water lily

water lily

Starting Afloat today. When the lilies and lily pads- those floating platforms- appear, so too do the frogs. My quest today is to find out what amphibian or other creature is making that rather raucous, trilling chorus at night out on the pond. Beneath it I can hear the sweet low rmm -rmm-rmm- of the bullfrog. It has only just begun and only on the warmer nights (of which there have been too few). Before long the bullfrogs will multiply, adults first, babies later, and echo in a circle around the pond. That is a time I cherish and wish everyone could experience. SUMMER. Still, every year I have concerns about how popular our little pond has become to vacationers. Our water quality used to be designated as excellent now it is only acceptable.

Afield– I watched an interesting interview on the Newshour the other evening which led to a search for a book at the library yesterday. It was right on the shelf. I would otherwise have missed it. I do love finding books this way and the others that just come right into my hands at the desk (This I consider one of the best perks/blessings of the job). This book is called You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier- his first book, written in 2010. It seems he was/is a visionary web wizard who was part of the/a original design team who programmed early www and virtual reality platforms. He has some misgivings about its direction now based on design decisions made then and based on the direction that human nature seems to lead us in. Though there are several cautionary books out there on this subject this one promises a unique perspective. It is a smart interesting book so far as I delve further into this virtual universe myself. I have put down the other books I’ve been reading- always a good sign-especially one I have been struggling with- David Sedaris’s new book of essays, though Rubbish made me laugh so hard I had tears in my eyes and the book is worth reading for that.

More what is a blog ? thoughts- a blog can be a collage or a self-portrait.