Japanese Tsunami

Then Back on the Hill.

Even though it means repeating myself I want to stress the problems facing the Japanese, especially the low income, the elderly and the disabled, as they go about trying to dig out of the natural disaster which devastated their country just a few days over a week ago. In my opinion, as stated before, the news media has and are still spending, too much time focusing on what might happen to the nuclear reactors "if this or if that" takes place. Of course, it was news worthy and should have been reported and should continue to be reported but---. The biggest threats to the people in Japan, at this time and the near future, are the lack of food, water, warm clothing and housing. The Red Cross and other Charities can take care of most of those needs (threats) if given the money and opportunity. That is what should be stressed at this time.

Our yard and garden work continues to make some progress even though it is slower than it once was. Some spots are still a little wet and the weather isn't quite warm enough to do everything that needs to be done but we can do a little at a time and eventually get it done. Our Irish Potatoes are starting to break out of the ground (what few we planted) and our cucumbers, squash and tomatoes that were planted in individual cups are starting to come up but the peppers are a little slower. We had thought about not even trying to plant a garden this year but I guess there is just something about spring that makes us want to get out and work (play) in the dirt and we really needed something to do. Too much "Sitting at home with nothing to do" is not good for a person's health and at our age we need all the help we can get.

One of the best words to describe our working and the one we use most often is "piddling" as in "dawdle" which, in turn, means "to waste time" but we don't think of it in that sense. In a commercial on television, I believe it is for Celebrex, the announcer tells us that; "A body in motion tends to stay in motion" and that is what we want - "To stay in motion". We may not get as much done but at least we are still moving.

Most of our fruit trees and other flowering shrubs, except for the apples and blueberries, have either already bloomed or are starting to bloom now. I hope that we don't have weather cold enough to kill them. The plum blooms have already turned brown and are falling off but the peaches and pears are just now in full bloom.

I thought maybe we could get by for a few days without having any more bad news but yesterday's news was mostly all about Libya and the United Nations passed Resolution setting up a "No Fly Zone" (over Libya), along with authority to use any force necessary to defend the Libyans from their own Dictator "Qaddafi", which is to be led by European and a few Arab Countries with the help of Canada and the United States. Late yesterday afternoon the coalition began launching missiles at Libyan Military Bases. I don't know where it will stop but hopefully it will be successful.

Next week is to be (according to weather reports) almost summer time with temperature getting up near eighty degrees or slightly above with no rain until next Wednesday. Should be good weather to work outside. It makes a person want to start planting but we'll try to put it off for a while yet. Thanks for your time and input. Stay tuned, - William