Flashback Post LV

As the Paris Olympics gear up, I decided to republish a post from February of 2013. Go USA (with a few exceptions).

See: Rooting for Champions 

Overnight Deluge

Following the most stifling heat and humidity of the season to date, a "cold" front arrived overnight, igniting thunderstorms and torrential rain.  Official precipitation totals for the Greater Columbia area exceed 5 inches, the greatest we have experienced in our 27 years of residence.

Due to a failed gutter, we received minor flooding in one bedroom but more extensive evidence of the deluge was evident throughout the neighborhood.  A normally placid creek had risen to leave "high water" debris across lawns and gravel bars still snake along adjacent roadways.

Since we remain in a long term drought, the rain was welcome but its intense arrival was not.  Compared with Jamaica's residents, who face the wrath of a Category 4 Hurricane, our local damage was a minor inconvenience but climate change surely plays a role in both.  Indeed, despite the deluge and the frontal passage, warm, humid air still envelops central Missouri and more rain is expected this afternoon and evening. 

Solitude, Nature & Music

To paraphrase Janis Ian, they'll be Weeks Like These.  Trump's incessant lies, Biden's meltdown and a corrupt Supreme Court dominated the news.  Time for stress management.

In my case, that means solitude, nature and music, alone or in combination.  This morning, I retreated to the front porch where, in the cool morning air, a hummingbird explored one of our flower beds.  As per my usual habit, music rose from my I-phone.

We all have our comfort choices and these are mine.  Besides, they are healthier than ice cream. 

Imposing Religion

The separation of Church and State has long been a guiding principle in America.  Christian Conservatives want to change that policy.

Recently, political leaders in Louisiana announced that the Ten Commandments must be posted in public school classrooms.  Now, the State of Oklahoma has required Bible study in its public schools.

Among other alarming developments across America, this in-your-face effort to impose religious dogma is exceptionally offensive.  As we know, religious faith and immorality often coexist, especially among racists, misogynists and child abusers.  While the Supreme Court put down such zealotry in the past, our current Justices are more inclined to side with States Rights.  Vote Democratic!