Moon Theory

The setting moon seen from the “Senior Summit” of Piestewa Peak.

But this is not just the setting moon. This one is the “Wolf Moon.” When we saw this moon were speculating about why we are paying more attention to the lunar cycle in recent years. How did the idea of giving specific names to moons become much more popular recently. I have an idea why it might be.

In cities for the last hundred years or so burning fossil fuels have made smog and the smog has to some extent obscured the view of the moon and the stars. At the same time light pollution has made the night sky invisible. That we are noticing, and naming, the moons again is a positive sign that the urban skies are getting cleaner. Congratulations.

Endurance Hiking

“I like to hike long distances.

I want to feel the high that comes from exertion

and to see strange things that are not near the road.”

Photo is from our day of hiking in the Dolomites in Northern Italy in 2023.

Price

“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”

Henry David Thoreau

The Red Rocks of Sedona. Thoreau was wise but unrealistic. He needs qualifiers. Life is not an on/off switch. To get a serendipitous moment may require putting up with multiple ordinary moments. A low price.

Action

  “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

St Francis of Assisi

At a famous breakfast place in Healdsburg CA they have an equally famous display of Nutcracker soldiers. They are only on display in December. Plan accordingly.

Adjusting

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change;

the realist adjusts the sails.”

William Arthur Ward

The photo was taken in Chesapeake Bay in July of 2022 from aboard Adventure captained by Gene B. I think the boat is a reproduction of a 19th century Oyster Dragger. It is now used in the tourist business.

Words Seldom Seen: Gallivanting

Gallivanting

Verb: To travel from place to place in search of pleasure, new experiences or excitement.

Example: “When they retired they went gallivanting around the world.”

Alternate spelling : Galavanting

The photo is from the American Bar in the Grand Hotel in Trento, Italy. We were gallivanting around Northern Italy.

Idea Filter

“Some ideas are so stupid only intellectuals believe them.”

Thomas Sowell

An idea that probably fits this definition is that we can stop the spread of “invasive species.” The photo shows the sign showing the area near Chicago where they have electrified the Industrial Canal in an attempt to keep the Asian Carp from reaching the Great Lakes. It will fail but only after a lot of money has been spent.