Nap Time for the Staff!

It was a 6 a.m. wake up today. Our dogs were barking outside. Sheesh, the neighbors won’t be happy. I try to remind the Babe to put the Bark Collars on when it’s early. He always forgets. Or so he says. I do not like dogs barking, either, so I can relate to folks that need to vent about that.

Are we naive, thinking we can stop dogs from barking? That’s one way they communicate. They may have been made to bark. It always worked for Lassie! And the whine that always meant, “Come quickly! Timmy fell into a well again!” One of the few ways they have to communicate.

People can communicate a lot in many different ways. Verbally, letters, memos, tweets, emails, body language, talking, shouting, singing, and probably a few I’ve missed. If you’re romantically inclined, kissing can get your point across. Affection is communicated by hugs, lovers embraces, Hallmark Cards, and more.

North Korea communicates via missles, Russia communicates by hacking these days. The United States has a show of military strength which usually gets our point across. Through the ages, countries conducted warfare at the slightest provocaiton; I would like to think our first communication would be one of peace but taking the stance, “we won’t take a lot of crap.” Let’s negotiate.

If we have so much available to us humans, then why do we have such a hard time communicating with one another?

Sometimes egos get in the way. Leaders like Castro, Khrushchev, Stalin, and Hitler overpowered governments and bullied their way in. Promises made to people in passionate speeches were never realized once they were in power. Socialism does not work, and it’s been proven. Churches have been trying for centuries to take care of all the poor, unemployed, maimed, etc. and have learned painfully, you eventually run out of other people’s money.

At other times, people form working groups to accomplish a goal. Each person represents a separate function in the goal, and each wants their function to be the best. No one will compromise and often, the original goal is not accomplished. Understanding must be gained of each separate function, and only then can tasks be coordinated so each function is not only achievable, but they each make sense and mesh together to actually reach the goal. What a concept!

Then, there are those who generate great ideas, but who delegate 100% of the work and responsibility to others, who have neither the expertise nor the time to do the job in the first place. The authority needed to get things done is important, yet that is not delegated along with the work. Only the responsibility is delegated, but none of the tools. This speaks for itself.

Think about your organization, be it a small business, an LLC, or a Corporation. Even if it’s just you. Have a Mission (Statement). Keep it in front of you. Remember it every day. Work on managing the work. Do things that make sense, in the order they make sense. Everyone will have their detailed wish list. See where they all fit together in the grand scheme of things. If they don’t fit now, they may at a later time. “Later” doesn’t mean “Never.” Step in and step back as often as necessary.

The “Staff” and I try to follow a schedule. I do, they don’t. And we play “Let the Dogs In; Let the Dogs Out.” Most of the time, in fact. They don’t get it. And I work aroud it. But if I had employees, we’d coordinate the heck out of everything. Projects, tasks, fun time. Yes, even that. Right now, my fun time consists of playing catch with Roxie. She is staring right through my hands typing right now. I believe it’s nearly time for the fun. For her. And I’l water some plants I planted yesterday.

Have a delightful day. Be Safe out there. It will be very hot in the midlands today. Think about how to be more efficient in everyday life. You’ll have more time for fun and naps. See you tomorrow!

Saturday Fun Times!

So yesterday we went to the garden center and purchased some beauties. I planted a few things in pots earlier, and one in the ground in the front yard. A smaller hydrangea bush. It should look pretty good next to the butterfly bush that grew so huge last year. We’re planning to keep it trimmed up a bit as it grows, so it doesn’t encroach on the sidewalk to enter the house. Last year it needed to be trimmed a lot.

My back does cause considerable problems when I do work like this, so I sat down on the little front porch steps to rest it a minute. I untangled the wind chimes I purchased a few years ago at Shopko, when they were still open. It was tangled to badly, I was tempted to cut it apart and restring it. But then I started thinking about my dad. He could untangle necklaces that were twisted and tangled so bad you were tempted to throw them out. He was a man of incredible patience when it came to things like that.

I started thinking about him as I sat, trying to untangle the knots of all elements of this wind chime. The more I thought about him, the easier the tangle became. I was truly amazed at how the time passed, the tangles fell away, I thought of how my dad would work on things while working them out, I could smell the freshness in the air, I was aware of the coolness of the concrete, it was such a relaxing, enjoyable experience. And this was the result:

Late getting started, but the front is looking better.

I’m sure now I’ll have those heartwarming thoughts of my dad when I glance out the window while writing or sewing. I’m such a “just look out the window at this or that” kind of person. I hope to experience many more things like this when I’m looking away to let my eyes wander.

The Babe is mowing the yard in between working more on the birdhouse bench he’s building. It’s amazing how thick the grass in the back yard has become, despite the dogs being out and using it as dogs do. I used to think only retired people had nice lawns. I remember mowing our lawn on a big banked hill when my kids and I lived on Nicholas Street. My son Nicholas sure thought it was great to live on a street named after him. I do believe it was named long before he was thought of, but I didn’t want to burst his bubble. I have a bunch of plants to keep planting this afternoon, and I’d better get back to it.

There are a couple plants I need to plant in nicer containers, like the Hibiscus tree, and hope I can keep it alive this winter. Maybe remembering to water it will help, too. Since we have lost our great cleaning lady, we’ll be cleaning now and should be in a better position to be watering plants that need it. Yes, I’m sad to lose Lori, but she needs some benefits and to be more secure for her future. I wish her well, and am glad to have had her since we moved into this home. Good Luck!

Below is an overview of the flower garden the Babe fenced in for me. There are Columbine, a small Hydrangea, and a couple Asiatic Lilies down there. We’re going to lay down Landscaping Cloth and decide where the annuals go. I hope to get everything in and thriving by tomorrow afternoon.

Lots of Potential

There is something about this meme that I love. I do believe many of us have been doing this since social distancing and stay at home were introduced. I know it’s hard for the Babe to put into words how he feels, he just knows things are “off”. I feel the same way. It’s kind of like listening to someone talk, but you feel and hear like you’re underwater. Or you go somewhere and don’t think about driving there, but realize you are there. That’s the time to do like these two little guys do above. If you can’t or don’t want to talk about it, maybe you just need someone to sit with you. Quietly. Just feel the being together. It helps. Try it with someone you trust, love, and respect. It is the best medicine.

Thank you for reading today. I appreciate your time. Sit by someone you trust and love. Enjoy their quiet company. Or untangle your windchime from last summer. It will take your mind away from your troubles. So relaxing. I will be here again tomorrow, hope to see you then. It’s the Babe’s birthday. I’m off to bake a Red Velvet Cake. The store was out of German Chocolate. So the Babe bought our granddaughter’s favorite. Hope the others like it! Take Care. Drive Safely. Wash Your Hands!