Day 265: Around town

I've thought about David Brook's comments a great deal today.  Particularly moving were his stories contrasting the modesty, self-effacement and sacrifice of the "greatest generation" with the self-serving traits of many today.  He told the stories about General George C. Marshall, Dwight Eisenhower and Francis Perkins.  The tales focused on how they conquered their own weaknesses and gave selflessly to causes greater than themselves.  On the other hand, he noted how absorbed people are today with their own importance which has led to an epidemic of overconfidence and narcissism. 

He also spoke about the two men running for President, both good men in his view, who are caught up in a very rigid landscape and a brutal campaign.  Although he is a conservative, he was highly critical of Mr. Romney for "faking it' or trying to be someone he's not.  He found Romney's comments on the 47% to be "morally offensive."  But, he was also critical of Mr. Obama because he has been so changed by the job of President.  Mr. Obama has become more insular and he has realized the limits of what a President can do.  He is not gregarious by nature and that has hurt him.  

One of the most amusing comments he shared was that there are more people in the country who own ferrets than who watch Fox News.  That nearly brought the house down.  His prediction is that the President will win re-election, the Senate will be split and the Democrats will make some gains in the House.  

 Our easy-going day began with a trip to the lake for a walk on the beach.  It appeared that a storm was blowing in and I wanted to capture the wind-blown waves and darkening clouds.  They passed by quickly without rain.  On the beach, clusters of milkweed pods are ripening amid the asters and will soon burst open.

A second walk in the late afternoon took us through the college grounds to check on construction progress.  One of the workmen spotted me photographing them and paused to pose.  It reminded me of the years when Houghton Hall was under construction in the late 1960s and both my uncle and cousin were electricians.  They never missed a chance to call out to me when I passed by on my way to class and started the entire crew whistling and waving.  

Dr. Ginny Horvath was inaugurated today as the new college President.  Her new home was sparkling and beautifully decorated with colorful mums and geraniums.  This week the dance club initiated a flash mob in the central square with her as a featured dancer.  What a great sport she is!  Although it wasn't announced in advance, many students and staff members have been rehearsing for weeks.     It was such an original way to celebrate the new president.  It bodes well for Fredonia State!

For many years, the cross country team's Friday afternoon tradition has been to do a work out then run to the cemetery.  Once all the teams arrived, the high school runners pair up with a middle school runner and then run through the park and do "fountains".   A "fountain" is a stunt the pair would do as they encircled the fountains in Barker Commons.  The afternoon is topped off with pizza at Wheelock School.  We encountered them on the first leg of their workout and were invited to join in.  The coaches and kids are always incredibly warm and welcoming.

On a sad final note, Molly caught and killed the cute little chipmunk that I photographed yesterday.  I understand that it's her nature, but the little creature had become a friend.