Opinions ... they float ...they float...

We use opinions to explain our stance on issues. There don't seem to be any rules governing how they are delivered. You can blurt them out, extol them, beat around the bush, be militant and accusatory. But they STILL are just opinions. It's whatever you think based on whatever intellience you have managed to glean in the depleted fields of our collective knowledge. It seems that often emotions pass for even the disrespectful opinion. That's even less palatable.

Opinions are the outline of a person's likely actions, yes? They give it to you as a gift so you know what to expect in dealing with them?

This afternoon, on the Ides of March, the day Caesar did not live to regret...The Housekeeping Manager came to inspect how well the workers clean my room. It's fine. I prefer putting my own hand to it, but this is temporary shelter, and I have none of the implements I need to apply myself. They do alright. She looked around and wondered about the towels on the couch. I told her they were there for the sake of the furniture. My little dog jumps up. Even though I wash the mud off her feet, sometimes she leaves prints. The red mud is insidiously fine. I told her that. She asked if perhaps.. they could provide those towels every other day? I said sure, "replace them as needed" would suit me. She asked me where the dog was, as she was not making noise. I said, "in her cage while the cleaners were here, as she likes to jump around and get in the way" (and drink soapy water, bite the shoes, jump in front of new people, run off with the rags... she is a puppy and learning) The woman looked at me with bright red cheeks and declared that she did not approve of animals being caged, that they should run free, outside, happy in their lot. I told her I understood what she said, but my little dog would not survive a day outside if let go. she said, oh really? I assured her it was so. She said perhaps if we talked long enough we would change each other's ideas. I said, 'I think so, too.' she was in a fuge of righteous anger, so I did not press. She's young. I'll maybe talk to her later. I am curious why she was angry. I do not keep my dog in a cage. It was convenient for the moment to put her in the shipping kennel.

My pup is my long awaited companion. I waited two years plus after my Sarah died. This one is a beloved addition to my life. She is immunized, and protected againts heartworm and fleas and mange. She eats well, is groomed daily and cared for. She gets her teeth brushed, and toes clipped. She is part of the family and taught manners and fun things. She's allowed to be who she is within confines, just like people are. At home, she has free run of a huge, organic yard. (My last beloved animal died from pesticide poisoning ruining her liver from an incident when we were traveling.) I don't much care for being here with my pup. I often think of sending her home to family to raise. She is limited, as there is so much that will harm her. She cannot run free, because of the insecticides they use all over, and the ... well.. the filth. (and her own puppiness and fears) It's the same with me. I am limited too... here. I am an independent person. I don't require servants or drivers or even like them, at home. It doesn't make me less there. Here is different, I am told, for several reasons. The method of driving, the roads do not have signs, a driver knows where to go, can watch the car while you go inside to conduct business. Domestics in the home limit your privacy and there is a vast cultural crevasse, but they keep the marbles nice and know where to get better deals on foods and household goods. there is the old 'saw' about supporting the "local economy".

I see animals out my window. Water buffaloe untended and wandering round and round the lake, eating the plants and swimming. Brahmin cattle lying in the park. I saw dogs with scars and fleas and mange, lying licking the pavement on a hot day. They have ticks and parasites. I do not know if people immunize their animals, but I was warned that India has a high incidence of rabies infection.

I haven't been out enough to see many animals. The eggs and chickens in the market are small. There was fish in the freezer and in cans. "Chilled chicken" was in a small refridgerator, but I have not seen meat for sale, yet. (You can order "tenderloin" on the menu here.) Vegetarian dishes are many and tasty, if you like rich sauces. However, I was warned not to eat the raw veg. I think that is why I have been so ill this week. I did not follow my own loud advice to only eat piping hot foods. (unless I can wash and prepare it myself) even fruits and veg must be washed and soaked in bleach water before peeling to avoid the "bugs" that cause major gastric distresses.

I still don't know much, but I plan to learn. I don't plan to change much unless something particularly strikes me, but I will comply with what good manners dictates.

And I am open to enlightenment if any comes my way.

today's headlines were full of the earthquake we had last night. It was 5.1 and people in highrises were terrified. I woke right after it happened and lay wondering what woke me. When I looked at the clock It was 3:33 A.M.. The earthquake was said to happen at 3:14.. A.M.

Did you know that Bigotry is not specific to a class or race or gender? It occurs in all stratas of society, in all lands in unlikely places. Even within our own hearts.

Other people think our religion is stupid,...... too~! :P