SACRAMENTALITY

After the Rain

Do You Hear the Cry?

There is a profound cry piercing the ethos today.  This cry transcends religious beliefs, political frameworks, borders, economics, power, and any other tool by which we measure human worth.  It is a cry of hearts breaking as people desperately try to find loved ones crushed by falling buildings in earthquakes or tornadoes, or swept away by flood waters and typhoons - not to even mention the many who will die today due to illness, war, or unexpected tragedy.

Holy God, have mercy.

Hypermiling

I never thought I'd be one of those pokey drivers.  You know the type, the person who gets in the way of those of us trying to get to our destinations a few minutes early.  But paying 40 dollars at the pump has got me rethinking my driving habits (when I bought the car in 2001 gas was only 1.50 a gallon). I came across this term, hypermiling, and am willing to try just about anything to stretch my mpg as far as I can.  Here's what I learned;

1. Slowing down will save gas!  (We know this people!)

2. Stop using your brakes so much (who knew that braking burned gas? Apparently it does.)

3. Check the air in your tires regularly and change your oil often.

4. Live without the convenience of the air conditioner - it will save you in the long run. They also say to keep your windows up - I can't go there yet.

5. Hug the white line on highways so that you are not driving in the ruts.

6. Carpool when you can; walk when you can; or get the bike out.

7. Unload any extra weight - clean out the trunk!

8. Use cruise control whenever you can.

9. Coast as often as you can - anticipate red lights or cars slowing down ahead of you (yes, that means leaving enough space between cars)

There are lots of other things to consider, some which do not sound too safe.  But these mentioned above are simple things we can all do to stretch our mpg, save money, and most importantly - save oil.

I for one am amazed that folks overall seem to be doing little to change their driving habits.  What's it going to take - 10 dollars a gallon?

Thank You Beloved Friend

Like an angel, you showed up one day on the doorstep;

no wings could be seen

but a wagging tail and compassionate eyes

stole our hearts from day one.

You whined and we opened the door;

a seemingly small embodiment

of the divine entered

and filled our lives

connected our lives

with walks

and talks

and laughter

and tears

for a heart

that in the end overflowed.