Whoever would have thought you could have any problem with your tooth after you've had a root canal? I assumed that, since the root was now dead, that the real tooth was gone and only the space covered up with a crown, I had no further worries about that tooth. Apparently not.
I've had 2 root canals and one of them has started hurting from pressure and from hot and cold. It seemed to come on overnight and I did ignore it for a few days because I knew the real tooth was gone but the discomfort became too much and I knew it had to be checked on.
My dentist's appointment is later on this afternoon so I'll know more then but, thanks for the internet, I did some checking of my own. Damned if a root canal can cause big trouble which results in removing the existing work and crown and having to repeat the whole process. The cost is higher than what the original root canal cost. No-one told me this or I would never have had the root canal done on this tooth (bottom back) in the first place!
Another strange thing is that there is also discomfort in the top back teeth. Whatever is going on there is kind of scary because I've always been very thankful that I have good, strong teeth with no need for dentures. Let's hope my luck in that area holds!
Update: Good news! The pain was coming from the tooth next to the root canal and just caused from sensitivity to heat and cold. I'll have to be extra careful when eating cold food especially.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Male Aggression
I live in nice area that is almost always very peaceful and quiet but this morning I heard screaming and cursing coming from the parking lot of the next apartment building. This is so unusual and I'm nosy so I looked out to see what was going on. It was what appeared to be a young man completely out of control, screaming and then threatening to come back to whoever he was screaming at and kill them. The cursing I could ignore but not a death threat so I called 911 and asked them to send a cop or two over here just in case this crazy person decided to force his way into his intended victim's apartment.
Male aggression has always terrified me because men have so much strength and ability to do harm. Seeing this man so out of control as he paced back and forth in the parking lot (trying to decide whether to leave or go back in) scares me terribly for his victim. I picture a young woman with young children absolutely terrified of this man.
The 911 operator said there had been a few calls and they had cops on the way. They did get there quickly but not before the man disappeared. They went directly to one of the apartment buildings so they must have good information about who he is.
I've been thinking about a man who has so little control of his anger and wondering how long it will fester in him and if he will return to do harm to someone. We hear of battered wives and girlfriends all the time. One of my childhood girlfriends was married to an abuser who ended up breaking down her door and beating her to death in front of her young children so my fears are not silly.
Dennis was a calm man most of the time but he even scared me when he lost his temper. It's the potential for harm that scares me, I guess, because he wasn't an abuser.
And so, I'll just hope that nothing more comes of this incident and no-one gets hurt. If it's someone's boyfriend, I hope they have the guts to never allow him in their home again.
Male aggression has always terrified me because men have so much strength and ability to do harm. Seeing this man so out of control as he paced back and forth in the parking lot (trying to decide whether to leave or go back in) scares me terribly for his victim. I picture a young woman with young children absolutely terrified of this man.
The 911 operator said there had been a few calls and they had cops on the way. They did get there quickly but not before the man disappeared. They went directly to one of the apartment buildings so they must have good information about who he is.
I've been thinking about a man who has so little control of his anger and wondering how long it will fester in him and if he will return to do harm to someone. We hear of battered wives and girlfriends all the time. One of my childhood girlfriends was married to an abuser who ended up breaking down her door and beating her to death in front of her young children so my fears are not silly.
Dennis was a calm man most of the time but he even scared me when he lost his temper. It's the potential for harm that scares me, I guess, because he wasn't an abuser.
And so, I'll just hope that nothing more comes of this incident and no-one gets hurt. If it's someone's boyfriend, I hope they have the guts to never allow him in their home again.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
2011 Hyundai Elantra
Kim's car is a 2011 Hyundai Elantra with approximately 150, 000 Kilometers on it. That's about 90,000 miles. The motor just burnt out and I can't believe that could happen on an 8 year old car with such low mileage. Worse still is how she was treated when she went to the dealership to ask how much it would cost to replace the motor. She was greeted rudely by the person she spoke to and told it would cost about $10,000! I think dealerships prefer you waste their time if you're buying a new car!
Cars used to rust out until not long ago when customers finally had enough of buying such an inferior product but now it seems the body may look okay but the inner workings are not built to last. Look at refrigerators. Many people have ancient refrigerators in their basement or garage that they use as beer fridges but brand new refrigerators rarely last longer than 10 years now. It's built in obsolescence that we the consumer are accepting as normal. It isn't!
My car is a 2012 Nissan Altima with 115,000 km (about 75,000 miles) and has served me well so far. It scares me to think of having to replace it, first because it will be so expensive and second because you don't know what kind of crap you'll be buying.
The motor of an 8 year old car should not have to be replaced. This should not be acceptable to the public that pays dearly for their cars.
Cars used to rust out until not long ago when customers finally had enough of buying such an inferior product but now it seems the body may look okay but the inner workings are not built to last. Look at refrigerators. Many people have ancient refrigerators in their basement or garage that they use as beer fridges but brand new refrigerators rarely last longer than 10 years now. It's built in obsolescence that we the consumer are accepting as normal. It isn't!
My car is a 2012 Nissan Altima with 115,000 km (about 75,000 miles) and has served me well so far. It scares me to think of having to replace it, first because it will be so expensive and second because you don't know what kind of crap you'll be buying.
The motor of an 8 year old car should not have to be replaced. This should not be acceptable to the public that pays dearly for their cars.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Home
I get up quite early in the morning and, as I walked into the livingroom to open the patio doors, I had to smile because picture #2 was perfection in my eyes.
Now I'll drink my coffee and check out Facebook on the computer. A perfect morning in my eyes, too.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Living With Depression
I had depression for a good part of my adult life and it's pure hell if undiagnosed and untreated. It is also pure hell to live with someone who has depression. I've written before about my personal experience with depression, how it made me feel, and how I was able to overcome it but today I'll say a few words about how awful it must be for the family and friends to tolerate(yes, a strong word) with a depressed person.
None of my family understood what I was going through. They only saw the outward manic manifestation of a woman out of control of her emotions so just think how scary that must be to kids! And then a husband walking on eggshells or simply trying to ignore what was right in front of him. What an absolutely horrible home life for all of them...me included.
A depressed person is suffering so intensely in their mind that they are often incapable of seeing how their erratic behaviour is affecting their family and friends. You can't be faulted for something you can't control but the suffering is also spread out to the people who care about you.
I could never have dragged myself out of my own misery at the time to consider how it affected my family but, once on the mend, clearer thinking is possible and I'm so very sorry for what my illness put them through. Too late and all were affected in some way and that's the really sad part.
Anyway, if a depressed person is very lucky they will have people close to them that take notice they need help. They might never understand the illness but they can be instrumental in not doing things to make the condition worse.
And then, sad as it might seem, they might have to accept they can't live with the difficulties that a depressed person creates and want a quieter, easier life. It all depends on the depth and length of the illness and how it affects a relationship.
Like any chronic illness, it will have an effect one way or another on every relationship.
None of my family understood what I was going through. They only saw the outward manic manifestation of a woman out of control of her emotions so just think how scary that must be to kids! And then a husband walking on eggshells or simply trying to ignore what was right in front of him. What an absolutely horrible home life for all of them...me included.
A depressed person is suffering so intensely in their mind that they are often incapable of seeing how their erratic behaviour is affecting their family and friends. You can't be faulted for something you can't control but the suffering is also spread out to the people who care about you.
I could never have dragged myself out of my own misery at the time to consider how it affected my family but, once on the mend, clearer thinking is possible and I'm so very sorry for what my illness put them through. Too late and all were affected in some way and that's the really sad part.
Anyway, if a depressed person is very lucky they will have people close to them that take notice they need help. They might never understand the illness but they can be instrumental in not doing things to make the condition worse.
And then, sad as it might seem, they might have to accept they can't live with the difficulties that a depressed person creates and want a quieter, easier life. It all depends on the depth and length of the illness and how it affects a relationship.
Like any chronic illness, it will have an effect one way or another on every relationship.
Friday, June 07, 2019
Guns
Another gun massacre in the States almost every day and gun enthusiasts still don't understand that this is a different world than it was 50 years ago. They say there have always been guns in their homes and they were respected and not used to commit mass murder every few days. That might be true but people were a different breed in those days. They, as a rule, were brought up to respect authority and their country. Guns were expensive and considered a necessity in bringing home provisions for their families. Guns were needed a long time ago to protect families living in desolate areas.
Today we have children who are not disciplined or monitored because most families have 2 working parents just trying to make ends meet. Or, worse, single parent families with one parent trying to do it all.
The "politically correct" faction has taken away the authority of teachers to even fail a child who can't or won't do the work necessary to pass a grade. It is no longer acceptable for students to honor their flag because "it might upset a student who has no respect for the flag". Does this make sense?
Parents at volunteer run sports events scream profanities at the coaches and sometimes resort to violence, even murder, if something doesn't go their way. Children see this and mimic the poor behaviour of their parents.
People are hired to do a job they aren't capable of performing but must be hired due to a quota...on race or sex. This is most apparent in government jobs. How many of us have called a government office for information and been given completely different answers by different employees?
Everyone seems to demand their rights without accepting their responsibilities. One lone complaint can remove a Christmas tree or a military statue from a community and yet dozens of complaints cannot remove a predator from a neighborhood.
A union employee can cause disruption and loss of revenue for his/her place of employment and then sue their employer for firing them. A terrorist can murder innocent people and then receive an apology and millions of dollars from their government (Canada) because they spent a supposedly long time in prison. It seems that we are teaching our children that they probably won't be held responsible for their crimes. And then we wonder why some will decide to obtain a gun and shoot to kill or even at random.
I've watched interviews of child murderers on T.V. and they often say they "made a mistake". A mistake is when you misspell a word and not when you deliberately commit murder. And yet there are many adults who will work hard to free these people from paying for their fatal "mistakes".
No, our world isn't the same as it was 50 years ago when respect was taught in more homes and more schools. If a child is not taught respect of life, family, and country, they will become self serving and inconsiderate adults who shouldn't have easy access to guns.
50 years ago you could give a farm child a gun to use for hunting and they would be disciplined enough to use it wisely. Today, imagine giving a gun to a teen who has not been taught boundaries or given responsibilities in the family. Imagine giving a gun to an irresponsible child who is left alone most of the time because their parents are not around much. Imagine giving a gun to a self centered and angry person who feels they aren't appreciated. Imagine giving a gun to someone who has never been given consequences for bad behaviour. And then imagine giving a gun to an illiterate teen who hates the world.
As a society, we have deteriorated to the point where very few people have the intelligence and maturity to be trusted with gun ownership.
Today we have children who are not disciplined or monitored because most families have 2 working parents just trying to make ends meet. Or, worse, single parent families with one parent trying to do it all.
The "politically correct" faction has taken away the authority of teachers to even fail a child who can't or won't do the work necessary to pass a grade. It is no longer acceptable for students to honor their flag because "it might upset a student who has no respect for the flag". Does this make sense?
Parents at volunteer run sports events scream profanities at the coaches and sometimes resort to violence, even murder, if something doesn't go their way. Children see this and mimic the poor behaviour of their parents.
People are hired to do a job they aren't capable of performing but must be hired due to a quota...on race or sex. This is most apparent in government jobs. How many of us have called a government office for information and been given completely different answers by different employees?
Everyone seems to demand their rights without accepting their responsibilities. One lone complaint can remove a Christmas tree or a military statue from a community and yet dozens of complaints cannot remove a predator from a neighborhood.
A union employee can cause disruption and loss of revenue for his/her place of employment and then sue their employer for firing them. A terrorist can murder innocent people and then receive an apology and millions of dollars from their government (Canada) because they spent a supposedly long time in prison. It seems that we are teaching our children that they probably won't be held responsible for their crimes. And then we wonder why some will decide to obtain a gun and shoot to kill or even at random.
I've watched interviews of child murderers on T.V. and they often say they "made a mistake". A mistake is when you misspell a word and not when you deliberately commit murder. And yet there are many adults who will work hard to free these people from paying for their fatal "mistakes".
No, our world isn't the same as it was 50 years ago when respect was taught in more homes and more schools. If a child is not taught respect of life, family, and country, they will become self serving and inconsiderate adults who shouldn't have easy access to guns.
50 years ago you could give a farm child a gun to use for hunting and they would be disciplined enough to use it wisely. Today, imagine giving a gun to a teen who has not been taught boundaries or given responsibilities in the family. Imagine giving a gun to an irresponsible child who is left alone most of the time because their parents are not around much. Imagine giving a gun to a self centered and angry person who feels they aren't appreciated. Imagine giving a gun to someone who has never been given consequences for bad behaviour. And then imagine giving a gun to an illiterate teen who hates the world.
As a society, we have deteriorated to the point where very few people have the intelligence and maturity to be trusted with gun ownership.
Saturday, June 01, 2019
Cottage in the Backyard
We had Kim's birthday dinner at Nick's last night and their yard is all finished now with the hot tub and new landscaping. It's gorgeous! It got me thinking how foolish it is for people to go to the expense of buying and maintaining a cottage up north when they could just upgrade their backyard. There is no weekend traveling in heavy traffic and there's no full day of the weekend doing cleanup and yard work that comes with only being at the cottage for 2 days a week.
One of the biggest assets, in my opinion, was that the previous owners of Nick and Bev's house built a huge, oversized deck that is really party sized. Most people wouldn't build such a huge deck in a small backyard but it makes so much sense. There is enough yard left for the massive hot tub they had installed this year and that suits them fine because it cuts down on lawn maintenance.
The new landscaping is all pretty much maintenance free, too, and Nick and Bev like it that way. I'm very happy for them that their hard work has paid off so well. They can enjoy it every day (not just on weekends)!
I'm so happy that they include me as much as they do. My hard work as a good grandparent has paid off well, too!!
One of the biggest assets, in my opinion, was that the previous owners of Nick and Bev's house built a huge, oversized deck that is really party sized. Most people wouldn't build such a huge deck in a small backyard but it makes so much sense. There is enough yard left for the massive hot tub they had installed this year and that suits them fine because it cuts down on lawn maintenance.
The new landscaping is all pretty much maintenance free, too, and Nick and Bev like it that way. I'm very happy for them that their hard work has paid off so well. They can enjoy it every day (not just on weekends)!
I'm so happy that they include me as much as they do. My hard work as a good grandparent has paid off well, too!!
Friday, May 31, 2019
Danger in the Dominican Republic
This morning I reposted an article on Facebook regarding a brutal attack on a female visitor. I strongly believe in issuing warnings about dangerous places where we might think we're completely safe but we're not. My Cindy made a comment that no-one wants to see this on Facebook...she called me "mother" instead of "momma" so I knew she wasn't happy with me.
Personally, I don't like seeing all the political arguing on Facebook but I usually ignore it. On the other hand, if passing on a warning of danger in any form upsets you, don't read my page! A few of my own relatives have been vacationing in the DR recently and one even went off on her own for a while. That was so terribly dangerous not only in the DR but pretty much anywhere these days. I think tourists are an easy prey for these monsters because most can't stay away from home too long and criminal investigations and trials take a very long time if they're done at all.
There were complaints recently about people receiving amber alerts (missing children) on their cell phones in the middle of the night. Big friggin' deal! If that alert saves one child's life it's worth having your sleep disturbed for a moment.
I always think back to the case of a young woman who believed it was her right to be able to jog late at night but she ended up raped and murdered. Yes, it is our right to be out in the dark and naked if that's what we want to do but that right doesn't stop the monsters from taking advantage of the dark and the seclusion of their prey.
And so this "mother" will always continue to post warnings when I think it just might save a life or injury to the unexpected victim. Criminals look carefully for a vantage point where they can attack and they don't give a rat's behind about your right to be where you are.
Personally, I don't like seeing all the political arguing on Facebook but I usually ignore it. On the other hand, if passing on a warning of danger in any form upsets you, don't read my page! A few of my own relatives have been vacationing in the DR recently and one even went off on her own for a while. That was so terribly dangerous not only in the DR but pretty much anywhere these days. I think tourists are an easy prey for these monsters because most can't stay away from home too long and criminal investigations and trials take a very long time if they're done at all.
There were complaints recently about people receiving amber alerts (missing children) on their cell phones in the middle of the night. Big friggin' deal! If that alert saves one child's life it's worth having your sleep disturbed for a moment.
I always think back to the case of a young woman who believed it was her right to be able to jog late at night but she ended up raped and murdered. Yes, it is our right to be out in the dark and naked if that's what we want to do but that right doesn't stop the monsters from taking advantage of the dark and the seclusion of their prey.
And so this "mother" will always continue to post warnings when I think it just might save a life or injury to the unexpected victim. Criminals look carefully for a vantage point where they can attack and they don't give a rat's behind about your right to be where you are.
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Mortality
I'm feeling my mortality this morning mainly because Donna is back in the hospital. She needs heart surgery but it can't be done before the infection in her foot has been healed. It's such a helpless feeling for me and it must be totally frustrating for her because there's nothing to do but wait until the doctors make their moves.
I still don't worry about death but i'm becoming more aware that it's getting closer for me and I think it should worry me. Who knows what comes after but I have high hopes that it's something wonderful. I analyze it all the time trying to imagine what is the most logical sequence but, again, who knows?
I just hate it when one of my loved ones is ill and I know that the older we get the less strength we have to fight off the damned illness. It doesn't seem to matter if we live to be 100 (that's not in my plans), we'd prefer to go out feeling good. There used to be a joke going around that said a person died with a smile on their face while having sex but I bet that rarely happens. I'd prefer to pass away with the same angelic smile I saw on my friend, Lou's, face a few days before she passed away. She was ready.
Anyway, I may be feeling a little nostalgic for the young and healthy days when we rarely thought about death but I'm not unhappy, just maybe dwelling on it more than I should. Today is Kim's 61st birthday and what I'm feeling most is how lucky I am to have brought her into this world. I love her more than words can express and I hope she can still feel that love after I'm gone. Like energy, the feeling of love will outlive all of us.
I still don't worry about death but i'm becoming more aware that it's getting closer for me and I think it should worry me. Who knows what comes after but I have high hopes that it's something wonderful. I analyze it all the time trying to imagine what is the most logical sequence but, again, who knows?
I just hate it when one of my loved ones is ill and I know that the older we get the less strength we have to fight off the damned illness. It doesn't seem to matter if we live to be 100 (that's not in my plans), we'd prefer to go out feeling good. There used to be a joke going around that said a person died with a smile on their face while having sex but I bet that rarely happens. I'd prefer to pass away with the same angelic smile I saw on my friend, Lou's, face a few days before she passed away. She was ready.
Anyway, I may be feeling a little nostalgic for the young and healthy days when we rarely thought about death but I'm not unhappy, just maybe dwelling on it more than I should. Today is Kim's 61st birthday and what I'm feeling most is how lucky I am to have brought her into this world. I love her more than words can express and I hope she can still feel that love after I'm gone. Like energy, the feeling of love will outlive all of us.
Monday, May 27, 2019
Cornell Graduation
I'll put some photos in here later but right now I'll just boast about the wonderful weekend that Shelley arranged for us. Nicole is a brilliant young lady who was hired by Locheed before she even graduated from college with her BA. She's such a valued employee that her company paid for her to get her Masters at Cornell University (they did the same for Sam).
Her graduation ceremony was this past weekend and Shelley rented a gorgeous house right on the finger lakes of New York State (around Ithica) for her, John, Nicole, Sam, Lisette, Danny, Carmen, Juan, Aeron, and me. Aeron and I drove down together...loved every second of my time with her!
We got to the stadium just in time to hear Bill Nye the science guy give a fun and educational speech. We all thought the full ceremony would be on Sunday so most of us (thankfully Shelley, John, Nicole and Sam went back for what they thought would be just a little get-together) decided to just go back to the house for the evening. Nicole came home with a medal and it turned out that the full graduation ceremony had been that evening so we missed it. Nicole was in tears but I think we made her realize we were all there to celebrate her success and the ceremony wasn't that important to us (it kind of was but she was so upset).
Carmen, Juan, Aeron, and I had gone to one of the wineries up the road from the house for pizza and beer (water for me). Then Juan and Aeron went grocery shopping for a the few things we'd need at the house. There was a lot of just great conversation with some of the family I love and I never felt it was a wasted trip.
On Sunday morning we all went back to the university...it is massive! The streets were filled with grads of every kind and their families. It just made you proud of all of them to have accomplished what they had with their young lives and you knew the whole world was open for them in the future.
We toured around a bit but Carmen has COPD and gets winded easily and I have my broken toe so we couldn't venture far on foot. Many of the roads were closed off because of ongoing ceremonies so we just stayed around the church where Nicole had her ceremony the evening before. She acted out a fake one so we could see how she had looked. She is such a clown, always going for the laugh and not worrying one bit about contorting her absolutely beautiful face. This reminds me of Lucille Ball who was an extremely beautiful woman but who didn't care how she looked when she made people laugh.
Aeron and I left for home from the university but the rest of them went back to the rental for one more day. What a joyful trip!
I don't see Aeron near as often as I'd like and it's never one-on- one time. The drive down took about 5 hours and then another 5 hours back home so it was wonderful time for me and I hope for Aeron, too.
I know I brag a lot about our family and extended family but we really are blessed to have such good people in our lives. I thank the fates that brought me these people I love so much.
Her graduation ceremony was this past weekend and Shelley rented a gorgeous house right on the finger lakes of New York State (around Ithica) for her, John, Nicole, Sam, Lisette, Danny, Carmen, Juan, Aeron, and me. Aeron and I drove down together...loved every second of my time with her!
We got to the stadium just in time to hear Bill Nye the science guy give a fun and educational speech. We all thought the full ceremony would be on Sunday so most of us (thankfully Shelley, John, Nicole and Sam went back for what they thought would be just a little get-together) decided to just go back to the house for the evening. Nicole came home with a medal and it turned out that the full graduation ceremony had been that evening so we missed it. Nicole was in tears but I think we made her realize we were all there to celebrate her success and the ceremony wasn't that important to us (it kind of was but she was so upset).
Carmen, Juan, Aeron, and I had gone to one of the wineries up the road from the house for pizza and beer (water for me). Then Juan and Aeron went grocery shopping for a the few things we'd need at the house. There was a lot of just great conversation with some of the family I love and I never felt it was a wasted trip.
On Sunday morning we all went back to the university...it is massive! The streets were filled with grads of every kind and their families. It just made you proud of all of them to have accomplished what they had with their young lives and you knew the whole world was open for them in the future.
We toured around a bit but Carmen has COPD and gets winded easily and I have my broken toe so we couldn't venture far on foot. Many of the roads were closed off because of ongoing ceremonies so we just stayed around the church where Nicole had her ceremony the evening before. She acted out a fake one so we could see how she had looked. She is such a clown, always going for the laugh and not worrying one bit about contorting her absolutely beautiful face. This reminds me of Lucille Ball who was an extremely beautiful woman but who didn't care how she looked when she made people laugh.
Aeron and I left for home from the university but the rest of them went back to the rental for one more day. What a joyful trip!
I don't see Aeron near as often as I'd like and it's never one-on- one time. The drive down took about 5 hours and then another 5 hours back home so it was wonderful time for me and I hope for Aeron, too.
I know I brag a lot about our family and extended family but we really are blessed to have such good people in our lives. I thank the fates that brought me these people I love so much.
True Story
A group of women friends go for a "girl's weekend" every year at this time and it's such a wonderful tradition that I'm so happy they keep going. Girlfriends are indispensable in a woman's life because they fulfill a purpose that not even the most loved husband can fill.
Anyway, their weekend is comprised of great food, great fun, and, unfortunately, sometimes too much great booze. Now, being a little tipsy often brings out the worst in people and it somehow brings out the song in one of the lady's hearts (name withheld but it starts with K). I've been told that the party usually ends long before 11 P.M. when they have to quiet down but apparently this last one went on until 1 A.M. when "K" thought it would be a fine idea to go out on the porch and sing at the top of her lungs. "K" has one of the worst off key voices in the world (she takes after her mother) and the neighbors didn't like it and called the cops to complain about the wild and noisy party going on.
When the cops arrived, they were greeted by a whole slew of middle aged ladies sitting around the table just talking. Apparently "K" had quieted down. What was so funny was what the cop said when he walked in..."Now this is something I hadn't expected!" I guess wild and noisy late night parties usually consist of teens or young people and not sweet middle aged ladies.
I love this story and it will go down in the archives of the "girls' weekend".
Anyway, their weekend is comprised of great food, great fun, and, unfortunately, sometimes too much great booze. Now, being a little tipsy often brings out the worst in people and it somehow brings out the song in one of the lady's hearts (name withheld but it starts with K). I've been told that the party usually ends long before 11 P.M. when they have to quiet down but apparently this last one went on until 1 A.M. when "K" thought it would be a fine idea to go out on the porch and sing at the top of her lungs. "K" has one of the worst off key voices in the world (she takes after her mother) and the neighbors didn't like it and called the cops to complain about the wild and noisy party going on.
When the cops arrived, they were greeted by a whole slew of middle aged ladies sitting around the table just talking. Apparently "K" had quieted down. What was so funny was what the cop said when he walked in..."Now this is something I hadn't expected!" I guess wild and noisy late night parties usually consist of teens or young people and not sweet middle aged ladies.
I love this story and it will go down in the archives of the "girls' weekend".
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Trailer Rental
My friend, Dee, sent me a photo of the new trailers being installed at the park and one could be the one I'll be renting. I am thrilled to head down there after Christmas and know there should be nothing I have to fix! I'm also thrilled to death that there will be a washer and dryer in the rental. Who would have thought so much joy could come from having my own washer and dryer?? Oh, and the cute little front porch will be perfect for sitting out there and having my morning coffee!
I'm not even sad that this might be my last winter at the park...depending on my health. I consider myself very lucky to have been able to spend so many winters there and to have met so many wonderful people who have become good friends. I guess I'm fatalistic in that I understand there is a time and a season for everything in life and, when one ends, something good can still come your way.
When I sold my house, I walked away very happy to start the next phase of my life in my cute little apartment and I've never regretted the move. It was time and I knew it.
Selling the trailer in Florida was exactly the same. I've loved the winters I spent there but it was time to move on. I'm sure I'm going to enjoy the rental next winter whether it's for just one winter more or if I'll be able to squeeze 2 more out of this phase of my life. Either way, it's time.
I think we always know when something has ended but we don't always act on it for one reason or another. Sometimes ending it is too hard to endure and I understand that but I truly believe I hit it right with selling the house and the trailer. No regrets!
I'm not even sad that this might be my last winter at the park...depending on my health. I consider myself very lucky to have been able to spend so many winters there and to have met so many wonderful people who have become good friends. I guess I'm fatalistic in that I understand there is a time and a season for everything in life and, when one ends, something good can still come your way.
When I sold my house, I walked away very happy to start the next phase of my life in my cute little apartment and I've never regretted the move. It was time and I knew it.
Selling the trailer in Florida was exactly the same. I've loved the winters I spent there but it was time to move on. I'm sure I'm going to enjoy the rental next winter whether it's for just one winter more or if I'll be able to squeeze 2 more out of this phase of my life. Either way, it's time.
I think we always know when something has ended but we don't always act on it for one reason or another. Sometimes ending it is too hard to endure and I understand that but I truly believe I hit it right with selling the house and the trailer. No regrets!
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Stigma of Menstruation?
As I was driving over to Cindy's yesterday, I heard a strange interview on the radio. The person being interviewed was a lady who is seriously involved in removing the "stigma of menstruation" from our society. I thought it was a joke at first but it went on for a long time explaining that this worldwide movement was becoming stronger and quite involved with corporate support. I was amazed, confused, and wondered just how much of our tax dollars had been given to this group.
Now, I'm a female who has been on this earth for 78+ years and spent many of them menstruating but never once felt that there was any stigma attached to it. I hated the inconvenience but accepted it as a part of life no different than having to urinate.
It wasn't until I got back home that I did my research and found that the most important aspect of this movement had not been discussed fully in the interview and that was why feminine hygiene products are taxed but Viagra is not! Aha!
This I understand. There is no stigma to menstruating just as there is no stigma to being fertile and of childbearing age but it certainly is unfair to have products associated with menstruation taxed while a product like Viagra is not. By spending too much energy trying to change society's views on menstrual spillage and the fact that females changing gender to males will still menstruate (yes, she kept bringing that up), the most important fact of unfair taxation on a necessary product was just about overlooked.
I agree completely that products like sanitary pads and tampons are a necessary part of a woman's life and should not be taxed. Viagra, on the other hand, is actually recreational and should be taxed. But, please, a worldwide movement to remove the "stigma" of menstruation is going a bit far.
Now, I'm a female who has been on this earth for 78+ years and spent many of them menstruating but never once felt that there was any stigma attached to it. I hated the inconvenience but accepted it as a part of life no different than having to urinate.
It wasn't until I got back home that I did my research and found that the most important aspect of this movement had not been discussed fully in the interview and that was why feminine hygiene products are taxed but Viagra is not! Aha!
This I understand. There is no stigma to menstruating just as there is no stigma to being fertile and of childbearing age but it certainly is unfair to have products associated with menstruation taxed while a product like Viagra is not. By spending too much energy trying to change society's views on menstrual spillage and the fact that females changing gender to males will still menstruate (yes, she kept bringing that up), the most important fact of unfair taxation on a necessary product was just about overlooked.
I agree completely that products like sanitary pads and tampons are a necessary part of a woman's life and should not be taxed. Viagra, on the other hand, is actually recreational and should be taxed. But, please, a worldwide movement to remove the "stigma" of menstruation is going a bit far.
Monday, May 20, 2019
Guardian Angels
I have a guardian angel named Michael. He's actually sexually ambiguous but does carry a male name so I refer to him as a he. Describing him is odd because he resembles my cousin Ricky who committed suicide in his twenties but he's one cousin I was never close to. Nevertheless, Michael has been my guardian angel for quite a long time..don't know where the heck he was when I stubbed/broke my toe last week!
We all need guardian angels and I know darned well I'm not the only one who has put myself in some very dangerous situations over the years but mainly when I was young.
When I was about 13 or 14 I decided it would fun to run away to Toronto. This is why you don't allow children of that age to make important decisions! I had no money or even a suitcase packed and had no idea how I'd support myself in Toronto of all places but I do remember thinking it sounded like fun. I didn't want to go alone so I asked my girlfriend to go with me. My guardian angel made her say no so I didn't go.
When I was even younger (8 or 9), one of my favorite pastimes was to play chicken with cars passing by. It was fun until a lady driver stopped her car, got out and shook me in anger. I never had any parental guidance so I was free to make all the stupid choices that I did.That lady probably saved my life but I think it might have been Michael in disguise.
In my early teens, my friends and I hitchhiked a lot. We never were hurt but sometimes scared at how close we'd come. We even got into a car with a drunk driver who ended up wiping out in a snow bank. Teens really do need supervision instead of having to rely on their guardian angels!
I married very young at 17 to a good man who had many faults that I was positive I'd be able to change. You are really, really dumb at 17! It was meant to be, though, because we had 3 wonderful daughters who went forth and multiplied giving us 8 grandchildren and 2 greatgrandchildren.
Michael saved my life many times over the years but I still rely on my own instincts now that I'm grown up. Micheal just hung in there to make sure I got the chance to grow up.
I'm joking about having a guardian angel, of course, but maybe not. It's comforting to know someone has your back when your brain isn't taking care of you.
We all need guardian angels and I know darned well I'm not the only one who has put myself in some very dangerous situations over the years but mainly when I was young.
When I was about 13 or 14 I decided it would fun to run away to Toronto. This is why you don't allow children of that age to make important decisions! I had no money or even a suitcase packed and had no idea how I'd support myself in Toronto of all places but I do remember thinking it sounded like fun. I didn't want to go alone so I asked my girlfriend to go with me. My guardian angel made her say no so I didn't go.
When I was even younger (8 or 9), one of my favorite pastimes was to play chicken with cars passing by. It was fun until a lady driver stopped her car, got out and shook me in anger. I never had any parental guidance so I was free to make all the stupid choices that I did.That lady probably saved my life but I think it might have been Michael in disguise.
In my early teens, my friends and I hitchhiked a lot. We never were hurt but sometimes scared at how close we'd come. We even got into a car with a drunk driver who ended up wiping out in a snow bank. Teens really do need supervision instead of having to rely on their guardian angels!
I married very young at 17 to a good man who had many faults that I was positive I'd be able to change. You are really, really dumb at 17! It was meant to be, though, because we had 3 wonderful daughters who went forth and multiplied giving us 8 grandchildren and 2 greatgrandchildren.
Michael saved my life many times over the years but I still rely on my own instincts now that I'm grown up. Micheal just hung in there to make sure I got the chance to grow up.
I'm joking about having a guardian angel, of course, but maybe not. It's comforting to know someone has your back when your brain isn't taking care of you.
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Stubbed Toe
I've kind of forgotten the pain of childbirth but I don't think it hurt quite as badly as stubbing your toe. I got up to pee in the middle of the night and sleepily walked my baby toe and side of my foot right into the wall as I was going back to bed. All I can say is that it was a good that it's a good thing I was leaving the bathroom instead of entering it!
The pain of a stubbed toe is so excruciating that it almost qualifies for an ambulance and paramedics for the first 30 seconds. The only good thing is that you are very aware of the pain subsiding when it gradually goes away. Mine hasn't completely gone as of now but I think I don't need an ambulance or paramedics. It's a little hard to walk on the foot and I have to do some shopping for yarn and plants today. Nothing much would keep me from those lovely errands.
When Dennis was sick I broke my foot and that pain was wicked for quite a while until Cindy got me one of those soft boots to wear on it. I was amazed that the boot, which is almost like a slipper, could alleviate the pain as well as it did. I still have the boot and might end up wearing it if my poor foot and toe don't feel much better soon.
I've heard of people calling 911 because their pizza didn't arrive on time...wonder if anyone has ever called for a paramedic when they stubbed their toe??
The pain of a stubbed toe is so excruciating that it almost qualifies for an ambulance and paramedics for the first 30 seconds. The only good thing is that you are very aware of the pain subsiding when it gradually goes away. Mine hasn't completely gone as of now but I think I don't need an ambulance or paramedics. It's a little hard to walk on the foot and I have to do some shopping for yarn and plants today. Nothing much would keep me from those lovely errands.
When Dennis was sick I broke my foot and that pain was wicked for quite a while until Cindy got me one of those soft boots to wear on it. I was amazed that the boot, which is almost like a slipper, could alleviate the pain as well as it did. I still have the boot and might end up wearing it if my poor foot and toe don't feel much better soon.
I've heard of people calling 911 because their pizza didn't arrive on time...wonder if anyone has ever called for a paramedic when they stubbed their toe??
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
What Children See
My friend, Mary, has a 4 year old granddaughter who goes to pre-school and who has a little friend who happens to be black. They wondered when children began to notice the color of one's skin so asked what her little friend looked like. The answer was that she was a little girl. Then they asked what else she looked like and the granddaughter, quite perturbed at this point because she thought it was such a silly question, answered, "Well, she has 2 eyes, a nose, and a mouth!".
I wish very much that the innocence of this sweet child would last forever.
I wish very much that the innocence of this sweet child would last forever.
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Analyzing My "Accident"
Child Training
I heard recently about a child misbehaving at school badly enough that his mother had to come and get him. She treated him to a new toy and an evening of fun playing with him. Hmmm!
I guess I'm old school in that I don't believe in rewarding bad behaviour. I don't believe in physical punishment, either, but I do think we have to accept the consequences of our bad behaviour starting even in childhood.
The only child I ever had to take out of school because he acted up was my grandson, Matthew. He wasn't actually bad, just silly and acting out to get a laugh but he had to learn that was unacceptable in class. So I got to keep him every time he was expelled from school, usually for a day or so. I didn't give him treats!
My standard punishment was to make him sit at the diningroom table for hours copying out his times table. This was big punishment for a child who had trouble sitting still for even a short time. Then I'd get him to do some physical labor like washing down the basement stairs. No, I didn't give him treats at all and I do believe he learned there are not so nice consequences to bad behaviour. Today he is adorable!
I just can't imagine any parent treating bad behaviour with fun. What does that teach the child? They learn that, if they don't want to behave in school they can just act up and they'll get out and get treats. I don't believe that's the right goal for the parent.
This is not a bad child. This is a child with some problems they can't cope with properly because they are just a child. There is lots of hope to change this poor behaviour around in the future but it will just take longer if the parent doesn't offer more severe consequences and make it a life learning experience.
I guess I'm old school in that I don't believe in rewarding bad behaviour. I don't believe in physical punishment, either, but I do think we have to accept the consequences of our bad behaviour starting even in childhood.
The only child I ever had to take out of school because he acted up was my grandson, Matthew. He wasn't actually bad, just silly and acting out to get a laugh but he had to learn that was unacceptable in class. So I got to keep him every time he was expelled from school, usually for a day or so. I didn't give him treats!
My standard punishment was to make him sit at the diningroom table for hours copying out his times table. This was big punishment for a child who had trouble sitting still for even a short time. Then I'd get him to do some physical labor like washing down the basement stairs. No, I didn't give him treats at all and I do believe he learned there are not so nice consequences to bad behaviour. Today he is adorable!
I just can't imagine any parent treating bad behaviour with fun. What does that teach the child? They learn that, if they don't want to behave in school they can just act up and they'll get out and get treats. I don't believe that's the right goal for the parent.
This is not a bad child. This is a child with some problems they can't cope with properly because they are just a child. There is lots of hope to change this poor behaviour around in the future but it will just take longer if the parent doesn't offer more severe consequences and make it a life learning experience.
Friday, May 10, 2019
Rich Not Taxed
It was brought home to me once again finding out that Trump, who lives like a king, didn't pay federal taxes on his income for 8 years in a row. We all know that the rich are able to use loopholes in the tax laws that aren't available to regular people but it doesn't make it any easier to take. A huge problem with our society is that average hard working people pay a percentage of their income every year to run the country. The very fact that people like Trump can live in luxury but not have to pay a penny to run the country is disgraceful.
He's not the only one, of course. The people with the most money and assets are just not paying their way. We know it but can do nothing about it. The people in power rule the world.
Power corrupts in more ways than one.
He's not the only one, of course. The people with the most money and assets are just not paying their way. We know it but can do nothing about it. The people in power rule the world.
Power corrupts in more ways than one.
Monday, May 06, 2019
More Tasks Completed
I have a shoe fetish and own more pairs of shoes than I'll ever wear out. I think this came about because it's been difficult for me to find clothes that flatter my fat little body but finding shoes are easy. I didn't count them but I believe I currently have about 25 pair of shoes...maybe more. It's silly because I tend to wear the same ones all the time.
I bought a nice little hall bench from Ikea that holds 10 pair of shoes on 2 racks so they don't have to be on the floor. It took me about 3 weeks to get around to putting the bench together but I did that today. It looks nice.
It really feels good to get odd tasks done and now I have no more excuses to put off finishing my spring housecleaning. Not today, though. And not tomorrow or Wednesday because I'll be busy...not sure yet about Thursday and definitely not Friday. Hmmm! Maybe Saturday or Sunday.
I bought a nice little hall bench from Ikea that holds 10 pair of shoes on 2 racks so they don't have to be on the floor. It took me about 3 weeks to get around to putting the bench together but I did that today. It looks nice.
It really feels good to get odd tasks done and now I have no more excuses to put off finishing my spring housecleaning. Not today, though. And not tomorrow or Wednesday because I'll be busy...not sure yet about Thursday and definitely not Friday. Hmmm! Maybe Saturday or Sunday.
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