December 28, 2020
Good morning! It’s the last Monday of the year if you’re using the Gregorian calendar. Extra points if you chant on occasion. Thank you for subscribing and for reading. You inspire me and you motivate me in so many ways. And you bring me joy. The year 2020 has been measurably successful for both my business and for me personally. YOU are among the reasons for that very gratifying outcome. Thank you! I care about you.
- So far the ducks are winning, but I suspect not for long.
- If you live within 50 miles of St. Cloud’s Lake George, consider a trip to feed the ducks.
- Hundreds of them are huddled around the last bit of open water in the city… and they forgot to pack a lunch.
- Another bout of below-zero weather and probably the cold will win out over the churnings of hundreds of webbed feet, so far keeping the ice at bay.
Christmas Eve Morning
- The finches are feeding at the feeders while the juncos peck at the crumbs.
- The thermometer is registering almost -10 F and they say the wind makes it feel colder, but only if you’re naked.
- On this holiest of days, unholy epitaphs hurled at the hiker by cowardly drivers of assault vehicles, faces hidden behind darkly tinted glass.
- How dare a hiker tread upon a bituminous surface.
- Hiking south into the sun and away from the wind is pleasant, turn north for just a moment to know pain.
- Eyes freeze shut, any exposed flesh cries out for mercy.
- The hike must be made, the post office beckons and being late with the cards and letters isn’t allowed.
Type A Personalities and the Problem of Deferential Paralysis
- Have you experienced what I call deferential paralysis?
- It happens whenever two or more Type A personalities pretend to not care if their agenda prevails.
- Fill a room with these people and you’ll experience a chorus of, “doesn’t matter to me, whatever you want,” as each one competes to be the most gracious.
- The January 2021 edition of The Smithsonian is especially good.
- Give it an in-depth read, but allow at least 30 minutes so you get the full benefit.
- The article on Yellowstone is especially enlightening (page #32) and then also the piece on Joseph Rainey (page #56) shouldn’t be missed by anyone.
- “Everyone needs more than anyone can give right now.” (Canavan)
Updates on Past Musings
- The survey was flawed. I should have had a category for sending/ receiving Cards/ Letters.
- Update on the car: My reader Dave wrote one of the more intelligent, respectful, and insightful messages I’ve ever received.
- In it he accurately diagnosed the problem; i.e., a failed head gasket leading to complete engine failure. Wow!
- That’s just the summary; he provided an in-depth assessment with erudite reasoning.
- Final situation: 2000 Honda SRV for sale, ~213,000 miles – five brand new tires, brand new struts, brand new radiator, brand new a whole bunch of other stuff.
- So, here’s the deal. Tesla has a market capitalization of $659,000,000,000 compared to $668,000,000,000 for ALL other public car companies combined.
- Tesla has $28,000,000,000 of revenue compared with $1,203,000,000,000 revenue for ALL other public car companies combined/ (42x)
- What is your assessment? Buy? Sell? Hold? Short? Long?
Forever Young
To end the year, Forever Young by Minnesota native, Bobby Zimmerman, aka Bob Dylan
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
Copyright © 1973 by Ram’s Horn Music; renewed 2001 by Ram’s Horn Music
