Thursday, April 21, 2011

The news today....

The news today from me is a bit of a mixed bag.  I'll give you the bad news first. 

I went to a public hearing last night about rezoning and development of a particular bit of green space near the marina.  There is a proposal to build at least 2000 private homes on what is public property. The woods and habitats here are one of the most important sites on the east coast of North America for migratory birds. Similarly, there is now ample habitat for migratory butterflies, dragonflies, moths, and other creatures. And yet, it appears that the great machine of development is huffing and puffing its way to destroying the habitat in favor of luxury homes.  

I have been to quite a few public hearings.  Some that I have participated in have completely reversed and shut down destructive proposals.  This one passed without a whimper from the Planning Commission and the public. 

I think about how out of touch so many are with the natural bounty of the land.  A new strip mall goes up, replacing woods and fields.  People barely notice.  It's just progress.  But really, what is it?  Today's children are increasingly losing touch with nature.  Can that be reversed in favor of nature-oriented education, recreation and eco-tourism?  I don't know whether the great machine can be stopped.

On another note,  a friend has relapsed after four years.  He has a shoulder injury for which he was prescribed painkillers.  He was supposed to get surgery but continued to take the painkillers instead, except that he was taking them at three times the normal dosage.  When they ran out, he started drinking.  So he was messed up on opiates and booze.  He went to detox but checked himself out after a few days, saying that "they weren't treating him right."  He acquired some Xanax and is drinking again. There is nothing to be done until he is entirely willing to quit.  The  irony is he said he didn't think that anyone would be there for him.  What he doesn't realize is that so many people will be there for him when he is sober.  When he is a drunken, sorry mess...well...not many want to be around him.  When the alcoholic is driven to drink, he drives others away. 

Now the good news.  I am planning to head south along the coast in the sailboat on Saturday.  It will be a 12 hour run to get to this beautiful southern town.  It is one of my favorite places to visit.  If the weather cooperates,  I should be there sometime early Sunday morning.  I'll anchor out for a few days and row to shore, visit the book stores and shops and enjoy the ambiance.  And maybe get a dock slip for a night in order to get a good hot shower. This will be the first test of Sojourner's "legs" offshore for an extended distance.  I am looking forward to it. 

All is going well with those I love.  No one is sick or in hospital at the moment.  That is very good news.  I am off to a meeting at noon and then a meeting with a fellow I sponsor.  The rest of the day will be boat and cruise prep time.  I am looking forward to all of this.  Hope that your day is going well.

20 comments:

  1. I'm having a mixed bag of a day myself, Syd.
    Where you live looks like where I live.

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  2. When will it be enough houses? It sure seems like there are so many empty houses these days, why do more need to be built? I know this is disappointing to you. Sorry to hear of someone choosing to let go of the four years sober. Pills and booze will only put off a better solution for the shoulder for so long.
    Enjoy your time on Sojourner and the lovely town.

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  3. what about all the houses sitting vacant right now? ugh...sorry about the friend and hope you enjoy the southern run..

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  4. Sorry to hear of your friend. Enjoy your trip. The pic of the town looks so beautiful and Southern.

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  5. I live in a very heavily wooded area that people want to keep expanding into. I am really grateful that the economy slowed when it did, because a lot of the land has stayed intact. For now.

    Have a blessed weekend, Syd. Enjoy your journey.

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  6. The older I get the less I am able to take those days that you describe ... up and down, up and down with the emotional turmoils. I wish that your friend who relapsed could see how much it hurts us all to see that ... he has many more who care for him than he will ever know while he is still out there.

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  7. Enjoy the beautiful southern town, buddy. I am so sorry to hear about your friend's relapse.

    Much love,

    SB

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  8. Sorry about your friend, that's always hard. We can do nothing but watch, wait, and pray.

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  9. So glad to hear you are enjoying retirement, Syd :]

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  10. The greed of the developers and disregard of the environment and the long term effects of that is sad.

    All the very best Syd.

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  11. Thank you for the heads up, about our eco-system, and your friend who relapsed. It's not good news but news that needs to be listened to. I'm listening, my friend. Scary stuff. Enjoy your trip. Looking forward to the pictures.

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  12. Glad you ended with the gratitude, mostly that just says it's all good in the end... no matter how we perceive it. :) Have a wonderful weekend!

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  13. Out here we also battle with thoughtless and destructive developments and protest goes unheard. I'm sorry to hear about your friend, such a familiar story.

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  14. Lets see we have something on the magnitude of 1 million never been lived in built already houses in very lovely areas and they have to destroy more habitat for what? Naw someone on the planning commission is getting big dollars over there.

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  15. Ironic about the outcome of that hearing practically on the eve of Earth Day. And during Earth Month. Pisses me off. Sad about your friend, too. I hope he works his way through his problems safely. Enjoy the boat trip - sounds like a great way to celebrate Earth Day and Earth Month - hey, the earth is two thirds water!

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  16. Will say a prayer for your friend and the others still suffering. I'm jealous of your trip. That town looks beautiful.

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  17. As a trained soil scientist, I cringe when I see the soil forever changed by paving and buildings. I find most folks lack the sensitivity for nature.. that I have always felt. May there be a strange coincidence that prevents this obstreperous development in your backyard.

    Until then, my favorite quote, "Forgive them Lord, for they know not what they do."

    May you have a peaceful and blessed Sunday.

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  18. Quite a few are just one drink away..

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Let me know what you think. I like reading what you have to say.