A Lunar Vacation?

I just heard that there is water on the moon.  Now why it has taken NASA and a whole host of scientists 40 years to discover this, I'm not sure.  But what a breakthrough.  This could be the resort of the future, the Lunar Riveria.

Let's think about this.  We need transportation, shuttle pilots, flight attendants, gourmet food service and in-flight movies, which means more shuttles, larger accommodations, more pilots (read astronauts) and flight attendants. To build the resort, we need engineers, architects and plumbers trained in minimal gravity design...think toilets.   We don't want that stuff flowing upstream now do we?

As for electricity, how would we produce that in space.  Burn coal?  Can't.  Fire won't burn without oxygen.  Besides we've already polluted one planet.  Let's hope we've learned something.  As far as I can tell, there is no wind on the moon, so wind-generated power is not an option.  I know, how about giant solar panels so we can capture solar energy and store it.  If you can store heated water, and power lights and radios, there should be a way to power other things.  This is not new technology.  The concept of solar energy has been around for many years.  As a child I had a solar powered radio - actually I still have it, and it still works.  However, the methods of collecting it, storing it and using it have surely improved over the years.

All of these measures have no consequence, if we cannot breathe.  This brings us to greatest obstacle - how do we get oxygen in adequate supply for survival?  Possibly large tanks of oxygen and a distribution system?  Too bad we can't pipe it in like natural gas. Picture that pipeline!  To go outside one would need to don a space suit in order to survive the lack of air pressure.  Otherwise all the liquid in your body would boil, and what happens next would not be pretty.  There is an up side to this.  The fashion designers would all be competing to come up with the hottest new line of space apparel. Good-bye itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini.  I guess space age swim suits would kinda take the fun out of things - at least for the guys!  That's a argument for indoor swimming pools - heated with the solar panels, especially given that there is an approximate 500 degree swing in temperatures on the moon's surface.  Bottom line is step foot outside without protective gear and you're dead!

At this point I am thinking we need a much larger shuttle system involving cargo transports for the building materials, oxygen tanks, solar panels and storage units, contractors, etc. and that is just to provide life-sustaining structures.  

Speaking of life-sustaining measures, what about food? In such extreme conditions, crops can't be grown or or livestock raised, so all food would have to be transported from earth.  This would definitely require more transports and create more jobs.

This is just the beginning... Financially speaking, your Lunar Riveria getaway will make a Hawaiian vacation seem like a trip to Walmart, and cause your credit cards to expire on the spot.  So, who's paying for this adventure?  There are many questions unanswered...after all we just discovered that there is water on the moon.

Rainy Day Ramblings

It's a rainy afternoon, and my gas tank is on Empty.  Is that a sign?  So where did all this rain come from anyway?  Only Ida knows, as she blew into Alabama early this morning.  We've had such good weather here lately that I hadn't been keeping up with the national weather scene.  I've spent much time in the yard cleaning up after Mother Nature as the trees eject their dying leaves.  Yes, that's right.  The trees kick the leaves out to dry up and wither away, sucked up and hauled off to become mulch in someone else's yard across the street or across town.

Yes, I am rambling today, but I don't have any big sales to talk about, no community events to invite you to, and no coupons or rebates to tempt the bargain hunters.  It's just me musing on the day.  I went to the Y for my Zumba class, and for lunch I had a tasty chicken salad sandwich prepared fresh from my kitchen.  OK, I'll admit it, I used canned chicken, but it is good.  I used Valley Fresh all natural white and dark meat.  I get it at Wal-Mart for about $2 for a 10-oz can.  It has less salt per serving than the other brands and is made with both white and dark meat which gives it more flavor.  In my book that means more bang for your buck.  Add that to whole grain bread and you've got a healthy lunch, or at least reasonably so - I did use mayonnaise, and garlic pepper for seasoning.

The big question that remains is am I going to brave the rain and get gas, and possibly go to Wal-Mart, or just tell myself there's nothing I need that badly, and hang inside until the rain stops.  From the looks of the radar that's going to be a while.

Pause while I check out the noise in the kitchen.  Well, that was exciting, at least for one of the cats.  Sophie was eating, and a sharp crashing sound nearly scared the fur off of her.  Food went flying and water sloshed into the food bowl.  So much for that - soggy food goes into the trash can.  What happened was I have a decorative item on the ceramic tile in my kitchen held on by a small suction cup.  Every now and then it turns loose and hits the counter.  Not really a big deal unless you're a skittish feline twit.  What can I say, she's our twit!

click to enlarge

Here she is with one of her favorite toys.  It was Rosie's toy, a fishing pole we brought back from a shop in San Diego. But Sophie took it over, and promptly ate about 8 inches off the end.  I picked it up one day and noticed it was considerably shorter.  When I couldn't find the missing length, we were pretty sure we knew what had happened to it.  Sure enough, after several days it showed up - I won't say where but I know you know.  Needless to say, she doesn't get to play with that anymore.  Oh, and that's not all she's eaten...

Quote of the Week

Friends are family you choose for yourself. -  Author Unknown

This is very true.  I have some self-chosen family myself. My best friend and I have known each other since childhood, and have been close all of our adult lives.  She is like the sister I never had, so her family is my family.  I chose well.

A Veteran's Day Thank You

Wednesday, November 11, is Veteran's Day, and several Winston-Salem restaurants are saying "Thank You" to those who have served our country and those currently on active duty.  

Applebee's is offering all Veterans and active duty military a free entree with proof of military service.

Outback is giving a free Bloomin' onion and beverage (non-alcoholic or a draft beer) with proof of military service.

Krispy Kreme is giving free doughnuts to all Veterans and active duty military.

Golden Corral is honoring our nation's Veterans on November 16 with a free dinner buffet between the hours of 5-9 p.m.  They are doing this the Monday following Veterans Day so as not to conflict with other offers.

This would be a good time to join the special Veteran(s) in your life for dinner (or a doughnut).  See the websites for details.

Charitable Donations Needs for the Winston-Salem Area

This is the time of year when the needs of others should stand out in stark relief against the backdrop of the sparkling Holiday Season.  Too much time, energy and money are poured into "keeping up Joneses" so to speak.  Every Christmas there are ads all over TV for individual "gift ideas" that just one alone, would deplete the holiday gift-giving budget for many.  We are made to feel cheap if we don't give to everyone, right down to the mailman and the trash collector.  Next thing you know we'll be sending gifts to the tax collector for sending out our tax bills.  I guess that is an exaggeration, but not by much.

Now you may say that it is better give than receive, and I agree wholeheartedly.  That brings me to the point of this post.  I have compiled the following list of organizations that need our help.  The need is there 365 days a year, but during the Holidays it is much more evident when there are families who have to choose between having heat, food and medications, and are unable to buy even the smallest gifts for their children.

I don't want to sound preachy or self-righteous. I'm not rich or perfect, and I am certainly not pointing fingers, nor am I trying guilt you into digger deeper than you can afford. Only you know what you can do. I just want to bring to the forefront some of the ways in which we can help make Christmas a little brighter for some.  See the end of post for ways to stretch your donation dollar.

This information was gathered from the Seasons Greetings NC website, and this a partial list of organizations and their needs' lists.  For more details and contact information, please visit the website.

Bethesda Center for the Homeless 930 N. Patterson Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 722-9951.  http://www.bethesdacenter.org

Needed: Cash donations to help pay for winter utilities, such items as socks, ear muffs, first-aid supplies, handkerchiefs, winter wear (hats, gloves, scarves for men and women); toiletries, new or used blankets, bath towels, soap and shampoo. 

The Children’s Home Inc. 1001 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104-3200, 336-721-7600.   http://www.tchome.org.

Needed: Monetary donations, item donations and volunteers throughout the year. Christmas gifts such as toys, games, sports equipment, clothes for ages 0-18.

Crisis Control Ministry Inc. 200 E. 10th St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 724-7875.  http://www.crisiscontrolministry.org

Needed: Canned juice, nonperishable food items for the food pantry, and money. Shampoo, toothpaste, razors, baby products, washing detergent, donations.  

Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center (formerly the Senior Services Adult Day Care and Alzheimer’s Center), 231 Melrose St., Winston-Salem, NC 27103, 724-2155.

Needed: Such gifts for clients as women’s and men’s handkerchiefs, gloves, scarves, warm hats, toiletries, shaving items, bingo prizes, socks, hand lotion, craft supplies and colorful seasonal paper supplies for meals and snacks such as napkins and paper plates.

Family Services Shelter P.O. Box 604, Winston-Salem, NC 27102, 724-3979.

Needed: Money and such gifts for women and children as dishes, pots and pans, flatware, glasses, irons and ironing boards; kitchen appliances; towel sets, dishcloths, new pillows, sheet sets, blankets and comforters (twin and full); baby items; sanitary napkins and tampons; laundry baskets, alarm clocks, flashlights, batteries, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizers, car emergency/safety kits, hair dryers, hair products, bedroom slippers, socks, flip flops, underwear, umbrellas, phone cards, gift cards, grocery gift cards, reading glasses (+1.75, +2.00, +2.50, +3.00); new smoke alarms, space heaters, fans and family games/playing cards. Monetary gifts are always appreciated. No used clothing accepted.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina 3655 Reed St., Winston-Salem, NC 27107, 784-5770.  http://www.hungernwnc.org

Needed: Food and Food Drives: Canned meats, soups, fruits and vegetables; packaged rice and pasta; canned tomato sauce and stews; peanut butter.

Silas Creek Manor 3350 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, 765-0550.

Needed: Hats, ball caps, handkerchiefs, costume jewelry, small games, playing cards, lap blankets, soap, hair products, lotion and wrapping paper. Radios and cassette players.

Winston-Salem Rescue Mission 717 Oak St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 723-1848.   http://www.wsrescue.org.

Needed: Underwear, handkerchiefs, socks, disposable razors, flannel shirts, especially sizes extra large and 2X, gloves, deodorant, shaving cream, bath soap and plastic soap holders, toothbrushes and plastic holders for toothbrushes, toothpaste, nail clippers, foot powder and staple foods. Money for Christmas gifts and dinner are needed as well as unwrapped Christmas gifts.

Winston-Salem Rehabilitation and Health Care Center  1900 W. First St., Winston-Salem, NC 27104, 724-2821.

Needed: Donations of lotions, jogging suits, Kleenex, socks, clocks, throws, large-print books and word-search puzzles are needed.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of needs to be met.  Topping the list are cash, food, toiletries and personal care items, and winter clothing.
 
For all you "couponers" out there, here is where you can use your money-saving skills to build up donation boxes, bags, baskets, or unload some of your bounty from recent bargain hunting.  If you are new to the whole coupon-clipping, rebate-seeking concept, there are several good sites that have coupon/sale matchups, and they give you the heads up on where to get the best deals.  The more you give, the more you get, and the more you get, the more you can give.  Hip to Save and Southern Savers can get you started in the right direction. 

You may want to bookmark this post to refer to as you make your shopping list, and as always, please feel free to share your ideas and experiences.