Haikus About War, Weather and Life

It's amazing how much can be expressed in seventeen 17 syllables... Yes, I've posted many of my haikus over the years, and I think we're due for a new haiku post. I write a haiku, posting it on Facebook, every morning besides Shabbat and Jewish Holidays when writing and posting are forbidden. Sometimes I wonder if I'm being repetitive, considering that I write hundreds each year... Wow! Even I'm impressed 🤣 Following is a variety, as promised in the title. Enjoy, and please let me know in the comments which you like and why. Thanks.

long busy day planned

thankful to Gd for my health

each day a true gift

cold, grey winter morn'

exhausted from yesterday

but was lots of fun

suddenly sunshine

see weather changing quickly

winter in Israel

Gd created earth

but man's bad judgements cause war

VICTORY NOW, please

Holy Shabbat soon

trying to clear mind's worries

Gd willing, please help

new week, pray for change

weak leader endangers us

I can't ignore it

freezing cold today

glad my plans changed to stay home

will Zoom and walk here

Thursday so quickly

week sped by and didn't do

all that I had planned

never ending war

people, nations hate us Jews

comes from them, not us

I'm a nobody

my opinion doesn't count

but I'm not quiet

I never follow

popular fads, opinions

have mind of my own...

woke much too early

too frustrating forcing sleep

that refused to come

Thank Gd for Shabbat

just another few hours

special holy day...

pray for better week

may Gd gift leaders with wisdom

so far disaster

don't be fooled by words...

don't trust fancy promises

I don't see true peace...

Israel's enemies

want to believe all those lies

truth ruins their story

Snow, Just a Puff of Wishful Thinking

For the past few days, the Israeli media was full of supposed "pre-snow" warnings. You'd think we were in for a major blizzard. The "snowplow" workers, salters, media yappers etc were all put on "snow alert" at who know how many times their normal salary to be ready for the deluge of white to blanket the roads, lawns and more.

last night's hail on the steps to my house

To my experienced, though untrained mind, the forecasts weren't predicting snow, just winds and hail. And to be perfectly honest, that's what we really got. The round little ice balls you can see in the picture on the right are hail, not snow. For snow the temperature must be an actual freezing minus, not a few degrees more, or just "wind chill factor" or "feels like."

It's that "chaos" of winds, when it feels much colder than it actually is, that cause/form hail. Hail, like you can see in the photo, are ice balls. Yes, those ice balls on roads can be very dangerous, more dangerous than dry snowflakes, which if not piled high, quickly melt under hot moving cars and their wide tires.

Between the strong winds and hail, being on the roads last night wasn't a good idea for small cars especially. And I ended up missing my granddaughter's performance in Ofra, which had me very upset and disappointed.

late last night

early this morning

This year's winter isn't over yet, and considering that some of our deepest and most long-lasting snows have fallen in the month of Adar, even around Purim, we still have a chance. Not that I want it to snow. I'd rather continue with rainy nights and sunny days.

Pull Out The Candles, Winter With a Bang

We've been waiting a long time for the rain. It's not even a matter of the chronic drought that has plagued the Land of Israel in recent years. Our neighborhood's sidewalks had been been dug up, replaced, recovered for "upgrading" which caused a definite deterioration in the air quality. For half a year, the entire dry season or longer, we've suffered from the resulting sand and dust. It has been so bad, that not only are our houses full of sandy dust, but I couldn't even eat my grapes straight from the vine.

Last night the blessed rains began, and electricity for miles around stopped. Periodically we had a much weaker version; only the new Led lights in the kitchen and the television worked well. Then it was black again, with the exception of the full moon. I lit candles and ended up sleeping in the living room.

This morning, after a couple of tries, bli eyin haraa, not to tempt the "evil eye," we're all lit up again. The flora, bricks, concrete and pavements are starting to shine. And now we'll discover whether or not the new white stone "covering" of the path is dangerously slippery or not.

Although the forecasts had been for daytime rain, we were blessed with a nighttime deluge. I say "blessed," because the first rain is a hazardous time to be on the roads here. The buildup of months of oil and sand combine dangerously with the rain contributing to serious car accidents. At least at night fewer people are on the roads.

Gd willing none of our or anyone else's electric appliances had been damaged/destroyed by the on/off power. As I write this I can see the clouds shrinking and the blue sky emerging. Tree branches are swaying like hyperactive dancers. Do you think I can do some laundry?

Season Change: Hot Coffee

I'm back to drinking my morning coffee hot. No more cold brew for the next few months or so from my French Press. I also deleted the nightly reminder on my cell phone/smartphone to remind me "Make Coffee."

back to hot coffee
no longer drink ice water
winter approaching
#morningcoffeehaiku

At the same time, I found myself drinking my water with lemon sans ice.

Nights are getting colder and longer. The water is coming out of the faucets much colder than just a couple of weeks ago.

I also set up the house's hot water boiler to go on for about an hour before we wake up. The very dusty solar panels aren't heating the water sufficiently anymore. Since it doesn't rain here in the summer, and I don't have anyone to climb on the roof to hose down the panels, it's just easier to use a bit of electricity. I just have to remember to turn off the automatic timer before Shabbat each week.

It's funny that the hot coffee, which didn't taste right a month ago, now tastes just perfect. I guess we, too, change with the seasons.

When Will it Rain?

Here in Israel rain is rare. The rainy season is after the Jewish Holidays, usually starting some time in October, ending in March.  And even then we can have a couple of dry weeks or more. Droughts are common. Actually, we're suffering the effects of a shrinking Lake Kinneret (Galilee) and Dead Sea right now.

I'm not writing this to complain about the weather. It's just that I'm planning on going to Jerusalem and want to be "prepared." It's not all that cold, but should I bring a jacket, umbrella etc? The forecasts aren't clear. One says dry, and the other predicts rain.

Last night as the sun was setting

Today we expect +27..+20 °C, without precipitation, gentle breeze. Tomorrow: +25..+22 °C, without precipitation, gentle breeze. Weather site

Scattered Thunderstorms 26°17° 40% W 18 km/h 66%
Partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. High 26C. Winds W at 15 to 25 km/h. Chance of rain 40%.  A different weather site

Enjoying The AC/Heater

It's almost a year since we got a couple of AC/Heaters installed in the house. We're about the very last people to get them. One big advantage is that they aren't on the floor. Another is that they both heat and cool, although we rarely need them in the summer, especially the one in the bedroom. 

Unlike previous years, our house is rarely cold. I haven't let it get to that super-freezing state which made me suffer terribly. As long as there's electricity, bli eyin haraa, I can turn the AC/Heater on. It has a thermostat, of course, which keeps the temperature even and turns it "off" when necessary. Most of the house is now much warmer than it had ever been in the winter because of the AC/Heater. I still have a small heater going on in the den.

As you can see in the photo, I can also hang laundry in the living room on rainy days or overnight. It dries pretty quickly. Yes, I understand that's a sign of very dry air. We drink water, besides coffee. 

I'm very happy we finally have the AC/Heater. Better late than never. Life has sure changed, thank Gd.

Before The Storm

Way back when, weather would take us totally by surprise. Sometimes we'd look at a sunset or sunrise and "predict" rain or dry weather, but the odds of our getting it right were about as bad as the weather forecasts on the news. This, of course, predated the internet, computers, smartphones and all the apps.

But in recent years, weather forecasts are sometimes spookily accurate, like when the app forecasts snow beginning to fall at 10am, and it actually does. So now people go totally bonkers "preparing" for forecasted rain storms, blizzards etc. Yes, even me.

Yesterday afternoon I decided to take the recycling garbage to our little neighborhood recycling "center." I noticed a neighbor there:

"Are you also here now instead of tomorrow?" I asked her.
"Yes, if it's going to be stormy, I don't want to leave my house." She answered.

Usually, I get rid of all the boxes, bottles etc right before Shabbat, on Friday afternoon, but I had no desire to go out in the rainstorm if there really was going to be one. Nor did I want all the "junk" to stay in the house.

And, yes, it is raining today, windy, too. I plan on staying home, and I'll do my walking by walking in the house. The forecast is for rain and wind until tomorrow afternoon or evening. Considering that we've had drought most winters in recent years, I'm not complaining. I just pray that our electricity with hold up, since we have no alternative for cooking, heating and light.

Shabbat Shalom U'Mevorach,
May You have a Peaceful and Blessed Sabbath

Winter, Finally?

Here in Israel winter means rain. It only rains here from about October until March, rarely any other time. Those of us who live in the mountainous regions where it gets relatively cold, and occasionally snows, the lightweight raincoats I grew up with in New York, for spring and summer rains, aren't needed. By the time we get the succah stored away, early to mid-October, we're usually in waterproof winter coats and carrying umbrellas.

Unfortunately this year, it stayed warm and dry, with the exception of a day or two. This was fun for the kids and great for drying clothes outside, but my little vineyard was getting very confused. You can see that fresh new leaves began to grow months before spring. A neighbor of mine who works in agriculture told me a while ago, that without sufficient periods of cold, many fruits won't grow properly. And he also insists that the purified water which is touted by the government as the perfect solution to drought does not produce the same sweet fruit as rainwater does. No doubt that is the reason I'm not able to get myself to eat oranges yet. They taste awful.

Thank Gd, the last couple of days have been cold and rainy, although with enough sun to still get out a bit. A truly blessed winter would provide Gd given rain in great quantities every night and then mixed rain and sun during the day.

For that we need to obey Gd. Our rain is not due a scientific technique like seeding clouds.  This is the Holy Land where things work very differently from any place else.

The quantity, timing and location of rain are the barometer of the Jewish People's following of Gd's Mitzvot. This dry, unseasonably warm weather makes it very clear that we have a long way to go in improving ourselves.

Winter sky in Jerusalem yesterday

Rain! Winter's Back

Shabbat was such a spring-like day. On Friday when I took a walk I even spied an almond tree in bloom. The middle of the Jewish Month of Shvat, now, is when almond trees are supposed to flower, so we just made it.

These are actually two photos combined. See my Instagram page, shilohbatya

We'd been enjoying the break from winter weather and knew to expect winter's return this week. According to the forecast for Shiloh, the entire week will be rainy. 

It's winter, 

and we need rain, 

so can't complain.

But can still kvetch...

yes?

Just before the rain fell this morning

There was enough light from the dawn to make the returning raindrops look like diamonds on leaves and the chair.

Our merpeset, terrace, gets the extremes from all weather, since it's on the southern side of the house. The twenty 20 meters of clotheslines are fantastic for quickly and easily drying multiple loads of wash. When it snows, this is the side of the house that gets the most, though it is also the first to melt.

I have so many things planned for this week, which I hope to accomplish while sneaking past the raindrops. I may arm/protect myself by wearing my father's heavy Land's End winter coat, which we left here when moving him to Arizona.

Looking outside, through south-facing windows, it looks absolutely stormy.

shot with a flash

shot without the flash, plus a drop of "tint" editing

It's the Jewish Month of Shvat when the last of the heavy rains are supposed to fall in the Holy Land. May it be for a blessing, Gd willing.

‪#‎morningcoffeehaiku‬ A Daily Treat

Here are some of my more recent ‪#‎morningcoffeehaiku‬'s and photos to match. How about contributing to the facebook page, or visit and comment...

this muggy morning
perked coffee to the rescue
not enough sleep, sigh...
#morningcoffeehaiku

Morning at Matan
Not my usual breakfast
But it hits the spot
#morningcoffeehaiku

The week's first coffee
Rain, drizzle or dry today?
To launder or not?
#morningcoffeehaiku

Slept for eight hours,
sun's up, sky's already blue
and coffee is great!
#morningcoffeehaiku

Friendly coffee's good
Yes early in the morning
Slept very well too
#morningcoffeehaiku

today perk'd coffee
strong, hot, tasty hits the spot
will it rain or not?
#morningcoffeehaiku

Sign of Winter

Here in Israel there's a plant that flowers when winter is beginning. Even though it has hardly rained and only from today, the 7th of Cheshvan, do we say the full prayer for rain, I noticed the flower over Shabbat.

As much as we need the rain, I wish it would only rain when I don't need to go out or hang laundry. There are years that the rain really gets me down. Traveling is so much harder in the rain. We don't have a car, and getting to work in the rain is much more complicated.

It is said that the rain is an extra blessing when it falls at night, when people are home snug in bed. Gd willing, we'll have that sort of winter.

Scorcher Predicted Today--Advice on Staying Healthy

Trusty companion on a day like today

• Today

  100°f High81°f Low
 

• Mon

  100°f High76°f Low
  
  

Yes, it's supposed to be one hundred degrees fahrenheit. This is the day we must schlepp around large bottles of cold water and keep on drinking and refilling and drinking even more. Though according to my Shiloh weather page, it will get cooler in a couple of days.

Today we expect plus 27—39 °C , without precipitation, gentle breeze. Tomorrow: plus 38—31 °C , without precipitation, gentle breeze. 

Sunday May 15										Monday May 16																Tuesday May 17																Wednesday May 18
Local time	09		12		15		18		21		00		03		06		09		12		15		18		21		00		03		06		09		12		15		18		21		00		03		06
Cloudiness, %
Weather phenomena
Temperature, °C	+31		+37		+38		+36		+29		+26		+25		+24		+32		+38		+37		+31		+25		+23		+23		+21		+24		+29		+29		+22		+19		+17		+17		+17
Pressure, mmHg	692		693		690		690		689		688		687		688		688		690		688		688		689		688		688		689		689		690		689		689		689		689		689		689
Wind: speed ,  m/s	2		4		4		2		3		2		2		1		2		2		4		5		3		3		3		1		4		2		4		4		3		3		2		1
gusts, m/s	5		8		10														7		12		8												8		11
direction, compass points	S		SE		S		W		NW		NW		N		SE		S		SW		NW		NW		NW		NW		NW		W		W		NW		NW		NW		NW		NW		N		W
Humidity, %	15		17		18		19		27		17		29		16		8		15		20		30		35		29		36		56		39		26		26		38		50		53		56		56
Sun rise / set			05:40				19:29										05:40		19:30														05:39		19:31								05:38		19:31
Moon rise / set			13:53				02:05										14:46		02:39														15:39		03:11								16:31		03:44
phase

It seems hotter in fahrenheit. But regardless of how you measure it, this is going to be  a very hot day, ditto for tomorrow. I suggest keeping partially filled bottles of water in the freezer which you fill with tap water when you take them out to drink. And just keep drinking water. And if you normally don't eat any foods with added salt, this is the day to salt a bit, because the salt keeps the water balanced in your body. That does not mean to oversalt, but under-salting can really be dangerous.  So even people like myself add a bit of coarse salt to my morning eggs. And again, water is the thing to drink, not sweetened stuff nor even too much coffee/tea which can cause too much "elimination."

HYDRATE!

And also stay in the shade by wearing a large brimmed hat, and wear loose clothes to cover so you won't burn.