I was at Publix grocery store the other day and as I was checking out the young male cashier said, "And how was your shopping experience today?".
How was my shopping experience?
Some numbnut vice president of the company has probably forced this poor man to ask that asinine question stupidly thinking that I, the shopper, would be impressed in some way. I couldn't help but reply, "It was an experience I'll never forget".
The cashier, never missing a beat, replied, "I bet it was earth shattering".
I hope the dumb vice president gets demoted. And I hope the cashier gets his job.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Blackmail or Just a Promise
Every time something especially interesting happens whether here in the park or at home, I yelp, "that's a blog!". It really is true that truth is stranger than fiction.
Last week a cute incident happened that I threatened to put in my blog but never got around to doing it but here it is today.
Chris and Candy are 2 ladies who I've just taught how to do Swedish weaving and they've taken to it like ducks to water. Their very first projects were absolutely lovely and, now that they're hooked on the craft, they are busy buying up more monk's cloth to take home with them when they leave Florida this month.
Joann's Fabrics put 40% off coupons in the local newspaper and some of my ladies were thrilled to death to use them for buying monk's cloth. So thrilled, in fact, that they went dumpster diving to find discarded newspapers with those coupons. It's not as bad as it sounds because we apparently have one dumpster with only newspapers in it, thank heavens.
Chris is a little taller than Candy so she got the job of hanging into the dumpster to gather up the newspapers. As a result, her underarms are bruised black and blue. I'm so proud of their dedication!
Another part of the story is that Candy's husband, Tom, broke his leg just recently and has been very short tempered because of it. When people saw Chris and Candy heading to the dumpster with a shovel it was joked that they were going to bury Tom. As far as I know, they only went for coupons.
Last week a cute incident happened that I threatened to put in my blog but never got around to doing it but here it is today.
Chris and Candy are 2 ladies who I've just taught how to do Swedish weaving and they've taken to it like ducks to water. Their very first projects were absolutely lovely and, now that they're hooked on the craft, they are busy buying up more monk's cloth to take home with them when they leave Florida this month.
Joann's Fabrics put 40% off coupons in the local newspaper and some of my ladies were thrilled to death to use them for buying monk's cloth. So thrilled, in fact, that they went dumpster diving to find discarded newspapers with those coupons. It's not as bad as it sounds because we apparently have one dumpster with only newspapers in it, thank heavens.
Chris is a little taller than Candy so she got the job of hanging into the dumpster to gather up the newspapers. As a result, her underarms are bruised black and blue. I'm so proud of their dedication!
Another part of the story is that Candy's husband, Tom, broke his leg just recently and has been very short tempered because of it. When people saw Chris and Candy heading to the dumpster with a shovel it was joked that they were going to bury Tom. As far as I know, they only went for coupons.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saying Goodbyes
It's that time of year again when so many of the people I hang out with or just see daily are packing up and leaving for their real homes. Usually I feel a deep sense of loss as I see the park empty out but this year is a little different for me.
I always have lots of chores and activities to do when I get home myself but this year I have a greatgrandbaby to look forward to. Little no-name will arrive in July. When I arrive back home around April 20th, I'll still have a few months to join in the joyful wait.
Last night we played "31" at the clubhouse expecting few at our table because some had gone home and 2 had gone to the airport to pick up a relative but 2 others joined us and we had a full table again. We have a large circle of friends here who all get along very well and we float between groups (not cliques) with ease and comfort. This is the way it should be and why I love it here so very much.
Each day it will become quieter and emptier in the park but a lot of us will come together again this summer at our park reunion in Ohio. We'll have 4 days to reacquaint, talk about winter 2008/2009, and make plans for winter 2009/2010. Many of us have become as close as family over the past years because we spend so much time together.
I've enjoyed this winter immensely and it's hard to see it end but there are wonderful things back home, too. There's more family and friends and also little no-name. I'm looking forward to it all.
I always have lots of chores and activities to do when I get home myself but this year I have a greatgrandbaby to look forward to. Little no-name will arrive in July. When I arrive back home around April 20th, I'll still have a few months to join in the joyful wait.
Last night we played "31" at the clubhouse expecting few at our table because some had gone home and 2 had gone to the airport to pick up a relative but 2 others joined us and we had a full table again. We have a large circle of friends here who all get along very well and we float between groups (not cliques) with ease and comfort. This is the way it should be and why I love it here so very much.
Each day it will become quieter and emptier in the park but a lot of us will come together again this summer at our park reunion in Ohio. We'll have 4 days to reacquaint, talk about winter 2008/2009, and make plans for winter 2009/2010. Many of us have become as close as family over the past years because we spend so much time together.
I've enjoyed this winter immensely and it's hard to see it end but there are wonderful things back home, too. There's more family and friends and also little no-name. I'm looking forward to it all.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Recognizing a Gift
Most of us have such busy, hectic lives that we fail to recognize the gifts we've been allowed in this life. School time is filled to the brim with classes, studying, flirting, and part-time jobs. It's easy to miss the gift of youth you've been given. Adulthood carries it's own burdens with demanding jobs and wondering how you can afford to raise the babies you bring into the world. Again, it's easy to miss the beauty around you when your mind is too full of worry.
Each day on earth is a gift that you can appreciate or ignore. Is it worth making an extra buck at your job if you miss precious moments with your child? Is it worth fretting about a bad hair day when you have a strong and beautiful young body to live inside? Just open your eyes to what is real and important in your allotted years.
As a senior I feel I wasted too many of my younger years worrying about the negative aspects of my life instead of glorying in the positive. I really do greet the morning sun with a smile these days and marvel at the intricate beauty of nature. My life isn't perfect but I've been teaching myself to put aside that which I can do nothing about and to concentrate on making good what I can.
I can say with certainty that taking the time to draw your family and friends closer together is of the utmost importance. Time spent together is a gift beyond gold and one that you will never regret. When you're on your deathbed you won't regret making more money during your lifetime but you will regret missed opportunities to be with your loved ones.
My first gift today was waking up to the rising sun in my little Florida trailer. A few friends are coming over later this morning and that will be my second gift of the day. Come to think of it, my day will be full of gifts. I'm a rich woman.
Each day on earth is a gift that you can appreciate or ignore. Is it worth making an extra buck at your job if you miss precious moments with your child? Is it worth fretting about a bad hair day when you have a strong and beautiful young body to live inside? Just open your eyes to what is real and important in your allotted years.
As a senior I feel I wasted too many of my younger years worrying about the negative aspects of my life instead of glorying in the positive. I really do greet the morning sun with a smile these days and marvel at the intricate beauty of nature. My life isn't perfect but I've been teaching myself to put aside that which I can do nothing about and to concentrate on making good what I can.
I can say with certainty that taking the time to draw your family and friends closer together is of the utmost importance. Time spent together is a gift beyond gold and one that you will never regret. When you're on your deathbed you won't regret making more money during your lifetime but you will regret missed opportunities to be with your loved ones.
My first gift today was waking up to the rising sun in my little Florida trailer. A few friends are coming over later this morning and that will be my second gift of the day. Come to think of it, my day will be full of gifts. I'm a rich woman.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Lessons Some CEOs Never Learned
When I was a very little girl a friend and I went into our very first business venture. We thought that selling lemonade would provide us with a lucrative income because we'd seen it done in movies. It made perfect sense to us that there was a lot of foot traffic past our house (it was about 1945 when there were fewer cars on the road) and everyone likes lemonade, right?
Well, we put a few large cardboard boxes together and wrote *LEMONADE 5 cents" on it with our crayons and then persuaded my grandmother to make a big pitcher of lemonade for us. I can't remember what we used for glasses. We sat our little chairs behind the cardboard boxes and sold a few drinks to kindly passersby.
When we'd earned a little bit of money we closed the stand temporarily and ran up to the local variety store to buy a notepad, pencil, and also some candy because those coins were burning a hole in our pockets.
We returned to the lemonade stand but failed to sell any more lemonade that day. We went out of business because we'd spent the money we earned on unnecessary supplies and perks.
I'll bet that the CEOs of these big conglomerates who are begging for public funds never had a lemonade stand in their youth or they would have known not to waste their earnings.
Just a thought.
Well, we put a few large cardboard boxes together and wrote *LEMONADE 5 cents" on it with our crayons and then persuaded my grandmother to make a big pitcher of lemonade for us. I can't remember what we used for glasses. We sat our little chairs behind the cardboard boxes and sold a few drinks to kindly passersby.
When we'd earned a little bit of money we closed the stand temporarily and ran up to the local variety store to buy a notepad, pencil, and also some candy because those coins were burning a hole in our pockets.
We returned to the lemonade stand but failed to sell any more lemonade that day. We went out of business because we'd spent the money we earned on unnecessary supplies and perks.
I'll bet that the CEOs of these big conglomerates who are begging for public funds never had a lemonade stand in their youth or they would have known not to waste their earnings.
Just a thought.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Rainy Monday Coffee Time
We've been getting so many people to our Monday morning coffee time that I've had to borrow one of the huge percs from the clubhouse. My little 12 cup one needs to be refilled too many times and just isn't convenient anymore. It will do just fine for the smaller group we get before January.
It rained pretty heavily overnight and then just settled into a mild spit for the rest of the morning. I didn't expect many coffee drinkers so I gathered about 6 chairs under my front awning figuring that if more ladies came we could go inside. Well, it wasn't long before about a dozen showed up and inside we went.
Today was our day to vote on the name we'd put on our t-shirts in next year's park parade. We had a suggestion list of 19 names and the one we chose by overwhelming vote was "Dipsy Chicks". The ladies are really getting into the spirit of this and now want us to wear chicken hats. Linda, the lady who made the turd king hats, has a lot of ideas and we'll probably follow the craziest of them. It's all in fun and no need for our children and grandchildren to worry about us!
I had bought something really wild to use as my hat at our crazy hat at the pool day but it was too cool today so I modeled it for the coffee ladies instead. I'll post a picture when I remember to get someone to take it for me.
By the way, some of you know I harrass my local newspaper at home with letters to the editor and one will be published tomorrow (I think). A very nice lady from the newspaper phoned me to let me know but I forget which day she said it would be in. We discussed the weather and while I complained about 75 F here, she said it was 4 celcius at home (about 38 F). Whoever would have thought it years ago that today I'd be lazing in the Florida sun while someone from my local newspaper called to let me know they were publishing my comments. Hmmm! Life is full of surprises.
Well, this is my vegetating night at home. No games for me tonight, just T.V. I need the rest.
It rained pretty heavily overnight and then just settled into a mild spit for the rest of the morning. I didn't expect many coffee drinkers so I gathered about 6 chairs under my front awning figuring that if more ladies came we could go inside. Well, it wasn't long before about a dozen showed up and inside we went.
Today was our day to vote on the name we'd put on our t-shirts in next year's park parade. We had a suggestion list of 19 names and the one we chose by overwhelming vote was "Dipsy Chicks". The ladies are really getting into the spirit of this and now want us to wear chicken hats. Linda, the lady who made the turd king hats, has a lot of ideas and we'll probably follow the craziest of them. It's all in fun and no need for our children and grandchildren to worry about us!
I had bought something really wild to use as my hat at our crazy hat at the pool day but it was too cool today so I modeled it for the coffee ladies instead. I'll post a picture when I remember to get someone to take it for me.
By the way, some of you know I harrass my local newspaper at home with letters to the editor and one will be published tomorrow (I think). A very nice lady from the newspaper phoned me to let me know but I forget which day she said it would be in. We discussed the weather and while I complained about 75 F here, she said it was 4 celcius at home (about 38 F). Whoever would have thought it years ago that today I'd be lazing in the Florida sun while someone from my local newspaper called to let me know they were publishing my comments. Hmmm! Life is full of surprises.
Well, this is my vegetating night at home. No games for me tonight, just T.V. I need the rest.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Yard Saleing
I'm really having a problem with my sleep pattern. Last night, or should I say this morning, I woke up at 1:30 A.M. and couldn't get back to sleep. It makes me nervous to take Tylenol P.M. too often but I'm taking it again tonight. My days are too full and busy to try to get by on just 3 hours sleep.
Joann and I left for a morning of yard saleing at 7:30 A.M. and hit pay dirt at our first stop. Get ready, Kim, because I got a Mickey Mouse tuxedo for baby boo!! We had a lot of fun, as usual, stalking the various yard sales and we both came home with quite a few goodies. I was very careful to keep my purchases to a minimum but Joann got a bit carried away and now her husband is mad at her. He can't understand why she'd buy 2 golf bags full of clubs when she doesn't play golf. Silly man. I'm sure she has reasonable and profitable plans for them.
Sheila, Agnes, Gail, and Vicky stopped by when we got home and we spent a while sitting on the patio and gabbing. We do it well. Sheila and I went out for dinner (I had a 2 for 1 coupon from Ruby Tuesday) and then a gang of us went over to the clubhouse in the evening to play Rummoli. We had 1 too many people so Sheila and Joann played Rummicubes.
An interesting note: a few people mentioned how noisy we were but they weren't mad....at least I hope they weren't. I'm sure some of them think we're drinking booze at our table but we never do (at games). We're just naturally enjoying each other's company and having fun. Rummoli is not a staid and serious game like Bridge.
We straggled home at our witching hour of 9 P.M. and I immediately came in and took a Tylenol P.M. I have to be up at 7:30 A.M. tomorrow morning because a bunch of us are going out for our regular Sunday breakfast and if I don't get a decent sleep tonight it might make me sick. I'm not sure why my sleep is so badly disturbed but this is the worse patch of insomnia I've had since I got here in the fall.
Wish me a good night.
Joann and I left for a morning of yard saleing at 7:30 A.M. and hit pay dirt at our first stop. Get ready, Kim, because I got a Mickey Mouse tuxedo for baby boo!! We had a lot of fun, as usual, stalking the various yard sales and we both came home with quite a few goodies. I was very careful to keep my purchases to a minimum but Joann got a bit carried away and now her husband is mad at her. He can't understand why she'd buy 2 golf bags full of clubs when she doesn't play golf. Silly man. I'm sure she has reasonable and profitable plans for them.
Sheila, Agnes, Gail, and Vicky stopped by when we got home and we spent a while sitting on the patio and gabbing. We do it well. Sheila and I went out for dinner (I had a 2 for 1 coupon from Ruby Tuesday) and then a gang of us went over to the clubhouse in the evening to play Rummoli. We had 1 too many people so Sheila and Joann played Rummicubes.
An interesting note: a few people mentioned how noisy we were but they weren't mad....at least I hope they weren't. I'm sure some of them think we're drinking booze at our table but we never do (at games). We're just naturally enjoying each other's company and having fun. Rummoli is not a staid and serious game like Bridge.
We straggled home at our witching hour of 9 P.M. and I immediately came in and took a Tylenol P.M. I have to be up at 7:30 A.M. tomorrow morning because a bunch of us are going out for our regular Sunday breakfast and if I don't get a decent sleep tonight it might make me sick. I'm not sure why my sleep is so badly disturbed but this is the worse patch of insomnia I've had since I got here in the fall.
Wish me a good night.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Old Vs. Young
Our Red Hat Society ladies went out for our monthly lunch today and there was a gift shop in the restaurant. I bought this sign to hang on the side of my trailer.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Dog Races and Turd Tosses
I believe old age is our reward for a mispent youth. We finally get to have all the fun we ever wanted without the need to impress the opposite sex.
On Wednesday a busload of us went to the dog races in Tampa. I'd rather bet on the dogs than go to the casino because it costs less money and the dogs are so pretty. Most of us choose our dogs by their names and then bet $2 to show. That's because most of us have no idea how to pick a winning dog. We stay for 10 races so I bet on all my races at the same time. I'm not going to learn anything new about dog racing from the time I get there until I leave so I save myself standing in line 10 times by doing it all at once. I ended up winning $12.60 of the $20 I originally bet so the day was a huge success as far as I was concerned.
After the races we went to a regular stopover where we got ice cream and strawberry concoctions and then bought a few items in their market. I forgot to mention that we started out the day by boarding the bus at 7:45 so we could get to a terrific buffet breakfast by 9:00. Most of our outings seem to revolve strongly around food.
We got back to the park by 6 P.M. and I had to race over to Bingo because I was working it. Bingo was a lot of fun last night because we ladies handling the money refused to take any winnings out to the "porch monkeys". They had to come to us for anything they won. Then they demanded hugs along with their money so we all had a lot of laughs over that. Silly stuff but happy stuff.
Thursday was the annual "Turd Toss". One of our new ladies had made up crowns for the king and queen and she even made one up for Mark (he started the whole thing). His says "Head Turd".
I've mentioned our turd toss before but here is how it works. Everyone takes their lawn chairs and lines either side of "Easy Street". Mark and Char have 2 "potties" (never used) that sit in the middle of the road. Each contestant is handed a turd (it used to be wet noodles inside a piece of pantihose but this year they were dry) and has to stand behind a predesignated line. They then attempt to toss the turd into the potty. The one who gets the most turds in the pot wins the crown. They will be celebrities in the park parade next year.
Believe it or not, I sunk the first turd for the ladies but lost out to my good friend, Sheila, who tossed in 4 out of 5. She is our new Queen Turd. Dick, one of our new park members, claimed Turd King. They were ceremoniously photographed sitting on the potties. The official turnout for our Turd Toss Day was about 100 people. Seniors do have a lot of time on their hands, don't they.
Linda, Chris, and Candy presented our Head Turd, Mark, with a kitty litter cake at the end of the contest. It's all made from food materials but set in a kitty litter pan. The kitty turds are melted tootsie rolls. He looked a little dubious when he saw it but it really was delicious.
In the evening we had our bi-monthly hamburger supper at the clubhouse and it was followed by entertainment provided by a gentleman who played the guitar and sang.
Lovely day!
On Wednesday a busload of us went to the dog races in Tampa. I'd rather bet on the dogs than go to the casino because it costs less money and the dogs are so pretty. Most of us choose our dogs by their names and then bet $2 to show. That's because most of us have no idea how to pick a winning dog. We stay for 10 races so I bet on all my races at the same time. I'm not going to learn anything new about dog racing from the time I get there until I leave so I save myself standing in line 10 times by doing it all at once. I ended up winning $12.60 of the $20 I originally bet so the day was a huge success as far as I was concerned.
After the races we went to a regular stopover where we got ice cream and strawberry concoctions and then bought a few items in their market. I forgot to mention that we started out the day by boarding the bus at 7:45 so we could get to a terrific buffet breakfast by 9:00. Most of our outings seem to revolve strongly around food.
We got back to the park by 6 P.M. and I had to race over to Bingo because I was working it. Bingo was a lot of fun last night because we ladies handling the money refused to take any winnings out to the "porch monkeys". They had to come to us for anything they won. Then they demanded hugs along with their money so we all had a lot of laughs over that. Silly stuff but happy stuff.
Thursday was the annual "Turd Toss". One of our new ladies had made up crowns for the king and queen and she even made one up for Mark (he started the whole thing). His says "Head Turd".
I've mentioned our turd toss before but here is how it works. Everyone takes their lawn chairs and lines either side of "Easy Street". Mark and Char have 2 "potties" (never used) that sit in the middle of the road. Each contestant is handed a turd (it used to be wet noodles inside a piece of pantihose but this year they were dry) and has to stand behind a predesignated line. They then attempt to toss the turd into the potty. The one who gets the most turds in the pot wins the crown. They will be celebrities in the park parade next year.
Believe it or not, I sunk the first turd for the ladies but lost out to my good friend, Sheila, who tossed in 4 out of 5. She is our new Queen Turd. Dick, one of our new park members, claimed Turd King. They were ceremoniously photographed sitting on the potties. The official turnout for our Turd Toss Day was about 100 people. Seniors do have a lot of time on their hands, don't they.
Linda, Chris, and Candy presented our Head Turd, Mark, with a kitty litter cake at the end of the contest. It's all made from food materials but set in a kitty litter pan. The kitty turds are melted tootsie rolls. He looked a little dubious when he saw it but it really was delicious.
In the evening we had our bi-monthly hamburger supper at the clubhouse and it was followed by entertainment provided by a gentleman who played the guitar and sang.
Lovely day!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Party or Nap
I'm not sleeping well these days but there's too much going on around here for me to take a nap. I don't want to miss any of the fun. I finally crashed yesterday afternoon and slept for 2 hours. I then went to bed around 10 P.M. and slept soundly until 2:30 A.M. and have been awake ever since. I knew this would happen!
I've been walking around like a zombie all day but still managed to get in some birthday present shopping, some casino (I won $60), a huge St. Patrick's Day party at a friend's house here in the park, and then Rummoli at the clubhouse this evening. I'm so very, very tired but I know if I go to bed too early I won't sleep through the night and tomorrow I have to be at the bus for the dog races at 7:30 A.M. I swear all this fun just might kill me.
All winter I do this to myself because I know how quiet my summer will be. Sure, I do the odd thing but here at the park it's all day and all evening...every day and every evening.
I've gotten some good news about my buddies here lately. Some that I thought wouldn't be back have changed their minds and a couple who rent every year never knowing what will be available has just negotiated a 4 month deal for next winter. Winter 2009/2010 may be a little different but it's starting to look more promising.
Back to my insomnia...I took a Tylenol P.M. (not available in Canada) and will climb into my bed by 10 P.M. tonight and can count on getting a good night's sleep.
I've been walking around like a zombie all day but still managed to get in some birthday present shopping, some casino (I won $60), a huge St. Patrick's Day party at a friend's house here in the park, and then Rummoli at the clubhouse this evening. I'm so very, very tired but I know if I go to bed too early I won't sleep through the night and tomorrow I have to be at the bus for the dog races at 7:30 A.M. I swear all this fun just might kill me.
All winter I do this to myself because I know how quiet my summer will be. Sure, I do the odd thing but here at the park it's all day and all evening...every day and every evening.
I've gotten some good news about my buddies here lately. Some that I thought wouldn't be back have changed their minds and a couple who rent every year never knowing what will be available has just negotiated a 4 month deal for next winter. Winter 2009/2010 may be a little different but it's starting to look more promising.
Back to my insomnia...I took a Tylenol P.M. (not available in Canada) and will climb into my bed by 10 P.M. tonight and can count on getting a good night's sleep.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Crazy Hat Monday in March
************************This is the second Monday of our "crazy hat at the pool" month.
Picture #1 shows a few of the saner ones.
Picture #3 shows a very nice man wearing dreadlocks who is having his afternoon nap.
The rest are just a few of the crazy people who help make my winters so much fun.
Putting Up With
Sylvia and I sat at the pool yesterday after having a swim and then waiting for our card buddies to show up. Part of the discussion was about things we "put up with" and why we do.
For instance, we put up with slow service at a restaurant because the food is great. We put up with a friend who always shows up late because they're a hoot when they do arrive. We put up with an abusive mate because we love them. Etc., etc., etc.
But there sometimes comes a time when we have no interest in "putting up with" poor behaviour anymore. That is the point when the good isn't worth the bad. I often think that many celebrities behave so badly because they are surrounded by adorers who put up with their horrid behaviour long after they should have been shunted aside.
There are two celebrities in the news these days who are involved in a physically abusive relationship which has become known to the public. The man beat up his girlfriend and then it's rumored she married him. Good old Oprah said it all. If he hits you once, he'll hit you again. The poor young lady in this case apparently believes her beautiful young man has learned his lesson but this is not likely to happen.
People learn what they can get away with fairly early in life. I watched a young mother and her 4 year old daughter in the pool yesterday and the future of that little girl is already plain to see. She mouths off at her mother and refuses to do as her mother meekly asks. When I heard her grossly overweight mother trying to bribe her vastly overweight child with food, I wondered why we're all so often blind to what we're doing wrong in our lives.
My "putting up with" meter has changed over the years. At my age now I put up with very little and I'm amazed at how liberating that is. It's easier for me to walk away from crap than it was when I was younger and it's easier to speak up about things I think I can change. Maybe it's because I have less to lose now but I've tried to instill my newfound ethics in my grandchildren. My own children are at a time in their lives when they're redeveloping their own "putting up with" meters.
We put up with what we have to but there is a lot we don't have to put up with.
For instance, we put up with slow service at a restaurant because the food is great. We put up with a friend who always shows up late because they're a hoot when they do arrive. We put up with an abusive mate because we love them. Etc., etc., etc.
But there sometimes comes a time when we have no interest in "putting up with" poor behaviour anymore. That is the point when the good isn't worth the bad. I often think that many celebrities behave so badly because they are surrounded by adorers who put up with their horrid behaviour long after they should have been shunted aside.
There are two celebrities in the news these days who are involved in a physically abusive relationship which has become known to the public. The man beat up his girlfriend and then it's rumored she married him. Good old Oprah said it all. If he hits you once, he'll hit you again. The poor young lady in this case apparently believes her beautiful young man has learned his lesson but this is not likely to happen.
People learn what they can get away with fairly early in life. I watched a young mother and her 4 year old daughter in the pool yesterday and the future of that little girl is already plain to see. She mouths off at her mother and refuses to do as her mother meekly asks. When I heard her grossly overweight mother trying to bribe her vastly overweight child with food, I wondered why we're all so often blind to what we're doing wrong in our lives.
My "putting up with" meter has changed over the years. At my age now I put up with very little and I'm amazed at how liberating that is. It's easier for me to walk away from crap than it was when I was younger and it's easier to speak up about things I think I can change. Maybe it's because I have less to lose now but I've tried to instill my newfound ethics in my grandchildren. My own children are at a time in their lives when they're redeveloping their own "putting up with" meters.
We put up with what we have to but there is a lot we don't have to put up with.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Overdone
I knew I had to be careful about what I bought in Florida to take home this year because Anna and Lisa are coming down to have a little vacation and then drive back with me. There is only so much room in my little Honda and every year I have to burden friends to take stuff back for me. I was careful until a few weeks ago.
First I bought 6 huge wooden masks for my backyard fence. Then I bought a huge load of baby clothes for my upcoming greatgrandson. I was expressing my worry about car space last week to some people and a friend took pity on me and offered to take them home in her trailer. I honestly wasn't talking to drum up a taker but her offer was instantly accepted.
Then I did something even worse. I bought an EZ-UP tent. I'm not sure it will even fit in my car once I'm home but I'll worry about that later. Anyway, I wrapped my arms around Norma and begged her to consider taking it home, too (she and Charlie live about 20 minutes from me back home). Her eyes glazed over and the smile froze on her face but she said they'd take it if it was less than 6' long. Bless her, it is.
If I keep this up I'm going to lose a lot of friends in March of every year because they'll be afraid to come near me. I think I'm finished buying now, though.
First I bought 6 huge wooden masks for my backyard fence. Then I bought a huge load of baby clothes for my upcoming greatgrandson. I was expressing my worry about car space last week to some people and a friend took pity on me and offered to take them home in her trailer. I honestly wasn't talking to drum up a taker but her offer was instantly accepted.
Then I did something even worse. I bought an EZ-UP tent. I'm not sure it will even fit in my car once I'm home but I'll worry about that later. Anyway, I wrapped my arms around Norma and begged her to consider taking it home, too (she and Charlie live about 20 minutes from me back home). Her eyes glazed over and the smile froze on her face but she said they'd take it if it was less than 6' long. Bless her, it is.
If I keep this up I'm going to lose a lot of friends in March of every year because they'll be afraid to come near me. I think I'm finished buying now, though.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Vegas Day
Every March we have a day of Vegas like gambling in the clubhouse but with play money. There are always plenty of poker tables but we also have the color wheel, a horse race game, darts, and a boring game called "over and under" where you bet whether the throw of the dice will be either over or under 7. I prefer the horse race game over all.
At 5 P.M. we were served a humungous portion of excellent beef stew and then were entertained by an auction. The co-ordinators of Vegas Day either buy or find donations of items that are auctioned off after dinner. We purchase with our play money so the amounts bid for each item can reach $50,000. To obtain funds like that you have to have good friends who will donate their play money to your pile.
The only thing I wanted was a group of frog light reflectors to put in my garden. They had a lot of them so I thought I might have a chance with my piddly $4,000 but ended up pooling my friends' money to pay the $12,000 price tag.
It was a lovely warm evening when all the festivities were over so a group of us went over to the pool with drinks in hand. Only one went in swimming but we sat and gabbed for an hour or so.
No question...another wonderful day in paradise.
Note: The people who donated the frog light reflectors told me they found them in the dumpster behind Dollarama. $12,000!!!!!!!!!!
At 5 P.M. we were served a humungous portion of excellent beef stew and then were entertained by an auction. The co-ordinators of Vegas Day either buy or find donations of items that are auctioned off after dinner. We purchase with our play money so the amounts bid for each item can reach $50,000. To obtain funds like that you have to have good friends who will donate their play money to your pile.
The only thing I wanted was a group of frog light reflectors to put in my garden. They had a lot of them so I thought I might have a chance with my piddly $4,000 but ended up pooling my friends' money to pay the $12,000 price tag.
It was a lovely warm evening when all the festivities were over so a group of us went over to the pool with drinks in hand. Only one went in swimming but we sat and gabbed for an hour or so.
No question...another wonderful day in paradise.
Note: The people who donated the frog light reflectors told me they found them in the dumpster behind Dollarama. $12,000!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Beautiful People
One of the important things I've learned in my life is that truly beautiful people are not necessarily photogenic people. Some people have a goodness that just shines out of them and draws you in like a moth to a flame. If you tried to analyze their attraction, the shape of their face or body would never come to mind.
I know a lot of good, decent people but very few have this unique asset. You know it when you see it, though. Like Jack Nicholson said in one of his movies...it makes you want to be a better person.
Just a thought.
I know a lot of good, decent people but very few have this unique asset. You know it when you see it, though. Like Jack Nicholson said in one of his movies...it makes you want to be a better person.
Just a thought.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Crowded, But Fun
Yesterday was our Monday morning coffee and we've finally reached the saturation point. We had 17 coffee drinkers and gabbers and only 16 chairs (Norma brought 2) so Sheila and I dragged my picnic table across the yard so we could use that for seating.
I love the fact that so many ladies enjoy our Monday morning get-together but I think the time has come to enlarge the patio to accommodate them all. Mickey, Sylvia's husband, is going to help me enlarge it with patio stones because that's probably the cheapest way to go. One of the ladies has offered me a few of the plastic stacking chairs, too. I've been trying to find more folding chairs at yard sales but with no luck.
We've also been trying to decide on a name for our group so we can have t-shirts made up. Someone got the bright idea that we should march together in next year's park parade so now we're on a hunt for a suitable name for ourselves.
After lunch I went over to the pool and discovered a pool full of people wearing crazy hats. I'd forgotten that someone had suggested we all wear some sort of wild hat to the pool on Mondays in March. There was Delores with a toy dragon on her head, Carol with a decorated lampshade on her head, Linda and Dick with crowns, Bill with a court jester's hat, and many more just as silly and just as much fun. I'll take my camera next Monday and post some pictures on the blog.
It's interesting to analyze why we seniors have so much innocent fun together and I think it's because we're out of the competetive world...we don't need to impress anyone. We're not afraid to look foolish, especially in front of each other.
Oh, another lovely thing happened yesterday. Gail came over to the pool to look for me and she had a bag in her hands. Naturally I assumed it was her Swedish weaving that she needed help with but she said no and asked when I'd be back at the trailer. I told her 4 P.M. and that's when she came over with the bag. She'd crocheted a gorgeous afghan for my new greatgrandson (that's Gail in the picture with the afghan). How kind and thoughtful of her! It's blue and white and so soft that I can't wait to cuddle baby boo in it. It would be nice if his Mommy and Daddy could decide on a name soon, too.
After supper I phoned Kim to find out if any of the drama at home has settled down. She made me laugh by saying that our wild and crazy Matthew seems to be more stable and settled than anyone else right now. He's working full time at Canadian Tire and we're all keeping our fingers crossed that he has finally matured. Do you suppose??
There's still plenty of drama back home but there is also great hope for the future. I have no doubt that things will work out for everyone given a bit of time.
I stayed home in the evening for a change and did absolutely nothing but watch T.V.
I love the fact that so many ladies enjoy our Monday morning get-together but I think the time has come to enlarge the patio to accommodate them all. Mickey, Sylvia's husband, is going to help me enlarge it with patio stones because that's probably the cheapest way to go. One of the ladies has offered me a few of the plastic stacking chairs, too. I've been trying to find more folding chairs at yard sales but with no luck.
We've also been trying to decide on a name for our group so we can have t-shirts made up. Someone got the bright idea that we should march together in next year's park parade so now we're on a hunt for a suitable name for ourselves.
After lunch I went over to the pool and discovered a pool full of people wearing crazy hats. I'd forgotten that someone had suggested we all wear some sort of wild hat to the pool on Mondays in March. There was Delores with a toy dragon on her head, Carol with a decorated lampshade on her head, Linda and Dick with crowns, Bill with a court jester's hat, and many more just as silly and just as much fun. I'll take my camera next Monday and post some pictures on the blog.
It's interesting to analyze why we seniors have so much innocent fun together and I think it's because we're out of the competetive world...we don't need to impress anyone. We're not afraid to look foolish, especially in front of each other.
Oh, another lovely thing happened yesterday. Gail came over to the pool to look for me and she had a bag in her hands. Naturally I assumed it was her Swedish weaving that she needed help with but she said no and asked when I'd be back at the trailer. I told her 4 P.M. and that's when she came over with the bag. She'd crocheted a gorgeous afghan for my new greatgrandson (that's Gail in the picture with the afghan). How kind and thoughtful of her! It's blue and white and so soft that I can't wait to cuddle baby boo in it. It would be nice if his Mommy and Daddy could decide on a name soon, too.
After supper I phoned Kim to find out if any of the drama at home has settled down. She made me laugh by saying that our wild and crazy Matthew seems to be more stable and settled than anyone else right now. He's working full time at Canadian Tire and we're all keeping our fingers crossed that he has finally matured. Do you suppose??
There's still plenty of drama back home but there is also great hope for the future. I have no doubt that things will work out for everyone given a bit of time.
I stayed home in the evening for a change and did absolutely nothing but watch T.V.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Double Dipping
I think it's a lot more common among the executives of large corporations to participate in double dipping than we commoners know. They retire with huge buyouts and pensions and then are rehired. How incredibly greedy of them!
They don't do this on their own. They have to have the complicity of board members to carry out their plans and it's ridiculous to hear the reasoning of the board when they're caught. The members of the board will swear up and down that no-one else on earth can do the job except the person who they just retired with an exorbitant payout. Funny, he/she chose to leave the job but only decided they still wanted it after pocketing a very large sum of money. Where is their conscience?
It's just another game where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
They don't do this on their own. They have to have the complicity of board members to carry out their plans and it's ridiculous to hear the reasoning of the board when they're caught. The members of the board will swear up and down that no-one else on earth can do the job except the person who they just retired with an exorbitant payout. Funny, he/she chose to leave the job but only decided they still wanted it after pocketing a very large sum of money. Where is their conscience?
It's just another game where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Say Please
An idiot in British Columbia tried to cross the border into the States and refused to turn off his car motor unless the border guard said "please". He got maced for his stupidity.
Some people have an inflated idea of their own importance in this world and it's bound to get them into trouble now and again. People like the B.C. idiot won't learn from his mistake, though, and will err again in the future. Maybe the next time he'll get punched in the face. You can almost see it coming!
Some people have an inflated idea of their own importance in this world and it's bound to get them into trouble now and again. People like the B.C. idiot won't learn from his mistake, though, and will err again in the future. Maybe the next time he'll get punched in the face. You can almost see it coming!
The Luau
Every March we have our luau party, sort of a goodbye to the winter season. Actually, we're having another goodbye but that's later in the month. The luau last night was the biggest success ever and it's all due to the incredibly hard work of a small group of people who have been instrumental in preparing a lot of our special days this winter. Most of those particular people will not be back next year but new ones have stepped forth and volunteered to take on the job.
For a $7.50 ticket we had the hall decorated in a Hawaiian theme, were served pina coladas either with or without alcohol, had a lovely ham dinner complete with dessert, were entertained by a lady who sang and joked with the crowd, danced to terrific music, and got to have 5 hours of darned good fun. The crew who decorated, cooked, and served also did the cleanup. I love this park!
Nothing goes on too late here, though, and I was home by 10:30 P.M. It had been a long and busy day for me...yardsaleing and then the pool...so I didn't mind the party breaking up early. This is the life, and I wish it could go on forever but the winter is almost over and it will soon be time to face the reality of the world outside our retirement community.
But that's still 5 weeks away so I'm going to enjoy this as long as I can.
For a $7.50 ticket we had the hall decorated in a Hawaiian theme, were served pina coladas either with or without alcohol, had a lovely ham dinner complete with dessert, were entertained by a lady who sang and joked with the crowd, danced to terrific music, and got to have 5 hours of darned good fun. The crew who decorated, cooked, and served also did the cleanup. I love this park!
Nothing goes on too late here, though, and I was home by 10:30 P.M. It had been a long and busy day for me...yardsaleing and then the pool...so I didn't mind the party breaking up early. This is the life, and I wish it could go on forever but the winter is almost over and it will soon be time to face the reality of the world outside our retirement community.
But that's still 5 weeks away so I'm going to enjoy this as long as I can.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Laughter at Rummoli
I truly think that if all senior citizens had the opportunity to spend the winters in sunny Florida at a campground with a clubhouse where there were lots of activities they would live longer and healthier lives.
Last night our little group of 8 met at usual in the clubhouse at 7 P.M. We rolled out one of the round tables to use because that's the most comfortable for us. There are quite a few already set up but they were in use by the large group of people who play Bid Euchre.
At some point in the game we all forgot who had dealt last (this is a common problem with our other games but never with Rummoli). We almost had one of the ladies convinced she'd lost her memory but we were all so confused (who had sold the spare hand?, who had the person who bought it paid their money to?) about what had transpired just a few short minutes previous that we never did know for sure.
This produced such a clatter and laughter from our single table in that clubhouse that I'm sure the other people there couldn't hear themselves think. We usually forget that we're not alone and often get just a tad noisy. I wish I had a tape of the yakking and laughing around that table as we tried in vain to figure it all out.
It must have taken us 5 minutes of "rolling in our seats" laughter to get the game going again and we all agreed that you couldn't have this much fun anywhere else in the world. I think we all added a few years to our lifespan last night.
Last night our little group of 8 met at usual in the clubhouse at 7 P.M. We rolled out one of the round tables to use because that's the most comfortable for us. There are quite a few already set up but they were in use by the large group of people who play Bid Euchre.
At some point in the game we all forgot who had dealt last (this is a common problem with our other games but never with Rummoli). We almost had one of the ladies convinced she'd lost her memory but we were all so confused (who had sold the spare hand?, who had the person who bought it paid their money to?) about what had transpired just a few short minutes previous that we never did know for sure.
This produced such a clatter and laughter from our single table in that clubhouse that I'm sure the other people there couldn't hear themselves think. We usually forget that we're not alone and often get just a tad noisy. I wish I had a tape of the yakking and laughing around that table as we tried in vain to figure it all out.
It must have taken us 5 minutes of "rolling in our seats" laughter to get the game going again and we all agreed that you couldn't have this much fun anywhere else in the world. I think we all added a few years to our lifespan last night.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Fashion Show 2009
We had our park fashion show today and it was great. Bonworth was the sponsor so that's where all the clothes come from. Many, if not most, of the ladies in the park shop at Bonworth and we couldn't wait to see the new items. The clubhouse was packed, the food was good, and the models lively.
3 of the men from the park dressed up in female clothing and danced around the clubhouse. It was a hoot!
Bonworth is a U.S. franchise only but I sure wish they were in Canada. We ladies of a certain age don't want to dress like centenarians or teenagers so we're thrilled with what we find at Bonworth. The clothes are lovely, mostly casual, well made, and reasonably priced. I should write their ads!!
Theresa organized the first fashion show last year but didn't participate much this year. She's a lovely lady who deserves a lot of credit for her terrific ideas in bringing the show to our park. I hope she continues to have a hand in it every year.
3 of the men from the park dressed up in female clothing and danced around the clubhouse. It was a hoot!
Bonworth is a U.S. franchise only but I sure wish they were in Canada. We ladies of a certain age don't want to dress like centenarians or teenagers so we're thrilled with what we find at Bonworth. The clothes are lovely, mostly casual, well made, and reasonably priced. I should write their ads!!
Theresa organized the first fashion show last year but didn't participate much this year. She's a lovely lady who deserves a lot of credit for her terrific ideas in bringing the show to our park. I hope she continues to have a hand in it every year.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
State of the Economy
Bad news again today. I'm beginning to wonder if anything will bring us out of this depression...yes, depression, because it is too disastrous to be called a recession so don't be fooled.
A newsperson said this morning that there will be a bottom point but no-one can predict how low we'll go before we reach it and start to recover. Anyone over 60 who had their retirement funds solely in the stock market probably won't live long enough to see their investment returned and that's a terrifying thought. My one and only mutual fund has now reached it's all time low and it represents a 1/3 loss. I'm not expecting to live long enough to see it get back to it's original value.
Ever since my husband retired I've resisted attempts by bank personnel to put our retirement money into supposedly high interest mutual funds (stock market) and insisted on the safer course of GIC's (guaranteed) which paid significantly lower rates. I knew we couldn't take chances and it turns out I did the right thing. Unless Scotiabank folds I'll be okay and maybe even leave $1.50 for my children to inherit.
My advice to the young. Don't take great chances with your hard earned dollar. First, invest in real estate such as your home. Pay it off as quickly as you are able. Next, invest in GIC's because they're about as safe as is possible in this world. Consider starting your own home based business on a small scale. It would be something to fall back on if your real job disappears. Don't spend large amounts of money on things you don't really need like toys and gadgets that will be obsolete within months. I know politicians are telling you that to renew the economy we need to start spending again but there will be plenty of dopes who will do just that. You be the smart one and conserve your funds.
When the economy picks up, and it will, pay off your bills first and then take a small percentage of your savings and play with it in the market. Don't ever take chances with the bulk of your money because what's happening today can happen again 10 years down the line.
I am your free financial adviser so take advantage of the wisdom of my years. LOL!
A newsperson said this morning that there will be a bottom point but no-one can predict how low we'll go before we reach it and start to recover. Anyone over 60 who had their retirement funds solely in the stock market probably won't live long enough to see their investment returned and that's a terrifying thought. My one and only mutual fund has now reached it's all time low and it represents a 1/3 loss. I'm not expecting to live long enough to see it get back to it's original value.
Ever since my husband retired I've resisted attempts by bank personnel to put our retirement money into supposedly high interest mutual funds (stock market) and insisted on the safer course of GIC's (guaranteed) which paid significantly lower rates. I knew we couldn't take chances and it turns out I did the right thing. Unless Scotiabank folds I'll be okay and maybe even leave $1.50 for my children to inherit.
My advice to the young. Don't take great chances with your hard earned dollar. First, invest in real estate such as your home. Pay it off as quickly as you are able. Next, invest in GIC's because they're about as safe as is possible in this world. Consider starting your own home based business on a small scale. It would be something to fall back on if your real job disappears. Don't spend large amounts of money on things you don't really need like toys and gadgets that will be obsolete within months. I know politicians are telling you that to renew the economy we need to start spending again but there will be plenty of dopes who will do just that. You be the smart one and conserve your funds.
When the economy picks up, and it will, pay off your bills first and then take a small percentage of your savings and play with it in the market. Don't ever take chances with the bulk of your money because what's happening today can happen again 10 years down the line.
I am your free financial adviser so take advantage of the wisdom of my years. LOL!
Monday, March 02, 2009
Grabbing the Baby
Kim, my daughter and the future grandmother of Nick's baby, and I have had a short discussion about my decision to hold myself in check where the baby is concerned. Kim told me to jump in and not hold back but I don't think she realizes just how I feel about this little fetus. I adore him already.
When Nick was a baby I could barely control myself from wanting to grab him and hold onto him forever. I hated to see anyone else holding him because I felt they were using up my time with him. Kim seems to have forgotten that.
When our new baby arrives in July someone is going to have to politely put me in my place or I'm going to monopolise that sweet thing. I'm already imagining how soft his skin will feel on my cheek and how mesmerizing his breath will feel on my neck when I cuddle him. I know I'll want to look at him for hours and search for all the similarities he has with his daddy, my Nicky.
So you see, Kim, you might want to set me straight before I get completely out of hand.
When Nick was a baby I could barely control myself from wanting to grab him and hold onto him forever. I hated to see anyone else holding him because I felt they were using up my time with him. Kim seems to have forgotten that.
When our new baby arrives in July someone is going to have to politely put me in my place or I'm going to monopolise that sweet thing. I'm already imagining how soft his skin will feel on my cheek and how mesmerizing his breath will feel on my neck when I cuddle him. I know I'll want to look at him for hours and search for all the similarities he has with his daddy, my Nicky.
So you see, Kim, you might want to set me straight before I get completely out of hand.
Cold Coffee Morning in Florida
I can't believe the Florida weather this winter. It's been up and down like a toilet seat and even the first of March hasn't been predictable. A horribly cold northern wind brought us temperatures so low last night I had to turn the furnace on. The problem is that my propane tank is now empty and won't be filled until tomorrow. I have a little ceramic heater which helps while I'm awake but I don't leave it on all night. Tomorrow morning is going to be a rough one for climbing out of my nice warm bed.
I've been forcing my poor Monday morning coffee group to bundle up and sit outside on the patio through some very cool mornings but I couldn't do that to them today. I cleaned the lawn chairs off and carted them inside. If everyone showed up we were going to be sitting on each other's laps but so be it. As it turned out, only 10 ladies came over and we were very comfortable. I told them how proud I was of them for taking the chance we'd be freezing outside on the patio. Having them make the effort to come this morning reinforced my belief that we all enjoy these get-togethers a lot.
Gail, who didn't make it this morning because she and her husband went to the internet casino instead, came over after lunch so I could help her with her Swedish weaving. She also brought a bag full of creamers she'd taken from Burger King. I've encouraged my Monday morning coffee ladies to avail themselves of a few extra coffee creamers whenever and wherever they can and bring them on Mondays. Do you suppose this is a crime??
Tonight is Pokeno night and I think I'll go for a change. I probably haven't been for over a month because I like to have one night a week to do absolutely nothing at all except play on the computer and watch a little T.V. It's going to cost me $1.50 in pennies but I'll be with good friends and have a lot of fun. Soon I'll be back home for the summer and have every night to vegetate so why do it now?
I've been forcing my poor Monday morning coffee group to bundle up and sit outside on the patio through some very cool mornings but I couldn't do that to them today. I cleaned the lawn chairs off and carted them inside. If everyone showed up we were going to be sitting on each other's laps but so be it. As it turned out, only 10 ladies came over and we were very comfortable. I told them how proud I was of them for taking the chance we'd be freezing outside on the patio. Having them make the effort to come this morning reinforced my belief that we all enjoy these get-togethers a lot.
Gail, who didn't make it this morning because she and her husband went to the internet casino instead, came over after lunch so I could help her with her Swedish weaving. She also brought a bag full of creamers she'd taken from Burger King. I've encouraged my Monday morning coffee ladies to avail themselves of a few extra coffee creamers whenever and wherever they can and bring them on Mondays. Do you suppose this is a crime??
Tonight is Pokeno night and I think I'll go for a change. I probably haven't been for over a month because I like to have one night a week to do absolutely nothing at all except play on the computer and watch a little T.V. It's going to cost me $1.50 in pennies but I'll be with good friends and have a lot of fun. Soon I'll be back home for the summer and have every night to vegetate so why do it now?
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Double Entendre
The Scene: The clubhouse where multiple tables are filled with people playing various card or board games, one of which is called "Screw Your Neighbor".
Overheard: "I've been screwed 3 times already and I didn't even enjoy it!".
Laughter all around the room!!
Overheard: "I've been screwed 3 times already and I didn't even enjoy it!".
Laughter all around the room!!
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