I've decided to write a story and have been busy getting it started. I've spent my winters in this senior park since 1998 and have been amazed, aghast, dismayed, and titillated by true life stories which occur here. We jokingly refer to it as a senior Peyton Place. In truth, it is rich with material for many stories. The story I've started to write is a blended mixture of personalities and events, carefully concocted to disguise the true players. This will be my summer project and, when I get enough nerve to present it, it will be by blog.
In the meantime, life goes on here at the senior park and every day now someone is leaving for home. Usually I hate this time of year but I'm kind of happy it's all winding down and I can get back to Canada and all that awaits me there.
Many have left already and more will go over the next few days. By Monday, the park will be very quiet. My plan is to spend lots of time at the pool until I leave for home on April 15th. It will be rather peaceful to have mainly do-nothing days because I've been hard pressed all winter to find an empty day. I jump from one interest to another and just hate to miss out on anything going on...but that is the shape of my winters, not my summers, so I'm not going to complain about not having much empty time.
I'm sending a load of stuff home with a couple who live near me in Canada. My own car trunk is full and I still have a fair amount of stuff to pack in the back seat. How do I manage to do this every year? Yesterday I bought a computer monitor which is in a fair sized box which will take up a lot of the back seat. Now I'm getting worried...but what's new? I really must try to cut back next year.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Cute Story
My neighbor was pushing a little girl on a swing and asked her how old she was. The little girl said "stop the swing!" Ron thought something was wrong so he quickly brought the swing to a stop. The little girl let go of one swing rope and held up her hand showing 3 fingers.
Now, isn't that a cute story?
Now, isn't that a cute story?
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
What Americans Know About Canada
When I come to Florida for the winter I almost feel like I'm at home. At least half of my friends are American but we don't differentiate here. If you like someone they can be from Mars and they'd still be friends. But...every once in a while we Canadians discover how very little some Americans know about Canada.
The other day I went up to the pool early and got into conversation with a lady I'd never met before. I don't know if she spends the winter here or is just in for a short time. In any case, we started talking and she asked me where I was from. I told her "Ontario in Canada". She replied "I'm always amazed at how well you people speak English". What the hell????
I then told her she might be thinking of Quebec and that really threw her because she'd never heard of Quebec. I wonder if she knows there are even more countries in the world outside the U.S.A.?
The other day I went up to the pool early and got into conversation with a lady I'd never met before. I don't know if she spends the winter here or is just in for a short time. In any case, we started talking and she asked me where I was from. I told her "Ontario in Canada". She replied "I'm always amazed at how well you people speak English". What the hell????
I then told her she might be thinking of Quebec and that really threw her because she'd never heard of Quebec. I wonder if she knows there are even more countries in the world outside the U.S.A.?
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
A Sad Day
One of our friends passed away unexpectedly yesterday and tears flowed all over the park. We care for each other here and no passing goes unnoticed.
The widow was understandably beside herself with grief but was surrounded by caring friends from the beginning. We sheltered her as best we could, giving her a shoulder to cry on. One lady notified their relatives at home and then contacted the insurance company who would make travel arrangements to take the deceased and his wife back home to Canada.
I watched in admiration as the widow took control of herself over the span of a few hours and gained inner strength to carry her through the ordeal still to come. This couple had been married for 54 years, had 4 children, and were fortunate enough to keep their marriage a happy one. It will be very difficult for this lady to be on her own without her precious spouse beside her...but she will survive. She will be strong for her children and her grandchildren. She will be strong because she has to be.
There were brief moments yesterday when she even laughed a bit, remembering the good times they'd had over the years. We let her talk at length about their life together because that will help her heal. Occasionally a tear would fall but she'd drag herself right back to the task at hand...getting through it. Her daughter flew in last night so now we who are just friends can take a step back and let mother and daughter gain strength from each other. This is all part of the healing process and there are still miles to go.
The widow was understandably beside herself with grief but was surrounded by caring friends from the beginning. We sheltered her as best we could, giving her a shoulder to cry on. One lady notified their relatives at home and then contacted the insurance company who would make travel arrangements to take the deceased and his wife back home to Canada.
I watched in admiration as the widow took control of herself over the span of a few hours and gained inner strength to carry her through the ordeal still to come. This couple had been married for 54 years, had 4 children, and were fortunate enough to keep their marriage a happy one. It will be very difficult for this lady to be on her own without her precious spouse beside her...but she will survive. She will be strong for her children and her grandchildren. She will be strong because she has to be.
There were brief moments yesterday when she even laughed a bit, remembering the good times they'd had over the years. We let her talk at length about their life together because that will help her heal. Occasionally a tear would fall but she'd drag herself right back to the task at hand...getting through it. Her daughter flew in last night so now we who are just friends can take a step back and let mother and daughter gain strength from each other. This is all part of the healing process and there are still miles to go.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Inspiration
Vanessa Redgrave is currently doing a monologue on stage written about how a woman coped with the death of her husband and daughter. It got me thinking.
When my husband passed away I couldn't rid my house of all his belongings fast enough. Each item was too powerful a reminder of Dennis in his healthy days and it disturbed me deeply to see them around the house...his house.
I sent monstrous piles of clothes to my grandson's church and gave untold piles of paperwork and momentos to my children...our children.
We used a few large, framed photographs at his funeral. Some went to my children and some were supposed to remain with me. It became too difficult for me to see those pictures of him so they also were passed along to my children. His wedding ring, and mine, are in a little silk bag next to him inside the mausoleum niche where his ashes are interred.
Two articles of his clothing I kept. One was a leather jacket that eventually went to one of our grandsons...I hadn't offered it originally because I thought he might feel uncomfortable wearing it but he was thrilled when I did give it to him. The other item was Dennis' leather moccasins. I can't give them away and I can't stand to see them so they're tucked away in the back of a closet. It tears me up now thinking about those darned shoes. Somehow they've become my connection to a man I loved with all my heart at one time.
Why the shoes, I wonder?
When my husband passed away I couldn't rid my house of all his belongings fast enough. Each item was too powerful a reminder of Dennis in his healthy days and it disturbed me deeply to see them around the house...his house.
I sent monstrous piles of clothes to my grandson's church and gave untold piles of paperwork and momentos to my children...our children.
We used a few large, framed photographs at his funeral. Some went to my children and some were supposed to remain with me. It became too difficult for me to see those pictures of him so they also were passed along to my children. His wedding ring, and mine, are in a little silk bag next to him inside the mausoleum niche where his ashes are interred.
Two articles of his clothing I kept. One was a leather jacket that eventually went to one of our grandsons...I hadn't offered it originally because I thought he might feel uncomfortable wearing it but he was thrilled when I did give it to him. The other item was Dennis' leather moccasins. I can't give them away and I can't stand to see them so they're tucked away in the back of a closet. It tears me up now thinking about those darned shoes. Somehow they've become my connection to a man I loved with all my heart at one time.
Why the shoes, I wonder?
Family
A big chunk of our family back home gathered to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday on Friday...she turned 75. Because it was most convenient, they opened up another sister-in-law's house (she's here in Florida) and had ONE of the parties there. It would have been so nice to be there but I'm rejoicing in the fact that my family is still so close and loving that they made a point of getting together for this monumental birthday.
My daughter mentioned that family get-togethers are so much more relaxed than gatherings of friends. With family you don't have to put on a front...they've seen every aspect of you already. It's also important that with family you are in a place where you belong.
When I married into my husband's family it was a real eye opener. They were everything that a family should be...close, caring, and supportive. They gathered me in, as they do with every newcomer to the family, and I consider them no different than brothers and sisters to me. My children were raised right along with their cousins and have remained friends to this day. What is like balm to my soul is that the following generation of children are also friends. How wonderful!
Sure, we have the odd family member we simply tolerate, but "we are family". That simple phrase has the strength of steel.
My daughter mentioned that family get-togethers are so much more relaxed than gatherings of friends. With family you don't have to put on a front...they've seen every aspect of you already. It's also important that with family you are in a place where you belong.
When I married into my husband's family it was a real eye opener. They were everything that a family should be...close, caring, and supportive. They gathered me in, as they do with every newcomer to the family, and I consider them no different than brothers and sisters to me. My children were raised right along with their cousins and have remained friends to this day. What is like balm to my soul is that the following generation of children are also friends. How wonderful!
Sure, we have the odd family member we simply tolerate, but "we are family". That simple phrase has the strength of steel.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
I Gave Up Fries
Never have I been able to diet without severe hunger and misery defeating my attempts. One of the tricks to losing weight is to only give up one item that is bad for you. I gave up potato chips as my 2007 new year's resolution and haven't had any cravings. I was going to give up french fries for my 2008 new year's resolution but decided to start early. It's been a week and so far so good.
I normally eat a fairly healthy diet but I crave salt...sprinkled on potato chips and fries. Since giving up the chips I haven't noticed any difference in my weight so maybe I've just been eating more fries to compensate. It will be interesting to see what happens with both the chips and fries out of my life. I'll let you know!
I normally eat a fairly healthy diet but I crave salt...sprinkled on potato chips and fries. Since giving up the chips I haven't noticed any difference in my weight so maybe I've just been eating more fries to compensate. It will be interesting to see what happens with both the chips and fries out of my life. I'll let you know!
Pool Day
We spent a lot of time at the pool today. No-body swims, though, but just floats around in conversation groups. If you looked into our pool on a busy day you'd see a half dozen groupings of seniors floating around on noodles. The noodles are colorful and so are our swimsuits so it looks kind of pretty.
Some of us played "Farkle" in between pool dips. It's a dice game that we also play over in the clubhouse. Almost everyone has a nice, healthy tan except me. I look as though I just arrived...well, not quite but it's that cursed Irish skin!
Since I'm leaving here in three weeks, I'll spend as much time as I can at the pool. During the day it's the place to be, the place to meet friends, and the place to cool off. How lucky we are!
Some of us played "Farkle" in between pool dips. It's a dice game that we also play over in the clubhouse. Almost everyone has a nice, healthy tan except me. I look as though I just arrived...well, not quite but it's that cursed Irish skin!
Since I'm leaving here in three weeks, I'll spend as much time as I can at the pool. During the day it's the place to be, the place to meet friends, and the place to cool off. How lucky we are!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Getting By
I completed the purchase of my friend Carole's trailer this morning. We're so happy we could spit!! The lady who sold it stayed on a while and we talked about various things but one of the conversations got me thinking.
We're told that we should always have 3 months salary tucked away so that it will tide us over if our jobs disappear. I don't know anyone who has been able to do that. How many people who are paying a mortgage and raising a family can afford to set aside about $7-8000 (and up) in case of an emergency? It never happened in my household. Even today, my backup is my line of credit.
I'm told that in order to purchase a nice house these days the buyer has to take on a 50 year mortgage and sometimes can only afford to pay the interest on the loan for the rest of their lives, thereby never really owning their own home. Part of the problem lies with buying above our means but even older houses have become so costly that it's impossible for people earning minimum wage to buy one.
When my husband and I bought our 13 year old house back in 1968 it cost $19,000. Our family income at the time was probably around $10,000 a year. Today, a house in my neighborhood (almost 40 years later) is worth around $200,000. The average income is maybe $50,000 so you can see how much more difficult it is for a family to buy a house in this day and age. I honestly don't know how they do it.
For many years it has been almost necessary for a family to have two incomes in order to get by. In my family, we kept our expectations lower and managed with one regular income and me working part-time. There was never much money for luxuries but we did okay. I used to think that modern families just needed to cut back on their expenses and they'd do as well as my generation did but it's becoming more apparent that the cost of living has simply gotten too high for them to get ahead.
When my husband and I retired I told my children that we'd be spending all of their potential inheritance during our golden years. My lovely children said "go right ahead!" I'm hoping there'll be a bit left for them, though.
We're told that we should always have 3 months salary tucked away so that it will tide us over if our jobs disappear. I don't know anyone who has been able to do that. How many people who are paying a mortgage and raising a family can afford to set aside about $7-8000 (and up) in case of an emergency? It never happened in my household. Even today, my backup is my line of credit.
I'm told that in order to purchase a nice house these days the buyer has to take on a 50 year mortgage and sometimes can only afford to pay the interest on the loan for the rest of their lives, thereby never really owning their own home. Part of the problem lies with buying above our means but even older houses have become so costly that it's impossible for people earning minimum wage to buy one.
When my husband and I bought our 13 year old house back in 1968 it cost $19,000. Our family income at the time was probably around $10,000 a year. Today, a house in my neighborhood (almost 40 years later) is worth around $200,000. The average income is maybe $50,000 so you can see how much more difficult it is for a family to buy a house in this day and age. I honestly don't know how they do it.
For many years it has been almost necessary for a family to have two incomes in order to get by. In my family, we kept our expectations lower and managed with one regular income and me working part-time. There was never much money for luxuries but we did okay. I used to think that modern families just needed to cut back on their expenses and they'd do as well as my generation did but it's becoming more apparent that the cost of living has simply gotten too high for them to get ahead.
When my husband and I retired I told my children that we'd be spending all of their potential inheritance during our golden years. My lovely children said "go right ahead!" I'm hoping there'll be a bit left for them, though.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
A Mean God?
I received one of those e-mails today that was probably meant to encourage all the people who read it to fear god's wrath and run to their nearest church. I know the lady who sent it to me is a sweet and loving lady but this e-mail struck me the wrong way.
My problems with religion start right at the church and it's leaders. If there really is a powerful and all knowing god why do we have to reach him through an organization of undercover sinners who continually beg for our money?
My personal vision of "god" is of an undescribable entity that guides us while we're still here on earth and enfolds us when we die. My "god" doesn't torture and murder someone just because they choose to ignore him/her. Most religions seem to teach that atheists will burn in hell but what of the atheists who spend their lives caring for others and living decent, law abiding lives? My "god" would love these people.
All my life I've seen wars waged in the name of religion. Remember the religious fanatics who were responsible for the horror of 9/11? I often envy truly religious people because they receive much comfort from their religion but I have no respect for fanatics who preach hatred for anyone who doesn't follow their doctrine.
I've found in my lifetime that most church goers really do try to live decent lives and obey the principles of their religion but too many of the church leaders have fallen from grace. With human beings, too much power tends to corrupt and that is true of organized religion.
Logic tells me that we aren't here by accident and that there has to be some explanation for our existence. The most beautiful things in this world aren't man made but part of nature. There's only one way to find the answer and I'm not ready to go yet but, when my time comes, I'll trust my instincts. It's gonna be nice there!
My problems with religion start right at the church and it's leaders. If there really is a powerful and all knowing god why do we have to reach him through an organization of undercover sinners who continually beg for our money?
My personal vision of "god" is of an undescribable entity that guides us while we're still here on earth and enfolds us when we die. My "god" doesn't torture and murder someone just because they choose to ignore him/her. Most religions seem to teach that atheists will burn in hell but what of the atheists who spend their lives caring for others and living decent, law abiding lives? My "god" would love these people.
All my life I've seen wars waged in the name of religion. Remember the religious fanatics who were responsible for the horror of 9/11? I often envy truly religious people because they receive much comfort from their religion but I have no respect for fanatics who preach hatred for anyone who doesn't follow their doctrine.
I've found in my lifetime that most church goers really do try to live decent lives and obey the principles of their religion but too many of the church leaders have fallen from grace. With human beings, too much power tends to corrupt and that is true of organized religion.
Logic tells me that we aren't here by accident and that there has to be some explanation for our existence. The most beautiful things in this world aren't man made but part of nature. There's only one way to find the answer and I'm not ready to go yet but, when my time comes, I'll trust my instincts. It's gonna be nice there!
Alone Again
Marilee left yesterday so I spent the night alone...not much difference...and the morning alone...no jokes, no bustling activity. I miss her!
We drove Marilee to the airport late yesterday afternoon and stopped at a Ci Ci's Pizzeria on the way for dinner. I asked Marilee if she'd been comfortable staying with me and she gave me the most wonderful compliment. She said she has never felt more comfortable or welcome staying in anyone else's home. It made me feel as though I'd done something right. I was so happy to have her stay with me but, remember, I don't cook so that could have been a problem. Marilee just added my empty fridge to her repertoire of funny stories. And she likes eating in restaurants, too. And Faye took pity on us more than once by feeding us.
We dropped Marilee off at the airport at 6 P.M., kissed and hugged, and then drove away. The car felt empty of Marilee's vibrant spirit and I missed her.
We drove Marilee to the airport late yesterday afternoon and stopped at a Ci Ci's Pizzeria on the way for dinner. I asked Marilee if she'd been comfortable staying with me and she gave me the most wonderful compliment. She said she has never felt more comfortable or welcome staying in anyone else's home. It made me feel as though I'd done something right. I was so happy to have her stay with me but, remember, I don't cook so that could have been a problem. Marilee just added my empty fridge to her repertoire of funny stories. And she likes eating in restaurants, too. And Faye took pity on us more than once by feeding us.
We dropped Marilee off at the airport at 6 P.M., kissed and hugged, and then drove away. The car felt empty of Marilee's vibrant spirit and I missed her.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Bugs
I have an abhorence of bugs. Here in the sunny south the lord of bugs is the cockroach and they could find their way inside a rock. It's been so nice this winter because I haven't seen one bug inside my trailer...until this morning.
Right beside the computer desk, just a little too close to my feet, lay a half dead cockroach. It was succumbing to the deadly concoction my bug man sprays around the trailer once a month. My habit is to let it completely die before I try to dispose of it. I certainly don't want it springing to life in my hand! I am a strong Canadian woman but it's times like this that I wish I had a man around the house.
My husband used to say "look at the size of that little bug and look at the size of you!" and expect me to stop being afraid. He'd even pick the damn thing up when it's little legs were still moving. Yuk!
There isn't much logic to why so many women (not all) are afraid of bugs. We just don't like them. My granddaughter, Aeron, was terrified of little spiders but she allowed someone to lay a big fat snake around her shoulders at Gatorland.
My intruding cockroach was still moving after I started this blog so I sprayed it with Raid to hasten it's death. It should be sufficiently dead soon and then I can gingerly flush it down the toilet...I don't even want it in my garbage.
Right beside the computer desk, just a little too close to my feet, lay a half dead cockroach. It was succumbing to the deadly concoction my bug man sprays around the trailer once a month. My habit is to let it completely die before I try to dispose of it. I certainly don't want it springing to life in my hand! I am a strong Canadian woman but it's times like this that I wish I had a man around the house.
My husband used to say "look at the size of that little bug and look at the size of you!" and expect me to stop being afraid. He'd even pick the damn thing up when it's little legs were still moving. Yuk!
There isn't much logic to why so many women (not all) are afraid of bugs. We just don't like them. My granddaughter, Aeron, was terrified of little spiders but she allowed someone to lay a big fat snake around her shoulders at Gatorland.
My intruding cockroach was still moving after I started this blog so I sprayed it with Raid to hasten it's death. It should be sufficiently dead soon and then I can gingerly flush it down the toilet...I don't even want it in my garbage.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Coffee Morning
This is a picture of my coffee morning ladies. For about 1 1/2 hours every Tuesday morning we settle the affairs of the world and the park. Settling the park affairs is by far the hardest. From the first day we started our coffee morning we had one rule and that was "no bitchin"...I know I mentioned this before but I really like this rule.
We try not to talk about health issues, either, but this morning one of the ladies who joined us is recovering from a cancer scare. Thankfully, the tumor was benign and she is recovering beautifully. We're always thankful when someone gets good news on that subject.
I've mentioned also how much we laugh here. When you look at the face of it, we're aging ladies with all the small or large problems that come with age but we are blessed with so much enjoyment in our latter years. I know I never laughed as much or had my days so well filled with happiness when I was younger. Maybe the fact that we're older and wiser makes us more appreciative of what we have. Every one of these ladies has a long lifetime of stories and they choose to tell the funny ones. They've already dealt with the rough ones.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
1/2 Gone
My niece and her family left today so my sister-in-law and her husband moved back into their own trailer. I still have Marilee. She's moved out into the Florida room so now we have a proper little livingroom to hang out in.
No-one would believe that we trailer trash enjoy having company who fill up our little trailers with all their crap but it's true. There's such a sense of comeraderie when we're all falling over each other, laughing, and telling wild stories. One thing I didn't like and that's the fact that they've filled my fridge with food that I'll have to get rid of before I leave to go home. These people like to snack.
It's kind of cold this morning because we had a cold front come through. Marilee's been bitching all morning about how I don't turn on the furnace or have my stove hooked up. She's obviously forgotten how to camp out! She mellowed a bit when we went out for a nice breakfast, though.
Faye and Gary have disappeared and I'm sure they're up at their own trailer trying to shovel it out after Val and her family left. I ventured up there yesterday and it looked like the clothing department at Target had erupted in the Florida room. Faye was gallantly ignoring the chaos and busy preparing a lovely little snack in her miniature kitchen. She'd prepare food in the midst of a world war.
I've been thinking about why I haven't been upset about the utter chaos in my own trailer and have come to the conclusion that all the laughter offsets the confusion caused by too many people in too small a space. I'm already looking forward to Marilee's visit next year!
No-one would believe that we trailer trash enjoy having company who fill up our little trailers with all their crap but it's true. There's such a sense of comeraderie when we're all falling over each other, laughing, and telling wild stories. One thing I didn't like and that's the fact that they've filled my fridge with food that I'll have to get rid of before I leave to go home. These people like to snack.
It's kind of cold this morning because we had a cold front come through. Marilee's been bitching all morning about how I don't turn on the furnace or have my stove hooked up. She's obviously forgotten how to camp out! She mellowed a bit when we went out for a nice breakfast, though.
Faye and Gary have disappeared and I'm sure they're up at their own trailer trying to shovel it out after Val and her family left. I ventured up there yesterday and it looked like the clothing department at Target had erupted in the Florida room. Faye was gallantly ignoring the chaos and busy preparing a lovely little snack in her miniature kitchen. She'd prepare food in the midst of a world war.
I've been thinking about why I haven't been upset about the utter chaos in my own trailer and have come to the conclusion that all the laughter offsets the confusion caused by too many people in too small a space. I'm already looking forward to Marilee's visit next year!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Marilee, the Wayward Child
My sister-in-law, Marilee, is staying with me for 10 days. She's over at the clubhouse doing morning excercises right now so I'm taking this opportunity to write a blog about her. Her sister, Faye, and I decided it should be titled "wayward child" because that is what she is.
Marilee is so much fun to be around and she keeps you wondering what she'll do next. She talks to everyone she meets and is known to us the "f" word without thinking. Faye and Gary told her she can't use that word around their grandchildren who are also visiting this week but we secretly think they use it themselves when the adults aren't around.
When we're out and about Marilee veers off in her own little world to see whatever catches her eye or attention. Often we don't notice it happen and then we're scared to death we've lost her. No fear...she has a good sense of direction and always finds her way back.
She loves to tease me about my half empty fridge and disconnected stove but I think she likes to eat out as much as I do. She's been a joy to have around and I'm going to miss her terribly when she leaves. But we'll see the irreverant little devil in August at the family reunion in New Brunswick. Think of all the laughs we have to look forward to!
Marilee is so much fun to be around and she keeps you wondering what she'll do next. She talks to everyone she meets and is known to us the "f" word without thinking. Faye and Gary told her she can't use that word around their grandchildren who are also visiting this week but we secretly think they use it themselves when the adults aren't around.
When we're out and about Marilee veers off in her own little world to see whatever catches her eye or attention. Often we don't notice it happen and then we're scared to death we've lost her. No fear...she has a good sense of direction and always finds her way back.
She loves to tease me about my half empty fridge and disconnected stove but I think she likes to eat out as much as I do. She's been a joy to have around and I'm going to miss her terribly when she leaves. But we'll see the irreverant little devil in August at the family reunion in New Brunswick. Think of all the laughs we have to look forward to!
Sand Hill Cranes
These are pictures of the Sand Hill Cranes and their 2 babies. The bottom picture includes Carole's new acquisition...her trailer. These cranes are part of the every day life at our park and we call them "the boys". They wander the winding roads most of the day and have little or no fear of humans. You just can't approach them close enough to touch. With the babies, I'm sure the parents would attack you if you got too close.
One of my favorite funny memories
is one day when my husband was in our front yard desperately trying to pull start a gas lawn mower. He'd yank and yank with no luck. One of the "boys" wandered up the road with long, elegant strides and stopped to watch this demonstration. Soon another crane came along and stopped to watch also. Dennis continued to yank on the lawn mower cord until there were 5 large cranes standing together watching him. They'd bend their heads from side to side in wonder and amazement at the antics this silly human was performing.Dennis was in no mood to think this was cute but I did.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Wanna Go Home/Wanna Stay In Florida
All winter long I've had the strangest feeling that I should be back home. It wouldn't have bothered me one bit to hop in the car and head back to Canada. At the same time, I've enjoyed every day down here. It's like the lyrics of an old song "part of me says stay, part of me says go".
By mid March you can see the park has taken up a new atmosphere. People begin asking when you're going home or telling you when they're leaving. Goodbye parties start up. I usually hate this time of the season but this year I'm almost anxious to see the park revert back to the peaceful times of October. By April 1st most of the winter residents will be gone and the quiet that sets in used to make me sad. But this year is different. I think it's been normally hectic all winter but I seem to have aged a year and maybe I need a bit more peace and quiet in my life.
I was supposed to be home by April 15th but that happens to land on a Sunday. Since I like to travel on a Sunday I planned to leave on the 8th but decided that was just a bit too soon. I contacted my insurance lady and made arrangements to add 2 days to my plan so now I'm leaving here on Sunday, April 15th which gives me 2 weeks of mainly peaceful Florida time before I head home.
And then, once I'm home, I'll miss all of these wonderful people so darned much and be counting the days till I see many of them again at our summer reunion in July.
By mid March you can see the park has taken up a new atmosphere. People begin asking when you're going home or telling you when they're leaving. Goodbye parties start up. I usually hate this time of the season but this year I'm almost anxious to see the park revert back to the peaceful times of October. By April 1st most of the winter residents will be gone and the quiet that sets in used to make me sad. But this year is different. I think it's been normally hectic all winter but I seem to have aged a year and maybe I need a bit more peace and quiet in my life.
I was supposed to be home by April 15th but that happens to land on a Sunday. Since I like to travel on a Sunday I planned to leave on the 8th but decided that was just a bit too soon. I contacted my insurance lady and made arrangements to add 2 days to my plan so now I'm leaving here on Sunday, April 15th which gives me 2 weeks of mainly peaceful Florida time before I head home.
And then, once I'm home, I'll miss all of these wonderful people so darned much and be counting the days till I see many of them again at our summer reunion in July.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Picasa
If I live to be 1000 I might learn all there is to know about what's available on the internet...maybe. My sister-in-law, Marilee, just informed me about Picasa which is where you can store pictures and then put them on the web. I'm not sure if I need this but I can't seem to upload pictures from "my pictures" and place them in a blog. Maybe using Picasa I'll be able to do this. Right now I have no time. This is how my day went and is going...
Up at 3:30 A.M. to drive with Sheila who was taking Tom to the airport.
Had breakfast at 5A.M. at IHOP...kind of expensive.
Back to the trailer at 7 A.M. and found Marilee, Faye, and Gary still sleeping.
7:01 A.M. I am sleeping.
9:15 A.M. I wake up and find no-one busy making coffee for my coffee morning and no-one is around.
The phone rings and it's one coffe drinker wondering where her coffee is.
I make coffee, people arrive and we drink till almost 11 A.M.
11 A.M. Gail arrives with a golf ball sized lump on her hand and Sheila rushes her to a nurse in the park. We haven't heard back from that yet.
11:30 is lunch at the clubhouse and I am not hungry.
This afternoon is pool time and then we're going to the liquor store at 4 P.M. This will be followed by a soup supper at 5 or 6 and then we have games night at 7 P.M.
I'm glad I had a nap.
Up at 3:30 A.M. to drive with Sheila who was taking Tom to the airport.
Had breakfast at 5A.M. at IHOP...kind of expensive.
Back to the trailer at 7 A.M. and found Marilee, Faye, and Gary still sleeping.
7:01 A.M. I am sleeping.
9:15 A.M. I wake up and find no-one busy making coffee for my coffee morning and no-one is around.
The phone rings and it's one coffe drinker wondering where her coffee is.
I make coffee, people arrive and we drink till almost 11 A.M.
11 A.M. Gail arrives with a golf ball sized lump on her hand and Sheila rushes her to a nurse in the park. We haven't heard back from that yet.
11:30 is lunch at the clubhouse and I am not hungry.
This afternoon is pool time and then we're going to the liquor store at 4 P.M. This will be followed by a soup supper at 5 or 6 and then we have games night at 7 P.M.
I'm glad I had a nap.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Another Funny Story
My youngest daughter just wrote that she slipped on some dog's blood and fell, bruising herself so badly that she had to spend the day in bed. It reminded me of the time her husband, John, suffered a fall...and we laughed.
John is the man who lost his leg in a helicopter crash. Well, as the story goes, he was walking down the hallway and his artificial leg started to bother him so he gave it a little kick. The leg flew off, up over his head and came down close enough to kick him in the butt. This caused him to fall. This could have been a sad situation but it was so ridiculous we had to laugh. Sorry, John.
I've never understood why people think it's funny when someone falls. They usually hurt themselves and there's nothing funny about that. I think it's the wild, out of control gyrations we go through as we fall that is funny. Of course, being kicked in the ass by your own toes is hilarious
John is the man who lost his leg in a helicopter crash. Well, as the story goes, he was walking down the hallway and his artificial leg started to bother him so he gave it a little kick. The leg flew off, up over his head and came down close enough to kick him in the butt. This caused him to fall. This could have been a sad situation but it was so ridiculous we had to laugh. Sorry, John.
I've never understood why people think it's funny when someone falls. They usually hurt themselves and there's nothing funny about that. I think it's the wild, out of control gyrations we go through as we fall that is funny. Of course, being kicked in the ass by your own toes is hilarious
Saturday, March 10, 2007
The Luau
Every year in March we have a sort of farewell party for the winter residents. It's called the "Luau" because the theme is Hawaiian...food, decorations, entertainment, and the guests get to wear flowery dresses and shirts. I don't go anymore because it bores me. I don't know why.
Golfing bores me but many people absolutely love golf. Football bores me but it's a national pastime. Western movies bore me but I love country music. We're all so different with our likes and dislikes. I'm noticing more that the people I chum around with don't necessarily share all of my particular likes and dislikes but we do have common ground. And that is what the friendship is based on. We kindly tolerate the differences and concentrate on the similarities. Most of them are at the luau tonight but one is coming to my house to share a glass of wine and some good conversation.
It's the diversity in personalities that makes people interesting. Wouldn't it be boring if everyone was the same?
Postscript: I had a full patio of guests tonight, some who didn't go to the luau and some who did but left early. It was a beautiful, warm evening and we sat out, drank a bit of wine, and laughed a lot.
Golfing bores me but many people absolutely love golf. Football bores me but it's a national pastime. Western movies bore me but I love country music. We're all so different with our likes and dislikes. I'm noticing more that the people I chum around with don't necessarily share all of my particular likes and dislikes but we do have common ground. And that is what the friendship is based on. We kindly tolerate the differences and concentrate on the similarities. Most of them are at the luau tonight but one is coming to my house to share a glass of wine and some good conversation.
It's the diversity in personalities that makes people interesting. Wouldn't it be boring if everyone was the same?
Postscript: I had a full patio of guests tonight, some who didn't go to the luau and some who did but left early. It was a beautiful, warm evening and we sat out, drank a bit of wine, and laughed a lot.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
My Son-In-Law
I have 3 sons-in-law but this blog is about the man who is married to my youngest daughter.
Shelley left home in Canada to work as a nurse in Texas and it was there she met John. Apparently it was very romantic...eye contact across a crowded room and love thereafter. I visited Shelley in Texas amd met John for the first time when they'd just started dating. I took one look at him...latino handsome, intelligent, well mannered, good family...and knew I'd lost my little girl. I've always loved John because he's a terrific human being but I never knew the true depths of the man until he was injured in a helicopter crash and lost his leg below the knee.
John is in the U.S. air force and was on a mission in south america when his helicopter crashed. It was touch and go for a while whether he'd survive but he did survive with an amputated leg. It was terribly traumatic for the whole family wondering what the future held for their little family...John, Shelley, Lisette, and Nicole.
I went down to Florida (where they were living at the time) and took care of the girls while John was in the hospital in Texas and Shelley was at his side. When John was able to come home I watched with amazement as this severely damaged young man took hold of his situation and began to work his way back to a "normal" life. His attitude was so good and his determination so strong...he strove for independence every moment of his day. His goal was to run within 3 months and he did reach his goal. Within a year he was flying helicopters again.
I'm sure he had moments when his confidence lagged but I never saw them. What I saw was a very brave man who accepted what fate had handed him and continued to be a success in his family life and in his chosen career.
Fourteen months after his accident, Shelley gave birth to their son, Jake. Today, 8 1/2 years later, their little family of 5 are happy, healthy, and living a wonderfully exciting life.
You chose well, Shelley.
Shelley left home in Canada to work as a nurse in Texas and it was there she met John. Apparently it was very romantic...eye contact across a crowded room and love thereafter. I visited Shelley in Texas amd met John for the first time when they'd just started dating. I took one look at him...latino handsome, intelligent, well mannered, good family...and knew I'd lost my little girl. I've always loved John because he's a terrific human being but I never knew the true depths of the man until he was injured in a helicopter crash and lost his leg below the knee.
John is in the U.S. air force and was on a mission in south america when his helicopter crashed. It was touch and go for a while whether he'd survive but he did survive with an amputated leg. It was terribly traumatic for the whole family wondering what the future held for their little family...John, Shelley, Lisette, and Nicole.
I went down to Florida (where they were living at the time) and took care of the girls while John was in the hospital in Texas and Shelley was at his side. When John was able to come home I watched with amazement as this severely damaged young man took hold of his situation and began to work his way back to a "normal" life. His attitude was so good and his determination so strong...he strove for independence every moment of his day. His goal was to run within 3 months and he did reach his goal. Within a year he was flying helicopters again.
I'm sure he had moments when his confidence lagged but I never saw them. What I saw was a very brave man who accepted what fate had handed him and continued to be a success in his family life and in his chosen career.
Fourteen months after his accident, Shelley gave birth to their son, Jake. Today, 8 1/2 years later, their little family of 5 are happy, healthy, and living a wonderfully exciting life.
You chose well, Shelley.
War at the Senior Park
One of our full time residents has taken serious offence to the newly enforced rules that smokers not congregate at the doorway to the clubhouse. She was so incensed with the rules which are, to be honest, mainly insisted on by the larger population of winter residents that she wrote a 2 page letter and posted it on our bulletin board. So far 2 other people signed it in agreement.
This is what she wants:
1. Smokers should be able to smoke in the parking lot leading into the clubhouse. (It still stinks when we walk through it).
2. Horseshoe players should be allowed to pee in the bushes instead of having to walk over to the clubhouse to use the washroom. (Does anyone really want to see this?)
3. Bingo players should not be allowed to take beer and wine to the games. (I'd like to know who has the booze and I'll join them).
4. People should be allowed to bring their dogs to the clubhouse and tie them up outside the door. (Some people are frightened of dogs and, also, what if everyone did it...dogfights?)
I thought of writing a retaliatory letter and posting it on the bulletin board but that would only start a gang war so I get it out of my system by posting it on my blog.
This lady is actually quite nice but she is a hard core smoker with a cough that makes her sound one foot from the grave. I know it's only the addiction talking so I'll forgive her and like her anyway. But, please, no peeing in the bushes!
This is what she wants:
1. Smokers should be able to smoke in the parking lot leading into the clubhouse. (It still stinks when we walk through it).
2. Horseshoe players should be allowed to pee in the bushes instead of having to walk over to the clubhouse to use the washroom. (Does anyone really want to see this?)
3. Bingo players should not be allowed to take beer and wine to the games. (I'd like to know who has the booze and I'll join them).
4. People should be allowed to bring their dogs to the clubhouse and tie them up outside the door. (Some people are frightened of dogs and, also, what if everyone did it...dogfights?)
I thought of writing a retaliatory letter and posting it on the bulletin board but that would only start a gang war so I get it out of my system by posting it on my blog.
This lady is actually quite nice but she is a hard core smoker with a cough that makes her sound one foot from the grave. I know it's only the addiction talking so I'll forgive her and like her anyway. But, please, no peeing in the bushes!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Roof Problems
My friend's husband was going to do a little sealing job on the front of my roof but he found more trouble than he'd anticipated. Apparently there's a gap that needs to be covered and sealed and we had to order the stuff to fix it. $58 later and we don't know if this will solve the problem or not. I'm a little surprised that my husband, who worked his butt off fixing everything wrong with this trailer, didn't find and repair the problem years ago.
There isn't a chance in hell that I'll ever go up on that roof so thank heavens I have someone I can trust to do the job for me. All it takes is money and when the cost becomes too high I'll have to sell. So far so good, though!
There isn't a chance in hell that I'll ever go up on that roof so thank heavens I have someone I can trust to do the job for me. All it takes is money and when the cost becomes too high I'll have to sell. So far so good, though!
Monday, March 05, 2007
More on Fabric
I had a good night's sleep but dreamt all night about Walmart's fabric. It was saying "buy me...you'll never get a deal like this again!" so I think I might drop by Walmart again today and take another look. I have no will power.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Fabric in the U.S.
I hope a lot of Canadian sewers are reading this blog. I do quilting and I can get thousands of yards of quality 100% cotton at the U.S. Walmart right now for $2 a yard!!! This is because Walmart is closing down their fabric department in most of their stores. My family knows how hard it is for me to pass these bargains by but I just can't buy any more fabric. I already have enough on hand to make quilts for the next few years so I just fondle the $2 a yard cottons, drool a bit, and walk away...well, most of the time.
I've also stocked up on monk's cloth (for doing Swedish weaving) because I can get it at Walmart for $6 a yard and it costs about triple that at home in Canada. If Dean ever finishes remodeling my basement I'll have a real snazzy sewing room fully equipped with some terrific fabrics. Enough to see me out!
I've also stocked up on monk's cloth (for doing Swedish weaving) because I can get it at Walmart for $6 a yard and it costs about triple that at home in Canada. If Dean ever finishes remodeling my basement I'll have a real snazzy sewing room fully equipped with some terrific fabrics. Enough to see me out!
Whose Turn Is It?
We play a lot of card and board games here in the park but don't take any of them seriously. The aim of the game is just to get together with a group of friends, talk, and laugh. Because we do so much talking, we never know whose turn it is to deal or to play. Last night we found the perfect solution...place a penny between the dealer and the person to her left. I thought we might forget why the penny was there but this system really did work.
Years ago my husband's cousin and his wife often came over to our house for a game of Euchre. Donna and I were partners and Dennis and Frank were partners. Of course Donna and I did most of the talking and we never knew what was trump. We still beat the pants off the men. I don't know what Frank thought but Dennis was not a happy camper.
These days (during the summer) Frank, Donna, Faye, Gary, and I play dominoes regularly and the men are as silly and talkative as the women. That's the way games should be!
Years ago my husband's cousin and his wife often came over to our house for a game of Euchre. Donna and I were partners and Dennis and Frank were partners. Of course Donna and I did most of the talking and we never knew what was trump. We still beat the pants off the men. I don't know what Frank thought but Dennis was not a happy camper.
These days (during the summer) Frank, Donna, Faye, Gary, and I play dominoes regularly and the men are as silly and talkative as the women. That's the way games should be!
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Still in a Snit
I must still be in a bit of a snit about my bad day because I wrote Walmart a really nasty e-mail complaining about everything that's bugged me for the past year.
There is a very large population of Spanish speaking people in Florida and I love the look and the sound of them...but not on the loudspeaker announcements at Walmart. Last year I started to notice that most of the Walmart announcements were made in Spanish and not English. It could be that we English speaking people are in the minority here now but Florida is still an English speaking state...for the time being. I want my damn announcements spoken in English as well as Spanish.
I'm also finding more and more sales staff at Walmart who can barely speak English. Why are they on the floor working with the public? When I need help I need someone who understands English to help me. I tried buying fabric there last year and the clerk couldn't speak two words of English and had to page someone else to answer my questions.
My sister-in-law told me that she was in Walmart the other day and, when she was at the checkout, the cashier totally ignored her while she was ringing in her purchases and carried on a loud conversation in Spanish with another cashier. Who is training these people? And who is supervising them?
When I was in Walmart yesterday I asked a cashier (English speaking) why the announcements were in Spanish only and her rather nervous reply was that the store manager was Spanish. Am I wrong here or is Walmart in Florida saying they don't need my business? Lord knows, I keep going back but it's really starting to make me mad.
My daughter married into a Cuban family and I love them dearly. I adore their culture and enjoy myself thoroughly when I'm with them. Visiting Miami is like visiting another country where the beautiful Spanish language is spoken and heard everywhere. I like to shop so I do it there, too, and the salesclerks all speak English. If they can do it in Miami then why can't they do it in Kissimmee?
Okay, snit over!
There is a very large population of Spanish speaking people in Florida and I love the look and the sound of them...but not on the loudspeaker announcements at Walmart. Last year I started to notice that most of the Walmart announcements were made in Spanish and not English. It could be that we English speaking people are in the minority here now but Florida is still an English speaking state...for the time being. I want my damn announcements spoken in English as well as Spanish.
I'm also finding more and more sales staff at Walmart who can barely speak English. Why are they on the floor working with the public? When I need help I need someone who understands English to help me. I tried buying fabric there last year and the clerk couldn't speak two words of English and had to page someone else to answer my questions.
My sister-in-law told me that she was in Walmart the other day and, when she was at the checkout, the cashier totally ignored her while she was ringing in her purchases and carried on a loud conversation in Spanish with another cashier. Who is training these people? And who is supervising them?
When I was in Walmart yesterday I asked a cashier (English speaking) why the announcements were in Spanish only and her rather nervous reply was that the store manager was Spanish. Am I wrong here or is Walmart in Florida saying they don't need my business? Lord knows, I keep going back but it's really starting to make me mad.
My daughter married into a Cuban family and I love them dearly. I adore their culture and enjoy myself thoroughly when I'm with them. Visiting Miami is like visiting another country where the beautiful Spanish language is spoken and heard everywhere. I like to shop so I do it there, too, and the salesclerks all speak English. If they can do it in Miami then why can't they do it in Kissimmee?
Okay, snit over!
Friday, March 02, 2007
A Better Day
I received an e-mail today from my cousin-by-marriage, Ernestine. She hoped my bad day yesterday had disappeared by today and it has. By collecting my thoughts and putting them in the written word it helped to put the whole nasty day in perspective and, after a good night's sleep, my world is in balance again.
Ernestine said that I'm usually an upbeat person and that's true. I'm upbeat because I choose to be. Any of us can wake up in the morning and dwell on the crap in our lives or we can wake up and think "I'm not going to let the crap get me down". Years ago, as I've mentioned before, I suffered from depression and my every thought was of everything that was wrong with my life. Well, after many years of counseling I finally understood what I needed to do. To hell with the crap, I'm going to enjoy myself!
This is a wonderful day that I've been granted and I'm going to enjoy every moment. And I hope anyone who reads this will choose to enjoy theirs as well.
Ernestine said that I'm usually an upbeat person and that's true. I'm upbeat because I choose to be. Any of us can wake up in the morning and dwell on the crap in our lives or we can wake up and think "I'm not going to let the crap get me down". Years ago, as I've mentioned before, I suffered from depression and my every thought was of everything that was wrong with my life. Well, after many years of counseling I finally understood what I needed to do. To hell with the crap, I'm going to enjoy myself!
This is a wonderful day that I've been granted and I'm going to enjoy every moment. And I hope anyone who reads this will choose to enjoy theirs as well.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Not So Good Day
Sometimes the roads through life are treacherous. You step where you've stepped with confidence many times before but now the path is like quicksand...you don't know where to step safely. This was my day today. Tomorrow I'll recoup and decide where it's safest to make my way.
Many years ago I wrote articles that I refer to as "truisms" and that means I'd received a bolt of reality that rocked me. It's not necessarily a bad thing to be jolted by reality but that doesn't make it any easier to take.
I tend to live in a little world which is made up of what I prefer my reality to be. I can carry on happily in this cocoon for quite a while but there always comes a day when the real world pushes it's way inside. I was sadly disappointed today but it wasn't earth shattering...just a reminding jolt...and I'll feel better tomorrow, but a bit more wary.
Many years ago I wrote articles that I refer to as "truisms" and that means I'd received a bolt of reality that rocked me. It's not necessarily a bad thing to be jolted by reality but that doesn't make it any easier to take.
I tend to live in a little world which is made up of what I prefer my reality to be. I can carry on happily in this cocoon for quite a while but there always comes a day when the real world pushes it's way inside. I was sadly disappointed today but it wasn't earth shattering...just a reminding jolt...and I'll feel better tomorrow, but a bit more wary.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Good Marriage/Bad Marriage
I've been thinking...probably a dangerous occupation but we seniors have lots of time to think, and reminisce.
Every day I see such loving old couples and I try to analyze what went wrong in my own marriage. In good marriages, there seems to be a tenderness displayed that I never experienced. It's truly heart-warming to watch the caring attitudes between a man and wife who have spent 50 years together and overcome every disaster possible.
I see the tenderness in a gentle touch between them or a soft and loving glance that others, not so nosy, would miss. I get all sappy when I see an elderly couple holding hands because my own husband had an abhorence of showing public affection. He could be very cold and this was one thing that made me feel quite alone at times.
The way I interpret this is that there is a bonding between a man and wife that either occurs or doesn't occur. When there is a true bonding, nothing can come between the couple...they are bonded for life. Once bonded, they feel an affection towards one another that creates the tenderness I see in so many couples here.
A husband and wife need to open up to each other and trust each other completely. I don't think my husband was able to be that vulnerable and so we lost the opportunity to bond. My own faults were multiple...a problem marriage is never one sided. Maybe if I'd had more patience...maybe...maybe.
Every day I see such loving old couples and I try to analyze what went wrong in my own marriage. In good marriages, there seems to be a tenderness displayed that I never experienced. It's truly heart-warming to watch the caring attitudes between a man and wife who have spent 50 years together and overcome every disaster possible.
I see the tenderness in a gentle touch between them or a soft and loving glance that others, not so nosy, would miss. I get all sappy when I see an elderly couple holding hands because my own husband had an abhorence of showing public affection. He could be very cold and this was one thing that made me feel quite alone at times.
The way I interpret this is that there is a bonding between a man and wife that either occurs or doesn't occur. When there is a true bonding, nothing can come between the couple...they are bonded for life. Once bonded, they feel an affection towards one another that creates the tenderness I see in so many couples here.
A husband and wife need to open up to each other and trust each other completely. I don't think my husband was able to be that vulnerable and so we lost the opportunity to bond. My own faults were multiple...a problem marriage is never one sided. Maybe if I'd had more patience...maybe...maybe.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Baby Craving
I just read my sister-in-law's blog about how happy she is to be minding her 3 grandsons while their parents are away. She sounds so tired but so happy to be with them.
For years I've gone into melt down when I see a little one. Their innocence and their brand new skin just makes me crave to touch them. I wonder sometimes how the parents feel when a strange old gal comes up to their baby and can't resist touching their little hands. I remember once coming across an Amish family who had a baby with them. When I touched the baby's little bare foot the father looked quite displeased. Maybe that was taking too much liberty in their culture...I don't know. Now, as I reach out, I watch the parent's face to see if they mind. Most are pleased to have their baby admired so I guess it's still acceptable in our own culture, thank heavens.
My own grandbabies are growing up and well past the baby stage but they still have that perfect skin and, being the Gramma, I can go a little further with my craving and caress their beautiful faces.
Oh gosh, I'm getting all weepy for them so I'd better end this blog and get ready to go out. I'm going on the casino cruise today so wish me luck.
For years I've gone into melt down when I see a little one. Their innocence and their brand new skin just makes me crave to touch them. I wonder sometimes how the parents feel when a strange old gal comes up to their baby and can't resist touching their little hands. I remember once coming across an Amish family who had a baby with them. When I touched the baby's little bare foot the father looked quite displeased. Maybe that was taking too much liberty in their culture...I don't know. Now, as I reach out, I watch the parent's face to see if they mind. Most are pleased to have their baby admired so I guess it's still acceptable in our own culture, thank heavens.
My own grandbabies are growing up and well past the baby stage but they still have that perfect skin and, being the Gramma, I can go a little further with my craving and caress their beautiful faces.
Oh gosh, I'm getting all weepy for them so I'd better end this blog and get ready to go out. I'm going on the casino cruise today so wish me luck.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Bingo Totem
We senior Bingo players take our game very seriously. A lot of us put little good luck totems in front of our cards but a few of us transfer good luck from our own totems to our friends and back. Picture this...Barb and I have been rubbing each other's totems for a couple of years and it seemed to bring us luck. Last week I missed Bingo on Wednesday so Barb went to Dorothy and rubbed both of their totems together...and she won. Tonight, Barb came over to our table and rubbed her totem all over mine AND Dorothy's...she won again. I haven't won in almost a month and I'm beginning to thing Barb's rubbed all the luck off my totem. I'd better warn Dorothy.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Never Enough Time
I am basically a very lazy person but I seem to involve myself in so many things at the same time that I don't have time to just be lazy.
For instance, this morning we're all going over to the clubhouse at 9 A.M. to peel veggies for our Canada Day dinner tonight. When the veggies are done we have to make punch. At 11 A.M. I'm leaving for Lakeland to go to my "supplier". I'm hoping that there is a small window of opportunity between the punch and the drive to be able to get up to the post office and mail some parcels I sold on Ebay last night. We should get back from Lakeland close to the time we have to be at the clubhouse for happy hour and then dinner.
Tomorrow morning Faye and I clean Dorothy's trailer and do her laundry. This should only take a couple of hours but I need to do my own laundry real early in the morning so that I can have the afternoon free for the pool.
Saturday morning it's my crew who has to go over to the clubhouse early in the morning to make coffee and serve donuts to the whole park. Then I need to prepare more items for sale on Ebay. It's possible that the Ebay work is what is mainly interfering with me being able to laze around. But it's so much fun!
For instance, this morning we're all going over to the clubhouse at 9 A.M. to peel veggies for our Canada Day dinner tonight. When the veggies are done we have to make punch. At 11 A.M. I'm leaving for Lakeland to go to my "supplier". I'm hoping that there is a small window of opportunity between the punch and the drive to be able to get up to the post office and mail some parcels I sold on Ebay last night. We should get back from Lakeland close to the time we have to be at the clubhouse for happy hour and then dinner.
Tomorrow morning Faye and I clean Dorothy's trailer and do her laundry. This should only take a couple of hours but I need to do my own laundry real early in the morning so that I can have the afternoon free for the pool.
Saturday morning it's my crew who has to go over to the clubhouse early in the morning to make coffee and serve donuts to the whole park. Then I need to prepare more items for sale on Ebay. It's possible that the Ebay work is what is mainly interfering with me being able to laze around. But it's so much fun!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Selling on Ebay
I sell on Ebay...really small stuff for really cheap prices. Thank heavens I look on this activity as a hobby or I would have quit long ago. Just this last week I sent parcels to Switzerland and Australia and that is one of the things about Ebay that I enjoy...actually having something that people half way across the world wants.
One of the items I've been selling a lot of lately is a garlic press. Would you believe that someone from England is willing to pay $10 plus $10 shipping for a damned garlic press? I'm a little teed off that my source has dried up before I found out how much in demand these little suckers are.
My sister-in-law's sister-in-law and brother-in-law (figure that one out) took me to a discount warehouse where I purchased all kinds of great stuff to put on Ebay. I hope they're not sorry to have turned me on to their own source of goodies. We have such a good time discussing our Ebay transactions when we're together...they do it more for a hobby, also.
I can't sell on Ebay in Canada much anymore because our shipping costs have gotten too expensive but here in the States it's a breeze. They only charge you for the parcel weight and not the size. It's simpler and cheaper by far to ship from the States.
I've got my finger in so many pies while I'm in Florida but I make sure it involves fun time. This afternoon I'm off to my painting class...it's a beautiful white swan on a black background. If I can figure out how to post the picture I'll put it in the next blog...but don't hold your breath!
One of the items I've been selling a lot of lately is a garlic press. Would you believe that someone from England is willing to pay $10 plus $10 shipping for a damned garlic press? I'm a little teed off that my source has dried up before I found out how much in demand these little suckers are.
My sister-in-law's sister-in-law and brother-in-law (figure that one out) took me to a discount warehouse where I purchased all kinds of great stuff to put on Ebay. I hope they're not sorry to have turned me on to their own source of goodies. We have such a good time discussing our Ebay transactions when we're together...they do it more for a hobby, also.
I can't sell on Ebay in Canada much anymore because our shipping costs have gotten too expensive but here in the States it's a breeze. They only charge you for the parcel weight and not the size. It's simpler and cheaper by far to ship from the States.
I've got my finger in so many pies while I'm in Florida but I make sure it involves fun time. This afternoon I'm off to my painting class...it's a beautiful white swan on a black background. If I can figure out how to post the picture I'll put it in the next blog...but don't hold your breath!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Trailer Bought!
We all traipsed through the little trailer that Carole wanted us to inspect...and inspect we did! When first entering an old trailer you might want to purchase, you should use your nose. I'm happy to say there was no discernible smell. Next we tried to look beyond the clutter to see the bare bones of the trailer. It looked darned good. Trailer trash, as we're known, tend to fill our trailers with as much knick knacks as we have in our big houses and the owner of this trailer had overdone herself. I don't know how she had time to do anything but dust and clean her ornaments. But it was clean, thank heavens. I later told Carole that there was a real gem under all the clutter.
Mickey, a retired plumber, checked all the plumbing and pronounced it good. He checked the roof and found it good. I was mostly interested in the furnishings and they were good. It was rather easy to imagine how this cute little trailer would look with no clutter...we even made a few decorating decisions for Carole while we were at it.
Within an hour of just a few phone calls, Carole had made her offer of purchase and been accepted. We are thrilled to death! Carole has worked long and hard all of her life and fell in love with our park when she first visited it last year. This year she's going to be retired and ready to join us snowbirds here in Florida...in her own little snowbird nest!
Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!
Mickey, a retired plumber, checked all the plumbing and pronounced it good. He checked the roof and found it good. I was mostly interested in the furnishings and they were good. It was rather easy to imagine how this cute little trailer would look with no clutter...we even made a few decorating decisions for Carole while we were at it.
Within an hour of just a few phone calls, Carole had made her offer of purchase and been accepted. We are thrilled to death! Carole has worked long and hard all of her life and fell in love with our park when she first visited it last year. This year she's going to be retired and ready to join us snowbirds here in Florida...in her own little snowbird nest!
Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Trailer Inspecting
We're all going trailer inspecting today. My friend, Carole, is interested in buying the trailer across the road from me but she is back in Canada so a bunch of us have to do the inspecting to make sure the trailer isn't a money pit.
Five of us are checking it out. Including the 2 owners and 1 present occupant, that will mean 8 of us in that little trailer which might mean it will be easy to hide any problems. But not with our eagle eyes! We're all looking out for Carole's interests and we won't let her buy a lemon. The 2 men in our group will search for structural problems and the women will place our discerning eyes on the decorating. I'm even taking a camera.
You'd have to know this park to know that we could have easily gotten 100 people to check this trailer out for us. We look after each other here. When we're finished our inspection, Carole will know more than if she'd looked at it herself.
I know she's sitting at home right now all excited about possibly buying her Florida trailer. And she knows she can trust us do do our best. That's what friends are for.
Five of us are checking it out. Including the 2 owners and 1 present occupant, that will mean 8 of us in that little trailer which might mean it will be easy to hide any problems. But not with our eagle eyes! We're all looking out for Carole's interests and we won't let her buy a lemon. The 2 men in our group will search for structural problems and the women will place our discerning eyes on the decorating. I'm even taking a camera.
You'd have to know this park to know that we could have easily gotten 100 people to check this trailer out for us. We look after each other here. When we're finished our inspection, Carole will know more than if she'd looked at it herself.
I know she's sitting at home right now all excited about possibly buying her Florida trailer. And she knows she can trust us do do our best. That's what friends are for.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Second Life
I just heard of a new website/game called "Second Life". It costs the user real money to create an imaginary human form, buy imaginary property and imaginary clothes in imaginary shops. They can also buy imaginary food and imaginary new hair styles. They are, in essence, creating a completely new life for themselves...albeit imaginary. The creators of this website are making a lot of money from the sadly disfunctional human beings who think this is a logical way to escape their unsatisfactory lives.
We all would like a second chance to start over and mend the mistakes of our past but most of us know that's impossible. We just continue with our lives and try to be better people. There is an unmistakable draw to actually recreating ourselves, though, even in an imaginary way. The creators of "Second Life" understand that need all too clearly.
I realized many years ago that it is almost impossible for human beings to be completely honest with themselves and live their lives in a clean, clear-cut way. We learn from birth what works in the society we live in and we pattern our behaviour to fit into that environment. Literally, from birth we are no longer our own person...we are what we have to be to survive. Don't take my word for it...try to be perfectly honest with yourself and you'll see that it's extremely difficult.
I'm a "go with the flow" kind of person because that's the easiest way. Only occasionally do I get my back up and refuse to accept the status quo. If I were to play the "Second Life" game, nobody would recognize the real me. And that's the draw!
Personally, I think that anyone playing the game would become even more unsatisfied with their real lives. It would be traumatic to go from having it all your own way to having to deal with the way things actually are.
Just a thought...in my second life I'd be tall and thin, strong and fearless. Wouldn't we all??
We all would like a second chance to start over and mend the mistakes of our past but most of us know that's impossible. We just continue with our lives and try to be better people. There is an unmistakable draw to actually recreating ourselves, though, even in an imaginary way. The creators of "Second Life" understand that need all too clearly.
I realized many years ago that it is almost impossible for human beings to be completely honest with themselves and live their lives in a clean, clear-cut way. We learn from birth what works in the society we live in and we pattern our behaviour to fit into that environment. Literally, from birth we are no longer our own person...we are what we have to be to survive. Don't take my word for it...try to be perfectly honest with yourself and you'll see that it's extremely difficult.
I'm a "go with the flow" kind of person because that's the easiest way. Only occasionally do I get my back up and refuse to accept the status quo. If I were to play the "Second Life" game, nobody would recognize the real me. And that's the draw!
Personally, I think that anyone playing the game would become even more unsatisfied with their real lives. It would be traumatic to go from having it all your own way to having to deal with the way things actually are.
Just a thought...in my second life I'd be tall and thin, strong and fearless. Wouldn't we all??
Friday, February 16, 2007
Equality in Hiring
We don't hear too much anymore about equal opportunities for minorities acquiring government jobs. When it was painfully obvious that minorities were not getting their fair share of jobs, I was all for giving them a better advantage. What I don't like is the idea that a minority applicant will be hired ahead of anyone else with better qualifications. That is just another form of discrimination.
The Hispanic population in Florida is growing in leaps and bounds. I only winter here but even I can see it clearly. I have no problem with becoming a minority race in Florida. I've never been treated badly by any of the Hispanics that I come in contact with on a regular basis. In fact, they treat me with more respect than I'm used to getting. Hispanics still have a healthy respect for age.
Mexicans and Cubans seem to comprise the largest group to be flooding into Florida. For the most part they are hard working people who only want a better life for themselves and their children. Many are illegals and my heart goes out to them because they have no protection in their new country. Even though this is a major financial burden to legal taxpayers, I can't really blame these people for moving here illegally. The U.S. government is going to have to find a way to deal with them in a humane way...let them stay and make a life for themselves, and then they can become a real part of this country.
I can't imagine what it must be like to live in a country illegally, knowing that any moment you can be arrested and torn away from the life you've built for yourself. We're the lucky ones because our ancestors came to America many, many years ago when they were welcomed here. Generations have benefited from those pioneers and that is the driving force behind the illegal aliens of today. They want their descendents to benefit from their move. I hope so much that something can be worked out to make them legal citizens of their new country.
The Hispanic population in Florida is growing in leaps and bounds. I only winter here but even I can see it clearly. I have no problem with becoming a minority race in Florida. I've never been treated badly by any of the Hispanics that I come in contact with on a regular basis. In fact, they treat me with more respect than I'm used to getting. Hispanics still have a healthy respect for age.
Mexicans and Cubans seem to comprise the largest group to be flooding into Florida. For the most part they are hard working people who only want a better life for themselves and their children. Many are illegals and my heart goes out to them because they have no protection in their new country. Even though this is a major financial burden to legal taxpayers, I can't really blame these people for moving here illegally. The U.S. government is going to have to find a way to deal with them in a humane way...let them stay and make a life for themselves, and then they can become a real part of this country.
I can't imagine what it must be like to live in a country illegally, knowing that any moment you can be arrested and torn away from the life you've built for yourself. We're the lucky ones because our ancestors came to America many, many years ago when they were welcomed here. Generations have benefited from those pioneers and that is the driving force behind the illegal aliens of today. They want their descendents to benefit from their move. I hope so much that something can be worked out to make them legal citizens of their new country.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Love
I get my ideas for a blog from just about anywhere. Today I read my nieces's blog about how the love between her and her husband has changed over the past 10 years.
When I met my husband we were only 15 and 18 years old and I immediately fell deeply in love (remember Romeo and Juliet?). Don't ever believe a teenager can't fall in love...real love. Of course we were young, pretty, and full of life so it was easy to like each other.
After years of marriage and three children, I'd still melt when I looked at him (when I wasn't mad at him for something). Even when we aged and the bodies suffered from time, he could still make my heart flip-flop. It never was the body that attracted me, it was his eyes and his strength.
Unfortunately, we had differences that we could never overcome...but I still remember those eyes.
When I met my husband we were only 15 and 18 years old and I immediately fell deeply in love (remember Romeo and Juliet?). Don't ever believe a teenager can't fall in love...real love. Of course we were young, pretty, and full of life so it was easy to like each other.
After years of marriage and three children, I'd still melt when I looked at him (when I wasn't mad at him for something). Even when we aged and the bodies suffered from time, he could still make my heart flip-flop. It never was the body that attracted me, it was his eyes and his strength.
Unfortunately, we had differences that we could never overcome...but I still remember those eyes.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Newly Wed Game
We had our annual Valentine's evening at the clubhouse tonight. A group of people spent weeks preparing a comedy skit that faintly resembled the old Newly Wed Game. Four couples had been chosen but not given any information about the kinds of questions they'd be asked. I think they were very brave to submit themselves to the unknown...especially since we are not a prudish bunch.
After the four wives were secluded off stage, the first question asked of the men was "what size dress does your wife wear?". You never saw more terrified men in your life. No matter what they said, they were in trouble. My heart went out to the three of the four ladies who were what we like to refer to as "fluffy". The men answered as honestly as they could and so did the wives. I take my hat off to them!
A question asked of the wives was "what color underwear is your husband wearing?". The wives simply looked blank and most wondered if their husbands were even wearing underwear. We'll never look at those men the same way again!
The audience laughed uproarously all evening...most of us thankful we weren't the ones on stage. One man in the audience was visiting our park and I'm sure he was less than thrilled to be spending his evening watching amateur comedy but I was glad to see him doubled over with laughter right along with everyone else.
This happy evening will be the gift that keeps on giving because we'll all discuss it and laugh again for days to come. And those four men will probably get a lot of probing stares from us women.
After the four wives were secluded off stage, the first question asked of the men was "what size dress does your wife wear?". You never saw more terrified men in your life. No matter what they said, they were in trouble. My heart went out to the three of the four ladies who were what we like to refer to as "fluffy". The men answered as honestly as they could and so did the wives. I take my hat off to them!
A question asked of the wives was "what color underwear is your husband wearing?". The wives simply looked blank and most wondered if their husbands were even wearing underwear. We'll never look at those men the same way again!
The audience laughed uproarously all evening...most of us thankful we weren't the ones on stage. One man in the audience was visiting our park and I'm sure he was less than thrilled to be spending his evening watching amateur comedy but I was glad to see him doubled over with laughter right along with everyone else.
This happy evening will be the gift that keeps on giving because we'll all discuss it and laugh again for days to come. And those four men will probably get a lot of probing stares from us women.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Guardian Angels
Despite being a confused agnostic, I still believe I have a guardian angel. It's a man (or manlike) and his name is Michael. Don't ask me how I know this but it's been a fact of my life for many, many years. Since I'm not bible literate I'm free to form my own assumptions about life and death using logic...or sometimes just intuition. I have my own beliefs.
It seems as though I've always had a spirit figure beside me but only since about 15 years ago has he become clearer to me. It's strange but I just realized that happened when I was finally cured of depression.
Throughout my childhood and into my teen years I possessed a strong ESP but, around the time I met my husband, it disappeared. Now isn't that interesting!! I was diagnosed with depression in my early 40's and began 16 years of medication and counseling. I was finally able to stop taking all treatment and it felt as though my life was beginning all over again. That's when "Michael" returned.
Having a guardian angel doesn't mean you're aware of them all the time. My guardian angel only makes his presence known when I'm distressed. It's then I realize that I don't have to bear my personal burden alone.
It's possible I only have a vivid imagination but, if it works, why not just go along with it. There have been so many instances in my life that my ESP (or intuition) has saved my life so there's no way I'll ignore it. We've been given the gift of 5 senses but I believe intuition is a sixth sense that we don't give enough credit.
I know when my daughters read this blog they're going to start searching for a nice nursing home for me...preferably with restraints...but I hope they're open minded enough to realize there's more to life than what our 5 senses tell us.
It seems as though I've always had a spirit figure beside me but only since about 15 years ago has he become clearer to me. It's strange but I just realized that happened when I was finally cured of depression.
Throughout my childhood and into my teen years I possessed a strong ESP but, around the time I met my husband, it disappeared. Now isn't that interesting!! I was diagnosed with depression in my early 40's and began 16 years of medication and counseling. I was finally able to stop taking all treatment and it felt as though my life was beginning all over again. That's when "Michael" returned.
Having a guardian angel doesn't mean you're aware of them all the time. My guardian angel only makes his presence known when I'm distressed. It's then I realize that I don't have to bear my personal burden alone.
It's possible I only have a vivid imagination but, if it works, why not just go along with it. There have been so many instances in my life that my ESP (or intuition) has saved my life so there's no way I'll ignore it. We've been given the gift of 5 senses but I believe intuition is a sixth sense that we don't give enough credit.
I know when my daughters read this blog they're going to start searching for a nice nursing home for me...preferably with restraints...but I hope they're open minded enough to realize there's more to life than what our 5 senses tell us.
Monk's Cloth
I've been in a panic since learning that Walmart in the States is closing their fabric department. This is where I buy almost all my fabric and this is definitely the place to buy monk's cloth used for Swedish weaving. At Walmart it costs $6 a yard, at Joanne's Fabric's it's $10 a yard, and at home in Canada it's over $18 a yard. I'm not even going to mention the excellent $1 a yard fabric that I've been buying at Walmart or it will make me cry.
I hate change. It disorients me and makes me uneasy. Just when you think there's a nice comfortable pattern to your life, it changes.
Ebay has also changed it's format again and I can't for the life of me figure it out. I'm continuing to use the old format (which I hated to learn) but it will only be available for a short time. What the heck is wrong with Ebay? They have almost priced themselves out of business...I don't make much money there but it isn't a living for me. Then they keep changing the format so that it alienates dumber users like me.
Back to the monk's cloth...I hunted down every Walmart within 20 miles and bought as much monk's cloth as I could. I'm now set to make afghans for about 2-3 years. After that I may have to find another hobby!
I hate change. It disorients me and makes me uneasy. Just when you think there's a nice comfortable pattern to your life, it changes.
Ebay has also changed it's format again and I can't for the life of me figure it out. I'm continuing to use the old format (which I hated to learn) but it will only be available for a short time. What the heck is wrong with Ebay? They have almost priced themselves out of business...I don't make much money there but it isn't a living for me. Then they keep changing the format so that it alienates dumber users like me.
Back to the monk's cloth...I hunted down every Walmart within 20 miles and bought as much monk's cloth as I could. I'm now set to make afghans for about 2-3 years. After that I may have to find another hobby!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Butt Out
We have a problem with smokers fouling the air right in front of the clubhouse. They've been told to use the smoking room at the back of the clubhouse but they don't like it for some reason. After being told continuously that non smokers detest walking through the fumes to get into the clubhouse, a non smoking sign was finally posted at the front door.
The smokers then moved a few feet out to the parking lot, continued to smoke and then tossed their butts all over the ground. Why can't they see how disgusting this is?
I lived with a heavy duty smoker for almost 48 years and nothing would convince that man that the cigarette smoke he exhaled bothered anyone. But he'd have a major tantrum if he was exposed to the smell of whatever they use on dried flowers. He once took every dried flower arrangement from a lovely hotel room we were in and set them out on the balcony...where they all blew away. I'm sure the management thought we stole them.
My son-in-law once told my daughter (who smoked at the time) that kissing her was like kissing a dirty ashtray. Maybe that's why she finally quit smoking. I've never smoked so I'm not sure just how hard it is to quit but my husband, who was a very strong willed person, was never able to quit for long. It's too bad because I think it was the smoking that gave him the esophagus cancer that killed him.
It's not my place to preach to anyone that smoking is bad for them. They are adults and can make their own choices but they have no right to subject non smokers to the dangers of cigarette smoke. Maybe we should squawk a little louder and demand our rights be respected.
The smokers then moved a few feet out to the parking lot, continued to smoke and then tossed their butts all over the ground. Why can't they see how disgusting this is?
I lived with a heavy duty smoker for almost 48 years and nothing would convince that man that the cigarette smoke he exhaled bothered anyone. But he'd have a major tantrum if he was exposed to the smell of whatever they use on dried flowers. He once took every dried flower arrangement from a lovely hotel room we were in and set them out on the balcony...where they all blew away. I'm sure the management thought we stole them.
My son-in-law once told my daughter (who smoked at the time) that kissing her was like kissing a dirty ashtray. Maybe that's why she finally quit smoking. I've never smoked so I'm not sure just how hard it is to quit but my husband, who was a very strong willed person, was never able to quit for long. It's too bad because I think it was the smoking that gave him the esophagus cancer that killed him.
It's not my place to preach to anyone that smoking is bad for them. They are adults and can make their own choices but they have no right to subject non smokers to the dangers of cigarette smoke. Maybe we should squawk a little louder and demand our rights be respected.
Senility
My sister-in-law, Faye, and I were discussing some of the crummy things we'd had to deal with during our long lives. We might not remember what we're supposed to be doing at the moment but old hurts are never forgotten. Unless you become senile. Maybe senility is nature's way of taking away bad memories. Now, if nature was perfect, it would leave us the good memories.
We oldsters don't take senility lightly because it seems to linger in the far distance (we hope), just waiting to spring on us. We've been at the age for a while when we finish each other's sentence or thought because the speaker got stuck. We all laugh when this happens but there's always a niggling worry...have we finally met up with "senility"?
Old people, really old people, are so darned interesting when they've maintained their mental faculties. There's no-one I'd rather have a conversation with because we can learn so much from them.
I've warned my daughters that I never want to live with them when I'm unable to take care of myself. Just put me in a nice nursing home and visit me regularly. If I become senile and ask to live with them, please remember how I felt when I still had my wits. Funny, but none of them put up an argument!!
We oldsters don't take senility lightly because it seems to linger in the far distance (we hope), just waiting to spring on us. We've been at the age for a while when we finish each other's sentence or thought because the speaker got stuck. We all laugh when this happens but there's always a niggling worry...have we finally met up with "senility"?
Old people, really old people, are so darned interesting when they've maintained their mental faculties. There's no-one I'd rather have a conversation with because we can learn so much from them.
I've warned my daughters that I never want to live with them when I'm unable to take care of myself. Just put me in a nice nursing home and visit me regularly. If I become senile and ask to live with them, please remember how I felt when I still had my wits. Funny, but none of them put up an argument!!
Anna Nicole Smith
That poor woman is dead. Since the first time I heard of her it seems the press has hounded the life out of her and now they can feed on her carcass. She didn't appear to be the brightest or strongest person in the public eye and she just wasn't up to taking on the press. Whenever I saw her on T.V. the press looked like ants swarming over a piece of meat. And I wondered how they could stand their jobs.
When pictures of truly grieving people are shown on the news or in print, I feel an immediate distaste for the photographer...and the editor. Some things are sacred and we should treat grief with respect.
When pictures of truly grieving people are shown on the news or in print, I feel an immediate distaste for the photographer...and the editor. Some things are sacred and we should treat grief with respect.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Competition
A bunch of us ladies go over to the clubhouse most evenings of the week and play board, card, or dice games. Our game of choice lately is "Farkle" which is played with 6 dice (die?). It's interesting to watch the competitive spirit...or lack of it...in the players.
I'm competitive and love to win. I'm a good loser but a poor winner because I tend to giggle when I win. The losers don't like that. I've tried various ways over the years to temper my responses when I do win, but the giggle usually wins out.
Years ago I was playing a card game with my husband who was the world's worst loser. I kept beating him even though he had given up all pretense and had begun to openly cheat. I giggled one too many times and he overturned the coffee table we were playing on and walked away mad as hell. I rolled on the floor with laughter...and then wondered why he never wanted to play cards with me again.
People who are too competitive can't enjoy a game just for the pleasure of playing it. We call these people "poor sports" and no-one wants to play with them.
The ladies I play with have a comfortable degree of competitiveness. We like to win but we're so happy when one of our own manages a win after many losses. Playing these games is only a facade for a social gathering. It's the laughter and chatter that draws us more than the game.
Tonight our clubhouse was absolutely full of people playing one game or another...and the room was filled with laughter.
I'm competitive and love to win. I'm a good loser but a poor winner because I tend to giggle when I win. The losers don't like that. I've tried various ways over the years to temper my responses when I do win, but the giggle usually wins out.
Years ago I was playing a card game with my husband who was the world's worst loser. I kept beating him even though he had given up all pretense and had begun to openly cheat. I giggled one too many times and he overturned the coffee table we were playing on and walked away mad as hell. I rolled on the floor with laughter...and then wondered why he never wanted to play cards with me again.
People who are too competitive can't enjoy a game just for the pleasure of playing it. We call these people "poor sports" and no-one wants to play with them.
The ladies I play with have a comfortable degree of competitiveness. We like to win but we're so happy when one of our own manages a win after many losses. Playing these games is only a facade for a social gathering. It's the laughter and chatter that draws us more than the game.
Tonight our clubhouse was absolutely full of people playing one game or another...and the room was filled with laughter.
A Diaper Ride Away
I've been watching with amazement the unfolding story of the ex astronaut who went after the woman who was her love rival. She wore diapers because she didn't want to stop for a pee break on her long drive. This is true dedication to the cause.
It got me thinking about to what extent we go for love. All I ever did was hang on to a bad marriage, convincing myself that what I saw with my eyes and sensed with my mind didn't exist. We're capable of convincing ourselves of what we want to believe because to accept the truth is too painful.
I saw a lady on T.V. the other day who stalks the fiance of Beyonce. She has convinced herself that she is better for him than Beyonce although she's never met the man. She is a personable lady, well maintained, but she has this blind spot that's ruining her life.
Some women (and some men) live in a physically abusive relationship because their mate is 95% gold and only goes off on them "when they push his buttons". These women believe that if they're beaten up it must be their own fault.
Hilary Clinton stuck by her man even though he cheated on her and subjected her to public humiliation to a degree unimaginable. I don't think this was the exposure she had in mind while she was planning her own political career.
Remember the California cop who couldn't sexually satisfy his wife so he procurred many, many men to do the job for him? He also hid in the closet and watched so it's possible his good deeds weren't just for his wife.
An ongoing story is the group of 13 year old girls who viciously attacked another girl who they thought was a love rival. They acted like a pack of wild animals and ended up making ridiculous fools of themselves.
Back to the astonaut...a T.V. announcer said this morning "we're all just a diaper ride away" from behaving like idiots in the name of love. I agree.
It got me thinking about to what extent we go for love. All I ever did was hang on to a bad marriage, convincing myself that what I saw with my eyes and sensed with my mind didn't exist. We're capable of convincing ourselves of what we want to believe because to accept the truth is too painful.
I saw a lady on T.V. the other day who stalks the fiance of Beyonce. She has convinced herself that she is better for him than Beyonce although she's never met the man. She is a personable lady, well maintained, but she has this blind spot that's ruining her life.
Some women (and some men) live in a physically abusive relationship because their mate is 95% gold and only goes off on them "when they push his buttons". These women believe that if they're beaten up it must be their own fault.
Hilary Clinton stuck by her man even though he cheated on her and subjected her to public humiliation to a degree unimaginable. I don't think this was the exposure she had in mind while she was planning her own political career.
Remember the California cop who couldn't sexually satisfy his wife so he procurred many, many men to do the job for him? He also hid in the closet and watched so it's possible his good deeds weren't just for his wife.
An ongoing story is the group of 13 year old girls who viciously attacked another girl who they thought was a love rival. They acted like a pack of wild animals and ended up making ridiculous fools of themselves.
Back to the astonaut...a T.V. announcer said this morning "we're all just a diaper ride away" from behaving like idiots in the name of love. I agree.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Picture This!
My daughter, Kim, made a rude comment about what I could do with all my Elvis fabric but, in doing so, she gave me an idea. She laughingly said we could all make togas out of it and wear them to Collingwood when we go to the Elvis Festival. Here's my thought...We could make tops out of them and wear them along with carrying our Elvis totes and we'd never lose each other. How cute!
Hey Kim, bet you'll think twice before giving me any more suggestions again, right?
Hey Kim, bet you'll think twice before giving me any more suggestions again, right?
Little Old Lady, Me!
I got myself one of those little carts on wheels to take my laundry to the laundryroom...things seem to be getting heavier for me...and realized that I'm looking more like an old lady every day. Forget the grey hair and wrinkles...I mean losing physical abilities.
I remember when we all used to bounce out of the car when we arrived at our destination. Now it takes us so long to drag ourselves out that we get the giggles.
I used to have the tiniest bit of arthritis in the first knuckle of my index finger but now my whole hand aches slightly once in a while. When I developed the first pain in my knuckle I thought I'd broken it and had it exrayed. It never occurred to me that it could be arthritis.
A couple of years ago I discovered I could barely get back up on my feet from a kneeling position. It was kind of embarrassing because I was in the middle of my yard cleaning out the lawnmower and thought I'd have to crawl back to the house. Fortunately no one saw me and I was able to pull myself up but with great difficulty.
I'm not unique in my failings but there are plenty of people older than me who are much more agile. I'm not quite sure if it's bad genes or lack of exercise...probably a combination of both.
Anyway, we do lose some of our abilities as we age and that's a fact of life. I say "enjoy it while you have it!".
I remember when we all used to bounce out of the car when we arrived at our destination. Now it takes us so long to drag ourselves out that we get the giggles.
I used to have the tiniest bit of arthritis in the first knuckle of my index finger but now my whole hand aches slightly once in a while. When I developed the first pain in my knuckle I thought I'd broken it and had it exrayed. It never occurred to me that it could be arthritis.
A couple of years ago I discovered I could barely get back up on my feet from a kneeling position. It was kind of embarrassing because I was in the middle of my yard cleaning out the lawnmower and thought I'd have to crawl back to the house. Fortunately no one saw me and I was able to pull myself up but with great difficulty.
I'm not unique in my failings but there are plenty of people older than me who are much more agile. I'm not quite sure if it's bad genes or lack of exercise...probably a combination of both.
Anyway, we do lose some of our abilities as we age and that's a fact of life. I say "enjoy it while you have it!".
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Elvis E-mail Background
I think you call it "wallpaper" but that sounds silly so I'll refer to it as "background. Anyway, I just learned how to use Elvis as background on my e-mails. I'm not sure I like the effect and one daughter and one grandson sound less than enthused about it so I might limit it to a select group of fellow Elvis lovers.
I might have gone a bit overboard with "Elvis" today. I received some pictures, stamps and fabric from Ebay...all Elvis. Then I went shopping this afternoon and was ecstatic to find 2 different prints of Elvis fabric at Walmart. I now own 15 1/2 yards of Elvis fabric...3 different prints. And I have no idea what I'll use it for.
It matters not! I'll have it "just in case" an idea hits me.
I might have gone a bit overboard with "Elvis" today. I received some pictures, stamps and fabric from Ebay...all Elvis. Then I went shopping this afternoon and was ecstatic to find 2 different prints of Elvis fabric at Walmart. I now own 15 1/2 yards of Elvis fabric...3 different prints. And I have no idea what I'll use it for.
It matters not! I'll have it "just in case" an idea hits me.
Family Problems
With all the family problems we're dealing with lately, I've taken to daydreaming about what my life would have been like if I never had children. The big problem with having children is that you never, NEVER stop worrying about them. How nice it would be to have no-one to worry about but yourself.
Firstly, I would not have married so young and might have been smart enough to obtain a decent education before selecting an interesting career. Then I would have had numerous, exciting affairs before settling down with the perfect man. I'd have a gorgeous house that never got mussed and go on very expensive vacations which I could afford. Of course, I'd never gain any weight.
If this sounds like a romance novel (which I hate and don't read) it's because there's nothing real about that picture. Life is never that easy. We have to take the good with the bad and I wouldn't give up my troublesome family for anything on earth. That doesn't stop me from wishing all of our lives were trouble free, though.
When my granddaughter, Lisette, was about 4 years old, she used to make us laugh when she'd step in front of everyone, hold up her hand, and yell "STOP!". She needed to stop all the confusion going on around her and get us organized. Right now I want to stand in front of my family and yell "STOP! Let's all get healthy, wealthy, and wise.". Do you suppose that would work?
Firstly, I would not have married so young and might have been smart enough to obtain a decent education before selecting an interesting career. Then I would have had numerous, exciting affairs before settling down with the perfect man. I'd have a gorgeous house that never got mussed and go on very expensive vacations which I could afford. Of course, I'd never gain any weight.
If this sounds like a romance novel (which I hate and don't read) it's because there's nothing real about that picture. Life is never that easy. We have to take the good with the bad and I wouldn't give up my troublesome family for anything on earth. That doesn't stop me from wishing all of our lives were trouble free, though.
When my granddaughter, Lisette, was about 4 years old, she used to make us laugh when she'd step in front of everyone, hold up her hand, and yell "STOP!". She needed to stop all the confusion going on around her and get us organized. Right now I want to stand in front of my family and yell "STOP! Let's all get healthy, wealthy, and wise.". Do you suppose that would work?
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Memorial Service
A memorial service was held here in the park this afternoon for residents who passed away in the last year. When my husband and I bought our trailer in 2000, we'd hear of people who had passed away over the summer but not recognize their names. Today there was a list of about 12 people and I knew most of them. It's always sad to come back to Florida in the fall and discover that a few of our friends had died over the summer.
I was at the service today because a dear friend of mine passed away last July and I wanted to show my respect. Lucy was a very special human being and I know I'll never meet another like her. She had a heart so big and a kindness so overwhelming that she shone. She was a shopaholic (bargains only) and had the nicest darned wardrobe that put us all to shame. Lucy, earth angel that she was, also liked a little drink and a cigarette to go with it. We had a lot of laughs over the past 7 years and I'll never forget her.
I looked around the room today and saw so many people who have become my friends since we came to this park. We're all aging and it saddens me to wonder which one of us won't be back next year. But, we're here today and enjoying life and I guess that's all we can ask for.
I was at the service today because a dear friend of mine passed away last July and I wanted to show my respect. Lucy was a very special human being and I know I'll never meet another like her. She had a heart so big and a kindness so overwhelming that she shone. She was a shopaholic (bargains only) and had the nicest darned wardrobe that put us all to shame. Lucy, earth angel that she was, also liked a little drink and a cigarette to go with it. We had a lot of laughs over the past 7 years and I'll never forget her.
I looked around the room today and saw so many people who have become my friends since we came to this park. We're all aging and it saddens me to wonder which one of us won't be back next year. But, we're here today and enjoying life and I guess that's all we can ask for.
Coca Cola Swap Meet
I went to a Coca Cola swap meet over the weekend and learned quite a bit about Coke collectors and collections. As I walked through the exhibits I asked many questions and found "Coke Heads" to be very friendly and more than willing to share their knowledge with me. I knew absolutely nothing about collecting Coke memorabilia so I was like a sponge receiving information and attempting to remember all I'd learned.
Collectors of anything are a special breed. They love their product of choice and strive to learn more with every passing year. I bought 2 Coke catalogues at the silent auction...probably paid too much but, really, catalogues are invaluable to people like me who buy at yard sales and sell on Ebay.
I'll never be a Coke collector but I hope to find some little treasures on my yard sale jaunts and resell them to the real collectors!
What matters most about this past weekend is that I had fun, met some interesting people, and learned something new. Sure beats vegetating in front of the T.V.
Collectors of anything are a special breed. They love their product of choice and strive to learn more with every passing year. I bought 2 Coke catalogues at the silent auction...probably paid too much but, really, catalogues are invaluable to people like me who buy at yard sales and sell on Ebay.
I'll never be a Coke collector but I hope to find some little treasures on my yard sale jaunts and resell them to the real collectors!
What matters most about this past weekend is that I had fun, met some interesting people, and learned something new. Sure beats vegetating in front of the T.V.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Clean Your Plate
When I was a child my grandmother would insist that I eat every last scrap on my dinner plate because "There are children starving in Africa!". Thus began a lifetime of me eating everything put before me because somewhere in the world there were people starving.
In all ignorance, I used the same tactics with my own children. I'm sure they remember having to sit at the table for hours in front of plates of cold liver. I'm ashamed to say I'd often hear them gag.
We are so strongly conditioned by childhood rules that it's difficult to break free of them, even in adulthood. Today I relish the moments I can actually walk away from food left on my dinner plate...bearing only a small twinge to my conscience.
It seems to take me a long time to learn but I managed to treat my grandchildren differently. They needed only to finish their vegetables if they wanted dessert. If they refused, they could leave the table anyway and get on with their lives. It's a far cry from the torture I put my children through and I'm certain they resent me for all those times I forced them to eat cold liver. I resent me, too.
In all ignorance, I used the same tactics with my own children. I'm sure they remember having to sit at the table for hours in front of plates of cold liver. I'm ashamed to say I'd often hear them gag.
We are so strongly conditioned by childhood rules that it's difficult to break free of them, even in adulthood. Today I relish the moments I can actually walk away from food left on my dinner plate...bearing only a small twinge to my conscience.
It seems to take me a long time to learn but I managed to treat my grandchildren differently. They needed only to finish their vegetables if they wanted dessert. If they refused, they could leave the table anyway and get on with their lives. It's a far cry from the torture I put my children through and I'm certain they resent me for all those times I forced them to eat cold liver. I resent me, too.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Sweet Payment
I did a 3 1/2 hour stint volunteering at Kid's World this afternoon and received a payment so precious that it will keep me floating on air for days. A beautiful little 4 year old girl walked into the ice cream parlor where I was working and stole my heart. She was wearing a bandanna on her head and it was obvious her head had been shaved. She had such a look of gentleness and peace on her face that I couldn't take my eyes off of her.
As I spoke to her, I mentioned the pretty bandanna and she took it off. Her little head had indeed been shaved and there were 3 long, semi-healed scars which still revealed lumps that hadn't been completely removed. Her big brown eyes showed no sickness or fear, just that overwhelming gentleness that had attracted me to her.
I helped her climb onto a rocking horse and held on to her while she enjoyed her ride. When she was finished she softly asked me to help her down. As I lifted her to the ground she wrapped her arms around me and told me she loved me. I felt as though I was in the presence of an angel who had found me worthy.
This wasn't a sad moment, at least not one to make you cry. It was a moment of connecting with another human being and knowing this is where you were meant to be. I wish I had the words to explain how that felt. I do know I gave something of value to that little girl and she gave something of immense value back to me.
God, or someone, sure works in mysterious ways.
As I spoke to her, I mentioned the pretty bandanna and she took it off. Her little head had indeed been shaved and there were 3 long, semi-healed scars which still revealed lumps that hadn't been completely removed. Her big brown eyes showed no sickness or fear, just that overwhelming gentleness that had attracted me to her.
I helped her climb onto a rocking horse and held on to her while she enjoyed her ride. When she was finished she softly asked me to help her down. As I lifted her to the ground she wrapped her arms around me and told me she loved me. I felt as though I was in the presence of an angel who had found me worthy.
This wasn't a sad moment, at least not one to make you cry. It was a moment of connecting with another human being and knowing this is where you were meant to be. I wish I had the words to explain how that felt. I do know I gave something of value to that little girl and she gave something of immense value back to me.
God, or someone, sure works in mysterious ways.
Kid's World in Kissimmee
I was just talking to my daughter about going over to volunteer at Kid's World this afternoon. Kid's World is like an amusement park for seriously or terminally ill children and their families and there is no other place on earth that makes a volunteer feel more useful. Kim thinks this would be a sad atmosphere to work in but I tried to make her understand how happy the children are in this magical place. They can forget their illnesses for a while. Their brothers and sisters can also enjoy the experience and the parents, bless them, can watch their children have the vacation of a lifetime...completely free of cost.
The "Make a Wish" foundation is only one of the groups who take advantage of Kid's World which is situated in Kissimmee, Florida. Lovely, fully equipped townhouses are provided for the families on the grounds and they can use the cafeteria, movie theatre, miniature golf course, pool, ice cream parlor, etc., etc., etc. at their leisure. Transportation to and from Kid's World and theme park tickets are provided free of charge also. Medical staff is available 24 hours a day.
Don't look for me at the pool today. Besides the fact that it's too darned cold, I'll be making fantastic ice-cream concoctions for starry eyed children and their patient and thankful parents.
The "Make a Wish" foundation is only one of the groups who take advantage of Kid's World which is situated in Kissimmee, Florida. Lovely, fully equipped townhouses are provided for the families on the grounds and they can use the cafeteria, movie theatre, miniature golf course, pool, ice cream parlor, etc., etc., etc. at their leisure. Transportation to and from Kid's World and theme park tickets are provided free of charge also. Medical staff is available 24 hours a day.
Don't look for me at the pool today. Besides the fact that it's too darned cold, I'll be making fantastic ice-cream concoctions for starry eyed children and their patient and thankful parents.
Cold in Florida
It's been darned cold here for 2 full days now and it's making us very unhappy. Aren't we spoiled? If we were back home in Canada and had temperatures like this we'd think we were having a heat wave.
It's a hoot to see Floridians wearing parkas and toques when the temperatures get below 60 degrees (I think that might be about 15 degrees celcius). Their bodies have become so accustomed to warm or hot weather that they feel the cold faster than northerners. Snowbirds are afflicted with the same inability to tolerate cold so we groan right along with the true southerners.
When we have a frost warning all the residents get out their old sheets and cover bedding plants and potted plants to keep them alive. The park looks as though everyone is laying their sheets on the ground to dry. The first time I actually saw this done was in New Brunswick and I couldn't figure out why anyone would do this. Now I know. It works very well to keep the plants just warm enough to survive if the temperatures go below freezing for a few hours.
It's supposed to warm up today into the mid 60's and then into the mid 70's tomorrow. This is winter in Florida and we learn to adjust. The one thing that is almost a constant is a sunny, blue sky and that lifts our spirits as much as the warm air. I think I could stand a full, frigid winter as long as the sun shone.
It's a hoot to see Floridians wearing parkas and toques when the temperatures get below 60 degrees (I think that might be about 15 degrees celcius). Their bodies have become so accustomed to warm or hot weather that they feel the cold faster than northerners. Snowbirds are afflicted with the same inability to tolerate cold so we groan right along with the true southerners.
When we have a frost warning all the residents get out their old sheets and cover bedding plants and potted plants to keep them alive. The park looks as though everyone is laying their sheets on the ground to dry. The first time I actually saw this done was in New Brunswick and I couldn't figure out why anyone would do this. Now I know. It works very well to keep the plants just warm enough to survive if the temperatures go below freezing for a few hours.
It's supposed to warm up today into the mid 60's and then into the mid 70's tomorrow. This is winter in Florida and we learn to adjust. The one thing that is almost a constant is a sunny, blue sky and that lifts our spirits as much as the warm air. I think I could stand a full, frigid winter as long as the sun shone.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Difficult People
Why are some people so hard to get along with? I'm talking about friends who are "normal" about half the time so that you get to like them...then you realize they have a moody, sarcastic side that takes over the rest of the time and it irritates the hell out of you.
There is a lady here who works hard, volunteers probably more than most of us, and can be the life of the party. Out of the blue she no longer talks to certain people who have no idea what they've done. She becomes bitter with almost everyone else and alienates the few people who try harder to look past her idiosyncrasies. I used to just ignore the silences and speak to her as though nothing was wrong but now I'm fed up and will just stay away from her. Everything was fine the day before our cruise but she's not spoken to me and a few others since then. She'll walk right past and not even glance our way. I think the problem started when we all took up a collection for the lady who did so much to arrange the cruise and "M" didn't want us to do it. Her snit could be as simple as that.
I understand she has emotional problems or she wouldn't act this way but her rudeness has overcome any inclination I've had to continue being her friend. She's often moaned to me that she can't understand why people don't like her because she says she tries to be nice to everyone. Apparently she's blind to her faults. If I was a true friend I'd tell her that people don't like her because of her behaviour. But then she'd stop talking to me. OOPS! Too late!
There is a lady here who works hard, volunteers probably more than most of us, and can be the life of the party. Out of the blue she no longer talks to certain people who have no idea what they've done. She becomes bitter with almost everyone else and alienates the few people who try harder to look past her idiosyncrasies. I used to just ignore the silences and speak to her as though nothing was wrong but now I'm fed up and will just stay away from her. Everything was fine the day before our cruise but she's not spoken to me and a few others since then. She'll walk right past and not even glance our way. I think the problem started when we all took up a collection for the lady who did so much to arrange the cruise and "M" didn't want us to do it. Her snit could be as simple as that.
I understand she has emotional problems or she wouldn't act this way but her rudeness has overcome any inclination I've had to continue being her friend. She's often moaned to me that she can't understand why people don't like her because she says she tries to be nice to everyone. Apparently she's blind to her faults. If I was a true friend I'd tell her that people don't like her because of her behaviour. But then she'd stop talking to me. OOPS! Too late!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Proud to be White?
I received an e-mail today that proclaimed the sender to be "proud to be white". It got me thinking...am I proud to be white? I don't think what I feel could be called pride. I'm thankful that I'm white because, living in Canada or the States, we have an easier time in life. I definitely don't feel superior to other races and often envy them at times for a variety of reasons.
I have Irish skin...pale and freckled...so I envy anyone with healthy, naturally tanned skin.
I have no true family nationality (my ancestry is Irish, French, English, and who knows what else) so I envy people who can lay claim to one country that their ancestors came from.
Occasionally I've been in an environment where I was the only white person in sight and I have to admit I felt a little out of place. My concerns were how the people around me felt about my presence but it didn't make me feel like a lesser human being.
I don't think it's possible for white people to fully understand what it feels like to be of another race in north America. We haven't been subjected to the conditioning they've lived with for generations.
So, am I proud to be white? The answer is no.
Like Popeye says, "I am what I am and that's all that I am".
I have Irish skin...pale and freckled...so I envy anyone with healthy, naturally tanned skin.
I have no true family nationality (my ancestry is Irish, French, English, and who knows what else) so I envy people who can lay claim to one country that their ancestors came from.
Occasionally I've been in an environment where I was the only white person in sight and I have to admit I felt a little out of place. My concerns were how the people around me felt about my presence but it didn't make me feel like a lesser human being.
I don't think it's possible for white people to fully understand what it feels like to be of another race in north America. We haven't been subjected to the conditioning they've lived with for generations.
So, am I proud to be white? The answer is no.
Like Popeye says, "I am what I am and that's all that I am".
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