I witnessed all the hoopla about Susan Boyle but never actually heard her sing until today. I followed a link on my grandson's blog page to Youtube and found her video taken when she auditioned for "Britain Has Talent" (not sure if that's the right name). She was so darned wonderful that it brought tears to my eyes and I would definitely buy a ticket to watch her perform.
Susan is 48 years old and not a raving beauty but she does have a sweet and humorous personality that is very apparent. Her speaking voice has a fine quality that hints at her exceptionally beautiful singing voice.
A voice so hauntingly beautiful, so pure, so captivating to listen to...and a reminder that it pays to look beyond the packaging.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Realization
I realized something today. I really have been keeping my distance for a long time from people who make me uncomfortable. It has been mainly an unconscious act on my part and one that made me sad at times.
Life is too short and complex to waste precious time on a relationship that seems to be disintegrating rather than improving. Once you've done everything possible to make it work then you should step back and allow nature to take it's course. Sometimes there is just too much baggage to make it work and to continue trying is like beating a dead horse.
In one of my relationships I tried every which way to improve it but with no success. I remember the day that reality dawned on me and I realized that no matter what I did or didn't do the relationship was doomed. It was what it was and I finally stopped trying to create substance out of fog.
Knowing when to back away isn't the same thing as giving up. Knowing what you will or will not tolerate should be what you base your decision on. Backing away allows the relationship to settle into it's rightful level so that you know what you're dealing with instead of fooling yourself that it's something it isn't. Not easy when it's a family member but not impossible, either.
I think accepting a loosely based relationship is probably healthier than constantly attempting to cement it into the tighter one you think it should be. One thing I've come to understand is that true friendships flow freely as long as a mutual respect exists.
I guess my philosophy now is that you should allow all of your relationships with people to take on their own personal form instead of trying to mold them to fit your ideal. It will save you a lot of heartache.
Life is too short and complex to waste precious time on a relationship that seems to be disintegrating rather than improving. Once you've done everything possible to make it work then you should step back and allow nature to take it's course. Sometimes there is just too much baggage to make it work and to continue trying is like beating a dead horse.
In one of my relationships I tried every which way to improve it but with no success. I remember the day that reality dawned on me and I realized that no matter what I did or didn't do the relationship was doomed. It was what it was and I finally stopped trying to create substance out of fog.
Knowing when to back away isn't the same thing as giving up. Knowing what you will or will not tolerate should be what you base your decision on. Backing away allows the relationship to settle into it's rightful level so that you know what you're dealing with instead of fooling yourself that it's something it isn't. Not easy when it's a family member but not impossible, either.
I think accepting a loosely based relationship is probably healthier than constantly attempting to cement it into the tighter one you think it should be. One thing I've come to understand is that true friendships flow freely as long as a mutual respect exists.
I guess my philosophy now is that you should allow all of your relationships with people to take on their own personal form instead of trying to mold them to fit your ideal. It will save you a lot of heartache.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Make of It What You Will
I spent most of my life being badly treated and I vowed a few years ago I'd never allow it to happen again but it seems I've been overlooking some things lately that I shouldn't. It's always been easier for me to ignore abuse (especially mild abuse) or to walk away and stay away than it was for me to confront the person responsible. It's very hard to stay away from people you care about but sometimes you have to do it for your own survival. Once you've let them know how you feel and their behaviour doesn't change then it's time to keep your distance.
Sometimes insensitive people don't realize how hurtful they can be, or else they don't much care, but people like that shouldn't be surprised when their company is avoided. I always wonder why they believe their actions are in any way acceptable.
I've gotten a little spoiled by friends I've made over the years who treat me very well, better than I've ever known, so maybe I'm more sensitive these days to anyone who doesn't treat me decently. At first I was overwhelmed by kind and caring attention but then I sort of got used to it...and now I expect it.
There's an old saying, "Treat people the way you'd like to be treated". Wouldn't it be nice if we all followed that ideal?
Sometimes insensitive people don't realize how hurtful they can be, or else they don't much care, but people like that shouldn't be surprised when their company is avoided. I always wonder why they believe their actions are in any way acceptable.
I've gotten a little spoiled by friends I've made over the years who treat me very well, better than I've ever known, so maybe I'm more sensitive these days to anyone who doesn't treat me decently. At first I was overwhelmed by kind and caring attention but then I sort of got used to it...and now I expect it.
There's an old saying, "Treat people the way you'd like to be treated". Wouldn't it be nice if we all followed that ideal?
Cultural Difference
I ordered some steam mop replacement pads from Ebay and I thought the listing description interesting. The items come from China and one of the enticements for purchasing the mop pads was that they suggested it would be a "nice gift for wife or mother". Cute...almost like from another planet!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Steam Mop on Laminate Floors
I finally got around to using my new Shark steam mop on my basement laminate floors. It worried me to start even though I'd seen how quickly the water evaporated when I washed the ceramic floors. I tried out a small section and then checked to see how much moisture had accumulated where I'd just washed but it was negligable. Feeling braver by the moment I continue to wash the floors that, until now had only been damp mopped. As is my custom when washing the basement floors I always put fans on to help dry them and I noticed that the floors did indeed dry very quickly.
One of the negative comments about using the steam mop was that it leaves streaks. I did notice some streaks but they mainly disappeared if I washed over them a few times. One big outcome of washing my laminate with the steam mop is that I found out just how absolutely filthy the floors were. The way that I look at it, it's worth settling for a few streaks if your floors are really clean.
So far, so good...the floors are clean and I see no evidence of damage to the laminate floors.
One of the negative comments about using the steam mop was that it leaves streaks. I did notice some streaks but they mainly disappeared if I washed over them a few times. One big outcome of washing my laminate with the steam mop is that I found out just how absolutely filthy the floors were. The way that I look at it, it's worth settling for a few streaks if your floors are really clean.
So far, so good...the floors are clean and I see no evidence of damage to the laminate floors.
G-Strings
I saw a lady walking down the street today in some sort of knit pants. What caught my attention was that the crotch of her pants were up her butt. My immediate thought was to feel sorry for her because her panties had obviously ridden up pretty far and she hadn't been able to straighten them out. Right on the heels of thought #1 was the realization that she was probably wearing a g-string brief. The silly part was that her outerwear had followed the g-string right on up.
Now I've never understood why anyone would want to wear something that stuck up their butt even though people who do say they're extremely comfortable. I guess I'll always be from the generation who yanked their panties out of their butt and not into it.
Just a thought.
Now I've never understood why anyone would want to wear something that stuck up their butt even though people who do say they're extremely comfortable. I guess I'll always be from the generation who yanked their panties out of their butt and not into it.
Just a thought.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Tap Dancing
Every morning when I wake up I turn on the T.V. whether I plan to watch it or not. I think I like the noise because I rarely do watch it. This morning there was a movie in progress which caught my attention, though, because it starred a very old Sammy Davis Jr. I never did find out the name of the movie but it was about tap dancing.
Down I sat with coffee in hand, enraptured by the skillful tap dancing and wondering why that particular style of dancing makes you feel so joyful to watch. There is just something about the rhythm of tap dancing that uplifts you.
The one and only time (sigh!) that I was in New Orleans, I saw a couple of young boys tap dancing on the streets for money. What thrilled me was that the taps were on their running shoes! The spirit of the dance wrapped up in the attire of the day.
Dancing of any kind makes us happy but there is such an abandon in freestyle tap dancing that speaks loudly of our inner human spirit. Maybe that's why it is so compelling to watch...the sound of the taps are an audio display where the body movements supply only the visual. It's as though the music begins in the head, travels through the swaying body and comes to life through the feet. We can hear what the dancer is feeling.
Just watching that movie (the dancing part) brought a touch of happiness to my morning and I believe that was the dancer's intent...to pass on to the viewer a bit of the joy he feels when he dances.
Down I sat with coffee in hand, enraptured by the skillful tap dancing and wondering why that particular style of dancing makes you feel so joyful to watch. There is just something about the rhythm of tap dancing that uplifts you.
The one and only time (sigh!) that I was in New Orleans, I saw a couple of young boys tap dancing on the streets for money. What thrilled me was that the taps were on their running shoes! The spirit of the dance wrapped up in the attire of the day.
Dancing of any kind makes us happy but there is such an abandon in freestyle tap dancing that speaks loudly of our inner human spirit. Maybe that's why it is so compelling to watch...the sound of the taps are an audio display where the body movements supply only the visual. It's as though the music begins in the head, travels through the swaying body and comes to life through the feet. We can hear what the dancer is feeling.
Just watching that movie (the dancing part) brought a touch of happiness to my morning and I believe that was the dancer's intent...to pass on to the viewer a bit of the joy he feels when he dances.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Shark Steam Mop
Ever since I heard about the steam mops I've wanted one because it just made sense to me that the best way to clean floors was with steam. It's clean, environmentally safe, and it dries almost instantly. I have a basement full of laminate flooring that I've been warned not to put much water on when I clean it so it also made sense that using a steam mop was a good idea. Damp mopping laminate doesn't seem to clean it well.
My daughter warned me not to buy one because she felt it was unsafe for laminate flooring so I did my research on the internet. I wanted to know what users of the product said about it, not what the manufacturer claimed. With minor exception, users love it. What's more, people with laminate floors love it and that sold me. I popped up to Canadian Tire and bought the deluxe model ($99.99) because I wanted the carpet glide.
I haven't used the mop on the laminate flooring yet but will post when I do. This morning I put the Shark steam mop together (easy) and first began washing the ceramic tile. It was sluggish at first until I realized you don't wash your floors with the same motion you use when mopping with lots of water. You need to repeat your mopping more often but it works very well. I was impressed with using such a clean method on the floors. They did dry almost instantly which gives me hope for the laminate flooring.
Next I sat the mop end into the glider and freshened up the carpeting. Easy as pie! This is a bonus feature for me because I walk around barefoot all the time and that's not the best thing on carpeting because the oils from your feet get into the fibres.
So far I love the steam mop. Tomorrow morning I tackle the basement laminate flooring and I'll see if it works well on that.
My daughter warned me not to buy one because she felt it was unsafe for laminate flooring so I did my research on the internet. I wanted to know what users of the product said about it, not what the manufacturer claimed. With minor exception, users love it. What's more, people with laminate floors love it and that sold me. I popped up to Canadian Tire and bought the deluxe model ($99.99) because I wanted the carpet glide.
I haven't used the mop on the laminate flooring yet but will post when I do. This morning I put the Shark steam mop together (easy) and first began washing the ceramic tile. It was sluggish at first until I realized you don't wash your floors with the same motion you use when mopping with lots of water. You need to repeat your mopping more often but it works very well. I was impressed with using such a clean method on the floors. They did dry almost instantly which gives me hope for the laminate flooring.
Next I sat the mop end into the glider and freshened up the carpeting. Easy as pie! This is a bonus feature for me because I walk around barefoot all the time and that's not the best thing on carpeting because the oils from your feet get into the fibres.
So far I love the steam mop. Tomorrow morning I tackle the basement laminate flooring and I'll see if it works well on that.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Texting-Secret Teen Messages
Everything old is new again and now in the form of texting. There was an item on the news today about how parents are concerned with the secret coding in the messages their teens text to one another. Really?
I was a teen in the 1950's and we send coded messages via pen on paper in those days. We also spoke pig latin, a silly way of twisting your words that confused out parents for a short while but it was a little too easy to catch on to.
It is the nature of the beast that teenagers will do whatever they can to keep secrets from their parents. They truly have very little control in their lives so they will grab at any chance to have something of their very own that their parents are not privvy to.
It's perfectly normal, Mom and Dad, so quit worrying and try to remember your own teenage years. Then again, maybe you should err on the side of caution and keep an eye open.
I was a teen in the 1950's and we send coded messages via pen on paper in those days. We also spoke pig latin, a silly way of twisting your words that confused out parents for a short while but it was a little too easy to catch on to.
It is the nature of the beast that teenagers will do whatever they can to keep secrets from their parents. They truly have very little control in their lives so they will grab at any chance to have something of their very own that their parents are not privvy to.
It's perfectly normal, Mom and Dad, so quit worrying and try to remember your own teenage years. Then again, maybe you should err on the side of caution and keep an eye open.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Alone Time
In Florida my days are filled with company but here in Canada I spend most of my time alone. I enjoy both settings because I feel I have the best of both worlds. My winters are filled with activity involving lots of people while here at home my activity is set at a slower pace.
Right now I could never be happy vegetating in front of the T.V. so I spend my days playing on the computer (I'd be lost without this lifeline to research, e-mails, and selling the odd thing on Ebay), watching a little T.V., gradually getting my house in order (I'm not a housework freak), occasionally meeting with a couple of friends, puttering in the garden (soon), and organizing my new venture (jewellery sales). I keep myself busy but at a pace I set for myself. Being retired and in fairly good health can be a wonderful gift in our golden years because it offers us the unique opportunity to explore old or new interests.
I thoroughly enjoy my alone time. Once in a while someone will mention that I must get lonely because I'm a widow but I have to admit that when I get the slightest bit antsy I simply move on to another interest or project. It's been so long since I've felt the depressing emotion of loneliness that I wonder why I didn't expand my interests earlier in life. That's the secret! Don't limit yourself because the world is huge and there are unlimited areas to explore to find things you enjoy doing.
One doesn't need to be around people constantly to lose that lonely feeling. Back in my era of depression I sometimes felt lonelier in the midst of people than when I was by myself. It's often a mind set we can allow ourselves to fall into. I believe we can choose to make our lives more interesting or we can choose to give up. I found my way out with the aid of counselling and I credit my counsellor with giving me the directions I needed.
Most people don't allow themselves to fall so deeply into depression that they can't rise above it without professional help. There's an expression, "Give yourself a shake", that I think is appropriate for those of us who momentarily give in to slight depressions. It means to clear your head and face reality. Sure, we all have our problems but we also have humungous opportunities to bring happiness and serenity into our lives. Too often it simply means taking a step in the right direction and counting your blessings.
It took me most of my life to learn this lesson but better late than never.
Right now I could never be happy vegetating in front of the T.V. so I spend my days playing on the computer (I'd be lost without this lifeline to research, e-mails, and selling the odd thing on Ebay), watching a little T.V., gradually getting my house in order (I'm not a housework freak), occasionally meeting with a couple of friends, puttering in the garden (soon), and organizing my new venture (jewellery sales). I keep myself busy but at a pace I set for myself. Being retired and in fairly good health can be a wonderful gift in our golden years because it offers us the unique opportunity to explore old or new interests.
I thoroughly enjoy my alone time. Once in a while someone will mention that I must get lonely because I'm a widow but I have to admit that when I get the slightest bit antsy I simply move on to another interest or project. It's been so long since I've felt the depressing emotion of loneliness that I wonder why I didn't expand my interests earlier in life. That's the secret! Don't limit yourself because the world is huge and there are unlimited areas to explore to find things you enjoy doing.
One doesn't need to be around people constantly to lose that lonely feeling. Back in my era of depression I sometimes felt lonelier in the midst of people than when I was by myself. It's often a mind set we can allow ourselves to fall into. I believe we can choose to make our lives more interesting or we can choose to give up. I found my way out with the aid of counselling and I credit my counsellor with giving me the directions I needed.
Most people don't allow themselves to fall so deeply into depression that they can't rise above it without professional help. There's an expression, "Give yourself a shake", that I think is appropriate for those of us who momentarily give in to slight depressions. It means to clear your head and face reality. Sure, we all have our problems but we also have humungous opportunities to bring happiness and serenity into our lives. Too often it simply means taking a step in the right direction and counting your blessings.
It took me most of my life to learn this lesson but better late than never.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
New Insurance Company
We've carried our car and home insurance with the same company since 1968 but this year's hike in the price made me switch over to Grey Power. I now have better coverage and saved $326 for the two policies. Before changing over I phoned my old company and told them what Grey Power was offering me. The lady I spoke to was very nice and understanding. She was aware of Grey Power and said they were a reputable organization which is able to offer seniors discounts on insurance that regular insurance companies can't match. Apparently she's been getting calls from other customers unhappy with the cost of their insurance this year, too.
It's stressful changing insurance companies because we hear all too often about them dumping customers who have a few accidents even if it's the other driver's fault. I drive a 2001 Honda, have never had an accident, and this year my old company wanted $1442 to insure my car. Grey Power is charging me $1171. Still too much but at least lower.
When I thought about it, I've never in all these years seen a single agent from my old insurance company because we dealt with a broker. It's not like I'm walking out on someone I know. I'll probably never see a single person from Grey Power, either. We just send our cheques and hope there's someone on the other end who will look after us in time of need.
Saving $326 this year is what spurred me to make the change but I feel confident I've done the right thing.
It's stressful changing insurance companies because we hear all too often about them dumping customers who have a few accidents even if it's the other driver's fault. I drive a 2001 Honda, have never had an accident, and this year my old company wanted $1442 to insure my car. Grey Power is charging me $1171. Still too much but at least lower.
When I thought about it, I've never in all these years seen a single agent from my old insurance company because we dealt with a broker. It's not like I'm walking out on someone I know. I'll probably never see a single person from Grey Power, either. We just send our cheques and hope there's someone on the other end who will look after us in time of need.
Saving $326 this year is what spurred me to make the change but I feel confident I've done the right thing.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
I Agree With Miss California
Apparently Miss California has caused quite a stir in the "politically correct" crowd by asserting her belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman, not between people of the same sex. Her comments made the headlines and certain factions are rearing up against her audacity in stating her personal beliefs. What happened to free speech in America? Since when is it a crime to say you don't support gay marriage?
I don't support gay marriage so go ahead and sue me! I do support equal pay, equal rights, non-violence, and acceptance for gays. I support a legal union between gays that could be called anything they like...except marriage. I have to admit I do have trouble with accepting the right of gays to adopt but I'm working on my attitude. It's very possible I object to gays adopting because of my own early social conditioning but I'm trying to be more open minded and logical.
My support for Miss California is because it is a dangerous road we're taking if we forbid people from openly objecting to gay activity. It's on par with people being blacklisted in their jobs because they spoke out against their country's leader.
Free speech is the backbone of a civilized country, something worth fighting to retain. I applaud Miss California for expressing her constiutional right by speaking her mind instead of spouting "politically correct" drivel.
I don't support gay marriage so go ahead and sue me! I do support equal pay, equal rights, non-violence, and acceptance for gays. I support a legal union between gays that could be called anything they like...except marriage. I have to admit I do have trouble with accepting the right of gays to adopt but I'm working on my attitude. It's very possible I object to gays adopting because of my own early social conditioning but I'm trying to be more open minded and logical.
My support for Miss California is because it is a dangerous road we're taking if we forbid people from openly objecting to gay activity. It's on par with people being blacklisted in their jobs because they spoke out against their country's leader.
Free speech is the backbone of a civilized country, something worth fighting to retain. I applaud Miss California for expressing her constiutional right by speaking her mind instead of spouting "politically correct" drivel.
That's What Friends Are For
Most of us have a limited number of people in our family and extended family but the possibility for friends is unlimited. Friends often take the place of family in our lives because we become so close to them.
One of my best friends (and an ex in-law), Mary, came to my aid yesterday and helped me set up my flea market table. It was a rainy, miserable day but good old Mary traipsed in to help me out. I'd told her it wasn't necessary because I could do it myself but she said she wanted to do it.
We worked side by side for a few hours getting more dirty instead of tired out but there was some heavy work, too. When we were finished we went out for a leisurely lunch (surprise?) and talked for ages. Mary, Faye and I are very close and have always gotten along excellently. We've known each other for so darned many years that we know each other's secrets so we have to stay friends.
I finally drove home in a pouring rain, tired and ready for a nap but started playing on the computer instead. 6 P.M. rolled around before I knew it and the phone rang. It was young Anna from across the road wanting to know if I'd like to go out for dinner with her and Lisa. I'd planned on pulling soup out of the freezer for my dinner but immediately said, "Sure!". There really was no better choice, was there?
The girls drove me down to a chinese restaurant in the east end that they like and I ordered a tasty beef and vegetable dish which was very good. The girls ordered monstrous bowls of a beef soup and, when I tasted it, I decided to order a small bowl for takeout. Unknown to me, Lisa had paid for our meal so I was a little embarrassed for ordering takeout, too.
Then home and to an early bed after a lovely day spent with good friends.
One of my best friends (and an ex in-law), Mary, came to my aid yesterday and helped me set up my flea market table. It was a rainy, miserable day but good old Mary traipsed in to help me out. I'd told her it wasn't necessary because I could do it myself but she said she wanted to do it.
We worked side by side for a few hours getting more dirty instead of tired out but there was some heavy work, too. When we were finished we went out for a leisurely lunch (surprise?) and talked for ages. Mary, Faye and I are very close and have always gotten along excellently. We've known each other for so darned many years that we know each other's secrets so we have to stay friends.
I finally drove home in a pouring rain, tired and ready for a nap but started playing on the computer instead. 6 P.M. rolled around before I knew it and the phone rang. It was young Anna from across the road wanting to know if I'd like to go out for dinner with her and Lisa. I'd planned on pulling soup out of the freezer for my dinner but immediately said, "Sure!". There really was no better choice, was there?
The girls drove me down to a chinese restaurant in the east end that they like and I ordered a tasty beef and vegetable dish which was very good. The girls ordered monstrous bowls of a beef soup and, when I tasted it, I decided to order a small bowl for takeout. Unknown to me, Lisa had paid for our meal so I was a little embarrassed for ordering takeout, too.
Then home and to an early bed after a lovely day spent with good friends.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Is It Just Me?
Yesterday I met my sister at the mall for coffee and then we did a bit of shopping...me because I needed a jacket and her because she needed to shop. Our last stop was in Sears and I discovered all over again why I totally hate shopping at Sears in Canada. The store is way overstocked and crowded and they've moved departments so many times that I can't find anything.
I did find a nice jacket, though, and then couldn't find a checkout. What the hell?? How can a store like Sears make it difficult for a customer to find somewhere to pay for merchandise? I finally asked a saleslady in the perfume section and she said I could pay for my jacket at one of their counters. Okay.
I walked over to a counter where there was one saleslady waiting on a customer and another watching her. The watcher ignored me so I thought maybe she was just new on the job and not allowed to handle customers yet. I was giving the dope the benefit of the doubt.
After standing patiently for a few minutes and directly in front of the watcher, I decided to ask her if she could ring in my sale. "Sure", she said, dragging herself out of the bored stupor she'd been in. Who trains these people? And more, who allows them to keep their jobs?
Today I phoned PayPal (it really and truly was PayPal) because I was having trouble getting Ebay and PayPal to accept my Canadian postal code. The man who "helped" me first asked if I was calling about a gas card! After recovering from that shock, I explained again about the postal code problem and he then told me I should contact Canada Post and get them to give me a postal code PayPal could accept. Who the hell was I talking to??
Is it just me or is it the world that's crazy? Sometimes it makes me tired.
I did find a nice jacket, though, and then couldn't find a checkout. What the hell?? How can a store like Sears make it difficult for a customer to find somewhere to pay for merchandise? I finally asked a saleslady in the perfume section and she said I could pay for my jacket at one of their counters. Okay.
I walked over to a counter where there was one saleslady waiting on a customer and another watching her. The watcher ignored me so I thought maybe she was just new on the job and not allowed to handle customers yet. I was giving the dope the benefit of the doubt.
After standing patiently for a few minutes and directly in front of the watcher, I decided to ask her if she could ring in my sale. "Sure", she said, dragging herself out of the bored stupor she'd been in. Who trains these people? And more, who allows them to keep their jobs?
Today I phoned PayPal (it really and truly was PayPal) because I was having trouble getting Ebay and PayPal to accept my Canadian postal code. The man who "helped" me first asked if I was calling about a gas card! After recovering from that shock, I explained again about the postal code problem and he then told me I should contact Canada Post and get them to give me a postal code PayPal could accept. Who the hell was I talking to??
Is it just me or is it the world that's crazy? Sometimes it makes me tired.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Easy Lai???
Some things really tickle my funny bone and this is one of them. I got out the user's manual for my computer and, upon checking through it, saw that the name of the Director, Qualification Center, Product Assurance, is Easy Lai. Do you suppose my computer was built at a brothel in China??
Just a thought!
Just a thought!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Nothing Works Forever
I'm trying to be rational about my computer problems but it is definitely getting me down. It's such a helpless feeling to come home to a computer that has only had 4 months of use and then find out it won't work as it should. Right now the keyboard is working perfectly but it's only a matter of time before I see skipped letters and spaces. It doesn't make sense to me. My home computer people are enmeshed in their flooded basement so I don't want to bother them. I bothered another neighbor instead and she promised to come over when she can.
It's still working fine and that's what confuses me. Why does it work right for a short period of time and then start sticking?? All I do know is that I need to make more friends who are computer smart.
I got a lot done today...made a huge pot of soup and froze dinner portions, packed the car with flea market merchandise, vacuumed the basement and cleaned up some of the dust, and grocery shopped. I'm taking the evening off and will resume cleaning and dusting in the morning. There's still a pile of stuff that hasn't been put away but all in good time.
It's still working fine and that's what confuses me. Why does it work right for a short period of time and then start sticking?? All I do know is that I need to make more friends who are computer smart.
I got a lot done today...made a huge pot of soup and froze dinner portions, packed the car with flea market merchandise, vacuumed the basement and cleaned up some of the dust, and grocery shopped. I'm taking the evening off and will resume cleaning and dusting in the morning. There's still a pile of stuff that hasn't been put away but all in good time.
New Keyboard
I learned something yesterday. When I got home my computer keyboard wasn't working properly, sticking keys that made the written word look ridiculous with missing letters and spaces. Being the computer illiterate person I am, I first thought it must be a problem with the computer itself and that scared the bejesus out of me. I just replaced my desktop computer last summer and hoped it would last at least 5 years.
But, being the internet surfing novice that I am, I did just that...surfed and researched the problem. I discovered that sticky keys are very common and usually caused by dirt or liquid spilling onto the keyboard. I didn't remember spilling anything on it but I do drink and eat while using it. It's also been sitting here uncovered for 5 1/2 months while I lazed away in Florida.
Anyway, at the advice of my computer people, I went to Best Buy and purchased a nifty new keyboard ($36) which works like a charm...so far. I just don't trust that anything will continue working like a charm.
Anna came over and hooked it all up for me and then we watched "Achmed the Dead Terrorist" on Youtube. I still think that's one of the funniest comedy skits I've ever seen.
Today I have to tackle cleaning up the basement. It's always the worst job by far when I get home because a lot of little bugs live down there and drop dead in the middle of the floor during the winter. Also, for some reason, dust settles down there more so than anywhere else in the house. I've already made arrangements for my summer flea market table so I'll be able to clear out some of the boxes of merchandise from the basement which will clear it out nicely. Sooner or later I'll have my clutter reduced enough that I'll be able to sell the house and move into an apartment.
Faye drove out to the flea market with me yesterday and mentioned that someone told her I must get lonely when I'm home in Canada after all the bustle in Florida. We laughed because I have so many interests and hobbies that I never have time to even think about being lonely. I know there are many widows in this world who suffer terribly from loneliness but I believe it's because they won't step out and develop new interests. It's a big world out there full of things to research and learn about.
I'm writing this horridly long blog because I'm testing the new keyboard and it's too dark to work in the basement. And that's just the way it is.
Note: Spoke too soon. It's the computer and not the keyboard that's causing my problems. I phoned Future Shop where I bought the computer and, surprise/surprise, it's not covered by the 1 year warranty. The tech said it I need to create a recovery disc (?) and somehow that will fix it. I'll need to speak to my computer people.
But, being the internet surfing novice that I am, I did just that...surfed and researched the problem. I discovered that sticky keys are very common and usually caused by dirt or liquid spilling onto the keyboard. I didn't remember spilling anything on it but I do drink and eat while using it. It's also been sitting here uncovered for 5 1/2 months while I lazed away in Florida.
Anyway, at the advice of my computer people, I went to Best Buy and purchased a nifty new keyboard ($36) which works like a charm...so far. I just don't trust that anything will continue working like a charm.
Anna came over and hooked it all up for me and then we watched "Achmed the Dead Terrorist" on Youtube. I still think that's one of the funniest comedy skits I've ever seen.
Today I have to tackle cleaning up the basement. It's always the worst job by far when I get home because a lot of little bugs live down there and drop dead in the middle of the floor during the winter. Also, for some reason, dust settles down there more so than anywhere else in the house. I've already made arrangements for my summer flea market table so I'll be able to clear out some of the boxes of merchandise from the basement which will clear it out nicely. Sooner or later I'll have my clutter reduced enough that I'll be able to sell the house and move into an apartment.
Faye drove out to the flea market with me yesterday and mentioned that someone told her I must get lonely when I'm home in Canada after all the bustle in Florida. We laughed because I have so many interests and hobbies that I never have time to even think about being lonely. I know there are many widows in this world who suffer terribly from loneliness but I believe it's because they won't step out and develop new interests. It's a big world out there full of things to research and learn about.
I'm writing this horridly long blog because I'm testing the new keyboard and it's too dark to work in the basement. And that's just the way it is.
Note: Spoke too soon. It's the computer and not the keyboard that's causing my problems. I phoned Future Shop where I bought the computer and, surprise/surprise, it's not covered by the 1 year warranty. The tech said it I need to create a recovery disc (?) and somehow that will fix it. I'll need to speak to my computer people.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Back Home
Here I am, back home a few days early because L&A found out their water heater flooded their basement. We packed up quickly and summerized the trailer on Tuesday and everything was organized enough that I could toddle on over to the clubhouse to play "31" in the evening. It also gave me the opportunity to hug a whole lot of people goodbye, some I'll see at the reunion in July but many I won't see until next winter. It's hard to explain to outsiders what a family we've become to each other in Florida but they are very special people in my life and I'll miss seeing them every day.
Lisa, Anna, and I had an easy trip home with mainly excellent weather, just a bit of misty rain on Wednesday evening before we stopped for the night. Nancy and Paul from the park sent us home with a huge batch of fudge and brownies so we snacked on that all the way home. We even took half an hour to shop in Walmart just before we got to the border. Both the girls and I needed to stock up on D-Con just in case the mice hadn't all died off from what we'd placed around in the fall. As it turned out, 2 of the D-Con containers I'd placed under the bathroom vanity were empty. That means the little buggers could still be around. I've got enough D-Con to kill an army of them, though, and I intend to get them all.
The girl's basement is a total mess and will probably need to be completely redone. It has been dried out but still smells badly of dampness which will take a while to dissipate. Bless their little hearts, they had to come over to my house for showers because they have no hot water and while they were here they fixed my computer keyboard. It only needed to be plugged in tighter but I never would have thought of that.
I'm happy to be home and I'm looking forward to taking care of business here. There is a lot that needs doing, most of it fun stuff involving my present interests, so I have no time to be bored. There won't be nightly card games and lots of visitors at the door every day but that's okay. This is a different world but still a terrific one because most of my babies are here. And a brand new one is on the way!
Note: We arrived to sunny skies and mild weather. The grass is green and a few crocuses are still in bloom. A perfectly wonderful Canadian spring day!
Lisa, Anna, and I had an easy trip home with mainly excellent weather, just a bit of misty rain on Wednesday evening before we stopped for the night. Nancy and Paul from the park sent us home with a huge batch of fudge and brownies so we snacked on that all the way home. We even took half an hour to shop in Walmart just before we got to the border. Both the girls and I needed to stock up on D-Con just in case the mice hadn't all died off from what we'd placed around in the fall. As it turned out, 2 of the D-Con containers I'd placed under the bathroom vanity were empty. That means the little buggers could still be around. I've got enough D-Con to kill an army of them, though, and I intend to get them all.
The girl's basement is a total mess and will probably need to be completely redone. It has been dried out but still smells badly of dampness which will take a while to dissipate. Bless their little hearts, they had to come over to my house for showers because they have no hot water and while they were here they fixed my computer keyboard. It only needed to be plugged in tighter but I never would have thought of that.
I'm happy to be home and I'm looking forward to taking care of business here. There is a lot that needs doing, most of it fun stuff involving my present interests, so I have no time to be bored. There won't be nightly card games and lots of visitors at the door every day but that's okay. This is a different world but still a terrific one because most of my babies are here. And a brand new one is on the way!
Note: We arrived to sunny skies and mild weather. The grass is green and a few crocuses are still in bloom. A perfectly wonderful Canadian spring day!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Going Home Early
Bad news! My neighbor from back home phoned to say that L&A's water heater burst and their basement is flooded so I guess we'll be leaving for home on Wednesday instead of Saturday. This is no problem for me but I know the girls will be worried sick all the way home. Right now they're at Disney and probably won't return until after midnight and I have no way of reaching them. We'll have to work all day tomorrow readying the car to go and the trailer to be left.
I hate emergencies like this that interfere with well laid plans but we (Lisa, Anna, and I) are so very fortunate to have neighbors like Steve, Isabel, and John who are looking after our homes while we vacation. The men are trying to get the water level down and they've contacted the utilities necessary to handle the problem. Thanks to them the water damage will be less than it would if they weren't so willing to help out.
I can get some of the departure items crossed off my list today but there is a lot I can't do because the girls have my car. With luck we might even be able to leave late tomorrow. It's time to go home anyway so leaving a few days early is fine by me.
My next blog will be from Canada where I'll probably have the furnace on and also a pair of warm socks. End of winter 2009.
I hate emergencies like this that interfere with well laid plans but we (Lisa, Anna, and I) are so very fortunate to have neighbors like Steve, Isabel, and John who are looking after our homes while we vacation. The men are trying to get the water level down and they've contacted the utilities necessary to handle the problem. Thanks to them the water damage will be less than it would if they weren't so willing to help out.
I can get some of the departure items crossed off my list today but there is a lot I can't do because the girls have my car. With luck we might even be able to leave late tomorrow. It's time to go home anyway so leaving a few days early is fine by me.
My next blog will be from Canada where I'll probably have the furnace on and also a pair of warm socks. End of winter 2009.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Final Days
This time next week I'll be in my northern home, probably glad to be back and settled, but also sad in a way that my winter is only a memory.
Today we did a tiny bit of housework and then went out for Easter lunch with 2 other couples. It took the place of our usual Sunday morning breakfast ritual at the same restaurant.
We drove back to the park after lunch and I stayed to spend time at the pool and the girls went out shopping AGAIN! For the life of me I can't see how they can waste so much time shopping day after day after day. I guess we all enjoy ourselves in different ways, though.
Me, I went up to the pool and had a swim and then snuggled under an umbrella and read for a while. When I'd had enough I went back to the trailer and did some yard work. Three rather large hibiscus bushes were hit hard by our January frost and I've finally accepted that the branches are now deadwood so I cut them all back. I'm hoping they'll still be alive at the roots and will grow once again. There's lots of gardening cleanup to do before I leave on Saturday but I hate to put the potted plants away too soon.
Well, the girls just got back from their shopping in time for us to go over to the clubhouse for ice-cream. Good timing!
Today we did a tiny bit of housework and then went out for Easter lunch with 2 other couples. It took the place of our usual Sunday morning breakfast ritual at the same restaurant.
We drove back to the park after lunch and I stayed to spend time at the pool and the girls went out shopping AGAIN! For the life of me I can't see how they can waste so much time shopping day after day after day. I guess we all enjoy ourselves in different ways, though.
Me, I went up to the pool and had a swim and then snuggled under an umbrella and read for a while. When I'd had enough I went back to the trailer and did some yard work. Three rather large hibiscus bushes were hit hard by our January frost and I've finally accepted that the branches are now deadwood so I cut them all back. I'm hoping they'll still be alive at the roots and will grow once again. There's lots of gardening cleanup to do before I leave on Saturday but I hate to put the potted plants away too soon.
Well, the girls just got back from their shopping in time for us to go over to the clubhouse for ice-cream. Good timing!
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