I half way understand why it happened but not in the way it happened. Thousands upon thousands of immigrants, refugees, and visitors from primarily Muslim countries arrive in the United States every day and for Trump to have put an immediate block on most of them was bound to cause utter chaos. Where were his advisers and did he listen to any of them?
I can't even imagine how some of those families felt after escaping their war torn countries to make the long flight to the U.S. where they thought they'd find freedom and a better life, only to find out they were banned from entering. Exhausted and unable to speak the language, terrified of being imprisoned, and not understanding what had happened...and then clustered for hours only to be sent back to the place they thought they'd escaped. Horrendous!
I don't agree with accepting mass amounts of refugees who have not been documented or inspected fully but all of these people who were refused entry didn't fit that description. The utter confusion of the border guards who had not been properly informed caused untold heartache to innocent victims of the ban and that blame falls solely on Trump.
He's a wealthy businessman used to having his orders obeyed without question but he's now the president of the United States and his decisions as such will have massive repercussions globally.
My Shelley stayed off Facebook during the election because it hurt her too much to see how many of her friends supported Trump. I was also dismayed at how many of my friends did the same but I'm Canadian and American politics doesn't affect me as much. What bothers me now is that I'm seeing videos of those poor and desperate people who were banned from entering the States and also seeing how many people are still supporting the ban. I could cry.
Where is the kindness and where are the warm and welcoming hearts? The Christian faith teaches us to love one another, doesn't it? What exactly is happening here?
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Monday, January 30, 2017
Ron Woods
Every once in a while a shining star comes your way and that was Ron Woods. He passed away today and I know that, if there's a heaven, he's up there.
Dennis and I bought our trailer at 3W in the spring of 2000. We couldn't wait to get back down there in the fall and immediately set about putting in a concrete patio. We didn't know a lot of people in the park but I'll never forget the day the concrete arrived and how many of the men just dropped by and started helping. That was the first day we met Ron Woods. He lived right across the road from our trailer and I can still see him, bandanna around his head and wearing rubber boots, rushing across the road to help us. He became Dennis' best friend in the park.
We came to know that Ron was a hoot to be around. He was so funny and always had jokes to tell. He was also one of the kindest human beings I've ever known in my life. When he wasn't puttering around his trailer, he was taking Gerry shopping or out to dinner. He used to joke about having a harem because those treks out to dinner usually included half a dozen widows from the park, too.
He was a deeply religious man who lived his religion without pushing it on anyone else. He was simply a darned good soul! Every Valentines Day, we widows in his circle would receive a Valentines card taped to the front door. He just had a knack of making everyone smile when he was around.
He and Gerry sold their trailer last winter because of their health issues and we all knew 3W had suffered a loss it probably would never overcome. There are lots of good people in this world but very few can match Ron. I've never known anyone like him and that's a sad fact. His Gerry must be completely lost without him because he was her life and she was his. It's a sad day.
Dennis and I bought our trailer at 3W in the spring of 2000. We couldn't wait to get back down there in the fall and immediately set about putting in a concrete patio. We didn't know a lot of people in the park but I'll never forget the day the concrete arrived and how many of the men just dropped by and started helping. That was the first day we met Ron Woods. He lived right across the road from our trailer and I can still see him, bandanna around his head and wearing rubber boots, rushing across the road to help us. He became Dennis' best friend in the park.
We came to know that Ron was a hoot to be around. He was so funny and always had jokes to tell. He was also one of the kindest human beings I've ever known in my life. When he wasn't puttering around his trailer, he was taking Gerry shopping or out to dinner. He used to joke about having a harem because those treks out to dinner usually included half a dozen widows from the park, too.
He was a deeply religious man who lived his religion without pushing it on anyone else. He was simply a darned good soul! Every Valentines Day, we widows in his circle would receive a Valentines card taped to the front door. He just had a knack of making everyone smile when he was around.
He and Gerry sold their trailer last winter because of their health issues and we all knew 3W had suffered a loss it probably would never overcome. There are lots of good people in this world but very few can match Ron. I've never known anyone like him and that's a sad fact. His Gerry must be completely lost without him because he was her life and she was his. It's a sad day.
Kids Rule
Kim kept Nolan overnight last weekend and Nash this past weekend. The boys asked for a "kids rule" time and Kim, who adores her grandchildren and spoils them lavishly, agreed. She did say that a "kids rule" stay would be no different from any other stay because she always does everything they want anyway.
Every moment those little boys spend with a loving extended family will work wonders in making them grow up to be happy, stable men. I don't know if it's the extra love they receive or if it's just spending time in another environment occasionally that does the job but I know for certain that this is best for the children...and it does the Gramma a lot of good, too.
Grandchildren make you laugh and sigh at the same time. They're messy because they're active without grace but I can still remember Nolan as a toddler walking over his toys, tripping and falling down, looking confused, but then getting up and walking over them again and again. I laughed, felt momentary concern he was hurt, but laughed again when I saw that he wasn't. There is always a lot of laughter around children.
Our Nolan and Nash are very lucky little boys. They have good family values on both sides of their family and much love from all sides. I'm ever so thankful that their mother allows Nick as much time with his boys as he can manage because that means our family gets lots of time with them, too. It's so good for those kids!
I quit my part-time job at Sears when my grandchildren came along and chose to do more babysitting. I've always felt that it was one of the best choices I ever made in my life. Those children have enriched my life amazingly and I can only hope that my presence in their lives was a positive thing for them, too.
I know of some grandparents who were never part of their grandchildren's lives and that was by choice. I feel very sorry for them because they lost their chance of a happier, more fulfilled life. Was it because they felt being a grandparent aged them? Or was it just that they were foolishly selfish individuals? Whichever, what a loss!
Every moment those little boys spend with a loving extended family will work wonders in making them grow up to be happy, stable men. I don't know if it's the extra love they receive or if it's just spending time in another environment occasionally that does the job but I know for certain that this is best for the children...and it does the Gramma a lot of good, too.
Grandchildren make you laugh and sigh at the same time. They're messy because they're active without grace but I can still remember Nolan as a toddler walking over his toys, tripping and falling down, looking confused, but then getting up and walking over them again and again. I laughed, felt momentary concern he was hurt, but laughed again when I saw that he wasn't. There is always a lot of laughter around children.
Our Nolan and Nash are very lucky little boys. They have good family values on both sides of their family and much love from all sides. I'm ever so thankful that their mother allows Nick as much time with his boys as he can manage because that means our family gets lots of time with them, too. It's so good for those kids!
I quit my part-time job at Sears when my grandchildren came along and chose to do more babysitting. I've always felt that it was one of the best choices I ever made in my life. Those children have enriched my life amazingly and I can only hope that my presence in their lives was a positive thing for them, too.
I know of some grandparents who were never part of their grandchildren's lives and that was by choice. I feel very sorry for them because they lost their chance of a happier, more fulfilled life. Was it because they felt being a grandparent aged them? Or was it just that they were foolishly selfish individuals? Whichever, what a loss!
Sunday, January 29, 2017
More Protests
Trump has put a ban on refugees, immigrants, and visitors from countries that are mainly Muslim and it's caused an uproar among many American citizens. People have been protesting loudly but respectfully all over the country that the ban is unconstitutional and should be lifted immediately.
I think it's a case of Trump jumping the gun without understanding the repercussions of such a broad ban. It's true that non-citizens entering the United States should have always been subject to a thorough screening, especially after 9/11, but an out and out ban reeks of dictatorship.
When I, a senior Canadian with no criminal record, enter the United States, I am subject to scrutiny in the form of having to hand over my passport to the border guard who checks me out on his/her computer. I understand this is necessary after 9/11 and have no objections to it. Now, if the U.S. put a ban on all Canadians because there have been a few terrorists living here, I would not be happy. It's the blanket ban that is so unfair!
The United States and Canada are true melting pots of many different nationalities, cultures, and religions. This has been a badge of honor for us for many years but 9/11 made us more fearful of immigrants. I've always believed that the problem lies not with the immigrant but with the seeming lack of screening by immigration officials. It's terribly worrisome when we citizens see hordes of "refugees" streaming into our country without anyone knowing their backgrounds. Again, if these refugees were screened properly, they would be welcomed with open arms by all. My ancestors were immigrants and so were the ancestors of probably 99% of our population.
I saw on T.V. one of the detainees at a U.S. airport. He was detained because he arrived from Iran and was thought to maybe be a danger to the U.S. He was 5 years old! When you have immigration personnel not able to distinguish how much of a threat a 5 year old is to the country, you have idiots in charge.
Changes have been demanded by the citizens who voted for Trump and changes certainly need to be made but I'm afraid Trump has surrounded himself with "yes" men instead of men/women of wisdom. He needs to tread with a softer foot as he makes those changes.
As I watched the protests on T.V., I thought how this is one of the freedoms that the United States is known for...the freedom of free speech. I could see that many of the protesters appeared to be ethnic and I thought how they know they couldn't protest like this in their birth country or they'd be arrested, jailed, or murdered. That is why they came to a free country. I hope everyone looks on these protests for what they are regardless of personal opinions. These are free people making a statement without fear of repercussions.
The protests lately have been to draw attention to the fact that the people will not give up any of their rights or freedoms. We are very fortunate to live in a free country!
I think it's a case of Trump jumping the gun without understanding the repercussions of such a broad ban. It's true that non-citizens entering the United States should have always been subject to a thorough screening, especially after 9/11, but an out and out ban reeks of dictatorship.
When I, a senior Canadian with no criminal record, enter the United States, I am subject to scrutiny in the form of having to hand over my passport to the border guard who checks me out on his/her computer. I understand this is necessary after 9/11 and have no objections to it. Now, if the U.S. put a ban on all Canadians because there have been a few terrorists living here, I would not be happy. It's the blanket ban that is so unfair!
The United States and Canada are true melting pots of many different nationalities, cultures, and religions. This has been a badge of honor for us for many years but 9/11 made us more fearful of immigrants. I've always believed that the problem lies not with the immigrant but with the seeming lack of screening by immigration officials. It's terribly worrisome when we citizens see hordes of "refugees" streaming into our country without anyone knowing their backgrounds. Again, if these refugees were screened properly, they would be welcomed with open arms by all. My ancestors were immigrants and so were the ancestors of probably 99% of our population.
I saw on T.V. one of the detainees at a U.S. airport. He was detained because he arrived from Iran and was thought to maybe be a danger to the U.S. He was 5 years old! When you have immigration personnel not able to distinguish how much of a threat a 5 year old is to the country, you have idiots in charge.
Changes have been demanded by the citizens who voted for Trump and changes certainly need to be made but I'm afraid Trump has surrounded himself with "yes" men instead of men/women of wisdom. He needs to tread with a softer foot as he makes those changes.
As I watched the protests on T.V., I thought how this is one of the freedoms that the United States is known for...the freedom of free speech. I could see that many of the protesters appeared to be ethnic and I thought how they know they couldn't protest like this in their birth country or they'd be arrested, jailed, or murdered. That is why they came to a free country. I hope everyone looks on these protests for what they are regardless of personal opinions. These are free people making a statement without fear of repercussions.
The protests lately have been to draw attention to the fact that the people will not give up any of their rights or freedoms. We are very fortunate to live in a free country!
Taken Care Of
Cindy and Don are on the hunt for an affordable house with an in-law suite. Her aim is to have a place for me to live comfortably with them and, when I pass on, to have a rental unit for income. This is a smart thing to do in this day and age of very expensive housing.
We went out yesterday to look at a promising property which had a separate building to use as an in-law suite. There's already an offer on the house so we weren't able to look inside but it is very nice. The separate building is big and, from what we could see through the windows, very easy to convert into a lovely in-law suite. Cindy knows I'm agreeable to moving if I love the new place but it can't be a basement in-law suite unless there's a walk out to the backyard.
The property is in a small town nearby and it's very pretty there. We had lunch at a lovely restaurant and gift shop just up the road...home made soup and home made bread for the sandwich. I love restaurants like that!
Cindy seems adamant that she'll be the one to care for me when the time comes but I'm very much against that. I know that nursing homes are horribly expensive but there is an alternative and that's to have some homecare provided when necessary. I've always felt that it's too hard on families to have to look after their frail and sickly parents, especially if the parent has dementia. I'm not any of these things right now but age can be a bitch.
I'm so happy to know that my girls have children they can count on to care for them when the time comes and I know my girls will look after my needs, too. That is a comfort to know but I won't be moving in with them if I can help it. My plan is to live on my own right up to the end. And now I'll put that thought behind me and keep on having fun!
We went out yesterday to look at a promising property which had a separate building to use as an in-law suite. There's already an offer on the house so we weren't able to look inside but it is very nice. The separate building is big and, from what we could see through the windows, very easy to convert into a lovely in-law suite. Cindy knows I'm agreeable to moving if I love the new place but it can't be a basement in-law suite unless there's a walk out to the backyard.
The property is in a small town nearby and it's very pretty there. We had lunch at a lovely restaurant and gift shop just up the road...home made soup and home made bread for the sandwich. I love restaurants like that!
Cindy seems adamant that she'll be the one to care for me when the time comes but I'm very much against that. I know that nursing homes are horribly expensive but there is an alternative and that's to have some homecare provided when necessary. I've always felt that it's too hard on families to have to look after their frail and sickly parents, especially if the parent has dementia. I'm not any of these things right now but age can be a bitch.
I'm so happy to know that my girls have children they can count on to care for them when the time comes and I know my girls will look after my needs, too. That is a comfort to know but I won't be moving in with them if I can help it. My plan is to live on my own right up to the end. And now I'll put that thought behind me and keep on having fun!
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Bit of a Scare
Ever since I found out in November that I have a cyst in my pancreas I've worried a bit about it's progression. Because I've felt perfectly normal since then, I had built up a hope that it would just stay there and never cause me any trouble but yesterday the right side of my stomach ached for most of the day. This might mean nothing because I'm fine today but it's left a little niggling worry in my mind. Is this how it starts??
I'm the kind of person who worries even when I have nothing to worry about. Then I worry I'm missing something. LOL! I haven't minded waiting so long (April 20th) for the MRI because I'm a little apprehensive about what it will show. I don't look up anything about pancreas cysts because I don't want to scare myself. What I do know is that they can cause problems even if they're benign.
Anyway, I know I pay too much attention to every little twinge in my stomach and I'll have to program myself to stop doing that. What will be will be and there's nothing I can do about it but hope for the best. Kim gave me a little sign to hang on my keychain that says "HOPE". I had to remove it from the keychain because all the darned keys I have to carry were just too heavy but I keep the sign here in front of me at the computer.
It's good to have hope but it's also very important to not dwell on the worst case scenario, too. I'll work on that!
Update: Well, the twinges went away and I've felt just fine so I guess I was worried for nothing. Funny how that is usually the case!
I'm the kind of person who worries even when I have nothing to worry about. Then I worry I'm missing something. LOL! I haven't minded waiting so long (April 20th) for the MRI because I'm a little apprehensive about what it will show. I don't look up anything about pancreas cysts because I don't want to scare myself. What I do know is that they can cause problems even if they're benign.
Anyway, I know I pay too much attention to every little twinge in my stomach and I'll have to program myself to stop doing that. What will be will be and there's nothing I can do about it but hope for the best. Kim gave me a little sign to hang on my keychain that says "HOPE". I had to remove it from the keychain because all the darned keys I have to carry were just too heavy but I keep the sign here in front of me at the computer.
It's good to have hope but it's also very important to not dwell on the worst case scenario, too. I'll work on that!
Update: Well, the twinges went away and I've felt just fine so I guess I was worried for nothing. Funny how that is usually the case!
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Nick and Bev's Afghan
When I'm working on an afghan for someone I care about (family or friends) I think about them often as I weave and, in my mind, send loving thoughts to them woven right into the afghan. That's what I visualize and that's what I hope they feel while cuddled under it.
I know an afghan isn't what everyone wants in their home but I hope the ones I make for my family or friends is appreciated and maybe treasured after I'm gone. I remember hanging on to and treasuring the ugliest cookie jar and cream and sugar that had belonged to my great grandmother. I finally was able to pass it along to Cindy who I hope will treasure it just because of that family connection. I honestly get a physical feedback sensation from handling antiques or things that belonged to someone who has passed away. It's like a part of their energy stayed with the item as they handled it. Sounds a little crazy but it happens and that's the truth.
Anyway, there's tons of love woven into this afghan and I hope that sensation stays with it forever.
Note: I forgot to mention that the monks cloth is white and the yarns are charcoal, medium gray, and teal. I also added a full row of teal yarn to the fringe which I think looks nice. I did my usual practice of mixing and matching borders to fill in the pattern so this is a completely unique afghan. By mixing patterns this way, the outcome can be limitless.
Monday, January 23, 2017
OK! The Election is Over!
The American election is over and the people have made their choice. It might not be my choice but I didn't really have one and I'm not an American, either. I thought there'd be less bickering and insult throwing once the election was over and the decision made but I was wrong. There have been protests (nothing wrong with that as long as they behave decently and don't destroy anything) and friends lost (not any of mine, I hope) but life does go on no matter who the president of the United States happens to be.
It's over and done for the next 4 years and every American had better get on board and try to co-operate in making the 4 years productive ones that will enhance and enrich the American people. Constant bickering will not help. That said, I do hope there are rules and regulations that will keep any president from hurting their country!
I see a country so damned divided right now that it makes me sick. There are so many protests for so many different groups who want it their way or no way. I've hated hearing the description "African Americans" because it sets black people apart from their fellow Americans. I hate hearing "Black Lives Matter" instead of "All Lives Matter". The way I see it, the only way the United States can become unified is if they come together as a people and not a skin color or sexual identity.
We all know what is fair. We all know that fairness for every single faction of society will come in time but it can't be forced on us. I don't want men using a woman's public washroom and that doesn't make me homophobic. It's just common sense. And that's where those "politically correct" demands have missed the mark. When it's demanded that we view Bruce Jenner as a hero because he got a sex change and cosmetic surgery to appear more feminine, you can see how our society has somehow derailed itself to the absurd.
We've become enlightened to understand that Bruce Jenner has every right to go through painful surgeries to become what he isn't. We are slowly accepting if not really understanding the how or why. No matter how people lead their lives, as long as they're not hurting anyone else, is not our business. Just don't call them heroes because that is an insult to the true heroes in the world. Our military and police officers are heroes. The parents who work two jobs to feed and clothe their children are heroes. The decent human beings who give of their time and energy to volunteer to make lives easier for the poor and sick are heroes.
We need to step back from the "politically correct" and labeling and take a closer look at the people who do their best to make our world safe and productive. If you're a good person it matters not one iota what you skin color, sexual status, finances, or religion you are. It only matters that you're a good person.
Now, after my rant kind of ran astray, back to President Trump. It is what it is and my wish is that the Americans unite and make their country great again. My wish is that they do it without hate.
Oh, yes! I hope border guards don't ban me from the United States just because I don't like their president.
It's over and done for the next 4 years and every American had better get on board and try to co-operate in making the 4 years productive ones that will enhance and enrich the American people. Constant bickering will not help. That said, I do hope there are rules and regulations that will keep any president from hurting their country!
I see a country so damned divided right now that it makes me sick. There are so many protests for so many different groups who want it their way or no way. I've hated hearing the description "African Americans" because it sets black people apart from their fellow Americans. I hate hearing "Black Lives Matter" instead of "All Lives Matter". The way I see it, the only way the United States can become unified is if they come together as a people and not a skin color or sexual identity.
We all know what is fair. We all know that fairness for every single faction of society will come in time but it can't be forced on us. I don't want men using a woman's public washroom and that doesn't make me homophobic. It's just common sense. And that's where those "politically correct" demands have missed the mark. When it's demanded that we view Bruce Jenner as a hero because he got a sex change and cosmetic surgery to appear more feminine, you can see how our society has somehow derailed itself to the absurd.
We've become enlightened to understand that Bruce Jenner has every right to go through painful surgeries to become what he isn't. We are slowly accepting if not really understanding the how or why. No matter how people lead their lives, as long as they're not hurting anyone else, is not our business. Just don't call them heroes because that is an insult to the true heroes in the world. Our military and police officers are heroes. The parents who work two jobs to feed and clothe their children are heroes. The decent human beings who give of their time and energy to volunteer to make lives easier for the poor and sick are heroes.
We need to step back from the "politically correct" and labeling and take a closer look at the people who do their best to make our world safe and productive. If you're a good person it matters not one iota what you skin color, sexual status, finances, or religion you are. It only matters that you're a good person.
Now, after my rant kind of ran astray, back to President Trump. It is what it is and my wish is that the Americans unite and make their country great again. My wish is that they do it without hate.
Oh, yes! I hope border guards don't ban me from the United States just because I don't like their president.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Wish I Knew This When I Was Younger
My mind has calmed as I hit my 60's and it made it easier for me to reflect on just what I want out of life and what I wouldn't tolerate in it.
I always had girlfriends before I met my husband but made a terrible decision to give them up in favor of the man I loved. I lived almost my entire marriage without girlfriends until one day I realized just how much I was missing and made a conscious decision to change. I had forgotten how to cultivate friends but sort of drifted around making the odd effort to just speak to strangers or near strangers. Gradually some of those strangers hung around and we became friends. Such a beautiful thing to have...a friend.
I didn't deliberately cultivate a certain type of person, just needed that they would be honest and kindly people. I became less closed off and accepted anyone who would accept me. My little circle of friends grew and, with that growth, came emotional growth for me, too. My friends made me laugh. I know for certain that I've laughed more with the friends I've gathered in my senior years than at any other time of my life. I even love the differences in our personalities because new ideas open our minds.
Women need girlfriends. There is not a man on earth that can understand us the way a girlfriend can. I would hope no other woman would be as foolish as I was in my youth, giving up my friends and living only for my man. There is room and necessity for both in our lives.
As I began to gather new friends, I understood clearly that it was easy to open yourself up to a friendship but it took a while to become best friends. Some people arrive in your life looking genuine but, in time, some might display faults that are deal breakers. I've been very lucky and found only a couple who turned out to be people I couldn't be close with. That's human nature and nothing to worry about. It's foolish to shut yourself away from people just because of a few bad experiences.
I absolutely love my lady friends and can only imagine how boring life would be without them. There are a large group of ladies at the park in Florida that I wish so much lived closer to me here in the north. Distance can make close friendships harder to maintain but I only have to think of Sylvia who lives 1000 miles away from me. We will always be besties!
I also love how Facebook allows me to keep in touch with those 3W friends, some of whom have left the park but all of whom I can still talk to on Facebook.
When I'm at home I have only a few close friends and they just happen to be ladies I've known most of my life. And they are honest and kind and make me laugh.
I was 15 years old when I eagerly dumped my friends because my boyfriend who would become my husband didn't like them. Today I'd dump a boyfriend before I'd dump any of my friends. We do gain wisdom as we age.
I always had girlfriends before I met my husband but made a terrible decision to give them up in favor of the man I loved. I lived almost my entire marriage without girlfriends until one day I realized just how much I was missing and made a conscious decision to change. I had forgotten how to cultivate friends but sort of drifted around making the odd effort to just speak to strangers or near strangers. Gradually some of those strangers hung around and we became friends. Such a beautiful thing to have...a friend.
I didn't deliberately cultivate a certain type of person, just needed that they would be honest and kindly people. I became less closed off and accepted anyone who would accept me. My little circle of friends grew and, with that growth, came emotional growth for me, too. My friends made me laugh. I know for certain that I've laughed more with the friends I've gathered in my senior years than at any other time of my life. I even love the differences in our personalities because new ideas open our minds.
Women need girlfriends. There is not a man on earth that can understand us the way a girlfriend can. I would hope no other woman would be as foolish as I was in my youth, giving up my friends and living only for my man. There is room and necessity for both in our lives.
As I began to gather new friends, I understood clearly that it was easy to open yourself up to a friendship but it took a while to become best friends. Some people arrive in your life looking genuine but, in time, some might display faults that are deal breakers. I've been very lucky and found only a couple who turned out to be people I couldn't be close with. That's human nature and nothing to worry about. It's foolish to shut yourself away from people just because of a few bad experiences.
I absolutely love my lady friends and can only imagine how boring life would be without them. There are a large group of ladies at the park in Florida that I wish so much lived closer to me here in the north. Distance can make close friendships harder to maintain but I only have to think of Sylvia who lives 1000 miles away from me. We will always be besties!
I also love how Facebook allows me to keep in touch with those 3W friends, some of whom have left the park but all of whom I can still talk to on Facebook.
When I'm at home I have only a few close friends and they just happen to be ladies I've known most of my life. And they are honest and kind and make me laugh.
I was 15 years old when I eagerly dumped my friends because my boyfriend who would become my husband didn't like them. Today I'd dump a boyfriend before I'd dump any of my friends. We do gain wisdom as we age.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Biting The Hand
Nick invited me to dinner at his house yesterday about half an hour before Kim was to pick me up. This left me no time to purchase something to take. When I arrived at his and Bev's house, I told him I hated to bite the hand that fed me but I would prefer more notice so I could bring something instead of arriving empty handed.
Kim made a salad and I could have bought fruit or wine (I think I'll buy a few bottles to have ready). There is lots of food in my place but it's already cooked and frozen.
Either Nick will start giving me more notice or stop inviting me. LOL! Maybe I should have just accepted the invitation gracefully!
Nash got a "Trouble" game for Christmas and we played that for a while after dinner. It was fun for all of us and Nolan won. It's never the game that's important but the interaction between the people playing it.
We also celebrated an award that Bev received from work. She's being honored with a trip to Hawaii and taking Nick with her. I have to say that Bev is the perfect woman for my Nick...she's intelligent, kind, and she obviously loves our family and has quickly become part of it. To see how happy they are together warms my heart.
And so I sit here on a beautiful sunny day and think how lucky I am. My family is doing well and I'm a contented old gal. Life is good.
Kim made a salad and I could have bought fruit or wine (I think I'll buy a few bottles to have ready). There is lots of food in my place but it's already cooked and frozen.
Either Nick will start giving me more notice or stop inviting me. LOL! Maybe I should have just accepted the invitation gracefully!
Nash got a "Trouble" game for Christmas and we played that for a while after dinner. It was fun for all of us and Nolan won. It's never the game that's important but the interaction between the people playing it.
We also celebrated an award that Bev received from work. She's being honored with a trip to Hawaii and taking Nick with her. I have to say that Bev is the perfect woman for my Nick...she's intelligent, kind, and she obviously loves our family and has quickly become part of it. To see how happy they are together warms my heart.
And so I sit here on a beautiful sunny day and think how lucky I am. My family is doing well and I'm a contented old gal. Life is good.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
I'd Use Marijuana
If I'd been a smoker I'd have tried marijuana already and that's a fact. But I'm not and I sort of regret not being able to try it in my youth.
I have already decided that, when and if I'm in debilitating pain, I'll get the proper certificate to use it legally. I'd rather use marijuana to alleviate serious pain than to further poison my body with drugs. This decision wasn't made lightly but by doing my research. It's a sad fact that marijuana use is probably not near as dangerous as swilling alcohol or popping back oxycodone but our laws are usually made by people of influence, some of whom own or have stock in distilleries and pharmaceutical companies but not marijuana farms. This is changing and we'll soon see marijuana use made legal as soon as all the politicians have purchased their grow-op stock. Cynical? Yes, but it's happening as I write.
Of course there is the danger of people abusing legal marijuana but there will always be stupid people who abuse just about everything on earth. Keeping it illegal isn't fair to those that would benefit greatly by legalizing it.
Thank heavens for the internet because most of us would still be believing that marijuana is deadly if we didn't have all the information available there. The people in power have suppressed any information that they don't want the citizens to know but they lost control when we became able to access it on the internet. It worries me a bit that those same "people in power" might one day gain control of the internet. Anything is possible.
For now, we've learned that marijuana isn't deadly and can offer remarkable benefits to people with health issues. I hope I never need it but, if I do, I will definitely find a way to obtain it.
I have already decided that, when and if I'm in debilitating pain, I'll get the proper certificate to use it legally. I'd rather use marijuana to alleviate serious pain than to further poison my body with drugs. This decision wasn't made lightly but by doing my research. It's a sad fact that marijuana use is probably not near as dangerous as swilling alcohol or popping back oxycodone but our laws are usually made by people of influence, some of whom own or have stock in distilleries and pharmaceutical companies but not marijuana farms. This is changing and we'll soon see marijuana use made legal as soon as all the politicians have purchased their grow-op stock. Cynical? Yes, but it's happening as I write.
Of course there is the danger of people abusing legal marijuana but there will always be stupid people who abuse just about everything on earth. Keeping it illegal isn't fair to those that would benefit greatly by legalizing it.
Thank heavens for the internet because most of us would still be believing that marijuana is deadly if we didn't have all the information available there. The people in power have suppressed any information that they don't want the citizens to know but they lost control when we became able to access it on the internet. It worries me a bit that those same "people in power" might one day gain control of the internet. Anything is possible.
For now, we've learned that marijuana isn't deadly and can offer remarkable benefits to people with health issues. I hope I never need it but, if I do, I will definitely find a way to obtain it.
Friday, January 13, 2017
Adjusting
I bought the cutest set of 2 chairs and a small table for the balcony this summer but didn't want to leave it out there all winter. I decided to move my makeup table from the spare bedroom into my bedroom and get rid of the hassock to make room for it. It's always a matter of deciding what you can do without if you don't want your apartment overcrowded.
Anyway, this left room for one balcony chair and the little table to be put in the spare bedroom. It looks nice and serves a purpose. I then just shoved the second balcony chair behind my nice new leather swivel rocker (note the Minion blanket that Bonnie made for me) because there was space and it wasn't easily seen. But every time I looked at it I thought it was stupid to not be putting it to use so I dragged it out and now use it in the livingroom. Not my true preference but it's an okay addition for the winter.
It is very important for people moving from a house to an apartment to accept there probably won't be room for everything you own. It's also a new opportunity to declutter your life and I've done that fairly well. I know I have too much craft items but that's just the way it is.
The balcony chair is comfortable and not bad looking so I feel I've solved a problem the best way I could.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Spoiled Myself Today
It might sound kind of icky but I get an extraordinary amount of callous on the bottom of my feet for some reason so I began getting pedicures quite a few years ago. Nowadays I also need to be given a pedicure because I have trouble reaching my feet. This is a sad fact of old age for many of us.
Anyway, today I got myself a haircut (love it), a pedicure (love it), and a pair of Alia pants which are the same but different color as 2 others I bought this year and that fit me nicely and wash well. I love them, too.
We need to spoil ourselves once in a while and all this spoiling just happened to occur on the same day which leaves me feeling slightly guilty but not much. I really did need the haircut and the pedicure but the pants were an afterthought. The 2 salons and the Alia/TanJay store are within a 30 second walk from each other in the mall and my will power was low.
Treating yourself doesn't mean you have to spend money. It just means doing something for yourself that makes you feel good. My hair now looks cute, my feet feel wonderful, and the pants are my first in a lovely dark teal color. I don't ever apologize for spoiling myself. There were too many years in my life when there were no funds to spoil any of my family so I'm enjoying it now.
It's been a good day.
Anyway, today I got myself a haircut (love it), a pedicure (love it), and a pair of Alia pants which are the same but different color as 2 others I bought this year and that fit me nicely and wash well. I love them, too.
We need to spoil ourselves once in a while and all this spoiling just happened to occur on the same day which leaves me feeling slightly guilty but not much. I really did need the haircut and the pedicure but the pants were an afterthought. The 2 salons and the Alia/TanJay store are within a 30 second walk from each other in the mall and my will power was low.
Treating yourself doesn't mean you have to spend money. It just means doing something for yourself that makes you feel good. My hair now looks cute, my feet feel wonderful, and the pants are my first in a lovely dark teal color. I don't ever apologize for spoiling myself. There were too many years in my life when there were no funds to spoil any of my family so I'm enjoying it now.
It's been a good day.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Waste
I saw a video today of a vacant and abandoned highschool (just found out it's in my city!) that was built in 1991/2 and disbanded in 2014 because of a drop in the number of student population. What bothered me was that the school board then built a brand new highschool just 3 miles away and at the cost of 36 million dollars to the tax payers. What also bothered me was that nothing seemed to have been salvaged from the old school. We have become the most wasteful society in the world.
Seeing pictures of this massive school before and after it was vandalized is shocking. We know that someone made a lot of money by closing a perfectly good school and rebuilding another one just 3 miles away. We can see how so many things in the old school still held value but was just left to rot. The question is why have we become the kind of society that can commit such wasteful acts when there are people in the world who are starving or with nowhere to live?
I guess the problem lies in who we elect or select to run our country. Too much power in the wrong hands can destroy us. I also see a huge problem with how we allow small groups of people to determine what our value system should be. Maybe we really are sheep being led to the slaughter and maybe there is no way out.
Seeing pictures of this massive school before and after it was vandalized is shocking. We know that someone made a lot of money by closing a perfectly good school and rebuilding another one just 3 miles away. We can see how so many things in the old school still held value but was just left to rot. The question is why have we become the kind of society that can commit such wasteful acts when there are people in the world who are starving or with nowhere to live?
I guess the problem lies in who we elect or select to run our country. Too much power in the wrong hands can destroy us. I also see a huge problem with how we allow small groups of people to determine what our value system should be. Maybe we really are sheep being led to the slaughter and maybe there is no way out.
Excitement at 76
I felt like I'd won the lottery yesterday when I was granted a prime parking spot in my apartment building's underground garage. I don't think I've been that excited in a long time. Funny how simple things can delight us in our old age, isn't it?
I'd only been in the underground parking once and had remembered it as a less than roomy area where I might have trouble parking but it turned out to be excellent. I also got a prime spot on the end where one side is open...yes, I'm thrilled!
This luxury is costing me $40 per month but it's a price well worth it because I won't have to worry as much about walking on ice. I think mall parking lots will be kept clear of ice much better than my building's parking lot has been. I also can park closer to the stores because of my handicap parking licence.
Another benefit is that I can leave my shopping cart in my parking spot instead of always toting it around in the car, lifting it in and out. Nice benefit!
It doesn't take much to excite me these days. I must be getting old.
I'd only been in the underground parking once and had remembered it as a less than roomy area where I might have trouble parking but it turned out to be excellent. I also got a prime spot on the end where one side is open...yes, I'm thrilled!
This luxury is costing me $40 per month but it's a price well worth it because I won't have to worry as much about walking on ice. I think mall parking lots will be kept clear of ice much better than my building's parking lot has been. I also can park closer to the stores because of my handicap parking licence.
Another benefit is that I can leave my shopping cart in my parking spot instead of always toting it around in the car, lifting it in and out. Nice benefit!
It doesn't take much to excite me these days. I must be getting old.
Saturday, January 07, 2017
It's Cold
I will never, ever enjoy the cold winter season. I never have in my whole life. You see photos of people laughing and smiling as they sled, skate, or ski and I've done those things but didn't like them much because it was just too darned cold. When it's cold out I prefer to cuddle under a blankie on a comfortable chair watching my favorite T.V. program or reading a good book.
We've had fewer grey days than I remember and I don't like them but I can tolerate them. The sunny, but cold, days are better tolerated but still not liked by me.
Today is quite pretty...sunny and clear skies and I'm going to visit Faye. Mary is coming in for a few days and staying with her this time. Faye asked me to stay over but I prefer my own little bed so I politely declined. A visit today and then spending all day tomorrow with them will do me just fine and, a bonus, we're going to the casino!
The days are getting a bit longer now and it's surprisingly pleasant to have even a bit of light at 5 P.M. Every day brings me closer to the end of winter and it hasn't been bad, just colder than I want. Faye and I will make our one month getaway to Shelley's in a little over a month so I think I can say this winter hasn't gotten me down. Valerie is going with us for the drive down and then flying back and I'm very happy about that. She's just as much fun as Faye and I love her to bits!
I've seen a lot of Kim and Cindy this winter, too. Cindy took me to the ROM last week and then the three of us went to a movie the next day! I think they're making sure I don't get too sad about being in the cold. I'm not, though.
I do stay home more because I don't like even walking through the cold to the car. In good weather, I often just head out for a drive or to the store for a few groceries but, in the cold weather, I put it off until I really have to go out.
My winter at home hasn't been awful because my attitude is good. Well, at least it's been accepting of what had to be and that's okay, too. I'm making lemonade out of ice cubes, so to speak.
We've had fewer grey days than I remember and I don't like them but I can tolerate them. The sunny, but cold, days are better tolerated but still not liked by me.
Today is quite pretty...sunny and clear skies and I'm going to visit Faye. Mary is coming in for a few days and staying with her this time. Faye asked me to stay over but I prefer my own little bed so I politely declined. A visit today and then spending all day tomorrow with them will do me just fine and, a bonus, we're going to the casino!
The days are getting a bit longer now and it's surprisingly pleasant to have even a bit of light at 5 P.M. Every day brings me closer to the end of winter and it hasn't been bad, just colder than I want. Faye and I will make our one month getaway to Shelley's in a little over a month so I think I can say this winter hasn't gotten me down. Valerie is going with us for the drive down and then flying back and I'm very happy about that. She's just as much fun as Faye and I love her to bits!
I've seen a lot of Kim and Cindy this winter, too. Cindy took me to the ROM last week and then the three of us went to a movie the next day! I think they're making sure I don't get too sad about being in the cold. I'm not, though.
I do stay home more because I don't like even walking through the cold to the car. In good weather, I often just head out for a drive or to the store for a few groceries but, in the cold weather, I put it off until I really have to go out.
My winter at home hasn't been awful because my attitude is good. Well, at least it's been accepting of what had to be and that's okay, too. I'm making lemonade out of ice cubes, so to speak.
Monday, January 02, 2017
New Blog
I love the computer! And I'm ever so thankful to my sister-in-law, Marilee, who told me about blogging only a few short years ago. She knew that I love to write and suggested I create a blog. I have a few now and just created a new one that I'm really thrilled with. It's called "The Thankful Mind" and I'm really hoping it will catch on as a place to leave notes or even full stories about what we are thankful for in our lives.
A while back I accidentally discovered a blog where people could write about their regrets and it made me sad. We all have regrets but we also have so many more things we can and should be thankful for and that is why I started the new blog.
It reflects my belief that we can choose to be happy, concentrating on the good in our lives, or we can sink into the black hole that is unhappiness and despair. There is plenty of both during our lifetime but it truly matters how we choose to deal with them.
Anyway, I am really looking forward to reading the first response to "The Thankful Mind".
A while back I accidentally discovered a blog where people could write about their regrets and it made me sad. We all have regrets but we also have so many more things we can and should be thankful for and that is why I started the new blog.
It reflects my belief that we can choose to be happy, concentrating on the good in our lives, or we can sink into the black hole that is unhappiness and despair. There is plenty of both during our lifetime but it truly matters how we choose to deal with them.
Anyway, I am really looking forward to reading the first response to "The Thankful Mind".
Good Memories
I had dinner at Kim's yesterday with Matt, Kellie, Nick, Bev, Nolan, and Nash. After dinner we watched hours of old home movies and they were some of the best hours I've spent in my life. It seemed like just yesterday that my grandchildren were so young, innocent, funny, and cute. I could almost feel their sweet skin on my hands as I watched their antics on film. They were just as I have always remembered them.
It got me wondering about cultures where there are no photos or filming done in families and, therefore, no old memories like that to mull over in later years. I could have sat and watched it with pleasure all night.
Bev got to see how darned cute Nick was in those days. He's still cute. Kellie got to see how wild and cute Matt was in those days...I hope it didn't scare her off. But he's still cute, too!
We saw a lot of Tyson, Kyle, and Aeron as beautiful little children. We saw a little bit of Lisette and Nicole but they lived in the south and weren't here often. It was so cute to see how Lisette loved the snow and how Nicole didn't love it much. They looked like beautiful tropical flowers that had landed for a moment in the snowy north.
My babies babies have always meant so much to me and last night I got to live those precious early moments all over again for a few hours.
It got me wondering about cultures where there are no photos or filming done in families and, therefore, no old memories like that to mull over in later years. I could have sat and watched it with pleasure all night.
Bev got to see how darned cute Nick was in those days. He's still cute. Kellie got to see how wild and cute Matt was in those days...I hope it didn't scare her off. But he's still cute, too!
We saw a lot of Tyson, Kyle, and Aeron as beautiful little children. We saw a little bit of Lisette and Nicole but they lived in the south and weren't here often. It was so cute to see how Lisette loved the snow and how Nicole didn't love it much. They looked like beautiful tropical flowers that had landed for a moment in the snowy north.
My babies babies have always meant so much to me and last night I got to live those precious early moments all over again for a few hours.
Sunday, January 01, 2017
Happy New Year 2017
Like Dennis always said, if he'd known he'd live so long he'd have taken better care of himself. LOL! Well, when we're young we fool ourselves into thinking we'll live forever and never age like our parents and grandparents. Hmmm! We were wrong.
Nevertheless, to have lived to see 2017 is something I never even thought of in my wildest dreams. It seemed too far away to be bothered considering but here it is. There still isn't world peace but we Canadians are still living in a darned good and reasonably safe country. I'm warm and contented in my sweet little apartment and my fridge is full. My babies are all well and my grandson, Nick, just got engaged to the sweetest lady I could have chosen for him myself! Life is pretty darned good even if I have aged with wrinkles and infirmities that I never thought I'd get.
Today is a gorgeous, sunny and cool (not too cold) day for the first day of the year and I hope all of us have something to be thankful for.
Happy 2017!
Nevertheless, to have lived to see 2017 is something I never even thought of in my wildest dreams. It seemed too far away to be bothered considering but here it is. There still isn't world peace but we Canadians are still living in a darned good and reasonably safe country. I'm warm and contented in my sweet little apartment and my fridge is full. My babies are all well and my grandson, Nick, just got engaged to the sweetest lady I could have chosen for him myself! Life is pretty darned good even if I have aged with wrinkles and infirmities that I never thought I'd get.
Today is a gorgeous, sunny and cool (not too cold) day for the first day of the year and I hope all of us have something to be thankful for.
Happy 2017!
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