Does anyone besides me wonder about the dinosaurs? They were huge and critters like that don't develop overnight so they must have begun as something other than 20' tall animals...but nothing is ever said about that or shown of what came before them. Apparently prehistoric man arrived after them.
Also, how could a storm that surrounded the earth to cut off sunshine destroy every single one of these animals but not the vegetation? I think we've been duped by our scientists!
And why are we conditioned to be afraid of life forms on another planet? Obviously, if they're much smarter than we are they don't need to attack us with weapons if they really wanted to take over our world. They also obviously don't want much to do with us or they'd be here already.
How do you control a populace? Well, first you fill them with fear and then you fill them with a feeling of being better than others. Hence, the birth of religion. These tactics are also being used in politics. I've always seen the rivalry between political parties but the United States has taken it to another level. Someone (Republican) posted a list of differences between Democrats and Republicans on Facebook and you would swear that all Democrats must be spawns of the devil. That's how Republicans have come to see anyone who isn't a Republican. Crazy or what?
If there is intelligent life on other planets...and there most certainly must be...they must have written us all off by now as too crazy to communicate with.
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Unacceptable
I got to thinking about how many things to speak, to think, to act on are considered unacceptable these days. Some are logical while others, in my humble opinion, are not.
I guess personal biases are one of those things. We really can't help what we like or dislike or what offends our senses. All the re-education in the world isn't going to change that too fast. We can be socialized to the point where we don't express our true feelings and I wonder if that's good or bad. Does that mean most of us go around with seething discontent inside that we don't dare express??
There is much I know better than to speak out loud but that doesn't remove it from my thoughts. For instance, I sided with the baker who refused to bake a wedding cake for a same sex couple because I honestly stand up for their rights, too. My kids and grandkids would be horrified if I told them because they have been conditioned to believe that the minority's rights supersede those of the majority. I don't get it. Shouldn't we all have the right to our personal beliefs? Why is it okay for the gay couple to demand that someone who firmly believes that homosexuality is a sin cater to them? If it were me, I'd simply never do business with that bakery again but the gay couple chose to sue them. They lost the lawsuit, however, so I guess individual rights still exist.
Some social changes are logical. A person shouldn't be denied a job or home because of their sexual identity, race, nationality, etc. but what of the restaurants that refuse to allow grubby homeless people in? What about the rights of the other patrons who don't want to eat their meal next to a filthy person scratching their head? I saw this happen in an Arby's restaurant a couple of years ago and it was truly disgusting. Shouldn't we still have some standards of "normal" conduct? If we accept a society with no standards at all because people are afraid to speak their minds, then we are not free people.
Maybe what I'm trying to say is that social change just might have been dictated by a small minority of people who are so self centered that they don't recognize the rights of anyone but their targeted group. The majority of people are struggling to understand and accept social changes that have been thrust on us too quickly. What's worse is that we aren't given the right to refute them without tremendous backlash, often by our own friends and families.
I'm speaking as a senior who has the most to change. Young people have been born and raised into the new society so it isn't really much change for them. They don't understand that the society we grew up in and were conditioned to was very different than it is today.
The way I look at it is that we do have the right to our thoughts and our prejudices but we don't have the right to abuse those we don't like or understand. No-one has the right to demand we accept them if we find them offensive. Everyone has the right to be treated politely. Everyone should have the right of refusal. If you aren't accepted for who or what you are by a business or even a person, walk away and take your business and your life somewhere better. Society is in a constant state of change so, in time, all wrongs will be righted.
I guess personal biases are one of those things. We really can't help what we like or dislike or what offends our senses. All the re-education in the world isn't going to change that too fast. We can be socialized to the point where we don't express our true feelings and I wonder if that's good or bad. Does that mean most of us go around with seething discontent inside that we don't dare express??
There is much I know better than to speak out loud but that doesn't remove it from my thoughts. For instance, I sided with the baker who refused to bake a wedding cake for a same sex couple because I honestly stand up for their rights, too. My kids and grandkids would be horrified if I told them because they have been conditioned to believe that the minority's rights supersede those of the majority. I don't get it. Shouldn't we all have the right to our personal beliefs? Why is it okay for the gay couple to demand that someone who firmly believes that homosexuality is a sin cater to them? If it were me, I'd simply never do business with that bakery again but the gay couple chose to sue them. They lost the lawsuit, however, so I guess individual rights still exist.
Some social changes are logical. A person shouldn't be denied a job or home because of their sexual identity, race, nationality, etc. but what of the restaurants that refuse to allow grubby homeless people in? What about the rights of the other patrons who don't want to eat their meal next to a filthy person scratching their head? I saw this happen in an Arby's restaurant a couple of years ago and it was truly disgusting. Shouldn't we still have some standards of "normal" conduct? If we accept a society with no standards at all because people are afraid to speak their minds, then we are not free people.
Maybe what I'm trying to say is that social change just might have been dictated by a small minority of people who are so self centered that they don't recognize the rights of anyone but their targeted group. The majority of people are struggling to understand and accept social changes that have been thrust on us too quickly. What's worse is that we aren't given the right to refute them without tremendous backlash, often by our own friends and families.
I'm speaking as a senior who has the most to change. Young people have been born and raised into the new society so it isn't really much change for them. They don't understand that the society we grew up in and were conditioned to was very different than it is today.
The way I look at it is that we do have the right to our thoughts and our prejudices but we don't have the right to abuse those we don't like or understand. No-one has the right to demand we accept them if we find them offensive. Everyone has the right to be treated politely. Everyone should have the right of refusal. If you aren't accepted for who or what you are by a business or even a person, walk away and take your business and your life somewhere better. Society is in a constant state of change so, in time, all wrongs will be righted.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
We Are Dinosaurs
Yes, we seniors (for the most part) really are dinosaurs in this new world. We talk about the old days when life was simpler and safer, when morals were maybe not followed by everyone but they were ingrained in most of us.
So many of the changes we see are good but they don't make up for how our society as a whole seems to be deteriorating. I can't conceive of a society where it isn't safe for children to walk a block to school alone. I can't conceive of a society where it's acceptable for people to have 20+ sex partners in their lives. I can't conceive of a society where it is next to impossible for a family to be able to afford to buy a house. Yes, I'm a dinosaur but maybe the old days were better in ways this new generation will never understand.
I love that women over the years have fought hard to gain some sort of equality with men. We're not there yet but we're getting close. I love that career opportunities for girls are much the same as those for boys. I love computers. I love all the gadgets that make living easier...microwaves are high on my list!
What bothers me a lot is that, as women leave the home to work (often a necessity now), children are not supervised the way they were when at least one parent stayed home. Children do stupid things when left on their own and sometimes put themselves in dangerous situations.
Women have always been the social designers...creating "families", planning to have children, done the hard work of creating their communities, etc. With fewer women having the free time to do these things, our society is somewhat neglected.
Of course, there are still parents who do it all...work all day, come home to cook and clean, help the kids with their homework, take their children to sports and even help direct those sports. They are wearing themselves out. And maybe the combination of working like dogs to support their families and having very little free personal time is what is causing so many families to break up. The "good" parents are under too much stress.
We'll never go back to the good old days and I, for one, wouldn't want to do that. I'd just like to see some sort of balance. Like everyone else, I want it all. But, most of all, I'd love to be part of a society where every child is safe. We can accomplish this. I believe we will because we must.
So many of the changes we see are good but they don't make up for how our society as a whole seems to be deteriorating. I can't conceive of a society where it isn't safe for children to walk a block to school alone. I can't conceive of a society where it's acceptable for people to have 20+ sex partners in their lives. I can't conceive of a society where it is next to impossible for a family to be able to afford to buy a house. Yes, I'm a dinosaur but maybe the old days were better in ways this new generation will never understand.
I love that women over the years have fought hard to gain some sort of equality with men. We're not there yet but we're getting close. I love that career opportunities for girls are much the same as those for boys. I love computers. I love all the gadgets that make living easier...microwaves are high on my list!
What bothers me a lot is that, as women leave the home to work (often a necessity now), children are not supervised the way they were when at least one parent stayed home. Children do stupid things when left on their own and sometimes put themselves in dangerous situations.
Women have always been the social designers...creating "families", planning to have children, done the hard work of creating their communities, etc. With fewer women having the free time to do these things, our society is somewhat neglected.
Of course, there are still parents who do it all...work all day, come home to cook and clean, help the kids with their homework, take their children to sports and even help direct those sports. They are wearing themselves out. And maybe the combination of working like dogs to support their families and having very little free personal time is what is causing so many families to break up. The "good" parents are under too much stress.
We'll never go back to the good old days and I, for one, wouldn't want to do that. I'd just like to see some sort of balance. Like everyone else, I want it all. But, most of all, I'd love to be part of a society where every child is safe. We can accomplish this. I believe we will because we must.
Monday, June 25, 2018
Feeling Guilty
I used to always joke that there must be some Jewish blood running through my veins because I have the worst guilt complex over every little indiscretion or even blessing in my life. All my self analyzing has never explained why that happens to be.
Today is another one of those "nothing special to do" unless I decided to houseclean and I'm wondering what I ever did to deserve such a nice life in my old age. I only ever worked part time and that was for small wages and I've never been a good cook or immaculate housekeeper so how and why did this pleasant life come about?
The only way to explain it is the unfairness in the world. Not many seem to get what they deserve, whether they've been good or bad. I watched a poignant documentary on T.V. last night of a hospice (I think it was titled "Seven Songs") where the residents had the most beautiful voices. They were of all ages but one was only 39 years old, had barely lived out half her normal lifespan. Where is the fairness here?
In my lifetime, I've cried at what I considered terrible unfairness in my life but maybe that's because I expected too much. We learn as we get older just what is important and what is nothing to cry about. At least we should! Looking back, I realize that I was mainly the creator of my own bits of misfortune and could have/should have handled it differently. I've never been one of those people who moan "poor me" because, even in the bad times, I knew there were people much worse off than me. All bad times are relative and mine were tough but didn't kill me.
Here I sit, still in my nightie, playing games on the computer and mildly considering just what little chore I'll complete today. My apartment is neat but a little dusty. Laundry was done a few days ago and so was grocery shopping. My biggest dilemma at the moment is what pattern to use on my new Swedish weaving table runner.
I started out life poor but smart and being smart has been what ultimately saved me. I've never longed for riches but craved what every human being should have...a home of my own, children, and lots of love. I took good health for granted. My life has taken a lot of twists and turns but I survived, as most of us will if we just don't give up. Every day, especially at my present age, is a gift. Every day is a chance to make up for any wrongs I committed. Every day is an opportunity to feel love.
I guess I'm feeling kind of reflective today because of that darned documentary I watched. I honestly have never done anything to deserve the good, long life I'm living but maybe the answer is one of my theories. We live until we get it right. It seems to be taking me a long time!
Today is another one of those "nothing special to do" unless I decided to houseclean and I'm wondering what I ever did to deserve such a nice life in my old age. I only ever worked part time and that was for small wages and I've never been a good cook or immaculate housekeeper so how and why did this pleasant life come about?
The only way to explain it is the unfairness in the world. Not many seem to get what they deserve, whether they've been good or bad. I watched a poignant documentary on T.V. last night of a hospice (I think it was titled "Seven Songs") where the residents had the most beautiful voices. They were of all ages but one was only 39 years old, had barely lived out half her normal lifespan. Where is the fairness here?
In my lifetime, I've cried at what I considered terrible unfairness in my life but maybe that's because I expected too much. We learn as we get older just what is important and what is nothing to cry about. At least we should! Looking back, I realize that I was mainly the creator of my own bits of misfortune and could have/should have handled it differently. I've never been one of those people who moan "poor me" because, even in the bad times, I knew there were people much worse off than me. All bad times are relative and mine were tough but didn't kill me.
Here I sit, still in my nightie, playing games on the computer and mildly considering just what little chore I'll complete today. My apartment is neat but a little dusty. Laundry was done a few days ago and so was grocery shopping. My biggest dilemma at the moment is what pattern to use on my new Swedish weaving table runner.
I started out life poor but smart and being smart has been what ultimately saved me. I've never longed for riches but craved what every human being should have...a home of my own, children, and lots of love. I took good health for granted. My life has taken a lot of twists and turns but I survived, as most of us will if we just don't give up. Every day, especially at my present age, is a gift. Every day is a chance to make up for any wrongs I committed. Every day is an opportunity to feel love.
I guess I'm feeling kind of reflective today because of that darned documentary I watched. I honestly have never done anything to deserve the good, long life I'm living but maybe the answer is one of my theories. We live until we get it right. It seems to be taking me a long time!
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Cindy's Diet
When Cindy bought her mother-of-the-bride gown which was quite a bit too small but decided to keep it and lose the weight needed to wear it, I thought she was crazy. I know from many, many past experiences that it's terribly hard to lose weight on command and I feared she'd fail and cry her eyes out at the wedding. Well, happily, this time I was wrong. She's stuck to a sensible diet and lost 24 lbs. and the dress fits. Now to hope she doesn't gain any of it back but I'm confident she won't. The dress is super gorgeous and my Cindy is one determined lady!
I've failed at pretty much all of the diets I've gone on in my lifetime and I think that's because the root cause of my weight gain wasn't dealt with. I'm blaming boredom and unhappiness which I'll bet is every fat person's root cause for their condition.
Now that I'm neither bored nor unhappy, I have no excuse but I'm also an old lady so I can indulge myself without needing an excuse. At this point, if I lost too much weight it would result in loose skin hanging down to my knees and I have enough loose skin as it is. I'm comfy now with my chubby little self and have no desire to impress anyone. This is one of the perks of being a senior.
Cindy will look absolutely beautiful in her dress this coming September and she'll be crying with happiness and love for her daughter.
I've failed at pretty much all of the diets I've gone on in my lifetime and I think that's because the root cause of my weight gain wasn't dealt with. I'm blaming boredom and unhappiness which I'll bet is every fat person's root cause for their condition.
Now that I'm neither bored nor unhappy, I have no excuse but I'm also an old lady so I can indulge myself without needing an excuse. At this point, if I lost too much weight it would result in loose skin hanging down to my knees and I have enough loose skin as it is. I'm comfy now with my chubby little self and have no desire to impress anyone. This is one of the perks of being a senior.
Cindy will look absolutely beautiful in her dress this coming September and she'll be crying with happiness and love for her daughter.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
???
Trump calls Canada an enemy and insults our prime minister (I do, too, though) and, when I posted some comments about this on Facebook, my American friends are very quick to tell me not to believe all the fake news about Trump. Do they not hear him say what he says???
Most seem to prefer FOX news to CNN because FOX news doesn't criticize Trump. I'm assuming his supporters have closed their ears to anything or anyone who has bad things to say about their leader and that's why they hate CNN. Trump refers to any criticism as "fake news". It worries me that my dear American friends have chosen to tune out Trump's many lies and horrid behavior. No matter who our leaders are, we have to at least demand they speak the truth. If we accept bald faced lies as the norm, we are in deep trouble as a country.
I've been saying all along that I'm having trouble understanding how the good, decent people I know can ignore Trump's continuous lies and x-rated behavior when he doesn't even try to disguise it. He seems to know he has no limits when it comes to his supporters. Why doesn't he??? Why are these good Americans so willing to accept a president who has no decency? It's a mystery to me.
I laughed when Trump entered the presidential race and thought he was only having a bit of fun and not serious about becoming president. After all, just how many people would possibly vote for a man like him? It turns out that it was enough to give him the presidency and I think that must have shocked the world. Will he get a second term? Anything is possible as we now know.
I hold all politicians in contempt, trusting none, but only a few scare me. Trump is one of them.
Most seem to prefer FOX news to CNN because FOX news doesn't criticize Trump. I'm assuming his supporters have closed their ears to anything or anyone who has bad things to say about their leader and that's why they hate CNN. Trump refers to any criticism as "fake news". It worries me that my dear American friends have chosen to tune out Trump's many lies and horrid behavior. No matter who our leaders are, we have to at least demand they speak the truth. If we accept bald faced lies as the norm, we are in deep trouble as a country.
I've been saying all along that I'm having trouble understanding how the good, decent people I know can ignore Trump's continuous lies and x-rated behavior when he doesn't even try to disguise it. He seems to know he has no limits when it comes to his supporters. Why doesn't he??? Why are these good Americans so willing to accept a president who has no decency? It's a mystery to me.
I laughed when Trump entered the presidential race and thought he was only having a bit of fun and not serious about becoming president. After all, just how many people would possibly vote for a man like him? It turns out that it was enough to give him the presidency and I think that must have shocked the world. Will he get a second term? Anything is possible as we now know.
I hold all politicians in contempt, trusting none, but only a few scare me. Trump is one of them.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Frustrated
I had a lovely visit with Mary for the weekend, lots of laughter, serious talk, and memories. Mary and Don's property is my favorite...beautifully kept, at least one horse when Don's home, and surrounded by quiet farmland. They're considering selling in the near future so I thought I'd better take some photos but was only able to get a few because the battery on my cell phone died overnight...I hadn't brought the cord. And so I took some very beautiful photos, I thought, but when I tried to transfer them to my computer they weren't there. I'm not sure what I did wrong and now have to wait until one of the family visits here to show me.
It bugs me that I'm so inept with electronics. I feel like a dinosaur who shouldn't be let out on her own. Thank heavens I'm still allowed to drive! I'm not a stupid person but I do limit learning to things I'm really interested in and the cell phone isn't too high on my list. I usually forget to take it with me when I go out because I probably won't want to use it and I don't want to be called. I do make an effort to take it with me when I'm going to be on the highway for a few hours, though.
Anyway, Mary and I had a great time...she and Don are wonderful hosts who make you feel very welcome in their home. Mary and I did a bit of shopping and a lot of gambling. I lost all my money as usual but Mary even lost a little bit.
I headed home on Monday and ended up napping most of the rest of the day which kind of worried me. Should I be that tired??? I'd missed my naps all weekend so maybe it was just catch up time.
I'm going to miss Don and Mary's beautiful property when they finally sell and move into an apartment but at least it will be closer to me than the farm. They're trying to hang in there as long as they can...both are getting on in age and that will be the deciding factor. It really is like heaven on earth there and it's no wonder they want to stay as long as possible.
Life is good but it does pass too quickly sometimes.
It bugs me that I'm so inept with electronics. I feel like a dinosaur who shouldn't be let out on her own. Thank heavens I'm still allowed to drive! I'm not a stupid person but I do limit learning to things I'm really interested in and the cell phone isn't too high on my list. I usually forget to take it with me when I go out because I probably won't want to use it and I don't want to be called. I do make an effort to take it with me when I'm going to be on the highway for a few hours, though.
Anyway, Mary and I had a great time...she and Don are wonderful hosts who make you feel very welcome in their home. Mary and I did a bit of shopping and a lot of gambling. I lost all my money as usual but Mary even lost a little bit.
I headed home on Monday and ended up napping most of the rest of the day which kind of worried me. Should I be that tired??? I'd missed my naps all weekend so maybe it was just catch up time.
I'm going to miss Don and Mary's beautiful property when they finally sell and move into an apartment but at least it will be closer to me than the farm. They're trying to hang in there as long as they can...both are getting on in age and that will be the deciding factor. It really is like heaven on earth there and it's no wonder they want to stay as long as possible.
Life is good but it does pass too quickly sometimes.
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Bad News/Good News
I hate seeing doctors but I do what I have to do. My bloodwork today was better...red blood cells up to 95 from 86 but the norm is 115 so there's still some kind of problem. My doctor convinced me that I should keep the appointment with the specialist and probably have the colonoscopy because I'm losing blood somewhere. I hate this. I just want to get on with my life.
Now, I'm not really worried but I am concerned that this is something that could lead to a surgery and that I definitely don't even want to think about. I've taught myself not to think of the worst scenario of anything and that means I concentrate on the fact that I feel better than when this all started in April...actually feel right back to normal so whatever is wrong can't be too wrong, right?
Anyway, I'll follow through because I have to.
Now, I'm not really worried but I am concerned that this is something that could lead to a surgery and that I definitely don't even want to think about. I've taught myself not to think of the worst scenario of anything and that means I concentrate on the fact that I feel better than when this all started in April...actually feel right back to normal so whatever is wrong can't be too wrong, right?
Anyway, I'll follow through because I have to.
Friday, June 15, 2018
Marriage Age
It was brought to my attention that it is now legal for a 14 year old to get married in Canada, down from the age of 16. I can't help but wonder why our government would take valuable governing time to make a change like this. I predict it's the influence of the push for Sharia law to be accepted in Canada, otherwise why would anyone think it's okay for a 14 year old child to marry?
These laws can't be passed too easily because we have a large governing body so who is influencing them and how??
These laws can't be passed too easily because we have a large governing body so who is influencing them and how??
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Feeling Fine
Why is it that my daughters don't understand that, because I'm feeling perfectly fine with no pain or discomfort, I resent having medical tests done? There's no logic here. We should have tests done when we're ill and not when we're feeling great.
My theory is that, at any given time, medical tests can show some little problem that the doctors think needs further probing even though they might have no idea what the problem might be or even if there actually is one. My further theory is that my 77+ year old body is probably filled with little minor problems that aren't bothering me so why not just leave them alone?
I keep telling my girls that I'm not stupid. I won't pretend I'm well if I'm not. I don't handle pain well so everyone in the world will be notified if I'm in pain. I'm pitiful when I'm actually sick, moaning and dragging myself around so there's no way they wouldn't know if I really was sick. Right now I have no pain, no exhaustion, and I'm not whining so why can't I just say no to further tests?
Where is the logic??
My theory is that, at any given time, medical tests can show some little problem that the doctors think needs further probing even though they might have no idea what the problem might be or even if there actually is one. My further theory is that my 77+ year old body is probably filled with little minor problems that aren't bothering me so why not just leave them alone?
I keep telling my girls that I'm not stupid. I won't pretend I'm well if I'm not. I don't handle pain well so everyone in the world will be notified if I'm in pain. I'm pitiful when I'm actually sick, moaning and dragging myself around so there's no way they wouldn't know if I really was sick. Right now I have no pain, no exhaustion, and I'm not whining so why can't I just say no to further tests?
Where is the logic??
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Poor Leaders
I was surprised to read how Shelley is so despondent over Trump's antics that she no longer considers the U.S. as her country. It got me thinking about how I bitch all the time about Canada's leaders but never, ever has my dislike of our leadership caused me to want to give up my Canadian citizenship. Canada holds a piece of my heart that no politician will ever take away.
Leaders do come and go...they die off if nothing else. No leader is fully representative of the country as a whole and we have to understand not every citizen voted for them. When I think of my country...Canada...I don't equate it in any way with the people we've chosen to run it. Canada is an entity in it's own right and I happen to love it. The leadership is another thing altogether. The majority foolishly chose leaders I didn't like or want but nobody listens to me.
When the next elections roll around, many of us will vote for the wrong person again (some will always believe that) and the world will keep on turning. We are fortunate that we do have elections and are not ruled by a dictator as in North Korea...Trump admires and praises that dictator by the way. He was insulting him and calling him "rocket man" just a few short months ago. These are politicians, Shelley, and they are only here for a little while before being replaced by someone better or worse. Love of your country should over-rule your hatred of the leaders. None rule for very long except in a dictatorship and we haven't gone that way yet.
Nope, love of country and the flag that flies over it is what is important and not the flesh and blood idiots that might hold power for just a short while.
Leaders do come and go...they die off if nothing else. No leader is fully representative of the country as a whole and we have to understand not every citizen voted for them. When I think of my country...Canada...I don't equate it in any way with the people we've chosen to run it. Canada is an entity in it's own right and I happen to love it. The leadership is another thing altogether. The majority foolishly chose leaders I didn't like or want but nobody listens to me.
When the next elections roll around, many of us will vote for the wrong person again (some will always believe that) and the world will keep on turning. We are fortunate that we do have elections and are not ruled by a dictator as in North Korea...Trump admires and praises that dictator by the way. He was insulting him and calling him "rocket man" just a few short months ago. These are politicians, Shelley, and they are only here for a little while before being replaced by someone better or worse. Love of your country should over-rule your hatred of the leaders. None rule for very long except in a dictatorship and we haven't gone that way yet.
Nope, love of country and the flag that flies over it is what is important and not the flesh and blood idiots that might hold power for just a short while.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
We're Enemies of the U.S.???
Being described by Trump as enemies of the U.S. came as a bit of a shock but not necessarily disturbing because Trump is an insane dictator wannabe. Canada has historically been the closest ally of the U.S. probably based on the fact that both populations are pretty much from the same gene pools. We're both melting pots of various nationalities and religions. So, to be lumped in with the terrorists is kind of silly. We're sweet and lovable.
I don't follow politics deeply because they both confuse and irritate me. There is no logic and no accountability for the people we elect to govern us. Trump's election verified that. I just sort of sit in the bushes and bitch when something totally ridiculous is aired...like Trump calling us enemies.
It got me thinking. Trump is really outrageous in his governing style, taunting North Korea and then embracing them. And then slapping the face of sweet little, unassuming Canada over trade differences when both countries would suffer something terrible if a trade embargo was initiated. Yes, it got me thinking about how Trump is systematically isolating the U.S. and rejecting their traditional allies. Is this not what North Korea's dictator has done? Is Trump on a mission to become, not just the president of the United States, but the dictator of the most powerful country in the world. What a power trip that would be!
We've seen this kind of tactic in cults where outside influences (such as family and outside socializing) is slowly but steadily taken away until the ultimate leader becomes a dictator, answering to no-one but himself. When you, as a leader, begin telling your people that everyone else is an enemy, you are using mind control in order to place yourself as the ultimate authority.
We who thought it was a joke when Trump ran for president of the United States, know now that anything is possible. Scary, isn't it?
I don't follow politics deeply because they both confuse and irritate me. There is no logic and no accountability for the people we elect to govern us. Trump's election verified that. I just sort of sit in the bushes and bitch when something totally ridiculous is aired...like Trump calling us enemies.
It got me thinking. Trump is really outrageous in his governing style, taunting North Korea and then embracing them. And then slapping the face of sweet little, unassuming Canada over trade differences when both countries would suffer something terrible if a trade embargo was initiated. Yes, it got me thinking about how Trump is systematically isolating the U.S. and rejecting their traditional allies. Is this not what North Korea's dictator has done? Is Trump on a mission to become, not just the president of the United States, but the dictator of the most powerful country in the world. What a power trip that would be!
We've seen this kind of tactic in cults where outside influences (such as family and outside socializing) is slowly but steadily taken away until the ultimate leader becomes a dictator, answering to no-one but himself. When you, as a leader, begin telling your people that everyone else is an enemy, you are using mind control in order to place yourself as the ultimate authority.
We who thought it was a joke when Trump ran for president of the United States, know now that anything is possible. Scary, isn't it?
Saturday, June 09, 2018
Katie's Wedding Day
It's nice when your extended family keeps growing and you really like the newcomers. Katie is Don's daughter (Don is Cindy's love) and she is getting married today. She's been so kind to include Kim and me and that means a lot to me. It means she accepts us as family.
When I go to the Hammond side family reunions, I'm also the extended family but they always make me feel like family. It matters. This is so good for the children to see that they are not isolated in a little family but have many, many relatives even if they're not blood.
Here I go harping on family again but it's to everyone's advantage to establish a healthy relationship with their extended family. You do grow from the experience. It's never mattered to me if the people I love and feel closest to are not blood relatives but it does give me a cozy feeling to belong somewhere.
I noticed that military families who are often thousands of miles away from their birth homes form bonds with each other and that often carries on when they leave the military.
Anyway, today is Katie's wedding day and I'm grateful that she's included me in her extended family!
Oh, yes...the forecast weather for today has been terrible all week with rain and cool predicted but that has all changed and now we're going to have sunny and warm weather. That's a good sign!
When I go to the Hammond side family reunions, I'm also the extended family but they always make me feel like family. It matters. This is so good for the children to see that they are not isolated in a little family but have many, many relatives even if they're not blood.
Here I go harping on family again but it's to everyone's advantage to establish a healthy relationship with their extended family. You do grow from the experience. It's never mattered to me if the people I love and feel closest to are not blood relatives but it does give me a cozy feeling to belong somewhere.
I noticed that military families who are often thousands of miles away from their birth homes form bonds with each other and that often carries on when they leave the military.
Anyway, today is Katie's wedding day and I'm grateful that she's included me in her extended family!
Oh, yes...the forecast weather for today has been terrible all week with rain and cool predicted but that has all changed and now we're going to have sunny and warm weather. That's a good sign!
Friday, June 08, 2018
Conservatives Won a Majority...Woe Is Me
I'm used to the ruling party of Ontario changing every 4 years or so and I've never been too bothered by it until this election. I don't back any party any more because I've learned none of them are to be trusted to do what's best for the people...learned this back in the 90's after backing the NDP party for years and then finding out they were even worse than the others.
I rarely vote, only when I feel the need to because of a certain issue and I know people tell me I can't complain if I don't vote but I really don't care. I wish we did have a political party that would work for the people instead of themselves but that's probably never going to happen.
This election I desperately wanted Wynn out because I felt the Liberals had truly harmed Ontario during her time in office. I sure as hell didn't want the NDP to ever rule Ontario again so that left the Conservatives. I voted Coservative once before because it was a time when Liberals were in power and wanted to support all private schools with our tax dollars. I knew this was opening the door to so many factions that would drain the resources of our public schools (I was right) so I begrudgingly cast my vote. It didn't matter and now we have to fund every damned private school that anyone can come up with. Our public schools are suffering terribly as a result.
Anyway, I decided to cast a vote for the Conservatives this election in order to keep Wynn and Horwath from taking over but some idiots in the Conservative party chose Doug Ford to lead it. Like my family in the States who were faced with having Trump lead their country, I was absolutely horrified to think of Ford leading my province. There was no way I could vote for him. So I didn't vote.
Can I and will I continue to complain about how politicians are running my province and my country? Oh, yes!
I rarely vote, only when I feel the need to because of a certain issue and I know people tell me I can't complain if I don't vote but I really don't care. I wish we did have a political party that would work for the people instead of themselves but that's probably never going to happen.
This election I desperately wanted Wynn out because I felt the Liberals had truly harmed Ontario during her time in office. I sure as hell didn't want the NDP to ever rule Ontario again so that left the Conservatives. I voted Coservative once before because it was a time when Liberals were in power and wanted to support all private schools with our tax dollars. I knew this was opening the door to so many factions that would drain the resources of our public schools (I was right) so I begrudgingly cast my vote. It didn't matter and now we have to fund every damned private school that anyone can come up with. Our public schools are suffering terribly as a result.
Anyway, I decided to cast a vote for the Conservatives this election in order to keep Wynn and Horwath from taking over but some idiots in the Conservative party chose Doug Ford to lead it. Like my family in the States who were faced with having Trump lead their country, I was absolutely horrified to think of Ford leading my province. There was no way I could vote for him. So I didn't vote.
Can I and will I continue to complain about how politicians are running my province and my country? Oh, yes!
Thursday, June 07, 2018
Grandchildren
Very early on in life I began to look forward to having grandchildren. I seemed to understand that they would be my second chance to do it right...I was just a teenager when Kim and Cindy were born and I know I made a tremendous amount of mistakes mothering them.
My first born grandchild was Nick who is 34 years old today. I was ecstatic about him from the moment I found out Kim was pregnant and I've never changed my feelings since that day. I adored him and I adore him still. That goes for all of my grandchildren, though. Nick, being the first, taught us the pleasures of being grandparents so, with each new addition, we knew what to expect. So much love and so much fun watching them grow and learn. All of this was easier with grandchildren because there wasn't the pressure of parenthood, just the ability to relax and enjoy them. And send them home to their parents when they they got to be too much trouble!
Now I'm a greatgramma and love that role, too, but it's a little more tiring because I'm older. What I enjoy about this is that I can see what a good parent Nick is to his children and I know he learned from his family. We did a good job! Most of the time we didn't know what the heck we were doing but we did it with love and that's what counts.
My first born grandchild was Nick who is 34 years old today. I was ecstatic about him from the moment I found out Kim was pregnant and I've never changed my feelings since that day. I adored him and I adore him still. That goes for all of my grandchildren, though. Nick, being the first, taught us the pleasures of being grandparents so, with each new addition, we knew what to expect. So much love and so much fun watching them grow and learn. All of this was easier with grandchildren because there wasn't the pressure of parenthood, just the ability to relax and enjoy them. And send them home to their parents when they they got to be too much trouble!
Now I'm a greatgramma and love that role, too, but it's a little more tiring because I'm older. What I enjoy about this is that I can see what a good parent Nick is to his children and I know he learned from his family. We did a good job! Most of the time we didn't know what the heck we were doing but we did it with love and that's what counts.
Tuesday, June 05, 2018
Lisa and Anna
I'm 77 and 2 of my sweetest friends are Lisa and Anna...early 30's and early 40's. We became friends many years ago when I lived right across the road from them and it's always pleased me that age has nothing to do with friendship.
We've remained friends since I moved in 2013, still getting together once or twice a year for dinner and Kim joins us now...Cindy sometimes. Last night we met for our first dinner of the year and I'm hoping for more than one more! We decided the next one will be a dessert supper (I've always wanted to do this because I'm usually too full after a meal to have dessert, too) and then we'll go to see Lisa's townhouse. Lisa bought it a couple of years ago to be closer to work and we still haven't had the time to see it.
Dinner was fun as usual with lots of laughter, lots of catching up, and lots of love. One of my fondest memories of these ladies is when Dennis was in his last days and I broke my foot. Either Lisa or Anna, after working all day, would come over in the evening and massage a Chinese oil into my poor broken foot. Now that was a kindness I'll never forget.
Anna lives with her parents who are close to my age and, in the Chinese tradition, will care for them until they pass on. Lisa is deeply respectful of her parents and spends a lot of time with them but she felt the need to have a home of her own. I hated to see her move away but it was a wise choice for her.
I've always loved being around people much older than me (getting harder and harder to find them each year) because they carry the wisdom of their years. It's turned out to work the other way, too. Being around younger people teaches me the way of today's world. I love our dinners and always pleasant conversations!
Friendships are one of the most valuable resources for a good life and should be cultivated and maintained for as long as possible. I thoroughly enjoy friendships with people of any age because each is unique and each is worthwhile.
Life is good!
We've remained friends since I moved in 2013, still getting together once or twice a year for dinner and Kim joins us now...Cindy sometimes. Last night we met for our first dinner of the year and I'm hoping for more than one more! We decided the next one will be a dessert supper (I've always wanted to do this because I'm usually too full after a meal to have dessert, too) and then we'll go to see Lisa's townhouse. Lisa bought it a couple of years ago to be closer to work and we still haven't had the time to see it.
Dinner was fun as usual with lots of laughter, lots of catching up, and lots of love. One of my fondest memories of these ladies is when Dennis was in his last days and I broke my foot. Either Lisa or Anna, after working all day, would come over in the evening and massage a Chinese oil into my poor broken foot. Now that was a kindness I'll never forget.
Anna lives with her parents who are close to my age and, in the Chinese tradition, will care for them until they pass on. Lisa is deeply respectful of her parents and spends a lot of time with them but she felt the need to have a home of her own. I hated to see her move away but it was a wise choice for her.
I've always loved being around people much older than me (getting harder and harder to find them each year) because they carry the wisdom of their years. It's turned out to work the other way, too. Being around younger people teaches me the way of today's world. I love our dinners and always pleasant conversations!
Friendships are one of the most valuable resources for a good life and should be cultivated and maintained for as long as possible. I thoroughly enjoy friendships with people of any age because each is unique and each is worthwhile.
Life is good!
Monday, June 04, 2018
Aeron's Shower
Aeron has been trying to downsize all festivities involving her wedding...don't know why because it's going to be a darned big wedding. Her future mother-in-law, Carmen, gave her a shower yesterday and it was just lovely. Kim, Cindy, Mary (Cindy's ex mother-in-law), and I went together and it was a day of love for our girl.
Aeron was our first born granddaughter and I hope she always remembers how special she was and is to Dennis and me. I'll never forget Dennis buying her an $80 doll on her first Christmas and her dragging it around by the hair. Kyle rescued it and tucked it tenderly in it's little cradle. Hmmm! I know Aeron will be better with a real live baby!
Aeron is marrying into a big, loving family and I'm so happy for her. When I saw how strong a family person Jake is, I was really pleased with her choice of a life mate. Family ties are very, very important!
Cindy will have a shower for her in August and Aeron will have no control over the guest list at all. Her mother is tougher than Aeron! Cindy and Don have been working like slaves getting their beautiful back yard even more beautiful, all in anticipation of this shower. When I see how much love there is in my family, I know that Dennis and I taught them well and it will pay off for generations.
Aeron was our first born granddaughter and I hope she always remembers how special she was and is to Dennis and me. I'll never forget Dennis buying her an $80 doll on her first Christmas and her dragging it around by the hair. Kyle rescued it and tucked it tenderly in it's little cradle. Hmmm! I know Aeron will be better with a real live baby!
Aeron is marrying into a big, loving family and I'm so happy for her. When I saw how strong a family person Jake is, I was really pleased with her choice of a life mate. Family ties are very, very important!
Cindy will have a shower for her in August and Aeron will have no control over the guest list at all. Her mother is tougher than Aeron! Cindy and Don have been working like slaves getting their beautiful back yard even more beautiful, all in anticipation of this shower. When I see how much love there is in my family, I know that Dennis and I taught them well and it will pay off for generations.
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