How can there be any question? I'm repulsed by the number of influential people I've seen on T.V. who are "aghast" that Roman Polanski, who ran away from the United States 30 years ago instead of accepting his punishmnent for raping a 13 year old girl, is now expected to pay for his crime. They seem to think that the passage of time has whitened the crime. To allow him to escape justice now would be like saying it's okay to rape a little girl if you only just hide away (in plain sight) for 30 years.
Polanski was 44 years old when he drugged a 13 year old child and then repeatedly raped her. It's shameful that he wasn't even charged with rape but only with having sex with a minor. The elite certainly do have privileges, don't they? Then he slipped out of the country instead of facing the consequences of those charges and he's lived a successful life abroad ever since. Even with the ugly details of his crime and escape being public knowledge, he has managed to garner admiration based on his career accomplishments. His circle of admirers believe that, since the rape happened so long ago, it is insulting for a man of his stature to have to face charges now. I would suggest that they, themselves, condone raping children or they couldn't be supporting a child rapist.
In general, our society has failed miserably in protecting our children. If Roman Polanski is allowed to walk free after raping a child, no matter how long ago, then we've hit a new low as a society. I have great admiration for whatever forces came together to make the move to arrest him now because it's nice to know there are still decent people in authority.
Let's hope our society hasn't degraded to the point where the rape of a child loses it's importance just because it didn't happen today.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Not Lonesome Alone
Some people are so sociable that they can't be comfortable living by themselves. It's almost as though they can't value their own worth unless getting constant feedback from others and that's such a shame.
I think I'm a pretty sociable person and I'd hate having to live out my days on a desert island but my alone time is treasured. It's time that I can use at my leisure doing whatever comes to mind. I can watch what I want on T.V., play on the computer, or even hop in the car and head for the casino. My choice, my time. I can sing along to favorite songs without worrying about hurting someone else's ears or I can vegetate on the couch reading a book whenever I feel like it. And I can choose my own meal times. There are a lot of perks to living alone when you think about it.
When I'm at the park in Florida I have very little alone time and I admit I do love it. That's where my sociable side comes out because I'm surrounded by people all day, every day. I'm not sure I'd like to live all year round like that, though, because sometimes we need solitude. I enjoy writing this blog or just doing research on the internet and that is best done with no intrusions. It's also nice to be able to stay in your nightie until noon if you choose but I can't do that in Florida...too many visitors. And also too much fun activity to participate in so I don't mind one bit.
When I had depression I was lonely most of the time because my mind was so unsettled. If we're depressed, unhappiness settles hard when we're alone but can be tucked away when we're with the right people. I remember very clearly how it was when I was depressed and am ever so grateful for the frame of mind I enjoy these days. Today I think of alone time as selfish time for myself. It took that "attitude adjustment" I like to refer to as what changed my life.
Being alone occasionally can be a blessing if you choose to look at it that way. In fact, it might be a good idea to view your whole life like that. Choose happiness and it will come to you in one form or another. You will never pass this way again so enjoy each moment you can, whether it be alone or with others.
I think I'm a pretty sociable person and I'd hate having to live out my days on a desert island but my alone time is treasured. It's time that I can use at my leisure doing whatever comes to mind. I can watch what I want on T.V., play on the computer, or even hop in the car and head for the casino. My choice, my time. I can sing along to favorite songs without worrying about hurting someone else's ears or I can vegetate on the couch reading a book whenever I feel like it. And I can choose my own meal times. There are a lot of perks to living alone when you think about it.
When I'm at the park in Florida I have very little alone time and I admit I do love it. That's where my sociable side comes out because I'm surrounded by people all day, every day. I'm not sure I'd like to live all year round like that, though, because sometimes we need solitude. I enjoy writing this blog or just doing research on the internet and that is best done with no intrusions. It's also nice to be able to stay in your nightie until noon if you choose but I can't do that in Florida...too many visitors. And also too much fun activity to participate in so I don't mind one bit.
When I had depression I was lonely most of the time because my mind was so unsettled. If we're depressed, unhappiness settles hard when we're alone but can be tucked away when we're with the right people. I remember very clearly how it was when I was depressed and am ever so grateful for the frame of mind I enjoy these days. Today I think of alone time as selfish time for myself. It took that "attitude adjustment" I like to refer to as what changed my life.
Being alone occasionally can be a blessing if you choose to look at it that way. In fact, it might be a good idea to view your whole life like that. Choose happiness and it will come to you in one form or another. You will never pass this way again so enjoy each moment you can, whether it be alone or with others.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Gramma on Facebook
Kim keeps giving me heck for comments I make on Facebook that are directed at my grandchildren. I'm not sure exactly what she's upset about because I rarely make comments to them but maybe I'm just unaware how I sound. In any case, I deleted them. Best to jump out instead of make unwitting mistakes again.
It still bugs me, though, because I looked over the few little comments I made and they look like absolutely nothing! The last one was simply a "Matthew!" after he used the F word in one of his own comments. That's sort of to be expected from a Gramma, right? Apparently they can't tell when I'm joking, either, so maybe some of the comments appeared harsh when they were actually said in jest. Do I really have to always add "LOL" so they'll know?
I do agree that they need their own personal space to keep in contact with their friends without Gramma being privvy to their privacy, though, and I won't feel bad being banned. The truth is that people should be careful who they take on as a "friend" on Facebook.
It still bugs me, though, because I looked over the few little comments I made and they look like absolutely nothing! The last one was simply a "Matthew!" after he used the F word in one of his own comments. That's sort of to be expected from a Gramma, right? Apparently they can't tell when I'm joking, either, so maybe some of the comments appeared harsh when they were actually said in jest. Do I really have to always add "LOL" so they'll know?
I do agree that they need their own personal space to keep in contact with their friends without Gramma being privvy to their privacy, though, and I won't feel bad being banned. The truth is that people should be careful who they take on as a "friend" on Facebook.
Chatty Baby
I just saw the cutest little video clip on Facebook about a baby girl who appeared to be around 1 1/2 years old chattering away to her father. We don't usually see a child do this but I remember my grandson, Tyson, used to chatter in babytalk in what seemed like conversational sentences when he was maybe the same age.
It seems as though they've picked up the cadence of sentences but haven't developed the ability to put their chatter into words we can understand. I bet they could tell us some interesting things if we could only learn the language.
If I had my life to live over I think I just might become a child psychologist because infant development is so interesting. They all seem to develop in much the same way in about the same period of time but individual personalities are easy to identify almost from birth. I have 3 daughters, 5 grandsons, 3 granddaughters, and 1 greatgrandson who all have distinctly different personalities and all were apparent soon after birth. It's that uniqueness that makes human beings so interesting.
My Tyson was a gabby baby and grew up to be a talkative young man I could philosophize with for hours. Until he moved away to attend university, we'd have his birthday dinner every year and spend much of the time discussing our take on the world. Besides being a terrific young man, he's fascinating to be around.
I can almost guarantee that the chatty baby in the video will also be a talkative young lady in a few years ready to make herself well understood.
It seems as though they've picked up the cadence of sentences but haven't developed the ability to put their chatter into words we can understand. I bet they could tell us some interesting things if we could only learn the language.
If I had my life to live over I think I just might become a child psychologist because infant development is so interesting. They all seem to develop in much the same way in about the same period of time but individual personalities are easy to identify almost from birth. I have 3 daughters, 5 grandsons, 3 granddaughters, and 1 greatgrandson who all have distinctly different personalities and all were apparent soon after birth. It's that uniqueness that makes human beings so interesting.
My Tyson was a gabby baby and grew up to be a talkative young man I could philosophize with for hours. Until he moved away to attend university, we'd have his birthday dinner every year and spend much of the time discussing our take on the world. Besides being a terrific young man, he's fascinating to be around.
I can almost guarantee that the chatty baby in the video will also be a talkative young lady in a few years ready to make herself well understood.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Some Things That Make Me Smile
I spend a lot of time playing on the computer and these items that sit on the shelf above always make me smile. I bought the M&M dispenser at our reunion auction; the Cat In The Hat ornament came from some long ago yard sale; the Blue Jays troll was a gift from my neighbor, Lisa; the little mouse who sings sweetly "Are You Lonesome Tonight" (Elvis' song) was a gift from my friend, Mary.Silly little doodads that put smiles on my face every day. Priceless.
When a Friend Passes Away
My friend, Connie, passed away last night. The last time I saw her was in April and she looked wonderful, having spent much of the previous year taking chemo treatments for an inoperable cancer. We knew she was only in remission but hope springs eternal and I, for one, felt anyone who looked as well as she did would be one of the lucky ones and beat the disease.
Death haunts seniors because we are constantly made aware of our own limited lifespan when our friends and family are taken from us...one at a time. Connie's cancer returned with a vengeance this past summer and, although we knew how serious it was, we breathed a sigh of relief when she would momentarily rally. Deep down I knew it was only a matter of time, though, as it is for all of us.
When we're young it seems that the only ones who pass on are the elderly and it's sort of expected. But as we age and our contemporaries pass away it hits us harder emotionally. Our little microcosm of a world begins to empty out and there are fewer buddies our age left to reminisce with, fewer people who knew us way back when. I have no doubt in my mind that they have moved on to a happier, better place but it's lonelier here without them.
I spent time with Connie when she was recovering from her first bout of chemo and had lost her hair. As she recovered and gained strength, her hair grew back in even more beautiful than before. She was in a loving relationship and said she was happier than she'd ever been in her life. She was the picture of health and happiness all last winter. And so we hoped.
Connie lives quite a distance from me so it was through our network of Florida friends that I found out she'd fallen ill again. I wasn't surprised, just saddened, because we know that remission doesn't mean cure. She'd gone through the debilitating treatments just to gain a bit more time with her loved ones here on earth and she succeeded for a while.
I'll miss her and I'll never forget her.
Death haunts seniors because we are constantly made aware of our own limited lifespan when our friends and family are taken from us...one at a time. Connie's cancer returned with a vengeance this past summer and, although we knew how serious it was, we breathed a sigh of relief when she would momentarily rally. Deep down I knew it was only a matter of time, though, as it is for all of us.
When we're young it seems that the only ones who pass on are the elderly and it's sort of expected. But as we age and our contemporaries pass away it hits us harder emotionally. Our little microcosm of a world begins to empty out and there are fewer buddies our age left to reminisce with, fewer people who knew us way back when. I have no doubt in my mind that they have moved on to a happier, better place but it's lonelier here without them.
I spent time with Connie when she was recovering from her first bout of chemo and had lost her hair. As she recovered and gained strength, her hair grew back in even more beautiful than before. She was in a loving relationship and said she was happier than she'd ever been in her life. She was the picture of health and happiness all last winter. And so we hoped.
Connie lives quite a distance from me so it was through our network of Florida friends that I found out she'd fallen ill again. I wasn't surprised, just saddened, because we know that remission doesn't mean cure. She'd gone through the debilitating treatments just to gain a bit more time with her loved ones here on earth and she succeeded for a while.
I'll miss her and I'll never forget her.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Getting My Car Fixed
I am a single, senior lady who knows nothing about cars so normally I would be a sitting duck for any repair shop in the world...but I'm not. The person who owns the repair shop where I take my car when it acts up (rarely) is the husband of my sister-in-law's daughter. I can walk in there with confidence that Paul will treat me fairly and honestly.
My mechanic friend in Florida had told me last year that he thought my rotors needed replacement but the only thing I noticed about them was that the steering wheel wobbled a bit so I let it go. Two days ago I went into Paul's shop and told him I thought I could hear a grinding sound coming from somewhere and Paul didn't smirk but offered to take the car out for a drive. It turned out I needed new rotors and tires. Last year Paul had said my tires were all fine but I had planned to ask about them again this year because none had been replaced in 3 years.
I took the car into the shop yesterday morning and got it back mid afternoon. My 2001 Honda Accord runs like a dream again and I'm seriously thinking of keeping it for another 2 years instead of just one. It's important that I have a car I can count on because that's what I drive to Florida and back and now my little Honda is purring again. I love my car.
Just as I gather friends around me who enrich my life, I also gather repair people I can trust. It all makes life so much easier to traverse when you're dealing with honorable people.
My mechanic friend in Florida had told me last year that he thought my rotors needed replacement but the only thing I noticed about them was that the steering wheel wobbled a bit so I let it go. Two days ago I went into Paul's shop and told him I thought I could hear a grinding sound coming from somewhere and Paul didn't smirk but offered to take the car out for a drive. It turned out I needed new rotors and tires. Last year Paul had said my tires were all fine but I had planned to ask about them again this year because none had been replaced in 3 years.
I took the car into the shop yesterday morning and got it back mid afternoon. My 2001 Honda Accord runs like a dream again and I'm seriously thinking of keeping it for another 2 years instead of just one. It's important that I have a car I can count on because that's what I drive to Florida and back and now my little Honda is purring again. I love my car.
Just as I gather friends around me who enrich my life, I also gather repair people I can trust. It all makes life so much easier to traverse when you're dealing with honorable people.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Disgraced ACORN Sues
ACORN, a government funded agency caught by undercover camera advising a couple how to cheat the government and bring in underage prostitutes from El Salvador, is suing the filmmakers because it is apparently against the law to film them without their consent. Unbelievable.
Is it illegal to film a thief or murderer in action? Is it illegal to have cameras at stoplights catching red light runners? Maybe it's only illegal to film a government worker steal our tax dollars.
What is so scary about this whole thing is the cold self assurance of ACORN that it is perfectly okay for them to take tax dollars and use them to pay their employees to advise pimps and prostitutes how to circumvent the laws of the land. Worse still, to advise them on how to bring underage girls into the country to work as prostitutes and be claimed as dependants for tax credits. This is shameful.
It is a clear indication that our society is in a deep decline concerning morals and decency. It boggles the imagination to think that anyone short of a depraved criminal would involve themselves in giving access to underage prostitutes but ACORN is a legitimate agency which has received $31 million dollars in funding from the U.S. government in the last ten years. How do agencies like this come into being?
And now ACORN is suing the film company which exposed them. It's like a serial killer suing the police for catching them. The lawyers will make a lot of money out of this carnival and ACORN will disband only to open up shop again under another name...maybe WAC ("we advise criminals"..or "we ARE criminals").
Is it illegal to film a thief or murderer in action? Is it illegal to have cameras at stoplights catching red light runners? Maybe it's only illegal to film a government worker steal our tax dollars.
What is so scary about this whole thing is the cold self assurance of ACORN that it is perfectly okay for them to take tax dollars and use them to pay their employees to advise pimps and prostitutes how to circumvent the laws of the land. Worse still, to advise them on how to bring underage girls into the country to work as prostitutes and be claimed as dependants for tax credits. This is shameful.
It is a clear indication that our society is in a deep decline concerning morals and decency. It boggles the imagination to think that anyone short of a depraved criminal would involve themselves in giving access to underage prostitutes but ACORN is a legitimate agency which has received $31 million dollars in funding from the U.S. government in the last ten years. How do agencies like this come into being?
And now ACORN is suing the film company which exposed them. It's like a serial killer suing the police for catching them. The lawyers will make a lot of money out of this carnival and ACORN will disband only to open up shop again under another name...maybe WAC ("we advise criminals"..or "we ARE criminals").
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Nice Day
Yesterday Faye, Donna, and Mary came for lunch and then to do some Swedish weaving. Mary isn't into crafts so she just participated in the yakking and laughing we did a lot of, as usual. I love these people.
The topics of conversation were so varied and I wondered what the younger generation would have thought four old gals would yak about all afternoon. I bet they would have been shocked at the X-rated content of some of the subjects.
The lives of the four of us have been entwined for many, many years so we have lots in common but there are still surprises that come out in conversation. All of us are at the stage where we forget our words at times and Mary jokingly said that it takes all of us together to finish a sentence. True.
Faye is making a Swedish weaving afghan to send over to her daughter-in-law's relatives in Ireland...it has to be finished in 1 1/2 weeks so she worked a little more diligently than Donna and I. Donna just learned to do the weaving a few weeks ago and she's doing wonderfully with it. She's almost finished making 2 dresser toppers for her daughter's bedroom. I, the teacher, managed to screw up the pattern on my own afghan and now I have to create a new pattern to finish it. Every single time I use this pattern I mess it up by not following it correctly so maybe it's time I stopped trying to do it at all.
As we said our goodbyes with plans to meet again next week, I felt very blessed to have spent such a nice day with people who bring such happiness to my life.
The topics of conversation were so varied and I wondered what the younger generation would have thought four old gals would yak about all afternoon. I bet they would have been shocked at the X-rated content of some of the subjects.
The lives of the four of us have been entwined for many, many years so we have lots in common but there are still surprises that come out in conversation. All of us are at the stage where we forget our words at times and Mary jokingly said that it takes all of us together to finish a sentence. True.
Faye is making a Swedish weaving afghan to send over to her daughter-in-law's relatives in Ireland...it has to be finished in 1 1/2 weeks so she worked a little more diligently than Donna and I. Donna just learned to do the weaving a few weeks ago and she's doing wonderfully with it. She's almost finished making 2 dresser toppers for her daughter's bedroom. I, the teacher, managed to screw up the pattern on my own afghan and now I have to create a new pattern to finish it. Every single time I use this pattern I mess it up by not following it correctly so maybe it's time I stopped trying to do it at all.
As we said our goodbyes with plans to meet again next week, I felt very blessed to have spent such a nice day with people who bring such happiness to my life.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Life's Lessons
I believe we are on this earth to learn life lessons and, although I try my best every day, there still remain traces of pettiness that I know need to be conquered. Life is just too short to waste it on hatred or bitchiness. Most of us are fighting demons the rest know nothing about and we have to learn to understand even if we can't agree.
I learned one more lesson today. It's at times like this that I wish I had a spiritual guide and maybe it wouldn't take me so darned long to learn the things I need to know to make me a better person. But maybe being told how to behave isn't the right way, maybe we need to find out the hard way. Sometimes being whacked in the face with the error of your ways is the best lesson.
Whoever coined the phrase, "Live and Learn", knew what they were talking about and I just hope I live long enough to pass the test.
I learned one more lesson today. It's at times like this that I wish I had a spiritual guide and maybe it wouldn't take me so darned long to learn the things I need to know to make me a better person. But maybe being told how to behave isn't the right way, maybe we need to find out the hard way. Sometimes being whacked in the face with the error of your ways is the best lesson.
Whoever coined the phrase, "Live and Learn", knew what they were talking about and I just hope I live long enough to pass the test.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Baby Shower
Kim, Matt and I finished setting up for the baby shower in the morning and then went to Nick and Natasha's church for the baby's dedication. It was actually a very nice service and Nolan tolerated most of it without crying. The odd time he fussed, Natasha would just take him away for a while.
We got back to my house about 1 P.M. and set out the food and drinks for the guests who were about to arrive. It was just gorgeous out in the backyard with warm and sunny weather...we were very lucky. We did go inside to open the gifts because there were so many of them. That baby has so much!
The shower was from our side of the family and Natasha doesn't know everyone yet but I think she was quite touched by all the love directed towards her and Nolan. I keep telling her how wonderful our family is and now she's starting to understand. She was very good about letting everyone handle her little boy and he was quite good about allowing us to maul him shamelessly.
It seems like the few hours the shower lasted went by very fast and soon we were saying our goodbyes, hugging and kissing like we always do. Kim stayed to help me clean up before dragging her poor tired body home. She'd put a lot of work and thought into making this a great day for us all and she deserves her rest, bless her heart.
Me, I went straight to the computer with a dish of leftover goodies and that was my dinner. Bad..but good.
We got back to my house about 1 P.M. and set out the food and drinks for the guests who were about to arrive. It was just gorgeous out in the backyard with warm and sunny weather...we were very lucky. We did go inside to open the gifts because there were so many of them. That baby has so much!
The shower was from our side of the family and Natasha doesn't know everyone yet but I think she was quite touched by all the love directed towards her and Nolan. I keep telling her how wonderful our family is and now she's starting to understand. She was very good about letting everyone handle her little boy and he was quite good about allowing us to maul him shamelessly.
It seems like the few hours the shower lasted went by very fast and soon we were saying our goodbyes, hugging and kissing like we always do. Kim stayed to help me clean up before dragging her poor tired body home. She'd put a lot of work and thought into making this a great day for us all and she deserves her rest, bless her heart.
Me, I went straight to the computer with a dish of leftover goodies and that was my dinner. Bad..but good.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Ready for the Shower
I think we're ready for tomorrow's baby shower. My yard looks good and tables and chairs are set up on the patio. Food and drinks are arranged. The weather forecast is for warm and sunny. I'm impressed.
Now, in days past (before my attitude adjustment), I would have been in a panic about this upcoming shower. My fears would be that something would go wrong or that guests wouldn't enjoy themselves. My anxiety attack would begin a few days before the event and torture me until the last person went home. It was always like that and there didn't seem to be anything I could do to give myself the confidence to just arrange things and then enjoy the event. I don't think anyone ever knew how absolutely terrified I was.
I'm not sure when my attitude changed regarding hosting (small) parties because it was so gradual. I amazed myself a few years ago in Florida when I began our Monday morning coffee get-togethers at my trailer. That was the very first time in my life I'd ever done something like that on my own and it's turned out to be so popular that it makes me proud of myself.
I'm not hosting this shower, Kim and Cindy are, but it's at my house. I haven't any inclination to panic now no matter what comes up. If the weather didn't co-operate we could have done it inside and the last minute change of plans wouldn't have bothered me. This is definitely a new me.
Until my husband and I started spending the winters in Florida we always had an open house for the whole extended family on Xmas Eve. One day I'll have to ask everyone if they ever noticed that I was in a state of panic the whole evening. I've always said that I was a poor hostess because I sort of expected people to look after themselves but the truth was that when you are experiencing high anxiety you can't think clearly. I would try to concentrate on keeping food trays filled but the guests had to look after their own drinks. I made valiant attempts to enjoy the evening and my company but it was such a struggle to calm myself. Today I look back and realize I did the best I could at the time. You can't ask more of yourself than that.
If I were to stay home for Xmas now it would be very different. I would be able to do all of the planning and setup and then I'd be able to relax with my guests. That "attitude adjustment" has changed my life. My immediate and extended family are such terrific people that I don't know why it hasn't always been like that. Oh well, better late than never.
The "attitude adjustment" was just teaching myself that the world doesn't fall down around my knees if I make a mistake. It took years to develop but I'm so glad I finally understood. Sounds simple? No, but it's a life lesson worth learning.
Our guest of honor, Nolan, will be 2 months and 10 days old. He's almost certainly going to throw up on me but I clean up good...and I'm going to really enjoy the party.
Now, in days past (before my attitude adjustment), I would have been in a panic about this upcoming shower. My fears would be that something would go wrong or that guests wouldn't enjoy themselves. My anxiety attack would begin a few days before the event and torture me until the last person went home. It was always like that and there didn't seem to be anything I could do to give myself the confidence to just arrange things and then enjoy the event. I don't think anyone ever knew how absolutely terrified I was.
I'm not sure when my attitude changed regarding hosting (small) parties because it was so gradual. I amazed myself a few years ago in Florida when I began our Monday morning coffee get-togethers at my trailer. That was the very first time in my life I'd ever done something like that on my own and it's turned out to be so popular that it makes me proud of myself.
I'm not hosting this shower, Kim and Cindy are, but it's at my house. I haven't any inclination to panic now no matter what comes up. If the weather didn't co-operate we could have done it inside and the last minute change of plans wouldn't have bothered me. This is definitely a new me.
Until my husband and I started spending the winters in Florida we always had an open house for the whole extended family on Xmas Eve. One day I'll have to ask everyone if they ever noticed that I was in a state of panic the whole evening. I've always said that I was a poor hostess because I sort of expected people to look after themselves but the truth was that when you are experiencing high anxiety you can't think clearly. I would try to concentrate on keeping food trays filled but the guests had to look after their own drinks. I made valiant attempts to enjoy the evening and my company but it was such a struggle to calm myself. Today I look back and realize I did the best I could at the time. You can't ask more of yourself than that.
If I were to stay home for Xmas now it would be very different. I would be able to do all of the planning and setup and then I'd be able to relax with my guests. That "attitude adjustment" has changed my life. My immediate and extended family are such terrific people that I don't know why it hasn't always been like that. Oh well, better late than never.
The "attitude adjustment" was just teaching myself that the world doesn't fall down around my knees if I make a mistake. It took years to develop but I'm so glad I finally understood. Sounds simple? No, but it's a life lesson worth learning.
Our guest of honor, Nolan, will be 2 months and 10 days old. He's almost certainly going to throw up on me but I clean up good...and I'm going to really enjoy the party.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Pornography in Public Libraries
I watched some idiot today rave about the rights of people being able to watch pornography on public library computers. He said that, since pornography is not a crime, people should be able to go into our public libraries and use the computers to go online and watch porn...even if children are close by.
Bullfeathers!
It may not be illegal for someone to view pornography but it sure as hell is my right not have my children, grandchildren, or even myself exposed to it if that is my choice.
Sometimes these civil rights idiots go too far and forget that the rest of us have rights, too. Public libraries are in existence because of taxpayer dollars. My dollar doesn't want porn of any kind in those libraries but I know I can't have my way totally. But, if it's socially unsuitable for small children, then it shouldn't be visible to them. That's the easy solution.
Bullfeathers!
It may not be illegal for someone to view pornography but it sure as hell is my right not have my children, grandchildren, or even myself exposed to it if that is my choice.
Sometimes these civil rights idiots go too far and forget that the rest of us have rights, too. Public libraries are in existence because of taxpayer dollars. My dollar doesn't want porn of any kind in those libraries but I know I can't have my way totally. But, if it's socially unsuitable for small children, then it shouldn't be visible to them. That's the easy solution.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Globe and Mail Doesn't Solicit Subscriptions Door-to-Door!
Very interesting! I e-mailed Globe and Mail complaining about their supposed practice of door-to-door sales after dark and promptly received an e-mail back saying they don't solicit door-to-door. AHA! The men (or man) at the door the other night was not selling subscriptions so he must have been a bad guy. If he comes around again I'm phoning the police. It pays to be diligent, doesn't it?
Kids' Not So Pracious Moments
I've been hooting with laughter every time I watch the T.V. clip of a father who caught the ball at a Phillies' game, gently hand it to his little daughter, and then look in horror as she quickly tossed it back to the field. It's a classic example of how our kids can embarrass or shock us in the blink of an eye. Funny as hell as long as it doesn't happen to us.
Here are just a few times when my own kids made their contribution.
Cindy, aged 3, loudly asking me why a lady passing by hadn't washed her face. The lady was black.
Kim, aged 4, sweetly calling a nice neighbor lady an f....n b....h (words she didn't understand taught to her by an older girl). The neighbor never spoke to us again.
Matt, aged 2, screaming out the car's open window when he spotted construction workers with a tractor..."F...K". That was how he said "truck" and I can still see the shocked looks on the workers' faces.
Dennis, aged 43 (yes, 43), as our daughter was opening wedding gifts..."I can't imagine why anyone would buy them something like that!", spoken to a stranger who was the one who had bought them that.
I once asked a lady when her baby was due and she wasn't pregnant. Haven't we all done that at one time or another??
Back to the misguided father who lost his ball. I hope someone was nice enough to give it back but, even if he never lays hands on it again, he and his beautiful little girl have a great story they can tell for the rest of their lives...and the video, too.
Here are just a few times when my own kids made their contribution.
Cindy, aged 3, loudly asking me why a lady passing by hadn't washed her face. The lady was black.
Kim, aged 4, sweetly calling a nice neighbor lady an f....n b....h (words she didn't understand taught to her by an older girl). The neighbor never spoke to us again.
Matt, aged 2, screaming out the car's open window when he spotted construction workers with a tractor..."F...K". That was how he said "truck" and I can still see the shocked looks on the workers' faces.
Dennis, aged 43 (yes, 43), as our daughter was opening wedding gifts..."I can't imagine why anyone would buy them something like that!", spoken to a stranger who was the one who had bought them that.
I once asked a lady when her baby was due and she wasn't pregnant. Haven't we all done that at one time or another??
Back to the misguided father who lost his ball. I hope someone was nice enough to give it back but, even if he never lays hands on it again, he and his beautiful little girl have a great story they can tell for the rest of their lives...and the video, too.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Stranger at the Door...Again!
7:30 P.M. and getting dark. A knock comes at the door and my first thought was that it couldn't be the strange man again...could it? I walked to the door and looked through the peephole really expecting to see Lisa and Anna but there stood a strange man. I wasn't sure if it was the same strange man from the other night but I did know that he wasn't anyone I recognized.
Of course I didn't open the door but this time I raced to my little phone book and called Steve and Isabel who live right across the road. I knew that if Steve wasn't home, Isabel could beat the crap out of any felon if the need arose. Steve answered the phone and I said, "There's a man on my front porch and I don't know who he is.". Steve replied, "I'll be right there.". That's the kind of neighbors I have and why I love living in this neighborhood.
I walked back to the door and could see the man wasn't there and moments later Steve arrived. He pointed up the street to a man going door to door, apparently selling something. That must have been the man who frightened me the other night, too, and I wondered why he was doing this. Steve said someone had knocked on his door the other night, also, and there had been no lights on inside so why would a salesman bother? It's also possible these guys (or guy) are casing the neighborhood looking for empty houses to rob.
Steve said his man had been selling Globe and Mail subscriptions so I'm going to phone them tomorrow and tell them to stop sending salesmen out to knock on doors at night. This is a scary world now and I will never answer my door to a stranger ever again. I'm so grateful to my good neighbor, Steve, who ran over here in his stocking feet. Bless his heart!
Of course I didn't open the door but this time I raced to my little phone book and called Steve and Isabel who live right across the road. I knew that if Steve wasn't home, Isabel could beat the crap out of any felon if the need arose. Steve answered the phone and I said, "There's a man on my front porch and I don't know who he is.". Steve replied, "I'll be right there.". That's the kind of neighbors I have and why I love living in this neighborhood.
I walked back to the door and could see the man wasn't there and moments later Steve arrived. He pointed up the street to a man going door to door, apparently selling something. That must have been the man who frightened me the other night, too, and I wondered why he was doing this. Steve said someone had knocked on his door the other night, also, and there had been no lights on inside so why would a salesman bother? It's also possible these guys (or guy) are casing the neighborhood looking for empty houses to rob.
Steve said his man had been selling Globe and Mail subscriptions so I'm going to phone them tomorrow and tell them to stop sending salesmen out to knock on doors at night. This is a scary world now and I will never answer my door to a stranger ever again. I'm so grateful to my good neighbor, Steve, who ran over here in his stocking feet. Bless his heart!
Happiness
Kim just stated that she's "happy". Apart from us all being so pleased that she's reached that state of nirvana after all the rough times she's had the past few years, it got me thinking about the physical feeling of being "happy".
For most of us, happiness occurs when at least one of our prerequisites is being met. There has never been a time in my memory when all my needs were completely satisfied and that's probably because we humans are too greedy. We always want more. But we can all remember the burst of happy energy when we are with someone we love and haven't seen for a while, or that happy little thrill when we win a game. These are minor things for the most part but they are still capable of giving us a burst of "happiness".
Maintaining that feeling means the burst of happiness has settled down to a glow which sort of hangs on, making us smile without even realizing it. The feeling of longlasting happiness is mellow and I believe it actually has a healing quality. It's also during those happy spells that we have confidence we can succeed at whatever we attempt.
People who are happy look good. I'll always remember a lady I worked with years ago. She almost looked ethereal in appearance as she strode down the hallway to our office with a sweet smile on her face. She was happily pregnant and her inner happiness shone out all around her. That aura of happiness is like a magnet because you want to be close to a happy person. It's infectious because it raises your spirits, too, by osmosis.
Human beings are strange creatures. It doesn't really take much to make us happy if we're not greedy. A loving touch, a sunny day, a kind word. We could all easily live out happy lives if we choose.
I hope we all allow ourselves to be happy today.
For most of us, happiness occurs when at least one of our prerequisites is being met. There has never been a time in my memory when all my needs were completely satisfied and that's probably because we humans are too greedy. We always want more. But we can all remember the burst of happy energy when we are with someone we love and haven't seen for a while, or that happy little thrill when we win a game. These are minor things for the most part but they are still capable of giving us a burst of "happiness".
Maintaining that feeling means the burst of happiness has settled down to a glow which sort of hangs on, making us smile without even realizing it. The feeling of longlasting happiness is mellow and I believe it actually has a healing quality. It's also during those happy spells that we have confidence we can succeed at whatever we attempt.
People who are happy look good. I'll always remember a lady I worked with years ago. She almost looked ethereal in appearance as she strode down the hallway to our office with a sweet smile on her face. She was happily pregnant and her inner happiness shone out all around her. That aura of happiness is like a magnet because you want to be close to a happy person. It's infectious because it raises your spirits, too, by osmosis.
Human beings are strange creatures. It doesn't really take much to make us happy if we're not greedy. A loving touch, a sunny day, a kind word. We could all easily live out happy lives if we choose.
I hope we all allow ourselves to be happy today.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Don't Open the Door
I got a bit of a scare last night. It was almost 9 P.M. and had been dark outside for a while when a knock came at the door. My neighbors, Lisa and Anna, often drop over in the evening but not that late so that was unusual. I never open the door without looking through the peephole because I'm a big sissy and that's what I did last night. Standing on the front porch was a young man probably in his late 20's. I wisely didn't open the door but just walked away to wait for him to leave...but he didn't.
He continued to knock softly on the door so I phoned Anna who lives across the street and asked her to look over here. By the time she'd gotten herself to her front door, he'd left. I never heard a car so he must have been walking.
I was nervous for the rest of the evening, wondering if I'd over-reacted but also wondering what would have happened if I'd stupidly opened the door to him. Was he dangerous or just a door-to-door salesman? I'm betting I did the wise thing by not opening the door.
It was one of those times that I sort of wished that Yip and Yap, Kim's dogs, were here. One of the rare times I ever wished for the comfort of barking dogs!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Men of a Loving God??
I've just heard and read of two American church ministers who have absolutely reviled their own president. One even said that god hated him. Why has the love in religion disappeared? I hear more hatred coming out of the church than I ever have before and it's frightening because these hateful church leaders have influence over their parishioners.
I've always been told that god is a god of love. I would never have believed any church leader could be guilty of preaching hatred because that's not what religion is supposed to be about.
We've seen way too much evidence in past years of church leaders preaching hatred for other religions, races, nationalities, countries, etc. than can be tolerated by those of us who want peace in this world. I wonder sometimes if that's what is chasing people away from the church.
Why would a "man of god" rant to his followers that he hates Obama, that god hates Obama? This particular pastor said in a radio interview that anyone who killed Obama would not be considered a murderer in his opinion. What kind of church leader is he? And what kind of people belong to his church?
Another minister who happens to be a black man spewed absolute filth about Obama, calling him a pimp and saying his mother was white trash. Again, is that church blessed with the love of god?
Parishioners have got to demand better from their church leaders. There is no room for the ugliness of hatred in the church and those who practice it are not true followers of god.
I've always been told that god is a god of love. I would never have believed any church leader could be guilty of preaching hatred because that's not what religion is supposed to be about.
We've seen way too much evidence in past years of church leaders preaching hatred for other religions, races, nationalities, countries, etc. than can be tolerated by those of us who want peace in this world. I wonder sometimes if that's what is chasing people away from the church.
Why would a "man of god" rant to his followers that he hates Obama, that god hates Obama? This particular pastor said in a radio interview that anyone who killed Obama would not be considered a murderer in his opinion. What kind of church leader is he? And what kind of people belong to his church?
Another minister who happens to be a black man spewed absolute filth about Obama, calling him a pimp and saying his mother was white trash. Again, is that church blessed with the love of god?
Parishioners have got to demand better from their church leaders. There is no room for the ugliness of hatred in the church and those who practice it are not true followers of god.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Mohawk College Garage Sale...2009
I've been to these garage sales a few times over the years but never participated in one until today. I was impressed by how well organized it is and I'm sure that most of the young people managing things were volunteers. Proceeds from vendor rentals went to the United Way, too, and it's a terrific way to raise funds.
I picked Kim up before 7 A.M. but Cindy had to take her own car...mine was too full of stuff to fit her in. All the merchandise was on the back seat and some in Kim's lap because we'd put the tent in the trunk. We really could have fit more stuff in the trunk but I was afraid the tent would squash it.
Traffic into Mohawk's parking lot where the sale was held was speedy and well organized. Our only problem was finding our rented spot because, even though they were marked, there was a lot of congestion with other dealers trying to unload their own merchandise. Once found, I was able to park my car in one spot and use the other 2 to put up the tent. My girls went over to pick up the 10' table supplied for us and, once everything was arranged, we had more room than we needed. I know now that I could have taken over some of my own (actually Faye's) folding tables to use also. We had 3 parking spots which turned out to be very generous.
The weather was fine, overcast but no rain. The sun came out off and on and it was pretty hot then so the tent shade proved quite useful.
We all had a good time. The customers were friendly and interesting...one even flirted with me according to my girls. I guess I'm too old to recognize it any more. No matter, I'm just not interested because I'm enjoying being on my own too much.
We packed up at 2 P.M. and my profit wasn't wonderful but at least it was better than I've made selling at the hospital. Cindy had to get home to her dog but Kim went out for an early dinner with me. It was a really nice day spent with my daughters who both enjoy my new venture. I'm a happy lady.
I picked Kim up before 7 A.M. but Cindy had to take her own car...mine was too full of stuff to fit her in. All the merchandise was on the back seat and some in Kim's lap because we'd put the tent in the trunk. We really could have fit more stuff in the trunk but I was afraid the tent would squash it.
Traffic into Mohawk's parking lot where the sale was held was speedy and well organized. Our only problem was finding our rented spot because, even though they were marked, there was a lot of congestion with other dealers trying to unload their own merchandise. Once found, I was able to park my car in one spot and use the other 2 to put up the tent. My girls went over to pick up the 10' table supplied for us and, once everything was arranged, we had more room than we needed. I know now that I could have taken over some of my own (actually Faye's) folding tables to use also. We had 3 parking spots which turned out to be very generous.
The weather was fine, overcast but no rain. The sun came out off and on and it was pretty hot then so the tent shade proved quite useful.
We all had a good time. The customers were friendly and interesting...one even flirted with me according to my girls. I guess I'm too old to recognize it any more. No matter, I'm just not interested because I'm enjoying being on my own too much.
We packed up at 2 P.M. and my profit wasn't wonderful but at least it was better than I've made selling at the hospital. Cindy had to get home to her dog but Kim went out for an early dinner with me. It was a really nice day spent with my daughters who both enjoy my new venture. I'm a happy lady.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Frightening Incident
We had a terrifying incident at one of our supermarkets yesterday. A lady was loading groceries into her car while her 17 month old baby sat in the grocery cart when a man came up and grabbed her baby. He demanded $60 to give him back. Thank heavens a good samaritan heard her screaming and came over to help. He offered the man $20 which was refused but he was able to snatch the infant from the man. All did end well with the baby safe and the crazy man arrested but I'll bet it will be a long time before that mother and child will get over their fears.
This supermarket is in a rough part of town and right next to the city jail. I've shopped there occasionally but always been fearful of the creepy looking characters that hang around. The last time I was there a maniacal looking man tried to take hold of my grocery cart and take it to the car for me. That was when I decided it wasn't in my best interests to ever shop at that location again. This latest incident reinforces that decision.
There are certain sections of any city where dangerous characters seem to congregate. Many are dangerous because of drug or alcohol abuse but some are really mentally ill. Their crimes are usually minor disturbances but attempting to kidnap a child as happened yesterday is very out of the ordinary. It makes me wonder where that man got the idea to do such a thing. Do you suppose that the influence of T.V. and movies can also change the criminal behaviour of our street bums?
The man who rescued the baby is also a little out of the ordinary. While many people would try not to get involved and just wait for a policeman to arrive, this young man stepped right in to take care of the situation. It seems that more people are becoming willing to be proactive when dealing with criminals and that's a welcome change. He is a hero, no doubt about it.
As for the offender, I feel sorry for the mental state of any person who would do what he did but I hope he is put away for a long time. If he tried to take a baby for a $60 ransom yesterday, he is capable of doing it again. And maybe next time there won't be a good samaritan handy to stop him.
This supermarket is in a rough part of town and right next to the city jail. I've shopped there occasionally but always been fearful of the creepy looking characters that hang around. The last time I was there a maniacal looking man tried to take hold of my grocery cart and take it to the car for me. That was when I decided it wasn't in my best interests to ever shop at that location again. This latest incident reinforces that decision.
There are certain sections of any city where dangerous characters seem to congregate. Many are dangerous because of drug or alcohol abuse but some are really mentally ill. Their crimes are usually minor disturbances but attempting to kidnap a child as happened yesterday is very out of the ordinary. It makes me wonder where that man got the idea to do such a thing. Do you suppose that the influence of T.V. and movies can also change the criminal behaviour of our street bums?
The man who rescued the baby is also a little out of the ordinary. While many people would try not to get involved and just wait for a policeman to arrive, this young man stepped right in to take care of the situation. It seems that more people are becoming willing to be proactive when dealing with criminals and that's a welcome change. He is a hero, no doubt about it.
As for the offender, I feel sorry for the mental state of any person who would do what he did but I hope he is put away for a long time. If he tried to take a baby for a $60 ransom yesterday, he is capable of doing it again. And maybe next time there won't be a good samaritan handy to stop him.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Beautiful Autumn Day
I know it's not officially fall yet but we've passed the Labor Day landmark that makes us realize that summer is pretty well over. The evenings have a touch of coolness and there's a certain smell in the air of fall.
I bought a nice big pot of yellow mums today and set them on the front porch, ready to plant in the garden before I leave for Florida. Hopefully they'll live through the winter and flower again next fall. I just might use them on the display table over at the Mohawk Garge sale on Saturday, too. They'd really brighten up the table.
Speaking of the sale...I've been praying to the rain gods to give us a nice sunny Saturday (could we possibly have 2 in a row?) and they've been torturing me for a couple of weeks. One day, the weather report is for no rain on Saturday but a day later it's changed and there's a chance of rain. As of today, it's supposed to rain tomorrow and not on Saturday but that all could change tomorrow...or even Saturday!
It's an absolutely gorgeous day today, though. The sun is shining and the air is pleasantly warm. It's the kind of day that you are glad you're alive to enjoy it. And I am.
I bought a nice big pot of yellow mums today and set them on the front porch, ready to plant in the garden before I leave for Florida. Hopefully they'll live through the winter and flower again next fall. I just might use them on the display table over at the Mohawk Garge sale on Saturday, too. They'd really brighten up the table.
Speaking of the sale...I've been praying to the rain gods to give us a nice sunny Saturday (could we possibly have 2 in a row?) and they've been torturing me for a couple of weeks. One day, the weather report is for no rain on Saturday but a day later it's changed and there's a chance of rain. As of today, it's supposed to rain tomorrow and not on Saturday but that all could change tomorrow...or even Saturday!
It's an absolutely gorgeous day today, though. The sun is shining and the air is pleasantly warm. It's the kind of day that you are glad you're alive to enjoy it. And I am.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Giving Thanks
I've been giving thanks a lot lately and I wonder what that means. Since I'm not a religious person, just where is this offering going? I guess I've been quite weighted down with responsibilities since my husband passed away...and even for the year he was ill...and now a few things are falling in place. I always leaned heavily on my husband because he was a strong, responsible person who could be counted on to take care of whatever came up. I've never felt emotionally strong enough to handle much of anything until I was forced to start doing it five years ago.
I guess my thanks is to the universal forces that put me here, in this moment, and infused me with the inborn ability to carry on. I know I've discovered strengths in myself that I never knew were there and maybe that's the secret of the human spirit. We can do what we have to do.
In past years, I've been fortunate enough to celebrate the American Thanksgiving in Florida and it's there that I realize a deep down gratitude for where my life has led me. As my friends drop their heads in prayer of thanksgiving, I drop my head and thank the great unknown for putting me in this place at this time among good, good people. Maybe I'm not certain where my prayers are directed but I do know I have much to be thankful for.
I'll be forever grateful for my wonderful family and friends. I think that means that I've lucked out in this life!
I guess my thanks is to the universal forces that put me here, in this moment, and infused me with the inborn ability to carry on. I know I've discovered strengths in myself that I never knew were there and maybe that's the secret of the human spirit. We can do what we have to do.
In past years, I've been fortunate enough to celebrate the American Thanksgiving in Florida and it's there that I realize a deep down gratitude for where my life has led me. As my friends drop their heads in prayer of thanksgiving, I drop my head and thank the great unknown for putting me in this place at this time among good, good people. Maybe I'm not certain where my prayers are directed but I do know I have much to be thankful for.
I'll be forever grateful for my wonderful family and friends. I think that means that I've lucked out in this life!
Monday, September 07, 2009
Clinique "Comfort on Call"
I think I mentioned in a blog about how pleased I am with the Clinique products I've just recently started to use but this is my do-nothing day and I think I'd like to expand on it.
I've been plagued by facial skin problems for most of my adult life...not pimples but rashes and scaly patches. Any woman can tell you that a facial blemish doesn't need to be large to irritate the life out of them but some of my blemishes were a fair size.
My doctor set me up with a dermatologist ages ago, possibly 20 years, who would blast the problem areas with liquid nitrogen and then provide me with a prescription cream to apply every day. The liquid nitrogen did remove the most offensive spots for a while but they always returned. The prescription cream was close to useless. Thank heavens my insurance covered prescriptions completely until I turned 62 but, for the 3 years until the government insurance took over, the cost was all out of pocket. The last prescription I had to purchase cost around $45 and that's a lot to pay for something that doesn't work.
Two years ago I changed dermatologists and she turned out to be more efficient but her prescription creams were still unable to eliminate the flaking in the creases on either side of my nose. My friend had introduced me to Clinique products just this past spring so I decided to question a saleslady about what she could recommend for these dry patches. She brought out a small jar of Clinique's "Comfort on Call" which ended up costing me $39 U.S. I didn't resent the cost too much because I'd already been using their products and liked them a lot.
"Comfort on Call" is a solid cream and I was amazed how well it worked the very first time I tried it. I bought the cream in mid July and I'm sure it will last me for at least another 3 months. I use it once or twice a day and the scaling has disappeared. The slight roughness on the top of my nose is still there but not very noticeable. Too bad this wonderful cream doesn't make wrinkles disappear, too, but we can't have everything, can we?
My bad skin has been like a burr in my side for more years than I can remember. I've always had trouble finding over the counter creams that didn't irritate my skin and never before liked to spend anything close to $39 for skin care but I'll willingly pay it a few months from now when my jar runs out. It's so seldom that any product we buy lives up to it's promises but this one has for me.
I've been plagued by facial skin problems for most of my adult life...not pimples but rashes and scaly patches. Any woman can tell you that a facial blemish doesn't need to be large to irritate the life out of them but some of my blemishes were a fair size.
My doctor set me up with a dermatologist ages ago, possibly 20 years, who would blast the problem areas with liquid nitrogen and then provide me with a prescription cream to apply every day. The liquid nitrogen did remove the most offensive spots for a while but they always returned. The prescription cream was close to useless. Thank heavens my insurance covered prescriptions completely until I turned 62 but, for the 3 years until the government insurance took over, the cost was all out of pocket. The last prescription I had to purchase cost around $45 and that's a lot to pay for something that doesn't work.
Two years ago I changed dermatologists and she turned out to be more efficient but her prescription creams were still unable to eliminate the flaking in the creases on either side of my nose. My friend had introduced me to Clinique products just this past spring so I decided to question a saleslady about what she could recommend for these dry patches. She brought out a small jar of Clinique's "Comfort on Call" which ended up costing me $39 U.S. I didn't resent the cost too much because I'd already been using their products and liked them a lot.
"Comfort on Call" is a solid cream and I was amazed how well it worked the very first time I tried it. I bought the cream in mid July and I'm sure it will last me for at least another 3 months. I use it once or twice a day and the scaling has disappeared. The slight roughness on the top of my nose is still there but not very noticeable. Too bad this wonderful cream doesn't make wrinkles disappear, too, but we can't have everything, can we?
My bad skin has been like a burr in my side for more years than I can remember. I've always had trouble finding over the counter creams that didn't irritate my skin and never before liked to spend anything close to $39 for skin care but I'll willingly pay it a few months from now when my jar runs out. It's so seldom that any product we buy lives up to it's promises but this one has for me.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
4th Yard Sale Done
Yard sale #4 is finished and there is no more flea market merchandise left to dispose of. I'm so happy but so darned tired that I can't really enjoy the moment.
Faye got here around 7 A.M. with Tim Horton's coffee for us and we began to fill the tables. At 7:30, I drove up to the main street and put our signs up. I was a little worried because the apartment building on the corner was having a huge yard sale and I thought that maybe people would think my signs were for that one and not mine. Not to worry...the apartment building drew lots of customers and many of them followed the signs to my house, too, and we were fairly busy all morning.
We closed up shop at noon, boxed the leftover merchandise and took it to the Salvation Army. Then we went to a Lebanese restaurant for shwarma and some other thing I don't know the name of. We'd never been to a Lebanese restaurant before so it was interesting trying something new. The owner brought us a sample of tabouli when we questioned him about a few different dishes. Faye loved it but it was too strong tasting for me.
When we got back home, the tent we'd used for sun shade had been taken down by Kim and Cindy and they'd even put my big patio table back in the yard. Sweethearts! I was so tired that I just wanted to take a nap but then I couldn't sleep. So here I am on the computer. I can nap anytime.
I can't stress how relieved I am to be rid of the flea market stock. It was fun doing that for quite a few years but the fun stopped a couple of years ago and it had become a drain on my strength. Carting heavy boxes of glass around is a burden I don't want to deal with anymore so today I am free. My sewing room, which held most of the flea market stuff, is now emptier but still holding too much craft stuff. It's funny how, once you start to purge, you don't want to stop and that pile of craft stuff won't be there this time next year.
I've made major headway in cleaning out my house this summer but there are miles to go. It'll have to wait until 2010, though.
Faye got here around 7 A.M. with Tim Horton's coffee for us and we began to fill the tables. At 7:30, I drove up to the main street and put our signs up. I was a little worried because the apartment building on the corner was having a huge yard sale and I thought that maybe people would think my signs were for that one and not mine. Not to worry...the apartment building drew lots of customers and many of them followed the signs to my house, too, and we were fairly busy all morning.
We closed up shop at noon, boxed the leftover merchandise and took it to the Salvation Army. Then we went to a Lebanese restaurant for shwarma and some other thing I don't know the name of. We'd never been to a Lebanese restaurant before so it was interesting trying something new. The owner brought us a sample of tabouli when we questioned him about a few different dishes. Faye loved it but it was too strong tasting for me.
When we got back home, the tent we'd used for sun shade had been taken down by Kim and Cindy and they'd even put my big patio table back in the yard. Sweethearts! I was so tired that I just wanted to take a nap but then I couldn't sleep. So here I am on the computer. I can nap anytime.
I can't stress how relieved I am to be rid of the flea market stock. It was fun doing that for quite a few years but the fun stopped a couple of years ago and it had become a drain on my strength. Carting heavy boxes of glass around is a burden I don't want to deal with anymore so today I am free. My sewing room, which held most of the flea market stuff, is now emptier but still holding too much craft stuff. It's funny how, once you start to purge, you don't want to stop and that pile of craft stuff won't be there this time next year.
I've made major headway in cleaning out my house this summer but there are miles to go. It'll have to wait until 2010, though.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Toronto Courier's Death
A bicycle courier lost his life on a Toronto street the other night and I have to admit I wasn't the least bit surpised when I heard the news. If anyone has driven in downtown Toronto, the sight of bicycle couriers tearassing and weaving through traffic is a terrifying sight. It seems they feel there are no laws prohibiting their passage.
I don't know the specifics of this poor young man's death but my heart also goes out to the driver of the car which hit him. It's something he'll have to live with for the rest of his life and only a trial will clear up his guilt or innocence in the matter.
I can only imagine that bicycle couriers are paid by the trip as they scurry heedlessly and weaving wildly around bumper to bumper traffic and it's amazing to me that more aren't killed every day. It's one tough way to earn a living and no-one would sail through automobile traffic on a bike in this dangerous way if time were not a factor.
We're having an issue in my city about installing bicycle lanes and I do think they're a good idea if not placed on the major roads. Regardless, bicyclists need to start abiding by the rules of the road if they want to survive. Cops need to start fining them when they're seen breaking the laws, too. The worst offenders, by far, are not children but adults who should know better.
The Toronto courier was a young man who ended up losing his life like so many other bicyclists who were in the wrong place at the wrong time, betting their fragile human body has much of a chance if hit by a car. There's no winning that contest.
I don't know the specifics of this poor young man's death but my heart also goes out to the driver of the car which hit him. It's something he'll have to live with for the rest of his life and only a trial will clear up his guilt or innocence in the matter.
I can only imagine that bicycle couriers are paid by the trip as they scurry heedlessly and weaving wildly around bumper to bumper traffic and it's amazing to me that more aren't killed every day. It's one tough way to earn a living and no-one would sail through automobile traffic on a bike in this dangerous way if time were not a factor.
We're having an issue in my city about installing bicycle lanes and I do think they're a good idea if not placed on the major roads. Regardless, bicyclists need to start abiding by the rules of the road if they want to survive. Cops need to start fining them when they're seen breaking the laws, too. The worst offenders, by far, are not children but adults who should know better.
The Toronto courier was a young man who ended up losing his life like so many other bicyclists who were in the wrong place at the wrong time, betting their fragile human body has much of a chance if hit by a car. There's no winning that contest.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Purging in a Good Way
If I had known that purging your home of useless doodads would feel so good, I would have done it years ago. I swear that my shoulders rise higher and my back straightens up a little more each time I toss an item into the yard sale box. It is so liberating that I can't wait to get this Saturday's yard sale over with so I can plan the next one. It won't be until next spring but I'm already eyeing things I don't need or want that are taking up precious space in my house.
Clearing out doodads, grown children, cheating husbands, or ratty furniture has got to be one the few things we do in our lives that can put a smile on our face just by their absence. It's hard to believe how many units of absolutely useless stuff we accumulate and hang onto "just in case we need them one day".
This summer, I've mainly concentrated on clearing out my flea market stock and I've breathed a sigh of relief with each box that exited the door. My sisters-in-law have been telling me for ages that I needed to get rid of this stuff but it took dogged determination on my part this spring to actually do it. It's hard getting rid of nice stuff like my flea market merchandise but, once the decision was made to do it, it got easier with each yard sale I had.
Next year I'll discard the tons of books that sit gathering dust and the tons of craft paraphernalia piled (neatly) in my sewing room. I'll empty closets, cupboards and shelves of every single thing I don't have any use for. I'm on a quest to simplify my environment and this summer has been an excellent start.
When I couldn't locate a book that had been lent to me, Faye used to joke that I'd probably sold it at the flea market. Now, no-one had better lend me anything or it just might end up in my yard sale or sent off to the Salvation Army.
Clearing out doodads, grown children, cheating husbands, or ratty furniture has got to be one the few things we do in our lives that can put a smile on our face just by their absence. It's hard to believe how many units of absolutely useless stuff we accumulate and hang onto "just in case we need them one day".
This summer, I've mainly concentrated on clearing out my flea market stock and I've breathed a sigh of relief with each box that exited the door. My sisters-in-law have been telling me for ages that I needed to get rid of this stuff but it took dogged determination on my part this spring to actually do it. It's hard getting rid of nice stuff like my flea market merchandise but, once the decision was made to do it, it got easier with each yard sale I had.
Next year I'll discard the tons of books that sit gathering dust and the tons of craft paraphernalia piled (neatly) in my sewing room. I'll empty closets, cupboards and shelves of every single thing I don't have any use for. I'm on a quest to simplify my environment and this summer has been an excellent start.
When I couldn't locate a book that had been lent to me, Faye used to joke that I'd probably sold it at the flea market. Now, no-one had better lend me anything or it just might end up in my yard sale or sent off to the Salvation Army.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
New Roof
Living in your own house is a comedy of errors and sometimes they're costly errors. Two years ago the basement suffered some flood damage and I had to pay big bucks to have it waterproofed and the damaged floor repaired. Last summer I lived through the nightmare of having squirrels squatting in the attic and it took almost 2 months to completely eradicate them. I also had to replace the furnace (big bucks). This year the roof shingles are deteriorating so I'm having them and the eavestrough replaced. Big bucks again. I wonder what surprise expenditure is in store for the summer of 2010?
I don't remember a time in my life when I didn't crave owning my own house. My childhood was spent living in tiny cramped rooms (not even apartments) so it's understandable that home ownership would attract me. Houses looked rock solid and as though they'd stand strong forever. I had no idea they required constant maintenance to stay that way.
Dennis had always lived in his own house and he was never thrilled with the idea of home ownership like I was so maybe he realized that, by buying your own home, you were making a lifelong commitment of constant repairs. I was so ecstatic with owning this house back in 1968 that I only barely noticed that Dennis was always doing the repairs needed to keep it from falling apart.
He scraped scabby paint on the foundation and front steps every few years (it needs doing now, by the way), he replaced roof shingles twice (big bucks to pay someone else to do it this year), cleaned the eavestroughs regularly (small bucks to pay someone else to do it once a year), he replaced the kitchen and bathroom himself, he fixed leaky taps, he built the basement rec room, he repainted the whole inside of the house every 5 years (my choice). I did help him a bit but he was the one in charge and the one who did the bulk of the labor.
Dennis passed away 4 years ago and now it's me who has to tend to these repairs and I can tell you I'd rather not. Home ownership is losing it's sparkle for me and I now dream of the day when I have my own little apartment and can just call a superintendant to come fix the leaky tap or paint the place. I'm very aware it won't always be as easy as that but at least I won't have to be responsible for flooded basements or roof shingles anymore.
My neighbor, Lisa, threatens to move, too, if I sell my house but we both know the time is coming. I've spent 41 years here and, with luck, will be here a few more but the darned place has to give me a break now and then. Like maybe a year or two with no repairs!
I don't remember a time in my life when I didn't crave owning my own house. My childhood was spent living in tiny cramped rooms (not even apartments) so it's understandable that home ownership would attract me. Houses looked rock solid and as though they'd stand strong forever. I had no idea they required constant maintenance to stay that way.
Dennis had always lived in his own house and he was never thrilled with the idea of home ownership like I was so maybe he realized that, by buying your own home, you were making a lifelong commitment of constant repairs. I was so ecstatic with owning this house back in 1968 that I only barely noticed that Dennis was always doing the repairs needed to keep it from falling apart.
He scraped scabby paint on the foundation and front steps every few years (it needs doing now, by the way), he replaced roof shingles twice (big bucks to pay someone else to do it this year), cleaned the eavestroughs regularly (small bucks to pay someone else to do it once a year), he replaced the kitchen and bathroom himself, he fixed leaky taps, he built the basement rec room, he repainted the whole inside of the house every 5 years (my choice). I did help him a bit but he was the one in charge and the one who did the bulk of the labor.
Dennis passed away 4 years ago and now it's me who has to tend to these repairs and I can tell you I'd rather not. Home ownership is losing it's sparkle for me and I now dream of the day when I have my own little apartment and can just call a superintendant to come fix the leaky tap or paint the place. I'm very aware it won't always be as easy as that but at least I won't have to be responsible for flooded basements or roof shingles anymore.
My neighbor, Lisa, threatens to move, too, if I sell my house but we both know the time is coming. I've spent 41 years here and, with luck, will be here a few more but the darned place has to give me a break now and then. Like maybe a year or two with no repairs!
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