QgfDe4vf0_4xDRkvyPbxirXQijC4Mr2xH963KyLQPs_KuFW-1oVCjFzH2icd1zHSNmZtLxDNir_Zc/s320/sqr%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQMIRiDx3F8AuAM0BQ_REHHXiOtto-QKDEnsmOhoTsWstRRmYsqxdVNztP0y7KSA5cimNvgCiDhBWPWRKEv-fJG7XWbiZr1OwNTBkXi8lBx06Zjq6_gkV0BnSZxRicXorMyEiyeAJqHcG4CrUrMr2BISA14qEocsfn1uxDEY4ronH6_we2kFlkjQ5HIA/s1359/sqr%204.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1359" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQMIRiDx3F8AuAM0BQ_REHHXiOtto-QKDEnsmOhoTsWstRRmYsqxdVNztP0y7KSA5cimNvgCiDhBWPWRKEv-fJG7XWbiZr1OwNTBkXi8lBx06Zjq6_gkV0BnSZxRicXorMyEiyeAJqHcG4CrUrMr2BISA14qEocsfn1uxDEY4ronH6_we2kFlkjQ5HIA/s320/sqr%204.png" width="320" /></a></div><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I returned home to find Ashley kitty complaining of her own empty bowl, which I remedied immediately. Actually that's a lie. I wrote out a first draft of this blog post and THEN I filled Ashley's bowl. Poor kitty.</span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZzVS1UKBqR4Th3gaEOTJfMpENDXYDrDoKMDO9svZnm12P-wAUtJyU4OwZNmW6WP2Bmfh_40mMFHRuWM2jB_ZszILrUPOBsVpH9dvFIOu3cGLIBhTTSmapfYabf8jOUFXEvCTYu9lw-xB7CeyTRrU48TKZt7QQD6BGvC1YHYowWFO9XolOQAHqpg8O4I/s2560/ash%20looking%20bowl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZzVS1UKBqR4Th3gaEOTJfMpENDXYDrDoKMDO9svZnm12P-wAUtJyU4OwZNmW6WP2Bmfh_40mMFHRuWM2jB_ZszILrUPOBsVpH9dvFIOu3cGLIBhTTSmapfYabf8jOUFXEvCTYu9lw-xB7CeyTRrU48TKZt7QQD6BGvC1YHYowWFO9XolOQAHqpg8O4I/s320/ash%20looking%20bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWeZGJWhmMvYQeIfqOjCVNDOtgFoOV4MI-5hN8tAGPUKWjfHuuZ_SE8MpnAvNWMT4ZLVsMEa7mBziDV-3Z5pNI4H_d5m4gVNQV2NIXsWwkF8FNmdNIoHChIucax8gCUfBwe3eDXd_GzabNQu6KPT9x4yarl7-U7JK4OQyqqS4RmZ4ZDkcZKK6gwNTtdQ/s2560/ash%20looking%20me.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWeZGJWhmMvYQeIfqOjCVNDOtgFoOV4MI-5hN8tAGPUKWjfHuuZ_SE8MpnAvNWMT4ZLVsMEa7mBziDV-3Z5pNI4H_d5m4gVNQV2NIXsWwkF8FNmdNIoHChIucax8gCUfBwe3eDXd_GzabNQu6KPT9x4yarl7-U7JK4OQyqqS4RmZ4ZDkcZKK6gwNTtdQ/s320/ash%20looking%20me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaOkQhWYEGZNjFjQWomfcFAVGMbD1WvfDWRCzprikPvRtNCy-2w-XrnI8R38W72hMpCsQ0nC_AI6tpCThAp_x-0nyJ-EtJKJexJtlaycPfNO1-944bg_BIf7s7toe4h7W6JVETGXBHEj-f3vDRSmzIqEW93wbO2zHkCh4iLOdo4pR2ft2bCSzc-BqfYM/s2560/ash%20meowin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaOkQhWYEGZNjFjQWomfcFAVGMbD1WvfDWRCzprikPvRtNCy-2w-XrnI8R38W72hMpCsQ0nC_AI6tpCThAp_x-0nyJ-EtJKJexJtlaycPfNO1-944bg_BIf7s7toe4h7W6JVETGXBHEj-f3vDRSmzIqEW93wbO2zHkCh4iLOdo4pR2ft2bCSzc-BqfYM/s320/ash%20meowin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- The End -</div></span></div><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-71174290389239957132023-11-12T17:00:00.000-08:002023-11-12T17:00:47.313-08:00<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large;">When you look up into the blue sky on a clear day you may notice that your favorite cloud is gone, and you are sad. You believe that your cloud has died, but a cloud can never die. A cloud can never die, it can only transform. A cloud will become rain, which falls to the ground to nourish the plants and animals. Some of the rain will collect into a stream, which flows into a river, and eventually makes its way to the sea. The sun will then warm the sea, and moisture will rise up into the air. The wind will carry the warm air back to you, and when it cools the moisture will form again into your cloud. A cloud can never die, it can only transform.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Over half of your body is made of cloud. If you take the cloud out of your body there is no YOU left. The clouds that are in your body today were floating in the sky at one time. The clouds in your body were also a part of someone else’s body. The clouds that are in your body have been a part of many different forms of life. When your loved one is gone you can look up into the sky and see them in the form of a cloud. You can wave to them and say, “Hello my little cloud. Hello my dear friend I see you up there in the sky. Have a good time floating free. One day I will join you, and we will float in the sky together.”</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS24XP-fx0RwWKZJBuakXOMPpqnzP3vWkautb8fiRgJ6-A016wbpBEnGSUjIsGIO7dL6HzFrCi9BQ7-8yhEa6ZJtEI1n_eXHHWJbw3sLDxiP_iA-b0KTKOGsB8YMtQoi-HJyKHd0wAASqPC-DnRJeM3oLM6hTbuqjAGYHejsRgsLX7_tJl55Sf3XPlVE/s1024/DCMEX-Cloud-Formation-1280px-1024x576.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS24XP-fx0RwWKZJBuakXOMPpqnzP3vWkautb8fiRgJ6-A016wbpBEnGSUjIsGIO7dL6HzFrCi9BQ7-8yhEa6ZJtEI1n_eXHHWJbw3sLDxiP_iA-b0KTKOGsB8YMtQoi-HJyKHd0wAASqPC-DnRJeM3oLM6hTbuqjAGYHejsRgsLX7_tJl55Sf3XPlVE/s320/DCMEX-Cloud-Formation-1280px-1024x576.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(Based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh)</span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-72857579536478799402023-10-04T20:39:00.007-07:002023-10-05T14:02:46.113-07:00<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To Emylee with Inspiration From Emily</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Paul Klusman</span></span><p style="outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">My friend Emylee says,<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"All my poems lately are crap<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And I don't want to write poems anymore."<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">But I feel like a person has good<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And bad poems and the bad<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Ones have to get written before</span></p><div style="outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The good ones can emerge from<br style="outline: none;" />The heart or the mind or the hand<br style="outline: none;" />And make their way onto the page<br style="outline: none;" />Where they land<br /><br /></span></div><div style="outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">So that others can read them sitting there<br style="outline: none;" />Sipping coffee, tea, or beer,<br style="outline: none;" />Or wine<br style="outline: none;" />And tell themselves exactly which poems<br style="outline: none;" />Are terrible and which ones are fine.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">So I said, "Write them anyway."</span></div><div style="outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And besides who's to say<br style="outline: none;" />What is good and what is bad<br style="outline: none;" />Even Emily Dickinson wanted all her<br style="outline: none;" />Poems burned that she had<br /><br /></span></div><div style="outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Written when she was alive after she was dead<br style="outline: none;" />So she must have thought her poems were bad even though people likely said,<br style="outline: none;" />"They're better than the poems I've got bouncing around in my head."<br style="outline: none;" />So rather than burning Emily's poems they published them instead<br /><br /></span></div><div style="outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">And all the world delighted in the thoughts of a quiet reclusive girl<br style="outline: none;" />Who's pen could turn a grain of sand into a pearl<br /><br /></span></div><div style="outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Who's verse would only arrive<br style="outline: none;" />After she was gone back in the day<br style="outline: none;" />And was lucky to avoid... the trap<br style="outline: none;" />Of fame when she was alive<br style="outline: none;" />And might have been known to say,<br style="outline: none;" />"All my poems lately... are crap."</span></div><div style="outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="outline: none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="outline: none; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrVOk4rDKVZSGLG1enQusUC6XpI4EIKieYhESx1FzdD-6MSTLsQgue_Bn2zXy2LEI1VTwsuRTmQ8uOVpUg31bBBQb3ITbXtvRgpcE48Vk7VJL8GxY3KdsmtIZ_48YKg96kRBLF-menGQh0otV8NexCt6stpwJIhIL2OsMMS6X1cfPooUswGSbYv7F4AA/s813/Em.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="624" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrVOk4rDKVZSGLG1enQusUC6XpI4EIKieYhESx1FzdD-6MSTLsQgue_Bn2zXy2LEI1VTwsuRTmQ8uOVpUg31bBBQb3ITbXtvRgpcE48Vk7VJL8GxY3KdsmtIZ_48YKg96kRBLF-menGQh0otV8NexCt6stpwJIhIL2OsMMS6X1cfPooUswGSbYv7F4AA/s320/Em.png" width="246" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none; text-align: left;"></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none; text-align: left;"></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none; text-align: left;"></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none; text-align: left;"></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none; text-align: left;"></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none; text-align: left;"></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; outline: none; text-align: left;"></p>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-11745688803017918352023-09-30T09:54:00.005-07:002023-09-30T19:50:38.578-07:00<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: x-large;">To an Unknown</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Paul Klusman</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">In the dark of night<br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">When I'm all alone<br /></span>When the cold is creeping<br />And all my friends are flown</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />I turn to words of wisdom<br />Sent many years before<br />By another lonely soul<br />On a far off distant shore<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Across the gulf of time<br />To reach my weary eye<br />To offer needed comfort<br />And light to read them by<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This quiet salutation<br />Lifts my darkened soul<br />What simple little gift<br />To make my spirit whole<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What kind and lovely grace<br />To keep me company<br />To chase away the gloom<br />And set my spirit free<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now I send a greeting<br />To join you on your way<br />My unknown fellow traveller<br />Of a long and dreary day<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As others have before me<br />Dropped pebbles in a pond<br />And sent a tiny ripple<br />Into the great beyond<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I make this declaration<br />Dear reader be it known<br />This one eternal truth:</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />That you are not alone</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33gwiy8cI5JyDVscyh2nEpoAVzagnNy1dJvnm0MwWzJu-ugst-JIxNEtIhh7dIcOoSPJv1S7eAQCTkg1xysSmCODtB2dft6qSZUBloF1X7csyvRNpbYkCNMaoz30bWCiA8RoZs_ubrXte-yY3dxaPQr-NjUhTmvTNcj2N3ChryDheRLhyphenhyphensLVoh274GuY/s654/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-30%20at%2011.50.27%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="654" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33gwiy8cI5JyDVscyh2nEpoAVzagnNy1dJvnm0MwWzJu-ugst-JIxNEtIhh7dIcOoSPJv1S7eAQCTkg1xysSmCODtB2dft6qSZUBloF1X7csyvRNpbYkCNMaoz30bWCiA8RoZs_ubrXte-yY3dxaPQr-NjUhTmvTNcj2N3ChryDheRLhyphenhyphensLVoh274GuY/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-30%20at%2011.50.27%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-73747687954824301212023-08-30T18:45:00.005-07:002023-09-30T09:57:11.866-07:00<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Greeting to Autumn (Not Without Remembrance)*</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px;">Paul Klusman</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />Painting the tops of the tips of trees<br />With a palette of the colors of fall<br />As light grows short and the first hard freeze<br />Autumn comes to call<br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">The last bright days make their final round<br />While leaves settle gently to the ground<br />I remember a love, what did become her?</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">The radio plays, "The Boys of Summer"</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />When my love's gone, when the radio plays<br />I will think of past days<br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Come out with your rakes, come out with your blowers<br />Tidy your yard with gasoline mowers<br />Pack the leaves into plastic bags<br />Throw away nature and fly your flags<br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">On a sunny porch I watch birds and squirrels<br />As the northern wind gets draft deferrals<br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Meanwhile, like days going past in late October<br />Make the nights longer, cold and sober<br />The sun in his passing will sink down low<br />Late in the year to make shadows grow<br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">We'll turn our shoulders to coming winter<br />While fireplace logs crackle and splinter<br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">What a giver has, what a robber lacks<br />What connects us when we're apart<br />Like a silent flowing candle wax<br />The colors warm my heart</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsNJQWcyRw6KESwqBvmirEinLXdIABw6-Ib71jMiRW0f2hDBCrFAc1_QRysrKS-V0hznQz14_CdcOwMCl2uu6-XGnLkHiK4NuN-T1N5arPQvktJ0FYbktHZ1lQwe90pk92UbXIGhXJqmnZvto6vrg12CMpovJnEQ0WeZKYZGuRgRFIWh7GxBTtCT9amQ/s1068/Vemront-Header-Image-e1570038273954-1068x600.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1068" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsNJQWcyRw6KESwqBvmirEinLXdIABw6-Ib71jMiRW0f2hDBCrFAc1_QRysrKS-V0hznQz14_CdcOwMCl2uu6-XGnLkHiK4NuN-T1N5arPQvktJ0FYbktHZ1lQwe90pk92UbXIGhXJqmnZvto6vrg12CMpovJnEQ0WeZKYZGuRgRFIWh7GxBTtCT9amQ/s320/Vemront-Header-Image-e1570038273954-1068x600.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>*This is a reply to "Greeting to Spring (Not Without Trepidation)" by Robert Lax<br /></span><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-23595976084094929392023-06-17T17:09:00.007-07:002023-06-19T09:38:41.341-07:00<div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">A Thousand Suns</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Paul Klusman</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Over the back of the top of the chair<br />Over the tops of the tips of your ears<br />The morning sun warms the cozy spot where<br />You spent all those happy years</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br />The first bright beam from the eastern sky<br />Searches blindly where you used to lie<br />And kindly paints a golden hue<br />Lovely where I last saw you<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Happily sleeping some days before<br />Now resting there no more<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Still, the sun in his running hastens the hour<br />When a bird sings awake and opens the flower<br />When heat rises up and ripens the day<br />Joyfully come what may<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">What joy you broke your earthly bond<br />Now shine in the great beyond<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Casting your light over the mountains and seas<br />Over diamonds in the morning dew<br />Past the horizon and above the trees<br />Beyond the delirious, burning blue<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Sure like a hawk and sweet like a dove<br />For the elders of daughters and sons<br />Forever set in the heavens above<br />You shine like a thousand suns</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYPXZsvGqD3Zy6ORdH0MxswJMdOlI73Ff8hIgMxSYb2t2ODdiH_ktY6nfoVbBKpxAlG9_7jN40ffbrM85IrDKqSQha0Cygv1f3tA-BPQWh-WE84TPYwX48HryZJANc_Rog_zcdsTHTNwthrNpKIgodA3QCqU5LCYlIcAbuWi1Q6BOm_jqauH709L2/s2560/Empty%20chair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYPXZsvGqD3Zy6ORdH0MxswJMdOlI73Ff8hIgMxSYb2t2ODdiH_ktY6nfoVbBKpxAlG9_7jN40ffbrM85IrDKqSQha0Cygv1f3tA-BPQWh-WE84TPYwX48HryZJANc_Rog_zcdsTHTNwthrNpKIgodA3QCqU5LCYlIcAbuWi1Q6BOm_jqauH709L2/s320/Empty%20chair.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-89572570690500068212023-05-25T09:00:00.003-07:002023-09-30T10:00:34.294-07:00<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Ever More</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Paul Klusman</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">The light arrives on time<br /></span>Each day to mark the morn<br />We walk along a line<br />From the day we are born<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Along the winding road<br />Until the journey's done<br />Stand before the ocean<br />To see the setting sun<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Your boat is in the bay<br />And now an evening breeze<br />To call your soul&nbsp;away<br />Across the endless seas<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And when you do set sail<br />Towards that distant shore<br />Your sun then out of sight<br />I'll love you ever more</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijz3FUrcKMQVwGJsOeUvczfuYscYFeTJILi1ZbxcvxBKbnLICXj8BQyzS_oaomCNb2f-Q7Jn-O22VWh1AzmXjwP24fetL6SbbAdLKwyh2CQ8JdigB0GuirdcAtHUdi21lyV-iPfGSMekg2SbSLS_WyGY4CntOmWJHDwPGtvxXZE6OiriwnN8Nrybx9/s2560/Oscar%20sunshine%20face.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijz3FUrcKMQVwGJsOeUvczfuYscYFeTJILi1ZbxcvxBKbnLICXj8BQyzS_oaomCNb2f-Q7Jn-O22VWh1AzmXjwP24fetL6SbbAdLKwyh2CQ8JdigB0GuirdcAtHUdi21lyV-iPfGSMekg2SbSLS_WyGY4CntOmWJHDwPGtvxXZE6OiriwnN8Nrybx9/s320/Oscar%20sunshine%20face.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-23395630388625488492023-05-02T15:35:00.002-07:002023-09-30T10:00:08.175-07:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Borrowed Time</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Paul Klusman</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My plucky cat my Oscar now<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Is thin and old and yet somehow<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">He holds his tail in sturdy cheer<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And holds the line another year</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">"How much longer?" I ask my friend,<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">"Before you face your final end?"<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">"How many of your nine lives gone?"<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">"How many suns to greet the dawn?"<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">He does not answer as cats are wise<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And never given to compromise.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Pausing now for self reflection<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I consider how, in the other direction<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My cat could ask the same of me<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">How many sunsets might I see?<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">How did we meet in time and space?<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As ever towards our resting place<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We step along the daily grind<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Side by side 'till one day find<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The other gone and walk alone<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The other gone and empty home.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">But here for now your shining grace<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And here for now your lovely face<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">To fill the hours of the afternoon<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">To feel your presence in the room<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">To share the joy of company<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">To hear the quiet symphony<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Of moments passing out of time<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Fixed here now in verse and rhyme<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And breathing living sitting near<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm glad that you're still here.</span></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div align="left"><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig-zifqLGuBTNWOVBJj1_Roa2l1G_n5jz9H9xMKHS-xgRedty_rf1-ZHHIYlPxvP-zM1JRkIiUQRJqKd_LxoV--e1Dz2pgbi53Merem0SOWVTNgPt-yBcaW6uEzXot3kTKNzzY4zN3rjFkaK0EAa1U2_xoDACWSAfk6g1nipOQpLQ8-RI9rvBKzmH/s2560/Oscar%20sunbeam%20early%20May.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig-zifqLGuBTNWOVBJj1_Roa2l1G_n5jz9H9xMKHS-xgRedty_rf1-ZHHIYlPxvP-zM1JRkIiUQRJqKd_LxoV--e1Dz2pgbi53Merem0SOWVTNgPt-yBcaW6uEzXot3kTKNzzY4zN3rjFkaK0EAa1U2_xoDACWSAfk6g1nipOQpLQ8-RI9rvBKzmH/s320/Oscar%20sunbeam%20early%20May.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-33957599774281064242023-03-06T09:45:00.020-08:002023-09-30T09:59:36.284-07:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Contento</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Paul Klusman</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I was sitting still, it was quiet in the room,<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">I was gazing out the window from morning 'till noon.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">A sunbeam crept along the floor of the place,<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">And bounced off a wall and warmed my face.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The cat ate breakfast and gave himself a bath,<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Then slept in the middle of the sunbeam's path.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">I was sitting still, it was quiet in the room,<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">I was gazing&nbsp;out the window from morning 'till noo</span><span style="font-family: arial;">n.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The clouds in the sky hung over the town,<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">And watched over us as the morning came down,<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Against the burning blue, all thin and white,<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">And drifting&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">and</span><span style="font-family: arial;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: arial;">dancing</span><span style="font-family: arial;">&nbsp;in slow delight.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">I was sitting still, it was quiet in the room,<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">I was gazing&nbsp;out the window from morning 'till noo</span><span style="font-family: arial;">n.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The hours slipped away like grains of sand,<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Pouring out of time and sifting through my hand.<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">I asked the morning, "Should I be somewhere, somehow?"<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The morning replied, "Right here and right now."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19E0m5CZHoq6cvdojHieI8FDuJkDP9nf1tnFQvXLI5hX2AgihHdwxYCkpXaZdACMG-Tx2IslfQE2Mx2j5URFwcD5Ux9Rz3dzuhsT9ALoaWlYc_hTJgBENLC-4AyI7z09uU0QZzvLrRzkgMViveFjzecOf2cVmefgYDPcYqHzVT16Byk5QHT8HD1P3/s994/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-06%20at%2011.29.35%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="994" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19E0m5CZHoq6cvdojHieI8FDuJkDP9nf1tnFQvXLI5hX2AgihHdwxYCkpXaZdACMG-Tx2IslfQE2Mx2j5URFwcD5Ux9Rz3dzuhsT9ALoaWlYc_hTJgBENLC-4AyI7z09uU0QZzvLrRzkgMViveFjzecOf2cVmefgYDPcYqHzVT16Byk5QHT8HD1P3/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-03-06%20at%2011.29.35%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-42917458827286607362023-02-19T14:21:00.002-08:002023-02-22T09:03:54.856-08:00<div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The lump under covers<br />Is where my cat lies<br />Hiding away from<br />The cold gray skies<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Of winter the second<br />Month of the year<br />When scarce is the light<br />And slim is the cheer<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I gaze out the window<br />At the barren trees<br />Waving stiff<br />In the chilly breeze<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Now slipping a hand<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;<br /></span>To the soft warm fur<br />My cat replies<br />With a soft gentle purr<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">What grace to share<br />Some comfort somehow<br />What reason to be<br />In the here and the now<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The days grow longer<br />We cannot stop spring<br />Out of the gloom<br />And born on a wing<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">A song of hope<br />What promise to keep<br />My cat lifts his head<br />Then falls back to sleep</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOhIuAcSJtc4z-vIjgIgRilRH45g0fKGh0IXHy_Hd8PGVjd575k9583nZOPKvLs0UKVC49nD_6VzbDnSsUb4KmCU4dkruU2vNAKBSiuHYNuJZawl9UtMZFWrl1s8QXf6fBqd3Np3Vc2aY_nhZfWkKTdHbm_CcA_KzKMAfQw7qHwqEmBIoaf1YD8Jc/s2560/oscar%20warm%20cozy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOhIuAcSJtc4z-vIjgIgRilRH45g0fKGh0IXHy_Hd8PGVjd575k9583nZOPKvLs0UKVC49nD_6VzbDnSsUb4KmCU4dkruU2vNAKBSiuHYNuJZawl9UtMZFWrl1s8QXf6fBqd3Np3Vc2aY_nhZfWkKTdHbm_CcA_KzKMAfQw7qHwqEmBIoaf1YD8Jc/s320/oscar%20warm%20cozy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-84655314570350470572022-12-21T12:30:00.005-08:002023-06-19T09:53:43.788-07:00<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Here for the Holidays<br /></span>Paul Klusman<br />(For guitar chords see further below)</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll be here for the holidays<br />I'll be here with you<br />Snow flakes are flying<br />Keepsakes are warm<br />But I'll be here with you<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll be yours through the Yuletide Season<br />I'll be at your side<br />Greetings through letters<br />And the telephone line<br />But I'll be at your side<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll be home on New Year's Eve<br />When midnight comes around<br />Out with the old<br />In with the new<br />Quiet without a sound<br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll be with you days and nights<br />I'm with you never fear<br />We'll weather the winter<br />And hope for the spring<br />And lucky another year</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />With luck another year</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQmx3GmbTSdplQbb-l5eZ7WmybVxtfBoch1RxG-sBJc7aSSGLd218b2pL_9u3nSEbrFwc7gvN4QpslbWXYjsESOwJD41XQny0ZsAcIyNGiuhfGiX0IrH5eSS4HfmSVGgSmlvOx74j4O7-M-Ug3N6y_dx0uyyZJB_nfj3qytCmRqzTduPKRDVW1Igw7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="769" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQmx3GmbTSdplQbb-l5eZ7WmybVxtfBoch1RxG-sBJc7aSSGLd218b2pL_9u3nSEbrFwc7gvN4QpslbWXYjsESOwJD41XQny0ZsAcIyNGiuhfGiX0IrH5eSS4HfmSVGgSmlvOx74j4O7-M-Ug3N6y_dx0uyyZJB_nfj3qytCmRqzTduPKRDVW1Igw7" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Here for the Holidays<br /></span>Paul Klusman<br />(Including guitar chords - see comments for YouTube video singing and playing guitar)</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="font-size: medium; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Intro<br />G/Em7/Am/D7<br />Strum 2 measures G<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll be here for the holidays&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>G/B7<br />I'll be here with you<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Am/E7/Am<br />Snow flakes are flying&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span>Am/E7<br />Keepsakes are warm&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Am<br />But I'll be here with you&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span>G/D<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll be yours through the Yuletide Season&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>G/B7<br />I'll be at your side&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span>Am/E7/Am<br />Greetings through letters<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Am/E7<br />And the telephone line<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Am<br />But I'll be at your side<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>G/C/D<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll be home on New Year's Eve<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>G/B7<br />When midnight comes around<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span>Am/E7/Am<br />Out with the old<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>D/D with 1st string 3rd fret<br />In with the new&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span>Am/Am with 1st string 2nd fret<br />Quiet without a sound&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span>G/D/D7<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fingerpicking instrument break same as previous verse except no D7 at the end.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll be with you days and nights&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>G/B7<br />I'm with you never fear&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span>Am/E7/Am<br />We'll weather the winter&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span>Am/B7<br />And hope for the spring&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>G/A7<br />And lucky another year<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Am/D/G</span></div><div style="font-size: medium; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />With luck another year&nbsp;<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span>C/Am/G</span></div></span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-63582603907140198992022-11-29T20:34:00.000-08:002022-11-29T20:34:27.917-08:00<div style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Late in the year as days grow short<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">As nights grow long and colder<br /></span><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">A creeping shadow on my soul</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Another year I’ve grown older</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">November’s gale chills the bone</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">December’s sky is gray</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">The summer sun now is spent</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Winter comes to play</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">What heat may bring for remedy</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Against the growing gloom</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">A tiny furry space heater</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">In a corner of the room</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Soaking there in a sunbeam</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Solar power technology that</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Energizes this heat sink</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">This thermodynamic cat</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">The pockets of energy contained within</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">The fluffy insulation</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">To store the sun now visiting</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Through morning’s short duration</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Tuck the nose under a paw</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Tidy as you please</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">For the stingy master of the house</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Keeps a chill seventy degrees</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">And when the sun sinks towards the west</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">When no more light is found</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">My faithful feline furnace</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Asks to come around</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">Whereupon my lap he settles</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">To seek what heat may be</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">For warmth that we may share</span><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">My winter cat and me</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdhw-eUHTkF5hlWRyPPRBWQFDVSMX0BecJ7le9bc1ISd_gSsOseYx-OWfqutynq7tvr-uWmbDU4gGgfH0n4P2DEy965l8GKkbassMGNTtLK99ZeJjbcHmuDkvU0R-1BZlYNV9cUaIXWBzlKY9kJ2gcKtBYUHJtGlf-UzcIfftPhmXBzEsF-VxpqoY/s848/winter%20cat%20thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="848" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdhw-eUHTkF5hlWRyPPRBWQFDVSMX0BecJ7le9bc1ISd_gSsOseYx-OWfqutynq7tvr-uWmbDU4gGgfH0n4P2DEy965l8GKkbassMGNTtLK99ZeJjbcHmuDkvU0R-1BZlYNV9cUaIXWBzlKY9kJ2gcKtBYUHJtGlf-UzcIfftPhmXBzEsF-VxpqoY/s320/winter%20cat%20thumb.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-85054083939179373282022-11-16T18:13:00.001-08:002023-02-22T09:08:25.315-08:00<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">As late one day as the light grew dim<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">As the sky was gray and somber<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">The limbs of the trees danced in the breeze<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Their shadows grew ever longer</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">As still was the house as silent was I<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">As creeping was the gloom<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Then a slight vibration in a singular location<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">From the other side of the room</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">A sound I heard and then again<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Then thrice and four times more<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">I turned in fright and there the sight<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Of my cat and nothing more</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">’Twas my cat and nothing more</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">HIs whiskers twitched in a far off dream<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Snoring in deep repose<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Asleep in his chair completely unaware<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Filtering oxygen through his nose</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">“Awaken!” said I in an urgent cry<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Bring your senses now to bear<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">For spirits haunting and I am wanting<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Even now in this darkening lair</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL8sw-PNaxQbm0qxszVPfVnWGL66HX6JP_UC1DtkUBwClN9HlK0_2VFG1Om9se5U_Jdhvhld-oiA0H7HixHrgOHgBHoKdkxt8kZzKkKuy2EnMOSZo7T_q_Y6tskEKZ4pELF8-fZFPfFlxECSBdxYVjNeY_s_KzrT118ifBJdgX0Jx_GXncb6j4fh-J" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="845" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL8sw-PNaxQbm0qxszVPfVnWGL66HX6JP_UC1DtkUBwClN9HlK0_2VFG1Om9se5U_Jdhvhld-oiA0H7HixHrgOHgBHoKdkxt8kZzKkKuy2EnMOSZo7T_q_Y6tskEKZ4pELF8-fZFPfFlxECSBdxYVjNeY_s_KzrT118ifBJdgX0Jx_GXncb6j4fh-J" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Alert Predator</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>Your sharpened eye your senses true<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Your triangular pointed ears<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Discern what might with coming night<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Be cause of all my fears</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Leaves are swirling out my door<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Omens on the brink<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Ravens gathering squirrels scampering<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Dishes piled in the sink</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Rise up cat and join the fight<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">We two must act as one<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Defend the light against the night<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Lest we be undone</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">By creeping foes in the darkened corners<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Of betrayal and of treason<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">For you and I the time is nigh<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Of this most ominous season</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Presently I turned with steely eyes<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Back to my cat wherefore<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Now at the end my drowsy friend<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Was there asleep once more</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">My cat was asleep once more</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Hello you’re supposed to be this great hunter</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Attuned to everything<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">With razor claws an the ends of paws<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Ferocious predator king</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s fine.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Just keep on sleeping it’s fine.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t worry about me you just relax.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t want to wake you.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t… want to wake you.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">You hear the can opener just fine.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">You’re there for the can opener EVERY time.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Ferocious hunter!</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;">Ferocious predator!</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I suppose I’ll do the dishes then...</span></span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2105484903778278467.post-15300782256159388792022-09-23T11:29:00.003-07:002022-09-23T11:37:44.246-07:00<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Two F-16 Thunderbirds are flying over my house this morning to promote an airshow this weekend. I have mixed feelings about this. As an engineer/pilot/aviation nerd this is one of my all-time favorite airplanes, particularly as you see it here with no bombs or missiles. It represents a milestone in aircraft performance and flight control technology. It is known to be one of the most powerful and best handling jets of all time, and I once heard a pilot describe it as the most fun airplane he had ever flown. It was first deployed in the late 1970s and remains an effective combat aircraft today. But as much as I admire the F-16 I wish there wasn't a need for it.</span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYu1CmMY4O36Lyr-r-6xn6xCF6xFoicSf0n_15DbhhN21zoFuS9dxsx2qTmgo0EcAJWmTVZl4lGr1iNlEhk3MlwVHMlxLwLBEvwZemuJE3-OxbqnLQ_2T2nGgxgf-VhmJN0a9cah4kRWVLMtOK9GmB2OmFx1cTHTE01A16rJ0cl_Zy8lHOROnMrVS/s996/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-23%20at%2011.43.07%20AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="996" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYu1CmMY4O36Lyr-r-6xn6xCF6xFoicSf0n_15DbhhN21zoFuS9dxsx2qTmgo0EcAJWmTVZl4lGr1iNlEhk3MlwVHMlxLwLBEvwZemuJE3-OxbqnLQ_2T2nGgxgf-VhmJN0a9cah4kRWVLMtOK9GmB2OmFx1cTHTE01A16rJ0cl_Zy8lHOROnMrVS/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-23%20at%2011.43.07%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">General Dynamics F-16C</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Helvetica; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">When I was in my early 20s I wanted to be a military pilot and flying the F-16 was my greatest ambition. I interviewed with two Air National Guard units that flew F-16s and was considered a strong candidate for pilot training. I didn’t make the cut the first year I applied, but I was encouraged to submit an application the following year. For purely selfish reasons I decided to not pursue being a military pilot after those first interviews. I felt a small personal stunt plane would be just as much fun as an F-16 and far less of a commitment&nbsp;than signing up for military service.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmHxeyVGClaNU_HD65VdH3oulSCsKos6YDIeVkQajjl85z-flpkFdmWE06TytFD47zNmg3deLacqbnmJIEQTF0Khnl46A90Hqh3AsjGyQMJUGSMbzQJGIdXBrNWfZIJyck9LBRW93qVQTSAeVIxvgfeG1-ull5Eby0hRvzf0xmlEKy6Ge00l6K20m/s640/parked.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmHxeyVGClaNU_HD65VdH3oulSCsKos6YDIeVkQajjl85z-flpkFdmWE06TytFD47zNmg3deLacqbnmJIEQTF0Khnl46A90Hqh3AsjGyQMJUGSMbzQJGIdXBrNWfZIJyck9LBRW93qVQTSAeVIxvgfeG1-ull5Eby0hRvzf0xmlEKy6Ge00l6K20m/s320/parked.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Pitts S-1S</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So many years later I have come to understand that our military has not always been employed in the interest of “Freedom and Democracy” as we were all told growing up. We have a dark and sad history of imperialism and bullying other sovereign nations around the world. I find it ironic that today any friction with China is tempered by our economic ties, and the opposition we provide to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is by way of indirect military aid and cash. It is pretty safe to say no United States Air Force F-16s are flying over the skies of Ukraine right now.</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I understand the need for a strong defense, but I honestly believe our imperialist history and bloated military industrial complex are compelling evidence of something far more sinister than a “strong defense.” Military competition does push the envelope of technology, and earlier military jets gave us the Concord which I think represents the ultimate hotrod. The flight control system of the Space Shuttle very likely had lineage with the F-16, but then again so much of the technology of the Space Shuttle came out of the 1960s Space Race, a far more noble competition.</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Empires rise and fall, and I believe it is time for the US to follow in the footsteps of the UK and pull back our control and domination around the world. After shutting down George W Bush’s two costly failed wars our military budget is increasing not decreasing. I find it maddening that we spend literally millions of dollars to have pilots fly F-16s around for fun while halting free vaccines for Covid-19. This horrible virus has killed over a million people in the US alone and continues to kill well over 100,000 per year. As a cancer survivor it feels particularly galling to have these planes flying over my house while I anticipate an upcoming vaccine booster that the Federal Government now refuses to cover.</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Still, the F-16 is one gorgeous airplane.</span></div>Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05316888968542827218noreply@blogger.com1