Yesterday, Faye, Aunt Vida, and I went over to Frank and Donna's for a visit. I see Donna once in a while but it's been absolutely ages since I've been in her backyard. It has one of the loveliest gardens I've seen anywhere and I've been on a few garden tours in my life.
Donna fills it with a combination of perennials and and colorful annuals, many in unique containers. The plants are so lush that it takes your breath away. She has a patch of large marigolds that I swear are 3' high. I asked what the heck they put in the soil and it turns out that all they use is Triple Mix.
Donna has a knack for combining 3 or 4 different plants in each container to give it that lush, gorgeous appearance. Nosy me also commented that she must spend lots of money on her plants and she said about $300 per year but I'd bet that much of that is on the outstanding perennials she has. There's a day lily so beautiful it could take first place in any show and she said it cost $12. That lily will come back every year and multiply so it's money well spent for something so magnificent.
Donna and Frank, while proud of their work (apparently it's mostly Donna's), were amazed by our reaction to the garden. They knew it was pretty but didn't realize just how special it is. I'd really like to see them open up their garden to the public for one of the horticultural tours.
I'm going back over in the next few days to take pictures and post them on this blog. I looked at my own pitiful garden that I'd been so pleased with and now feel it falls short. I'll be shopping for plants with Donna next year, you can bet.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Julie Julia...my take
I adore Meryl Streep as an actress and I think that offstage she's a pretty nice person. Put her in a movie and I don't care what it's about, I'll go to see it.
Kim and Cindy took me out for a belated birthday dinner tonight and then to see Julie Julia. Now, the last movie I saw Meryl Streep in was Mama Mia and I actually saw it twice because it was so good. The movie Julie Julia is entertaining and Streep is fantastic but the storyline is disjointed. It's almost like they've tried to condense what could have been a terrific 5 hour movie into it's 1 1/2 hour (about that long) time slot. In other words, it appeared that too much was skipped.
I really did enjoy the movie, though, and learned what a character Julia Child was. Since I'm not too interested in cooking, I've never really watched any of her cooking shows on T.V. but now I wish I had. I love "characters" because they make you want to forget about being politically, morally, and socially correct but to be yourself. They have guts, style, and charisma all bound together in a unique persona. Julia Child was a character and darned if Meryl Streep isn't one, too.
Meryl Streep has a new movie coming out soon called (I think) "It's Complicated" and it looks like another interesting one. I can't wait to see it.
Kim and Cindy took me out for a belated birthday dinner tonight and then to see Julie Julia. Now, the last movie I saw Meryl Streep in was Mama Mia and I actually saw it twice because it was so good. The movie Julie Julia is entertaining and Streep is fantastic but the storyline is disjointed. It's almost like they've tried to condense what could have been a terrific 5 hour movie into it's 1 1/2 hour (about that long) time slot. In other words, it appeared that too much was skipped.
I really did enjoy the movie, though, and learned what a character Julia Child was. Since I'm not too interested in cooking, I've never really watched any of her cooking shows on T.V. but now I wish I had. I love "characters" because they make you want to forget about being politically, morally, and socially correct but to be yourself. They have guts, style, and charisma all bound together in a unique persona. Julia Child was a character and darned if Meryl Streep isn't one, too.
Meryl Streep has a new movie coming out soon called (I think) "It's Complicated" and it looks like another interesting one. I can't wait to see it.
Some Things That Make Me Happy
When I start cursing the problems I have with this darned house it helps to go out into the yard and look at the flowers. Then I remember why all the problems are worth it.Homeowner's Angst
When you're a howmeowner, the world is not always a bright and sunny place. Things go wrong and you are the one who has to fix them.
This spring I noticed a lot of black grit on my front porch and wondered where the heck it was coming from. I thought maybe the dreaded squirrels were scratching at my roof shingles but then I realized my roof shingles were actually disintegrating. Brown patches were appearing among the black on my 20 year guaranteed shingles which had been applied only 13 years ago!
No problem, I thought...before I tried phoning the roofing company which had installed them. But they'd gone out of business. Hmm!
Now my old attitude would have been to rant, rave, and worry myself sick but I've developed a new attitude over the past years. Don't fret over what you can do nothing about. So, I'm not fretting but thinking in a positive note. I did get 13 troublefree years out of the shingles and I was considering reroofing the house before I sell it in a few years. I'll just have to do the job sooner, that's all.
I've also decided to waterproof the side of the house where a trickle of water came in during our storm of the year last month. My attitude about this is that it will take away another niggling worry and that will give me more peace of mind.
Where will the money come from?? When you own a house free and clear the bank is very happy to offer you a generous line of credit. My attitude is...it can be paid back when the house is sold in the future. No worry...just sign a check.
If my husband was alive I wouldn't want him to be doing any of this work himself , anyway, so this is the way it has to be. Like in all areas, you do what you have to do, right?
This spring I noticed a lot of black grit on my front porch and wondered where the heck it was coming from. I thought maybe the dreaded squirrels were scratching at my roof shingles but then I realized my roof shingles were actually disintegrating. Brown patches were appearing among the black on my 20 year guaranteed shingles which had been applied only 13 years ago!
No problem, I thought...before I tried phoning the roofing company which had installed them. But they'd gone out of business. Hmm!
Now my old attitude would have been to rant, rave, and worry myself sick but I've developed a new attitude over the past years. Don't fret over what you can do nothing about. So, I'm not fretting but thinking in a positive note. I did get 13 troublefree years out of the shingles and I was considering reroofing the house before I sell it in a few years. I'll just have to do the job sooner, that's all.
I've also decided to waterproof the side of the house where a trickle of water came in during our storm of the year last month. My attitude about this is that it will take away another niggling worry and that will give me more peace of mind.
Where will the money come from?? When you own a house free and clear the bank is very happy to offer you a generous line of credit. My attitude is...it can be paid back when the house is sold in the future. No worry...just sign a check.
If my husband was alive I wouldn't want him to be doing any of this work himself , anyway, so this is the way it has to be. Like in all areas, you do what you have to do, right?
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Small Acts of Kindness
I have always been deeply touched by acts of kindness, both major and minor. Last night was a Stag and Doe party for my niece who will be married in the fall but I had chosen not to go. About 9:30 the phone rang and a male voice identified himself as one of my nephews and told me to guess which one. He also wanted to know why I wasn't at the Stag and Doe and offered to send a taxi (I actually think he said "limo" but he'd had a few beers!) to bring me there.
The caller was my nephew, Larry, and I will tell him sometime how touched I was by his thoughtfulness. I didn't take him up on his offer, though.
Acts of kindness or thoughtfulness are often dismissed as inconsequential but they seriously affect our lives. To know that someone cares about you is monumental in how you feel about yourself. There are times when we feel like invisible people so having someone notice us and care about our wellbeing gives our selfconfidence a boost.
I adore Larry. We have a good relationship and that's probably why he noticed I wasn't at the party and wanted to get me there. How nice of him! I have to say again that our family is a pretty special one and I'm lucky to be part of it.
The caller was my nephew, Larry, and I will tell him sometime how touched I was by his thoughtfulness. I didn't take him up on his offer, though.
Acts of kindness or thoughtfulness are often dismissed as inconsequential but they seriously affect our lives. To know that someone cares about you is monumental in how you feel about yourself. There are times when we feel like invisible people so having someone notice us and care about our wellbeing gives our selfconfidence a boost.
I adore Larry. We have a good relationship and that's probably why he noticed I wasn't at the party and wanted to get me there. How nice of him! I have to say again that our family is a pretty special one and I'm lucky to be part of it.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Driveway Sealing
As with anything else, it really pays to get a few estimates. I had my driveway sealed 2 years ago by an extremely reputable couple who not only moved a few heavy flower planters to do the job but also returned the next day to put them back in place. I'm not used to paying someone to do jobs like this because my husband always did it himself so I wasn't sure if the price was fair or not.
I need the driveway sealed again this year but only the section in front of the fence, about 2/3 of what I had done 2 years ago. The same couple who did it before gave me a price of $80 to do it this year and another company sealing my neighbor's driveway gave me a price of $170. It just amazes me that there is such a difference in price. Could it be that the second company is trying to take advantage of this poor old widow lady??
Seniors and single ladies, especially, need to beware when hiring outside help. And once you find people you can trust, keep them forever.
I need the driveway sealed again this year but only the section in front of the fence, about 2/3 of what I had done 2 years ago. The same couple who did it before gave me a price of $80 to do it this year and another company sealing my neighbor's driveway gave me a price of $170. It just amazes me that there is such a difference in price. Could it be that the second company is trying to take advantage of this poor old widow lady??
Seniors and single ladies, especially, need to beware when hiring outside help. And once you find people you can trust, keep them forever.
Friday, August 07, 2009
A Good Day
This was sort of a lazy day because there was no extra housework that needed doing. I lazed around most of the morning and played on the computer, took and made a few phone calls, and tidied up the house a bit.
Nick came over just before noon to cut the grass and I went out for lunch while he was still working. Easy life! By the time I got back home, he was finished and gone and the lawns looked lovely. I got a book and a Diet Pepsi and sat out in the backyard for a while just enjoying the wonders of nature. Like I said, easy life!
Lisa, Anna, and I went to their favorite Vietnamese restaurant for dinner around 6:30 and it was excellent. We drove there in Lisa's new car...I have never heard a quieter car motor in my life. It's a Toyota Camry hybrid and drop dead gorgeous.
We went on to Stoney Creek Dairy for ice cream cones after dinner but found it a little cool sitting outside eating them. Anna and I wouldn't have dared suggest we sit inside Lisa's new car with drippy ice cream cones so we toughed it out outside.
I love having friends of all ages because the conversations often have a different perspective. I identify more with people my own age but the young ones seem to have more to teach me. Lisa and Anna are very respectful but we seem to feel very much at ease with each other. I always enjoy their company.
Next month they're taking me to an Indian restaurant. What fun!
Nick came over just before noon to cut the grass and I went out for lunch while he was still working. Easy life! By the time I got back home, he was finished and gone and the lawns looked lovely. I got a book and a Diet Pepsi and sat out in the backyard for a while just enjoying the wonders of nature. Like I said, easy life!
Lisa, Anna, and I went to their favorite Vietnamese restaurant for dinner around 6:30 and it was excellent. We drove there in Lisa's new car...I have never heard a quieter car motor in my life. It's a Toyota Camry hybrid and drop dead gorgeous.
We went on to Stoney Creek Dairy for ice cream cones after dinner but found it a little cool sitting outside eating them. Anna and I wouldn't have dared suggest we sit inside Lisa's new car with drippy ice cream cones so we toughed it out outside.
I love having friends of all ages because the conversations often have a different perspective. I identify more with people my own age but the young ones seem to have more to teach me. Lisa and Anna are very respectful but we seem to feel very much at ease with each other. I always enjoy their company.
Next month they're taking me to an Indian restaurant. What fun!
This and That
My young neighbor, Lisa, came over for a visit yesterday and we spent the afternoon yakking about just about everything.
Lisa is a lovely Chinese lady of 28 with a good career whose parents hope she'll marry a nice Chinese man one day. I've told her never to marry just for the sake of being married. I think I sometimes tend to try to give too much advice but I had to say that.
We discussed politics and seem to have the same opinions. We discussed neighbors and agree we have the best there are. We discussed Nolan, of course.
During the course of our many topics, Lisa mentioned how squeamish she is about blood and gore...just like me. I said that when confronted with nasty stuff like that I get achy pains up and down my thighs but Lisa had never heard of such a thing. It's always happened to me and I understand it's some sort of reaction of my brain signals gone haywire when confronted with gory stuff. The feeling is like a slight pain intensifying into weakness in my thighs so maybe it's a warning of a potential faint. Interesting.
When Dennis was sick he eventually needed my personal care for attending to drainage. Normally, this would sicken me to the point that I wouldn't be able to function but, in his case, I had to do the job. It's amazing how you can turn your brain off when having to perform unwanted actions but that's what I did. I believe that hardened me a bit and now I'm not so squeamish. It's a childish trait, anyway, and not befitting an adult.
Lisa works in a hospital but can't bring herself to visit her parents the odd time they've been hospitalized. It's simply too intense for her. Luckily, she has a sister who is a nurse and easily takes care of those situations. I think we all can find reserves in ourselves to deal with unpleasant situations when we have to, though.
I'm going out for dinner with Lisa and Anna today as long as my eyelids haven't swollen shut but they look okay this morning. The girls are good company and I'm glad they seem to like mine, too.
Lisa is a lovely Chinese lady of 28 with a good career whose parents hope she'll marry a nice Chinese man one day. I've told her never to marry just for the sake of being married. I think I sometimes tend to try to give too much advice but I had to say that.
We discussed politics and seem to have the same opinions. We discussed neighbors and agree we have the best there are. We discussed Nolan, of course.
During the course of our many topics, Lisa mentioned how squeamish she is about blood and gore...just like me. I said that when confronted with nasty stuff like that I get achy pains up and down my thighs but Lisa had never heard of such a thing. It's always happened to me and I understand it's some sort of reaction of my brain signals gone haywire when confronted with gory stuff. The feeling is like a slight pain intensifying into weakness in my thighs so maybe it's a warning of a potential faint. Interesting.
When Dennis was sick he eventually needed my personal care for attending to drainage. Normally, this would sicken me to the point that I wouldn't be able to function but, in his case, I had to do the job. It's amazing how you can turn your brain off when having to perform unwanted actions but that's what I did. I believe that hardened me a bit and now I'm not so squeamish. It's a childish trait, anyway, and not befitting an adult.
Lisa works in a hospital but can't bring herself to visit her parents the odd time they've been hospitalized. It's simply too intense for her. Luckily, she has a sister who is a nurse and easily takes care of those situations. I think we all can find reserves in ourselves to deal with unpleasant situations when we have to, though.
I'm going out for dinner with Lisa and Anna today as long as my eyelids haven't swollen shut but they look okay this morning. The girls are good company and I'm glad they seem to like mine, too.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Dermatology Gone Wild
I went to my dermatology appointment this morning for just a checkup and came home with 9 tiny patches on my forehead and nose. Everything was fine except I had these little spots of thickening skin on my forehead and the side of my nose...not too noticeable but they bugged me something fierce so I asked the doctor how much it would cost to have them flattened. This was in no way, shape or form, an attempt to pretty myself up but just to take away an irritating blemish.
She gave me a price that made me wince (OHIP doesn't cover this sort of thing) but I thought, what the heck, you only live once so I said we could go ahead and when would be good for her. "Right now", she said and so I laid back and let her shove needles in my nose and forehead to freeze the areas, laser the spots (she started out thinking there were only 5 but she found 9), and then cover each one of them with tiny circles of bandages.
When I looked in the mirror, I looked like someone had gone wild and polka dotted me! Granted, they were skin colored polka dots but my stupid short haircut failed to cover most of them. Maybe not such a bright idea since the spots weren't anything dangerous, just a little unsightly!
Before she started, she asked if I had any plans for the next week because the freezing in my forehead would ultimately cause my eyelids to swell up for 5-7 days. I have no plans so today was as good a day as any to get this done. It stung a bit after the freezing wore off and tonight my forehead feels a little stiff but there's no pain.
These thick skin patches are something that some seniors get and they're not skin cancer. I have no idea why a group of them sprung up on my forehead but they're gone now and I hope they don't come back. Having them lasered isn't bad but my credit card took a beating.
I guess tomorrow morning I'll look as though someone punched me out...hope my daughters still want to take me out for dinner and a movie on Sunday!
She gave me a price that made me wince (OHIP doesn't cover this sort of thing) but I thought, what the heck, you only live once so I said we could go ahead and when would be good for her. "Right now", she said and so I laid back and let her shove needles in my nose and forehead to freeze the areas, laser the spots (she started out thinking there were only 5 but she found 9), and then cover each one of them with tiny circles of bandages.
When I looked in the mirror, I looked like someone had gone wild and polka dotted me! Granted, they were skin colored polka dots but my stupid short haircut failed to cover most of them. Maybe not such a bright idea since the spots weren't anything dangerous, just a little unsightly!
Before she started, she asked if I had any plans for the next week because the freezing in my forehead would ultimately cause my eyelids to swell up for 5-7 days. I have no plans so today was as good a day as any to get this done. It stung a bit after the freezing wore off and tonight my forehead feels a little stiff but there's no pain.
These thick skin patches are something that some seniors get and they're not skin cancer. I have no idea why a group of them sprung up on my forehead but they're gone now and I hope they don't come back. Having them lasered isn't bad but my credit card took a beating.
I guess tomorrow morning I'll look as though someone punched me out...hope my daughters still want to take me out for dinner and a movie on Sunday!
Michael Jackson Holiday?
Why do people assume we should designate a holiday for every famous person under the sun? It's hard to deny an extra day off work in the year so I'm all for more holidays but can't they be in honor of nice people? Someone has suggested a Michael Jackson holiday...why??? He was just a talented man who screwed up his life.
What about a holiday to honor all the outstanding teachers who have been shining examples in their careers? What about a holiday to honor volunteers? And how about a holiday to honor greatgrammas who have diligently attended 3 generations of children's sports, drama, and musical events? We're all more deserving of a holiday named after us than Michael Jackson, don't you think?
Now, an Elvis Presley holiday might be a good idea, though.
What about a holiday to honor all the outstanding teachers who have been shining examples in their careers? What about a holiday to honor volunteers? And how about a holiday to honor greatgrammas who have diligently attended 3 generations of children's sports, drama, and musical events? We're all more deserving of a holiday named after us than Michael Jackson, don't you think?
Now, an Elvis Presley holiday might be a good idea, though.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
And We Laughed
Well, we had our lunch and, as predicted, we laughed and laughed over one thing or another all through it. It must come from the happiness we feel inside when we're together because none of us is a particularly funny person...at least not intentionally.
The best laughter is what we hear from a child. There used to be some sort of toy recording and that's all you heard, a child laughing and giggling, and it made you feel so darned good. You couldn't help but smile and laugh right along with the recording.
They say that laughter will extend your lifespan and I believe that. If you're happy enough to laugh it affects your whole body. Joy, in any form, heals you from within.
If laughter makes us live longer then Faye, Mary, and I should live to be 100. I picked up a birthday card for Faye from Mary and me which said that we'd still all be friends if we lived to be 88. Darned if silly Mary didn't accidently buy the same card to give to me from her and Faye. That was one of the things that had us laughing today.
My word of wisdom on this birthday is: laughter and a glass of wine is the best medicine.
The best laughter is what we hear from a child. There used to be some sort of toy recording and that's all you heard, a child laughing and giggling, and it made you feel so darned good. You couldn't help but smile and laugh right along with the recording.
They say that laughter will extend your lifespan and I believe that. If you're happy enough to laugh it affects your whole body. Joy, in any form, heals you from within.
If laughter makes us live longer then Faye, Mary, and I should live to be 100. I picked up a birthday card for Faye from Mary and me which said that we'd still all be friends if we lived to be 88. Darned if silly Mary didn't accidently buy the same card to give to me from her and Faye. That was one of the things that had us laughing today.
My word of wisdom on this birthday is: laughter and a glass of wine is the best medicine.
Happy Birthday to Me
Today is my 69th birthday and it makes me think of something my husband used to say..."If I'd known I was going to live this long I'd have taken better care of myself.". As I look back on 69 years of living I find it hard to believe I've fit so much into those 69 years. And that's a good thing.
At this age we know we don't have endless time ahead of us and that sort of bugs me. There are so many things I haven't done and so many things I still want to accomplish but none of us have enough time, do we? My attitude has been to not fret about what I can't have but to squeeze every moment of happiness out of what I do have. Family and friends top my list of what makes me the happiest and those are the moments of one's life that count.
Today my best friends, Faye and Mary, are taking me out for lunch at La Spaghett. We'll have a terrific lunch and laugh a lot. I am blessed.
At this age we know we don't have endless time ahead of us and that sort of bugs me. There are so many things I haven't done and so many things I still want to accomplish but none of us have enough time, do we? My attitude has been to not fret about what I can't have but to squeeze every moment of happiness out of what I do have. Family and friends top my list of what makes me the happiest and those are the moments of one's life that count.
Today my best friends, Faye and Mary, are taking me out for lunch at La Spaghett. We'll have a terrific lunch and laugh a lot. I am blessed.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
I'm On Facebook
I haven't got much of a clue how I got on or why but there I am. I'm not sure how to do anything but, with Kim's help, I'll learn. Everybody seems to rave about Facebook but so far I can't see the draw...maybe after I learn how to use it!
I've spent so much time on this computer today that my butt is getting sore from sitting so long. I've got items I'm selling on Ebay, items I'm buying on Ebay, Facebook on the go, games to play, and my blog to write. I stopped just long enough to put an undercoat of paint on a wrought iron flower cart I bought to use as a display piece for selling my jewelry. I'm still in the ratty t-shirt I wear when I paint. Oh yes, and I had a nap because I've been awake since 3 A.M. I'm going through another patch of sleepless nights.
Kim sent some pictures of Nolan to my Facebook page and now I need to figure out how to send them on to friends. I might have a few hours to spare on Thursday. I'm starting to think that, as I declutter my house, I'm cluttering up my life with more flotsom and jetsom such as embarking on Facebook.
I have to say that just today, using Facebook, I've contacted and received replies from a couple of friends and relatives I haven't seen in a while so I guess it's a convenient way of keeping in touch. You only post a sentence or two instead of writing long e-mails. Remember when people wrote long letters on paper, stuffed them in a stamped envelope, and dropped them in the mailbox? That doesn't seem so long ago but it's pretty well a thing of the past now.
Technology has long ago passed me by in a cloud of dust but I do appreciate how the common use of the computer has changed our lives for the better. You can putter or you can soar on the internet...it all depends on your expertise. I am a putterer and probably always will be but I still love the possibilities the computer brings to me every day.
For instance, Facebook. I wonder what's next?
I've spent so much time on this computer today that my butt is getting sore from sitting so long. I've got items I'm selling on Ebay, items I'm buying on Ebay, Facebook on the go, games to play, and my blog to write. I stopped just long enough to put an undercoat of paint on a wrought iron flower cart I bought to use as a display piece for selling my jewelry. I'm still in the ratty t-shirt I wear when I paint. Oh yes, and I had a nap because I've been awake since 3 A.M. I'm going through another patch of sleepless nights.
Kim sent some pictures of Nolan to my Facebook page and now I need to figure out how to send them on to friends. I might have a few hours to spare on Thursday. I'm starting to think that, as I declutter my house, I'm cluttering up my life with more flotsom and jetsom such as embarking on Facebook.
I have to say that just today, using Facebook, I've contacted and received replies from a couple of friends and relatives I haven't seen in a while so I guess it's a convenient way of keeping in touch. You only post a sentence or two instead of writing long e-mails. Remember when people wrote long letters on paper, stuffed them in a stamped envelope, and dropped them in the mailbox? That doesn't seem so long ago but it's pretty well a thing of the past now.
Technology has long ago passed me by in a cloud of dust but I do appreciate how the common use of the computer has changed our lives for the better. You can putter or you can soar on the internet...it all depends on your expertise. I am a putterer and probably always will be but I still love the possibilities the computer brings to me every day.
For instance, Facebook. I wonder what's next?
Rain Again??
It looks like we're going to get rain again today and tomorrow and then again on Saturday. I swear this is the wettest summer I've ever seen. One good thing about this summer is that we've had slightly cooler temperatures here in Ontario which make it more tolerable than usual. Sunbathers wouldn't agree with me, though.
One of my saved websites that I visit occasionally is wordorigins.org. I already knew that Ontario was an old Indian word but now I know exactly what it means. Otariyo was the name given to the lake and it meant (iyo) beautiful (otar) lake. The territory surrounding the lake was ultimately named Ontario, too.
It's interesting to find out the origins of everyday words and wordorigins.org is fairly informative. I'm sure there are more sites like this and probably some with longer word lists. It's just a small example of the massive amount of information you can easily gather on the internet.
The way I see it, if it's going to rain then I may as well learn something. Either that or do housework. Learning is my choice.
One of my saved websites that I visit occasionally is wordorigins.org. I already knew that Ontario was an old Indian word but now I know exactly what it means. Otariyo was the name given to the lake and it meant (iyo) beautiful (otar) lake. The territory surrounding the lake was ultimately named Ontario, too.
It's interesting to find out the origins of everyday words and wordorigins.org is fairly informative. I'm sure there are more sites like this and probably some with longer word lists. It's just a small example of the massive amount of information you can easily gather on the internet.
The way I see it, if it's going to rain then I may as well learn something. Either that or do housework. Learning is my choice.
Monday, August 03, 2009
New Adventure
I'm starting to get antsy about expanding my jewelry empire (LOL!) and make my own earrings, at least as a start. This sort of thing makes me realize that life is just too short and the old adage, youth is wasted on the young, seems all too true.
The selling adventures I get myself into are nothing more than games so working at them isn't a chore but funtime. The flea market game has ceased to be fun so I don't want to play that anymore but jewelry making could really stir up my creative juices.
Last year Faye, Mary, and I took apart all my old costume jewelry so I could utilize the pieces in the future to make my own stuff. We had a ball that day and I wish we'd taken photos. At one point we attempted to make Mary a pair of earrings. She'd bought 2 amethyst crystals and we had 2 earring hooks but no idea how to put them together. I had no proper jewelry equipment so I went on the hunt in my husband's workroom for some sort of tool to use and could only find a humungous pair of heavy duty things (I don't know what they're called but they're used to cut thick wire) and that's what we used. Picture a huge 12" construction tool cutting tiny little earring wires and you'll understand why we peed ourselves laughing. I've never seen those earrings on Mary to this day.
I love the idea of having boxes of various beads in front of me and allowing my imagination to go wild. My pleasure would be in the actual creation and then finding someone who loved my ideas enough to wear them.
Most working adults don't have the time to play like this but seniors sure do. I've met very few seniors who weren't actively involved in some pastime they thoroughly enjoyed and maybe that's why we're living longer. There are times when I feel so vital and alive because of my present interests that it's a shock to look in the mirror and be reminded I'm an old gal. I wish this time in my life could go on forever and I feel sorry for seniors who don't take advantage of their new freedom.
Today, in this senior's life, will be spent weeding the garden and going to Wendy's for my $3.77 lunch of 5 chicken nuggets, baked potato, and Diet Coke (including taxes and senior discount). A good part of the day will be spent on the computer, a small part in front of the T.V., and a small part reading "Slumdog Millionaire". This is a slow day for me but you can bet I won't be bored.
The selling adventures I get myself into are nothing more than games so working at them isn't a chore but funtime. The flea market game has ceased to be fun so I don't want to play that anymore but jewelry making could really stir up my creative juices.
Last year Faye, Mary, and I took apart all my old costume jewelry so I could utilize the pieces in the future to make my own stuff. We had a ball that day and I wish we'd taken photos. At one point we attempted to make Mary a pair of earrings. She'd bought 2 amethyst crystals and we had 2 earring hooks but no idea how to put them together. I had no proper jewelry equipment so I went on the hunt in my husband's workroom for some sort of tool to use and could only find a humungous pair of heavy duty things (I don't know what they're called but they're used to cut thick wire) and that's what we used. Picture a huge 12" construction tool cutting tiny little earring wires and you'll understand why we peed ourselves laughing. I've never seen those earrings on Mary to this day.
I love the idea of having boxes of various beads in front of me and allowing my imagination to go wild. My pleasure would be in the actual creation and then finding someone who loved my ideas enough to wear them.
Most working adults don't have the time to play like this but seniors sure do. I've met very few seniors who weren't actively involved in some pastime they thoroughly enjoyed and maybe that's why we're living longer. There are times when I feel so vital and alive because of my present interests that it's a shock to look in the mirror and be reminded I'm an old gal. I wish this time in my life could go on forever and I feel sorry for seniors who don't take advantage of their new freedom.
Today, in this senior's life, will be spent weeding the garden and going to Wendy's for my $3.77 lunch of 5 chicken nuggets, baked potato, and Diet Coke (including taxes and senior discount). A good part of the day will be spent on the computer, a small part in front of the T.V., and a small part reading "Slumdog Millionaire". This is a slow day for me but you can bet I won't be bored.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
The Last Generation
My greatgrandson, Nolan, is one of the last generation that I'll have the opportunity to see and it makes him very special in my eyes. My children and my grandchildren have turned out quite well and each one of them will benefit the civilization we live in. I think that's quite a legacy to leave behind, if I do say so myself.
I saw him last night and marveled again at the softness and sweetness of him. He's a beautiful baby and so calm as he views the world around him with big blue eyes. I wonder what he's thinking. He's certainly a very lucky baby to have been born to two loving parents,loving grandparents, and one darned grateful greatgramma.
Nolan has his mother's lovely skin color and almost looks as though he has a tan. His eyes and calmness (old beyond their age) remind me of his father. We like to make comparisons when we look at a baby because we want to see their family's traits, especially if their family is a good one. Nolan will no doubt be his own person but it's fun to examine him closely and imagine what he'll be like when he grows up. I already mentioned that he has carried on the gene from his great, great, great grandparent (and who knows how much further back) which gave him a tiny point on his ear. That tickles my fancy because it's another reminder that he's "one of us".
He smiles broadly now and it's not always from gas. Of course, some of his biggest smiles last night were followed by pretty loud emissions. He looks into your eyes as you speak and then tries to talk back so we'll all have to watch our language in the future or he'll repeat the wrong words. Nolan is like a blank slate that will interpret the world as he sees it so we'll also have to teach him as he grows.
His little frog legs are already beginning to fill out and there's more heft to him. I can already envision him running through the yard on fat little treestumps of legs but I guess I shouldn't look too far ahead, should I? I made that mistake with my own children, wishing them rapid growth so they could do things for themselves. But I relished every day of my grandchildren's lives, knowing that childhood is all too short, and I'm going to relish every day I can of Nolan's life. It's going to be a fun ride.
I saw him last night and marveled again at the softness and sweetness of him. He's a beautiful baby and so calm as he views the world around him with big blue eyes. I wonder what he's thinking. He's certainly a very lucky baby to have been born to two loving parents,loving grandparents, and one darned grateful greatgramma.
Nolan has his mother's lovely skin color and almost looks as though he has a tan. His eyes and calmness (old beyond their age) remind me of his father. We like to make comparisons when we look at a baby because we want to see their family's traits, especially if their family is a good one. Nolan will no doubt be his own person but it's fun to examine him closely and imagine what he'll be like when he grows up. I already mentioned that he has carried on the gene from his great, great, great grandparent (and who knows how much further back) which gave him a tiny point on his ear. That tickles my fancy because it's another reminder that he's "one of us".
He smiles broadly now and it's not always from gas. Of course, some of his biggest smiles last night were followed by pretty loud emissions. He looks into your eyes as you speak and then tries to talk back so we'll all have to watch our language in the future or he'll repeat the wrong words. Nolan is like a blank slate that will interpret the world as he sees it so we'll also have to teach him as he grows.
His little frog legs are already beginning to fill out and there's more heft to him. I can already envision him running through the yard on fat little treestumps of legs but I guess I shouldn't look too far ahead, should I? I made that mistake with my own children, wishing them rapid growth so they could do things for themselves. But I relished every day of my grandchildren's lives, knowing that childhood is all too short, and I'm going to relish every day I can of Nolan's life. It's going to be a fun ride.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
The Suicide Mentality
Yesterday I watched a program about a filmmaker who focused his cameras on the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. His aim was to film some of the many suicides which take place there constantly. I watched with dread as person after person approached the rail, climbed over, and then jumped. Often they'd hesitate, praying or contemplating whether their choice was a good one. My heart bled for the agony they were experiencing at that moment, and for the black moments preceding it. I had felt what they felt but, for the grace of whoever, I'm still here.
Back in 1977, when I was in the depths of a depression which hadn't been diagnosed, I became seriously suicidal. Depression is gut wrenchingly painful and I had become so broken down by the pain and hopelessness I felt that suicide seemed the only way out. There was no room in my ravaged mind to consider my family or friends and how they'd suffer from my actions because the mental pain was all consuming. Obviously I got through that awful period but this blog is also about how depression isn't always dealt with properly by the professionals.
That particular episode ended with me in the hospital for a couple of days but never being diagnosed or sent to a specialist who could help me. My family doctor at the time was a pill pusher who thought all I needed was a regimen of tranquilizers until I could pull myself together. I had to stop taking them because all they did was make me sleep most of the day.
And so I suffered for another 8 years until I was unable to cope with the real world anymore and had a breakdown. My present family doctor moved quickly and was able to get me excellent medical help. I'll always be thankful for his foresight and his ability to get me into a program which probably saved my life.
I've read a lot about depression and I have to say I disagree with much that is written about it. People who have never experienced depression will tell you to just snap out of it and get on with your life but that isn't possible...not without the right help. You need to be led out of depression slowly and given the opportunity to strengthen your own reserves. You also need professional direction in how to handle life because, if you suffer from depression, you've never learned how to do that in a healthy way.
It seems that most professionals believe that depression is a chemical disorder in the brain that will always require antidepressants to keep in check but I can't be the only exception. I received counseling sporadically for approximately 16 years and took antidepressants for much of that time but am depression and pill free today. The counseling was invaluable in teaching me coping skills.
As I watched those poor, tortured souls jump to their death, I wondered how many people had failed to identify their illness and I wondered about President Obama's proposed health care plan and if it could help eliminate these needless deaths. Would I have gotten the care I did if I'd had to pay out of pocket for it? I don't think we could have afforded it. Without government insurance to cover the cost I don't think I would have survived.
Depression, even if it doesn't lead to suicide, is a debilitating illness that destroys the human spirit. It's such a shame that many, if not most, of the sufferers could be helped or cured if only they could tap the right resources.
Back to the filmmaker who recorded those suicides. At first I was horrified at his callousness but then I saw beyond that and realized what he was really trying to record was profound human desperation. As each potential suicide appeared, the authorities were notified in an attempt to save them but help often didn't come quickly enough. But then, maybe help had never been there for them.
Back in 1977, when I was in the depths of a depression which hadn't been diagnosed, I became seriously suicidal. Depression is gut wrenchingly painful and I had become so broken down by the pain and hopelessness I felt that suicide seemed the only way out. There was no room in my ravaged mind to consider my family or friends and how they'd suffer from my actions because the mental pain was all consuming. Obviously I got through that awful period but this blog is also about how depression isn't always dealt with properly by the professionals.
That particular episode ended with me in the hospital for a couple of days but never being diagnosed or sent to a specialist who could help me. My family doctor at the time was a pill pusher who thought all I needed was a regimen of tranquilizers until I could pull myself together. I had to stop taking them because all they did was make me sleep most of the day.
And so I suffered for another 8 years until I was unable to cope with the real world anymore and had a breakdown. My present family doctor moved quickly and was able to get me excellent medical help. I'll always be thankful for his foresight and his ability to get me into a program which probably saved my life.
I've read a lot about depression and I have to say I disagree with much that is written about it. People who have never experienced depression will tell you to just snap out of it and get on with your life but that isn't possible...not without the right help. You need to be led out of depression slowly and given the opportunity to strengthen your own reserves. You also need professional direction in how to handle life because, if you suffer from depression, you've never learned how to do that in a healthy way.
It seems that most professionals believe that depression is a chemical disorder in the brain that will always require antidepressants to keep in check but I can't be the only exception. I received counseling sporadically for approximately 16 years and took antidepressants for much of that time but am depression and pill free today. The counseling was invaluable in teaching me coping skills.
As I watched those poor, tortured souls jump to their death, I wondered how many people had failed to identify their illness and I wondered about President Obama's proposed health care plan and if it could help eliminate these needless deaths. Would I have gotten the care I did if I'd had to pay out of pocket for it? I don't think we could have afforded it. Without government insurance to cover the cost I don't think I would have survived.
Depression, even if it doesn't lead to suicide, is a debilitating illness that destroys the human spirit. It's such a shame that many, if not most, of the sufferers could be helped or cured if only they could tap the right resources.
Back to the filmmaker who recorded those suicides. At first I was horrified at his callousness but then I saw beyond that and realized what he was really trying to record was profound human desperation. As each potential suicide appeared, the authorities were notified in an attempt to save them but help often didn't come quickly enough. But then, maybe help had never been there for them.
Friday, July 31, 2009
A Sick Friend
One of my friends from Florida is very ill and in the hospital. After spending a wonderful winter where she looked fit and healthy with her cancer in remission, it came back. She's gone through so much chemo that it's weakened her to the point where it's landed her in the hospital. I've been told she's refused to continue treatment now and I think she's wise to do that. There comes a time when we need to face the inevitable and refuse treatments that destroy our quality of life.
No-one really knows how they'd react to a dagnosis of cancer but I think we should all make some sort of plans ahead of time. I'm going to be 69 years old next week and my plans might not be the same as they'd be if I was in my 20's or 30's, though.
I've decided, after watching my husband and my son-in-law die of cancer, that I would accept mild radiation and mild chemo pills but never accept chemo intravenously. I understand that those treatments might only extend my life slightly but there would still be a quality of life to the time left to me. My plan is not for everyone but that's what I've chosen for myself if I'm ever diagnosed with cancer.
People who have a strong religious faith should have no fear of dying but little old agnostic me isn't so much fearful as I am curious about what comes next. It just might be a whole lot more fun than our earthly existance.
I have another Florida friend who went through absolute hell with his cancer treatments but they worked for him. I refer to him as our miracle man after all he's been through. He finally received radical surgery in Texas last year after being refused by many other surgeons because of the severity of his cancer and, although he hasn't had an easy recovery, he's still with us and gaining strength every day. I've come to think that beating cancer is just the luck of the draw...some don't make it but some do and that's what gives us hope.
And it gives us hope for my friend who is so ill right now. We can only hope for the best and wait.
No-one really knows how they'd react to a dagnosis of cancer but I think we should all make some sort of plans ahead of time. I'm going to be 69 years old next week and my plans might not be the same as they'd be if I was in my 20's or 30's, though.
I've decided, after watching my husband and my son-in-law die of cancer, that I would accept mild radiation and mild chemo pills but never accept chemo intravenously. I understand that those treatments might only extend my life slightly but there would still be a quality of life to the time left to me. My plan is not for everyone but that's what I've chosen for myself if I'm ever diagnosed with cancer.
People who have a strong religious faith should have no fear of dying but little old agnostic me isn't so much fearful as I am curious about what comes next. It just might be a whole lot more fun than our earthly existance.
I have another Florida friend who went through absolute hell with his cancer treatments but they worked for him. I refer to him as our miracle man after all he's been through. He finally received radical surgery in Texas last year after being refused by many other surgeons because of the severity of his cancer and, although he hasn't had an easy recovery, he's still with us and gaining strength every day. I've come to think that beating cancer is just the luck of the draw...some don't make it but some do and that's what gives us hope.
And it gives us hope for my friend who is so ill right now. We can only hope for the best and wait.
Lost Again
I went out to the flea market in the morning to either collect money or pay it and ended up collecting $2.45 for 2 weeks sales. It really is time to get out of the flea market business.
Then I went to the casino to meet Mary for a day of gambling. We had lunch first and then hit the slots where Mary won hundreds and I lost all of my money. Just the usual scenario.
I got on the computer in the evening and placed bids on 10 pendants, all absolutely gorgeous. I love picking and choosing these items for resale and Kim has taken on planning the presentation of them. Having a little sideline business can be fun as long as each person is doing what pleases them and I think we've found a good combination. I'm so, so happy that Kim is interested.
Then end of another full and fun day.
Then I went to the casino to meet Mary for a day of gambling. We had lunch first and then hit the slots where Mary won hundreds and I lost all of my money. Just the usual scenario.
I got on the computer in the evening and placed bids on 10 pendants, all absolutely gorgeous. I love picking and choosing these items for resale and Kim has taken on planning the presentation of them. Having a little sideline business can be fun as long as each person is doing what pleases them and I think we've found a good combination. I'm so, so happy that Kim is interested.
Then end of another full and fun day.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Obama's Health Plan
President Obama's drive to give every American a viable health plan has been facing so much opposition that I'm worried American's will be cheated again. I heard today that people who are already insured privately are quite happy with their plan and don't want change but what of those who can't afford a private plan?
American's have to face the fact that a universal plan such proposed by Obama is going to mean higher taxation but the benefits in the long run are well worth it. I've lived under the effects of having no public health insurance to having our present government coverage and I can tell you there is no comparison.
Whether you are ill or pregnant, having no insurance coverage is a stressful and dangerous proposition. With no insurance you are more apt to neglect medical care or, just as bad, receive it and lose your home to pay the cost. Universal health care will never be perfect because the human beings running it are far from perfect. There is unbelievable waste that, thanks to watchdogs, sometimes can be held in check. But, there is no calmer moment than receiving excellent health care without a huge bill handed to you at the end.
Higher taxes to cover universal health care will be mostly felt by the rich so we average people shouldn't worry about it too much. I firmly feel that a few extra dollars taken out of one's paycheck every week is a small price to pay for the comfort of knowing you will always be able to afford health care.
I'm so proud of Obama for attacking this incredible problem in the United States so early in his presidency. It's been a long time coming and weaker presidents haven't had the courage to go up against the powerful lobbies which are trying desperately to protect outrageous profits now enjoyed in the medical field.
Obama will be proven right after all is said and done but, in the meantime, I hope he has the stamina to stay in the fight.
American's have to face the fact that a universal plan such proposed by Obama is going to mean higher taxation but the benefits in the long run are well worth it. I've lived under the effects of having no public health insurance to having our present government coverage and I can tell you there is no comparison.
Whether you are ill or pregnant, having no insurance coverage is a stressful and dangerous proposition. With no insurance you are more apt to neglect medical care or, just as bad, receive it and lose your home to pay the cost. Universal health care will never be perfect because the human beings running it are far from perfect. There is unbelievable waste that, thanks to watchdogs, sometimes can be held in check. But, there is no calmer moment than receiving excellent health care without a huge bill handed to you at the end.
Higher taxes to cover universal health care will be mostly felt by the rich so we average people shouldn't worry about it too much. I firmly feel that a few extra dollars taken out of one's paycheck every week is a small price to pay for the comfort of knowing you will always be able to afford health care.
I'm so proud of Obama for attacking this incredible problem in the United States so early in his presidency. It's been a long time coming and weaker presidents haven't had the courage to go up against the powerful lobbies which are trying desperately to protect outrageous profits now enjoyed in the medical field.
Obama will be proven right after all is said and done but, in the meantime, I hope he has the stamina to stay in the fight.
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