Category Archives: Of This and That

Happy 250th…. (Serious Content)

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No, not the huge celebrations planned for next July. Many people know June 14th is Flag Day; most don’t know it is also the U.S. Army’s birthday. Well, people know this time because of the big parade and other events publicized. As I was reminded when I found the below site, it is actually the birthday of the Infantry as well.

Wednesday, 14 June 1775

The resolutions being read, were adopted as follows:
Resolved, That six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia; that each company consist of a captain, three lieutenants, four serjeants, four corporals, a drummer or trumpeter, and sixty-eight privates.

That each company, as soon as completed, shall march and join the army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under the command of the chief Officer in that army.

That the pay of the Officers and privates be as follows, viz. a captain @ 20 dollars per month; a lieutenant @ 13 1/3 dollars; a serjeant @ 8 dollars; a corporal @ 7 1/3 dollars; drummer or [trumpeter] @ 7 1/3 doll.; privates @ 6 2/3 dollars; to find their own arms and cloaths.

That the form of the enlistment be in the following words:
I ____ have, this day, voluntarily enlisted myself, as a soldier, in the American continental army, for one year, unless sooner discharged: And I do bind myself to conform, in all instances, to such rules and regulations, as are, or shall be, established for the government of the said Army.2(https://www.lineofdeparture.army.mil/Journals/Infantry/Infantry-Archive/Spring-2025/14-June-1775/)

Anyway, with all the current turmoil in the world, it’s easy to forget those who most want peace are men and women of the military. That does not of course include the “death cult” countries/groups, and people who profit from never-ending conflict, but is the hallmark of everyone else. The truth is while I do believe human nature will some day evolve beyond the territorial and other greedy motives at the core of most conflicts, we’re probably 800 or so years from that time. Until then, the reality is a strong military – or in the case of small countries, strong alliances for protection – are needed.

One of the themes of the only overtly political novel I have ever written (To Play on Grass Fields) is about accepting the harsh reality of human nature even in striving to break away from the worse parts. In weaving the story of a king determined to move his country from it’s blood-soaked past, one of the measures is to restructure the military from an offensive force to one of defense and collaborative with stronger allies. Like all the other solutions described in the book, this is grounded in fact. A number of smaller nations have adopted this model.

And so, a day late, here’s Happy 250th Birthday U.S. Army and Infantry!

 

 

Time for the Rainy Season….

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Although we were in the rainy season in May, it was intermittent and many of the plants and pools were in need of water. Apparently Mother Nature has decided to make up for it as we’ve had pretty much continuing rain for almost 24 hours and I guess it will keeping going through today. Tomorrow will have some as well. At least the big outdoor events for the weekend were spared and this is why we have umbrellas and rain jackets.

We don’t usually get full days or rain; the pattern tends more to be a daily deluge for a while, then steam as the sun comes out. This pattern, however, can occur more than once in a day and there are times you can be outside and literally watch as it approaches. That’s always an interesting sight. Then of course there are the out-and-out thunderstorms with lightning making huge, scary streaks and booms of thunder to get your attention. I have no idea if it is true from a scientific point, but local lore is the more rain we get early in the season, the less chance of a bad hurricane. I can’t say I’ve tracked that over the years, but in truth, we have only been hit three times here and close calls several times when others in Florida bore the real damage. As I have said before, the Atlantic is a very large body of water with lots of empty space. It would be great if all the hurricanes could just swirl around off shore until they dissipate. Not that it works that way, but at least it happens with some of them.

So Much for Less Busy…

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Ah well, I knew this week wouldn’t be any less busy as I had to take care of regular tasks, plus a few I had put off while working on the Celebration. It went well and we will modify a few things for next year. I wasn’t expecting to have two extra events thrown in and not that they were arduous or unpleasant, merely took time. Then, notwithstanding the thought I would get a gap after covering the Memorial Day ceremony, no such luck. I now have a nighttime annual event for Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day. I enjoy the event; it’s just usually earlier in the month.

Okay, with that “poor me moment” out of the way, let me move on to say the event I participated in Tuesday night with high school students in the Mexican-American Council program College and Career Prep was a delight. Seven teams worked for a few months to create a “travel agency” putting together a trip for two adults and two teenagers (boy and girl) with a budget of $6,000. Trip could be up to a week and they had to research every aspect, cost out each item and do a visual presentation supporting everything. Some teams chose to duplicate the Powerpoint with a complete packet for we three judges and others did a summary. They were all impressive, and as usual there were a few very poised and comfortable with speaking in public. Two families were sent to Cancun, one to Orlando, one to Puerto Rico, one to Dominican Republic, one to Toronto, and the final presentation split the trip to Costa Rico and Cartagena.  Seven presentation with questions from each judge did make for a packed stretch of a little more than three hours, but like I said, a good experience in that it was nice to see the students engaged. Oh, and one of the other judges and I did go for wine after.

Good Evening and One More Week……

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Well, the Celebration of the Arts was a good event last evening. Not quite as many people as last year, however, a nice mix and everyone enjoyed themselves. The team that brought it together worked hard and I sent an extra thanks out to them this morning. I still have a few hours work with returning some items we borrowed and getting things out of bags and put away. A few leftover extras need to also be distributed and I won’t have to buy bottled water for a couple of months. We don’t drink bottled water here as we have a whole-house filter system, but I take it into the museum and we do have one more HCA meeting next month. I take snacks and beverages to that as well.

I would like to say next week will be better and in one sense it will. I have multiple obligations all the way through Memorial Day – well actually through May 31st – although none are overly stressful. At least none are supposed to be; keeping fingers crossed. There is something brand new which will also likely result in newspaper article for the last week of May. I have been invited to be a judge for a first-time exercise with some students – not sure if high school or college – in the field of hospitality and tourism. I haven’t had time to look at the packet yet and think it is a simulation of the students putting together vacation packages. Hospitality is of course a huge industry in Florida and I have traveled extensively, to include some far-flung places. I am interested in the details of what the tasks are and then to see how the students do. Several of the high schools have Hospitality and Tourism as Magnet Programs and all the colleges and universities have degrees.

 

Little Bit of an Oops….

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Okay, had a bit of an “Oops” with the blog getting swapped over, but seems okay now. And speaking of things, with the multiple organizations and situations I am involved with, there is always and I mean always, odd requests that come my way. The other day is a perfect example. I think I previously posted about the annual Celebration of the Arts we have brought back for Homestead Center for the Arts. There are of course multiple tasks to handle and one week out, we’re in pretty good shape for those tasks. There is also, however, the big ArtWalk the city puts on – well, one specific councilmember – and while we usually have one of our artists who participates and I always go by for a while, we have an unusual request for this time. The initial call to put art in trees did take me completely by surprise. Say what? Then in talking through it, the request (from a non-artist by the way) is really more about having color and shape at the entry to the event to draw the eye upward. We’re working a couple of different ideas to make this happen.

Moving on the our HCA Celebration, things hit a little dip in trying to get certain aspects lined up, but I think those are now under control. It will of course be a busy afternoon into the night although by having a reception 5:30-7:30, we should be able to be cleaned up and cleared by 8:30 or so. Unless someone wants to go out to dinner somewhere, I’ll probably call for pizza for us to pick up on the way home. We’ll see how it goes.

Making Me a Little Crazy…..

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Okay, the hassle in changing website and email continues. As I have said on many occasions, tech is not my thing and I get frustrated very easily. I do feel badly for my friends who don’t have anyone at home to help and Hubby and I have worked out an arrangement for trying to keep me from screaming too much at the computer. (I didn’t say I had that perfected yet.)

So, despite the fact the Domain Registration and the website and email hosting are through the same company, they are separate. After going through a somewhat painful process I am told yes, the Domain is registered, but now I have to do a different account for the others. In trying to follow those instructions, I did try – honestly I did. I gave up and asked for help before it got too bad. Hubby of course took care of it. Or at least I thought so. Turns out there is yet another step. This time the guy sent step-by-step instructions. Okay, even I should be able to manage. Except step 3 didn’t seem to work. After the third try I decided to click onto the Chat function. Let’s just say it did not go well. I then calmly asked Hubby to come up and explained. He takes the directions and sure enough, it didn’t work for him either. I felt a little better about that. He goes to the chat and gets a different tech. He can also explain better what the issue is and this time the tech acknowledges there seems to be an problem on their end. Well, that helps except of course I have to try again tomorrow. Sigh!!!!

Part of an Answer…..

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I suppose there has been a level of progress in this transition I have to do with my webmaster retiring. Turns out the first step was only to change Domain Ownership. Even though that and web/email come under the same company (maybe group), they are totally different sections. The guy I finally got to explain it to me via email also sent a recommendation for what package to get. So, okay, I print out the instructions. Except when I go to the site, what it wants me to do doesn’t exactly match what the recommendation is, and there are other terms I don;t understand. Then in trying to proceed, I get a thing that says I can’t have charliehudson.net because it’s already taken. Yes, I am aware, but it’s taken by me. Fine, I will need once again to try and find a human to talk to. Ah, but this is Sales and they only work Mon-Fri, 9:00-5:00 East Coast time. Uh huh. Monday is totally jammed for me, but things are still working and I can try Tuesday afternoon.

Speaking of Tuesday.  As I said, Monday was jammed and I have an important meeting Friday afternoon. That’s okay. Then I get an email with a notice of something that sort of involves the museum which includes a meeting on Thursday. Preparing for the meeting on Thursday might also mean having a meeting prior to that, but I won’t know until I can find and talk to the correct person. Then yesterday afternoon, I get a call which has now resulted in a meeting Tuesday morning which is why I can’t tackle the web/email thing until Tuesday afternoon. Oh, and none of this includes a couple of fairly important tasks I have already pushed into later May because they can wait.

Oops, I almost forgot I also have an issue with one of my prescriptions (actually one of only two I care about) and I guess I will have to tackle that on Tuesday as well since I can’t seem to resolve it through the on-line means. All of this is why I tend to roll my eyes when People say, “be sure and take time for yourself”.

What a Week…..

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And this was supposed to be a calmer week. Once again, however, a single phone call upended my schedule by dropping a new deadline in my lap. In this case, we have a City event this coming Tuesday. It’s a civic thing, but happens to involve local history. Not surprisingly, I was contacted because of the Town Hall Museum. Except the list of questions involved more than just the history questions. Well, that isn’t strictly correct as technically, each component can be considered history. My initial response was we could cover the primary history part, but not the others. Then I re-thought and knew what was likely to happen. And that would be uncertainty of where to find all the answers and a last-minute come back to me. Now, this is another situation that between the museum, me being the senior writer for the local paper, and my role in Homestead Center for the Arts, I did know where to get all the answers.

So, there were four segments. That meant I had to send out emails, then go and look at some old newspaper articles, plus check a few sites for some more bits. Set up a document to put everything into. Then take all the info, distill it, refine it, and send the responses. I forgot to mention, these particular questions are for a TV spot which will probably take place prior to the event. The crews have to set up early, and if true to form, they want to shoot this piece before the official speeches. Added to the mix was I had to be careful to phrase everything in a way to make sure I wouldn’t contradict anything that would be said from the stage. And yes, I know the main ones who will be speaking and the kinds of things likely to be said. The only remaining piece is if I will be in front of the camera or if another individual will be. I’m completely neutral on that. I’ve been interviewed often enough that I’m comfortable with it, but the other individual might like to be on camera.

And this is exactly why I rarely have a week where I don’t get extra tasks to deal with.

Travel Thoughts…..

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We had dinner with friends last night up at the 94th Aero squadron restaurant on the edge of Miami airport. It’s a unique, historic building and we had a window table with an easy view of a runway toward the cargo terminal. Part of being unique is they have headphones you can use to listen to air traffic control and pilots. Our friends are from NJ and we usually seem them once a year, although the schedules didn’t sync last year. They don’t eat much at night so they split a pecan topped salmon. I was torn between that, but Hubby and I shared a salad and I didn’t really want more leftovers so I had the Shrimp Guadalajara appetizers. Really a luncheon size portion with four tostones topped with guacamole and spiced shrimp and a small mound of pico de gallo on the plate. I did give a tostone to each of the guys. Oh, Hubby had grilled mahi topped with a couple of grilled shrimp.

Anyway, the male friend travels extensively even though he is now retired and the wife less frequently. As it turns out, she doesn’t like to be gone for more than a week at a time; two max. They sort of accidentally scheduled two trips almost back to back. Her husband, from Cuba, comes each year to visit family (and is usually able to add on here to dive), but the family was originally from Spain. For a reason mostly doing with the grandchildren’s spring break, they will barely get back from this trip and are taking daughter-in-law and the grandchildren to Madrid for them to meet that branch of the family. Our friends will stay at the house they’ve rented in Madrid the whole time while the daughter-in-law will take the children by train to Barcelona for a few days. Interestingly, despite  her many years of travel, our friend thinks about things that can go wrong; even something like what if they don’t get to the airport in time for the flight. She laughed about it and said she knows the trio will be okay traveling on their own for the few days, but she also knows she’s going to want to hear from them at least once a day to make sure there are no problems. How nice it is to have cell phones to make that part easy.

New Guest Post……

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Candace Sigmon is back again with more in her series; this time is:

“Freedom and Paychecks: How to Become a Digital Nomad

In a world where technology transcends borders, the digital nomad lifestyle offers a unique blend of work and exploration. This lifestyle is not just about traveling; it’s about redefining how and where we work. As more professionals seek flexibility and freedom, the digital nomad movement is gaining momentum, offering a chance to experience diverse cultures while maintaining a career. This guide delves into the essentials of becoming a successful digital nomad, from enhancing your skills through online learning to adopting sustainable practices that respect the environment.

Maintain Sustainable Practices

As you transition into a digital nomad lifestyle, knowing how your choices impact the environment is essential. The idea of ecological footprints helps illustrate the effects of travel and consumption on the planet’s resources. Frequent air travel, a staple for many digital nomads, is a major contributor to carbon emissions, accelerating climate change. Consider adopting sustainable habits like selecting eco-friendly accommodations and reducing waste to lessen your impact.

Bridge the Gap in Healthcare Access

Healthcare is a crucial consideration when living a nomadic lifestyle. Telemedicine is reshaping how you access healthcare by leveraging telecommunications and information technology to deliver medical services remotely. This approach includes video consultations, remote monitoring, and the electronic sharing of medical records, significantly enhancing healthcare accessibility, especially in areas with limited medical facilities. By breaking down geographical barriers, telemedicine ensures you receive timely and appropriate healthcare services, which is essential for promoting health equity and reducing disparities.

Boost Your Career with Online Learning

One of the first steps to becoming a digital nomad is enhancing your skills through online learning. An online degree can be a transformative step in your career, especially if you aim for a location-independent lifestyle. These programs offer the flexibility to balance work and study, allowing you to maintain your current job while acquiring new skills. Information technology courses support innovation, and you can gain expertise in high-demand areas like cybersecurity and IT management. This knowledge is crucial in today’s digital landscape, positioning you for leadership roles and career advancement.

Stay Fit and Healthy as a Digital Nomad

Maintaining health and fitness is essential for a fulfilling and productive digital nomad lifestyle. Regular exercise keeps you physically fit, enhances your mood, and boosts energy levels, which can significantly increase your productivity. Incorporating various exercises, such as cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and flexibility exercises, offers comprehensive health benefits. You can easily integrate these activities into your routine by using bodyweight exercises, portable fitness equipment, or local activities like hiking and cycling. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats is crucial to support your active lifestyle.

Build a Collaborative Remote Team

Creating a successful remote team is key to thriving as a digital nomad. It’s essential to foster an environment where feedback and communication are prioritized. By utilizing practical communication tools, you can ensure that team members have seamless interactions, promoting unity. Encouraging a culture where individuals feel safe to share ideas without fear of judgment can significantly enhance collaboration and trust. Leaders play a crucial role by actively seeking input and involving team members in decision-making, which helps the team adapt to changes collectively.

Embrace Responsible Tourism for a Sustainable Future

Engaging in responsible tourism is essential to respecting your destination’s local customs, traditions, and natural environments when you travel. Opting to buy locally made products instead of mass-produced items not only supports small businesses but also helps preserve the area’s unique cultural heritage. This conscious choice reduces your environmental footprint and promotes a more equitable tourism model, benefiting you and the host community. Additionally, practicing responsible waste management, such as carrying your trash until you find a proper disposal method, is essential to maintaining the pristine beauty of natural landscapes.

Leverage Local Networks for Digital Nomad Success

To excel as a digital nomad, engaging with local resources and communities that can support your personal and professional development is essential. Joining vibrant digital nomad communities like Remote Year or WiFi Tribe can offer camaraderie and guidance, helping you navigate the unique challenges of a location-independent lifestyle. Additionally, attending local meetups and utilizing coworking spaces can alleviate remote work’s isolation, fostering meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. Online platforms such as NomadList and Reddit Digital Nomads Forum provide a wealth of information and opportunities to connect with fellow nomads, ensuring you have access to a global network of support.

The digital nomad lifestyle is a transformative journey offering many experiences and opportunities. By focusing on skill development, sustainable living, and community engagement, you can create a fulfilling and balanced life on the move. This lifestyle is not just about working from different locations; it’s about embracing a new lifestyle that values flexibility, cultural exchange, and personal growth. As you embark on this path, remember that the world is your office, and every destination is a chance to learn and grow.”

Note from Charlie: While digital nomad may not be a fit for many of our readers, you may know someone who is, or could be interested.

A quick closing from Candace as well. “Dive into the captivating worlds of Charlie Hudson’s novels, where each story promises thrilling adventures and unexpected twists. Explore more at Charlie Hudson’s official site and discover your next favorite read!”