traveling up and down the blind highway

On April 14th, 1912, the great luxury liner Titanic, struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. Two hours later, on the 15th, the great ship was resting on the ocean floor two miles below in a watery grave. What has sparked the imagination of people about this ship?
The Titanic along with her two sister ships the Olympic and Britannic, were part of the British fleet owned by the Star line. Of the three ships, only the Olympic had a long sailing history. It was scraped in 1935.
What made the Titanic unique? It was reported to be unsinkable due to it’s design. The ship sank on it’s maiden voyage, on a clear calm evening. It sank 400 miles off the coast of Nova Scotia. The social classes of British society, discouraged upper, middle and lower classes from interaction. To this day, historians are not sure of the exact reasons that led to the ship’s demise.
Yearly memorial services for the victims of this disaster are held in several locations. In the Northern Atlantic, on the one hundredth anniversary of the sinking, two cruise ships, one from Hampton England and the other from New York, met at the site and time of the Titanic’s coordinates.

There is a yearly memorial service held in Cove, Ireland on the 14th of April. Featuring Irish music, prayers and the laying of wreaths.Two services in Nova Scotia, Canada will take place on april 14th and april 15th for the victims of the wreck. Over 150 drowning victims from the Titanic are buried in Halifax. This was the closest major port to the last position of the Ship. Most of the sailors on the recovery ship were from Halifax.
I have had an interest in the events that ended with the Titanic’s sinking. Watching the movie,”The Night to be Remembered,” was released on December 10th, 1942. It is noted as the most accurate portrayal of the Titanic’s last sailing days.
I have visited several shows displaying artifacts recovered from the wreckage site.
Historians and scientists continue to explore the Titanic’s wreck with sonar, lasers and ai imaging to create a 3 D image of the ship before it collapses from decay . The ships structure could be erased by the 2030’s.
In 2023, a submersible containing tourists exploded on the way to the wreckage. Only scientific excursions are allowed now.
When victims of ships lost at sea is a reminder of the precarious voyage our forefathers and mothers undertook to come to this country.

The song “O they built the boat Titanic to sail the Ocean blue” was written in 1926 by Earnest Stone.
“O they built the boat Titanic to sail the Ocean blue.
They they built it so the water wouldn’t get through.
But the Good Lord raised his hand, said that boat would never land.
It was sad when the great ship went down”.

carolaspot@aol.com

Here in the upper mid west, we will experience an eclipse on Monday afternoon. This will be the last total eclipse for North America in the 21 century. I have memories of eclipses. We were told not to look directly at the sun. Dark glasses or holes in cardboard could be used to reflect the shadow of the moon as it crossed the sun’s orbit. Pans of water were placed to catch the sun’s reflection. I don’t recall that any of these worked for me. What I remember is the changes in the backyard as the eclipse progressed.
First, the light slowly became dark, like twilight. Air cooled. The sky remained blue to the side of the sun. A corona outline was present where the sun had been. The light was different, A cover coming directly down over where I stood. The area was silent. Birds stopped their songs. I was scared, enthralled, knowing what was happening didn’t diminish the magic of the moment.
My husband, John was working outside on our farm during one such event. In addition to the temperature and light changes, the farm animals reacted by returning to the nests for the chickens. The cows started to walk to the milking barn. Birds became silent as they sat in their nests. After a brief silence, crickets commenced their evening song.
Other insects behavior changed. The honey bees, loaded with pollen, ate stored honey for a flight to escape danger. Ants emerged from holes carrying their eggs. The spiders in the barn started to destroy their webs.
One can only imagine what ancient people thought of this event. No wonder they produced noice, banging on drums and pots to chase away the moon shadow from hiding the light giving sun.
I no longer see the effects of this event, but I will feel the temperature drop. Hear the silence of the animals. Drinking it all in to recall and put to memory by writing about it.

Cookie Moon

cookie moon waits,
to play hide and seek,
behind big sister sun.
Awed, hold our breath.
for normality.
carolaspot@aol.com April 8, 2024

I have mixed feelings about this day. In my family, Grandpa Al was a jokester. He delighted teasing his Grand children. I recall him telling me not to go into the cellar, because it was full of snapping turtles. When I tried to explore, he cooked a green cream soup that he claimed was turtle. He had put food coloring in the mushroom soup. The pieces of mushrooms were the turtle meat.
My brothers played tricks on each other but I was protected, being a girl. This didn’t stop me from preying on them. I would sit quietly in a closet or behind a door waiting for one of my brothers to walk by. Jumping up, I would startle them. Once, I waited in the front closet where coats were kept. As the door opened, I sprang up, startling my Dad. He stopped his fist inches from my face.
My mother was easier to scare. I was known to wait in the front load dryer under the oil tank, and under the basement stairs.Waiting like a spider, I would stalk my victim. I out grew this when I became too big to hide in small places.
This didn’t stop my pranks. Once, I was invited to attend a sleep over at my friend’s church. One of the girls had to leave early to work at her Father’s shoe store. She was not liked. She had developed breasts before many of us. We took her bra when she was sleeping, soaked it in water and placed in the church’s freezer. In the morning, the bra was frozen.
Another friend had her laces removed from her shoes.
Once, when I was visiting my brother Bob in West Virginia, I had the window open as I read in bed. I was told there were no mosquitos that high in the mountains. They didn’t warm me about the bats. I had a bat fly into the open window. I ducked under the covers and yelled for my Dad. He entered with a tennis racket to do battle with the bat. In the morning, I went to take a shower, stepping on the dead bat, in the bottom of the tub.
When my daughter Ruth, was young, she tried to play april fool jokes on her family. Salt in the sugar bowl, lemon juice on the fruit. When the top of the pepper shaker fell. off, I had to put an end to the jokes. Ruth had learned by my example.
I learned my lesson.

A Fool’s Tale
Come all writers of poetry, prose.
A day for fools is proposed.
I start this day,
Before the morn.
jokes remembered,
tasks to perform.
on others to play.
breakfast is served.
a slice of moon cheese,
A cow jumped high,
when I sneezed.
Mother’s milk,
to wash it down.
A worn cap,
I wear like a crown.
Mistakes are made.
Jokes on my friends.
Smile, shrug,
I begin again.
Salt in the sugar bowl,
pepper in the brew.
It’s only one day.
I quietly mused
For we are all fools, so laugh, be gay.
April fool’s are here to stay.

This past week, modern medicine made national news with a genetically altered pig’s kidney transplanted into a 52 year old man. New hope for patients waiting for organs. I wonder if we are looking for a quick fix to our medical problems. Are we spending millions on research and not enough on other medical concerns, such as procuring prescriptions drugs.
Last October, I was told by my endocrinologist that my bones were very brittle. I have had two hip replacements, a pelvic fracture and a wrist/ arm fracture in 5 years. I needed a drug to strengthen my bone density. The problem: the drug “Tymlos” is expensive and not offered by many pharmacies. The search for the steps to obtain this drug has been continuing for over three months.
In January, my doctor wrote a prescription sending it to our local pharmacy. We were informed the drug must be ordered from a special pharmacy. Fine! To date, we have talked to half a dozen people at the drug ordering center. responses included;
” We need a new prescription”
A new prescription has been sent to the pharmacy with the last one good through 2025.
“We need an authorization number for this order.”
We were assured by our provider that they have approved the generic form of this drug.
” There is no file for this patient.”
With the number of calls, there should be a large file of trying to order this drug.
Last week, we thought we had finally made headway. “Yes, I see you can get a starter kit with one dose to check for side effects.”
“Great.”
“You should receive your dosage in 24 to 72 hours.”
That was over a week ago. Calling the center Friday, we were told;
” There is no record of this prescription, We must order another prescription from your doctor.”
So at the end of three months, back to square one. I have two friends with the same condition. They have fallen resulting in several fractures and one closed head injury.
I do applaud the inroads modern medicine has provided, but simplifying the drug distribution may be as important and effect many more patients. The mundane is not showy for news time.
The Wall
Humpty Dumpty walked by a wall.
a slip, a fall, emergency call,
several fractures, broken head
not the same, least he’s not dead!
carolaspot@aol.com March 25, 2024

It started with a poetry workshop. One of the suggested readings was, “Braided Creek.” A book written by Jim Harrison and Ted Kooser , about two poets corresponding poems to each other without identifying the author. This allowed the poems to stand, blend into one book.
I was drawn to this form but I needed another writer to try this. In a meeting, I blurted out:
“Lynda, Do you want to try this?”
After a slight pause, she said yes.
Since both of us are artists as well as poets, we expanded the mail to include a picture, photo or drawing. The poem must be able to fit on a postcard.
Though both of us could use free matter for the blind, we chose to stamp each card to be part of the art. The poems are attached to the postcard with glue or double sided tape. Some of the art is covered with tape for protection.
Now, writing in our third month, I am amazed how this routine has easily become part of my daily schedule.
We have worked through losing friends and family in a brief time. The notes , emails and the poems themselves have given each of us a shared slice of time. Similar to a journal, but with sharing in mind. We carry on.
Our goal is to try for a year. Each time I put my card in the mailbox, I send a prayer with the card. I love the way a thought can blossom into a sharing.
I expanded this card sending to another friend with Alzheimer’s . She can’t write and has to have the card read to her. I hope that she can enjoy the flower photos and the few words to tell her that I am thinking of her.
Only God knows where this will lead. I will hold on for the ride.

Write a card.
Photo attached.
affix the stamp.
lift signal bar.
Delivery placed
In my hands.
In my house,
Art appreciate.
Carolaspot@aol.com

Spring is the time when we set our clocks to spring forward an hour. In the fall, we return to this clock setting. The history of this change can be traced to 1919. During WWI, factories, offices along with other manufacturers, used the longer daylight hours in the war effort. This clock setting practice continues to this day. Arizona and Hawaii are the only states not to use daylight savings time.
As a child, I noted the change by awakening in the dark to get ready for school, My mother sent me to wake each of my brothers. I had to quickly give a back massage before they would wake up. Many spring mornings, I was treated with fog layered streets, casting an eerie glow over buildings.
When I had daylight driving, I had to leave my home as soon as I could see the road. Working longer hours in the summer months, I could write a 40 hour work week on my time card.
Now, with retirement and blind, I don’t notice the difference. I get up when I awaken and go to bed when I am tired. In my world, it is the same. I listen to news announcers complain about getting up early, dragging for days. I shrug and wonder what is all the fuss.
Melatonin not the light change resets my inner clock.

Time Change

Ttick, tock tones the clock.
wind the spring, count the dings.
Dad winds each clock.
Making sure they won’t stop.
Each one, has a voice.
oil workings,
keep parts moist.
Clocks are set to different times,
to allow each chime to shine.
Listen to the chimes at dawn.
I turn over as I yawn.
carolaspot@aol.com
March 11th ,2024

In the pop song, “Good Vibrations”, by the “Beach Boys”. The singer croons about “she is giving me the excitations”. Well, when I opened my new hearing aids, the audiologist assured me that the speach would be sent directly to my aids making the volume louder. What wasn’t mentioned is the voice I hear from my phone is not heard by others in the area. this is great if one is reading a book or a podcast but it can be creepy for others.
For example, I can hear my phone ringing in my ear, without being near my phone. Tapping my hearing aid , will answer the call. I can talk and disconnect by the same method. If I am in a meeting my side of a conversation sounds like this
“Hello”
“Yes, I can be there.”
“Ok, See you then.”
People near me imagine that I am starting to talk to myself for no reason. My husband, though used to these one sided interchanges and still wonders.
The most difficult interchanges are with Siri and going through e mail. My part of the conversation could run like this,
“Read it.”
“Next.”
“Send.”
I try to be in a quiet space with some privacy, like a bathroom stall. If I answer too softely, Siri will ask me to repeat my request. I usually raise my voice to accommodate conversation. I will emerge only to find a person with a puzzled expression.
“Do you need help?”
I want to shout,”Yes, I need to send and retreave my email in peace.”
I am waiting for Alexa, Siri and google to strike up a conversation without me. That will give me excitations,

Is there anyone out there?

Phone ringing.
In my ear beeping.
Tap phone, say hello.
A.I. on the phone.
I sigh , wait my turn.
Wait so long, I forgot what to say.
Carolaspot@aol.com

In the musical,”Guys and Dolls” The character, Adelaide sings a lament about a cold from not being married. Though I am married, I can identify with the misery of the annual winter cold. No matter what I do or take, the illness will run it’s full course.
Many remedies include, vitamin C, herbal tea or whiskey and honey. Nothing seems to help.
When growing up, my mother would put a steamer in the ill child’s bedroom. Near the steam opening was a small indention. This was filled with the infamous Vicks Vapor rub. Soon the whole room would smell a training room for athletes.
Hot lemon and honey mixed with water was offered as a drink. I preferred to take a dose of honey straight from a teaspoon.
We would be offered Vick’s cough drops. The box was kept from year to year, with the drops becoming soft and sticky. They would collect fuzz from the drawer where they were hidden. One of those would cure a child from asking for another.
My grandmother Jenny’s, universal solution to any illness was to give Vernors Ginger Ale. Indifference to a sore throat, she would warm the drink.
Grandpa Al swore snorting salt water into the nose was the best cure for a stuffed up nose. I could never get the courage to try it. I do recall my dad attempting this remedy, with mixed results.
Finally, a hot bath with a long soak was offered before bedtime. Epsom Salts were mixed in the water to relax sore muscles from from coughing. I recall the water had a smooth feel as I splashed in the tub.
With all the advise, I will close that whatever cure you try, remember, improvement will occur in about ten day. Ah-cho!

Blow Away

Blow away
A cold to stay,
Not Mother’s cures I pray.
reading in bed, I’ll stay.
not too gay,
Vick’s smell all day.
carolaspot@aol.com

Tis the season of Church fish fries. Also known as meatless meals, the Friday’s in lent were a time to come together as a parish to share a meal. It became a money making operation for churches and other non-profits, such as Knights of Columbus and Veterans organizations.
For a small price, a person can get a piece or two of fried perch, walleye or cod. The meal may include fries, coleslaw, a roll and butter and a drink of lemonade or coffee. Other menu items could include macaroni and cheese, for the children, a tossed salad, and baked potato. There may be an optional dessert selection donated by parishioners. Like many food items, fish fry’s have raised their prices from 8 dollar meals to 13 to 15 dollar per meal. To allow a lower cost alternative for families, some churches are offering Soup and Salad with a roll and a drink. A choice of several soups and salads may be available.
Different parts of the country may have different items on the menu. In Florida and other parts of the south, French fries were replaced with fried okra. The offered seafood was shrimp. A soup of clam chowder was available.
My mother had several meals she would rotate through the lenten season. There was creamed peas on toast. I would get my creamed peas in a separate bowl with the toast on the side, after I had thrown up the pea mixture on toast.
Home made mac and cheese was a favorite. It was served with a side salad in wooden bowls. The same bowls would be used later for popcorn.
Finally there was homemade pizza with several different veggies. My choice was mushrooms. Occasionally mom baked fish sticks, but not often.
As we grew older, we were expected to fast, eating only one meal or two smaller meals. Coming to the table hungry, we were less picky.
Finally, remember the volunteers that cooked and will clean up after you. The meals are offered hoping to break even. Be generous with your donation.

Fries

A long table,
Paper plate of cooling fries,
A small girl daintily pinches a fry
between her finger and thumb.
Dipping into a cup of ketchup.
She dips again and again.
Till the plate is clean.

carolaspot@aol.com February 19, 2024

When asked what is the most romantic destination, answers may include Hawaii, Cancun or Paris. For my husband and myself, that place is Death Valley, California. It was the destination for our honeymoon.
Three days after Valentine’s Day, we flew to Las Vegas to be married in a small chapel,”Graceland”. Then onto Death Valley. We both loved the desert. Coming from the snowy midwest, we wanted warm, sunny weather.
Death Valley National Park is over 5000 square miles, spanning California and Nevada east of the Sierra Nevadas. We stayed in Nevada, at Furnace Creek. The park includes salt flats, sand dunes, badlands, canyons ,even snow capped mountains. Bad Water basin, is 282 feet below sea level. Fewer than five hundred people live year round in the area, making it a secluded spot.
On our way to Furnace Creek we drove for three hours without seeing another vehicle, except for the burned out ruin of a chassis. I wanted to visit Desert Pupfish Monument located on the way. In the west, distance is reported in driving hours not miles. We did find the parking area for the pupfish. Not another car was there. A metal walkway spanned the opening of underground salt water caverns. Rarely seen except by scuba divers, the spring is protected. We propped the camera to take a selfie of us with the sign and the empty parking lot. twelve years later, while visiting the area with our daughter Ruth, We were able to see the pupfish swimming up the shallow to spawn. The fish are 1 to three inches in length. It is a boney fish silver or tan in color. The males are slightly larger with blue tinges on their gills. They can withstand high temperatures, and the high salt content of the water.
The average rain in the valley is 1.4 inches yearly most of it coming in the fall. Recently, washouts in the canyons of the area have closed several roads.
On our first visit, the weather was dry and warm. On our second trip in 2004, we were caught in a sudden torrent , causing gullies to flood. We drove up into the canyons on narrow roads. The wind blew hard, causing my hair to stand up and the car to rock.
Other natural wonders are a salt deposit area with many holes and divots in the ground. Bad Water Basin, is 282 feet below sea level. It is considered one of the hottest places in the country. It holds the record for the highest temperature of of 134 degrees. The average temperature runs about 91 degrees.
Near the mountains, the weather is more temperate. The weather forecast calls for cool, dry weather in that area.
One of the most colorful areas in the valley is Artist’s palette. The mineral deposits in the cliffs give the rocks hues of blues, purples and pinks. Low sun can highlight the colors in the cliffs.
Scottie’s Castle is a ranch built by Albert Johnson a millionaire from Chicago. He befriended Walter Scot, a local gold miner and story teller. Mr Johnson built an apartment for he and his wife to use and stay when visiting the ranch. In exchange, visitors were told that Scottie owned he ranch and a a hidden gold mine that funded his lifestyle.
The ranch is now part of the Death Valley National Park.
When asked to compare the Grand Canyon to Death Valley, a visitor commented, “the Grand Canyon is immense with vistas and wildlife, but Death Valley has a spiritual component in the desert landscapes,
It is a popular destination for landscape photography.
I choose Death Valley for my Valentine’s destination.

Death Valley

Found in the desert between California and west of the mountains
It is a dry, rugged terrain.
It’s name derived from a group of gold seeking miners that starved in the mountains in 1849, starved
on their way to join the gold rush.
Still today, it is an isolated landscape.
Filled with quiet spiritual beauty.
carolaspot@aol.com February 12, 2024