The financial crisis in the States is very worrisome but I feel deep in my heart that all will end well. I'm a little surprised that the bailout didn't pass but maybe these people are better informed than I am and they know the country won't collapse without the bailout. Times are sure to be tough but it won't be the end of the world.
One of my personal concerns is the news about gas shortages because I'll need to fill up my tank 4-5 times on the way to Florida. I heard that some people were even trailing along behind the big gas trucks to see where they could find gas. I won't be doing that...I hope!!
Overspending and overextending credit is not confined to the U.S. Just look at the high end homes so many families live in right here in Canada. These homes usually require two salaries to maintain them, too, so there's no hope of one of the parents being able to stay home and raise the kids even if they wanted.
I've watched people try to decide which credit card they will use for their purchase and wonder how many are at their limit. Credit availability has been shoved in our faces from the age of 18 and often comes unsolicited. Store employees are taught to first ask, "Will that be on your charge card?". I'm aware of this and I'm psychologically savvy but I can't tell you how many times that little question has spurred me to use my credit card. It's just too easy.
It's not enough to just drive less so our gas consumption is down or to live in houses we can afford. We have to stop buying every new toy we see advertised. I'm ashamed to say I have a closet (actually 2 closets) full of clothes and shoes which prove I'm a problem consumer. too.
In the short term we'll have to buckle down and stop or slow our bad spending habits but I truly believe the financial crisis will sort itself out in the long run. It will be a blip on the screen of history. We've had it too good for too long and we've known changes were needed for quite a long time.
My hopes for a brighter future lie with the impending U.S. presidential election. I'm very much hoping the man who leads the country out of this mess will be Barack Obama. Regardless, the next four years are going to be interesting ones.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Paul Newman is Gone
It seems I've been in love with Paul Newman all of my life so it's very sad to see he has passed away. The man had it all...good looks, talent, and a decent marrage. He lived into his 80's and, even though an actor, never seemed to get any bad press. To all appearances he was a good man and that's one heck of a compliment for anyone.
I remember seeing the movie "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and lusting after him then. He was the sort of movie star that you actually liked and even though my delicate young heart did indeed lust after him, I also would have loved it just to be his friend.
We have many actors and actresses today that are called "stars" but they don't measure up to the Paul Newmans in the industry. I sometimes think Hollywood has forgotten what constitutes a "star". But we know one when we see one and Paul Newman was a true star.
I'm sorry to hear of his passing but I'm so glad he had a full and happy life.
I remember seeing the movie "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and lusting after him then. He was the sort of movie star that you actually liked and even though my delicate young heart did indeed lust after him, I also would have loved it just to be his friend.
We have many actors and actresses today that are called "stars" but they don't measure up to the Paul Newmans in the industry. I sometimes think Hollywood has forgotten what constitutes a "star". But we know one when we see one and Paul Newman was a true star.
I'm sorry to hear of his passing but I'm so glad he had a full and happy life.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Today's Problem
The motor on my clothes dryer burned out. The good news is that the dryer is fairly old and it waited until the finish of my last load before making weird noises and emitting burnt smells. Then it just died.
The bad news is that this is going to cost me money. The good news is that my grandson just moved into his new house where there already is a dryer and he has a fairly new one from his old house that he needs to sell.
The bad news is that he needs to find a vehicle to bring it to my house but the good news is that he and his hulking brother will soon cart it over and even install it.
Life is full of both bad news and good news. Nothing comes without a price and, if you're lucky, the price is worth the aggravation.
I've been watching the news about the gas shortages in the States and they seem to follow the route I'll be taking when I leave for Florida next month. It's expected that gas shortages will decrease over the next week so I'm hoping I'll be safe.
I've often wondered what it would be like to have a perfect day where everything went well and there were no worries on the horizon. It got me wondering if everyone, everywhere, lives in a state of constant stress. I know many people live stressful lives the like of which I can't even imagine but is life a struggle for every single living creature? Is it even possible to have a perfect day?
I spoke to a friend yesterday who has much more stress in her life than I do and I mentioned to her that she always seems happy because she has a positive attitude about life. She said that when life becomes too tumultuous she takes the dog for a walk. There's more to it than that, though. She has a good, kind heart which helps her deal with difficulties.
I'm more of a "life goes on" sort of person and I'm able to put my problems in perspective and then move on. A broken dryer...well, there are certainly worse things to worry about, right?
The bad news is that this is going to cost me money. The good news is that my grandson just moved into his new house where there already is a dryer and he has a fairly new one from his old house that he needs to sell.
The bad news is that he needs to find a vehicle to bring it to my house but the good news is that he and his hulking brother will soon cart it over and even install it.
Life is full of both bad news and good news. Nothing comes without a price and, if you're lucky, the price is worth the aggravation.
I've been watching the news about the gas shortages in the States and they seem to follow the route I'll be taking when I leave for Florida next month. It's expected that gas shortages will decrease over the next week so I'm hoping I'll be safe.
I've often wondered what it would be like to have a perfect day where everything went well and there were no worries on the horizon. It got me wondering if everyone, everywhere, lives in a state of constant stress. I know many people live stressful lives the like of which I can't even imagine but is life a struggle for every single living creature? Is it even possible to have a perfect day?
I spoke to a friend yesterday who has much more stress in her life than I do and I mentioned to her that she always seems happy because she has a positive attitude about life. She said that when life becomes too tumultuous she takes the dog for a walk. There's more to it than that, though. She has a good, kind heart which helps her deal with difficulties.
I'm more of a "life goes on" sort of person and I'm able to put my problems in perspective and then move on. A broken dryer...well, there are certainly worse things to worry about, right?
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sore Muscles
I really have to get out of the flea market business. After spending 2+ hours yesterday packing and lifting boxes of glass, china, etc. to empty out my flea market tables and then tote the same boxes down to my basement, my arms and legs are screaming, "We're 68 years old! What the hell are you doing to us?".
My muscles are right. I need to give myself a shake and stop pushing my strength to do things that aren't necessary and running a couple of flea market tables is certainly not necessary for my livelihood. My family, which has been so darned supportive in helping me with the flea market, has also been telling me for a couple of years that I should have a giant yard sale and scale back a bit on my stock. They are right, too. I seem to be the only one who is running around with her head in the clouds.
I know why I'm like this. For way too many years I had no true life of my own and once I got one, I took off like a rocket. And, like a rocket, I swerve and soar in every direction with no actual control. My poor, sore muscles are now asserting their dominance and I just might have to pay attention.
Sitting prettily in the wings is my new and lightweight interest, jewellery. You see, age and frailty is no reason to give up completely. You just need to soar in a new direction and maybe a little closer to the ground.
My muscles are right. I need to give myself a shake and stop pushing my strength to do things that aren't necessary and running a couple of flea market tables is certainly not necessary for my livelihood. My family, which has been so darned supportive in helping me with the flea market, has also been telling me for a couple of years that I should have a giant yard sale and scale back a bit on my stock. They are right, too. I seem to be the only one who is running around with her head in the clouds.
I know why I'm like this. For way too many years I had no true life of my own and once I got one, I took off like a rocket. And, like a rocket, I swerve and soar in every direction with no actual control. My poor, sore muscles are now asserting their dominance and I just might have to pay attention.
Sitting prettily in the wings is my new and lightweight interest, jewellery. You see, age and frailty is no reason to give up completely. You just need to soar in a new direction and maybe a little closer to the ground.
Despicable Emergency Patient Care in Winnipeg
A homeless, legless street person tried to get emergency care at a Winnipeg hospital but was ignored for 34 (yes, 34) hours until someone noticed he had passed away. Rigour mortis had actually set in so the poor man must have been dead for quite a while with not one of those supposedly caring hospital personnel checking on him. An autopsy showed he'd died from a bladder infection.
In Canada it's a well known and accepted fact that you don't want to go near a hospital emergency room unless you're in dire straits because of the long wait you can expect. I once sat in the emergency waiting room for 5 hours and finally decided to take my sick body home instead of possibly picking up more germs at the hospital.
How could no-one have noticed this sick, legless man sitting in the waiting room for 34 hours. That's almost a day and a half!!! I believe it was another patient and not even a nurse who cared enough to check on him. Our health care system has reached a new low.
We also know that some people abuse the system by going to the emergency room instead of to their family doctors but the truth is that many people don't have a personal family doctor. There are clinics, though, that serve the same purpose so there's no need to go to emergency with a cold or a small cut to your finger. Patients like these clog emergency and contribute to the problem.
I feel strongly that there should be a small surcharge for using the emergency room. Just a $5.00 charge would keep the numbers down because, at heart, we're all cheap. My friend, who is a nurse, said that wouldn't work because civil rights advocates would scream that the poor couldn't afford emergency care. I feel that if you can afford to turn up at the emergency room in a taxi you can afford the $5.00 surcharge.
What about having a clinic attached to the hospital where patients without apparent serious problems could be rerouted? There really has to be an answer to overcrowded and understaffed emergency rooms because it's only getting worse.
The homeless man who died unnecessarily and within reach of the best services available to us should be an eye opener to the people in charge of Canadian health care. This was an abomination that should never be tolerated.
In Canada it's a well known and accepted fact that you don't want to go near a hospital emergency room unless you're in dire straits because of the long wait you can expect. I once sat in the emergency waiting room for 5 hours and finally decided to take my sick body home instead of possibly picking up more germs at the hospital.
How could no-one have noticed this sick, legless man sitting in the waiting room for 34 hours. That's almost a day and a half!!! I believe it was another patient and not even a nurse who cared enough to check on him. Our health care system has reached a new low.
We also know that some people abuse the system by going to the emergency room instead of to their family doctors but the truth is that many people don't have a personal family doctor. There are clinics, though, that serve the same purpose so there's no need to go to emergency with a cold or a small cut to your finger. Patients like these clog emergency and contribute to the problem.
I feel strongly that there should be a small surcharge for using the emergency room. Just a $5.00 charge would keep the numbers down because, at heart, we're all cheap. My friend, who is a nurse, said that wouldn't work because civil rights advocates would scream that the poor couldn't afford emergency care. I feel that if you can afford to turn up at the emergency room in a taxi you can afford the $5.00 surcharge.
What about having a clinic attached to the hospital where patients without apparent serious problems could be rerouted? There really has to be an answer to overcrowded and understaffed emergency rooms because it's only getting worse.
The homeless man who died unnecessarily and within reach of the best services available to us should be an eye opener to the people in charge of Canadian health care. This was an abomination that should never be tolerated.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tweety Bird
My sister bought me a Tweety Bird wrist watch for my birthday and it makes me smile every time I look at it. On Sunday she dragged me into a store in the mall that sells Tweety Bird, among others, house keys because she wants to get me one for Xmas. They also sell Elvis keys and she thought I might choose that but it seems I like Tweety more than Elvis. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the key because I'm having trouble with my front door lock and might need to replace it. That can wait till Spring.
How do I describe what I like about Tweety Bird? It might be a "he" but I like to think of it as a "her"...maybe identifying? Tweety is soft and sweet but with a will of iron and I admire that. I wonder if the cartoon characters we tend to like are just extensions of ourselves? It might behoove us to find out our significant other's cartoon preference before committing to a serious relationship. This bears thinking about.
How do I describe what I like about Tweety Bird? It might be a "he" but I like to think of it as a "her"...maybe identifying? Tweety is soft and sweet but with a will of iron and I admire that. I wonder if the cartoon characters we tend to like are just extensions of ourselves? It might behoove us to find out our significant other's cartoon preference before committing to a serious relationship. This bears thinking about.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
*Wendy's*, How Could You?
Wendy's is my fast food restaurant of choice and, since I've gotten on this kick about my food being handled with bare hands, I pay close attention to all food handlers. Today I watched a Wendy's employee build a cheeseburger from scratch with her bare hands...even putting the meat in with those same bare hands. Of course I questioned the young girl who was taking my order and she said that sandwich handlers were allowed to do that. This is in direct opposition to the answer I got from a Wendy's employee just a short while back. He said all food handlers had to wear gloves.
The lady I saw making the burger then went over to the fries and began filling a bunch of cups with them. At this point I realized she was working at the drive-through window. This meant she was handling money and handling all kinds of food with her bare hands. I questioned the order taker again about this and she no longer wanted to discuss it so I asked another employee for a comment card. He trotted right over to the "bare handed" lady and asked her where they were (was she the manager???) and she said they had none.
I gave up because I knew I could reach the head office by the number printed on the back of my receipt. When I called that number I spoke to a very nice lady in customer service who took all the information and said they take complaints like this very seriously. I can only hope they do.
I honestly believe that we can make a difference for the better if we speak out. All my life I've seen how the timid are taken advantage of and I guess I'm no longer timid. I do know that nothing will change if we meekly accept the status quo.
The lady I saw making the burger then went over to the fries and began filling a bunch of cups with them. At this point I realized she was working at the drive-through window. This meant she was handling money and handling all kinds of food with her bare hands. I questioned the order taker again about this and she no longer wanted to discuss it so I asked another employee for a comment card. He trotted right over to the "bare handed" lady and asked her where they were (was she the manager???) and she said they had none.
I gave up because I knew I could reach the head office by the number printed on the back of my receipt. When I called that number I spoke to a very nice lady in customer service who took all the information and said they take complaints like this very seriously. I can only hope they do.
I honestly believe that we can make a difference for the better if we speak out. All my life I've seen how the timid are taken advantage of and I guess I'm no longer timid. I do know that nothing will change if we meekly accept the status quo.
I Approve This Blog
Has anyone noticed how politicians place an ad on T.V., tell you all the wonderful things they plan to do if elected and all the dirt on their running mates, and then finish with "I'm Joe Shmoe and I approve this message". What a crock!
Of course they approve it. It's their own promotion and they're in it, speaking their own words (probably written for them by an expert on fooling the public), and aimed at getting your vote.
I find most politicians slimy, lying scum and I don't think I'm overexaggerating. Once in a great while I find one I could trust, but just slightly. During every election, my convictions are only strengthened by the ads these characters put on T.V.
Obama has captured my interest and I do have a glimmer of hope for that man. I'm sure he'll disappoint me immensely but, for the moment, I anticipate better things from him than I have from any other politician in a very long time.
Of course they approve it. It's their own promotion and they're in it, speaking their own words (probably written for them by an expert on fooling the public), and aimed at getting your vote.
I find most politicians slimy, lying scum and I don't think I'm overexaggerating. Once in a great while I find one I could trust, but just slightly. During every election, my convictions are only strengthened by the ads these characters put on T.V.
Obama has captured my interest and I do have a glimmer of hope for that man. I'm sure he'll disappoint me immensely but, for the moment, I anticipate better things from him than I have from any other politician in a very long time.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Obtaining a Vendor's Permit
In scrounging around for places to sell my jewellery, I was sent off in the direction of the local hospitals by my neighbor. I'd never thought about selling there but it's a terrific idea.
I contacted the person in charge of renting out the tables and she was very, very friendly and helpful but she said I needed a vendor's permit in order to sell anything at the hospitals.
So I called city hall and was transferred from one department to another until I was given a number for Canada revenue where people selling brand new merchandise can get their vendor's permits...or business licences. I'm not sure if they're the same thing. All lines were busy so I was then given a website where I could do everything online. That was if I could understand what was wanted from me! Do I really need a business name to sell a few hundred dollars worth of merchandise a year? I don't know.
Computer illiterates like me shouldn't even try to do this online so I'm going to hightail my butt down to the government office tomorrow and do it in person. Believe it or not, I am having so much fun making these arrangements and I hope government red tape doesn't take all my fun away.
I'll let you know.
Update: I phoned Canada Revenue today and talked to a snippy, contentious lady who did get me a vendor's permit. It took about 15 minutes and the permit will be mailed to me. The woman I dealt with was unpleasant but at least the work is done now.
I contacted the person in charge of renting out the tables and she was very, very friendly and helpful but she said I needed a vendor's permit in order to sell anything at the hospitals.
So I called city hall and was transferred from one department to another until I was given a number for Canada revenue where people selling brand new merchandise can get their vendor's permits...or business licences. I'm not sure if they're the same thing. All lines were busy so I was then given a website where I could do everything online. That was if I could understand what was wanted from me! Do I really need a business name to sell a few hundred dollars worth of merchandise a year? I don't know.
Computer illiterates like me shouldn't even try to do this online so I'm going to hightail my butt down to the government office tomorrow and do it in person. Believe it or not, I am having so much fun making these arrangements and I hope government red tape doesn't take all my fun away.
I'll let you know.
Update: I phoned Canada Revenue today and talked to a snippy, contentious lady who did get me a vendor's permit. It took about 15 minutes and the permit will be mailed to me. The woman I dealt with was unpleasant but at least the work is done now.
Odd Pains
It irritates me to have odd pains such as the one in my root canaled (such a word??) tooth. Now I have a strange, almost kink, just above my bad knee. It also comes and goes sometimes within seconds. It's not anything I'll go and see the doctor about because he's sure to waste my time with exrays and further doctor's appointments.
I noticed a feeling of fullness and stiffness above my left knee but ignored it. The other night I lay in bed and noticed it hurt like heck (like stretching a tight muscle) when I bent my knee more than half way but then it would gradually ease and go away, only to return a few moments later. It felt like a kink or knot just above my knee. I wondered about it but it didn't keep me from sleeping and then it felt normal in the morning.
Yesterday it made it's presence known mildly only when I walked up and down stairs but then disappeared once more. I hate the fact that our bodies break down on us as we age, especially if we don't take care of ourselves, and maybe this is just a signal that a few leg muscles aren't functioning at full capacity. Any discomfort connected with my knee scares me because the few times I twisted it were agonizing and I don't want that ever again.
Another reason I won't go see my family doctor is that he'll send me for all these tests which won't show anything because, by then, the discomfort will have disappeared completely. Then he'll glance at my chart and tell me I need a mammogram (which I've never agreed to) and a pap smear (I hate them). You can't just go to your family doctor of over 30 years and have him/her just deal with the ache of the moment. They have some silly notion they need to take care of you.
Anyway, in diagnosing myself I think my problem is an irritated muscle caused by over-extension when I kicked up too high dancing to "New York, New York" at the 2007 New Year's party. At my age it's never going to heal completely and I'll just have to accept that. I'm happy I can continue to dance even if high kicking is no longer an option.
I noticed a feeling of fullness and stiffness above my left knee but ignored it. The other night I lay in bed and noticed it hurt like heck (like stretching a tight muscle) when I bent my knee more than half way but then it would gradually ease and go away, only to return a few moments later. It felt like a kink or knot just above my knee. I wondered about it but it didn't keep me from sleeping and then it felt normal in the morning.
Yesterday it made it's presence known mildly only when I walked up and down stairs but then disappeared once more. I hate the fact that our bodies break down on us as we age, especially if we don't take care of ourselves, and maybe this is just a signal that a few leg muscles aren't functioning at full capacity. Any discomfort connected with my knee scares me because the few times I twisted it were agonizing and I don't want that ever again.
Another reason I won't go see my family doctor is that he'll send me for all these tests which won't show anything because, by then, the discomfort will have disappeared completely. Then he'll glance at my chart and tell me I need a mammogram (which I've never agreed to) and a pap smear (I hate them). You can't just go to your family doctor of over 30 years and have him/her just deal with the ache of the moment. They have some silly notion they need to take care of you.
Anyway, in diagnosing myself I think my problem is an irritated muscle caused by over-extension when I kicked up too high dancing to "New York, New York" at the 2007 New Year's party. At my age it's never going to heal completely and I'll just have to accept that. I'm happy I can continue to dance even if high kicking is no longer an option.
Friday, September 19, 2008
I Can't Win
The law of averages is something we take slightly for granted. Wins and losses should average out, don't you think? Not for me when I go to the casino! Today I spun the law of averages on it's ear and, if it wasn't so sad, it would be funny.
I entered the casino with my greatest hope being that I'd only lose half my money. I so seldom win that keeping half of it would almost be like winning. I tried a few machines and lost my money slowly until I walked up to a bank of 4 machines, one seat empty, and sat down. In no time at all, the other gamblers to my right and left all hit jackpots at the same time. It even caused the payout girl to comment in surprise. Believe it or not, within 15-20 minutes those same 3 machines hit the jackpot once more. I'm used to being the only loser in the crowd but I was getting a little fed up.
I left my machine and started wandering around the casino hoping to find a lucky one for myself and in time came upon a whole bank of Mr. Cashman machines, all empty so I had my choice. I chose one and began playing. A few moments later a young lady walked up and put some coins in the machine next to me...not even sitting down. She immediately won the jackpot, took her money and left. Moments later a lady sat at the machine on my other side and rapidly won the jackpot. The law of averages had gone haywire.
I'm still stunned by this and can't believe it actually happened. What are the chances? It's almost frightening.
I think I've found a way for me to make money at the casino. I can hire myself out to would-be gamblers who could follow me around and play the machine beside me. I'll need a title and thought "One Over" says it all.
I entered the casino with my greatest hope being that I'd only lose half my money. I so seldom win that keeping half of it would almost be like winning. I tried a few machines and lost my money slowly until I walked up to a bank of 4 machines, one seat empty, and sat down. In no time at all, the other gamblers to my right and left all hit jackpots at the same time. It even caused the payout girl to comment in surprise. Believe it or not, within 15-20 minutes those same 3 machines hit the jackpot once more. I'm used to being the only loser in the crowd but I was getting a little fed up.
I left my machine and started wandering around the casino hoping to find a lucky one for myself and in time came upon a whole bank of Mr. Cashman machines, all empty so I had my choice. I chose one and began playing. A few moments later a young lady walked up and put some coins in the machine next to me...not even sitting down. She immediately won the jackpot, took her money and left. Moments later a lady sat at the machine on my other side and rapidly won the jackpot. The law of averages had gone haywire.
I'm still stunned by this and can't believe it actually happened. What are the chances? It's almost frightening.
I think I've found a way for me to make money at the casino. I can hire myself out to would-be gamblers who could follow me around and play the machine beside me. I'll need a title and thought "One Over" says it all.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Discomfort 6 Months After Root Canal
I went through a root canal in the spring with very little trouble but a minor ache in the area has continued to this day. It's not strong enough to be called a tooth-ache, just a persistent dull ache. I was supposed to have the crown put on this fall but both my dentist and I thought we should wait until I get back from Florida in the spring.
He's exrayed the tooth twice and found no decay, infection, or hint of a crack so we're both at a loss to understand why it's bothering me. Today he suggested a few options, one costing a fortune and involving a dental surgeon, and the other being extraction. If necessary, I could then have an implant but that also costs a fortune. The tooth is a molar way in the back and not easily seen so maybe I'd just leave the spot empty.
At this stage, knowing the tooth might have to be pulled, I think it's wise to leave it alone until April and make my decision then. This is such a disappointment because I've already gone through an expensive root canal and thought all was well. My only worry is that I'll have to find a nice clean dental office in Florida if the tooth needs removal while I'm there.
Well, life is full of disappointments and, in the full scheme of things, this one isn't the worst thing that could happen.
He's exrayed the tooth twice and found no decay, infection, or hint of a crack so we're both at a loss to understand why it's bothering me. Today he suggested a few options, one costing a fortune and involving a dental surgeon, and the other being extraction. If necessary, I could then have an implant but that also costs a fortune. The tooth is a molar way in the back and not easily seen so maybe I'd just leave the spot empty.
At this stage, knowing the tooth might have to be pulled, I think it's wise to leave it alone until April and make my decision then. This is such a disappointment because I've already gone through an expensive root canal and thought all was well. My only worry is that I'll have to find a nice clean dental office in Florida if the tooth needs removal while I'm there.
Well, life is full of disappointments and, in the full scheme of things, this one isn't the worst thing that could happen.
Baby's Safe
My baby (44 years old but will always be my baby) is safely back home on U.S. soil. The relief is palpable. I could feel my body relaxing as I read her blog that she'd arrived in the States with no unexpected disasters along the way.
She and my other children and grandchildren will always give me some cause for worry so I know the euphoric feeling I have right now won't last. Unless you have no children, family, or close friends, someone will always give you reason to worry about them. Every once in a while I think how nice it would be to never have had this worrisome family and then I think of all the joy I would have missed out on without them. Damned if we do and damned if we don't.
Now that this disturbing episode is over I can concentrate on my next project. I've been putting jewellery together and looking for a craft sale to sell it in and now I have one. It's on October 19th, just one week before I leave for Florida so the timing is perfect. I've had a lot of fun getting into this latest interest so now we'll see if it can pay off, too. I think I jump around from interest to interest so much because my concentration and boredom level is low. Thank heavens for the endless directions I'm able to follow.
I got the rugs cleaned yesterday so today I put things back where they belong and dispose of things that shouldn't have been there in the first place. I definitely have too much "stuff".
She and my other children and grandchildren will always give me some cause for worry so I know the euphoric feeling I have right now won't last. Unless you have no children, family, or close friends, someone will always give you reason to worry about them. Every once in a while I think how nice it would be to never have had this worrisome family and then I think of all the joy I would have missed out on without them. Damned if we do and damned if we don't.
Now that this disturbing episode is over I can concentrate on my next project. I've been putting jewellery together and looking for a craft sale to sell it in and now I have one. It's on October 19th, just one week before I leave for Florida so the timing is perfect. I've had a lot of fun getting into this latest interest so now we'll see if it can pay off, too. I think I jump around from interest to interest so much because my concentration and boredom level is low. Thank heavens for the endless directions I'm able to follow.
I got the rugs cleaned yesterday so today I put things back where they belong and dispose of things that shouldn't have been there in the first place. I definitely have too much "stuff".
When Your Child is in Danger
Mothers (and fathers) spend their lives worrying about their children in one way or another. We worry about car accidents, abductions, falls, illnesses, bad marriages, and many other catastrophes that could harm our children in some way. There's no end to what our imagination and dread can come up with to keep us in a never ending state of stress.
My youngest daughter and her children are in the process of being evacuated from Bolivia right now because of the internal strife going on in that country. Her words of "being taken to the airport in an armored vehicle" have been haunting me all night long. Say what you will about the dangers of living in Canada and the States, but it hasn't come anywhere near that yet.
Her husband has to stay behind because he works at the American embassy and will only be evacuated if it closes. There have already been demonstrations outside the embassy with threats of burning it down. The stress on that little family must be beyond comprehension.
For most of us it is beyond our understanding that anyone could become so enraged with the politics of his/her country that they would impose a danger to women and children. But this is the way of the world. It's no news that soldiers and rioters move with a fury that doesn't distinguish between sexes or ages. It's the mob mentality where the mob lives in a vacuum of taking no responsibility for their actions.
My daughter seems to think all the dangers will die down within a month but I see just the beginning of a full fledged movement in South America. She said that the Bolivian people are really very tranquil and peaceful but even gentle people can be spurred to strike out if they've been pushed too far. I don't understand the politics of the country well enough to comment on them but when two huge factions are fighting for power the battle doesn't end until one of them wins. I don't see this happening in a month.
In any case, like all mothers, I just want to see my family safe and don't give a damn about the politics that have put them in danger.
My youngest daughter and her children are in the process of being evacuated from Bolivia right now because of the internal strife going on in that country. Her words of "being taken to the airport in an armored vehicle" have been haunting me all night long. Say what you will about the dangers of living in Canada and the States, but it hasn't come anywhere near that yet.
Her husband has to stay behind because he works at the American embassy and will only be evacuated if it closes. There have already been demonstrations outside the embassy with threats of burning it down. The stress on that little family must be beyond comprehension.
For most of us it is beyond our understanding that anyone could become so enraged with the politics of his/her country that they would impose a danger to women and children. But this is the way of the world. It's no news that soldiers and rioters move with a fury that doesn't distinguish between sexes or ages. It's the mob mentality where the mob lives in a vacuum of taking no responsibility for their actions.
My daughter seems to think all the dangers will die down within a month but I see just the beginning of a full fledged movement in South America. She said that the Bolivian people are really very tranquil and peaceful but even gentle people can be spurred to strike out if they've been pushed too far. I don't understand the politics of the country well enough to comment on them but when two huge factions are fighting for power the battle doesn't end until one of them wins. I don't see this happening in a month.
In any case, like all mothers, I just want to see my family safe and don't give a damn about the politics that have put them in danger.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Political Lies
Every politician and every political party promises to end out of control government spending, lower taxes, revamp the education system and the health care system, create more jobs, end wars, and make our country the utopia we've all wished for. It never happens and yet many of us will dull our brains and continue to believe these things will be achieved in the next election. Many will crowd stadiums and forums to support our choice for leader and cheer loudly every time he/she makes those same promises election after election.
If politicians were legally bound to live up to their promises they'd use their rhetorical talents to talk about the weather. Maybe it's time we held these people liable for not coming through with their pre-election promises.
And maybe it's time we listened to their speeches with an unbiased ear and learn to recognize the double talk when we hear it.
If politicians were legally bound to live up to their promises they'd use their rhetorical talents to talk about the weather. Maybe it's time we held these people liable for not coming through with their pre-election promises.
And maybe it's time we listened to their speeches with an unbiased ear and learn to recognize the double talk when we hear it.
AIG Policy Holder
I don't pay too much attention to politics or financial ups and downs but it's hard to ignore what's happening these days. The bankruptcy of huge financial institutions in the States gives a true picture of the dire straits we're in and when AIG was mentioned as another insurance company in trouble that really got my attention. You see, AIG is the company insuring me for my winter in Florida.
I've researched on the internet and it seems that AIG might not be able to honor insurance claims so where does that leave me? Should I drive off to Florida hoping I'm still covered by AIG or take out insurance with another company? Mind you, my problem is minor compared to the people who have their life's savings tied up in AIG but I still need to get some straight answers.
These are strange times. I think I've read that the stock market usually falls during a U.S. election year probably because of the insecurity over who will be in power. Well, the stock market has taken a nosedive this time and sometimes, as when a jet plane loses power and goes belly up, it crashes. Let's hope this isn't what's happening or we're all in trouble.
I've researched on the internet and it seems that AIG might not be able to honor insurance claims so where does that leave me? Should I drive off to Florida hoping I'm still covered by AIG or take out insurance with another company? Mind you, my problem is minor compared to the people who have their life's savings tied up in AIG but I still need to get some straight answers.
These are strange times. I think I've read that the stock market usually falls during a U.S. election year probably because of the insecurity over who will be in power. Well, the stock market has taken a nosedive this time and sometimes, as when a jet plane loses power and goes belly up, it crashes. Let's hope this isn't what's happening or we're all in trouble.
Monday, September 15, 2008
U.S. Families Evacuated From Bolivia
What is going on with the news? My youngest daughter is currently living in Bolivia with her husband who works at the U.S. embassy and has been keeping us notified by blog and e-mail of the explosive political situation there. The U.S. embassador has been kicked out of the country and now American families are about to be evacuated back to the States. Why is nothing of this being aired on the news?
The only way I've been able to find out anything reported by the press is to go on the Reuters' website but CNN has failed me miserably. This is world news of world importance and not given any credence by the press.
South America is in a state of political chaos and we should be informed about this. What of the average Joe who has travel plans for those countries?
Being married to a military man, Shelley and her family lead an interesting life travelling the world but, in this case, I'll be happy to see her safely back home .
The only way I've been able to find out anything reported by the press is to go on the Reuters' website but CNN has failed me miserably. This is world news of world importance and not given any credence by the press.
South America is in a state of political chaos and we should be informed about this. What of the average Joe who has travel plans for those countries?
Being married to a military man, Shelley and her family lead an interesting life travelling the world but, in this case, I'll be happy to see her safely back home .
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Pastimes
I can't imagine a time in my life when I'll never have an interesting (to me) pastime. As I age it seems my interests only broaden and it isn't just to fill my day because the days aren't long enough for me to accomplish all I set out to do. What I have found is that I do have the freedom to follow my interests to the detriment of getting my housework done.
Lately I've wended my way into jewellery making. Right now it's only a matter of putting pendants and chains together but the idea of actually creating a necklace from my own imagination is very appealing. That will come later, I'm sure.
I asked a friend what she'd been doing over the summer and she shrugged and said, "Not much". When I look back on my own summer I wonder how I could have accomplished so darned much. Not all of it was of my choosing, such as ousting squirrels from the attic, but it still was a very busy and productive summer.
When I was a young girl just back to school in September, we had to write an essay on how we'd spent our summer. Mine had always been simply a carefree time of running the roads with my friends. These days I could write a book about my experiences.
A couple of years ago I went to a yard sale and, during a conversation with the home owner, discovered she was a widow who felt her life was over. She was terribly depressed and thought the future held no place for her. I tried to encourage her to attend the local senior center as a start to get her back out in the world but she wasn't interested. I left thinking about all the things I had going on in my life and all the things I still wanted to do. And I thought how the only person in this world who was going to improve that lady's life was herself. Sometimes you have to choose to be happy.
My senior's park in Florida is a perfect example of what I mean. You can bet that the people there have gone through illnesses and tragedies over the years but they've persevered and succeeded in making good lives for themselves. For the most part they are very sociable people and the sound of laughter and conversation fills that park from dawn to dusk. Many are widows or widowers but they chose not to isolate themselves. I believe that isolation is the killer.
Personally, it's always been difficult for me to try to fit in with strangers but the more often I'm accepted the easier it becomes. It will never be second nature to me but I've learned the knack of entering slowly and gently.
My alone time is also very welcome. The pattern of my day varies quite a bit and I don't spend too much time doing any one thing. Today will include computer, T.V., laundry, as little housework as possible, sewing, meeting my sister for coffee, and making plans for an upcoming craft show to sell my jewellery. Who knows what else will come along?
Lately I've wended my way into jewellery making. Right now it's only a matter of putting pendants and chains together but the idea of actually creating a necklace from my own imagination is very appealing. That will come later, I'm sure.
I asked a friend what she'd been doing over the summer and she shrugged and said, "Not much". When I look back on my own summer I wonder how I could have accomplished so darned much. Not all of it was of my choosing, such as ousting squirrels from the attic, but it still was a very busy and productive summer.
When I was a young girl just back to school in September, we had to write an essay on how we'd spent our summer. Mine had always been simply a carefree time of running the roads with my friends. These days I could write a book about my experiences.
A couple of years ago I went to a yard sale and, during a conversation with the home owner, discovered she was a widow who felt her life was over. She was terribly depressed and thought the future held no place for her. I tried to encourage her to attend the local senior center as a start to get her back out in the world but she wasn't interested. I left thinking about all the things I had going on in my life and all the things I still wanted to do. And I thought how the only person in this world who was going to improve that lady's life was herself. Sometimes you have to choose to be happy.
My senior's park in Florida is a perfect example of what I mean. You can bet that the people there have gone through illnesses and tragedies over the years but they've persevered and succeeded in making good lives for themselves. For the most part they are very sociable people and the sound of laughter and conversation fills that park from dawn to dusk. Many are widows or widowers but they chose not to isolate themselves. I believe that isolation is the killer.
Personally, it's always been difficult for me to try to fit in with strangers but the more often I'm accepted the easier it becomes. It will never be second nature to me but I've learned the knack of entering slowly and gently.
My alone time is also very welcome. The pattern of my day varies quite a bit and I don't spend too much time doing any one thing. Today will include computer, T.V., laundry, as little housework as possible, sewing, meeting my sister for coffee, and making plans for an upcoming craft show to sell my jewellery. Who knows what else will come along?
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Through My Eyes
It seems I've always adored the look and feel of baby skin but lately I've taken to noticing the beautiful skin on young girls. They have no idea, as I did at the same age, how lovely they are and I hate to see them cover up that lovely young skin with makeup.
I remember how insecure I was at that age with my weight (I thought I was too skinny) and my looks (I felt I had too many faults to count). I harshly judged myself because that's what young girls do. After all, who are our role models? We think we have to look like movie stars and if we don't measure up then there must be something wrong with us.
Vanity is a strange thing. We can never look as good as we want because there will always be someone who looks better. If we could train our minds at an early age to focus on our strengths instead of our faults, it would make life so much easier for us. I don't know how the mind of a young man works but I do know that females are always aware of their appearance.
Young ladies...if you are neat and clean then you look adorable.
Middle age is difficult for women because looks do fade with time. It's inevitable. That's when the makeup comes out in earnest, trying to hide the tiny lines and greying hair. Most women will age gracefully, adjusting with the years and gaining confidence with maturity. Some will hang on to their youth with tenacity until they become ridiculous. Only the young can truly look young.
Old age usually brings a sense of having seen it all and being comfortable in our skin. We've lost the battle for youth but won the bigger prize of wisdom. It's at this stage that we can honestly admire the beauty of youth and appreciate it for what it is...a fleeting but most wonderful time of life.
Young ladies...you are all beautiful and a joy to the eyes just as you are.
I remember how insecure I was at that age with my weight (I thought I was too skinny) and my looks (I felt I had too many faults to count). I harshly judged myself because that's what young girls do. After all, who are our role models? We think we have to look like movie stars and if we don't measure up then there must be something wrong with us.
Vanity is a strange thing. We can never look as good as we want because there will always be someone who looks better. If we could train our minds at an early age to focus on our strengths instead of our faults, it would make life so much easier for us. I don't know how the mind of a young man works but I do know that females are always aware of their appearance.
Young ladies...if you are neat and clean then you look adorable.
Middle age is difficult for women because looks do fade with time. It's inevitable. That's when the makeup comes out in earnest, trying to hide the tiny lines and greying hair. Most women will age gracefully, adjusting with the years and gaining confidence with maturity. Some will hang on to their youth with tenacity until they become ridiculous. Only the young can truly look young.
Old age usually brings a sense of having seen it all and being comfortable in our skin. We've lost the battle for youth but won the bigger prize of wisdom. It's at this stage that we can honestly admire the beauty of youth and appreciate it for what it is...a fleeting but most wonderful time of life.
Young ladies...you are all beautiful and a joy to the eyes just as you are.
Friday, September 12, 2008
We're in Love With the Furnace Man
My daughter, Kim, and I are in love with the furnace installer. It's the eyes. My god, if I was 40 years younger I just might have run away with him. Kim is much too old for him, too, so he's safe with us.
My husband had gorgeous eyes, too, so I guess that's what does it for me. Long , thick lashes on a girl are nice but absolutely riveting on a man. I remember being in the midst of an argument with my husband and looking into his eyes which happened to be flashing with anger at the time and thinking, "Those eyes are beautiful.".
The furnace installer is probably in his late 20's to early 30's, very handsome and very nice. You would know him by his eyes, though, because they'd stop you in your tracks.
My husband had gorgeous eyes, too, so I guess that's what does it for me. Long , thick lashes on a girl are nice but absolutely riveting on a man. I remember being in the midst of an argument with my husband and looking into his eyes which happened to be flashing with anger at the time and thinking, "Those eyes are beautiful.".
The furnace installer is probably in his late 20's to early 30's, very handsome and very nice. You would know him by his eyes, though, because they'd stop you in your tracks.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
I Stand Corrected
Shelley advised me that she was 23 years old when she "ran away" from home and not 22. I've always referred to her leaving as her running away because she and a girlfriend not only moved into their own apartment but went all the way to Texas to do it. Sad time for me but exciting time for her.
I remember that day like it was yesterday. The girls had rented a Uhaul truck and it sat in the driveway with all their worldly goods in it. Young girls living at home don't have many worldly goods so it was a ragged pile. The girls were so young and filled with youthful enthusiasm, anxious to step out on their own.
I think it was October but I could be wrong about that, too. I do know there was a drizzly rain because I watched them drive away, up the street and around the corner until they were out of sight. Of course I cried as any mother naturally would. I worried for their safety but I also envied them for their courage in making their own way.
Shelley had landed a job as an R.N. in Corpus Christie, Texas but I don't remember what her girlfriend was going to do. Her best friend, Janice, had also gotten a nursing job there and was supposed to go with them but her mother was seriously ill so she stayed behind for a while.
It was a life changing move for all of them and I'll always remember the inner hope they radiated as they drove away. Janice did eventually make it to Texas but by then Shelley had met her future husband and was ready to move on with him to Florida. Life sometimes travels at an accelerated rate when we least expect it.
Within 6 months of leaving her childhood home, my baby had found the man she would spend the rest of her life with. The fact that her family loves John like one of our own is a bonus. I really do believe that we are exactly where we are meant to be and moving in a direction that we are meant to go. The secret is to follow your instincts.
Anyway, the gist of this story is that Shelley did indeed run away from home when she was 23. It was meant to be.
I remember that day like it was yesterday. The girls had rented a Uhaul truck and it sat in the driveway with all their worldly goods in it. Young girls living at home don't have many worldly goods so it was a ragged pile. The girls were so young and filled with youthful enthusiasm, anxious to step out on their own.
I think it was October but I could be wrong about that, too. I do know there was a drizzly rain because I watched them drive away, up the street and around the corner until they were out of sight. Of course I cried as any mother naturally would. I worried for their safety but I also envied them for their courage in making their own way.
Shelley had landed a job as an R.N. in Corpus Christie, Texas but I don't remember what her girlfriend was going to do. Her best friend, Janice, had also gotten a nursing job there and was supposed to go with them but her mother was seriously ill so she stayed behind for a while.
It was a life changing move for all of them and I'll always remember the inner hope they radiated as they drove away. Janice did eventually make it to Texas but by then Shelley had met her future husband and was ready to move on with him to Florida. Life sometimes travels at an accelerated rate when we least expect it.
Within 6 months of leaving her childhood home, my baby had found the man she would spend the rest of her life with. The fact that her family loves John like one of our own is a bonus. I really do believe that we are exactly where we are meant to be and moving in a direction that we are meant to go. The secret is to follow your instincts.
Anyway, the gist of this story is that Shelley did indeed run away from home when she was 23. It was meant to be.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Power of a Hug
I just received a sweet e-mail delivering me a hug from my penpal. It got me thinking about how late in life I finally felt comfortable giving hugs to people (other than kids and husband) and how, once started, seem to hug everyone who comes near me.
My family wasn't demonstrative while I was growing up and I honestly can't remember ever being hugged or kissed by any one of them. It's kind of ironic that I spent most of my childhood avoiding the attentions of dirty old men so thank heavens I hadn't noticibly felt deprived of affection by my own family.
I've always loved children so it was easy to express my affection with hugs for them but I began to notice it was a bit more uncomfortable for me to hug my own daughters as they grew into their teens. Maybe they had begun to rebuff me as kids tend to do when they mistakenly think they're too old to openly show affection toward their parents. I don't remember the how or why I began to hold back my hugs.
My youngest daughter left home when she was 22 years old and it was on one of her visits back that my "hug reflex" was reactivated. I was saying goodbye to her at the front door when she suddenly turned back and gave me a good, strong hug. I was a little taken aback at first but it seemed to open something up inside me.
From that day on I made an effort to hug people and it wasn't easy. I'm still very aware if the person I'm hugging is comfortable with it or not and will stop immediately if I sense them freeze up. I understand them. Maybe they haven't reactivated their own "hug reflex" yet but maybe my attempt created an opening.
There are very few people in my life that I love but there are hundreds that I like a lot. I hug them all and it makes me feel good. I hope they get a warm feeling from it, too.
My family wasn't demonstrative while I was growing up and I honestly can't remember ever being hugged or kissed by any one of them. It's kind of ironic that I spent most of my childhood avoiding the attentions of dirty old men so thank heavens I hadn't noticibly felt deprived of affection by my own family.
I've always loved children so it was easy to express my affection with hugs for them but I began to notice it was a bit more uncomfortable for me to hug my own daughters as they grew into their teens. Maybe they had begun to rebuff me as kids tend to do when they mistakenly think they're too old to openly show affection toward their parents. I don't remember the how or why I began to hold back my hugs.
My youngest daughter left home when she was 22 years old and it was on one of her visits back that my "hug reflex" was reactivated. I was saying goodbye to her at the front door when she suddenly turned back and gave me a good, strong hug. I was a little taken aback at first but it seemed to open something up inside me.
From that day on I made an effort to hug people and it wasn't easy. I'm still very aware if the person I'm hugging is comfortable with it or not and will stop immediately if I sense them freeze up. I understand them. Maybe they haven't reactivated their own "hug reflex" yet but maybe my attempt created an opening.
There are very few people in my life that I love but there are hundreds that I like a lot. I hug them all and it makes me feel good. I hope they get a warm feeling from it, too.
Taking Responsibility
It's so sad to see in the news that someone else is suing the casinos for taking advantage of their gambling problem. When someone knows they tend to spend too much money at the casino then it doesn't take a brain surgeon to know they should stop going. It is their responsibility to police themselves and not give into their gambling lust.
It's no different than a heavy drinker or smoker. Both habits will kill you in the end but it is on your shoulders and not someone else's to control your own actions. We like to blame our bad habits or addictions on neglectful parents, strict parents, an abusive uncle, poverty, or any number of convenient whipping boys. When do we open our eyes and say, "It's my problem and I will heal myself"?
Circumstances can be a catalyst when we decide to take up a dangerous pastime but we are the ones in control at that moment. We're the ones who take the necessary steps to make our lives even more complicated and unstable. We are the ones we should hold responsible.
The casinos will always be there, just as the booze, cigarettes, drugs, and even french fries. It is our individual responsibility to control ourselves and not put the onus on others.
People who prey on young children claim they can't control themselves. Murderers claim they were blinded by fury and lost control. It wasn't their fault, right?
Each one of us starts every single day making choices that will affect our lives, either for better or worse. There will not be another person standing behind us forcing us to drink, smoke, kill, or even gamble away our life savings. If we do any of these things it will be from free choice.
Face it, when we screw up we're the screw-up.
It's no different than a heavy drinker or smoker. Both habits will kill you in the end but it is on your shoulders and not someone else's to control your own actions. We like to blame our bad habits or addictions on neglectful parents, strict parents, an abusive uncle, poverty, or any number of convenient whipping boys. When do we open our eyes and say, "It's my problem and I will heal myself"?
Circumstances can be a catalyst when we decide to take up a dangerous pastime but we are the ones in control at that moment. We're the ones who take the necessary steps to make our lives even more complicated and unstable. We are the ones we should hold responsible.
The casinos will always be there, just as the booze, cigarettes, drugs, and even french fries. It is our individual responsibility to control ourselves and not put the onus on others.
People who prey on young children claim they can't control themselves. Murderers claim they were blinded by fury and lost control. It wasn't their fault, right?
Each one of us starts every single day making choices that will affect our lives, either for better or worse. There will not be another person standing behind us forcing us to drink, smoke, kill, or even gamble away our life savings. If we do any of these things it will be from free choice.
Face it, when we screw up we're the screw-up.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Facials at the Cottage
Faye, Mary, and I drove up to Joyce's northern paradise on Sunday for our 3 day ladies get-away. Even though it rained most of the way up we didn't care because we knew the trip would be fun no matter what the weather.
It's a little early to expect to see autumn colors but the beginnings of them were there. I'd hoped to spot a few yard sales on the way up but the rain vetoed that possibility. We made one stop at a nice family restaurant for lunch and that was it.
Joyce and Larry have a lovely winterized cottage right on the lake. There is also another cottage on the property and that's where guests usually stay. We quickly moved our stuff in and settled who got the bedrooms and who got the sofa bed before trekking over to the main house. We yakked (of course), had chili and Joyce's home-made desserts for dinner before pulling out the cards and playing "31". Mary and I were the last to bed at 12:30 A.M.
It's so quiet and dark out there that I slept till 8:30 Monday morning. The air was cooler than it is back home but that just reinforced the feeling of fall. I think it was close to noon before we (the ladies) drove up to Barry's Bay for our shopping trip. There's a great gift shop called "Grumbling Grannies" up there that is filled to the rafters with the most interesting items. We all bought something but were really quite frugal in our purchases. I think we're all aware how much "stuff" we've already accumulated and are now trying to be more careful what we trot into the house.
We had a nice lunch back home and then the ladies decided it was nap time but, since I'd slept so late that morning, I stayed up and worked on my Swedish weaving. Larry popped in occasionally but he seems to work all the time, doing his own necessary chores in keeping the property pristine or helping one of neighbors. When the ladies crawled out of bed we watched an interesting program on T.V. about Tibet before setting up dinner. Last night it was lasagna along with Joyce's home-made desserts.
After dinner we ladies planned to do our facials over at the little cottage and Larry inquired how long it would take to do a facial. When we told him it only had to be on our faces for about 10 minutes he said, "That's like watering a 12 acre farm with a garden hose!". That man has a way with words. He was telling us how he plans to commit suicide when it's his time to go. He and his buddy (they feel their time might come at the same time) will go way out in the woods in the middle of a cold, cold winter and fall asleep under a tree. He assumes they'll be popsicles by daylight. If his time comes during the summer months he'll probably have to think up a new plan.
We all trotted over to the little cottage and set up our facial packages on the kitchen table. They're pretty simple (you can't expect much for $2) and only required a clean face. Mary set Faye, Joyce and I up with our masks and then went into the bathroom to put her own on. We were supposed to lean back so the cloth masks wouldn't fall off and just relax for about 10 minutes. Mary came out of the bathroom and nearly fell over laughing at how silly we looked leaning back in our chairs and looking like aliens.
We removed the masks and tried to convince ourselves our skin looked better but maybe we were flushed from giggling so it was hard to tell. In any case, we had a good laugh over it.
Joyce couldn't take any more cards so she went home early but the rest of us got into "31" again. Heaven knows who won or lost the most because we were playing for nickles and didn't much care who won. The aim of the game is to enjoy it and that we did.
This morning was another late sleep in and I give no excuses. We ate, chatted, drank coffee, chatted, did a crossword puzzle, chatted, and then tidied up the little cottage before packing up the car. Giving our good-bye hugs and kisses, Mary stated we had to come up and stay longer next year and maybe it would be best to come up in August. We all agreed until we realized it might be a good idea to ask our host and hostess if that was okay with them. How could they say no? They love us and we love them so I think it will be okay.
On the way home we got caught in terrible traffic around Toronto and heard on the news that someone had been murdered and tossed on the highway. We saw the commotion in the eastbound lanes which were backed up for miles but we were heading west so our traffic was slowed down by gawkers. There had been a shooting death just prior to this and this one was probably retaliation. What a world.
We arrived home safely, tired but with good memories of our trip. It's always nice to get away but going home is best of all.
It's a little early to expect to see autumn colors but the beginnings of them were there. I'd hoped to spot a few yard sales on the way up but the rain vetoed that possibility. We made one stop at a nice family restaurant for lunch and that was it.
Joyce and Larry have a lovely winterized cottage right on the lake. There is also another cottage on the property and that's where guests usually stay. We quickly moved our stuff in and settled who got the bedrooms and who got the sofa bed before trekking over to the main house. We yakked (of course), had chili and Joyce's home-made desserts for dinner before pulling out the cards and playing "31". Mary and I were the last to bed at 12:30 A.M.
It's so quiet and dark out there that I slept till 8:30 Monday morning. The air was cooler than it is back home but that just reinforced the feeling of fall. I think it was close to noon before we (the ladies) drove up to Barry's Bay for our shopping trip. There's a great gift shop called "Grumbling Grannies" up there that is filled to the rafters with the most interesting items. We all bought something but were really quite frugal in our purchases. I think we're all aware how much "stuff" we've already accumulated and are now trying to be more careful what we trot into the house.
We had a nice lunch back home and then the ladies decided it was nap time but, since I'd slept so late that morning, I stayed up and worked on my Swedish weaving. Larry popped in occasionally but he seems to work all the time, doing his own necessary chores in keeping the property pristine or helping one of neighbors. When the ladies crawled out of bed we watched an interesting program on T.V. about Tibet before setting up dinner. Last night it was lasagna along with Joyce's home-made desserts.
After dinner we ladies planned to do our facials over at the little cottage and Larry inquired how long it would take to do a facial. When we told him it only had to be on our faces for about 10 minutes he said, "That's like watering a 12 acre farm with a garden hose!". That man has a way with words. He was telling us how he plans to commit suicide when it's his time to go. He and his buddy (they feel their time might come at the same time) will go way out in the woods in the middle of a cold, cold winter and fall asleep under a tree. He assumes they'll be popsicles by daylight. If his time comes during the summer months he'll probably have to think up a new plan.
We all trotted over to the little cottage and set up our facial packages on the kitchen table. They're pretty simple (you can't expect much for $2) and only required a clean face. Mary set Faye, Joyce and I up with our masks and then went into the bathroom to put her own on. We were supposed to lean back so the cloth masks wouldn't fall off and just relax for about 10 minutes. Mary came out of the bathroom and nearly fell over laughing at how silly we looked leaning back in our chairs and looking like aliens.
We removed the masks and tried to convince ourselves our skin looked better but maybe we were flushed from giggling so it was hard to tell. In any case, we had a good laugh over it.
Joyce couldn't take any more cards so she went home early but the rest of us got into "31" again. Heaven knows who won or lost the most because we were playing for nickles and didn't much care who won. The aim of the game is to enjoy it and that we did.
This morning was another late sleep in and I give no excuses. We ate, chatted, drank coffee, chatted, did a crossword puzzle, chatted, and then tidied up the little cottage before packing up the car. Giving our good-bye hugs and kisses, Mary stated we had to come up and stay longer next year and maybe it would be best to come up in August. We all agreed until we realized it might be a good idea to ask our host and hostess if that was okay with them. How could they say no? They love us and we love them so I think it will be okay.
On the way home we got caught in terrible traffic around Toronto and heard on the news that someone had been murdered and tossed on the highway. We saw the commotion in the eastbound lanes which were backed up for miles but we were heading west so our traffic was slowed down by gawkers. There had been a shooting death just prior to this and this one was probably retaliation. What a world.
We arrived home safely, tired but with good memories of our trip. It's always nice to get away but going home is best of all.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
By The Message On His Shirt We Shall Know Him
My daughter and I went to Costco today and the place was packed. A Saturday is not the best day to shop at Costco because that's the day most families fill up for the week or month.
As we walked through the front door, amidst children of all ages, directly in front of me was a young man about mid 20's wearing a t-shirt with "MOTHERFU..ER" in huge letters on his back. Mind you, the whole word was there for all to see, not just my censored version of it. I've become so sick of how spineless most of us have become in not confronting these ignorant jerks that I just had to go up to him.
Ignoring my daughter's whimpered, "oh, no", I strode up to him and asked him if it bothered him that there were children around to see what was written on his shirt. I swear it was like looking into the eyes of a zombie, no reaction whatsoever. He just gazed at me blankly. I shrugged and said that I guess it didn't bother him at all and turned to walk away.
Now he came to life just long enough to tell me to "fu.. off!". I walked away knowing he was a lost cause. Thinking about it now I should have walked right back and demanded an apology but my daughter probably would have slunk out and driven home without me.
She was shocked when I told her what he'd said but what can you expect from a brain dead individual who would walk around in public with that shirt? I sure didn't expect anything better from him but I wanted him to know that not everyone in this world is so passive that they'll stay silent when they really should speak up.
By being passive we've allowed public decency to drop to a dangerous low. If there had been only adults around I would still have thought him an imbecile but I'd have said nothing. What spurred me was the sight of innocent young children around who I strongly believe shouldn't be subjected to those words.
This young man chose to wear a blatantly obnoxious shirt to draw attention to himself. But, instead of "MOTHERFU...ER", he only needed to wear a shirt with "BRAINDEAD LOW-LIFE" written on it and we still would have know what he was.
I did notice that I was the only one who said anything to this man and I wondered if maybe I'm out of touch and no cares anymore if their children see this kind of filth. I'm hoping the reason no-one else spoke up is because they hadn't seen the shirt. I'm hoping someone else cared.
There was a young woman with him and I wondered how desperate she must be for male company if she didn't mind being seen with him wearing that shirt. I thought of how we're known by the company we keep...and the messages we display on our shirts.
As we walked through the front door, amidst children of all ages, directly in front of me was a young man about mid 20's wearing a t-shirt with "MOTHERFU..ER" in huge letters on his back. Mind you, the whole word was there for all to see, not just my censored version of it. I've become so sick of how spineless most of us have become in not confronting these ignorant jerks that I just had to go up to him.
Ignoring my daughter's whimpered, "oh, no", I strode up to him and asked him if it bothered him that there were children around to see what was written on his shirt. I swear it was like looking into the eyes of a zombie, no reaction whatsoever. He just gazed at me blankly. I shrugged and said that I guess it didn't bother him at all and turned to walk away.
Now he came to life just long enough to tell me to "fu.. off!". I walked away knowing he was a lost cause. Thinking about it now I should have walked right back and demanded an apology but my daughter probably would have slunk out and driven home without me.
She was shocked when I told her what he'd said but what can you expect from a brain dead individual who would walk around in public with that shirt? I sure didn't expect anything better from him but I wanted him to know that not everyone in this world is so passive that they'll stay silent when they really should speak up.
By being passive we've allowed public decency to drop to a dangerous low. If there had been only adults around I would still have thought him an imbecile but I'd have said nothing. What spurred me was the sight of innocent young children around who I strongly believe shouldn't be subjected to those words.
This young man chose to wear a blatantly obnoxious shirt to draw attention to himself. But, instead of "MOTHERFU...ER", he only needed to wear a shirt with "BRAINDEAD LOW-LIFE" written on it and we still would have know what he was.
I did notice that I was the only one who said anything to this man and I wondered if maybe I'm out of touch and no cares anymore if their children see this kind of filth. I'm hoping the reason no-one else spoke up is because they hadn't seen the shirt. I'm hoping someone else cared.
There was a young woman with him and I wondered how desperate she must be for male company if she didn't mind being seen with him wearing that shirt. I thought of how we're known by the company we keep...and the messages we display on our shirts.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Political Bullfeathers
Years ago my husband taught our little 3 year old granddaughter to say "bullfeathers". Of course, what he really meant was "bullshit" but that wasn't something you taught a little girl.
I've been listening to all the rhetoric surrounding the upcoming U.S. elections and trying to find the tiny specks of honesty among the bullfeathers. It's interesting from a psychological point of view to analyse political speeches. They speak in a cadence which allows perfect timing for audience applause for one thing and they promise the same things that all politicians have promised from the beginning of time. Their audiences are like Pavlov's dogs and cheer wildly at all the planned pauses.
Something I've always wondered about...who the heck are the crowds of people who stand behind anyone at a microphone? Are they supposed to be mute symbols of supporters so that the audience can believe the speaker has followers? The crowd stands behind the speaker looking very stoic but silly because they don't seem to have much purpose in being there at all.
In this election, like all elections, the candidates promise to end wars, poverty, and bring the country to prosperity. They promise better health care and crime control. Their promises are always vague and almost never come to fruition. I can count on the fingers of one hand where the leaders of our country have actually done something worthwhile.
This particular election has been especially interesting because Barach Obama is a black man. I've admired him from the beginning but felt he was too new to the game to be elected president this time. I think I may have to admit I was wrong because he's doing a fantastic job of running his campaign, much better than John McCain. If Obama wins, this could be the most interesting 4 years the United States has ever experienced. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all pans out.
Obama may be fresh and new but he's still a politician and we all know they spout bullfeathers.
I've been listening to all the rhetoric surrounding the upcoming U.S. elections and trying to find the tiny specks of honesty among the bullfeathers. It's interesting from a psychological point of view to analyse political speeches. They speak in a cadence which allows perfect timing for audience applause for one thing and they promise the same things that all politicians have promised from the beginning of time. Their audiences are like Pavlov's dogs and cheer wildly at all the planned pauses.
Something I've always wondered about...who the heck are the crowds of people who stand behind anyone at a microphone? Are they supposed to be mute symbols of supporters so that the audience can believe the speaker has followers? The crowd stands behind the speaker looking very stoic but silly because they don't seem to have much purpose in being there at all.
In this election, like all elections, the candidates promise to end wars, poverty, and bring the country to prosperity. They promise better health care and crime control. Their promises are always vague and almost never come to fruition. I can count on the fingers of one hand where the leaders of our country have actually done something worthwhile.
This particular election has been especially interesting because Barach Obama is a black man. I've admired him from the beginning but felt he was too new to the game to be elected president this time. I think I may have to admit I was wrong because he's doing a fantastic job of running his campaign, much better than John McCain. If Obama wins, this could be the most interesting 4 years the United States has ever experienced. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all pans out.
Obama may be fresh and new but he's still a politician and we all know they spout bullfeathers.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Another Root Canal??
Last winter while I was in Florida I developed excruciating pain in one of my molars. Exrays were taken at a local dentist's office and the dreaded words "root canal" were mentioned. Since this was February and I wasn't due to go home until April I was very concerned. The dentist's office in Florida wasn't up to my standards and I just couldn't see myself allowing something that was as invasive as a root canal to be done there. So I took antibiotics to calm the infection so I could hold off until I saw my own dentist in April.
When I got home I had the root canal done and all seemed to go very well. My dentist wanted me to wait until September to have the crown put on and that was fine with me because the actual root canal had kept me in the dentist's chair for hours.
So comes the day in September (today) for me to have my teeth cleaned and then have the impression taken for the crown. I mentioned to the dentist that I'd been occasionally having some discomfort in the tooth, not a toothache but just a sort of dull ache. His eyebrows went up and he immediately took more exrays to look for what he described as a crack (I'm not sure where the crack would be but I'm assuming he meant in my jaw) but couldn't see one. He said it's possible the ache is coming from the tooth beside the dead one and I might need a root canal in that one. A few curse words slipped out before I could stop them but I'm sure that, being a dentist, he's heard worse before.
He gave me a prescription for an antibiotic to calm down any infection that might be lurking and then gave me another appointment to see him in two weeks. If the discomfort is coming from the tooth I had the root canal in then it means there is definitely a crack and the tooth will have to be removed. If it's coming from the tooth next door then it probably means another root canal.
This is a no-win situation.
The only good thing in this situation is that I am lucky enough to have a very capable and caring dentist and I know he'll do what is best for me.
When I got home I had the root canal done and all seemed to go very well. My dentist wanted me to wait until September to have the crown put on and that was fine with me because the actual root canal had kept me in the dentist's chair for hours.
So comes the day in September (today) for me to have my teeth cleaned and then have the impression taken for the crown. I mentioned to the dentist that I'd been occasionally having some discomfort in the tooth, not a toothache but just a sort of dull ache. His eyebrows went up and he immediately took more exrays to look for what he described as a crack (I'm not sure where the crack would be but I'm assuming he meant in my jaw) but couldn't see one. He said it's possible the ache is coming from the tooth beside the dead one and I might need a root canal in that one. A few curse words slipped out before I could stop them but I'm sure that, being a dentist, he's heard worse before.
He gave me a prescription for an antibiotic to calm down any infection that might be lurking and then gave me another appointment to see him in two weeks. If the discomfort is coming from the tooth I had the root canal in then it means there is definitely a crack and the tooth will have to be removed. If it's coming from the tooth next door then it probably means another root canal.
This is a no-win situation.
The only good thing in this situation is that I am lucky enough to have a very capable and caring dentist and I know he'll do what is best for me.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Freeloaders
Last night I did a little research on the internet. I often get a thought in my head which leads me to begin looking into something of even momentary interest. Last night my quest was for some insight into freeloaders.
I found out some very interesting things but the one that stuck in my mind is how hard it is to recognize an experienced freeloader early on in the relationship. They're ones who are semi-silent sufferers who give you just enough insight into their lives to think they're needy but proud. Wrong!
They want something for nothing and know all the tricks to achieve their goals. Freeloaders seem to think that the world owes them and they have no shame about taking advantage at every opportunity. Once their victim stops giving they are unceremoniously dumped because they are of no further use. This is fascinating behaviour and it's opened my eyes to the few freeloaders I've encountered in my life.
My research showed that freeloaders were made, not born that way. Something in their childhood twisted their thinking and, like most predators, they can't be fixed.
Many years back my husband and I were visiting New Brunswick and met one of his distant and previously unknown relatives. At some time during our conversation, my husband kindly told the man (about early 20's at that time) to drop in and see us if he ever came to Ontario. Lo and behold, within the month there came a knock at the door and there stood "Henry" with a huge suitcase. We were in shock but, being polite and not realizing we were being used, we allowed him to come in and stay for a few days.
Night after night we lay in bed and listened to this freeloader wander through our house, opening doors and drawers searching or taking we didn't know what. When he made no attempt to move on after a couple of days I gave my husband an ultimatum...tell him to leave or I would. My husband, being slightly more tactful, told "Henry" we were going on vacation so he'd have to find somewhere else to stay. "Henry" was furious, packed his suitcase and stormed out of the house never to be heard from again. Freeloaders have no true understanding of the right or wrong of using people so they feel terribly offended when they are turned away.
According to my research most freeloaders pry money out of their victims but some just get whatever they can...free labor, free meals, free vacations. Some do it so subtly that it takes us a long time to realize we're being used. It was interesting to note that freeloaders can also be described as narcissists because they are so self absorbed.
It's as though they are incapable of learning or practicing common social rules. In their minds they are very comfortable with "taking" so there is no need to change. And they don't change but just move from one victim to another.
Human behaviour never fails to amaze me and having the internet to provide information is terrific. Anything I want to know is just a few finger taps on the keyboard away. What I learned from this little excursion was how to recognize a freeloader so my time was well spent.
I found out some very interesting things but the one that stuck in my mind is how hard it is to recognize an experienced freeloader early on in the relationship. They're ones who are semi-silent sufferers who give you just enough insight into their lives to think they're needy but proud. Wrong!
They want something for nothing and know all the tricks to achieve their goals. Freeloaders seem to think that the world owes them and they have no shame about taking advantage at every opportunity. Once their victim stops giving they are unceremoniously dumped because they are of no further use. This is fascinating behaviour and it's opened my eyes to the few freeloaders I've encountered in my life.
My research showed that freeloaders were made, not born that way. Something in their childhood twisted their thinking and, like most predators, they can't be fixed.
Many years back my husband and I were visiting New Brunswick and met one of his distant and previously unknown relatives. At some time during our conversation, my husband kindly told the man (about early 20's at that time) to drop in and see us if he ever came to Ontario. Lo and behold, within the month there came a knock at the door and there stood "Henry" with a huge suitcase. We were in shock but, being polite and not realizing we were being used, we allowed him to come in and stay for a few days.
Night after night we lay in bed and listened to this freeloader wander through our house, opening doors and drawers searching or taking we didn't know what. When he made no attempt to move on after a couple of days I gave my husband an ultimatum...tell him to leave or I would. My husband, being slightly more tactful, told "Henry" we were going on vacation so he'd have to find somewhere else to stay. "Henry" was furious, packed his suitcase and stormed out of the house never to be heard from again. Freeloaders have no true understanding of the right or wrong of using people so they feel terribly offended when they are turned away.
According to my research most freeloaders pry money out of their victims but some just get whatever they can...free labor, free meals, free vacations. Some do it so subtly that it takes us a long time to realize we're being used. It was interesting to note that freeloaders can also be described as narcissists because they are so self absorbed.
It's as though they are incapable of learning or practicing common social rules. In their minds they are very comfortable with "taking" so there is no need to change. And they don't change but just move from one victim to another.
Human behaviour never fails to amaze me and having the internet to provide information is terrific. Anything I want to know is just a few finger taps on the keyboard away. What I learned from this little excursion was how to recognize a freeloader so my time was well spent.
Greyhound Bus Killing Lawsuit
So this is the kind of family that poor dead young man came from. They've demeaned themselves by filing a $150,000 lawsuit against the Greyhound Bus Company and the RCMP, among others. How bloody pathetic!
There is no way that a truly grieving family could be talked into this frivolous lawsuit by a low-life lawyer so we can all assume these people are just greedy and feeding off the horrible death of their own child.
They should be ashamed.
There is no way that a truly grieving family could be talked into this frivolous lawsuit by a low-life lawyer so we can all assume these people are just greedy and feeding off the horrible death of their own child.
They should be ashamed.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Belated Birthday Lunch
My sister-in-law and my ex-sister-in-law took me out for my birthday lunch today...a month late but we all have very busy lives. Another friend joined us and we went to our favorite restaurant in the world, La Speghett. The pasta there is just too good for words.
We've made it a habit in the last few years to take each other out for birthday lunches and it's turned out to be a nice ritual. We don't really need much of an excuse to eat out but it's nice anyway. We needed to get past this birthday lunch because there's another one looming on the horizon in October.
As I sat looking around the table I thought how different we all are in personality and yet we all get along well. There is a main trait we all share and that's supreme honesty and trustworthiness. The differences just make us more interesting to each other.
Throughout our lives we probably won't have very many real close friends but, if we're lucky, we'll have many casual ones. Some will be friends by circumstance or location and some will be friends by shared interests. It's always best to allow new friendships to develop without being too critical because you never know when you'll come across a gem.
My sister-in-law knew I wanted a venue for selling my new interest, jewellery, and she found out that there would be a craft fair at our local senior center. I told her today that I'll be renting a table there and hoped she'd come with me to work it. Her immediate response was, "Of course!". I try not to assume but I knew she'd be more than willing to help me. Really good friends make it too easy for us to assume rather than ask for their help.
After our lunch we all sat out in my backyard and admired the flowers (slightly wilted from the heat) and the busy, noisy birds. We talked about our plans for the winter and our January cruise and I realized how nice it was that we all can enjoy our twilight years as well as we do. My mother and grandmother never had it this good but I bet they'd be happy for me.
We said our goodbyes with plans for our next get-together. Three of us are going up to my other sister-in-law's cottage for the weekend so there's not much wait time. Life is good!
We've made it a habit in the last few years to take each other out for birthday lunches and it's turned out to be a nice ritual. We don't really need much of an excuse to eat out but it's nice anyway. We needed to get past this birthday lunch because there's another one looming on the horizon in October.
As I sat looking around the table I thought how different we all are in personality and yet we all get along well. There is a main trait we all share and that's supreme honesty and trustworthiness. The differences just make us more interesting to each other.
Throughout our lives we probably won't have very many real close friends but, if we're lucky, we'll have many casual ones. Some will be friends by circumstance or location and some will be friends by shared interests. It's always best to allow new friendships to develop without being too critical because you never know when you'll come across a gem.
My sister-in-law knew I wanted a venue for selling my new interest, jewellery, and she found out that there would be a craft fair at our local senior center. I told her today that I'll be renting a table there and hoped she'd come with me to work it. Her immediate response was, "Of course!". I try not to assume but I knew she'd be more than willing to help me. Really good friends make it too easy for us to assume rather than ask for their help.
After our lunch we all sat out in my backyard and admired the flowers (slightly wilted from the heat) and the busy, noisy birds. We talked about our plans for the winter and our January cruise and I realized how nice it was that we all can enjoy our twilight years as well as we do. My mother and grandmother never had it this good but I bet they'd be happy for me.
We said our goodbyes with plans for our next get-together. Three of us are going up to my other sister-in-law's cottage for the weekend so there's not much wait time. Life is good!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Still Making Changes
When my husband passed away 3 years ago, I found that it was difficult for me to look at large pictures of him but 5"x7" photos didn't seem to bother me. There were a few of the larger photos in the house only because my children had taken some special photos of him and had them enlarged and framed for the funeral. These I gave right back to them as soon as the funeral was over.
In the past 3 years I've disposed of so many of my husband's belongings and I can tell you it felt as though I was robbing him. His clothes went to my grandson's church but it was misery piling them up for their journey out of the house. I've tossed out much of the "junk" he'd accumulated over the years, too. None of it was junk to him because he knew he'd find a use for it one day but that day never came.
Every so often I've come across notes he'd written and, for whatever reason, that hurt me most of all. Maybe it's because the simple act of writing words on paper is such a personal act. You can envision the writer taking pen in hand and putting their thoughts into those words.
Just this week I bought a new telephone/address book because I just couldn't stand seeing my husband's writing in the old one any more. There were so many names and telephone numbers for people or places that concerned only him...like the marinas or best places to buy boat paint or winches. These things were very important to him and he could never have known as he entered them into our little book that there would come a day all too soon when they'd no longer have any importance in our lives.
I've worked my way slowly through his workroom in the basement, again feeling as though I'm stealing part of his life with every item I give away. It's much neater and emptier now and hardly looks like the old workroom. I'm slowly spreading the flotsom and jetsom of my own personal effects into what used to be his domain but, with every inch of space I claim, I feel as though I'm obliterating him a little bit more.
I hope this unsettling feeling won't always be with me but I really think it might.
In the past 3 years I've disposed of so many of my husband's belongings and I can tell you it felt as though I was robbing him. His clothes went to my grandson's church but it was misery piling them up for their journey out of the house. I've tossed out much of the "junk" he'd accumulated over the years, too. None of it was junk to him because he knew he'd find a use for it one day but that day never came.
Every so often I've come across notes he'd written and, for whatever reason, that hurt me most of all. Maybe it's because the simple act of writing words on paper is such a personal act. You can envision the writer taking pen in hand and putting their thoughts into those words.
Just this week I bought a new telephone/address book because I just couldn't stand seeing my husband's writing in the old one any more. There were so many names and telephone numbers for people or places that concerned only him...like the marinas or best places to buy boat paint or winches. These things were very important to him and he could never have known as he entered them into our little book that there would come a day all too soon when they'd no longer have any importance in our lives.
I've worked my way slowly through his workroom in the basement, again feeling as though I'm stealing part of his life with every item I give away. It's much neater and emptier now and hardly looks like the old workroom. I'm slowly spreading the flotsom and jetsom of my own personal effects into what used to be his domain but, with every inch of space I claim, I feel as though I'm obliterating him a little bit more.
I hope this unsettling feeling won't always be with me but I really think it might.
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