First off, this didn't make me angry, just a little surprised at the tactless sales lady.
My favorite store in Florida is Bealls but sometimes I like to shop at Bonworth. The clothes are fairly well made but not as "flashy" as I like them. I saw on my e-mail this morning that Bonworth was having a big sale and, since I had nothing much to do, I went shopping.
Now, Bonworth clothes are sized rather oddly. In most stores I wear a 1X in tops and a L Petite or XLPetite in pants but, at Bonworth, I've been wearing their size XL in tops and LPetite in pants. I lost about 25 lbs. a year or so ago and must not have shopped at Bonworth since the weight loss so I took my usual sizes into the change room to try on and was surprised and pleased to see they were much too big. Yeah me!!
I went looking for the same items in one size smaller and found 2 of the pants but couldn't find the third pair so I asked the young sales clerk if she knew where one was. She looked me over and said, "you need an XL". I said no, that I actually needed the Medium Petite. She blinked a few times and tried again to offer me the XL to try on.
If I'd had a thin skin about my weight...I don't...that would have made me feel terrible. As it turned out, I tried on the 2 pair I'd found in the Medium Petite and they fit perfectly. I know I'm not a Medium Petite in any other store on earth but I am at Bonworth. Yeah me!!
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Taking Politics Seriously
I don't take politics too seriously because I think all politicians are crooks and a necessary evil needed to run the country. I always just hope we have enough safeguards in place to keep them from owning the country outright.
Americans do take their politics seriously and I made a mistake last night in front of a few people I like a lot. I insulted Trump and it was sad but interesting to see how quickly the Trump supporters got their backs up. My position has always been that I'm a guest in this country and I should keep my opinions on Trump to myself. And that's what I should have done last night.
I have to give myself a pat on the back for deciding to keep my big mouth shut when I saw their reaction but it's really hard to say nothing when people are praising Trump for all the good he's done and completely ignoring the bad. It was obvious no-one cared that Trump's actions are often obscene.
Anyway, I shut up quickly thinking it was better to be kind and not upset people I do care a lot for. After all, we Canadians have our own cross to bear with our idiot prime minister, Trudeau!
Americans do take their politics seriously and I made a mistake last night in front of a few people I like a lot. I insulted Trump and it was sad but interesting to see how quickly the Trump supporters got their backs up. My position has always been that I'm a guest in this country and I should keep my opinions on Trump to myself. And that's what I should have done last night.
I have to give myself a pat on the back for deciding to keep my big mouth shut when I saw their reaction but it's really hard to say nothing when people are praising Trump for all the good he's done and completely ignoring the bad. It was obvious no-one cared that Trump's actions are often obscene.
Anyway, I shut up quickly thinking it was better to be kind and not upset people I do care a lot for. After all, we Canadians have our own cross to bear with our idiot prime minister, Trudeau!
Monday, January 29, 2018
Squirrels
I thought the squirrels here in the park were acting kind of strange and now I hear they've invaded some of the trailers where people are living. If even one comes in my trailer, I'm packing up and going home.
I'd noticed how the squirrels seem to fly out of nowhere and land with a loud thud on the screened window. They seem very aggressive and I know they could easily chew through the screen and plastic windows I have on the Florida room. It's very worrisome. They couldn't get through the glass windows on the trailer but I do keep some open and they're only protected by the screens.
I've been told that one trailer is so over-run with them that they're nesting in it and babies have been found inside. That is an absolute horror for me ever since I had squirrels get into the attic of my house. They are terribly hard to get rid of because they feel the house they're in belongs to them. I don't know how the people who have the squirrels will ever get rid of them.
So far, the squirrels have eaten and destroyed the few geraniums I planted and also a few other flowers. I thought geranium leaves were poisonous but I haven't seen any dead squirrels. Now, this may sound like not much of a problem but squirrels carry diseases and are known to bite. They will chew up anything...like wiring in an attic.
There are so many dogs in our park that we can't put out poison to kill off the squirrels. I'd have a hard time doing that anyway because I don't want them to suffer, just go away.
What I see if this problem isn't fixed somehow is that more trailers will become inhabited by the squirrels while the snowbirds are back home and we'll come down to the park next winter to trailers that are completely destroyed by them.
I'd noticed how the squirrels seem to fly out of nowhere and land with a loud thud on the screened window. They seem very aggressive and I know they could easily chew through the screen and plastic windows I have on the Florida room. It's very worrisome. They couldn't get through the glass windows on the trailer but I do keep some open and they're only protected by the screens.
I've been told that one trailer is so over-run with them that they're nesting in it and babies have been found inside. That is an absolute horror for me ever since I had squirrels get into the attic of my house. They are terribly hard to get rid of because they feel the house they're in belongs to them. I don't know how the people who have the squirrels will ever get rid of them.
So far, the squirrels have eaten and destroyed the few geraniums I planted and also a few other flowers. I thought geranium leaves were poisonous but I haven't seen any dead squirrels. Now, this may sound like not much of a problem but squirrels carry diseases and are known to bite. They will chew up anything...like wiring in an attic.
There are so many dogs in our park that we can't put out poison to kill off the squirrels. I'd have a hard time doing that anyway because I don't want them to suffer, just go away.
What I see if this problem isn't fixed somehow is that more trailers will become inhabited by the squirrels while the snowbirds are back home and we'll come down to the park next winter to trailers that are completely destroyed by them.
Sunday, January 28, 2018
New Friends
The photos above...me and Dixie, and Dixie with her husband, Bob...were taken at our U.S.A. day dinner last night.
Dixie and Bob are newcomers to the park this year and I've come to think the world of Dixie even though it's almost certain we'll never see each other when they leave for home in another month. It's such a shame but life leads us where it wants to.
Bob and Dixie are from Pennsylvania but Dixie sounds just like a southern belle. Bob is a great big old gentle teddy bear and I so very much wish I could keep them close in my life.
Becoming friends with Dixie reminds me of how Sylvia and I became such good friends. There is definitely some kind of connection you make where, no matter how different you are from each other, you come together on the most important levels. Dixie is like Sylvia...kind and gentle, honest to a fault, and fully accepting of me being an agnostic even though both of those ladies are deeply religious. They are "good people", the kind you could trust with your life.
I wish we were going to have more time to spend together but poor Dixie and Bob have had the misfortune to rent a really awful trailer from the park...dirty, broken blinds, and now a roof leak. They're not happy at all and I don't blame them. The park should have those rentals completely clean before the renters arrive. Bob also had hoped to find a group to golf with and that hasn't happened so they're going to leave a month early and visit friends and family on their way home.
Well, I guess at 77 there are still chances of meeting up with some wonderful new people who make me glad I met them.
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Rape or Sell Out
It's been a little confusing lately to see women coming forward claiming they were raped 30-40 years ago. Some claim rape when they weren't forcibly attacked but chose to go along with the sex in order to keep their jobs or to further their careers. Is this rape??? I'm thinking it's wrong to put these actions in the same category as the women who were drugged or physically forced to have sex.
We always seem to go overboard when exposing injustices and I think that's the case with the recent exposes. If a woman has the choice of submitting or walking away and she chooses to submit, that is not rape. If a woman chooses to submit or risk losing her job or career, that is not rape. It might be illegal to be given those options but it still isn't rape.
There are women out there who have suffered unbelievably at the hands of a rapist and you can't equate that with a woman who submits because she wants to keep her well paid job. Again, not right but not rape.
I heard the other day that a woman was claiming sexual assault because a man put his hand on her leg. Definitely not right but is it something that could bring a criminal charge and jail time?
With every minor or questionable case we're seeing on the news, actual and horrible cases of rape are being lumped in with the leg touchers. Is that going to give real rape victims justice? I'm afraid what will happen is that it will clog the justice system so badly that rapists will either go free or not be punished to the full extent of the law.
Men with the power to take away a woman's job or career if they don't submit to their advances are creeps of the highest order but I can't for the life of me call that rape. We can't ignore the fact that the woman was free to walk away.
There are already laws that protect women who suffer unfair consequences when they refuse their employer's advances. I wish such laws had been in place many years ago because there is not a woman on earth who hasn't had to fight off or ignore unwanted male attention. Be vocal and tell the offender that a repeat will result in a police report.
Another problem we've always had and still have are the people who know that sexual assault is taking place but don't stop it. They are equally responsible for the assault and should also be charged. We're seeing this in the news right now with the people who worked with Larry Nassar and somehow never noticed over the span of 20 years or so that he was molesting hundreds of young girls under his tutelage. Some are now resigning from their jobs in fear of being charged as accessories but I hope they get what's coming to them.
Yes, the wave of women exposing what has always been part of growing up female will, in the end, create a better world for women but we have to be careful what we call "rape" or "sexual assault".
We always seem to go overboard when exposing injustices and I think that's the case with the recent exposes. If a woman has the choice of submitting or walking away and she chooses to submit, that is not rape. If a woman chooses to submit or risk losing her job or career, that is not rape. It might be illegal to be given those options but it still isn't rape.
There are women out there who have suffered unbelievably at the hands of a rapist and you can't equate that with a woman who submits because she wants to keep her well paid job. Again, not right but not rape.
I heard the other day that a woman was claiming sexual assault because a man put his hand on her leg. Definitely not right but is it something that could bring a criminal charge and jail time?
With every minor or questionable case we're seeing on the news, actual and horrible cases of rape are being lumped in with the leg touchers. Is that going to give real rape victims justice? I'm afraid what will happen is that it will clog the justice system so badly that rapists will either go free or not be punished to the full extent of the law.
Men with the power to take away a woman's job or career if they don't submit to their advances are creeps of the highest order but I can't for the life of me call that rape. We can't ignore the fact that the woman was free to walk away.
There are already laws that protect women who suffer unfair consequences when they refuse their employer's advances. I wish such laws had been in place many years ago because there is not a woman on earth who hasn't had to fight off or ignore unwanted male attention. Be vocal and tell the offender that a repeat will result in a police report.
Another problem we've always had and still have are the people who know that sexual assault is taking place but don't stop it. They are equally responsible for the assault and should also be charged. We're seeing this in the news right now with the people who worked with Larry Nassar and somehow never noticed over the span of 20 years or so that he was molesting hundreds of young girls under his tutelage. Some are now resigning from their jobs in fear of being charged as accessories but I hope they get what's coming to them.
Yes, the wave of women exposing what has always been part of growing up female will, in the end, create a better world for women but we have to be careful what we call "rape" or "sexual assault".
Friday, January 26, 2018
Maya Keeping Warm
Finished Tipout Floor
My friend, Kevin, did a lovely job with the initial repair which included cleaning up water damaged wall and floor of the tipout, securing the new floor, putting on beadboard to both tipouts and also 2 new windows. We left the floor finish undone due to time and that's what Kevin did for me yesterday.
I've mentioned how nice it is to have someone you can trust to do work for you and that's Kevin. He and his wife, Debbie, are two of the younger residents in the park and I've learned that he's honest, conscientious, and fairly meticulous in the work he does. He's a treasure! And this park is full of treasures so it's going to be hard to leave it.
Once Shelley and John buy their beach condo, I'll put the trailer up for sale and hope the park management will allow me to sell it rather than tow it out. It's become obvious to me that the new owners want to make this park an upscale one and that doesn't include having trailers like mine here even if mine is cute. The manager did tell me I'd be able to sell rather than tow out but rules might change about that next year. We'll have to wait and see.
It matters to me that I can sell it because that will be money to use on whatever is needed in the condo. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Grief and Reality
There is a lot of grief being experienced by my little circle of friends and acquaintances right now so I thought I'd put my ethereal experience with Dennis' death on Facebook today. It's on the blog but it always seemed too strong to put on Facebook before.
Anyway, There will be people who don't believe it but I know what I saw and still feel blessed to have seen it. If my experience (and those of others who have seen it) help alleviate anyone's grief, it will be worth airing it again.
What I saw was a "mist" blast from Dennis' head area about 15 minutes after he passed away. It filled the room, leaving the corners at the ceiling bare and it surrounded me as I stood at the end of the bed. At the exact instant the mist appeared (putting me in a state of shock because I had no idea what was happening), I felt the most tremendous joy I've ever felt in my life. I believe with all my heart that the mist was Dennis' soul leaving his body and the joy came from him. I'm not religious at all so this wasn't a religious experience, it was a blessing to witness a not so rare event. I had to do research on the internet to find out others have also seen this at the moment of their loved one's death.
Many people have witnessed this or something similar. I just had never heard of it when it happened with Dennis.
Shelley had a dream last night where her father visited her and chatted for a while. I also believe dreams are a conduit between this life and the next. She must have needed those moments with her father for some reason and that's why he returned for a while. Just as death is not the end, love never ends, either.
It's interesting that Shelley noted her father never looked directly at her during their conversation. We've been told that the eyes are the window to the soul and what visited Shelley was Dennis' soul. Maybe what lies behind the eyes of the soul is something we aren't ready for yet.
I'm a very logical thinker and I've long believed that this life can't possibly be the one and only because that didn't make sense. After seeing what I did with Dennis, I'm more convinced than ever that this life is just a stage we go through and there is much more to come.
Anyway, There will be people who don't believe it but I know what I saw and still feel blessed to have seen it. If my experience (and those of others who have seen it) help alleviate anyone's grief, it will be worth airing it again.
What I saw was a "mist" blast from Dennis' head area about 15 minutes after he passed away. It filled the room, leaving the corners at the ceiling bare and it surrounded me as I stood at the end of the bed. At the exact instant the mist appeared (putting me in a state of shock because I had no idea what was happening), I felt the most tremendous joy I've ever felt in my life. I believe with all my heart that the mist was Dennis' soul leaving his body and the joy came from him. I'm not religious at all so this wasn't a religious experience, it was a blessing to witness a not so rare event. I had to do research on the internet to find out others have also seen this at the moment of their loved one's death.
Many people have witnessed this or something similar. I just had never heard of it when it happened with Dennis.
Shelley had a dream last night where her father visited her and chatted for a while. I also believe dreams are a conduit between this life and the next. She must have needed those moments with her father for some reason and that's why he returned for a while. Just as death is not the end, love never ends, either.
It's interesting that Shelley noted her father never looked directly at her during their conversation. We've been told that the eyes are the window to the soul and what visited Shelley was Dennis' soul. Maybe what lies behind the eyes of the soul is something we aren't ready for yet.
I'm a very logical thinker and I've long believed that this life can't possibly be the one and only because that didn't make sense. After seeing what I did with Dennis, I'm more convinced than ever that this life is just a stage we go through and there is much more to come.
Monday, January 22, 2018
Begging
I see more street beggars by far in Florida than I ever do back home in Canada. I believe this has nothing to do with the country but of the climate. I've also noticed that street beggars in Florida don't seem to need money when the weather is bad.
A few days ago, I was stopped at a red light and there was a beautiful young woman who looked to be 9 months pregnant begging on the road. For me this was far more repugnant than if she hadn't been pregnant because that shameless woman will very soon bring an innocent baby into the world.
I don't believe anyone has to beg in countries like Canada and the States. There are soup kitchens and shelters for street people and that 9 months pregnant lady would have gone straight to the top of the line at any shelter. I understand that many street people prefer to live on the streets for many different reasons...none I understand or have had the misfortune to learn about first hand.
It is wrong to give money to beggars because it simply draws them back to begging. My heart hurt for the unborn child but I would never have given the woman money. She appeared to be clean and actually not a street person at all as she walked among the cars with her massive belly and a serene smile on her face. One driver couldn't resist and did give her money.
There have been many exposes on begging and it is quite lucrative. A beggar can make hundreds of dollars a day, all tax free. I once encountered two young teen boys, both well dressed and well fed, begging in front of Sears. I gave them hell, telling them their hard working parents would be ashamed of them and they should be ashamed of themselves. They ran away. To them, begging was a fun thing to do and I sure hope no-one gave those little yuppie kids a penny.
Dee mentioned that the pregnant lady was probably already on welfare along with begging from the public. Is it possible our children are not being taught well enough the ethics of working for a living and the shame of begging on the streets? Tax payers are already supporting many generations of welfare takers who refuse to work. And now those same scroungers have found a new way to take money from hard working but kindly people. But only in good weather, of course.
A few days ago, I was stopped at a red light and there was a beautiful young woman who looked to be 9 months pregnant begging on the road. For me this was far more repugnant than if she hadn't been pregnant because that shameless woman will very soon bring an innocent baby into the world.
I don't believe anyone has to beg in countries like Canada and the States. There are soup kitchens and shelters for street people and that 9 months pregnant lady would have gone straight to the top of the line at any shelter. I understand that many street people prefer to live on the streets for many different reasons...none I understand or have had the misfortune to learn about first hand.
It is wrong to give money to beggars because it simply draws them back to begging. My heart hurt for the unborn child but I would never have given the woman money. She appeared to be clean and actually not a street person at all as she walked among the cars with her massive belly and a serene smile on her face. One driver couldn't resist and did give her money.
There have been many exposes on begging and it is quite lucrative. A beggar can make hundreds of dollars a day, all tax free. I once encountered two young teen boys, both well dressed and well fed, begging in front of Sears. I gave them hell, telling them their hard working parents would be ashamed of them and they should be ashamed of themselves. They ran away. To them, begging was a fun thing to do and I sure hope no-one gave those little yuppie kids a penny.
Dee mentioned that the pregnant lady was probably already on welfare along with begging from the public. Is it possible our children are not being taught well enough the ethics of working for a living and the shame of begging on the streets? Tax payers are already supporting many generations of welfare takers who refuse to work. And now those same scroungers have found a new way to take money from hard working but kindly people. But only in good weather, of course.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
U.S. Government Shut Down
I'm a Canadian who barely understands the politics of my own country let alone the U.S. but, from what I see, there's a pissin' contest going on right now between U.S. politicians that have nothing to do with what is best for their country. If the welfare of it's citizens were their top priority, there would not have been a shut down.
I've heard more about Daca and immigration on the news than I have about the existing American citizens. That the emphasis has been on illegals and potential immigrants seems rather ridiculous. In any country, the needs of the existing citizens should come before anyone else. Of course, we need to be humanitarian and do what we can for foreigners in need but to shut down the mighty American government even slightly based on immigration is ludicrous.
I'm not sure if soldiers sacrificing home and life will continue to receive their salaries. If this happens because politicians are fighting over giving or limiting non-citizens further benefits and considerations, it is shameful.
I'm sure there are other issues that the politicians are at odds over but it honestly seems as though it's the illegals that are their prime concern.
My feeling about the "dreamers", the children who were brought into the country illegally by their parents and many of whom have grown to adulthood without gaining citizenship, is that they should be allowed to apply for citizenship as long as they have no criminal record. Any of them with criminal records should be deported to their country of origin. From what I understand, not many of the dreamers are criminals.
But, with a country in crisis and the government in shut down, all efforts to get the country back on track should be made for their legal citizens. Put immigration and "dreamers" issues aside for the moment until the country is running smoothly again for it's own legal citizens. It's just logical...but politicians all have their own agenda and that is to play a game where they win in some way. Unfortunately, the win has nothing to do with the citizens they're representing.
I've heard more about Daca and immigration on the news than I have about the existing American citizens. That the emphasis has been on illegals and potential immigrants seems rather ridiculous. In any country, the needs of the existing citizens should come before anyone else. Of course, we need to be humanitarian and do what we can for foreigners in need but to shut down the mighty American government even slightly based on immigration is ludicrous.
I'm not sure if soldiers sacrificing home and life will continue to receive their salaries. If this happens because politicians are fighting over giving or limiting non-citizens further benefits and considerations, it is shameful.
I'm sure there are other issues that the politicians are at odds over but it honestly seems as though it's the illegals that are their prime concern.
My feeling about the "dreamers", the children who were brought into the country illegally by their parents and many of whom have grown to adulthood without gaining citizenship, is that they should be allowed to apply for citizenship as long as they have no criminal record. Any of them with criminal records should be deported to their country of origin. From what I understand, not many of the dreamers are criminals.
But, with a country in crisis and the government in shut down, all efforts to get the country back on track should be made for their legal citizens. Put immigration and "dreamers" issues aside for the moment until the country is running smoothly again for it's own legal citizens. It's just logical...but politicians all have their own agenda and that is to play a game where they win in some way. Unfortunately, the win has nothing to do with the citizens they're representing.
Friday, January 19, 2018
29F in Florida
I don't like to complain because I know it's colder in Canada and our temperature here will probably rise dramatically as the day goes on but what is happening here? We often get a few cold days but we've had a lot so far this winter and I'm wondering what happened to global warming.
I have a 100 gallon (I think) propane tank that I had filled when I got here but I have no idea how much is left in it and if I should bother having it refilled. The cost of propane has gotten crazy high.
I'm still worried about the people who heat their trailers with little space heaters. I have one that I use in the daytime but won't leave on all night because I'm afraid of fire. Many people living in trailers don't have the option because a lot of trailers don't have furnaces. Thank heavens mine does.
Today is coffee morning and we'll definitely have to gather inside the trailer and not even the Florida room because of the cold.
Wonder what it's like back home right now?
I have a 100 gallon (I think) propane tank that I had filled when I got here but I have no idea how much is left in it and if I should bother having it refilled. The cost of propane has gotten crazy high.
I'm still worried about the people who heat their trailers with little space heaters. I have one that I use in the daytime but won't leave on all night because I'm afraid of fire. Many people living in trailers don't have the option because a lot of trailers don't have furnaces. Thank heavens mine does.
Today is coffee morning and we'll definitely have to gather inside the trailer and not even the Florida room because of the cold.
Wonder what it's like back home right now?
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Bad Cell Phone Transfers
I'm so new at using a cell phone that I literally know next to nothing about them. I was horrified to see that somehow over 27,000 e-mails and Facebook responses (not even my own!) had found their way onto my cell phone. Somehow, I'm not even sure how, I managed to stop the e-mails from transferring but I still had to clean up my computer gmail. Along came my next door neighbor, Bonnie (Santa Leroy's wife) who probably read about my dilemma on Facebook (thank you, Facebook) who offered to fix it.
One of the beautiful things about this park is how willing most are to help in any need you might have. This is a village full of good people who worked hard all their lives and have come here to enjoy their elder years.
I had approximately 15,000+ messages that had somehow popped up on my gmail and I just had to find a way to remove them without removing my final e-mail from Isabel. That's something I'll always cherish and it would break my heart if it got deleted.
There's a whole lot about gmail that I don't know and I was surprised to see that there are 3 sections...one for personal use and the only one I use, one for social network, and one for promotions. I struggled trying to figure out how to delete what I didn't want versus the few I wanted to save. My brain doesn't seem to co-operate with the computer so I learn new things mostly by accident. Anyway, after a few ridiculous attempts at deleting what I didn't want, I discovered they were all in the latter 2 sections and could quickly be deleted. What I don't know for sure is if they'll continue to be transferred there or not. I guess I'll find out soon enough.
Back to my great village people...Kevin dropped by to say he will do the laminate later because of the roads in front of my trailer being paved today. Then he and Santa Leroy drove me over to get my car (I'd moved last night away from the trailer but stupidly moved it right where another road will be paved today). The best place to park so that I don't get blocked in is over at the clubhouse parking lot so that's where I went.
I'm going to the game rooms with Dee and Margie today...Margie owes us a free lunch at Wendy's because she won her big money at the game rooms after we'd already had lunch. Whoever wins $100 at the game rooms buys us all lunch. I haven't had to do it yet but I have received a lot of free lunches over the years from my luckier friends. LOL!
Well, the work around here never ends. I washed a few dishes and played on the computer all morning and now I'm going to work on the Swedish weaving table runner I'm making. The gamblers leave at noon!!
One of the beautiful things about this park is how willing most are to help in any need you might have. This is a village full of good people who worked hard all their lives and have come here to enjoy their elder years.
I had approximately 15,000+ messages that had somehow popped up on my gmail and I just had to find a way to remove them without removing my final e-mail from Isabel. That's something I'll always cherish and it would break my heart if it got deleted.
There's a whole lot about gmail that I don't know and I was surprised to see that there are 3 sections...one for personal use and the only one I use, one for social network, and one for promotions. I struggled trying to figure out how to delete what I didn't want versus the few I wanted to save. My brain doesn't seem to co-operate with the computer so I learn new things mostly by accident. Anyway, after a few ridiculous attempts at deleting what I didn't want, I discovered they were all in the latter 2 sections and could quickly be deleted. What I don't know for sure is if they'll continue to be transferred there or not. I guess I'll find out soon enough.
Back to my great village people...Kevin dropped by to say he will do the laminate later because of the roads in front of my trailer being paved today. Then he and Santa Leroy drove me over to get my car (I'd moved last night away from the trailer but stupidly moved it right where another road will be paved today). The best place to park so that I don't get blocked in is over at the clubhouse parking lot so that's where I went.
I'm going to the game rooms with Dee and Margie today...Margie owes us a free lunch at Wendy's because she won her big money at the game rooms after we'd already had lunch. Whoever wins $100 at the game rooms buys us all lunch. I haven't had to do it yet but I have received a lot of free lunches over the years from my luckier friends. LOL!
Well, the work around here never ends. I washed a few dishes and played on the computer all morning and now I'm going to work on the Swedish weaving table runner I'm making. The gamblers leave at noon!!
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Watery Eyes
I think I wrote a while back about my recent problem with watery eyes to the point where the tears were running down my cheeks at an alarming rate. It's both irritating and embarrassing so I needed to find a way to stop it. Shelley said it was the result of dry eyes and asked what I was taking to dry something out. Well, my first thought was my pee pill which I take twice a day to deal with urgency. I didn't dare cut it out completely so I decided to take it only once a day.
For this, I suffered more bladder urgencies but the watery eyes continued. So I did some research on the internet (love this!) and read how taking an antihistamine could cause watery eyes. I've been taking and antihistamine every night to help me sleep. I immediately stopped taking the antihistamine and the improvement of watery eyes has been slow but steady. I'm pretty sure that was the problem.
Anyhow, love the ability to do research on the internet!
For this, I suffered more bladder urgencies but the watery eyes continued. So I did some research on the internet (love this!) and read how taking an antihistamine could cause watery eyes. I've been taking and antihistamine every night to help me sleep. I immediately stopped taking the antihistamine and the improvement of watery eyes has been slow but steady. I'm pretty sure that was the problem.
Anyhow, love the ability to do research on the internet!
Dog Loyalty
I know dogs can't tell time but they do know that they've missed seeing their owners for too long and they begin to show signs of depression. I noticed this once again when I was puppysitting at Shelley's last week.
Tank, a huge yellow Lab, and Winnie, a tiny maltiepoo, love everyone and show that affection until told to go lay down. Of course they love their owners more than visitors but Winnie was able to overcome Shelley's absence easier than Tank did.
Winnie cuddled with me constantly, either on my lap, pressed to my side, or over my head on the sofa cushion. She was a happy little pup. Tank lay at my feet (occasionally stepping on them with his 80 lb. weight which resulted in me yelping and him jumping away), or near me in whichever room I was in. I noticed that he became more lethargic as the days progressed, though. He just looked sadder and sadder and it was obvious he was depressed.
When Shelley returned 4 days later, both dogs greeted her at the door with love and enthusiasm but Tank just about turned himself inside out with joy. We couldn't get him to calm down because he was overcome with happiness that his leader (one of them) was back in his life. He might not have understood the passage of time but he sure knew it had been a very long time! He has a blanket he didn't touch for all 4 days but grabbed it up and tried to push it on Shelley when she came home...his gift to her!
Winnie was much happier, too, but it's hard to tell with her because she's such a happy little dog all of the time. I did notice she stopped clinging to me, though, and chased her mother around instead.
Dogs are part of our family. They do love us and love to be part of our pack because that is their mentality. It's also why we have to assert dominance over a new puppy in the house so they know who is their leader. And for that we are basked in unrelenting and unconditional love. How lucky we are!
Tank, a huge yellow Lab, and Winnie, a tiny maltiepoo, love everyone and show that affection until told to go lay down. Of course they love their owners more than visitors but Winnie was able to overcome Shelley's absence easier than Tank did.
Winnie cuddled with me constantly, either on my lap, pressed to my side, or over my head on the sofa cushion. She was a happy little pup. Tank lay at my feet (occasionally stepping on them with his 80 lb. weight which resulted in me yelping and him jumping away), or near me in whichever room I was in. I noticed that he became more lethargic as the days progressed, though. He just looked sadder and sadder and it was obvious he was depressed.
When Shelley returned 4 days later, both dogs greeted her at the door with love and enthusiasm but Tank just about turned himself inside out with joy. We couldn't get him to calm down because he was overcome with happiness that his leader (one of them) was back in his life. He might not have understood the passage of time but he sure knew it had been a very long time! He has a blanket he didn't touch for all 4 days but grabbed it up and tried to push it on Shelley when she came home...his gift to her!
Winnie was much happier, too, but it's hard to tell with her because she's such a happy little dog all of the time. I did notice she stopped clinging to me, though, and chased her mother around instead.
Dogs are part of our family. They do love us and love to be part of our pack because that is their mentality. It's also why we have to assert dominance over a new puppy in the house so they know who is their leader. And for that we are basked in unrelenting and unconditional love. How lucky we are!
Monday, January 15, 2018
Trump Is Not A Racist
Again, I might be in the minority by thinking Trump isn't a racist, just a very ignorant and unfeeling human being. Apparently his father belonged to the KKK but I think he must have instilled terrible beliefs and opinions in his son who has grown up to seemingly have no conscience or tact. This doesn't make him a racist, just someone who has no love for anyone.
The countries he refers to as "shitholes" have areas very similar to what you might see in Detroit...burned out houses, bars on windows, filth in gutters, dirty and drug addled street people. Parts of every country (not talking about war torn countries) could be described as shitholes but a sensible person would not go on to describe the whole country that way.
Trump has been forgiven by his supporters for some of the most disgusting behaviour we have ever experienced from a world leader. His inner circle of robots do their best to twist his constant and frankly embarrassing lies as truth to the press because they've lost their souls to the devil. He brings the world to the brink of catastrophe by playing insulting word games with another crazy dictator who happens to be making nuclear weapons. And still his fans, all 38% of the American citizens, think he's doing just fine.
But is he a racist? I don't think so. I think he has no humanity for anyone, regardless of race. He is a frightening human being who somehow conned the majority of the United States into making him their leader. And they will have to pay the consequences of his actions...he won't.
The countries he refers to as "shitholes" have areas very similar to what you might see in Detroit...burned out houses, bars on windows, filth in gutters, dirty and drug addled street people. Parts of every country (not talking about war torn countries) could be described as shitholes but a sensible person would not go on to describe the whole country that way.
Trump has been forgiven by his supporters for some of the most disgusting behaviour we have ever experienced from a world leader. His inner circle of robots do their best to twist his constant and frankly embarrassing lies as truth to the press because they've lost their souls to the devil. He brings the world to the brink of catastrophe by playing insulting word games with another crazy dictator who happens to be making nuclear weapons. And still his fans, all 38% of the American citizens, think he's doing just fine.
But is he a racist? I don't think so. I think he has no humanity for anyone, regardless of race. He is a frightening human being who somehow conned the majority of the United States into making him their leader. And they will have to pay the consequences of his actions...he won't.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Meant To Be
I don't need absolute proof to believe that much of what happens to us in our lifetime was meant to be. I was talking to my dear, dear friend, Sylvia, this morning and remembering how much fun we've had over the years here at 3W. Sylvia lives in Nova Scotia and we have no common relatives or friends between our provinces so I never would have met her if we both hadn't ended up at 3W. I've said before that I don't remember the moment we met, we meshed so well as friends from the very beginning that it just had to be pre-ordained.
There's an old saying that people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime...something like that. Every acquaintance will teach us something whether it be good or bad and we can choose to continue the friendship or let it fade away. Sylvia is a lifetime friend for sure!
I've been lamenting about how the park has changed and there are so many new people I don't know but a lot of the good old gals are still here and we get together for cards and socializing. We have a few new faces at our card tables and they are very nice and welcome additions to our groups.
I'm off this afternoon to Shelley's where I'll puppysit Tank and Winnie while Shelley flies to the frigid north to spend a few days with John...he's there for 3 weeks, poor soul. I'm usually all organized and packed days ahead for a trip but I'm getting a little too confident about my packing skills and left it until today. Bet I forget something!
Well, I have to phone Mary but don't dare do it before 10 A.M. so the magic hour is here.
There's an old saying that people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime...something like that. Every acquaintance will teach us something whether it be good or bad and we can choose to continue the friendship or let it fade away. Sylvia is a lifetime friend for sure!
I've been lamenting about how the park has changed and there are so many new people I don't know but a lot of the good old gals are still here and we get together for cards and socializing. We have a few new faces at our card tables and they are very nice and welcome additions to our groups.
I'm off this afternoon to Shelley's where I'll puppysit Tank and Winnie while Shelley flies to the frigid north to spend a few days with John...he's there for 3 weeks, poor soul. I'm usually all organized and packed days ahead for a trip but I'm getting a little too confident about my packing skills and left it until today. Bet I forget something!
Well, I have to phone Mary but don't dare do it before 10 A.M. so the magic hour is here.
Tuesday, January 09, 2018
Activities
We have a busy little park here in Florida with lots of activities going on, some interfering with others. This morning I'm going over to the clubhouse to zigzag stitch some of my monks cloth so I'll have something to work with...I foolishly only brought down 2 small prepared pieces of cloth and they're done now. I'm going over to Shelley's tomorrow so I can hot wash and dry the pieces I'm stitching today. It all works out well.
But...there is an exercise class at 9 A.M. and I don't want to bother them with the hum of the sewing machine so I'll wait until the chair volleyball starts at 9:30. They're so noisy and happy that they won't even hear the sewing machine.
Then people will be in the kitchen preparing the lunch so I'll ask them if me sewing will interfere with the lunch crowd. I doubt it will because our clubhouse is pretty big and I can set myself up away from everyone else.
People who don't do Swedish weaving have no idea how time consuming it is...the fabric must be machine stitched on the ends to prevent ravelling when it's washed. Then it needs to be washed and dried on hot to shrink the cotton cloth. Then the design is worked in and that takes hours, days, and sometimes months. When the design is finished, the ends are zigzag stitched again to accommodate the fringe. Very time consuming but very satisfying to see the finished product which is always beautiful!
I borrowed the park's sewing machine and it's a newer one that isn't too heavy for me to lift. The one Nancy lent me last week was an old metal one that was way too heavy for me to lift.
Well, that's the plan for the morning.
But...there is an exercise class at 9 A.M. and I don't want to bother them with the hum of the sewing machine so I'll wait until the chair volleyball starts at 9:30. They're so noisy and happy that they won't even hear the sewing machine.
Then people will be in the kitchen preparing the lunch so I'll ask them if me sewing will interfere with the lunch crowd. I doubt it will because our clubhouse is pretty big and I can set myself up away from everyone else.
People who don't do Swedish weaving have no idea how time consuming it is...the fabric must be machine stitched on the ends to prevent ravelling when it's washed. Then it needs to be washed and dried on hot to shrink the cotton cloth. Then the design is worked in and that takes hours, days, and sometimes months. When the design is finished, the ends are zigzag stitched again to accommodate the fringe. Very time consuming but very satisfying to see the finished product which is always beautiful!
I borrowed the park's sewing machine and it's a newer one that isn't too heavy for me to lift. The one Nancy lent me last week was an old metal one that was way too heavy for me to lift.
Well, that's the plan for the morning.
Monday, January 08, 2018
If I Was 50-60 Years Younger
Something that has kept me wondering about my youth is why I never noticed a male's physique but only his facial features. I notice it now when it's too late to do anything but look.
Yesterday I got my new services from Spectrum and I'm very, very happy. I have fast and efficient internet, clear and plentiful channels on the T.V., and a phone with free long distance calling. What led to this blog is what a cutie the installer was.
I'm easily old enough to be his Gramma but I couldn't help but notice his sweet face, dimples, and broad shoulders. His lovely southern accent made me smile. He was so polite...called me ma'am and I love that. He treated me like a Gramma, too, looking kind of wondering when I didn't understand his technical terms but being kind enough to explain at my level of understanding.
I think now that, if I was in my twenties and unattached, I'd chase down one of those gorgeous southern boys and keep one for myself. As it is, I can only sit and wonder why I was so blind to anything other than a handsome face when I was in my twenties. I'm thinking it was some sort of puritan conditioning that came along with that era. Too bad!
Yesterday I got my new services from Spectrum and I'm very, very happy. I have fast and efficient internet, clear and plentiful channels on the T.V., and a phone with free long distance calling. What led to this blog is what a cutie the installer was.
I'm easily old enough to be his Gramma but I couldn't help but notice his sweet face, dimples, and broad shoulders. His lovely southern accent made me smile. He was so polite...called me ma'am and I love that. He treated me like a Gramma, too, looking kind of wondering when I didn't understand his technical terms but being kind enough to explain at my level of understanding.
I think now that, if I was in my twenties and unattached, I'd chase down one of those gorgeous southern boys and keep one for myself. As it is, I can only sit and wonder why I was so blind to anything other than a handsome face when I was in my twenties. I'm thinking it was some sort of puritan conditioning that came along with that era. Too bad!
Saturday, January 06, 2018
My Plans
I'm the kind of planner who loves to make plans for the day or coming week and then change them constantly. Sometimes they never happen at all but they're still a plan for the future.
Spectrum is finally all set up in our park and I'll have great internet, T.V. and telephone service by tomorrow afternoon if all goes well. I'm also getting WIFI so I can take my laptop outside to work on when the weather is too nice to be inside. My plan is to start writing stories for Reader's Digest. I've written others and submitted them maybe 10+ years ago but none were accepted. No problem.
I picture myself sitting at the patio table with the warm Florida breeze wafting across my skin, a cup of coffee at the side, and the ever present passers-by giving me fodder for my stories. There won't be any doom and gloom because this is a happy place. I picture me sending my stories off to Reader's Digest and then, in a few weeks, picking up their letter with a check inside. I'm a planner and a dreamer.
Nah, I write to please myself and not for fame, glory, or a Reader's Digest check. I will do all of the above and maybe even send a story or two to Reader's Digest but, if they don't appreciate me, that's okay.
I've had no T.V. for 4 days now and haven't missed it much. It would be a different story if I also had no internet. Tengo is close to nothing but at least I can access the internet for a few hours each day. Speaking of which, I'd better end this blog before I lose the internet altogether.
Spectrum is finally all set up in our park and I'll have great internet, T.V. and telephone service by tomorrow afternoon if all goes well. I'm also getting WIFI so I can take my laptop outside to work on when the weather is too nice to be inside. My plan is to start writing stories for Reader's Digest. I've written others and submitted them maybe 10+ years ago but none were accepted. No problem.
I picture myself sitting at the patio table with the warm Florida breeze wafting across my skin, a cup of coffee at the side, and the ever present passers-by giving me fodder for my stories. There won't be any doom and gloom because this is a happy place. I picture me sending my stories off to Reader's Digest and then, in a few weeks, picking up their letter with a check inside. I'm a planner and a dreamer.
Nah, I write to please myself and not for fame, glory, or a Reader's Digest check. I will do all of the above and maybe even send a story or two to Reader's Digest but, if they don't appreciate me, that's okay.
I've had no T.V. for 4 days now and haven't missed it much. It would be a different story if I also had no internet. Tengo is close to nothing but at least I can access the internet for a few hours each day. Speaking of which, I'd better end this blog before I lose the internet altogether.
Friday, January 05, 2018
Florida Cold
Today is "Friday Coffee Morning" and we're going to have to huddle right inside the trailer because of the intense cold weather. Last week we at least were able to sit out in the Florida room but it's just too cold today that even my little heater couldn't warm it up enough. The problem is that my Florida room, like many, has plastic windows so there isn't much to stop the cold wind from seeping around the window frames.
Today I won't be moaning about the fact that so few ladies are coming for coffee because this little trailer can only hold about 10 people before it gets uncomfortable. I remember a time when we had so many ladies crammed in here on a rainy or cold day that, if any more came, they'd have to sit in the bathroom. My trailer is shotgun style...livingroom, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom all in a line. The only time I'd need anything larger here is on a rainy or cold coffee morning.
The good news today is that Spectrum's digital lines have now been activated and I'll be getting great T.V., internet and telephone service on Sunday. I'm a little skeptical considering how many times I made appointments with them and no-one showed up.
This has been a weird and crazy winter for me so far and I think I might have come to the conclusion that I have to be home for Christmas and come to Florida next winter between Christmas and the New Year. I can then stay a little longer in April. That's my plan so now to see if it all works out. I love being close to Shelley and I love my lady friends here so, as long as my health holds out, this is where I want to be for most of the winter.
It's strange having no T.V....the basic service has been disconnected so now I'm waiting for full service on Sunday. The only thing i really miss is the news on CNN but even that gets a little tiresome because they spend so much time bashing Trump. I know the bashing is well deserved but there is a whole lot more going on in the world that we need to know, too.
Well, my ladies will be here soon so I'd better get everything ready!
Today I won't be moaning about the fact that so few ladies are coming for coffee because this little trailer can only hold about 10 people before it gets uncomfortable. I remember a time when we had so many ladies crammed in here on a rainy or cold day that, if any more came, they'd have to sit in the bathroom. My trailer is shotgun style...livingroom, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom all in a line. The only time I'd need anything larger here is on a rainy or cold coffee morning.
The good news today is that Spectrum's digital lines have now been activated and I'll be getting great T.V., internet and telephone service on Sunday. I'm a little skeptical considering how many times I made appointments with them and no-one showed up.
This has been a weird and crazy winter for me so far and I think I might have come to the conclusion that I have to be home for Christmas and come to Florida next winter between Christmas and the New Year. I can then stay a little longer in April. That's my plan so now to see if it all works out. I love being close to Shelley and I love my lady friends here so, as long as my health holds out, this is where I want to be for most of the winter.
It's strange having no T.V....the basic service has been disconnected so now I'm waiting for full service on Sunday. The only thing i really miss is the news on CNN but even that gets a little tiresome because they spend so much time bashing Trump. I know the bashing is well deserved but there is a whole lot more going on in the world that we need to know, too.
Well, my ladies will be here soon so I'd better get everything ready!
Thursday, January 04, 2018
The Path to Contentment
Young people can learn a lot from their elders. I always knew this and remember sitting quietly at my grandmother's house and just listening to the elders talk. Much was about their past experiences and memories which sounded foreign to my ears...but I knew there was wisdom to be found there. And so I listened.
The lifestyle of our young ones is also foreign to us...we can't identify with any of it because this world is not the one of our own youth. They're dealing with a reality we were fortunate to have escaped.
I don't think there's a single thing our young ones can teach us oldsters but there is a magnitude of things we could teach them that would benefit their lives. We can teach them how to be content. We can teach them what matters in the end. We can help them choose the right path.
I've always counseled my children and grandchildren that a good education will benefit them all of their lives. It may not lead to anything more than knowledge but it's that knowledge that they can build on.
Anyone who reads my blog already knows that strong and loving family ties are what keeps us straight when the outside world wants to drag us under. They are the rock we can always count on.
But there are more ephemeral lessons we can teach our young. Just take a moment to forget about what you want and concentrate on what you have. Be grateful for your blessings no matter how insignificant they may seem. Because, from thankfulness comes contentment. The luxury items that money can buy are so darned unimportant that it's almost comical to think we ever pursue them.
If we spent all of our efforts surrounding ourselves with good family and friends, we'd find that anything beyond that couldn't matter in the long run. If we spent more time appreciating the natural beauty around us, we'd recognize true value.
You don't have to chase after "good" people. They fall into your life every so often and, when they do, appreciate them because they are a gift. You just have to open your eyes to the miracle of nature all around you to feel an appreciation for the moments you've been granted on this beautiful planet.
Maybe we become wiser as we age because we see how we're not going to live forever so we have to make the best of the time allotted to us. When we're on our death bed will we regret leaving our money behind or will we regret leaving our loved ones? A simple fact. And most of us just don't learn it until we're older and wiser.
So take the time to listen to the old because they've accumulated a lot of regrets and enlightenment over the years. They've learned what matters in the end.
The lifestyle of our young ones is also foreign to us...we can't identify with any of it because this world is not the one of our own youth. They're dealing with a reality we were fortunate to have escaped.
I don't think there's a single thing our young ones can teach us oldsters but there is a magnitude of things we could teach them that would benefit their lives. We can teach them how to be content. We can teach them what matters in the end. We can help them choose the right path.
I've always counseled my children and grandchildren that a good education will benefit them all of their lives. It may not lead to anything more than knowledge but it's that knowledge that they can build on.
Anyone who reads my blog already knows that strong and loving family ties are what keeps us straight when the outside world wants to drag us under. They are the rock we can always count on.
But there are more ephemeral lessons we can teach our young. Just take a moment to forget about what you want and concentrate on what you have. Be grateful for your blessings no matter how insignificant they may seem. Because, from thankfulness comes contentment. The luxury items that money can buy are so darned unimportant that it's almost comical to think we ever pursue them.
If we spent all of our efforts surrounding ourselves with good family and friends, we'd find that anything beyond that couldn't matter in the long run. If we spent more time appreciating the natural beauty around us, we'd recognize true value.
You don't have to chase after "good" people. They fall into your life every so often and, when they do, appreciate them because they are a gift. You just have to open your eyes to the miracle of nature all around you to feel an appreciation for the moments you've been granted on this beautiful planet.
Maybe we become wiser as we age because we see how we're not going to live forever so we have to make the best of the time allotted to us. When we're on our death bed will we regret leaving our money behind or will we regret leaving our loved ones? A simple fact. And most of us just don't learn it until we're older and wiser.
So take the time to listen to the old because they've accumulated a lot of regrets and enlightenment over the years. They've learned what matters in the end.
Wednesday, January 03, 2018
Another Passing
Another of my 3W friends has passed away and it just never gets any easier. There have been so many deaths this year of people who made up a part of my own life so this makes me feel smaller, less substantial with them gone.
It's such a shock when I come across the announcement, especially when I wasn't expecting it. I love Facebook but there have been too many posts that brought me to tears. I suppose it's what a person of my age should expect now but it hurts to know someone you cared about has left this earth for the unknown.
Angie was a beautiful lady who I looked forward to seeing every Thursday at Swedish weaving. Her skin was flawless...quite an accomplishment for someone close to my age. She was just so nice to be around. I never got to be really close friends with her but I did like her very much. She was always on my list of people I wanted to see when I got to 3W in the fall. I could plainly see at the Christmas dinner this year how many of my old friends weren't here...some had passed away and some had "aged" away. There comes a time for all of us when we just have to stay put.
I'll miss Angie.
It's such a shock when I come across the announcement, especially when I wasn't expecting it. I love Facebook but there have been too many posts that brought me to tears. I suppose it's what a person of my age should expect now but it hurts to know someone you cared about has left this earth for the unknown.
Angie was a beautiful lady who I looked forward to seeing every Thursday at Swedish weaving. Her skin was flawless...quite an accomplishment for someone close to my age. She was just so nice to be around. I never got to be really close friends with her but I did like her very much. She was always on my list of people I wanted to see when I got to 3W in the fall. I could plainly see at the Christmas dinner this year how many of my old friends weren't here...some had passed away and some had "aged" away. There comes a time for all of us when we just have to stay put.
I'll miss Angie.
Cold and Rainy Florida
What I love most about Florida is the almost continuous sunny and warm weather but we do get a bit of cold once in a while, too. This week is one of those whiles and we won't see warmth until Sunday. I'm hoping for at least some blue sky and I think we'll have a good chance for that.
I had planned to go to the game rooms today but staying inside my little trailer nice and warm sounds good, too, and that's what I think I'll do. I'm working on a new Swedish weaving table runner and will do some of that, watch a little T.V., play on the internet if it's working (damn Tengonet), and have an afternoon nap. We have Bingo tonight and the clubhouse is right across the road so I don't have far to go!
Rainy days like this can be a pleasant thing if you really have no reason to go outside. I can see a number of cars in the clubhouse parking lot right now and know they're all there for morning coffee and donuts. I'm still in my nightie and playing on the computer...wouldn't go over there for anything in the world especially in this weather!
Most people in this park are retired and can choose to do whatever their little heart desires every single day. They say that youth is wasted on the young, well it just might be that retirement freedom is wasted on the old, too.
Well, it's getting a little late for Tengonet to let me remain on the internet so I'd better get off and do something useful.
I had planned to go to the game rooms today but staying inside my little trailer nice and warm sounds good, too, and that's what I think I'll do. I'm working on a new Swedish weaving table runner and will do some of that, watch a little T.V., play on the internet if it's working (damn Tengonet), and have an afternoon nap. We have Bingo tonight and the clubhouse is right across the road so I don't have far to go!
Rainy days like this can be a pleasant thing if you really have no reason to go outside. I can see a number of cars in the clubhouse parking lot right now and know they're all there for morning coffee and donuts. I'm still in my nightie and playing on the computer...wouldn't go over there for anything in the world especially in this weather!
Most people in this park are retired and can choose to do whatever their little heart desires every single day. They say that youth is wasted on the young, well it just might be that retirement freedom is wasted on the old, too.
Well, it's getting a little late for Tengonet to let me remain on the internet so I'd better get off and do something useful.
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