Right now we're looking at a basic income of $17,000 per year per person as a goal. It's hard to think of someone trying to survive on less than that but it also poses a few problems.
First, would a person on welfare and a person working 40 hours a week receive that same $17,000 per year? I've thought for ages what a shame it is that a family living on minimum wage probably lives poorer than a welfare family of the same size. On welfare, they also receive dental and eyeglass coverage, too, where many working people aren't even covered for that.
If we are raising the basic income for working people, then it's way past time that we did it but I'm hard headed enough to believe no able bodied single person should receive welfare at all.
When Dennis and I were first married, I think we were living on a poverty level even though he worked full time and often had a part-time job, too. One of my sons-in-law said he'd never be on welfare but would deliver pizzas if he had to...this is what is called a "work ethic". Not everyone has it and it's absolutely shameful if a person working full time doesn't make more money than a person on welfare who won't work. We all know at least one welfare bum so we know the truth of the situation.
I don't have much respect for politicians but they do get it right once in a while. I hope they don't screw this up just looking for votes!
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Kim's Birthday
It's always a fun family event to celebrate a loved one's birthday and we'll be doing that tonight for Kim who is 59 years old today. She doesn't look it or act it and I'm thinking there must be some mistake because I can't possibly have a 59 year old child, can I?? I do!
I was a dumb 17+ year old when Kim was born and Dennis had just turned 21. We were babes in the woods as far as being responsible for a baby but we did it any way. It's one thing for a mother to stick around when their baby is born but so many young men would have walked away but not Dennis. One of his greatest assets was that he was a hard working, responsible young man, even at 21.
I remember the day Kim was born. I was only about 5' 2 1/2" tall but probably was that size around the belly with my 9 1/2 lb. baby girl. I started to have a few contractions early in the day which got stronger as the day went on. I remember Dennis looking at me as we drove to the hospital and saying, "you're not having the baby!. I'm not sure if he meant he wasn't ready or if he couldn't really believe we'd made a real, live human being that was about to enter the world.
My contractions were just a couple of minutes apart...making the nurses think I was being very brave with my pain but the contractions, even though close together, weren't severe. In those days, no-one was allowed to stay with the expectant mother in the hospital, not even the father. It was an archaic way that doesn't exist today. I was 17 years old and terrified so it would have helped to have a family member stay with me.
Kim was born the following morning at 8:50 A.M. and a perfectly healthy baby weighing 9 lbs. 8 oz. We had already chosen her name...Kimberly Patricia. Unfortunately, I had a cyst on my leg and was put into a private room and not allowed to even hold Kim for the 5 days I was in the hospital. Dennis and I were so young and out of our depth that we didn't even think to raise hell about this. I cried and begged a nurse to at least bring my baby to the doorway so I could see her and one good hearted nurse did that for me.
On the fifth day, Dennis picked Kim and me up from the hospital and took us home...we lived in the 3rd floor apartment at Vida and Fred's house. I can remember young Dennis and young me laying Kim on the bed and just staring at her in wonder. Wonder at what we'd created and wonder about how we'd manage to take good care of her. Neither one of us had ever even looked after a baby before.
With the help of relatives, we managed not to kill her and she grew up to be a truly wonderful woman. I'm not sure how we did it, though.
Happy Birthday to my first born, Kim! I love you so very much!
I was a dumb 17+ year old when Kim was born and Dennis had just turned 21. We were babes in the woods as far as being responsible for a baby but we did it any way. It's one thing for a mother to stick around when their baby is born but so many young men would have walked away but not Dennis. One of his greatest assets was that he was a hard working, responsible young man, even at 21.
I remember the day Kim was born. I was only about 5' 2 1/2" tall but probably was that size around the belly with my 9 1/2 lb. baby girl. I started to have a few contractions early in the day which got stronger as the day went on. I remember Dennis looking at me as we drove to the hospital and saying, "you're not having the baby!. I'm not sure if he meant he wasn't ready or if he couldn't really believe we'd made a real, live human being that was about to enter the world.
My contractions were just a couple of minutes apart...making the nurses think I was being very brave with my pain but the contractions, even though close together, weren't severe. In those days, no-one was allowed to stay with the expectant mother in the hospital, not even the father. It was an archaic way that doesn't exist today. I was 17 years old and terrified so it would have helped to have a family member stay with me.
Kim was born the following morning at 8:50 A.M. and a perfectly healthy baby weighing 9 lbs. 8 oz. We had already chosen her name...Kimberly Patricia. Unfortunately, I had a cyst on my leg and was put into a private room and not allowed to even hold Kim for the 5 days I was in the hospital. Dennis and I were so young and out of our depth that we didn't even think to raise hell about this. I cried and begged a nurse to at least bring my baby to the doorway so I could see her and one good hearted nurse did that for me.
On the fifth day, Dennis picked Kim and me up from the hospital and took us home...we lived in the 3rd floor apartment at Vida and Fred's house. I can remember young Dennis and young me laying Kim on the bed and just staring at her in wonder. Wonder at what we'd created and wonder about how we'd manage to take good care of her. Neither one of us had ever even looked after a baby before.
With the help of relatives, we managed not to kill her and she grew up to be a truly wonderful woman. I'm not sure how we did it, though.
Happy Birthday to my first born, Kim! I love you so very much!
Monday, May 29, 2017
Tests
Maybe I'm lucky I haven't had too many medical problems and that's why I'm so utterly confused about the difference between an ultrasound, a catscan, and an MRI. I had a catscan today but apparently was expecting it to be an ultrasound, got worried when they handed me water to drink because I knew my teensy bladder might not get me through it. It did. And the catscan only took minutes.
I'm honestly thinking of refusing any more tests like this. Blood tests are okay and something I think I have to get regularly in order for my family doctor to continue to give me my prescription medicine. But these huge machines that search inside your body and see your innards are bound to find a few flaws in this 76 year old body. They'll find them and then the doctors will want to fix them even though I feel just fine. I'll be subjected to more damn tests and probings until my time is not my own any more. It's time to say no.
Today's catscan was the hematologist's attempt to see if my CLL has progressed enough to need him to intervene. I see him next Monday for a follow up and I do hope he tells me to go home, live my life, and carry on with the once a year blood tests to keep track of the CLL.
I feel just fine for an old gal and that's a good thing!
I'm honestly thinking of refusing any more tests like this. Blood tests are okay and something I think I have to get regularly in order for my family doctor to continue to give me my prescription medicine. But these huge machines that search inside your body and see your innards are bound to find a few flaws in this 76 year old body. They'll find them and then the doctors will want to fix them even though I feel just fine. I'll be subjected to more damn tests and probings until my time is not my own any more. It's time to say no.
Today's catscan was the hematologist's attempt to see if my CLL has progressed enough to need him to intervene. I see him next Monday for a follow up and I do hope he tells me to go home, live my life, and carry on with the once a year blood tests to keep track of the CLL.
I feel just fine for an old gal and that's a good thing!
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Smokers
Smokers just don't understand how their filthy habit affects non-smokers who are unfortunate enough to be nearby. I was irritated all last summer by the stinky smell of second hand smoke drifting into my apartment from one of my neighbors smoking on his/her balcony but had kind of forgotten about it over the winter. I leave windows and doors open for fresh air all winter but I guess my smoking neighbor doesn't venture out to their balcony during the winter months.
The few nice spring days we've had lured the offender back out to his/her balcony to smoke and now it's back to traveling into my apartment and my lungs. Irritating as hell but there is nothing we non-smokers can do but choke and put up with it.
I remember feeling helpless like this when I had to endure my husband's smoking habit. I also remember him telling me, on one of the few times he managed to quit smoking for a while, that the smell of second hand smoke sickened him. He understood but, when he began smoking again, chose to ignore how his habit affected others. Maybe smokers do know but, since they can't help themselves, can't make too much of an effort to worry about us non-smokers.
The few nice spring days we've had lured the offender back out to his/her balcony to smoke and now it's back to traveling into my apartment and my lungs. Irritating as hell but there is nothing we non-smokers can do but choke and put up with it.
I remember feeling helpless like this when I had to endure my husband's smoking habit. I also remember him telling me, on one of the few times he managed to quit smoking for a while, that the smell of second hand smoke sickened him. He understood but, when he began smoking again, chose to ignore how his habit affected others. Maybe smokers do know but, since they can't help themselves, can't make too much of an effort to worry about us non-smokers.
Lunch With Matt
I really do love Matt's girlfriend, Kellie, but I was saying to Kim the other day that it's been a long time since I had alone time with Matt. Today we went out for lunch and he came alone because Kellie was writing an exam so I got my wish!
I've always liked having alone time with my loved ones and made every effort to do so from their childhood up to now. It's more difficult now that they're all adults with jobs and significant others and I know I won't get too many chances but today I did.
Matt arrived with Tim Horton's coffee...his signature drink when he comes to my place to visit...and we had a nice long chat before going out for lunch. I learned the good and the tiny bad that's going on in his life and then we had a friendly argument about Muslims. He thinks I'm narrow minded because I hate burkas but I think he doesn't understand my thoughts on the subject at all. I'm much more enlightened than he thinks I am.
We had our lunch at Swiss Chalet and I had their chicken pesto pasta...first time and it was very good. I brought half home for tonight's dinner. Matt ate like a horse...he always does and I'm glad I don't have to pay his grocery bill! I loved having this time with him because I know him so well. I was a hands on Gramma when he was little and it's paid off in me really knowing my grandchildren. It's a matter of reaping what you sow. Grammas have to make the effort to be part of their grandchildren's lives when they're young and that's a benefit to everyone.
Matt came back to my apartment for a while and we continued our chat. He seems to be in a good place in his life, loving his job and his girlfriend. I adore him!
I've always liked having alone time with my loved ones and made every effort to do so from their childhood up to now. It's more difficult now that they're all adults with jobs and significant others and I know I won't get too many chances but today I did.
Matt arrived with Tim Horton's coffee...his signature drink when he comes to my place to visit...and we had a nice long chat before going out for lunch. I learned the good and the tiny bad that's going on in his life and then we had a friendly argument about Muslims. He thinks I'm narrow minded because I hate burkas but I think he doesn't understand my thoughts on the subject at all. I'm much more enlightened than he thinks I am.
We had our lunch at Swiss Chalet and I had their chicken pesto pasta...first time and it was very good. I brought half home for tonight's dinner. Matt ate like a horse...he always does and I'm glad I don't have to pay his grocery bill! I loved having this time with him because I know him so well. I was a hands on Gramma when he was little and it's paid off in me really knowing my grandchildren. It's a matter of reaping what you sow. Grammas have to make the effort to be part of their grandchildren's lives when they're young and that's a benefit to everyone.
Matt came back to my apartment for a while and we continued our chat. He seems to be in a good place in his life, loving his job and his girlfriend. I adore him!
Friday, May 26, 2017
Gianforte Wins
We know our world has changed for the worse when good people elect a president that thinks it's okay to grab a woman's crotch and a congressman who beats up a reporter. Gianforte won with 50% of the votes but 73% of the voters had already pre-cast their votes before he beat up on a reporter who had the nerve to ask him about his stand on health care. I wonder if he would have been elected if more people had the option to vote against him yesterday.
We no longer hold our politicians in high esteem because our free press (thank heavens for them) show them for what they are. Very few become elected without creating scandals, some we can forgive and some we shouldn't. But...have we become too forgiving and blinded ourselves to the fact that, if a politician can beat up a reporter for asking him a reasonable question, can that same bully not physically turn on a citizen who asks the same question? I'd hope we'd draw the line at that but maybe not. The U.S. didn't put in better gun control laws after Sandy Hook.
Here in Canada, we're not quite as violent but our own politicians still rob us blind and then walk away without any repercussions. The powerful protect their own and the citizens pay the price. Anyone who believes our politicians are there for our benefit are foolish.
Gianforte has been charged, reluctantly, with assault because there were enough witnesses to the fact. He and his staff outright lied about the incident so you know what kind of congressman he'll be. I've heard it said that we get the representatives we deserve and it's true of the citizens of Montana who voted for this creature.
We no longer hold our politicians in high esteem because our free press (thank heavens for them) show them for what they are. Very few become elected without creating scandals, some we can forgive and some we shouldn't. But...have we become too forgiving and blinded ourselves to the fact that, if a politician can beat up a reporter for asking him a reasonable question, can that same bully not physically turn on a citizen who asks the same question? I'd hope we'd draw the line at that but maybe not. The U.S. didn't put in better gun control laws after Sandy Hook.
Here in Canada, we're not quite as violent but our own politicians still rob us blind and then walk away without any repercussions. The powerful protect their own and the citizens pay the price. Anyone who believes our politicians are there for our benefit are foolish.
Gianforte has been charged, reluctantly, with assault because there were enough witnesses to the fact. He and his staff outright lied about the incident so you know what kind of congressman he'll be. I've heard it said that we get the representatives we deserve and it's true of the citizens of Montana who voted for this creature.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
No More Dancing With The Stars
David Ross, a retired baseball player and a seemingly very nice man, came in second place on Dancing With The Stars this season. He's not much of a dancer and I watched one of my favorite programs become a mediocre talent show the past few months. Dancers with much more skill than Ross were voted off and I began to realize this is no longer a show where the best man/woman wins. I won't be watching it again next season.
I suppose that having a panel of knowledgeable judges alone wouldn't bring in enough ratings so the powers that be also allowed a popularity vote from the public. A popularity vote has absolutely nothing to do with the talent or lack of talent displayed.
Again, the show isn't worth watching any more and it's the popularity vote that killed it.
I suppose that having a panel of knowledgeable judges alone wouldn't bring in enough ratings so the powers that be also allowed a popularity vote from the public. A popularity vote has absolutely nothing to do with the talent or lack of talent displayed.
Again, the show isn't worth watching any more and it's the popularity vote that killed it.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Addicted to Coffee
If you have to have an addiction it's not so bad if it's your morning coffee. My morning routine is to walk into the kitchen, turn on the Keurig as I pass by, turn on the computer and then head back to the Keurig to start my coffee. Once made, I take it to the computer, sip a little, and then open up Facebook.
This morning I saw that I was almost out of milk and knew my morning coffee wouldn't taste the same without enough of it. I almost felt sick to my stomach...honest! The disappointment was so severe that I thought my day would be ruined but I poured what milk I had into the coffee and drank it anyway. I felt very deprived.
I think that's a sign of addiction!
This morning I saw that I was almost out of milk and knew my morning coffee wouldn't taste the same without enough of it. I almost felt sick to my stomach...honest! The disappointment was so severe that I thought my day would be ruined but I poured what milk I had into the coffee and drank it anyway. I felt very deprived.
I think that's a sign of addiction!
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Mindset
Terrorists bombed and killed 22 innocent people yesterday. My mind cannot begin to understand how someone can deliberately walk into a group of happy souls enjoying a concert and purposely choose to end their lives. There seems to be no logical or sane reason to do something like this. It gives the bombers nothing but hatred from their fellow human beings and does absolutely nothing to further their sick cause.
What goes on in a terrorist's mind to make them believe they have the right to end lives? What good can ever come from destroying the lives of innocent people? Do they feel a sick joy as they see the fruits of their labor...the dead and the injured? Do they not understand that one day, especially when they die, they will have to face the consequences of their savage actions? Are there really religious leaders that promote violence like this and can they still be referred to as religious leaders?
So many questions because none of it makes sense. How can anyone believe they've succeeded in a mission to destroy innocent human beings? Do they look upon everyone other than their own little clique as having no worth?
It simply makes no sense and it is simply an abomination in this world.
What goes on in a terrorist's mind to make them believe they have the right to end lives? What good can ever come from destroying the lives of innocent people? Do they feel a sick joy as they see the fruits of their labor...the dead and the injured? Do they not understand that one day, especially when they die, they will have to face the consequences of their savage actions? Are there really religious leaders that promote violence like this and can they still be referred to as religious leaders?
So many questions because none of it makes sense. How can anyone believe they've succeeded in a mission to destroy innocent human beings? Do they look upon everyone other than their own little clique as having no worth?
It simply makes no sense and it is simply an abomination in this world.
Monday, May 22, 2017
Jake's Graduation
I really do hate flying but, when Shelley bought me a ticket to come down to Florida for Jake's graduation, I went. Kim drove me to the airport really early in the morning and went in with me to make sure I went through the check in properly. I don't know what I'd do without my family. The flight was fine and, when I arrived, the fun began for the whole 4 days I was there.
Shelley picked me up at the airport and we waited a short while until the other grandparents arrived. I adore Shelley's in-laws and consider them family to me, too. The in-laws are Cuban and they are the most fun of any culture I've been acquainted with. They are as strong family people as my own family so we get along wonderfully.
Jake's graduation was treated like a party time for as many blood relatives as could make it and I know it meant a lot to him. If it didn't right now, it will when he thinks of it in the future. He is just so darned gorgeous! And smart! And nice!
The graduation ceremony was held at an auditorium at the fairgrounds...620 graduates and millions of loving, proud family members. Maybe not quite that many but it sure seemed like it. What floored me was when it was announced that 97% of the graduates would be going on to college or university. That is an amazingly high percentage and speaks for the high standard of education provided in that particular high school.
We celebrated with a huge family dinner at John and Shelley's house. I was again amazed and pleased with what terrific children Miranda and Manny are...a tribute to their parents!
Saturday was another wonderful and busy day...being outside in the daytime wasn't an option because of the oppressive heat so we went to the most amazing movie theater where you sat in comfy chairs with footstools and dinner was served to eat during the movie!!! I had never even heard of such a thing but now I'm so spoiled I want to do that every time. It's horribly expensive but sooo nice!
We went to George and Rosie's house for dinner and mingled with more relatives of Rosie's that I hadn't met before. George and I got talking and I told him about what I'd seen when Dennis passed away and that was very emotional for him. George had survived a heart attack a few years back where he actually died and was brought back to life. He remembered the feeling of calm and comfort and how he felt that all would be okay as it happened. He is very healthy today, thank heavens.
Many goodbye kisses and hugs as we left and promises of how much fun we're going to have at Nicole's wedding in November..another beautiful family affair.
Shelley and John drove me to the airport Sunday morning and my flight was again a good one. I sat with a lovely senior couple who lived in Florida but were going to Chautauqua (I know this is horribly spelled) for a few days of intellectual pursuits and, interestingly, the man who appeared to be in his 80's had once attended the same high school as Jake.
Cindy and Don picked me up when I arrived and we stopped for a late lunch/early dinner. Again, my family means the world to me.
Finally home and having a nice nap, I felt like I'd been through a whirlwind for the past 4 days but it was so much fun! There was a message on my phone waiting for me and now I have an appointment for a catscan (not the MRI I was expecting) and a follow up with the hematologist. I will be so glad when they leave me alone!
Now I'm sitting here at the computer waiting for my load of wash to finish drying. It's warm but cloudy and the darned building heat is still on. I think it's on until the end of the month and can't believe the waste of energy. Oh well, life is still pretty darned good!
Shelley picked me up at the airport and we waited a short while until the other grandparents arrived. I adore Shelley's in-laws and consider them family to me, too. The in-laws are Cuban and they are the most fun of any culture I've been acquainted with. They are as strong family people as my own family so we get along wonderfully.
Jake's graduation was treated like a party time for as many blood relatives as could make it and I know it meant a lot to him. If it didn't right now, it will when he thinks of it in the future. He is just so darned gorgeous! And smart! And nice!
The graduation ceremony was held at an auditorium at the fairgrounds...620 graduates and millions of loving, proud family members. Maybe not quite that many but it sure seemed like it. What floored me was when it was announced that 97% of the graduates would be going on to college or university. That is an amazingly high percentage and speaks for the high standard of education provided in that particular high school.
We celebrated with a huge family dinner at John and Shelley's house. I was again amazed and pleased with what terrific children Miranda and Manny are...a tribute to their parents!
Saturday was another wonderful and busy day...being outside in the daytime wasn't an option because of the oppressive heat so we went to the most amazing movie theater where you sat in comfy chairs with footstools and dinner was served to eat during the movie!!! I had never even heard of such a thing but now I'm so spoiled I want to do that every time. It's horribly expensive but sooo nice!
We went to George and Rosie's house for dinner and mingled with more relatives of Rosie's that I hadn't met before. George and I got talking and I told him about what I'd seen when Dennis passed away and that was very emotional for him. George had survived a heart attack a few years back where he actually died and was brought back to life. He remembered the feeling of calm and comfort and how he felt that all would be okay as it happened. He is very healthy today, thank heavens.
Many goodbye kisses and hugs as we left and promises of how much fun we're going to have at Nicole's wedding in November..another beautiful family affair.
Shelley and John drove me to the airport Sunday morning and my flight was again a good one. I sat with a lovely senior couple who lived in Florida but were going to Chautauqua (I know this is horribly spelled) for a few days of intellectual pursuits and, interestingly, the man who appeared to be in his 80's had once attended the same high school as Jake.
Cindy and Don picked me up when I arrived and we stopped for a late lunch/early dinner. Again, my family means the world to me.
Finally home and having a nice nap, I felt like I'd been through a whirlwind for the past 4 days but it was so much fun! There was a message on my phone waiting for me and now I have an appointment for a catscan (not the MRI I was expecting) and a follow up with the hematologist. I will be so glad when they leave me alone!
Now I'm sitting here at the computer waiting for my load of wash to finish drying. It's warm but cloudy and the darned building heat is still on. I think it's on until the end of the month and can't believe the waste of energy. Oh well, life is still pretty darned good!
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Binary Birth Certificates
An Ontario "film maker" (one unknown film) has applied for a binary birth certificate which will not state his birth sex. Apparently he doesn't identify with the term "male" or else he's just trying to get publicity...guess which?
Personally I don't care what anyone wants put on their birth certificate but I do care when some idiot takes offense at being called a male or a female. Is anyone having surgery to remove all outward appearances of both sexes? OMG! Now they will and some idiot surgeon will do the surgery and charge the cost to us tax payers.
What is this ridiculous agenda against identifying with your birth sex? Who wins if we refrain from using the terms male and female? You are what you are or, in some cases, what your surgery has made you. You can call yourself anything you want but then there's reality.
Adults who play this game are no bother to me but, when they force it on their children, then I believe they're practicing child abuse and should be taken to task for it.
We do live in a crazy world where people often choose to showboat a cause that has very little merit. Forget about wasting time changing the sex on your birth certificate and volunteer at a soup kitchen for heavens sake!
Personally I don't care what anyone wants put on their birth certificate but I do care when some idiot takes offense at being called a male or a female. Is anyone having surgery to remove all outward appearances of both sexes? OMG! Now they will and some idiot surgeon will do the surgery and charge the cost to us tax payers.
What is this ridiculous agenda against identifying with your birth sex? Who wins if we refrain from using the terms male and female? You are what you are or, in some cases, what your surgery has made you. You can call yourself anything you want but then there's reality.
Adults who play this game are no bother to me but, when they force it on their children, then I believe they're practicing child abuse and should be taken to task for it.
We do live in a crazy world where people often choose to showboat a cause that has very little merit. Forget about wasting time changing the sex on your birth certificate and volunteer at a soup kitchen for heavens sake!
Monday, May 15, 2017
African Violets and a Slow Blooming Orchid
Surprise Plants
The first one is either a mum or a geranium and the second one, I hope, is some kind of trailing plant. Whatever, I will love them for what they are!
I've seen many annuals survive our Canadian winters but they often seem a little stunted which is understandable. It's still nice that their little roots withstood a freeze and still put forth their leaves and flowers.
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Mother's Day 2017
There is no question that being a mother or in a motherly role is the most important occupation anyone could have. For some reason we are here to bear or raise children to be the best they can be and nothing else compares to that role.
I know that bringing my 3 girls into the world and raising them to be decent and productive women is the biggest accomplishment of my life and I'm not exaggerating. In my case, it helped immensely that my family of women...aunts, cousins, Grammas, and friends...were also instrumental in making my girls the wonderful human beings they are today.
They say it takes a village to raise a child and that's true. I'm not diminishing the roles that good fathers, uncles, Grampas, etc. hold in raising a child well but nature has made us women a little more nurturing because we had to be.
In every family gathering there is one little girl who carts the babies around and, in our family, it was Linda. It changes by generation but Linda was the just a few years older than my girls and she's the one who watched over them at those family gatherings. She is also one heck of a wonderful mother and grandmother today.
My girls are taking good care of me today. Cindy is taking me to Kyle's football game and then to her house where Aeron, Tyson, and Kyle will make our Mother's Day lunch. Kim is having dinner with Nick and his bunch and I'll go there later for coffee. The only one missing is Shelley and she can't make it up from Tampa but I know she'll be calling me some time today.
Family.
I know that bringing my 3 girls into the world and raising them to be decent and productive women is the biggest accomplishment of my life and I'm not exaggerating. In my case, it helped immensely that my family of women...aunts, cousins, Grammas, and friends...were also instrumental in making my girls the wonderful human beings they are today.
They say it takes a village to raise a child and that's true. I'm not diminishing the roles that good fathers, uncles, Grampas, etc. hold in raising a child well but nature has made us women a little more nurturing because we had to be.
In every family gathering there is one little girl who carts the babies around and, in our family, it was Linda. It changes by generation but Linda was the just a few years older than my girls and she's the one who watched over them at those family gatherings. She is also one heck of a wonderful mother and grandmother today.
My girls are taking good care of me today. Cindy is taking me to Kyle's football game and then to her house where Aeron, Tyson, and Kyle will make our Mother's Day lunch. Kim is having dinner with Nick and his bunch and I'll go there later for coffee. The only one missing is Shelley and she can't make it up from Tampa but I know she'll be calling me some time today.
Family.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Murderers, Unrepentant, Stupid
It isn't unusual for people on trial for a serious crimes to act up in the courtroom when pronounced guilty. What seems so ludicrous is that some of them are stupid enough to curse out the judge who will impose their prison sentence. We know that most criminals are stupid but just how stupid is sometimes surprising.
In my city, we just had young men in their mid 20's sentenced to life in prison, one without parole for 25 years, for murdering another young man over a minor argument. They were caught and convicted, losing a major portion of their lives to a prison cell. They cursed the parent of the man they killed. They cursed the judge. They cursed the witnesses. Did they think their gross behavior would bring them a lighter sentence or were they really, really stupid? Thank heavens these brainless but dangerous men are off the streets for at least a few years but they won't have learned their lessons because they are brain dead.
It's interesting to note that the wife of one of the convicted gave the finger to the press when she left the courthouse. Creatures like this often group together and she's no exception.
In my city, we just had young men in their mid 20's sentenced to life in prison, one without parole for 25 years, for murdering another young man over a minor argument. They were caught and convicted, losing a major portion of their lives to a prison cell. They cursed the parent of the man they killed. They cursed the judge. They cursed the witnesses. Did they think their gross behavior would bring them a lighter sentence or were they really, really stupid? Thank heavens these brainless but dangerous men are off the streets for at least a few years but they won't have learned their lessons because they are brain dead.
It's interesting to note that the wife of one of the convicted gave the finger to the press when she left the courthouse. Creatures like this often group together and she's no exception.
Friday, May 12, 2017
Difference of Opinion
I'm being constantly shocked by what I read about university and college students who refuse to listen politely to any opinion that doesn't correspond with their own. Even people who have been invited to speak to those students are heckled and interrupted if their opinions vary from what a lot of the students hold. First, it's rude to heckle the speaker and, second, how can you expand your education if you don't listen to others? Why can't these students tolerate hearing anything other than their very narrow views? If you don't want to listen then you should leave the area because probably most of the students do want to listen and the hecklers are stealing their right to do so.
My grandchildren are too polite to be rude to me but I've noticed, especially on Facebook, that young people who are strangers to me can be very rude if I don't agree with them on a subject. I don't get it. Do these young people never allow themselves to hear opposing views? I believe that only people who are very insecure about themselves and their opinions can't bear to hear anything different. You don't have to agree but rudeness gets you nowhere.
The college professors who allow students to disrupt the invited speaker are not doing their job in educating them. If the parents have not taught those young adults that rudeness is unacceptable then the professors should step in and stop it. You should never insult an invited guest and that's what those poor speakers were.
We know it's common for young people to be arrogant and think that they alone are right but that's not the lesson society will teach them when they leave school. If they refuse to open their minds and ears to others, they will live their lives in a tiny vacuum of like minded clones. How boring!
The bleeding heart liberal society that is imposing it's will on us today is changing our world from free thinkers to brainwashed followers and that is detrimental to our freedom of speech and social progress.
I'd rather hear out a far right or far left speaker than shut him/her up. If the message is horrible, it won't stand the test of time but you can still learn something from it. You will definitely learn that not everyone agrees with you and your opinions.
My grandchildren are too polite to be rude to me but I've noticed, especially on Facebook, that young people who are strangers to me can be very rude if I don't agree with them on a subject. I don't get it. Do these young people never allow themselves to hear opposing views? I believe that only people who are very insecure about themselves and their opinions can't bear to hear anything different. You don't have to agree but rudeness gets you nowhere.
The college professors who allow students to disrupt the invited speaker are not doing their job in educating them. If the parents have not taught those young adults that rudeness is unacceptable then the professors should step in and stop it. You should never insult an invited guest and that's what those poor speakers were.
We know it's common for young people to be arrogant and think that they alone are right but that's not the lesson society will teach them when they leave school. If they refuse to open their minds and ears to others, they will live their lives in a tiny vacuum of like minded clones. How boring!
The bleeding heart liberal society that is imposing it's will on us today is changing our world from free thinkers to brainwashed followers and that is detrimental to our freedom of speech and social progress.
I'd rather hear out a far right or far left speaker than shut him/her up. If the message is horrible, it won't stand the test of time but you can still learn something from it. You will definitely learn that not everyone agrees with you and your opinions.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Being Thankful
Being thankful for the good in your life instead of dwelling on what isn't so good is the secret to being happy. My life isn't perfect and it isn't what I might have designed for myself if I'd had a choice from the get go but I'm content. The question is why I can be happy and content when my life hasn't turned out perfect. The answer is that I've settled.
There's nothing wrong with settling for the status quo instead of railing against it to the point where you're miserably unhappy. Take a look around you and see that no-one, no matter how rich or famous, is living a perfect life because perfection is a relative term. For some, jetting around the world and wildly partying every night might seem like a good idea but I bet even it becomes boring and senseless after a while. It would feel that way to me on the first day.
What makes you a happy and contented person changes with age. I don't think peace was my priority when I was young but it is now. I never made a physical list of my priorities for a happy life but I must have kept that list in the back of my mind and gradually fulfilled it. The list will be different for every age and every person but that doesn't mean it can't be fulfilled by all.
You also have to be reasonable about what you absolutely need to be happy. I'd like a million bucks but that's not going to happen so I've "settled" for having a nice little apartment, food in the fridge, a close and loving family, and some very good friends. Those things were probably the priorities that sat in my subconscious all of my life but I didn't realize it until I aged and matured!
I like watching the T.V. shows where people are looking to buy a new home and the comments can sometimes be comical. It's hard to believe that some people just can't live without double sinks in their bathroom and granite counter tops in their kitchen. I've seen photos of raggedy children sitting outside a straw hut but with giant smiles of happiness on their faces. Happiness comes to those who appreciate what they have, I guess.
If you end up with good people who love you, whether you live in a hovel or a mansion, then you are blessed. It's as simple as that.
There's nothing wrong with settling for the status quo instead of railing against it to the point where you're miserably unhappy. Take a look around you and see that no-one, no matter how rich or famous, is living a perfect life because perfection is a relative term. For some, jetting around the world and wildly partying every night might seem like a good idea but I bet even it becomes boring and senseless after a while. It would feel that way to me on the first day.
What makes you a happy and contented person changes with age. I don't think peace was my priority when I was young but it is now. I never made a physical list of my priorities for a happy life but I must have kept that list in the back of my mind and gradually fulfilled it. The list will be different for every age and every person but that doesn't mean it can't be fulfilled by all.
You also have to be reasonable about what you absolutely need to be happy. I'd like a million bucks but that's not going to happen so I've "settled" for having a nice little apartment, food in the fridge, a close and loving family, and some very good friends. Those things were probably the priorities that sat in my subconscious all of my life but I didn't realize it until I aged and matured!
I like watching the T.V. shows where people are looking to buy a new home and the comments can sometimes be comical. It's hard to believe that some people just can't live without double sinks in their bathroom and granite counter tops in their kitchen. I've seen photos of raggedy children sitting outside a straw hut but with giant smiles of happiness on their faces. Happiness comes to those who appreciate what they have, I guess.
If you end up with good people who love you, whether you live in a hovel or a mansion, then you are blessed. It's as simple as that.
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Garden Start
The bottom photo is of a mystery planter I bought yesterday because it was on half price and covered with buds. There was a tiny bit of frost damage on the outer edges but I cut those out and the rest of the plants in it look beautiful. I just don't know what they are except for the purple allysum.
I love flowers more than I can say and get tremendous pleasure out of seeing them every day. Caring for balcony plants is so much easier than caring for plantings at house gardens so that's a bonus.
It's difficult for me to go to a nursery because I love every plant I see and have to steel myself from buying them all. I have one more large planter to buy once the mixed planters with sweet potato vine come out possibly on the weekend. I also will plant a few mixed portulaca in the other pots I have and I'll be done.
I'm not sure if I'll leave the dahlias where they are or plant them in a bigger pot. All in all, the work is minimal and the joy is major!
Tipping
I read a scathing letter on Facebook about tipping and disagree with it wholeheartedly. I once worked as a waitress and refused tips so you can see that I come by disliking tipping honestly.
The open letter insulted small tippers and demanded to be tipped lavishly because they feel it's their right and not a generosity provided by diners. Bullcrap!
Do we tip the firefighters and police officers who risk their lives to keep us safe? Do we tip the store clerk or the mailman/mailwoman? Do we tip the trash collectors? Do we tip any other occupation than the ones who bring us our food and drinks?
I have no idea when this habit came to be but it's completely illogical. I tip 10%+ but only because I feel forced by a societal norm to do so. But when I see a letter like the one written by a server who feels we owe it to her, I get my back up.
Somehow, restaurants and bars have developed the concept of paying starvation wages to their servers and then putting the onus on the customer to top it up. I think they should add a couple of dollars to the cost of the meal and then give the server a decent wage instead of expecting the customer to do it.
I've had a few nasty servers in my day and didn't leave a tip because of it. One I'll never forget, though. My sister and I had gone out for brunch at "The Egg And I", ordered our meals and coffee from an obviously very busy waitress. She brought our coffee but not any milk so I asked her to bring us some. 5 minutes later I asked her again as she rushed by me. Another 5 minutes and I asked again...and then another 5 minutes which, by this time, my coffee was cool. The last time I asked her, still politely because I could see how busy she was, she stormed off and brought some milk which she slammed down on the table and then walked away in a huff. I didn't report her because I didn't want to see her lose her job but she got no tip and I wasn't happy going back to that particular restaurant for a very long time.
Tipping used to be a voluntary gift for exceptional service but now even the worst server expects a huge tip. They're not going to get it from me!
The open letter insulted small tippers and demanded to be tipped lavishly because they feel it's their right and not a generosity provided by diners. Bullcrap!
Do we tip the firefighters and police officers who risk their lives to keep us safe? Do we tip the store clerk or the mailman/mailwoman? Do we tip the trash collectors? Do we tip any other occupation than the ones who bring us our food and drinks?
I have no idea when this habit came to be but it's completely illogical. I tip 10%+ but only because I feel forced by a societal norm to do so. But when I see a letter like the one written by a server who feels we owe it to her, I get my back up.
Somehow, restaurants and bars have developed the concept of paying starvation wages to their servers and then putting the onus on the customer to top it up. I think they should add a couple of dollars to the cost of the meal and then give the server a decent wage instead of expecting the customer to do it.
I've had a few nasty servers in my day and didn't leave a tip because of it. One I'll never forget, though. My sister and I had gone out for brunch at "The Egg And I", ordered our meals and coffee from an obviously very busy waitress. She brought our coffee but not any milk so I asked her to bring us some. 5 minutes later I asked her again as she rushed by me. Another 5 minutes and I asked again...and then another 5 minutes which, by this time, my coffee was cool. The last time I asked her, still politely because I could see how busy she was, she stormed off and brought some milk which she slammed down on the table and then walked away in a huff. I didn't report her because I didn't want to see her lose her job but she got no tip and I wasn't happy going back to that particular restaurant for a very long time.
Tipping used to be a voluntary gift for exceptional service but now even the worst server expects a huge tip. They're not going to get it from me!
Tuesday, May 09, 2017
Islam in Schools
It is my firm belief that classes on religion in schools should be few and far between but, when taught as a history lesson, all major religions should be discussed equally...and don't forget to teach the bad side of each religion.
There is a bad side to every religion. I found out recently that followers of Jehova's Witnesses must only date or rewed with members of the church. My friend who is in his late 70's was told he had to be chaperoned on a date, too. Most free thinking, non-religious people would think this ridiculous.
The big worry these days is having our children taught about Islam in the schools. I wouldn't worry about this if it was part of a world religion class but I'll bet the kids won't be taught about burkas, laws allowing husbands to discipline their wives (even physically), forced marriages, or any of the other nasty side. It is the same with teaching any religion...they don't teach about the cruelty.
It's pretty obvious that religion, whether we are religious or not, rules our world. Atheists and agnostics abound now but we are still hindered and influenced by the church's demands. Schools run by a distinct religion are funded by all of us which is completely unfair but we have no choice because our government made the choice for us.
If public schools begin flooding the curriculum with classes on religion, we've been boonswoggled once again by the religious community. A class on world religions once in a while is all that is needed and should not be treated to the same amount of teaching time as math, science, language, etc. But I'd also hope that class wouldn't gloss over the depravity in each religion. Tell it like it really is or don't teach it at all!
With Islam, explain the burkas and the clitoral removal. With Catholicism, explain the sex only to produce children and the priest pedophiles. With Protecism (apparently this is a made up word), explain the hatred for Catholics and the residential schools. With Judaism, explain the murder of Jesus. With all of them, explain why their followers are almost forced to marry within their church.
I think I have a healthy skepticism about religion. How did believers ever become convinced they can only correspond with their god by going through a mediary (priest, minister, rabbi) and that mediary be raised up to a position of power? Why does an all-knowing and powerful god allow children to be abused and innocent people slaughtered? Why have so many wars been fought in the name of religion? Why doesn't the church pay taxes on their properties like the rest of us?
I'm full of questions but I'm also aware of the comfort parishioners receive from their faith. By being a faithful servant of their church, they believe their pathway to heaven is secure. Some even believe that non-religious people will all burn in hell. Hmmm! So much for being taught to love their fellow man!
I don't think we need religion at all. I think we need good leaders who only teach ethics and love for all mankind. I think the only rules we should live by are those that promote peace and good will. And when a leader turns out to be a monster, they should never be allowed to teach again.
What I think or believe matters to very few people but that doesn't stop me preaching about them on the blog. I try not to do it in public. Being an agnostic means I have an open mind but a lot of questions and I think that's a healthy attitude in this crazy world.
There is a bad side to every religion. I found out recently that followers of Jehova's Witnesses must only date or rewed with members of the church. My friend who is in his late 70's was told he had to be chaperoned on a date, too. Most free thinking, non-religious people would think this ridiculous.
The big worry these days is having our children taught about Islam in the schools. I wouldn't worry about this if it was part of a world religion class but I'll bet the kids won't be taught about burkas, laws allowing husbands to discipline their wives (even physically), forced marriages, or any of the other nasty side. It is the same with teaching any religion...they don't teach about the cruelty.
It's pretty obvious that religion, whether we are religious or not, rules our world. Atheists and agnostics abound now but we are still hindered and influenced by the church's demands. Schools run by a distinct religion are funded by all of us which is completely unfair but we have no choice because our government made the choice for us.
If public schools begin flooding the curriculum with classes on religion, we've been boonswoggled once again by the religious community. A class on world religions once in a while is all that is needed and should not be treated to the same amount of teaching time as math, science, language, etc. But I'd also hope that class wouldn't gloss over the depravity in each religion. Tell it like it really is or don't teach it at all!
With Islam, explain the burkas and the clitoral removal. With Catholicism, explain the sex only to produce children and the priest pedophiles. With Protecism (apparently this is a made up word), explain the hatred for Catholics and the residential schools. With Judaism, explain the murder of Jesus. With all of them, explain why their followers are almost forced to marry within their church.
I think I have a healthy skepticism about religion. How did believers ever become convinced they can only correspond with their god by going through a mediary (priest, minister, rabbi) and that mediary be raised up to a position of power? Why does an all-knowing and powerful god allow children to be abused and innocent people slaughtered? Why have so many wars been fought in the name of religion? Why doesn't the church pay taxes on their properties like the rest of us?
I'm full of questions but I'm also aware of the comfort parishioners receive from their faith. By being a faithful servant of their church, they believe their pathway to heaven is secure. Some even believe that non-religious people will all burn in hell. Hmmm! So much for being taught to love their fellow man!
I don't think we need religion at all. I think we need good leaders who only teach ethics and love for all mankind. I think the only rules we should live by are those that promote peace and good will. And when a leader turns out to be a monster, they should never be allowed to teach again.
What I think or believe matters to very few people but that doesn't stop me preaching about them on the blog. I try not to do it in public. Being an agnostic means I have an open mind but a lot of questions and I think that's a healthy attitude in this crazy world.
Monday, May 08, 2017
Flood Survivor
I was witness to the massive rainfall that caused untold damage with flooding this weekend. I saw it from Mary's front window...the fields across the road and to the side of her house looked like they contained small ponds. I saw it from the car window as we drove to shopping and the casino. I saw it on the news but didn't worry about my sweet little apartment on the 6th floor of the building. I was not affected by the flooding but my heart goes out to the people who were.
Early May in southern Ontario is known for sunshine and warm weather but we haven't had that. Thank heavens the sun is shining today but it's still very cool outside. I know we'll all be complaining about the heat when it finally arrives but too much rain is hard to take no matter how warm or cold the air is and that's what brings me down.
Despite the weather, I had a lovely time at Mary's this past weekend but I always do. She's a wonderful host and such a dear, close friend. I especially love her home because it sits on a large well tended property with paddocks and horses (only one this weekend because Don took the other one with him). It was too cold, wet, and windy to sit outside but I'll be back this summer to enjoy it in better weather.
Faye came out on Saturday and we all went to the Windsor casino...my favorite! On Friday, Mary and I went to the Birdie's Nest, a terrific gift shop, where I got a clay pot on sale and some beautiful turquoise fronds. Then we went to a small casino where I lost too much money. I won some of it back on Saturday, though.
Mary does all of the driving when we're at her house and I do it when she's at my place. It works out well for us. I don't think we've ever had an argument in all the years we've known each other...about 50 years! The reason for that is we're easy going and don't get our backs up over things that don't matter.
Anyway, it was a lovely weekend spent with fun friends/family and I consider myself very lucky to have people like Faye and Mary in my life. Here's to more fun times!
The first photo is of the pretty clay pot I bought for $12.50 and the second photo is of the pretty clay pot I bought a few years ago at a yard sale for 50 cents. The 50 cent one is signed and worth about $500.00! The $12.50 one was on for half price so I still love it!
Early May in southern Ontario is known for sunshine and warm weather but we haven't had that. Thank heavens the sun is shining today but it's still very cool outside. I know we'll all be complaining about the heat when it finally arrives but too much rain is hard to take no matter how warm or cold the air is and that's what brings me down.
Despite the weather, I had a lovely time at Mary's this past weekend but I always do. She's a wonderful host and such a dear, close friend. I especially love her home because it sits on a large well tended property with paddocks and horses (only one this weekend because Don took the other one with him). It was too cold, wet, and windy to sit outside but I'll be back this summer to enjoy it in better weather.
Faye came out on Saturday and we all went to the Windsor casino...my favorite! On Friday, Mary and I went to the Birdie's Nest, a terrific gift shop, where I got a clay pot on sale and some beautiful turquoise fronds. Then we went to a small casino where I lost too much money. I won some of it back on Saturday, though.
Mary does all of the driving when we're at her house and I do it when she's at my place. It works out well for us. I don't think we've ever had an argument in all the years we've known each other...about 50 years! The reason for that is we're easy going and don't get our backs up over things that don't matter.
Anyway, it was a lovely weekend spent with fun friends/family and I consider myself very lucky to have people like Faye and Mary in my life. Here's to more fun times!
Thursday, May 04, 2017
Surprised
Daughters are often too critical of their mothers but seem to think their fathers walk on water. It's just a fact of life and I don't let it bother me. I have an eclectic taste in home decorating and a kind of gypsy taste in clothing and I know my daughters roll their eyes a lot when they see it. I don't care.
I am very surprised that Kim commented that she likes my salt lamp after saying she liked my peacock wall hanging. I expected eye rolling but she genuinely seemed to like the stuff. Not that I care one way or the other but it did surprise me.
In my elder years I've grown to the point where I don't need validation from anyone for my likes and dislikes. That ridiculous need for validation bogged me down in my younger years and it's taken a long time to be my own person. It must have something to do with self confidence because I was an arrogant, self conscious young person. How can that be? Well, it's explained by how confused we are when we're young. I don't know many confused elders unless they're in the midst of dementia. We know what we'll put up with and what we won't. We know that, in the long run, it doesn't really matter whether we display a tin peacock or a Dali in our homes as long as we enjoy looking at it. As far as arrogance...we've seen too much and learned too much for most of us to be arrogant.
About the salt lamp...I've spent each day since I got it being completely mesmerized by it. It was money well spent!
I am very surprised that Kim commented that she likes my salt lamp after saying she liked my peacock wall hanging. I expected eye rolling but she genuinely seemed to like the stuff. Not that I care one way or the other but it did surprise me.
In my elder years I've grown to the point where I don't need validation from anyone for my likes and dislikes. That ridiculous need for validation bogged me down in my younger years and it's taken a long time to be my own person. It must have something to do with self confidence because I was an arrogant, self conscious young person. How can that be? Well, it's explained by how confused we are when we're young. I don't know many confused elders unless they're in the midst of dementia. We know what we'll put up with and what we won't. We know that, in the long run, it doesn't really matter whether we display a tin peacock or a Dali in our homes as long as we enjoy looking at it. As far as arrogance...we've seen too much and learned too much for most of us to be arrogant.
About the salt lamp...I've spent each day since I got it being completely mesmerized by it. It was money well spent!
Wednesday, May 03, 2017
Weight Loss
Burger King has been my favorite fast food restaurant for a while and I hate to admit I frequented it 4-5 times a week up until last August. But it was then that I somehow managed to gain control of myself and stop the madness. So, since last August I have lost 17 lbs. while still having the occasional fries and potato chips.
I struggled from August to November, though, still eating at Burger King far too often for it to be healthy. But, again, fate stepped in and I was diagnosed with a pancreatic cyst that actually didn't exist but the diagnosis scared the heck out of me and I almost stopped eating altogether. After a couple of weeks of rapid weight loss I gained my senses and realized that, no matter what, I felt wonderful and I was not going to live any more as though my days were numbered.
I think that abrupt diet helped to shrink my tummy, though, and I honestly have very little interest in going to Burger King now...haven't been there in over 3 weeks. I eat most of my meals at home and they usually consist of my crock pot meals which are very healthy.
My clothes fit so much better and are getting a little loose but that's okay, too. It gives me a reason to shop. Heaven only knows if I'll go back to my old ways of eating but, for now, I'm doing great and I'm very proud of myself.
I struggled from August to November, though, still eating at Burger King far too often for it to be healthy. But, again, fate stepped in and I was diagnosed with a pancreatic cyst that actually didn't exist but the diagnosis scared the heck out of me and I almost stopped eating altogether. After a couple of weeks of rapid weight loss I gained my senses and realized that, no matter what, I felt wonderful and I was not going to live any more as though my days were numbered.
I think that abrupt diet helped to shrink my tummy, though, and I honestly have very little interest in going to Burger King now...haven't been there in over 3 weeks. I eat most of my meals at home and they usually consist of my crock pot meals which are very healthy.
My clothes fit so much better and are getting a little loose but that's okay, too. It gives me a reason to shop. Heaven only knows if I'll go back to my old ways of eating but, for now, I'm doing great and I'm very proud of myself.
Monday, May 01, 2017
Salt Lamp
I love primping up my home with little items that make me feel good but nothing has made feel as good as this beautiful lamp in a long time, not even the flowers! I was trying to watch a program on T.V. last night but my eyes kept going to the lamp and the glow it filled the room with. Beautiful!
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