These are tough and scary days with so many people out of work and jobs are scarce. Don't ever think that this affects only the young, working population because it doesn't. Our economy is based on new blood entering the job market and contributing to the pensions of retired workers. As the jobless rate increases, there is a real danger to the security of those of us who are retired and dependant on pension cheques.
My husband was out of work for approximately 15 minutes back in the 60's and that was terrifying. His workplace had a fire which shut it down for a few weeks but he was hired immediately to work as a watchman over the ruins. In those days we were living from paycheck to paycheck so any disruption in income would have been devastating to us.
Things haven't changed much today. Young couples still seem to live from paycheck to paycheck so the economical downturn has hit them very hard. It isn't just a matter of giving up luxuries because their regular living expenses are already set. They have mortgages, car payments, etc., that they took on when times were good and income regular.
My message to them is that they will get through this. It is in the best interests of the people who run our world to get people back to work and the economy bustling. It isn't the end of the world.
The lucky ones will have family and friends to help them through the tough periods but even those without such resources will recover in time. Maybe they'll have to set their sights a little lower but that's not the worst thing that could happen in life, is it?
Life goes on and we have to develop the ability to adjust throughout it.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Conversation Around the Games Table
We have a nice, friendly group of ladies (once in a while a man will join us) who gather together most evenings to play card or board games. Lately we've played an awful lot of Rummoli but that's okay.
We don't play to win. We play to add a little diversion to the friendly conversation that sweeps around the table all evening. We add laugh lines to our elderly faces because the chatter is usually funny and we sure laugh often. Not too far from our table is the poker table and you seldom hear laughter from that area because they take their game seriously. That's not for me or the ladies at my table. We're constantly confused about whose turn it is and what card was played last but we never get upset, just laugh at our mistakes. In my estimation, this is the way games should be played.
Rummoli is played with pennies and just about the easiest game anyone can learn to play but we manage to screw it up a lot. Maybe it's the fact that we're playing with pennies and not big bucks. We do smile when we win and squawk when we lose but it's all in fun. At the end of every single phase of the game all the losers moan and groan about how many pennies they have to pay and how they were stuck with a pay card they couldn't get out. The winners don't give a damn but just collect their meagre winnings as though it was gold. Remember, the fun isn't in the money but in the comradeship.
Rummoli is a Canadian board game much like the American Michigan Rummy but Rummoli uses all the card suits for pay cards. Because we're playing in the States we play with American pennies and one of our U.S. ladies is always zeroing in on an offending Canadian penny as though it sullied the pack. Again, this makes us all laugh and I call her "Eagle Eyes". She's my yard saleing friend and she also has an eagle eye for gems in the trash. I just sold a ring set on Ebay for her ($50) that she found in a $5 boxlot of jewellery at a yard sale.
I guess this blog is about the bonding of friends around a friendly game of cards. Each one will offer small droplets of their life story as we're playing and that's how we get to know each other. There has never been an argument among us and I don't expect there ever will be.
I believe we play our games the way games were meant to be played...with friendship and laughter instead of the zest to win. We have fun.
We don't play to win. We play to add a little diversion to the friendly conversation that sweeps around the table all evening. We add laugh lines to our elderly faces because the chatter is usually funny and we sure laugh often. Not too far from our table is the poker table and you seldom hear laughter from that area because they take their game seriously. That's not for me or the ladies at my table. We're constantly confused about whose turn it is and what card was played last but we never get upset, just laugh at our mistakes. In my estimation, this is the way games should be played.
Rummoli is played with pennies and just about the easiest game anyone can learn to play but we manage to screw it up a lot. Maybe it's the fact that we're playing with pennies and not big bucks. We do smile when we win and squawk when we lose but it's all in fun. At the end of every single phase of the game all the losers moan and groan about how many pennies they have to pay and how they were stuck with a pay card they couldn't get out. The winners don't give a damn but just collect their meagre winnings as though it was gold. Remember, the fun isn't in the money but in the comradeship.
Rummoli is a Canadian board game much like the American Michigan Rummy but Rummoli uses all the card suits for pay cards. Because we're playing in the States we play with American pennies and one of our U.S. ladies is always zeroing in on an offending Canadian penny as though it sullied the pack. Again, this makes us all laugh and I call her "Eagle Eyes". She's my yard saleing friend and she also has an eagle eye for gems in the trash. I just sold a ring set on Ebay for her ($50) that she found in a $5 boxlot of jewellery at a yard sale.
I guess this blog is about the bonding of friends around a friendly game of cards. Each one will offer small droplets of their life story as we're playing and that's how we get to know each other. There has never been an argument among us and I don't expect there ever will be.
I believe we play our games the way games were meant to be played...with friendship and laughter instead of the zest to win. We have fun.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
14 Kids
There is a woman who has had invitro fertilization 3 times...once producing twins, the second time producing quads, and the third time producing octuplets. This would sound insane if the woman was married and financially stable but she isn't even that. She's on welfare and living in her parent's house, apparently a tiny 2 bedroom house.
The woman is obviously mentally incompetent and unable to care for all of these children herself so why did a supposedly licenced doctor in a supposedly licenced fertility clinic repeatedly perform invitro fertilization on her? And who paid for the procedures which I've heard can cost $20,00 and up per shot?
The doctor and clinic should both lose their licences and be forced to pay for the upkeep of these children, some of whom are physically handicapped (this is one of the dangers in multiple births). This won't happen, of course, because civil rights groups will rush out screaming that a mentally challenged woman on welfare should be allowed to have 100 children if she so chooses, all supported by our tax dollars.
This world is getting crazier and crazier.
The woman is obviously mentally incompetent and unable to care for all of these children herself so why did a supposedly licenced doctor in a supposedly licenced fertility clinic repeatedly perform invitro fertilization on her? And who paid for the procedures which I've heard can cost $20,00 and up per shot?
The doctor and clinic should both lose their licences and be forced to pay for the upkeep of these children, some of whom are physically handicapped (this is one of the dangers in multiple births). This won't happen, of course, because civil rights groups will rush out screaming that a mentally challenged woman on welfare should be allowed to have 100 children if she so chooses, all supported by our tax dollars.
This world is getting crazier and crazier.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Caylee's Memorial Service
What draws total strangers to a memorial service for a poor little murdered child? We all want the murderer to face severe punishment for the crime but what does the memorial service hold for people who never knew her?
Are they hoping to catch a glimpse of Caylee's grandparents, people suspected of having some complicity in the murder or coverup? Are they hoping to see some drama in the service? Are they hoping to be caught in front of the cameras?
Heaven forbid, but are some of them getting a morbid thrill from the circumstances revolving around this little girl's death?
I had thought the memorial service would have been a private, family affair and that's what it should have been but either the family or the church officials decided to let the public in. It will be a public spectacle and one more blot against humanity.
The death of this child is a tragedy. The behaviour of her family before and after her little body was discovered has been horrific. And now, even her memorial service will be used as a platform to benefit others...family, lawyers, reporters. They'll take center stage and the true purpose of the memorial service, grief for the murdered child, will take second place. How very sad.
Are they hoping to catch a glimpse of Caylee's grandparents, people suspected of having some complicity in the murder or coverup? Are they hoping to see some drama in the service? Are they hoping to be caught in front of the cameras?
Heaven forbid, but are some of them getting a morbid thrill from the circumstances revolving around this little girl's death?
I had thought the memorial service would have been a private, family affair and that's what it should have been but either the family or the church officials decided to let the public in. It will be a public spectacle and one more blot against humanity.
The death of this child is a tragedy. The behaviour of her family before and after her little body was discovered has been horrific. And now, even her memorial service will be used as a platform to benefit others...family, lawyers, reporters. They'll take center stage and the true purpose of the memorial service, grief for the murdered child, will take second place. How very sad.
Monday, February 09, 2009
My Apologies
My apologies to the family members I scared with my cryptic blog. We've just had a patch of bad luck but no-one is sick or hurt.
For me, blogging is a way to vent frustrations, anger, sadness, happiness, and just plain old self interests. I rarely use even first names but never last names so that the characters in my blog are usually not identifiable.
Anyway, we all have these trials and tribulations in our lives and I'm just thankful that we can and will overcome these particular ones.
For me, blogging is a way to vent frustrations, anger, sadness, happiness, and just plain old self interests. I rarely use even first names but never last names so that the characters in my blog are usually not identifiable.
Anyway, we all have these trials and tribulations in our lives and I'm just thankful that we can and will overcome these particular ones.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
The World Crashing Down
Every once in a while there is a tragedy or problem in the family that causes the world to crash down around us. This is happening in our family today. But it isn't the end of the world and good will come of it all in the end. I know.
Bad things are always happening to good people who just don't deserve it but that's life. We have to gather our strengths (family and friends) and carry on because to sit and drown in our sorrows won't get us out of the mess we're in.
The wagons are already forming a circle of protection and support. Another day will dawn and keep on returning until this day will be only a bitter memory. It's hard to believe that there will be better days when you're struck down but there really will be.
Take heart, rev up your engines, and move forward.
Bad things are always happening to good people who just don't deserve it but that's life. We have to gather our strengths (family and friends) and carry on because to sit and drown in our sorrows won't get us out of the mess we're in.
The wagons are already forming a circle of protection and support. Another day will dawn and keep on returning until this day will be only a bitter memory. It's hard to believe that there will be better days when you're struck down but there really will be.
Take heart, rev up your engines, and move forward.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Disappointed
It looks as though my long lost sister is still long lost. The new lady in the park dropped in today and I had a chance to throw some questions at her about her aunt. It turns out that her aunt is the same age as me but I'm 2 years older than the lost sister so that finishes that.
I am disappointed, even though I haven't put much effort into finding this woman. It's very unlikely I'd ever find her because I don't know the names of the people who adopted her and my mother and grandmother have long ago passed away so I can't quiz them. It will just remain another mystery in my life.
To those women out there who bear children without knowing who fathered them...the effects are lifelong. To those women who illegally give their child up for adoption...the effects are also lifelong. There will be people who wonder all their lives what their ancestry is and who their ancestors are. It makes you feel incomplete.
I don't blame my mother too much for the choices she made. This happened in 1942/1943 when women were horribly ostracized for having children out of wedlock. In those day, the baby was referred to as a "bastard". We've come a long way, baby! Society despised the woman and forgave the man in the past but we've become more enlightened over the years. Today most unions are acceptable as long as both parents support the child. It's a more humane attitude.
In my case, I'm still looking for my sister, born in the winter of 1942/1943 and left to a couple in Ingersol, Ontario. I hope she has had a good life and I also hope to meet her some day.
I am disappointed, even though I haven't put much effort into finding this woman. It's very unlikely I'd ever find her because I don't know the names of the people who adopted her and my mother and grandmother have long ago passed away so I can't quiz them. It will just remain another mystery in my life.
To those women out there who bear children without knowing who fathered them...the effects are lifelong. To those women who illegally give their child up for adoption...the effects are also lifelong. There will be people who wonder all their lives what their ancestry is and who their ancestors are. It makes you feel incomplete.
I don't blame my mother too much for the choices she made. This happened in 1942/1943 when women were horribly ostracized for having children out of wedlock. In those day, the baby was referred to as a "bastard". We've come a long way, baby! Society despised the woman and forgave the man in the past but we've become more enlightened over the years. Today most unions are acceptable as long as both parents support the child. It's a more humane attitude.
In my case, I'm still looking for my sister, born in the winter of 1942/1943 and left to a couple in Ingersol, Ontario. I hope she has had a good life and I also hope to meet her some day.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Thank Heavens!
My new greatgrandbaby will not be named Achmed if he's a boy.
There is a comedian who does a puppet skit called "Achmed the Dead Terrorist" which we all think is hilarious. In the skit, Achmed is indeed dead and skeletal. My grandson, the father-to-be, has a weird sense of humor and thought the ultrasound picture of his developing baby looked like "Achmed the Dead Terrorist" and that's why he joked about naming the baby "Achmed". No one bothered to tell poor old, worried me that it was a joke!
I think I'll nickname the little sweetie "Meddy". That will teach his dumb daddy to mess with an old lady.
There is a comedian who does a puppet skit called "Achmed the Dead Terrorist" which we all think is hilarious. In the skit, Achmed is indeed dead and skeletal. My grandson, the father-to-be, has a weird sense of humor and thought the ultrasound picture of his developing baby looked like "Achmed the Dead Terrorist" and that's why he joked about naming the baby "Achmed". No one bothered to tell poor old, worried me that it was a joke!
I think I'll nickname the little sweetie "Meddy". That will teach his dumb daddy to mess with an old lady.
Changes
Life is full of changes and twists and turns. Some of the changes come as a welcome surprise but others are dreaded because we hate to lose the comfort of certainty.
One of the strange twists of fate I've run into is the faint possibility that I've found a long lost sister. She was adopted out at birth when I was just a couple of years old. A few years ago I was shown a picture of a lady who looked very much like me and who lived not far from my home in Canada. This lady had been a resident of my Florida park just before I came here and she appeared to be a few years younger than me.
I've thought about her a lot, wondering if she was my sister, but felt I couldn't approach the people here who knew her for information. Since we have a yearly park reunion in the summer I'd hoped she might attend some time but that hasn't happened.
This year a new lady came into the park and we've just started becoming friendly. The other day I asked her what brought her to this particular park and she said that her aunt recommended it. Lo, and behold, the aunt is the lady I think could be my sister! I wasn't able to ask questions at the time because other people were there but I plan to find out a few pertinent things before I ask the big one...could she be my sister? Because of the circumstances, my lost sister might not even know she was adopted so this will be a touchy subject to discuss.
I've been moaning and groaning about the fact that some of the people I really like in the park might not make it back next year and now I have the exciting prospect of a new friend who might be related to a lost relative. Yes, life is full of changes but sometimes miracles happen and the change brings great happiness.
It was a momentous change in my life when we took the chance to buy our Florida trailer and that has brought some of the happiest moments I've ever known. It was a gargantuan change in my life when my husband passed away but I learned from it how much more capable I am than I'd known. It goes without saying that having children and grandchildren are among the biggest changes in your life you'll ever experience but they are also gut wrenchingly joyful changes.
This summer there will be a huge change in my world because my eldest grandson and his wife are expecting their first baby...Kim's first grandchild and my first great grandchild. We are all ecstatic! I only hope that someone is pulling my chain by saying, if it's a boy, the name will be "Achmed". But, if it's true, I'll call the little darlin' "Meddy". See, making the best of a tough situation.
Like everything in life, change is what you make of it. Take the good with the bad and make the most of the good.
One of the strange twists of fate I've run into is the faint possibility that I've found a long lost sister. She was adopted out at birth when I was just a couple of years old. A few years ago I was shown a picture of a lady who looked very much like me and who lived not far from my home in Canada. This lady had been a resident of my Florida park just before I came here and she appeared to be a few years younger than me.
I've thought about her a lot, wondering if she was my sister, but felt I couldn't approach the people here who knew her for information. Since we have a yearly park reunion in the summer I'd hoped she might attend some time but that hasn't happened.
This year a new lady came into the park and we've just started becoming friendly. The other day I asked her what brought her to this particular park and she said that her aunt recommended it. Lo, and behold, the aunt is the lady I think could be my sister! I wasn't able to ask questions at the time because other people were there but I plan to find out a few pertinent things before I ask the big one...could she be my sister? Because of the circumstances, my lost sister might not even know she was adopted so this will be a touchy subject to discuss.
I've been moaning and groaning about the fact that some of the people I really like in the park might not make it back next year and now I have the exciting prospect of a new friend who might be related to a lost relative. Yes, life is full of changes but sometimes miracles happen and the change brings great happiness.
It was a momentous change in my life when we took the chance to buy our Florida trailer and that has brought some of the happiest moments I've ever known. It was a gargantuan change in my life when my husband passed away but I learned from it how much more capable I am than I'd known. It goes without saying that having children and grandchildren are among the biggest changes in your life you'll ever experience but they are also gut wrenchingly joyful changes.
This summer there will be a huge change in my world because my eldest grandson and his wife are expecting their first baby...Kim's first grandchild and my first great grandchild. We are all ecstatic! I only hope that someone is pulling my chain by saying, if it's a boy, the name will be "Achmed". But, if it's true, I'll call the little darlin' "Meddy". See, making the best of a tough situation.
Like everything in life, change is what you make of it. Take the good with the bad and make the most of the good.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Good People
Have I mentioned before that this park is filled to the rafters with darned good people? I know I have but here I go again.
This afternoon Leona dropped by to ask if I wanted to go to Sam's Club with her and her husband. I had to say no because I needed to go shopping for new earrings and get my hair cut. I did both.
Sheila dropped by around 6 to make sure I was going over to play games tonight. I am.
Candy dropped by shortly after to make sure I was going over to play games tonight. I still am.
One of our friends dropped over just now with some pictures he took of us ladies on the cruise. One of Mary and I meets my standards of acceptibility...I don't look too bad in it.
Now I'm expecting Sylvia to come to the door any moment to walk over to the clubhouse with me so I'd better get off the computer.
Life is good!
This afternoon Leona dropped by to ask if I wanted to go to Sam's Club with her and her husband. I had to say no because I needed to go shopping for new earrings and get my hair cut. I did both.
Sheila dropped by around 6 to make sure I was going over to play games tonight. I am.
Candy dropped by shortly after to make sure I was going over to play games tonight. I still am.
One of our friends dropped over just now with some pictures he took of us ladies on the cruise. One of Mary and I meets my standards of acceptibility...I don't look too bad in it.
Now I'm expecting Sylvia to come to the door any moment to walk over to the clubhouse with me so I'd better get off the computer.
Life is good!
First Lesson
This was the day I'd be teaching my first lesson in Swedish weaving but it started out busy, too. I'd barely gotten my stuff together when Sheila came to the door asking if I was going to the Activities Board meeting so off I went with her. It was an interesting meeting where quite a few activities were cancelled due to no takers to head them. The few people who have been conned into heading way too many activities have finally dug in their heels and refused to do it all. Good for them!
At the end of the meeting, one of our disgruntled residents (who had a real gripe but chose the wrong venue to air it) spoke up and the meeting took an ugly turn. I was glad when it was over.
I barely had time to eat lunch when the lady who is helping me teach the class arrived and we took all our gear (sewing machine, etc.) over to the clubhouse. We had no idea how many people would show up for the class but 3 did and there were another 3 who hung around, interested but not ready.
I rediscovered that I'm not the right personality to teach a sort of scattered class. If I'm drawn away from one student to explain something different to another one I become frazzled because I'm forced to quickly change my train of thought. We managed and I'll finish the month's lessons but won't do it next year. I've always taught one or two people right here at the trailer and that's what works best for me.
After the class ended at 3 P.M., a few of the ladies who had been doing the quilting class at another table came over and sat with us to chat. I got home at 4:30, swallowed a quick supper and went back to the clubhouse at 5:45 to work Bingo. I was pretty tired when I got home and went to bed early.
There wasn't much in the way of physical labor today but it was stressful in it's own way. Oh yes, I also had to cover all my plants with old sheets because we're having nightime temperatures way below freezing for a couple of days. It makes life interesting to have so much going on each day and great people to converse with but sometimes I need "alone" time. That will come soon.
At the end of the meeting, one of our disgruntled residents (who had a real gripe but chose the wrong venue to air it) spoke up and the meeting took an ugly turn. I was glad when it was over.
I barely had time to eat lunch when the lady who is helping me teach the class arrived and we took all our gear (sewing machine, etc.) over to the clubhouse. We had no idea how many people would show up for the class but 3 did and there were another 3 who hung around, interested but not ready.
I rediscovered that I'm not the right personality to teach a sort of scattered class. If I'm drawn away from one student to explain something different to another one I become frazzled because I'm forced to quickly change my train of thought. We managed and I'll finish the month's lessons but won't do it next year. I've always taught one or two people right here at the trailer and that's what works best for me.
After the class ended at 3 P.M., a few of the ladies who had been doing the quilting class at another table came over and sat with us to chat. I got home at 4:30, swallowed a quick supper and went back to the clubhouse at 5:45 to work Bingo. I was pretty tired when I got home and went to bed early.
There wasn't much in the way of physical labor today but it was stressful in it's own way. Oh yes, I also had to cover all my plants with old sheets because we're having nightime temperatures way below freezing for a couple of days. It makes life interesting to have so much going on each day and great people to converse with but sometimes I need "alone" time. That will come soon.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Canadian National Anthem Cancelled in New Brunswick School
All of my life I've been aware that Canadians are not as patriotic as the Americans and here is a good example of why that is true.
One of the schools in New Brunswick no longer starts it's day with the singing of O Canada. Why?? Because the parents of some of the students have convinced the fat headed principal that if it somehow offends their beliefs then none of the students should sing it. Who are these parents? What is their nationality? Why are they living in Canada and partaking of the benefits provided by Canadian taxpayers?
Too many times the act of being "politically correct" and trying to please small groups of people becomes a form of highway robbery to the majority. The principal of this school has made the choice to make a few parents (obviously not good Canadians) happy at the expense of the majority. The principal should be fired.
Patriotism can be a positive thing. Everyone should be encouraged to love their country and work to make it better. I remember singing the national anthem at the start of my school day and I still remember the feeling of pride for my country that gave me.
This will sound strong but it's how I feel...if you don't love Canada then move somewhere else.
To the principal and anyone else who gives in to tiny factions in the mistaken opinion that it's the right thing to do...wake the hell up and realize you're giving your country away!
One of the schools in New Brunswick no longer starts it's day with the singing of O Canada. Why?? Because the parents of some of the students have convinced the fat headed principal that if it somehow offends their beliefs then none of the students should sing it. Who are these parents? What is their nationality? Why are they living in Canada and partaking of the benefits provided by Canadian taxpayers?
Too many times the act of being "politically correct" and trying to please small groups of people becomes a form of highway robbery to the majority. The principal of this school has made the choice to make a few parents (obviously not good Canadians) happy at the expense of the majority. The principal should be fired.
Patriotism can be a positive thing. Everyone should be encouraged to love their country and work to make it better. I remember singing the national anthem at the start of my school day and I still remember the feeling of pride for my country that gave me.
This will sound strong but it's how I feel...if you don't love Canada then move somewhere else.
To the principal and anyone else who gives in to tiny factions in the mistaken opinion that it's the right thing to do...wake the hell up and realize you're giving your country away!
Friday, January 30, 2009
When Do We Rest?
Unlike at home in Canada, my daily schedule in Florida is quite hectic. Mary has been used to a quieter, better organized life and likes to sleep in a bit in the morning. Unfortunately, her bed is the futon in the Florida room which happens to be the point of entry into the trailer.
People come and go here a lot so Mary has had to awaken earlier than normal for her but she never complains, just giggles at the lack of rest and relaxation she's getting on her holidays.
Occasionally she'll ask when we're going to have a "do nothing" day and we do try but something always comes up. Today we had full day plans and tomorrow is also going to be busy. Sunday will also be a busy day because we're going to the flea market to watch an Elvis impersonator. We're going out to Pat and Ken's on Monday at noon to have an early dinner and Mary foolishly started to plan for a lazy Monday morning.
"Oh, no", I said. "That's my group coffee morning.
Mary, who leaves here on Tuesday, moaned a little louder than usual but I think she's been resigned to very little rest until she gets back to Canada.
I feel the same way. Back home in Canada I can have all the rest and relaxation I want but here in Florida is where I play. There won't be any nightly Bingo, card, or board games from mid April to late October so why be a couch potato now? There won't be daily runs with friends to lunch and shopping all summer long. For six and a half months, I'll be mainly by myself and very happy about it but now is not the time or the place. I love this life...but 5 1/2 months of it is about all I can take.
Tonight, Mary and I went up to a restaurant in Kissimmee and had dinner with my son-in-law and granddaughter. They're just passing through the area on a university jaunt...Lisette is auditioning for the drama program before choosing the university she'll attend in the fall. They came all the way from Bolivia (where John is stationed) to do this and how wonderful that we ended up close enough to meet for dinner. Life is full of these coincidences and opportunities. We just have to grab them when we have the chance. We can always rest later.
Right now Mary is sitting quietly on the sofa reading a book and I'm going to get off the computer and watch a bit of T.V. before going to bed. Our day was busy but ever so fruitful. For part of it I got to cuddle with my beloved granddaughter who happens to live thousands of miles away in a strange country. Our paths crossed tonight and we built a few more memories.
I'll sleep well tonight.
People come and go here a lot so Mary has had to awaken earlier than normal for her but she never complains, just giggles at the lack of rest and relaxation she's getting on her holidays.
Occasionally she'll ask when we're going to have a "do nothing" day and we do try but something always comes up. Today we had full day plans and tomorrow is also going to be busy. Sunday will also be a busy day because we're going to the flea market to watch an Elvis impersonator. We're going out to Pat and Ken's on Monday at noon to have an early dinner and Mary foolishly started to plan for a lazy Monday morning.
"Oh, no", I said. "That's my group coffee morning.
Mary, who leaves here on Tuesday, moaned a little louder than usual but I think she's been resigned to very little rest until she gets back to Canada.
I feel the same way. Back home in Canada I can have all the rest and relaxation I want but here in Florida is where I play. There won't be any nightly Bingo, card, or board games from mid April to late October so why be a couch potato now? There won't be daily runs with friends to lunch and shopping all summer long. For six and a half months, I'll be mainly by myself and very happy about it but now is not the time or the place. I love this life...but 5 1/2 months of it is about all I can take.
Tonight, Mary and I went up to a restaurant in Kissimmee and had dinner with my son-in-law and granddaughter. They're just passing through the area on a university jaunt...Lisette is auditioning for the drama program before choosing the university she'll attend in the fall. They came all the way from Bolivia (where John is stationed) to do this and how wonderful that we ended up close enough to meet for dinner. Life is full of these coincidences and opportunities. We just have to grab them when we have the chance. We can always rest later.
Right now Mary is sitting quietly on the sofa reading a book and I'm going to get off the computer and watch a bit of T.V. before going to bed. Our day was busy but ever so fruitful. For part of it I got to cuddle with my beloved granddaughter who happens to live thousands of miles away in a strange country. Our paths crossed tonight and we built a few more memories.
I'll sleep well tonight.
Raining in Florida
We are so spoiled. Most of the country is suffering from excess snow and rain and here I am half complaining because my usual bright, sunny, and warm days is being blighted by a few, much needed showers.
Yes, it does rain in Florida in the winter, but not very often. Very often, it becomes so dry that it causes brush fires to break out so the occasional rain is welcome. It's another excuse for a shopping day.
Mary and I had planned to go to Downtown Disney with a friend who gets a 40% discount there but the rain has changed our plans. Instead we'll go shopping for new earrings for me (mine broke), a steam mop (I've wanted one since I first saw them advertised on T.V.), and whatever else catches our eyes. Lunch out, of course.
My granddaughter, Lisette, is in town and we're taking her out for dinner tonight...hoping her father can join us, too. Lisette has been accepted at 4 universities in Florida but has to audition at each of them to see which drama program will accept her, too. She's an aspiring actress, singer, and saver of the world and I know she'll excel at whatever she chooses to do with her life. How wonderful to have your whole life ahead of you and a million paths to choose! My biggest regret in life is that I never had the chance to attend university. Laziness, stupidity, and pregnancy got in the way.
Well, like I said, it's raining in Florida today and we're going shopping. Life could sure be worse, couldn't it?
Yes, it does rain in Florida in the winter, but not very often. Very often, it becomes so dry that it causes brush fires to break out so the occasional rain is welcome. It's another excuse for a shopping day.
Mary and I had planned to go to Downtown Disney with a friend who gets a 40% discount there but the rain has changed our plans. Instead we'll go shopping for new earrings for me (mine broke), a steam mop (I've wanted one since I first saw them advertised on T.V.), and whatever else catches our eyes. Lunch out, of course.
My granddaughter, Lisette, is in town and we're taking her out for dinner tonight...hoping her father can join us, too. Lisette has been accepted at 4 universities in Florida but has to audition at each of them to see which drama program will accept her, too. She's an aspiring actress, singer, and saver of the world and I know she'll excel at whatever she chooses to do with her life. How wonderful to have your whole life ahead of you and a million paths to choose! My biggest regret in life is that I never had the chance to attend university. Laziness, stupidity, and pregnancy got in the way.
Well, like I said, it's raining in Florida today and we're going shopping. Life could sure be worse, couldn't it?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Friends
I remember my husband asking what women find to talk about for hours on end. He, and millions of other men, will never understand that women are interested in everything that goes on in their world and love to discuss it.
Yesterday morning was my group coffee morning. A dozen or more ladies sat out on the patio and we gabbed and laughed for a couple of hours. After lunch a group of us went up to the pool, found a table, swam, soaked, and then sat and talked and laughed for a few hours. Around 5 P.M., Mary, Faye and I went to Red Lobster for dinner and sat around the table yakking for another hour or so. We came back home too late to go play shuffleboard so invited Sylvia over for drinks. We all sat around the trailer, sipping wine and yakking for another couple of hours.
It can be done, but probably only by women.
Yesterday morning was my group coffee morning. A dozen or more ladies sat out on the patio and we gabbed and laughed for a couple of hours. After lunch a group of us went up to the pool, found a table, swam, soaked, and then sat and talked and laughed for a few hours. Around 5 P.M., Mary, Faye and I went to Red Lobster for dinner and sat around the table yakking for another hour or so. We came back home too late to go play shuffleboard so invited Sylvia over for drinks. We all sat around the trailer, sipping wine and yakking for another couple of hours.
It can be done, but probably only by women.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Faye's Senior Moment
This is a true story about one of Faye's senior moments.
Either last winter or the winter before Faye was in my trailer ironing some clothes. She was doing this because her rental wasn't equipped with a regular sized ironing board.
I was away for a few days and, since I always lock the trailer door when I'm away overnight, my neighbor spotted the unlocked front door and thought I'd just forgotten to lock it. So he did, not realizing that Faye was inside. She heard a little noise but thought nothing of it.
When she finished her ironing and tried to leave she couldn't get out. My front door has a weird sort of lock on the outside that can't be unlocked from inside. Faye panicked and phoned Ron who lives across the road. Faye had a key with her and thought she could pass it out to Ron somehow.
Ron came right over, assessed the situation, and asked her if she'd tried the back door. She zipped to the back door of the trailer, opened it, and handed her key to Ron so he could let her out the front door.
Senior moment? I think so.
Either last winter or the winter before Faye was in my trailer ironing some clothes. She was doing this because her rental wasn't equipped with a regular sized ironing board.
I was away for a few days and, since I always lock the trailer door when I'm away overnight, my neighbor spotted the unlocked front door and thought I'd just forgotten to lock it. So he did, not realizing that Faye was inside. She heard a little noise but thought nothing of it.
When she finished her ironing and tried to leave she couldn't get out. My front door has a weird sort of lock on the outside that can't be unlocked from inside. Faye panicked and phoned Ron who lives across the road. Faye had a key with her and thought she could pass it out to Ron somehow.
Ron came right over, assessed the situation, and asked her if she'd tried the back door. She zipped to the back door of the trailer, opened it, and handed her key to Ron so he could let her out the front door.
Senior moment? I think so.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Back From The Cruise
Well, here we are, back from a 7 day cruise to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and the Bahamas. We all had an absolutely wonderful time except for the fact that all our clothes seem to have shrunk. It could be because we ate 3 full meals every day (dessert with 2 of them) but I prefer to believe that it was the airless cabin closet that did the trick.
We took tours at each island...Bahamas was okay but not my favorite. Mary swam with the dolphins there and got herself a gorgeous picture of one kissing her. St. Thomas is a little too chaotic for my liking but we had a sweet driver (Benjie) who accomodated us by stopping at the beach and then letting us shop for 2 hours. His open air vehicle was quite rickety (with smoke coming out of the front wheel...worn out brakes????) and the mountainous roads pretty narrow, so it was a harrowing ride. The beautiful views from the mountain tops were worth the trip, though. Benjie let us off in the shopping distric for a 2 hour spree (I bought a top and pants for $20) and was right on time to pick us up and return us to the ship.
We began our day early in the morning, ate a nice breakfast either in the diningroom or at the buffet, raced off for our tours while at shore or to a sunbathing lounge while at sea. Lunch was at the buffet, either at noon or after a tour. My favorite event on the Lido deck was provided by a man we referred to as Mr. Happy. He was a free spirit who really felt the music and danced full out and all by himself...he needed no partner. He was a joy to behold and we called him Mr. Happy because it made us happy to watch him.
Before dinner we hurriedly showered, raced to dinner in the diningroom (excellent food), ambled to the dinner show, and then hit the casino until at least midnight but usually later. No wonder we're worn out!
St. Maarten was lovely, with all the gorgeous views from it's mountainous lookouts. Our driver was Frankie who was so darned sweet we fell in love with him. His vehicle was a fairly new Kia van which made me very happy. The tours are the best way of seeing new places because the driver's commentary is essential in understanding the country. Frankie also took us to a nude beach (we stayed clothed) where we took in some very interesting new sights. I'm not a worldly woman but felt a little disappointed with the very small items displayed.
While at sea, we played miniature golf on the top deck where the winds darned near blew us overboard. Faye, Mary, Sylvia, and I chummed together most of the trip so we were always in great company. It was lovely to keep bumping into people we knew from our park and we did spend some time with most of them. Sylvia's room-mates, Bonnie and Eileen, were smokers and often went off by themselves but they were a load of laughs when we were all together. Sylvia's sister, Barb and her love, Ken, tended to go off on their own, too but we always ate dinner together. We worked out our travels well and got together when we wanted. This made for a fun trip for everyone.
I lost all my gambling money but that was to be expected. What I hated most were all the smokers who mingled among us non-smokers and polluted our lungs. It's easy to leave your slot machine if it's not paying and move to another one but less easy to walk away from a good one. The last night I got stuck next to a chain smoker from hell. He went through a cigarette in 5 minutes and then immediately lit up another one. My eyes are still burning. One of these days I'm going to take a perfume bottle with me and soak myself in it and see how the bloody smokers like that!
We valiantly tried to hit the karaoke bar every night but even though there were some excellent singers, there were way too many people who should never try it in public. I honestly believe that I could have done better than some of them and I can't hold a note...but neither could they.
I loved the cruise and would recommend it to anyone, though. It's a most luxurious and mind opening experience that we were fortunate enough to have and I'd do it again but not next year...maybe a 3 day cruise the year after... possibly.
I went to bed at 9 last night and slept till after 7 this morning, showered, and raced off with Sheila for our Sunday morning breakfast. Life is back to normal.
We took tours at each island...Bahamas was okay but not my favorite. Mary swam with the dolphins there and got herself a gorgeous picture of one kissing her. St. Thomas is a little too chaotic for my liking but we had a sweet driver (Benjie) who accomodated us by stopping at the beach and then letting us shop for 2 hours. His open air vehicle was quite rickety (with smoke coming out of the front wheel...worn out brakes????) and the mountainous roads pretty narrow, so it was a harrowing ride. The beautiful views from the mountain tops were worth the trip, though. Benjie let us off in the shopping distric for a 2 hour spree (I bought a top and pants for $20) and was right on time to pick us up and return us to the ship.
We began our day early in the morning, ate a nice breakfast either in the diningroom or at the buffet, raced off for our tours while at shore or to a sunbathing lounge while at sea. Lunch was at the buffet, either at noon or after a tour. My favorite event on the Lido deck was provided by a man we referred to as Mr. Happy. He was a free spirit who really felt the music and danced full out and all by himself...he needed no partner. He was a joy to behold and we called him Mr. Happy because it made us happy to watch him.
Before dinner we hurriedly showered, raced to dinner in the diningroom (excellent food), ambled to the dinner show, and then hit the casino until at least midnight but usually later. No wonder we're worn out!
St. Maarten was lovely, with all the gorgeous views from it's mountainous lookouts. Our driver was Frankie who was so darned sweet we fell in love with him. His vehicle was a fairly new Kia van which made me very happy. The tours are the best way of seeing new places because the driver's commentary is essential in understanding the country. Frankie also took us to a nude beach (we stayed clothed) where we took in some very interesting new sights. I'm not a worldly woman but felt a little disappointed with the very small items displayed.
While at sea, we played miniature golf on the top deck where the winds darned near blew us overboard. Faye, Mary, Sylvia, and I chummed together most of the trip so we were always in great company. It was lovely to keep bumping into people we knew from our park and we did spend some time with most of them. Sylvia's room-mates, Bonnie and Eileen, were smokers and often went off by themselves but they were a load of laughs when we were all together. Sylvia's sister, Barb and her love, Ken, tended to go off on their own, too but we always ate dinner together. We worked out our travels well and got together when we wanted. This made for a fun trip for everyone.
I lost all my gambling money but that was to be expected. What I hated most were all the smokers who mingled among us non-smokers and polluted our lungs. It's easy to leave your slot machine if it's not paying and move to another one but less easy to walk away from a good one. The last night I got stuck next to a chain smoker from hell. He went through a cigarette in 5 minutes and then immediately lit up another one. My eyes are still burning. One of these days I'm going to take a perfume bottle with me and soak myself in it and see how the bloody smokers like that!
We valiantly tried to hit the karaoke bar every night but even though there were some excellent singers, there were way too many people who should never try it in public. I honestly believe that I could have done better than some of them and I can't hold a note...but neither could they.
I loved the cruise and would recommend it to anyone, though. It's a most luxurious and mind opening experience that we were fortunate enough to have and I'd do it again but not next year...maybe a 3 day cruise the year after... possibly.
I went to bed at 9 last night and slept till after 7 this morning, showered, and raced off with Sheila for our Sunday morning breakfast. Life is back to normal.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Packing
I'm a good packer, benefits from spending years of vacations on a little sailboat, and packing for this upcoming cruise is no exception. I started packing a few days ago and know there are more clothes in that suitcase than I need but there's also plenty of room...so why not pack a few more??
I did laundry today and we're going to do a bit of house cleaning but it's a free day until about 3:30 when we'll hike on up to a local restaurant for a fish and chip dinner. I've organized a small (maybe) group to accompany us so dinner will be lively. Most of us hardy souls will play Bingo tonight, too.
We have to have our luggage at the bus before 9 A.M. and the bus leaves at 9:15, leaving any stragglers behind. We'll play a miniature version of Bingo on the way over to the ship. It's going to be pretty cool tomorrow but we'll be far enough south by Sunday to enjoy hot weather again.
Thank heavens I got my vacation money out of the ATM the day our dollar revived momentarily but I'm not being too frugal this trip. It's almost certainly my last cruise, it's Mary and Faye's first, and life is tenuous. I just might not pass this way again but I'm going to enjoy every day I can.
These are my "moments" and I'm forever thankful for every good one I get.
I did laundry today and we're going to do a bit of house cleaning but it's a free day until about 3:30 when we'll hike on up to a local restaurant for a fish and chip dinner. I've organized a small (maybe) group to accompany us so dinner will be lively. Most of us hardy souls will play Bingo tonight, too.
We have to have our luggage at the bus before 9 A.M. and the bus leaves at 9:15, leaving any stragglers behind. We'll play a miniature version of Bingo on the way over to the ship. It's going to be pretty cool tomorrow but we'll be far enough south by Sunday to enjoy hot weather again.
Thank heavens I got my vacation money out of the ATM the day our dollar revived momentarily but I'm not being too frugal this trip. It's almost certainly my last cruise, it's Mary and Faye's first, and life is tenuous. I just might not pass this way again but I'm going to enjoy every day I can.
These are my "moments" and I'm forever thankful for every good one I get.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Good Friends/Late Nights
My company, god love them, are killing me. Last night we sat up till after 3:30 talking, laughing, and even crying. We are great friends who have no secrets from each other and, like life itself, there are sometimes tears among the laughter.
I slept till about 9:30 this morning which is 3-4 hours past my usual wake up time. My whole body clock is totally confused and heaven only knows when or if it will ever return to normal. I'm too old to have any more body parts confused.
It's cool out today so I want to go shopping but it will be noon before we're all organized and ready to go. I have to mail my last Ebay parcel and then shop for bras at Sears. We'll probably have lunch out, too.
It's so nice to just sit and gab with friends who know you from way back. You've come to understand, respect, and accept each other fully after so many years. I wouldn't take away our late night yakfest for anything but it just might be time to start going to bed a bit earlier.
I slept till about 9:30 this morning which is 3-4 hours past my usual wake up time. My whole body clock is totally confused and heaven only knows when or if it will ever return to normal. I'm too old to have any more body parts confused.
It's cool out today so I want to go shopping but it will be noon before we're all organized and ready to go. I have to mail my last Ebay parcel and then shop for bras at Sears. We'll probably have lunch out, too.
It's so nice to just sit and gab with friends who know you from way back. You've come to understand, respect, and accept each other fully after so many years. I wouldn't take away our late night yakfest for anything but it just might be time to start going to bed a bit earlier.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
They Have Arrived
Well, here it is Tuesday and this is the first chance I've had to mention that Faye and Mary arrived on Saturday. Sheila and I drove out to the airport to pick them up Saturday evening and it was just so darned good to see them. Mary's first question was, "What's to eat at your house?". I'd tried to stock up a bit because my fridge is way too bare but there still wasn't anything that appealed to Mary so we stopped at a McDonalds on the way home.
We yakked our way to 1 A.M. before going to bed.
Sunday morning, Faye and I joined the regular bunch for breakfast but Mary stayed back to take it easy. After breakfast we went home and picked up Mary and another lady to go grocery shopping. A short battle at the checkout occurred which I lost and Mary and Faye paid the bill.
We met some Bailey inlaws at "Manny's" for an early supper and returned to my trailer for conversation before going to the clubhouse for ice-cream. Does it sound like our lives revolve around food?? Oh, I forgot to mention that having Faye and Mary here has cured my recently acquired distaste for wine. I knew there was hope!
Monday was coffee morning at my house and I had it outside because there were way too many people to fit in my little trailer. It was nice, as usual, and a few new arrivals came over and it was great getting re-acquainted. After everyone left and the coffee stuff was cleaned up, 5 of us ladies went shopping and, yes, out for lunch. I finally found my white clamdiggers that I've been needing so it was a successful trip. I'm hoping this is the last shopping trip for a few days, though, because I really don't need anything...my closet is full!
Today is sausage lunch at the clubhouse and then Mary, Faye, and I are going to the internet casino. Tonight is games night at the clubhouse. So far, we're hoping that Thursday will be a "do nothing" day...at least until evening when we play games again.
Just a mention about what terrific house guests Mary and Faye are. I often tell them what a treat they are to have here and I hope they know I mean it.
Life is good!
We yakked our way to 1 A.M. before going to bed.
Sunday morning, Faye and I joined the regular bunch for breakfast but Mary stayed back to take it easy. After breakfast we went home and picked up Mary and another lady to go grocery shopping. A short battle at the checkout occurred which I lost and Mary and Faye paid the bill.
We met some Bailey inlaws at "Manny's" for an early supper and returned to my trailer for conversation before going to the clubhouse for ice-cream. Does it sound like our lives revolve around food?? Oh, I forgot to mention that having Faye and Mary here has cured my recently acquired distaste for wine. I knew there was hope!
Monday was coffee morning at my house and I had it outside because there were way too many people to fit in my little trailer. It was nice, as usual, and a few new arrivals came over and it was great getting re-acquainted. After everyone left and the coffee stuff was cleaned up, 5 of us ladies went shopping and, yes, out for lunch. I finally found my white clamdiggers that I've been needing so it was a successful trip. I'm hoping this is the last shopping trip for a few days, though, because I really don't need anything...my closet is full!
Today is sausage lunch at the clubhouse and then Mary, Faye, and I are going to the internet casino. Tonight is games night at the clubhouse. So far, we're hoping that Thursday will be a "do nothing" day...at least until evening when we play games again.
Just a mention about what terrific house guests Mary and Faye are. I often tell them what a treat they are to have here and I hope they know I mean it.
Life is good!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Greedy Mentality
I've said before how much human psychology interests and baffles me. Today we have our usual coffee and donuts or bagels at the clubhouse and I know the scene will be the same as always. We "donate" a nominal $1 for endless coffee and a donut or bagel...at least that's the original idea. Many people take both bagel and donut or even a couple of donuts so we're fairly lax with our rules.
What fascinates me is how the eact moment the donuts are put on the buffet table, the crowds tear ass up there, knocking people aside, and sometimes even running to get their donut fast. These are all seniors of moderate means who are not starving. I think it's a greed mentality, making sure "we get ours".
There is no shortage of donuts because the people working the kitchen will always bring out 1 or 2 trays full after the first rush and take them around to each table offering seconds or thirds. The same people who ran to the buffet table the first time usually decline the second offering.
So why the gang rush in the beginning??
A similar thing happened when we were given a "free lunch" at our usual Tuesday sausage lunch. Someone who always buys only a bowl of soup and brings their own drink so they don't have to buy one, grabbed full meals and pies to take home. Again, this is not a needy person. So why the greed?
It may all be the same reason we overeat at a buffet dinner. We want to make sure we're getting our money's worth and the fact that we're consuming more than we need or even want doesn't seem to matter. We have become rabid consumers, buying toys and gadgets at an alarming rate and digging ourselves into a mountain of debt because we falsely believe we're entitled to it all.
Hence the run on the donut table.
Greed is one of the seven sins and for good reason.
What fascinates me is how the eact moment the donuts are put on the buffet table, the crowds tear ass up there, knocking people aside, and sometimes even running to get their donut fast. These are all seniors of moderate means who are not starving. I think it's a greed mentality, making sure "we get ours".
There is no shortage of donuts because the people working the kitchen will always bring out 1 or 2 trays full after the first rush and take them around to each table offering seconds or thirds. The same people who ran to the buffet table the first time usually decline the second offering.
So why the gang rush in the beginning??
A similar thing happened when we were given a "free lunch" at our usual Tuesday sausage lunch. Someone who always buys only a bowl of soup and brings their own drink so they don't have to buy one, grabbed full meals and pies to take home. Again, this is not a needy person. So why the greed?
It may all be the same reason we overeat at a buffet dinner. We want to make sure we're getting our money's worth and the fact that we're consuming more than we need or even want doesn't seem to matter. We have become rabid consumers, buying toys and gadgets at an alarming rate and digging ourselves into a mountain of debt because we falsely believe we're entitled to it all.
Hence the run on the donut table.
Greed is one of the seven sins and for good reason.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Porn Industry Needs Bail Out Money
I saw this listed as one of the topics on a news show but never watched it. But it did catch my interest. I really don't want to know that public tax dollars could ever be spent helping out an ailing porn industry but think about it.
Aging or ugly hookers, making less money than they did a year ago could apply for aid. Porno movie makers, selling fewer nasty movies because porn lovers prefer to spend what little money they have left during the recession on food and shelter, could ask for a few billion dollars to keep them afloat. Drug dealers, losing their clientele due to the troubled economy, might band together and claim bail out money so they can continue to serve their customers at a reduced cost for their product.
Of course I'm joking...but don't be surprised if something like this really does occur. If government used our tax dollars in an efficient and fair way, we'd all be living in a utopia.
Aging or ugly hookers, making less money than they did a year ago could apply for aid. Porno movie makers, selling fewer nasty movies because porn lovers prefer to spend what little money they have left during the recession on food and shelter, could ask for a few billion dollars to keep them afloat. Drug dealers, losing their clientele due to the troubled economy, might band together and claim bail out money so they can continue to serve their customers at a reduced cost for their product.
Of course I'm joking...but don't be surprised if something like this really does occur. If government used our tax dollars in an efficient and fair way, we'd all be living in a utopia.
I'm Excited
The cruise is only 1 week and 2 days away. Faye and Mary fly in on Saturday and that's when the whole cruise eperience will start for me. They are so much fun to be around and neither of them have been on a cruise before so there's lots I can show them.
This will probably be my last cruise unless something spectacular and very inexpensive pops up so I plan to enjoy it to the fullest. There are 180 people going in our group, mostly from our park but some are friends or relatives who are coming just for the cruise. In my estimation, this is the only way to go on a cruise and that's with a bunch of people you know.
I haven't begun to pack yet but that's because most of the things I wear every day are what I'll be taking. We're limited to one large suitcase and one carryon but that is plenty. I'm a little worried about Mary because she's more of a fashion plate than Faye or I and she just might have overpacked.
Well, I'm off with a friend to get my hair cut and then do a teensy bit of shopping and have lunch out, of course. I love this Florida lifestyle!
This will probably be my last cruise unless something spectacular and very inexpensive pops up so I plan to enjoy it to the fullest. There are 180 people going in our group, mostly from our park but some are friends or relatives who are coming just for the cruise. In my estimation, this is the only way to go on a cruise and that's with a bunch of people you know.
I haven't begun to pack yet but that's because most of the things I wear every day are what I'll be taking. We're limited to one large suitcase and one carryon but that is plenty. I'm a little worried about Mary because she's more of a fashion plate than Faye or I and she just might have overpacked.
Well, I'm off with a friend to get my hair cut and then do a teensy bit of shopping and have lunch out, of course. I love this Florida lifestyle!
Monday, January 05, 2009
The Neti-Pot
I've had a cold for almost 2 weeks that has travelled back and forth from my chest to my sinuses. Yesterday my sinuses were so congested I could hardly talk. It was time to try out my neti-pot.
The sun was shining and it was lovely and warm outside so I went up to sit at the pool first and enjoy the conversation if not the pool. I felt like my head was a balloon because my sinuses were so full. When I came home I pulled out the neti-pot I'd just purchased on Ebay ($11 including shipping) and read the directions.
The neti-pot is a little blue plastic item that looks like a teapot. You put distilled or previously boiled water into it and add one of the little packets (50 came with it) which contain sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. You bend your head to the side over the sink and put the nozzle end into one nostril and the solution goes through your sinuses and out the other nostril. Sounds gross but feels okay.
Just as I was about to begin this procedure, my computer friend, Bob, came to the door to fix my printer. In he came and spent a couple of hours trying to figure out what was keeping my printer from printing. I spent about 15 minutes of that time cleansing my sinuses about 5 feet behind him. Sounds gross but this is life.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the cleansing actually cleared my sinuses very quickly. Not completely, but noticeably so. I thought that if I could see obvious improvement so quickly then the neti-pot was worth using.
Another spot of good news, the printer is now working.
I stayed home from Sunday evening ice-cream and went to bed at 9:30 and woke up this morning to a relatively clear head and chest.
The sun was shining and it was lovely and warm outside so I went up to sit at the pool first and enjoy the conversation if not the pool. I felt like my head was a balloon because my sinuses were so full. When I came home I pulled out the neti-pot I'd just purchased on Ebay ($11 including shipping) and read the directions.
The neti-pot is a little blue plastic item that looks like a teapot. You put distilled or previously boiled water into it and add one of the little packets (50 came with it) which contain sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. You bend your head to the side over the sink and put the nozzle end into one nostril and the solution goes through your sinuses and out the other nostril. Sounds gross but feels okay.
Just as I was about to begin this procedure, my computer friend, Bob, came to the door to fix my printer. In he came and spent a couple of hours trying to figure out what was keeping my printer from printing. I spent about 15 minutes of that time cleansing my sinuses about 5 feet behind him. Sounds gross but this is life.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the cleansing actually cleared my sinuses very quickly. Not completely, but noticeably so. I thought that if I could see obvious improvement so quickly then the neti-pot was worth using.
Another spot of good news, the printer is now working.
I stayed home from Sunday evening ice-cream and went to bed at 9:30 and woke up this morning to a relatively clear head and chest.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Kicking The Cold
I am having one heck of a time trying to get rid of this cold. It seems to bounce from my chest to my sinuses and make me feel like hell.
Yesterday I thought I was well on the mend but during the night my sinuses started to hurt enough to keep me from sleeping and my nose ran all night, too. I didn't go for our Sunday breakfast this morning but crawled back into bed and slept till noon. This is definitely unlike me. Now I feel pretty good but the way this cold is dragging on worries me.
I'm taking Tylenol sinus medication, Mucinex DM for the chest congestion, but not at the same time. Since I hate taking medication of any kind, this shows how bad my cold has been. I've had this cold for 12 days and am at the point of considering seeing a doctor. The cruise is in 2 weeks and I sure don't want to be sick then.
This particular strain of cold is making the rounds here in Florida because a lot of people have it. It's just a little harder on us old folk.
The weather outside is absolutely beautiful...hot and sunny...so I think I'll drag my cold riddled body up to the pool to sunbathe. I feel good, just a little congested in the sinuses right now.
Yesterday I thought I was well on the mend but during the night my sinuses started to hurt enough to keep me from sleeping and my nose ran all night, too. I didn't go for our Sunday breakfast this morning but crawled back into bed and slept till noon. This is definitely unlike me. Now I feel pretty good but the way this cold is dragging on worries me.
I'm taking Tylenol sinus medication, Mucinex DM for the chest congestion, but not at the same time. Since I hate taking medication of any kind, this shows how bad my cold has been. I've had this cold for 12 days and am at the point of considering seeing a doctor. The cruise is in 2 weeks and I sure don't want to be sick then.
This particular strain of cold is making the rounds here in Florida because a lot of people have it. It's just a little harder on us old folk.
The weather outside is absolutely beautiful...hot and sunny...so I think I'll drag my cold riddled body up to the pool to sunbathe. I feel good, just a little congested in the sinuses right now.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Caylee Anthony Case
There has been so much news publication about the Caylee Anthony case but there are some things no-one seems to have questioned.
First, Caylee and her mother lived at the grandparents' home but they didn't think it was strange that their daughter and granddaughter disappeared for a month.
Second, the mother had no job so why did she need a nanny to take care of her child...and who would pay the nanny?
Third, how in heavens name could the grandparents keep believing the ridiculous lies told by their daughter?
Monsters don't necessarily look like monsters but I think we've seen one in Casey Anthony.
First, Caylee and her mother lived at the grandparents' home but they didn't think it was strange that their daughter and granddaughter disappeared for a month.
Second, the mother had no job so why did she need a nanny to take care of her child...and who would pay the nanny?
Third, how in heavens name could the grandparents keep believing the ridiculous lies told by their daughter?
Monsters don't necessarily look like monsters but I think we've seen one in Casey Anthony.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
2008
There have been years in my life that I couldn't wait to put behind me. Years that had proven so difficult or miserable that I'm not even sure how I survived them. But the new year has always held hope for me, no matter what the past year was like and this new year arriving is no different.
2008 gave me squirrels in the attic but it also gave me a super fun cruise to Mexico. 2008 gave me a worn out furnace that needed replacing but it also gave me the opportunity and inspiration to start a new little business. There was good and bad in the year but nothing that broke my spirit. Best of all, 2008 gave me the beginning of life for my first great-grandchild. How could I not look back on 2008 with pleasure and appreciation?
One of the biggest truths I've learned in my long years is that life is what you make of it. If you allow setbacks to bring you down instead of looking at them as obstacles you can overcome, then you won't get the most out of life. If you can look beyond momentary unhappiness to the possibility of happiness in the future then you are a winner in life. It's all about the "attitude".
If you have the love of family or friends, then you have the best of what life has to offer. I can look forward to 2009 with both of those things so I'm one lucky lady.
Happy New Year!
2008 gave me squirrels in the attic but it also gave me a super fun cruise to Mexico. 2008 gave me a worn out furnace that needed replacing but it also gave me the opportunity and inspiration to start a new little business. There was good and bad in the year but nothing that broke my spirit. Best of all, 2008 gave me the beginning of life for my first great-grandchild. How could I not look back on 2008 with pleasure and appreciation?
One of the biggest truths I've learned in my long years is that life is what you make of it. If you allow setbacks to bring you down instead of looking at them as obstacles you can overcome, then you won't get the most out of life. If you can look beyond momentary unhappiness to the possibility of happiness in the future then you are a winner in life. It's all about the "attitude".
If you have the love of family or friends, then you have the best of what life has to offer. I can look forward to 2009 with both of those things so I'm one lucky lady.
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Blindsided
No matter how hard you try to organize your life so that mistakes are kept at a minimum you will always run into unexpected problems.
Case in point...when I leave Canada for Florida, I meticulously change all the information on Ebay and PayPal. For instance, my delivery address for purchases or incoming payments made by cheque or money order is changed to my Florida address. This is a simple procedure and one I've never had to recheck each time I made a purchase. Until this time!
Apparently I made a few purchases from someone I'd bought from before and, belatedly, I discovered that either PayPal or the seller changed my delivery address back to my Canadian one. Never thought that could happen!
Luckily I have good neighbors back home who pick up my mail but I'm a little worried that at least one of the items coming won't be left without a signature so they'll have to go to the trouble of picking the darned thing up at the post office...if they're allowed!! Who could have anticipated a stupid problem like this?
Silly and easily preventable things like this pop up all through our lives. We're at the mercy of ineptitude and people who like to reinterpret the information they have been given. We like to think that computers will keep our records straight but it's the human error we should worry about.
The only recourse we have is to constantly double check the details of all business dealings. Double check your receipts because you just find enough errors in a year to fill your gas tank. Double check your invoices because you might find you've been charged twice for the same item. Double check your restaurant bill to see that they haven't already charged you a tip.
There isn't any way to guarantee you're as organized as you think you are.
Case in point...when I leave Canada for Florida, I meticulously change all the information on Ebay and PayPal. For instance, my delivery address for purchases or incoming payments made by cheque or money order is changed to my Florida address. This is a simple procedure and one I've never had to recheck each time I made a purchase. Until this time!
Apparently I made a few purchases from someone I'd bought from before and, belatedly, I discovered that either PayPal or the seller changed my delivery address back to my Canadian one. Never thought that could happen!
Luckily I have good neighbors back home who pick up my mail but I'm a little worried that at least one of the items coming won't be left without a signature so they'll have to go to the trouble of picking the darned thing up at the post office...if they're allowed!! Who could have anticipated a stupid problem like this?
Silly and easily preventable things like this pop up all through our lives. We're at the mercy of ineptitude and people who like to reinterpret the information they have been given. We like to think that computers will keep our records straight but it's the human error we should worry about.
The only recourse we have is to constantly double check the details of all business dealings. Double check your receipts because you just find enough errors in a year to fill your gas tank. Double check your invoices because you might find you've been charged twice for the same item. Double check your restaurant bill to see that they haven't already charged you a tip.
There isn't any way to guarantee you're as organized as you think you are.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Complaints
I seldom waste a moment of my precious time on negative people but every once in a while one of them slips through my defences. Negative people are really and truly draining. I don't mean the occasional squawk or minor bitching but the sort of thing that goes on and on and on.
I firmly believe that we lengthen our lifespan by being around positive people. The more often you laugh, the longer you'll live. Or maybe the fun company just makes you feel more alive. Whichever, just show me a smiling face and I'll head in that direction.
Negative people will harp on about every ache and pain, every person who has ever slighted them, and then give you a list of their present problems. Nothing ever seems to go right for them. There is no joy in their lives. When they latch onto you, they want a sounding board and they want you to agree with them that they're being treated badly. I admit I "tsk, tsk" a lot because I don't want to hurt their feelings.
I've spent countless hours advising people like this to just stay away from people who hurt or irritate them but I sometimes wonder if negative people enjoy the negativity. It provides drama in their lives.
I don't shut many people out of my life and it takes a supreme crapover to make me do it. So I'll continue to maintain a few negative friends because there is at least a bit of good in everyone and we should try to nurture it. And tolerance is a virtue, right?
I firmly believe that we lengthen our lifespan by being around positive people. The more often you laugh, the longer you'll live. Or maybe the fun company just makes you feel more alive. Whichever, just show me a smiling face and I'll head in that direction.
Negative people will harp on about every ache and pain, every person who has ever slighted them, and then give you a list of their present problems. Nothing ever seems to go right for them. There is no joy in their lives. When they latch onto you, they want a sounding board and they want you to agree with them that they're being treated badly. I admit I "tsk, tsk" a lot because I don't want to hurt their feelings.
I've spent countless hours advising people like this to just stay away from people who hurt or irritate them but I sometimes wonder if negative people enjoy the negativity. It provides drama in their lives.
I don't shut many people out of my life and it takes a supreme crapover to make me do it. So I'll continue to maintain a few negative friends because there is at least a bit of good in everyone and we should try to nurture it. And tolerance is a virtue, right?
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Feeling Much Better
I'm still awfully stuffed up in the sinuses but I really do feel much better. I passed on coffee and donuts at the clubhouse this morning and decided to get some cleaning done in the trailer. I've done nothing but wash the occasional dish for the past week.
I started a wash and then began cleaning and straightening the Florida Room. I really need to get rid of more stuff from there but it all appears to be stuff I can't live without. Can it be? I then took down all the Xmas decorations...didn't take much time...and swept the floor. It's hard to believe how much sand gets tracked into the house even when we remove our shoes before entering.
It was lovely and warm but with a nice breeze so I hung part of my laundery on the line. Some things had to go in the dryer but I was lucky enough to get the one good dryer we have. It's the oldest and cheapest one.
By 1 P.M. I was lounging at the pool.
It wasn't long before our table filled up with friends and we had a good gab session. I didn't go into the pool because my cold isn't completely gone yet. The water temperature was 88 degrees but the warm air had a bit of a bite in the breeze.
Oh yes, my daughter phoned me to say her brother-in-law had suffered a heart attack this morning and isn't doing well. He's only 45 years old. There are no guarantees in life and that's why we should treasure every day we live and not take life for granted. Unfortunately, we don't usually learn that lesson until well into old age.
This day I've been given and enjoyed isn't over yet. A gang of us are going over to the clubhouse at 7 P.M. to socialize and play "31"...also known as "Scat". Whether any of us win or lose doesn't matter. What does matter is how much laughter and how many smiles can be produced.
I started a wash and then began cleaning and straightening the Florida Room. I really need to get rid of more stuff from there but it all appears to be stuff I can't live without. Can it be? I then took down all the Xmas decorations...didn't take much time...and swept the floor. It's hard to believe how much sand gets tracked into the house even when we remove our shoes before entering.
It was lovely and warm but with a nice breeze so I hung part of my laundery on the line. Some things had to go in the dryer but I was lucky enough to get the one good dryer we have. It's the oldest and cheapest one.
By 1 P.M. I was lounging at the pool.
It wasn't long before our table filled up with friends and we had a good gab session. I didn't go into the pool because my cold isn't completely gone yet. The water temperature was 88 degrees but the warm air had a bit of a bite in the breeze.
Oh yes, my daughter phoned me to say her brother-in-law had suffered a heart attack this morning and isn't doing well. He's only 45 years old. There are no guarantees in life and that's why we should treasure every day we live and not take life for granted. Unfortunately, we don't usually learn that lesson until well into old age.
This day I've been given and enjoyed isn't over yet. A gang of us are going over to the clubhouse at 7 P.M. to socialize and play "31"...also known as "Scat". Whether any of us win or lose doesn't matter. What does matter is how much laughter and how many smiles can be produced.
Friday, December 26, 2008
My Xmas Day
I thought I was well enough to attend our Christmas dinner but I was wrong. Even though I rested all morning I was still listless by noon. I wasn't coughing and that was my prime requisite for allowing myself to go over to the crowded clubhouse, though.
Shelley phoned from Bolivia and we had a lovely talk (even John and the kids). I feel so close to that little family even though we don't see each other terribly often. Genuine love surpasses all obstacles. They've decided that they'll return to the States to celebrate next Xmas, though, and I'm thankful for that.
Sheila and Sylvia had set the tables with our table cloths and name tags around 9 P.M. Xmas eve so at least we knew where we'd be sitting...there were 13 in our group. Sheila came to my trailer around 10:30 A.M. on Xmas day and insisted I go over to the clubhouse with her and put our place settings out. First I needed a shower so she just had to wait for me. I'm always showered and dressed by at least 8 A.M. in the morning but illness makes us sloppy.
There were a lot of people at the clubhouse already when we got over there and everyone expects kisses and hugs on Xmas but I had to tell them, "No, I'm germy but I epect double kisses and hugs for New Year's eve".
Dinner, as usual, was excellent. Everyone took something (I made broccoli salad) and the park management supplied ham and turkey. My head was awfully stuffy and I felt pretty bad so it was no surprise when I could barely eat any dinner. I was also signed up to help with cleanup but had to bow out, go home and have a 4 hour nap. I did get to catch more of my family (2 daughters, 1 grandson, 1 sister, and 1 brother-in-law) by calling Kim's house where their last Xmas meal was being held. Apparently, they'd all done nothing but celebrate with Xmas meals a couple of times a day for 2 whole days! I miss them more than I can say but it does my heart good to know they like being together.
I stayed home in the evening, snoozed, watched drivel on T.V. and then went to bed early, still feeling awful. I woke up coughing in the morning but drugs settled that down so that I was able to function close to normal. Sylvia and I went out shopping for a few hours and found the malls half empty...not a good sign for the economy. The picture shown is my first purchase for my future greatgrandson who will arrive in July. We don't know the sex of the baby yet but I couldn't resist this cute little outfit with the sailboat (Great Grampa was a sailor). I also bought a pretty little Xmas outfit for a possible girl baby. I bought a 12 month size because the babies in our family are never small. The baby will be 5 months old next Xmas and will almost certainly need 12 month sized clothing.
I still have very little appetite but, in all honesty, could live off my fat for months if necessary. After a pre-dinner (which I couldn't eat) nap, I actually began to feel very good so I decided to water my outdoor flowers because they'd started to wilt in the heat. We have Bingo tonight and I'm sure I'll feel like a little home-made soup when I get home at 9 P.M.
The body has amazing recuperative powers but this cold kind of scared me with it's intensity. Maybe I'm just spoiled by having been cold free for so many years. In any case, I think I've got it beat now. Wish me luck at Bingo!
Shelley phoned from Bolivia and we had a lovely talk (even John and the kids). I feel so close to that little family even though we don't see each other terribly often. Genuine love surpasses all obstacles. They've decided that they'll return to the States to celebrate next Xmas, though, and I'm thankful for that.
Sheila and Sylvia had set the tables with our table cloths and name tags around 9 P.M. Xmas eve so at least we knew where we'd be sitting...there were 13 in our group. Sheila came to my trailer around 10:30 A.M. on Xmas day and insisted I go over to the clubhouse with her and put our place settings out. First I needed a shower so she just had to wait for me. I'm always showered and dressed by at least 8 A.M. in the morning but illness makes us sloppy.
There were a lot of people at the clubhouse already when we got over there and everyone expects kisses and hugs on Xmas but I had to tell them, "No, I'm germy but I epect double kisses and hugs for New Year's eve".
Dinner, as usual, was excellent. Everyone took something (I made broccoli salad) and the park management supplied ham and turkey. My head was awfully stuffy and I felt pretty bad so it was no surprise when I could barely eat any dinner. I was also signed up to help with cleanup but had to bow out, go home and have a 4 hour nap. I did get to catch more of my family (2 daughters, 1 grandson, 1 sister, and 1 brother-in-law) by calling Kim's house where their last Xmas meal was being held. Apparently, they'd all done nothing but celebrate with Xmas meals a couple of times a day for 2 whole days! I miss them more than I can say but it does my heart good to know they like being together.
I stayed home in the evening, snoozed, watched drivel on T.V. and then went to bed early, still feeling awful. I woke up coughing in the morning but drugs settled that down so that I was able to function close to normal. Sylvia and I went out shopping for a few hours and found the malls half empty...not a good sign for the economy. The picture shown is my first purchase for my future greatgrandson who will arrive in July. We don't know the sex of the baby yet but I couldn't resist this cute little outfit with the sailboat (Great Grampa was a sailor). I also bought a pretty little Xmas outfit for a possible girl baby. I bought a 12 month size because the babies in our family are never small. The baby will be 5 months old next Xmas and will almost certainly need 12 month sized clothing.
I still have very little appetite but, in all honesty, could live off my fat for months if necessary. After a pre-dinner (which I couldn't eat) nap, I actually began to feel very good so I decided to water my outdoor flowers because they'd started to wilt in the heat. We have Bingo tonight and I'm sure I'll feel like a little home-made soup when I get home at 9 P.M.
The body has amazing recuperative powers but this cold kind of scared me with it's intensity. Maybe I'm just spoiled by having been cold free for so many years. In any case, I think I've got it beat now. Wish me luck at Bingo!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Poor Me, Sick for Christmas
I started sneezing on Sunday and hoped it was allergies. On Monday, my coffee group celebrated by adding Kahlua to our coffee and then we ladies met at a friend's gazebo for drinks in the afternoon. She served slush which I was stupid enough to accept.
It was a cold day and I was having trouble staying warm...not good for the immune system. Neither is booze in the morning and again in the afternoon. Well, it went further than that.
Most of the ladies had the good sense to leave before they got drunk but not 3 of us. One of our problems is that we ran out of pop for the slush and began to drink it straight. That and the fact we were having a hell of a good time made us keep on drinking until we were beyond help.
The binge lasted from 4-7:30 and I still can't believe we got so drunk in that short a time. Slush is a killer and I'll never touch it again. When I woke up yesterday morning my cold had settled full force in my chest and I really felt as though I'd die because it hurt so much to cough.
Friends have been stopping by yesterday and today to see how I'm doing and I appreciate their concern so darned much. This is a magical place where people really do look after each other.
I'm going to stay away from the Xmas Eve festivities so that I don't infect anyone and then hopefully feel well enough tomorrow to attend our Xmas dinner. I won't go if I'm still coughing but that seems to have eased up now. Wish me luck!
Merry Christmas!
It was a cold day and I was having trouble staying warm...not good for the immune system. Neither is booze in the morning and again in the afternoon. Well, it went further than that.
Most of the ladies had the good sense to leave before they got drunk but not 3 of us. One of our problems is that we ran out of pop for the slush and began to drink it straight. That and the fact we were having a hell of a good time made us keep on drinking until we were beyond help.
The binge lasted from 4-7:30 and I still can't believe we got so drunk in that short a time. Slush is a killer and I'll never touch it again. When I woke up yesterday morning my cold had settled full force in my chest and I really felt as though I'd die because it hurt so much to cough.
Friends have been stopping by yesterday and today to see how I'm doing and I appreciate their concern so darned much. This is a magical place where people really do look after each other.
I'm going to stay away from the Xmas Eve festivities so that I don't infect anyone and then hopefully feel well enough tomorrow to attend our Xmas dinner. I won't go if I'm still coughing but that seems to have eased up now. Wish me luck!
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Coffee/Kahlua Morning
Every Monday morning while I'm in Florida I have a group of ladies over for coffee and chitchat. This morning we added Kahlua to the coffee as a pre-Christmas treat. Very nice, I might add!
The group changes a bit each week, depending on who is here and what their other commitments are so today we had either 9 or 10 crammed into my little trailer. Yesterday it was warm enough to go swimming but today we needed jackets outside so coffee was best served indoors. By March we could have 15 or more in our group and that's when I'm happy to hold coffee time out on the patio, spilling out into the grass. It's great to have a nice, big crowd but only outside.
Apparently this is going to be a drinking day. Coffee and Kahlua morning and then we have a little party around 4 P.M. where slush will be served. I'm not sure I'll be up to it. It doesn't matter, though, because there's never any pressure to drink and I'll be just as happy sipping a Diet Pepsi.
Life is good!
The group changes a bit each week, depending on who is here and what their other commitments are so today we had either 9 or 10 crammed into my little trailer. Yesterday it was warm enough to go swimming but today we needed jackets outside so coffee was best served indoors. By March we could have 15 or more in our group and that's when I'm happy to hold coffee time out on the patio, spilling out into the grass. It's great to have a nice, big crowd but only outside.
Apparently this is going to be a drinking day. Coffee and Kahlua morning and then we have a little party around 4 P.M. where slush will be served. I'm not sure I'll be up to it. It doesn't matter, though, because there's never any pressure to drink and I'll be just as happy sipping a Diet Pepsi.
Life is good!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas Spirit Down South
****************************************************************************Don't let anyone say that there is no Christmas spirit in the warm, sunny south. There's not much room in some of these little trailers but we do what we can.
Picture #2 shows my dollar store Xmas tree covered in dollar store and yard sale ornaments. The lovely table cover was bought for 10 cents at a yard sale. The cards are from loving friends. Forgive the poor focus of the picture...the sun was shining a little too brightly through the window.
Picture #1 is a darned good heavy metal sleigh bought for $5 at a yard sale. I covered pocket books and an empty wine bottle with foil wrapping paper to look like gifts and filled in with a few dollar store bows.
I also have a dollar store wreath on the front door.
This is Christmas decorating on a budget but still proving that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in Florida.
Merry Chrismas...and now I'm going to the pool!
Picture #2 shows my dollar store Xmas tree covered in dollar store and yard sale ornaments. The lovely table cover was bought for 10 cents at a yard sale. The cards are from loving friends. Forgive the poor focus of the picture...the sun was shining a little too brightly through the window.
Picture #1 is a darned good heavy metal sleigh bought for $5 at a yard sale. I covered pocket books and an empty wine bottle with foil wrapping paper to look like gifts and filled in with a few dollar store bows.
I also have a dollar store wreath on the front door.
This is Christmas decorating on a budget but still proving that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in Florida.
Merry Chrismas...and now I'm going to the pool!
This Generation Was Cheated
I was at a store today and paid for my $4.71 purchase with a $5 bill. Just as the cashier rang it in I pulled 80 cents out of my purse, apologized but decided to see how she'd handle it. She looked to be about 18 or 19 and was very sweet and polite but she was lost. I told her that my change would be $1.09 because I'd quickly and easily figured it out in my head. My generation was taught how in school but her generation was taught by lazy teachers who handed their students calculators.
She was still polite and said she believed me but would have to find a calculator to make sure. I felt very sorry for her because she had been cheated out of a basic education and would probably always have trouble figuring numbers in her head. The poor girl located a calculator, punched in the numbers, and saw that she owed me $1.09.
How and why did we allow this to happen? What do we have to look forward to in the future because these same kids will become teachers to the next generation?
Merry Christmas!
She was still polite and said she believed me but would have to find a calculator to make sure. I felt very sorry for her because she had been cheated out of a basic education and would probably always have trouble figuring numbers in her head. The poor girl located a calculator, punched in the numbers, and saw that she owed me $1.09.
How and why did we allow this to happen? What do we have to look forward to in the future because these same kids will become teachers to the next generation?
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 19, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
I'm on my annual tirade against sales clerks forced by their bosses and some idiot's idea of political correctness to say happy holidays instead of OUR traditional, "Merry Christmas". I swear I will walk out of the next establishment that forces their employees to spout that asinine phrase!
It is the Canadian and American tradition to celebrate Christmas. We greet each other by saying "Merry Christmas". Any religions who do not follow this path are free to greet each other any damn way they choose but don't think for a minute that we're giving up our own traditions because they aren't the same as someone else's.
"Merry Christmas" to all...and I do mean all.
It is the Canadian and American tradition to celebrate Christmas. We greet each other by saying "Merry Christmas". Any religions who do not follow this path are free to greet each other any damn way they choose but don't think for a minute that we're giving up our own traditions because they aren't the same as someone else's.
"Merry Christmas" to all...and I do mean all.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Serious Illness in Old Age
When we're young we think we'll live forever. Not so. If we're very lucky we live to a ripe old age and maintain relatively good health. But sometimes the bodies we've abused with hard labor, hard times, and bad food decide to give up on us before we're ready.
Two people who are very close to me and have been a part of my life for many years aren't feeling so well these days and it saddens me deeply. They may still have plenty of years left to them but now they're threatened with health problems and age lessens their chances of beating them off.
When my once healthy and hearty husband was seriously ill I couldn't help feeling resentful when I'd see aged criminals looking like they'd live to see 100. It was wrong of me to feel this way but it seemed so darned unfair for a good person to be sick and a nasty one to thrive. And now two very good people in my life are not well and I'm feeling the same way I felt when my husband was ill.
When you become a senior you know that your days are numbered. It doesn't stop you from enjoying yourself but it does make you more grateful for each pleasure. No-one can predict the future with certainty so we always hope our end is far enough away that we really don't have to worry about it today. I've enjoyed myself so many days these past years that I worry I might have used up my quota...but I'd still like another day.
A friend and I were walking home from cards the other night and talked about how lucky we were to be outside in December in short sleeves. We know our winters in Florida will end one day but we'll have great memories of our time here and of the terrific friendships we've developed. We're wise enough to not look too far into the future but just enjoy the moment.
Make wonderful memories and enjoy each moment you can.
Two people who are very close to me and have been a part of my life for many years aren't feeling so well these days and it saddens me deeply. They may still have plenty of years left to them but now they're threatened with health problems and age lessens their chances of beating them off.
When my once healthy and hearty husband was seriously ill I couldn't help feeling resentful when I'd see aged criminals looking like they'd live to see 100. It was wrong of me to feel this way but it seemed so darned unfair for a good person to be sick and a nasty one to thrive. And now two very good people in my life are not well and I'm feeling the same way I felt when my husband was ill.
When you become a senior you know that your days are numbered. It doesn't stop you from enjoying yourself but it does make you more grateful for each pleasure. No-one can predict the future with certainty so we always hope our end is far enough away that we really don't have to worry about it today. I've enjoyed myself so many days these past years that I worry I might have used up my quota...but I'd still like another day.
A friend and I were walking home from cards the other night and talked about how lucky we were to be outside in December in short sleeves. We know our winters in Florida will end one day but we'll have great memories of our time here and of the terrific friendships we've developed. We're wise enough to not look too far into the future but just enjoy the moment.
Make wonderful memories and enjoy each moment you can.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Items I Sell on Ebay
It's fun selling on Ebay if it's not your sole occupation and you don't really need the money. I've been doing it for a few years more as a hobby but I do make a profit and that's nice because it helps pay for my utilities in Florida. The odd bit I sell in Canada pretty well pays for anything I buy for myself from Ebay. It's a win/win situation.
For the first few years I found most of my selling merchandise at yard sales but for the past couple of years I've bought from a liquidator and then resold the merchandise on Ebay for a small profit. Finding treasures at yard sales brings the best profit, though, but you have to know what to look for.
My liquidator closed shop this year so I'm only able to find new stuff at yard sales. It so happens that I love yard saleing so this is another win/win situation. A few of my friends have the same addiction, we understand each other and have a lot of fun when we go treasure hunting. Of course, lunch out follows the yard saleing.
We're a horribly wasteful society and some of the most beautiful and valuable items are often put out in yard sales for pennies. I know that the people who buy my treasures on Ebay are also getting a bargain so, you guessed it...another win/win situation.
My best yard saleing buddy looks for jewellery and I look for glassware. We both buy whatever else catches our eye because we know that others will like what we like. It's often hard to give up some of the things I find because I really do only buy what I like, too.
Being in Florida, I find a lot of Disney items at yard sales and I know they'll usually sell well. We all love Disney. My buddy and I like to look for unusual items, like the paper jacket she found but gave to me. She's a good yard saleing friend!
If you're just starting out selling on Ebay, I'd suggest you start with items from your own house that you don't use anymore. Research what they have sold for and then jump in and list it. You'll learn as you go what sells and doesn't sell but don't expect 100% sales. Have fun with it, learn the ropes, and you might soon develop a little cottage industry like I have.
If you're interested, my Ebay identity is glassnmor and I sell interesting stuff!
For the first few years I found most of my selling merchandise at yard sales but for the past couple of years I've bought from a liquidator and then resold the merchandise on Ebay for a small profit. Finding treasures at yard sales brings the best profit, though, but you have to know what to look for.
My liquidator closed shop this year so I'm only able to find new stuff at yard sales. It so happens that I love yard saleing so this is another win/win situation. A few of my friends have the same addiction, we understand each other and have a lot of fun when we go treasure hunting. Of course, lunch out follows the yard saleing.
We're a horribly wasteful society and some of the most beautiful and valuable items are often put out in yard sales for pennies. I know that the people who buy my treasures on Ebay are also getting a bargain so, you guessed it...another win/win situation.
My best yard saleing buddy looks for jewellery and I look for glassware. We both buy whatever else catches our eye because we know that others will like what we like. It's often hard to give up some of the things I find because I really do only buy what I like, too.
Being in Florida, I find a lot of Disney items at yard sales and I know they'll usually sell well. We all love Disney. My buddy and I like to look for unusual items, like the paper jacket she found but gave to me. She's a good yard saleing friend!
If you're just starting out selling on Ebay, I'd suggest you start with items from your own house that you don't use anymore. Research what they have sold for and then jump in and list it. You'll learn as you go what sells and doesn't sell but don't expect 100% sales. Have fun with it, learn the ropes, and you might soon develop a little cottage industry like I have.
If you're interested, my Ebay identity is glassnmor and I sell interesting stuff!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
X-Rated Bingo
We do a lot of silly things at Bingo and all of them as innocent as can be but something was brought in as a good luck charm a few weeks ago that has been turned into an X-Rated item.
There is a part of our clubhouse that used to be a porch but it's long been opened up to the main clubhouse. When we play Bingo, the people who sit in the porch area are jokingly referred to as the porch monkeys. They tend to win a lot, too.
Someone brought down a stuffed stocking monkey and hung it on the wall as a good luck charm for the players out there and we all got a good laugh over it. Then an unknown someone rearranged the monkey's legs and all of a sudden it took on a whole new look. I thought for sure one of the purer minded people would be offended and take it down but no one has. Most of us just giggle when we look at it.
This would be no problem if church services weren't held in the clubhouse every Sunday. I took this picture after church was finished so I guess no-one noticed...or cared.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Chronic Knee Pain
Two years ago I did some sort of damage to my knee by overextending my leg in a high kick. I never did see a doctor because the pain had subsided by the time I got back home the following April so I'm not sure what damage was actually done.
I believe that the inside tendon either stretched or tore because that's where the majority of pain came from. Believe me, it was acutely painful for a matter of close to 2 months before the pain gradually ebbed away.
I've babied this darned knee ever since then because, although I'm mainly pain free now, just the slightest twisting reminds me that my knee is no longer as stable as it once was. I feel very fortunate that it's healed as well as it has but I take no chances.
People have told me that once a senior damages their knee it will only deteriorate from then on until corrected with surgery. Since my injury appears to be in the tendon and since it is about 95% pain free, I feel that knee surgery is just a distant possibility only if I accidently twist it badly again.
If I was younger and considerably more physically active there would be more chance of causing further damage but I'm old and "fluffy" so it's not difficult for me to take care of my knee. I always put a pillow under it when I have to kneel on the floor and I'm very careful to not twist it in any way.
When you are young and suffer an injury, you have no doubt that you'll fully recover in time. But old bones, tendons, and tissues don't recover so easily. This is one of the not so good realities of growing old. Also, sometimes injuries which occurred in our youth that seemed to have healed completely at the time come back to haunt us in old age.
When you think of it, our bodies are very tender items and should be treated with respect all of our lives. They're all we have to carry us around until the day we die.
I believe that the inside tendon either stretched or tore because that's where the majority of pain came from. Believe me, it was acutely painful for a matter of close to 2 months before the pain gradually ebbed away.
I've babied this darned knee ever since then because, although I'm mainly pain free now, just the slightest twisting reminds me that my knee is no longer as stable as it once was. I feel very fortunate that it's healed as well as it has but I take no chances.
People have told me that once a senior damages their knee it will only deteriorate from then on until corrected with surgery. Since my injury appears to be in the tendon and since it is about 95% pain free, I feel that knee surgery is just a distant possibility only if I accidently twist it badly again.
If I was younger and considerably more physically active there would be more chance of causing further damage but I'm old and "fluffy" so it's not difficult for me to take care of my knee. I always put a pillow under it when I have to kneel on the floor and I'm very careful to not twist it in any way.
When you are young and suffer an injury, you have no doubt that you'll fully recover in time. But old bones, tendons, and tissues don't recover so easily. This is one of the not so good realities of growing old. Also, sometimes injuries which occurred in our youth that seemed to have healed completely at the time come back to haunt us in old age.
When you think of it, our bodies are very tender items and should be treated with respect all of our lives. They're all we have to carry us around until the day we die.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Caylee Found?
I've followed the disappearance and family drama of little Caylee Anthony since the summer and been more disgusted by the behaviour of her mother and grandmother than sorry for them.
Today it seems that her poor little body has been found, about 1/3 of a mile from her grandparents' home. The killer stuffed her tiny little body into a garbage bag and tossed it into a wooded area just up the road from her family's home.
Whether she was murdered deliberately or accidently makes no difference. How could anyone throw her away like trash and then go on to party and enjoy their own life? How could anyone support and protect a criminal so callous they could take the life of a helpless baby?
Caylee's mother, if she is guilty, is beyond our comprehension. Caylee's grandparents, if their daughter is guilty, have hindered the investigation to the point where they should also have criminal charges laid against them. They are a strange and pitiful excuse for a family if they in any way are responsible for the death or cover-up.
I've tried to imagine how I would have acted if my own daughter did anything similar. I know I'd stand behind her and love her regardless but Caylee's grandparents berated the police for doing their jobs. They were obnoxious and defiant when they should have been helping the police find their little granddaughter.
Well, today she may finally have been found, after spending 6 months in a garbage bag just a few blocks from their home. How so terribly sad.
Today it seems that her poor little body has been found, about 1/3 of a mile from her grandparents' home. The killer stuffed her tiny little body into a garbage bag and tossed it into a wooded area just up the road from her family's home.
Whether she was murdered deliberately or accidently makes no difference. How could anyone throw her away like trash and then go on to party and enjoy their own life? How could anyone support and protect a criminal so callous they could take the life of a helpless baby?
Caylee's mother, if she is guilty, is beyond our comprehension. Caylee's grandparents, if their daughter is guilty, have hindered the investigation to the point where they should also have criminal charges laid against them. They are a strange and pitiful excuse for a family if they in any way are responsible for the death or cover-up.
I've tried to imagine how I would have acted if my own daughter did anything similar. I know I'd stand behind her and love her regardless but Caylee's grandparents berated the police for doing their jobs. They were obnoxious and defiant when they should have been helping the police find their little granddaughter.
Well, today she may finally have been found, after spending 6 months in a garbage bag just a few blocks from their home. How so terribly sad.
Scary Weather
I woke up this morning to the strangest morning light and for a moment I thought I was dreaming because it looked so surreal. The whole landscape outside my window had a sort of yellow cast under the full cloud cover which made it look like an old sepia photograph.
This is Florida and here weather is taken seriously. Tornadoes and hurricanes are prevalent enough to make you worry a little when a strong thunderstorm passes over. The forecast for today included strong thunderstorms so I was already wary.
I live in a little tin can trailer here in Florida and I've seen even ordinary strong winds make their way around the closed plastic windows in my Florida room and move the blinds. I've also seen the full effects of a hurricane and tornado on these little aluminum buildings.
The residents here talk about our survival plan if we were to be hit with a devastating storm and it appears that the safest sanctuary is the games room which is in a concrete building sitting between the laundryroom and the library. It would hold possibly 100 people crammed together so I don't know where the other up to 200 people in the park would go. None of the other buildings here are built to withstand a severe storm.
Listening to the news right now I hear that there is a tornado watch. Again, we're so used to this that we will all ignore the "watch" and wait to hear it's an actual "warning" or "sighting" before becoming really worried. I've never been personally affected by a tornado or hurricane in Florida so maybe I'm being too complacent but I'll watch the actions of my neighbors and follow their safety measures.
The sky has darkened and there are no walkers out this morning. Hmm!
This is Florida and here weather is taken seriously. Tornadoes and hurricanes are prevalent enough to make you worry a little when a strong thunderstorm passes over. The forecast for today included strong thunderstorms so I was already wary.
I live in a little tin can trailer here in Florida and I've seen even ordinary strong winds make their way around the closed plastic windows in my Florida room and move the blinds. I've also seen the full effects of a hurricane and tornado on these little aluminum buildings.
The residents here talk about our survival plan if we were to be hit with a devastating storm and it appears that the safest sanctuary is the games room which is in a concrete building sitting between the laundryroom and the library. It would hold possibly 100 people crammed together so I don't know where the other up to 200 people in the park would go. None of the other buildings here are built to withstand a severe storm.
Listening to the news right now I hear that there is a tornado watch. Again, we're so used to this that we will all ignore the "watch" and wait to hear it's an actual "warning" or "sighting" before becoming really worried. I've never been personally affected by a tornado or hurricane in Florida so maybe I'm being too complacent but I'll watch the actions of my neighbors and follow their safety measures.
The sky has darkened and there are no walkers out this morning. Hmm!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Bailouts
I guess you have to be a huge conglomerate to receive bailout money. It probably helps if your executives receive salaries in the millions and your employees receive almost 100% of their pay if they're not needed to work.
What about the little guy? You know, the tiny hardware or convenience store on the corner where the owner/manager/salesperson is a single person who works 70 hour weeks just trying to stay afloat. Is anyone going to bail him out?
What about the family who trusted the banks to tell them what kind of house they could afford and then refused to renew their hefty mortgage? Why do they get tossed on the street while the money hungry banks get bailed out with public funds?
I spoke to a man yesterday who told me he has to work at 4 different jobs in order to earn enough money to live on. He was well into his 30's and I'd bet his wife is also working because that's the way of the world these days. For most of us, one salary isn't enough. I know we try to live too high on the hog but too many of us are having trouble today keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table and that is shameful.
There is something so wrong here and it's reinforcing my belief that the huge companies who rule this world are all led by a small group of slave owners...and we're the slaves. How else can we explain a CEO of a bailed out company receiving a $10 million dollar payoff? How do we explain a bailed out company allowing a few of it's employees a vacation that cost half a million dollars? And how do you explain the fact that some people have to work at 4 different jobs just to survive?
We're used to the government wasting our tax dollars but it appears that they also allow big business to steal them.
What about the little guy? You know, the tiny hardware or convenience store on the corner where the owner/manager/salesperson is a single person who works 70 hour weeks just trying to stay afloat. Is anyone going to bail him out?
What about the family who trusted the banks to tell them what kind of house they could afford and then refused to renew their hefty mortgage? Why do they get tossed on the street while the money hungry banks get bailed out with public funds?
I spoke to a man yesterday who told me he has to work at 4 different jobs in order to earn enough money to live on. He was well into his 30's and I'd bet his wife is also working because that's the way of the world these days. For most of us, one salary isn't enough. I know we try to live too high on the hog but too many of us are having trouble today keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table and that is shameful.
There is something so wrong here and it's reinforcing my belief that the huge companies who rule this world are all led by a small group of slave owners...and we're the slaves. How else can we explain a CEO of a bailed out company receiving a $10 million dollar payoff? How do we explain a bailed out company allowing a few of it's employees a vacation that cost half a million dollars? And how do you explain the fact that some people have to work at 4 different jobs just to survive?
We're used to the government wasting our tax dollars but it appears that they also allow big business to steal them.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Christmas Decorating
It was cool today but it was so full of activities that I didn't mind. Six of us started out the day with breakfast at our favorite Sunday breakfast restaurant...we rarely eat any other meal there. We joked a lot but also discussed park politics and national politics. The Canadians at the table had to do more explaining about Canadian politics than the Americans had to do about theirs. Par for the course. Canadian news is full of American politics but the Americans don't pay too much attention to what's going on in Canada.
I zipped up to Beall's after breakfast to return an item and do a bit more shopping and then even had time to hit a few yard sales on the way home.
There was a whole gang of people at the clubhouse decorating for Xmas by the time I got back so I just jumped in and helped where needed. Two of the ladies do most of the planning and this year they did another super job. They plan the decorations for all seasons and holidays and the place has never looked better since they took over this job. One of the ladies finds fantastic items at yard sales and just donates them to the cause so we have beautiful decorations. The Christmas tree inside the clubhouse is always perfectly decorated...there was a problem with lights this year so it's a little less than perfect but still beautiful.
I sometimes wonder how many of the residents of this park appreciate the hard work the volunteers do. It often seems as though it's the same people doing it all, decorating, cooking, cleaning, etc.
There was just time for a quick supper (homemade soup) before heading back to the clubhouse for ice-cream. People are returning here every day so hello hugs took up a lot of time while we waited for ice-cream to be served.
After ice-cream, seven of us gathered around a table to play "31". Another hour and a half of laughter, yakking, and pleasant insults and it was time to go home.
A lovely, busy day and one to add to my memories.
I zipped up to Beall's after breakfast to return an item and do a bit more shopping and then even had time to hit a few yard sales on the way home.
There was a whole gang of people at the clubhouse decorating for Xmas by the time I got back so I just jumped in and helped where needed. Two of the ladies do most of the planning and this year they did another super job. They plan the decorations for all seasons and holidays and the place has never looked better since they took over this job. One of the ladies finds fantastic items at yard sales and just donates them to the cause so we have beautiful decorations. The Christmas tree inside the clubhouse is always perfectly decorated...there was a problem with lights this year so it's a little less than perfect but still beautiful.
I sometimes wonder how many of the residents of this park appreciate the hard work the volunteers do. It often seems as though it's the same people doing it all, decorating, cooking, cleaning, etc.
There was just time for a quick supper (homemade soup) before heading back to the clubhouse for ice-cream. People are returning here every day so hello hugs took up a lot of time while we waited for ice-cream to be served.
After ice-cream, seven of us gathered around a table to play "31". Another hour and a half of laughter, yakking, and pleasant insults and it was time to go home.
A lovely, busy day and one to add to my memories.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Board/Card Games=Energized Brain Cells??
There are a lot of things that are supposed to aid seniors in keeping their brain function high and one of those things is card or board games. Apparently if you push your brain to solve puzzles it will keep working well longer.
I've mentioned before how often we play board or card games here in the park and tonight was no exception. Six of us ladies played "Rummoli" for a couple of hours and you never saw such a group of dimwits in your life. I blame it on all the talking but we always talk anyway so that's not much of an excuse.
We forgot to put in our pennies, we forgot who went first, we forgot which suit we were playing, we forgot and we forgot again but we laughed our way through the whole game.
It was one of those nights when we'd all had a very busy day and maybe should have just stayed home but we're all too sociable to do the sensible thing so we trotted on over to the clubhouse, pennies in hand, and played our game. We screwed up at every turn, laughed about it, and then made plans for tomorrow evening's game.
The brain cells may be firing a little slower but there are still enough left to know how to enjoy ourselves.
I've mentioned before how often we play board or card games here in the park and tonight was no exception. Six of us ladies played "Rummoli" for a couple of hours and you never saw such a group of dimwits in your life. I blame it on all the talking but we always talk anyway so that's not much of an excuse.
We forgot to put in our pennies, we forgot who went first, we forgot which suit we were playing, we forgot and we forgot again but we laughed our way through the whole game.
It was one of those nights when we'd all had a very busy day and maybe should have just stayed home but we're all too sociable to do the sensible thing so we trotted on over to the clubhouse, pennies in hand, and played our game. We screwed up at every turn, laughed about it, and then made plans for tomorrow evening's game.
The brain cells may be firing a little slower but there are still enough left to know how to enjoy ourselves.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Where is Democracy?
I have one question.
How can 3 losing parties, leaders of which we Canadians definitely did not want to lead our country, band together and oust the party we the public legally voted to lead it?
In an already unstable world situation that has made our dollar drop like a rock, these idiots are creating a situation that could end in disaster for Canada. I've always known that politicians are ego maniacs who care nothing for the citizens of the country but this is a new low.
I, for one, am very worried.
How can 3 losing parties, leaders of which we Canadians definitely did not want to lead our country, band together and oust the party we the public legally voted to lead it?
In an already unstable world situation that has made our dollar drop like a rock, these idiots are creating a situation that could end in disaster for Canada. I've always known that politicians are ego maniacs who care nothing for the citizens of the country but this is a new low.
I, for one, am very worried.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Slush
Slush recipe:
1 bottle of vodka
1 large can of pineapple juice
1 can of frozen lime juice
3 cans of water
1 package of cherry Koolade
Freeze, stirring every day until the whole thing is slush. Fill a glass half full of slush and half full of 7-Up. Drink and enjoy.
We just finished a "Happy Hour" of slush and I'm feeling damned good. Now we're off to play Pokeno. Wish us luck!
1 bottle of vodka
1 large can of pineapple juice
1 can of frozen lime juice
3 cans of water
1 package of cherry Koolade
Freeze, stirring every day until the whole thing is slush. Fill a glass half full of slush and half full of 7-Up. Drink and enjoy.
We just finished a "Happy Hour" of slush and I'm feeling damned good. Now we're off to play Pokeno. Wish us luck!
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