When I was a young chick, I never worried about catching the flu or a cold. I was young, strong, and no germs would dare enter my perfect body. But now that I'm an old hen, I'm maybe too concerned about those pesky germs. Having just survived a 2 1/2 week bout with this cold that's making the rounds, I don't want to have to do battle with another one so I stayed home last night rather than walk over to the clubhouse in a drizzly rain. It's come to that and I'm not happy about it.
I rarely get sick so it's terribly frustrating for me when I do. I don't think it would have bothered me as much if I was back home in Canada but I'm 1200 miles from home and feel kind of helpless. If I got really sick, someone would have to close up the trailer for me and I'd have to fly home. Then someone would have to get my car back home, too. The logistics of it all worries me. Maybe it's time to just stay home. Bad health in old age will always be a worry but the worry is lessened if we're safely in our own home environment.
My own little nurse/practitioner, Shelley, went up to Canada for Christmas so I didn't even have her to rely on if I got too sick to care for myself. I'll have to ask her to stay close forever from now on. LOL! Poor Shelley has always been the one we relied on when one of the family was seriously ill and it's too darned hard on her. She nursed her father through the last 2 months of his life and I don't know what we would have done without her. But my plan is to get sick and die quickly at home...but not for another 20 years.
Anyway, our little park here in Florida is still rife with cold and flu germs and it's like a mine field trying to stay clear of them all. I hope I can stay germ free at least until I get back to Canada.
This is New Year's eve and a bunch of us ladies will spend it tonight over at the old clubhouse (now our library) playing cards and laughing. I love it!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Airasia Debris found
Whenever an airplane goes missing, I assume the worst and think of what the passengers' last moments must have been like. I picture the plane tumbling down to earth as the passengers, realizing they're going to die, are filled with terror. It's not the dying that bothers me as much as knowing how frightened the passengers were in their final moments.
On the news this morning, we heard that debris and bodies have now been recovered from the ocean so there will be no false hope that this plane was hijacked and the passengers might still be alive. At least the families will be able to begin to grieve knowing for certain that their loved ones are really gone and out of pain and fear. When the plane went missing last year and no evidence was ever recovered, it left the families in a grey area, not able to begin to grieve when they still had a shred of hope.
Grieving for your loss is painful but there is a light somewhere down the road when acceptance is stronger than the grief. It's so hard to let a loved one go but I, for one, believe they've just gone somewhere else and live on in a different life. I hate that there were so many children on this flight,children who'd had little chance to live their lives here on earth. I wonder about purpose or reason for such a tragedy to happen. And that draws down to the big question..why are we here to begin with?
On the news this morning, we heard that debris and bodies have now been recovered from the ocean so there will be no false hope that this plane was hijacked and the passengers might still be alive. At least the families will be able to begin to grieve knowing for certain that their loved ones are really gone and out of pain and fear. When the plane went missing last year and no evidence was ever recovered, it left the families in a grey area, not able to begin to grieve when they still had a shred of hope.
Grieving for your loss is painful but there is a light somewhere down the road when acceptance is stronger than the grief. It's so hard to let a loved one go but I, for one, believe they've just gone somewhere else and live on in a different life. I hate that there were so many children on this flight,children who'd had little chance to live their lives here on earth. I wonder about purpose or reason for such a tragedy to happen. And that draws down to the big question..why are we here to begin with?
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Deblasio Scorned
The mayor of New York city stood up to speak at the funeral of one of the police officer's who had been murdered and thousands of police officers turned their backs to him...just as he'd done to them in publicly condemning them as a whole.
It was a silent protest that screamed out the anger and indignation of every good and honorable police officer who dons their uniform and steps out into a dangerous world every day. To have the leader of their city insult them publicly was almost like giving the criminals permission to kill on sight...and that's what happened.
I can't help but think what a powerful but civilized protest this was. The insult to Deblasio was perfectly clear as honorable men and women turned their backs on someone who wasn't worthy of their attention. All done without yelling, chanting, or gunfire. All done while a few morons nearby chanted that they wanted to kill more cops. All done without the decent cops at their comrade's funeral procession wiping that scum off the face of the earth. That's what a civilized protest is!
I hope so much that all this nastiness fades away and police officers are safer on the job than they are today. I hope no other man or woman who is only trying to keep us safe ends up losing their life to a low life piece of crap who is stupidly trying to make a name for himself. I hope the good guy wins in the end.
It was a silent protest that screamed out the anger and indignation of every good and honorable police officer who dons their uniform and steps out into a dangerous world every day. To have the leader of their city insult them publicly was almost like giving the criminals permission to kill on sight...and that's what happened.
I can't help but think what a powerful but civilized protest this was. The insult to Deblasio was perfectly clear as honorable men and women turned their backs on someone who wasn't worthy of their attention. All done without yelling, chanting, or gunfire. All done while a few morons nearby chanted that they wanted to kill more cops. All done without the decent cops at their comrade's funeral procession wiping that scum off the face of the earth. That's what a civilized protest is!
I hope so much that all this nastiness fades away and police officers are safer on the job than they are today. I hope no other man or woman who is only trying to keep us safe ends up losing their life to a low life piece of crap who is stupidly trying to make a name for himself. I hope the good guy wins in the end.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
I'm Back
I felt really good yesterday...still have ear blockage...and caught Sylvia as she was walking by to invite her in for tea. I've been especially worried about exposing her to any of my cold germs because of her tender ribs from her car accident. Coughing for her would be disastrous.
I hadn't planned on going to the clubhouse until next week but felt as though the cold was really gone so I went over for Bingo last night and won $5. Of course, it cost me $8 but it was worth it to get out in the world again. We have such a nice group of people here at the park and I love being among them.
Today is Saturday, one of my usual home days, but I may go over tonight to play cards...kind of catching up on the fun I've been missing. Most of next week is already planned with lots of time with friends. This is the last winter with Sylvia and I'm going to miss her something awful but the long distance travelling has become especially difficult for her since her accident. My own time here is quickly growing to a close, too, but I should manage coming again next winter. From then on, it will have to be re-evaluated every year as to whether or not it's worth the expense.
We have a meeting in the clubhouse next Saturday for residents to question the park managers as to why our lot rent went up so much and as to what the future holds for us. Almost all of us are on fixed incomes and it's especially hard for us Canadians because of the falling Canadian dollar. If this park is moving in the direction of a more expensive, exclusive park, then my time here is definitely coming to a close sooner than later.
Anyway, all good things come to an end one day and I've been so lucky to have had some darned good ones since buying our trailer in 2000. Always be thankful for the good!!
I hadn't planned on going to the clubhouse until next week but felt as though the cold was really gone so I went over for Bingo last night and won $5. Of course, it cost me $8 but it was worth it to get out in the world again. We have such a nice group of people here at the park and I love being among them.
Today is Saturday, one of my usual home days, but I may go over tonight to play cards...kind of catching up on the fun I've been missing. Most of next week is already planned with lots of time with friends. This is the last winter with Sylvia and I'm going to miss her something awful but the long distance travelling has become especially difficult for her since her accident. My own time here is quickly growing to a close, too, but I should manage coming again next winter. From then on, it will have to be re-evaluated every year as to whether or not it's worth the expense.
We have a meeting in the clubhouse next Saturday for residents to question the park managers as to why our lot rent went up so much and as to what the future holds for us. Almost all of us are on fixed incomes and it's especially hard for us Canadians because of the falling Canadian dollar. If this park is moving in the direction of a more expensive, exclusive park, then my time here is definitely coming to a close sooner than later.
Anyway, all good things come to an end one day and I've been so lucky to have had some darned good ones since buying our trailer in 2000. Always be thankful for the good!!
Friday, December 26, 2014
Post Xmas 2014
It's the day after Christmas and there's still untold turmoil in the United States that I, personally, think is ridiculous. Another young black man was shot and killed by police who were trying to control a potentially volatile demonstration against the previous killings. The problem arises that this young man, and a few others, was raging toward the police and aiming a gun at him. The officer saved his own life as he should have.
What kind of dimwit points a gun at a cop and doesn't expect to be shot down himself? It's so darned sad that there are people that stupid out there. They will always be a danger to the public and to themselves. Unfortunately, the protesters used this justified killing as an excuse to riot and demonstrate again without knowing the circumstances. It's almost as if they don't care, they just want to rage against all police using any excuse that pops up. Is this truly a rage against the police or against life in general?
There's no question that black young men are often unfairly targeted by racist police and maybe this recent uproar will put an end to the unfairness or at least lessen it. The shame of it all is that even the good cops are literally under fire by an unruly crowd of dissenters. We need change and we need it fast but we also need to put an end to young men brandishing guns at the police and believing it's safe to do so.
I'm wondering how many police officers have quit their jobs or moved on to work in calmer territories. If I were a cop, I wouldn't put my life on the line every day only to be abused and threatened as they have lately. In the cities where the protesting has been the most violent, citizens just might find themselves not able to find a cop when they need one.
What kind of dimwit points a gun at a cop and doesn't expect to be shot down himself? It's so darned sad that there are people that stupid out there. They will always be a danger to the public and to themselves. Unfortunately, the protesters used this justified killing as an excuse to riot and demonstrate again without knowing the circumstances. It's almost as if they don't care, they just want to rage against all police using any excuse that pops up. Is this truly a rage against the police or against life in general?
There's no question that black young men are often unfairly targeted by racist police and maybe this recent uproar will put an end to the unfairness or at least lessen it. The shame of it all is that even the good cops are literally under fire by an unruly crowd of dissenters. We need change and we need it fast but we also need to put an end to young men brandishing guns at the police and believing it's safe to do so.
I'm wondering how many police officers have quit their jobs or moved on to work in calmer territories. If I were a cop, I wouldn't put my life on the line every day only to be abused and threatened as they have lately. In the cities where the protesting has been the most violent, citizens just might find themselves not able to find a cop when they need one.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Shelley and Nicky
From the day Nicholas was born he was the precious little prince of the family, first grandchild, first boy. Shelley was 20 years old when Nick was born (Kim & Brian's first child) and our little Nicky adored her from the beginning. This attraction to young women in their twenties seems to have passed down to Nick's son, Nolan, and his adoration of Cindy's daughter, Aeron!
I remember a Christmas when Nick couldn't wait to open his present from Shelley and he shook with happiness...after all, it was from his precious Shelley. There was also the time when he was 2 years old and Shelley was sunbathing in the backyard all covered in lotion. Nick, somehow knowing it wasn't appropriate to face her, pressed his back onto her and rubbed his little self into the lotion.
One of the sweetest, yet saddest times, was at Shelley and John's wedding. Nick was 4 years old and the ring bearer. Ashley, 8, was the flower girl. The incident happened when the time came for John to remove Shelley's garter and Nick was overcome with jealousy. Crying, he ran up to John and tried to pull him away from HIS Shelley. Loving hands calmed him down but he cried for a quite a while. He must have felt very lost and betrayed. All is well today, though. He loves both Shelley and John!
I remember a Christmas when Nick couldn't wait to open his present from Shelley and he shook with happiness...after all, it was from his precious Shelley. There was also the time when he was 2 years old and Shelley was sunbathing in the backyard all covered in lotion. Nick, somehow knowing it wasn't appropriate to face her, pressed his back onto her and rubbed his little self into the lotion.
One of the sweetest, yet saddest times, was at Shelley and John's wedding. Nick was 4 years old and the ring bearer. Ashley, 8, was the flower girl. The incident happened when the time came for John to remove Shelley's garter and Nick was overcome with jealousy. Crying, he ran up to John and tried to pull him away from HIS Shelley. Loving hands calmed him down but he cried for a quite a while. He must have felt very lost and betrayed. All is well today, though. He loves both Shelley and John!
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Christmas Eve, 2014
It's hard to feel Christmasy here in Florida where the sun shines warmly on the palm trees. I think of my own children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren back in Canada and miss them a lot...but not the cold. I won't be able to join in with my friends at the clubhouse for Xmas dinner because I'm still a germ factory but, if I were back home in Canada, I'd be relegated to my little apartment and away from my family for the same reason. It's much nicer being segregated from the world in a warm and hospitable climate.
I remember Christmas eves of the past when our home was the place for the whole family to go. Our little house would be filled to the rafters with family and it was one of the occasions that bonded us to each other and that bonding still holds today. I know I blather on about how important the family bond is but it's true. It's the strength of that bond that nourishes us in good times and heals us in bad times.
And so, on this Christmas Eve of 2014, I may be 1200 miles away from the people I love most in the world but we'll be together in spirit.
I remember Christmas eves of the past when our home was the place for the whole family to go. Our little house would be filled to the rafters with family and it was one of the occasions that bonded us to each other and that bonding still holds today. I know I blather on about how important the family bond is but it's true. It's the strength of that bond that nourishes us in good times and heals us in bad times.
And so, on this Christmas Eve of 2014, I may be 1200 miles away from the people I love most in the world but we'll be together in spirit.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
I Treated Myself
I treated myself to 3 pair of sterling silver earrings yesterday. Kohl's had a 70% off sale on their fine jewelry and I'm down to one pair of not so nifty silver earrings so this was my chance to get some pretty ones at a good price. I didn't intend to buy 3 pair but one pair was tri-color and one pair was $20 so that's my excuse. Anyway, I deserved them, right?
I don't wear gold earrings anymore...and that's a good thing considering the cost of gold...but the tr-colored ones I just bought will go fine with any gold-toned costume necklaces I have. We must present a "put together" appearance, don't you know.
As I wandered through the store looking at all the items for sale, it hit me once again how little I actually need. I remember back in my twenties when I felt a need for many things we couldn't afford but today I really do have all I need and that's a blessing. It's also good to understand that "need" and "want" are two very different things.
I watched a sweet family of probably 6 children with their parents and thought how expensive that Xmas bill is going to be. It's too bad that the time we need to spend the most for Xmas is usually the time of our lives we can afford the least.
Anyway, my cold is quickly disappearing but my ear is still plugged and I do cough a bit still. Life is good but it will be even better tomorrow.
I don't wear gold earrings anymore...and that's a good thing considering the cost of gold...but the tr-colored ones I just bought will go fine with any gold-toned costume necklaces I have. We must present a "put together" appearance, don't you know.
As I wandered through the store looking at all the items for sale, it hit me once again how little I actually need. I remember back in my twenties when I felt a need for many things we couldn't afford but today I really do have all I need and that's a blessing. It's also good to understand that "need" and "want" are two very different things.
I watched a sweet family of probably 6 children with their parents and thought how expensive that Xmas bill is going to be. It's too bad that the time we need to spend the most for Xmas is usually the time of our lives we can afford the least.
Anyway, my cold is quickly disappearing but my ear is still plugged and I do cough a bit still. Life is good but it will be even better tomorrow.
Monday, December 22, 2014
North Korea's Internet Service Is Out
North Korea's internet service is out. I know who to laugh at but I'm not sure who to applaud.
Well done!
Well done!
Anarchy
I sat here feeling nervous yesterday in this country I fear might be turning to anarchy. There has been ongoing civil dispute with crowds of people lining the streets and marching against their police forces. That the protests have gone on so long since the police killings that spurred them to begin with means that the people have reached their limit with corrupt police activity...but only a few are corrupt and the whole nation is holding all of them responsible.
A known criminal gunned down 2 police officers in New York who were just sitting in their car. They were murdered because they were police officers. Another criminal here in Florida just shot and killed another police officer for the same reason. The normal public doesn't seem to understand that criminals don't need much motivation to kill a cop. A cop's life is on the line every day they go to work but still he/she steps out there every single day to keep you and me safe from the bad guys. Just think how safe we'd be if just a fraction of those cops decided their jobs weren't worth the crap they have to take and the dangers they face.
A police officer is just a human being who can't do their job efficiently if they have to butt heads against the bad guys AND the good guys. We turn our backs on the "good" police officers at our peril. We need them much more than they need us.
A known criminal gunned down 2 police officers in New York who were just sitting in their car. They were murdered because they were police officers. Another criminal here in Florida just shot and killed another police officer for the same reason. The normal public doesn't seem to understand that criminals don't need much motivation to kill a cop. A cop's life is on the line every day they go to work but still he/she steps out there every single day to keep you and me safe from the bad guys. Just think how safe we'd be if just a fraction of those cops decided their jobs weren't worth the crap they have to take and the dangers they face.
A police officer is just a human being who can't do their job efficiently if they have to butt heads against the bad guys AND the good guys. We turn our backs on the "good" police officers at our peril. We need them much more than they need us.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
North Korea Bullying the World??
When I first heard that Sony was bowing to threats by North Korea and not releasing a comedy movie that insulted North Korea's leader, I thought it was a joke. How could that little twit and his puny little country carry that much authority??
Now, Sony is a private company which, while threatened, has the right to defend itself and follow whichever course it chooses. It has unfortunately made a choice that will probably change the world as we know it.
Millions have rejected movie content over the years but apparently we didn't do the right thing to stop them. We should have threatened to bomb every theatre that showed the offensive movie. But rational, intelligent people don't react that way. North Korea's little tyrant of a leader does and we shouldn't be surprised he's done this. The surprise comes from the fact that he's gotten his way.
If North Korea caused any terrorist activity in the U.S., I'm assuming their country would be invaded by American troops the next day and they wouldn't be invading alone. Doesn't North Korea understand that they've stepped on the wrong toes? Don't they understand they're nothing but a peanut about to be absorbed by a giant ape?
Everyone takes terrorists threats seriously now even if they're worded immaturely as North Korea's were. They're almost laughable...but terrorist threats cannot be ignored.
Take care, little Kim Jong-un. You're soon to be punished for your temper tantrum.
Now, Sony is a private company which, while threatened, has the right to defend itself and follow whichever course it chooses. It has unfortunately made a choice that will probably change the world as we know it.
Millions have rejected movie content over the years but apparently we didn't do the right thing to stop them. We should have threatened to bomb every theatre that showed the offensive movie. But rational, intelligent people don't react that way. North Korea's little tyrant of a leader does and we shouldn't be surprised he's done this. The surprise comes from the fact that he's gotten his way.
If North Korea caused any terrorist activity in the U.S., I'm assuming their country would be invaded by American troops the next day and they wouldn't be invading alone. Doesn't North Korea understand that they've stepped on the wrong toes? Don't they understand they're nothing but a peanut about to be absorbed by a giant ape?
Everyone takes terrorists threats seriously now even if they're worded immaturely as North Korea's were. They're almost laughable...but terrorist threats cannot be ignored.
Take care, little Kim Jong-un. You're soon to be punished for your temper tantrum.
Friday, December 19, 2014
I'm Squawking Again
My soon to be nurse practitioner, Shelley, told me that the antibiotic prescribed to me by the doctor yesterday probably won't do a thing for my bronchitis but I'm going to take it anyway for whatever else might be lurking behind the bronchitis. Walmart ran out of the medicine yesterday and promised it for today at 1 P.M. It isn't there but might arrive by 4 P.M. Hmmm! It's a good thing I probably don't even need it, isn't it?
Apparently I'm contagious for a while yet so I'm not fit to be around anyone. I hate being stuck in like this but I don't want to kill anyone, either, so I'll be good.
Juan had his kidney removed yesterday and is recovering fine. It's such an awful worry for the family but it's life and we have to deal with what happens to us. They are an extremely close and loving family and that will help with his healing for sure.
For me, I'm feeling stronger but still like I have a head cold. I guess getting my strength back is a good sign. I'm not coughing as much but have a real coughing jag first thing in the morning. My next door neighbor has been coughing a lot, too, so our two trailers must be filled with germs.
In any case, the sun is shining and the air is warm and I'm happy as pig in poo to be in Florida!
Apparently I'm contagious for a while yet so I'm not fit to be around anyone. I hate being stuck in like this but I don't want to kill anyone, either, so I'll be good.
Juan had his kidney removed yesterday and is recovering fine. It's such an awful worry for the family but it's life and we have to deal with what happens to us. They are an extremely close and loving family and that will help with his healing for sure.
For me, I'm feeling stronger but still like I have a head cold. I guess getting my strength back is a good sign. I'm not coughing as much but have a real coughing jag first thing in the morning. My next door neighbor has been coughing a lot, too, so our two trailers must be filled with germs.
In any case, the sun is shining and the air is warm and I'm happy as pig in poo to be in Florida!
Thursday, December 18, 2014
It's Bronchitis
Feeling pretty crumby, I decided to call my out-of-country health insurance company to ask which clinic I should go to. They sent me to Ridge Medical Center, a place I knew how to find. They suggested I call first even though it was a walk-in clinic but, when I did, no-one answered. So, off I went for a 15 minute drive where I took a few wrong turns but finally found the place. Yes, it was walk-in but, no, you needed an appointment. Hmmm! And so I drove back home to do a few things before my appointment at 2 P.M., arrived to find no doctor there yet and one person in front of me. She was the same person waiting in the lobby when I left before 1 P.M. Hmmm!
I yakked comfortably with the very friendly nurses or assistants who kept promising me the doctor would be there in about 10 minutes. I actually got to see him over an hour after my appointment time. He also was friendly, checked me out for about 30 seconds and told me I had bronchitis and gave me a prescription for an antibiotic. I paid the fee of $125 which will be returned to me by my out-of-country health insurance provider.
Then, still feeling like dishwater, I went to Walmart to fill the prescription. I waited in line for about 10 minutes only to find that they were all out of my antibiotic (a lot of people have needed it lately) and will have to go back after 1 P.M. tomorrow when it SHOULD be in. Hmmm!
And they insult our inefficient health system in Canada!
I've never waited beyond 10 minutes for a scheduled appointment with my doctor at home and the pharmacies have never been unable to fill my prescriptions. I guess we don't have it so bad after all.
I yakked comfortably with the very friendly nurses or assistants who kept promising me the doctor would be there in about 10 minutes. I actually got to see him over an hour after my appointment time. He also was friendly, checked me out for about 30 seconds and told me I had bronchitis and gave me a prescription for an antibiotic. I paid the fee of $125 which will be returned to me by my out-of-country health insurance provider.
Then, still feeling like dishwater, I went to Walmart to fill the prescription. I waited in line for about 10 minutes only to find that they were all out of my antibiotic (a lot of people have needed it lately) and will have to go back after 1 P.M. tomorrow when it SHOULD be in. Hmmm!
And they insult our inefficient health system in Canada!
I've never waited beyond 10 minutes for a scheduled appointment with my doctor at home and the pharmacies have never been unable to fill my prescriptions. I guess we don't have it so bad after all.
A Bit Better
I woke up this morning feeling slightly better but this darned cold is hanging on longer than it should. I'd decided to go to a clinic and maybe get an antibiotic but changed my mind considering the slight improvement. I had a shower and that raised my spirits, too. The cough isn't bad and my throat feels much better .
Then I tried to get on the internet and couldn't! I have no patience today to deal with this crap...why is the internet in Florida so spastic?? I called Verizon and got a lovely lady from India with a strong accent but soooo polite that I suffered through it until she had my internet up and running. Isn't it amazing to have internet trouble in Florida and have it fixed by a lady in India?
I don't feel perfect but I do think I feel well enough to go grocery shopping so I just might do that today. We'll see. I've been stuck in the trailer for a few days and getting a little antsy!
Then I tried to get on the internet and couldn't! I have no patience today to deal with this crap...why is the internet in Florida so spastic?? I called Verizon and got a lovely lady from India with a strong accent but soooo polite that I suffered through it until she had my internet up and running. Isn't it amazing to have internet trouble in Florida and have it fixed by a lady in India?
I don't feel perfect but I do think I feel well enough to go grocery shopping so I just might do that today. We'll see. I've been stuck in the trailer for a few days and getting a little antsy!
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Trying to Make Sense
I don't understand any terrorist group that commits atrocities to make their point. People who can torture and murder indiscriminately are enigmas to me. A terrorist group that can force their way into a grade school and open fire on innocent children, taking the lives of somewhere around 140, can't be human. How can a human being harm a helpless child? But they do, and most are not even considered terrorists.
I'm very afraid of how so many human beings have become vicious predators who are capable of popping up anywhere in our civilized world and creating tragedy after tragedy without end. There doesn't seem to be any strong deterrent for them. A few are killed by police while performing their vicious acts but too many are hidden away, probably in plain sight if we only knew who they were.
Child molesters are given token jail time and then protected from other prisoners who might harm them. I believe in retribution. If some bastard touches a child, they should be whipped in public before spending life in prison and then maybe some of these perverts would think twice before acting out on their perversions.
For the terrorists who murdered all of those innocent children and teachers in Pakistan...you are the epitome of evil and I can only hope you receive your fit punishment.
I'm very afraid of how so many human beings have become vicious predators who are capable of popping up anywhere in our civilized world and creating tragedy after tragedy without end. There doesn't seem to be any strong deterrent for them. A few are killed by police while performing their vicious acts but too many are hidden away, probably in plain sight if we only knew who they were.
Child molesters are given token jail time and then protected from other prisoners who might harm them. I believe in retribution. If some bastard touches a child, they should be whipped in public before spending life in prison and then maybe some of these perverts would think twice before acting out on their perversions.
For the terrorists who murdered all of those innocent children and teachers in Pakistan...you are the epitome of evil and I can only hope you receive your fit punishment.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Unfair!
Life is often so darned unfair and there's not a single thing we can do about it. My Florida winter was delayed but I finally got down here but I've been sick ever since. This cold seems to let up during the day sometimes but then, bang, it's back again just as severe.
We're used to getting a cold, tolerating it for a few days, and then gradually feeling better until it's just a bitter memory but this one won't go away. I had the strangest thought the other day...what if one day we get a cold that just hangs on forever?? That's what this one feels like.
Shelley picked up her new puppy, Winnie, this morning and brought her over for me to see and it was love at first sight. How could it not be??
Winnie is a maltipoo and the cutest little dog I've ever seen. She's very calm and the cuddliest puppy in the world.
Shelley also brought me a decongestant nasal spray so we'll see if that helps at all. I've decided that I'll go to a clinic on Monday if I'm not better. There's so much going on this week that I'll miss, too, if I can't shake this bloody cold.
I haven't cut the grass/weeds outside and I need to plant a few flowers. Many of last year's survived but no blooms yet. The only good thing that's happened from this miserable cold is that it took my appetite away and I'm now at a 25 lb. loss from this time last year. It probably won't last once I start eating normal again, though. But I have my buddy, Sylvia, here to help me shed some more throughout the winter!
I'm bored. I'm not used to being bored but I'm stuck in this little trailer until I get better. Damn!
We're used to getting a cold, tolerating it for a few days, and then gradually feeling better until it's just a bitter memory but this one won't go away. I had the strangest thought the other day...what if one day we get a cold that just hangs on forever?? That's what this one feels like.
Shelley picked up her new puppy, Winnie, this morning and brought her over for me to see and it was love at first sight. How could it not be??
Shelley also brought me a decongestant nasal spray so we'll see if that helps at all. I've decided that I'll go to a clinic on Monday if I'm not better. There's so much going on this week that I'll miss, too, if I can't shake this bloody cold.
I haven't cut the grass/weeds outside and I need to plant a few flowers. Many of last year's survived but no blooms yet. The only good thing that's happened from this miserable cold is that it took my appetite away and I'm now at a 25 lb. loss from this time last year. It probably won't last once I start eating normal again, though. But I have my buddy, Sylvia, here to help me shed some more throughout the winter!
I'm bored. I'm not used to being bored but I'm stuck in this little trailer until I get better. Damn!
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Made it to Florida
The trip down to Florida was quite nice with no bad weather to deal with. Cindy and I paid $75 for our first night's motel and $85 for Sunday's hotel but it was a deal. I don't usually stay in the Hampton Inns because I think they're too expensive for me but we decided to splurge since it was right next to the Cracker Barrel where we planned to eat dinner. The bonus turned out to be that the Hampton Inn holds a happy hour between 5 & 7 where FREE snackies and wine is served to their guests. Whoopie!!
We also used only $103 in gas to travel from home to Tampa! It hasn't been that cheap in years but the lower cost of gas was countered by our dropping Canadian dollar against the American dollar.
One sad note. We passed the aftermath of a horrible accident involving a little Ford Focus and a transport truck. The car was so mangled that it was impossible to tell if it was a car so I have to believe the person driving it must still be inside and dead. Cindy read about the accident on the internet and the driver had been just a young man who apparently ran into the back of one transport truck and then was run over by another. We saw what turned out to be the second transport tuck buried head first into the side of a hill but that driver had survived. Death on the highway can be swift and vicious.
We arrived at Shelley's just in time for John to whisk us away to meet Shelley for lunch. Both Shelley and John have been dieting together and each has lost over 30 lbs. They look terrific. By the way, Cindy has lost 40 lbs. and is more beautiful than ever. These are people on a mission! With my measly little 20 lb. loss, we'd shed 120 lbs....the weight of another person!
I headed over to the park on Tuesday feeling a little under the weather and have been battling laryngitis and a head cold ever since. Cindy came to stay with me on Thursday and I forced myself to go shopping on Friday (not really) and then Sylvia and I drove her to the airport for home on Saturday. She'd had an unseasonably cold week in Florida but the temps started to rise today. So unfair.
I had to buy a new printer because the old one wasn't compatible with my new computer. Cindy tried to download something or other so I could still use the old printer but it wouldn't work so I thought, what the hell, buy a new one and get it over with. I slept off most of yesterday and today trying to heal myself and I guess it's working because I was able to think well enough to install the new printer ($35, so pretty cheap).
I'm so hoping to feel well enough to start socializing without feeling like I'm a germ factory out to kill off old people in the park. Tomorrow is gambling day and my goal is to be well enough to make it.
After all is said and done, I'm very happy to have made it to my little Florida trailer for another winter of fun. I'm a very lucky old gal.
We also used only $103 in gas to travel from home to Tampa! It hasn't been that cheap in years but the lower cost of gas was countered by our dropping Canadian dollar against the American dollar.
One sad note. We passed the aftermath of a horrible accident involving a little Ford Focus and a transport truck. The car was so mangled that it was impossible to tell if it was a car so I have to believe the person driving it must still be inside and dead. Cindy read about the accident on the internet and the driver had been just a young man who apparently ran into the back of one transport truck and then was run over by another. We saw what turned out to be the second transport tuck buried head first into the side of a hill but that driver had survived. Death on the highway can be swift and vicious.
We arrived at Shelley's just in time for John to whisk us away to meet Shelley for lunch. Both Shelley and John have been dieting together and each has lost over 30 lbs. They look terrific. By the way, Cindy has lost 40 lbs. and is more beautiful than ever. These are people on a mission! With my measly little 20 lb. loss, we'd shed 120 lbs....the weight of another person!
I headed over to the park on Tuesday feeling a little under the weather and have been battling laryngitis and a head cold ever since. Cindy came to stay with me on Thursday and I forced myself to go shopping on Friday (not really) and then Sylvia and I drove her to the airport for home on Saturday. She'd had an unseasonably cold week in Florida but the temps started to rise today. So unfair.
I had to buy a new printer because the old one wasn't compatible with my new computer. Cindy tried to download something or other so I could still use the old printer but it wouldn't work so I thought, what the hell, buy a new one and get it over with. I slept off most of yesterday and today trying to heal myself and I guess it's working because I was able to think well enough to install the new printer ($35, so pretty cheap).
I'm so hoping to feel well enough to start socializing without feeling like I'm a germ factory out to kill off old people in the park. Tomorrow is gambling day and my goal is to be well enough to make it.
After all is said and done, I'm very happy to have made it to my little Florida trailer for another winter of fun. I'm a very lucky old gal.
Thursday, December 04, 2014
Bandages Off
I took the bandages off this morning to have a look at my dermatologist's handiwork. It is amazing to have had 7 stitches put in your face and to not have a huge scar showing even at this early date. She's good!
Other than a little scabbing (which I bet came from so much movement from eating and talking) there is only a tiny, almost invisible scar which could easily be concealed with make-up if I chose. I don't.
I fervently wish this is the end of any skin cancers but it's good to know that, so far, none of them have been the dreaded melanoma and have been fairly easily dealt with. I'm tired of having to put my normal life on hold to have them dealt with, though.
I packed the heaviest boxes in the car yesterday and will pack the lighter ones today. All that leaves for Kim to help me with is the big suitcase which is full of everything but clothes. There is a lot of stuff in the car that I plan to sell on Ebay but I'm still amazed at how full it is every year when I travel to Florida and back. It seems I might be trying to do too much but every year I say it won't happen again and then it does.
I cleaned the apartment this morning and will clean the fridge tomorrow and do laundry. I like to come home to a clean apartment so Lisette and Nicole had better be neat while they're here at Xmas.
Cindy called about making motel reservations but I don't like to do that. It's better to decide where to stay as the time gets closer to 4:30 P.M. when I have to get off the road. I also recommend Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Red Roof as good choices. It's going to be fun travelling with Cindy. She can't drive because of her carpal tunnel surgery but I never mind driving the whole way myself.
It's hard to believe that we'll be toasting our little selves in Florida this time next week!
Other than a little scabbing (which I bet came from so much movement from eating and talking) there is only a tiny, almost invisible scar which could easily be concealed with make-up if I chose. I don't.
I fervently wish this is the end of any skin cancers but it's good to know that, so far, none of them have been the dreaded melanoma and have been fairly easily dealt with. I'm tired of having to put my normal life on hold to have them dealt with, though.
I packed the heaviest boxes in the car yesterday and will pack the lighter ones today. All that leaves for Kim to help me with is the big suitcase which is full of everything but clothes. There is a lot of stuff in the car that I plan to sell on Ebay but I'm still amazed at how full it is every year when I travel to Florida and back. It seems I might be trying to do too much but every year I say it won't happen again and then it does.
I cleaned the apartment this morning and will clean the fridge tomorrow and do laundry. I like to come home to a clean apartment so Lisette and Nicole had better be neat while they're here at Xmas.
Cindy called about making motel reservations but I don't like to do that. It's better to decide where to stay as the time gets closer to 4:30 P.M. when I have to get off the road. I also recommend Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Red Roof as good choices. It's going to be fun travelling with Cindy. She can't drive because of her carpal tunnel surgery but I never mind driving the whole way myself.
It's hard to believe that we'll be toasting our little selves in Florida this time next week!
Wednesday, December 03, 2014
Passed
I went to the dermatologist today to have the stitches out and to hear the results of the biopsy. As is my way, I'd already decided how I would react to the different scenarios I might face and knew I would handle anything she threw at me. She said that, despite there still being some cancer cells on the perimeter of the incisions, I was free to go to Florida for the winter and see her when I got home in April. Most minor cancer cells remaining after incision will be disposed of by our own immune system but, should mine start to erupt again, I should come home and have them taken care of. Of course!!
The best scenario would have been for all signs of skin cancer be gone but I'll accept this diagnosis. I've had it before and haven't had skin cancer return to those spots. Fingers crossed!
I wasn't going to pack anything more in the car until Kim comes to help me on Friday night but I couldn't stop myself...I took a few small but heavy boxes down to the car and still have a few more to go. I'll probably take them down tomorrow so all Kim has to do on Friday night is go out for dinner with me.
Cindy got the okay from her doctor to go with me so I'll pick her up around 8 A.M. on Saturday morning. I can't leave here any earlier than 7:30 because I can't drive in the dark. I'm looking forward to a fun trip with Cindy and a relaxing winter in Florida. It's just too damn cold here for me!!!
The best scenario would have been for all signs of skin cancer be gone but I'll accept this diagnosis. I've had it before and haven't had skin cancer return to those spots. Fingers crossed!
I wasn't going to pack anything more in the car until Kim comes to help me on Friday night but I couldn't stop myself...I took a few small but heavy boxes down to the car and still have a few more to go. I'll probably take them down tomorrow so all Kim has to do on Friday night is go out for dinner with me.
Cindy got the okay from her doctor to go with me so I'll pick her up around 8 A.M. on Saturday morning. I can't leave here any earlier than 7:30 because I can't drive in the dark. I'm looking forward to a fun trip with Cindy and a relaxing winter in Florida. It's just too damn cold here for me!!!
Tuesday, December 02, 2014
Pollo Tuscany at La Speghett
I can remember in the near past when I could eat a whole plateful at lunch but lately have been able to restrain myself and bring a doggy bag home for dinner. Today I realized that my tummy really has shrunk a bit because I don't think I even ate half the plateful before I had to call it quits. The food is very rich and the smells make me moan.
Donna, Faye, and I yakked all through lunch and had a really enjoyable time. I'm hoping to get good news tomorrow about leaving for Florida so I told them I hoped not to see them again until mid April. They are good and old friends that I love being around so I'll miss them. But, if I have to stay here, we can keep meeting every Tuesday as usual. You can always make lemonade out of the lemons that sometimes fall into your life.
I'm still full from lunch but the smell of my leftovers as I took the photo still made me moan.
If We Can't Trust Bill Cosby...
If we can't trust Bill Cosby, who can we trust? I've loved him for what I believed was a funny and trustworthy man for as long as I can remember and it actually hurts to see him in this new light as a rapist. There have been so many women who have come forth with their similar stories of how he drugged and raped them that we can't close our minds to the truth. He's a despicable human being. He isn't the man he portrays to us in his stage and T.V. shows. Behind the mask is a man who should be in jail.
We often hear of serial killers, pedophiles, and wife beaters as being good neighbors, sons, and relatives. Their families and neighbors saw only one side of what, underneath, was a monster. We can all be fooled by people like this because they know when and how to show their evil side and when to put on a decent exterior. It's so frightening to realize none of us really know another person.
My disappointment in Bill Cosby is immense. My sympathy is first to the women he raped and then to the poor, troubled man he turned out to be. What a waste of an otherwise brilliant human being.
We often hear of serial killers, pedophiles, and wife beaters as being good neighbors, sons, and relatives. Their families and neighbors saw only one side of what, underneath, was a monster. We can all be fooled by people like this because they know when and how to show their evil side and when to put on a decent exterior. It's so frightening to realize none of us really know another person.
My disappointment in Bill Cosby is immense. My sympathy is first to the women he raped and then to the poor, troubled man he turned out to be. What a waste of an otherwise brilliant human being.
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