Things that make me feel Not Insignificant

[snoringdog]

Early season success! One of the two caterpillars reached chrysalis stage a week ago - crawled up the kitchen window and transformed before we could put it in the net cage....

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Overnight, he/she emerged! Nice surprise to wake up to.

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Fly, little one!

[snoringdog]

He/she flew out the window we left open this morning, and then later today ...

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She came back to the milkweed!
Sure of it, since we haven't seen any monarchs for the last few weeks since we found the eggs.

Such a small, but awesome thing!

[brownblob]

cool

[snoringdog]

We're going to release three more of these wonderful little beings tomorrow, I think that brings the count up to 10 this year with 4 more in chrysalis stage right now. Once you start doing this it's addictive!

Watching the whole cycle ---

Female adults flitting about and laying eggs the size of a grain of sand on the undersides of the milkweed leaves.

Bringing in stem cuttings and keeping them fresh for the voracious caterpillars that start very very small, but soon grow to about 2 inches long and fat as your little finger.

Watching them move quickly from stale stalks to fresh ones (How do they know?)

Watching them travel upwards and and hang in inverted position, and then curl up and somehow magically turn into beautiful milky green chrysalises with gold flecks and pinstriping! (Detroit Auto's got nothing on you...!)

After about a week, suddenly darken, and burst forth as folded butterflies.

Pump up their wings.... rest and get ready....

And then...... fly out faster and higher than you'd believe, straight into the sky and the tops of the trees!

Goodbye little ones! Good luck and Godspeed!

You have captivated me!

[oak]

So lovely!

Thank you for sharing.

[Heatherwantspeace]

SD, this is fantastic. Real poetry.
Heather

[snoringdog]

Donating blood & platelets.
If nothing else, I can do this!

Had friends and relatives in hospitals who were in need, and as long as I can... why not?

Hey an update...

So I went in today to donate platelets, and they asked me if I could do a "double and a red". I said Sure, why not? (Donating is a bit of a hassle, but it's important and makes me feel like I'm helping someone).

Blood pressure was low at 108/69 which was a little strange, but I've always been on the low side.

(Woke up too early this morning, agitated and with a flood of negative thoughts and feelings. Ate something and got on my exercise bike and watched a session on CBT. Afterwards felt much better, and ready to deal....)

During the procedure, they have you squeeze a rubber ball periodically during the "Draw" phase, and release during the "Return". Things went well, but the machine flagged an "under-pressure" warning at least a half dozen times, which I've had before. Annoying, but not a big deal.

Afterwards, made my way over to the free donuts and drinks. Started in, but after about a minute, I started to feel faint. Put my head between my knees, which I think you're supposed to do, and noticed a recliner nearby. Last thing I remember thinking was "Hmm... maybe I should lie down there...."

Next thing I know, I'm waking up on the floor, pants wet and sitting in a puddle of water!

For half a second I thought I spilled my drink, but I'd been drinking hot chocolate, not 7-Up or soda...

Freaking embarrassing !! and I apologized.
But the staff was nothing but supportive and helpful.

Rested for about 20 minutes, then headed out after they took my blood pressure and reported a 120/80.

90 degree day here and I don't think anyone noticed as I made my way out and thru the parking lot.... but I couldn't help but think people were saying "Hey, look at that guy sweating up a storm.... but only from the waist down...!"

This hasn't put me off from returning, but maybe next time, I'll have them throttle back a bit...

SD

[oak]

SnoringDog, well done. Very well done indeed.

I understand platlets are very important to people with cancer, so you can be proud of your efforts.

Is what happened to you embarrassing? Yes. Yet you suffered that indignity for an excellent cause.

This is also an excellent reminder to have a change of clothes and wipes in our car at all times, as any of us can become incontinent.

The word I'm thinking of regarding your experience is "mortifying"; not in the sense of wanting to die from embarrassment, but getting in touch with your humanity in an actual, visceral way: nothing is more human than passing out.

Good for you for being a good sport. Put the clothes in wash immediately, take a shower, and enjoy a nice pop. You've earned it.

[snoringdog]

Off to give platelets this am.

It's the least I can do in this sorry fucked-up world...

[manuel_moe_g]

Off to give platelets this am.

It's the least I can do in this sorry fucked-up world...

Wonderful! Thank you for doing this for the world, Snoringdog