THE OTHER SIDE OF WORLD NEWS

Did you read about this woman over in Silsbe, Texas who was out in her yard doing yard work when, out of the clear blue, a snake falls on her and wraps itself around her right arm. Did you hear what I said? This snake fell from the sky and wrapped itself around her right arm! Just imagine - she is dancing around like a chicken wirh its head chopped off. She's desperately trying to disengage from this serpent. If only Eve had made such an effort we'd very likely have a whole other ball game.

But wait! I'm not done. While this demon from the sky was tightening its grip on her arm and striking at her glasses this woman is not standing still. She is making moves that would have impressed the judges on Dancing With The Stars. Just then this huge hawk dives on the flailing reptile wrapped arm and began clawing and pecking at the snake obviously trying to retrieve his lunch that was, just as obviously dropped from on high. Viciously tearing at the four foot long snake with it's curved beak and deadly talons, the hawk, showing little concern over whose flesh it was ripping and tearing, finally freed the snake from the woman's arm and flew off to his pick-nick site in the woods.

The good news is that the woman's injuries were serious but not deadly. She will be some time recuperating. The less than good news is she will never trust anything that moves in the grass, along with a few other things. I'm guessing she will also add an overhead inspection to her outdoor activities from now on. It couldn't hurt, what with global warming and all.

LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY

It is widely known - just kidding - that I have been trying to figure out how to meet people and  make friends in my new home here in Texas. You know other than at the doctor's office.  Those people are OK, friendly enough and reasonably well educated.  Often someone will actually remember your name.  That's a nice perk.  It feels good.

Old friends - most of whom live a million miles away - offer welcomed advise such as, go to church.  OK, I'm rolling on the floor laughing my ass off over that one.  I have an advanced degree in church - too much baggage.  I know that there are several top tier brands to choose from but it seems rather dishonest since I pretty much reject the primary directive of religion that there is a god who loves me and will intervene on my behalf when called upon.  Yeah but, I am told, they all have a robust social component and fairly decent grub.  Not much booze, however.  I know the Catholics share their booze but he guy in the dress won't let go of the cup.  I'm gussing that the staff gather afterwards for their own sharing session and finish off the jug.  I mean, I'm just guessing here.  No question, though, a full bar would definitely elevate the quality of the service.

Another suggestion is that I find somewhere to volunteer.  That has a ring of authenticity about it.  And it touches the need to serve.  So I checked a couple of places and was informed that there was no current need.  Here, fill this form out and should a need pop up we'll call.  I have a secret confession to make.  I don't want to volunteer.  I really wish that was not there.  But . . . there it is.

I was talking to a sort of step-niece of mine Sunday and she told me about a web site called "meetup.com".  As the word suggests it's a place where likeminded people meet up.  You can pick from a list of groups covering all kinds of interests.  There are also virtual groups that use Zoom and other mechanisms to talk and actually see each other.  This sounded like a winner.  So I joined two: a book club and a discussion group.  The book club is reading what seems to be of the fantasy genre, so I'll pass.  I had already checked out the local library and in September they will offer a book club.  i'm hopeful.  The library is really great.

The other group I joined is a philosophy and conversation group.  That really rang a bell for me.  The first meeting is next Monday and the questioin is "is it really possible to be an entirely self made person?"   What gives me hope is that this group meets in a brew pub.  I've already put it into my GPS.

In case you're wondering, I am lightyears away from being self made.  But wait a minute - who else can be blamed for what I am?