Fa – the Green Dragon

A Place for the Odd Musings of an Expat Bristolian

Tag Archives: humanity


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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.


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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


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Curiosity – a case for inspired thinking

the force that drives discovery

Curiosity it is said, is what killed the cat

But curiosity goes further and looks at this and that.

The good thing about it is it seems to have no end

No telling what may be hidden, just around the bend.

A cat’s, whiskers informs it quickly, also just how wide,

 any space will need to be before it goes inside.

Cats are curious by nature as they patrol a house

Certain to discover that all elusive mouse.

Curiosity is not a passing whim, like, can you tell me what’s the time?

It’s more a driving force that goes deeper than a mine.

On a more serious note, if curious you’ll find

That your curiosity is inspired by thoughts of every kind.

The conclusions that you reach when exploring what could be

May often help to guide you as you build a strategy.

So, stay curious and be just like that cat.

 Make it your second nature on which to hang your hat.

Curiosity – a case for inspired thinking

the force that drives discovery

Curiosity it is said, is what killed the cat

But curiosity goes further and looks at this and that.

The good thing about it is it seems to have no end

No telling what may be hidden, just around the bend.

A cat’s, whiskers informs it quickly, also just how wide,

 any space will need to be before it goes inside.

Cats are curious by nature as they patrol a house

Certain to discover that all elusive mouse.

Curiosity is not a passing whim, like, can you tell me what’s the time?

It’s more a driving force that goes deeper than a mine.

On a more serious note, if curious you’ll find

That your curiosity is inspired by thoughts of every kind.

The conclusions that you reach when exploring what could be

May often help to guide you as you build a strategy.

So, stay curious and be just like that cat.

 Make it your second nature on which to hang your hat.


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Reflections on Language and Word Creation

Messing About with Words

I have always found it fascinating to observe how people use words in their everyday conversations and interactions. Language, after all, is an essential part of our daily lives, shaping the way we communicate and connect with others. From an early age, I considered myself a bit of a “gramando”—someone who is quick to correct others when I thought their grammar, pronunciation, or even their choice of words was incorrect.

Over time, however, I came to realize that language is not fixed—it is constantly in flux and evolves based on location and context. For example, someone from New York will speak English differently than someone from Arkansas. This understanding made me reconsider my former approach and ultimately curbed my impulse to correct others during conversations.

Nevertheless, I still find myself quietly amused when I hear something unusual or creative in language use, though I now keep these thoughts to myself.

Discovering a “Scrabbleist”

Not long ago, I was chatting with a fellow walker at my local community center. During our conversation, she described herself as a “scrabbleist.” Curious, I asked her what she meant by the term. She explained that a scrabbleist is simply someone who plays Scrabble.

That evening, I began to reflect on her use of the word “scrabbleist.” I wondered why she chose “scrabbleist” instead of something like “scrabbleonian” or “scrabbletator.” This led me to consider how new words are formed and gradually become part of our vocabulary. Even though I could not find these words in any dictionary, I believe that, with time, such terms may eventually enter our everyday speech. Only time will tell how language continues to grow and adapt.


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Personal Achievement at the Community Center

Walking Goal at the Indoor Track

Yesterday, I set a personal goal for myself to walk at least 30 laps on the indoor walking track at the Community Center. For context, 16 laps around the track are equal to one mile, so this was a significant target for me.

Exceeding Expectations

I am pleased to report that not only did I reach my goal, but I also surpassed it by completing an additional 5 laps. This accomplishment fills me with a sense of pride and satisfaction.

Post-Walk Experience

After finishing my walk, I did feel a bit tired. However, taking a short rest and having a small snack helped me recover. I was then able to participate in my chair yoga session as planned.

Reflections

As I write this, I feel great and am excited to share my progress. This experience has motivated me, and I look forward to continuing my fitness journey.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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Onward and Upward

A happy day today. Even with my walker, for my still unsteady balance. I was able to walk for a mile and a half. Albeit with frequent breaks, but I did it. Then I participated in a chair yoga session. Came away very pleased. Looking forward to doing the same again on Thursday.