This year we have asked various family where we could contribute in lieu of 'stuff' gifts in this year of struggle for so many. We also asked that the 'where' be the result of a family conversation. Here is one reply:
"The boys have a favorite charity but don't know if it fits the bill. They have a second local charity as well.
Their first choice is found at http://www.kiva.org/lend. You probably know this one already -- kiva gives microloans for people to start mostly subsistence farms and businesses to support their families. Is this close to a child supporting charity -- or would you like the Seattle one the boys know and like?
They are really liking doing the research and talking out options. it's really cute.
Love and miss you."
More than cute! Love!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Post BP 1
Warning:The 1 in the title is because I can't promise this will be my only post BP spill rant...
If anyone within 6 degrees of separation can connect to the Surgeon General or Ken Feinberg, how about suggesting an INVESTIGATION of the possible health impacts of the spill? Honest to God -- NOT doing anything for folks because information is JUST anecdotal seems to be negligent at least. I would think an obligation to Public Health would demand investigating. And that investigation should include REACHING OUT, not waiting for people who may be frightened or unaware to come to doctors dependent on industry.
For background to this rant please listen to Segment C of the NPR piece I think I've published.
If anyone within 6 degrees of separation can connect to the Surgeon General or Ken Feinberg, how about suggesting an INVESTIGATION of the possible health impacts of the spill? Honest to God -- NOT doing anything for folks because information is JUST anecdotal seems to be negligent at least. I would think an obligation to Public Health would demand investigating. And that investigation should include REACHING OUT, not waiting for people who may be frightened or unaware to come to doctors dependent on industry.
For background to this rant please listen to Segment C of the NPR piece I think I've published.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Livable Communities Forum
Livable Communities forum waaaay too stimulating:-) Excellent speakers from Minnesota, Utah, Colorado, and Georgia -- different cultures with one goal. Transit Oriented Development in southern Utah? Who would have ever expected? Public/private intercity bus in Washington state?
As a erstwhile lawyer/policy researcher I am fascinated in how STATE policy can enable livable community development. I don't think it's ALL about authorizing money expenditures. Anyone have thoughts? Any "model" legislation?
I ALMOST talked to local ACTION Montgomery folks -- might have resulted in obligation -- happily dodged it:-) Glad to know that there are "villages" (senior villages?) in Montgomery County -- wonder how people who want to get one established find out about them. Ahhhh, sharing information:-)
By the way, I do have obligations that I accept gladly: family, DH, tapestry weaving. Commitment to learning every day -- something:-) Almost anything will do....
As a erstwhile lawyer/policy researcher I am fascinated in how STATE policy can enable livable community development. I don't think it's ALL about authorizing money expenditures. Anyone have thoughts? Any "model" legislation?
I ALMOST talked to local ACTION Montgomery folks -- might have resulted in obligation -- happily dodged it:-) Glad to know that there are "villages" (senior villages?) in Montgomery County -- wonder how people who want to get one established find out about them. Ahhhh, sharing information:-)
By the way, I do have obligations that I accept gladly: family, DH, tapestry weaving. Commitment to learning every day -- something:-) Almost anything will do....
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Disappointments
I just don't get it. I thought the Administration was back on track both policy wise and politically. So what is the HHS Secy doing denying the medically approved morning after pill to teens who are either too frightened or too naive or too poor or too spontaneous to get prophylactic contraception? Aaarrrggghhh... And what is Michelle doing using a Christmas mailing to raise money?? Aaaaarrrgghh....
Monday, December 5, 2011
Livable Communities
I'd love it if any of my blog reader/friends would post comments on what makes their community livable. What does being livable mean to you? Do you know of any efforts in your community to make it more livable?
I worked on transportation aspects of livable communities when I worked for AARP. My perspective now is shaped by being a traveling retiree. Here are a couple of examples of when I have thought, "wow! I'd could live here!"
Lunch today in downtown Rockville--could have eaten at least 5 different ethnic foods, went to a gallery like store, went to an artists' studio, could have walked to the library (anchor for the town square). And a grocery store is going in right across from the town square! And I could RENT. And walk to the movies! You go , Rockville!!
(if only our grandchildren lived nearby it would be perfect...)
Grands do live in or near south end of Boston. Walkable (can't say it's drivable), apartments, theater, restaurants, parks, all within walking distance. And community gardens. And decent taxis.
Too long a blog, but I would love to hear from you!
I worked on transportation aspects of livable communities when I worked for AARP. My perspective now is shaped by being a traveling retiree. Here are a couple of examples of when I have thought, "wow! I'd could live here!"
Lunch today in downtown Rockville--could have eaten at least 5 different ethnic foods, went to a gallery like store, went to an artists' studio, could have walked to the library (anchor for the town square). And a grocery store is going in right across from the town square! And I could RENT. And walk to the movies! You go , Rockville!!
(if only our grandchildren lived nearby it would be perfect...)
Grands do live in or near south end of Boston. Walkable (can't say it's drivable), apartments, theater, restaurants, parks, all within walking distance. And community gardens. And decent taxis.
Too long a blog, but I would love to hear from you!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
The last of a certain generation
I learned today that my mother's 1st cousin died, just short of her 98th birthday. I had visited her a little over a year ago, at her home where she lived with assistance. Although frail and short on memory she was charming, and took a great interest in what was going on in our lives and the world outside the confines of her frailty.
I am very sad for her passing, even if she had reached the fullness of her years. For me, she represented my last connection to my mother, who died in 1969. We had not been in direct contact but somehow we picked up in conversation where we had left off 30 years before. I am sad that I did not ask her questions about what she knew about my mother's childhood. It seemed too intrusive. And more importantly, in that conversation a year ago, we were both very focussed on the moment.
Perhaps my feeling is best summed up by her answer to my question of how long she and her husband, who died a few years ago, had been married. She thought for a moment and then said, "I don't remember, but not long enough."
I am very sad for her passing, even if she had reached the fullness of her years. For me, she represented my last connection to my mother, who died in 1969. We had not been in direct contact but somehow we picked up in conversation where we had left off 30 years before. I am sad that I did not ask her questions about what she knew about my mother's childhood. It seemed too intrusive. And more importantly, in that conversation a year ago, we were both very focussed on the moment.
Perhaps my feeling is best summed up by her answer to my question of how long she and her husband, who died a few years ago, had been married. She thought for a moment and then said, "I don't remember, but not long enough."
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