Fa – the Green Dragon

A Place for the Odd Musings of an Expat Bristolian

Category Archives: Life in the USA


by Leave a comment

My Local Community Center

A Good Place to Belong

My local community center has played a significant role in my life over the past year. I have been attending regularly, except for a five-month break that was necessary due to an injury. In December 2025, I returned and resumed a modest walking and exercise routine, which I follow on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Since coming back, I have experienced remarkable support from the community of people who use the facility. From the very first day of my return, countless fellow exercisers greeted me warmly, welcomed me back, and expressed that I had been missed. Many even greeted me by my first name, which was both comforting and surprising.

Today, I completed 40 laps of the indoor track—about two and a half miles—with 30 laps using a walker and 10 laps without it. Afterward, I participated in a one-hour chair yoga session. This routine is helping me mend, and I am truly grateful to be part of a caring and supportive community.


by Leave a comment

In Britain it’s the postman

In the USA the one who brings the mail
Is referred to as the mailman even when named Gayle.
Some people find this really weird,
mail lady is a term that’s almost never heard.
In France they have a different name to which they do refer
No matter if a guy or gal, it’s always le Facteur.
In Germany that soul is known by a name that’s full of labor.
For there they call that person, simply der Brieftraeger.
In Italy it’s il Postino, usually a man.
But if it were a woman, I would be a fan.
In Spain it’s el Cartero, who brings a greeting-card or bill.
and sometimes a love letter to make a still heart thrill.
But no matter who brings it. I think we all agree,
a letter in our mailbox is what we like to see.
So right away, write today, a short note to a friend.
Or, to someone who is ill, it will help them mend!

January 13, 2019


by 1 Comment

An Explanation of Law Enforcement in the USA

Overview of Law Enforcement Structure

Law enforcement in the United States operates through multiple groups, each with its own jurisdiction and responsibilities. These agencies are organized at federal, state, county, and city levels to ensure comprehensive coverage of law enforcement needs.

Federal Law Enforcement

At the federal level, law enforcement duties are partly assigned to agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI investigates crimes and pursues opportunities for crime prevention on a national scale, and sometimes internationally.

State Law Enforcement

Law enforcement affecting the general population is managed primarily at the state, county, and city levels. Every state has its own police force, which can be known by different names, such as the California Highway Patrol or Minnesota State Patrol. These state patrol agencies typically have jurisdiction over federal and state highways within their respective states.

County Law Enforcement

Each state is subdivided into counties, and each county is under the jurisdiction of a Sheriff. The Sheriff’s office has authority over county highways and is responsible for maintaining law enforcement across these areas.

Local Law Enforcement

Within every county, there are cities and towns, each governed by its own local police force. These departments enforce laws within the boundaries of their respective cities or towns.

Jurisdiction Example

To better understand how these jurisdictions work together, consider a drive from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Rochester, Minnesota. While driving within St. Paul, you are under the jurisdiction of the St. Paul Police Department. As you travel along the Lafayette Freeway to Concord Boulevard, jurisdiction is shared among several agencies: the State Patrol, the South Saint Paul Police, the Dakota County Sheriff, and the Inver Grove Heights City Police. The specific agency with jurisdiction depends on which part of Concord Boulevard you are traveling.

Jurisdiction in Minneapolis

In Minneapolis, the jurisdiction lies exclusively with the Minneapolis Police Department. However, support from state, county, or neighboring city agencies can be requested if needed.

This overview clarifies the structure and jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies throughout the United States.


by Leave a comment

The Double Meaning of “Ice Out”

Understanding the Double Meaning of “Ice Out” in Minnesota

In Minnesota, the phrase “Ice Out” carries two distinct meanings, each deeply connected to the state’s unique climate and recent events. Traditionally, “Ice Out” refers to the official notice issued by the Department of Natural Resources, declaring that lakes and rivers are now free of ice. This announcement signals the end of the winter freeze and allows shipping on the Great Lakes to resume.

“Ice Out” as a Seasonal Marker

Northern states like Minnesota are known for their harsh winters, with extreme cold temperatures causing lakes and rivers to freeze over. Minnesota, famously called the land of 10,000 lakes, experiences these conditions every year. The Mississippi River, which has its source in Itasca, Minnesota, can freeze as far south as Saint Louis, Missouri, interrupting shipping traffic throughout the winter months. Duluth, Minnesota, stands as the most western city on Lake Superior, highlighting the state’s strong connection to major waterways.

These frozen lakes and rivers not only affect transportation but also create opportunities for popular winter activities such as ice fishing. However, the ice can be deceptive and dangerous; thin ice has tragically claimed many lives over the years when unsuspecting individuals have fallen through into the icy water below. This danger is well-documented, as seen in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s writings about her family’s crossing of the frozen Mississippi River at Lake Pepin during their journey from Wisconsin to Minnesota.

The Official “Ice Out” Notice

The Department of Natural Resources issues an official “Ice Out” notice when all rivers and lakes are confirmed to be ice free. This key announcement marks the reopening of shipping routes on the Great Lakes, restoring an important aspect of Minnesota’s economy and reconnecting the region to broader commercial activities.

“Ice Out” as a Protest Movement

In more recent times, “Ice Out” has taken on a different, protest-related meaning. The phrase has become a rallying cry against the presence and actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota, particularly in response to federal intervention and the deployment of troops in the state. This movement began after the discovery of a significant fraud scheme in which federal and state funds were diverted, leading to charges against about 67 individuals, including some of Somali descent. Unfortunately, this has resulted in the unjust scapegoating of the broader Somali community due to the actions of a few individuals.

Minnesota is typically known for its Democratic-leaning political tendencies and is currently governed by Tim Walz, a Democrat. Tensions escalated when the current president, who opposes Governor Walz, increased federal involvement in Minnesota’s affairs, including the deployment of approximately 3,000 federal troops and ICE detachments. This situation has caused unrest among many residents of Minneapolis and Saint Paul—the Twin Cities—who have responded with protest calls and signs demanding “ICE OUT,” expressing their opposition to ICE operations in their communities.

Further Reading

For more insights into Minnesota’s culture and communities, consider visiting the blog Minnesota Prairie Roots by Audrey Fletcher Helbing, who offers an authoritative perspective on the state.


by 2 Comments

Ice Out has a double meaning

In the northern part of the United States and in particular Minnesota where I reside, winters can be quite harsh. The extreme cold temperatures cause our lakes and rivers to freeze over.

Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes.  The mighty Mississippi river rises here in Itasca and freezes as far south as saint louis Missouri, inhibiting shipping during the winter months. Duluth Minnesota is also the most western city on Lake Superior.

All these lakes and rivers give rise to a favorite winter pastime, namely that of ice-fishing.

Ice, as you may well imagine, can be very deceiving. Thin ice has claimed many lives over the years of unwary people falling through into the frigid water below.

Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about crossing the Mississippi during winter time by a family travelling from Wisconsin to Minnesota at lake Pepin.

But back to the meaning of Ice Out. On the one hand it’s a notice issued by the department of Natural Resources to declare that all rivers and lakes are now ice free. Shipping on the Great lakes can resume. The other meaning is more recent.

Some time ago, a group of people were discovered perpetrating  a massive fraud scheme. They were diverting federal and state funds into their own pockets. So far, about 67 people have been charged with crimes. Among these were a number of people of Somalian descent.

Minnesota is typically a state which is known for voting Democratic. Our Governor Tim Walz is a Democrat. Our current president does not like Gov. Walz and has gone out of his way to interfere in Minnesota’s state affairs. The unfortunate part of this is that Somalis in general have now become the villains because of a few bad actors. Part of the interference in the state’s internal affairs is the deployment of some 3,000 federal troops  and detachments of ICE.

ICE stands for Immigration and Customs enforcement. Naturally this has upset many of the residents of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and saint Paul. Part of their protest calls and signs are for “ICE OUT”. So, there you have it.

For more about the State of Minnesota, I would like to suggest looking up Minnesota Prairie Roots by Audrey Fletcher Helbing. She is a better authority.


by 1 Comment

Strength and Stamina are Improving

While the title is true, I have found that the Honey Do’s are increasing. Saturday was spent doing errands together with my dear spouse coupled with a few more around the house chores when that was done. I’m glad to be getting better but I was feeling quite “pooped” by the end of the day. Hence no post from yours truly, in spite of my goal to be more consistent. anyway, all is well on the mid-western front. However, the temperatures are extremely cold. On Saturday n we experienced -27F which is -29C. My sister in Warwickshire had a simple remark – “blimey”. Will post again soon.


by 2 Comments

I had Time on my hands

In August of 2025 I fell down and fractured my spine. I spent about 2 weeks in hospital where I was treated and then transferred to a Transition care Unit for therapy. The unit I was sent to had two sections, one for Long Term care, LTC and the other for Transition Care TCU. All residents had private rooms. My room was situated adjoining the LTC. In between my physical and occupational therapy session I spent a lot of time on my back in bed. It was a difficult position for holding a book and reading. But I did come across a lightweight paperback of quotations. But let me digress for a moment. I had plenty of opportunities to observe the LTC residents coming and going to therapy as they passed by my room. Strangely, although there were at least 40 LTC residents, it was the same 4 or 5 who went to therapy each day. I asked why that was. The response I got was surprising: “Oh most of them have given up”. Which brings me back to the book of quotations. One by John Henry Thoreau jumped out at me. It goes as follows: There are none so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm. I for one was anxious to get discharged as soon as possible. For those who had given up I thought how sad.

I do realize that some people had conditions far worse than mine, but I have always lived with another quotation in mind, that the Lord helps those who help themselves. And here I am just five months after my injury walking (albeit with a cane) again.


by Leave a comment

If the hat fits

An expensive gift

Shows someone is up for sale

Greed has no limits


by 3 Comments

SHUFFLE and PUTZ

I Have long been in what is sometimes referred to as My Autumn Years. And I have no problem with that terminology at this stage in my life.  However, as I have now grown older, and looking back on my thoughts and feelings as I aged, I thought it might be fun just too share some of them with you.

One of the things I noticed about older people is the way in which they walk. From my observations I saw that invariably they took shorter steps i.e. they did not seem to take a full stride. This was more pronounced when the person in question was using a cane or a walker. So, their gait could best be described more as a shuffle than a walk.

About fifteen years ago, I was admitted to hospital due to severe dehydration. I was in bed for about four days with round the clock IV’s replenishing fluids to my system. On the fifth day I was allowed out of bed. To my surprise, I found I could not stand or walk without support. This state did not pass quickly and with the help of therapists I had to learn how to walk again.

Since I am retired, I have quite a bit of time on my hands. Therefore, I spend my time doing what is sometimes termed putzing.  I like to putz in my garage and even in my home office. If in the garage, it comes down to cleaning, maintaining reorganizing tools, oils, grease, paints, etc.   And, in my home office, it is curating the thousands of

 photographs I have accumulated, cataloguing CDs and DVDs.

In more recent times I was taking shorter steps, and my own gait had turned into a shuffle. I noticed this first walking backwards and forwards in my garage when putting a tool away or moving a can of paint to a different shelf, all the while navigating boxes of who knows what on my garage floor.

To remedy this, I enrolled in a Sliver Sneakers program at my local community center. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I go there to walk and indoor track for about an hour. I follow this with an hour session of group led chair yoga. So far, it’s working well for me.

I wonder if this experience resonates with you.


by 4 Comments

the USA needs your help

Robert Reich wrote the following and I am reposting it here for my friends who live in other countries.

Friends, I’m addressing this letter especially to those of you who live in other lands. As you probably know, we here in the United States are facing the biggest emergency in the history of our democracy, and we need your help.

Trump and other members of his regime (Elon Musk, JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Kash Patel, Pete Hegseth, Pam Bondi) are actively undermining our system of government — usurping Congress’s power to fund the government, saying they “don’t care” what judges say, arresting peaceful protesters, investigating Trump’s “enemies,” siding with Putin against Ukraine, encouraging bigotry, and sowing widespread fear.

Please know that the Trump regime doesn’t represent the majority of Americans. Trump won the 2024 presidential election by a razor-thin (1.5 percent) margin, but half of all Americans didn’t vote, including many who voted for Biden in 2020. Polls consistently show most Americans do not support what Trump is doing.

How can you help us? Like most bullies, Trump can be constrained only if everyone stands up to his bullying — including you.

First, if you are thinking about a trip to the United States, please reconsider. Why reward Trump’s America with your tourist dollars? Spending by non-Americans in the United States is a significant source of tax revenue and a major “export” of this nation. There’s no reason for you to indirectly support Trump’s economy. Many international travelers concerned about Trump’s authoritarianism have already canceled trips to the United States. I suggest you do so, too.

Last week, Trump threatened a 200 percent tariff on European wine and alcohol after calling the European Union “one of the most hostile and abusive taxing and tariffing authorities in the World.” Why reward this bellicose rhetoric? Many Europeans are already skipping trips to Disney World and American music festivals. Travel from China, a frequent target of Trump’s contempt, is down 11 percent. Chinese travelers are choosing to vacation in Australia and New Zealand instead of visiting U.S. national parks. Our dear neighbors north of the border, who have long been the major source of international travel to the United States, are deciding to visit Europe and Mexico instead. In response to Trump’s repeated desire to make Canada a “51st state,” Canada’s former prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has urged Canadians not to vacation in America. An informal boycott by Canadian travelers has begun. The number of Canadians returning by car from visits to the United States already fell by 23 percent in February, and air travel by Canadians returning from the United States was down 13 percent relative to last year, according to Statistics Canada. Overall, it’s expected that international travel to the United States will drop at least 5 percent this year. Although we have loved (and profited from) your visits, I urge you to join many of your compatriots and at least for now decide not to come to the United States.

Second, if you are thinking about coming to the United States on a student or even on an H-1B visa, which allows highly skilled foreign citizens to live and work here, you should also reconsider. Perhaps wait a few years until, hopefully, the Trump regime has ended. It is not entirely safe for you to be here, in any event. Dr. Rasha Alawieh, 34, a kidney transplant specialist and professor at Brown University’s medical school, who has been in the United States legally on an H-1B visa, was just deported without explanation — even though a court had blocked her expulsion. Dr. Alawieh had traveled last month to Lebanon, her home country, to visit relatives. When she tried to return from that trip to the United States, she was detained by U.S. customs and immigration officials and put on a flight to Paris, presumably on her way to Lebanon. Lebanon is not even on a draft list of nations from which the Trump administration is considering banning entry to the United States. Even if there’s a shortage in America of skilled workers in your specialty, you could be deported at any time, for any or no reason.

Likewise, if you are considering coming to America on a student visa, you might consider the risk at this time. A Columbia University graduate student was arrested and detained for no reason other than that he peacefully protested Netanyahu’s policies in Gaza. The administration of Brown University is advising foreign students, ahead of spring break, to “consider postponing or delaying personal travel outside the United States until more information is available from the U.S. Department of State.”

It is not just the risk. It’s also the circumstances. If you care about democracy, this is not the time to come here on a student or H-1B visa because the Trump regime is riding roughshod over the Constitution of the United States.

On Sunday, the Trump regime deported hundreds of Venezuelan nationals from the United States under the centuries-old Alien Enemies Act — which until now has been used only in times of war — even though a federal judge blocked the decision and ordered planes carrying some of the Venezuelans to turn back to the United States. On Sunday night, Trump told reporters that the Venezuelans he sent back to Venezuela were “bad people. “But no one can take Trump’s word that these were “bad” people. Trump routinely uses the term “bad people” to refer to those who oppose or criticize him, or whom he dislikes. Whatever your reason for wanting to come to the United States — as a visitor, a student, or an H-1B skilled worker — you might reconsider your plans. Deciding not to come would send a signal that you’re justifiably worried about your safety and security here and you are as repulsed by the Trump regime’s attacks on democracy as are most of us Americans.