This morning I finished the book In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson, which covers the U S Ambassador William Dodd's career in Berlin from his appointment in 1933 through 1938. Dodd's diplomatic efforts with various Nazi authorities including Hitler, as well as his adult daughter Martha's social life with prominent persons in Berlin society at the time are reported in considerable detail. While Dodd had Roosevelt's support, the State Department mostly looked upon his actions and efforts with disfavor and even ridicule. Early on, many prominent officials in the German government were opposed to Hitler and kept believing his regime would collapse, but as time passed and foreign governments failed to denounce publicly Nazi atrocities and sway world wide opinion against Hitler's regime, (the primary objective of the U S State department was to appease Germany in hopes of obtaining payment for German bonds held by large U S Banks) Hitler broadened and strengthened his control. Dodd's early requests for sanctions and public disapproval of the Nazi actions went unheeded and he soon saw the inevitable outcome would be war. I found the book very interesting and enlightening.
I had lunch today with Jeff Rasley, who annually takes a group of trekkers into the mountains of Nepal, and has made a project of improving living conditions in the town of Basa, where many of the Rai people live who are porters for his trips. He has written a book about his experiences in Nepal, Bringing Progress to Paradise. During his latest trip, from which he just returned a few weeks ago, a "green" toilet was installed on the school grounds in Basa. It essentially is a septic system, the building having two rooms, one for students and one for the staff at the school. The eighty villagers have no toilets, they relieve themselves in the nearby woods or in their fields. If you want to now more about Jeff and his Basa project go to Basa, Nepal .
This afternoon I went to the Jordan Y for a workout. One of the greatest features of my Medicare Advantage health insurance is called "Silver Sneakers", which is membership in a local health fitness center. Since I started going almost two years ago, I have not had any significant problems with the osteoarthritis in my back. I am convinced that preventative health care is most important, and specifically exercise, in keeping one healthy. It certainly is better and cheaper than medications and seeing a physical therapist, which would be necessary for me if I just sat around.
So that was my day, plus of course taking time to write this little post telling you about it. Thanks to my wife, Marcia, who pointed out some errors in my initial post.
