I know not everyone in the tri-state experienced the cicada invasion this year, but they were pretty heavy in my portion of the planet. And this wasn’t even the major 17 year infestation. I noticed that the only thing they did worse than fly was land. It seems like they just stop flapping their wings and fall wherever they happen to be. Also, couldn't help but laugh at the Kamikaze Cicadas that splattered my vehicle anytime I was on I-71 North. Not so funny when I had to wash my car, though.

Having worked in radio for so long I always pay attention to the sonic aspects of things I encounter. Those little bugs are very loud. I mean individually. I was sitting on my porch one evening when a cicada landed and began chirping. I was astonished at the volume. So, it wasn’t a surprise to hear the racket they made in large quantities. I really liked hearing them while riding my bike on the Loveland Trail. Moving away from and towards them constantly made for an interesting sonic effect. It was like a wave of sound all around me. But now that things are back to normal, it’s nice to hear the birds and the wind and the usual insect suspects making noise in my neighborhood.

By the way, since I’m talking Mother Nature, I saw an albino squirrel while walking in Pleasant Ridge one evening. I know there are genetic variations in every population, but that really made me stop and stare.

The big thunderstorms we’ve been having are usually pretty interesting if you’re not actually in danger. But, you never know when you’ll face the modern problem of a power outage caused by a storm. That happened at Stately Tolliver Manor a couple of weeks back. No electricity for right around 2 hours. Fortunately, I wasn’t doing anything power intensive, so it wasn’t an immediate problem. But you quickly release the necessity for lots of batteries, flashlights and candles. I was able to listen to a transistor radio. And my laptop battery was fully charged-though with no internet access. But no real lights (thank goodness it doesn’t get dark until after 9p these days.), and I didn’t want to open the refrigerator, so I snacked for dinner. Maybe I should look in to those military Meals Ready to Eat.

Of course, you could take it to another level. A couple of days later while riding the elevator here at work I overheard a conversation in which one man noted that he just spent $700 on getting his generator in working order so he’s ready next time for a power outage. Fortunately, none of us has an electrical system like the Oliver and Lisa Douglas on “Green Acres.” Personal experience has taught me that on a daily basis the one place you should always keep a flashlight is in the vicinity of your fusebox.

I’ve wanted to keep these postings as positive in nature as possible, but here’s something that I just have to get off my chest. Some dog owners need to be put to sleep! Personally, I can’t think of a more reprehensible act than letting your dog do his “business” in someone else’s yard and not cleaning up after your pet. Absolutely no excuse and a clear indicator of a true character flaw.

I happened to be standing at my front door when a women’s poodle used my front lawn for their waste elimination. I’d be willing to bet money if I hadn’t been there, the woman would have moved on without picking up her dog’s poop from my property. I don’t own a pet, but even I know what responsibilities this relationship entails. To me, this is like someone taking some of their garbage, and dropping it somewhere else. If you wouldn’t do that, why would you not clean up after your pet?

Whenever I see someone walking their dog, I remember the comedian who observed that aliens would be confused to know that people are the “masters” when dogs gets to sleep as much as they want, and are feed, walked and (ideally) cleaned up after by humans. The upshot of this blog is to ask dog owners to get their poop together…unless you want a flaming bag showing up mysteriously at your front door.