Category: Random Thoughts

The junk that pops into my brain

The 2014 Drought

~ JodiLea

Every year California suffers a drought. It is a condition, that Californians must weather every Spring through Fall. “CONSERVE WATER!”  signs scream at you in town and your neighborhood. Lecturing you about wasting water and how you can cut your water usage by 50%.

I thought conserving water was something you just did every day. Drought or no drought. Silly me.

The local papers are interviewing State and County officials about how they are approaching a plan to relieve the situation. These ‘plans’ suck.  We have heard them (every year) debate a rationing plan, that is not actually putting restrictions on water, but rather charging  water users 3x what they pay now.  A ridiculous threat because we need water not money.

Do we plan on buying water with that money?  Who would we buy water from?  Not Southern California, or parts of Arizona and Nevada, because we send them water. Why? Northern California has been in a drought for many years according to our State Officials.

I took these 2 pictures of the Stanislaus River, from Parrots Ferry Road. The change in water level shows that this drought is real, and not State Officials crying wolf.

Photo Taken August 2012
2014
Photo Taken August 2014

We need rain and snow. Sure, we had some last year, but it was not enough to catch us up from 2-years of light winters.

My idea is to go to the Mi-wok Indian community and ask them to teach us how to do an authentic rain dance.

I’m SERIOUS!

STOP  laughing

AND

GET  dancing, people!

We can do this!

😉

12 Things Your Cruise Line Won’t Tell You

~ JodiLea

PrincessCruiseShip  A dozen little things we learned along the way the hard way…

  1. As soon as you get your itinerary, get on the cruise lines webpage, and verify you have the cabin you want.
  2. Not sure what you want? The ideal cabin is mid-ship, accommodates two people only (otherwise you get bunk beds nailed to each side of your room), and has a balcony. A balcony costs more, but then, what doesn’t?
  3. Repeat after me -“Nothing is included, except the cuisine.”
  4. Pack food and water in your carry-on bag. You won’t mind how heavy it is when you are stuck in a 3-hour security line.
  5. You do NOT look awful! It’s your cabin lighting. Or lack of.
  6. The open ocean is more active than coastal waters. Take Dramamine 1st thing when you wake up on ‘Days at Sea’. Trust me.
  7. You will start showering, using one arm to wash and the other for balance. Two weeks later, I am still doing this.
  8. WiFi internet access is now offered on ships. For the bargain price of $.79/minute.  [Again – See #3].
  9. Coffee is included – except in the coffee bar.
  10. The elevators are always full and very slow, so take the stairs. Less strain and more calories burned.
  11. Travel with friends and family. Bonding occurs while everyone goes through enjoys the same experience.
  12. Don’t stress about packing. You will bring the wrong things, regardless.

One more thing – cruising is a blast, yet not all cruise lines are alike. Do some research and find what you want   😉

Good Luck & Bon Voyage!!

**

photo credit: Port  via photopin cc