A quick AI overview tells me that there is no word in English that means fear of stagnation, although, it’s very common for people to be afraid of falling behind. I have great fear that my ability to use modern technology will evaporate. This drives my desire to stay active in my profession. Surely by keeping my eyes and hands on technology every day, I’ll continue to be able to use it. At least, that is my greatest hope.
My mother worked in IT for many years. She was a COBOL
programmer for the last 10 years of her career. Now, she can barely use a cell
phone and no longer has interest in PCs or technology. My in-laws are elderly
(around 90 years old) – neither can do more than barely function with a cell phone
and cable TV. Someone is less than 70 and is functionally illiterate with the
internet, cell phones, streaming, and his car. I cannot! Gigantic period (or
exclamation point, as it were).
Sarah brought her girls (MY grandchildren 😊) to our house for Trick or Treating on Halloween. We have a decent neighborhood for that; some people are not so lucky. Someone stayed home to pass out candy to any kids who came to our door so that Sarah and I could supervise and coach our little delightfuls to participate in civilized and safe candy collection. At age 5, Catherine can walk much faster than her sister, Elizabeth, who is about two-and-a-half years old. Elizabeth watches Catherine closely and mirrors her every move. If Catherine doesn’t want her hand held, Elizabeth wants to stop having her hand held. But then, if everyone was no more than a step or two in front of her, we heard Elizabeth wail (while running to catch up even with us), “You were leaving me behind!” or “You left me behind!” Of course, the adults kept assuring her we would never leave her behind or forget about her.
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| Our Jack is not scary |
We had a spectacular October here in the northeastern
Kentucky Ohio River valley. So many sunny days and warm temperatures. Even today
in early November, the temperature is mid-60s. I will leave my houseplants outside as long as
possible, perhaps another week. We have no frost warnings yet. The recent rain
is bringing the leaves down, and then we will have naked trees and the dreary
winter to deal with. Even so, I’m looking forward and feeling inspired about Christmas
this year…more so than I have in several years. That’s a story for another time.
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| My favorite hickory is exquisite in the morning sun |
