C.S. Sherin
18 June 2021
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| 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)
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)
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