It's always been very apparent that my sister and brother-in-law are totally in love with each other. It's in the way they look at each other, touch each other in passing, and take care of each other. It's a beautiful thing to see.
I picked them up at 6 A.M. this morning to drive over to the States where Jim would have his colon cancer surgery. Many times before he was wheeled away to the operating room, Jim would look penetratingly at Sharon and ask if she was okay. Every once in a while, out of Jim's sight, Sharon would fall apart and cry out of fear for her beloved Jim.
Jim sailed through the surgery and his doctor said he'd seen nothing that looked cancerous other than the small mass he'd removed. We all know that doesn't mean the cancer hasn't already spread but we won't go there now. Right now, he's resting at the hospital with his loving wife spending the night with him. You'd think all that love and devotion would bring a cure, wouldn't you?
I hope so very much that it does.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Living It Day by Day
Life isn't easy and it takes a lot of stamina and determination for anyone to get through each day. I don't know for sure but it seems as though we're faced with more and more struggles as we age. We develop illnesses and we lose loved ones...this was never a huge concern when we were young but it's an "in the face" issue more often as we age.
I look ahead to the day I hit the century mark (it's not going to happen but I'm just using my imagination) and it's for certain that most of the people who accompanied me through the years will be gone. Centurions are lucky if some of their children are still with them. New friends are nice but they can't take the place of people who have known you most of your life so to be left behind can't be a pleasant experience.
To lose someone you love is like having part of your heart and soul ripped away and the elderly have that terrible experience many times in their long lives. It makes us tougher but it also makes us insecure. Some, like me, become professional worriers who sense danger where danger might not exist.
I'm a relatively smart woman. I'm not bragging, just saying it like it is, so I know that it's useless to worry about what might happen to lessen the quality of our lives. It's much more fruitful to hope the bad doesn't happen and to appreciate all the good we have. I try to do this but it takes strength I don't always possess.
I look ahead to the day I hit the century mark (it's not going to happen but I'm just using my imagination) and it's for certain that most of the people who accompanied me through the years will be gone. Centurions are lucky if some of their children are still with them. New friends are nice but they can't take the place of people who have known you most of your life so to be left behind can't be a pleasant experience.
To lose someone you love is like having part of your heart and soul ripped away and the elderly have that terrible experience many times in their long lives. It makes us tougher but it also makes us insecure. Some, like me, become professional worriers who sense danger where danger might not exist.
I'm a relatively smart woman. I'm not bragging, just saying it like it is, so I know that it's useless to worry about what might happen to lessen the quality of our lives. It's much more fruitful to hope the bad doesn't happen and to appreciate all the good we have. I try to do this but it takes strength I don't always possess.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Beautiful World
The beauty of our natural world can easily be forgotten because of busy lives or troubled lives but every once in a while it pays to take a closer look at what surrounds us.
I was driving home from the States last week, caught up in bumper to bumper traffic as I inched across the Queenston bridge. It makes me a little nervous to be part of the weight of a hundred cars on that bridge and that was what was mainly on my mind but then I looked over the rail of the bridge and spotted the Niagara River below us. It meandered and curved along the tree lined river bank, so serene. The sky above it was blue with the occasional white cloud and the vision made me realize how fortunate we all are to have been given the gift of life for however long we're allotted.
Sometimes we forget just how beautiful this planet is. There is so much natural beauty everywhere if we just open our eyes.
I was driving home from the States last week, caught up in bumper to bumper traffic as I inched across the Queenston bridge. It makes me a little nervous to be part of the weight of a hundred cars on that bridge and that was what was mainly on my mind but then I looked over the rail of the bridge and spotted the Niagara River below us. It meandered and curved along the tree lined river bank, so serene. The sky above it was blue with the occasional white cloud and the vision made me realize how fortunate we all are to have been given the gift of life for however long we're allotted.
Sometimes we forget just how beautiful this planet is. There is so much natural beauty everywhere if we just open our eyes.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
When To Give In
My brother-in-law is an American living in Canada and he refuses to get an OHIP health card so he can use our health system. He has serious health problems that require him to make regular trips over the border to see his own doctors and it's worried me for a while that there might come a time when he is unable to do the driving needed...about an hour or so.
He has colon cancer and will be having surgery in the States on Friday but he has made numerous trips back and forth having all the tests his doctors have requested before doing the surgery. Not only is this tiring for him but the price of gas is high and it's also an expensive proposition for him to make so many trips. Many of the tests have been repetitions of tests already done and that has been an irritant, too. Yesterday he drove over for a final catscan and was told he could pick up a prescription at the drugstore. When he arrived at the drugstore, they hadn't received any notification from his doctor so he couldn't get it. When he phoned the doctor, he was in surgery and couldn't be reached. Now my brother-in-law has to make one more trip over to the States to get the prescription. He said he sat in the parking lot and cried in frustration yesterday, all so unnecessary for this sick man.
In the past, I've tried repeatedly to convince him to get an OHIP card so he could use our health system in an emergency. His refusal to look ahead to a time very much like this one has placed us all in a troubling situation. I'm at a loss as to how to convince him that having the OHIP card would make everyone's life easier, especially his.
I can drive them to the hospital on Friday and over the weekend but I can't drive my sister to visit him in the evenings because I can't see to drive in the dark. She has a day care so has to work through the day. I am so fearful of him having a lengthy hospital stay that it's on my mind all the time.
The future possibilities/probabilities and all the things that will have to be dealt with in a foreign country have me worried sick. The only thing I can do at this point is deal with one day at a time. My brother-in-law is an angel in every way but he is so darned stubborn once he makes up his mind.
This is a message for everyone to have their affairs in order so that their loved ones will be able to tend to matters as easily as possible.
He has colon cancer and will be having surgery in the States on Friday but he has made numerous trips back and forth having all the tests his doctors have requested before doing the surgery. Not only is this tiring for him but the price of gas is high and it's also an expensive proposition for him to make so many trips. Many of the tests have been repetitions of tests already done and that has been an irritant, too. Yesterday he drove over for a final catscan and was told he could pick up a prescription at the drugstore. When he arrived at the drugstore, they hadn't received any notification from his doctor so he couldn't get it. When he phoned the doctor, he was in surgery and couldn't be reached. Now my brother-in-law has to make one more trip over to the States to get the prescription. He said he sat in the parking lot and cried in frustration yesterday, all so unnecessary for this sick man.
In the past, I've tried repeatedly to convince him to get an OHIP card so he could use our health system in an emergency. His refusal to look ahead to a time very much like this one has placed us all in a troubling situation. I'm at a loss as to how to convince him that having the OHIP card would make everyone's life easier, especially his.
I can drive them to the hospital on Friday and over the weekend but I can't drive my sister to visit him in the evenings because I can't see to drive in the dark. She has a day care so has to work through the day. I am so fearful of him having a lengthy hospital stay that it's on my mind all the time.
The future possibilities/probabilities and all the things that will have to be dealt with in a foreign country have me worried sick. The only thing I can do at this point is deal with one day at a time. My brother-in-law is an angel in every way but he is so darned stubborn once he makes up his mind.
This is a message for everyone to have their affairs in order so that their loved ones will be able to tend to matters as easily as possible.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
A Pat On The Back To Myself
Anyway, I did good, didn't I?
Am I Right Or Am I wrong?
I firmly believe that if we see something wrong and keep silent, we are contributing to the wrong. That said, I wonder if I'm becoming a little too confrontational in my old age. Right now I'm having a letter to the editor of the local newspaper published tomorrow. I'm on the side of the jail guards who walked out because they weren't allowed to wear safety vests...jail officials say that would be intimidating to the criminals. Damn!!
Today I had lunch with my sister at the mall and a young man, about 20, came into the food court wearing a tee shirt with the word, "FU-KING" (fully written, though), in huge letters on it. Sharon, Jim, and I, and also a couple sitting near us were disgusted by this. My concern is that children shouldn't have to see garbage like this. Sharon asked a cleaning lady to call security guards but, when they came, they told Sharon there was nothing they could do because it would infringe on the person's freedom of expression. What a world!
I had half expected this and I wasn't about to let the guy get away with wearing such filth in public so I went over to him and asked if he thought it was right for children to see the words written on his tee shirt? He and his friend looked shocked when I questioned them and he mumbled something, looking kind of nervous at this crazy old lady who was accosting him. I asked again if he thought his tee shirt was appropriate to wear around children and he very softly said, "no", still looking nervously at me. I told him he should be ashamed of himself and, at that, he and his friend quickly gathered up their stuff and left the mall.
Then I turned my attention to the security guards who stood about 100' away watching the action. I asked them if it was true that they could do nothing in a situation like this and they said they couldn't but was glad I'd done it for them. I know they have their orders from their bosses but something is rotten in Denmark when you take your children out in public and are legally subjected to filth like that tee-shirt. I wish I'd asked the young man wearing it if he wore it in front of his family or his grandparents. He appeared to be Indian or Pakistani so I doubt very much he'd dare insult his family that way.
Now, am I being too confrontational in my old age or am I right in trying to retain some of our values? I do worry about myself sometimes.
Today I had lunch with my sister at the mall and a young man, about 20, came into the food court wearing a tee shirt with the word, "FU-KING" (fully written, though), in huge letters on it. Sharon, Jim, and I, and also a couple sitting near us were disgusted by this. My concern is that children shouldn't have to see garbage like this. Sharon asked a cleaning lady to call security guards but, when they came, they told Sharon there was nothing they could do because it would infringe on the person's freedom of expression. What a world!
I had half expected this and I wasn't about to let the guy get away with wearing such filth in public so I went over to him and asked if he thought it was right for children to see the words written on his tee shirt? He and his friend looked shocked when I questioned them and he mumbled something, looking kind of nervous at this crazy old lady who was accosting him. I asked again if he thought his tee shirt was appropriate to wear around children and he very softly said, "no", still looking nervously at me. I told him he should be ashamed of himself and, at that, he and his friend quickly gathered up their stuff and left the mall.
Then I turned my attention to the security guards who stood about 100' away watching the action. I asked them if it was true that they could do nothing in a situation like this and they said they couldn't but was glad I'd done it for them. I know they have their orders from their bosses but something is rotten in Denmark when you take your children out in public and are legally subjected to filth like that tee-shirt. I wish I'd asked the young man wearing it if he wore it in front of his family or his grandparents. He appeared to be Indian or Pakistani so I doubt very much he'd dare insult his family that way.
Now, am I being too confrontational in my old age or am I right in trying to retain some of our values? I do worry about myself sometimes.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Polio
On the front page of today's newspaper, there's a photo of a lady about my age sitting in a wheelchair. She had polio in 1953 which left her partly crippled but she went on to be quite an accomplished wheelchair athlete.
It got me thinking back to about 1946 or 1947 when I woke up one morning unable to walk. I don't remember how long it lasted but I remember clearly how my legs were so weak that they wouldn't take the weight of my body and I had to crawl to make my way around our apartment. No doctor was called but my grandmother assumed I had polio and that was that. This would never happen in today's world but those were the days when we didn't have government health insurance and a doctor's bill would have to be paid by the patient's family. We were poor as dirt so doctor's visits were few and far between.
It didn't occurred to me at that young age (6 or 7) that I wouldn't recover from the illness and be able to go on with my normal life so I don't remember being frightened. As luck would have it, at some point I began to regain strength in my legs and really was able to go on as though nothing had happened. I've always wondered if that illness had indeed been a mild case of polio but I'll never know.
I really think that life is a throw of the dice. You either get caught up in bad luck or you have good luck that lets you avoid tragedies. At 72, I feel as though I've spent my life swerving around potentially perilous obstacles. Just a couple of days ago, I was driving down the road and saw a car attempting to make a left turn onto my road. The driver moved her head from left to right, checking out the traffic and then looked directly at me as she began to pull out right in front of me. If I hadn't sensed that something wasn't quite right with the scene and watched her carefully, I wouldn't have been ready to brake to avoid her. Strange, but I think she was just going through the motions of checking the traffic while her mind was somewhere else. I consider myself to be psychically aware so maybe that's what's saved my butt in a lot of dangerous situations.
The lady who had polio but lived a successful life regardless is someone to admire. She used her disability to enhance her life instead of letting it stop her. The same can be said for anyone who suffers from any kind of disability or disadvantage. The strong ones will survive and prosper as long as they choose to do so but those who say, "poor me", will fall by the wayside.
My possible bout with polio had no effect on my life but I still wonder...what if?
It got me thinking back to about 1946 or 1947 when I woke up one morning unable to walk. I don't remember how long it lasted but I remember clearly how my legs were so weak that they wouldn't take the weight of my body and I had to crawl to make my way around our apartment. No doctor was called but my grandmother assumed I had polio and that was that. This would never happen in today's world but those were the days when we didn't have government health insurance and a doctor's bill would have to be paid by the patient's family. We were poor as dirt so doctor's visits were few and far between.
It didn't occurred to me at that young age (6 or 7) that I wouldn't recover from the illness and be able to go on with my normal life so I don't remember being frightened. As luck would have it, at some point I began to regain strength in my legs and really was able to go on as though nothing had happened. I've always wondered if that illness had indeed been a mild case of polio but I'll never know.
I really think that life is a throw of the dice. You either get caught up in bad luck or you have good luck that lets you avoid tragedies. At 72, I feel as though I've spent my life swerving around potentially perilous obstacles. Just a couple of days ago, I was driving down the road and saw a car attempting to make a left turn onto my road. The driver moved her head from left to right, checking out the traffic and then looked directly at me as she began to pull out right in front of me. If I hadn't sensed that something wasn't quite right with the scene and watched her carefully, I wouldn't have been ready to brake to avoid her. Strange, but I think she was just going through the motions of checking the traffic while her mind was somewhere else. I consider myself to be psychically aware so maybe that's what's saved my butt in a lot of dangerous situations.
The lady who had polio but lived a successful life regardless is someone to admire. She used her disability to enhance her life instead of letting it stop her. The same can be said for anyone who suffers from any kind of disability or disadvantage. The strong ones will survive and prosper as long as they choose to do so but those who say, "poor me", will fall by the wayside.
My possible bout with polio had no effect on my life but I still wonder...what if?
Friday, August 24, 2012
He Slept & He Cried
He was awake and quiet just long enough to eat a half bowl of beans and weiners and then the crying/sleeping cycle started all over again. What was pitiful but funny was seeing him pull his little suitcase to the front door and try to figure out how to put his shoes on. It would tire him and he'd fall asleep, wake up and cry, etc., etc., etc.
He has a runny nose so I'm sure he's not feeling well but I've never seen a kid carry on like this for so long. He loved it here the last time he came and was good as gold. Today he's a beast...but still so cute sitting at the front door with his suitcase, a message that comes through loud and clear.
Nick called to say he'd pick him up at 5:30 P.M. and it can't come too soon for me...or for Nash.
Note: Okay, now he's breaking my heart. He's still sitting at the front door with his little suitcase but now he's crying and calling for his daddy. It's so sad it's bringing tears to my eyes but there's no way I can comfort him because he cries harder when I go near him.
Jail Guards & Safety Vests
Jail guards in this city have been on strike for a couple of weeks now because they have been forbidden to wear safety vests while searching cells for a possible weapon. Does this make sense to anyone? Why should these hard working people be forced to take chances with their lives when the vests are right there for the using?
Apparently someone (I have no idea who) in charge of the jail has decided that it's emotionally harmful for the inmates to see their guards wearing safety vests. WTF!!!! Maybe it's equally harmful to their little psyches for them to be behind bars, too, or facing any kind of punishment for their crimes so we should just let them all go home.
This whole fiasco is so asinine that it's hard to believe it's really happening. I remember a few years back when "someone" decided that it was racial profiling for the police to describe the criminal they were looking for as black. These bleeding heart liberals are sometimes so ridiculous in their demands that it's hard to take them seriously...but too often it's a bleeding heart liberal who is making the rules that we are forced to abide by.
The good thing about the jail guard walkout is that their union and the public are supporting them. Now it's only a matter of time before the "bleeding heart liberal" sees that he/she can't win this one.
Apparently someone (I have no idea who) in charge of the jail has decided that it's emotionally harmful for the inmates to see their guards wearing safety vests. WTF!!!! Maybe it's equally harmful to their little psyches for them to be behind bars, too, or facing any kind of punishment for their crimes so we should just let them all go home.
This whole fiasco is so asinine that it's hard to believe it's really happening. I remember a few years back when "someone" decided that it was racial profiling for the police to describe the criminal they were looking for as black. These bleeding heart liberals are sometimes so ridiculous in their demands that it's hard to take them seriously...but too often it's a bleeding heart liberal who is making the rules that we are forced to abide by.
The good thing about the jail guard walkout is that their union and the public are supporting them. Now it's only a matter of time before the "bleeding heart liberal" sees that he/she can't win this one.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Crossing the Border
Yesterday I had very little to do except housework so I decided to go over to the States and do a little shopping. Driving along the QEW, I saw the first sign that warned me that car traffic crossing the border had a 30-60 minute wait and that gave me pause. Should I just turn around and go home or hope the wait was closer to the 30 minute time? Housework or a 30 minute wait at the border...hmmm! I kept on my way to the border.
The line-up at the border was longer than I'd ever seen it on the Canadian side but, what the heck, I had nothing else important to do. Something I learned in this line-up was that, when the line split off, always take the line to the right because that's how the border guards open up new ones...from left to right...so you'll end up in a shorter line. And that's how it worked out. The wait was 30 minutes and I had the nicest, cutest border guard who almost waved me right through. Border guards are notoriously cold as ice but this one was human.
I did just a little bit of shopping for necessities like bubble wrap, yarn, envelopes, and printer ink cartridge, and then had a nice lunch at an Arby's where 2 waitresses got into a loud verbal spat. One of them must have been the manager because no-body broke it up.
Heading back home, I had the same 30 minute wait and always took the new right lane that opened up. Great results again. The Canadian border guard was just as nice and human as the American one had been so my whole trip was a pleasant one...other than the squabbling waitresses but that was more interesting than scary.
Sometimes our days are nothing special, just a trip here or there or something as mundane as housework. As long as we're not embroiled in tragedy, we should accept and enjoy these simple days when they come along. I did.
The line-up at the border was longer than I'd ever seen it on the Canadian side but, what the heck, I had nothing else important to do. Something I learned in this line-up was that, when the line split off, always take the line to the right because that's how the border guards open up new ones...from left to right...so you'll end up in a shorter line. And that's how it worked out. The wait was 30 minutes and I had the nicest, cutest border guard who almost waved me right through. Border guards are notoriously cold as ice but this one was human.
I did just a little bit of shopping for necessities like bubble wrap, yarn, envelopes, and printer ink cartridge, and then had a nice lunch at an Arby's where 2 waitresses got into a loud verbal spat. One of them must have been the manager because no-body broke it up.
Heading back home, I had the same 30 minute wait and always took the new right lane that opened up. Great results again. The Canadian border guard was just as nice and human as the American one had been so my whole trip was a pleasant one...other than the squabbling waitresses but that was more interesting than scary.
Sometimes our days are nothing special, just a trip here or there or something as mundane as housework. As long as we're not embroiled in tragedy, we should accept and enjoy these simple days when they come along. I did.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Valedictorian Swears
A valedictorian in Oklahoma uses the word "hell" in her speech and is denied her graduation diploma. Now there are two ways of looking at this. First, "hell" is not such an awful word but using it in her speech showed a disrespect for tradition. Second, you know darned well that another valedictorian somewhere will try to top her by dropping the "F" bomb. So where do you draw the line?
We are losing the invisible line between respect and disrespect so fast now that it makes your head spin. Following the unspoken rules of tradition might be boring and challenging to some but for most of us it's satisfying to know we're carrying forward part of the past. This girl knew she was stepping on toes but seemed unable to exercise control. But it got her on T.V., didn't it?
Once ground is broken there is no going back so we can expect more valedictorians to foul their speech, a speech that used to hold meaning and was an honor for the person giving it. Using the word "hell" in her speech might have been just a joke for her but it was probably the beginning of the end for the once honorable position of valedictorian. So sad to see another tradition bite the dust.
We are losing the invisible line between respect and disrespect so fast now that it makes your head spin. Following the unspoken rules of tradition might be boring and challenging to some but for most of us it's satisfying to know we're carrying forward part of the past. This girl knew she was stepping on toes but seemed unable to exercise control. But it got her on T.V., didn't it?
Once ground is broken there is no going back so we can expect more valedictorians to foul their speech, a speech that used to hold meaning and was an honor for the person giving it. Using the word "hell" in her speech might have been just a joke for her but it was probably the beginning of the end for the once honorable position of valedictorian. So sad to see another tradition bite the dust.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Morning Coffee
Last week I went to Tim's with Faye and Donna and stupidly ordered a large coffee before asking if they'd reheat it for me. They wouldn't and I couldn't drink it because it was cold so I took it home with me and reheated it in my own microwave. I think I need to write Tim Horton's headquarters about this problem!
Note: I sent an e-mail to Tim Horton's headquarters and requested a reply. Wouldn't it be nice if they'd change their policy now and start reheating my coffee?
Update: They replied and said that single serving items such as cups or plates are not recommended to be put in a microwave. I replied to them that millions of people all over the world use the microwave every day to reheat food and beverages. So far, no further reply. I should have asked if they'd reheat my coffee if it was in a mug...hmm! That's next!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Plants Thrive in Cooler Weather
Eating in a Burka
I'm going to get myself into trouble one of these days because I always have a tremendous urge to go and talk to women I see wearing a burka. I'm not angry with the women but very, very angry with the males in their families who have brainwashed these poor women.
Anyway, yesterday I was sitting in the mall food court having lunch with my sister when a mid eastern family came to sit at a table near us. The man was dressed casually in American clothing as were his 3 young children. On the other hand, the lady I assumed was his wife was dressed head to toe in black robes. Her face was uncovered, though. With them was what looked to me to be a young woman who peered through nothing but the eye slits of her burka. This drives me crazy! It's when I want to go over and tell her that she's in Canada now and has the freedom to come out from hiding. I know it's not my business but I still have an almost undeniable impulse to "help" her. I fight it because I feel it would serve no purpose and only make me look like an idiot. I believe the father will have a tougher time convincing his younger daughters to cover up like this as they grow up in this country.
Having not been able to help but notice this strange sight amid the crowded food court where the burka lady was the only one in disguise, I have better manners than to keep on staring but something happened that I've never seen before.
We don't see too many women in burkas in this city so I've never had the chance to watch someone eat while wearing one. The shithead daddy (sorry, but that's what I think of these men) brought a big pizza to the table and everyone dug in, even burka lady. I watched in amazement as she lifted her veil just enough to put the pizza up to her mouth, and then lowered it as she chewed on her food. She repeated this every time she took a bite. It really was a pitiful sight.
My understanding is that their religion isn't what forces the women to cover up like this so it has to be male conditioning within the family. In my mind, that man has a lot to be ashamed of and I hope he gets the message that we Canadians look upon him with distaste.
The other thing is the danger of allowing people to walk around in public completely disguised. A criminal dressed like this would be unrecognisable and they could also be carrying an uzi or any kind of weapon under those robes. I'm hoping that sometime soon there will be a law against wearing a burka in this country.
Anyway, yesterday I was sitting in the mall food court having lunch with my sister when a mid eastern family came to sit at a table near us. The man was dressed casually in American clothing as were his 3 young children. On the other hand, the lady I assumed was his wife was dressed head to toe in black robes. Her face was uncovered, though. With them was what looked to me to be a young woman who peered through nothing but the eye slits of her burka. This drives me crazy! It's when I want to go over and tell her that she's in Canada now and has the freedom to come out from hiding. I know it's not my business but I still have an almost undeniable impulse to "help" her. I fight it because I feel it would serve no purpose and only make me look like an idiot. I believe the father will have a tougher time convincing his younger daughters to cover up like this as they grow up in this country.
Having not been able to help but notice this strange sight amid the crowded food court where the burka lady was the only one in disguise, I have better manners than to keep on staring but something happened that I've never seen before.
We don't see too many women in burkas in this city so I've never had the chance to watch someone eat while wearing one. The shithead daddy (sorry, but that's what I think of these men) brought a big pizza to the table and everyone dug in, even burka lady. I watched in amazement as she lifted her veil just enough to put the pizza up to her mouth, and then lowered it as she chewed on her food. She repeated this every time she took a bite. It really was a pitiful sight.
My understanding is that their religion isn't what forces the women to cover up like this so it has to be male conditioning within the family. In my mind, that man has a lot to be ashamed of and I hope he gets the message that we Canadians look upon him with distaste.
The other thing is the danger of allowing people to walk around in public completely disguised. A criminal dressed like this would be unrecognisable and they could also be carrying an uzi or any kind of weapon under those robes. I'm hoping that sometime soon there will be a law against wearing a burka in this country.
Boys Will Be Boys
Well, when they finished the deck Matt decided to play with the power washer on the patio, probably thinking it wouldn't show up too much. Well, the patio was a lot dirtier than expected so Nick thought I'd be mad when I saw the result but I love it and will keep it to make me smile every day I'm out in the yard.
They'll need to power wash the patio next summer, though!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Jim
My brother-in-law has officially been diagnosed with colon cancer and will have surgery at the end of the month. My sister, who couldn't accept the diagnosis at first, has now accepted it and she's devastated. Jim is one of those earthly treasures, a damn good man in every way, and now she's possibly facing life without him.
Initially, he'll have the tumor surgically removed and then, if necessary, have a colostomy bag. This isn't the worst thing in the world but not knowing if the cancer was caught in time is the horror of the situation. Cancer is a scourge on this earth and it seems to be attacking us with a vengeance.
Like I said, Jim is a treasure and has treated my sister like a queen since they first got together. He adores her and takes care of her and she will be completely lost without him. It's at times like this that I realize how unfair life is. Jim is a prince of a man and I can't stand that he'll have to suffer in any way. He's a guy who won't check his blood sugar because the needle hurts too much so I expected him to be a basket case over this but he's been calm and strong in order to make it easier for Sharon to handle. His first thought is for her.
I hope for the best but am very, very fearful of the worst.
Initially, he'll have the tumor surgically removed and then, if necessary, have a colostomy bag. This isn't the worst thing in the world but not knowing if the cancer was caught in time is the horror of the situation. Cancer is a scourge on this earth and it seems to be attacking us with a vengeance.
Like I said, Jim is a treasure and has treated my sister like a queen since they first got together. He adores her and takes care of her and she will be completely lost without him. It's at times like this that I realize how unfair life is. Jim is a prince of a man and I can't stand that he'll have to suffer in any way. He's a guy who won't check his blood sugar because the needle hurts too much so I expected him to be a basket case over this but he's been calm and strong in order to make it easier for Sharon to handle. His first thought is for her.
I hope for the best but am very, very fearful of the worst.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Just a Thought
There's a movement afoot in Canada for natives to be able to own their home and lot on reservations. Native leaders (who are the people in control of all finances on the reservations) are dead against it because they feel that no-one has the right to "own" land because it belongs to nature. I'm wondering why natives are laying claim to land outside the reservations and have suggested that homeowners already living on that land should pay a yearly fee to the natives?
If we follow the native philosophy that land shouldn't be owned by an individual, then they can't possibly believe that non-native Canadians owe them a penny...can they??
If we follow the native philosophy that land shouldn't be owned by an individual, then they can't possibly believe that non-native Canadians owe them a penny...can they??
Young of Heart and Mind
My health is not 100% but it's not bad and I often wonder at how vibrant and alive I feel in mind and spirit even though this old body doesn't look so good. I was laying in bed last night just pondering life in general when my thoughts tumbled upon how strong my mind felt and I attribute that to always having many interests or plans for interesting things to do.
Yesterday I cleaned and moved furniture around in the spare room and, in the back of the closet, came upon a big box of old quilting magazines that a friend in Florida had given me a few years ago. That was at a time when quilting was my craft but now I'm into Swedish weaving. While doing some research on Ebay this morning, I discovered that these magazines still have enough value for me to sell them there so today's plans are to do just that. I really enjoy the process of taking the photos, editing them and then listing the product on Ebay. Following the progress of the 7 day auction is also enjoyable. I'd never give up my own quilting books but I'm willing to give up the magazines in my ongoing quest to declutter my house.
I still love quilting and will probably get back to it some day but only small wall hangings. That's why I haven't gotten rid of all my quilting fabric. Quilting is as close as I've ever come to creating art...at least that's how it felt to design a quilt with pattern, color, and print. I'm looking forward to creating like that again some day soon.
Neither my mother nor my grandmother had any interest in crafts. Their days consisted of working and housework, both of which I've avoided if at all possible all of my life. I think I might have the heart and soul but not the talent of an artist. Being short on talent doesn't mean I don't do the best I can to create things of beauty and that's what gives me the greatest pleasure.
Gardening is another artistic pastime that I dabble in. You don't have to be perfect to grow a beautiful pot of flowers...they are beautiful in their own right. I fully intend to have a colorful flower garden on my balcony when I move to an apartment.
I don't understand the seniors who while away their golden years just watching T.V. because there's so little there to stimulate you and keep your mind sharp. One of the best places for a senior to hone their interests is at a Senior Center. There are so many different classes and activities to take part in and, best of all, lots of active and interesting seniors to make friends with. Good social interaction can keep you interested and interesting in your old age.
Well, once the sun comes out (it rained last night and is still overcast) I'll play around taking magazine photos and listing on Ebay. It will make for an interesting day!
Yesterday I cleaned and moved furniture around in the spare room and, in the back of the closet, came upon a big box of old quilting magazines that a friend in Florida had given me a few years ago. That was at a time when quilting was my craft but now I'm into Swedish weaving. While doing some research on Ebay this morning, I discovered that these magazines still have enough value for me to sell them there so today's plans are to do just that. I really enjoy the process of taking the photos, editing them and then listing the product on Ebay. Following the progress of the 7 day auction is also enjoyable. I'd never give up my own quilting books but I'm willing to give up the magazines in my ongoing quest to declutter my house.
I still love quilting and will probably get back to it some day but only small wall hangings. That's why I haven't gotten rid of all my quilting fabric. Quilting is as close as I've ever come to creating art...at least that's how it felt to design a quilt with pattern, color, and print. I'm looking forward to creating like that again some day soon.
Neither my mother nor my grandmother had any interest in crafts. Their days consisted of working and housework, both of which I've avoided if at all possible all of my life. I think I might have the heart and soul but not the talent of an artist. Being short on talent doesn't mean I don't do the best I can to create things of beauty and that's what gives me the greatest pleasure.
Gardening is another artistic pastime that I dabble in. You don't have to be perfect to grow a beautiful pot of flowers...they are beautiful in their own right. I fully intend to have a colorful flower garden on my balcony when I move to an apartment.
I don't understand the seniors who while away their golden years just watching T.V. because there's so little there to stimulate you and keep your mind sharp. One of the best places for a senior to hone their interests is at a Senior Center. There are so many different classes and activities to take part in and, best of all, lots of active and interesting seniors to make friends with. Good social interaction can keep you interested and interesting in your old age.
Well, once the sun comes out (it rained last night and is still overcast) I'll play around taking magazine photos and listing on Ebay. It will make for an interesting day!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Marineland and Zoos
There's no escaping the fact that putting wild animals in zoos for human entertainment is criminal. Now we find out that the animals at Marineland are going blind from contaminated water. We know how cruel it is to keep these animals in small enclosures instead of in their natural habitat but that doesn't stop even the most aware of us paying money to see them, does it?
All we have to do is imagine how any one of us would feel if we were pulled out of our society against our will, locked into cages and subjected to being on display for another species. No matter how you look at it, it's wrong.
Yes, I've been to Marineland and I've been to zoos. Each time, my conscience has been bothered right along with the wonder I felt at close-up views of animals I'd never have any other opportunity to see. It's a catch 22 situation for us humans because we do enjoy the experience but it's misery for the animals. What we have to do is weigh our transitory enjoyment against the lifelong misery of innocent animals and there can be no question. We've exploited them and we should stop now.
One of my worst memories of a zoo was probably back in the 1960's when my family went to the Buffalo Zoo. I remember a large animal, I think it was a bear, in a small cage pacing back and forth over and over again. The cage might have been about 6" x 12" and the animal paced blindly for as long as we stood to watch. That heart-wrenching sight has stayed with me all these years. Today's modern zoos are larger and the animals have a lot of free range to move around in but they are still restricted. It's still an abnormal habitat for them.
The huge whales, dolphins, and porpoises at Marineland are confined to tiny pools instead of their natural habitat of the vast oceans. The pool water they swim in is what is blinding them and causing skin irritations. It's all about making money and catering to the selfish greed of human beings that spurs us to trap these animals and cage them the way we do. And it will keep on happening as long as we pay admission at zoos and places like Marineland.
All we have to do is imagine how any one of us would feel if we were pulled out of our society against our will, locked into cages and subjected to being on display for another species. No matter how you look at it, it's wrong.
Yes, I've been to Marineland and I've been to zoos. Each time, my conscience has been bothered right along with the wonder I felt at close-up views of animals I'd never have any other opportunity to see. It's a catch 22 situation for us humans because we do enjoy the experience but it's misery for the animals. What we have to do is weigh our transitory enjoyment against the lifelong misery of innocent animals and there can be no question. We've exploited them and we should stop now.
One of my worst memories of a zoo was probably back in the 1960's when my family went to the Buffalo Zoo. I remember a large animal, I think it was a bear, in a small cage pacing back and forth over and over again. The cage might have been about 6" x 12" and the animal paced blindly for as long as we stood to watch. That heart-wrenching sight has stayed with me all these years. Today's modern zoos are larger and the animals have a lot of free range to move around in but they are still restricted. It's still an abnormal habitat for them.
The huge whales, dolphins, and porpoises at Marineland are confined to tiny pools instead of their natural habitat of the vast oceans. The pool water they swim in is what is blinding them and causing skin irritations. It's all about making money and catering to the selfish greed of human beings that spurs us to trap these animals and cage them the way we do. And it will keep on happening as long as we pay admission at zoos and places like Marineland.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Looking Out My Front Door
There's a lot of talk about global warming again and this horribly hot summer is starting to make me a believer because I've never experienced one like it. It wasn't just hotter than usual, it was extremely hotter than usual and the high temperatures seemed to last forever.
I haven't seem the economic impact of using the air conditioning for most of the summer yet but figure it might be in the $500 vicinity. The only other time I had a hydro bill like that was when Dennis was dying and needed the doors open for fresh air even while the air conditioning was on. Whatever made him most comfortable was what we did.
Well, now I can take advantage of the cooler morning and evening breezes that will waft through my new storm/screen door. We've finally left the 90's-100's and the temperatures are down to the lovely 70's-80's...perfect!
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