I had my preadmission appointment early on Friday after an all too short disturbed sleep. I felt seedy all day and for the next two days but not bad enough to prevent a spot of simple weeding and vacuuming etc. I made some yoghurt last night despite forgetting the need until the last minute. The last step in its manufacture is to cover the container with a blanket for 8+ hours. I always use the two crocheted ones usually found in the lounge room. However, it’s been so bitterly cold recently I’d put one on my bed a few night ago. Of course, the Steel Claw in the Velvet Paw, well known by my dining chairs, also known as Indie, was lying on it. Fortunately, I made her an offer she couldn’t refuse so I escaped the claw and got my blanket. This morning I had 3kg+ of yogurt to pot up. It’s not the greatest as it contains no additives, simply milk plus a tiny bit of a previous yogurt, but it’s not milk anymore and very cheap, edible and quite edible if post production additives of sugar and/or fruit are added.
Indie as a cat sandwich a few weeks ago
It proved a useful form of defence following her repeated incursions onto my lap and then chair when I got up. She was very happy for many hours.
Have been reading a variety of books lately and thought I write about some. These days I borrow books from the library based upon recommendations I read about or hear on the radio. I then save them to sticky notes on the computer, far superior to the piece of paper which I used previously and which used to get lost. I then order the book from the library and while not all are there, most are. Usually by the time I get the book, unless it’s a well known author, I’ve forgotten why I wanted it. This was the case with two of those I’ll write about. I also pick up some of the ones left lying around by library staff for fast selection. Most times it’s a good choice, a few are poorly written rubbish which I don’t finish.
Saree by Su Dharmapala
It is a very thick but very readable tome. It starts in Sri Lanka with the story of friendship between two young male friends from different ethnic groups. One has a passion to unravel silk from a cocoon without killing the silkworm within it. He was about to throw up an opportunity to attend university to follow his dream with silk when war broke out. The next chapter seems completely disconnected apart from including a sari making factory. The next several chapters also seem disconnected but contain certain completeness within and in various ways continue the theme of silk. With time the connections slowly emerge and the major characters slowly reconnect in a different country. Themes including beauty, decision making and love in its various guises are intricately woven into a modern story involving ancient crafts.
After Romulus by Raimond Gaita
He is an author and philosopher and is to talk at one of our universities in a month or so. I’d seen the film and read his book, Romulus My Father, a kind of memoir and biography. I thought I’d read his other books before the talk. After Romulus is an odd book and won’t suit everyone. It talks about Romulus My Father and some of the comments he received following its release with his attempt to explain further. It includes some very philosophical sections, which he says in the Introduction, are difficult to read and deserving of being read twice to try and understand them. They are difficult and I’m glad he said philosophy is difficult. Makes me feel a little better given my brain had turned to mush when I’d tried to philosophy before. He explains goodness in a philosophical but clear enough way by using the innate goodness he saw in his father and another character. His discussion of madness is very clear, honest and respectful. Not so sure about the rest of the book as it doesn’t remain in my memory but am looking forward to the lecture. He also has a book called The Philosopher’s Dog which deserves to be read even if just for the title.
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Anchor
Again no idea why I ordered this from the library but order it I did and now I’ve read it. It’s based on a model of positive psychology by the author, previously an academic and now consultant. It’s an intensely readable book containing squillions of simple examples and experiments demonstrating his concepts, arguments and examples. He talks of criss crossing the world to consult with major companies to assist them to improve morale, productivity etc and mentions some very simple techniques for improvement. He has a lot to say about the world of work not least because it is a major part of most people’s lives and very influential regarding their happiness and that of their families. He writes of habits and the concept of “common sense” and why it doesn’t work. It all sounds too plausible and slick yet he uses simple examples and experiments which we can relate to. One example he gave was of creating a new improved habit of playing guitar ever day, to replace an old undesirable one of flopping in front of the TV on arrival home. He developed a plan but after 3 weeks had only played 4 times. He simplified access to the guitar by always having it in sight, one of his concepts revolving around reducing energy required to create a new habit, and he achieved his goal. I’d say a lot of what he’s written is not new or rocket science but he has the ability to communicate it easily and make it accessible and doable. When I checked the web he appears quite often including video talks.