A Second Look--January 9, 2013

This week I took a look at some of the man-made features around the yard for a different focus during this dormant time.

 Here's what I saw this week during a Second Look.

Ponderings of Theodore--The Early Years

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck had an axe?

How many banks could a robber rob, if security was lax?

How many shells could Sally sell, if no one really cared?

How many tongue twisters like these, are slightly impaired?

(One of Theo's ponderings from elementary school.)

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But Wait, There's More.
Here are the original tongue twisters mentioned above.

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck? 

by Mother Goose

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck

If a woodchuck could chuck wood?

As much wood as a woodchuck could chuck,

If a woodchuck could chuck wood.

 She sells seashells by the seashore.

She sells seashells by the seashore.
The shells she sells are surely seashells.
So if she sells shells on the seashore,
I'm sure she sells seashore shells.

Late or Early?

or Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

I am generally on time or at least I try to be. I am pretty good at estimating how long something will take and as long as I have a clock around, I can usually make it to wherever I want to be on time. I have two clocks that I depend on to help me with this--the clock above the door to the garage and the clock in my car. One tells me when it's time to leave and the other lets me know how I am doing in traffic. With these trusty clocks, I am usually on time or a little early. That is until recently. Some how they both started to be off unbeknownst to me.

First I discovered the car clock was not telling me the time I thought it was. Over the years, it had gradually gained time so that it was several minutes fast. In reality the amount of time had not changed, but I liked to think that I had "extra" time when I checked this clock. However, one day, I found my "extra" time had disappeared. I was dropping Wally off at work and he was a couple of minutes late. I told him not to worry because the clock was fast. He told me that it wasn't anymore. He and Theo had set it to the correct time for me, BUT, they somehow neglected to tell me. So all of those times that I thought I had been right on time, I had been late. I appreciate the effort they made in helping me, but darn, I needed to know about it.

Next I discovered that the clock over the door was not correct either. This clock supposedly calibrated itself every couple of minutes with the atomic clock in Colorado. I never questioned its time and until recently, I didn't have to. However, I noticed that all of the TV programs were coming on "early" and I started paying attention to it. I discovered that it had had been losing time and was running slowly. So all of those times I thought I was leaving on time, I was actually leaving late. No wonder, the commutes seemed to be taking longer than they usually did. I was leaving later than I thought.

For now, all of my clocks have been fixed and are showing the correct time. If I'm late or early for something, it is of my own doing--not because I didn't know what time it is. If this clock confusion keeps up, however, I may have to join the rest of the 21st century and use my phone to see what time it is. However, that means that I would have to charge it regularly--something that eludes me at this point. But that's another story.

Are you one who is always early or always late? Do you set your clock ahead so you will be on time?

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But Wait, There's More
 In case anyone wants to take a walk down memory lane with Chicago's Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is, here's a You Tube link.

Thankful Sunday--January 6, 2013

I am thankful for the telephone.

Out of the many ways to communicate these days, the telephone is my favorite. It keeps me in close contact with my extended family when I can't be there in person.

Health Reminder

Until a few years ago, I didn't realize that one should have yearly skin checks with a doctor. Since then, I have been trying to remember to do these yearly and had one yesterday. The checks can be done by either a dermatologist or your primary care physician. These examinations look at the general health of your skin, but primarily focus on any precancerous or cancerous looking areas. The goal is to find problems early and treat them before they become serious. The check involves looking at the outside of all parts of your body from head to toe including your private parts (1% of melanomas start in the buttock area). The only hands-on part is when the examiner combs through your hair looking at your scalp. The whole process is quick and easy. Often if there is anything that needs attention, it can be taken care of during the same visit.

It is important to make this part of your regular heath care. If there is a reason that getting to a doctor is difficult, I am providing links for self examination. Remember to get a partner to help you, because you will need help in seeing some areas. And most importantly, if you see any changes in your skin, especially involving a mole, have a doctor check it out right away. Don't wait for your yearly check. Skin cancer can kill.

 Here are links for more information:

Melanoma Education Foundation

American Academy of Dermatology

Skin Cancer Specialists