By this time of the year I'm usually in Florida and never get to see Nolan and Nash opening presents. I'm still hoping to be in Florida for Christmas but today I'm giving the babies their presents a little early. I bought them some large Tonka trucks which will probably last throughout their childhood and I get to see their happy little faces when they unwrap their presents.
I usually go in with Kim for the boys' presents but I've had this yearning to buy them Tonka trucks and that's just what I did this year. It's not much fun buying presents for adults but it's always so much fun to buy for little ones. I joked with Nolan that his present from me would be really fancy toilet paper and I wish I'd had a camera handy to take a picture of the look of disgust and disappointment on his face. He looked so miserable that I had to tell him I was only kidding and that he was getting really nice presents. Nash is so easy going that he probably would have appreciated pretty toilet paper, though.
I'm dropping off Lisa's afghan at her parents' house on my way to Nick's so I'm kind of like a little old lady Santa today. I'm trying to get up the nerve to knock on Isabel's door for a quick hello and a hug but I don't want to disturb her if she isn't up for visitors. A hello and a hug shouldn't be a problem, though, but I'll make up my mind when I get to Lisa's parents' house.
I had a hard time sleeping last night because I couldn't get rid of the feeling that my biopsy report on Wednesday won't be good. I'd thought I was past worrying but it's back. I've kind of decided that if more surgery is needed I might just opt for radiation treatment on the area instead. It's a decision that doesn't come easily and I'm not sure yet.
I don't like not knowing.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Helping or Hurting
It's hard to believe that any husband (or wife) would deliberately sabotage their mate's endeavor to lose weight and become healthier but it does happen. I watched a T.V. show where the 600 lb. wife knew she had to lose weight or die and her husband was a complete jackass, insulting her and shoving food in front of her. That's abuse. We could say she should leave him but she loves him and will put up with it.
I have been on many diets during my middle and later years having put on a lot of weight due to my time of depression. Anyone who is overweight is an unhappy soul who eats to relieve the unhappiness. Gaining weight from overeating creates an even deeper depression so it's a no-win situation.
It took me years to recognize that, every time I went on a diet, my husband would bring home a dozen donuts. I wondered why a man who could eat only a half a donut and walk away would buy so many but I didn't recognize it as sabotage for a long while. Now, understand that he NEVER brought home a box of donuts at any other time. I could resist those damn donuts for a couple of days and then my lack of will power would drive me to the donuts and end my diet.
One day, on a brand new diet, my husband brought home another box of donuts and a light went off in my head. I told him I was finally on to his strategy. He said nothing but that was the last time he tried to sabotage my diet with donuts.
I've always wondered why he would do such a thing and have a few ideas. The one that makes the most sense is that he felt safer with a pudgy wife than with a slim one. I can only hope that he operated unconsciously and didn't do it deliberately. I'll never know.
These days, I have nothing but support and praise from my family and friends when I do well on a diet. It helps so much to overcome excessive and unhealthy eating when no-one is working against you instead of with you. We dieters need all the support we can get because most of us just aren't strong enough on our own to do it all ourselves.
My weight loss for 12 months of healthier eating is 20 lbs. Maybe not a lot but it's a big step in the right direction.
I have been on many diets during my middle and later years having put on a lot of weight due to my time of depression. Anyone who is overweight is an unhappy soul who eats to relieve the unhappiness. Gaining weight from overeating creates an even deeper depression so it's a no-win situation.
It took me years to recognize that, every time I went on a diet, my husband would bring home a dozen donuts. I wondered why a man who could eat only a half a donut and walk away would buy so many but I didn't recognize it as sabotage for a long while. Now, understand that he NEVER brought home a box of donuts at any other time. I could resist those damn donuts for a couple of days and then my lack of will power would drive me to the donuts and end my diet.
One day, on a brand new diet, my husband brought home another box of donuts and a light went off in my head. I told him I was finally on to his strategy. He said nothing but that was the last time he tried to sabotage my diet with donuts.
I've always wondered why he would do such a thing and have a few ideas. The one that makes the most sense is that he felt safer with a pudgy wife than with a slim one. I can only hope that he operated unconsciously and didn't do it deliberately. I'll never know.
These days, I have nothing but support and praise from my family and friends when I do well on a diet. It helps so much to overcome excessive and unhealthy eating when no-one is working against you instead of with you. We dieters need all the support we can get because most of us just aren't strong enough on our own to do it all ourselves.
My weight loss for 12 months of healthier eating is 20 lbs. Maybe not a lot but it's a big step in the right direction.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Make-up Mirror
I buy so many little doodads at yard sales for very low prices (usually 25 cents-$1) that I'm thoroughly shocked when I have to pay full price for something. The make-up mirror I bought years ago at a yard sale for $1 finally bit the dust and I really need one, mainly for plucking hairs, so I went shopping. I needed a lighted one and couldn't find one at Walmart so I tried Sears. The only one they had was a single round mirror on a pedestal for $100 and that's not in my price range so I headed up the hill to try a few stores there. As I headed toward Target I remembered I needed an oil change so I pulled into a Nissan dealership to see if they could do it right away for me. Not only could they do it immediately, they had a special price of $29.99 so I really lucked out. They also sold me an air filter for $38 so they lucked out, too.
Finally deciding I'd shopped enough for the day, I drove along to "Five Guys" for my hit of fries and, lo and behold, there was a "Bed, Bath, and Beyond" in that plaza so I ate my fries and drove across to it hoping to find my mirror. I did. It was $50 but I'd already realized it wasn't going to come cheap so I was ready for that price.
I don't like paying full price for anything but when you need something immediately you can't be too fussy. I rarely "need" anything so it doesn't hurt to splurge every once in a while. The new mirror is a trifold, exactly what I wanted, and it works wonderfully so I'm happy.
Today I got my hair cut but the new hairdresser I'd just acquired and liked has quit so I had to take a chance on an unknown lady to trust with my hair. That's always a scary proposition for any woman but she did a good job and I'll go to her again. As long as a hairdresser understands what I want and doesn't scalp me I am satisfied. We ladies don't ask for a lot, just what we want, right?
Finally deciding I'd shopped enough for the day, I drove along to "Five Guys" for my hit of fries and, lo and behold, there was a "Bed, Bath, and Beyond" in that plaza so I ate my fries and drove across to it hoping to find my mirror. I did. It was $50 but I'd already realized it wasn't going to come cheap so I was ready for that price.
I don't like paying full price for anything but when you need something immediately you can't be too fussy. I rarely "need" anything so it doesn't hurt to splurge every once in a while. The new mirror is a trifold, exactly what I wanted, and it works wonderfully so I'm happy.
Today I got my hair cut but the new hairdresser I'd just acquired and liked has quit so I had to take a chance on an unknown lady to trust with my hair. That's always a scary proposition for any woman but she did a good job and I'll go to her again. As long as a hairdresser understands what I want and doesn't scalp me I am satisfied. We ladies don't ask for a lot, just what we want, right?
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Police Shooting
It seems as though I'm in the minority when it comes to casting blame in the Ferguson shooting. There are certainly gray areas but any moron should be able to figure out that, whether his arms are raised in surrender or not, he just might be shot by police if he rushes towards them. A police officer's first responsibility is to protect himself.
Remember that the young offender was also a known criminal who had just committed a minor crime. This was no angel who didn't understand how the police worked. I believe he might have thought he was immune because of his age and it's a shame he had to die so young but he was the main instrument in his death.
The officer who shot him has also had his own world turned upside down. He's now a target for those wanting revenge and I'm sure won't be able to remain living and working in Ferguson because it won't be safe for him or his family. I do believe he shot because he felt threatened.
As for the riots and looting...how does it make sense to rob a liquor store to show you're angry about police brutality? I also believe that most of those rioters care nothing for the young man who was killed and are using his death as an excuse to loot and destroy.
I don't think I'll live long enough to see the day the shade of one's skin won't be an issue. But that day will come sooner or later and they'll look back on human history with wonderment about how shallow we were.
Remember that the young offender was also a known criminal who had just committed a minor crime. This was no angel who didn't understand how the police worked. I believe he might have thought he was immune because of his age and it's a shame he had to die so young but he was the main instrument in his death.
The officer who shot him has also had his own world turned upside down. He's now a target for those wanting revenge and I'm sure won't be able to remain living and working in Ferguson because it won't be safe for him or his family. I do believe he shot because he felt threatened.
As for the riots and looting...how does it make sense to rob a liquor store to show you're angry about police brutality? I also believe that most of those rioters care nothing for the young man who was killed and are using his death as an excuse to loot and destroy.
I don't think I'll live long enough to see the day the shade of one's skin won't be an issue. But that day will come sooner or later and they'll look back on human history with wonderment about how shallow we were.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Gray Days
I had my shower this morning and changed the bandages. I'm usually terribly squeamish about sores but I guess I've matured and can now take care of it without gagging. We all have to grow up some time and I guess it's happened to me.
I took one of the clonazepam pills last night to see if they worked well enough to help me sleep if and when I get to go to Florida. I think they helped a little too much so I won't take them again. Tylenol PM or Advil PM work very well and don't make me sleep for as long. Whenever I take a trip I have to take something to make me sleep because I get too excited and can't sleep. Being tired is not a good way to start a long drive.
Cindy has the go-ahead from her boss to drive down with me but she still has to get the okay from her doctor. I need my okay from the dermatologist and I need to make sure we have 2 clear days for driving. I'll check the weather report every day to see if there are any changes but so far it looks good.
It will be nice to have my life back so I can at least make definite plans to do what I want. It's a pain in the butt to be kept dangling because of indefinite circumstances.
Faye and Donna came over for Swedish weaving/knitting yesterday and we're going to use our last Tuesday (hopefully) next week to go for dinner at La Spaghett. My diet goes out the window at that place because the food is so rich and delicious. Good thing I just go there once or twice a year.
My plans for today were to go to the casino but my make-up mirror just died on me so maybe I'll just go shopping for a new one at Walmart. Now, if I was in Florida, I'd be shopping with friends and then having a nice lunch with lots of laughter and good conversation. Maybe soon.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Happy Day
I wake up happy pretty much every day and appreciate my life very much. It won't always be this way in the future because my time here is running out, not too fast if I'm lucky. But today is a happy day. The skies are cloudy and the air is coldish but my computer is working, my apartment is clean, and friends are coming this afternoon for Swedish weaving.
I don't think we need very much to make us happy. The unhappiest people seem to be those who have a lot of "stuff" but who haven't learned to appreciate what they do have, always feeling they need more. In the end, all we really need is a loving family and/or loving friends.
When you have depression, your peripheral vision is gone and all you can see is an unhappiness you often can't trace to it's roots. You can't see all the good things in your life and that's really sad when you think of it. When you're greedy, you miss out on the simple pleasures that can make you happy.
I define happiness as a contentment that can soar to joy on occasion. I'm happy to have achieved that state of mind.
I don't think we need very much to make us happy. The unhappiest people seem to be those who have a lot of "stuff" but who haven't learned to appreciate what they do have, always feeling they need more. In the end, all we really need is a loving family and/or loving friends.
When you have depression, your peripheral vision is gone and all you can see is an unhappiness you often can't trace to it's roots. You can't see all the good things in your life and that's really sad when you think of it. When you're greedy, you miss out on the simple pleasures that can make you happy.
I define happiness as a contentment that can soar to joy on occasion. I'm happy to have achieved that state of mind.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Computer Cleaned and Back
I am so thrilled to have my computer back. It's only about 10 days old and it got all messed up by downloading a bad program. I'm not sure if I did it or it happened when Kim was trying to put in the photo gallery but it's something that could happen to anyone. The store I bought it from fixed it for me and didn't charge me anything, either. If it helps anyone, the store was Ancaster Computers. Cindy had pressured me to buy from them because they're such good people and she was right!!
I'm healing well from my little surgery, feeling fantastic, and gaining hope I can get to Florida this winter. I'm the kind of person who seldom counts on anything because I don't handle disappointment well but maybe all will work out as I'd hoped.
Sylvia calls me and we both lament how much we miss each other. She's such a wonderful friend and so much fun to hang out with. She said she's waiting to have flowers painted on her toes until I get down there to get mine done, too.
Matt, sweet soul that he is, came by after work to hook the computer up for me. I couldn't get down on my knees to reach the power bar behind the desk but he just drew it closer to the front of the desk so now I don't have to bother anyone when I need to plug in or out. I like being able to do as much as possible on my own without having to depend on others. Matt already does way too much for me and, even though I know he doesn't mind, I don't want to bug him for little things.
It's been warm and rainy today but some fierce winds have sprung up...hope they don't bring snow!
I'm healing well from my little surgery, feeling fantastic, and gaining hope I can get to Florida this winter. I'm the kind of person who seldom counts on anything because I don't handle disappointment well but maybe all will work out as I'd hoped.
Sylvia calls me and we both lament how much we miss each other. She's such a wonderful friend and so much fun to hang out with. She said she's waiting to have flowers painted on her toes until I get down there to get mine done, too.
Matt, sweet soul that he is, came by after work to hook the computer up for me. I couldn't get down on my knees to reach the power bar behind the desk but he just drew it closer to the front of the desk so now I don't have to bother anyone when I need to plug in or out. I like being able to do as much as possible on my own without having to depend on others. Matt already does way too much for me and, even though I know he doesn't mind, I don't want to bug him for little things.
It's been warm and rainy today but some fierce winds have sprung up...hope they don't bring snow!
Friday, November 21, 2014
Surgery Done
I am so happy to have the surgery over and done and hope to heaven I never need another one. It took 7 stitches but the scar should be almost invisible when it's healed. My dermatologist is quite the artist when it comes to stitching. She did have to re-open the last skin cancer scar on my arm to remove a tiny piece that didn't seem to be healing properly, though. I jokingly say I'm leaving here piece by piece but it's becoming not so funny anymore.
The pain was negligible once the freezing wore off, just as I knew it would be. I slept like a baby last night because, easy or not, having anything cut out of your body causes trauma and stress. I have to leave the present bandages (kind of big) on until Sunday when I can replace them with something smaller. I'm hoping they'll be small enough not to startle passers-by so I can go out once in a while until the stitches are removed 12 days from now.
On a good note, I asked the dermatologist what the procedure would be if she hadn't been able to get all of the skin cancer out and she said she'd just go back in and remove a little more. I asked about the Mohs surgery and was told (for the first time) that it was only done if the skin cancer was seriously deep and it has to be done in Toronto. I then asked if I'd be able to put off a second surgery until April and she told me "probably" but we'd have to wait for the biopsy report first. Actually, that's the best news I've heard in a long time even if it is only "probably".
On a bad note, Kim was able to put in Windows Photo Gallery for me...not as easy as last time but easy enough. Now I'm having weird trouble and not able to get onto the internet. I somehow was able to get the blog but don't know if it will post once I'm finished. Do I seem to have more computer trouble than most people or is it just my imagination?
Anyway, I'm still feeling absolutely wonderful and have high hopes of getting to Florida some time this winter!
The pain was negligible once the freezing wore off, just as I knew it would be. I slept like a baby last night because, easy or not, having anything cut out of your body causes trauma and stress. I have to leave the present bandages (kind of big) on until Sunday when I can replace them with something smaller. I'm hoping they'll be small enough not to startle passers-by so I can go out once in a while until the stitches are removed 12 days from now.
On a good note, I asked the dermatologist what the procedure would be if she hadn't been able to get all of the skin cancer out and she said she'd just go back in and remove a little more. I asked about the Mohs surgery and was told (for the first time) that it was only done if the skin cancer was seriously deep and it has to be done in Toronto. I then asked if I'd be able to put off a second surgery until April and she told me "probably" but we'd have to wait for the biopsy report first. Actually, that's the best news I've heard in a long time even if it is only "probably".
On a bad note, Kim was able to put in Windows Photo Gallery for me...not as easy as last time but easy enough. Now I'm having weird trouble and not able to get onto the internet. I somehow was able to get the blog but don't know if it will post once I'm finished. Do I seem to have more computer trouble than most people or is it just my imagination?
Anyway, I'm still feeling absolutely wonderful and have high hopes of getting to Florida some time this winter!
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Burka Clad Males Rob Toronto Store
I knew it would happen sooner or later...criminals completely hidden under burkas and committing crimes. It's one of the reasons burkas should be banned...not because they represent a religious order but because they hide whoever is wearing them and that can be dangerous to the public.
Women in burkas make me nervous. I'm not quite sure if they are women and, if they are, it's such a shame that they've been brainwashed or forced to cover themselves this way. Like all things, there is a place and time for everything and the place is not on our Canadian streets. The time is never as far as I'm concerned. No female should hide themselves like this. If they insist on doing so, they should return to their country of origin where it's accepted and expected.
Now for the weather...lots of snow but not nearly as bad as poor Buffalo got hit. Even their major highways are closed and that's got to be a record for mid November. I was out this morning in shoes but may have to wear my brand new boots when I head over to the dermatologist's office tomorrow morning. It's supposed to warm up by the weekend and even rain which will wash away all the snow we don't want to see yet.
I stocked up on a few groceries but will need my sweet daughters to keep me stocked up on bananas and milk over the next 2 weeks. I might surprise myself, though, and venture out with my bandage on if it isn't too big. We'll see.
Women in burkas make me nervous. I'm not quite sure if they are women and, if they are, it's such a shame that they've been brainwashed or forced to cover themselves this way. Like all things, there is a place and time for everything and the place is not on our Canadian streets. The time is never as far as I'm concerned. No female should hide themselves like this. If they insist on doing so, they should return to their country of origin where it's accepted and expected.
Now for the weather...lots of snow but not nearly as bad as poor Buffalo got hit. Even their major highways are closed and that's got to be a record for mid November. I was out this morning in shoes but may have to wear my brand new boots when I head over to the dermatologist's office tomorrow morning. It's supposed to warm up by the weekend and even rain which will wash away all the snow we don't want to see yet.
I stocked up on a few groceries but will need my sweet daughters to keep me stocked up on bananas and milk over the next 2 weeks. I might surprise myself, though, and venture out with my bandage on if it isn't too big. We'll see.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Brief Blizzard
We've had snow flurries for the past few days but yesterday it actually turned into a brief blizzard of snow that made driving for me a little difficult. The air is not quite cold enough to keep the snow around for long, though, but my car is the only one in the parking lot with snow on the roof. I used my new snow brush (the old one is lost somewhere in my filled trunk) to clear about 6" of snow off the car yesterday but figured the stuff on the roof would blow away as I drove. Apparently I didn't drive fast enough.
As surgery day comes closer, I'm becoming more stoic and accepting of whatever happens. Of course I want to end up able to spend the rest of the winter in Florida but if I have to stay here for more surgery I can handle it. Life seldom happens in a way we'd prefer but we simply have to deal with it in any way it does come. I don't like the cold and the grey skies at all but I could always spend more time up at the senior center where it's a pleasant place to be.
I'm sleeping well, feeling pretty darned terrific, not worrying too much, and generally calm and contented. Who could ask for more?
As surgery day comes closer, I'm becoming more stoic and accepting of whatever happens. Of course I want to end up able to spend the rest of the winter in Florida but if I have to stay here for more surgery I can handle it. Life seldom happens in a way we'd prefer but we simply have to deal with it in any way it does come. I don't like the cold and the grey skies at all but I could always spend more time up at the senior center where it's a pleasant place to be.
I'm sleeping well, feeling pretty darned terrific, not worrying too much, and generally calm and contented. Who could ask for more?
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Craft Sale Fun Day
I picked Kim up a little after 8 A.M. and drove to Sackville for the craft sale. It didn't take us long to set up because I really cut down on the amount of stuff I took to sell...a lot wasn't allowed. My sales were almost non-existent until Matt and Kelly showed up and Kelly turned out to be an excellent sales girl. She calls me Gramma now and that warms my heart.
Faye came about noon to drive Kim home but Kim, good soul that she is, decided to stay until the end (2 P.M.). It was an enjoyable and easy morning talking to friendly people and making a tidy profit of $150. I took Kim out for "lupper" at Five Guys...I know, not a good choice but we were starving.
Maybe it was because I didn't take a ton of stuff to the sale but this was one of the easiest I've attended. Sackville is an excellent resource for our seniors and a place I'll spend a lot of time at when I'm home all winter. There are so many activities available there and also a lovely cafeteria. I don't know why all seniors don't take advantage of their senior centers!
I woke up this morning to a dusting of snow over the landscape and understood that it isn't the snow that gets me down but the grey skies that accompany it. I'm aching for the Florida sunshine as much as the Florida warmth. Maybe soon...
Faye came about noon to drive Kim home but Kim, good soul that she is, decided to stay until the end (2 P.M.). It was an enjoyable and easy morning talking to friendly people and making a tidy profit of $150. I took Kim out for "lupper" at Five Guys...I know, not a good choice but we were starving.
Maybe it was because I didn't take a ton of stuff to the sale but this was one of the easiest I've attended. Sackville is an excellent resource for our seniors and a place I'll spend a lot of time at when I'm home all winter. There are so many activities available there and also a lovely cafeteria. I don't know why all seniors don't take advantage of their senior centers!
I woke up this morning to a dusting of snow over the landscape and understood that it isn't the snow that gets me down but the grey skies that accompany it. I'm aching for the Florida sunshine as much as the Florida warmth. Maybe soon...
Friday, November 14, 2014
Flurries
It's pretty cold out so I wasn't surprised to see a few flurries as had been forecast. Funny...I didn't mind it but I know I won't be so casual about it when the snow builds up over my ankles!
I had my last doctor's appointment today and was told my bloodwork is excellent and he doesn't need to see me for 6 months. I accept seeing the doctor for a checkup once a year but I guess being a diabetic means I'll have to suffer through one every 6 months. I can live with that.
I went to the Future Shop to buy a carrying case for my new laptop and was sickened by the price. I had a really nice young salesman who was so darned helpful...he even found me the cheapest one and put a 17" laptop in it to show it would fit. I really and truly love helpful sales people and always praise them. There seems to be too many sales people who either don't know their products or have little interest in helping the customers so, when we get a good one, they deserve to know how much we appreciate their help.
Tomorrow is the craft show at Sackville and I'm all ready to go. I'm picking Kim up at 8 A.M., the doors open to the public at 9:30, Faye will be there at noon to relieve Kim, and I am ever grateful to the help I get from my wonderful family!!! I really hope I sell enough of this darned jewelry to lighten the load of my stash. I'm not as concerned about selling all the Swedish weaving pieces because what doesn't sell I'll take to Florida and donate for door prizes. I just enjoy making the stuff.
But now for a quiet, uneventful evening.
I had my last doctor's appointment today and was told my bloodwork is excellent and he doesn't need to see me for 6 months. I accept seeing the doctor for a checkup once a year but I guess being a diabetic means I'll have to suffer through one every 6 months. I can live with that.
I went to the Future Shop to buy a carrying case for my new laptop and was sickened by the price. I had a really nice young salesman who was so darned helpful...he even found me the cheapest one and put a 17" laptop in it to show it would fit. I really and truly love helpful sales people and always praise them. There seems to be too many sales people who either don't know their products or have little interest in helping the customers so, when we get a good one, they deserve to know how much we appreciate their help.
Tomorrow is the craft show at Sackville and I'm all ready to go. I'm picking Kim up at 8 A.M., the doors open to the public at 9:30, Faye will be there at noon to relieve Kim, and I am ever grateful to the help I get from my wonderful family!!! I really hope I sell enough of this darned jewelry to lighten the load of my stash. I'm not as concerned about selling all the Swedish weaving pieces because what doesn't sell I'll take to Florida and donate for door prizes. I just enjoy making the stuff.
But now for a quiet, uneventful evening.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
So Sad To Be So Computer Illiterate
I tried my darnedest today to figure out how to put "Windows Photo Gallery" on my computer so I didn't have to bug Kim to do it but managed to download something I'm not sure I want. I guess I'll just have to impose on Kim's time again. Sigh!
I finished Lisa's afghan and one table runner and wanted to post the photos on my Swedish weaving website but couldn't edit them...and probably couldn't have posted them, either. I'll be so happy once I can do this all again the way it was set up on my old computer!
Yesterday I went to the casino to meet up with Mary and Don for the buffet. They're staying at Fallsview for a couple of days. I didn't have too much time to gamble because I had to leave by 4:30 in order to not be driving in the dark...it was still too dark halfway home, though. The good news is that I came home $100 richer than when I got there and probably would have lost it all if I'd been able to stay later. I never leave until I have to and that could be one of the reasons I usually go home a loser. Yesterday was a good day!!
Young women or even middle aged women shouldn't get too talkative with strangers when they're gambling but we senior ladies are free to socialize as we see fit. No-one is going to think we're trying to pick them up! I gather friendly fellow gamblers when I go to the casino and we cheer each other on. I love to gamble but I know enough not to lose too much.
One week today I'll be home recovering from the surgery to remove this darned skin cancer. It will be another 2 weeks before the stitches are removed and I find out if further surgery will be needed. If all goes well, I can leave for Florida by the December 6/7 weekend...and possibly with Cindy. She's having carpal tunnel surgery on Dec. 5th and won't be able to drive for work for 10 days so she's thinking of driving down with me. I'm really happy but worried a little bit about how the weather will affect when we could leave. I can afford to wait a few days for good weather but Cindy can't. I hope everything works out perfectly for both of us!
I finished Lisa's afghan and one table runner and wanted to post the photos on my Swedish weaving website but couldn't edit them...and probably couldn't have posted them, either. I'll be so happy once I can do this all again the way it was set up on my old computer!
Yesterday I went to the casino to meet up with Mary and Don for the buffet. They're staying at Fallsview for a couple of days. I didn't have too much time to gamble because I had to leave by 4:30 in order to not be driving in the dark...it was still too dark halfway home, though. The good news is that I came home $100 richer than when I got there and probably would have lost it all if I'd been able to stay later. I never leave until I have to and that could be one of the reasons I usually go home a loser. Yesterday was a good day!!
Young women or even middle aged women shouldn't get too talkative with strangers when they're gambling but we senior ladies are free to socialize as we see fit. No-one is going to think we're trying to pick them up! I gather friendly fellow gamblers when I go to the casino and we cheer each other on. I love to gamble but I know enough not to lose too much.
One week today I'll be home recovering from the surgery to remove this darned skin cancer. It will be another 2 weeks before the stitches are removed and I find out if further surgery will be needed. If all goes well, I can leave for Florida by the December 6/7 weekend...and possibly with Cindy. She's having carpal tunnel surgery on Dec. 5th and won't be able to drive for work for 10 days so she's thinking of driving down with me. I'm really happy but worried a little bit about how the weather will affect when we could leave. I can afford to wait a few days for good weather but Cindy can't. I hope everything works out perfectly for both of us!
Monday, November 10, 2014
New Laptop!!
Anyone who reads my blog knows how much I hate to have to relearn anything and that's why I stuck with my old cameras for so long. I got my new laptop on Saturday and Matt kindly set me all up on it but today is the first day I've dared use it myself...no problem, though.
Thank heavens I have a list of all my passwords for various websites or I'd be lost. I was mad as hell for about 15 minutes trying to access my google accounts until I looked at my password list and found out I'd been putting in the wrong one. There's something to be said about using the same password for everything...I think I have about 10 or 12 for different things.
By the way, I found my new camera...in the old laptop bag. I'm sure I looked in there but I guess not. I really hate it when I do something so stupid. But then I gave the old laptop and bag to Nick for the boys and just this morning remembered it might also hold the direction pamphlet for my new camera. Now I have him searching for that. Sigh!
The best news of all is that I am now having little or no difficulty using the new laptop and I also have a wireless keyboard to make typing more comfortable. The speed is so much faster now that it almost thrills me, too.
I asked Matt to plug everything in so I can unplug it all myself when I leave for Florida but he couldn't do it in a way I didn't have to climb behind the desk. Since I can't get down on my knees to do that, I'll have to rely on someone to come in and do it for me. Thank heavens I have people who help me out when necessary. I really don't know how seniors with no family or friends to help them can survive because we lose the ability to do some things for ourselves as we age.
I love, love, love my new laptop!!
Thank heavens I have a list of all my passwords for various websites or I'd be lost. I was mad as hell for about 15 minutes trying to access my google accounts until I looked at my password list and found out I'd been putting in the wrong one. There's something to be said about using the same password for everything...I think I have about 10 or 12 for different things.
By the way, I found my new camera...in the old laptop bag. I'm sure I looked in there but I guess not. I really hate it when I do something so stupid. But then I gave the old laptop and bag to Nick for the boys and just this morning remembered it might also hold the direction pamphlet for my new camera. Now I have him searching for that. Sigh!
The best news of all is that I am now having little or no difficulty using the new laptop and I also have a wireless keyboard to make typing more comfortable. The speed is so much faster now that it almost thrills me, too.
I asked Matt to plug everything in so I can unplug it all myself when I leave for Florida but he couldn't do it in a way I didn't have to climb behind the desk. Since I can't get down on my knees to do that, I'll have to rely on someone to come in and do it for me. Thank heavens I have people who help me out when necessary. I really don't know how seniors with no family or friends to help them can survive because we lose the ability to do some things for ourselves as we age.
I love, love, love my new laptop!!
Saturday, November 08, 2014
Relearning
Anyway, the above photo is of the Swedish weaving items I'm taking to the craft show at the senior center on the 15th. I had to use my newly learned knowledge so I took this photo for the blog.
I'm going to write new notes for myself...but, then, I bought a new laptop and I'll bet I'll need all new notes to show me how to post photos. Sigh!
Friday, November 07, 2014
Busy Hands
A lot of my Swedish weaving is done while I listen to a T.V. program. Yesterday I bought some bulky yarn to make a scarf and, yes, listened to T.V. as I worked. It seems I can't watch T.V. for very long without doing some sort of handwork. Now this could be because there aren't enough interesting programs on T.V. or that my attention span is shortening.
When I was younger I read a lot...as many as 30 books a month but I can't read for long now or I fall asleep. Since housework and cooking hold little interest for me, I'm lucky to have discovered a few crafts I enjoy. It scares me to think of my little apartment having no craft supplies in it's many hidden (and not so hidden) corners because I might hike on out to the casino more often than I do. I need to keep busy but busy with something I like to do.
Tucked away in cupboards are supplies for a future craft I intend to take up some day...jewelry making. I've also hung on to a lot of my quilting supplies because I really enjoyed quilting until I started with the Swedish weaving. The trouble with quilting is that you have to commit to a full day of mess in your house. And it takes many days to finish the quilt. When I go back to quilting, it will be to make wall hangings but that is still a huge intense time commitment. Swedish weaving takes a lot of time to do, also, but you can work for as little as five minutes and then the cleanup is simple...you can't do that with quilting or jewelry making.
On another note...there is snow in the forecast and, at first, I was a little dismayed at the thought but now I'm kind of excited to experience it. I usually can pick and choose the days I go out but next week has 4-5 days I'll need to be out driving so I really hope we don't get too much snow. I've been spoiled by spending 14 winters in Florida so I just might have to hone my snow driving skills again. Not true! I will definitely have to hone my skills!
When I was younger I read a lot...as many as 30 books a month but I can't read for long now or I fall asleep. Since housework and cooking hold little interest for me, I'm lucky to have discovered a few crafts I enjoy. It scares me to think of my little apartment having no craft supplies in it's many hidden (and not so hidden) corners because I might hike on out to the casino more often than I do. I need to keep busy but busy with something I like to do.
Tucked away in cupboards are supplies for a future craft I intend to take up some day...jewelry making. I've also hung on to a lot of my quilting supplies because I really enjoyed quilting until I started with the Swedish weaving. The trouble with quilting is that you have to commit to a full day of mess in your house. And it takes many days to finish the quilt. When I go back to quilting, it will be to make wall hangings but that is still a huge intense time commitment. Swedish weaving takes a lot of time to do, also, but you can work for as little as five minutes and then the cleanup is simple...you can't do that with quilting or jewelry making.
On another note...there is snow in the forecast and, at first, I was a little dismayed at the thought but now I'm kind of excited to experience it. I usually can pick and choose the days I go out but next week has 4-5 days I'll need to be out driving so I really hope we don't get too much snow. I've been spoiled by spending 14 winters in Florida so I just might have to hone my snow driving skills again. Not true! I will definitely have to hone my skills!
Thursday, November 06, 2014
Losing/Gaining
Wouldn't it be nice if what we wished for just happened? And that we didn't have to do a darned thing to make it happen?
Well, I wanted to lose some weight last year and started using Sensa with Sylvia and Joann and we all lost weight. It was nice having that support system with people I saw every day. But, since I got home, my weight has settled on one number that has bounced up and down all summer until settling on the same number I started with.
The only good thing is that I'm still 15 lbs. lighter than last year but I want to lose a great deal more. I don't want to give up fries to do it, though.
Anyway, I feel better for the 15 lb. loss and my clothes are comfortable. I began taking a few vitamins this year and that probably has helped, too. This is the only body I have to carry me to the end and I've abused it terribly...not with drugs or booze but with unhealthy foods. It just doesn't make sense to injest anything that will do harm to your body but we all have our vices. Fries have a death grip on my will power and it's my choice to give in to them so my failures are my fault alone.
Well, I wanted to lose some weight last year and started using Sensa with Sylvia and Joann and we all lost weight. It was nice having that support system with people I saw every day. But, since I got home, my weight has settled on one number that has bounced up and down all summer until settling on the same number I started with.
The only good thing is that I'm still 15 lbs. lighter than last year but I want to lose a great deal more. I don't want to give up fries to do it, though.
Anyway, I feel better for the 15 lb. loss and my clothes are comfortable. I began taking a few vitamins this year and that probably has helped, too. This is the only body I have to carry me to the end and I've abused it terribly...not with drugs or booze but with unhealthy foods. It just doesn't make sense to injest anything that will do harm to your body but we all have our vices. Fries have a death grip on my will power and it's my choice to give in to them so my failures are my fault alone.
Monday, November 03, 2014
New Computer
I haven't got it yet but I've order a 17.3" Toshiba laptop Intel i5 and can't wait to get it and experience some kind of speed once again. The laptop I'm using now is about 5 years old and has been acting up terribly (not so bad today, don't you know it) so, since I can't live without a computer in my life, I'm getting a new one.
It's so hard to get computer sales people to speak to me in a language I can even vaguely understand so Cindy went with me. She's not a computer nerd but she's better than me and really helped bridge the dialogue between me and the poor salesman. In any case, I have a nice new computer coming in later this week!!
Matt is going to help me set it up and transfer stuff from the old one to the new one...I think. If not him, then the computer store will do it. I certainly haven't a clue how to do it.
A thought just came to me that, when I was making sure to give lots of time to my grandchildren when they were young, I had no idea how useful they'd be to me when they grew up! There's a lot to be said about strong family ties!
Because this old laptop is still usable as long as you don't expect much from it, I need to find someone who wants it. There's a lot of personal information in anyone's computer that needs to be purged before you give it away, though. Matt to the rescue again, I guess!
Oh yes...Kim, Matt, Kelly, and I saw "Sir Vincent" yesterday and loved the movie. I'd give it 3 out of 4 stars. It's never going to be a classic film but it sure was entertaining.
It's so hard to get computer sales people to speak to me in a language I can even vaguely understand so Cindy went with me. She's not a computer nerd but she's better than me and really helped bridge the dialogue between me and the poor salesman. In any case, I have a nice new computer coming in later this week!!
Matt is going to help me set it up and transfer stuff from the old one to the new one...I think. If not him, then the computer store will do it. I certainly haven't a clue how to do it.
A thought just came to me that, when I was making sure to give lots of time to my grandchildren when they were young, I had no idea how useful they'd be to me when they grew up! There's a lot to be said about strong family ties!
Because this old laptop is still usable as long as you don't expect much from it, I need to find someone who wants it. There's a lot of personal information in anyone's computer that needs to be purged before you give it away, though. Matt to the rescue again, I guess!
Oh yes...Kim, Matt, Kelly, and I saw "Sir Vincent" yesterday and loved the movie. I'd give it 3 out of 4 stars. It's never going to be a classic film but it sure was entertaining.
Saturday, November 01, 2014
Need a New Computer
This little laptop I'm using can't be more than 5 years old but it's been acting up something terrible so I'm going computer shopping tomorrow with Kim. She says she doesn't know much about computers but she (and everyone else) must know more than I do.
I think it's terrible that something you pay $500 for will only last 5 years! It's probably built in obsolescence (haven't a clue if that's spelled correctly) so that we buyers keep the market going and that is a darned shame, especially since we can't do without a computer once we start using them.
I've been convinced to only buy a good laptop instead of a destop for home and a laptop for travelling. I hate typing on a laptop but I learned that I can get a wireless keyboard to use with it so I'm good to go!
Using a computer has become a necessity in my life for many reasons...e-mails to keep up with friends and distant family, research, E-bay, blogging, etc. and I'd hate to lose all that so I'm committed to always having one. I guess $100 or so a year isn't bad for all the pleasure it brings me.
It will be interesting to see how long it takes me to use a new one, though. I still haven't figured out how to save websites with this one. I'm so ashamed!
I think it's terrible that something you pay $500 for will only last 5 years! It's probably built in obsolescence (haven't a clue if that's spelled correctly) so that we buyers keep the market going and that is a darned shame, especially since we can't do without a computer once we start using them.
I've been convinced to only buy a good laptop instead of a destop for home and a laptop for travelling. I hate typing on a laptop but I learned that I can get a wireless keyboard to use with it so I'm good to go!
Using a computer has become a necessity in my life for many reasons...e-mails to keep up with friends and distant family, research, E-bay, blogging, etc. and I'd hate to lose all that so I'm committed to always having one. I guess $100 or so a year isn't bad for all the pleasure it brings me.
It will be interesting to see how long it takes me to use a new one, though. I still haven't figured out how to save websites with this one. I'm so ashamed!
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