It's always been very apparent that my sister and brother-in-law are totally in love with each other. It's in the way they look at each other, touch each other in passing, and take care of each other. It's a beautiful thing to see.
I picked them up at 6 A.M. this morning to drive over to the States where Jim would have his colon cancer surgery. Many times before he was wheeled away to the operating room, Jim would look penetratingly at Sharon and ask if she was okay. Every once in a while, out of Jim's sight, Sharon would fall apart and cry out of fear for her beloved Jim.
Jim sailed through the surgery and his doctor said he'd seen nothing that looked cancerous other than the small mass he'd removed. We all know that doesn't mean the cancer hasn't already spread but we won't go there now. Right now, he's resting at the hospital with his loving wife spending the night with him. You'd think all that love and devotion would bring a cure, wouldn't you?
I hope so very much that it does.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Living It Day by Day
Life isn't easy and it takes a lot of stamina and determination for anyone to get through each day. I don't know for sure but it seems as though we're faced with more and more struggles as we age. We develop illnesses and we lose loved ones...this was never a huge concern when we were young but it's an "in the face" issue more often as we age.
I look ahead to the day I hit the century mark (it's not going to happen but I'm just using my imagination) and it's for certain that most of the people who accompanied me through the years will be gone. Centurions are lucky if some of their children are still with them. New friends are nice but they can't take the place of people who have known you most of your life so to be left behind can't be a pleasant experience.
To lose someone you love is like having part of your heart and soul ripped away and the elderly have that terrible experience many times in their long lives. It makes us tougher but it also makes us insecure. Some, like me, become professional worriers who sense danger where danger might not exist.
I'm a relatively smart woman. I'm not bragging, just saying it like it is, so I know that it's useless to worry about what might happen to lessen the quality of our lives. It's much more fruitful to hope the bad doesn't happen and to appreciate all the good we have. I try to do this but it takes strength I don't always possess.
I look ahead to the day I hit the century mark (it's not going to happen but I'm just using my imagination) and it's for certain that most of the people who accompanied me through the years will be gone. Centurions are lucky if some of their children are still with them. New friends are nice but they can't take the place of people who have known you most of your life so to be left behind can't be a pleasant experience.
To lose someone you love is like having part of your heart and soul ripped away and the elderly have that terrible experience many times in their long lives. It makes us tougher but it also makes us insecure. Some, like me, become professional worriers who sense danger where danger might not exist.
I'm a relatively smart woman. I'm not bragging, just saying it like it is, so I know that it's useless to worry about what might happen to lessen the quality of our lives. It's much more fruitful to hope the bad doesn't happen and to appreciate all the good we have. I try to do this but it takes strength I don't always possess.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Beautiful World
The beauty of our natural world can easily be forgotten because of busy lives or troubled lives but every once in a while it pays to take a closer look at what surrounds us.
I was driving home from the States last week, caught up in bumper to bumper traffic as I inched across the Queenston bridge. It makes me a little nervous to be part of the weight of a hundred cars on that bridge and that was what was mainly on my mind but then I looked over the rail of the bridge and spotted the Niagara River below us. It meandered and curved along the tree lined river bank, so serene. The sky above it was blue with the occasional white cloud and the vision made me realize how fortunate we all are to have been given the gift of life for however long we're allotted.
Sometimes we forget just how beautiful this planet is. There is so much natural beauty everywhere if we just open our eyes.
I was driving home from the States last week, caught up in bumper to bumper traffic as I inched across the Queenston bridge. It makes me a little nervous to be part of the weight of a hundred cars on that bridge and that was what was mainly on my mind but then I looked over the rail of the bridge and spotted the Niagara River below us. It meandered and curved along the tree lined river bank, so serene. The sky above it was blue with the occasional white cloud and the vision made me realize how fortunate we all are to have been given the gift of life for however long we're allotted.
Sometimes we forget just how beautiful this planet is. There is so much natural beauty everywhere if we just open our eyes.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
When To Give In
My brother-in-law is an American living in Canada and he refuses to get an OHIP health card so he can use our health system. He has serious health problems that require him to make regular trips over the border to see his own doctors and it's worried me for a while that there might come a time when he is unable to do the driving needed...about an hour or so.
He has colon cancer and will be having surgery in the States on Friday but he has made numerous trips back and forth having all the tests his doctors have requested before doing the surgery. Not only is this tiring for him but the price of gas is high and it's also an expensive proposition for him to make so many trips. Many of the tests have been repetitions of tests already done and that has been an irritant, too. Yesterday he drove over for a final catscan and was told he could pick up a prescription at the drugstore. When he arrived at the drugstore, they hadn't received any notification from his doctor so he couldn't get it. When he phoned the doctor, he was in surgery and couldn't be reached. Now my brother-in-law has to make one more trip over to the States to get the prescription. He said he sat in the parking lot and cried in frustration yesterday, all so unnecessary for this sick man.
In the past, I've tried repeatedly to convince him to get an OHIP card so he could use our health system in an emergency. His refusal to look ahead to a time very much like this one has placed us all in a troubling situation. I'm at a loss as to how to convince him that having the OHIP card would make everyone's life easier, especially his.
I can drive them to the hospital on Friday and over the weekend but I can't drive my sister to visit him in the evenings because I can't see to drive in the dark. She has a day care so has to work through the day. I am so fearful of him having a lengthy hospital stay that it's on my mind all the time.
The future possibilities/probabilities and all the things that will have to be dealt with in a foreign country have me worried sick. The only thing I can do at this point is deal with one day at a time. My brother-in-law is an angel in every way but he is so darned stubborn once he makes up his mind.
This is a message for everyone to have their affairs in order so that their loved ones will be able to tend to matters as easily as possible.
He has colon cancer and will be having surgery in the States on Friday but he has made numerous trips back and forth having all the tests his doctors have requested before doing the surgery. Not only is this tiring for him but the price of gas is high and it's also an expensive proposition for him to make so many trips. Many of the tests have been repetitions of tests already done and that has been an irritant, too. Yesterday he drove over for a final catscan and was told he could pick up a prescription at the drugstore. When he arrived at the drugstore, they hadn't received any notification from his doctor so he couldn't get it. When he phoned the doctor, he was in surgery and couldn't be reached. Now my brother-in-law has to make one more trip over to the States to get the prescription. He said he sat in the parking lot and cried in frustration yesterday, all so unnecessary for this sick man.
In the past, I've tried repeatedly to convince him to get an OHIP card so he could use our health system in an emergency. His refusal to look ahead to a time very much like this one has placed us all in a troubling situation. I'm at a loss as to how to convince him that having the OHIP card would make everyone's life easier, especially his.
I can drive them to the hospital on Friday and over the weekend but I can't drive my sister to visit him in the evenings because I can't see to drive in the dark. She has a day care so has to work through the day. I am so fearful of him having a lengthy hospital stay that it's on my mind all the time.
The future possibilities/probabilities and all the things that will have to be dealt with in a foreign country have me worried sick. The only thing I can do at this point is deal with one day at a time. My brother-in-law is an angel in every way but he is so darned stubborn once he makes up his mind.
This is a message for everyone to have their affairs in order so that their loved ones will be able to tend to matters as easily as possible.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
A Pat On The Back To Myself
Anyway, I did good, didn't I?
Am I Right Or Am I wrong?
I firmly believe that if we see something wrong and keep silent, we are contributing to the wrong. That said, I wonder if I'm becoming a little too confrontational in my old age. Right now I'm having a letter to the editor of the local newspaper published tomorrow. I'm on the side of the jail guards who walked out because they weren't allowed to wear safety vests...jail officials say that would be intimidating to the criminals. Damn!!
Today I had lunch with my sister at the mall and a young man, about 20, came into the food court wearing a tee shirt with the word, "FU-KING" (fully written, though), in huge letters on it. Sharon, Jim, and I, and also a couple sitting near us were disgusted by this. My concern is that children shouldn't have to see garbage like this. Sharon asked a cleaning lady to call security guards but, when they came, they told Sharon there was nothing they could do because it would infringe on the person's freedom of expression. What a world!
I had half expected this and I wasn't about to let the guy get away with wearing such filth in public so I went over to him and asked if he thought it was right for children to see the words written on his tee shirt? He and his friend looked shocked when I questioned them and he mumbled something, looking kind of nervous at this crazy old lady who was accosting him. I asked again if he thought his tee shirt was appropriate to wear around children and he very softly said, "no", still looking nervously at me. I told him he should be ashamed of himself and, at that, he and his friend quickly gathered up their stuff and left the mall.
Then I turned my attention to the security guards who stood about 100' away watching the action. I asked them if it was true that they could do nothing in a situation like this and they said they couldn't but was glad I'd done it for them. I know they have their orders from their bosses but something is rotten in Denmark when you take your children out in public and are legally subjected to filth like that tee-shirt. I wish I'd asked the young man wearing it if he wore it in front of his family or his grandparents. He appeared to be Indian or Pakistani so I doubt very much he'd dare insult his family that way.
Now, am I being too confrontational in my old age or am I right in trying to retain some of our values? I do worry about myself sometimes.
Today I had lunch with my sister at the mall and a young man, about 20, came into the food court wearing a tee shirt with the word, "FU-KING" (fully written, though), in huge letters on it. Sharon, Jim, and I, and also a couple sitting near us were disgusted by this. My concern is that children shouldn't have to see garbage like this. Sharon asked a cleaning lady to call security guards but, when they came, they told Sharon there was nothing they could do because it would infringe on the person's freedom of expression. What a world!
I had half expected this and I wasn't about to let the guy get away with wearing such filth in public so I went over to him and asked if he thought it was right for children to see the words written on his tee shirt? He and his friend looked shocked when I questioned them and he mumbled something, looking kind of nervous at this crazy old lady who was accosting him. I asked again if he thought his tee shirt was appropriate to wear around children and he very softly said, "no", still looking nervously at me. I told him he should be ashamed of himself and, at that, he and his friend quickly gathered up their stuff and left the mall.
Then I turned my attention to the security guards who stood about 100' away watching the action. I asked them if it was true that they could do nothing in a situation like this and they said they couldn't but was glad I'd done it for them. I know they have their orders from their bosses but something is rotten in Denmark when you take your children out in public and are legally subjected to filth like that tee-shirt. I wish I'd asked the young man wearing it if he wore it in front of his family or his grandparents. He appeared to be Indian or Pakistani so I doubt very much he'd dare insult his family that way.
Now, am I being too confrontational in my old age or am I right in trying to retain some of our values? I do worry about myself sometimes.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Polio
On the front page of today's newspaper, there's a photo of a lady about my age sitting in a wheelchair. She had polio in 1953 which left her partly crippled but she went on to be quite an accomplished wheelchair athlete.
It got me thinking back to about 1946 or 1947 when I woke up one morning unable to walk. I don't remember how long it lasted but I remember clearly how my legs were so weak that they wouldn't take the weight of my body and I had to crawl to make my way around our apartment. No doctor was called but my grandmother assumed I had polio and that was that. This would never happen in today's world but those were the days when we didn't have government health insurance and a doctor's bill would have to be paid by the patient's family. We were poor as dirt so doctor's visits were few and far between.
It didn't occurred to me at that young age (6 or 7) that I wouldn't recover from the illness and be able to go on with my normal life so I don't remember being frightened. As luck would have it, at some point I began to regain strength in my legs and really was able to go on as though nothing had happened. I've always wondered if that illness had indeed been a mild case of polio but I'll never know.
I really think that life is a throw of the dice. You either get caught up in bad luck or you have good luck that lets you avoid tragedies. At 72, I feel as though I've spent my life swerving around potentially perilous obstacles. Just a couple of days ago, I was driving down the road and saw a car attempting to make a left turn onto my road. The driver moved her head from left to right, checking out the traffic and then looked directly at me as she began to pull out right in front of me. If I hadn't sensed that something wasn't quite right with the scene and watched her carefully, I wouldn't have been ready to brake to avoid her. Strange, but I think she was just going through the motions of checking the traffic while her mind was somewhere else. I consider myself to be psychically aware so maybe that's what's saved my butt in a lot of dangerous situations.
The lady who had polio but lived a successful life regardless is someone to admire. She used her disability to enhance her life instead of letting it stop her. The same can be said for anyone who suffers from any kind of disability or disadvantage. The strong ones will survive and prosper as long as they choose to do so but those who say, "poor me", will fall by the wayside.
My possible bout with polio had no effect on my life but I still wonder...what if?
It got me thinking back to about 1946 or 1947 when I woke up one morning unable to walk. I don't remember how long it lasted but I remember clearly how my legs were so weak that they wouldn't take the weight of my body and I had to crawl to make my way around our apartment. No doctor was called but my grandmother assumed I had polio and that was that. This would never happen in today's world but those were the days when we didn't have government health insurance and a doctor's bill would have to be paid by the patient's family. We were poor as dirt so doctor's visits were few and far between.
It didn't occurred to me at that young age (6 or 7) that I wouldn't recover from the illness and be able to go on with my normal life so I don't remember being frightened. As luck would have it, at some point I began to regain strength in my legs and really was able to go on as though nothing had happened. I've always wondered if that illness had indeed been a mild case of polio but I'll never know.
I really think that life is a throw of the dice. You either get caught up in bad luck or you have good luck that lets you avoid tragedies. At 72, I feel as though I've spent my life swerving around potentially perilous obstacles. Just a couple of days ago, I was driving down the road and saw a car attempting to make a left turn onto my road. The driver moved her head from left to right, checking out the traffic and then looked directly at me as she began to pull out right in front of me. If I hadn't sensed that something wasn't quite right with the scene and watched her carefully, I wouldn't have been ready to brake to avoid her. Strange, but I think she was just going through the motions of checking the traffic while her mind was somewhere else. I consider myself to be psychically aware so maybe that's what's saved my butt in a lot of dangerous situations.
The lady who had polio but lived a successful life regardless is someone to admire. She used her disability to enhance her life instead of letting it stop her. The same can be said for anyone who suffers from any kind of disability or disadvantage. The strong ones will survive and prosper as long as they choose to do so but those who say, "poor me", will fall by the wayside.
My possible bout with polio had no effect on my life but I still wonder...what if?
Friday, August 24, 2012
He Slept & He Cried
He was awake and quiet just long enough to eat a half bowl of beans and weiners and then the crying/sleeping cycle started all over again. What was pitiful but funny was seeing him pull his little suitcase to the front door and try to figure out how to put his shoes on. It would tire him and he'd fall asleep, wake up and cry, etc., etc., etc.
He has a runny nose so I'm sure he's not feeling well but I've never seen a kid carry on like this for so long. He loved it here the last time he came and was good as gold. Today he's a beast...but still so cute sitting at the front door with his suitcase, a message that comes through loud and clear.
Nick called to say he'd pick him up at 5:30 P.M. and it can't come too soon for me...or for Nash.
Note: Okay, now he's breaking my heart. He's still sitting at the front door with his little suitcase but now he's crying and calling for his daddy. It's so sad it's bringing tears to my eyes but there's no way I can comfort him because he cries harder when I go near him.
Jail Guards & Safety Vests
Jail guards in this city have been on strike for a couple of weeks now because they have been forbidden to wear safety vests while searching cells for a possible weapon. Does this make sense to anyone? Why should these hard working people be forced to take chances with their lives when the vests are right there for the using?
Apparently someone (I have no idea who) in charge of the jail has decided that it's emotionally harmful for the inmates to see their guards wearing safety vests. WTF!!!! Maybe it's equally harmful to their little psyches for them to be behind bars, too, or facing any kind of punishment for their crimes so we should just let them all go home.
This whole fiasco is so asinine that it's hard to believe it's really happening. I remember a few years back when "someone" decided that it was racial profiling for the police to describe the criminal they were looking for as black. These bleeding heart liberals are sometimes so ridiculous in their demands that it's hard to take them seriously...but too often it's a bleeding heart liberal who is making the rules that we are forced to abide by.
The good thing about the jail guard walkout is that their union and the public are supporting them. Now it's only a matter of time before the "bleeding heart liberal" sees that he/she can't win this one.
Apparently someone (I have no idea who) in charge of the jail has decided that it's emotionally harmful for the inmates to see their guards wearing safety vests. WTF!!!! Maybe it's equally harmful to their little psyches for them to be behind bars, too, or facing any kind of punishment for their crimes so we should just let them all go home.
This whole fiasco is so asinine that it's hard to believe it's really happening. I remember a few years back when "someone" decided that it was racial profiling for the police to describe the criminal they were looking for as black. These bleeding heart liberals are sometimes so ridiculous in their demands that it's hard to take them seriously...but too often it's a bleeding heart liberal who is making the rules that we are forced to abide by.
The good thing about the jail guard walkout is that their union and the public are supporting them. Now it's only a matter of time before the "bleeding heart liberal" sees that he/she can't win this one.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Crossing the Border
Yesterday I had very little to do except housework so I decided to go over to the States and do a little shopping. Driving along the QEW, I saw the first sign that warned me that car traffic crossing the border had a 30-60 minute wait and that gave me pause. Should I just turn around and go home or hope the wait was closer to the 30 minute time? Housework or a 30 minute wait at the border...hmmm! I kept on my way to the border.
The line-up at the border was longer than I'd ever seen it on the Canadian side but, what the heck, I had nothing else important to do. Something I learned in this line-up was that, when the line split off, always take the line to the right because that's how the border guards open up new ones...from left to right...so you'll end up in a shorter line. And that's how it worked out. The wait was 30 minutes and I had the nicest, cutest border guard who almost waved me right through. Border guards are notoriously cold as ice but this one was human.
I did just a little bit of shopping for necessities like bubble wrap, yarn, envelopes, and printer ink cartridge, and then had a nice lunch at an Arby's where 2 waitresses got into a loud verbal spat. One of them must have been the manager because no-body broke it up.
Heading back home, I had the same 30 minute wait and always took the new right lane that opened up. Great results again. The Canadian border guard was just as nice and human as the American one had been so my whole trip was a pleasant one...other than the squabbling waitresses but that was more interesting than scary.
Sometimes our days are nothing special, just a trip here or there or something as mundane as housework. As long as we're not embroiled in tragedy, we should accept and enjoy these simple days when they come along. I did.
The line-up at the border was longer than I'd ever seen it on the Canadian side but, what the heck, I had nothing else important to do. Something I learned in this line-up was that, when the line split off, always take the line to the right because that's how the border guards open up new ones...from left to right...so you'll end up in a shorter line. And that's how it worked out. The wait was 30 minutes and I had the nicest, cutest border guard who almost waved me right through. Border guards are notoriously cold as ice but this one was human.
I did just a little bit of shopping for necessities like bubble wrap, yarn, envelopes, and printer ink cartridge, and then had a nice lunch at an Arby's where 2 waitresses got into a loud verbal spat. One of them must have been the manager because no-body broke it up.
Heading back home, I had the same 30 minute wait and always took the new right lane that opened up. Great results again. The Canadian border guard was just as nice and human as the American one had been so my whole trip was a pleasant one...other than the squabbling waitresses but that was more interesting than scary.
Sometimes our days are nothing special, just a trip here or there or something as mundane as housework. As long as we're not embroiled in tragedy, we should accept and enjoy these simple days when they come along. I did.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Valedictorian Swears
A valedictorian in Oklahoma uses the word "hell" in her speech and is denied her graduation diploma. Now there are two ways of looking at this. First, "hell" is not such an awful word but using it in her speech showed a disrespect for tradition. Second, you know darned well that another valedictorian somewhere will try to top her by dropping the "F" bomb. So where do you draw the line?
We are losing the invisible line between respect and disrespect so fast now that it makes your head spin. Following the unspoken rules of tradition might be boring and challenging to some but for most of us it's satisfying to know we're carrying forward part of the past. This girl knew she was stepping on toes but seemed unable to exercise control. But it got her on T.V., didn't it?
Once ground is broken there is no going back so we can expect more valedictorians to foul their speech, a speech that used to hold meaning and was an honor for the person giving it. Using the word "hell" in her speech might have been just a joke for her but it was probably the beginning of the end for the once honorable position of valedictorian. So sad to see another tradition bite the dust.
We are losing the invisible line between respect and disrespect so fast now that it makes your head spin. Following the unspoken rules of tradition might be boring and challenging to some but for most of us it's satisfying to know we're carrying forward part of the past. This girl knew she was stepping on toes but seemed unable to exercise control. But it got her on T.V., didn't it?
Once ground is broken there is no going back so we can expect more valedictorians to foul their speech, a speech that used to hold meaning and was an honor for the person giving it. Using the word "hell" in her speech might have been just a joke for her but it was probably the beginning of the end for the once honorable position of valedictorian. So sad to see another tradition bite the dust.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Morning Coffee
Last week I went to Tim's with Faye and Donna and stupidly ordered a large coffee before asking if they'd reheat it for me. They wouldn't and I couldn't drink it because it was cold so I took it home with me and reheated it in my own microwave. I think I need to write Tim Horton's headquarters about this problem!
Note: I sent an e-mail to Tim Horton's headquarters and requested a reply. Wouldn't it be nice if they'd change their policy now and start reheating my coffee?
Update: They replied and said that single serving items such as cups or plates are not recommended to be put in a microwave. I replied to them that millions of people all over the world use the microwave every day to reheat food and beverages. So far, no further reply. I should have asked if they'd reheat my coffee if it was in a mug...hmm! That's next!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Plants Thrive in Cooler Weather
Eating in a Burka
I'm going to get myself into trouble one of these days because I always have a tremendous urge to go and talk to women I see wearing a burka. I'm not angry with the women but very, very angry with the males in their families who have brainwashed these poor women.
Anyway, yesterday I was sitting in the mall food court having lunch with my sister when a mid eastern family came to sit at a table near us. The man was dressed casually in American clothing as were his 3 young children. On the other hand, the lady I assumed was his wife was dressed head to toe in black robes. Her face was uncovered, though. With them was what looked to me to be a young woman who peered through nothing but the eye slits of her burka. This drives me crazy! It's when I want to go over and tell her that she's in Canada now and has the freedom to come out from hiding. I know it's not my business but I still have an almost undeniable impulse to "help" her. I fight it because I feel it would serve no purpose and only make me look like an idiot. I believe the father will have a tougher time convincing his younger daughters to cover up like this as they grow up in this country.
Having not been able to help but notice this strange sight amid the crowded food court where the burka lady was the only one in disguise, I have better manners than to keep on staring but something happened that I've never seen before.
We don't see too many women in burkas in this city so I've never had the chance to watch someone eat while wearing one. The shithead daddy (sorry, but that's what I think of these men) brought a big pizza to the table and everyone dug in, even burka lady. I watched in amazement as she lifted her veil just enough to put the pizza up to her mouth, and then lowered it as she chewed on her food. She repeated this every time she took a bite. It really was a pitiful sight.
My understanding is that their religion isn't what forces the women to cover up like this so it has to be male conditioning within the family. In my mind, that man has a lot to be ashamed of and I hope he gets the message that we Canadians look upon him with distaste.
The other thing is the danger of allowing people to walk around in public completely disguised. A criminal dressed like this would be unrecognisable and they could also be carrying an uzi or any kind of weapon under those robes. I'm hoping that sometime soon there will be a law against wearing a burka in this country.
Anyway, yesterday I was sitting in the mall food court having lunch with my sister when a mid eastern family came to sit at a table near us. The man was dressed casually in American clothing as were his 3 young children. On the other hand, the lady I assumed was his wife was dressed head to toe in black robes. Her face was uncovered, though. With them was what looked to me to be a young woman who peered through nothing but the eye slits of her burka. This drives me crazy! It's when I want to go over and tell her that she's in Canada now and has the freedom to come out from hiding. I know it's not my business but I still have an almost undeniable impulse to "help" her. I fight it because I feel it would serve no purpose and only make me look like an idiot. I believe the father will have a tougher time convincing his younger daughters to cover up like this as they grow up in this country.
Having not been able to help but notice this strange sight amid the crowded food court where the burka lady was the only one in disguise, I have better manners than to keep on staring but something happened that I've never seen before.
We don't see too many women in burkas in this city so I've never had the chance to watch someone eat while wearing one. The shithead daddy (sorry, but that's what I think of these men) brought a big pizza to the table and everyone dug in, even burka lady. I watched in amazement as she lifted her veil just enough to put the pizza up to her mouth, and then lowered it as she chewed on her food. She repeated this every time she took a bite. It really was a pitiful sight.
My understanding is that their religion isn't what forces the women to cover up like this so it has to be male conditioning within the family. In my mind, that man has a lot to be ashamed of and I hope he gets the message that we Canadians look upon him with distaste.
The other thing is the danger of allowing people to walk around in public completely disguised. A criminal dressed like this would be unrecognisable and they could also be carrying an uzi or any kind of weapon under those robes. I'm hoping that sometime soon there will be a law against wearing a burka in this country.
Boys Will Be Boys
Well, when they finished the deck Matt decided to play with the power washer on the patio, probably thinking it wouldn't show up too much. Well, the patio was a lot dirtier than expected so Nick thought I'd be mad when I saw the result but I love it and will keep it to make me smile every day I'm out in the yard.
They'll need to power wash the patio next summer, though!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Jim
My brother-in-law has officially been diagnosed with colon cancer and will have surgery at the end of the month. My sister, who couldn't accept the diagnosis at first, has now accepted it and she's devastated. Jim is one of those earthly treasures, a damn good man in every way, and now she's possibly facing life without him.
Initially, he'll have the tumor surgically removed and then, if necessary, have a colostomy bag. This isn't the worst thing in the world but not knowing if the cancer was caught in time is the horror of the situation. Cancer is a scourge on this earth and it seems to be attacking us with a vengeance.
Like I said, Jim is a treasure and has treated my sister like a queen since they first got together. He adores her and takes care of her and she will be completely lost without him. It's at times like this that I realize how unfair life is. Jim is a prince of a man and I can't stand that he'll have to suffer in any way. He's a guy who won't check his blood sugar because the needle hurts too much so I expected him to be a basket case over this but he's been calm and strong in order to make it easier for Sharon to handle. His first thought is for her.
I hope for the best but am very, very fearful of the worst.
Initially, he'll have the tumor surgically removed and then, if necessary, have a colostomy bag. This isn't the worst thing in the world but not knowing if the cancer was caught in time is the horror of the situation. Cancer is a scourge on this earth and it seems to be attacking us with a vengeance.
Like I said, Jim is a treasure and has treated my sister like a queen since they first got together. He adores her and takes care of her and she will be completely lost without him. It's at times like this that I realize how unfair life is. Jim is a prince of a man and I can't stand that he'll have to suffer in any way. He's a guy who won't check his blood sugar because the needle hurts too much so I expected him to be a basket case over this but he's been calm and strong in order to make it easier for Sharon to handle. His first thought is for her.
I hope for the best but am very, very fearful of the worst.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Just a Thought
There's a movement afoot in Canada for natives to be able to own their home and lot on reservations. Native leaders (who are the people in control of all finances on the reservations) are dead against it because they feel that no-one has the right to "own" land because it belongs to nature. I'm wondering why natives are laying claim to land outside the reservations and have suggested that homeowners already living on that land should pay a yearly fee to the natives?
If we follow the native philosophy that land shouldn't be owned by an individual, then they can't possibly believe that non-native Canadians owe them a penny...can they??
If we follow the native philosophy that land shouldn't be owned by an individual, then they can't possibly believe that non-native Canadians owe them a penny...can they??
Young of Heart and Mind
My health is not 100% but it's not bad and I often wonder at how vibrant and alive I feel in mind and spirit even though this old body doesn't look so good. I was laying in bed last night just pondering life in general when my thoughts tumbled upon how strong my mind felt and I attribute that to always having many interests or plans for interesting things to do.
Yesterday I cleaned and moved furniture around in the spare room and, in the back of the closet, came upon a big box of old quilting magazines that a friend in Florida had given me a few years ago. That was at a time when quilting was my craft but now I'm into Swedish weaving. While doing some research on Ebay this morning, I discovered that these magazines still have enough value for me to sell them there so today's plans are to do just that. I really enjoy the process of taking the photos, editing them and then listing the product on Ebay. Following the progress of the 7 day auction is also enjoyable. I'd never give up my own quilting books but I'm willing to give up the magazines in my ongoing quest to declutter my house.
I still love quilting and will probably get back to it some day but only small wall hangings. That's why I haven't gotten rid of all my quilting fabric. Quilting is as close as I've ever come to creating art...at least that's how it felt to design a quilt with pattern, color, and print. I'm looking forward to creating like that again some day soon.
Neither my mother nor my grandmother had any interest in crafts. Their days consisted of working and housework, both of which I've avoided if at all possible all of my life. I think I might have the heart and soul but not the talent of an artist. Being short on talent doesn't mean I don't do the best I can to create things of beauty and that's what gives me the greatest pleasure.
Gardening is another artistic pastime that I dabble in. You don't have to be perfect to grow a beautiful pot of flowers...they are beautiful in their own right. I fully intend to have a colorful flower garden on my balcony when I move to an apartment.
I don't understand the seniors who while away their golden years just watching T.V. because there's so little there to stimulate you and keep your mind sharp. One of the best places for a senior to hone their interests is at a Senior Center. There are so many different classes and activities to take part in and, best of all, lots of active and interesting seniors to make friends with. Good social interaction can keep you interested and interesting in your old age.
Well, once the sun comes out (it rained last night and is still overcast) I'll play around taking magazine photos and listing on Ebay. It will make for an interesting day!
Yesterday I cleaned and moved furniture around in the spare room and, in the back of the closet, came upon a big box of old quilting magazines that a friend in Florida had given me a few years ago. That was at a time when quilting was my craft but now I'm into Swedish weaving. While doing some research on Ebay this morning, I discovered that these magazines still have enough value for me to sell them there so today's plans are to do just that. I really enjoy the process of taking the photos, editing them and then listing the product on Ebay. Following the progress of the 7 day auction is also enjoyable. I'd never give up my own quilting books but I'm willing to give up the magazines in my ongoing quest to declutter my house.
I still love quilting and will probably get back to it some day but only small wall hangings. That's why I haven't gotten rid of all my quilting fabric. Quilting is as close as I've ever come to creating art...at least that's how it felt to design a quilt with pattern, color, and print. I'm looking forward to creating like that again some day soon.
Neither my mother nor my grandmother had any interest in crafts. Their days consisted of working and housework, both of which I've avoided if at all possible all of my life. I think I might have the heart and soul but not the talent of an artist. Being short on talent doesn't mean I don't do the best I can to create things of beauty and that's what gives me the greatest pleasure.
Gardening is another artistic pastime that I dabble in. You don't have to be perfect to grow a beautiful pot of flowers...they are beautiful in their own right. I fully intend to have a colorful flower garden on my balcony when I move to an apartment.
I don't understand the seniors who while away their golden years just watching T.V. because there's so little there to stimulate you and keep your mind sharp. One of the best places for a senior to hone their interests is at a Senior Center. There are so many different classes and activities to take part in and, best of all, lots of active and interesting seniors to make friends with. Good social interaction can keep you interested and interesting in your old age.
Well, once the sun comes out (it rained last night and is still overcast) I'll play around taking magazine photos and listing on Ebay. It will make for an interesting day!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Marineland and Zoos
There's no escaping the fact that putting wild animals in zoos for human entertainment is criminal. Now we find out that the animals at Marineland are going blind from contaminated water. We know how cruel it is to keep these animals in small enclosures instead of in their natural habitat but that doesn't stop even the most aware of us paying money to see them, does it?
All we have to do is imagine how any one of us would feel if we were pulled out of our society against our will, locked into cages and subjected to being on display for another species. No matter how you look at it, it's wrong.
Yes, I've been to Marineland and I've been to zoos. Each time, my conscience has been bothered right along with the wonder I felt at close-up views of animals I'd never have any other opportunity to see. It's a catch 22 situation for us humans because we do enjoy the experience but it's misery for the animals. What we have to do is weigh our transitory enjoyment against the lifelong misery of innocent animals and there can be no question. We've exploited them and we should stop now.
One of my worst memories of a zoo was probably back in the 1960's when my family went to the Buffalo Zoo. I remember a large animal, I think it was a bear, in a small cage pacing back and forth over and over again. The cage might have been about 6" x 12" and the animal paced blindly for as long as we stood to watch. That heart-wrenching sight has stayed with me all these years. Today's modern zoos are larger and the animals have a lot of free range to move around in but they are still restricted. It's still an abnormal habitat for them.
The huge whales, dolphins, and porpoises at Marineland are confined to tiny pools instead of their natural habitat of the vast oceans. The pool water they swim in is what is blinding them and causing skin irritations. It's all about making money and catering to the selfish greed of human beings that spurs us to trap these animals and cage them the way we do. And it will keep on happening as long as we pay admission at zoos and places like Marineland.
All we have to do is imagine how any one of us would feel if we were pulled out of our society against our will, locked into cages and subjected to being on display for another species. No matter how you look at it, it's wrong.
Yes, I've been to Marineland and I've been to zoos. Each time, my conscience has been bothered right along with the wonder I felt at close-up views of animals I'd never have any other opportunity to see. It's a catch 22 situation for us humans because we do enjoy the experience but it's misery for the animals. What we have to do is weigh our transitory enjoyment against the lifelong misery of innocent animals and there can be no question. We've exploited them and we should stop now.
One of my worst memories of a zoo was probably back in the 1960's when my family went to the Buffalo Zoo. I remember a large animal, I think it was a bear, in a small cage pacing back and forth over and over again. The cage might have been about 6" x 12" and the animal paced blindly for as long as we stood to watch. That heart-wrenching sight has stayed with me all these years. Today's modern zoos are larger and the animals have a lot of free range to move around in but they are still restricted. It's still an abnormal habitat for them.
The huge whales, dolphins, and porpoises at Marineland are confined to tiny pools instead of their natural habitat of the vast oceans. The pool water they swim in is what is blinding them and causing skin irritations. It's all about making money and catering to the selfish greed of human beings that spurs us to trap these animals and cage them the way we do. And it will keep on happening as long as we pay admission at zoos and places like Marineland.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Looking Out My Front Door
There's a lot of talk about global warming again and this horribly hot summer is starting to make me a believer because I've never experienced one like it. It wasn't just hotter than usual, it was extremely hotter than usual and the high temperatures seemed to last forever.
I haven't seem the economic impact of using the air conditioning for most of the summer yet but figure it might be in the $500 vicinity. The only other time I had a hydro bill like that was when Dennis was dying and needed the doors open for fresh air even while the air conditioning was on. Whatever made him most comfortable was what we did.
Well, now I can take advantage of the cooler morning and evening breezes that will waft through my new storm/screen door. We've finally left the 90's-100's and the temperatures are down to the lovely 70's-80's...perfect!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Hope Springs
Faye, Donna, and I went to see "Hope Springs" today and it was pretty good. Meryl Streep couldn't be bad if she tried and Tommy Lee Jones might just have become my favorite male actor. The movie wasn't academy award material but the audience sure laughed a lot all through it, probably because we older people could relate to a lot of the scenes.
I'm not going to ruin the movie for anyone by saying too much so I'll just say that I'm glad I took the time to see it.
Marriages are very different for different people and they either survive or fall apart. It might take a day and it might take years to discover just what kind of marriage you're in and if you want to stay in it or get the hell out. I know a lot of people who are in really good, lengthy marriages so it can be done. Sometimes it depends on the kind of people that make up the couple.
Love is a strong and complex emotion that also can't be explained with words alone. If you're in love with each other and faithful to one another you can have a happy marriage that nothing can sever and one that will last forever. One meaningless slip that brings distrust into the relationship is enough to destroy it, though.
I believe in true love and I believe in eternal bonding. You might be able to be relatively happy in marriage based on friendship alone but the best marriage consists of more than that...you need intense physical attraction, too, to make a spectacular marriage. It's worth not settling for "just comfortable".
I'm not going to ruin the movie for anyone by saying too much so I'll just say that I'm glad I took the time to see it.
Marriages are very different for different people and they either survive or fall apart. It might take a day and it might take years to discover just what kind of marriage you're in and if you want to stay in it or get the hell out. I know a lot of people who are in really good, lengthy marriages so it can be done. Sometimes it depends on the kind of people that make up the couple.
Love is a strong and complex emotion that also can't be explained with words alone. If you're in love with each other and faithful to one another you can have a happy marriage that nothing can sever and one that will last forever. One meaningless slip that brings distrust into the relationship is enough to destroy it, though.
I believe in true love and I believe in eternal bonding. You might be able to be relatively happy in marriage based on friendship alone but the best marriage consists of more than that...you need intense physical attraction, too, to make a spectacular marriage. It's worth not settling for "just comfortable".
Senior Abuse
Of all the seniors I know, not one has ever mentioned physical cruelty but maybe that's something we all would be ashamed to admit. I read a sad article in the newspaper this morning of a senior lady who was suffering from dementia and had been dumped in the middle of downtown (not a safe area) by her daughter who then drove away to her out-of-town home. Apparently, she didn't want the responsibility of caring for her ill mother any more and also didn't care that by leaving her on her own in the downtown area was probably going to be a death sentence for her.
Thankfully there are good people in this world and a shop keeper noticed the elderly lady wandering aimlessly on a hot day and got help for her. What if everyone was as heartless as the daughter? What if the lady had ended up in the hands of rapists or murderers? What if she'd wandered into the path of a car or bus? Her daughter should be ashamed of herself for what she did.
I've known seniors whose children have robbed them or disowned them so I know that this kind of treatment happens to some of us. It's not anything I worry about happening to me, though, because I'm lucky enough to have children I can trust with my life. It isn't easy caring for the elderly and the last thing I ever want is to be a burden on my children so I've told them to put me in a nursing home when the time comes. Just make sure to visit me often because, from what I've heard, it's the abandoned elderly who suffer the most abuse from bad caregivers.
There are only a few things that the elderly fear and one is being abused in some way when they can't fend for themselves. This used to be a society where the elderly were respected and protected but there is much too much disrespect for everyone in today's society and that's what makes seniors a bit more fearful for their safety.
I've mentioned before that we seem to be treated nicer by the Mexican community in Florida and that's because they, in general, still respect their elders. It's a pleasant feeling to be dealt with politely and patiently instead of facing the dead, uninterested eyes I often see on young people here in Canada. My own grandchildren are loving and respectful because that's the way they were raised. It usually all comes down to the quality of parenting, doesn't it? Not always, but usually.
Thankfully there are good people in this world and a shop keeper noticed the elderly lady wandering aimlessly on a hot day and got help for her. What if everyone was as heartless as the daughter? What if the lady had ended up in the hands of rapists or murderers? What if she'd wandered into the path of a car or bus? Her daughter should be ashamed of herself for what she did.
I've known seniors whose children have robbed them or disowned them so I know that this kind of treatment happens to some of us. It's not anything I worry about happening to me, though, because I'm lucky enough to have children I can trust with my life. It isn't easy caring for the elderly and the last thing I ever want is to be a burden on my children so I've told them to put me in a nursing home when the time comes. Just make sure to visit me often because, from what I've heard, it's the abandoned elderly who suffer the most abuse from bad caregivers.
There are only a few things that the elderly fear and one is being abused in some way when they can't fend for themselves. This used to be a society where the elderly were respected and protected but there is much too much disrespect for everyone in today's society and that's what makes seniors a bit more fearful for their safety.
I've mentioned before that we seem to be treated nicer by the Mexican community in Florida and that's because they, in general, still respect their elders. It's a pleasant feeling to be dealt with politely and patiently instead of facing the dead, uninterested eyes I often see on young people here in Canada. My own grandchildren are loving and respectful because that's the way they were raised. It usually all comes down to the quality of parenting, doesn't it? Not always, but usually.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Nothing Much Day
This is one of those beautiful summer days when I don't have much at all to do...a little laundry and Don coming (maybe) to finish the new screen door. I got a flier in the mail a short while ago for "Al's Maintenance Service" offering to cut my lawn weekly for $25 so I called and set up an account. Nick is just too busy with his work and family and I can't stand the sight of my front lawn if it isn't cut weekly so this will take another worry off my shoulders.
It's gorgeous outside this morning with a sunny sky and just a bit of breeze. It's one of those times that I relish my solitude. I seem to be having more times when I'm happier being alone than with a bunch of people and I wonder why the change. Is it part of the aging process? I still thoroughly enjoy the busy social life I have in Florida but I also love the alone time I get at home. Being alone gives me more opportunity to do some deep thinking and processing of information. When I had depression, alone time wasn't good for me because I wallowed in my unhappiness but in later years it's helped me do some belated growing up. If your attitude about life is a healthy one you do well in all situations, both socially and by yourself. My attitude has been a positive one for ages now and it sometimes amazes me at how far I've come along since the dark years.
I never use a "nothing much day" to do nothing much, though, because I have so many plans of things to do in this house. It's more that I want to pare back than redecorate but I did decide to start replacing old furniture for new. It won't have as much of a sticker shock if I do it gradually. For the most part I'll still be doing a lot of discarding because that has to be done.
Well, laundry needs shuffling so I'd better do something more constructive than playing on the computer.
It's gorgeous outside this morning with a sunny sky and just a bit of breeze. It's one of those times that I relish my solitude. I seem to be having more times when I'm happier being alone than with a bunch of people and I wonder why the change. Is it part of the aging process? I still thoroughly enjoy the busy social life I have in Florida but I also love the alone time I get at home. Being alone gives me more opportunity to do some deep thinking and processing of information. When I had depression, alone time wasn't good for me because I wallowed in my unhappiness but in later years it's helped me do some belated growing up. If your attitude about life is a healthy one you do well in all situations, both socially and by yourself. My attitude has been a positive one for ages now and it sometimes amazes me at how far I've come along since the dark years.
I never use a "nothing much day" to do nothing much, though, because I have so many plans of things to do in this house. It's more that I want to pare back than redecorate but I did decide to start replacing old furniture for new. It won't have as much of a sticker shock if I do it gradually. For the most part I'll still be doing a lot of discarding because that has to be done.
Well, laundry needs shuffling so I'd better do something more constructive than playing on the computer.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Mini Reunion
We had some outdoor time but rain threatened and then finally arrived so the party was moved indoors for a while. It didn't dampen the fun, though, not with this family.
Tyson and Aeron came, too, and it was especially nice to see Aeron because I don't see her very often. She's so beautiful that it makes my heart swell with love to look at her. I'm prejudiced, of course, but I don't care because it's true.
Little Francis was the star of the show, though, being the youngest at 3 months of age. He's a gorgeous baby who calmly allowed himself to be admired and passed around to waiting arms. His Momma, Carson, was another beauty who showed no sign of having just given birth a few short months ago.
Every time I join a family gathering like this, I'm so very thankful to have married into it. Lucky me.
Note: I added the photo of me, Aeron, and Tyson after seeing it on Cindy's Facebook. I really struggle with learning how to do new things on the computer but I somehow managed to transfer that photo to my blog, not entirely sure how I did it.
Note 2: I'm getting better at this! I added another picture from Facebook of Adam and Larry H. removing the tarp that Adam had attached to the eavestrough to cover his deck due to the approaching rain. The wind was a little too gusty, though, so those silly men climbed back up on the roof to remove it. I was worried that the winds would rip the eavestroughs off the house...and also worried that the men would fall off the roof!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Matt's Present
I like this saying better than "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade", but the sentiment is the same. It's raining today and we were supposed to attend a family garden party to welcome a visiting relative. Instead, we'll crowd into the house and fill it with the laughter and happiness that always seems to permeate our family get-togethers. We might even dance in the rain!
How Could It All Go So Wrong?
Picture this. You work hard all your life and raise children of your own, looking forward to the day when you can retire and live the good life. But things don't work out the way you planned and you end up raising three grandchildren because their parents are hopeless alcoholics. Add to this the fact that the children are also suffering from foetal alcohol syndrome so your hoped for golden years are going to be very difficult indeed.
This isn't an isolated story because there are grandparents all over the world spending their declining years taking on responsibilities for raising grandchildren whose own parents are irresponsible, drug or alcohol addicted, or simply inept. Young parents never believe a day will come in their future when this will happen to them but it can.
The grandparents in my story are good people. They worked hard, kept a clean home, and actually planned on saving towards retiring early so they would have many, many comfortable years in their old age. Then they were faced with allowing their three grandchildren being put into separate foster homes or taking them in to their own home. Being good people, they chose to delay their retirement plans and take the children in so they wouldn't be separated.
The next few years were filled with many tragedies involving the children but the grandparents held fast and did the best they could. Today I read in the newspaper that one of the children, now a young adult, stabbed his grandfather because he refused to give him money. How could it have come to this? How could the good intentions and good heart to care for these children have turned out so wrong?
Foetal alcohol syndrome is a mystery to me. The only thing I know about it is that it seems to dull the brain of the child afflicted with it but that can't necessarily mean that the child will become a criminal. These grandparents took on a huge load with their grandchildren and possibly couldn't have changed the course of their lives no matter what they did but they tried.
I understand the grandparents. They did what they had to do and most of us would do the same. You care for your own even if that involves putting aside your dreams of an easier life. It's just such a terrible shame when your efforts and sacrifices turn out as badly as this. And the young man, because of alcoholic parents and his own poor choices, is the biggest loser of all.
This isn't an isolated story because there are grandparents all over the world spending their declining years taking on responsibilities for raising grandchildren whose own parents are irresponsible, drug or alcohol addicted, or simply inept. Young parents never believe a day will come in their future when this will happen to them but it can.
The grandparents in my story are good people. They worked hard, kept a clean home, and actually planned on saving towards retiring early so they would have many, many comfortable years in their old age. Then they were faced with allowing their three grandchildren being put into separate foster homes or taking them in to their own home. Being good people, they chose to delay their retirement plans and take the children in so they wouldn't be separated.
The next few years were filled with many tragedies involving the children but the grandparents held fast and did the best they could. Today I read in the newspaper that one of the children, now a young adult, stabbed his grandfather because he refused to give him money. How could it have come to this? How could the good intentions and good heart to care for these children have turned out so wrong?
Foetal alcohol syndrome is a mystery to me. The only thing I know about it is that it seems to dull the brain of the child afflicted with it but that can't necessarily mean that the child will become a criminal. These grandparents took on a huge load with their grandchildren and possibly couldn't have changed the course of their lives no matter what they did but they tried.
I understand the grandparents. They did what they had to do and most of us would do the same. You care for your own even if that involves putting aside your dreams of an easier life. It's just such a terrible shame when your efforts and sacrifices turn out as badly as this. And the young man, because of alcoholic parents and his own poor choices, is the biggest loser of all.
Thursday, August 09, 2012
Nolan
Nolan..."What's that noise?"
Me..."It's the signal indicator because I'm turning right.".
Nolan..."No, you're turning yeft!".
He was just being silly but there are a few interesting points here. First, he still can't say his "L's" and second, how was this 3 year old so quick to know that left is the opposite of right?
He's a genius, of course.
Me..."It's the signal indicator because I'm turning right.".
Nolan..."No, you're turning yeft!".
He was just being silly but there are a few interesting points here. First, he still can't say his "L's" and second, how was this 3 year old so quick to know that left is the opposite of right?
He's a genius, of course.
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Muslim Infanticide
I think it's still called infanticide if a parent kills a teen or adult child and we're seeing much too much of it in Canada lately, ever since the influx of Muslim families. What I can't understand is why Muslim parents immigrate to a country where their home and family values are vastly different from their country of origin. Why would a strict Muslim family choose to live in a country where their children will undoubtedly pick up that country's culture and way of life?
The children we are seeing murdered by their own parents are not evil children. Apparently all they want to do is dress more like Canadians, have boyfriends, and maybe a bit of a social life. Unfortunately for them, their parents still want the control they had in their home country where the girls wore veils and were forced into arranged marriages.
This is not going to be acceptable practice in Canada and any Muslim families planning to immigrate here had better understand that. In this country, women have fought long and hard for the freedoms they have today and we are NOT going to accept less ever again. My heart goes out to the young immigrant Muslim girl who yearns for freedoms she's never experienced before but who fears for her life if she opposes her parents.
I'm not saying that it's not possible that some Canadian parents have been too liberal with their children but, for the most part, I'm very pleased that young girls can now expect more equal opportunities in their lives than ever before. It hurts to see young mid eastern girls wearing head scarves designed to hide their glorious hair. Funny, though, that many of the head scarves are colorful and adorned with eye catching baubles. I see that as the girl's way of expressing herself.
In a recent incident of Muslim infanticide here in Canada, the parents murdered their 3 daughters and then commented that their graves should be shit upon because they defied their parents by having boyfriends. This is beyond our understanding.
I've heard many Muslim leaders state that this behaviour is not condoned in the Koran but comes from a distortion in understanding it's teaching. I believe this to be true. We hear over and over again how Islam is a religion of love and peace, just as the rest of the world's religions but we also see how evil and cruel some religious followers can be. People who commit cruelty against others always have good reason why they do so but it's always twisted and senseless in the end. The real reason is that they are hateful, selfish human beings and that can occur in any religion (or lack of).
Islamic leaders in Canada have got to re-educate their followers and make them understand that old country ways will not be tolerated here. I see a day ahead when all newcomers to Canada will be able to blend in and become true Canadians, still respecting their home country's culture but also embracing the culture of their new, chosen country. I hope they'll bring only the good of their country to their new home and leave the bad behind.
There's an old saying, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do", and that makes a lot of sense. If you can't do that then you should just stay home.
The children we are seeing murdered by their own parents are not evil children. Apparently all they want to do is dress more like Canadians, have boyfriends, and maybe a bit of a social life. Unfortunately for them, their parents still want the control they had in their home country where the girls wore veils and were forced into arranged marriages.
This is not going to be acceptable practice in Canada and any Muslim families planning to immigrate here had better understand that. In this country, women have fought long and hard for the freedoms they have today and we are NOT going to accept less ever again. My heart goes out to the young immigrant Muslim girl who yearns for freedoms she's never experienced before but who fears for her life if she opposes her parents.
I'm not saying that it's not possible that some Canadian parents have been too liberal with their children but, for the most part, I'm very pleased that young girls can now expect more equal opportunities in their lives than ever before. It hurts to see young mid eastern girls wearing head scarves designed to hide their glorious hair. Funny, though, that many of the head scarves are colorful and adorned with eye catching baubles. I see that as the girl's way of expressing herself.
In a recent incident of Muslim infanticide here in Canada, the parents murdered their 3 daughters and then commented that their graves should be shit upon because they defied their parents by having boyfriends. This is beyond our understanding.
I've heard many Muslim leaders state that this behaviour is not condoned in the Koran but comes from a distortion in understanding it's teaching. I believe this to be true. We hear over and over again how Islam is a religion of love and peace, just as the rest of the world's religions but we also see how evil and cruel some religious followers can be. People who commit cruelty against others always have good reason why they do so but it's always twisted and senseless in the end. The real reason is that they are hateful, selfish human beings and that can occur in any religion (or lack of).
Islamic leaders in Canada have got to re-educate their followers and make them understand that old country ways will not be tolerated here. I see a day ahead when all newcomers to Canada will be able to blend in and become true Canadians, still respecting their home country's culture but also embracing the culture of their new, chosen country. I hope they'll bring only the good of their country to their new home and leave the bad behind.
There's an old saying, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do", and that makes a lot of sense. If you can't do that then you should just stay home.
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Another Friend Gone
I think Joe was one of the maintenance men in our Florida park from the first time we went there. He was such a nice, pleasant man, maybe 15 years younger than us so still working. You could tell by looking at Joe that he hadn't had an easy life but he worked hard and always had an upbeat attitude, friendly and helpful to everyone.
Dennis played guitar in the park's small clubhouse every Monday night and Joe played the bass so that may be how they became such good friends. Dennis was a "working man" at heart and felt best in the company of other working men. When Dennis passed away and I went down to the park by myself that first season, Joe came over to the trailer and cried as he hugged me hello. I think that says a lot about the relationships we hold with each other in that park.
Well, it was my turn to cry for Joe today when I found out he'd just passed away from lung cancer. He was diagnosed last winter and spent some scary times in the hospital when we weren't sure he'd be able to leave the hospital for home again...but he did. He and Donna live in the park as does his mother so he was well cared for there. I hope his passing was peaceful for that good man.
Dennis played guitar in the park's small clubhouse every Monday night and Joe played the bass so that may be how they became such good friends. Dennis was a "working man" at heart and felt best in the company of other working men. When Dennis passed away and I went down to the park by myself that first season, Joe came over to the trailer and cried as he hugged me hello. I think that says a lot about the relationships we hold with each other in that park.
Well, it was my turn to cry for Joe today when I found out he'd just passed away from lung cancer. He was diagnosed last winter and spent some scary times in the hospital when we weren't sure he'd be able to leave the hospital for home again...but he did. He and Donna live in the park as does his mother so he was well cared for there. I hope his passing was peaceful for that good man.
Monday, August 06, 2012
Aftermath
Birthdays don't hold much meaning for me anymore but, that said, it was heartwarming to have so many well wishes from friends and family. Those people are the reason my old age has been such a pleasant place to be.
Kim, Matt, Nick, Natasha, Nolan, and Nash came over last night and we had a great time laughing at the antics of the babies. I get Nolan all to myself this Thursday and I'm looking forward to it. Having one of the boys just one day every two weeks is heaven. It gives me plenty of time to myself and my own activities and then the time to really enjoy a baby all day. The boys are so very different in personality...Nolan is a loving, very active little boy and Nash is quieter and not especially loving with me yet but I'm working on it.
I had lunch today with Sharon and Jim and found out a little more about his upcoming surgery. This is so scary that I'm at a loss how to handle it. Sharon doesn't seem to be taking in the seriousness of it yet and I don't want to say anything that will put fear in her. I guess the answers will come when they're really needed.
I slept the sleep of the pure last night with windows open wide and fresh air streaming in. We've finally had a subtle change in the weather that will see us freed from 90 degree days and giving us cooler nights. I'm just happy to have the air conditioning off and the doors and windows open again. This has been a wicked hot summer and we'll have warm weather for another month or so but it looks like the terrible heat wave has ended.
Kim's afghan is finished and I was all set to start doing the embroidery on the hem when I realized all my embroidery floss is in Florida. Damn. Today's a holiday so I'm not sure which stores have remained open where I can buy some more and that means a day without handwork to do. That's probably the reason I'm blundering on with this blog.
Well, I can always do housework. Yeah, right!
Kim, Matt, Nick, Natasha, Nolan, and Nash came over last night and we had a great time laughing at the antics of the babies. I get Nolan all to myself this Thursday and I'm looking forward to it. Having one of the boys just one day every two weeks is heaven. It gives me plenty of time to myself and my own activities and then the time to really enjoy a baby all day. The boys are so very different in personality...Nolan is a loving, very active little boy and Nash is quieter and not especially loving with me yet but I'm working on it.
I had lunch today with Sharon and Jim and found out a little more about his upcoming surgery. This is so scary that I'm at a loss how to handle it. Sharon doesn't seem to be taking in the seriousness of it yet and I don't want to say anything that will put fear in her. I guess the answers will come when they're really needed.
I slept the sleep of the pure last night with windows open wide and fresh air streaming in. We've finally had a subtle change in the weather that will see us freed from 90 degree days and giving us cooler nights. I'm just happy to have the air conditioning off and the doors and windows open again. This has been a wicked hot summer and we'll have warm weather for another month or so but it looks like the terrible heat wave has ended.
Kim's afghan is finished and I was all set to start doing the embroidery on the hem when I realized all my embroidery floss is in Florida. Damn. Today's a holiday so I'm not sure which stores have remained open where I can buy some more and that means a day without handwork to do. That's probably the reason I'm blundering on with this blog.
Well, I can always do housework. Yeah, right!
Sunday, August 05, 2012
72
Today is my 72nd birthday and I have to admit that I never thought about being this age when I was young. If the thought passed my mind at all it would have been that the antiquity of being 72 years old was so far in the future it wasn't worth even thinking about. Well, the future has arrived and it's not so bad.
72 years has passed quickly and slowly. It all depends on which part I think about. Something that I would never want to give up is the knowledge I've gained over the years but I wouldn't mind trading in this old body for a young one. Sometimes we seniors look in the mirror and are shocked by the changes but we calm ourselves by saying that the body has been through the wars of life and we shouldn't expect the ravages not to show.
I remember how strange it felt to bypass my mother's age of death (64) and now I've reached my grandmother's age of death (72). It's hard to imagine myself near death because my mind is still vibrant but maybe that doesn't matter. For years I've been living the moment because we never know when that moment will be our last and I'm not about to change that attitude.
To all appearances I have built a good life for myself. I have loving family and friends and that is really the best that we can hope for. Everything else is gravy and I have a bit of that, too. When I had depression I couldn't appreciate what I had but the depression is long gone and my mind is clear to the advantages I have in my life. I still thank Dennis every day for taking care of my old age. He worked hard all of his relatively short life and wasn't able to enjoy retirement long enough.
Birthdays haven't mattered much to me for quite a while now. It's just nice to be able to wake up in the morning feeling pretty good and knowing my day will be a pleasant one. Today is my birthday and I'll spend some time with family I love. Nice!
72 years has passed quickly and slowly. It all depends on which part I think about. Something that I would never want to give up is the knowledge I've gained over the years but I wouldn't mind trading in this old body for a young one. Sometimes we seniors look in the mirror and are shocked by the changes but we calm ourselves by saying that the body has been through the wars of life and we shouldn't expect the ravages not to show.
I remember how strange it felt to bypass my mother's age of death (64) and now I've reached my grandmother's age of death (72). It's hard to imagine myself near death because my mind is still vibrant but maybe that doesn't matter. For years I've been living the moment because we never know when that moment will be our last and I'm not about to change that attitude.
To all appearances I have built a good life for myself. I have loving family and friends and that is really the best that we can hope for. Everything else is gravy and I have a bit of that, too. When I had depression I couldn't appreciate what I had but the depression is long gone and my mind is clear to the advantages I have in my life. I still thank Dennis every day for taking care of my old age. He worked hard all of his relatively short life and wasn't able to enjoy retirement long enough.
Birthdays haven't mattered much to me for quite a while now. It's just nice to be able to wake up in the morning feeling pretty good and knowing my day will be a pleasant one. Today is my birthday and I'll spend some time with family I love. Nice!
Friday, August 03, 2012
Kitchen Purge
True to my nature, this morning I looked into the kitchen cupboard for a place to put my new casserole dish and, finding no room, ended up cleaning out the whole thing. I discarded old Tupperware that had begun to decompose the way old plastic will do; I hauled out pots and pans and fondue sets; I deposited old Tupperware that still looked good into bags; I set aside old Thermoses that I will never use; I pulled out of the depths of the cupboard a big old crockpot but the liner doesn't come out for cleaning so I don't want it. The good stuff will go to the Salvation Army today.
One of the great things I discovered were 3 sets of Pyrex mixing bowls in excellent condition due to the fact that I almost never used them. Wonder why I had 3 sets?? Upon checking on Ebay, I found out that these are worth a bit of money! I kept one set and will take the others down to Florida to put on Ebay.
My cupboards look pretty good now with room for everything I still find useful. It feels so good to purge once in a while because we tend to hang on to too much junk that is too good to throw out. I tell myself that by taking it all to the Salvation Army some person who really can use it will buy it cheaply and the money they pay for it will do even more good for a charity organization.
I feel like I lost some unwanted weight.
One of the great things I discovered were 3 sets of Pyrex mixing bowls in excellent condition due to the fact that I almost never used them. Wonder why I had 3 sets?? Upon checking on Ebay, I found out that these are worth a bit of money! I kept one set and will take the others down to Florida to put on Ebay.
My cupboards look pretty good now with room for everything I still find useful. It feels so good to purge once in a while because we tend to hang on to too much junk that is too good to throw out. I tell myself that by taking it all to the Salvation Army some person who really can use it will buy it cheaply and the money they pay for it will do even more good for a charity organization.
I feel like I lost some unwanted weight.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Pre-Birthday Present
She, Don, and Kyle came for a visit last night because they'll be away over the weekend (my birthday is on Sunday). I haven't seen Kyle in a long time because he's living and going to college in Toronto so last night was a real treat for me. I have lots of memories of caring for Kyle and his brother and sister when they were little. Kyle was always so sweet, looking up to his bigger brother and trying to avoid his little sister's claws. The time I spent babysitting them was one of the high points of my life. I hope he feels the same bond with me that I feel with him. I love him to death!
Now, I'm never lonely but I can just imagine how lonely it would be without family visiting once in a while. When they're not here, they're on my mind and I cherish the fact that I have them. When Shelley moved to Tampa from overseas, I was thrilled to have her close to me all winter. I have Kim and Cindy close in the summer and Shelley close in the winter so I'm one lucky Momma!
Worrying
I'm a worrier. I worry about any little thing that could possibly go wrong and I make myself sick with worry about things that do go wrong. My brother-in-law isn't well and there are so many problems that this will entail that I don't have the brain capacity to take all of them in. It makes sense to wait until we know what is happening and what will be needed to deal with it but my mind doesn't work that way. I build different scenarios in my mind and worry about each and every one of them. Stupid, I know, but many of us are programmed this way and it's very difficult to change your programming..
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