As I sat tonight enjoying a glass of Limoncello, left by grandson Matt a few months ago, I started thinking about defining moments.
There is the defining moment when you know you're in love and there is also the defining moment when you know you aren't.
There is also the defining moment when you realize that you won't live forever or that your life is about to end.
There will be many defining moments in your life but none as wrenching as the ones I just mentioned. In between all of these moments are fillers, either happiness, sadness, or any of the other emotions we are able to experience. You'll lose or gain friends, spend empty days or days too filled with unwanted work. But they're just fillers.
The important days are the ones when you fall in or out of love, or accept your mortality. They are the true defining moments of anyone's life.
Of course, this could just be the Limoncello talking.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sharon's Afghan
I finally finished Sharon's Swedish weaving afghan and it's huge...picture 2 shows only 1/4 of the full size. The color is more peach and salmon than the pink tones shown in the pictures, too. I've been working on this off and on since I got home in April so it's nice to have it finished in time for the cool weather of autumn.My next project is a tablecloth for myself. I spent ages trying to get the fabric squared but I think I'll have to do some more tweaking before it's ready. The fabric color is pale beige and I'd planned to use my favorite golden beige yarn but there isn't enough so I'll use what I have and weave in some soft green along with it.
Sharon's afghan consisted of about 2 1/2 yards of fabric but the tablecloth will be approximately 1 1/4 yards, much less fabric to wrestle with while I'm weaving the yarn through it. This will be an easy project to play around with for the next 2 months.
More on Politically Incorrect Words
Apparently it isn't only Ireland that feels threatened by common words but also my little old city right here in Canada. I was driving along yesterday and saw a barrier around what we used to call a "manhole". There was a sign that warned people to use caution because the "hole" was open.
I can just see words like manhole, mankind, manners, manikin, and even human, being deleted from our language because some government bureaucrat has made the momentous decision that they threaten the equality of women. Be prepared.
Just a thought, but I've never once in my life seen a woman climb in or out of a manhole and maybe that's why it is called a "manhole".
I can just see words like manhole, mankind, manners, manikin, and even human, being deleted from our language because some government bureaucrat has made the momentous decision that they threaten the equality of women. Be prepared.
Just a thought, but I've never once in my life seen a woman climb in or out of a manhole and maybe that's why it is called a "manhole".
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Forbidden Words
I saw a list of words and phrases which will no longer be allowed for use by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Association (originally thought that CNN was referring to U.S. government workers). At first, I thought it was a joke but apparently it's true. What's frightening about this is that a small group of influential people in the population can make a decision like this and it will definitely influence public opinion until we all think alike. We should all be wary of the power of outside influences.
"Blacklist" and "black mark" are forbidden. I'm assuming that this is because they somehow denigrate the black population but has anyone ever associated these words with a skin color? Not me.
A phrase which has been deemed unsuitable is "whiter than white". Again I'm assuming that this somehow is supposed to insult a skin color but I'm not sure which one. Personally, I associate this phrase with getting my white clothes as clean as possible.
Bureaucrats love to play with our minds and they've really done it this time. You should be very careful when forbidding words or even books because you are, in essence, toying with our freedom of speech. It's a way of attempting to control the masses and the sad thing is that it works.
I remember when dark skinned people were referred to as negroes but then that became unsuitable and we were told to refer to them as "blacks". That was okay for a while and then we were told that the socially acceptable phrase had become "African Americans". That's where I dug in my heels and decided that "black" was perfectly okay since my race was referred to as "white" and I'd never been offended by that. So, until every person on earth is referred to by their distant ethnic affiliation, I will remain a white lady (actually a pale, freckled lady) and not be called an "Irish/English/? Canadian". I like to joke that I'm a mongrel and I find no shame in that. We are what we are.
We already know that skin color is of no importance so why do bureaucrats think that by eliminating common words from our speech we'll be less race conscious? I'm aware that the person I'm speaking to is pale and freckled or has a nice tan but so what? I'm also aware if they're male or female and if they're young or old. There are physical differences in everyone that we take notice of but that isn't a terrible thing.
My favorite comedian, Russell Peters, said that one day everyone will be beige and I thought that was probably true and pretty funny at first. Then I thought about how boring that would be. It would probably make the bureaucrats very happy to see everyone looking like little mirror images of one another, speaking the same politically correct language, and marching around like robots but what kind of world would that be? Heaven forbid the day when someone gets the idea that we should all be the same sex!
I say we should not allow the bureaucrats or the bleeding heart liberals to destroy our diversity. They have no right to erase our individuality unless we give it to them and I'm digging in my heels.
"Blacklist" and "black mark" are forbidden. I'm assuming that this is because they somehow denigrate the black population but has anyone ever associated these words with a skin color? Not me.
A phrase which has been deemed unsuitable is "whiter than white". Again I'm assuming that this somehow is supposed to insult a skin color but I'm not sure which one. Personally, I associate this phrase with getting my white clothes as clean as possible.
Bureaucrats love to play with our minds and they've really done it this time. You should be very careful when forbidding words or even books because you are, in essence, toying with our freedom of speech. It's a way of attempting to control the masses and the sad thing is that it works.
I remember when dark skinned people were referred to as negroes but then that became unsuitable and we were told to refer to them as "blacks". That was okay for a while and then we were told that the socially acceptable phrase had become "African Americans". That's where I dug in my heels and decided that "black" was perfectly okay since my race was referred to as "white" and I'd never been offended by that. So, until every person on earth is referred to by their distant ethnic affiliation, I will remain a white lady (actually a pale, freckled lady) and not be called an "Irish/English/? Canadian". I like to joke that I'm a mongrel and I find no shame in that. We are what we are.
We already know that skin color is of no importance so why do bureaucrats think that by eliminating common words from our speech we'll be less race conscious? I'm aware that the person I'm speaking to is pale and freckled or has a nice tan but so what? I'm also aware if they're male or female and if they're young or old. There are physical differences in everyone that we take notice of but that isn't a terrible thing.
My favorite comedian, Russell Peters, said that one day everyone will be beige and I thought that was probably true and pretty funny at first. Then I thought about how boring that would be. It would probably make the bureaucrats very happy to see everyone looking like little mirror images of one another, speaking the same politically correct language, and marching around like robots but what kind of world would that be? Heaven forbid the day when someone gets the idea that we should all be the same sex!
I say we should not allow the bureaucrats or the bleeding heart liberals to destroy our diversity. They have no right to erase our individuality unless we give it to them and I'm digging in my heels.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Bailey & Baker (alias Yip & Yap)
Bailey and Baker are staying with Gramma while their mother, Kim, goes away on the "cousins" weekend. Kim bought a lovely, plush cushion for her babies' cage and just look who took it over...prima dona Baker!I leave the door to the cage open all day so that either of the dogs can go in and out at will because I don't want them traumatized when I lock them in there at night. Kim had barely driven out of the driveway when Baker spread out on the new cushion, staking out her claim. It doesn't matter now because Baily prefers to be close to me.
I hope Baker gives poor Bailey a bit of room in there tonight, though.
Educating the Girls
There are still societies so backward in this world that they forbid educating their females. We don't have to even wonder what their motives are because any woman can tell you that lack of education makes them more vulnerable to exploitation.
This was the same idea that slave owners had...forbid the slaves from receiving an education because they might discover that no-one had the right to own them. By making it a crime for females to receive an education, the men of that society guaranteed that their women would be under their control for their entire lives.
There can never be too much education for anyone. The more you learn, the more you question and research, and the more you refuse to be manipulated. An educated slave will not remain a slave very long.
In these old societies where the girls are forbidden schooling, there are the few who bravely sneak behind the oppressors and are able to study. They face dire consequences if their actions are discovered but the need to learn is stronger than their fear of discovery. I admire them immensely for their bravery. We females in developed countries can't imagine being treated this way but we haven't reached complete equality with men yet so we shouldn't be too complacent. Just look at the leaders of our country and see how few women are among them. Look at the CEO's of large corporations and see how the vast majority are men. We still have miles to go but equality isn't too far in the future for us.
The human spirit is strong and we have a deep yearning for justice. There is no justice in attempting to keep half the population uneducated so the backward societies will sooner or later wither and die. It can't be soon enough.
This was the same idea that slave owners had...forbid the slaves from receiving an education because they might discover that no-one had the right to own them. By making it a crime for females to receive an education, the men of that society guaranteed that their women would be under their control for their entire lives.
There can never be too much education for anyone. The more you learn, the more you question and research, and the more you refuse to be manipulated. An educated slave will not remain a slave very long.
In these old societies where the girls are forbidden schooling, there are the few who bravely sneak behind the oppressors and are able to study. They face dire consequences if their actions are discovered but the need to learn is stronger than their fear of discovery. I admire them immensely for their bravery. We females in developed countries can't imagine being treated this way but we haven't reached complete equality with men yet so we shouldn't be too complacent. Just look at the leaders of our country and see how few women are among them. Look at the CEO's of large corporations and see how the vast majority are men. We still have miles to go but equality isn't too far in the future for us.
The human spirit is strong and we have a deep yearning for justice. There is no justice in attempting to keep half the population uneducated so the backward societies will sooner or later wither and die. It can't be soon enough.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
My Kameez Salwar
I picked up my kameez salwar yesterday and am trying to get up the nerve to wear it out today. I love it! It is the most comfortable piece of clothing imaginable and it's pretty but it still looks slightly like pyjamas and that's what makes me a little hesitant to wear it outside.
The fabric pattern I chose isn't traditionally used for Indian clothing but I don't think this should matter. If anything, it just looks a little more modern but that's just in my own eyes. It has a sort of tie-dye look and I don't want Indians to look at me and wonder what the heck I've done to disgrace their clothing style.
Anyway, I'm wearing it around the house this morning (comfort!!) and will decide later on whether I should wear it to St. Jacob's with Mary and Carly.
My next purchase of a kameez salwar will be using their more jazzy fabric and that will be what I wear to the New Year's party in Florida.
The fabric pattern I chose isn't traditionally used for Indian clothing but I don't think this should matter. If anything, it just looks a little more modern but that's just in my own eyes. It has a sort of tie-dye look and I don't want Indians to look at me and wonder what the heck I've done to disgrace their clothing style.
Anyway, I'm wearing it around the house this morning (comfort!!) and will decide later on whether I should wear it to St. Jacob's with Mary and Carly.
My next purchase of a kameez salwar will be using their more jazzy fabric and that will be what I wear to the New Year's party in Florida.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Torn
I got some bad news today and I'm very torn about how I feel. A lady who had started out as a friend and then deteriorated into a non-friend is very ill but her history made me wonder if the story was actually true and that makes me a little uncomfortable.
Because of the nature of her illness, I would like to contact her and wish her well but I don't want to renew our friendship. That would be hypocritical of me and I need to be honest with myself. Still, an act of kindness is always the right thing to do.
We all go through these processes of personal relationships every day. We open up freely to those we love and trust and we open up in varying degrees to others in our lives. We don't treat people on the periphery of our affections as though they were bosom friends. It's a song and dance we practice to keep order in our lives.
I guess I'm feeling guilty for disliking a person who is seriously ill. That's the long and short of it and I'm having trouble making sense of it in my mind. It's okay to dislike a person if they're well and being a pain in the ass but not if they're possibly dying. This has been praying on my mind all day and, by writing this blog, I've finally reached a solution. I'll phone her and wish her well because it is the truth.
Because of the nature of her illness, I would like to contact her and wish her well but I don't want to renew our friendship. That would be hypocritical of me and I need to be honest with myself. Still, an act of kindness is always the right thing to do.
We all go through these processes of personal relationships every day. We open up freely to those we love and trust and we open up in varying degrees to others in our lives. We don't treat people on the periphery of our affections as though they were bosom friends. It's a song and dance we practice to keep order in our lives.
I guess I'm feeling guilty for disliking a person who is seriously ill. That's the long and short of it and I'm having trouble making sense of it in my mind. It's okay to dislike a person if they're well and being a pain in the ass but not if they're possibly dying. This has been praying on my mind all day and, by writing this blog, I've finally reached a solution. I'll phone her and wish her well because it is the truth.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Grilling Terrorists
What I hear on the news these days is that bleeding heart liberals are distressed with the way terrorists and suspected terrorists were interrogated after 9/11. The interrogators were pretty rough on the terrorists and used psychological means to extract information. So what?
We've all seen the devastation of 9/11 on T.V. when terrorists comandeered airplanes and flew them into the twin towers in New York. How many innocent people lost their lives that day? How many families lost their loved ones because of fanatic terrorists whose only mission was to murder as many Americans as possible? So the grilling was rough...and with damn good reason.
It's been almost 8 years since that terrible day and part of the reason is that the United States military have done their job. They may have made a few mistakes along the way but they are human beings and doing the best they can to protect their citizens.
Short of physical torture, I say they should use all means possible to make certain we never face a 9/11 again. Do bleeding heart liberals expect an interrogator to politely ask a terrorist, "Did you commit these atrocities?", and blindly believe the "no" answer? It doesn't make sense.
Fanatics are not rational human beings. They are extremely dangerous and it would be foolhardy to treat them with kid gloves. I don't believe for a second that American Intelligence has imprisoned innocent people in this case and I fervently believe that our world is safer because of their dilligence.
We've all seen the devastation of 9/11 on T.V. when terrorists comandeered airplanes and flew them into the twin towers in New York. How many innocent people lost their lives that day? How many families lost their loved ones because of fanatic terrorists whose only mission was to murder as many Americans as possible? So the grilling was rough...and with damn good reason.
It's been almost 8 years since that terrible day and part of the reason is that the United States military have done their job. They may have made a few mistakes along the way but they are human beings and doing the best they can to protect their citizens.
Short of physical torture, I say they should use all means possible to make certain we never face a 9/11 again. Do bleeding heart liberals expect an interrogator to politely ask a terrorist, "Did you commit these atrocities?", and blindly believe the "no" answer? It doesn't make sense.
Fanatics are not rational human beings. They are extremely dangerous and it would be foolhardy to treat them with kid gloves. I don't believe for a second that American Intelligence has imprisoned innocent people in this case and I fervently believe that our world is safer because of their dilligence.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Changing Interests
I tend to go whole hog into the interest of the moment. When I became interested in flea marketing about 6 or 7 years ago, I jumped in with both feet and enjoyed it completely...the yard saleing for merchandise, pricing and cataloguing, boxing and transporting, and I adored picking up the money from sales every couple of weeks. In the first few years, the flea market sales paid for the year's lot rent on our Florida trailer but the past few years have ended up costing me money and that's when the whole process started to bore me.
Today I closed down operations and it was sort of sad to see it end. The people who run the flea market have been very good to me over the years and I promised to keep going out there at least to shop. It's a case of all good things having to come to an end one day and today was the day.
Last year I started buying glass and sterling jewelry from China, India, and the U.S. for resale. This doesn't involve much effort on my part, either in the purchasing or storing so that's a good thing. The very best part of my new interest is that my daughters have shown a desire to participate and that's a marvelously good thing.
I'm thinking that this just might be my last adventure in buying and selling. This is as small scale as I can imagine and the stuff is so darned pretty. It takes almost no space in the house and, since I sell it directly to the customer, I don't need much in packaging materials, either. I have half a dozen selling venues for 2010 and they're only 1 day each so it isn't a tiring hobby. It's actually perfect for this time in my life.
I've got tons of great quilting fabrics stored in totes and that's something I'd love to get back to next year but maybe make wall hangings instead of bed quilts. I've always admired handcrafts and appreciated the work put into them. Creating something beautiful and useful from scraps gives one a great feeling of accomplishment.
There's a time in my future when I'll be living in an apartment and not able to winter in Florida but I'll never be bored. I have too many interests of the moment and, better still, interests yet to come.
Today I closed down operations and it was sort of sad to see it end. The people who run the flea market have been very good to me over the years and I promised to keep going out there at least to shop. It's a case of all good things having to come to an end one day and today was the day.
Last year I started buying glass and sterling jewelry from China, India, and the U.S. for resale. This doesn't involve much effort on my part, either in the purchasing or storing so that's a good thing. The very best part of my new interest is that my daughters have shown a desire to participate and that's a marvelously good thing.
I'm thinking that this just might be my last adventure in buying and selling. This is as small scale as I can imagine and the stuff is so darned pretty. It takes almost no space in the house and, since I sell it directly to the customer, I don't need much in packaging materials, either. I have half a dozen selling venues for 2010 and they're only 1 day each so it isn't a tiring hobby. It's actually perfect for this time in my life.
I've got tons of great quilting fabrics stored in totes and that's something I'd love to get back to next year but maybe make wall hangings instead of bed quilts. I've always admired handcrafts and appreciated the work put into them. Creating something beautiful and useful from scraps gives one a great feeling of accomplishment.
There's a time in my future when I'll be living in an apartment and not able to winter in Florida but I'll never be bored. I have too many interests of the moment and, better still, interests yet to come.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
More Rain
Apparently this year hasn't set a record for rainfall in my area but I can't remember a rainier one. There are a few benefits from all of this rain....the plants are growing like crazy and no-one has a burnt lawn. Other than that, we've had too many flooded basements and ruined vacation plans for many.
The weather rules our lives, doesn't it? We tend to complain about the heat, the cold, too much rain, or too little rain. We don't like shovelling snow, either. When we get those relatively few perfect days it sets our nerves on edge because we don't quite believe it's really happening. Surely there must be a horrendous and devastating storm lurking just beyond the horizon, right?
When I'm in Florida for the winter, I get to enjoy one perfect day after another with the odd not so perfect one. I still worry that there's something bad (like a tornado or hurricane) just waiting offshore to spring on us when we least expect it, though.
Right now my yard is sopping wet from the latest rainfall that roared through here this afternoon. The grass is emerald green and the flowers are lush and full of color. Everything looks clean. Maybe all this rain isn't so bad when you think about it.
The weather rules our lives, doesn't it? We tend to complain about the heat, the cold, too much rain, or too little rain. We don't like shovelling snow, either. When we get those relatively few perfect days it sets our nerves on edge because we don't quite believe it's really happening. Surely there must be a horrendous and devastating storm lurking just beyond the horizon, right?
When I'm in Florida for the winter, I get to enjoy one perfect day after another with the odd not so perfect one. I still worry that there's something bad (like a tornado or hurricane) just waiting offshore to spring on us when we least expect it, though.
Right now my yard is sopping wet from the latest rainfall that roared through here this afternoon. The grass is emerald green and the flowers are lush and full of color. Everything looks clean. Maybe all this rain isn't so bad when you think about it.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Night Away
I'm realizing more and more what a homebody I am. I yearn to travel and see new things but I don't want to leave my home to do it. Very unreasonable of me, isn't it?
Yesterday Faye and Gary took me to visit and stay overnight at Gary's brother and sister-in-law's house. I love these people and always enjoy their company. They have the supreme gift of making their guests feel welcome and cared about.
We spent the afternoon and part of the evening at an auction. I love auctions because it's interesting to see what prices the items will bring and it's also a place to occasionally get terrific bargains. I didn't buy anything yesterday but the rest of them did, especially Pat & Ken because they sell on Ebay.
It was getting dark when we left the auction to go to a family restaurant for dinner. Dinner was fabulous, by the way, and I'm just sorry the restaurant is so far away from my home. We got back to Pat & Ken's around 10 P.M. and settled down with glasses of wine and nice conversation. P&K's home is like a Coca Cola museum because it's so filled with the Coke memorabilia they collect and occasionally sell.
2 glasses of wine later and we were all ready to go to bed and I did sleep fairly well. Sleeping in a strange bed, no matter how comfortable, often gives me a sleepless night but maybe the wine helped soothe me.
This morning we sat out on the deck drinking coffee and enjoying the gorgeous weather...warm and breezy. It was going to be one of those rare, perfect summer days we haven't had enough of this summer. Ken cooked us all breakfast about mid morning and then we went for a walk around the campground. P&K live in a huge mobile home with many additions which is permanently situated in a campground. Most of the dwellings are permanent cottages but they do allow some transient trailers in the summer. It's one of those places where you could stay 11 months of the year if necessary but the park must close for 1 month. P&K spend 6 months of the winter in Florida so their summer home meets all of their needs. It's a lovely place and I'd consider moving there if it wasn't so far away from my family.
We spent most of the rest of the day on the deck eating and drinking (some wine but mostly water) and chatting. It was so pleasant being with these good and interesting people, feeling the warmth of a summer day with the added bonus of a steady breeze. Who could ask for more?
By 4:30 P.M., Faye, Gary, and I packed our stuff in the car and headed back home. It had been a lovely little getaway but I was very happy to be back in my own house once again. There's no place like home.
Yesterday Faye and Gary took me to visit and stay overnight at Gary's brother and sister-in-law's house. I love these people and always enjoy their company. They have the supreme gift of making their guests feel welcome and cared about.
We spent the afternoon and part of the evening at an auction. I love auctions because it's interesting to see what prices the items will bring and it's also a place to occasionally get terrific bargains. I didn't buy anything yesterday but the rest of them did, especially Pat & Ken because they sell on Ebay.
It was getting dark when we left the auction to go to a family restaurant for dinner. Dinner was fabulous, by the way, and I'm just sorry the restaurant is so far away from my home. We got back to Pat & Ken's around 10 P.M. and settled down with glasses of wine and nice conversation. P&K's home is like a Coca Cola museum because it's so filled with the Coke memorabilia they collect and occasionally sell.
2 glasses of wine later and we were all ready to go to bed and I did sleep fairly well. Sleeping in a strange bed, no matter how comfortable, often gives me a sleepless night but maybe the wine helped soothe me.
This morning we sat out on the deck drinking coffee and enjoying the gorgeous weather...warm and breezy. It was going to be one of those rare, perfect summer days we haven't had enough of this summer. Ken cooked us all breakfast about mid morning and then we went for a walk around the campground. P&K live in a huge mobile home with many additions which is permanently situated in a campground. Most of the dwellings are permanent cottages but they do allow some transient trailers in the summer. It's one of those places where you could stay 11 months of the year if necessary but the park must close for 1 month. P&K spend 6 months of the winter in Florida so their summer home meets all of their needs. It's a lovely place and I'd consider moving there if it wasn't so far away from my family.
We spent most of the rest of the day on the deck eating and drinking (some wine but mostly water) and chatting. It was so pleasant being with these good and interesting people, feeling the warmth of a summer day with the added bonus of a steady breeze. Who could ask for more?
By 4:30 P.M., Faye, Gary, and I packed our stuff in the car and headed back home. It had been a lovely little getaway but I was very happy to be back in my own house once again. There's no place like home.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Just a Thought
What are people thinking when they walk behind a car that's backing up? Worse still, why would anyone pushing a baby stroller walk behind a car that's backing up?
Saw a Volkswagon police car today. Somehow it didn't portray much authority.
Picture a squirrel without it's bushy tail and we'd all be terrified to see them scampering around our yards.
Why do we mow the lawn and then water it to help it grow?
Why do people lunching with friends or family carry on conversations on their cell phones instead of enjoying the people they're with?
Do people talking on cell phones realize anyone within hearing distance can hear their business?
Ever watch a newscaster solemnly announce the death or tragedy of someone and then quickly switch gears, grin and announce a happier event?
Why do we adore chubby babies and frown on chubby adults?
Why do we blog and think anyone would be interested in our thought???
Saw a Volkswagon police car today. Somehow it didn't portray much authority.
Picture a squirrel without it's bushy tail and we'd all be terrified to see them scampering around our yards.
Why do we mow the lawn and then water it to help it grow?
Why do people lunching with friends or family carry on conversations on their cell phones instead of enjoying the people they're with?
Do people talking on cell phones realize anyone within hearing distance can hear their business?
Ever watch a newscaster solemnly announce the death or tragedy of someone and then quickly switch gears, grin and announce a happier event?
Why do we adore chubby babies and frown on chubby adults?
Why do we blog and think anyone would be interested in our thought???
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Michelle Obama in Shorts
Please tell me I'm dreaming when I watch seasoned reporters on the morning news waste precious time discussing the propriety of Michelle Obama wearing shorts on her island vacation. What century is this??
There is world hunger, countries ravaged by war, murderers and thieves on the loose and CNN is placidly discussing whether Michelle Obama committed some stupid social faux pas by wearing shorts on her holidays. Good grief!
I can't ever remember seeing any president's or prime minister's wife wearing shorts so Michelle Obama's commonality is like a breath of fresh air. The Obamas continue to impress me with their naturalness and that can only be a good thing in the world of stiff and unnatural political protocol.
She's on vacation, for heaven's sake. Now if it had been Pat Nixon, old president Nixon's wife, she probably would have shown up in dress, pearls, pantihose, and high heels. Is that really what the public wants to see in the year 2009? Stodgy versus new wave...I'm thinking we're much better off with new wave.
Michelle Obama...you're doing just fine.
There is world hunger, countries ravaged by war, murderers and thieves on the loose and CNN is placidly discussing whether Michelle Obama committed some stupid social faux pas by wearing shorts on her holidays. Good grief!
I can't ever remember seeing any president's or prime minister's wife wearing shorts so Michelle Obama's commonality is like a breath of fresh air. The Obamas continue to impress me with their naturalness and that can only be a good thing in the world of stiff and unnatural political protocol.
She's on vacation, for heaven's sake. Now if it had been Pat Nixon, old president Nixon's wife, she probably would have shown up in dress, pearls, pantihose, and high heels. Is that really what the public wants to see in the year 2009? Stodgy versus new wave...I'm thinking we're much better off with new wave.
Michelle Obama...you're doing just fine.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Me: 0, Casino: 1 more
I love the casino but it just rubs it's hands in glee when I show up. Yesterday was another horribly hot day and I didn't feel like doing anything productive so I went to the casino. I lost again.
At least my guardian angel always gives me a little nudge about staying away and yesterday it happened again. I'd sat playing one machine for about half an hour and decided to cash out and move to the one beside me. I moved over and a lady took the seat I'd just vacated. Moments later the bells on her machine (the one I'd just left) went off and she won over $600. I congratulated the lucky lady and tried hard to mean it but why does this sort of thing happen to me?
I take pride in my ESP and wander the casino until a machine seems to draw me to it but I get bored staying in one place too long so maybe that's why I'm a loser.
Another thing that happened at the casino is that I found a change purse crammed full with what I presume was money...I didn't open it. I turned it in to the cashier so that was my good deed for the day. And I still lost!
Will I go back? Sure.
At least my guardian angel always gives me a little nudge about staying away and yesterday it happened again. I'd sat playing one machine for about half an hour and decided to cash out and move to the one beside me. I moved over and a lady took the seat I'd just vacated. Moments later the bells on her machine (the one I'd just left) went off and she won over $600. I congratulated the lucky lady and tried hard to mean it but why does this sort of thing happen to me?
I take pride in my ESP and wander the casino until a machine seems to draw me to it but I get bored staying in one place too long so maybe that's why I'm a loser.
Another thing that happened at the casino is that I found a change purse crammed full with what I presume was money...I didn't open it. I turned it in to the cashier so that was my good deed for the day. And I still lost!
Will I go back? Sure.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Fat Little Nolan
My greatgrandson, Nolan, passed his one month birthday on August 10th and he's getting chubby. His Mommy, Natasha, is breastfeeding him and she apparently has good rich milk to serve him. Daddy Nick fills the role of burper.
Nolan is a sweet, bright baby with such a calm temperament. Of course he cries occasionally but don't we all?? Usually he makes screwed up faces that look like the preview to a full wail but then they mostly seem to fade away and he serenely goes on with his examination of the world around him. I think he just likes to keep us on our toes.
It's interesting to me that sometimes when one of the family is holding him and he begins to fuss, he calms right down as soon as his Mommy takes him in her arms because he acquaints her smell with comfort. Isn't nature wonderful?
We all had dinner at Gramma Kim's yesterday so Nolan got lots of cuddling. I think Natasha worries that all the passing around might be bad for Nolan but I believe it can only do him a world of good to soak in all that loving. He's definitely the center of our world right now but will have to share the spotlight later when another baby comes along. He should enjoy his unique spotlight now.
I'm looking forward to watching this little man grow up but I know enough to enjoy every moment of his life. For now it's a pleasure just to watch his tiny face as he sleeps, looks around, or even cries (which doesn't happen often).
Nolan is a sweet, bright baby with such a calm temperament. Of course he cries occasionally but don't we all?? Usually he makes screwed up faces that look like the preview to a full wail but then they mostly seem to fade away and he serenely goes on with his examination of the world around him. I think he just likes to keep us on our toes.
It's interesting to me that sometimes when one of the family is holding him and he begins to fuss, he calms right down as soon as his Mommy takes him in her arms because he acquaints her smell with comfort. Isn't nature wonderful?
We all had dinner at Gramma Kim's yesterday so Nolan got lots of cuddling. I think Natasha worries that all the passing around might be bad for Nolan but I believe it can only do him a world of good to soak in all that loving. He's definitely the center of our world right now but will have to share the spotlight later when another baby comes along. He should enjoy his unique spotlight now.
I'm looking forward to watching this little man grow up but I know enough to enjoy every moment of his life. For now it's a pleasure just to watch his tiny face as he sleeps, looks around, or even cries (which doesn't happen often).
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Heart Attack--American Tale & Canadian Tale
A letter to the editor in my local paper told the tale of two brothers, one an American and one a Canadian, who suffered heart attacks and then documented the health care they received in their own countries. I think it explained clearly why the Americans need a decent health care system and I'm publishing it here verbatim.
For those few Canadians who long for a U.S. style health care system, and who like to slam "socialized" medicine, here is an actual account of two heart attacks experienced by brothers, one in Canada and one in the U.S.
Brother one, subject to the "downright evil" (according to Sarah Palin) Canadian system, experiences chest pain and walks into an ER. Within 5 minutes, the evil government beaurocrats have processed his health care card and whisked him to the cardiology unit.
After many tests, he is told he has had a heart attack and has a stent inserted into the clogged artery and is out of the hospital within 3 days. He is presented with a bill for $20 for the TV rental (highly overpriced because of a planned social economy) and goes on his way.
Brother two, living in the land of the "best health care system in the world", has a heart attack and is rushed to the ER by ambulance. Unfortunately, "the best health care system in the world" is so expensive his employer can't afford it. He has a "pre-existing" condition that allows the insurance company to deny him coverage. This remarkable mechanism allows insurance companies to take on only the healthy, maximizing profits and limiting expenses (also known as "claims"). Even better, if the customer is healthy but has an illness or injury later, the policy can be cancelled on any number of handy excuses should profitability be jeopardized.
Brother two is questioned about his lack of coverage (apparently unaware that the "best health care system in the world" had denied him coverage) and grilled on how he will pay the $90,000 bill presented on a silver tray. He now faces bankruptcy because the "best health care system in the world" sees this unit before them as a profit centre, not a human being.
Be thankful you don't live in the "best health care system in the world".
I spend my winters in Florida and am surrounded by many American friends who like to discuss how health care in Canada works. I tell them over and over again how our system isn't perfect but it's miles above what Americans receive. I'm not sure exactly when Canada developed our present system but I remember clearly what it was like before and I don't ever want to go back to the days when we had to choose between paying for health care and paying for groceries. I'm not exaggerating one bit when I say that.
My husband was never out of a job but we had no extra money to spare for prenatal care so I had none until a relative forced me to go for a checkup when I was 6 months pregnant. Luckily, I was healthy and the baby didn't suffer any adverse effects but what if there had been early complications? My grandmother died a miserable death (probably from cancer) and never saw a doctor once during her illness. We can't ever go back to those days and I fervently hope President Obama is successful in bringing in a decent health care system that will cover all Americans. He's up against a powerful and wealthy medical force who want to keep things as they are but I hope the American people get enough honest information that will persuade them to accept change even if it means higher taxation. It's worth it, believe me.
I feel so strongly about this and I know I harp on it a lot but it's so important. The very idea of someone losing their home to pay for medical care is horrible. If Obama can pull this off he will go down in history for doing what he was elected to do, representing the people. I'm counting on him.
For those few Canadians who long for a U.S. style health care system, and who like to slam "socialized" medicine, here is an actual account of two heart attacks experienced by brothers, one in Canada and one in the U.S.
Brother one, subject to the "downright evil" (according to Sarah Palin) Canadian system, experiences chest pain and walks into an ER. Within 5 minutes, the evil government beaurocrats have processed his health care card and whisked him to the cardiology unit.
After many tests, he is told he has had a heart attack and has a stent inserted into the clogged artery and is out of the hospital within 3 days. He is presented with a bill for $20 for the TV rental (highly overpriced because of a planned social economy) and goes on his way.
Brother two, living in the land of the "best health care system in the world", has a heart attack and is rushed to the ER by ambulance. Unfortunately, "the best health care system in the world" is so expensive his employer can't afford it. He has a "pre-existing" condition that allows the insurance company to deny him coverage. This remarkable mechanism allows insurance companies to take on only the healthy, maximizing profits and limiting expenses (also known as "claims"). Even better, if the customer is healthy but has an illness or injury later, the policy can be cancelled on any number of handy excuses should profitability be jeopardized.
Brother two is questioned about his lack of coverage (apparently unaware that the "best health care system in the world" had denied him coverage) and grilled on how he will pay the $90,000 bill presented on a silver tray. He now faces bankruptcy because the "best health care system in the world" sees this unit before them as a profit centre, not a human being.
Be thankful you don't live in the "best health care system in the world".
I spend my winters in Florida and am surrounded by many American friends who like to discuss how health care in Canada works. I tell them over and over again how our system isn't perfect but it's miles above what Americans receive. I'm not sure exactly when Canada developed our present system but I remember clearly what it was like before and I don't ever want to go back to the days when we had to choose between paying for health care and paying for groceries. I'm not exaggerating one bit when I say that.
My husband was never out of a job but we had no extra money to spare for prenatal care so I had none until a relative forced me to go for a checkup when I was 6 months pregnant. Luckily, I was healthy and the baby didn't suffer any adverse effects but what if there had been early complications? My grandmother died a miserable death (probably from cancer) and never saw a doctor once during her illness. We can't ever go back to those days and I fervently hope President Obama is successful in bringing in a decent health care system that will cover all Americans. He's up against a powerful and wealthy medical force who want to keep things as they are but I hope the American people get enough honest information that will persuade them to accept change even if it means higher taxation. It's worth it, believe me.
I feel so strongly about this and I know I harp on it a lot but it's so important. The very idea of someone losing their home to pay for medical care is horrible. If Obama can pull this off he will go down in history for doing what he was elected to do, representing the people. I'm counting on him.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Mixed Meanings
The other day my daughter and 2 grown grandsons had a difference of opinion. The phrase in question was "making out". My daughter and I thought it meant having sex but the younger generation thought it meant heavy petting (I don't think they use the word "petting" anymore, though).
I looked it up and discovered it could mean either but leaned toward heavy petting.
The other day my two sister-in-law and I had a difference of opinion. The word in question was "bimbo". They thought it meant a stupid woman and I thought it meant a tramp.
I looked it up and discovered it could mean either.
This is just an example of why we have difficulty making ourselves understood in the English language. A word should mean one thing only so that we all knew what we were talking about. The way it is, it's no wonder we have trouble communicating.
Anyway, just a thought.
I looked it up and discovered it could mean either but leaned toward heavy petting.
The other day my two sister-in-law and I had a difference of opinion. The word in question was "bimbo". They thought it meant a stupid woman and I thought it meant a tramp.
I looked it up and discovered it could mean either.
This is just an example of why we have difficulty making ourselves understood in the English language. A word should mean one thing only so that we all knew what we were talking about. The way it is, it's no wonder we have trouble communicating.
Anyway, just a thought.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Safe Injection Sites For Toronto
There's a proposal for Toronto to provide injection drug users a safe haven to do their illegal injections. It's more likely a safe place for injection drug users to go and continue their road to suicide. It is, in essence, enabling them.
Instead of spending tax dollars to provide a place for criminals to more easily commit suicide why aren't these same monies spent educating the children about the horrors of drug use while they're still in school?
I'm not against needle exchange sites and I don't believe these poor sick individuals should be thrown in jail. I just don't think a "community center" for illegal drug users is a smart way to spend tax dollars. Bleeding heart liberals would bleed us dry if we went along with every stupid idea they came up with.
If we do all we can to educate children and provide them with counseling when life gets too tough for them, we've done all we can. Sometimes people make a conscious choice to use drugs or abuse alcohol and those people have to face the consequences of their choices.
I once saw a documentary about a park I believe was in Sweden. This park is for drug users only and it was like watching a horror show. These poor, lost souls were given a spot where they could practice their deadly addiction with ease and I've often wondered if that freedom made their addiction worse. The addicts looked like zombies...not yet dead but not completely alive, either. Is this what we want for Toronto?
Beware of bleeding heart liberals. They too often have their heads up their you know whats.
Instead of spending tax dollars to provide a place for criminals to more easily commit suicide why aren't these same monies spent educating the children about the horrors of drug use while they're still in school?
I'm not against needle exchange sites and I don't believe these poor sick individuals should be thrown in jail. I just don't think a "community center" for illegal drug users is a smart way to spend tax dollars. Bleeding heart liberals would bleed us dry if we went along with every stupid idea they came up with.
If we do all we can to educate children and provide them with counseling when life gets too tough for them, we've done all we can. Sometimes people make a conscious choice to use drugs or abuse alcohol and those people have to face the consequences of their choices.
I once saw a documentary about a park I believe was in Sweden. This park is for drug users only and it was like watching a horror show. These poor, lost souls were given a spot where they could practice their deadly addiction with ease and I've often wondered if that freedom made their addiction worse. The addicts looked like zombies...not yet dead but not completely alive, either. Is this what we want for Toronto?
Beware of bleeding heart liberals. They too often have their heads up their you know whats.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Eclectic
Eclectic...selecting what is considered best from different systems or sources. Composed of elements selected from diverse sources. One favoring no particular belief or practice, as in philosophy or art, but selecting from all.
This is me in a nutshell.
My garden is eclectic and so is my home decor. I like a lot of different styles and I don't mind bunching them together because, in my eyes, it creates an interesting texture. When it comes to clothing, I choose comfort at all times but usually stick with traditional things like pants and shirts. Today I finally slipped out of this boring mold and ordered my first salwar kameez.
One of my friends is an Indian lady and I've been hounding her to take me to Toronto to buy one of these outfits. They consist of a longish tunic top that just flows over the body with no restrictions and a pair of long, loose pants which taper in slightly at the ankle. The whole outfit is so comfortable you could sleep in it.
Mavis told me today that there was a store near my house that sold this kind of ethnic clothing so I went there this afternoon. I have to say it looked junky on the outside and the inside but the clothing was Bollywood gorgeous. I wanted it all but I'm sensible enough to realize I have to jump into this slowly.
The saleslady showed me many outfits that were just too ornate for my tastes (right now I'm looking for something to wear out everyday and not to a party). The fabrics, colors, and decorations were beautiful but probably not suitable for a little old caucasion lady to wear to the grocery store. Mavis had shown me one of hers that was a simple poly/cotton navy with slight embroidery and that's what I wanted to start with. There's nothing like that in this store but the saleslady told me I could go out and buy my own fabric and she'd make me an outfit from that. Whoopee!
Off I went to Fabricland where I was faced with miles of fabric but no area specifically with poly/cottons. Everything was mixed together and the saleslady there told me they didn't have time to sort all the fabrics into their own separate areas. Crap! Poor managing, if I do say so myself.
I ended up almost walking out of the store but one bolt of fabric in the remnant bin stopped me dead. It turned out to be 100% polyester but the pattern and color was gorgeous. It doesn't resemble traditional Indian fabric but then I'm not traditional anything so I bought 6 metres (I only needed 5 but I like to make sure I have enough). The saleslady at the Indian clothing store didn't bat an eye when I gave it to her to make up for me.
I asked for changes of course. I didn't want the tunic as long as they usually make them and I didn't want the pants as baggy as they usually are. Only the traditional silk or gauzy fabrics look good made the right way and I'm still just dipping my toes into Indian fashion. I want it my way first before I jump headlong into the full Bollywood glitter but I'm seriously considering buying that Bollywood glitter to wear at my Florida park's New Year's Eve party.
I think the whole world would benefit if we were all eclectic and not confine ourselves to the status quo. Try something different once in a while because you just might discover you like it.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Birthday Flowers
Nick and Natasha got me these flowers for my birthday and they fit into both vases. They're a week old now and still look cheerful in the house. Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Donna & Frank's Paradise
I had the time of my life this morning photographing Donna and Frank's garden. What a pleasure!!This blog site only allows me to put about 5 pictures in each blog so I hope everyone who reads this will take the time to scroll down and look at the 40 pictures I took of D&F's garden.
Frank is a ham and let me take his picture but Donna was too shy. They both deserve a lot of credit for creating this absolutely beautiful yard!
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