2018 A - Z Challenge - X

X     Things We Appreciate

Xcaret (meaning small inlet), Mexico is located off the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatan peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo. The above-ground area was home to the pre-Columbia Mayans, whose sudden disappearance remains steeped in supposition today.  And while archeologists continue digging and scientists keep researching, tourists arrive in droves each year to view the numerous archeological ruin sites by way of magnificent underground waterways called cenotes (sacred well). Dos Ojos (two eyes) is known as one of the most elaborate diving sites as well as (possibly) one of the most extensive underwater cave systems in the world.

The Xylophone is a percussion instrument made of wood (typically rosewood) bars which, when rapped with a rubber mallet create a rich melodic sound, deeper than the higher pitch sound of an instrument constructed of metal bars. The xylophone is a transposing instrument, meaning its written notes are one octave below the actual sounding notes. Xylophones are commonly used in music training classes for children, as they also learn to combine movement, singing, and speech. Fun fact: The sound of Fred Flintstone’s twinkling toes while bowling is that of a Xylophone.

As long as it doesn’t involve air travel, I appreciate X-Ray machines and techniques. After all, the concept revolutionized the treatment of Tuberculosis and is useful in a variety of professions, in addition to curative and homeopathic treatment. The introduction of the X-Ray by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895 was not only favorably and widely accepted, but it was also put to use by European surgeons within weeks of its inception. Then, it became a fad. No kidding. Smaller versions of the original were showing up in shoe stores and at carnivals and children’s birthday parties. It wasn’t until 1904 when Thomas Edison’s assistant Clarence Dally, died of skin cancer for having worked with the equipment extensively, that people began to consider the serious impact of the new technology. For instance, it can also cure cancer – with correct application ;-)

Have an X-tra Special Day!

Any thoughts? Can you add to the list of things we appreciate that begin with the letter X?

2018 A -Z Challenge - R

R     Things We Appreciate

White-water Rafting was not something I thought I’d ever do, until one day (under protest) I did. I gained a deep Respect that day, for those who do it often, and a valuable lesson on the merits of teamwork when navigating raging River rapids. It wasn’t until after that experience that I watched the movie “The River Wild” and found I still wanted to climb right out of the raft (or chair).

Aren’t Remote Controls great? I can recall being instructed to change the television channel “while I was up” whether I was or not. These days, depending on viewer attendance, control of the remote can be a real issue, but I imagine the first remote made by Zenith in the 50’s and called the “Lazy Bones”, was accepted with nothing short of Reverence, though it was connected to a wire attached to the television set across the room. The wireless “Flashmatic” remote, invented by Zenith engineer Eugene Polley was introduced just a few years later.

Long before plastic flamingos dotted lawns across mid-America, Rustic wagon wheels graced crude wooden gates or supported leaning fence posts across the windswept plains and scorching sands of the southwestern desert. We had more than one until the smaller of two rolled away in a Rainstorm. It’s interesting to note that during the uprisings against un-natural yard art in the 60’s, wagon wheels retained acceptable Repute. ;-)

Radio is yet another essence of long ago that I continue to appreciate. While it doesn’t quite pre-date the wagon wheel, it’s been keeping America informed and entertained for over a century. Whether driving, or working in the office, I like the suspense of not knowing what song they’ll play next, what Refreshing tidbit the announcer might impart, and hearing that a road is closed - before I get there.  Remember when you could call the radio station and request that a favorite song be played? 

Happy Blogging!

Any thoughts? Can you add to the list of things we appreciate that begin with the letter R?

2018 A - Z Challenge - M

M   Things We Appreciate

I could live on Milkshakes. In fact, I did for a while that last year of high school. Strawberry was my favorite; chocolate was good too. Shakes were just the perfect thing for hunger abatement in between classes and after-school jobs where I also enjoyed Making Money.

Keeping busy was one thing the Sinagua people had no trouble with, as evidenced by the 600-year old rugged high-rise suites their daring builders etched into limestone cliff faces high above the valley below.  Montezuma Castle, as it is called (though no relation to the Aztec Emperor, who hadn’t yet been born), is probably the most well- preserved cliff dwellings in North America, but access to the actual ruins was deemed too unstable in 1951. The National Park operates a Visitor’s Center within plain view of the castle, which affords excellent opportunities for photographs.

Near the Arizona-Utah border lies a high-plains version of our own star of the Silver Screen. Monument Valley in all its ruddy-red glory sports panoramic views of towering buttes and spires that have appeared in numerous media outlets, including films ranging from Stagecoach (John Wayne) to Back To The Future II; fundamentally shaping America’s earliest impression of the American southwest. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located on the Navajo nation and visitors are welcome for a nominal fee.

Isn’t there just something about the scent of Maple Syrup that makes you want a pancake? Some folks drizzle it on other things as well, like bacon, ice cream, salads and roasted vegetables. What do you put syrup on?

When I’m anxiously waiting for that first clap of thunder during summer Monsoon, reading a good Mystery helps the time pass. Cranberry Mimosas at a wedding shower have the same effect ;-)

 

The only things more treasurable than the experiences we have are the Memories we keep, and as my grandson brought to mind when he insisted I add Music (of course!) to the list, Motherhood has been one of the very best!

Happy M Day!

Any thoughts? Can you add to the list of things we appreciate that begin with the letter M?