My daughter, Cindy, and my friend, Sylvia, frown on my love of the casino. I wonder if they ever think that they are taking a gamble every day of their lives just by crawling out of bed in the morning? They are taking a chance that they'll get through the day without accident, either at work or driving.
Getting married is a gamble, too. In the heat of first love, you don't even try to look beyond the skin to see what kind of person lies inside, do you? A lot of people have discovered too late that they married a monster.
Having children is another gamble. Will they be good kids? Will they be healthy kids? Will we still like each other when they're adults?
You gamble big time when you vote. That's one gamble I won't take again because I can't find a decent politician to vote for.
Driving is a terrible gamble. The roads are so dangerous and filled with angry or inept drivers. Personally, I love to drive and just hope the crazies won't notice me out there.
Living is the biggest gamble of all because you know without a doubt that one day, near or far, you're going to lose.
That said, I love to gamble and enjoy the thrill of possiblities so I'm going to keep on trucking. By the way, I won $30 today at the internet casino but I won't tell you how much I lost in the cruise ship casinos.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
The Cruise
Our cruise was with Norwegian Cruise Lines (Norwegian Star), left Sunday, January 22 and returned Sunday, January 29. There were 54 of us from our park and I haven't heard from one who would ever cruise with Norwegian again.
The experience wasn't horrible but there were various problems that caused me to make that decision...one was the fact that the bathroom in our room was smaller than the one in my little trailer here in Florida. Then, with 3 senior ladies in our room, one had to climb up a ladder onto a bunkbed (on Carnival cruises we had 3 separate beds on the floor). Another problem was the layout of the main diningroom where the servers working area was inbetween table groupings which caused more noise and upheaval than we ever had with Carnival. Last, for me, was how curt and unfriendly many of the staff were. The friendliest ones were the cleaning staff.
That said, we did have a wonderful time because we chose to do so. We visited Roatan, Honduras and learned something of it's friendly people. I believe this is a newer stop for the cruise lines because it's still relatively unspoiled.
We visited Costa Maya (never heard of it before) and saw the beauty there amongst the poverty. We took a taxi into the nearby village (beach and vendors!!) and our tour guide from the park, Debbie, traded her used Reboks for a very nice necklace and bracelet that I'd paid $25 for. The vendor wasn't interested in my slip on sandals, I guess. Debbie went back to the ship in bare feet.
We visited Belize and fought our way through terribly aggressive vendors. I'd always thought Belize was sort of a luxury city but discovered it was mainly a very poor one. The city of Belize is built on landfill which is below sea level and it has to be completely evacuated during a severe storm.
Our last stop was Cozumel where we again fought our way through unbearably aggressive vendors until we found a nice tour guide to take us around the island. One of our stops was at a tequila factory where we enjoyed many, many samples of excellent tequila. I'd never tasted it before and was surprised how good the good stuff ($80 per bottle) was. We didn't buy any but we sure did enjoy the tasting.
We had one sea day at the beginning of the cruise and one sea day at the end so we got together with a group of friends and played "65" on those afternoons.
My Cindy wrote that my generation might be the last to enjoy retirement pleasures like this and she could well be right about that. My generation benefited from the unions that we or our spouses belonged to but the present generation might not have it as good. Unions used to be very powerful and influential but, like so many instances of abuse of power, the unions have sort of made a mess of the economy in some cases so they've lost strength.
None of us here in my little Florida park are millionaires but we are comfortable. We enjoy ourselves as long as our health allows and that's the main thing. Life is often what you chose to make of it and it doesn't take riches to make it good. It usually takes attitude...good relatives and friends are a bonus!
Anyway, I sadly said goodbye to Mary today when Don came to pick her up. I love her dearly and completely enjoy her company so it's been a fun 2 weeks having her with me. Our other roommate on the cruise, Sylvia, is another treasure of a friend but she'll be here in the park until April just like me. We were fairly crowded in our stateroom but never had even the tiniest dispute. We laughed at inconveniences and just carried on enjoying every moment we could and that's a sign of a darned good friendship. The two of them even took turns sleeping on that awful bunkbed because my knees couldn't have handled the crawl across it.
Now here I am, alone in my quiet little trailer and honestly enjoying the solitude...until tomorrow when the social whirl begins again. Thank you, Dennis.
The experience wasn't horrible but there were various problems that caused me to make that decision...one was the fact that the bathroom in our room was smaller than the one in my little trailer here in Florida. Then, with 3 senior ladies in our room, one had to climb up a ladder onto a bunkbed (on Carnival cruises we had 3 separate beds on the floor). Another problem was the layout of the main diningroom where the servers working area was inbetween table groupings which caused more noise and upheaval than we ever had with Carnival. Last, for me, was how curt and unfriendly many of the staff were. The friendliest ones were the cleaning staff.
That said, we did have a wonderful time because we chose to do so. We visited Roatan, Honduras and learned something of it's friendly people. I believe this is a newer stop for the cruise lines because it's still relatively unspoiled.
We visited Costa Maya (never heard of it before) and saw the beauty there amongst the poverty. We took a taxi into the nearby village (beach and vendors!!) and our tour guide from the park, Debbie, traded her used Reboks for a very nice necklace and bracelet that I'd paid $25 for. The vendor wasn't interested in my slip on sandals, I guess. Debbie went back to the ship in bare feet.
We visited Belize and fought our way through terribly aggressive vendors. I'd always thought Belize was sort of a luxury city but discovered it was mainly a very poor one. The city of Belize is built on landfill which is below sea level and it has to be completely evacuated during a severe storm.
Our last stop was Cozumel where we again fought our way through unbearably aggressive vendors until we found a nice tour guide to take us around the island. One of our stops was at a tequila factory where we enjoyed many, many samples of excellent tequila. I'd never tasted it before and was surprised how good the good stuff ($80 per bottle) was. We didn't buy any but we sure did enjoy the tasting.
We had one sea day at the beginning of the cruise and one sea day at the end so we got together with a group of friends and played "65" on those afternoons.
My Cindy wrote that my generation might be the last to enjoy retirement pleasures like this and she could well be right about that. My generation benefited from the unions that we or our spouses belonged to but the present generation might not have it as good. Unions used to be very powerful and influential but, like so many instances of abuse of power, the unions have sort of made a mess of the economy in some cases so they've lost strength.
None of us here in my little Florida park are millionaires but we are comfortable. We enjoy ourselves as long as our health allows and that's the main thing. Life is often what you chose to make of it and it doesn't take riches to make it good. It usually takes attitude...good relatives and friends are a bonus!
Anyway, I sadly said goodbye to Mary today when Don came to pick her up. I love her dearly and completely enjoy her company so it's been a fun 2 weeks having her with me. Our other roommate on the cruise, Sylvia, is another treasure of a friend but she'll be here in the park until April just like me. We were fairly crowded in our stateroom but never had even the tiniest dispute. We laughed at inconveniences and just carried on enjoying every moment we could and that's a sign of a darned good friendship. The two of them even took turns sleeping on that awful bunkbed because my knees couldn't have handled the crawl across it.
Now here I am, alone in my quiet little trailer and honestly enjoying the solitude...until tomorrow when the social whirl begins again. Thank you, Dennis.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Week With Mary
Mary is one of my closest friends and she came down to spend the week with me before we all go on our cruise. We've been on the go, running the roads like maniacs, since she got here and we're getting very tired. We both had a nap this afternoon, the first one possible to us during the whole week.
Tomorrow we go on a cruise with a whole busload of our park people. We'll go out of Tampa and visit Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize, and Roatan. I've never heard of Costa Maya or Roatan before but I'll be quite happy to tour around them and see what they're like. Honestly, I'd be happy to even spend the whole 8 days on the ship because it's so much fun there.
Dennis refused to go on a cruise because he said he'd be bored but there just is no way that can happen. The cruise line makes sure that there are fun things going on all day and evening and the meals are always outstanding. Our little group has decided we'll eat breakfast in the dining room every morning instead of going to the buffet. For me, that will mean eating less because I'll only order what I really want instead of taking everything I see on the buffet table.
Mary's husband, Don, comes to pick her up on the Monday after we return and I'm going to miss her. Mary is a sort of relative who has always been a good friend but now is more like a sister to me. She's a great companion and so darned easy to spend time with...we laugh a lot, talk a lot, and respect each other's differences. She's a good friend and I love her dearly.
It's been a busy week but also one of the most fun weeks I'll spend down here. I'm expecting the cruise to be the topper, though, and can't wait to board that ship and start the adventure.
Life is good.
Tomorrow we go on a cruise with a whole busload of our park people. We'll go out of Tampa and visit Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize, and Roatan. I've never heard of Costa Maya or Roatan before but I'll be quite happy to tour around them and see what they're like. Honestly, I'd be happy to even spend the whole 8 days on the ship because it's so much fun there.
Dennis refused to go on a cruise because he said he'd be bored but there just is no way that can happen. The cruise line makes sure that there are fun things going on all day and evening and the meals are always outstanding. Our little group has decided we'll eat breakfast in the dining room every morning instead of going to the buffet. For me, that will mean eating less because I'll only order what I really want instead of taking everything I see on the buffet table.
Mary's husband, Don, comes to pick her up on the Monday after we return and I'm going to miss her. Mary is a sort of relative who has always been a good friend but now is more like a sister to me. She's a great companion and so darned easy to spend time with...we laugh a lot, talk a lot, and respect each other's differences. She's a good friend and I love her dearly.
It's been a busy week but also one of the most fun weeks I'll spend down here. I'm expecting the cruise to be the topper, though, and can't wait to board that ship and start the adventure.
Life is good.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Dishonorable Marines
The photo seems to show American marines urinating on the bodies of their dead enemies. Why would anyone be surprised that, during a war, one side would have anything but contempt for the other? The sad part is that their humanity suffers in the process and that's why these marines have lost sight of common human decency.
War brings out the hidden savagery in people, allowing them to perform acts that civilization has tried to eliminate from the human psyche. It's similar to mob mentality where people become barbaric simply because they're within a group of people who have given in to their wild side.
Yes, it's horrible that these marines in American uniform committed such a disgusting act but it's not really surprising. War can be dehumanizing.
War brings out the hidden savagery in people, allowing them to perform acts that civilization has tried to eliminate from the human psyche. It's similar to mob mentality where people become barbaric simply because they're within a group of people who have given in to their wild side.
Yes, it's horrible that these marines in American uniform committed such a disgusting act but it's not really surprising. War can be dehumanizing.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Good News, Sad News
Kim had her surgery on Monday and has recovered so well that she was able to come home today. The truth is that she's probably safer at home than in a hospital full of sometimes deadly germs so I'm quite happy that she is home. Nick and Matt are with her now and Cindy will be with her tonight so she couldn't be better cared for.
Now the sort of sad news. I watched a little old lady walking today and realized that years ago I wondered why old people often walk funny. Well, the sad truth is that most of us have aches and pains that hurt when we walk. When you see an elderly person taking time to exit a car it could be because they're afraid of twisting a knee (I do that). Some seniors have back or hip pain that worsens when they're walking. Some have sore feet.
Getting old isn't for sissies but, if you can tolerate the odd ache or pain without giving in to it, you can still have a wonderful quality of life.
My knee pain was making me miserable for most of the summer and fall but it has subsided to a tweek now and then, lurking in the background and just waiting for me to give it a twist so it can claw it's way to the surface. And that's why it takes me forever to crawl out of a car! That's also why I curse a lot trying to crawl out of Kim's sports car!
But today is a good one.
Now the sort of sad news. I watched a little old lady walking today and realized that years ago I wondered why old people often walk funny. Well, the sad truth is that most of us have aches and pains that hurt when we walk. When you see an elderly person taking time to exit a car it could be because they're afraid of twisting a knee (I do that). Some seniors have back or hip pain that worsens when they're walking. Some have sore feet.
Getting old isn't for sissies but, if you can tolerate the odd ache or pain without giving in to it, you can still have a wonderful quality of life.
My knee pain was making me miserable for most of the summer and fall but it has subsided to a tweek now and then, lurking in the background and just waiting for me to give it a twist so it can claw it's way to the surface. And that's why it takes me forever to crawl out of a car! That's also why I curse a lot trying to crawl out of Kim's sports car!
But today is a good one.
Sunday, January 08, 2012
My New Watch
I'm not a fancy person who needs expensive watches to make me feel successful so I buy a watch every year or two from the flea market in Florida. It's nice to have the change so often, too. I loved this watch as soon as I saw it because of the colors in the band and also because it was stretchy with no clasps.At first I sort of thought the band looked like it was made of safety pins strung with beads but then thought, no, no-one would sell something like that. Well, when I finally got around to inspecting it closer, the band really was made of safety pins and I think it's adorable! How ingenious to use a simple and readily available product to make a watch band. You know it had to have been made in China because we Canadians and Americans are just too snooty to think of doing such a thing.
I love it and it only cost $12.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Worrying About Kids
My daughter is having surgery on Monday and it's driving me crazy with worry. The surgery is a common one that must be performed many times daily in every hospital in the world but I don't care. This time it's being performed on my baby.
Whenever any of my kids, grandkids, or greatgrandkids are sick I can't live with myself because the worrying clouds my mind. I seem to be unable to see it all in perspective and, instead, worry myself sick about the tiny chance that something bad could happen. I know that, if it did, I'd die.
I didn't sleep well last night worrying about it. I've cancelled my Monday casino trip because I need to stay by the phone waiting to hear that she is out of surgery and resting well. I really do NEED to hear those words and will be completely on edge until I do.
It doesn't matter how old your babies are, you will worry about them in every way until the day you die. My babies are to blame for every wrinkle on my face and grey hair on my head! But I wouldn't have wanted to live my life without having those babies in the first place. Sigh!
Whenever any of my kids, grandkids, or greatgrandkids are sick I can't live with myself because the worrying clouds my mind. I seem to be unable to see it all in perspective and, instead, worry myself sick about the tiny chance that something bad could happen. I know that, if it did, I'd die.
I didn't sleep well last night worrying about it. I've cancelled my Monday casino trip because I need to stay by the phone waiting to hear that she is out of surgery and resting well. I really do NEED to hear those words and will be completely on edge until I do.
It doesn't matter how old your babies are, you will worry about them in every way until the day you die. My babies are to blame for every wrinkle on my face and grey hair on my head! But I wouldn't have wanted to live my life without having those babies in the first place. Sigh!
Monday, January 02, 2012
Winter Cold in Florida
Canada is sending down some of that cold air to Florida for the next few days. I shouldn't blame it on Canada but everyone else here does. Anyway, I added an electric blanket to my bedding when I made the bed this morning so I'm all set. It's a heady feeling to climb into a nice warm bed when the room is a little too cold for comfort and I'm looking forward to bedtime tonight.
These trailers just aren't insulated enough to keep out the cold when the temperature outside is very low. It seeps in through the poorly constructed windows and doors even when the furnace is on. I like it kind of cool so I don't use the furnace if I don't have to. Most winter days in mid Florida are sunny and it doesn't cool off until evening so it's a rare day when my furnace is required.
I'll turn on the electric blanket to a low heat about an hour before bedtime and it will be perfect when I crawl into bed. Simple pleasures, right?
These trailers just aren't insulated enough to keep out the cold when the temperature outside is very low. It seeps in through the poorly constructed windows and doors even when the furnace is on. I like it kind of cool so I don't use the furnace if I don't have to. Most winter days in mid Florida are sunny and it doesn't cool off until evening so it's a rare day when my furnace is required.
I'll turn on the electric blanket to a low heat about an hour before bedtime and it will be perfect when I crawl into bed. Simple pleasures, right?
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Eucerin Aquaphor
When I went to the drugstore (Walgreens) the other day for Visine, I also ended up buying "Aquaphor" healing ointment to use on the rash on my face. This rash appears on either side of my nose and on my chin whenever I'm under stress and, believe me, I'm under stress these days. I don't normally use face makeup but the rash was so red that it was embarrassing me and I'd used an old makeup to cover it up. Thinking I should at least buy a fresh new makeup, I stood in front of the cosmetics wondering just which one I should buy.
Along came a very nice and helpful saleslady who offered to help me and, when I told her why I wanted the makeup, she led me to Eucerin "Aquaphor" healing ointment. We both knew I shouldn't cover irritated skin with makeup but I'd tried lots of different creams with not good results. She didn't sound like someone who is just trying to sell a product but someone who really cared about my problem and was doing her best to get me the best product for the job. In any case, I took her advice and bought it.
Honest to heavens, soon after the first application I saw a reduction in the reddening. By the following night, both the reddening and the rough skin was almost gone. "Aquaphor" looks like Vaseline and the ingredients say that it is 41% Petroleum but not what the other 59% is. I've been using Valseline with some success but nothing like what I got with the "Aquaphor".
If the saleslady hadn't recommended it, I never would have thought to buy it but I'm so glad I did. These recurring rashes are terribly bothersome to me and the prescription ointment I accidently left at home doesn't work near as well as the "Aquaphor".
I don't know why it works so well or what the 59% ingredient is but I don't care. It works for me.
Along came a very nice and helpful saleslady who offered to help me and, when I told her why I wanted the makeup, she led me to Eucerin "Aquaphor" healing ointment. We both knew I shouldn't cover irritated skin with makeup but I'd tried lots of different creams with not good results. She didn't sound like someone who is just trying to sell a product but someone who really cared about my problem and was doing her best to get me the best product for the job. In any case, I took her advice and bought it.
Honest to heavens, soon after the first application I saw a reduction in the reddening. By the following night, both the reddening and the rough skin was almost gone. "Aquaphor" looks like Vaseline and the ingredients say that it is 41% Petroleum but not what the other 59% is. I've been using Valseline with some success but nothing like what I got with the "Aquaphor".
If the saleslady hadn't recommended it, I never would have thought to buy it but I'm so glad I did. These recurring rashes are terribly bothersome to me and the prescription ointment I accidently left at home doesn't work near as well as the "Aquaphor".
I don't know why it works so well or what the 59% ingredient is but I don't care. It works for me.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Anybody Got A Gun?
Well, on top of all my bloody problems, now I've got "pink eye". This is the first year I've come to Florida without having 100% health coverage (this year I have $1000 deductible) and it cost me $120 to see a doctor this morning.
I noticed yesterday that the whites of my eyes were terribly bloodshot so I paid $7 to buy Visine. This morning they were still awfully red so I hiked myself over to a clinic, not daring to wait until after the new year, and saw a very nice doctor who gave me a prescription and told me I needed to lose weight. He could have omitted the last part because it has nothing to do with my eyes, damn it.
Off I went to Walmart to fill the prescription and was delighted and amazed to find it only cost me a total of $4. What kind of antibiotic costs $4?? Did the pharmacist think I was a welfare patient? I know I look like a rummy with these red eyes but gosh darn!
I'm staying away from my buddies for the rest of the weekend because "pink eye" can be contageous. Barb braved the germs and did come over to my place for a coffee but I kept my distance.
Now for some interesting news. Joann bought a shabby lazy susan a few years ago for us to use when we play cards. Sometimes there are so many of us we have to use the big round table and most of us can't reach into the middle. Therefore, we put the cards on the lazy susan and move it around from player to player. Last night someone noticed a distinct image of Jesus on the tray. It's in imitation woodgrain but unbelievably real so I bugged Joann to let me put it on Ebay. If someone will pay good money to buy a potato chip with the image of Jesus, our lazy susan might be a big hit. Anyway, we will gain a week of fun out of this even if it never sells. Take fun wherever you find it!
Now, this potentially contageous woman is going to stay home for a few days and play on the computer.
I noticed yesterday that the whites of my eyes were terribly bloodshot so I paid $7 to buy Visine. This morning they were still awfully red so I hiked myself over to a clinic, not daring to wait until after the new year, and saw a very nice doctor who gave me a prescription and told me I needed to lose weight. He could have omitted the last part because it has nothing to do with my eyes, damn it.
Off I went to Walmart to fill the prescription and was delighted and amazed to find it only cost me a total of $4. What kind of antibiotic costs $4?? Did the pharmacist think I was a welfare patient? I know I look like a rummy with these red eyes but gosh darn!
I'm staying away from my buddies for the rest of the weekend because "pink eye" can be contageous. Barb braved the germs and did come over to my place for a coffee but I kept my distance.
Now for some interesting news. Joann bought a shabby lazy susan a few years ago for us to use when we play cards. Sometimes there are so many of us we have to use the big round table and most of us can't reach into the middle. Therefore, we put the cards on the lazy susan and move it around from player to player. Last night someone noticed a distinct image of Jesus on the tray. It's in imitation woodgrain but unbelievably real so I bugged Joann to let me put it on Ebay. If someone will pay good money to buy a potato chip with the image of Jesus, our lazy susan might be a big hit. Anyway, we will gain a week of fun out of this even if it never sells. Take fun wherever you find it!
Now, this potentially contageous woman is going to stay home for a few days and play on the computer.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Seahorse Fountain
This is the cute fountain that Shelley and John got me for Christmas. There was no trouble putting it together and getting it working, either. A seahorse is perfect for my Florida patio!
Also notice the gorgeous flowers growing right next to it! I love Florida...in the winter.
Weeki Wachee
Shelley and I went to Walmart and, since I finished my shopping first, I sat on the bench by the checkout to wait for her. Before I sat down I noticed an elderly lady sitting there with a wild acting younger man sitting next to her but I sat down anyway. I knew he was on some sort of drugs because he couldn't keep his arms and legs still...they were in constant motion as he leaned close to the lady and told her the same story over and over and over again. I was a little worried for her so I paid close attention, occasionally thinking that maybe I should call for security.
It was apparent that the man was a stranger to her as he explained what a great time he'd had at a girlfriend's house the day before in Weeki Wachee. Unfortunately for him, she had a boyfriend that showed up, too. The guy would ask the old lady if she'd ever heard of Weeki Wachee and she replied no a few times but, after the third or fourth telling of his story, she started to reply that she had heard of it. She might have been senile or she might have been polite.
I'll bet he told her the same story 50 times while I sat there eavesdropping, all the while flailing his arms and legs uncontrollably. He also told her that he liked to come to Walmart so that he could help people. Oh, oh! Then I was worried that he might attach himself to her when she left the store but she had said that she was waiting for her husband so maybe her husband would be more wary of this character.
Shelley finally showed up and we left but I still felt there was something I should have done for that lady. Maybe I was just sticking my nose in where it wasn't wanted but I was worried for her safety. Anyway, I walked away and did nothing.
I told Shelley that she never had to worry about me in a situation like that because I'm naturally suspicious and careful of people I don't know. The elderly are often easy targets because most of us can be too trusting, enjoying the "kindness" of strangers without question. You can't do that in this world.
Anyway, little old lady from Walmart, I hope your husband showed up and sent that druggie packing.
It was apparent that the man was a stranger to her as he explained what a great time he'd had at a girlfriend's house the day before in Weeki Wachee. Unfortunately for him, she had a boyfriend that showed up, too. The guy would ask the old lady if she'd ever heard of Weeki Wachee and she replied no a few times but, after the third or fourth telling of his story, she started to reply that she had heard of it. She might have been senile or she might have been polite.
I'll bet he told her the same story 50 times while I sat there eavesdropping, all the while flailing his arms and legs uncontrollably. He also told her that he liked to come to Walmart so that he could help people. Oh, oh! Then I was worried that he might attach himself to her when she left the store but she had said that she was waiting for her husband so maybe her husband would be more wary of this character.
Shelley finally showed up and we left but I still felt there was something I should have done for that lady. Maybe I was just sticking my nose in where it wasn't wanted but I was worried for her safety. Anyway, I walked away and did nothing.
I told Shelley that she never had to worry about me in a situation like that because I'm naturally suspicious and careful of people I don't know. The elderly are often easy targets because most of us can be too trusting, enjoying the "kindness" of strangers without question. You can't do that in this world.
Anyway, little old lady from Walmart, I hope your husband showed up and sent that druggie packing.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas With Shelley & Hers
This is an especially lovely Christmas for me this year because I'm spending it at Shelley's house. Lisette and Nicole are home from school and Jake and John are here, of course. It warms myt heart to see the interaction between these people...they are the closest of families, having learned from their families on both sides. Family is of utmost importance to all of us.
I brought my Swedish weaving, Tyson's afghan, to work on when I have time. This sweet family likes to sleep in late and I'm an early riser who doesn't like to disturb them with the T.V. so weaving is necessary. Tyson's afghan is starting to shape up and I really do like the effect of the rather gaudy colors of his favorite football team, the Minnesota Vikings. Purple, gold, and white look happy together!
The temperature is in the 80's but the house is filled with Xmas spirit. Shelley and the kids did some baking this afternoon so the house also smells really nice, too. They've already decorated the inside and outside of the house with lights so the warm weather can't stop us from enjoying one of the loveliest and joyful of seasons. Who needs snow??
I taught Jake to play "65" yesterday and he seemed to actually like it once we got started. I think he only played at first out of courtesy for his Gramma. I actually was the only one to screw up by passing him 2 wild cards by mistake. I also brought them a "Rummicubes" game which I believe they'll love once they learn how to play it. It requires a degree of intelligence whereas "65" is mainly luck and memory.
John bought a Xmas jig-saw puzzle to be put out tomorrow. Shelley wants to keep up with her father's traditions of always having a jig-saw puzzle to work on every Xmas day. I remember how none of my grandsons were interested in helping until the year I bought a puzzle consisting of nothing but women's butts in thongs. All of a sudden you couldn't pry them away from it. Wonder why? Anyway, having family traditions make for good memories, no matter what they are.
I love this house. Not only is it beautiful but the family who lives here fills it with love that makes me feel so darned lucky to be here. The only thing more that I could wish for would be for my whole family to be here. I really hate being away from Nolan and Nash because I know they'll be the life of Xmas back home. I sure hope someone posts a lot of pictures!!
Oh well, this will still be a dream Xmas for me and one I'll always remember...what I don't understand is how the heck I managed to change the printing style!!!! Hope it's not permanent because this is Shelley's computer. Sigh!
I brought my Swedish weaving, Tyson's afghan, to work on when I have time. This sweet family likes to sleep in late and I'm an early riser who doesn't like to disturb them with the T.V. so weaving is necessary. Tyson's afghan is starting to shape up and I really do like the effect of the rather gaudy colors of his favorite football team, the Minnesota Vikings. Purple, gold, and white look happy together!
The temperature is in the 80's but the house is filled with Xmas spirit. Shelley and the kids did some baking this afternoon so the house also smells really nice, too. They've already decorated the inside and outside of the house with lights so the warm weather can't stop us from enjoying one of the loveliest and joyful of seasons. Who needs snow??
I taught Jake to play "65" yesterday and he seemed to actually like it once we got started. I think he only played at first out of courtesy for his Gramma. I actually was the only one to screw up by passing him 2 wild cards by mistake. I also brought them a "Rummicubes" game which I believe they'll love once they learn how to play it. It requires a degree of intelligence whereas "65" is mainly luck and memory.
John bought a Xmas jig-saw puzzle to be put out tomorrow. Shelley wants to keep up with her father's traditions of always having a jig-saw puzzle to work on every Xmas day. I remember how none of my grandsons were interested in helping until the year I bought a puzzle consisting of nothing but women's butts in thongs. All of a sudden you couldn't pry them away from it. Wonder why? Anyway, having family traditions make for good memories, no matter what they are.
I love this house. Not only is it beautiful but the family who lives here fills it with love that makes me feel so darned lucky to be here. The only thing more that I could wish for would be for my whole family to be here. I really hate being away from Nolan and Nash because I know they'll be the life of Xmas back home. I sure hope someone posts a lot of pictures!!
Oh well, this will still be a dream Xmas for me and one I'll always remember...what I don't understand is how the heck I managed to change the printing style!!!! Hope it's not permanent because this is Shelley's computer. Sigh!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Toes & Hair Done
Sylvia and I went out to get our toes done yesterday but I convinced her to wait for me while I had my haircut first. She's such a good soul and so easy to get along with...the best kind of friend. I got the haircut pretty fast and am sort of happy with it but it's a little shorter than I'd prefer. I seem to have that problem with haircuts most of the time.
Then we went for our pedicures and luxuriated in the treatment, feeling very privileged to be able to do this. My pedicurist was a young man who did a very nice job and I commented that when he was married his wife would be a very lucky woman. It got me thinking about how easy it is to please a woman. Just have a job and bring home your pay, smile a lot and agree with her, and give her the occasional backrub or pedicure. We women don't ask for much, really. I could add a few more things to that list but every woman is different and it's up to the man to discover her likes and dislikes. I'm joking, of course, but there is a grain of truth in my words!
I decided to stay away from my friends one more night because I still have a tiny bit of the cold and it would be nasty to pass on any germs. There is so little worth watching on T.V. but I vegetated in front of it for the evening anyway.
Today I have to go out and get the 2 important things I forgot to get yesterday...gas and Tylenol PM. Then it's Bingo with friends tonight.
Then we went for our pedicures and luxuriated in the treatment, feeling very privileged to be able to do this. My pedicurist was a young man who did a very nice job and I commented that when he was married his wife would be a very lucky woman. It got me thinking about how easy it is to please a woman. Just have a job and bring home your pay, smile a lot and agree with her, and give her the occasional backrub or pedicure. We women don't ask for much, really. I could add a few more things to that list but every woman is different and it's up to the man to discover her likes and dislikes. I'm joking, of course, but there is a grain of truth in my words!
I decided to stay away from my friends one more night because I still have a tiny bit of the cold and it would be nasty to pass on any germs. There is so little worth watching on T.V. but I vegetated in front of it for the evening anyway.
Today I have to go out and get the 2 important things I forgot to get yesterday...gas and Tylenol PM. Then it's Bingo with friends tonight.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Christmas Bouquet
This is the beautiful Christmas bouquet that Kim, Cindy, and Don sent me. I was so pleased to see that they remembered how much I love carnations, too. This will make me happy every time I look at it! Thank you, my darlin's!New Movies Losing Money
I heard on the news this morning about how much money some of the new, highly hyped movies are losing due to uninterested patrons. Barb and I watched (me for the umpteenth time) "The Wizard of Oz" yesterday and were completely enthralled once more in the beauty of the old movie made, I think, in 1939. So, why haven't today's movie makers learned to make movies like that?
It seems as though modern movies are geared to titillate by providing more and more sex and mayhem because it's so easy for them. Throw in 2 or 3 people engaged in loveless sex and then have one of them hack the others to pieces and the movie is done. No expertise in making a good movie needed...stupid people will pay big bucks to see it, then go home and forget about it because the appeal was short-lived.
I just bought a new, larger T.V. for the trailer so we got to watch "The Wizard of Oz" in all it's glory. I mentally dissect any movie I watch and did so with this one again. But the bountiful color and fascinating story line faithfully amazed me once again, making me admire all who had a part in making this beautiful movie. I'll watch it many more times, I'm sure, and enjoy it every time. I'm looking forward to watching it with Nolan and Nash and seeing it through their sweet, young eyes. It was a timeless movie, made for young and old, and it will be around when porn is long forgotten.
It seems as though modern movies are geared to titillate by providing more and more sex and mayhem because it's so easy for them. Throw in 2 or 3 people engaged in loveless sex and then have one of them hack the others to pieces and the movie is done. No expertise in making a good movie needed...stupid people will pay big bucks to see it, then go home and forget about it because the appeal was short-lived.
I just bought a new, larger T.V. for the trailer so we got to watch "The Wizard of Oz" in all it's glory. I mentally dissect any movie I watch and did so with this one again. But the bountiful color and fascinating story line faithfully amazed me once again, making me admire all who had a part in making this beautiful movie. I'll watch it many more times, I'm sure, and enjoy it every time. I'm looking forward to watching it with Nolan and Nash and seeing it through their sweet, young eyes. It was a timeless movie, made for young and old, and it will be around when porn is long forgotten.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
My New T.V.
I know I've been saying how much I hate having to do so much for myself since Dennis passed away but, when I do accomplish something new, it makes me feel awfully good about myself. Today, I purchased a new T.V. for the trailer (26"), removed the old one (19") which was very heavy and installed the new one. This may sound like idiot's work but I've never done this before and wasn't sure exactly how to do it. It was simple but I'm most proud of myself for even attempting it. I still hate having to deal with everything by myself, though. Teaching Them How To Wash
I'm still steaming from the latest excuse for a pedophile to be naked in the shower with a child....teaching them how to wash themselves!!! I think back to when I was teaching my own children and grandchildren how to bathe and it never involved me touching them. I pointed things out that needed doing. How can anyone believe that Sandusky was only naked in the shower with a 10 year old boy so that he could teach him how to wash himself? If this creature goes free because a juror buys his lies, he'll continue to molest children. How do people like this live with themselves?
I also have a hard time understanding how a lawyer can defend him. How can anyone try to convince a jury to set this pedophile free to continue abusing children? It's a mystery to me how and why Sandusky has been allowed to do this for so many years without someone...his wife, for one...stopping him. Maybe crimes like this will become rare now that the victims feel freer about confronting and charging pedophiles for the abuse they suffered. We can only hope.
I also have a hard time understanding how a lawyer can defend him. How can anyone try to convince a jury to set this pedophile free to continue abusing children? It's a mystery to me how and why Sandusky has been allowed to do this for so many years without someone...his wife, for one...stopping him. Maybe crimes like this will become rare now that the victims feel freer about confronting and charging pedophiles for the abuse they suffered. We can only hope.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Good News on the "Lip"
Even though the lip has been gradually healing, it's been sort of a slow process. For the last while, the scab would come off leaving a reasonable facsimile of a normal lip underneath but it just didn't quite look or feel right. By the next day it would be covered once again by a thinner scab or scaling. But today, for the first time, the scab or scaling didn't return to a large section of my lip and it feels wonderful. I'm assuming, maybe prematurely, that the rest of the lip will follow suit in short order.
It's been 64 days since the last radiation treatment so much longet than I'd been led to believe before the scabbing would be gone but right now I don't care. My lip is beginning to feel normal for the first time since more than 2 years ago when the first tiny sore appeared. It was then I should have told the dermatologist to treat it but I chose to ignore it and the end result was skin cancer that required serious treatment.
In any case, all that I went through with the treatments was worth it in the long run. I suppose I knew this during and after treatments but it's nice to see the beginning of the end after all this time. When I look back on photos when my lip was at it's worst, I can't believe I held myself together mentally without cracking up. It wasn't easy but it wasn't a disaster. Maybe it even made me a stronger person being able to deal with the whole damn thing.
I guess it's true that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
It's been 64 days since the last radiation treatment so much longet than I'd been led to believe before the scabbing would be gone but right now I don't care. My lip is beginning to feel normal for the first time since more than 2 years ago when the first tiny sore appeared. It was then I should have told the dermatologist to treat it but I chose to ignore it and the end result was skin cancer that required serious treatment.
In any case, all that I went through with the treatments was worth it in the long run. I suppose I knew this during and after treatments but it's nice to see the beginning of the end after all this time. When I look back on photos when my lip was at it's worst, I can't believe I held myself together mentally without cracking up. It wasn't easy but it wasn't a disaster. Maybe it even made me a stronger person being able to deal with the whole damn thing.
I guess it's true that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Cell Phones & Driving
I'm a long time hater of using the telephone so there was no way I'd become tied to a cell phone. I did recently buy one but that was because of problems with my car and I might need a phone to call for help if it broke down.
It used to be that, if you saw a car weaving from the center line to the shoulder of the road, you could honestly assume the driver was drunk but not these days. At least I hope not because I see a lot of this kind of erratic driving every single time I'm on the road. No, the culprit now is the dreaded cell phone. People just don't seem to realize or care that they can't concentrate on their driving while carrying on a conversation on their phone. I even notice that my concentration isn't as good if I'm talking to a passenger.
The other day I was driving down the highway behind a car that continually rolled onto the shoulder before over-correcting and then driving over the center line. I don't pass these drivers without taking caution to make sure they aren't hitting that center line the same time as I pass them so I had enough time to notice a baby car seat in their car. Was there actually a baby in there while it's mother thought more of her telephone call than the safety of her child? It was a young woman driver so it well could have been.
Drivers who talk on their cell phones are self-centered individuals who really have no concern for the dangers they put other drivers in. It's been a proven fact that talking on cell phones while driving has caused many accidents that resulted in death of the driver or innocent people. So why do people continue this dangerous habit? Inconsideration is the only answer.
I've seen women curling their hair while driving. I've seen men reading a map while driving. I know of a person who will remain unnamed who put in her contacts while driving. People have told me they saw men using their computer while driving. What is wrong with these people?
I just hope some of them will see the light and mend their ways. If they do, the roads will be safer for all of us.
It used to be that, if you saw a car weaving from the center line to the shoulder of the road, you could honestly assume the driver was drunk but not these days. At least I hope not because I see a lot of this kind of erratic driving every single time I'm on the road. No, the culprit now is the dreaded cell phone. People just don't seem to realize or care that they can't concentrate on their driving while carrying on a conversation on their phone. I even notice that my concentration isn't as good if I'm talking to a passenger.
The other day I was driving down the highway behind a car that continually rolled onto the shoulder before over-correcting and then driving over the center line. I don't pass these drivers without taking caution to make sure they aren't hitting that center line the same time as I pass them so I had enough time to notice a baby car seat in their car. Was there actually a baby in there while it's mother thought more of her telephone call than the safety of her child? It was a young woman driver so it well could have been.
Drivers who talk on their cell phones are self-centered individuals who really have no concern for the dangers they put other drivers in. It's been a proven fact that talking on cell phones while driving has caused many accidents that resulted in death of the driver or innocent people. So why do people continue this dangerous habit? Inconsideration is the only answer.
I've seen women curling their hair while driving. I've seen men reading a map while driving. I know of a person who will remain unnamed who put in her contacts while driving. People have told me they saw men using their computer while driving. What is wrong with these people?
I just hope some of them will see the light and mend their ways. If they do, the roads will be safer for all of us.
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