tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38977337971820840692023-11-15T13:18:53.533-05:00Who Am I ...I'm finally figuring it out ...MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.comBlogger450125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-92091023484471164022020-05-29T22:50:00.000-04:002020-06-03T22:51:01.369-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 74Captain’s Log – Day 74<br /><br />Happy Friday My Friends!<br /><br />We made it through another week‼‼<br /><br />Just once, I wish I could slide down a purple dinosaur at quitting time. <br /><br /><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1668061643511230703&th=1726253a1cf0f0ef&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9v511GMfQbR8R8zNjx7A7XRczFipvs1KjFacD8iRsO82m26mwo1BwlsYf68PFyrkCmnyapHMKh3MX9FVRt7FAWtAyElGOLKlYpHaTUhF5wWlelX6I-TI3lgT8&disp=emb" /><br /><br />I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!<br /><br />Stay safe and sane.<br />~MBMBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-26393192763491930542020-05-28T22:48:00.000-04:002020-06-03T22:49:19.929-04:00Captain's Log - Day 73 - One World One Heart FestivalCaptain's Log - Day 73 - One World One Heart Festival<br /><br /><img height="141" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.3&permmsgid=msg-f:1667950610842500819&th=1725c03e4e29bed3&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9qVyO1D9x8m5c6eRqmq_EHSvs8dZ2hMqKqG9MGRu7KO20-_zzCeNMXMBfG6pC06wVPWgZ5ldk6tqWUfK6GllEMGVurGKwwYDQN5Zfeoj5Q7PwY0974hNIo31k&disp=emb" width="320" /><br />Good Morning Friends -<br /><br /><div>
How are you doing today? Is anyone else suffering from isolation fatigue? It seems to get easier and harder as these weeks drag on but we gotta do what we gotta do, right?<br /><br />If you can believe it, I'm still working on my picture project. It is massive so I had to take a few days off here and there but I think I'm getting close to the end of it now. I just came across some photos from Ben & Jerry's One World One Heart Festival that took place at Sugarbush Mountain in 1994. They had tons of fun activities and lots of great live music. We even got a free Hohner in exchange for our participation in breaking a world record for the most people playing a harmonica at the same time. It was a fantastic day on the mountain even if, in my opinion, it’s always better on the mountains in winter with lots of snow.<br /><br />These pictures got me thinking of all the fairs and summer events that have already been canceled and how different these type of events will be if they do take place anytime soon. It also made me sad to realize that many of the small businesses in Vermont that rely on these summer events to survive will not make it. Many of these small businesses were already holding on by a thread before being shut down and I know many of them will not be able to survive long enough to reopen. Companies like Ben & Jerry's, Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, Target and big box stores have the resources to make it through to the other side of this but so many small businesses will have to make some tough decisions in the coming weeks and months on whether they can continue to operate once they are allowed to reopen. If at all possible, please try to support the small businesses in your community so they have a chance of staying in business. <br /><br />I hope all is well with you.<br /><br />Take care and stay safe out there.<br /><br /><img height="217" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1667950610842500819&th=1725c03e4e29bed3&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_f0D8r1vCjgy_q871_UnuuqQdfn2Nt3GyBs3Vq7BF82r78uA-qD5FJ8k635B6kRLDpngPvNRFCMNJUeRErnY6psro2RoPrjc2S-2loD_dN08jjvB8RfLvbLWs&disp=emb" width="320" /> </div>
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MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-71610705730522292682020-05-22T13:36:00.000-04:002020-05-22T13:36:02.000-04:00Captain's Log - Day 67Captain's Log - Day 67<br /><br />Happy Friday and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!<br /><br />Memorial Day was originally known as “Decoration Day.” Our Memorial Day celebrations may look a little different this year but the reason we celebrate is the same – to honor the men, women and families who sacrificed for our freedoms. We should take some time to honor them every day and especially on Memorial Day. We will never forget.<br /><br />As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.<br />~John F. Kennedy<br /><br /><img height="236" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1667411275460748342&th=1723d5b88051a436&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-sfZP842Bnbmlms7AQxgz5Jnl1_dUCpO2SFAuqBzklwyDSSUjRobvsWmnsJhxFyukOHvsVK1O3e5AlTbauhhOLFamRtLyxTE10A05QgmluKht2Jl1R5fzaGdc&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />May we never forget our fallen comrades. Freedom isn't free.<br />~Sgt. Major Bill Paxton<br /><br /><img height="241" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1667411275460748342&th=1723d5b88051a436&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9xVWJ1qT-4USVaI5-v7076hzhOqewLVshkuRuzqpKAVzKTvuIA0r7nfUaprrmZT0JCtkFAcvFIKXvHPaVGSaSfctUTX3kZeXdhSCFup3XKp5Ie_rAlBXAeN80&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment.<br />~Judd Gregg<br /><br /><img height="240" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.3&permmsgid=msg-f:1667411275460748342&th=1723d5b88051a436&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9W6c49R3-E9ySjBa1FL_znDWeDDo-7Abq8JGgQPQQaJ1B3ApRlyenGFAAArj-83dnyyjmurKoxFoyY1kEeZpXfyyfKOhnaRJZxHLO12vHF-5wmPo5uhZ_TTrg&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />It's better to fight for something in life than to die for nothing.<br />~Gen. George S. Patton<br /><br /><img height="301" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.4&permmsgid=msg-f:1667411275460748342&th=1723d5b88051a436&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9lLiFU6Q__k2-Usp-dVyoM_AbVV9W1Bb4e56HEySTvcJhHI9PcdwSkhFTnF6t2z4KyzQGtG859JFzL7BOPwPSK6YtIhZnlTmuREgyAF5Cwxipz-syrXpXAYCU&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.<br />~Harry S. Truman<br /><br /><img height="208" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.5&permmsgid=msg-f:1667411275460748342&th=1723d5b88051a436&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9S03X1zTEpPsXkfFCsJ1uEEGXyOjkAfUzYQ3-qVfQjxTL79TEKeREdfBQxm52P6FSwiubwnSTB0ozE5f59r-PhAhFdOvZm0P_yWYIFNIE3VGw3Ph2h1yQp7l4&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />I hope you all get out and enjoy this long weekend and the unofficial start to the summer season!<br /><br />Take care, be safe, stay sane and stay strong.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~MBMBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-89647067545911385992020-05-20T13:34:00.000-04:002020-05-22T13:34:21.029-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 65Captain’s Log – Day 65<br /><br />Good Morning Comrades –<br /><br />I hope all is well with you. <br /><br />Have you heard the good news? They just announced the end of quarantine – it is now scheduled for Octemburary 83rd. Be sure to mark your calendars.<br /><br /><img height="318" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1667224195559523274&th=17232b92914303ca&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-C4mMq3YvZchaA8N7thbKEnYKERa1Y9OzEk9iDXFTj7m9I-FDGcYdFUfCXRjgX7LOQ4MUuZNNF8hGTLKTQcLmNFQ_Y8Vw2dgDxv7OcKVtZ0vAhzlr40XUfP1E&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />Take care, be safe, stay home and stay strong.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<div>
~MB</div>
MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-82090438740454155092020-05-19T13:32:00.000-04:002020-05-22T13:32:56.071-04:00 Captain's Log - Day 64Captain's Log - Day 64<br /><br />Hello Friends –<br /><br />How’s everyone doing? Are you anxiously awaiting for things to open back up or are you content to stay safe at home for the long haul? There seems to be two very distinct groups out there and both sides have valid reasons for their opinion. Please be kind if others don’t share your views - just agree to disagree. Some things are certainly worth waiting for but it may all depend on the type of person you are. Do you dive right into the pool or do you slowly dip your toes in and submerge yourself little by little? No matter which method you use to get in, we’ll all end up swimming in the same water. <br /><br />Forrest Gump’s momma was right when she said “life is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you’re going to get.” Photography can be a lot like those boxes of chocolates. It’s a little different nowadays because digital cameras instantly displays the image we just snapped, no waiting is required. If we don’t like the shot, we can take hundreds more and never have to worry about reloading the film or the cost of the film and developing. Some of you are too young to remember having to wait to get film developed to see if you captured the moment you wanted to capture. There were many occasions when we were disappointed by what we got back from the lab and other times we were pleasantly surprised. I often think that having so much instant gratification takes away the thrill of the unknown that can fuel our childlike sense of anticipation. I can still remember how excited I was when I got this “Fire Ghost” picture back from the photo lab. I was only hoping to get a good silhouette but I ended up with so much more. I was unable to see the face in the flames when I hit the shutter but it was there all along just waiting to be developed. Sometimes having to wait for something makes it that much more special when you actually get it. Just think of how excited you’ll be when you can hug your loved ones again or how special it will feel to be able to go out to a restaurant for dinner or meet up with friends without needing to stay six feet apart.<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1667151245564642131&th=1722e93992bb0353&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8Y00099RukuQDVnQztxjWTlalEzGppluPsPowPMrRQtXZYtW2kolIRFQWy0GpXsKSlougo-7wK7xcN2yXCLzECLGC0F1tUziLsLkzaclfQUwVYNTj_Jw8MCdU&disp=emb" width="243" /><br /><br />We are all stuck in this strange holding pattern just waiting for things to return to something resembling normal. It reminds me of the song Anticipation:<br /><br />We can never know about the days to come<br />But we think about them anyway<br />And I wonder if I'm really with you now<br />Or just chasin' after some finer day<br /><br />Anticipation, anticipation<br />Is makin' me late<br />Is keepin' me waitin'<br />...<br />And tomorrow we might not be together<br />I'm no prophet and I don't know nature's ways<br />So I'll try and see into your eyes right now<br />And stay right here 'cause these are the good old days<br />…<br />These are the good old days<br />~Carly Simon<br /><br />I don’t think anyone would ever refer to this time as “the good old days” but I’m sure we are all anticipating the day we can get back to something resembling “normal.”<br /><br />What do you miss the most? I know I really miss being at work complaining about not wanting to be at work.<br /><br />Take care, be safe, stay home and stay strong.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~MBMBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-52795107028082719392020-05-15T21:26:00.003-04:002020-05-15T21:26:51.530-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 60Captain’s Log – Day 60<br /><br />Happy Friday Friends!<br /><br />I hope you had a good week and you are able to take the next couple of days off to recharge. Here in this upside down world, one thing is certain – every morning we wake up we can, without fail, count on new mercies and a fresh start. You are the boss of you and only you get to decide if you want to camp out and live in the grump and gloom (because there’s plenty of reasons to do that) or you can do whatever it takes to look up and search out the good stuff. The good stuff is still out there but it may be a little harder to see these days, especially if you just keep looking down and focusing on the gloom you’ll never get to see the sunshine and rainbows when they appear. You can still smile even if nobody will see it under a mask. Only you can decide what team you want to play on and I’ve been doing my very best to earn my spot on “Team Optimist” even when I don’t really feel like it. Every single day we get another shot to make things better, to bring a little sunshine into someone else’s life, to be there for a friend or family member, to be of service or to help a complete stranger out with a random act of kindness. You never know what a difference a kind word or a simple act of kindness can make. We can often find ourselves stuck in a rut, being grumpy and sad, haggard and weary, stressed and hanging on by a thread, broken and busted, unsure of what will happen and skeptical of what will come but we don’t have to stay there in the gloom. Each day you have an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to seek out every tiny sliver of goodness there is to find.<div>
<br />In the toughest of times we get to find out who our true friends are but we may also be surprised to find friends we didn’t even realize we had. We can and often do take advantage of our long term friendships because those friends are just always there. We sometimes take them for granted and don’t feel the need to tell them how much they mean to us or how much we truly appreciate them. Then there are new friends who come along and they are more engaging and seem to pay more attention and make more of an effort to connect with us. Those newer friends likely show more interest in our stories because they never heard them before but that doesn’t mean our old friends don’t care as much, it just means they probably heard those stories a million times. We can become so comfortable in our old relationships that we stop working on them and stop showing our appreciation for them. I have been blessed with some amazing lifelong friends, some very special newer friends and people who I thought were mere acquaintances who showed up to take a spot on my special friends list.<br /><br />I recently received a surprise delivery of these gorgeous roses from a beautiful, thoughtful soul who I don’t really know all that well. I was absolutely blown away by their kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness. I honestly couldn’t understand why they would take the time and spend the money to buy flowers for me. We’ve known each other for many years but I wouldn’t really say we were “friends” but we certainly are now. Their compassion and kind words helped to restore my faith in humanity and reminded me that the things we do and say matter. If you put good stuff out there, good stuff will surely come back to you. We don’t need to spend money or send gifts to show someone how much we value them, we just need to show up and be kind. We all have the ability to do that and I hope we will see more kindness and grace as we head back out in the world with a brand new appreciation of it and the people living in it with us. I’ve always loved surprising people with gifts on a random Wednesday instead of on a special occasion when gifts may be expected. When we show someone we are thinking about them for no good reason, it means so much more.<br /><br /><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1666780675983646366&th=172198319e7d9e9e&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8czx8QkAQpYR5tTz_0TZQWRse4RC-VXCjQ2SpXbm33rgtYi6grpkrSJhIDR_2svtyQfrm9zWRHKv7k6iSxl-j1OSoNdIaUuyGcMsf1OZsVicTcBFSaOB0SMfg&disp=emb" /></div>
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<br />Real connections and real life is the best life and as many states start opening things up again we will have to make some tough decisions as we navigate the coming days and months of venturing out again. Our personal choices may not align with the choices others make. We may not agree with the people who rush out to go shopping, get their hair and nails done, go to a bar or club or have dinner inside a restaurant. Those people may even try to convince us to go out before we feel it is safe to do so. Always remember it is your choice to make for you and your family and no one else can tell you whether it is right or wrong. It’s entirely your choice. We are more than capable of making our own decisions and we need to trust our gut instincts. It would be really nice if there were no judgment from others and of others but that is not very likely. Humans like to judge and compare but it would be so much better if we just kept those judgments to ourselves and let people do what they think is right.<br /><br />Whether we talk every day or once in a blue moon, I want you to know that I truly appreciate you and value our relationship. Thank you for being you.<br /><br />I’d also like to remind each and every one of you to look up and find the good stuff, choose real life and real people, every single time, and twice on Sunday.<br /><br />Take care my friends. Have a fantastic weekend, be safe and stay strong.<br /><br />PS. If you need help finding some good stuff, you can always check out Some Good News - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOe_y6KKvS3PdIfb9q9pGug">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOe_y6KKvS3PdIfb9q9pGug</a><br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~MB</div>
MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-36713874804566430872020-05-14T21:21:00.000-04:002020-05-15T21:21:34.679-04:00Captain's Log - Day 59Captain’s Log – Day 59 – This is Us<br /><br />Hello Friends –<br /><br />How’s everyone doing today? Have you gone through all the stages yet? You know – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. At some point, we just need to accept what is happening and learn to work with it because, unfortunately, it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. <br /><br />Are you craving some quiet time away from your spouse, kids, parents and/or roommates or are you living alone and craving any form of human contact? Either way, I think we can all agree that being in quarantine/isolation sucks. That’s pretty much the only thing I think EVERYONE can agree on. Never before have we had so much in common with people around the world. No matter where you are on this big blue planet, every single one of us will be forever changed by this pandemic and we will never forget how the world came to a screeching halt in the year 2020. The rapid spread of this virus from one country to another, into every nook and cranny of the world, has made it abundantly clear that we are all connected in ways we may never have realized. We have no control over where we started out in this life but we do have some control on the path we take and what we will leave behind. I expect many of us have been giving serious thought to where we want to go when we’re allowed to roam free again. The one thing that is crystal clear is that we need each other now more than ever and we truly are all in this together.<br /><br /><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1666708155944882091&th=1721563cbb574fab&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9lGWVhXKsDC5N8X-ykezRlYBm_OR1djCJYHEBZ98jxx6h2kTYwm-cWBksNAJtha8DRzEhE5pN7z47b0UCKxof2Rrjv7UhCA17-x7s7An4nCb85BedDVRDj-fw&disp=emb" /><br /><br />Just imagine you are a certain color in a Jackson Pollock painting. Where does your color start and end? What colors do you intersect with? How far out does your color travel? Seeing the Jackson Pollock study painting above reminded me of a beautiful scene in the show This is Us where one of the characters, Kevin, tries to explain death to his nieces. We may only physically be here for 100± years but who we are, who we love, what we do, where we go and how we treat people will leave a mark long after we are physically gone from this world.<br /><br />We’ve recently had to offer our virtual condolences to friends and family because we couldn’t be there to hug them and stand by their side as they said goodbye to their loved ones. But, as Kevin said, just because someone dies, just because you can’t see them or talk to them anymore, it doesn’t mean they’re not still in the painting, and I think that’s maybe the point of the whole thing. There’s no dying, there’s no you or me or them. It’s just us. And this sloppy, wild colorful magical thing that has no beginning, it has no end… it’s right here. I think it’s us. <br /><br />You can watch the scene here: <a href="https://youtu.be/xh-Tof_QxKU">https://youtu.be/xh-Tof_QxKU</a><br /><br />I look forward to the day we can get out, get close, hug our loved ones and really see each other again.<br /><br />Take care, be safe, stay home and stay strong.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~MBMBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-64703425605339509132020-05-13T21:18:00.000-04:002020-05-15T21:18:53.689-04:00Captain's Log - Day 58 - Wordless Wednesday<img alt="image.png" height="400" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1666588752897134528&th=1720e9a40b184fc0&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9FG4dJ-cHoO8GWM4sh59OmE7FrqTcdYDw95k5pI964ZAOYwxDiPVpicoRvVdUadtfCwwpimSbf50LtwzqVToQaDPqZ8VIhRej56nhIwP57ZWgiVmFcokaF7AQ&disp=emb" width="332" />MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-64777172799036849562020-05-11T16:43:00.002-04:002020-05-11T16:43:40.670-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 56Captain’s Log – Day 56<br /><br />Hello Comrades –<br /><br />I hope you all had a good Mother’s Day weekend. While I was having a bit of a pity party for myself, I came across a handwritten letter my mother sent me in 1995. I had just quit a new job without having another one lined up but I knew it wasn’t the right place for me. I realized I was no longer willing to be someone’s punching bag, been there-done that, and I knew I had to get out of there. She gave me some pretty good advice then and helped me again yesterday to get through another mother’s day without her. Check out her beautiful cursive handwriting with all her fancy curly-cue flair!<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1666404181558642405&th=172041c62e0746e5&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-xbs6bHCwnO7tdXhq3ibUx3WfFRD2GC5E5FlYnPP-liPEAWfeiX1k8r9kFLFJHNRYFGZzRKo7Vm3o9HxScePLz_q6O50iM8s6UxpFDvwLn_-SXed7zJ2ARL2k&disp=emb" width="271" /> <img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1666404181558642405&th=172041c62e0746e5&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9pSQOQB_GAmJCS5sBZ3dDUYiswd5eZpsYrmvEp9o5FF6VPk0vEPM69qvl84nBx9FJEOUUwkd6WQksj-gS-BENLiEEr8g-vWu7oVn1Escc9_DJku4YIykiPwLI&disp=emb" width="246" /> <img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.0.3&permmsgid=msg-f:1666404181558642405&th=172041c62e0746e5&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8gAHDHlybnumj7aFSd3Gk6tTjpDAnNsZxUwtwiaTEuG1-TMdeffIuh_e6SOVg1Bv1NPNSBP3YUZ5C7majOa69NbrEOXjExtL58cBdbi6n_fWTVRgGK94QMwiU&disp=emb" width="258" /> <img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.0.4&permmsgid=msg-f:1666404181558642405&th=172041c62e0746e5&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_plIl4JA9WR73aCnK5pKyhkoUyaXEdj5M94lgkbtV6EtYiRW4OcGtzALNinTMsfge3tIw1sbFdiQWiMdnR0FxJ8Ao7pm1S5sBSrr7k1CJOtaEoOnOQEzYY9wk&disp=emb" width="265" /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>March 7, 1995</i></div>
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<i>Dear Michelle,</i></div>
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<i>Hope you are feeling better about your recent decision. You made a commitment to yourself for change. It was very courageous of you to let go of habits & people that are no longer relevant to your life. There’s nothing wrong with changing a goal even 30 seconds after you set it or even years later. It’s o.k. to realize the changes in your circumstances may have made the goal less valid & it’s o.k. to drop it & set a new one.</i></div>
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<i>Remember, success is the result of good judgment. Good judgment is the result of experience. And experience is often the result of bad judgment. Remember what we discussed, that experiencing challenge, satisfaction & fulfillment from the work you have chosen is very important to enjoy where you are going every morning to spend over 8 hrs a day.</i></div>
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<i>Take your time & find a job that will fulfill your expectations.</i></div>
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<i>We have all made errors in judgment not clearly assessed – take my marriages for instance‼! HA HA</i></div>
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<i>We all routinely juggle the many aspects of life on a daily basis – we just don’t step back & think about it methodically.</i></div>
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<i>Experience is all a part of life. It only means that a new door will open for you.</i></div>
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<i>It’s important to me that you are happy.</i></div>
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<i>I’m glad you called me. I wish I was not so far away so I can hug “my baby”!</i></div>
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<i>In any job, the road to mastery will provide promotions, money & opportunity to excel. But the key is loving your job & where you work. Life is a path of learning & growth. There’s no such thing as getting to the top & staying there without further effort. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Most people would not have had the guts to do what you did & would prefer to stay in a comfort zone with no change or challenge.</i></div>
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<i>I wish I could treat you to a mini vacation to come down here & soak up some sunshine, but you know my financial situation cannot accommodate my wishes at this time.</i></div>
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<i>Don’t ever feel that because of my personal problems right now that you don’t want to bother me with yours. You & Jimmy are my entire life. I love you more than I love taking my next breath. I’ll always be here for you. I only wish I was in a position to do more for you, but that day will come again soon.</i></div>
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<i>Keep a smile on your face & always think positive‼</i></div>
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<i>I love you Baby.</i></div>
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<i>With Love & Affection,</i></div>
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<i>Mom</i></div>
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<i>XXXOOOXXX</i></div>
<br /><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.0.5&permmsgid=msg-f:1666404181558642405&th=172041c62e0746e5&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9it-JXwDHzTOj-v-XYb3FsjsIf9XVKhEWjDtPgQCt8lgnW8HG8S7V0DlpIKaqVeFj8HCoUbQw3_04VruJB1jdpkoZjacSdD02G6HUwsYso3yzcyIQ7G5mW2Cc&disp=emb" /><br /><br />As some of you already know, I’ve been having a really hard time lately like so many of us are these days. I know my struggles may be different but are no harder than anyone else’s and, at the same time, I know I have much to be thankful for. I’ve decided it’s time to make these Captain’s Logs private for a while. I certainly never expected them to still be going almost two months later but here we are. I may continue to share a photo now and then but these logs will be classified for a while.<br /><br />I’ll still be here if you need help with anything or want to connect so please feel free to reach out anytime if you need help with anything or just want to chat.<br /><br />Take care, be safe, stay home and stay strong.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~MB<div>
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MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-74068930020834956952020-05-08T00:38:00.000-04:002020-05-09T00:39:11.747-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 53Captain’s Log – Day 53<br /><br />Hello My Friends! Happy Happy Friday!<br /><br />For those who have lost track of the days, I’d like to remind you that it is Mother’s Day Weekend. I’d love to hear your plans for celebrating Mother’s Day since we can’t celebrate the way we normally would.<br /><br />Back in 2012, I took my mother down to the Cape to visit the Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich. It was such a beautiful day wandering around the gardens and checking out the old automobile museum and Norman Rockwell exhibit. I’m not sure what their schedule is like these days but it could be a fun way to celebrate Mom while having to practice social distancing. Here’s a link to their site if you’re interested in checking it out: <a href="https://heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/">https://heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/</a><br /><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1666142835377502575&th=171f5414c7bcf96f&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_csqc9aJksG0gYdgvC7zd97bv6p9lL7Y4UiUgIZDIex4dm_14MYriL7cIqS1bQ5UUDJN34NtvlSZp9b5Usw7213aqrRQhygxRAZ8tlerpJYLOkULRUzlzwWcU&disp=emb" width="212" /><div>
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<br />Sadly, I haven’t been able to celebrate with my Mom since she passed away in 2015 so this is a tough weekend for me, my brother and so many others. The loss of your mother, no matter how old you are, changes your life forever. Your mother is your first and forever friend. You never get over the loss, but you learn to live with it somehow. She is never far away from your thoughts and she is always in your heart. Even though she is not physically here to celebrate with us, we still celebrate her because she is part of us and she deserves to be remembered every day and even more so on Mother’s Day.<br /><br />I hope you are lucky enough to be able to celebrate with your Mom and all the woman who play a Mom role in your lives. We wouldn’t be here without them.<br /></div>
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Take care, stay safe and have a Happy Mother’s Day Weekend!<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.14&permmsgid=msg-f:1666142835377502575&th=171f5414c7bcf96f&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_Az3VfFFoZ1_XKC2s2wpkR9mRbwR9Lq0ukXQdSCpBsvXw_nb0QfVsyqILv9-H42v1IAZiafornoQevI7ScjihkbyVhrchtFB7mVlasR8nFMxwjbP82l5negj0&disp=emb" /><br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~MB</div>
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MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-756067350231136962020-05-07T00:35:00.000-04:002020-05-09T00:35:20.307-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 52Captain’s Log – Day 52<br /><br />Hello My Friends –<br /><br />How are you? I hope all is well with you and your families and you’re doing everything you can to stay healthy, safe and sane. I think I’ve only got 2 out of 3 but I’m working on it.<br /><br />They say hindsight is 20/20. We never really know if we’ve made the right decision until we have to live with the consequences. Was it worth it? Would we go back and change our decision if we knew what the outcome would be? Until they invent a time machine, there is no way of knowing if a different decision would have resulted in a better or worse outcome. It's not healthy to dwell on deeds done because there is nothing we can do to change the past but we can and should learn from it. What’s done is done. We should stop trying to go back to the people we were and the world we lived in and start planning on how to move forward in the new post-2020 pandemic world. Forget the past, forget anyone that tries to divide us because, like it or not, we are all in this together. We’re all connected and the things we do today will have a ripple effect. So, where do we go from here? How do we move forward? How do we get out of this holding pattern and start spreading our wings again?<br /><br /><img height="204" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1666052174948173899&th=171f01a0410d884b&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8iJKepTNOQ9lMJe0vAColPbNo3rzYiwAovpGVdbP3A-bIqtN39yoB8AvHfUkpOoJDL9GL82e9Nkb81McvMzZX3GjNYAH67Yqybe4AdMdxAVFVIfatwHZ8GJvo&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />We all want to get back to living our lives without restrictions. We want to visit our friends and family. We want our kids to be able to go to school and outside to play with their friends. We want to go out for dinner and drinks. We want to be able to shop in stores and not have to wait in long lines, six feet apart. We want to be able to find what we need on the shelves of those stores. We want to watch our favorite sports teams. We want to travel. We want to go to concerts, parties, graduations and weddings. We want to comfort those who are suffering with a big hug. We want to be able to see people smile. Even if we love our new commute, some of us even want to go back to work in our offices. As much as we may want things to go back to the way they were before, we need to accept the fact that things will not be going back to “normal” anytime soon, if ever. There will be a new “normal” and we will need to adapt. This pandemic has changed all of us and it is up to us to decide whether those changes will be for the better or worse. Have you found a silver lining to our current situation? Have you learned something about yourself and your life? Have you changed? If so, do you think it is for the better?<br /><br />Many states are starting to reopen various businesses with certain safety measures in place. Is it the right thing to do? Is it worth the risk? Is it a tradeoff? The lesser of two evils? I don’t think anyone really has the answer. At some point, we will all need to make the decision that is right for us and our families. The decision to shut down was made to slow the spread of the virus, not eliminate it because there is no way to completely eliminate it. The decision to shut down and isolate was made to prevent everyone from getting the virus at the same time. I think that has worked but at what cost? There are thousands of protesters out there demanding that the restrictions be lifted so they can go back to work but is it too soon? Are they rushing out into the eye of the storm because they can see a sliver of clear skies? The eye of the storm is calm and peaceful and you may think it is safe to go out but the eye is the only peaceful part of the hurricane. The center of low pressure is the eye and the lower the central pressure, the fiercer the storm and the higher the winds. Once you pass through the eye, you hit the wall and it’s hell on wheels.<br /><br />Exitus Acta Probat is commonly misinterpreted as “the end justifies the means” but the more precise translation is “the result justifies the deed.”<br /><br />Reopening too early could be a lot like celebrating a Super Bowl Victory when you are up 28-3 with 2:12 left in the 3rd Quarter. I’m sure we all remember how that worked out.<br /><br /><img height="201" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1666052174948173899&th=171f01a0410d884b&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ__byoEvCRTIHbHWUatlIZM1LQavvKkFcmqWPgG2512DZ8XstiEHHM2mCl802b8foM9vCVBu6ZWtZSJiFSohOW7uAEKRJhZLsZUT7lxsCeikRjhfppIoMI-6io&disp=emb" width="320" /><div>
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<img height="283" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.3&permmsgid=msg-f:1666052174948173899&th=171f01a0410d884b&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ90tTmhNoaBtD-Tn7e3nILLnIUnGTPNEvfN5unrx8sWTUIZ8wNT-TefSfeaw-_KchWM9lYWQ0S94uk3Lq-AbPsM1UbLXCBusujPzFyVL9tUB4YdgXocCn2gqrA&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />Take care, stay safe, stay home and stay strong.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~MB</div>
MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-2948111574671752692020-05-06T00:32:00.000-04:002020-05-09T00:32:29.708-04:00Captain's Log - Day 51 – Wordless WednesdayCaptain's Log - Day 51 – Wordless Wednesday<br /><br /><img height="224" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1665959362665548577&th=171ead36b5ea8b21&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_y1-_ZyvVkS8CbzMsQV9gbbD3uyMDzFsWsKOrOY5bMzTkSqY9775jBXHjx1ej5Dm2EMNPydwdy5ZLDChk0NtKhqA4cYTzx6SFWj5bj4VbNTA3MbrlY0OE6_SQ&disp=emb" width="320" /><div>
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<img height="271" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.9&permmsgid=msg-f:1665959362665548577&th=171ead36b5ea8b21&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8SmwM1Z7qV29XUEWXfXWS7wxktIJIhpGCzP6VbMPgpyPJIqeeeajOgteyQdmEoXQBqlwqsjxDk3iiX8NrIcIdVM4CeJopR-7FxRVpsfhNLruQ4E6UfO8LH7kw&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br /><img height="310" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.10&permmsgid=msg-f:1665959362665548577&th=171ead36b5ea8b21&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8Spejg7CwpAAO_zncZsohGsIxHy9ZDQqcDNm66CI3QmoCDyLA-nlV9TW_1J9Hcs9KGVVHY9xTmvBLCQraI52CpXdYuCvI4IKyeLHUPiLb9JOfKO482d0qxrZ8&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br /> <br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~ MB</div>
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MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-62636729048756659262020-05-05T00:29:00.000-04:002020-05-09T00:30:04.413-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 50Captain’s Log – Day 50<br /><br />Happy Cinco de Mayo a/k/a Quarantino de Mayo 2020!<br /><br />Many assume that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day - it is not. Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s unlikely victory over French forces on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla. As with many holidays, Cinco de Mayo is widely celebrated in the United States due to marketing. People across the U.S., whether of Mexican heritage or not, use the holiday as an excuse to eat Tex-Mex cuisine, drink Mexican beers (Corona?) and pitchers of margaritas, put on a sombrero and party. Just as St. Patrick’s Day is a day to celebrate Irish culture for Irish-Americans, Cinco de Mayo has become a day for Mexican-Americans to show pride in their own unique culture. Since it's not widely celebrated in Mexico, the holiday is more of a Mexican-American holiday than a Mexican one.<br /><br />Whatever its origins, I hope you all have a Happy Cinco de Mayo in Quarantino. I think any day is a good day for tacos and tequila.<br /><br />Cheers!<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1665884030530766442&th=171e68b314c8466a&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_8xnEz67-_NZCbHpBK-mjb-awr7w7AOitevOiVcBLwlp2KvkHtSQWpQEc5w8baJ6a0eLoCM4kKkeyntZFwOOC0WlrgTTZSbVTS0QwDIXBLKFHXPH4Rb-GBxvI&disp=emb" width="265" /> <img height="234" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1665884030530766442&th=171e68b314c8466a&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-1fSbNgp32bUKu-1y9oDyzmmwtlj8-cDcRizOoxosrjM6n_ke_vgWfHDqGZET-LwTwyI42IJsBX-AOwkujBAvPWNbiXqLcN_ZS3iVPtzA7cIFtIpwIpyeeits&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />Take care, stay home and stay safe.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~ MBMBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-88726455359350720662020-05-04T00:28:00.000-04:002020-05-09T00:28:36.104-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 49 – Star Wars DayCaptain’s Log – Day 49 – Star Wars Day<br /><br />Hello Friends –<br /><br />I hope you got out and enjoyed the beautiful weather we had this past weekend. It was spectacular even if we only got out as far as our own backyard (Dorothy knows).<br /><br />In honor of May the 4th, here are some of Yoda’s most powerful quotes:<br /><br /><img height="128" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1665790797064863283&th=171e13e7792a7e33&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9a0azw68JCOFoFxS1pXgQpxAwkL9TT077RlQG1_63rs-stDtbCcjkkCvadB3hvrTn3eIt0-AUf3lrz0M2CqFX4R18a8OsAT3uWvonDT-XFBkLPc8W6xdfNiYc&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />1. "Do or do not. There is no try."<br /><br />This quote is a simple lesson in commitment and the power in giving something our all—not just giving it a try.<br /><br />2. "You must unlearn what you have learned."<br /><br />As creatures of habit, we tend to love our routines and our go-to methods. But sometimes, we have to shake up our process—and even unlearn our process—to succeed.<br /><br />3. "Named must be your fear before banish it you can."<br /><br />When we call out our fears directly, they become less of an ominous force and a challenge we can tackle head-on.<br /><br />4. "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."<br /><br />Indulging our fears (whether with our thoughts or actions) gives them power to hold us back. And Yoda points out how our fears can impact those around us, too.<br /><br />6. "That is why you fail."<br /><br />When Luke says he doesn't believe in the power of the force, Yoda serves up this piece of wisdom. We have to believe in ourselves—and our abilities—in order to persevere and succeed. Without faith, we can only go so far.<br /><br />7. "The greatest teacher, failure is."<br /><br />We learn from our mistakes—plain and simple.<br /><br />8. "Pass on what you have learned."<br /><br />The wisdom we gain in life is a gift to pass along—not to keep to ourselves. Make like Yoda and share your insights with others.<br /><br /><img border="0" height="138" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1665790797064863283&th=171e13e7792a7e33&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-HNKIzTO8AlAVE_gcEplXvDLcV2Na8pw-mp3uJAF-SaO_ImYBK24KXTLHv_vWhQkz4u8hrwC_d9r-LPztRW-duzjjSOMMXLl1doZ2fwNCSjhqe3gpdstQQM4o&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br /><div>
Take care, stay home and stay safe.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br /><br />~ MB</div>
MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-28023807512734968932020-05-01T00:26:00.000-04:002020-05-09T00:26:17.669-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 46 – MayDay! MayDay!Captain’s Log – Day 46 – MayDay! MayDay!<br /><br />Good Morning, Happy Friday and Happy MayDay!<br /><br />Congratulations! We’re mere hours away from making it through another work-from-home week. As far as I can tell, we’ve all been doing a great job keeping the cogs in the wheels turning smoothly while we are stuck in isolation. I will be announcing our first Work-From-Home Employee of the Month recipient at the end of today’s log.<br /><br />There are so many new phrases I will be happy to never hear again – “unprecedented times,” “flatten the curve,” and “social distancing” are just a few but there are some new words that just may make it into the next edition of Merriam-Webster. Have you created your own “lockdown lingo?” Are you fully conversant?<br /><br />Test your lockdown lingo knowledge here.<br /><br />*Coronacoaster* <br />The ups and downs of your mood during the pandemic. You’re loving lockdown one minute but suddenly weepy with anxiety the next. It truly is “an emotional coronacoaster.”<br /><br />*Quarantinis*<br /><br />Experimental cocktails mixed from whatever random ingredients you have left in the house. The boozy equivalent of a store cupboard supper. Southern Comfort and quarantini with a glacé cherry garnish, anyone? These are sipped at “locktail hour,” ie. wine o’clock during lockdown, which seems to be creeping earlier and earlier with each passing week.<br /><br />*Blue Skype thinking* <br />A work brainstorming session which takes place over a videoconferencing app. Such meetings might also be termed a “Zoomposium.” Naturally, they are to be avoided if at all possible.<br /><br />*Le Creuset wrist*<br />It’s the new “avocado hand” - an aching arm after taking one’s best saucepan outside to bang during the weekly ‘Clap For Carers. It might be heavy but you’re keen to impress the neighbors with your high-quality kitchenware.<br /><br />*Coronials* <br />As opposed to millennials, this refers to the future generation of babies conceived or born during coronavirus quarantine. They might also become known as “Generation C” or, more spookily, “Children of the Quarn.”<br /><br />*Furlough Merlot*<br />Wine consumed in an attempt to relieve the frustration of not working. Also known as “bored-eaux” or “cabernet tedium.”<br /><br />*Coronadose* <br />An overdose of bad news from consuming too much media during a time of crisis. Can result in a panicdemic.<br /><br />*The elephant in the Zoom* <br /><br />The glaring issue during a videoconferencing call that nobody feels able to mention. E.g. one participant has dramatically put on weight, suddenly sprouted terrible facial hair or has a worryingly messy house visible in the background.<br /><br />*Quentin Quarantino* <br />An attention-seeker using their time in lockdown to make amateur films which they’re convinced are funnier and cleverer than they actually are.<br /><br />*Covidiot* or *Wuhan-ker* <br />One who ignores public health advice or behaves with reckless disregard for the safety of others can be said to display “covidiocy” or be “covidiotic.” Also called a “lockclown” or even a “Wuhan-ker.”<br /><br />*Goutbreak* <br />The sudden fear that you’ve consumed so much wine, cheese, home-made cake and Easter chocolate in lockdown that your ankles are swelling up like a medieval king’s.<br /><br />*Antisocial distancing* <br />Using health precautions as an excuse for snubbing neighbors and generally ignoring people you find irritating.<br /><br />*Coughin’ dodger* <br />Someone so alarmed by an innocuous splutter or throat-clear that they back away in terror.<br /><br />*Mask-ara* <br />Extra make-up applied to "make one's eyes pop" before venturing out in public wearing a face mask.<br /><br />*Covid-10* <br />The 10lbs in weight that we’re all gaining from comfort-eating and comfort-drinking. Also known as “fattening the curve”.<br />~Sue Fitzmaurice<br /> <br />Please share any new lingo you may have to add to the above list.<br /><br />Now, it’s time to announce our first recipient of the Work-From-Home Employee of the Month Award….<br /><br />*<br /><br />*<br /><br />*<br /><br />*<br /><br />*<br /><br />*<br /><br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Congratulations!</i></b></span><br />YOU are the recipient of our first Work-From-Home Employee of the Month Award! <br /><br />As your reward, please feel free to display the appropriate badge below and enjoy the next two days off. You deserve it!<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1665501488863091933&th=171d0cc7a8919cdd&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8TNd4gR4R4yEfUmySjkgedFLXi0m4dM1fCDtyl-pq3fKy-QthMhG_z5UksFPHHf84ahaLGt5xdXJIZq6EMbP90KXL6StE8dxvqQWc9YTVV_QWad7yFEM8No-s&disp=emb" width="294" /> <img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1665501488863091933&th=171d0cc7a8919cdd&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-94Z7at7HqFx5Spz1TaJOA86fAGsnwLwqhr6HR7I-_SNQ0HBkT2e4x2qmK_B74myMGN_ejTn27LQICwdyz5UMqczwpUsfbysVbIMPOGEU7mD6kMwbcpzf3iN8&disp=emb" width="289" /><br /><br />Take care, stay strong, stay home and stay safe.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br /><br />~ MBMBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-73042023949367334882020-04-30T00:21:00.000-04:002020-05-09T00:21:37.250-04:00Captain's Log - Day 45 Captain’s Log – Day 45<br /><br />Hello Friends –<br /><br />How are you doing these days? Does anyone else feel like they are living in a never ending episode of the Twilight Zone or a dark version of Ground Hog Day?<br /><br />I’ve been doing my best to stay positive, look on the bright side and find any and all silver linings but it has been difficult. The hits just keep coming and we don’t have any idea when or how it will end and what life will look like post-pandemic. As hard as things may be for us, I know there are many more people dealing with harder struggles than ours so I’m doing my best to be thankful for all our blessings no matter how small or insignificant they may seem in the grand scheme of things. I’ve been frustrated with some friends and family members who have been taking unnecessary risks by going out and getting together when they don’t have to but I need to keep reminding myself that I cannot control what anyone else does so I just continue to remind them to be safe and try to convince them to stay home and not take any unnecessary risks. <br /><br />I know many people who think this virus has been blown out of proportion but when it hits close to home and someone you know and love is being put in hospice or struggling to take their next breath, it hits exceptionally hard. This pandemic is no joke but finding something to laugh about can certainly help keep us healthy and sane. After all, laughter can be very good medicine, right?<br /><br />I’m so grateful to all of those on the front lines including my brother-in-law and my cousin. My BIL is pictured here keeping spirits up by playing the hospital piano while waiting for his next anesthesia patient. I strongly believe in the power of music and how it can help heal and comfort us. Is it a coincidence that “Sweet Caroline” just started playing as I was typing this? I’m certainly looking forward to the day when I can shout “so good, so good, so good” at a Red Sox game again. I always have music playing and I’ve been thinking of trying to organize a virtual dance party with friends. What else do we have to do?<br /><br /><img height="243" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1665422690049260308&th=171cc51ce142fb14&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-BSYowC5hhzr1QyUom9I83B1xT6O-L-LibIN10HyoRLXXLHv0M-W6XqHjxDjw0kUoy5SdvZAKyJFRv81hUMj4EMj8B1bw-MojGliQ5mN5EmEeJskt2o0jsr74&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />My cousin is working the front lines in the ICU. She is the most positive ray of sunshine I have ever known. No matter how hard her days may be, she always seems to have a smile on her face. Even if you can’t see her beautiful smile here because she has her mask on, you can clearly see her smiling eyes (or “smize” as Tyra likes to call it).<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1665422690049260308&th=171cc51ce142fb14&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ98fvQ492eNngM_cAgEgKqGAmd_BOzuN_2OLSBpw10YCgqK4GyIe7uCIraMAK02iFXh-o22fSqrTaC9PJYPye1bcU9v4_oMNSktvqLSSehq8QiFLMAqrcKnk_k&disp=emb" width="255" /><br /><br />I can only imagine what they have seen and had to do over the past couple of months. I pray they and everyone else working the front lines stay healthy and safe and I pray the same for all of you.<br /><br />Take care my friends. Stay home and stay safe.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br /><br />~ MBMBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-79411428379476573902020-04-29T15:28:00.005-04:002020-04-29T15:28:53.627-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 44 - Star Date 04.29.2020 – Wordless Wednesday – Then and NowCaptain’s Log – Day 44 - Star Date 04.29.2020 – Wordless Wednesday – Then and Now<br /><br /><img height="213" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1665327556636467740&th=171c6e96e7fc621c&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_4tv4-zBIb2F5HW0gwvU64FSV7brCt8WCcN98dUJZbKJbsXedndcJNqpvMuF32vK9eetZi2ItpnHP5qRax5Jh3ukF8z8wdFB-eGLo5O6yuHgyv2Mv5X1Bevvg&disp=emb" width="320" /><div>
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<img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1665327556636467740&th=171c6e96e7fc621c&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_4JbcNNHwj1DagJ0r-SP6Nb7ZqPwLRI9MvEWzrIKH29jPtSspkrpvrR6SCI0vMqec8wSQ-SeYRY4M7nOClGuz0WhFMFZXnIxfQFY8ZITcXDPFNaVFIoT7Dq7s&disp=emb" width="226" /><br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~ MB</div>
MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-9915481535854975412020-04-28T15:27:00.000-04:002020-04-29T15:27:34.851-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 43 – Who am I?Captain’s Log – Day 43 – Who am I?<br /><br />Hello Friends –<br /><br />I hope all is well with you and you are staying strong, home, healthy and safe.<br /><br />It has been fascinating to learn new things about our coworkers, friends and family through all this social distancing and the need for video conference calls from home. We have been able to get a small glimpse into people’s homes where we get to see their pets, kids, spouses and decor. We’ve been forced to get back to basics and, for better or worse, we’re beginning to see some people’s true colors (and some people’s true hair color).<br /><br />Our office staff recently played a game of “Who am I” where we disclosed two interesting facts about ourselves to one person and then everyone else had to guess who that person was. These were things we never would have known if it weren’t for our current situation. Who knew we work with someone who ran with the bulls, someone who’s gone night diving, or someone who’s a serious gamer? It was all very interesting and we had so lots of fun learning more about each other.<br /><br />Lately I’ve been feeling like a character from an 80’s movie who famously said “I want to wear my sandals. I want to go out to lunch. I want to be NORMAL again!” I’ve been repeating this line over and over again for the past month or so. <br /><br />I thought it would be interesting to see who knows who said it and what movie it’s from. <br /><br />Quote: “Oh, okay I took my life in my own hands, I made a mistake, fine I'm sorry! I'll never do it again! I want to wear my sandals. I want to go out to lunch. I want to be NORMAL again!”<br /><br />Who am I?<br /><br /><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1665235206587733257&th=171c1a98fc22d509&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_icBUZVpx-_fx3cPk2tKrcE0oQZt1VzcYtVGNYO1Ggn_QGk8KdKnxBGkmojzYoZyWbap-MxDVNag6Jo0l2Fw1BCRIp1aBm3wdNeRTQhFIVADFfheE1NmMrks0&disp=emb" /><br /><br />Are there any interesting facts about you that people may not know? Please feel free to share.<br /><br />I hope you have a great day. Take care, stay home and stay safe.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~ MBMBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-31832862336281608442020-04-27T15:21:00.000-04:002020-04-29T15:26:13.384-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 42Captain’s Log – Day 42<br />
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Hello Friends –<br />
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I hope you all had a great weekend and found some time to relax and unwind from the stress of the work week. Our calendars that were once filled are now blank or full of crossed-out/cancelled events. They are just sitting there waiting for the day we can start filling them up again. We’ve got nowhere to be other than right where we are in this moment so we might as well get settled in.<br />
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I’ve been seeing things in a whole new light these days. Ordinary beauty is all around us and is just waiting to be seen and appreciated. I certainly get some funny looks when I point my camera in a direction nobody tends to look. I’ll point it to the sky to capture treetops, clouds or the tops of buildings or I’ll point it at the fruit and vegetable section of the grocery store (not lately). Some people will stop and ask what I’m taking a picture of and then shake their head when I tell them. For years I was obsessed with macro photography because it made me look much closer at this big world of ours. I seem to focus on some of those everyday things we don’t even take notice of anymore. The things that are always there until they’re not. It’s like a telephone booth or a rotary phone - they used to be everywhere but now it’s a rare sighting. What’s next?<br />
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This is an ideal time for us to take in our surroundings with fresh eyes. If you live with others, really look them in the eye, notice the details of their face and memorize the sound of their voice. If you live alone, look in the mirror or pay close attention on your next video chat with friends/family and look at those details. Take a walk around your house. Soak in all the beautifully flawed spaces and appreciate the fact that you have a safe place to take shelter. There is so much to be thankful for even while our thoughts tend to be consumed by all the things we are missing out on. Life is full of wonder but it’s not usually the big moments, the “what’s next” longings or the “if only” moments. It’s in the right here and now. This ordinary everyday life that’s right smack dab in front of us. This is it.<br />
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I’m doing my best to appreciate all that we have to get us through these tough times while we wait for this danger to pass. Until then, we just wait.<br />
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The waiting is the hardest part</div>
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Every day you get one more yard</div>
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You take it on faith, you take it to the heart</div>
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The waiting is the hardest part</div>
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Oh don't let it kill you baby, don't let it get to you</div>
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Don't let it kill you baby, don't let it get to you</div>
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I'll be your bleedin' heart, I'll be your cryin' fool</div>
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Don't let this go too far</div>
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Don't let it get to you</div>
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~ Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers</div>
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Take care, stay home and stay safe.<br />
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Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />
~ MB</div>
MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-20955005472197507772020-04-24T15:05:00.000-04:002020-04-29T15:05:26.036-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 39Captain’s Log – Day 39<br /><br />Happy Friday My Friends!<br /><br />Wooohooo! We’ve almost made it through another work from home week.<br /><br />I was going a bit stir crazy yesterday so Bill and I took a road trip to Boston after I clocked out of work. It took less than 7 minutes to get from my house to the Public Garden. It would normally take well over an hour to get there during rush hour. Silver linings everywhere. <br /><br />Spring has certainly sprung on the blue blood streets of Boston. The tulips in the Public Garden have been planted but they have not fully bloomed yet. The trees are budding and the willows look beautiful but it’s not “peak” spring foliage just yet. Maybe next week.<br /><br />It was very strange to stand in the middle of Boylston Street and St. James Avenue during rush hour and not worry about getting run over. I definitely got an eerie feeling walking around our neighborhood that is usually hustling and bustling with activity at that time of day.<br /><br />Here are a few of the pictures I took on my walk through the park yesterday. <br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-oMvsM205EBuDcWI7swKkhF9eBDpaAjl-JtfKuemUalQzmOLaDUbkM6NDhDKY-9w3RVRYHcIMmIHHfSpzyUKJO7SPqLHuwVzkAHIycIrLPcs055BtCArmAet4&disp=emb" width="246" /> <div>
<img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_bqhTSN0OjnNuN-DMs3BMCoM2oqknPY4VmkcSzGrQ7YOLuL02hKV3JJ5zPZHyHAcFOTo5kPts1ObqT9K9rkIVIsrhFPYRhXfKdX2hRxWcfa-rSoQeIx7CPBdE&disp=emb" width="231" /> </div>
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<img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.3&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ9RbQ55geTCEuykR-j78B-gEgMnLvYeMPVJvmbMdDqpBtNtanhNilEbmGAXHVkT-7IA9ExOMJS74un9cSM34dEOdBOfBUC4HP3tsMAMFKGWmqcZD_63Y82yqPY&disp=emb" width="233" /><br /><br /><img height="193" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.4&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-U45UK-cZ2pV0xVn3lH40GnrOqJIDD-YldNphhWm4a5i_94sLtWEXk_f-3apVU3YsKJU_YM_bYYVoKJU_rWSDhrzdmn0kzhY7YzvqAJOrUClMCXxiW90l_Xss&disp=emb" width="320" /> <div>
<img height="230" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.5&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-hiVu1yIsdnhAOF43T48WpKgC0E2ayDEEJ0ICEw1nxV_0re8wLYsNw2T47blVxXXP-4G6IrAhyyyAiheF9Q9Di6GbAELfq8-Cj7c2W8mxSX8PURzZEumQ3dD4&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br /><img height="238" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.6&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8nHhroNm56FvfYDekDURWx-MomHRxgh8Al-9YwoKBJ3Pm46OfKcOJflnmrmsXk3EqzuL0DmIYYHI5K5d9dE9byGwGRYwuaQcd6jF_IZopCRrd4IbYtCc6euP4&disp=emb" width="320" /> <div>
<img height="185" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.7&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8cVcVzuGvljtvfXP55sgTfF5GW8dssGc4mS6G_B0-mWAj3McMmYoc8cBkcSgVdJ4CQ0YdKWVAQHiyMiMn-1d6qxPVAj2BDkB6YmV-RRqHzhnr-yagQSrYfaGI&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br /><img height="260" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.8&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-Af_WjUkdZxWGrGVyVzyeZ59eM_8MPjprTsW3DJrJIWIt9Avqlp__qaGy65jbkWn6FAKn_Yj_ueqGI4XAbKlBFrSZ0nTKLNYxhzXT2GBqJW4YqXXSmGb_s1SA&disp=emb" width="320" /> <div>
<img height="213" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.9&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8UoewlVZGPWb_CZVsQ8mz0_IKXnYmnqHf20wVXfYYo6oy3X7xwoi-kWBf9zps7oMEpspVq5Fz1bUaQm4E78bWL1O_0J4C-aMziXQR5nk_1y8E9AaI_B3ZAGOM&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br /><img height="212" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.10&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-R_9pILTTeCSWN09rZBiEpcxZE5UQZiUkmFQr-lEVsH3ITzS9kmB6QaRzv6QGE1SyzshhPnqhNpzb3JDIXHzqmpa-Wjg6XUFaSBtxfkZJcmuAN4MKwhOc0TCM&disp=emb" width="320" /> <div>
<img height="212" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.11&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_i7NJCSkbDSjSVEx19FPp0avRY1ioRIxfv7D6jaXKjsuTqfOuZRKlAYm2N7H4sufKG1sF5cJKbzjY1K9nBDVYC_gyJ81ETx-kQ-W7jztOLM_GOfwC8WtFdTes&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.12&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8DbI56A3cUM5Z_KOewZOeumoq1cWzeoctOhk2wDAVyY14BlXpq2WDpdDZv-Xim0Y8cY_hs21aC0y_YdvUb8g7jYjNsG9SvNBN7zF-_fOc_IoKgyxoYOQnlXlQ&disp=emb" width="214" /> <div>
<img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.13&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8VHgN5zetsgUvPgR92lAuLdEMX_57Kf4gVHhCmjLrcstYf1vnecAgNtwuhOiBwOFGxbBEP0ssp0EO9Cfzo8sPT_KztD-SWK1YmYEIbMXm30lFKDha9Y3Z5q34&disp=emb" width="224" /> <div>
<img height="215" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.14&permmsgid=msg-f:1664876008219357416&th=171ad3e898fc30e8&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ96N2vt273G4vxOMAsIjq-1LUzw-eh0Zaw-rkNG4SVi1m7G2NLesx9K8odmtOeD8wmZGt8f6l586ufgIZ2sMwOEn3shnu4EFjm6iISpshm-tuYeA9dwHrrM6xw&disp=emb" width="320" /><br />The last photo was taken through my windshield so it’s not great quality but I wanted to show you all how empty the streets are these days.<br /><br />I hope you have a great weekend. Take care and stay safe out there.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~ MB</div>
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MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-17643640848433669982020-04-23T15:30:00.000-04:002020-04-24T00:28:56.245-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 38 – Keep Calm and Carry On<span style="color: purple;">Captain’s Log – Day 38 – Keep Calm and Carry On<br /><br />Greetings Comrades – <br /><br />How’s everyone doing today? I hope all is well in your area of isolation.<br /><br />“Keep Calm and Carry On" is to Brits what "I heart NY" is to New Yorkers. The phrase is plastered on every printable surface and remixed thousands of ways. If you bring it up with a Brit, you'll likely be met with an eye-roll much the same way a Bostonian may roll their eyes when a tourist asks if they can “pahk their cah in Hahvahd yahd.”<br /><br />The Keep Calm and Carry On poster was originally commissioned in 1939 by the temporary Ministry of Information in England, following the printing of two other inspirational posters stating "Freedom Is In Peril. Defend It With All Your Might" and "Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory." It was intended to be used to strengthen morale in the event of a large-scale attack or occupation, which many considered inevitable at the time. Though more than a million of these posters were originally commissioned, after the war ended they were kept in storage where most were destroyed. <br /><br /><img border="0" height="152" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1664797232731649955&th=171a8c434005f7a3&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-3YT9nbq3sRfrmGmtdrK4TU0UB1bJz90bf-i-wMk7hnQ1FKScjdTyrsKY-dNfVZafGVYPVs4N-fevoCrRMdPOqPXIAN3PWYFeQkpLKtk2e52RyFRcokEwmaao&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />In 2000, Stuart and Mary Manley found the poster folded at the bottom of a box of old books they purchased at an auction for their bookshop. Not knowing its origins, the couple had it framed and hung it in the shop, where they began selling prints of it the following year. Since then, many have used it to encourage people to Keep Calm and “X”. I know many of us are struggling to keep calm these days but calm also has a coefficient.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Here's what Seth Godin recently said about it:<br /><br />“Panic loves company. And yet calm is our practical, efficient, rational alternative. If you’re on a crowded plane and one person is freaking out about turbulence, the panic will eventually peter out. If, on the other hand, six people are freaking out, it’s entirely possible that it will spread and overtake the rest of the plane. Panic needs multiple nodes to spread.<br /><br />The same is true with a cabin of 10-year-olds at summer camp. One homesick kid usually comes around and ends up enjoying the summer, because being surrounded by others who are okay makes us okay. But three or four homesick kids can change the entire dynamic.<br /><br />While calm is a damping agent, it’s not nearly as effective at spreading itself as panic is. The library is usually a quiet place because the dominant cultural narrative in the library is to be quiet. Because it’s dominant, the coefficient of its spread is sufficient to keep it that way. We have to expend effort to create environments of calm, because calm has a coefficient that can’t compete with panic when it comes to spreading.<br /><br />And Twitter? Twitter has been engineered to maximize panic. Calm is penalized, panic is amplified. And if you are hanging out in real life with people who spend a lot of time on social media and news sites, you’ve invited all of those people into your circle as well.<br /><br />We can find lots of reasons why fifty years of watching just three dominant TV networks wasn’t ideal. But the combination of oligopoly and the FCC meant that none of them spread panic. They weren’t built for it. When cable “news” showed up, they discovered that panic was a great way to make a profit. Not to make things better, simply to spread anger and fear. If panic is helpful, of course you should bring it on. But it rarely is.<br /><br />Instead:<br />Curate your incoming.<br />Stay off Twitter.<br />Do the work instead. Whatever needs doing most is better than panic.<br />Being up-to-date on the news is a trap and a scam. Five minutes a day is all you need.”<br /><br />Keep Calm and Isolate On because Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Take care, stay home and stay safe.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~ MB</span>MBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-29915668117189153172020-04-22T21:57:00.000-04:002020-04-24T00:58:03.602-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 37<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"></span>Captain’s Log – Day 37<br /><br />Happy Administrative Professionals Day to all my fellow admins! It was so nice getting to see some of your faces on our zoom meeting this morning. I’m looking forward to seeing you again IRL someday soon.<br /><br />Happy Hump Day and Happy Earth Day to everyone else. One of the few positives to come out of all this madness is the gift to our environment. Air quality has improved significantly in many cities around the world since there are so few cars out on the road and many factories have stopped their pollution production. It just goes to show how much damage we do and how we really could make things better by changing some of our ways.<br /><br />In honor of Earth Day, we should all try to be like a tree:<br /><br />-Stand tall and proud<br />-Go out on a limb<br />-Remember your roots<br />-Drink plenty of water<br />-Be content with your natural beauty<br />-Enjoy the view!<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1664694276301197763&th=171a2e9fd68f11c3&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8kihgNVM1-trk9zQ-x-83YoLM3YHJXAVrd0dVM8UJpZot5oUcjqXLdlEPyUkUUF887LJTkEwUe2_8UPYWuerDPTwyxQe6vmc1ibLO2V72Q1wLJCKX9N-Jfap0&disp=emb" width="264" /><br />
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<img height="301" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.3&permmsgid=msg-f:1664694276301197763&th=171a2e9fd68f11c3&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8pf-Rjle5cRSLgp6RcKI_TmXH1Zg4FaUWk9fMf75nvU-0scq8iAYiT62EMLPCwI930uMQIMaA1FW85lNoX2fQ2WsCDINbyOucwkXw9hlTx1kdgfAFhnxEchWE&disp=emb" width="320" /><br />
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<img height="268" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.4&permmsgid=msg-f:1664694276301197763&th=171a2e9fd68f11c3&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8fxvpsEvJSIkQymSkwea8H6kAD4aIYCgE4v87SBhwYTO-e0Exv9yq88SrnI-fZ6ZDw5NiBxxXLQhdOvum7T1ZSnVBt6ePi5Lzx_5CZ6-8yu-c-NthrI6nsa-I&disp=emb" width="320" /><br />
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<img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.5&permmsgid=msg-f:1664694276301197763&th=171a2e9fd68f11c3&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8w159h7H-qsWwJY2iQfLXwk_GpIZj9f3r0nu1BLNYNJqfUdi8ZcbzyZJ3YB7edQd_e9oiMCKeiOZ2lgVTOCkeQYiM7MjzEayYQmqKQC08qkQurMMRveuVqQJc&disp=emb" width="241" /><br /><br />So, how did you do on the Rebus Puzzle? Were you able to get them all?<br /><br />Spoiler Alert! Below the puzzle are the answers I got. I’d be interested to know if you got something different.<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1664694276301197763&th=171a2e9fd68f11c3&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8coOEhMv_An_kosVWYbytImD3rCU_S_LBW8-krtJSXTnadHRQaBUjWkmw0Qcz3zsUT259hse9r36pzv0wyWoXaDdR3_oLqChNoXVcoENeg5aweO6DOFcS6-Hc&disp=emb" width="276" /><br /><br />1. Sandbox<br />2. Man Overboard<br />3. I understand<br />4. Reading Between the Lines<br />5. Long Underwear<br />6. Crossroads<br />7. Downtown<br />8. Tricycle<br />9. Split Level<br />10. Three degrees below zero<br />11. Neon Lights<br />12. Under Eye Circles<br />13. High Chair<br />14. Pair of dice<br />15. Touchdown<br />16. Five feet underground (I think this should have been 6 feet)<br />17. Mind Over Matter<br />18. He’s beside himself<br />19. A Backwards Glance<br />20. Life After Death<br />21. G.I. overseas<br />22. Space Program<br />23. See-through blouse<br />24. Just Between You and Me<br /><br />Thanks for playing along.<br /><br />I hope you all have a great day!<br /><br />Take care, stay home and stay safe.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~MBMBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-37733227995242877362020-04-21T21:55:00.000-04:002020-04-24T00:38:03.995-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 36 – All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull BoyCaptain’s Log – Day 36 – All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy<br /><br />Hello My Friends,<br /><br />How’s everyone doing today? I hope you are well and have everything you need to get you through the days (weeks?/months?) ahead.<br /><br />Now that we have been working in isolation for six weeks(!), I think we can all better understand how Jack went completely nuts in The Shining. While I am extremely grateful we are able to work from home during this time, I can better understand how people who work from home can feel like they never get away from “the office.” I strongly believe we need to take time away from the screens and phones and have a little play time or we will certainly go crazy.<br /><br />When I saw the rebus puzzle below, it made me think of the puzzles on the caps of Haffenreffer bottles. Haffenreffer was a brand of malt liquor my friends and I used to drink back in the day (it’s probably the #1 reason why I hate beer now). It had several nicknames: "The Green Monster" (referring to the left field wall at Fenway Park), "Haffenwrecker" and "The Green Death" all due to relatively high alcohol content. <br /><br />It took me a while to figure out a few of these but I eventually got them all. How many can you get?<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1664602742593579247&th=1719db5ffc6e68ef&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-tOdVMgo1RwLccOQZuFhUytXI9BhfnVbOMMRiFgdEYbW5EgRRG2i4GopKPjTp3uaLQUCi2xbfN6nEdudL1__uiDy-msXIrJbtljByeux_GfYNDmEgO-J_RJzo&disp=emb" width="276" /><br /><br />Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to get away from the screens and break out the games (board games, playing cards, Uno, crossword puzzles, word search puzzles, Sudoku, Left/Right/Center, crayons, gel pens, adult coloring books or whatever you got) and lose yourself in some playtime. Video games are fun but you are still staring at a screen so I’d suggest breaking away from all the screens (after work hours of course) and GO PLAY!<br /><br /><img height="255" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1664602742593579247&th=1719db5ffc6e68ef&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ85MY-FySNmqQBuF3mnY4sxl9K98MLYTLrTgdu5ieHL3xDAI-ezjlhHRwZLCaI_Fb5sRzqma2UGnVcdxRS2ztrP032gFROtaF03LUiJOY0WWoqYfQEKI1c2wLY&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />When the dust settles and our world rights itself again, I think we will realize how little we really need, how very much we already have, and the true value of human connection.<br /><br />Take care of your physical and mental health, stay home and stay safe.<br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~MBMBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-65306583099811686322020-04-20T21:54:00.000-04:002020-04-24T00:42:44.016-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 35 – Patriots Day/Marathon MondayCaptain’s Log – Day 35 – Patriots Day/Marathon Monday<br /><br />Happy Patriots Day – NO Marathon Monday<br /><br />It’s all very surreal. There were no runners boarding busses to Hopkinton early this morning. There were no runners to take a right on Hereford, left on Boylston. There is no Red Sox game being played this afternoon. There is no marathon being run on this Marathon Monday. This is the first time the Boston Marathon has been cancelled in its 123 year history. The 2020 Boston Marathon is now scheduled for September 14th when we all hope to be living our best lives in a post-corona virus new world.<br /><br />Marathon Monday is a day about triumphs and tragedies. We will never forget what happened in 2013. It was a beautiful sunny Marathon Monday, the Red Sox won, and the annual running of the Boston Marathon turned upside down in an explosive instant. We were all shook to our very core and our world forever changed. We could not believe what we saw and heard that day but we all came together and showed the terrorists that we are Boston Strong, we will overcome and we will never forget.<br /><br />Once again, our world has changed and has been turned upside down. We are now fighting a very different fight but we need to come together now more than ever so we can win this battle and come back even stronger.<br /><br />I look forward to seeing you all sometime soon and I look forward to seeing all the marathon runners in September when they will be able to run Boston again.<br /><br />Stay strong, stay healthy and stay safe.<br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1664512952194631711&th=171989b60799081f&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8elVP6tJm3QK6GELQ5D0BJoViSrld_WoKdhk1g1H_IvgRfAj0dk7jdlllkHvfZ60vT17M1Wlz5uRZekO6FRkEvFJ-Z2PQyYJu9Uz2Z1YNiARnfeYr7-FISweE&disp=emb" width="278" /> <br /><br /><img height="277" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1664512952194631711&th=171989b60799081f&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8l8-bIUOSw7HiLWOMguBOII5B8REiK9MfDkhKF143v1s33eJUM4ujF3C7vmvQu2CgNIUsNLtvfnP5K5Y3hl-bg-RsTHDVnQY9QR5jFlWYnW9Zo7YUwf1Fgbek&disp=emb" width="320" /> <br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.3&permmsgid=msg-f:1664512952194631711&th=171989b60799081f&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-cUwl5ZS_QOCMHc5Rbsnw0Oy-JUB8pj4d30ONXc8fyCIpRoa5YwAWptbPPPxDiEHdQTtXZJEHJ_EsQilsdcHyxQbXSjew5-Bb-OBo0LDWZl3dmBjMnrNKbAN8&disp=emb" width="294" /><br /><br /><img height="297" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.4&permmsgid=msg-f:1664512952194631711&th=171989b60799081f&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_HERwaOgDkMdeVpt_3pPGjYdLjCIXTgEDOUzSV0Pwts5YyWDl6nn1v_PkMtVpdHxLltQzflZF7q-9REjKGJkUg63USdEpSuVxMi1TzvhVgK4IZdhdpOvzvQ6E&disp=emb" width="320" /> <br /> <br /><img height="224" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.5&permmsgid=msg-f:1664512952194631711&th=171989b60799081f&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8Vt4vmB92jbKZp0tuVUsmKhbtcL3MZC3Bq-dr12e4igMXFy9QWVpHUgZ1Mcv4ZglnR3ntQcYQSLL0GFAIZdYwmopY3FTZvGNPoc--ZIWovqJZS-w2xk1uoY-U&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /> <br /><img height="242" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.6&permmsgid=msg-f:1664512952194631711&th=171989b60799081f&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-XJ0v1u4gHt6begij42-N2U0X0bkHfIn9vYjjN1DGe2vjYcb7tDhUguaF-_NpVaHGKpyTuMD081_wrk8KxdBH8r0Nw4Lvat2jZ5_Wtkj7DSbTeaiTpeTU5jlo&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br /><img height="254" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.7&permmsgid=msg-f:1664512952194631711&th=171989b60799081f&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ8G_LAKMiuSc5KYm1xlovX8ABVRZR3b9bnrfVACyt6VU1BsLPS-mgaItssskHPn9aNJZP32S61fFwONzZCqXxpnqgadVCuJzWMXHbXqIvimOELui8YKq6QUCqA&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~ MBMBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3897733797182084069.post-74055112624123723422020-04-17T21:53:00.000-04:002020-04-24T00:46:12.307-04:00Captain’s Log – Day 32 - TGIFCaptain’s Log – Day 32 - TGIF<br /><br />Happy Friday Friends!<br /><br />We’ve almost made it through another week of working from home and maneuvering through all the challenges that come along with it. We are all finding different ways to accomplish things we hardly gave a second thought to before this pandemic put a halt to our regular routines. We no longer waste time commuting but we are spending more time waiting in line at the supermarket. We don’t have to rush out to drop off or pick up the kids from school or daycare but we are now home schooling. We are not meeting up with friends for lunch, dinner or drinks after work but we are using technology to get together virtually. Things are definitely different but I think we’re all managing to create our new routines.<br /><br />There will always be a choice on what road to take to accomplish any goal. How do we make those decisions? Are you someone who just randomly picks a road and heads out or do you research all of the possibilities and carefully consider your options? Is it as simple as a random “eeny, meeny, miney, moe” game or making a list of pros and cons to each direction? No matter how careful you are in making a decision, you can still find yourself on a road you never intended to go down or you may be pleasantly surprised by the detour you have to take in order to get to your destination. Sometimes when we are in the thick of it we are unable to see how close we are to our destination so don’t give up. We all may need to get a little lost to eventually find our way through.<br /><br />When all this is over and we're looking at this period in history in the rear-view, I want pictures of what it all looked like. Pictures remind me what it felt like at the time and I don't want to forget what any of this felt like. I’ve got pictures of empty streets that are usually packed with people and vehicles. I’ve got pictures of deserted parks and stores that have been closed down. I’ve got pictures of the long lines of people with masks on waiting six feet apart to get in to the supermarket. There is nothing special about these pictures but it will be a reminder of what the world looked like during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. <br /><br />Whatever we're calling it today - social distancing, self-isolating, quarantining, battening down the hatches, extreme cocooning, full-contact pie-eating - there's no denying how unique a moment in time this is. As difficult and bumpy this road may be, we are all traveling it together.<br /><br />Please be safe out there and don’t get too discouraged if you come across the Bell of Frustration. Keep moving forward and eventually you will reach the Bell of Success. As I often say to my fellow snowmobilers – Be safe, ride right and ride on. J<br /><br /><img height="216" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1664238062292120974&th=17188fb33c9b358e&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-lOpraRPKYEqYjHlXd_vzDTpbolJk96pnbRKDDlOLTlIG0Yxf4psJ-ZQLMkZHNWuSTrYC42ED6SnAe1KDc_TXKnjaWhpcEG8zjRBWqi14InM-aiPqESS4nB8A&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br /><img height="129" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1664238062292120974&th=17188fb33c9b358e&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-zn7K2AJgYsoDwDTg1s0VMniSjdnOz4ATqGkp3_Q14cvKZp6bfe71MkLIXOK5fG4UAYmH-TwwKToPpa5eIWwcZ1AfCkhNtls64A8M6ICo-uYfJ7eBF27YEHzA&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.3&permmsgid=msg-f:1664238062292120974&th=17188fb33c9b358e&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ99l4hpxyTI0_CktUwdmfLq8WzaD9Kv-PAqATunrnMakiqyte3qDW1luE0SVjDVdhLXZ6Iomzb4tVVS7a9E_nfl0ncHiwwuSmn3FI31kMVcB4NcNkYxulKd2Es&disp=emb" width="212" /> <br /><br /><br /><img height="258" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.4&permmsgid=msg-f:1664238062292120974&th=17188fb33c9b358e&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_lbcq0YkRTfNu5jQMxNwJYlVB8imOcUprNNpSjdWroa7UwwCPactEHbjpX8-E9FUxEWzD2BSfotM748PPlBf4FCdC8Lq2ugXi2QFJyeccubO_XR4ipMDqom1I&disp=emb" width="320" /> <br /><br /><img height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.5&permmsgid=msg-f:1664238062292120974&th=17188fb33c9b358e&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-He8XncsG58EHcXRttE0X34n8CVGZv6m_HcRoHttkHrymRcUMVG1JD7KUpHg6qaJIGAbAakqMBdpTZMKi26rNBJlzJCODrZP0TljtdTE-e5LAehyzCoknNP0k&disp=emb" width="300" /><br /><br /><img height="237" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.6&permmsgid=msg-f:1664238062292120974&th=17188fb33c9b358e&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_lrLkmiVY5RmoeKHrHFi7mcsCxQ2NzzrWJscIOyyo7VdeppV8uDIObAoTwMnO_iNZA2sf__eD5Wlsjin9AJt86_wSXvBZ84EhUf00mfFS__fE_sPnr78E0v04&disp=emb" width="320" /><br /><br /><img height="239" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.7&permmsgid=msg-f:1664238062292120974&th=17188fb33c9b358e&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-CF1W1ufq45NxIDpmF0DaBVUIf5SM-LN2f99W2MkP2dHEUxfZ7wUszZgsGMLytPRrkNEiS9Dqx6kB6igTMBg4wq6Cy4OChLOGGI2ryLW_-mB9slSRXExLhSvY&disp=emb" width="320" /><br />
<br /><img height="263" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f1c41215ff&attid=0.9&permmsgid=msg-f:1664238062292120974&th=17188fb33c9b358e&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-W-sCEOcZQUjtqpFdrPwBxD5sbqrX5N6fOt0a85i9TmAfLS2zgTFTek_e_eh6gsXKHGxlxJyuPpgH-PW2LhS_yzVMNPVV9tnCGl5TblaCSHFckf0nQBfka4BI&disp=emb" width="320" /><br />Physically distant but socially engaged,<br />~ MBMBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01430150187237706515noreply@blogger.com0