I have my first cold in over a year and I can't blame Joann who had a cold and came to play cards with us. I'd had a little cough for a few days before that I'd mistaken for allergies but yesterday it hit me full force. I don't ail well. I'm not positive but I think I whine and skulk because I feel so poorly done by to have gotten sick. Even I realize that is not a pretty picture.
I felt just horrible yesterday and went to bed at 6:30 and was asleep before 7 P.M. I did get up at 7 A.M. this morning feeling a bit better. A good sleep helps heal us.
Faye and I worked on the plants this morning...me planting and her trimming. She amazes me with how much stamina she has at 81. I could do 20-30 minute spurts and have to rest and drink water for 30 minutes. Faye would stop occasionally for a short rest and water and then be off working again. The heat, sun, and humidity were hard on us even though we stopped working before noon.
Faye made a soup for dinner and I, completely exhausted, went back to bed for a couple of hours.
I certainly hope to feel much better tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
Planting Time
One of the things I love about Florida is that I can plant flowers in the winter. Faye and I went to Home Depot this morning and bought a whole pile of beautiful flowers and other things for the garden. For me it's like heaven to be in the midst of all that beauty and color!
We toted them home but got exhausted from the sun and heat just unloading them from the car so we decided we'd plant in cooler, shadier weather...probably tomorrow morning. I've got a cold so that knocks the energy out of you, too.
Well, I think it's time for a nap.
We toted them home but got exhausted from the sun and heat just unloading them from the car so we decided we'd plant in cooler, shadier weather...probably tomorrow morning. I've got a cold so that knocks the energy out of you, too.
Well, I think it's time for a nap.
My Park
I haven't been drawn back to my park for almost 20 years because it's the most beautiful park in the world but because the people there sure are! Faye and I went over on Saturday to attend the Canada Day dinner and then stay overnight with Dee and Mitch. I hugged so many people that I've missed terribly and even won a prize (mug/tote).
After the dinner we went back to Dee's and played 65 with Gail, Joann, and Kathy. It was like old times. Remember, it isn't the game but the social action that goes with it!
Dee and I had planned on going to the game room at 11 P.M. but I hadn't slept much the night before so I went to bed at 9:30, slept like a log and was up at 6:30 to start the day. Mitch got up shortly after and began cooking breakfast. I'd told Dee I usually have fruit for breakfast so she arranged a delicious mixture of fruit for us.
Dee had invited some people to drop by from 10-noon and they did. We had a wonderful gabfest out on the patio...again, like old times. Dee brought out snacks and drinks...one was made in a blender and very alcoholic, very tasty!
Then Dee borrowed Jan's golf cart to take me around the park to see the changes (Faye stayed to talk to Mitch because she'd already done her walk around the park). We have new owners and they've done a lot of clean up, plantings, and the lots are pretty well full. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that Faye and I went into my trailer to get the things I want to take home and it was really sad. I'm used to coming down to a nice clean trailer but I didn't get that done and it just looked awful...lots of dead bugs and lizards. It didn't feel like home any more. One of my friends wants to rent it for March so I've checked to see if they would also clean it for a reduced rent. We'll see.
Soon it was time to say our goodbyes to our wonderful hosts and head back to Tampa. It's only a one hour and 15 minute drive but we were ready for our naps when we got there. Those short afternoon naps are quite rejuvenating, especially for us old folks.
Dinner was chicken, asparagus, and riced cauliflower out on the patio on a warm Florida evening. Life is good!
After the dinner we went back to Dee's and played 65 with Gail, Joann, and Kathy. It was like old times. Remember, it isn't the game but the social action that goes with it!
Dee and I had planned on going to the game room at 11 P.M. but I hadn't slept much the night before so I went to bed at 9:30, slept like a log and was up at 6:30 to start the day. Mitch got up shortly after and began cooking breakfast. I'd told Dee I usually have fruit for breakfast so she arranged a delicious mixture of fruit for us.
Dee had invited some people to drop by from 10-noon and they did. We had a wonderful gabfest out on the patio...again, like old times. Dee brought out snacks and drinks...one was made in a blender and very alcoholic, very tasty!
Then Dee borrowed Jan's golf cart to take me around the park to see the changes (Faye stayed to talk to Mitch because she'd already done her walk around the park). We have new owners and they've done a lot of clean up, plantings, and the lots are pretty well full. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that Faye and I went into my trailer to get the things I want to take home and it was really sad. I'm used to coming down to a nice clean trailer but I didn't get that done and it just looked awful...lots of dead bugs and lizards. It didn't feel like home any more. One of my friends wants to rent it for March so I've checked to see if they would also clean it for a reduced rent. We'll see.
Soon it was time to say our goodbyes to our wonderful hosts and head back to Tampa. It's only a one hour and 15 minute drive but we were ready for our naps when we got there. Those short afternoon naps are quite rejuvenating, especially for us old folks.
Dinner was chicken, asparagus, and riced cauliflower out on the patio on a warm Florida evening. Life is good!
Friday, February 24, 2017
Tea
Shelley, Valerie, Faye, and I are going to a tea room this afternoon. It was only a few years ago that I went to one for the first time and I balked at paying $18-20 for tea and a few scones but, once experienced, it was absolutely wonderful and I've been to a few since then. It was there that I got the bug for different flavored teas and have enjoyed them ever since.
I'm not a worldly person and I come from a poor background so it's been hard for me to step out of my comfort zone like this. I think a history of poverty often makes us wary of where we spend our money even if we've come up in the world a bit. Thankfully, I have family who drag me forward!
Today was laundry day but Faye and Val (who leaves for home tomorrow) went shopping. They'll be back in time to go to the tea room.
I'm not a worldly person and I come from a poor background so it's been hard for me to step out of my comfort zone like this. I think a history of poverty often makes us wary of where we spend our money even if we've come up in the world a bit. Thankfully, I have family who drag me forward!
Today was laundry day but Faye and Val (who leaves for home tomorrow) went shopping. They'll be back in time to go to the tea room.
Shopping and Key Lime Pie at George & Rosie's
Valerie has been a sweetheart, driving the two Miss Daisies around while she's here...she leaves for home on Saturday. We had lunch at the Columbian in Ybor City...it is such a spectacular Cuban restaurant and not too pricey but it sure is elegant! I don't know who suggested going to Bealls but off we went with our ever ready Val. It's nice that she's a confident and capable driver, too.
I finally managed to buy myself one top...the other 3 I bought the other day at deep discounted prices are a little too tight so they'll go to my girls if they want them. I love Bealls but usually go with a coupon so it was hard for me to buy much when we'd only get 40% off instead of another $10-20.
John and Jake are both away but John came home at 6 P.M. We picked him up at the airport and then drove to George and Rosie's house for Keylime pie and ice-cream. They live in a lovely house right on a canal so we sat out on the dock. Manny (8) and Miranda (10?) are two of the nicest children I've ever met. It was a heavenly wonderful evening in beautiful Florida!
I finally managed to buy myself one top...the other 3 I bought the other day at deep discounted prices are a little too tight so they'll go to my girls if they want them. I love Bealls but usually go with a coupon so it was hard for me to buy much when we'd only get 40% off instead of another $10-20.
John and Jake are both away but John came home at 6 P.M. We picked him up at the airport and then drove to George and Rosie's house for Keylime pie and ice-cream. They live in a lovely house right on a canal so we sat out on the dock. Manny (8) and Miranda (10?) are two of the nicest children I've ever met. It was a heavenly wonderful evening in beautiful Florida!
Thursday, February 23, 2017
David's Bridal
Now the awful...we had a 6 P.M. appointment but had to wait at least a half hour for her consultant who would disappear for ages in between each try-on. It was Shelley who would undress and dress Nicole and that shouldn't have had to happen. Add to that the huge family with kids who ran all over the place and it was not an experience I expected at a bridal salon. For me, I would have walked out at the beginning but Nicole and Shelley were very upbeat and completed the appointment smiling. They've been to many bridal salons already and more to attend.
Then we went to BJ's for dinner and I had some kind of cheesy chicken with cheddar mashed potatoes...OMG! I will have this again!
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Metformin and Diarrhea
It might not be nice to mention that Metformin seems to cause diarrhea but, in my case, it has been a problem. When I'm going to be traveling or going somewhere special, I don't take my pills because I don't want to worry. It's not a good thing to skimp on your pills, though.
I don't like eating in the morning and you're supposed to take the pills with food but I usually force myself to get by with a banana. It's not enough food and I only have myself to blame for the problems it causes.
Today I forced oatmeal down but all Shelley had was the high sugar kind and it was pretty disgusting. I'll buy some low sugar oatmeal today and see if I can manage that. Funny how I could always eat like a horse but just not first thing in the morning! It also struck me as hilarious that I was eating high sugar oatmeal in order to take the medication to control my body sugar. LOL!
Shelley is taking Faye and me over to Orlando later today to meet up with Nicole and then go wedding gown shopping. I can't wait to see my gorgeous Nicole is a wedding gown. Every one will look beautiful, just like Nicole.
Then we'll go for dinner before heading back to Tampa. John and Jake are both away for a few days so it's just us ladies on our own!
I don't like eating in the morning and you're supposed to take the pills with food but I usually force myself to get by with a banana. It's not enough food and I only have myself to blame for the problems it causes.
Today I forced oatmeal down but all Shelley had was the high sugar kind and it was pretty disgusting. I'll buy some low sugar oatmeal today and see if I can manage that. Funny how I could always eat like a horse but just not first thing in the morning! It also struck me as hilarious that I was eating high sugar oatmeal in order to take the medication to control my body sugar. LOL!
Shelley is taking Faye and me over to Orlando later today to meet up with Nicole and then go wedding gown shopping. I can't wait to see my gorgeous Nicole is a wedding gown. Every one will look beautiful, just like Nicole.
Then we'll go for dinner before heading back to Tampa. John and Jake are both away for a few days so it's just us ladies on our own!
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
My Church
The equivalent of going to church for me is when I post photos of flowers and jokes on Facebook each morning. I noticed this morning that I wasn't left with that wonderful feeling because I'm using the touch pad on the laptop and it's a pain in the butt. Anyway, It's a part of my daily routine I still enjoy for the most part. I don't know why I didn't think to bring the mouse even though I chose to leave the remote keyboard at home. Sigh!
It's an overcast day here in Florida but still lovely and warm. My laptop is set up on the diningroom table but I can hear the goings on of my family as they move along their days. Jake leaves very early for school so I didn't see him but John and Shelley got up later and are doing some of their work at home for a while. Faye and Val are wandering around, drinking coffee, and chatting. It's a serene household filled with terrific people and 2 very darling dogs. The house is huge so it accommodates lots of company without seeming crowded. Thank heavens Shelley and John love having their family visit!
I talked to Shelley about the trailer...whether she should sell it..but she wants to wait until I get the results from my MRI in April. I'm still feeling as though there's nothing wrong with me and kind of teed off that the ultrasound in November showed the darned cyst that they weren't even looking for. Sometimes we're better off not knowing we might have a problem.
Today I'm staying home, resting and reading. I think we're cooking dinner for the family tonight...probably Faye cooking and me helping because we all know I'm not a good cook. I can live with that!
This is a happy home!
Oh yes, Cindy has been posting pictures of her new puppy and it looks like the other two dogs are accepting him. I can't wait to see him but he's not going to be a lap dog...probably end up around the 60 lb. size.
Well, my coffee needs replenishing and my work here is done.
It's an overcast day here in Florida but still lovely and warm. My laptop is set up on the diningroom table but I can hear the goings on of my family as they move along their days. Jake leaves very early for school so I didn't see him but John and Shelley got up later and are doing some of their work at home for a while. Faye and Val are wandering around, drinking coffee, and chatting. It's a serene household filled with terrific people and 2 very darling dogs. The house is huge so it accommodates lots of company without seeming crowded. Thank heavens Shelley and John love having their family visit!
I talked to Shelley about the trailer...whether she should sell it..but she wants to wait until I get the results from my MRI in April. I'm still feeling as though there's nothing wrong with me and kind of teed off that the ultrasound in November showed the darned cyst that they weren't even looking for. Sometimes we're better off not knowing we might have a problem.
Today I'm staying home, resting and reading. I think we're cooking dinner for the family tonight...probably Faye cooking and me helping because we all know I'm not a good cook. I can live with that!
This is a happy home!
Oh yes, Cindy has been posting pictures of her new puppy and it looks like the other two dogs are accepting him. I can't wait to see him but he's not going to be a lap dog...probably end up around the 60 lb. size.
Well, my coffee needs replenishing and my work here is done.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Living Large in Florida
Well, I took a bunch of photos of Shelley's beautiful house to put on this blog but my laptop works completely differently and weirdly using the touch pad than it does when I'm at home and use the remote keypad. I can't figure out why and I'm done trying. I'll post all pictures next month.
We had a lovely drive down, mostly by Valerie, who found us an interesting motel for the night even if we had to go 50 miles off Hwy 75! The rooms were really nice, more of a suite. Unfortunately the beds were so high that Val had to push Faye up into hers and I ended up falling out of my bed in the morning. I've worried for years what I'd do if I fell because it would kill my knees to try to get back up. Sitting on a motel rug where I never even put my bare feet, I had to put my hands on it, get painfully on one knee (I figured hurting only one knee was preferable to having someone have to break in and lift me off the floor), and was so relieved to be back on my feet. I still hurt a little today but no too badly.
We drove through the Smoky Mountain Park in Tennessee on Sunday and it was very beautiful, even for this time of the year...early spring. The rippling streams seen through the bare foliage were lovely. We were too early to see flowering plants but there were some patches of daffodils here and there. We stopped at the information building and Faye found a puzzle she wanted to buy. Having no money on her, she went searching for Valerie and found a lady she thought was Valerie and asked her. Faye yakked away wondering why her daughter was ignoring her request until the lady turned around and she saw her mistake. Lots and lots of laughs!
We hit mostly Cracker Barrel restaurants for meals so we ate well!
We arrived a Shelley and Johns near 10 P.M. and had a little tour of the house to see the many improvements done since even last April. The bathroom is all finished, rooms are painted, and the new door is in...with peep door. I don't know what it's really called but it's a little door in the middle of the door that can open so you can see who is outside...adorable!
I think we all slept well that night and I had my morning coffee out on the patio listening to the sounds of birds going mad. Faye was up before anyone and out for a walk. Val took us shopping at the mall close by and we all managed to buy a few things that were on sale. Then we (Faye, Val, and I) had a delicious lunch at a restaurant patio...perfect weather! Then home for a nap. Shelley won't be home until after 7 P.M. so we're going out for dinner when she gets here.
John was off today and their front door lions were delivered. He's changed his mind about where they should go, though.
I talked to Dee and Jan from 3W and found out the Canada dinner is at 5 P.M. on Saturday. We'll be staying overnight at Dee's place. We have the most wonderful friends at 3W and I'm so thankful to count them as such!
I am so happy to be here with my sweet Alvarez family and having my sweet Faye and Val here, too. Life is good!
We had a lovely drive down, mostly by Valerie, who found us an interesting motel for the night even if we had to go 50 miles off Hwy 75! The rooms were really nice, more of a suite. Unfortunately the beds were so high that Val had to push Faye up into hers and I ended up falling out of my bed in the morning. I've worried for years what I'd do if I fell because it would kill my knees to try to get back up. Sitting on a motel rug where I never even put my bare feet, I had to put my hands on it, get painfully on one knee (I figured hurting only one knee was preferable to having someone have to break in and lift me off the floor), and was so relieved to be back on my feet. I still hurt a little today but no too badly.
We drove through the Smoky Mountain Park in Tennessee on Sunday and it was very beautiful, even for this time of the year...early spring. The rippling streams seen through the bare foliage were lovely. We were too early to see flowering plants but there were some patches of daffodils here and there. We stopped at the information building and Faye found a puzzle she wanted to buy. Having no money on her, she went searching for Valerie and found a lady she thought was Valerie and asked her. Faye yakked away wondering why her daughter was ignoring her request until the lady turned around and she saw her mistake. Lots and lots of laughs!
We hit mostly Cracker Barrel restaurants for meals so we ate well!
We arrived a Shelley and Johns near 10 P.M. and had a little tour of the house to see the many improvements done since even last April. The bathroom is all finished, rooms are painted, and the new door is in...with peep door. I don't know what it's really called but it's a little door in the middle of the door that can open so you can see who is outside...adorable!
I think we all slept well that night and I had my morning coffee out on the patio listening to the sounds of birds going mad. Faye was up before anyone and out for a walk. Val took us shopping at the mall close by and we all managed to buy a few things that were on sale. Then we (Faye, Val, and I) had a delicious lunch at a restaurant patio...perfect weather! Then home for a nap. Shelley won't be home until after 7 P.M. so we're going out for dinner when she gets here.
John was off today and their front door lions were delivered. He's changed his mind about where they should go, though.
I talked to Dee and Jan from 3W and found out the Canada dinner is at 5 P.M. on Saturday. We'll be staying overnight at Dee's place. We have the most wonderful friends at 3W and I'm so thankful to count them as such!
I am so happy to be here with my sweet Alvarez family and having my sweet Faye and Val here, too. Life is good!
Friday, February 17, 2017
Kleenex in the Laundry
Some things are universal...every person who does laundry will react the same way. I pulled the dark clothes out of the washer and groaned when I saw the little tissue pieces all over it. I'm never sure if it's best to pick them off before putting the clothes in the dryer but I was in a hurry, said a few foul words, and tossed them in right away and hoped for a miracle.
Still mad at myself, I began emptying the dryer about a half hour later and found most of the pieces gone to lint filter heaven. Now I'm happy again!
Still mad at myself, I began emptying the dryer about a half hour later and found most of the pieces gone to lint filter heaven. Now I'm happy again!
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Nicole's Wedding Dress Shopping
I know I often have a big mouth and get a little too involved in my children's lives but, in all honesty, I shut up and stay back much more than they even know. Shelley told me that she was going wedding dress shopping with Nicole while I was down there and, though I ached to ask if I could come along, I didn't ask. Today Shelley called and invited me, Faye, and Valerie to come with them and I jumped at the opportunity. I can't wait to see beautiful Nicole in wedding dresses. It doesn't matter which one she chooses, she'll be gorgeous in all of them. I can't wait!!
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Documentary Chanel
There is so much crap on T.V. but one of the channels I've purchased is the documentary channel and I can usually count on it to entertain me. Last night I watched a documentary on "Prince" and came away still feeling as though I know nothing much about him.
I wasn't a fan of him or his music but he certainly was a colorful and mysterious creature. His fame eluded me, though, probably because of my age. The documentary was as interesting as it could be which wasn't much because the man was weird, wonderful, and odd. What bothered me was how, again, it was prescription drugs which took his life in the end. Why aren't these doctors to the stars charged with committing a crime? There was also a documentary about Anna Nicole Smith who, once more, died from overdosing on prescription medication prescribed by her doctor. Shameful!
It's got to be very difficult for newcomer entertainers to abstain from drug use but it would be the smartest thing they ever did. The young ones can so easily be caught up in their own stardom and not recognize the leeches who begin to surround them and drag them into the nether world of drugs.
There was never any danger of me in my youth using either drugs or booze because I've always been fearful of being hurt. I've said that I would have tried marijuana but only with my husband. Haven't done that yet and still might but only for medicinal purposes if necessary.
It's really sad to see how many of our entertainers we lose to drugs. It makes you wonder how many of them have an honest friend or relative who will tell them the truth and direct them to a healthy lifestyle.
I wasn't a fan of him or his music but he certainly was a colorful and mysterious creature. His fame eluded me, though, probably because of my age. The documentary was as interesting as it could be which wasn't much because the man was weird, wonderful, and odd. What bothered me was how, again, it was prescription drugs which took his life in the end. Why aren't these doctors to the stars charged with committing a crime? There was also a documentary about Anna Nicole Smith who, once more, died from overdosing on prescription medication prescribed by her doctor. Shameful!
It's got to be very difficult for newcomer entertainers to abstain from drug use but it would be the smartest thing they ever did. The young ones can so easily be caught up in their own stardom and not recognize the leeches who begin to surround them and drag them into the nether world of drugs.
There was never any danger of me in my youth using either drugs or booze because I've always been fearful of being hurt. I've said that I would have tried marijuana but only with my husband. Haven't done that yet and still might but only for medicinal purposes if necessary.
It's really sad to see how many of our entertainers we lose to drugs. It makes you wonder how many of them have an honest friend or relative who will tell them the truth and direct them to a healthy lifestyle.
Monday, February 13, 2017
Loss of Freedom of Speech
While we Canadians sit back and laugh or cry at what is happening in the States, we have our own disaster happening right here in Canada. A bill will almost certainly be passed in parliament this coming Wednesday that will make any negative comments on Islam a crime. This is almost impossible to believe but it has been rather quietly being slipped in to our constitution. This is Sharia law!
Freedom of speech is being taken away from us and I just found out about it today.
Freedom of speech is being taken away from us and I just found out about it today.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Nick and the Boys
Nick brought Nolan and Nash for a visit this morning and it was so good to see them here. I stopped babysitting them this past summer because of my new tendency to drop off to sleep without warning. I felt it wasn't safe for them.
They hadn't forgotten where their toys were kept and obligingly sorted out the ones they wanted me to keep and a small bag of toys they were willing to part with. It's so cute how some of the toys they loved when they were toddlers are the ones they can't give up. Well, at least the pile is thinned out a bit now.
It's a joy to see what a good and loving father Nick is to his little boys. His job is a very demanding one but he makes time for the boys many days of the week. They might not appreciate it fully now but they sure will when they grow up and remember all the time they had with their father. Bev is a wonder, too, taking care to become a good and loving step-mother to the boys. She's a smart cookie who has tread gently into their little lives and they love her for it.
When they were ready to leave they cleaned up every bit of the toys and put them away. They always have done that with little prodding...such good children!
I am so very grateful to be part of their lives!
They hadn't forgotten where their toys were kept and obligingly sorted out the ones they wanted me to keep and a small bag of toys they were willing to part with. It's so cute how some of the toys they loved when they were toddlers are the ones they can't give up. Well, at least the pile is thinned out a bit now.
It's a joy to see what a good and loving father Nick is to his little boys. His job is a very demanding one but he makes time for the boys many days of the week. They might not appreciate it fully now but they sure will when they grow up and remember all the time they had with their father. Bev is a wonder, too, taking care to become a good and loving step-mother to the boys. She's a smart cookie who has tread gently into their little lives and they love her for it.
When they were ready to leave they cleaned up every bit of the toys and put them away. They always have done that with little prodding...such good children!
I am so very grateful to be part of their lives!
Friday, February 10, 2017
Feeling Wonderful
Darn it, I feel wonderful so what can be wrong with me? This is why I hate seeing a doctor because what I don't know apparently doesn't hurt me and I want it to stay that way.
Anyway, Next Friday I'll be staying at Faye's overnight and Valerie will pick us up on Saturday morning to drive us Miss Daisies to Florida for a month. I still have to say that it hasn't been a hard winter for me at home this year and even easier once I got my underground parking spot.
Kim came over for dinner and Rummikubes last night...Cindy is working in Toronto and doesn't get home until 6:30 so it's a very long day for her and I'm sure she just wants to get home and stay there.
I've thoroughly enjoyed the domino nights at Cindy and Don's house during the nice weather but am glad we changed it to my apartment during the winter. Dominoes, cards, whatever...it's just nice to spend some time with my family yakking and laughing! And not having to toddle out in the cold is a bonus!
I'm almost packed and feeling quite happy about getting down to warm and sunny Florida for a month but, if Shelley and hers weren't living there, I could also quite happily stay at home. I'm at a new stage in my life after having 17+ winters in Florida and I'll always be grateful I had those times but I'll adapt to the change. Life is a series of changes and, if we can't adapt to them, we can make ourselves very unhappy.
I stopped writing for a moment to read an article in today's newspaper and now I'm not the happy camper I was when I started writing...The U.S. is considering making that twit, Sarah Palin, the U.S. ambassador to Canada. I can't stand the look of her, the sound of her, or her politics! We already have a twit of a prime minister so haven't we been cursed enough!
Anyway, Next Friday I'll be staying at Faye's overnight and Valerie will pick us up on Saturday morning to drive us Miss Daisies to Florida for a month. I still have to say that it hasn't been a hard winter for me at home this year and even easier once I got my underground parking spot.
Kim came over for dinner and Rummikubes last night...Cindy is working in Toronto and doesn't get home until 6:30 so it's a very long day for her and I'm sure she just wants to get home and stay there.
I've thoroughly enjoyed the domino nights at Cindy and Don's house during the nice weather but am glad we changed it to my apartment during the winter. Dominoes, cards, whatever...it's just nice to spend some time with my family yakking and laughing! And not having to toddle out in the cold is a bonus!
I'm almost packed and feeling quite happy about getting down to warm and sunny Florida for a month but, if Shelley and hers weren't living there, I could also quite happily stay at home. I'm at a new stage in my life after having 17+ winters in Florida and I'll always be grateful I had those times but I'll adapt to the change. Life is a series of changes and, if we can't adapt to them, we can make ourselves very unhappy.
I stopped writing for a moment to read an article in today's newspaper and now I'm not the happy camper I was when I started writing...The U.S. is considering making that twit, Sarah Palin, the U.S. ambassador to Canada. I can't stand the look of her, the sound of her, or her politics! We already have a twit of a prime minister so haven't we been cursed enough!
Wednesday, February 08, 2017
Want To Be Left Alone
When I was younger with no health issues, I didn't fully appreciate how nice it was being left alone by doctors. This morning I found out that I have an appointment with the hematologist in April even though my white blood cells recovered quite nicely after the steroid shot wore off. I hate visiting a doctor because they too often give you bad news. I'd rather carry on in blissful ignorance!
I feel very healthy or maybe I'd not mind a doctor's care but I guess I'll have to put up with it. I'd been told the hematologist wasn't interested in seeing me unless my WBC hit 30 (which is still way too low to require treatment). My last bloodwork showed the WBC at 20 so what's the problem??
We Canadians consider ourselves very fortunate to have our universal health care system where no-one has to worry about the cost of seeing a doctor. I'd just prefer to have them leave me alone!
I feel very healthy or maybe I'd not mind a doctor's care but I guess I'll have to put up with it. I'd been told the hematologist wasn't interested in seeing me unless my WBC hit 30 (which is still way too low to require treatment). My last bloodwork showed the WBC at 20 so what's the problem??
We Canadians consider ourselves very fortunate to have our universal health care system where no-one has to worry about the cost of seeing a doctor. I'd just prefer to have them leave me alone!
Tuesday, February 07, 2017
Looks Matter
A photo of a young man was on the front page of our newspaper the other day. Before I read the article about him I'd already made a few observations based on my personal feelings. What I saw was a young native man who looked to be about 20 years old, wearing neat but teen blaring clothes, sporting several piercings, and wearing black lipstick. Mentally, I declared him a street kid with no job.
Then I read the article which explained that he was a native who felt he'd have a better life living off the reserve and I thought, "very wise of him", but also thought he won't have much of a chance with that physical appearance. The article went on to explain that he was a highschool graduate who was going on to university. "WOW!" Now I was intrigued!
I think most of us make up our minds about a person within the first few moments that we see them so the things that are special about this young man never occurred to me before I read the article.
I admire him and his educational choices greatly but I do hope he'll come to see that his appearance does matter when it comes to being a successful adult. He doesn't need a suit and tie but those piercings and that black lipstick will definitely put limits on him because they scream "juvenile with an attitude".
It's the truth. I wish him well!
Then I read the article which explained that he was a native who felt he'd have a better life living off the reserve and I thought, "very wise of him", but also thought he won't have much of a chance with that physical appearance. The article went on to explain that he was a highschool graduate who was going on to university. "WOW!" Now I was intrigued!
I think most of us make up our minds about a person within the first few moments that we see them so the things that are special about this young man never occurred to me before I read the article.
I admire him and his educational choices greatly but I do hope he'll come to see that his appearance does matter when it comes to being a successful adult. He doesn't need a suit and tie but those piercings and that black lipstick will definitely put limits on him because they scream "juvenile with an attitude".
It's the truth. I wish him well!
Monday, February 06, 2017
Sleepless Nights
Two nights in a row with only a few hours sleep each time. It's debilitating for a young person to try to get by with only a few hours sleep but for us seniors it's impossible. I've been up since 4:30 but had lain awake since 1:30, tired but with a brain that wouldn't shut down. I'm not worrying about anything, just seem to be rewinding everything that's gone on for the the last few days...nothing important.
I can have a nap but I think it was the hour long nap I had yesterday that led to the second night of not much sleep. I wonder why we need sleep. It seems as though we've been created with a few physical faults that should have been ironed out by the creator before making so many of us.
Why do we have to eat, drink, and then eliminate? Why weren't we made to soak up our life force from the sun like solar panels? Why was the miracle of childbirth made so painful? Why weren't we all made to be nice people who don't hate? When I get to my final reward I'm going to have a lot of questions for whoever is in charge!
I think I'm feeling a little testy because I'm tired.
I can have a nap but I think it was the hour long nap I had yesterday that led to the second night of not much sleep. I wonder why we need sleep. It seems as though we've been created with a few physical faults that should have been ironed out by the creator before making so many of us.
Why do we have to eat, drink, and then eliminate? Why weren't we made to soak up our life force from the sun like solar panels? Why was the miracle of childbirth made so painful? Why weren't we all made to be nice people who don't hate? When I get to my final reward I'm going to have a lot of questions for whoever is in charge!
I think I'm feeling a little testy because I'm tired.
Saturday, February 04, 2017
Should I Go To The Casino?
I had about 3-4 hours sleep last night and have been up since 4:30 playing on the computer. I had decided to go to the casino yesterday but, when I put my watch on (rarely wear one but need it at the casino so I don't stay too late), the battery was dead. By the time I went out and had a new battery put in it was just too late to bother going to the casino.
I've been debating with myself all morning if I want to go today. It's still early and I could get a good parking spot if I left now but I'm such a loser and I'm not sure I want to throw my money away. I do enjoy the atmosphere at casinos...the winners yelping and the bells going off even for a small win. I also get a free buffet and probably $15 free play. I'm starting to turn the corner on my decision of whether or not to go.
O.K., I'm going!
Update: I should have stayed home!
I've been debating with myself all morning if I want to go today. It's still early and I could get a good parking spot if I left now but I'm such a loser and I'm not sure I want to throw my money away. I do enjoy the atmosphere at casinos...the winners yelping and the bells going off even for a small win. I also get a free buffet and probably $15 free play. I'm starting to turn the corner on my decision of whether or not to go.
O.K., I'm going!
Update: I should have stayed home!
People I Admire
I don't have a great deal of admiration for the so-called "stars" in society. They usually appear quite shallow and unreal to me...maybe I'm prejudiced but that's how I feel. Sometimes the people I do admire turn out to be not what they appeared...like Bill Cosby, O.J. Simpson, etc. How disappointing to find out that the people you thought were worthy of your admiration weren't who you thought they were. It happens often.
I told a friend recently that the people I like are kind, honest, and funny. They don't really have to be funny but, if they are, they're more fun to be around. I've found over the years that the more I'm around nice people the more I want to be a better person myself. Good people inspire me. Nasty people depress me and that's a good reason to stay away from them.
When I think about it, most of the people I admire are just everyday people who do the best they can to get through life. It doesn't seem to matter how difficult or tragic their lives have been, they carry on with a good spirited attitude. We can learn a lot from people like that.
When we're young we usually aren't wise enough to choose the right idols but, as we age we come to understand that the greatest attributes are sometimes hidden in the most average person. They might take you by surprise until you learn to look for those attributes. The kindest, sweetest soul in the world might be the most unassuming person you know. Those are the ones I admire.
I told a friend recently that the people I like are kind, honest, and funny. They don't really have to be funny but, if they are, they're more fun to be around. I've found over the years that the more I'm around nice people the more I want to be a better person myself. Good people inspire me. Nasty people depress me and that's a good reason to stay away from them.
When I think about it, most of the people I admire are just everyday people who do the best they can to get through life. It doesn't seem to matter how difficult or tragic their lives have been, they carry on with a good spirited attitude. We can learn a lot from people like that.
When we're young we usually aren't wise enough to choose the right idols but, as we age we come to understand that the greatest attributes are sometimes hidden in the most average person. They might take you by surprise until you learn to look for those attributes. The kindest, sweetest soul in the world might be the most unassuming person you know. Those are the ones I admire.
Friday, February 03, 2017
My Rant
Today I heard from a complete stranger that they believed I gathered my world views by watching a video. This made me a little angry but more saddened that there are so many people in this world who have little or no respect for anyone else's point of view.
I do rant on my blog because it is my blog but I try not to rant on Facebook. I'm much more respectful there because it involves other people and their views which I'm always respectful about. When I rant on the blog I'm pretty much talking to myself and it's a good outlet for my fears, frustrations, and likes.
I think I'm a fairly open minded old gal because I don't completely close my mind to anything. I always leave a little opening in case I'm wrong but I do call them as I see them. Heaven knows, I honestly don't know a heck of a lot about anything and I'm always willing to listen to another side of the story.
I don't know how old the person was who insulted me but I'm betting he's under 30. That's the generation where we think we're the only ones who know what is right. I felt the same way at that age but have been astounded as I aged and learned how dumb I was in those days. The wisest thing I ever learned was to keep an open mind and to respect the beliefs of others even if I didn't agree with them.
So the mild anger faded away and now I feel a bit sorry for the guy because his little mind is still closed.
I do rant on my blog because it is my blog but I try not to rant on Facebook. I'm much more respectful there because it involves other people and their views which I'm always respectful about. When I rant on the blog I'm pretty much talking to myself and it's a good outlet for my fears, frustrations, and likes.
I think I'm a fairly open minded old gal because I don't completely close my mind to anything. I always leave a little opening in case I'm wrong but I do call them as I see them. Heaven knows, I honestly don't know a heck of a lot about anything and I'm always willing to listen to another side of the story.
I don't know how old the person was who insulted me but I'm betting he's under 30. That's the generation where we think we're the only ones who know what is right. I felt the same way at that age but have been astounded as I aged and learned how dumb I was in those days. The wisest thing I ever learned was to keep an open mind and to respect the beliefs of others even if I didn't agree with them.
So the mild anger faded away and now I feel a bit sorry for the guy because his little mind is still closed.
Thursday, February 02, 2017
I'm Discarding
I love my American friends and love hearing from them but today I deleted a lot of the political crap I'm sick of seeing. I accidentally found out that I can delete certain websites from my "friends'" Facebook notices without deleting my friends. I like that. It's just that I'm so tired of opening Facebook only to see hateful stuff so now I don't have to!
Maybe I'm sticking my head in the sand by closing my eyes to most of the nasty information on Facebook these days but it's an alternative to closing my account.
Just give me personal news about your everyday lives, a few jokes, and photos of flowers, puppies, and laughing babies. We get enough of the horror stories on the 6 o'clock news!
Maybe I'm sticking my head in the sand by closing my eyes to most of the nasty information on Facebook these days but it's an alternative to closing my account.
Just give me personal news about your everyday lives, a few jokes, and photos of flowers, puppies, and laughing babies. We get enough of the horror stories on the 6 o'clock news!
Wednesday, February 01, 2017
Let's Celebrate Our Similarities
None of my friends or the people I love are exactly like me. Not one has every single flaw that I have, either. I don't connect with people based on how similar they are to me but on some unknown factor...first they have to be kind and honest but that's just a start. Some of the people I like are complete screwballs and some are gentle souls. What I absolutely don't care about is their skin color, nationality, or religion. Those stats are unimportant.
I watched a wonderful video today put out by Denmark and it proved in it's 3 minute span how everyone on this planet is more alike than not. It got me thinking about what kind of person I couldn't be friendly with and I'm sure it's the same kind for all of us...a bitter, violent, untruthful sort. That sure leaves an awful lot of people who are good candidates for friends, doesn't it?
I'm so tired of all the nastiness I'm seeing on Facebook and hope more people will move to their nicer side or I'll have to give Facebook up. My days on earth are numbered just like everyone else's and I don't want them filled with misery.
So here's to happier days!
I watched a wonderful video today put out by Denmark and it proved in it's 3 minute span how everyone on this planet is more alike than not. It got me thinking about what kind of person I couldn't be friendly with and I'm sure it's the same kind for all of us...a bitter, violent, untruthful sort. That sure leaves an awful lot of people who are good candidates for friends, doesn't it?
I'm so tired of all the nastiness I'm seeing on Facebook and hope more people will move to their nicer side or I'll have to give Facebook up. My days on earth are numbered just like everyone else's and I don't want them filled with misery.
So here's to happier days!
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