Category: Life

Posted in Life

A pre-dawn delivery

Posted on by William Douthwaite

It’s dark. Really dark. The big dog and I were out for a super-early morning walk. About half-a-mile in, a car zips by with it’s flashers on and stops in front of a house. The driver hops out, leaves a package by the front door, and zips away into the night.

It’s an Amazon delivery. Rather than the familiar Amazon van, it was a guy with a package delivery side-hustle.

It’s only been a week since I learned that some shipments arrive in the early morning hours. A delivery notification arrived in my email at about 6 am. What? Orders usually arrive in the late afternoon. This was at the front door before sunrise.

We don’t live in a big enough city to have same-day delivery, but this is close. An afternoon order of a book, pair of shorts, dog toy, art supplies, journal, cosmetics, snack food, or tool may arrive before you wake up the next morning.

Isn’t that amazing? And it’s all because they know what I’m going to purchase before I do. They have so much data on me, they know me better than I know myself. My zip code, my purchase history, my search history, and my demographic announce what I’m most likely to buy. Those items are shipped to the closest warehouse. As soon as I click “purchase,” the item is already on it’s way to boxing, sealing, and distribution.

Is this a good thing? I like it. I don’t have to go anywhere. Everything I buy is brought to my house. Thank you very much!

But I’m spoiled. I expect everything in a day. Two at the most. A week? You’ve got to be kidding.

I go to the store. You don’t have what I need? Really? What kind of store are you? You don’t have my size? My color? Come on. And why is the checkout line moving so slowly? Where’s my food? Did they lose my order? I was never this impatient before. I’m beyond impatient now. I’m irritated.

I want to blame AI. It knows me. It knows when and where I’ll send my money. But really, it’s my fault. I’m in control here. I can control my purchases, attitude, consumption, appetite, spending, and browsing.

At least I think I can. Some things I need to buy. Some things are gifts. Somethings are things I want to buy.

It’s a whole new world. A pre-dawn, rapid-delivery, instant-gratification world. Sign me up!

Posted in Life

It’s popsicle season

Posted on by William Douthwaite

They’re cheap. They’re shorter than they used to be. They’re nothing more than flavored sugar water. They’re delicious. They go by Fla-vor-ice, Otter pops, Pop-ice, and freeze pops. We have a nice supply in our freezer. And they have been there my whole life.

The flavors include: lime, sour apple, banana, pineapple, strawberry, cherry, blue raspberry, grape, lemon, orange, watermelon. My favorites: lime and pineapple.

These stick popsicles were the snack for two of my granddaughters today. I let them pick from the assortment in our freezer. They froze and then settled on the predictable purple and pink pops.

Sixty years ago, these were our go to snacks. they were about three inches longer. We had fewer flavor choices (grape, red, lime, banana, and blue). But the recipe was the same: sugar, water, and some kind of artificial sweetener.

So the real question is: do you eat the frozen pop or let it melt to juice in the sleeve?

I prefer the frozen treat. But the juice is also delicious. When all the ice is gone, those last few sips of juice are so good. But would they have been as good without the melt?

I’ll admit, I’m more of an “eat the frozen” guy rather than a “drink the juice” person. My pops are gone before there’s much juice left. (I chose the green sour apple popsicle today.) Some let theirs melt into a whole tube of juice. Good for you. I’m not so patient. Mine is gone before there’s much juice in the bottom of the tube.

Who thought of this frozen treat? Who was the inventor? Who made a boatload of money off of this idea? I think it goes back a hundred years. But what a great idea!

Posted in Life

The bronze angel

Posted on by William Douthwaite

It wasn’t white like all the other angel yard ornaments. It wasn’t mildewed or stained with iron from the sprinklers. This one was bronze.

Bronze angels are designed to inspire peace, love, remembrance, and spiritual connection. Bronze will last, as do the memories of those we love. Angels are messengers from God, reminders that there is more to life than what we can see and touch.

In this picture, the lamp post has seen better days. The garden cries out for attention. Tool handles patiently wait for a project to resume. The angel stands vigil, ever the same, day after day.

The scene preaches a sermon about the contrast between what will last and what is temporary. Everything, from homes to lawns will eventually deteriorate and disappear. It doesn’t make sense to invest too much in those things. Invest in what will last: treasure in heaven.

Posted in Life

Sky before screen

Posted on by William Douthwaite

In her “Choose to be Curious” podcast, Menka Sanghi encourages , “Every morning, before you look at your screen, just make it a rule that you’re going to see the sky.”

It’s a habit. I wake up, grab my phone and wander into the kitchen to start up the coffee maker. When the screen come to life, I’ll see notifications about a completed dishwasher cycle or an iOS update. My screen displays the current temperature and the number of view of my blog. I’ll glance at the weather for the day and notice how many new emails I’ve received overnight. I get sucked into the digital world before I’m even awake.

But what if I were to go outside and look at the sky? I’m going to find out. First thing in the morning, I’ll step out onto the back patio with the big dog and look up.

It’s still dark out. I notice the phase of the moon. There’s usually a planet close to it. I wonder which one it is? First I hear, then I see the lights of an airplane passing overhead.

Or the night sky is giving way to early morning orange and pink colors in the east. I wonder how many hues of pink and orange there are?

There may be clouds in the distance. Or they may completely cover the sky. Sometimes they just hang there. But other days they are racing by swaying trees as a storm approaches.

Occasionally, I’ll see the sun peeking over the trees. It’s so bright I have to shade my eyes.

Once in a very great while, since I live it Florida, it will be chilly enough that I’ll see my breath in the air. I won’t need to check the weather. I know it’s cold.

It only takes a moment, but in that instant I’m connected to the day, to the natural world, not manmade tech.

I put that mantra on the cover of my journal: Sky before screen.

Posted in Life

What’s your “spirit animal?”

Posted on by William Douthwaite

I’ve heard of “spirit animals” but never thought much of them until I pulled up in back of this car.

A “spirit animal” is supposed to reflect your personal character, attitude, and path in life. It’s a way connecting yourself to the animal kingdom and natural world around you.

A little research revealed ways to determine your spirit animal. First, pay attention to animals that show up often in your life, even those you encounter in your dreams.

Second, consider those animals with which you feel a connection. I think that goes beyond just being a dog or a cat person, but remember, I’m not an expert in this.

Next, trust your gut. What animal do you feel close to? What species resonates with you?

Finally, take an online quiz that will help you discover your “spirit animal.” I took the first online quiz in my search (https://www.spiritanimal.info/spirit-animal-quiz/) and discovered that I am the bear. I’m strong, courageous, and stand up to adversity.

Now if one’s spirit animal is the sloth, I guess they would be slow, deliberate, and patient. I suppose that some people (like the driver above) are more cut out for doing nothing that I am. Hey, it takes all kinds, right?

Posted in Life

A floor lamp out front

Posted on by William Douthwaite

I first noticed this outdoor lighting system on a walk a few weeks ago. I am certain there is a light fixture up above the door. But for some reason, rather than a lightbulb, the residents decided to install a floor lamp. In addition, the light is on all the time, twenty-four seven.

I suppose there’s nothing wrong with a floor lamp at the front door. Maybe that’s what they’ve had on the front step of all their homes. If you’re giving someone directions to your house, it’s easy to say, “Our house is the one with the floor lamp at the front door!”

That little sign on the door? “Please turn off your phone.” It’s okay to have a phone, but don’t use it inside the house.

I’ve never met the people who live here. I’ve only ever seen a small boy playing in a large plastic tote beneath that floor lamp.

Little things like this provide lots of entertainment on my daily dog walks.

Posted in Life

A Life of Work: Memorable Jobs I’ve Held

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Daily writing prompt
What jobs have you had?
View all responses

I love thinking back over the jobs I’ve had.

My first job was a church janitor when I was in high school. It was eight hours a week cleaning the floors of the sanctuary and the preschool classrooms. I dusted pews, cleaned bathrooms, mopped floors, and did windows. I also snuck a few snacks from the preschool rooms and kitchen refrigerator. I think I made $2.50 an hour.

Once I was old enough, I worked as a cashier at Veteran’s Stadium in Philadelphia. Since my uncle owned the concessions, I worked all the Phillies games my summers in-between college semesters. I worked the All-Star game in 1976 and one of the World Series games in 1980. I don’t remember what they paid me, but it was enough to cover my housing for a semester at college.

The view from my cash register at Veteran’s Stadium

Speaking of college, I washed dishes every night at my fraternity house in exchange for free meals.

My first job after graduating college was with Bell Laboratories in Holmdel, New Jersey. I actually worked in an overflow office location in West Long Branch, coding in Fortran on IBM 370 mainframe computers.

I left Bell Labs when friend offered me a coding job in Austin, TX. There I did a little bit of assembly language programing until the startup company went belly up.

I went back to school in 1982, attending Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. To pay for my tuition, housing, and food, I worked campus security overnight. I also worked for a market research field service company, going door-to-door and making endless phone calls to get opinions about all kinds of products and services. I made a little bit of money making sandwiches and salads at Subway and playing trumpet for church wedding services. I also worked for a small factory that made snack mix for grocery stores.

Once I graduated seminary, I pastored three churches in Connecticut, Iowa, and Florida. That was my vocation for thirty-six years.

After retirement, I’ve worked making cookie cutters, printing on iced cookies, and doing the books for our small custom cookie business.

It’s fun to remember all the jobs and experiences I’ve had over my lifetime.

Posted in Life

Weight loss shots: coming to a clinic near you

Posted on by William Douthwaite

On my drive to St. Augustine today, I couldn’t help but notice how many billboards and roadside signs advertise “Weight Loss shots” with a phone number. I wondered, “What do you have to do to be a purveyor of weight loss shots?”

After some brief research, I learned you simply have to be a healthcare provider who agrees to the terms and conditions of dispensing the medications. Not a very high bar.

I also learned that you only need a BMI of 27 and some other health condition to qualify to receive the drug. A BMI of 30, and you’re in. According to what I read, 70 percent of Americans are overweight and qualify. Wow. I don’t. When I check my blood pressure and weight at the HIGI, it says my BMI is 24. I’m not that far away! Yikes.

The information I read told me that along with the medication (Ozempic or Wegovy or some generic) you’re supposed to have a nutrition plan, an exercise regime, and ongoing counseling. Who does all that? I’ll bet very few follow through.

That’s the world we live in. If there is a fix, it will become a business. Like medical marijuana. If I were to stop in a clinic, I’m sure they could justify selling me some edibles. Note to self: make sure you bring cash.

So the landscape will continue to be littered with signs advertising pressure washing, garage sales, and lost pets. I suppose someone will call, but it’s a long shot.

In a few years, we’ll find out how effective these shots are. There will either be lots of unforeseen side effects, and many people will still be overweight.

Posted in dogs, Life

A new dog park

Posted on by William Douthwaite

We (the dogs and I) checked out a new dog park yesterday.

The one we usually go to was still closed for repairs and maintenance. The work was supposed to be completed two weeks ago, but the gate was still locked. The dogs know when we’re getting close. They start woofing as we turn into the parking lot. Sorry guys, you’ll have to be patient. We’ll try out another park on the south side of town.

The one we ended up at was adjacent to a racket sport complex. There were no other dogs in the large open area beneath some imposing power lines. A small canopy provided some shade for a few benches. Other than that, we were out in the sun.

Both dogs did a quick run around the area and drank from all the water containers scattered around. Before long, a few more dogs arrived. We greeted Captain, a Norwegian Elk Hound, Vinnie, a handsome German Shepherd, Bo, a black Labrador retriever, Rocky, a spaniel mix, and Nico, a Belgian shepherd with long, beautiful, cream colored fur.

Temperatures were in the 90s, so after a little running and lots of drinks, the dogs all found shady spots to lay down. I tossed a few balls and a frisbee, but no one was interested in running. With long tongues hanging out of their mouths, their look said, “Are you kidding?”

I chatted with the owners as the dogs got to know each other. Everyone is a dog expert with plenty of unsolicited advice to share. The dogs were all people experts, greeting and treating us all as their new best friends.

A small brown curly haired puppy watched from the neighboring small dog enclosure. He so wanted to run with the big dogs, but his owner was off talking on the phone.

One thing is certain. After a half and hour at the park, my dogs are tired. They crash as soon as they get home. It is definitely worth the time and the trip to let them run with a pack.