Photo by Moses Pendleton
Look what our friend Moses saw in the snow! Do you see it? The dog? It’s a dog, barking.
Ann Leary, author of The Good House
Author of The Good House
Dear Abby
March 15, 2011 by 16 Comments
I just spoke to Terry, the owner of Abby the mare who was rescued by the Washington, CT Fire Department yesterday and she reported that Abby is doing very well today. Terry has been hand-walking her (leading her) around the yard, but mostly she’s been in her barn, resting. Terry gave me permission to post these photos of the mare’s rescue and extends her thanks to all the volunteers on the scene.
This is how the mare looked when I arrived:
The Golden Hour
January 26, 2011 by 61 Comments
The Golden Hour, Bermuda, 2010
Before I took my EMT training course, I had only heard the term “golden hour” as it’s used in filmmaking. In cinematography and photography, the “golden hour” is the first hour after dawn or the last hour before dusk when the light becomes very fine. It has to do with the sun being so low on the horizon and because it’s indirect, it casts long shadows and there is some kind of filtering effect that adds colorful qualities and tinted hues. The evening “golden hour” often culminates in a beautiful sunset, but even when it doesn’t, there is usually a very rare atmosphere that makes everything look a little better. Filmmakers will spend hours, sometimes days preparing cameras, equipment and actors for a scene that calls for the “golden hour.” I’ve always loved the term, it’s beautiful to me, there’s something magical about it. Denis and I will sometimes just say it, if we’re on the beach at the right moment or the light is hitting a building in an old city, late in the day, “It’s the golden hour.”
Weather Advisory
December 27, 2010 by 64 Comments
We just got the “be prepared” email from Bernie, our EMS chief, so, though it’s nice and cozy inside, I have my coat, boots and radio at the ready. But, guys, it’s really snowing out there, so if you live in my town, please be careful and don’t fall on the ice and break all your teeth and crack your head open. You would also be well-advised to not handle any cutlery that might fly from your hand and straight into your eye – you don’t think that can happen? I’ve got a little EMT textbook I could show you that is filled with photos that would make your stomach turn. Objects impaled in eyes? Happens all the time. Also, why not stay at home tonight, the roads are very icy and you could easily spin out of control and land in a semi-frozen lake and then what? You’d sink before we could even get there is what. I’m not saying it would be a hassle to rescue you or anything, of course we’ll be happy to accommodate you anytime, but try to sit quietly until the roads are clear tomorrow.
Important Business
July 31, 2010 by 72 Comments
I’ve been in Boston the past few days. A family member is in the hospital but things are looking better for him, so yesterday I drove to a small town outside Hartford, CT, at a predetermined time, because I had important business there. Important Government business. I parked my car in front of the large office building and went inside, sweating and shivering at the same time. I was met by a receptionist who had me read some regulations, then I was photographed and fingerprinted. Then I was lead into an interior chamber where I was again fingerprinted and all of my personal belongings (except for my clothes) were stored in a locker.
How About a Nice Quiz?
July 24, 2010 by 39 Comments
We’re back from our vacation. It was wonderful, but because of upcoming EMT exams (took one this morning, don’t know results yet), I spent most of the time on the beach taking practice multiple choice tests. As a result, I’ve found that the multiple choice format has replaced my former methods of thinking and communicating. Worse, I view everything as a “scenario” in which a certain protocol is required. Here’s an example taken from a real-life incident that occurred in our house this morning. Let’s see how you do:
Please Don’t Put Somebody’s Eye Out
May 20, 2010 by 57 Comments
Just Don’t Lose Your Head
May 18, 2010 by 85 Comments
A few things I have learned so far in my EMT training:
1) The heart really is a lonely hunter. It’s the only organ that has “automaticity” – the ability to generate an impulse on its own. It doesn’t need another organ or hormone or nerve to start it up. It’s self-generating. I didn’t know that. It’s a rather basic form of plumbing equipment designed to pump fluid. There are some important valves, nodes, chambers and pipes, all in a sleek, ever-pulsing container. Yet it’s full of electricity and has built-in pacemakers. And if it breaks, you can meet somebody new and fall in love again, or if it really breaks you can call 911 and get a rapid response from an EMT and paramedic crew and hopefully get it restarted.
Surprise Quiz
April 25, 2010 by 40 Comments
The other night when I returned from my class, my sister Meg informed me that Holly had brought something in from outside. At first we thought it was a rawhide chew toy but we soon learned that Holly was trying to help me with my anatomy lessons.
The review section of my text book is filled with multiple choice questions and I thought it would be fun to test your knowledge. So here goes:
1. The woman in the picture above:
a) Is about to scream
b) Will have to resist the urge to throw adorable puppy across the room
Such Class!
April 22, 2010 by 61 Comments
No, I’m, not taking Chinese or Italian or Art History or Zumba or any of the other fascinating ideas you all had regarding the class I’m enrolled in.
I’m taking an EMT training class.
