Aging and Independence

We humans hope to live a long, healthy life but many, perhaps most of us, do not wish to outlive our independence.  Achieving that goal is not always successful due to illness but staying active and adhering to science-based lifestyle recommendations increase our chances.

Attention to visual and hearing deficits is especially important since a safe interaction with our environment and effective communication with our family and friends help to stave off accidents, a common trigger of deteriorating health in older individuals.  Since our ability to absorb essential nutrients diminishes with age, a healthy, well-balanced diet is very important; a daily multivitamin tablet makes sense but most longevity-enhancing supplements, advertised on TV, are of dubious value.

Finally, the importance of acknowledging one's limitations is too often ignored and independence may be threatened by an unwillingness to ask for assistance, especially when facing high-risk tasks.  Pride should never be the cause of an early demise. 

The Prestige Bowl

Today's Super Bowl, in California, is more than the NFL Championship Game.  It is the place to be seen for the wealthy and the well-connected.  No doubt, private jets have already arrived from across the globe.

While tickets are said to average $6000-$7000, celebrities, corporate executives and their guests shell out far more for the suites.  Leading up to the game, we have heard from many of those wealthy individuals, publicly affirming their intention (i.e. qualification) to attend the game and, perhaps more importantly, its social events.

The gladiators themselves are rewarded handsomely for their willingness to risk serious injury and, down the line, chronic traumatic encephalopathy while sports betting services encourage TV viewers to wager their hard-earned money on every aspect of the contest.  Enjoy the Greatest American spectacle!  I will pass.

The Dolomites

Those watching the Winter Olympics from Italy, may have heard that the skiing events are being held in The Dolomites.  This range, in northeast Italy, lies within the Southern Limestone Region of the Alps.

Most of the land that is now Italy became part of Northern Africa when the Tethys Sea opened, some 200 million years ago, separating Europe and Africa.  When that Sea closed, beginning 50 million years ago, Italy was Africa's leading point as it drifted northward and rammed into Europe, lifting the Alps and associated ranges in the process; marine sediments from the Tethys thus form the southern edge of the Alps.  In areas where the sediments were rich in magnesium, the limestone took the form of dolomite (calcium-magnesium-carbonate).

Dolomite is found in many limestone formations across the globe.  Of interest to those of us in Missouri, it is widespread in the Ordovician limestone of the Ozarks.

See also: Italy and Africa and Oil and the Tethys Sea

Flashback Post LXXIII

As the Winter Olympics get underway in Milan, Italy, I have decided to repost my sentiments from August, 2024.

See: Thoughts on the Olympics 

Journalism & Freedom

The founder of the largest book distribution system in the U.S. has reduced staffing at the Washington Post by 30%.  One would think that Jeff Bezos, who began his lucrative career by encouraging Americans to purchase and read books of all genres, would respect the importance of journalism in this highly politicized country and across the globe.

Unfortunately, one suspects that this mass firing is more of a political than a financial move.  Having purchased the paper that brought down Nixon, Bezos, among the most wealthy individuals in America, seems to be reluctant to demonstrate independence during the reign of another corrupt and power-hungry President.

What can be more important than an aggressive free press when our Democracy is threatened and human rights are under attack?  As a vital election approaches, this drastic decision is especially suspect and unfortunate.

Trump & Groundhog Day

Yesterday, Americans were subjected to the silly, annual rites of Groundhog Day.  I suspect most of us are more enamored with the film than the ritual; in that film, a TV weather man (Bill Murray) is forced to relive Groundhog Day until he becomes empathetic and is able to express love.

In modern-day America, we now wake up each morning to learn that Our Dear Leader has released another Presidential order, attacking, suing or degrading one of his presumed enemies or expanding the power of his office.  Trump has not and will not learn from his cruel, selfish behavior.  Extreme narcissism negates a happy ending for him or for our country.

Incapable of kindness, empathy or compassion, Trump will never leave office voluntarily.  A third Impeachment will likely be the only means of putting an end to our ongoing Groundhog Day.   

The Thaw Begins

After two weeks of frigid weather and a period of heavy snow, a thaw has begun in central Missouri.  Though overnight lows may dip below freezing, afternoon highs are expected to gradually climb over the next ten days.

Down at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this afternoon, the amount of open water had increased, attracting a mix of gadwall, mallards, green-winged teal and ring-necked ducks.  Except for a northern harrier and a few members of the sparrow family, bird sightings were otherwise limited.

But the current forecast is reassuring, fortifying my conviction that February should be considered the first month of spring.  The birth of great horned owls, the nesting activity of magpie and crows, the northward migration of geese,  the drumming and hysterical call of flickers, increasing birdsong and the blooming of early bulb plants all signal the gradual change of seasons.  Following the extreme cold in January, the coming thaw will be especially welcome. 

Junco Road

Exploring one of my favored country roads on this sunny, cold morning, I only encountered five avian species.  But one of them, dark-eyed juncos, were especially abundant, foraging on and along the graveled road.

Small but hardy, these "snow birds" often fly up from the weedy borders of country roads as vehicles pass, their white outer tail feathers aiding identification.  This morning, as my pickup crawled past snow-covered fields, they were easy to observe as they scoured the gravel for windblown seed.  Most were of the slate-colored race, joined by some "Oregon juncos."  My conservative count for eBird was 125 along the 3 mile stretch of road.

Unlike our response to encountering large raptors in frigid winter weather, birders and suburbanites tend to pity small songbirds as they face the cold wind and snow.  But one need not worry about the gregarious juncos; they will head back to Canada or to the higher mountains before it gets too warm in the spring. 

One on One

Anyone who regularly reads this blog knows that I relish periods of solitude.  And, to be completely honest, I'll admit that I much prefer one-on-one interactions over social gatherings.

I find that time and conversation with another individual is much more enjoyable and meaningful than the chaos of parties and crowds, especially when attendees strive to gain attention with their stories of adventure or mishap.

This is not a judgement on my part; no doubt, life would be dull if we were all alike.  On the other hand, those of us who are not groupies are more likely to be criticized for staying in our comfort zone and, as a consequence, may tend to feel antisocial.  I contend that a preference for intimate conversations is not a vice; indeed, in my personal experience, they have been among the highlights of my life.

Defund ICE

There is no greater threat to our Democracy than what is transpiring in Minnesota.  The death of two young Americans at the hands of our own immigration enforcement service and the cruel lies of Trump and his Cabinet members necessitate a dramatic response.

ICE in its current form must be abolished and funding for immigration control must be significantly reduced.  If that requires a government shutdown, then so be it.  We must all be willing to deal with the inconveniences and economic effects of a shutdown if we truly want to put an end to Trump's assault on human rights.

This is not the time to "trim around the edges;" the Republican members of Congress must be forced to take decisive action.  Politics as usual is insufficient and the impeachment of those responsible for this crisis is imperative.

Let there be Light

Having just experienced one of the most severe winter storms in decades, many Americans hope for an "early spring."  While that may or may not seem to occur, relief is already evident in the cold, blue sky.

By late January, the lengthening period of sunlight is noticeable as a higher sun shines down on the snowy landscape.  Most of us would agree that bright sunshine makes cold weather more tolerable and, whether we understand the astronomical cause or not, we welcome the longer days that characterized the original homeland of our species.

No doubt, there will be more winter weather ahead but the sun will "gain strength" as its rays fall more directly on the Northern Hemisphere.  In the words of George Harrison, "Here Comes the Sun."   

Flashback Post LXXII

As the atrocities of the Trump Administration consume our attention and threaten our Democracy, the subject of my posts frequently drift away from Nature.  While she can be a source of comfort during this difficult time, we cannot ignore the fact that governmental policies threaten her welfare as well, a point I made in a post from August of 2023.

See: Politics, Religion & Conservation  

When Governments Kill Their Own

A month ago, King Trump warned the leaders in Iran that their killing of protestors would have severe consequences.  Since then, Trump's Ice thugs have murdered two Americans.

As in Iran, our Government blames the victims, calling them domestic terrorists and declining to investigate the action of those responsible.  Indeed, in Minneapolis, civil rights have been suspended and military rule has displaced democracy.

The solution to this crisis lies with our Senators and Representatives.  They must defund Ice and put an end to the reign of terror that Trump has unleashed.  If not, a National Revolution may soon unfold.

Addendum:  Please excuse my initial typo; only two innocent individuals have been killed (so far), unless we also count those who have died in custody or in foreign prisons. 

Life in Winter

On days like these, with snow falling and afternoon temperatures hovering near zero degrees F, it is easy to believe that nature has shut down.  Barren trees and freeze-dried plants dominate the landscape and hardy birds and mammals appear to be the only survivors.  Compared with the abundant and explosive life of late spring and summer, death and decay seem to dominate the season.

But in the trees, beneath the leaf litter, within the soil and in the bottom muck of ponds, a myriad of life forms await the spring.  The eggs and larvae of invertebrates, the bulbs, seeds and rootlets of plants, the networks of fungi and the hibernating hordes of amphibians, reptiles and mammals are very much alive.

Of course, birds and some mammals depend on this hidden life to fuel their own winter survival.  We humans, relying on the convenience of grocery stores, too often fail to notice. 

A Crippling Winter Storm

If the current forecast is accurate (and they have become increasingly reliable), a major winter storm will move from the Southern Plains to New England and the Mid-Atlantic region over the next few days.  A broad swath of snow (north of its track) and ice (to its south) are expected to be crippling in some areas, especially related to travel and power outages.

This morning, a dome of Arctic air is dropping into the eastern 2/3 of the U.S., setting the stage for an atmospheric clash that will trigger the wintry precipitation..  The storm's central zone of low pressure will ride along the leading edge of this dome, sweeping Gulf of Mexico moisture into and above the frigid air. Farther east, the counterclockwise winds will pull in moisture from the Atlantic.

Perhaps the worst effect of the storm will be to magnify the entrenched notion among many Conservatives that global warming is a hoax.  What they do not understand (or prefer not to) is that climate change will augment the power and severity of all weather disturbances, whether they are hurricanes, thunderstorms or snowstorms. 

All the King's Men

Having backed Trump's vicious and inaccurate rhetoric about NATO and European countries, his Cabinet members now look like discarded puppets as Trump suddenly dropped his demands regarding an American takeover of Greenland and has eliminated his threats to impose crippling tariffs on those countries.

The Secretaries of Defense, State, Treasury and Commerce are especially diminished, as are numerous Republican members of Congress who refused to speak up as Trump ridiculed our Allies.  One wonders if they will learn from their international embarrassment or continue to support Trump's outrageous and demented whims.

Meanwhile, despite Trump's reversal, we have lost the trust of our European Allies and will not be able to rebuild it until another Administration takes over in Washington.

Castlewood State Park

The Meramec River rises in the Missouri Ozarks, southeast of Salem, and flows ENE for 218 miles to join the Mississippi in southern Metro St. Louis.  As it approaches that city, Castlewood State Park lines its northern shore, offering trail loops that run along the river, wind through forest and lead up to scenic bluffs that rise above the Meramec.

Today, my wife and I hiked the 2-mile river loop and endured the short but steep climb to overlooks atop the cliffs (photo).  In addition to the beautiful scenery, we encountered an excellent variety of birdlife, including wood ducks, red-tailed hawks, eastern bluebirds and several woodpecker species (among many other woodland songbirds).

Though it is clearly a popular State Park and well worth a visit, signage is absent along roads that lead toward the Park, which is south of Ballwin, Missouri.  We recommend that you consult maps before setting out for Castlewood State Park.

The Anti-MLK

Today we honor Martin Luther King, his life and his legacy.  Cut short by an assassin, his life was dedicated to protecting the rights of all humans, especially those in minority groups.

Now, almost 58 years after his death, America is "led" by a self-indulgent narcissist who could care less about the common man.  Focused on his personal power and consumed by his need for attention, he degrades those who do not worship everything he says or does.  In response, his Administration has condemned adherence to DEI principles and has focused on removing non-whites from positions of authority throughout the Federal government.

Let's hope that Trump is forced from office before civil rights are completely abolished in America. 

Freeze Out

Visiting Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area early this afternoon, I found that all water surfaces were frozen and that the thousands of ducks that were present for the past few weeks had moved on; only 16 American coot, huddled on a small island, were present to represent the waterfowl.

Other sightings included a couple of great blue herons, three ring-billed gulls, two red-tailed hawks and an American kestrel, not to mention a large, restless flock of starlings.

We expect a modest warmup this week and then another Arctic front by next weekend; I suspect the ducks will stay south for a while.  Whether we will encounter a significant number of migrant geese at Eagle Bluffs this season remains to be seen.

While Republicans Slept

King Trump has now been in office for one chaotic year.  Having pardoned the January 6 rioters, he moved on to attacking his political enemies; to date, almost all of those lawsuits have been unsuccessful.  He then enacted numerous, arbitrary tariffs on allies and foes alike, producing economic turmoil in the U.S. and across the globe.

Unleashing ICE thugs on Blue States and Cities, he has threatened the welfare of American citizens and trampled on the rights of immigrants.  In recent months, our King has committed war crimes on the high seas, kidnapped the illegitimate President of Venezuela and threatened to invade Greenland and Cuba.  Just in the last few days, he has expressed a willingness to invoke the Insurrection Act and has hinted that the upcoming midterm elections need not be held.

During all of this, the Republican members of Congress (with very few exceptions) have remained silent.  It was not until Trump launched an investigation of the Federal Reserve Chairman that Republicans began to awaken from their political slumber.  Why?  Because that move threatened their personal wealth.  Protecting their own welfare has been their overriding priority. 

Trump's Three Dollar Meals

Countering the mistaken belief that groceries are expensive, King Trump sent out his Agriculture Secretary to report that hundreds of meals can be made for three dollars apiece.  Her example was "a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli and something else."  Of course, one would have to drink water and a dessert would be out of the question.

One doubts that Our Dear Leader will be serving three dollar meals at his 400 million dollar ballroom but, according to recent reports, Trump orders only three items when he visits McDonalds: a Big Mac, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese and a Fish Sandwich.

Having cut aid to starving populations across the globe, the Trump Administration has no tolerance for American citizens who complain about grocery prices.  After all, emphasis must be placed on procuring Venezuelan oil, paying thugs to enforce our immigration laws and preparing to invade Greenland.

Birding in Frigid Sunshine

On this sunny but very cold morning in central Missouri, I took my usual drive through the farmlands east of Columbia.  As expected, many birds were clearly sheltered from the chill in thickets and woodlands.

But I did encounter some of the more hardy species along the graveled roads and above or on the broad fields and pastures.  Sixty or more Canada geese had settled on a partially frozen lake, a few flocks of dark-eyed juncos rose from the weedy roadsides as I passed, a large congregation of mourning doves foraged along the edge of a crop field, several American kestrels hunted from power lines, a Cooper's hawk streaked across my path in pursuit of unseen prey and an adult bald eagle soared overhead, oblivious of the frigid conditions.

Protected by the warm confines of my pickup, I admired the tenacity of those open country birds.  Of course, they have evolved to tolerate such conditions and, unlike we humans, are not discouraged by temperature readings or dire weather forecasts.

First Song of Spring

As winter sets in, birdsong nearly disappears, replaced by the harsh calls of crows, magpies and hawks and the hooting of owls.  The mellow tunes of spring are generally not expected for several months.

Over the past few days, however, I have noticed the welcome song of mourning doves, often wafting through the neighborhood before sunrise.  Triggered by the lengthening hours of sunlight, their hopeful tune may seem out of place amidst the harsh winter weather.

But the seasons are a continuum, not defined by dates on the human calendar.  Great horned owls are already nesting and the early bulb plants will push through the chilly soil within a couple of weeks.  The mourning doves do not "know" this but they certainly sense the coming change and are kind enough to spread the news. 

Crow Island

Birding in the Lower Bonne Femme Valley, southwest of Columbia, this morning, I drove out to the Missouri River where bald eagles often roost in large cottonwoods along the banks.  I did not see any eagles but did observe a flock of American crows, crowded on a rock outcrop in the middle of the river.  The exposed rock was only about 10 feet in diameter and I counted 32 crows.

I initially wondered if they spend the night there to avoid predation but doubt that a sizable flock of aggressive crows would be the target of any nocturnal hunter.  Perhaps it was a gathering point before a day of scavenging regional farmlands but, within ten minutes, they headed off in different directions.

Any experienced birder has regularly encountered much larger flocks of crows (especially in winter) but this morning's sighting was, after 50 years of birding, new to me.  Such is the nature of birding and the reason that we are repeatedly drawn into the great outdoors. 

Impersonal Efficiency

As artificial intelligence is utilized by most retail businesses, we consumers are directed to websites, chat boxes and computerized voices for the answers to our questions.  Whether we are refilling a prescription, have questions about a product, scheduling service or hoping to return merchandise, a kind, empathetic human is often hard to find.

Efficiency is king for the retailers, who can cut their human workforce and collect even more data from their customers.  The dehumanization of commerce is underway and will surely only increase.

Meanwhile, the diminishing opportunity for human communication and interaction is blamed for many ills in modern society.  Social gatherings have been replaced by social media encounters.  We must take the initiative ourselves by joining clubs, shopping in person, attending "live events" and by encouraging our family and friends to do the same.

Weldon Spring Conservation Area

There must be hundreds of Lewis & Clark Hiking Trails between St. Louis and the Pacific Northwest, commemorating the excursion of those adventurers.  One of these is an 8 mile loop at Weldon Spring Conservation Area, on the north wall of the Missouri River Valley, in St. Charles County.

We limited our hike today to a 2 mile section of that loop (4 miles roundtrip) that runs along a ridge top to broad views of the Missouri River (see photo).  The large access lot for this trail is on the south side of Missouri 94, a few miles west of Interstate 64.

An additional treat on this road trip was travel along Missouri 94 as we headed westward back to Columbia.  This paved, 2-lane highway jogs between the River Hills and the broad, flat floodplain of the Missouri River, passing river towns, vineyards, wineries, tree farms and ranches en route.  We recommend this scenic road for those wishing to avoid the congestion and monotony of Interstate 70.

See also:  Up River with Lewis & Clark (and the three posts that follow it)  

Winter Rain

During my youth (ages ago), winter rain was characterized by light, cold showers, often mixed with snow.  Any liquid that reached the ground would usually leave a glaze of ice until the weak, winter sun could melt it away.

Now, as our climate warms, spring-like rains, often accompanied by scattered thunderstorms, have become much more common during the winter months.  Indeed, yesterday morning, a storm system centered over western Kansas swept Gulf of Mexico moisture northward across the Heartland, fueling thunderstorms that dropped torrential rain on central Missouri.  Morning temperatures were in the mid 50s F, reaching the low 60's by early afternoon.

Though I enjoy periods of snow during the winter, cold rain and glazed surfaces have never been among my favorite winter features.  I thus must admit that spring-like storm systems, when devoid of destructive winds, are personally preferred while acknowledging that global warming will bring far greater challenges than icy sidewalks.

The Tool of Violence

Yesterday's killing of a peaceful protestor by an Ice Agent in Minneapolis is the latest use of violence by the Trump Administration; their goal is to foment fear and thereby stifle dissent.  Starting with his violent attempt to overthrow the 2020 election, Trump has unleashed a string of threats against his perceived enemies and is now encouraging violent measures to fulfill his deportation goals.

Of course, his capture of President Maduro and his wife resulted in the death of many Venezuelan guards and military members (and who knows how many innocent civilians).  Occurring on the heels of boat strikes that vaportized more than a hundred "drug traffickers," Trump's plan to take over the country will be a long and violent process, resulting in many deaths on both sides.

Our King is now threatening force in other Western Hemisphere countries that do not comply with his Imperialistic goals.  Republicans, abdicating their role of oversight, fear retribution if they speak out against his Administration.  Only a massive blue wave in November will put an end to the ongoing violence.    

Hiking a Secluded Ridge

Having no plans and promised warmer weather yesterday, my wife and I decided to take a hike at a Missouri Conservation Area that we had not yet visited.  Since we have lived in Columbia for 28 years, that self-imposed criteria took us one hour east of town to Little Lost Creek Conservation Area, southeast of Jonesburg.

Draped across the Little Lost Creek gorge on the north wall of the Missouri River Valley, its trails run atop ridges and along the streams.  Alone at the refuge, we chose a ridge top trail in its southeast quadrant which offered pleasing views along its course (photo).  Joined only by an occasional woodpecker and a flock of juncos, we enjoyed a two-mile roundtrip hike.

Conservation Areas, lacking the amenities of State Parks, offer relative solitude and tranquility.  Unless hunting season is underway, they are recommended destinations for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature.

An Owl in a Box

One of the highlights at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area over the past few months has been the sighting of an eastern screech owl in one of the wood duck boxes.  Common in woodlands throughout the eastern 2/3 of the U.S., these small owls roost and nest in tree cavities or, as in this case, in man-made boxes.

These tiny but aggressive raptors feed on a wide variety of prey, including large insects, amphibians, reptiles, songbirds and small mammals.  They mate for life and generally raise 4-5 young each year.  Though often residents of wooded suburbs, screech owls usually go unnoticed until their eerie calls are heard at dusk.

Yesterday, I was among several birders to pull up across from the nest box at Eagle Bluffs.  The reddish occupant was basking in the sun at the box entrance, a common screech owl practice on cold winter days. 

The Dictator Club

King Trump, without the approval of Congress, attacked Venezuela and captured President Maduro and his wife last night.  Though Maduro has been an illegitimate leader, backed by a powerful militia and citizen gangs, the reason for his capture remains uncertain.

While Maduro has been indicted as a drug trafficker, Trump recently pardoned the former President of Honduras, convicted of bringing tons of cocaine into our country.  Perhaps our Dear Leader wants control of Venezuela's massive oil reserve, though a glut of crude across the globe has dropped its price near an all time low.  Perhaps it was just a power move to shore up his own international image.

After all, King Trump loves dictators; Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un are among his buddies. He admires their power and hopes to match their unchallenged rule.  Maduro may end up in a U.S. prison but the Venezuelan dictatorship will likely endure.  Of more concern to Americans is whether we are headed toward a dictatorship as well. 

Addendum (1/3/26):  Wasting no time and complicating his impulsive show of force, King Trump has announced that the U.S. will now run Venezuela.  Maybe he'll get the Nobel Peace Prize after all!   

Medical Advice

Though I retired more than 10 years ago, I did not cancel my MD license for another five years or so.  It was at that point that I determined I was not keeping up with the latest developments in medicine and had no business treating patients.

On the other hand, my training and practice experience allows me to offer general medical advice to family and friends, primarily related to healthy lifestyle practices, the potential significance of symptoms that they might have and whom they should consult for their medical evaluation.  I am also compelled to intervene in medical emergencies that I might come across.

But my most urgent advice to the general public is to trust their physician for medical prevention and treatment recommendations, not an untrained, conspiracy-minded, political hack who is running our Department of Health & Human Services and derailing medical research.  His advice is both worthless and dangerous.  RFK Jr. and those who willingly placed him in office should be prosecuted for endangering the current and future health of the American public.  Let's hope he is also impeached once the coming Blue Wave restores the integrity of Congress. 

A Circuit of Mystery

Today, per our human calendar, we begin another revolution around Mother Sun.  On average, we can expect to make about 80 circuits during the course of our life, though, as we know, many die well before that period is achieved.

As we begin the year, its course is a mystery and some of us may not be around to witness its end.  We may encounter wonderful opportunities or an unexpected tragedy.  We may meet individuals who complicate our life or someone who enriches it.  We may fall in love or experience the onset of an enduring heartache.

Of course, it is how we deal with such gifts and challenges that determines the course of this year and those that may or may not follow.  Best wishes for a happy and rewarding 2026.