and now there's this...

 

hmmm..... part 2

 

This happened last night... wow!

 

It was a good day.

 

hmmm.....

 

Leeman Brook - 100 Mile Wilderness

 

Recently, two different evenings....

 

Oh Canada!

 

Look close, it's Bobby!

 

six two and even

Thanks to my friend Claude I have more insight into the phrase "six two and even."

The phrase "six, two, and even" is an expression used by railroad workers in the early 20th century. Its origins lie in railroad operations, particularly those involving steam locomotives.

Origins and Meaning:

1. Railroad Jargon: The phrase was used as a way to indicate that everything was running smoothly and on schedule. In the context of steam engines, it referred to the settings or readings of the engine controls:

   • Six: Refers to the position of the Johnson bar (or reversing lever) set to "six points forward," indicating a standard forward motion setting.
   • Two: Refers to the cutoff setting for the steam engine. A setting of "two" was common for efficient running, indicating the percentage of the piston stroke during which steam is admitted to the cylinder.
   • Even: Implies that everything else is balanced and operating as expected.

2. Broader Use: Over time, the expression came to be used more generally to mean "everything is fine" or "all systems are go." It was a way to communicate that operations were proceeding as planned without issues.

Cultural Significance:

• Language and Slang: Like many phrases originating from specific professions, "six, two, and even" entered broader usage, often seen in literature or everyday conversation to convey smooth and trouble-free functioning.

In essence, "six, two, and even" is a piece of historical railroad terminology that has transcended its technical origins to become a part of colloquial English, symbolizing efficiency and normalcy in operations.

Recently, moonrise

 

early this morning

 

Visit to Upstate NY

 Some Erie Canal photos. Parts of the canal are still in use.

Recently, the view near sunset

 

maybe you were thinking of electrolyte supplementation during fasting

---

Not medical advice, consult with your physician.

---

Section 1: Drinking water supplemented with electrolytes during a fast is often recommended for several reasons:

1. Maintains Hydration: Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium help maintain fluid balance in the body, ensuring that cells stay hydrated even when food intake is reduced.

2. Prevents Electrolyte Imbalance: Fasting can lead to a reduction in electrolyte levels, particularly if the fast involves only water. Supplementing with electrolytes helps prevent deficiencies that can cause symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and muscle cramps.

3. Supports Nerve and Muscle Function: Electrolytes are crucial for proper nerve signaling and muscle contractions. Adequate levels help maintain normal muscle function and prevent spasms or cramps.

4. Regulates Blood Pressure: Sodium and potassium play key roles in maintaining normal blood pressure. Electrolyte supplementation can help avoid blood pressure fluctuations during fasting.

5. Improves Energy Levels: Electrolytes contribute to metabolic processes and energy production. Ensuring sufficient levels can help maintain energy and reduce the feeling of lethargy during a fast.

6. Enhances Mental Clarity: Proper hydration and electrolyte balance are essential for cognitive function. Supplementing with electrolytes can help maintain focus and mental clarity.

7. Reduces Risk of Refeeding Syndrome: For extended fasts, refeeding syndrome (a potentially fatal shift in fluids and electrolytes) can occur when food intake is resumed. Maintaining electrolyte levels during the fast can help mitigate this risk.

8. Alleviates Common Fasting Symptoms: Electrolyte supplementation can help reduce common fasting-related discomforts, such as headaches, nausea, and weakness.

In summary, supplementing with electrolytes during a fast supports overall health, helps maintain bodily functions, and can improve the overall fasting experience by mitigating potential adverse effects.

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Section 2: Considering some of the specific effects of potassium and magnesium in the electrolyte mix.

During fasting, potassium and magnesium are particularly beneficial due to their roles in maintaining essential physiological functions:

Potassium Benefits:

1. Fluid Balance: Potassium helps regulate the balance of fluids in the body. This is crucial during fasting to prevent dehydration and maintain cellular function.

2. Nerve Function: Potassium is essential for proper nerve signaling. Adequate levels ensure that nerves can transmit signals effectively, which is important for muscle function and overall coordination.

3. Muscle Function: Potassium supports muscle contraction and relaxation. Supplementing with potassium can help prevent muscle cramps and spasms that might occur due to electrolyte imbalance during fasting.

4. Blood Pressure Regulation: Potassium helps counteract the effects of sodium and can aid in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, which is important during fasting when the body's homeostasis can be more easily disrupted.

Magnesium Benefits:

1. Energy Production: Magnesium plays a critical role in the body's energy production processes. It is involved in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cells, helping to maintain energy levels during fasting.

2. Muscle and Nerve Function: Magnesium is crucial for muscle function and nerve transmission. It helps prevent muscle cramps and spasms, similar to potassium, and supports overall muscular health.

3. Bone Health: Magnesium contributes to bone health by aiding in the formation of bone tissue and regulating calcium levels. This is particularly important during extended fasts when nutrient intake is limited.

4. Cardiovascular Health: Magnesium helps maintain a steady heart rhythm and supports overall cardiovascular health. It helps relax blood vessels, which can aid in maintaining normal blood pressure during fasting.

5. Mental Clarity and Mood: Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help reduce stress and improve mood, contributing to better mental clarity and focus during fasting.

6. Metabolic Support: Magnesium is involved in numerous enzymatic reactions that are crucial for metabolic functions. This ensures that the body's metabolism remains efficient even during periods of reduced caloric intake.

In summary, potassium and magnesium supplementation during fasting helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, supports muscle and nerve function, ensures cardiovascular health, and contributes to overall well-being, making the fasting experience more manageable and beneficial.

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Spring Happened

 

Don't ask.

 

Someplace in Wisconsin

 

Sigh.

 

new road who dis?

 

First winter storm 2023/2024

 

Zen Buddhism 101

These 6 ideas are simple yet powerful

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBN5aa3jAHw

Thanks to Robert Waldinger.