Real, S1E5

Let's establish this bit of real world fact. I am the guy who can't figure out how and when to remove his finger from the shift key properly.

Whenever I begin a new post in this recent Real series, all I have to do to correctly present the series and episode numbers is manipulate the key thus: On, Off, On, Off.

Yet when I've finished the title it always reads : Real, S!E%, or a similar variation. When I engage the shift key and bang away at the numbers in the top row, I'm not going to get capital numbers. I'm going to get punctuation marks.

I've known this since I was a little kid. I knew this years before I took typing in high school.

The thinking part of my brain recognizes that I would be more successful in typing the post title if I slowed down and practiced thoughtful, deliberate action. Over time I might develop the kind of muscle memory that would allow my hands to do the job while my brain is engaged in other pursuits, perhaps thinking about girls in bikinis playing catch with maple syrup soaked luftwaffels. But I digress, and that's not the point anyway. I'll simply have a better and quicker result if I exercise the discipline to slow down and do it right the first time.

Wow. I've only learned that lesson several million times.

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So what's the deal with the Real, Lucille?

My initial thought was something like, "It seems like everyone is freaking out as speculation over wuhandromeda strain has taken hold. I know two secrets; no one can tell the future before it arrives and the real world is still the real world. So perhaps I can help a few folks worry less for a moment or two if I show off a few little slices of a little part of the "real world."

I also thought that I could perhaps help "talk people down" by explaining the difference between real stuff and imaginary stuff, informed and uninformed speculation, and also chime in on how easy it is to fool oneself into allowing others to fool one.

I quickly saw that thought two is wrestling with a pig. I just get dirty, and it's amusing and enjoyable for the pig. So that's out. Just as with me and my shift key, individual ape-lizards have to consciously decide as individuals to bring disciplined rigor to their thinking party. Or not. We've all got the capacity to do so, as well as the capacity to not do so. It's a choice and requires a conscious decision be made. I'm only in charge of my own thinking, and I can't even work a shift key properly.

And now you know everything I know about Real!

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Now that it's after 4 p.m. and I've put in a rather nice day's physical labor, I'll share a couple of videos and images.

Early in the day I attempted a selfie with Nona.

She was more interested in playing ball.

Then it was time to get serious about fencing. First I had to move some wire.

When I drove into the pasture where I had a rendezvous with labor, I espied a Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris.

One of my favorite ground nesting birds.

Then I got stuck in to harvesting steel posts from a disused and unneeded fence line. Along the way I checked out signs of recent badger activity.



I also found the remains of what I suspect may be a neighbor's donkey.



The following five videos are a first pass at trying to share what I'm doing and why with family. Too much talk and explanation for enjoyment I suspect, but if you turn off the sound you can see what a pretty day it's been.











If you were able to walk along with me today you'd perhaps see why all the hiking. I put in a great deal of effort and hard work and I was easily up to the task. That's a blessing.

Be well and embrace the blessings of liberty.