While we were at the cemetary the other day two little girls around 7 or 8 years old rode their bikes to the back secluded area where we were talking. There is an upscale neighborhood of family homes just outside the cemetary and that's where I assume these little girls lived.
It bothered me very much that these very young children were by themselves in this area because it really is secluded and, in many parts, hidden from view of the street in front. My daughters thought I shouldn't speak to the children about the danger in which I felt they had placed themselves but I had to. I kindly explained how a bad person could be back in the area and that they couldn't be seen from the street so they really shouldn't come there by themselves. They assured me that their cousin was coming along shortly. The little girl cousin showed up as we were leaving and I was dismayed to see that she was no more than 4 or 5 years old. Where were the parents and why were these little girls allowed to wander so freely in a place filled with hiding spots?
I know those little girls probably thought I was just a nosy old lady because, at that age, they feel safe in their own skin and confident they could easily escape from anything that threatened them. The sad thing is that they were indeed placing themselves in possible danger by being alone in that cemetary.
I did part of my duty as a human being by speaking to the girls and warning them of the danger but it's bothering me that I didn't take it further and speak to their parents. Would it have changed anything? Would that have kept those children from riding their bikes into the cemetary again? I really doubt it. It's the nature of children to test their boundaries and they will always try to spread their wings, even if warned off by a nosy old lady.
Still, I'm glad I spoke to them. Maybe it will at least make them a little bit more wary.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Kim is 51!!
Today is my Kimmie's 51st birthday...how did we both get so darned old? Cindy had a group of us over to her house for a birthday party for Kim and, for the most part, we had excellent weather. The sun was shining but that wind has been blowing cool all spring.
Cindy's son, Kyle, was there to do the barbecuing and he gave me the great news that he's enrolled in a 2 year college course starting this fall. He's been out of school for 2 years and I worried he'd never get back to college. Most people don't go back until they're in their 30's or 40's because that's then they grow up enough to realize they need a better education. I'm so proud of Kyle for making that decision now.
My other good news today was that my eldest grandson, Nick, is also poised to return to college. He's been out 6 years but better late than never. I've always stressed to my children and grandchildren that my biggest regret in life is that I never went to university or college. Education is something that can never be taken away from you no matter where the circumstances of your life lead you.
Both of Kim's boys were at the party and I thought how lucky she was. She sat amidst family and friends, her beloved boys, and her much loved daughter-in-law who is only 1 month away from delivering Kim's first grandchild. There was a lot of love around us.
She's not happy about her age because she hasn't discovered that age really is just a number. The bigger the number, the more you've experienced and if you're really, really lucky the experiences will hold memories of many happy times. I think today will always be a good memory for her, 51 goshdarn years old or not!
Cindy's son, Kyle, was there to do the barbecuing and he gave me the great news that he's enrolled in a 2 year college course starting this fall. He's been out of school for 2 years and I worried he'd never get back to college. Most people don't go back until they're in their 30's or 40's because that's then they grow up enough to realize they need a better education. I'm so proud of Kyle for making that decision now.
My other good news today was that my eldest grandson, Nick, is also poised to return to college. He's been out 6 years but better late than never. I've always stressed to my children and grandchildren that my biggest regret in life is that I never went to university or college. Education is something that can never be taken away from you no matter where the circumstances of your life lead you.
Both of Kim's boys were at the party and I thought how lucky she was. She sat amidst family and friends, her beloved boys, and her much loved daughter-in-law who is only 1 month away from delivering Kim's first grandchild. There was a lot of love around us.
She's not happy about her age because she hasn't discovered that age really is just a number. The bigger the number, the more you've experienced and if you're really, really lucky the experiences will hold memories of many happy times. I think today will always be a good memory for her, 51 goshdarn years old or not!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Cemetary Visit
My husband passed away almost 4 years ago and I have never, ever received any comfort from visiting his gravesite. This is the reason I seldom go there and it's a source of guilt for me that I don't.
Every time, without fail, that I've gone to the cemetary I am filled with a deep rooted anger for the injustice he suffered, first with his terrible illness and then with his death. I know that younger people suffer and die every day and that isn't fair, either, but that doesn't alleviate my conviction that my husband never deserved his fate.
Yesterday would have been Dennis' 72nd birthday and he probably would have spent it puttering around in his workroom because it was too rainy and cold for him to go sailing. He would have moaned about that all day. His daughters would have called to wish him a happy birthday and he would have rushed them off the phone like he always did...but he would have been very pleased they called. He would have had a cheese and onion sandwich for lunch, maybe an hour's nap in the afternoon, and then a full course meal for his supper (sometimes a family barbecue). He never gained an ounce but then he wasn't a big eater. He would have watched a little T.V. and then gone to bed before 10 P.M.
Some people don't ask for much out of life, just a few pleasures and some peace of mind. There was much more to Dennis than that, though. He was extremely intelligent, a voracious reader, and a man who loved to take things apart to see how they worked. He loved to teach his children and then his grandchildren about the ways of life and of the world. He was a runner and in great shape for a man of his age. He should have lived forever...but he didn't.
I went with our 2 daughters and our oldest granddaughter to visit his gravesite today and I felt the anger again. I wonder if I always will.
Every time, without fail, that I've gone to the cemetary I am filled with a deep rooted anger for the injustice he suffered, first with his terrible illness and then with his death. I know that younger people suffer and die every day and that isn't fair, either, but that doesn't alleviate my conviction that my husband never deserved his fate.
Yesterday would have been Dennis' 72nd birthday and he probably would have spent it puttering around in his workroom because it was too rainy and cold for him to go sailing. He would have moaned about that all day. His daughters would have called to wish him a happy birthday and he would have rushed them off the phone like he always did...but he would have been very pleased they called. He would have had a cheese and onion sandwich for lunch, maybe an hour's nap in the afternoon, and then a full course meal for his supper (sometimes a family barbecue). He never gained an ounce but then he wasn't a big eater. He would have watched a little T.V. and then gone to bed before 10 P.M.
Some people don't ask for much out of life, just a few pleasures and some peace of mind. There was much more to Dennis than that, though. He was extremely intelligent, a voracious reader, and a man who loved to take things apart to see how they worked. He loved to teach his children and then his grandchildren about the ways of life and of the world. He was a runner and in great shape for a man of his age. He should have lived forever...but he didn't.
I went with our 2 daughters and our oldest granddaughter to visit his gravesite today and I felt the anger again. I wonder if I always will.
Canada Pension Plan Scandal
Why did we, the public, not know until now that the people who manage our Canada Pension Plan receive millions of dollars in bonuses every year? Why do these highly paid executives receive a bonus at all??
Like AIG, which lost billions of dollars in the recent economical downturn, our pension plan also lost money but the executives are still receiving millions of dollars each. How do we allow this to happen?
Look at it in this way. Tax payers are being bled dry every year so that a very few people can live like kings and queens. The average tax payer is desperately trying to earn enough money after taxes to maintain a home for their family and every extra dollar taken from them at tax time should be going for the betterment of the country and not to enrich these executives.
This is the reason we need to protect the rights of our free press who have the ability to expose injustices. Our Canada Pension Plan is in place so that people who work all of their lives and pay into it will have a small cushion of comfort in their senior years. For executives of the plan to have the power to rob us of money we contributed is a blatant crime.
Like AIG, which lost billions of dollars in the recent economical downturn, our pension plan also lost money but the executives are still receiving millions of dollars each. How do we allow this to happen?
Look at it in this way. Tax payers are being bled dry every year so that a very few people can live like kings and queens. The average tax payer is desperately trying to earn enough money after taxes to maintain a home for their family and every extra dollar taken from them at tax time should be going for the betterment of the country and not to enrich these executives.
This is the reason we need to protect the rights of our free press who have the ability to expose injustices. Our Canada Pension Plan is in place so that people who work all of their lives and pay into it will have a small cushion of comfort in their senior years. For executives of the plan to have the power to rob us of money we contributed is a blatant crime.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
GM Bankruptcy
So GM might be claiming bankruptcy even after taxpayers donated billions to bailing them out. Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't bankruptcy happen to people who either mismanage their money or aren't selling a product that people want to buy? Does it make sense to keep beating this dead horse and prop it up as though it's healthy?
It sounds as though the same people will be running the bankrupt GM and the workforce will still be earning unbelievably high wages to produce a product that is priced too high for most of us to purchase. And, worse than that, they'll receive more taxpayer dollars to continue this fantasy. Someone needs to wake up.
I'm a bargain shopper who hates to spend more for something when I know I can get it elsewhere for less. Living close to the border and spending my winters in Florida gives me the opportunity to compare prices in both Canada and the U.S. and, sorry, it costs way too much to shop in Canada. A young man in a very expensive Honda sportscar stopped at my yardsale (go figure!) and gave me another point of view. He said he bought his car directly from Japan and had it shipped to Vancouver where he picked it up. All of this cost him half what he would have paid at a dealership here in Canada.
We know we're being gouged at every turn in our own country and the world is so well travelled these days that we're finding we can buy elsewhere for less than at home. "Buy Canadian" propaganda doesn't work on me because I understand that our goods are way over priced in order to keep greedy manufacturers and distributors high on the hog. I don't remember if I mentioned this in another blog but I bought a t-shirt at Walmart in the States for $7 (regular price) and found the identical one here at Sears with a different label and it was priced at $28. This is unforgivable.
I'm going to be shopping for another car next year and it scares me to death. There's no way I can afford a new car and I know a used car is still going to cost me a lot. My second choice of car is a Buick but I know it won't reach it's tenth year without major problems. My first choice is a Honda (foreign made) but I'll have to buy an older model in order to afford it. The sad truth is that buying a 3 year old Honda for the same price I'd pay for a 1 year old Buick will give me better value for my money.
It would cost much less if I bought either one of these cars in the States but I'm a little afraid of dealing with warranties, duty, and licencing if I do. I'm sure it can be done but I don't want problems so I'll bite the bullet and buy here in Canada...but it might well be a foreign car.
It sounds as though the same people will be running the bankrupt GM and the workforce will still be earning unbelievably high wages to produce a product that is priced too high for most of us to purchase. And, worse than that, they'll receive more taxpayer dollars to continue this fantasy. Someone needs to wake up.
I'm a bargain shopper who hates to spend more for something when I know I can get it elsewhere for less. Living close to the border and spending my winters in Florida gives me the opportunity to compare prices in both Canada and the U.S. and, sorry, it costs way too much to shop in Canada. A young man in a very expensive Honda sportscar stopped at my yardsale (go figure!) and gave me another point of view. He said he bought his car directly from Japan and had it shipped to Vancouver where he picked it up. All of this cost him half what he would have paid at a dealership here in Canada.
We know we're being gouged at every turn in our own country and the world is so well travelled these days that we're finding we can buy elsewhere for less than at home. "Buy Canadian" propaganda doesn't work on me because I understand that our goods are way over priced in order to keep greedy manufacturers and distributors high on the hog. I don't remember if I mentioned this in another blog but I bought a t-shirt at Walmart in the States for $7 (regular price) and found the identical one here at Sears with a different label and it was priced at $28. This is unforgivable.
I'm going to be shopping for another car next year and it scares me to death. There's no way I can afford a new car and I know a used car is still going to cost me a lot. My second choice of car is a Buick but I know it won't reach it's tenth year without major problems. My first choice is a Honda (foreign made) but I'll have to buy an older model in order to afford it. The sad truth is that buying a 3 year old Honda for the same price I'd pay for a 1 year old Buick will give me better value for my money.
It would cost much less if I bought either one of these cars in the States but I'm a little afraid of dealing with warranties, duty, and licencing if I do. I'm sure it can be done but I don't want problems so I'll bite the bullet and buy here in Canada...but it might well be a foreign car.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
U.S. Government Health Care
Americans often ask me how I like our Canadian health care system and I honestly answer them that it isn't perfect but it beats the hell out of what they have in the U.S.. Americans can't imagine the freedom of seeing a doctor, having medical treatments, surgery, or a hospital stay without having to face a bill at the end of it. True, we pay higher income tax here in Canada than in the States but not having to worry about health care makes it worthwhile.
I watched CNN this morning and was disgusted to see an ad claiming that government health care in Britain (wonder why they didn't use Canada??) meant someone was refused a pap smear, life saving drugs, and delayed life saving treatments. Ads like this are meant to frighten Americans into believing they'll be higher taxed for a system that will fail them miserably and it got me wondering just who would benefit if the Americans refuse to accept universal government health care. I didn't get the sponsor of the ad but I'll be looking for it the next time the ad airs.
Here is how our system has worked for me...my husband suffered from esophagus cancer for a year and in that year he received excellent and timely treatments. We had home care nurses throughout his illness and who arrived daily at the end of his life. He used a host of medications that increased as his illness progressed. He had 2 short stays in the hospital, once at our request. A hospital bed, bathroom equipment, medical supplies, etc. were all provided for us at home. We were never presented with a bill for any of this.
When I arrived home from Florida this year I was concerned about a spot on my forehead and called my dermatologist who agreed to see me within a few days. She removed the spot and gave me a prescription for an antibiotic cream. Last week I was a little worried about a cut on my leg so I called my family doctor and he saw me within the hour and gave me a prescription for an antibiotic pill. My only cost for these two visits was a dispensing fee of $6.11 for each prescription.
It is a shameful reflection on the powerful United States government that they haven't provided their citizens with a health care system similar to ours. I can only believe that the medical field is so lucrative and their lobbyists so powerful that they've been able to prevent universal health care by underhanded means. I remember how some of our own doctors, limited by how much they could charge our government for their services, threatened to move to the U.S. where they'd earn more money and some did. It all boils down to money, doesn't it?
Americans have questioned me about the long waits for treatment they've heard about. It's true there can be long waits for elected surgeries such as knee and hip replacements and that's not a good thing here. Our hospital emergency rooms are also pathetic and in dire need of improvement. Like I said, the system isn't perfect.
I know of more than a few Americans who continue to work in their senior years because they need the money to pay for their drug prescriptions. There is no way this is right. In Canada a senior pays a lump sum of $100 per year plus the $6.11 dispensing fee but low income seniors pay less than that.
Americans should insist that the people they vote for support a universal health care system that will be paid for in slightly higher taxes. No-one wants to pay more taxes but, in this case, the cost is justified.
There's still a good chance that Obama will bring in a decent health care program for the American citizens but I worry when I see ads like the one I saw this morning. Someone is attempting to brainwash viewers into accepting the status quo and I wonder who they are. I'm betting it's unscrupulous doctors and drug manufacturers. Hmmm!
I watched CNN this morning and was disgusted to see an ad claiming that government health care in Britain (wonder why they didn't use Canada??) meant someone was refused a pap smear, life saving drugs, and delayed life saving treatments. Ads like this are meant to frighten Americans into believing they'll be higher taxed for a system that will fail them miserably and it got me wondering just who would benefit if the Americans refuse to accept universal government health care. I didn't get the sponsor of the ad but I'll be looking for it the next time the ad airs.
Here is how our system has worked for me...my husband suffered from esophagus cancer for a year and in that year he received excellent and timely treatments. We had home care nurses throughout his illness and who arrived daily at the end of his life. He used a host of medications that increased as his illness progressed. He had 2 short stays in the hospital, once at our request. A hospital bed, bathroom equipment, medical supplies, etc. were all provided for us at home. We were never presented with a bill for any of this.
When I arrived home from Florida this year I was concerned about a spot on my forehead and called my dermatologist who agreed to see me within a few days. She removed the spot and gave me a prescription for an antibiotic cream. Last week I was a little worried about a cut on my leg so I called my family doctor and he saw me within the hour and gave me a prescription for an antibiotic pill. My only cost for these two visits was a dispensing fee of $6.11 for each prescription.
It is a shameful reflection on the powerful United States government that they haven't provided their citizens with a health care system similar to ours. I can only believe that the medical field is so lucrative and their lobbyists so powerful that they've been able to prevent universal health care by underhanded means. I remember how some of our own doctors, limited by how much they could charge our government for their services, threatened to move to the U.S. where they'd earn more money and some did. It all boils down to money, doesn't it?
Americans have questioned me about the long waits for treatment they've heard about. It's true there can be long waits for elected surgeries such as knee and hip replacements and that's not a good thing here. Our hospital emergency rooms are also pathetic and in dire need of improvement. Like I said, the system isn't perfect.
I know of more than a few Americans who continue to work in their senior years because they need the money to pay for their drug prescriptions. There is no way this is right. In Canada a senior pays a lump sum of $100 per year plus the $6.11 dispensing fee but low income seniors pay less than that.
Americans should insist that the people they vote for support a universal health care system that will be paid for in slightly higher taxes. No-one wants to pay more taxes but, in this case, the cost is justified.
There's still a good chance that Obama will bring in a decent health care program for the American citizens but I worry when I see ads like the one I saw this morning. Someone is attempting to brainwash viewers into accepting the status quo and I wonder who they are. I'm betting it's unscrupulous doctors and drug manufacturers. Hmmm!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Accomplishing
I'm still riding high on the pleasure I got from getting some pretty important (to me) things accomplished this past week. It was like carrying a 10 ton load on my shoulders and now there's only a 9 1/2 ton one. Everything is not complete but the before and after difference is vividly measurable.
It got me thinking that we should all make great efforts to rid our lives of clutter. It doesn't have to all be done in one day but we should at least work at getting one huge job accomplished every so often. I have a long way to go but I'm all fired up now with the visible results of just the past week. There's a good chance my basement will be all cleared out before I head to Florida in the fall...never would have anticipated that a month ago but I'm starting to see the possibilities now.
It was the flea market enterprise that got me into this mess and getting out of it will probably end up costing me a bit of money but it will be worth it. It never occurred to me that all the great stuff I ended up storing in the basement might not get sold at the flea market and I'd be stuck with it. I do tend to jump into things with both feet because it seems like a good idea at the time but, when I find out I made a mistake, I'm quite capable of accepting my losses to get out of it. A good quality, if I may say so myself.
This feeling of relief and unburdening is almost like a drug and, with all the stuff I still have to get rid of, it's a feeling that will carry me all summer long.
It got me thinking that we should all make great efforts to rid our lives of clutter. It doesn't have to all be done in one day but we should at least work at getting one huge job accomplished every so often. I have a long way to go but I'm all fired up now with the visible results of just the past week. There's a good chance my basement will be all cleared out before I head to Florida in the fall...never would have anticipated that a month ago but I'm starting to see the possibilities now.
It was the flea market enterprise that got me into this mess and getting out of it will probably end up costing me a bit of money but it will be worth it. It never occurred to me that all the great stuff I ended up storing in the basement might not get sold at the flea market and I'd be stuck with it. I do tend to jump into things with both feet because it seems like a good idea at the time but, when I find out I made a mistake, I'm quite capable of accepting my losses to get out of it. A good quality, if I may say so myself.
This feeling of relief and unburdening is almost like a drug and, with all the stuff I still have to get rid of, it's a feeling that will carry me all summer long.
Monday, May 25, 2009
My Planting is Done
I am a happy camper right now. My planting for the season is finished...unless I decide to add a few campanulas. I have a lot of perennials that I love to split and replant in other spots and I tend to rely on easy care annuals such as impatiens for the shady backyard and portulaca for the sunny front yard. The odd marigold, begonia, and geranium also finds it's way into my garden.
I cut the lawn today, planted the last of the annuals, replanted a lime coral bells that was being crowded out by some out of control daisies, swept all around the patio, and watered everything. It looks so nice, not grown in to full color yet, but wonderful to look at just as it is.
I'll continue to putter with my garden all summer, transplanting and trimming back. It's a never ending process but one that doesn't take too much time or energy. I plan my garden fairly well with easy care perennials like hostas, coral bells, daisies, sundrops, mums, bleeding hearts, coreopsis, sedum, etc., etc. All of these are easily split if needed or desired. The daisy patch has gotten too large this year so I'll remove half of the plants after they flower and give them to my neighbor. I try not to kill anything.
The back deck is two tiered and I found planters quite a few years ago at Home Depot that hug the railing. The drainage holes are on the sides so none of the drained water can rot the railing. They don't look like much now but the white impatiens, red and yellow trailing million bells, and a few pieces of lamium will look gorgeous in just a few weeks.
I also have a large pot on the top deck with sweet potato vine and some "blood" plant (can't remember the name) that will also fill in and look spectacular. I love watching the plants grow and it makes the yard look like such a happy place. It's pleasant to just sit among the fruit of my labors and fall in love with nature all over again.
The damn squirrels have dug up a couple of the newly planted impatiens but I was lucky enough to spot them before the sun burnt them to death. I'll have to keep my eye open for those pesky squirrels until the plants are well established. They don't usually bother with the flowers once they have a healthy root system.
I planted blue morning glory seeds in the pots at the side of the tool shed just days ago and they're already sprouting. If we get some warm and humid days I'll practically be able to sit outside and watch them grow up the side of the shed.
There seem to be fewer birds in the yard every year but I did see a magnificent red cardinal that seemed to hang around all day. That gives me hope that it's nesting in the nearby trees and I'll see more of them all summer long.
Spring is a special time of year when we can join nature in making our world a prettier and happier place to live in.
Jon & Kate, Disappointing!
How can such a delightful family allow itself to dissolve into the mire of scandal? Jon and Kate present themselves as very religious with the deepest family values but now we find out they might both be having affairs???
Getting married should mean committing to one another for the rest of your lives or, at the very least, until you decide to separate or divorce. It certainly shouldn't mean that it's okay to have a little piece on the side. I know that some marriages function in this way but it goes against everything we hold sacred in a marriage.
My personal beliefs are very rigid. There is an intimacy between a married or committed couple that is diluted in it's intensity and purity if the intimacy is also shared with someone outside the marriage. It's a good reason for people to "sow their oats", so to speak, before entering the sanctity of marriage.
Not being a religious person, I don't carry my personal beliefs as a burden placed on me by the church. I live my life by following a course of logic and logic screams that you cannot strengthen a bond by splitting it into pieces. Ergo, if you can't entrust your life to your partner then you shouldn't be getting married. Many people can live their lives quite happily by never committing to one person and that's fine if they notify their potential partners up front. It's not necessarily going to make their lives run smoothly, though, because one might initially agree to the arrangement and then change their minds later on.
Infidelity can claw the human spirit to death. The pain it causes to the one cheated on is immense and it's so hard to understand how anyone could inflict it on someone they claim to love. I believe that infidelity is an act of selfishness, a momentary thrill taken with the chance it will be discovered and cause incredible agony to one's true partner. I guess taking that chance depends on the depth of love the sinner has for his/her loved one.
Going back to Jon and Kate. Have their possible infidelities brought them closer as a couple and strengthened their family? It sure doesn't look like it.
Getting married should mean committing to one another for the rest of your lives or, at the very least, until you decide to separate or divorce. It certainly shouldn't mean that it's okay to have a little piece on the side. I know that some marriages function in this way but it goes against everything we hold sacred in a marriage.
My personal beliefs are very rigid. There is an intimacy between a married or committed couple that is diluted in it's intensity and purity if the intimacy is also shared with someone outside the marriage. It's a good reason for people to "sow their oats", so to speak, before entering the sanctity of marriage.
Not being a religious person, I don't carry my personal beliefs as a burden placed on me by the church. I live my life by following a course of logic and logic screams that you cannot strengthen a bond by splitting it into pieces. Ergo, if you can't entrust your life to your partner then you shouldn't be getting married. Many people can live their lives quite happily by never committing to one person and that's fine if they notify their potential partners up front. It's not necessarily going to make their lives run smoothly, though, because one might initially agree to the arrangement and then change their minds later on.
Infidelity can claw the human spirit to death. The pain it causes to the one cheated on is immense and it's so hard to understand how anyone could inflict it on someone they claim to love. I believe that infidelity is an act of selfishness, a momentary thrill taken with the chance it will be discovered and cause incredible agony to one's true partner. I guess taking that chance depends on the depth of love the sinner has for his/her loved one.
Going back to Jon and Kate. Have their possible infidelities brought them closer as a couple and strengthened their family? It sure doesn't look like it.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Yard Sale Junkie
I held the first of a proposed 3 yard sales this morning and sold $36 worth of merchandise. Not a lot but it's a start. I put signs up on the main road near my house and then sat back with Swedish weaving in hand for the hordes to arrive. No hordes arrived. Dribs and drabs of bargain seekers did show up, though, and I was very pleased to see them.
My next door neighbor brought out a few large items to sell and someone got an excellent bargain by buying 4 brand new wrought iron patio chairs complete with cushions for $100. There is no doubt that yard saleing can save you money, especially if you're the buyer.
I'd started out with a dozen boxes of merchandise and ended up being left with 8 of them unsold. I kept my word and loaded them in the car to take to St. Vincent DePaul but darned if they'd moved and I couldn't find them. Off I went to the Goodwill store and darned if they don't refuse to take donations at that location and I had no idea where another location was.
There was no way I was carting those 8 boxes back home so off I went to an area known to have second hand stores. I found one and went in to ask if they'd like to have them and thank heavens they did. I can't believe how difficult it was to give away some really nice stuff.
Now, about the title of this blog. On my way to find somewhere to dispose of the "stuff" I saw quite a few yard sales but felt embarrassed to stop when my car was filled to overflowing with things I wanted to get rid of. By the time I found the second hand store willing to take it all I had almost lost any desire to yard sale...today, anyway. But, and it's a big but, my heart still fluttered a bit when I saw yard sale signs on the drive home. I didn't stop, though.
My name is Pat and I'm a yard sale junkie.
My next door neighbor brought out a few large items to sell and someone got an excellent bargain by buying 4 brand new wrought iron patio chairs complete with cushions for $100. There is no doubt that yard saleing can save you money, especially if you're the buyer.
I'd started out with a dozen boxes of merchandise and ended up being left with 8 of them unsold. I kept my word and loaded them in the car to take to St. Vincent DePaul but darned if they'd moved and I couldn't find them. Off I went to the Goodwill store and darned if they don't refuse to take donations at that location and I had no idea where another location was.
There was no way I was carting those 8 boxes back home so off I went to an area known to have second hand stores. I found one and went in to ask if they'd like to have them and thank heavens they did. I can't believe how difficult it was to give away some really nice stuff.
Now, about the title of this blog. On my way to find somewhere to dispose of the "stuff" I saw quite a few yard sales but felt embarrassed to stop when my car was filled to overflowing with things I wanted to get rid of. By the time I found the second hand store willing to take it all I had almost lost any desire to yard sale...today, anyway. But, and it's a big but, my heart still fluttered a bit when I saw yard sale signs on the drive home. I didn't stop, though.
My name is Pat and I'm a yard sale junkie.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Yip and Yap Are Back
I forgot to warn my neighbors but I'm sure they're all aware that Bailey and Baker, Kim's Jack Russells, are living at my house for a few days.
They followed me around the backyard as I completed my plantings this morning but I had to put them inside in their cage while I watered everything. I didn't want them tearassing through mud and then tracking it into the house. It's funny but they didn't bark while they were in the cage and I was outside watering but when I got my purse and keys and went out the front door they barked like crazy. I think they recognized that they were about to be left alone.
They are really sweet gentle dogs and I do enjoy having them here but the barking drives me nuts. The one dog we had for about 15 years almost never barked. He was a mixed breed Lab and when he saw something that he didn't like he'd growl quietly, sort of a warning. When he was left alone in the house he'd have a snit and refuse to look at us while we were leaving and then he'd have a nap on the couch. A big NO NO but it was his way of retaliating.
I'd thought that B&B only barked for a few moments when I left but last year my neighbor told me they barked constantly. This time I've put their cage in the computer room where they can see out into the yard so maybe they won't mind being left alone so much. At least until some stupid cat or squirrel walks up to the patio door to look at them.
I do what I can.
They followed me around the backyard as I completed my plantings this morning but I had to put them inside in their cage while I watered everything. I didn't want them tearassing through mud and then tracking it into the house. It's funny but they didn't bark while they were in the cage and I was outside watering but when I got my purse and keys and went out the front door they barked like crazy. I think they recognized that they were about to be left alone.
They are really sweet gentle dogs and I do enjoy having them here but the barking drives me nuts. The one dog we had for about 15 years almost never barked. He was a mixed breed Lab and when he saw something that he didn't like he'd growl quietly, sort of a warning. When he was left alone in the house he'd have a snit and refuse to look at us while we were leaving and then he'd have a nap on the couch. A big NO NO but it was his way of retaliating.
I'd thought that B&B only barked for a few moments when I left but last year my neighbor told me they barked constantly. This time I've put their cage in the computer room where they can see out into the yard so maybe they won't mind being left alone so much. At least until some stupid cat or squirrel walks up to the patio door to look at them.
I do what I can.
The Tragic Loss of Tori Stafford
Normal people ask, "What would possess a grown person to abduct, sexually assault, and murder a helpless 8 year old girl?". It is incomprehensible to the average person why anyone would harm a child like this.
The couple who perpetrated this horrendous crime look relatively normal. He's a 28 year old man and she's an 18 year old woman. What sick needs were they fulfilling when they took this tiny little girl and savaged her? People like this should be tucked away in small cells for the rest of their lives and never allowed to communicate with another human being.
This won't happen, though. They'll be given a "fair" trial which will cost the taxpayers millions of dollars and that will include lawyers who will claim these bastards should be given leniency because they suffered some sort of deprivation in their childhood. This is when I wish we still had the death penalty in Canada.
Another thing, Tori's mother deserves our apologies. I, for one, was convinced she'd killed her own daughter and had no sympathy for her because she was reacting so strangely. It's appalling that she had to suffer the loss of her child and not receive 100% support from the public. There is more than one tragedy here.
The hard work and expertise of the police department has made certain this couple won't repeat their depravities on another child and, for that, we can be grateful.
The couple who perpetrated this horrendous crime look relatively normal. He's a 28 year old man and she's an 18 year old woman. What sick needs were they fulfilling when they took this tiny little girl and savaged her? People like this should be tucked away in small cells for the rest of their lives and never allowed to communicate with another human being.
This won't happen, though. They'll be given a "fair" trial which will cost the taxpayers millions of dollars and that will include lawyers who will claim these bastards should be given leniency because they suffered some sort of deprivation in their childhood. This is when I wish we still had the death penalty in Canada.
Another thing, Tori's mother deserves our apologies. I, for one, was convinced she'd killed her own daughter and had no sympathy for her because she was reacting so strangely. It's appalling that she had to suffer the loss of her child and not receive 100% support from the public. There is more than one tragedy here.
The hard work and expertise of the police department has made certain this couple won't repeat their depravities on another child and, for that, we can be grateful.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Check Your Drug Prescriptions
Last Friday I got a prescription for antibiotics from the pharmacy and the bottle was supposed to contain 14 tablets, enough for 1 week. Today I have 2 tablets left which means the bottle only contained 12 tablets. It never occurred to me to count the tablets but I darned well should have. At a cost of almost $2 per pill, I've been shortchanged almost $4. I wonder how often this happens and I also wonder what the consequences are to people's health when mistakes, either on purpose or by accident, happen.
I'm torn about contacting the pharmacy and telling them of their error. After all, it's only 2 pills. But what if that extra day of not taking the antibiotic meant my infection would flare up again. It hasn't completely cleared up yet so 2 little antibiotic tablets might mean a lot.
Here in Canada, we seniors only pay $100 per year plus the dispensing fee of $6.11 for each prescription drug so we might not feel a financial loss when the pharmacy shorts us. But just think what those occasional shortages add up to in dollars saved for the pharmacy each year.
We should take a few minutes and count those tiny pills when we have a prescription filled and if we're shorted too often then it's time to find a new pharmacy.
I'm torn about contacting the pharmacy and telling them of their error. After all, it's only 2 pills. But what if that extra day of not taking the antibiotic meant my infection would flare up again. It hasn't completely cleared up yet so 2 little antibiotic tablets might mean a lot.
Here in Canada, we seniors only pay $100 per year plus the dispensing fee of $6.11 for each prescription drug so we might not feel a financial loss when the pharmacy shorts us. But just think what those occasional shortages add up to in dollars saved for the pharmacy each year.
We should take a few minutes and count those tiny pills when we have a prescription filled and if we're shorted too often then it's time to find a new pharmacy.
Pre-Human?
It's not that I believe everything scientists tell us but why did it take 2 years for them to inform us of the find of what could well be one of our ancestors? I'll bet it's because creationists reject the idea that we humans didn't pop onto this earth in the exact form we occupy today.
I don't understand why creationists are so terrified of the idea of evolution. Everything in nature evolves in one way or another simply because of the environment around us. Even tiny germs evolve from one form to another. I'm not religious but the fact of evolution doesn't nullify God although it might nullify our idea of his actual physical appearance.
How can anyone look at an ape and not wonder at our similarities? The ape's DNA is almost identical to ours so what would be so horrible if we were distantly related? Of course we're smarter but some of us are also smarter than a few of our human relatives, too.
I think evolution will one day be taught in churches as proof of their God's powers. I'm just wondering how long it will take before some enterprising evangelist will latch onto this idea.
I don't understand why creationists are so terrified of the idea of evolution. Everything in nature evolves in one way or another simply because of the environment around us. Even tiny germs evolve from one form to another. I'm not religious but the fact of evolution doesn't nullify God although it might nullify our idea of his actual physical appearance.
How can anyone look at an ape and not wonder at our similarities? The ape's DNA is almost identical to ours so what would be so horrible if we were distantly related? Of course we're smarter but some of us are also smarter than a few of our human relatives, too.
I think evolution will one day be taught in churches as proof of their God's powers. I'm just wondering how long it will take before some enterprising evangelist will latch onto this idea.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Cops/To Serve and Protect
I love the program "Cops" but find the Canadian equivalent, "To Serve and Protect" boring. It's interesting to note that by watching these 2 television shows you might get a distorted vision of U.S. and Canadian criminal culture.
"Cops" leans heavily towards drunks (either fighting or driving), hookers (either on the job or looking for work), and black thieves. "To Serve and Protect" seems to suggest that almost all crime in Canada is committed by falling down drunk natives (too drunk to walk much less drive a car) . We know this isn't true and that criminal activity can be found in all races but shows like this tend to stereotype criminals. I wonder why.
I'll keep watching and analyzing and let you know what I find out.
"Cops" leans heavily towards drunks (either fighting or driving), hookers (either on the job or looking for work), and black thieves. "To Serve and Protect" seems to suggest that almost all crime in Canada is committed by falling down drunk natives (too drunk to walk much less drive a car) . We know this isn't true and that criminal activity can be found in all races but shows like this tend to stereotype criminals. I wonder why.
I'll keep watching and analyzing and let you know what I find out.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Cleaning Closets
It's beautiful out today, sunny but cool and just perfect for getting some odd jobs done in the house. I cleaned out my closets this morning as I'd planned and I'm always a little ashamed at how many clothes I have...and how many I can do without. I rationalize my excess by telling myself that someone else will be getting some pretty nice things that I've either never worn or worn seldom. I'm a little embarrassed to admit I bought another jacket and blouse yesterday when I was out with my sister. Oh well, it's not the worst addiction to have, is it?
A day like this is also perfect for doing yard work and that's what I'll be doing once it warms up a bit. I'm anxious to try out my new grass trimmer and toss the terrible old one in the garbage. The cut on my leg (from the grass trimmer last week) is still infected and I'm starting to worry again. I'm not sure when the antibiotic will begin to do it's job but the cut should have started to heal by now and it hasn't.
I have a variegated impatiens that has been in the family for quite a few years. I dig it up every fall and give it to my daughter to care for over the winter and then replant it in the garden at the end of May. It's lovely so she must have taken good care of it. Impatiens is quite tender and doesn't like the cold so I'm waiting until later in the week to put it outside. By then the temps should be in the mid 20's celsius (75F) and I'll begin haunting the local plant sellers looking for things to add color to my gardens. I love this time of year!
I've cleaned out a lot of stuff from this house over the past few years and wonder why I allowed myself to accumulate so many unneeded possessions. I've noticed at yard sales that there are a lot of people just like me and then there are the odd few who have only a small table of items they need to dispose of. I don't like people like that. It's not normal. Anyway, I'll have to keep working at cleaning out my disposables for a long time to come.
Everyone should go through their homes with a fine tooth comb every couple of years and get rid of things they don't use or need. It would help save them from a bigger problem later on when it's time to move into smaller quarters. I'm getting there...slow but sure.
A day like this is also perfect for doing yard work and that's what I'll be doing once it warms up a bit. I'm anxious to try out my new grass trimmer and toss the terrible old one in the garbage. The cut on my leg (from the grass trimmer last week) is still infected and I'm starting to worry again. I'm not sure when the antibiotic will begin to do it's job but the cut should have started to heal by now and it hasn't.
I have a variegated impatiens that has been in the family for quite a few years. I dig it up every fall and give it to my daughter to care for over the winter and then replant it in the garden at the end of May. It's lovely so she must have taken good care of it. Impatiens is quite tender and doesn't like the cold so I'm waiting until later in the week to put it outside. By then the temps should be in the mid 20's celsius (75F) and I'll begin haunting the local plant sellers looking for things to add color to my gardens. I love this time of year!
I've cleaned out a lot of stuff from this house over the past few years and wonder why I allowed myself to accumulate so many unneeded possessions. I've noticed at yard sales that there are a lot of people just like me and then there are the odd few who have only a small table of items they need to dispose of. I don't like people like that. It's not normal. Anyway, I'll have to keep working at cleaning out my disposables for a long time to come.
Everyone should go through their homes with a fine tooth comb every couple of years and get rid of things they don't use or need. It would help save them from a bigger problem later on when it's time to move into smaller quarters. I'm getting there...slow but sure.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
J&A's Afghan
Here's the project I've been working on for the past month. It's a Swedish weaving afghan for my next door neighbors. These afghans take much too long for me to sell so I make them and give them to people I love. My enjoyment comes from watching them develop from a piece of cloth and skeins of yarn to a pretty and useful item.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Florida Friends
In the past week I've had phone calls from 3 of my Florida friends and it feels so good to know they're thinking of me. I'm not good at phoning people myself and usually send the odd e-mail but I do love it when someone calls me.
We're having our park reunion in July and I've only missed one since we bought the trailer (when my husband was ill). I look forward to seeing a lot of my Florida friends at the reunion because I really do miss them. Most live too far away from me to make visiting easy so the reunion is a good way to get together over the summer. This year it's in Ohio...it's in a different place each year but only in the state or province where most of our people live. I don't think it's ever been in any province except Ontario but we have had it in a few northern states.
My sister-in-law is going to the reunion with me this year and we've already rented our motel room. The organizers of each reunion arrange with a few local motels to give us a special rate and there will be possibly 20 couples we know staying at our motel. We'll all socialize at the designated park through the day and then end up socializing at our motel in the evening. We hang out with a real friendly bunch of people.
You'd think we'd get sick of each other but that doesn't happen. Nice, isn't it?
We're having our park reunion in July and I've only missed one since we bought the trailer (when my husband was ill). I look forward to seeing a lot of my Florida friends at the reunion because I really do miss them. Most live too far away from me to make visiting easy so the reunion is a good way to get together over the summer. This year it's in Ohio...it's in a different place each year but only in the state or province where most of our people live. I don't think it's ever been in any province except Ontario but we have had it in a few northern states.
My sister-in-law is going to the reunion with me this year and we've already rented our motel room. The organizers of each reunion arrange with a few local motels to give us a special rate and there will be possibly 20 couples we know staying at our motel. We'll all socialize at the designated park through the day and then end up socializing at our motel in the evening. We hang out with a real friendly bunch of people.
You'd think we'd get sick of each other but that doesn't happen. Nice, isn't it?
Friday, May 15, 2009
Going To The Doctor
I rarely see my doctor even though I think he's the best in the world. One of my biggest fears is that he'll retire and I'll have to see a doctor who has no idea about my history. In any case, I'm going to see him today.
I cut the lawn on Monday and managed to take a slice out of my shin with the ever deadly grass trimmer. A piece of the cord broke off and ended up hitting my leg. It took quite a piece of skin off and I've been treating it with antibiotic cream ever since but the site continues to look more infected and inflamed every day so I've decided not to let it worsen over the weekend.
This is an age where we aren't just threatened with minor blood infections but with awful things like flesh eating disease so I'm not taking any chances. Unlike the average man, I know when it's time to make a visit to my doctor.
Note: Here I am back from the doctor and wondering why I bothered to go at all. He took me right into his office, looked at the cut and pronounced it not too bad. The only reason he gave me an oral antibiotic is because of my possibly low immune system. He wasn't too concerned about the spreading area of red skin around the wound and darned if it didn't almost disappear by the time I got home. I'm very suggestible and I actually worried the wound would miraculously heal itself by the time my doctor looked at it. It's one of the reasons I hate calling the doctor because 9 times out of 10 I'll feel perfectly fine when I do see him.
One smart thing about pursuing my urge for a medical opinion today is that I won't be wasting time worrying about the cut all weekend, a long weekend at that!
I cut the lawn on Monday and managed to take a slice out of my shin with the ever deadly grass trimmer. A piece of the cord broke off and ended up hitting my leg. It took quite a piece of skin off and I've been treating it with antibiotic cream ever since but the site continues to look more infected and inflamed every day so I've decided not to let it worsen over the weekend.
This is an age where we aren't just threatened with minor blood infections but with awful things like flesh eating disease so I'm not taking any chances. Unlike the average man, I know when it's time to make a visit to my doctor.
Note: Here I am back from the doctor and wondering why I bothered to go at all. He took me right into his office, looked at the cut and pronounced it not too bad. The only reason he gave me an oral antibiotic is because of my possibly low immune system. He wasn't too concerned about the spreading area of red skin around the wound and darned if it didn't almost disappear by the time I got home. I'm very suggestible and I actually worried the wound would miraculously heal itself by the time my doctor looked at it. It's one of the reasons I hate calling the doctor because 9 times out of 10 I'll feel perfectly fine when I do see him.
One smart thing about pursuing my urge for a medical opinion today is that I won't be wasting time worrying about the cut all weekend, a long weekend at that!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Deserving
I'm close to tears right now because my neighbor picked up 2 huge hanging planters for me (at my request) from a grower he knows and now he won't accept payment for them. Where did all these wonderful people come from and why did it take most of my life to surround myself with them?
I swear that I deal with terrific people in my life all the time now and it still makes me feel undeserving to have found them all. Either I've lucked out in my golden years or this kind of person has always been around and I just failed to recognize them.
Are people nicer to me now that I'm getting up there in years? No, I don't think that's necessarily true because I know so darned many seniors that are super wonderful people. I tend to analyze myself and I think I know why this has all been a pleasant surprise for me.
When my husband was alive it seemed that all my attention was on him and there was little time for me to explore other friendships...and I mean friendships in the right way. Dennis wasn't the most sociable man except where his family was concerned and I was fortunate to care a great deal for his family and enjoy being with them.
Dennis frowned on me even going out for dinner and a movie with my sister so he wouldn't have accepted me having a strong girlie friendship with anyone. I think I blocked out potential friends because I knew it would cause animosity with my husband. It's sad but true that, when I met him at aged 15, he brain washed me into dropping all of my friends at that time. This is a common practice for some males and has something to do with their own insecurity.
When we retired to winter in Florida I had just begun to step out on my own and ignore his disapproval and that's where I really began to make friends. 43 years too late but better late than never.
Meeting so many new people and opening up my heart to them as friends was so easy and yet almost frightening for me because it was a new experience. I wasn't sure how to act and I wasn't certain that people would really like me. I'm a totally honest person so my behaviour reflected that and, lo and behold, I began to add more and more people to my expanding circle of friends. I'm still in awe.
As to the number of excellent human beings I call my friends, I feel truly blessed to have found them and to have had them care for me. Am I deserving? Logic tells me that we are all deserving but deep inside me lies insecurities that I haven't come to terms with yet.
Am I grateful? With every fibre of my being.
I swear that I deal with terrific people in my life all the time now and it still makes me feel undeserving to have found them all. Either I've lucked out in my golden years or this kind of person has always been around and I just failed to recognize them.
Are people nicer to me now that I'm getting up there in years? No, I don't think that's necessarily true because I know so darned many seniors that are super wonderful people. I tend to analyze myself and I think I know why this has all been a pleasant surprise for me.
When my husband was alive it seemed that all my attention was on him and there was little time for me to explore other friendships...and I mean friendships in the right way. Dennis wasn't the most sociable man except where his family was concerned and I was fortunate to care a great deal for his family and enjoy being with them.
Dennis frowned on me even going out for dinner and a movie with my sister so he wouldn't have accepted me having a strong girlie friendship with anyone. I think I blocked out potential friends because I knew it would cause animosity with my husband. It's sad but true that, when I met him at aged 15, he brain washed me into dropping all of my friends at that time. This is a common practice for some males and has something to do with their own insecurity.
When we retired to winter in Florida I had just begun to step out on my own and ignore his disapproval and that's where I really began to make friends. 43 years too late but better late than never.
Meeting so many new people and opening up my heart to them as friends was so easy and yet almost frightening for me because it was a new experience. I wasn't sure how to act and I wasn't certain that people would really like me. I'm a totally honest person so my behaviour reflected that and, lo and behold, I began to add more and more people to my expanding circle of friends. I'm still in awe.
As to the number of excellent human beings I call my friends, I feel truly blessed to have found them and to have had them care for me. Am I deserving? Logic tells me that we are all deserving but deep inside me lies insecurities that I haven't come to terms with yet.
Am I grateful? With every fibre of my being.
Pictures That Make Me Smile
I'm still having trouble saving pictures from the scanner but here are three pictures that lift my heart and make me smile whenever I look at them.
The first is a picture of Nick and Matt (5 and 3). Nick was always Mr. GQ even at that age. Note that Matt is leaning slightly away from his brother. That is because Nick usually hit him when he got close and Matt is nervous it will happen again. These days Matt is bigger and stronger than Nick so now it's Nick's turn to worry!
The second picture is a closeup of my grandson, Matthew, when he was 3 years old. He was such a hellion but so darned cute with his curly, bright red hair. He's now 23 years old and still cute as a bug's ear but not the hellion he once was, thank heavens.
The third picture is of my house in late April, just bursting with colorful tulips. I took it in case I try to sell the house in winter and need a picture which shows it to better advantage.
It's raining out today and my lone job is laundry and then I'm going out to buy a grass trimmer since mine has given me nothing but grief for a few years. The line breaks continuously when in use and I've been known to toss the whole damn thing across the lawn in frustration. Anyway, today I buy a new one.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Raccoons in Daylight
I've lived in this house since 1968 and only seen a couple of raccoons over the years. These houses were built around 1953 so the neighborhood has a lot of full grown trees now and maybe that's why one is hanging around my house this year.
I saw this critter for the first time yesterday taking a stroll across my back deck and then across the yard to the very back and then it climbed up a tree. It was about 6:30 P.M. and light outside so I wondered why a raccoon would be out wandering in daylight. I checked the internet and found out that, while raccoons usually don't venture out in the daytime, they will if they're looking for food to feed their young. Mrs. raccoon just took the same path in the yard a few minutes ago (daylight again) and now I'm hoping against hope that she doesn't have a nest nearby. Worse yet, that she's apartment hunting and likes the looks of my house.
I had my fill of critter squatters last summer when I had to evict squirrels from the attic and vowed I'd sell the house if they moved back in. Now it seems as though I'll have to worry about raccoons. It really is time I sold this damn house.
My immediate worry is that she might be nesting under the deck and that I might inadvertently run into her and her brood. I hear they can be terribly vicious if cornered. One of the deterrents to having raccoons choose your home for a nesting place is to play loud music because they don't like the noise so I'm going to play Johnny Reid's CD at full volume as soon as it's warm enough to leave the windows open.
One of my favorite songs in the world is "Darlin'" by Johnny Reid. I'm going to a wedding in a few weeks where we're hoping they'll have karaoke. Faye, Mary, and I plan to have a few drinks and sing it to our unsuspecting audience. Well, only the masses who don't read my blog will be unsuspecting. My readers deserve what they get.
I saw this critter for the first time yesterday taking a stroll across my back deck and then across the yard to the very back and then it climbed up a tree. It was about 6:30 P.M. and light outside so I wondered why a raccoon would be out wandering in daylight. I checked the internet and found out that, while raccoons usually don't venture out in the daytime, they will if they're looking for food to feed their young. Mrs. raccoon just took the same path in the yard a few minutes ago (daylight again) and now I'm hoping against hope that she doesn't have a nest nearby. Worse yet, that she's apartment hunting and likes the looks of my house.
I had my fill of critter squatters last summer when I had to evict squirrels from the attic and vowed I'd sell the house if they moved back in. Now it seems as though I'll have to worry about raccoons. It really is time I sold this damn house.
My immediate worry is that she might be nesting under the deck and that I might inadvertently run into her and her brood. I hear they can be terribly vicious if cornered. One of the deterrents to having raccoons choose your home for a nesting place is to play loud music because they don't like the noise so I'm going to play Johnny Reid's CD at full volume as soon as it's warm enough to leave the windows open.
One of my favorite songs in the world is "Darlin'" by Johnny Reid. I'm going to a wedding in a few weeks where we're hoping they'll have karaoke. Faye, Mary, and I plan to have a few drinks and sing it to our unsuspecting audience. Well, only the masses who don't read my blog will be unsuspecting. My readers deserve what they get.
20C Isn't Warm Enough!
I'm so spoiled. This is a gorgeous sunny day, 20C (approx. 70F), but the wind is brisk and a little too cool for me to do my outdoor lounging as I'd planned. It would be a terrific day to do actual work out in the yard but I'm not working today.
Some of the silver earrings I've bought for resale came today and they're so pretty I may just keep a set for myself. I've been sticking mainly to selling necklaces and pendants but thought it a good idea to have a few pair of earrings on hand, too. My daughter is dropping by after work to give me her opinion before I place another order. I'm terribly impetuous so it's best to have a second opinion before I jump headlong into spending more money.
It's still a lazy day for me even if it's going to be spent indoors. There are lots of odd jobs that I could rouse myself to attend to but I'm going to remain firm and just relax. My poor old body ached yesterday from lugging heavy boxes and it told me in no uncertain terms that it wasn't up to working hard today.
I was speaking to a friend this morning and she said I'd be bored with nothing to do if I lived in an apartment but that's not so. I just have trouble fitting in a bit of housework in my day because I always have so many other projects on the go. It wouldn't be any different in an apartment except there'd be less housework getting in the way of things I'd prefer to do. I'd much rather play at my projects than dust and clean.
Speaking of which, I think I'll stop playing on the computer and go play with my Swedish weaving. Life is good!
Some of the silver earrings I've bought for resale came today and they're so pretty I may just keep a set for myself. I've been sticking mainly to selling necklaces and pendants but thought it a good idea to have a few pair of earrings on hand, too. My daughter is dropping by after work to give me her opinion before I place another order. I'm terribly impetuous so it's best to have a second opinion before I jump headlong into spending more money.
It's still a lazy day for me even if it's going to be spent indoors. There are lots of odd jobs that I could rouse myself to attend to but I'm going to remain firm and just relax. My poor old body ached yesterday from lugging heavy boxes and it told me in no uncertain terms that it wasn't up to working hard today.
I was speaking to a friend this morning and she said I'd be bored with nothing to do if I lived in an apartment but that's not so. I just have trouble fitting in a bit of housework in my day because I always have so many other projects on the go. It wouldn't be any different in an apartment except there'd be less housework getting in the way of things I'd prefer to do. I'd much rather play at my projects than dust and clean.
Speaking of which, I think I'll stop playing on the computer and go play with my Swedish weaving. Life is good!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Be Ruthless When Downsizing
I spent most of the day re-organizing my flea market stock into yard sale stock and I was forced to be quite ruthless. After the few yard sales I've had over the years I've always taken unsold merchandise to a local charity. Once out of my house, the stuff doesn't get back in.
I won't see much reduction in "stuff" in my basement until I start having some yard sales, though. This Saturday was a possiblity but it's supposed to rain. If the rain holds off I'll put out signs on the main roads to direct people to my house. I really want to have at least 3 yard sales this summer because I'm determined to do some heavy duty clearing out.
My suggestion for anyone clearing house or holding a yard sale is to be totally ruthless...you want to get rid of stuff, not make a lot of money. I've gone to a few yard sales since I got home and I'm perplexed by the high prices some people put on their merchandise. They're going to be toting a whole pile of it right back into their houses while wondering why buyers refused to pay $10 for a used footbath. I've priced almost all of my stuff at $1-$3 so it should sell well, I hope.
Once I have my yard sales organized I'll start clearing out my closets. I do this every couple of years because I have a tendency to buy too many new clothes while I'm in Florida over the winter. There are always items I thought I'd love but didn't so my daughters can have first choice and the rest will go to charity. I know I don't buy sensibly but at least I'm not squandering money on drugs. That's my reasoning and I'm sticking with it.
The carrot on the end of the stick is the knowledge that all my present possessions will not fit into the apartment I'll be moving into in a couple of years. Clearing out is not because I'm a neat freak, it's just a necessity. I don't want to end up a little old lady living in a tiny apartment with just a pathway through junk piled up to the ceiling on either side.
I'm pleased with my progress today but there's much more that needs doing. All in good time, though, because tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and warm. Perfect for lounging in the backyard and reading a good book!
I won't see much reduction in "stuff" in my basement until I start having some yard sales, though. This Saturday was a possiblity but it's supposed to rain. If the rain holds off I'll put out signs on the main roads to direct people to my house. I really want to have at least 3 yard sales this summer because I'm determined to do some heavy duty clearing out.
My suggestion for anyone clearing house or holding a yard sale is to be totally ruthless...you want to get rid of stuff, not make a lot of money. I've gone to a few yard sales since I got home and I'm perplexed by the high prices some people put on their merchandise. They're going to be toting a whole pile of it right back into their houses while wondering why buyers refused to pay $10 for a used footbath. I've priced almost all of my stuff at $1-$3 so it should sell well, I hope.
Once I have my yard sales organized I'll start clearing out my closets. I do this every couple of years because I have a tendency to buy too many new clothes while I'm in Florida over the winter. There are always items I thought I'd love but didn't so my daughters can have first choice and the rest will go to charity. I know I don't buy sensibly but at least I'm not squandering money on drugs. That's my reasoning and I'm sticking with it.
The carrot on the end of the stick is the knowledge that all my present possessions will not fit into the apartment I'll be moving into in a couple of years. Clearing out is not because I'm a neat freak, it's just a necessity. I don't want to end up a little old lady living in a tiny apartment with just a pathway through junk piled up to the ceiling on either side.
I'm pleased with my progress today but there's much more that needs doing. All in good time, though, because tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and warm. Perfect for lounging in the backyard and reading a good book!
Tamil Protests
The Tamil immigrants to Canada have been causing terrible disruptions in the lives of Toronto commuters. The way I see it is that they ran away from Sri Lanka because of the turmoil there but they are demanding that we Canadians go there and fix things. Why didn't they stay in their own country and fix it themselves?
When a battered wife shows up at a hostel, she is taken in and clothed and fed. She is given job training and other necessities of life. We don't go back to her abusive husband and turn him into a model husband. We might throw him in jail if he has broken the laws of our country. But we have no right to go into another country and subject the citizens to our laws.
It has always angered me when immigrants bring their religious or clan disagreements to Canada and expect to carry on just as they did in their homeland. The same holds true for immigrants who come to live in our peaceful country and then expect us to go over to their homeland and fight their battles for them.
If you want to change the atmosphere in your homeland, stay there and work on it yourself. If you prefer to live in a more peaceful country then come to Canada and behave yourself.
When a battered wife shows up at a hostel, she is taken in and clothed and fed. She is given job training and other necessities of life. We don't go back to her abusive husband and turn him into a model husband. We might throw him in jail if he has broken the laws of our country. But we have no right to go into another country and subject the citizens to our laws.
It has always angered me when immigrants bring their religious or clan disagreements to Canada and expect to carry on just as they did in their homeland. The same holds true for immigrants who come to live in our peaceful country and then expect us to go over to their homeland and fight their battles for them.
If you want to change the atmosphere in your homeland, stay there and work on it yourself. If you prefer to live in a more peaceful country then come to Canada and behave yourself.
Monday, May 11, 2009
U.S. Travel to Cuba
I've vacationed in Cuba 3 times and loved it less each time to the point where I'd never go back. The first time was in 1987 and that was our first offshore vacation so it was pretty thrilling for us.
At that time I found Cuba to be a marvelous country, poor but clean and safe for tourists. I was amazed at the masses of 1950's cars on the road. these old cars necessitated by the difficulty of acquiring American made cars because of the embargo on Cuba by the United States.
I was under the impression at that time that United States' airlines were forbidden to fly into Cuba but clearly remember being at the Havana airport and watching an Air Florida plane disembark their passengers. Considering that, more than 20 years later, the United States is still making headlines with talk of "finally" allowing their citizens to travel to Cuba. Hmmm!
There were plenty of Americans in Cuba in 1987, some staying at our hotel and some of whom were American soldiers on leave from Guantanamo Bay.
Our next trip to Cuba came in the early 90's but we found the country in decline. The streets were dirtier and the occasional beggar would approach you. Now the Russians were more in evidence, too, and I found them terribly boorish in their behaviour. My husband and I were in a restaurant giving our order to the waiter when a Russian man walked in, pounded his fist on his table and loudly demanded our waiter serve him first. The waiter was very nervous but did ignore him by continuing to serve us.
On our third trip to Cuba in the late 90's, this beautiful country had begun to look like a third world country. Filthy streets, open prostitution and begging, broken down cars (even taxis) along littered highways where long lines of people walked to their destinations. Granted, our trips were always to the Havana area and maybe this was where the economy was hardest hit.
There were old men staying in our supposedly upscale hotel with young Cuban girl escorts. I'd watch these disgusting men with their arms wrapped around a sad faced young girl (they usually looked no more than 15) and be furious with the situation. One large German man who appeared to be about 50 years old had one of the girls with him and saw me looking at them with anger in my eyes. He blew me a kiss. How despicable.
In 1987 I admired Castro for the progress he'd made in cleaning up his beautiful country but by the late 90's it was dreadfully apparent that his way was doing more harm than good for his citizens. Castro had done so well by providing free education and health care but that's where it seemed to have stalled. I don't know what went wrong but I do sort of blame the United States' embargo on doing business with Cuba. They were frozen out of any chance for the country to make progress.
If the United States lifts that embargo I'm sure that life in Cuba will change for the better, at least at first. Who knows what will happen in their future?
At that time I found Cuba to be a marvelous country, poor but clean and safe for tourists. I was amazed at the masses of 1950's cars on the road. these old cars necessitated by the difficulty of acquiring American made cars because of the embargo on Cuba by the United States.
I was under the impression at that time that United States' airlines were forbidden to fly into Cuba but clearly remember being at the Havana airport and watching an Air Florida plane disembark their passengers. Considering that, more than 20 years later, the United States is still making headlines with talk of "finally" allowing their citizens to travel to Cuba. Hmmm!
There were plenty of Americans in Cuba in 1987, some staying at our hotel and some of whom were American soldiers on leave from Guantanamo Bay.
Our next trip to Cuba came in the early 90's but we found the country in decline. The streets were dirtier and the occasional beggar would approach you. Now the Russians were more in evidence, too, and I found them terribly boorish in their behaviour. My husband and I were in a restaurant giving our order to the waiter when a Russian man walked in, pounded his fist on his table and loudly demanded our waiter serve him first. The waiter was very nervous but did ignore him by continuing to serve us.
On our third trip to Cuba in the late 90's, this beautiful country had begun to look like a third world country. Filthy streets, open prostitution and begging, broken down cars (even taxis) along littered highways where long lines of people walked to their destinations. Granted, our trips were always to the Havana area and maybe this was where the economy was hardest hit.
There were old men staying in our supposedly upscale hotel with young Cuban girl escorts. I'd watch these disgusting men with their arms wrapped around a sad faced young girl (they usually looked no more than 15) and be furious with the situation. One large German man who appeared to be about 50 years old had one of the girls with him and saw me looking at them with anger in my eyes. He blew me a kiss. How despicable.
In 1987 I admired Castro for the progress he'd made in cleaning up his beautiful country but by the late 90's it was dreadfully apparent that his way was doing more harm than good for his citizens. Castro had done so well by providing free education and health care but that's where it seemed to have stalled. I don't know what went wrong but I do sort of blame the United States' embargo on doing business with Cuba. They were frozen out of any chance for the country to make progress.
If the United States lifts that embargo I'm sure that life in Cuba will change for the better, at least at first. Who knows what will happen in their future?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Trying Something New
The pictures above were transferred from my scanner to the computer and it was darned difficult for me to master. I'd just about given up when my "computer person", Anna, knocked on the door for a visit. She helped lead me through the process and here is the result.Dennis and I went to China on business in 1989 and it turned out to be the most memorable trip I've ever taken in my life. It was a time when American style commercialism was just beginning to creep back in the door and we were there to see it seeded. I remember looking across Tiananmen Square and seeing on the far edge the new KFC (opened 1987) looking very out of place. When we walked on the Great Wall of China, there was a little refreshment stand part way along where Coke was being sold, too. Those were early days for the new regime.
The first picture shown is Dennis sitting astride a tethered camel on a little outcropping of land beside the great wall. Just behind the camel is a sheer drop down a cliff of possibly 1000 feet, maybe more. Can you imagine if the camel had shied away from the photographer?
The second picture is of Dennis being fined the equivalent of $3 for smoking on the great wall. I took this picture after peering through the camera lens and being shocked to see my husband standing amidst soldiers with rifles drawn while crowds of Chinese tourists screamed at the soldiers in anger. The young girl on the right was our interpreter and she had been jumping up and down in rage that soldiers would fine a Canadian tourist who had no idea he was breaking a law when he lit up his cigarette.
I just found these pictures tucked away in my computer desk and thought it would be interesting to show them on the blog.
Some of the moments in my life have been spectacular and this was one of them.
Mother's Day 2009
Today is Mother's Day and it makes me think of all the reasons I would never have wanted to go through life without my children. Personally, I can't imagine living your life without them.
I was only 17 years old when Kim was born, and totally unprepared to be a mother so I made many mistakes. But even at 17 and not having a clue how to raise this tiny miracle, I felt such a love for her that I had previously never known existed. I told my grandson who is expecting his first baby that he's about to discover a love stronger than anything else in the world.
Cindy came along when I was 19 years old and I remember worrying all through the pregnancy wondering where any more love would come from to give to her but, lo and behold, we humans are gifted with an infinite capacity for love and I loved her just as much as I did Kim.
By the time Shelley arrived when I was 23, I was an old hand at expanding the love in my heart so I knew there would be plenty for her.
I gave birth way too young the first and second time but I wouldn't change a thing because that would mean I wouldn't have my beloved Kim and Cindy in my life. And I wouldn't have the wonderful grandchildren they've given me nor the much anticipated greatgrandbaby who will arrive in July.
It hurts my heart to think of people who choose not to have children, either their own or adopted, because they'll never know the joy that comes with motherhood. You just can't imagine it until you live it. Of course there will be days you'd like to drop the little buggers off a cliff and walk away but those moments are few and far between. There will be days of cleaning up puke from a sick child and days of temper tantrums (both of the child and of you) that make you wish you'd always been celibate, but the love you feel for that child will get you through it.
I've listened to endless renditions of "my dog has fleas" on a clarinet, watched baseball games where the score ended up 72-10 (and not in Cindy's team's favor), watched endless concerts and plays (some good and some not so good), mended broken hearts, and best of all, watched the birth of one granddaughter.
Would I trade one moment of the joy my girls have brought me? Never. Would I trade one moment of the few sorrows they brought me? No, not even that because it's all a part of our lives together. We are family and we stick together.
Motherhood isn't always easy but it's always worth the trip and I wouldn't have wanted to live my life any other way.
I was only 17 years old when Kim was born, and totally unprepared to be a mother so I made many mistakes. But even at 17 and not having a clue how to raise this tiny miracle, I felt such a love for her that I had previously never known existed. I told my grandson who is expecting his first baby that he's about to discover a love stronger than anything else in the world.
Cindy came along when I was 19 years old and I remember worrying all through the pregnancy wondering where any more love would come from to give to her but, lo and behold, we humans are gifted with an infinite capacity for love and I loved her just as much as I did Kim.
By the time Shelley arrived when I was 23, I was an old hand at expanding the love in my heart so I knew there would be plenty for her.
I gave birth way too young the first and second time but I wouldn't change a thing because that would mean I wouldn't have my beloved Kim and Cindy in my life. And I wouldn't have the wonderful grandchildren they've given me nor the much anticipated greatgrandbaby who will arrive in July.
It hurts my heart to think of people who choose not to have children, either their own or adopted, because they'll never know the joy that comes with motherhood. You just can't imagine it until you live it. Of course there will be days you'd like to drop the little buggers off a cliff and walk away but those moments are few and far between. There will be days of cleaning up puke from a sick child and days of temper tantrums (both of the child and of you) that make you wish you'd always been celibate, but the love you feel for that child will get you through it.
I've listened to endless renditions of "my dog has fleas" on a clarinet, watched baseball games where the score ended up 72-10 (and not in Cindy's team's favor), watched endless concerts and plays (some good and some not so good), mended broken hearts, and best of all, watched the birth of one granddaughter.
Would I trade one moment of the joy my girls have brought me? Never. Would I trade one moment of the few sorrows they brought me? No, not even that because it's all a part of our lives together. We are family and we stick together.
Motherhood isn't always easy but it's always worth the trip and I wouldn't have wanted to live my life any other way.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Busy Business
Another busy morning arranging to rent vendor tables for my fledgling business. This is so much fun to do and, being a senior, I have lots of time to fool around with it.
Cottage industries (home based businesses) have been around forever and some of them pyramid into real businesses where you can make a darned good income. I know if I'd started working like this years ago I would have gradually fallen upon a line that would have succeeded well but I'm content with just making a tiny profit now.
I will never understand seniors who spend their golden years sitting in front of the T.V. when there are so many options available to us. It doesn't have to involve starting a business but could include volunteering, joining social clubs, researching new hobbies, etc. Our minds need to be constantly stretched with new ideas or we become boring. I may be a little nutty but I hope no-one thinks I'm boring. Heaven knows, I've got a million ideas for projects that I won't live long enough to accomplish so I'm doing all I can to keep my mind active.
I read in the newspaper this morning about a lady of 103 who is still alive and well, although at a nursing home. Oh, the stories she could tell about all those years she's lived. There is so much wisdom in the aged because they've lived it all and seen it all. The young can learn from our mistakes and they can learn from our successes. We're not just shaky, wrinkled old humans, we're encyclopedias.
My main example of what old age means came from my grandmother whom I made the big mistake of not respecting enough. Now I realize I'm very much like her in many ways and I understand her much better. She did what she could as a housewife during the depression and became a smalltime bootlegger because there weren't many options open to her. But she did open her mind to possibilities instead of sitting on her duff in front of the radio.
Nan (my way of saying Gramma) loved to laugh and was very sociable, a good quality for a bootlegger. She was generous to a fault and gave away more preserves than she sold in beer. She ruled her little apartment with an iron fist, though, and wasn't one to mess with. She was an entrepreneur in her own way just as I am in mine.
I guess what we've left and are leaving is a legacy for our progeny and it's not such a bad thing, is it?
Cottage industries (home based businesses) have been around forever and some of them pyramid into real businesses where you can make a darned good income. I know if I'd started working like this years ago I would have gradually fallen upon a line that would have succeeded well but I'm content with just making a tiny profit now.
I will never understand seniors who spend their golden years sitting in front of the T.V. when there are so many options available to us. It doesn't have to involve starting a business but could include volunteering, joining social clubs, researching new hobbies, etc. Our minds need to be constantly stretched with new ideas or we become boring. I may be a little nutty but I hope no-one thinks I'm boring. Heaven knows, I've got a million ideas for projects that I won't live long enough to accomplish so I'm doing all I can to keep my mind active.
I read in the newspaper this morning about a lady of 103 who is still alive and well, although at a nursing home. Oh, the stories she could tell about all those years she's lived. There is so much wisdom in the aged because they've lived it all and seen it all. The young can learn from our mistakes and they can learn from our successes. We're not just shaky, wrinkled old humans, we're encyclopedias.
My main example of what old age means came from my grandmother whom I made the big mistake of not respecting enough. Now I realize I'm very much like her in many ways and I understand her much better. She did what she could as a housewife during the depression and became a smalltime bootlegger because there weren't many options open to her. But she did open her mind to possibilities instead of sitting on her duff in front of the radio.
Nan (my way of saying Gramma) loved to laugh and was very sociable, a good quality for a bootlegger. She was generous to a fault and gave away more preserves than she sold in beer. She ruled her little apartment with an iron fist, though, and wasn't one to mess with. She was an entrepreneur in her own way just as I am in mine.
I guess what we've left and are leaving is a legacy for our progeny and it's not such a bad thing, is it?
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Getting Organized
Every once in a great while I throw out all the stops and organize one of my rooms or one of my projects. I spent the whole day today organizing my jewelery (for selling). I have quite a few clear plastic lidded boxes but they all seem to be just a bit too small or a bit too large...why am I not surprised? Because I happen to be the world's least organized person no matter how hard I try to be the opposite.
I rebagged each piece of jewelry and piled it into the appropriate container. I priced oddball items. I organized a small suitcase on wheels and a tote bag on wheels to accommodate the things I need to take when I'm selling this stuff. I attached bails and necklaces to tons of pendants. I ordered small diameter necklaces for tiny pendants (what I had wouldn't fit). I worked like a demon organizing everything to do with this jewelry and when I was finished...everything looked much the same as it had before, just in different boxes. For some reason I'd thought that by organizing these things they would take up less space. But no.
I'm giving myself a "9" for effort but a "2" for results.
I rebagged each piece of jewelry and piled it into the appropriate container. I priced oddball items. I organized a small suitcase on wheels and a tote bag on wheels to accommodate the things I need to take when I'm selling this stuff. I attached bails and necklaces to tons of pendants. I ordered small diameter necklaces for tiny pendants (what I had wouldn't fit). I worked like a demon organizing everything to do with this jewelry and when I was finished...everything looked much the same as it had before, just in different boxes. For some reason I'd thought that by organizing these things they would take up less space. But no.
I'm giving myself a "9" for effort but a "2" for results.
Family
We had a great time yesterday at Don's birthday. I had invited myself because I felt so comfortable with this bunch of in-laws. I like them all!
My niece wrote a comment on my last blog saying in essence that, with our family, we welcome everyone with open arms whether they are family or not. It isn't always that way with every family but it is with ours. You are welcome as long as you do no harm.
I can think of a few people we welcomed into our family fold that we discovered later were pariahs. This has rarely happened so it hasn't soured us in any way about drawing newcomers in. In fact, it's the newcomers who season the pot and keep family gatherings interesting. It goes without saying that baby newcomers are greeted with special reverence.
With every newcomer to the family comes a whole new batch of in-laws, all widening our family pool of characters. When in a large group of this extended family, I sometimes have a hard time describing my own relationship to them but it doesn't really matter. They are "family" in one way or another.
When I'm in Florida I'm mainly surrounded by people who are not in any way related to me but have become such good friends that I wish they were. We do become a family of sorts because we hang out with each other constantly. This is another example of how we expand our family by regularly welcoming newcomers. It's infinite.
It's a big world out there, full of interesting and darned nice people. Marry into the family or just walk into it...you're welcome!
My niece wrote a comment on my last blog saying in essence that, with our family, we welcome everyone with open arms whether they are family or not. It isn't always that way with every family but it is with ours. You are welcome as long as you do no harm.
I can think of a few people we welcomed into our family fold that we discovered later were pariahs. This has rarely happened so it hasn't soured us in any way about drawing newcomers in. In fact, it's the newcomers who season the pot and keep family gatherings interesting. It goes without saying that baby newcomers are greeted with special reverence.
With every newcomer to the family comes a whole new batch of in-laws, all widening our family pool of characters. When in a large group of this extended family, I sometimes have a hard time describing my own relationship to them but it doesn't really matter. They are "family" in one way or another.
When I'm in Florida I'm mainly surrounded by people who are not in any way related to me but have become such good friends that I wish they were. We do become a family of sorts because we hang out with each other constantly. This is another example of how we expand our family by regularly welcoming newcomers. It's infinite.
It's a big world out there, full of interesting and darned nice people. Marry into the family or just walk into it...you're welcome!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Birthdays
Today is my ex-sister-in-law's husband's 75th birthday. Don doesn't look anywhere near his age and still rides his horse regularly. Old age isn't quite what it used to be a generation ago.
His wife has planned a birthday celebration dinner which included Don's 3 brothers and their wives but I conveniently invited myself, something I never do but had the nerve to do this time. Mary's in-laws are mine in a way because she married my sister-in-law's in-law. Figure that one out.
I don't think our family is much different than any other's just because we have had divorces and remarriages crossing family lines. They aren't blood lines so everything is on the up and up.
I'm lucky in that I have terrific in-laws that I enjoy being with. The extended families of my in-laws are also good friends so the fun goes on into infinity. No wonder I praise the strength of good family connections!
In any case, today is Don's 75th birthday and I wish him the best.
His wife has planned a birthday celebration dinner which included Don's 3 brothers and their wives but I conveniently invited myself, something I never do but had the nerve to do this time. Mary's in-laws are mine in a way because she married my sister-in-law's in-law. Figure that one out.
I don't think our family is much different than any other's just because we have had divorces and remarriages crossing family lines. They aren't blood lines so everything is on the up and up.
I'm lucky in that I have terrific in-laws that I enjoy being with. The extended families of my in-laws are also good friends so the fun goes on into infinity. No wonder I praise the strength of good family connections!
In any case, today is Don's 75th birthday and I wish him the best.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Making Business Cards
Since I don't have the Word program that Anna does and this was still my "do nothing" day, I thought it might be a good idea to just copy the two pages of card design that I have. It works but, since I'm using a few colors other than white for the business cards, some look better than others. The main thing is that using the copier works.
I now have a few hundred cards for Kim to slice out for me. Sorry, Kim.
I now have a few hundred cards for Kim to slice out for me. Sorry, Kim.
Lazy Day
I think the only thing I did today that was worthwhile was to work a few hours on the Swedish weaving afghan I'm making for my neighbor. It was one of those lovely days when nothing much needed doing and that's what I did...nothing much! I'll post a picture of the afghan when it's done. They're all different and they're all beautiful.
We all need a few do nothing days and we need to be able to recognize them when they come up. Foolish people would think, "Good, this will give me time to catch up on a few things that don't really need doing yet", but the smart person says, "Great, a do nothing day meant for relaxing".
Last night sweet Anna brought her laptop over and hooked it up to my printer. She proceeded to spend hours selecting designs and printing up almost 200 business cards for me. I felt so bad that it took as long as it did because she's a busy, working lady with a good heart. Apparently I need Word on my own computer to make the cards and I don't have it. I guess I'll have to find an alternative because I can't be tying up Anna's time like this.
The cards are for my new interest, selling jewelry (American spelling that we decided to go with). I have to get mostly out of the flea market business because toting those darned boxes of items is becoming increasingly energy draining on my part. The jewelry is beautiful and lightweight. Selling it involves me having to deal directly with the public and I've always hated that but I've obviously had an about turn in attitude because I'm even going to attempt home parties. If I'd had this attitude when I was younger (that I can try anything) I'd probably be a richer lady today. Anyway, I'm looking forward to trying out this new venture.
But there are still a few hours left in my "lazy day" and I intend to enjoy them.
We all need a few do nothing days and we need to be able to recognize them when they come up. Foolish people would think, "Good, this will give me time to catch up on a few things that don't really need doing yet", but the smart person says, "Great, a do nothing day meant for relaxing".
Last night sweet Anna brought her laptop over and hooked it up to my printer. She proceeded to spend hours selecting designs and printing up almost 200 business cards for me. I felt so bad that it took as long as it did because she's a busy, working lady with a good heart. Apparently I need Word on my own computer to make the cards and I don't have it. I guess I'll have to find an alternative because I can't be tying up Anna's time like this.
The cards are for my new interest, selling jewelry (American spelling that we decided to go with). I have to get mostly out of the flea market business because toting those darned boxes of items is becoming increasingly energy draining on my part. The jewelry is beautiful and lightweight. Selling it involves me having to deal directly with the public and I've always hated that but I've obviously had an about turn in attitude because I'm even going to attempt home parties. If I'd had this attitude when I was younger (that I can try anything) I'd probably be a richer lady today. Anyway, I'm looking forward to trying out this new venture.
But there are still a few hours left in my "lazy day" and I intend to enjoy them.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Brothers
I watched the camaraderie between my two oldest grandsons last night and wondered why they often show their affection for each other by physical punishment. I think they really hurt each other with those pokes and punches but they laugh through their pain. There is no question that they love each other dearly but this is one of the ways they show it. Strange.
It got me thinking about the way women show their affection for each other. We joke about personal things that we know about the woman or her shortcomings just to embarrass her but there is a limit. It never reaches a cutting edge. Women rarely whack each other. We usually hug but you seldom see brothers hugging.
Men like to give nuggies (hard rubs on the head) to each other and we know that's an expression of affection. These are things they started as children but never grew out of as adults. Now I'm trying to remember the last time I saw a senior man give a nuggie...no, they must eventually outgrow the custom.
Men learn early that they can't manhandle a female to show affection in the same way they do their friends so they are capable of understanding that physical violence isn't always the way to go. Knocking a friend or brother around is acceptable somehow because no-one seems to complain. They just yell in pain and then laugh it off, waiting for their own chance to retaliate in kind. Strange.
In the case of my battling grandsons, it's almost nice to see how they acted with each other last night because it was so obviously affection. I remember when they were just young boys and those pokes and punches were for a different reason. Nick couldn't stand Matt when they were little kids because he was a pest and he'd batter him for real. At least now the battering is out of love. Isn't it???
It got me thinking about the way women show their affection for each other. We joke about personal things that we know about the woman or her shortcomings just to embarrass her but there is a limit. It never reaches a cutting edge. Women rarely whack each other. We usually hug but you seldom see brothers hugging.
Men like to give nuggies (hard rubs on the head) to each other and we know that's an expression of affection. These are things they started as children but never grew out of as adults. Now I'm trying to remember the last time I saw a senior man give a nuggie...no, they must eventually outgrow the custom.
Men learn early that they can't manhandle a female to show affection in the same way they do their friends so they are capable of understanding that physical violence isn't always the way to go. Knocking a friend or brother around is acceptable somehow because no-one seems to complain. They just yell in pain and then laugh it off, waiting for their own chance to retaliate in kind. Strange.
In the case of my battling grandsons, it's almost nice to see how they acted with each other last night because it was so obviously affection. I remember when they were just young boys and those pokes and punches were for a different reason. Nick couldn't stand Matt when they were little kids because he was a pest and he'd batter him for real. At least now the battering is out of love. Isn't it???
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Moving In
I lucked out and didn't have to help my daughter move into her new house yesterday but I did get to go to the victory dinner. The house is an older townhouse but it has tons of room and possibilities for her and it's in a great area. I walked in to find the whole family crew sitting in the livingroom and only two looked as though they were worn out...my two eldest daughters. Their grown kids and a girlfriend looked as though they had plenty of stamina left to go out and party. My daughters (sorry, ladies) looked like death.
After a tour of the house we left for dinner at Jack Astors. The dinner was fine but this is where my granddaughter began to fade so we didn't dawdle after we finished eating. The men and the girlfriend were holding up well but I bet my 3 ladies hit the sack before dark.
This morning I'll be helping get the kitchen in order but that doesn't involve much lifting so I'm assuming it won't wear me out. I know if I'd been involved in carrying all that stuff into the house yesterday I probably wouldn't even be walking today.
I know I'm too old for the heavy stuff but my daughters are just reaching the age when this discovery will come to them also.
After a tour of the house we left for dinner at Jack Astors. The dinner was fine but this is where my granddaughter began to fade so we didn't dawdle after we finished eating. The men and the girlfriend were holding up well but I bet my 3 ladies hit the sack before dark.
This morning I'll be helping get the kitchen in order but that doesn't involve much lifting so I'm assuming it won't wear me out. I know if I'd been involved in carrying all that stuff into the house yesterday I probably wouldn't even be walking today.
I know I'm too old for the heavy stuff but my daughters are just reaching the age when this discovery will come to them also.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Moving Closer
My middle daughter separated from her husband about 1 1/2 years ago and moved over an hour's drive away from our main family. It's not a world away but it meant we saw her less often than we wanted to and I felt as though she'd somehow abandoned us. I felt this even though I completely understood her wanting to put a few miles between us so she could start her new life fresh without the constant reminder of what she'd left behind.
Today she moved back close to us again and I'm so happy she has. It's as though she knows where she belongs and where she'll receive the most support...and that is near her family. Things are going well for her right now...nice job, nice home, and close ties to her family. She took a circuitous route but she's back and that's the important thing.
I mentioned to my eldest daughter that, over the years, I'd often thought of running away from the problem of the moment but circumstances stood in my way. If I had run away it would have been to British Columbia so I really do understand my daughter's need to get at least an hour's drive from home when she left.
Putting a little distance between yourself and your problems can be all it takes to be able to look at them clearly. My daughter spent her time putting her life back together and she's done it very well.
Today she moved back close to us again and I'm so happy she has. It's as though she knows where she belongs and where she'll receive the most support...and that is near her family. Things are going well for her right now...nice job, nice home, and close ties to her family. She took a circuitous route but she's back and that's the important thing.
I mentioned to my eldest daughter that, over the years, I'd often thought of running away from the problem of the moment but circumstances stood in my way. If I had run away it would have been to British Columbia so I really do understand my daughter's need to get at least an hour's drive from home when she left.
Putting a little distance between yourself and your problems can be all it takes to be able to look at them clearly. My daughter spent her time putting her life back together and she's done it very well.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Swine Flu Furor
I'm a little confused about the media coverage and the hysteria associated with Swine Flu. The news reports today stated that there have been 51 mild cases reported in Canada so far. Think about it...51 cases of mild flu in the past few weeks. How many Canadians have been diagnosed with cancer or some other deadly disease in the past few days, let alone weeks? How many people world wide have been diagnosed with cancer today alone?
The way I look at it, you have a darned good chance of surviving the flu but cancer is a hard illness to beat. Why isn't there a bigger outcry about the increasing number of people diagnosed with cancer? Is it because we'd have to face the fact that the chemicals that surround us are what's causing it? Think how many big businesses would go belly up if we removed all chemicals from use. There are noxious and poisonous chemicals in the food we eat, the furniture we live with, the grass we relax on, the products we clean with...and the list is endless.
Speaking of chemicals...I went out looking for weed killer and ended up buying Roundup again. I guess it's chemical composition is changed now and it doesn't work very well. One less chemical in our lives plus a few more weeds isn't the end of the world, is it?
One more chemical in your happy meal could cause you to grow another head, though.
The way I look at it, you have a darned good chance of surviving the flu but cancer is a hard illness to beat. Why isn't there a bigger outcry about the increasing number of people diagnosed with cancer? Is it because we'd have to face the fact that the chemicals that surround us are what's causing it? Think how many big businesses would go belly up if we removed all chemicals from use. There are noxious and poisonous chemicals in the food we eat, the furniture we live with, the grass we relax on, the products we clean with...and the list is endless.
Speaking of chemicals...I went out looking for weed killer and ended up buying Roundup again. I guess it's chemical composition is changed now and it doesn't work very well. One less chemical in our lives plus a few more weeds isn't the end of the world, is it?
One more chemical in your happy meal could cause you to grow another head, though.
Evening With the Impersonators
Mary, Faye, and I went to our annual end of April impersonator show last night and had another wonderful time. We went early to a favorite restaurant which doesn't take reservations and managed to get a table this year, too. I'm always surprised at how much we still have to talk and laugh about but we really enjoy our time together.
It was pouring rain and that sort of put a damper (no pun intended)on our enjoying the downtown walk. The trees are all in blossom and I'm sure it looks lovely down there in the daytime.
Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, and the BeeGees were well impersonated by the talented singers who entertained us. A lot of women stood up and danced to the music which was fine except if you were the poor souls who had to sit behind them. One woman ran up on the stage dancing all over the place and wouldn't get down until the singer pointedly ignored her. The music did make you want to move, though, so I sort of understood her misguided enthusiasm.
While we were waiting in the lobby for the show to start, a newspaper photographer was busy taking pictures of the people standing around. We joked about going up and asking them if they were somebody important. Soon he wandered over to the table where we were sitting and sipping wine and askedif he could take our picture.
"Sure", we yelped and quickly huddled together to pose for him. Now we were "somebody important", too!! It's supposed to be printed in the newspaper so I hope it makes it.
We've already made plans to repeat this evening again next year.
It was pouring rain and that sort of put a damper (no pun intended)on our enjoying the downtown walk. The trees are all in blossom and I'm sure it looks lovely down there in the daytime.
Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, and the BeeGees were well impersonated by the talented singers who entertained us. A lot of women stood up and danced to the music which was fine except if you were the poor souls who had to sit behind them. One woman ran up on the stage dancing all over the place and wouldn't get down until the singer pointedly ignored her. The music did make you want to move, though, so I sort of understood her misguided enthusiasm.
While we were waiting in the lobby for the show to start, a newspaper photographer was busy taking pictures of the people standing around. We joked about going up and asking them if they were somebody important. Soon he wandered over to the table where we were sitting and sipping wine and askedif he could take our picture.
"Sure", we yelped and quickly huddled together to pose for him. Now we were "somebody important", too!! It's supposed to be printed in the newspaper so I hope it makes it.
We've already made plans to repeat this evening again next year.
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