Sylvia is one of my best friends in the world and her plane lands at 6:07 tonight. Kim is driving me to the Mount Hope airport to pick her up because it just might be dark on our way home and I can't see to drive in the dark. I'm looking forward to Sylvia's visit so much! I've got lots of things planned for us but the highlight will be to take her to see Niagara Falls on Monday. No-one should visit southern Ontario without seeing the spectacular falls.
Another nice element is that Sheila will be going with us. We were all best buddies at 3W for years but Sheila stopped coming a few years ago when her brother, Tom, wasn't well enough to go. Faye is also driving us to Oakville tomorrow to have lunch with Sheila. I'm a little nervous about driving there myself.
Faye, Donna, Sylvia, and I are going out to Mary's on Thursday to spend the day...lunch out of course!
I'm thinking Friday might be a nice day to go to Niagara-on-the Lake. It's such a pretty little town for walking around...lunch there of course!
Matt and Kelly are coming down to take my air conditioner out on the weekend so we'll have to work around that. I'd like to see a movie on Sunday afternoon if we can.
Monday is Niagara Falls and Tuesday is up for grabs...maybe just a nice drive out in the country to see the fall colors. Wednesday I have to register for the craft show so Kim is taking Sylvia to Faye's for a visit and supper. Marilee will be there, too. I'll go up after I register and stay for a short visit.
A week Thursday is when Sylvia flies home. Her visit will all be over so darned fast but I'll try not to think about it and enjoy every moment with my great friend!
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Monday, September 28, 2015
Funny Nolan
The little ones in the family make me laugh without even trying.
I have those mesh back rests on my car's front seats and yesterday, when Nolan got into the car, he seemed to notice them for the first time. His car seat is in the back seat, of course, and he's usually busy doing up his seat belt when he gets into the car so he's forgiven for not noticing them before this.
Anyway, As he climbed into the back seat he looked over into the front seats and noticed the back rests.
"GG, why do you have tennis rackets in your car?".
I still giggle when I think of it.
Another thing he said that made me laugh was when he got dressed in the morning. Apparently the shirt he put on had gone through a wash containing a Kleenex because it was covered in little white dots. He first asked me what they were and then decided he knew what they were.
"The little dots are fabric softener that Mommy put in the washing machine. The little dots stay on your clothes to keep them soft.".
He has a fertile imagination!
I have those mesh back rests on my car's front seats and yesterday, when Nolan got into the car, he seemed to notice them for the first time. His car seat is in the back seat, of course, and he's usually busy doing up his seat belt when he gets into the car so he's forgiven for not noticing them before this.
Anyway, As he climbed into the back seat he looked over into the front seats and noticed the back rests.
"GG, why do you have tennis rackets in your car?".
I still giggle when I think of it.
Another thing he said that made me laugh was when he got dressed in the morning. Apparently the shirt he put on had gone through a wash containing a Kleenex because it was covered in little white dots. He first asked me what they were and then decided he knew what they were.
"The little dots are fabric softener that Mommy put in the washing machine. The little dots stay on your clothes to keep them soft.".
He has a fertile imagination!
Sunday, September 27, 2015
I'm Thankful
I usually have one of the boys for an overnight about every 2 weeks but I know they'll outgrow wanting to do this. I'll never outgrow wanting them here but I accept they'll grow up and have better options.
When either of these boys even slightly aren't that enthusiastic about staying overnight with me, I bribe them with restaurant meals. It doesn't matter why they stay with me, it only matters that they do.
Right now Nolan is watching T.V. and playing with his Legos while I play on the computer for a while. It's very peaceful here and I think Nolan and Nash sometimes need a quiet place where they are the most important person in the room. That's one of the reasons I like to take care of them individually so I can concentrate all my love and attention on one boy.
Back to my little worry about why I'm always so happy...what matters is that I'm happy .
Saturday, September 26, 2015
More Than We Need.
"WHEN YOU HAVE MORE THAN YOU NEED, BUILD A BIGGER TABLE AND NOT A HIGHER FENCE"
I don't know who wrote this truism but it hits you right in the gut, doesn't it? One of the responses to this quote on Facebook reminded us that we not only have more than we need in Canada but some of us have to rent storage units to hold even more excess. It seems the more we get the more we want even if we have no use for it. It's pure greed.
I'm not removing myself from blame, either. I have much more than I need even after downsizing from the house to an apartment. I don't want to give up my comforts, either, and that makes me as guilty as anyone else.
We can place the blame everywhere but on our own shoulders and we'd be lying to ourselves. I don't need the expense of a Florida trailer but I want the opportunity to be out of the winter cold. I don't need a closet full of clothes and shoes but I've fallen into the trap of always wanting something new. I don't need to gamble while some in the world don't have enough food to feed their children.
I'm not liking this post because it's making me feel like a selfish monster.
I don't know who wrote this truism but it hits you right in the gut, doesn't it? One of the responses to this quote on Facebook reminded us that we not only have more than we need in Canada but some of us have to rent storage units to hold even more excess. It seems the more we get the more we want even if we have no use for it. It's pure greed.
I'm not removing myself from blame, either. I have much more than I need even after downsizing from the house to an apartment. I don't want to give up my comforts, either, and that makes me as guilty as anyone else.
We can place the blame everywhere but on our own shoulders and we'd be lying to ourselves. I don't need the expense of a Florida trailer but I want the opportunity to be out of the winter cold. I don't need a closet full of clothes and shoes but I've fallen into the trap of always wanting something new. I don't need to gamble while some in the world don't have enough food to feed their children.
I'm not liking this post because it's making me feel like a selfish monster.
A Stranger Hugged Me
As I entered the grocery store yesterday, I almost bumped into an elderly black lady. We smiled at each other and I ushered her to go ahead of me. When we met in passing a few moments later, she stopped me and asked me how I was doing. I replied that I was doing fabulously and began to walk on. She then spoke to my back saying it was her 50th anniversary so I turned around and mentioned that I was a widow. She grabbed me in a bear hug and blessed me.
All of this happened in a few short minutes of my shopping trip and it left me feeling truly happy and truly blessed to have just made contact in this way with a stranger. Hugs and kind words are not given often enough. If they were, this would be a much nicer planet to live on.
I'm not saying that hugging every stranger you meet is necessary but a smile and a kind word should come out effortlessly. They can make someone's day.
I mentioned the lady's race only to make a point that some of us fear other races but this lady showed a kindness to a white person and we all know how badly black people have suffered at the hands of white racists. She and I both understood that skin color should never matter when bringing people into your life. What matters is the soul beneath the skin.
All of this happened in a few short minutes of my shopping trip and it left me feeling truly happy and truly blessed to have just made contact in this way with a stranger. Hugs and kind words are not given often enough. If they were, this would be a much nicer planet to live on.
I'm not saying that hugging every stranger you meet is necessary but a smile and a kind word should come out effortlessly. They can make someone's day.
I mentioned the lady's race only to make a point that some of us fear other races but this lady showed a kindness to a white person and we all know how badly black people have suffered at the hands of white racists. She and I both understood that skin color should never matter when bringing people into your life. What matters is the soul beneath the skin.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Are We Living or Acting?
I hope I can find the words to explain something that's bothered me for a long time.
There is a movement in society we call the "bandwagon". It's when people want to be part of what's popular at the moment and will throw themselves into the cause even though in their deepest of hearts they don't agree with it.
People openly and fervently take on interests or opinions that they truly don't give two hoots about. They might not even be aware that they're doing this because we have the ability to fool ourselves and shut out what we don't want to admit.
I noticed this a long time ago...even in myself...but it seems to have gotten terribly and frighteningly out of control in today's society. People especially like to take on causes that their own society has an aversion to. It gives them a feeling of importance that they've discovered what the masses have so far missed.
I read Facebook every day and have noticed that many of the people who I think of as deeply religious go against their own religious tenets by showing a surprising hatred for others. How can you worship a loving god and still deny your fellow man a chance to survive? I'm speaking of the present Syrian refugees right now.
There are some who pretend to be what they aren't in order to fit in where they think they want to be. No wonder so many of us have psychiatric issues. It's as if the goal is to fit in at any cost. Those who refuse to fit in are thought of as oddballs but they might be the only natural people around us.
I read what I've written so far and it really doesn't convey what I'm trying to say...but it's the best I can do.
Have you ever wondered why the innocence of children consumes us? It's because they really are natural. We recognize it and feel sadness that we've lost that ability. We've been socially trained to behave in a way that hides what doesn't fit in. Oh, how I wish I had the right words!!!
One extreme example of false behavior is a politician. They are never what they appear to be on the outside. It really is frightening to be in the presence of a politician because what you see is a shell, a facade. Inside of that shell is a completely different human being that will do it's best to never show itself to the public.
I've worked on myself for years trying to find and display the real me. I've succeeded in many ways but I often realize I'm still squelching traits I don't want to possess. I like to say I'm not the same person I was 20 years ago and I know that's true. I've become more comfortable in my skin because I've shed a lot of the false personality I was drowning in. It's a pleasant feeling to not feel the need to pretend I'm something I'm not.
Well, this post hasn't explained anything the way I wanted but I'm going to leave it any way. It was cathartic to make the effort.
There is a movement in society we call the "bandwagon". It's when people want to be part of what's popular at the moment and will throw themselves into the cause even though in their deepest of hearts they don't agree with it.
People openly and fervently take on interests or opinions that they truly don't give two hoots about. They might not even be aware that they're doing this because we have the ability to fool ourselves and shut out what we don't want to admit.
I noticed this a long time ago...even in myself...but it seems to have gotten terribly and frighteningly out of control in today's society. People especially like to take on causes that their own society has an aversion to. It gives them a feeling of importance that they've discovered what the masses have so far missed.
I read Facebook every day and have noticed that many of the people who I think of as deeply religious go against their own religious tenets by showing a surprising hatred for others. How can you worship a loving god and still deny your fellow man a chance to survive? I'm speaking of the present Syrian refugees right now.
There are some who pretend to be what they aren't in order to fit in where they think they want to be. No wonder so many of us have psychiatric issues. It's as if the goal is to fit in at any cost. Those who refuse to fit in are thought of as oddballs but they might be the only natural people around us.
I read what I've written so far and it really doesn't convey what I'm trying to say...but it's the best I can do.
Have you ever wondered why the innocence of children consumes us? It's because they really are natural. We recognize it and feel sadness that we've lost that ability. We've been socially trained to behave in a way that hides what doesn't fit in. Oh, how I wish I had the right words!!!
One extreme example of false behavior is a politician. They are never what they appear to be on the outside. It really is frightening to be in the presence of a politician because what you see is a shell, a facade. Inside of that shell is a completely different human being that will do it's best to never show itself to the public.
I've worked on myself for years trying to find and display the real me. I've succeeded in many ways but I often realize I'm still squelching traits I don't want to possess. I like to say I'm not the same person I was 20 years ago and I know that's true. I've become more comfortable in my skin because I've shed a lot of the false personality I was drowning in. It's a pleasant feeling to not feel the need to pretend I'm something I'm not.
Well, this post hasn't explained anything the way I wanted but I'm going to leave it any way. It was cathartic to make the effort.
Weak Bladder
I don't like to call it incontinence because that sounds like you're peeing yourself all the time. A better term is "weak bladder" and that's what many senior ladies (and many younger) put up with. We race to the bathroom rather than have a dignified stroll. We can go from not needing to pee to desperately needing to pee at the snap of the fingers.
I had a bladder repair when I was 55 because of this darned weak bladder. The repair amounted to a surgery in which the bladder was hoisted up a bit. It worked a bit but, over the past 20 years, my bladder weakness has been getting steadily worse. It's an embarrassment and inconvenience to be troubled by something like this so I asked my doctor to prescribe me something that might help. I detest taking medication but sometimes you just have to accept that this is what you need to make your life more comfortable.
He prescribed me a little blue pill called oxybutynin choride. Each little pill is 5 MG and I take one in the morning and the evening. I have to say that the results have been amazing after only taking the medication for less than a week. I feel like I'm carrying around a brand new bladder that behaves itself.
I guess we have to give in and realize that the quality of life is more important than worrying about the side effects of a new medication. I'm going to die one day from something anyway.
I had a bladder repair when I was 55 because of this darned weak bladder. The repair amounted to a surgery in which the bladder was hoisted up a bit. It worked a bit but, over the past 20 years, my bladder weakness has been getting steadily worse. It's an embarrassment and inconvenience to be troubled by something like this so I asked my doctor to prescribe me something that might help. I detest taking medication but sometimes you just have to accept that this is what you need to make your life more comfortable.
He prescribed me a little blue pill called oxybutynin choride. Each little pill is 5 MG and I take one in the morning and the evening. I have to say that the results have been amazing after only taking the medication for less than a week. I feel like I'm carrying around a brand new bladder that behaves itself.
I guess we have to give in and realize that the quality of life is more important than worrying about the side effects of a new medication. I'm going to die one day from something anyway.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
How To Unclog The Keurig Mini
I am so terribly inept when it comes to fixing things but most of that is because I have so little confidence in myself. My mini Keurig has been acting kind of funny lately, not quite putting out enough water and also the coffee pod was waterlogged. I knew this wasn't normal but had no idea what to do except ignore it and hope it would clear up on it's own. That usually never works.
Desperate for my morning coffee today, I was horrified to find no water at all coming out of the Keurig. I tried running vinegar water through it a few times but that didn't clear it.
Then I got on the blessed internet where you can find anything! I watched a few videos on how to unclog the large Keurig but it took a while to find a lady demonstrating how to unclog the mini. She was adorable and actually unclogged hers with an earring wire. I followed her instructions but used a paper clip and, lo and behold, my Keurig was unclogged!
I'll try to explain: First unplug and tip to empty any water that is in it. Inside where you place your little plastic cup of coffee grounds there are 2 needles...one on top and one on the bottom. Apparently the clog is always in the top one. There is a little plastic gasket around the top needle that is easily removed but be careful not to stab yourself with the needle. Inside the needle are a couple of holes. Unfold a paper clip and insert the end into the holes and kind of jab it up and down for a few moments. Voila! Your Keurig will be unclogged. Oh yes, don't forget to put the little plastic gasket back on.
I am very proud of myself for conquering one more problem that my husband would normally have taken care of. We really do keep learning, don't we?
Desperate for my morning coffee today, I was horrified to find no water at all coming out of the Keurig. I tried running vinegar water through it a few times but that didn't clear it.
Then I got on the blessed internet where you can find anything! I watched a few videos on how to unclog the large Keurig but it took a while to find a lady demonstrating how to unclog the mini. She was adorable and actually unclogged hers with an earring wire. I followed her instructions but used a paper clip and, lo and behold, my Keurig was unclogged!
I'll try to explain: First unplug and tip to empty any water that is in it. Inside where you place your little plastic cup of coffee grounds there are 2 needles...one on top and one on the bottom. Apparently the clog is always in the top one. There is a little plastic gasket around the top needle that is easily removed but be careful not to stab yourself with the needle. Inside the needle are a couple of holes. Unfold a paper clip and insert the end into the holes and kind of jab it up and down for a few moments. Voila! Your Keurig will be unclogged. Oh yes, don't forget to put the little plastic gasket back on.
I am very proud of myself for conquering one more problem that my husband would normally have taken care of. We really do keep learning, don't we?
Saturday, September 19, 2015
First Attempt
I'm great at starting things but dropping out because I gave up too easily. I've thought for a while now about calling my cable company to see if there were any channels any more that carry exercise programs and finally made the call today.
There is actually only one. I remember when there were all kinds of exercise programs on T.V., especially in the mornings, but that isn't the case now. The channel I chose is costing me $2.50 per month and I can cancel it any time if it isn't suitable for me.
And so I began. It was a yoga program for old ladies (I know this because the 2 ladies doing yoga with the instructor were seniors and one had a pot belly). I managed the first little exercise that involved stretching my arms up and out. Easy. The next exercise was not for me because it involved bending down on one knee and that is impossible for me. So I tried an alternate way by just stooping a bit. I hurt both knees so badly that I had to quit exercising. I'd lasted about 1 1/2 minutes.
Tomorrow I'll do better because I'll do nothing that stresses my knees.
There is actually only one. I remember when there were all kinds of exercise programs on T.V., especially in the mornings, but that isn't the case now. The channel I chose is costing me $2.50 per month and I can cancel it any time if it isn't suitable for me.
And so I began. It was a yoga program for old ladies (I know this because the 2 ladies doing yoga with the instructor were seniors and one had a pot belly). I managed the first little exercise that involved stretching my arms up and out. Easy. The next exercise was not for me because it involved bending down on one knee and that is impossible for me. So I tried an alternate way by just stooping a bit. I hurt both knees so badly that I had to quit exercising. I'd lasted about 1 1/2 minutes.
Tomorrow I'll do better because I'll do nothing that stresses my knees.
Why Do We Cater To Muslim Demands In Canada?
My ancestors were immigrants to Canada. They assimilated and didn't demand that laws be changed to accommodate them and their birth countries' customs. All I hear on the news in the past few years is how Muslim immigrants make demand after demand to change our laws and customs to suit them. Their religion does not require the women to wear full face and body coverings but they demand we change our laws to allow them to have legal photos taken showing nothing but their eyes.
I am so ashamed of my government for catering to their demands and bleeding heart liberals are going to destroy Canada if this is allowed to continue.
These people chose to leave their own oppressive countries and emigrate to Canada. If we even visit one of their mid eastern countries, we have to live by the laws of their lands. If we defied them or demanded concessions we'd probably be imprisoned or hung. Why would they try to change our beautiful and free country to further mirror their own, the one they didn't want to live in?
I'm an old gal and won't live long enough to see the terrible repercussions that are ahead for Canadians but I'll be leaving behind children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren who will have to live in a society dominated by archaic customs and laws our government today is putting into effect.
I am so ashamed of my government for catering to their demands and bleeding heart liberals are going to destroy Canada if this is allowed to continue.
These people chose to leave their own oppressive countries and emigrate to Canada. If we even visit one of their mid eastern countries, we have to live by the laws of their lands. If we defied them or demanded concessions we'd probably be imprisoned or hung. Why would they try to change our beautiful and free country to further mirror their own, the one they didn't want to live in?
I'm an old gal and won't live long enough to see the terrible repercussions that are ahead for Canadians but I'll be leaving behind children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren who will have to live in a society dominated by archaic customs and laws our government today is putting into effect.
Friday, September 18, 2015
CLL
Part of the blood work I have done every 6 months is to monitor my lymphocyte levels. About 5 years ago, my blood showed a 4.3 level which was .3 above normal. I was stunned when my family doctor sent me to a hematologist and I was diagnosed with CLL (chronic lymphatic leukemia). The words shocked me to the core but then I was told that I'd just need monitoring once a year to see how it progressed. That didn't sound so bad but still, leukemia??
Since that time I've found out that a few people I know have the same diagnosis, had it for years, and will probably outlive any need for treatment. My doctor told me there's nothing to be concerned about until the level reaches about 80.
The other day I watched a program on T.V. where the topic of discussion was CLL and the doctors speaking were in agreement that patients with such low levels of lymphocytes shouldn't even be told they have the potential condition because it takes so long for it to develop into an illness needing treatment.
I keep records of all my blood work because I want to keep track of what's happening inside me. My lymphocyte level was 8.0 in April and 7.9 in August. The reason I had blood work done before 6 months was because a rise in my cholesterol meant my statin drug was increased so my sweet doctor likes to keep on top of things.
There may be a few things wrong with this old gal but my blood pressure is 120 over 60. At least something is working well.
Since that time I've found out that a few people I know have the same diagnosis, had it for years, and will probably outlive any need for treatment. My doctor told me there's nothing to be concerned about until the level reaches about 80.
The other day I watched a program on T.V. where the topic of discussion was CLL and the doctors speaking were in agreement that patients with such low levels of lymphocytes shouldn't even be told they have the potential condition because it takes so long for it to develop into an illness needing treatment.
I keep records of all my blood work because I want to keep track of what's happening inside me. My lymphocyte level was 8.0 in April and 7.9 in August. The reason I had blood work done before 6 months was because a rise in my cholesterol meant my statin drug was increased so my sweet doctor likes to keep on top of things.
There may be a few things wrong with this old gal but my blood pressure is 120 over 60. At least something is working well.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
I Learned Something New Today
Never say that talk shows are just entertainment. I watched a very interesting Dr. Phil show today about a man who was devastated by his son becoming a transsexual.
I'm going to be brutally honest here. I watched the show expecting to see the son come out as a female but looking nothing like a female (this really doesn't matter). I expected Dr. Phil to analyze the son and find a mental issue.
What Dr. Phil did was to kindly, very kindly, bring the father around to understanding that transsexuals have been found to have a different brain function than what is found in "normal" men and women. Please forgive the "normal" because I think I'm truly understanding now that transsexualism is not a mental disorder but a difference in the brain function. It is not a disorder...it is what it is.
I then did some research on the internet and tried to understand the scientific explanation for transsexualism. I understood enough to enlighten me.
We could call it an abnormality in the brain but I think there's more to it than that. True transsexuals suffer horribly trying to live their life in a sexual structure that feels alien to them. They can't help at all that they don't physically appear as the sex they feel they are. How absolutely horrible for them because this isn't something that a pill or counseling can change.
It's as though my eyes have been opened and I thank good old Dr. Phil. You see, we really can learn if it's put to us the right way and today I became a more understanding person in regards to transsexuals.
Thank you, Dr. Phil.
I'm going to be brutally honest here. I watched the show expecting to see the son come out as a female but looking nothing like a female (this really doesn't matter). I expected Dr. Phil to analyze the son and find a mental issue.
What Dr. Phil did was to kindly, very kindly, bring the father around to understanding that transsexuals have been found to have a different brain function than what is found in "normal" men and women. Please forgive the "normal" because I think I'm truly understanding now that transsexualism is not a mental disorder but a difference in the brain function. It is not a disorder...it is what it is.
I then did some research on the internet and tried to understand the scientific explanation for transsexualism. I understood enough to enlighten me.
We could call it an abnormality in the brain but I think there's more to it than that. True transsexuals suffer horribly trying to live their life in a sexual structure that feels alien to them. They can't help at all that they don't physically appear as the sex they feel they are. How absolutely horrible for them because this isn't something that a pill or counseling can change.
It's as though my eyes have been opened and I thank good old Dr. Phil. You see, we really can learn if it's put to us the right way and today I became a more understanding person in regards to transsexuals.
Thank you, Dr. Phil.
The Burka Debate
I'm trying to make myself understood by my granddaughter and I'm failing miserably. My main objection to burkas is not how they look or how foreign they appear to us in Canada but to what they represent to free women.
Moslem immigrants are hard at work trying to change Canadian laws to accept Sharia law. Sharia law happens to be a male dominated/female subservient law and that doesn't sit well with free Canadian women.
When I see a woman in a burka, my heart bleeds for her. I can't understand why any woman would hide herself from view like this and can only feel she has been brainwashed or forced by the males in her society to cover herself in such a degrading way. The head scarf that some women wear is not so bad but it's still used to hide under.
We see a lot of Muslim women, covered like this, walking with men who are dressed like the rest of us. My back goes up when I see this and my hope is that, in the future, Muslim women will feel free to show their beautiful faces and hair. It is nothing to be ashamed of.
My argument with our government is, if they cater to Muslim demands (allowing burka garbed women to obtain government documents), they are perpetuating the male dominance over them. It's also an unsafe precedent because anyone could be hiding underneath garments that show only the eyes.
Some of my female relatives are die-hard feminists and yet I don't hear them speaking out against the burka. That confuses me. If there ever was a male dominated female, it is surely a Muslim woman.
When I had surgery on my wrist, I saw a few Muslim women doctors wearing a head scarf. I wondered how an intelligent woman like that could still feel she needs to cover her head in public.
Anyway, it will change in the future as the younger generations blend into the Canadian society. The sad part is that many women will lose their lives to dominant fathers who would rather see them dead than free. We've already seen this happen all over Canada so it isn't an idle worry.
Moslem immigrants are hard at work trying to change Canadian laws to accept Sharia law. Sharia law happens to be a male dominated/female subservient law and that doesn't sit well with free Canadian women.
When I see a woman in a burka, my heart bleeds for her. I can't understand why any woman would hide herself from view like this and can only feel she has been brainwashed or forced by the males in her society to cover herself in such a degrading way. The head scarf that some women wear is not so bad but it's still used to hide under.
We see a lot of Muslim women, covered like this, walking with men who are dressed like the rest of us. My back goes up when I see this and my hope is that, in the future, Muslim women will feel free to show their beautiful faces and hair. It is nothing to be ashamed of.
My argument with our government is, if they cater to Muslim demands (allowing burka garbed women to obtain government documents), they are perpetuating the male dominance over them. It's also an unsafe precedent because anyone could be hiding underneath garments that show only the eyes.
Some of my female relatives are die-hard feminists and yet I don't hear them speaking out against the burka. That confuses me. If there ever was a male dominated female, it is surely a Muslim woman.
When I had surgery on my wrist, I saw a few Muslim women doctors wearing a head scarf. I wondered how an intelligent woman like that could still feel she needs to cover her head in public.
Anyway, it will change in the future as the younger generations blend into the Canadian society. The sad part is that many women will lose their lives to dominant fathers who would rather see them dead than free. We've already seen this happen all over Canada so it isn't an idle worry.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Casino
Faye, Mary and I went to an overnight at the casino yesterday and had a great time, as usual. I always assume Mary will win (she did) and Faye will win (she did) but Faye never loses much because she doesn't love to gamble like me and Mary. I assume I'll lose but have a hell of a good time along the way. I did lose it all yesterday but, after breakfast, Mary suggested we gamble for about half an hour before heading home. I won!! I won back all the money I'd lost yesterday and another $80. This happens so seldom and it sure made my day.
Yesterday two of my friends, Marilyn and Barb found me in the casino. I hadn't known they were going but they saw on Facebook that I was going and wondered if we'd run into each other. These are two Canadian ladies...one from Ontario and one from PEI that was visiting but they also go to my park in Florida. It was such a nice surprise being tapped on the shoulder, turning around and there was Marilyn. These are two very nice ladies that I like hanging out with.
It was also nice coming home to my quiet little apartment with nothing to do but check my e-mail and read the newspaper. I hadn't slept well on Monday night but had a good sleep last night. The rooms and beds at Fallsview are lovely, especially when we get them for free! Anyway, I had a little nap this afternoon, too, because I must have needed it. I do wonder why my body gets weary enough to need an afternoon nap so often, though. I felt no need for one yesterday as I played the slots.
Tomorrow I get my hair cut and Friday I get a check up with the doctor. Then I'm free until the 28th when I see the dermatologist for a check-up. Sylvia arrives on the 29th! Yeah!
Oh yes, we also saw the Elvis impersonator show yesterday and it was pretty good. I've seen better, though. This guy hit a few sour notes that made me cringe.
Yesterday two of my friends, Marilyn and Barb found me in the casino. I hadn't known they were going but they saw on Facebook that I was going and wondered if we'd run into each other. These are two Canadian ladies...one from Ontario and one from PEI that was visiting but they also go to my park in Florida. It was such a nice surprise being tapped on the shoulder, turning around and there was Marilyn. These are two very nice ladies that I like hanging out with.
It was also nice coming home to my quiet little apartment with nothing to do but check my e-mail and read the newspaper. I hadn't slept well on Monday night but had a good sleep last night. The rooms and beds at Fallsview are lovely, especially when we get them for free! Anyway, I had a little nap this afternoon, too, because I must have needed it. I do wonder why my body gets weary enough to need an afternoon nap so often, though. I felt no need for one yesterday as I played the slots.
Tomorrow I get my hair cut and Friday I get a check up with the doctor. Then I'm free until the 28th when I see the dermatologist for a check-up. Sylvia arrives on the 29th! Yeah!
Oh yes, we also saw the Elvis impersonator show yesterday and it was pretty good. I've seen better, though. This guy hit a few sour notes that made me cringe.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Nolan and Nash Quotes
I was putting face cream on yesterday morning and Nash, as usual, asked why I was doing it. I told him my skin was dry and this is what ladies did. He asked me if I was a lady.
Then we went to Wendy's for lunch and I slipped a few extra straws in my purse to take home. Nash, whose speech is sometimes hard to understand, clearly yelled out asking me why I had all those straws. I told him I need them for home. In a very loud voice, he said, "a hundred of them??". I had maybe a dozen but I'm sure the other patrons in Wendy's thought I should be arrested.
I took my little treasure home to Kim's along with his frosty. When Nolan saw that Nash had a frosty and he didn't, he had a fit. Now, the last time I had Nolan overnight he got a chocolate sundae but that didn't matter to him. He hung over Nash's shoulders like the family dog, hoping for a hand out. After a while Nolan came to me with a big smile on his face and proudly said that Nash had let him lick the lid to his frosty.
I love those kids and the humor they provide me.
Change in the Weather
We spend a lot of time concerned about the weather. Rarely do we get those absolutely perfect days but even those are different for different people or different times of the year.
Before I wintered in Florida, I used to love a crisp and sunny March day when the piles of snow were visibly melting. I thought that we had winter beat by the month of March even if it snowed again...and it did. But sight of snow melting in the sunshine was a real treat.
My favorite air temperature now is 75F with the sun shining and a slight breeze blowing. That feels best to me no matter where I am or which month it is. We get a lot of those days all winter long in Florida but, even when it's a bit cooler, the sun is usually shining.
I cursed the cold and rain yesterday when I went out to the car with no jacket on but this morning I'm thoroughly enjoying the cooler air slipping through the open patio door and bedroom windows. It's all relative to where you are and I plan to stay home today and do some Swedish weaving so I'll appreciate the cooler air circulating the apartment.
Life is what you make of it.
Before I wintered in Florida, I used to love a crisp and sunny March day when the piles of snow were visibly melting. I thought that we had winter beat by the month of March even if it snowed again...and it did. But sight of snow melting in the sunshine was a real treat.
My favorite air temperature now is 75F with the sun shining and a slight breeze blowing. That feels best to me no matter where I am or which month it is. We get a lot of those days all winter long in Florida but, even when it's a bit cooler, the sun is usually shining.
I cursed the cold and rain yesterday when I went out to the car with no jacket on but this morning I'm thoroughly enjoying the cooler air slipping through the open patio door and bedroom windows. It's all relative to where you are and I plan to stay home today and do some Swedish weaving so I'll appreciate the cooler air circulating the apartment.
Life is what you make of it.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Unnecessary Sex Education
Have you ever been in a room with 4 people you love and whom you respect but they have totally opposite views to your own? That was me today as I argued our new sex education curriculum for our elementary children is way too graphic and the children way too young. My loved ones think I'm worried over nothing. Bull feathers!
Do 7 and 8 year old children need to know that not all parents are 1 man and 1 woman? I'm not saying hide the fact from them because they'll notice soon enough but why point it out to them at this age? Wouldn't they be better off learning their ABC's? Isn't that what we send them to school for?
How wise is it to teach 11 and 12 year old children about oral and anal sex? My loved ones say the kids learn from friends, T.V., and internet. That is not true of all children! But, if that is true, why do they need to be taught about it in school? Honestly, we are pushing our children to be aware and probably participate in adult behavior way before they can possibly be ready for it.
In truth, if you put the thought into a young mind, their natural curiosity will push them to try it out. Is that what we really want of our children?
I guess it irritates me so much because I love the innocence of children and believe we should preserve it for a while. Teach them to protect themselves from predators and to respect the differences they'll find in others but 7 and 8 year old children do not need to know that the 2 mothers of a friend sleep together and have sex. When I was 8 years old, I didn't care if my friends had the traditional family or not and I certainly had no interest in their sex lives.
The public pays all education costs. Why are we not having a say in what our children are taught in school? A bigger question is, why aren't more parents raising holy old hell about this and stopping it in it's tracks?
Note: I've raised my children and grandchildren right. Not only do they speak their mind around me but they do it with respect. Matt said, "I love you, Gramma, but you're wrong".
Do 7 and 8 year old children need to know that not all parents are 1 man and 1 woman? I'm not saying hide the fact from them because they'll notice soon enough but why point it out to them at this age? Wouldn't they be better off learning their ABC's? Isn't that what we send them to school for?
How wise is it to teach 11 and 12 year old children about oral and anal sex? My loved ones say the kids learn from friends, T.V., and internet. That is not true of all children! But, if that is true, why do they need to be taught about it in school? Honestly, we are pushing our children to be aware and probably participate in adult behavior way before they can possibly be ready for it.
In truth, if you put the thought into a young mind, their natural curiosity will push them to try it out. Is that what we really want of our children?
I guess it irritates me so much because I love the innocence of children and believe we should preserve it for a while. Teach them to protect themselves from predators and to respect the differences they'll find in others but 7 and 8 year old children do not need to know that the 2 mothers of a friend sleep together and have sex. When I was 8 years old, I didn't care if my friends had the traditional family or not and I certainly had no interest in their sex lives.
The public pays all education costs. Why are we not having a say in what our children are taught in school? A bigger question is, why aren't more parents raising holy old hell about this and stopping it in it's tracks?
Note: I've raised my children and grandchildren right. Not only do they speak their mind around me but they do it with respect. Matt said, "I love you, Gramma, but you're wrong".
Wednesday, September 09, 2015
I Patted A Cat
I went to Mavis for my pedicure today and met her two new cats, Mickie and Goldie. They are so cute and, just as I was leaving, Mavis picked up Goldie, the little orange one and stood close to me as she cuddled her. I reached over and patted the cat...first time I've touched a cat since I was 12 years old because of allergies. I've wanted to take a chance for a while now because it seems my allergies to pollen have disappeared so maybe I'll be okay with cats now, too.
It worried me for a few moments but it felt so good to caress that sweet little cat. I do love cats and always felt it so unfair that I was unable to touch them.
That was about 4 hours ago and I've had no itching or sneezing. Wouldn't it be wonderful if cat dander no longer caused my allergies and maybe, just maybe, I can get a cat of my own?
I'm not sure yet but will be patting every cat I come across now to see if it bothers me. I'll be going out to Mary's in a few weeks so I can cuddle and pet Chloe. If her long furred little self is safe for me, I'm maybe going to shop for a kitty!
It worried me for a few moments but it felt so good to caress that sweet little cat. I do love cats and always felt it so unfair that I was unable to touch them.
That was about 4 hours ago and I've had no itching or sneezing. Wouldn't it be wonderful if cat dander no longer caused my allergies and maybe, just maybe, I can get a cat of my own?
I'm not sure yet but will be patting every cat I come across now to see if it bothers me. I'll be going out to Mary's in a few weeks so I can cuddle and pet Chloe. If her long furred little self is safe for me, I'm maybe going to shop for a kitty!
Are Only Police To Blame?
One of our city councillors who happens to be black has taken our police chief to task for a statement he made. The police chief apparently sent out an e-mail stating that black people should stop blaming the police for all their problems. Sounds sensible to me but our black councillor seems to think otherwise.
One of the biggest mistakes we make in life is to place the blame for our problems on everyone else but ourselves. It doesn't matter if you're black, white, or something else, most of your problems were caused by you alone! You made choices and some of them were mistakes but you're to blame, not anyone else.
If you're poor...educate yourself and work hard to improve your life.
If you're participating in crimes...stop.
If you're abusing drugs or alcohol...get help and stop.
If you're a victim of abuse...get away, get help and lay charges.
All of these problems in life afflict all races, nationalities, and religions but the police department did not cause any of them.
The solutions I suggested are not easy but they are attainable with determination and hard work. I should also mention having respect for yourself, too, because respecting yourself means you want a decent life and are willing to work for it.
Our black councillor is terribly wrong to fault the police chief for what he said. It happens to be the truth.
One of the biggest mistakes we make in life is to place the blame for our problems on everyone else but ourselves. It doesn't matter if you're black, white, or something else, most of your problems were caused by you alone! You made choices and some of them were mistakes but you're to blame, not anyone else.
If you're poor...educate yourself and work hard to improve your life.
If you're participating in crimes...stop.
If you're abusing drugs or alcohol...get help and stop.
If you're a victim of abuse...get away, get help and lay charges.
All of these problems in life afflict all races, nationalities, and religions but the police department did not cause any of them.
The solutions I suggested are not easy but they are attainable with determination and hard work. I should also mention having respect for yourself, too, because respecting yourself means you want a decent life and are willing to work for it.
Our black councillor is terribly wrong to fault the police chief for what he said. It happens to be the truth.
Monday, September 07, 2015
Am I Unaware?
It seems like every time someone phones me and asks how I'm doing, I say "absolutely fantastic"...and it's true. Faye called today and we went through this routine and she said I might feel this way because I'm unaware of what is really going on. That also could be true. Whatever, I have a happy frame of mind almost all of the time and I'm not going to delve too deeply into it.
Nick's house sold today and that absolutely thrills me. If the sale goes through it means he can get on with his life. Right now he's sleeping in a little room in Kim's house on a 30 year old mattress. He deserves much better than that and I hope all goes well until everything is settled.
Two of my 3 girls are in good relationships. Kim is alone but seems happy enough. Most of my grandchildren are in steady relationships, too, but they're young enough to play the single life for a while yet.
I'm single, too, but too old and content to even consider getting into another relationship. Some women have to be with a man but I've outgrown that, thank heavens. I'd only reconsider if a good looking old guy with a good sense of humor and a professional tool belt came along. He'd have to be willing to settle for a fat old lady who doesn't cook and likes to come and go as she pleases. I also snore. Wonder if there's any hope for me?? LOL!
Anyway, I got a lot accomplished today and even did a bit of cooking...a 6 dinner supply of pork loin and cabbage. I also did most of the weaving on a table runner. I didn't say I wore myself out!
Nick's house sold today and that absolutely thrills me. If the sale goes through it means he can get on with his life. Right now he's sleeping in a little room in Kim's house on a 30 year old mattress. He deserves much better than that and I hope all goes well until everything is settled.
Two of my 3 girls are in good relationships. Kim is alone but seems happy enough. Most of my grandchildren are in steady relationships, too, but they're young enough to play the single life for a while yet.
I'm single, too, but too old and content to even consider getting into another relationship. Some women have to be with a man but I've outgrown that, thank heavens. I'd only reconsider if a good looking old guy with a good sense of humor and a professional tool belt came along. He'd have to be willing to settle for a fat old lady who doesn't cook and likes to come and go as she pleases. I also snore. Wonder if there's any hope for me?? LOL!
Anyway, I got a lot accomplished today and even did a bit of cooking...a 6 dinner supply of pork loin and cabbage. I also did most of the weaving on a table runner. I didn't say I wore myself out!
I Learned Something Today
I was never fortunate enough to go to university and that's the biggest regret of my life. Therefore, I had no idea that it was acceptable for a student to take over a class for a 10 minute rant. I'm supposing that this student felt every other student in her class agreed with her choice of topic but maybe not. She was a native student trying to correct her professor about what really happened to the native population 200 years ago. He didn't agree with her, apparently, and that's why she asserted herself maybe a little too aggressively.
If I was a student in that class, having paid high tuition, I don't think I'd take kindly to a native student (who had paid NO tuition) taking over the class. I would love to hear her position but not if she wouldn't shut up after a decent amount of time.
It makes sense for a student to do their research and come up with a different view than their professor but, if the professor is misinformed, maybe the student is also. She said she got some of her information from her family. In any case, the other students apparently didn't agree with her, either, so she was being unfair to them by taking up so much of their time.
Everybody seems to want to get up on a soap box to "educate" us and insist we agree with them and their cause. That's okay if their audience has the option to walk away but not if they're being held hostage. My soap box is this blog which very few people read and that's fine with me because I know I'm probably wrong about a lot of things I write.
For instance, I believe the native population should have been able to pull themselves up out of poverty by now instead of blaming the white people for what happened 200 years ago. A smart native, like this girl, would have taken advantage of the free university education offered to them but few have done so. A smart native would have built up their community instead of so many turning to alcohol and being unemployed (by their own count, only 17% of Canadian natives are employed). A smart native would have assimilated into the Canadian or American culture, adding their own to it. A country with a diversity of cultures that happily co-exist is beneficial to everyone.
Anyway, a professor must be in control of what goes on in their classroom and, if a student is out of line, they're a detriment to the class as a whole. If the professor doesn't know his/her stuff, the student might be better off dropping out of that class.
If I was a student in that class, having paid high tuition, I don't think I'd take kindly to a native student (who had paid NO tuition) taking over the class. I would love to hear her position but not if she wouldn't shut up after a decent amount of time.
It makes sense for a student to do their research and come up with a different view than their professor but, if the professor is misinformed, maybe the student is also. She said she got some of her information from her family. In any case, the other students apparently didn't agree with her, either, so she was being unfair to them by taking up so much of their time.
Everybody seems to want to get up on a soap box to "educate" us and insist we agree with them and their cause. That's okay if their audience has the option to walk away but not if they're being held hostage. My soap box is this blog which very few people read and that's fine with me because I know I'm probably wrong about a lot of things I write.
For instance, I believe the native population should have been able to pull themselves up out of poverty by now instead of blaming the white people for what happened 200 years ago. A smart native, like this girl, would have taken advantage of the free university education offered to them but few have done so. A smart native would have built up their community instead of so many turning to alcohol and being unemployed (by their own count, only 17% of Canadian natives are employed). A smart native would have assimilated into the Canadian or American culture, adding their own to it. A country with a diversity of cultures that happily co-exist is beneficial to everyone.
Anyway, a professor must be in control of what goes on in their classroom and, if a student is out of line, they're a detriment to the class as a whole. If the professor doesn't know his/her stuff, the student might be better off dropping out of that class.
Sunday, September 06, 2015
Too Hot
It's September and we're having a heat wave. Tomorrow it will reach 32C which is about 95F and I don't like it. Needless to say, it will drop off soon and I'll be complaining about the cold or the rain...hope I can escape to Florida before it snows, though.
I bought new winter boots at Costco yesterday because the ones I bought last year (first new ones in about 15 years) had smooth soles and I was afraid of slipping on ice with them. Wonder why anyone would make winter boots with smooth soles?? Wonder why I didn't notice before buying them??
Anyway, I hate this kind of heat but will venture out today for a little drive. I need milk and bananas. My grocery bill is never very high but I'll also stop at Burger King for lunch. I guess my lunch bills are never very high, either.
I had dinner at Kim's last night and Nick and the boys were there, too. The boys play very well together with Nash copying everything his brother does. Kim put soapy water in a bucket for them to use their "guns" with. They ended up cleaning her patio table, too, and then Kim turned the hose on them. Those little boys make her so happy!
Nick's house is finally up for sale so I hope it sells soon and he can get on with his life. He has the boys a lot and that's a good thing all around. He's a good Daddy!
I finally decided to start a new afghan and even have a new pattern. Someone posted a photo on Facebook of ones I've never seen so I had Kim enlarge it and print it for me to follow. I think I can! It seems to be a series of hearts and I've already done Swedish weaving in hearts so it shouldn't be too difficult. I'll have to guess at the lengths of yarn needed for each row but that, too, shouldn't be very hard to do. If I bought the pattern, it would cost $7.50 U.S. and I'm too cheap to do that.
My new afghan will be ecru fabric with pale peach/green/gold/lilac yarns. They're from a grouping of yarns I bought to be used together and very pretty. I might only use 3 of them but I'll decide as I start working on the pattern.
One of my old friends from the park (she taught me how to do Swedish weaving) has Alzeimers and can't follow a pattern any more. I always think of that as I work because I'd hate to be unable to do Swedish weaving. It's a joy for me to watch as the pattern develops and it keeps me busy, too.
Well, my marbles are still relatively intact so I'll count my lucky stars that I'm able to have an interesting and varied life for now. I may be old in body but my mind still feels like I'm in my 30's.
Note: Driving back from getting groceries, I saw a lady wearing a coat and scarf. I'm assuming she can't even stick her head out the door during our frigid Canadian winters.
I bought new winter boots at Costco yesterday because the ones I bought last year (first new ones in about 15 years) had smooth soles and I was afraid of slipping on ice with them. Wonder why anyone would make winter boots with smooth soles?? Wonder why I didn't notice before buying them??
Anyway, I hate this kind of heat but will venture out today for a little drive. I need milk and bananas. My grocery bill is never very high but I'll also stop at Burger King for lunch. I guess my lunch bills are never very high, either.
I had dinner at Kim's last night and Nick and the boys were there, too. The boys play very well together with Nash copying everything his brother does. Kim put soapy water in a bucket for them to use their "guns" with. They ended up cleaning her patio table, too, and then Kim turned the hose on them. Those little boys make her so happy!
Nick's house is finally up for sale so I hope it sells soon and he can get on with his life. He has the boys a lot and that's a good thing all around. He's a good Daddy!
I finally decided to start a new afghan and even have a new pattern. Someone posted a photo on Facebook of ones I've never seen so I had Kim enlarge it and print it for me to follow. I think I can! It seems to be a series of hearts and I've already done Swedish weaving in hearts so it shouldn't be too difficult. I'll have to guess at the lengths of yarn needed for each row but that, too, shouldn't be very hard to do. If I bought the pattern, it would cost $7.50 U.S. and I'm too cheap to do that.
My new afghan will be ecru fabric with pale peach/green/gold/lilac yarns. They're from a grouping of yarns I bought to be used together and very pretty. I might only use 3 of them but I'll decide as I start working on the pattern.
One of my old friends from the park (she taught me how to do Swedish weaving) has Alzeimers and can't follow a pattern any more. I always think of that as I work because I'd hate to be unable to do Swedish weaving. It's a joy for me to watch as the pattern develops and it keeps me busy, too.
Well, my marbles are still relatively intact so I'll count my lucky stars that I'm able to have an interesting and varied life for now. I may be old in body but my mind still feels like I'm in my 30's.
Note: Driving back from getting groceries, I saw a lady wearing a coat and scarf. I'm assuming she can't even stick her head out the door during our frigid Canadian winters.
Friday, September 04, 2015
Irritating Skin Cancers
All this because I didn't use sun screen in my earlier years!
Some seniors get all bent out of shape because of their wrinkles. Not me. I just thank my lucky stars when a new day doesn't bring a new skin cancer.
Since they started to pop up, I haven't gone 1 full year without a new one arriving and there's never any guarantee that no more will come. I see my dermatologist at least twice a year and she sprays anything that looks suspicious with liquid nitrogen. I'm really hoping I can get through the next 9 months at least without any re-occurance! That might give me hope that it's all over and done with.
This is an irritating health problem but many people my age have much worse. Cancer in any form is not to be taken lightly but skin cancer is one of the easiest to treat. I'm very thankful for that.
Wednesday, September 02, 2015
Merry Christmas or Hanukkah
It's only the first part of September but the yearly squabble of whether to say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays has already reared it's stupid head.
Why is this such a problem for non-Christians? Why are they so intolerant of how Christians (and people like me) choose to celebrate Christmas?? Some even try to have our traditional Christmas tree removed from public places or renamed a "holiday" tree. Rubbish! I'm not really thinking "rubbish" but I prefer not to type the exact words in my mind.
If someone greeted me with "Happy Hanukkah", I would smile and feel warmed by their greeting. If we were to say "Merry Christmas" to some Jewish people, they would take it as an insult. Why?? I know that not all Jewish people feel this way and I'd like to believe that the ones who feel insulted are only a small minority.
What the hell, why can't we live and let live?
One of the ladies from our park wants us all to say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". She also wants our annual Christmas party to be renamed a "holiday" party. I've just decided that the next time she pushes that at us I'm going to tell her that, when she gives up "Happy Hanukkah" for "Happy Holidays", I'll consider it.
As you can see, this subject just gets my back up!
I'm sick of people coming in and telling us to change how we celebrate our traditions. If Christmas is insulting to you, stay home during December and bury your head under a damned blanket.
Why is this such a problem for non-Christians? Why are they so intolerant of how Christians (and people like me) choose to celebrate Christmas?? Some even try to have our traditional Christmas tree removed from public places or renamed a "holiday" tree. Rubbish! I'm not really thinking "rubbish" but I prefer not to type the exact words in my mind.
If someone greeted me with "Happy Hanukkah", I would smile and feel warmed by their greeting. If we were to say "Merry Christmas" to some Jewish people, they would take it as an insult. Why?? I know that not all Jewish people feel this way and I'd like to believe that the ones who feel insulted are only a small minority.
What the hell, why can't we live and let live?
One of the ladies from our park wants us all to say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". She also wants our annual Christmas party to be renamed a "holiday" party. I've just decided that the next time she pushes that at us I'm going to tell her that, when she gives up "Happy Hanukkah" for "Happy Holidays", I'll consider it.
As you can see, this subject just gets my back up!
I'm sick of people coming in and telling us to change how we celebrate our traditions. If Christmas is insulting to you, stay home during December and bury your head under a damned blanket.
Sylvia is Coming, Sylvia is Coming!
Sylvia left me a message yesterday that she's made her plane reservation to arrive here on September 29th and leave October 8th. I am so excited. She's been such a good friend for the last 10 years, mainly in Florida but also throughout the summers by e-mail. She's one of those people you just click with because she's natural...no undertones.
Good friends are as important to us as good family. While family often has to accept us just because we're family, friends are there because they want to be there. It's a big difference.
My special friends are like sisters to me. They've always proven themselves to be honest and kind...that's all I ask of a friend. That's where my comfort level lies.
I know I laugh more with my lady friends than I ever did with my husband or boyfriends before him. Women are so much more fun to be around probably because we understand each other. I do love the company of interesting men, too, because they provide a different perspective in conversation. Now that I'm an old gal, I even initiate conversations with complete strangers, but usually young men because I'm still a little leery about how I might come across to a man my own age.
Back to Sylvia...I have lots of plans to show her around my area of the country. She's never been to Ontario so I'll take her to Niagara Falls for sure. We'll do some sightseeing and visit friends and family, too. I can't wait!
Good friends are as important to us as good family. While family often has to accept us just because we're family, friends are there because they want to be there. It's a big difference.
My special friends are like sisters to me. They've always proven themselves to be honest and kind...that's all I ask of a friend. That's where my comfort level lies.
I know I laugh more with my lady friends than I ever did with my husband or boyfriends before him. Women are so much more fun to be around probably because we understand each other. I do love the company of interesting men, too, because they provide a different perspective in conversation. Now that I'm an old gal, I even initiate conversations with complete strangers, but usually young men because I'm still a little leery about how I might come across to a man my own age.
Back to Sylvia...I have lots of plans to show her around my area of the country. She's never been to Ontario so I'll take her to Niagara Falls for sure. We'll do some sightseeing and visit friends and family, too. I can't wait!
Learn the Language
I don't understand why some people get upset when we suggest they learn the language of the country they live in. Doesn't it make sense to do so? I often think how isolated an immigrant to Canada is if they can't speak English (outside Quebec). It's completely to their advantage to learn the language spoken where they live.
Case in point...years ago Dennis and I were in Taiwan on business. I stepped outside our hotel and took a walk around what I thought was the block. All the street signs were in Chinese characters so I couldn't read them. As it turned out, when I made my 3rd right turn I was not on the street where my hotel was and I had no idea how to find it. The street signs were foreign to me. If I had been driving, how the heck could I have found my way around?? Apparently there are going to be a lot of lost drivers in Canada and the States if they give driving licences to people who don't speak English!
I don't think it's prejudice to insist a person speak the language before issuing them a driver's licence. I can't imagine why anyone would issue me a licence to drive in Taiwan. A little common sense would go a long way here.
Case in point...years ago Dennis and I were in Taiwan on business. I stepped outside our hotel and took a walk around what I thought was the block. All the street signs were in Chinese characters so I couldn't read them. As it turned out, when I made my 3rd right turn I was not on the street where my hotel was and I had no idea how to find it. The street signs were foreign to me. If I had been driving, how the heck could I have found my way around?? Apparently there are going to be a lot of lost drivers in Canada and the States if they give driving licences to people who don't speak English!
I don't think it's prejudice to insist a person speak the language before issuing them a driver's licence. I can't imagine why anyone would issue me a licence to drive in Taiwan. A little common sense would go a long way here.
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