Day 199, October 1, 2020
Hot Apple Cider and Electric Blankets
Today's soundtrack: Thelonious Monk, Japan 1963 (It is wonderful to watch Thelonious dance around as the other musicians solo.)
It is a strange thing to go an entire day without eating. I'm having a procedure done in the morning, so no eating allowed. Every once in a while I find myself thinking, it might be great to have a little snack, or I linger a little long on the emails from Maangchi, New York Times Cooking, or even Stop and Shop's Cooking Professionally. So, I guess food has been on my mind. Throughout my day I have to engage in routine email maintenance, deleting spam, responding to correspondence, and mostly deleting the myriad of subscription emails that come in, but I was lingering over the cold kimchee soup, the photograph of a woman holding several baguettes, and the savory pork shops in the header.
For better or worse, I had some dental work done this morning and a temporary crown put on, so that has helped in not really wanting to engage in eating as my jaw is sore and tender. Instead, I get to drink the colonoscopy prep drink, which will have the cleansing effect of Roto-Rooter on kitchen pipes. It is a strange tacky kind of taste, and chilled in the fridge, it spreads its cold to my core, which I suppose is good because otherwise it might make me break out in sweats to drink it down.
A dear friend of mine has become a kind of spokesperson for getting checked out after surviving a terrible bout of cancer. So, that makes the procedure more concerning this time. I don't think I really thought about the consequence of what one might find in a colonoscopy. It seemed more like an innocuous glimpse into the complicated failures of my intestines. I don't think it really occurred to me that they might find something beyond repair. So, with best wishes, I lift my glass to you as I imbibe another 8 ounces every fifteen minutes.
Even in a pandemic, it is important to keep those things up to date, dentist appointments, colonoscopies, and I think I'm overdue for an eye exam. We need to keep ourselves healthy and strong for the impending winter. We'll all have to help each other think of ways to keep ourselves sane once it gets too cold and we need to work to keep our spirits up.
So, to get myself thinking of things other than my next glass of prep... here are things I look forward to in the winter.
Hot apple cider, electric blankets, the quiet of fresh falling snow, the relief after some physical activity of opening your jacket and letting in the cold, the satisfying sensation of a successful swing of axe coming down on a log, a fire in the wood stove, bread fresh from the oven, the comfort of suiting up before snow blowing, the beauty of ice on the river, the way an acoustic guitar sounds in the dry air (but not too dry).
I'll work on that list. Maybe you can share your suggestions too.
Take care and see you when this is all done,
Leo
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| The stacking is proceeding according to plan. |
From Our Friends:
From the Boston Public Library:
From Higher Ed Jobs:
by Charles R. Middleton, Ph.D.
These are unsettling times for higher education, and in many cases, institutional survival is at stake. Leading in these times of uncertainty and existential angst in our colleges and universities is not fun. However, a former president of Roosevelt University offers insight into one of the essential qualities for success: public optimism. Especially now, it is imperative for leaders to maintain an optimistic outlook on the future.
From the Community Economies Research Network:
From Mass Humanities:
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From the It Gets Better Project:
Resources for the Black LGBTQ+ Community
Connect with national and local organizations actively working to provide information, resources, and/or services to the Black LGBTQ+ community. You are loved.
From the UMass Fine Arts Center:
Bodies at Risk: Black Violin
TOMORROW! Friday, October 2, 7 p.m. ET
Live Virtual Performance with post-show conversation
Black Violin is led by classically trained string players Wil B. (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin). The band uses their unique blend of classical and hip-hop music, often described as “classical boom," to overcome stereotypes and encourage people of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds to join together to break down cultural barriers. As part of their engagement, Wil and Kev offer a special live virtual concert followed by a post-show conversation on the state of Black music and art in the U.S. today moderated by African American studies scholar Stephanie Shonekan.
The Golden Thread: A Sonic Love Letter to Brother Yusef Lateef in Five Movements  |
Today's Online Teaching Tips:
From the American Council on Education:
Effective Teaching Is Inclusive Teaching |
When faculty implement evidence-based teaching practices, they are also working to create more inclusive online learning environments that promote equity. Join us for a series of engaging virtual discussions about inclusive online teaching. In the series, faculty will share practical inclusive teaching approaches you can immediately put to use to create a more equitable learning environment for students. |
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