Tea Time Musings: Momentous Issues And Events

 C.S. Sherin
18 June 2021

Strawberry blossoms in the yard

Well, the drought that we have started the growing season with has been getting kind of scary-creepy. I started wondering if we are going to witness a literal climate change here in WI, from zone 4 woodlands, marsh, and prairie--to straight up desert--all in one fell swoop this year. If that were the case, 99% of what grows here would die. 

Part of me knows that most of the population and governing bodies probably won't do enough about climate change until it is too late. And those of us who have been keenly and painfully aware for many decades, well, it's a bit heartbreaking, perhaps at the soul level, even. Who wants to watch an ecosystem die? Who wants to be rooted in a place that is quickly being poisoned and pushed past the brink of the possibility for full recovery? 

Very near to us here in La Crosse, WI...in French Island...people have well water that has been permanently contaminated by PFAS (persistent chemicals that accumulate and don't go away).  It seems that the evidence provided via newscasts and other reports, is that the contamination happened through the La Crosse Fire Dept. using PFAS in a foaming spray they use. It is also documented that the hazardous spray was used at the airport near the homes contaminated on French Island (known as "froggy flats" to residents from the 60's and 70's) years ago. 

The city is providing residents who are enduring the harm to their health, daily life, home property value, etc. with six months of bottled water, as they deal with lawsuits. In addition, Madison, WI has found their lakes to be contaminated with PFAS. 

Meanwhile, I read in the news today, via our Governor, Tony Ever's social media account, that Wisconsin Republicans have blocked measures and funding to protect WI from PFAS and other seriously harmful man-made forever chemicals. It's totally nuts. And criminal. But, it seems that we are in some kind of country other than the kind that has immediate consequences for criminal acts, and failure to protect citizens from dangers, threats, and corruption--especially by officials elected through gerrymandering. (If you are wondering about the facts in all of this, the link to the article in this paragraph has lots of helpful information and more links about the PFAS issues in WI.) 

Back to the drought. You may know that the Western to Midwestern US is experiencing severe to extreme drought right now. And, here in WI, a majority of the state is in a moderate drought. It has been raining north of us a bit, and each time it has been mostly missing us. Earlier this week it rained here lightly for a couple minutes, tops. Finally, last night we got a real soaking rain. All of nature around here is deeply grateful, from birds to the soil itself. But, we still need more rain.

Of course, I'm really tuned into this since I started gardening in earnest this spring. I've had to water the plants every night for weeks now. Some things just couldn't make it, though, even with the help. The broccoli and chamomile didn't make it. One of the calendula plants didn't make it. One of the sunflowers didn't make it either. And some of the normally tall flowers seem stunted. 

Of course, the baby squirrels contributed by shredding strawberry plants to bits, as I mentioned in the last post. But, we did have a happy find in our visit to Viroqua last weekend. We found a gorgeous hanging strawberry plant at 50% off. We gladly took it and a new chamomile baby plant home. I also found a lupine to plant in memory of my sister (I had gifted her family cabin with one when she died, but I realize that I am the one who connects the flower to her, and need to see it grow in her memory.) 

It felt really brave and a bit wild to plant during the drought. Now that's faith! And a little foolishness too. 

Well, all of it is getting along well, with help from the garden hose and me. And the strawberries (pictured at the start of this post) seem of no interest to the squirrels when they are hanging. So, that's good.

I remain super mindful of the water we depend on and how we use it. I am often saying thank you to the water, blessing it, and conserving it when I can. As our country faces water shortages, water contamination, and fire dangers I am really hoping that integrity and right action win out in our governing bodies, policies, and ways of life...and quick. But, I don't have control over any of that right now, so I'll just keep on keeping on, and try to make the best of every goodness found in each day. 

In other news, I am so happy to see that our city is going to have a big celebration of Juneteenth in Riverside Park this Saturday for the entire afternoon through to sunset. I'm excited for that! Here's a great article on it: “Be comfortable being uncomfortable” and come celebrate Juneteenth at Riverside.

And, sooner or later, we are going to be able to read a report from the pentagon about all the as yet undisclosed intel they have, related to UFOs, which they call UAPs. Honestly, I'm skeptical that they will be dishing on their secrets, but there will have to be something. The way they have phrased things so far has been interesting. They have stated that they have witnessed phenomenons and UAP (UFO) activity that defies our current knowledge of physics, and that is so far beyond us that they consider it a threat and a concern. They have also stated that there has been a division, internally, between those who take it seriously and those who balk and act like the mainstream about it--which is an attitude of complete and utter disdain, along with a closed mind and some childish belittlement for good measure. Lastly, they are saying that the evidence so far doesn't confirm or deny a connection to aliens of some sort...meaning they can't (or won't) say one way or another. One guy actually said, "It's not aliens till it's aliens." Well, thanks for clearing that up. I know that means they won't be saying it till it is UNDENIABLE, but sheesh. 

I did see a meme or statement somewhere that said if it is aliens, they are the most passive-aggressive aliens ever. Now that's funny! Funny because, so true!

I have no doubt that not only is there a huge amount of unexplained evidence that the pentagon has, but also there remains a ton of unexplained phenomenon of all kinds on this planet and in this galaxy and universe. I doubt that our science has even begun to understand our reality and the possibilities within and around it. As much as I trust science, I also see how science carries unconscious and willful bias, just like every other human. And I also see how scientists who are funded by special interests sometimes become less honest and less ethical. So, yeah, science isn't perfect right now, at all. But, still, I believe in science! (Ha ha, if you heard that in the voice from Nacho Libre.) And, if we are so slow to act on poisons, pollution, hate crimes, and other basic needs emergencies, we are sure to be super slow on major possibilities and aspects of reality.

Well, my spouse is much more hopeful and excited for this report to come out. And so, I won't try to douse out his excitement, you know? But, I'm not holding my breath. 

However, I did find these two posts, regarding the pending UFO disclosure from the pentagon this month, interesting: 

Jon Brooks on UFOs: SETI Astronomer, Stanford Researcher, Aerospace Expert Weigh In (June 14 2021)

Phantoms and Monsters: UFO/UAP Recorded Over Montello, WI  (June 13 2021) with link to footage on Youtube

A local astronomer and retired professor shared some of his thoughts on FB. It isn't a public post, so I don't want to share exactly what he had to say, but basically he said that he had compartmentalized and set aside the quest to investigate or take seriously UFOs and the like for his entire career. And now, with it being in the news all the time in such undeniable and official ways, with some major facts already out there from officials--he is taking it in now. All in all, this line of thought shakes up some beliefs and facts of science and reality for him, that make things (maybe everything) less rooted and clear, and more uncomfortable and disorienting. 

Welcome to my world! Ha ha. 

Anyhow, we shall see what transpires soon enough. Fingers crossed for lots of happy and refreshing surprises this year.

Well, until next time, take good care of you! 

all my best,

Chandra

(C. S. Sherin)
 

 

 

A Room With A View (Of Vines) & Gardening Is Made Of Both Work And Dreams

 C.S. Sherin
11 June 2021

You know, it's really been hot out these days. I think we are on our 9th day of high heat and humidity today, with the hope that today or tomorrow afternoon will at least remove the high humidity, as forecasted. That's definitely not what I like about summer. But, the silver lining has been that everything is green again, including the vines on the window where I write...

And, the humidity keeps me from being so restless as I get in the summer...restless to be outside as much as possible. With the heat as it has been, I have found that getting up in the wee hours to walk in the cooler air and hear the birds is such a joy. As is a stroll at night when the sunlight is gone. 

The other night, though, our night stroll was still a bit limited by the humidity. What it felt like was this: being in an old stuffy attic where the air isn't circulating, and the heat hangs upon a person like a weight. We tried to ignore it and got a short walk in anyway. 

So, the picture of where I write, where I am writing at this very minute, is a dream image to me. I love it! I can imagine showing this to the little girl in me, saying: "See, this is where you will write someday. And you will write things there that truly give you joy and energy!" Well, I can tell you, that little girl is happy to hear it. That little girl appreciates the hope, and the promise of a window nook to wake up and dream on. 

What going through the pandemic and winter and short spring have done for me, is to hasten me towards activities that are at the core of me...at this time. One of those things is the daily dedication, hopes, dreams, and work of growing a garden. Again, with this comes the reality of oppressive levels of humidity and heat that require a gardener to double their efforts.

This isn't a big deal to anyone else, perhaps. But, for me, it is. I haven't made the effort to really garden since we moved to our current home nearly eight years ago. So, this is a breakthrough. 

I planted: Roma tomatoes, kale (I would have preferred spinach, but couldn't find any), broccoli, strawberries, cilantro, basil, Greek oregano, calendula, lavender, cucumbers, lemon balm, catnip, ginger, spearmint, chamomile, geranium (an annual I've grown before), ashwaghanda (not a perennial), millet (also not a perennial), potatoes in a container, watermelon, and spaghetti squash. I already have chives, thyme, tarragon, mint, and very young rhubarb and blackberries. 

It's been going great, but the heat is hard to beat. And, sadly, a baby squirrel has repeatedly gone into the garden bed to take out their frustrations about human beings, it seems. The squirrel didn't eat anything, simply tore the strawberry plants to shreds, till there is nothing but the roots left. And the same with a poor kale plant minding its business, and they killed the chamomile too, though it was struggling to begin with.

So, I got a small fence, and am looking for some netting. The strawberry plants were a gift, and I couldn't have been more upset about it last night. But, I know that (organic) gardeners and farmers go through many trials in order to enjoy harvests. Squirrels will be squirrels. I have to work around them, that's all. We still have plenty of kale, and, against the odds, I found organic strawberry plants at a local hardware store that were in desperate need of a home. So, I'll try again. 

Every night, during this heat, I water the plants. For the watermelon and spaghetti squash I carry a big watering pot to the back yard. I stood in the dark last night, watering them, envisioning their juicy fruition someday, even though right now they are so young and small. It is a fitting task for an empty-nester, I suppose. But, more than that, being a romantic, I found that simple act of nurturing the plants that may feed us, if they survive, to be such a profound and beautiful one. 

It is a great risk to grow things. There are so many challenges that may come. But, the dreaming, and the act of stewardship together are a neat marriage of heart and mind, logic and creativity. It's a worthwhile risk, and one often born of necessity. In uncertain times, the more we can grow (organic) food in our open spaces, the better. 

When I water the garden at night, in these early days of summer, I am mindful of climate change and the environmental crises we face, and I am mindful of the severe drought in northern California right now... And, I am mindful that we are at near drought conditions here, where I am as well.

I would love to encourage you to find ways to connect to nature, and to take actions that can make a difference at this time--for your heart, mind, spirit, and for people, animals, insects, water, air, soil, and all. One small thing that can be done for pollinators and other wildlife is to provide fresh daily water for them to drink and bathe in. 

In addition to the bird bath, I have a shallow dish with rocks in it for insect pollinators. They depend on this source for water heavily. Each night, when I go to refill it during this heat there is an insect waiting to get water from it. It is a small gesture of help and care for our fellow Earth family. We all depend upon one another. Thich Nhat Hanh calls it "inter-being."

 

And, if you are able to plant things, consider planting in ways that support not only yourself, but also pollinators. Plants, shrubs, and trees can provide shelter, nesting materials, food, seeds, berries, and pollen for many endangered species. It's worth considering. For example, instead of planting an ornamental shrub with no other use, why not look for one that provides shelter or food for wildlife in the winter? 

And, of course, it's worth mentioning the importance and value of creating community gardens...especially in food deserts, where they are most needed. Such a simple act can be so life-saving and empowering for those in need. Our local YMCA is right on a main street of our city, and they turned their lawn into a free food forest for the community. So cool! That is something that so many places could do. 

It truly is a delicately balanced tightrope we walk at this time. We are starting to recover from the pandemic, but things aren't normal. And, water, air and soil quality are major issues, along with so many other deeply pressing issues. It's overwhelming. But, I have found that if I focus on doing things I'm good at, and doing the things I love, that I have more life in me to deal with everything. I'm taking it one day at a time. 

One day at a time, because it has been a rough 1.5 years. One day at a time, because then I can focus on the here and now...and that is the most effective and realistic place to operate from. 

Gardening isn't easy, but it is good for me, in many ways. It's good exercise, good meditation, and a good source for food (if I am successful, and if the squirrel(s) can be stopped). It's hard to stay mad at the squirrel. I am annoyed, but I'm not going to hold a grudge. It's a waste of energy. Plus, we saw the two squirrels in the yard the other morning, and they are young. Jeff said, "They're just kids, aren't they?" As one sat to eat the pumpkin seeds we put out. 

Very little in life seems to go as planned. And sometimes, things go very differently than planned, and also better than planned. I'm all for pleasant surprises at this point. That would quite nice!

Well, thanks for taking the time to stop by.

Until next time, take good care of you!

all my best,

Chandra

(C. S. Sherin)