I am missing the second unpleasant hot weather spell at home. Here in Benin we appear to be stuck in a stationary front that covers the city and coast under thick heavy clouds. I haven’t seen the sun in days. It is overcast and humid. From time to time the humidity is 100% and it rains. It is just as well that I don’t have anything else to do than concentrate on work and catching up on piles of reading, in my comfortably air-conditioned hotel room.
I am catching up on reading about networks and neural networks, about risk, ambiguity and the different parts of the brain that kick into action when our emotions are triggered. I surfed the web and hopped along trails that revealed findings from the neuro-sciences. I realize that I was very prescient when I started my psychology specialization, nearly 40 years ago, with neuro-psychology. It is all coming back and, more importantly, it is both hot and cool these days, looking at why people behave the way they do in groups and organizations.
Sylvia's Journal 
Dear Sylvia. You are one of the most interesting people I know! I love reading these journals.
I admire and love you, too.
How is the ankle? You and the ankle have been on our church healing prayer list many months.
Carol Sawyer
On Saturday, July 20, 2013, Sylvia’s Journal wrote: > svriesendorp posted: “I am missing the second unpleasant hot weather spell at home. Here in Benin we appear to be stuck in a stationary front that covers the city and coast under thick heavy clouds. I haven’t seen the sun in days. It is overcast and humid. From time to time ” >
Hi Carol, thanks so much for your message, your love and your church members’ prayers. On August 6 I will have my 4th and probably last second opinion. I am down to two options, neither very attractive: fusion or ankle replacement. I expect a bit more clarity on the 6th and then it will be time for a decision, ughhh.
Sylvia, today’s news has me deep in thoughts of the good work you and Axel did in Afghanistan a number of years ago. You are in my heart.
Carol Sawyer in San Diego
Dear Carol, i only saw this now. As you may have noticed i am not writing anymore, should, want, but not doing it. Yes, the turbulence in Afghanistan is affecting us deeply. I am in contact with people who want to get out and cannot and some who did get out having to leave everything (imagine that, EVERYTHING) behind. America had to get out, we have done much wrong there, despite much good. I hoped you are well, COVID free and managing to live through all those fires and droughts. Here too much rain. Much love, Sylvia