As I write this, I am on hold with my bank. The repetitive music loops back on itself at remarkably frequent intervals. Every 15 seconds I am invited to speak to a customer representative. Nothing new about this experience. The question is why am I bothering right now? After all, it is well known that this waiting on hold, particularly with a ghastly repeating music soundtrack, is like driving a rusty nail into your head. Still, I am determined, absolutely determined. I can deal with the matter Read more [...]

I just emerged from a delightful midday session in the Conservatory, a.k.a. greenhouse, surrounded by my favorite companions, vis-à-vis tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, more tomatoes, lettuce and, of course, spinach. One thing about my photosynthetic friends…they are very quiet. I have encouraged them to open up, let it hang out. But to no avail. What’s on their little green minds? Actually, I’m afraid to find out.  One thing high on the list might be the onslaught of a terrible rust Read more [...]

In writing this blog I have had to tear myself away from a very interesting web depiction of Crossrail, London’s new 13-mile rail link. Sorry, but I do have to go on. Crossrail is 13 miles of tunnels, and that’s just the main tunnels. Actually, it’s much more. But, never mind, let’s say it’s 13 miles. And the whole thing was being planned as recently as 2008. The project got its first £1, billion influx of funds in 2009. And, if you wanted to know, and you probably didn’t, the first Read more [...]