There are very few moments in my life when I'm lonely but I'd have none if I had a cat. Pulling up those cute little posts from the internet about cats is what is pushing me to get one, too. Cats are amazing creatures, so different from dogs. It's hard to find an arrogant dog but all cats have that arrogant, aristocratic, and curious personality that makes them so much fun to have around.
First I have to make sure I'm not still allergic to them and then I have to learn to accept that any cat I get might like sitting on top of the kitchen cupboards. I don't like animals being anywhere except the floor and you can train a dog to abide by the rules but not a cat.
Another good reason for getting a cat instead of a dog is that they use a litter box and don't have to be taken outside to do their business.
It looks like I might get a cat...soon. I love them all but I think a Burmese cat is beautiful and doesn't shed like other cats. Now I've gotten to the point where I'm choosing a breed. Seems as though I've made headway.
Update: I changed my mind again.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Strong Winds
When strong winds blow in Canada, I don't worry but I do when that happens in Florida because I've seen too many pictures of trailers here flattened by tornadoes and hurricanes.
I've never been too close to a tornado but I have been here when one went through an area not too far away causing both destruction and death. It's a frightening sight to see the aftermath of a tornado. I remember seeing roofs blown off brick buildings, 50" light standards bent and almost flattened to the ground, and trailers left looking like a pile of scrap.
In this park of maybe 300 people, there is only one relatively safe place to go during a tornado and that's the billiard room but it's not very big, definitely not big enough to hold even 100 people. I've only once since 1998 felt threatened enough by the weather to hike my little self over there. Luckily, our park suffered no damage that day.
Today the winds are especially strong and I'll take care to watch the weather report.
I've never been too close to a tornado but I have been here when one went through an area not too far away causing both destruction and death. It's a frightening sight to see the aftermath of a tornado. I remember seeing roofs blown off brick buildings, 50" light standards bent and almost flattened to the ground, and trailers left looking like a pile of scrap.
In this park of maybe 300 people, there is only one relatively safe place to go during a tornado and that's the billiard room but it's not very big, definitely not big enough to hold even 100 people. I've only once since 1998 felt threatened enough by the weather to hike my little self over there. Luckily, our park suffered no damage that day.
Today the winds are especially strong and I'll take care to watch the weather report.
Friday, January 22, 2016
My Minion Blankie
Friends don't have to buy you things, though, to make your life a good one. They just have to be there and show they care about you. A Minion blankie is frosting on the cake!
When Dennis was sick, I made him a fleece blanket for him to nap with. I knew he enjoyed soft things and often slept with a wadded up t-shirt against his face. I never made a fleece blanket for myself but now realize just how wonderful it is to cuddle with one. I love my blankie and had planned to leave it here in the trailer so that Nash and Nolan wouldn't claim it but I might change my mind and take it home with me. It is just that nice to nap with!! It will have to travel back to Florida with me, though!
I'm one happy lady...with a blankie!
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
New Windows
I'm on a roll now that I'm not paying lot rent. There have been quite a few things that needed doing on the trailer in the last few years that I let go because I assumed I'd be selling soon. One of the big things was putting in 2 new windows to replace the ones that leak. That should have been done years ago but I just didn't know how to go about getting it done. Mickey couldn't handle putting in the larger one and it never occurred to me to call in someone from a window replacement business before.
Someone from Window World is supposed to show up today but I'm worried he won't be able to find my trailer. This park is laid out as a campground where, in the trailer section, the street letters don't make much sense because "D" (mine) doesn't designate the street but a whole section. I explained that I was right across the road from the clubhouse so I hope the poor man has that written on his directions.
Joann had windows with screens put in her trailer for under $200 each so that's the price I'm hoping for. My worry (another one) is that delivery might be delayed and I head back home the end of the first week of April.
Well, lo and behold, the young man finally found my trailer and is now measuring the windows. Update will come later.
Update: Well, crap! He was sweet as could be but his company's windows are not made to fit my trailer. Apparently my windows need to be 2" and their's are 3" thickness. I hate, hate, hate this! He was very nice and suggested I check out Broke and Poore. Hmm! He also thinks they might be able to install them. Hmm! I guess I'll do a rough measurement and drive on over to Broke and Poore maybe on Saturday because I'm busy the other days. Update to come later.
Someone from Window World is supposed to show up today but I'm worried he won't be able to find my trailer. This park is laid out as a campground where, in the trailer section, the street letters don't make much sense because "D" (mine) doesn't designate the street but a whole section. I explained that I was right across the road from the clubhouse so I hope the poor man has that written on his directions.
Joann had windows with screens put in her trailer for under $200 each so that's the price I'm hoping for. My worry (another one) is that delivery might be delayed and I head back home the end of the first week of April.
Well, lo and behold, the young man finally found my trailer and is now measuring the windows. Update will come later.
Update: Well, crap! He was sweet as could be but his company's windows are not made to fit my trailer. Apparently my windows need to be 2" and their's are 3" thickness. I hate, hate, hate this! He was very nice and suggested I check out Broke and Poore. Hmm! He also thinks they might be able to install them. Hmm! I guess I'll do a rough measurement and drive on over to Broke and Poore maybe on Saturday because I'm busy the other days. Update to come later.
Monday, January 18, 2016
News Nonsense
I'm sitting in my little Florida trailer and it's cold. This has apparently put me in a crappy mood because I've got more to bitch about.
I normally only watch/listen to the news on CNN because I can't stand the idiot blather on local news channels but today I'm cold and lazy and don't want to take the time to change channels. I'm watching/listening to Channel 8 which I think is Tampa and the idiocy is mind boggling. The news crew even played a game. OMG!
Being me, I analyzed why local news reporters are so buddy-buddy and love to use up air time to discuss their personal lives and came to this conclusion. The people who watch them are either brain dead or cold.
I normally only watch/listen to the news on CNN because I can't stand the idiot blather on local news channels but today I'm cold and lazy and don't want to take the time to change channels. I'm watching/listening to Channel 8 which I think is Tampa and the idiocy is mind boggling. The news crew even played a game. OMG!
Being me, I analyzed why local news reporters are so buddy-buddy and love to use up air time to discuss their personal lives and came to this conclusion. The people who watch them are either brain dead or cold.
911, Pizza?
Of course, a Florida 911 operator didn't lose her job because she was busy ordering pizza for 8 minutes instead of taking the emergency calls she was hired to do. That's not the way it's done now because no-one is actually expected to perform their jobs in a professional manner.
In this case, a person fainted in the dentist's office and a 911 call was made but no-one answered. The operator was ordering pizza on that line and even asking for information on prices. This could have been a call about someone choking to death or caught in a burning building. This could have been a call that ended up in a death.
The 911 operator received a reprimand on her employment record. I guess if there had been a fire that took the lives of half a dozen people while she ordered that pizza, she might have been put on paid leave for a day or two.
In this case, a person fainted in the dentist's office and a 911 call was made but no-one answered. The operator was ordering pizza on that line and even asking for information on prices. This could have been a call about someone choking to death or caught in a burning building. This could have been a call that ended up in a death.
The 911 operator received a reprimand on her employment record. I guess if there had been a fire that took the lives of half a dozen people while she ordered that pizza, she might have been put on paid leave for a day or two.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Maya
My friend, Carol, acquired a little Yorkie a few months ago and it really warms your heart to see the two of them together. Maya's previous owners might have been running a puppy mill and she got too old to produce more puppies so the owner, may she/he rest in hell, had the nerve to sell this little dog to my friend for the unbelievable price of $300. Carol was told the dog was 5 years old but the vet says she's closer to 10 years old.
Carol told me how Maya had lumps on her chest, swollen foot pads, and massive infection in her ears when she went to live with her. Carol had the vet do surgery and cure the infection and now Maya is a happy and cuddly old puppy.
Carol needs the constant affection she receives from Maya and Maya needs and deserves the loving attention she receives from Carol. It's as though they were meant to find each other.
I've often thought that dogs are angels who come into our lives to teach us how to become finer human beings. In this case, the union of Maya and Carol could be more that Maya needed rescuing and Carol is her angel.
When Carol first brought Maya over to meet me, she was very shaky and nervous because she didn't know me. She knows me now and trusts me. What a compliment it is to have an animal's trust!
And so...both Carol's and Maya's lives have vastly improved since they came together. Each needed someone to love and snuggle with and now they have it.
Carol told me how Maya had lumps on her chest, swollen foot pads, and massive infection in her ears when she went to live with her. Carol had the vet do surgery and cure the infection and now Maya is a happy and cuddly old puppy.
Carol needs the constant affection she receives from Maya and Maya needs and deserves the loving attention she receives from Carol. It's as though they were meant to find each other.
I've often thought that dogs are angels who come into our lives to teach us how to become finer human beings. In this case, the union of Maya and Carol could be more that Maya needed rescuing and Carol is her angel.
When Carol first brought Maya over to meet me, she was very shaky and nervous because she didn't know me. She knows me now and trusts me. What a compliment it is to have an animal's trust!
And so...both Carol's and Maya's lives have vastly improved since they came together. Each needed someone to love and snuggle with and now they have it.
Friday, January 15, 2016
Something Old/Something New
I was tired of the lamp in the bedroom and wanted something a little more old fashioned so I checked out a few thrift stores until I found this sweet old lamp. I didn't like the shade that was on it but, lo and behold, sitting all by itself in a corner was this cutest lampshade I've ever seen. Being me, I asked for a discount because I wasn't taking the shade already on the lamp and was given one. It never hurts to ask.
The lamp is a greyish glass (maybe was white in it's youth) with a marble base. The shade, to me, is gorgeous beyond words and makes me smile when I look at it.
Total cost with tax..$8.05. I love it!
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Freeing Space
When I thought I was selling the trailer, I cleared out even more than I'd planned on and it's worked out well. It all went for free and that's fine with me because I had very little monetary value in the items and no emotional attachment. Most I'd bought cheaply at yard sales to sell on Ebay and only kept because I hadn't gotten around to discarding. By eliminating all those mainly small items, I was able to clear out one whole shelving unit in the Florida room. It continues to feel really good about creating space where once there was clutter.
When Shelley and John took over my lot rent I felt an immediate release of tension from my shoulders and that's exactly how I feel every time I permanently remove stuff from the trailer. It's amazing how much stuff I'd accumulated to sell on Ebay that didn't sell and just took up valuable space for years.
Now I'm looking around here and thinking about getting a new desk that doesn't have the shelving on top of it...it would make the room look bigger, I bet. I'm also eyeing the large T.V. stand in the Florida room and picturing a simple stand to take it's place.
I guess we never stop feathering our nest, do we?
When Shelley and John took over my lot rent I felt an immediate release of tension from my shoulders and that's exactly how I feel every time I permanently remove stuff from the trailer. It's amazing how much stuff I'd accumulated to sell on Ebay that didn't sell and just took up valuable space for years.
Now I'm looking around here and thinking about getting a new desk that doesn't have the shelving on top of it...it would make the room look bigger, I bet. I'm also eyeing the large T.V. stand in the Florida room and picturing a simple stand to take it's place.
I guess we never stop feathering our nest, do we?
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Why Do I Watch Maury???
I have very low class tastes at times and so I do watch Maury. But I'm getting fed up with the number of women who bring man after man on stage to prove they're the father of their child only to be found wrong. What is going on with the women who have so many sexual partners they don't know for sure who fathered their children??
The audience always boos the possible father who refuses to accept responsibility for the child until a DNA test proves it's his. In this day and age, it seems this has become a wise decision.
Most often the child isn't his and he doesn't even get an apology from the mother, audience, or even Maury for what he has been put through. It is a horrible thing to do to a man to insist he's the father of your child if you've been having sex with other men at the same time.
When he does turn out to be the father, I feel sorry for the poor guy because he is now stuck with the screaming and often promiscuous woman for the rest of his life. The baby will also suffer from this hateful union that brought about the birth of an innocent human being.
Men need to stop taking chances on impregnating women they don't love or want to spend their lives with.
I think I need to improve my choices of T.V. shows to watch.
The audience always boos the possible father who refuses to accept responsibility for the child until a DNA test proves it's his. In this day and age, it seems this has become a wise decision.
Most often the child isn't his and he doesn't even get an apology from the mother, audience, or even Maury for what he has been put through. It is a horrible thing to do to a man to insist he's the father of your child if you've been having sex with other men at the same time.
When he does turn out to be the father, I feel sorry for the poor guy because he is now stuck with the screaming and often promiscuous woman for the rest of his life. The baby will also suffer from this hateful union that brought about the birth of an innocent human being.
Men need to stop taking chances on impregnating women they don't love or want to spend their lives with.
I think I need to improve my choices of T.V. shows to watch.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Dying With Dignity
There is only one way to die with dignity and that is to be free of pain. We might develop terrible diseases that debilitate us but as long as we're pain free we can deal with it. There's no secret that we all have to die one day and the passing will be different for each of us. Some will go passively and some will fight every inch of the way but, in the end, we will go.
I've never understood why heroin isn't used to relieve pain in the dying when everything else has failed to do so. In my mind, it is imperative that a dying patient be kept pain free using every drug possible with none excluded.
My own fear of dying has never been my end of life but whether or not I'd be in pain and I'll make a guess that most people feel the same way. My personal belief is that death is not the end of us and that we move on to another form of life so I'm a bit curious about what that will be. If I have a choice, I'd like a nice new body, too. LOL!
My son-in-law's mother just passed away and in terrible pain until she was deeply medicated while in the hospital. I feel that enough medication should have been available to her at home so that she never had to suffer at all. The caregiver of a terminal patient should legally be able to give enough medication to keep them pain free right up to the moment of their death.
I'm 75 1/2 years old and know my years ahead are numbered so I can only hope my ending will be pain free. Not much to ask, is it?
I've never understood why heroin isn't used to relieve pain in the dying when everything else has failed to do so. In my mind, it is imperative that a dying patient be kept pain free using every drug possible with none excluded.
My own fear of dying has never been my end of life but whether or not I'd be in pain and I'll make a guess that most people feel the same way. My personal belief is that death is not the end of us and that we move on to another form of life so I'm a bit curious about what that will be. If I have a choice, I'd like a nice new body, too. LOL!
My son-in-law's mother just passed away and in terrible pain until she was deeply medicated while in the hospital. I feel that enough medication should have been available to her at home so that she never had to suffer at all. The caregiver of a terminal patient should legally be able to give enough medication to keep them pain free right up to the moment of their death.
I'm 75 1/2 years old and know my years ahead are numbered so I can only hope my ending will be pain free. Not much to ask, is it?
Monday, January 11, 2016
No Perfect Day
I've thought for a long time that I'm supposed to have problems. It seems forever that I get the worst problem solved and there is not even a skip of a beat before another problem arises to take it's place.
I have 2 windows in the trailer that have leaked. Mickey was able to sort of fix one by covering it with caulk (caulking?). The other window hasn't been a big problem until this year when I discovered some of the floor tile lifted just below it. Apparently the leak was not stopped over the summer by the sponges I put in the track and it overflowed and settled on the floor of the tipout behind the sofa. And so I bought awnings and had them installed so I didn't have to put in new windows to solve this problem. They worked...but then I pulled the sofa out to check the wall under the leaky window and found it to be saturated and ripply from the leak over the summer. Now I am not quite sure what to do because there is a danger of mold behind the wall paneling. This happened with the other window but Mickey took it apart, found no mold, and replaced that section of paneling. This is what needs to be done with the paneling behind the sofa but Mickey isn't here any more and I'm not sure if this is something that Paul (the handyman) can do. I hate being faced with a problem I don't know how to solve!
John and Shelley are coming over later in the week so I'll have to ask his advice. Their house is in the process of a huge renovation right now and he doesn't need to be worrying about my piddly problem...but the possible presence of mold is spurring me to drag him into it. The "problem", not the "mold". LOL!
Anyway, I guess I'll have to ask Paul if he has the time and the ability to replace the damn window and replace the damaged wall. I feel like I'm in the midst of a tornado! I want to purchase a new sleeper sofa but I don't want to do that until this problem is solved.
Wonder what the next problem will be??
I have 2 windows in the trailer that have leaked. Mickey was able to sort of fix one by covering it with caulk (caulking?). The other window hasn't been a big problem until this year when I discovered some of the floor tile lifted just below it. Apparently the leak was not stopped over the summer by the sponges I put in the track and it overflowed and settled on the floor of the tipout behind the sofa. And so I bought awnings and had them installed so I didn't have to put in new windows to solve this problem. They worked...but then I pulled the sofa out to check the wall under the leaky window and found it to be saturated and ripply from the leak over the summer. Now I am not quite sure what to do because there is a danger of mold behind the wall paneling. This happened with the other window but Mickey took it apart, found no mold, and replaced that section of paneling. This is what needs to be done with the paneling behind the sofa but Mickey isn't here any more and I'm not sure if this is something that Paul (the handyman) can do. I hate being faced with a problem I don't know how to solve!
John and Shelley are coming over later in the week so I'll have to ask his advice. Their house is in the process of a huge renovation right now and he doesn't need to be worrying about my piddly problem...but the possible presence of mold is spurring me to drag him into it. The "problem", not the "mold". LOL!
Anyway, I guess I'll have to ask Paul if he has the time and the ability to replace the damn window and replace the damaged wall. I feel like I'm in the midst of a tornado! I want to purchase a new sleeper sofa but I don't want to do that until this problem is solved.
Wonder what the next problem will be??
Tuesday, January 05, 2016
Gun Control
I'm a Canadian who hates guns and all they stand for. They are for killing and maiming under the guise of offering protection to the owners.
I watch the United States news and hear how the majority of American citizens will fight to the death to preserve their right to bear arms and it saddens me. I don't think they understand that by removing their rights to buy and possess assault rifles and requiring them to register all other guns doesn't hamper their ability to own a gun...hopefully for protection only.
Granted, criminals don't buy the guns they use to commit a crime...but those stolen guns probably came from someone's home. It's the massive availability of guns in people's homes that supply the criminal world.
I don't argue the point with my American friends because their opinions are just as strong as my own. I don't understand their views and they don't understand mine. But we can still be friends. These friends are not criminals and all own their guns legally.
Most Americans don't want to hear the statistics. They don't want to hear that there are more gun murders in the States every year than in any other country. They don't want to hear that a known unstable person is still legally allowed to own guns. They don't want to hear that no-one but law enforcement ever needs to own an assault rifle.
The crux of the problem seems to be that Americans do not want their government taking away any more of their rights and I understand this. But what if it made for a safer country if no-one could legally buy an assault rifle? Is that such a horrible right to give up??
No, we don't want the government to have too much control over us but sometimes we need to hand over a bit of control for the better good of the country we live in.
I watch the United States news and hear how the majority of American citizens will fight to the death to preserve their right to bear arms and it saddens me. I don't think they understand that by removing their rights to buy and possess assault rifles and requiring them to register all other guns doesn't hamper their ability to own a gun...hopefully for protection only.
Granted, criminals don't buy the guns they use to commit a crime...but those stolen guns probably came from someone's home. It's the massive availability of guns in people's homes that supply the criminal world.
I don't argue the point with my American friends because their opinions are just as strong as my own. I don't understand their views and they don't understand mine. But we can still be friends. These friends are not criminals and all own their guns legally.
Most Americans don't want to hear the statistics. They don't want to hear that there are more gun murders in the States every year than in any other country. They don't want to hear that a known unstable person is still legally allowed to own guns. They don't want to hear that no-one but law enforcement ever needs to own an assault rifle.
The crux of the problem seems to be that Americans do not want their government taking away any more of their rights and I understand this. But what if it made for a safer country if no-one could legally buy an assault rifle? Is that such a horrible right to give up??
No, we don't want the government to have too much control over us but sometimes we need to hand over a bit of control for the better good of the country we live in.
Monday, January 04, 2016
Friends
I've come to believe that the safest place on earth for a senior is in a senior park. It's like a little village where everyone knows everyone and there are plenty to look after you when you're sick. I caught a cold on Friday, slept most of Saturday, had soup offered by Joann, and then Cathy brought me beef stew which I'll have for lunch today.
We seniors know we're more vulnerable to an illness that turns serious so even a cold doesn't escape attention. Lucky for me, my cold is well on the way to being gone. I still have a bit of a cough but it's not bad.
If all the countries of the world took care of their neighbors the way the seniors in this park take care of each other, this would be a magnificent world.
We seniors know we're more vulnerable to an illness that turns serious so even a cold doesn't escape attention. Lucky for me, my cold is well on the way to being gone. I still have a bit of a cough but it's not bad.
If all the countries of the world took care of their neighbors the way the seniors in this park take care of each other, this would be a magnificent world.
Sunday, January 03, 2016
Got A Cold
It never used to bother me too much when I caught a cold because it was usually short lived but, now that I'm an old gal, it tends to hang around a bit longer...sometimes for many weeks.
I was really looking forward to going to the HOA meeting on Saturday because it promised to be full of controversy...I like watching controversy as long as it doesn't get violent. I woke up on Friday with laryngitis which turned into a full blown cold with treacherous cough on Saturday. I don't go out in public with a cold because I don't want to be responsible for killing anyone here so I missed the meeting.
By Saturday evening, I was starting to feel as though the cold had lessened in severity...good news. This morning I'm still coughing a bit but feel pretty good. I guess this is one of those times when my body has been stronger than the cold germs that invaded it.
My goal had been to beat the cold by Tuesday so I could go over to the clubhouse and play cards with my friends. It just might happen!
I was really looking forward to going to the HOA meeting on Saturday because it promised to be full of controversy...I like watching controversy as long as it doesn't get violent. I woke up on Friday with laryngitis which turned into a full blown cold with treacherous cough on Saturday. I don't go out in public with a cold because I don't want to be responsible for killing anyone here so I missed the meeting.
By Saturday evening, I was starting to feel as though the cold had lessened in severity...good news. This morning I'm still coughing a bit but feel pretty good. I guess this is one of those times when my body has been stronger than the cold germs that invaded it.
My goal had been to beat the cold by Tuesday so I could go over to the clubhouse and play cards with my friends. It just might happen!
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Sleep Deprived
I've had problems with my sleep for almost as many years as I've been alive. In the past few years I can have 2-3 nights where I get next to no sleep but then I'll take an Advil PM and sleep like a baby. This usually results in resetting my sleep pattern and I sleep fairly well for weeks to months.
For some reason, since Shelley and John took the burden of lot rent off my shoulders, I can't sleep at all. It's not worry that keeps me awake but thoughts full of "should I allow them to do this?, what can a buy for the trailer to help them?, can they really get some worthwhile use out of it?". I think my conscience is bothering me.
Any way, this lack of sleep finally caught up with me yesterday in a scary and very dangerous incident. I'd gone over to Shelley's to have lunch with them and Sam's family...after having a seriously sleepless night which I thought I could fix with a late afternoon nap. On the drive back home, I knew I was very tired but it's only an hour and 15 minute drive which I was sure would be no problem for me. Nope.
I became aware that, when I'd blink, my eyes would not reopen immediately. I was darned well falling asleep at the wheel! Determined to persevere, get home and have a nap, I stupidly kept on driving. At one point, I drifted over to the next lane where the noise from the bump strips jarred me awake. Thank heavens there was no car next to me because I'd had no control over my falling asleep. Like I said, it would happen when my eyes blinked and then didn't reopen.
This frightened me awake and I was able to make it home without further incident but it seared in my brain how dangerous it is to drive when you're tired. I don't know how I'll manage from here on in because I have so many sleepless nights and drive to Tampa on a regular basis. Last night I took half an Advil PM and slept well. Maybe I'll take the half pill a few times a week and see if that helps regulate my sleep. Otherwise I'll have to be smart enough to pull off the highway whenever I feel too tired to drive. I've done this when I've done the long drive from Canada to Florida...just pulled into a rest stop and rested my eyes for 15 minutes or so before carrying on.
I'm now frighteningly aware how quickly one can fall asleep at the wheel.
For some reason, since Shelley and John took the burden of lot rent off my shoulders, I can't sleep at all. It's not worry that keeps me awake but thoughts full of "should I allow them to do this?, what can a buy for the trailer to help them?, can they really get some worthwhile use out of it?". I think my conscience is bothering me.
Any way, this lack of sleep finally caught up with me yesterday in a scary and very dangerous incident. I'd gone over to Shelley's to have lunch with them and Sam's family...after having a seriously sleepless night which I thought I could fix with a late afternoon nap. On the drive back home, I knew I was very tired but it's only an hour and 15 minute drive which I was sure would be no problem for me. Nope.
I became aware that, when I'd blink, my eyes would not reopen immediately. I was darned well falling asleep at the wheel! Determined to persevere, get home and have a nap, I stupidly kept on driving. At one point, I drifted over to the next lane where the noise from the bump strips jarred me awake. Thank heavens there was no car next to me because I'd had no control over my falling asleep. Like I said, it would happen when my eyes blinked and then didn't reopen.
This frightened me awake and I was able to make it home without further incident but it seared in my brain how dangerous it is to drive when you're tired. I don't know how I'll manage from here on in because I have so many sleepless nights and drive to Tampa on a regular basis. Last night I took half an Advil PM and slept well. Maybe I'll take the half pill a few times a week and see if that helps regulate my sleep. Otherwise I'll have to be smart enough to pull off the highway whenever I feel too tired to drive. I've done this when I've done the long drive from Canada to Florida...just pulled into a rest stop and rested my eyes for 15 minutes or so before carrying on.
I'm now frighteningly aware how quickly one can fall asleep at the wheel.
Friday, December 25, 2015
Merry Christmas2015
I don't know about anyone else but I never looked ahead to the day I'd be celebrating Christmas at 75. In all honesty, I didn't think I'd still be around and having as much enjoyment in my life as I do. There's something to be said about taking each day at a time and enjoying it the best we can.
When my children were young we always had an open house for the whole family on Christmas Eve. It was a hectic but magically happy time when biggest joy was spending this time with our extended family.
One of our traditions was for the children to open one present each on Christmas Eve and it was always new pyjamas so they'd look decent in the next morning's photos.
Christmas morning was spent watching the happiness of my children as they opened their gifts. Some memories stand out a bit more, like when we put Dennis' name on one of Kim's gifts and she thought she'd been short changed for a moment.
Another tradition for us was the yearly jig saw puzzle that Dennis and whoever else would spend hours putting together. The only Christmas I remember the grandsons working along with him was when I bought a jig saw puzzle where the picture was all women's butts. Jim would always work along with Dennis no matter what the picture was.
Boxing day held more traditions for us. Dennis would make a huge pot of turkey soup and some of the relatives would stop by for a bowl of it. It was like the calm after the storm but still held all the joy of the Christmas season.
Christmas doesn't represent presents to me. It is a time of joyful spirit and being thankful for all the good in your life.
Today I'll have Christmas dinner at the clubhouse with maybe 150 people, many are good friends. Tomorrow I'll head over to Tampa to spend time with the Alvarez family and get to meet Lisette's boyfriend, Danny. In our family, Christmas is probably the most loved holiday of all and I've heard Shelley will carry on her father's tradition of making that spectacular turkey soup. I can't wait!
Merry Christmas!
When my children were young we always had an open house for the whole family on Christmas Eve. It was a hectic but magically happy time when biggest joy was spending this time with our extended family.
One of our traditions was for the children to open one present each on Christmas Eve and it was always new pyjamas so they'd look decent in the next morning's photos.
Christmas morning was spent watching the happiness of my children as they opened their gifts. Some memories stand out a bit more, like when we put Dennis' name on one of Kim's gifts and she thought she'd been short changed for a moment.
Another tradition for us was the yearly jig saw puzzle that Dennis and whoever else would spend hours putting together. The only Christmas I remember the grandsons working along with him was when I bought a jig saw puzzle where the picture was all women's butts. Jim would always work along with Dennis no matter what the picture was.
Boxing day held more traditions for us. Dennis would make a huge pot of turkey soup and some of the relatives would stop by for a bowl of it. It was like the calm after the storm but still held all the joy of the Christmas season.
Christmas doesn't represent presents to me. It is a time of joyful spirit and being thankful for all the good in your life.
Today I'll have Christmas dinner at the clubhouse with maybe 150 people, many are good friends. Tomorrow I'll head over to Tampa to spend time with the Alvarez family and get to meet Lisette's boyfriend, Danny. In our family, Christmas is probably the most loved holiday of all and I've heard Shelley will carry on her father's tradition of making that spectacular turkey soup. I can't wait!
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Life Changer
My life changed today and I'm still reeling from what it all means. Shelley and John have bought my trailer and are taking over the dreaded lot rent. They also want to do some improvements but I can afford to do some myself now. The benefit is all mine and it's a gift from them that just amazes me. I definitely would have had to sell the trailer this year or walk away from it because I can no longer afford the lot rent...the Canadian dollar continues to drop against the American dollar and that is what is strangling me.
I felt very uneasy about burdening Shelley and John with my problem but they're looking to the future when Kim and Cindy will want somewhere to spend their winters when they retire. We certainly are a strongly bound family who takes care of family.
This park is very close to Disney and I'm fine with Shelley letting family (but only family) stay here when I'm not here. She knows about the need to close up the trailer properly, too. I may only have a few short years left to come here but at least I won't be worried constantly about the cost.
I've already got some improvements I'll make and I can't wait to get started. First on my list are awnings for 2 windows that have been leaking. Then I'm going to replace the flooring either with ceramic tile (if the trailer floor will support it) or vinyl tile. It makes a big difference how much money I plan to spend because now it will be for my family and John's family. I hadn't wanted to put another penny into the trailer because I'd thought it would either be going to a stranger or being turned over to the park. This is going to be fun!
Oh yes, another thing happened today that was both bad and good. As I was leaving Shelley's to go home, I saw a note under my car's windshield wipers. It was from a lady who apologized for hitting my car and she'd left her phone number. An honest lady!!
I checked the car and saw some damage to the right rear side and shed a silent tear or two. I love my car. John called the lady who doesn't want to go through her insurance but will pay for the repair. I called my insurance company who said that was fine but I should get her insurance number, too, just in case she didn't pay. I trust this lady because she could have walked away from the accident and not left the note with her phone number.
It's been a life changing day in a few ways. Most incredibly wonderful!
Update: I got repair quotes for $1700...never expected it to be that high. The lady who hit me decided to go through her insurance and they have already arranged for the repair to start on Monday. They'll also provide me with a rental car to use until it's done. All in all, it's an inconvenience for me but it's turned out to be well handled. I'm thankful!
I felt very uneasy about burdening Shelley and John with my problem but they're looking to the future when Kim and Cindy will want somewhere to spend their winters when they retire. We certainly are a strongly bound family who takes care of family.
This park is very close to Disney and I'm fine with Shelley letting family (but only family) stay here when I'm not here. She knows about the need to close up the trailer properly, too. I may only have a few short years left to come here but at least I won't be worried constantly about the cost.
I've already got some improvements I'll make and I can't wait to get started. First on my list are awnings for 2 windows that have been leaking. Then I'm going to replace the flooring either with ceramic tile (if the trailer floor will support it) or vinyl tile. It makes a big difference how much money I plan to spend because now it will be for my family and John's family. I hadn't wanted to put another penny into the trailer because I'd thought it would either be going to a stranger or being turned over to the park. This is going to be fun!
Oh yes, another thing happened today that was both bad and good. As I was leaving Shelley's to go home, I saw a note under my car's windshield wipers. It was from a lady who apologized for hitting my car and she'd left her phone number. An honest lady!!
I checked the car and saw some damage to the right rear side and shed a silent tear or two. I love my car. John called the lady who doesn't want to go through her insurance but will pay for the repair. I called my insurance company who said that was fine but I should get her insurance number, too, just in case she didn't pay. I trust this lady because she could have walked away from the accident and not left the note with her phone number.
It's been a life changing day in a few ways. Most incredibly wonderful!
Update: I got repair quotes for $1700...never expected it to be that high. The lady who hit me decided to go through her insurance and they have already arranged for the repair to start on Monday. They'll also provide me with a rental car to use until it's done. All in all, it's an inconvenience for me but it's turned out to be well handled. I'm thankful!
Surprise
I put my trailer up for sale last week because our Canadian dollar has dropped so drastically that it's become ridiculous for me to keep the trailer with it's high lot rent. It wasn't a move that broke my heart but it did mean that my life would be changing and not necessarily for the better...just the wy lives change all the time.
John and Shelley phoned me a few days ago and offered to buy the trailer so I could continue to winter in Florida. I can't tell you how that made me feel...awed, loved, scared, unsure. My mind filled with thoughts of how my husband's life work is what gave me the trailer to begin with and now our daughter's would be what gave it to me for a little longer. My biggest fear is that I'd get sick and not be able to come here anyway and they'd be burdened with it. There are so many cons for them buying it and the only pros are for me to be able to winter in Florida for a few more years as long as my health holds out.
I'm going over to Tampa today to talk to them about it and make some kind of decision. I still feel all those things I felt when they first offered.
Yes, I'd love to keep coming back here to the park for a while yet, maybe not for 5-6 months but for 3-4 months instead. I love it here and I love the people who have become my friends but I can't get past wondering how fair it is for Shelley and John to carry the financial burden for me.
I'll just have to wait and see.
John and Shelley phoned me a few days ago and offered to buy the trailer so I could continue to winter in Florida. I can't tell you how that made me feel...awed, loved, scared, unsure. My mind filled with thoughts of how my husband's life work is what gave me the trailer to begin with and now our daughter's would be what gave it to me for a little longer. My biggest fear is that I'd get sick and not be able to come here anyway and they'd be burdened with it. There are so many cons for them buying it and the only pros are for me to be able to winter in Florida for a few more years as long as my health holds out.
I'm going over to Tampa today to talk to them about it and make some kind of decision. I still feel all those things I felt when they first offered.
Yes, I'd love to keep coming back here to the park for a while yet, maybe not for 5-6 months but for 3-4 months instead. I love it here and I love the people who have become my friends but I can't get past wondering how fair it is for Shelley and John to carry the financial burden for me.
I'll just have to wait and see.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
My Lizard
I was going to take a picture of the lizard that lives in my Florida room but he seems to be hiding right now. Most days he seems to sit near the patio doors and stares me down as I walk by him. He's quite a defiant little lizard but he does move quickly away if I get too close.
It's interesting that I, who am terrified of bugs and vermin, can abide a lizard in my domain. I have no fear of them as long as they don't startle me so I try to limit them to the Florida room and attempt to remove any that find their way into the actual trailer.
The truth is that, if you live in the south, you'll find the odd bug or lizard in your home. I'm not sure how he got into mine because I'm very careful about keeping the outside door closed tight but I guess they dart quickly and somehow do find their way in. Anyway, as long as he's in the Florida room and not too big he can stay.
Life in the south!!
It's interesting that I, who am terrified of bugs and vermin, can abide a lizard in my domain. I have no fear of them as long as they don't startle me so I try to limit them to the Florida room and attempt to remove any that find their way into the actual trailer.
The truth is that, if you live in the south, you'll find the odd bug or lizard in your home. I'm not sure how he got into mine because I'm very careful about keeping the outside door closed tight but I guess they dart quickly and somehow do find their way in. Anyway, as long as he's in the Florida room and not too big he can stay.
Life in the south!!
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Settled Down
Since I got to Florida, I haven't been able to really settle in and be content for the winter because too much is different this year. I've resumed playing cards every Tuesday and Thursday and Bingo on Wednesdays and Fridays but I miss Sylvia's presence every time. The difference makes me sad.
The park put up a "for sale" sign in front of my trailer yesterday so now I wait and hope for a quick sale even though I'm not going back home until April. For me, it's like the end to an era where I enjoyed my winter in the sun since 1999 (first 3 months here). I'm not sad to leave, though, because I recognize it as the time to go.
We all have passages in our lives where certain things prevail and my 16+ winters in Florida were an unexpected blessing in my life. I'm thankful I had this time and I'll always treasure it but I'll also be able to create another different but pleasant life back home in the winters.
Life is all about making the best of any situation and that's exactly what I'll do from this moment on.
The park put up a "for sale" sign in front of my trailer yesterday so now I wait and hope for a quick sale even though I'm not going back home until April. For me, it's like the end to an era where I enjoyed my winter in the sun since 1999 (first 3 months here). I'm not sad to leave, though, because I recognize it as the time to go.
We all have passages in our lives where certain things prevail and my 16+ winters in Florida were an unexpected blessing in my life. I'm thankful I had this time and I'll always treasure it but I'll also be able to create another different but pleasant life back home in the winters.
Life is all about making the best of any situation and that's exactly what I'll do from this moment on.
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Verizon Drives Me Nuts
Every year I have a problem with Verizon...usually my service hasn't been put on. This year the phone and internet worked like a dream and I was a happy snowbird. Today I got my first bill and they'd overcharged me by at least $26 for the phone (who knows how much of the weird and unexplainable fees on top of that?) and refused to take it off my bill even though they admitted it was their fault. I cancelled the phone and might lose the internet because I think it needs the phone to work. It's still working now and I don't know why. Sigh!
I thought it would be so simple. I put my $50 service on vacation in April and re-instated it for November 14th. They gave me a new service by mistake and that's where the extra $26 cost came in. I wonder if they do this on purpose thinking people won't notice and just pay the bill?? Anyway, I called them and they agreed I'd been charged for the wrong service and would change it for the following month but wouldn't refund the overcharge from last month. You have to know I was completely pissed off and finally told them to shut off my phone right then and there. They did. Now I have to get a cell phone which is no big problem but I bet they'll continue billing me for the money I'm refusing to pay them.
I hate Verizon.
I thought it would be so simple. I put my $50 service on vacation in April and re-instated it for November 14th. They gave me a new service by mistake and that's where the extra $26 cost came in. I wonder if they do this on purpose thinking people won't notice and just pay the bill?? Anyway, I called them and they agreed I'd been charged for the wrong service and would change it for the following month but wouldn't refund the overcharge from last month. You have to know I was completely pissed off and finally told them to shut off my phone right then and there. They did. Now I have to get a cell phone which is no big problem but I bet they'll continue billing me for the money I'm refusing to pay them.
I hate Verizon.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
I May Have Been Offensive
I would never be deliberately offensive but I may have done it accidentally. My family knows I'm not racist but not everybody does and that may have been my mistake.
Anyway, the other day I put out some shelving with a "free" sign on it. Unfortunately for me, it was also garbage pick-up day and the person who took the shelving also took my new garbage box that was sitting right by the shelving. Honest mistake.
I had no idea who had picked up the shelving until my neighbor came over and I mentioned losing the garbage box. He said he'd seen who picked up the shelving and it was a black man. Now, I was very happy because we have only one black family in the park which made them easy to find. I asked around to find out where they lived and drove my little self right up there.
Now comes the "maybe offensive" part but I'm still not sure.
I knocked on the door and Artie answered. I asked if he was the one who picked up the shelving and the box and he said he was, laughing as he realized he shouldn't have taken the box. I said, in all innocence and with no offensive intent, "I'm so glad it was a black person who took it because you're the only black family in the park. I'd never have found it otherwise". Now I'm wondering if I mentioned that my neighbor told me it was a black man. Oh, crap! Maybe he thought I meant that only a black person would have taken it. I hate having to worry about my words being taken the wrong way!
Anyway, I'm not sure if I should approach him and try to explain myself or if that would just make matters worse. Crap!!
Okay, here is what I'll do. Artie's wife, Dee, is often at the clubhouse so I'll ask her if her husband told her about the garbage box incident. Then I'll tell her that my neighbor told me he saw a black man take it and say that really helped because I knew there was only one black family in the park. I'm either going to dig myself a deeper hole or make myself understood. I'll hope for the latter.
Update: Sometimes things sort themselves out and they did this time. My friends told me to not say anything to the couple because I'd just make matters worse. I didn't think they were right but I'm often wrong (obviously) so I stayed quiet.
During my Friday morning coffee get-together, Dee joined us for the first time and I was so happy. It meant that I hadn't offended her husband and that meant a lot to me. I wisely said nothing to her about the incident and we all enjoyed or coffee time!
Anyway, the other day I put out some shelving with a "free" sign on it. Unfortunately for me, it was also garbage pick-up day and the person who took the shelving also took my new garbage box that was sitting right by the shelving. Honest mistake.
I had no idea who had picked up the shelving until my neighbor came over and I mentioned losing the garbage box. He said he'd seen who picked up the shelving and it was a black man. Now, I was very happy because we have only one black family in the park which made them easy to find. I asked around to find out where they lived and drove my little self right up there.
Now comes the "maybe offensive" part but I'm still not sure.
I knocked on the door and Artie answered. I asked if he was the one who picked up the shelving and the box and he said he was, laughing as he realized he shouldn't have taken the box. I said, in all innocence and with no offensive intent, "I'm so glad it was a black person who took it because you're the only black family in the park. I'd never have found it otherwise". Now I'm wondering if I mentioned that my neighbor told me it was a black man. Oh, crap! Maybe he thought I meant that only a black person would have taken it. I hate having to worry about my words being taken the wrong way!
Anyway, I'm not sure if I should approach him and try to explain myself or if that would just make matters worse. Crap!!
Okay, here is what I'll do. Artie's wife, Dee, is often at the clubhouse so I'll ask her if her husband told her about the garbage box incident. Then I'll tell her that my neighbor told me he saw a black man take it and say that really helped because I knew there was only one black family in the park. I'm either going to dig myself a deeper hole or make myself understood. I'll hope for the latter.
Update: Sometimes things sort themselves out and they did this time. My friends told me to not say anything to the couple because I'd just make matters worse. I didn't think they were right but I'm often wrong (obviously) so I stayed quiet.
During my Friday morning coffee get-together, Dee joined us for the first time and I was so happy. It meant that I hadn't offended her husband and that meant a lot to me. I wisely said nothing to her about the incident and we all enjoyed or coffee time!
Wednesday, December 09, 2015
Trailer For Sale!
It's done. Trish came over and took some photos for their website and suggested I put the trailer up for sale for $12,000. I decided that $9,900 was more reasonable because I really do want to sell it this winter and I don't want it overpriced so that no-one even looks at it. Anything I make will be banked to pay for any rental I might get in the next few winters.
I looked around my sweet little trailer and really do love it. I just don't want the burden of paying for it with our devalued dollar. It slid up to over $1.39 for a U.S. dollar today and who knows how much worse it will get.
I've already picked out the trailer I want to rent next year even though I probably have zero chances of getting it. It's a new one and will not have a Florida room but I don't care about that.
I figure I may as well wish for the stars (a sale of $9,000 and a rental for next year) and hope for the best!
I looked around my sweet little trailer and really do love it. I just don't want the burden of paying for it with our devalued dollar. It slid up to over $1.39 for a U.S. dollar today and who knows how much worse it will get.
I've already picked out the trailer I want to rent next year even though I probably have zero chances of getting it. It's a new one and will not have a Florida room but I don't care about that.
I figure I may as well wish for the stars (a sale of $9,000 and a rental for next year) and hope for the best!
I'm Bored
I haven't been bored in so long and now that's the way I've felt a lot since getting to the trailer. Sylvia isn't here and that's probably the main reason but not the total one. One of my friends mentioned last night that she's becoming bored, too, and thinks it's because of how the park is changing. I agree. There doesn't seem to be much permanence here now and there are "for sale" signs up all over the park. The poor Canadian dollar and the quickly rising lot rent here is really worrying me.
I walked out to put my trash at the curb this morning and actually thought about how many dollars it's cost me to do that. Crazy! All told, this 5 months stay in Florida is costing me about $8500 Cdn and that is ridiculous. I can't and won't justify it.
Anyway, I'm going to sell this year or next at the latest and begin a different path in life. What will be will be.
I walked out to put my trash at the curb this morning and actually thought about how many dollars it's cost me to do that. Crazy! All told, this 5 months stay in Florida is costing me about $8500 Cdn and that is ridiculous. I can't and won't justify it.
Anyway, I'm going to sell this year or next at the latest and begin a different path in life. What will be will be.
Sunday, December 06, 2015
Getting It Ready
Things moved slowly until Dallas came by. Thanks to him I only had a few items to take to the Salvation Army. I was very happy and I hope his wife, Donna, was happy with what he brought home.
After leaving the Salvation Army, I drove to Walmart to purchase "for sale" signs. I had planned on letting the park sell the trailer but 2 people have told me the park demands $700 up front when you sign on with them. I'm not about to do that so may end up selling it myself. I'll go up to the office tomorrow and get the facts straight, though.
I really have no idea what to charge for the trailer and will have to consult with some of my friends for advice.
Anyway, I made a lot of headway today toward selling. I won't be leaving until April 1st and that might be a problem but who knows? We'll just have to wait and see what happens. If it doesn't sell, I'll just come back again next winter.
Update: The people who told me about $700 up front were wrong. The office charges 8% or $700, whichever is higher, to sell your trailer. The charge is for when the trailer sells and not before. I can live with that!
The Clearing Begins
Today I decide what I want to keep from the trailer. I've told Joann she can have anything I want to clear out and anything left will first go out on a "free" table for the park residents. Anything left on the table will go to the Salvation Army.
This won't leave the trailer looking too empty but just a bit neater for the future owner. I have no regrets about selling because "it's time".
Probably the most clutter is the packaging I used for Ebay and that's easy to dispose of. I have a few ornaments that don't have any special meaning...except for my sweet little Furbys that I'll take home with me. I also have one gorgeous flower vase I want to keep. I was wise to take home most everything else I treasured over the past couple of years so I doubt my trunk will be too full. I will take home my new T.V. if the trailer sells before I leave, too.
I'm a big believer that there is a season for everything in our lives. My wonderful seasons of wintering in Florida might have come to an end but my life hasn't. I still have lots of fun times ahead of me but they'll just be a little different than they have been since 1998. There's no sadness to selling the trailer but an interest in wondering just what next winter holds for me. Will I be able to rent for 3 months here in the park? Will I have to stay home in the cold but make a positive life for myself there?
Whatever, I have the attitude that it will be good wherever I happen to land.
This won't leave the trailer looking too empty but just a bit neater for the future owner. I have no regrets about selling because "it's time".
Probably the most clutter is the packaging I used for Ebay and that's easy to dispose of. I have a few ornaments that don't have any special meaning...except for my sweet little Furbys that I'll take home with me. I also have one gorgeous flower vase I want to keep. I was wise to take home most everything else I treasured over the past couple of years so I doubt my trunk will be too full. I will take home my new T.V. if the trailer sells before I leave, too.
I'm a big believer that there is a season for everything in our lives. My wonderful seasons of wintering in Florida might have come to an end but my life hasn't. I still have lots of fun times ahead of me but they'll just be a little different than they have been since 1998. There's no sadness to selling the trailer but an interest in wondering just what next winter holds for me. Will I be able to rent for 3 months here in the park? Will I have to stay home in the cold but make a positive life for myself there?
Whatever, I have the attitude that it will be good wherever I happen to land.
Friday, December 04, 2015
Major Decision
I made a final decision today to sell the trailer in April (if I can) through the office even though they charge 8% of the sale. They will look after handling the paperwork and that takes a load off my mind. I'll hope to get a 3 month rental here for next year but, if I can't, I'm not going to worry about it. All good things come to an end sometime and what will be will be.
I put my final lot rent deposit in the bank which will cover me through March 31st and any money made from the sale will be deposited to pay for a rental if I get one.
I feel good about this so maybe it really is time for the change.
I put my final lot rent deposit in the bank which will cover me through March 31st and any money made from the sale will be deposited to pay for a rental if I get one.
I feel good about this so maybe it really is time for the change.
Wednesday, December 02, 2015
Can't Understand
Something has been irritating me for a few days. Not irritating in the sense it made me mad but irritating in the sense that I wish I'd never heard it. Every time I remember, I want to power wash my mind to erase the memory. I don't want to know anyone who is cruel enough to think the way this person does.
One of our ladies in the park just might have passed away today. I haven't heard for sure yet but the story going around the park is that she is brain dead and would be unplugged from life support this morning. She was a friend of mine, one I admired for her spirit and her personality. She's suffered terribly from one illness after another for the past couple of years and wasn't expected to survive for most of that time. But she did...over and over. She'd often be able to leave the hospital for a while and continue a not so bad quality of life here thanks to the care she received from her good husband. This would last for a few weeks or months at a time before bad health forced her back to the hospital.
She was doing okay when I left the park in the spring but in the hospital when I got down here this year. I remember thinking she must be superhuman to survive so many serious illnesses...much involved her breathing and infections. I've never expected that her lifespan would be too long because the myriad illnesses she'd suffered had weakened her so much. I wasn't surprised that her body finally gave up the fight and she just let go.
And now the ugly part. One of the ladies here who apparently didn't like my friend said that Karma took care of her and that she got what she deserved. This woman had no idea and didn't care how hurtful and foul her words were to my ears. She'd just finished telling me how important her religion is to her...how can that be?? She'd just finished telling me that she won't attend dog races because of how poorly the dogs are treated. She had more compassion for the dogs than she did for a poor sick human being. How can that be?? I understand that this awful woman is not liked herself and for good reason but her words still haunt me. How can you be a deeply religious person and still have a heart full of hate?? How could anyone be happy that even their worst enemy should suffer and die?? From what I know, my friend simply opposed one or more of the woman's suggestions for change in the park... changes we all opposed. There might be reason to dislike my friend but not hate her so terribly.
The woman had previously invited me to come to her trailer and share in one of her religious ceremonies and I'd accepted. I couldn't go now. As much as I hate confrontation, I will be very open to her about my reasons for refusing to go. I am repulsed by her words.
Having a confrontation with this woman won't have any effect on my social life here in the park but it will be detrimental to my peace of mind. I'll be repulsed every time I see her even if no confrontation ever occurs. In my whole life I don't think I've ever experienced such vile thinking and I've seen a lot that wasn't nice.
I needed to put this in the blog, maybe to try to understand it. It hasn't helped.
One of our ladies in the park just might have passed away today. I haven't heard for sure yet but the story going around the park is that she is brain dead and would be unplugged from life support this morning. She was a friend of mine, one I admired for her spirit and her personality. She's suffered terribly from one illness after another for the past couple of years and wasn't expected to survive for most of that time. But she did...over and over. She'd often be able to leave the hospital for a while and continue a not so bad quality of life here thanks to the care she received from her good husband. This would last for a few weeks or months at a time before bad health forced her back to the hospital.
She was doing okay when I left the park in the spring but in the hospital when I got down here this year. I remember thinking she must be superhuman to survive so many serious illnesses...much involved her breathing and infections. I've never expected that her lifespan would be too long because the myriad illnesses she'd suffered had weakened her so much. I wasn't surprised that her body finally gave up the fight and she just let go.
And now the ugly part. One of the ladies here who apparently didn't like my friend said that Karma took care of her and that she got what she deserved. This woman had no idea and didn't care how hurtful and foul her words were to my ears. She'd just finished telling me how important her religion is to her...how can that be?? She'd just finished telling me that she won't attend dog races because of how poorly the dogs are treated. She had more compassion for the dogs than she did for a poor sick human being. How can that be?? I understand that this awful woman is not liked herself and for good reason but her words still haunt me. How can you be a deeply religious person and still have a heart full of hate?? How could anyone be happy that even their worst enemy should suffer and die?? From what I know, my friend simply opposed one or more of the woman's suggestions for change in the park... changes we all opposed. There might be reason to dislike my friend but not hate her so terribly.
The woman had previously invited me to come to her trailer and share in one of her religious ceremonies and I'd accepted. I couldn't go now. As much as I hate confrontation, I will be very open to her about my reasons for refusing to go. I am repulsed by her words.
Having a confrontation with this woman won't have any effect on my social life here in the park but it will be detrimental to my peace of mind. I'll be repulsed every time I see her even if no confrontation ever occurs. In my whole life I don't think I've ever experienced such vile thinking and I've seen a lot that wasn't nice.
I needed to put this in the blog, maybe to try to understand it. It hasn't helped.
Snake!
I know they're out there but I just don't ever want to see them. Last night I came home around 9 P.M. after a fun evening of cards at the clubhouse and, as I stepped onto my patio, I saw a rope like thing hanging from one of the flower planters. I hesitated, remembering the same rope like thing that once hung from the inside of the Florid room window...and I recognized it as a snake.
Thank heavens I didn't have to pee because it was a nervous struggle trying to open the lock on the door and keep an eye on any movement from the snake. The good thing is it had disappeared by this morning. I don't care where as long as it's not near me and I can't see it.
Thank heavens I didn't have to pee because it was a nervous struggle trying to open the lock on the door and keep an eye on any movement from the snake. The good thing is it had disappeared by this morning. I don't care where as long as it's not near me and I can't see it.
Tuesday, December 01, 2015
There But For The Grace
Every so often something comes up that reminds me how unbelievably lucky we were with one of our little ones. Today I was watching a program on T.V. about the devastating effects of a man who was molested at age 10. Of course the effect of being molested at any age is going to be a negative one so that was no surprise. You cannot harm a child and not have it cause repercussions in their adulthood.
Our little one was about 8-9 years old when he almost became a victim of a pedophile teacher. This teacher took too much of an interest in this little boy which didn't become a red flag until he brought home gifts that his teacher had given him. Besides that, the teacher had attempted to get the parents to allow him to take our little boy away overnight. It makes me sick to think how this monster teacher was grooming a child in order to violate him. The parents were wise enough to refuse to let the teacher take him overnight and when the gifts began to appear, they were wise enough to notify the principal of the school. She was horrified and stopped all contact between the teacher and our little boy.
The sad part about this is that the teacher left the school but it's unknown if he simply moved on to another school where parents, students, and staff were not informed as to the danger he represented. All this happened a few decades ago so I'm assuming that was probably the case.
Most times when we hear of a child being molested by a teacher or even a priest, the main red flag was that the molester determinedly arranged to get the child alone and the parents were lulled into believing their child was safe with a reputable person.
There was a hockey coach in our city who was allowed private overnight access to young boys by their parents for many years. He molested many of them. Their parents were led to believe their children were given special attention because of their hockey skills. I often wonder what difficulties those boys grew up with and how much blame they laid on their parents for the molestation.
Love your children enough to protect them...even if you're a bit over-protective. If they're in sports, attend overnights with them instead of sending them off alone. Be on the alert for any adult "grooming" of you or your child in order to get them alone.
I will be forever grateful that my daughter and her husband saw the red flags and took action. It almost certainly saved our little one's innocence.
Our little one was about 8-9 years old when he almost became a victim of a pedophile teacher. This teacher took too much of an interest in this little boy which didn't become a red flag until he brought home gifts that his teacher had given him. Besides that, the teacher had attempted to get the parents to allow him to take our little boy away overnight. It makes me sick to think how this monster teacher was grooming a child in order to violate him. The parents were wise enough to refuse to let the teacher take him overnight and when the gifts began to appear, they were wise enough to notify the principal of the school. She was horrified and stopped all contact between the teacher and our little boy.
The sad part about this is that the teacher left the school but it's unknown if he simply moved on to another school where parents, students, and staff were not informed as to the danger he represented. All this happened a few decades ago so I'm assuming that was probably the case.
Most times when we hear of a child being molested by a teacher or even a priest, the main red flag was that the molester determinedly arranged to get the child alone and the parents were lulled into believing their child was safe with a reputable person.
There was a hockey coach in our city who was allowed private overnight access to young boys by their parents for many years. He molested many of them. Their parents were led to believe their children were given special attention because of their hockey skills. I often wonder what difficulties those boys grew up with and how much blame they laid on their parents for the molestation.
Love your children enough to protect them...even if you're a bit over-protective. If they're in sports, attend overnights with them instead of sending them off alone. Be on the alert for any adult "grooming" of you or your child in order to get them alone.
I will be forever grateful that my daughter and her husband saw the red flags and took action. It almost certainly saved our little one's innocence.
Living Another Year
I must feel certain I'll live another year at least because I just purchased 10 beautiful necklaces to sell at a craft show next fall. I'm being wise and limiting my purchase to 10 of them (I have 2 at home I bought for myself but don't like) because I learned not to go overboard with any new interest.
Kim is a little worried but the thing is this...I bought only beautiful necklaces that I would be happy to wear if they don't sell. And I believe my family would love them, too, so they won't be wasted.
I really like the craft shows and talking to people so I'm going to try to keep that going for as long as I can...and for as long as my daughters are willing to help me with them.
Kim is a little worried but the thing is this...I bought only beautiful necklaces that I would be happy to wear if they don't sell. And I believe my family would love them, too, so they won't be wasted.
I really like the craft shows and talking to people so I'm going to try to keep that going for as long as I can...and for as long as my daughters are willing to help me with them.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Fish Out Of Water
I knew I'd feel this way with Sylvia not here. She told me to give it a chance, that I have lots of other friends here to chum around with but I still miss our little routines. Just walking over to the clubhouse alone to play cards makes me sad. Sylvia always would stop by on her way and we'd chat for a few minutes before heading over to the clubhouse. I miss those little things.
I missed her and Mickey at Thanksgiving dinner. They would have loved it because it was the best we've had here in a long time.
I'll miss her this coming Tuesday because that's the day we always had lunch and shopped at Beall's.
To make matters even worse this year, Gail and Red aren't coming down to 3W because Red is having some health problems. Age, money, and health is what ruins our winters in Florida.
I'm also going to miss gambling every Monday with the ladies here (not Sylvia). The Canadian dollar is so low now that I've had to cut back my gambling days to one per month. The same ladies will go with me and I'll enjoy that because they're all nice friends.
I don't do well with change. Once I get my life set in a comfortable way, I don't like to see it change. Apparently, I have no choice in the matter!
I missed her and Mickey at Thanksgiving dinner. They would have loved it because it was the best we've had here in a long time.
I'll miss her this coming Tuesday because that's the day we always had lunch and shopped at Beall's.
To make matters even worse this year, Gail and Red aren't coming down to 3W because Red is having some health problems. Age, money, and health is what ruins our winters in Florida.
I'm also going to miss gambling every Monday with the ladies here (not Sylvia). The Canadian dollar is so low now that I've had to cut back my gambling days to one per month. The same ladies will go with me and I'll enjoy that because they're all nice friends.
I don't do well with change. Once I get my life set in a comfortable way, I don't like to see it change. Apparently, I have no choice in the matter!
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Do-Gooders Won't Like This
So we're getting 25,000 (?) Syrian refugees in Canada in the next year. Canada is a land of mixed nationalities and races who get along pretty good with the odd exception so why should we be wary of these new immigrants? Well, I'll tell you one reason.
I don't remember the year but many will recall the Vietnamese refugees who fled their war torn country searching for a more peaceful home. Many came to Canada and, as is often the rule with refugees, many had no documentation. It was said that some of them destroyed their documents once they'd boarded a plane for Canada. Hmm!
The vast majority of these people were decent, hard working individuals who were truthfully refugees needing our help but some criminals were able to slip in among the decent ones because security clearance was not up to par.
In my city we've always had an average sized Asian population and I once commented on how you never, ever saw an Asian surname in the newspaper connected with criminal activity. Well, not only did those Asian surnames start popping up but our police department also had to create an Asian crime unit for the very first time in our history. Vietnamese criminals began by victimizing their own people but soon spread out their activities to include everyone else.
The mistake Canada made was not in offering human aid to decent, law abiding Vietnamese but in not screening them more carefully. This is my worry with the Syrian refugees, not that decent, law abiding Syrians be refused but just that the screening process is as complete as possible.
Bleeding heart liberals blast us for having reservations about refugees but we have every right to be concerned with not bringing in people who will be a danger to the existing population. Our multicultural society is a source of pride and it would be such a shame to allow criminals to slip in just because we're rushing immigration.
I don't remember the year but many will recall the Vietnamese refugees who fled their war torn country searching for a more peaceful home. Many came to Canada and, as is often the rule with refugees, many had no documentation. It was said that some of them destroyed their documents once they'd boarded a plane for Canada. Hmm!
The vast majority of these people were decent, hard working individuals who were truthfully refugees needing our help but some criminals were able to slip in among the decent ones because security clearance was not up to par.
In my city we've always had an average sized Asian population and I once commented on how you never, ever saw an Asian surname in the newspaper connected with criminal activity. Well, not only did those Asian surnames start popping up but our police department also had to create an Asian crime unit for the very first time in our history. Vietnamese criminals began by victimizing their own people but soon spread out their activities to include everyone else.
The mistake Canada made was not in offering human aid to decent, law abiding Vietnamese but in not screening them more carefully. This is my worry with the Syrian refugees, not that decent, law abiding Syrians be refused but just that the screening process is as complete as possible.
Bleeding heart liberals blast us for having reservations about refugees but we have every right to be concerned with not bringing in people who will be a danger to the existing population. Our multicultural society is a source of pride and it would be such a shame to allow criminals to slip in just because we're rushing immigration.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Why So Much Violence?
I remember the fire of youth but I also remember the respect we had for adults and authority. From what I see on T.V., there is a terrible lack of respect being taught to our young people and I'll bet that's where the violence and destruction is coming from today. If children are not brought up to respect their parents, they will not respect anything else. Their youthful fire will be set free without discipline or fear of consequences.
Respect for our country was taught in school when I was a child...is that still done today? Respect for our teachers was also taught. How many teachers are physically attacked by their students today?
Cursing in public is also a sign of disrespect. Can teenagers really not be aware how awful this sounds to the ears of their elders? My own babies are as guilty of this as many young people and I always feel insulted by it. They used to apologize for the worst words when they slipped out but not so much any more. It's almost as though proper grammar is a thing of the past.
Anyway, if all parents insisted on their children showing them respect instead of trying to be one of their friends, I think the next generation would be better for it.
Respect for our country was taught in school when I was a child...is that still done today? Respect for our teachers was also taught. How many teachers are physically attacked by their students today?
Cursing in public is also a sign of disrespect. Can teenagers really not be aware how awful this sounds to the ears of their elders? My own babies are as guilty of this as many young people and I always feel insulted by it. They used to apologize for the worst words when they slipped out but not so much any more. It's almost as though proper grammar is a thing of the past.
Anyway, if all parents insisted on their children showing them respect instead of trying to be one of their friends, I think the next generation would be better for it.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
3W Angels
There's no doubt I received one of the greatest blessings in my life the day I found my way to this Florida park. I will never know if all senior R.V. and trailer parks are like this but I hear from people who have been in other parks that ours is special. It's the people, of course, but how could so many wonderful human beings have ended up here? Because of these good, good people, I never hesitated coming down here by myself after Dennis passed away. I knew I wasn't on my own and I knew any help I needed would be offered by any number of friends here.
Marge's husband, Don, put up 2 new blinds for me yesterday. They were on the front windows and the hot summer sunlight rotted the cords of the old ones. No surprise. And no surprise that Marge offered her husband's help when she heard I needed it. That's just the way it is here.
Without all these good people helping us do what we can't ourselves, single ladies and handicapped people couldn't be here. We couldn't afford to pay for outside help and we'd probably be cheated, too. The angels who come to our aid make it possible for us to live fuller and more comfortable lives.
Thank you, angels. You probably don't even know you're thought of as angels, but you are.
Marge's husband, Don, put up 2 new blinds for me yesterday. They were on the front windows and the hot summer sunlight rotted the cords of the old ones. No surprise. And no surprise that Marge offered her husband's help when she heard I needed it. That's just the way it is here.
Without all these good people helping us do what we can't ourselves, single ladies and handicapped people couldn't be here. We couldn't afford to pay for outside help and we'd probably be cheated, too. The angels who come to our aid make it possible for us to live fuller and more comfortable lives.
Thank you, angels. You probably don't even know you're thought of as angels, but you are.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
It's Always Something
Here I am at my favorite little trailer park in my sweet little trailer for the winter...but not everything is fun and sun. Usually it's the telephone that isn't working but this time the phone and internet came on like a dream but the 3 year old T.V. was fried. I hired a T.V. repairman to come and look at it because I couldn't bear the thought of buying a new one in American dollars but all I did was waste another $50 U.S.
I searched the internet for information on T.V.'s and decided to buy a 28" Vizio (recommended by the repairman). It cost $158 U.S. and then I also bought a 3 year warranty for $18 U.S. I never buy an extended warranty but this time I thought it a wise thing to do. Now I'm waiting for Direct T.V. to come this afternoon and see if it's safe to hook up to their cable. Joann is also coming over so I can put one of her items on Ebay. I've already put about 10 of my own small items on Ebay. I only plan to play a bit with Ebay this winter and not get into it much at all.
I've still got some yard work to do but no more today. I'm sore because I'm not used to laboring any more but the aches and pains are mild and will disappear in a day or so.
Because of the terrible Canadian dollar, this will be a test year to see if I can afford to come down next year. So far, it's been awfully expensive mainly because of the darned T.V., something I never expected. The car used less than $100 in gas to get here so that was great...Kim had the cruise control on a lot and I think that's the reason.
Anyway, the 2015/2016 season at 3W is underway and I'm missing my friend, Sylvia, very much.
I searched the internet for information on T.V.'s and decided to buy a 28" Vizio (recommended by the repairman). It cost $158 U.S. and then I also bought a 3 year warranty for $18 U.S. I never buy an extended warranty but this time I thought it a wise thing to do. Now I'm waiting for Direct T.V. to come this afternoon and see if it's safe to hook up to their cable. Joann is also coming over so I can put one of her items on Ebay. I've already put about 10 of my own small items on Ebay. I only plan to play a bit with Ebay this winter and not get into it much at all.
I've still got some yard work to do but no more today. I'm sore because I'm not used to laboring any more but the aches and pains are mild and will disappear in a day or so.
Because of the terrible Canadian dollar, this will be a test year to see if I can afford to come down next year. So far, it's been awfully expensive mainly because of the darned T.V., something I never expected. The car used less than $100 in gas to get here so that was great...Kim had the cruise control on a lot and I think that's the reason.
Anyway, the 2015/2016 season at 3W is underway and I'm missing my friend, Sylvia, very much.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Open Letter to ALL Restaurants
When I was a young girl I worked in restaurants and don't remember ever being told during training that NO food should be placed in something that had fallen on the floor. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to know that dishes should be rewashed and paper products should be discarded if they land on the floor.
I'm wondering if waitresses today are taught this during their training.
I frequent fast food restaurants and regular restaurants and occasionally observe items fall to the floor and then the waitress will retrieve them and attempt to use them. Not if I'm watching!!
The other day I was at Burger King waiting for my order and one of the waitresses was preparing a take-out order. The bag she was about to use fell on the floor and she quickly picked it up and began to put the order in it. I quickly stopped her (politely) and told her she could not put food in a bag that had been on the floor. She looked stunned, as though the thought was completely new to her. She did comply but it got me wondering about the initial training of restaurant staff.
A few years ago I was in a Sonny's in Florida and witnessed a waitress drop a load of straws on the floor, pick them up, and put them in a storage jar. I spoke up (politely) and told her she couldn't give customers straws that had been on the floor. She too looked stunned but complied and threw the lot in the garbage.
The very worst thing I ever saw was at a Wendy's where I stood at the counter waiting for my order to be filled. I watched a lady working at the drive-through...she appeared to be the manager (older and dressed slightly different). To my horror, she left the window to make up an order and, without gloves and after handling money, made a cheeseburger using her bare hands to handle the bun, meat, and filling. This time I asked for a phone number so I could call the head office. No-one could give me one but, of course, there was a number on the bill to my own order. I called the head office and explained what I had seen happen and they were very polite and guaranteed the matter would be looked into. Maybe it was but maybe it wasn't. In any case, I did what I thought necessary to keep our food handling services up to par. Everyone should take a moment and speak up when they see unhealthy practices in restaurants.
Now for my very adamant suggestion to restaurant managers and owners...stress during training that nothing that falls to the floor should ever be given to a customer. Make up signs to be placed in the kitchen as a constant reminder, too. Your customers deserve cleanliness.
I'm ranting on my blog but the next time I see a similar infraction, I'll write letters to the editors of local newspapers and to the Board of Health. I will also call the head office and ask for an e-mail to be sent to me stating what measures were taken to re-educate their staff. What kind of response I receive will be noted in the letter to the editor.
If this saves even one person from getting sick it will be worth it.
I'm wondering if waitresses today are taught this during their training.
I frequent fast food restaurants and regular restaurants and occasionally observe items fall to the floor and then the waitress will retrieve them and attempt to use them. Not if I'm watching!!
The other day I was at Burger King waiting for my order and one of the waitresses was preparing a take-out order. The bag she was about to use fell on the floor and she quickly picked it up and began to put the order in it. I quickly stopped her (politely) and told her she could not put food in a bag that had been on the floor. She looked stunned, as though the thought was completely new to her. She did comply but it got me wondering about the initial training of restaurant staff.
A few years ago I was in a Sonny's in Florida and witnessed a waitress drop a load of straws on the floor, pick them up, and put them in a storage jar. I spoke up (politely) and told her she couldn't give customers straws that had been on the floor. She too looked stunned but complied and threw the lot in the garbage.
The very worst thing I ever saw was at a Wendy's where I stood at the counter waiting for my order to be filled. I watched a lady working at the drive-through...she appeared to be the manager (older and dressed slightly different). To my horror, she left the window to make up an order and, without gloves and after handling money, made a cheeseburger using her bare hands to handle the bun, meat, and filling. This time I asked for a phone number so I could call the head office. No-one could give me one but, of course, there was a number on the bill to my own order. I called the head office and explained what I had seen happen and they were very polite and guaranteed the matter would be looked into. Maybe it was but maybe it wasn't. In any case, I did what I thought necessary to keep our food handling services up to par. Everyone should take a moment and speak up when they see unhealthy practices in restaurants.
Now for my very adamant suggestion to restaurant managers and owners...stress during training that nothing that falls to the floor should ever be given to a customer. Make up signs to be placed in the kitchen as a constant reminder, too. Your customers deserve cleanliness.
I'm ranting on my blog but the next time I see a similar infraction, I'll write letters to the editors of local newspapers and to the Board of Health. I will also call the head office and ask for an e-mail to be sent to me stating what measures were taken to re-educate their staff. What kind of response I receive will be noted in the letter to the editor.
If this saves even one person from getting sick it will be worth it.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Remembrance Day
Canada is a beautiful and free country where our government may not be perfect but it's better than most. We enjoy a blended culture which makes life here more interesting than in many countries. Refugees yearn to become Canadian citizens and escape the horrors of their birth countries.
This didn't happen by accident. Our smart ancestors worked hard to create a country where it's citizens would live in peace. They created a governing body and a military to ensure this.
No, Canada isn't a perfect country but I wouldn't trade it for any other. Let's not change it to appease people who would put more limitations on our freedom, especially the freedom of women.
This didn't happen by accident. Our smart ancestors worked hard to create a country where it's citizens would live in peace. They created a governing body and a military to ensure this.
No, Canada isn't a perfect country but I wouldn't trade it for any other. Let's not change it to appease people who would put more limitations on our freedom, especially the freedom of women.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Grey November Day
Yesterday I was talking to Sylvia all positive about how I'd spend my winters when I don't go to Florida. I said I was sure I could handle it well because I've got lots of plans for things I can do to keep me busy and fulfilled.
Today I woke up to a miserable wet and grey November day and all positivity went right out the window. I hate, literally hate, days like this. The sky is grey and the leaves have just about all fallen from the trees. It's cold enough to need a coat if I go outside. No, maybe I won't handle a whole winter here as well as I'd thought. I need sunshine.
Oh well, Kim and I head south on Sunday so I'll try to make the best of it for a few days. I'll forget about Canadian November weather until this time next year!
Today I woke up to a miserable wet and grey November day and all positivity went right out the window. I hate, literally hate, days like this. The sky is grey and the leaves have just about all fallen from the trees. It's cold enough to need a coat if I go outside. No, maybe I won't handle a whole winter here as well as I'd thought. I need sunshine.
Oh well, Kim and I head south on Sunday so I'll try to make the best of it for a few days. I'll forget about Canadian November weather until this time next year!
Monday, November 09, 2015
Getting Ready For Florida
Leaving for 5 months requires all kinds of preparation but this year mine is a little less than before. Nick will be staying in my apartment so I don't have to clear out the fridge or turn off the cable. I tried just turning off the phone part because Nick uses a cell phone but discovered Cogeco won't do that. It's either leave it all on or turn it all off. That is soooo dumb! I'm sure they have the technology to do this but choose not to do it.
I opened my suitcase on the bed in the spare room and have been gradually adding stuff to it. I doubt it will be filled when I leave, though. My car trunk is also only half full...with toilet paper that was way on sale and coffee. I'll be doing very little Ebay this year so I'm not taking much down to sell.
The cost of spending 5 months in Florida has become prohibitive so this may be my last year unless something changes. The lot rent alone will cost me about $7000 Cdn. and add to that the $1500 out-of-country health insurance and it's becoming too much to accept as reasonable for my income. I've been making plans for how I'd spend my winter at home and it wouldn't be so bad. I'd spend a few days a week at the senior center doing crafts or whatever and I'd see more of my family here. Life can be good anywhere if that's what you choose it to be.
I'll definitely miss my 3W friends when I decide to stay home, though. I've always said that I was blessed the day I ended up at 3W and began 17 years (so far) of some of the greatest friendships of my life. 3W is so full of nice people that I sometimes think I'm dreaming. How could so many terrific human beings end up spending the winter at one little trailer park?
Yes, my life will change quite a bit in the next few years but it's been a lovely ride. And I'm sure there are more great days to come, too!
I opened my suitcase on the bed in the spare room and have been gradually adding stuff to it. I doubt it will be filled when I leave, though. My car trunk is also only half full...with toilet paper that was way on sale and coffee. I'll be doing very little Ebay this year so I'm not taking much down to sell.
The cost of spending 5 months in Florida has become prohibitive so this may be my last year unless something changes. The lot rent alone will cost me about $7000 Cdn. and add to that the $1500 out-of-country health insurance and it's becoming too much to accept as reasonable for my income. I've been making plans for how I'd spend my winter at home and it wouldn't be so bad. I'd spend a few days a week at the senior center doing crafts or whatever and I'd see more of my family here. Life can be good anywhere if that's what you choose it to be.
I'll definitely miss my 3W friends when I decide to stay home, though. I've always said that I was blessed the day I ended up at 3W and began 17 years (so far) of some of the greatest friendships of my life. 3W is so full of nice people that I sometimes think I'm dreaming. How could so many terrific human beings end up spending the winter at one little trailer park?
Yes, my life will change quite a bit in the next few years but it's been a lovely ride. And I'm sure there are more great days to come, too!
Tuesday, November 03, 2015
"Lookin' Out My Back Door"
It's warm enough to go outside with a light sweater, too. I know these days will disappear shortly but they are often the sweetest of the year, unexpected and treasured.
Monday, November 02, 2015
It's Quiet
My building has mainly seniors for tenants so you'd expect it to be pretty quiet and it is. I really enjoy those moments when, all of a sudden, I realize the only sound I hear is the motor of the fridge. It's peaceful.
When one of the tenants uses the elevator, I can hear it but not loudly. I told Kim that the soft sounds of the comings and goings of the other tenants seems to comfort me, making me feel not alone. I made a very good choice moving to this apartment building. One never knows when they move if they'll end up with neighbors from hell or superintendants who don't look after the place but I lucked out. My building is relatively quiet with nice neighbors and a superintendant who takes excellent care of the building and grounds.
Well, even the fridge motor has shut off now so the silence is very peaceful. Maybe it's time for bed.
When one of the tenants uses the elevator, I can hear it but not loudly. I told Kim that the soft sounds of the comings and goings of the other tenants seems to comfort me, making me feel not alone. I made a very good choice moving to this apartment building. One never knows when they move if they'll end up with neighbors from hell or superintendants who don't look after the place but I lucked out. My building is relatively quiet with nice neighbors and a superintendant who takes excellent care of the building and grounds.
Well, even the fridge motor has shut off now so the silence is very peaceful. Maybe it's time for bed.
Sunday, November 01, 2015
Disappointing People
I've become very good and quite consistent at walking away from people who aren't good for me but it isn't always easy. It's very uncomfortable to finally lose faith in someone you once trusted because it makes you question yourself.
I can understand why some people become hermits, especially if they've been deeply disappointed by too many people they've become close to. It really does scare you off and I can see someone feeling safer alone than with questionable friends or family.
I've been told that you should never walk away from family but that makes no sense to me. If someone in your family treats you horribly then why would a sane person continue to deal with that family member? I knew a lady once whose whole family treated her shamefully but she continued to visit them every year because she said they were all the family she had. She'd come back home a more broken person than when she'd left.
The best way to explain the feeling of being in the wrong company is to imagine being in a large or small group of people who blatantly don't like or respect you. It would be debilitating to the max. Even if you weren't prone to depression, this would drive you to it.
Not everyone you associate with will like you but you can choose to limit how much of your time you'll give to them. And you can choose to distance yourself emotionally. Either way, you are in charge of how much "abuse" you are willing to tolerate. I hope the answer is zero.
Personally, I'd rather be by myself than spend one moment with someone who disrespects me.
I can understand why some people become hermits, especially if they've been deeply disappointed by too many people they've become close to. It really does scare you off and I can see someone feeling safer alone than with questionable friends or family.
I've been told that you should never walk away from family but that makes no sense to me. If someone in your family treats you horribly then why would a sane person continue to deal with that family member? I knew a lady once whose whole family treated her shamefully but she continued to visit them every year because she said they were all the family she had. She'd come back home a more broken person than when she'd left.
The best way to explain the feeling of being in the wrong company is to imagine being in a large or small group of people who blatantly don't like or respect you. It would be debilitating to the max. Even if you weren't prone to depression, this would drive you to it.
Not everyone you associate with will like you but you can choose to limit how much of your time you'll give to them. And you can choose to distance yourself emotionally. Either way, you are in charge of how much "abuse" you are willing to tolerate. I hope the answer is zero.
Personally, I'd rather be by myself than spend one moment with someone who disrespects me.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Is Everyone Offended?
I really get very tired of hearing how someone is offended by one thing or another. The latest is the natives being offended by a particular Halloween costume of a native dress that is sort of sexy. My response to that is...it's only a damn costume! We are all offended by something, I guess, but shouldn't we save our fury for things that really matter? There are children in the world starving and being molested. There are veterans who can't get the medical help they need. There are families being slaughtered because of their religion. The list is endless.
These pitiful bandwagons that some people jump on drive me nuts. Natives have a hell of a lot more to be protesting against than a fiddlin' Halloween costume that's just a tad racy.
"Politically correct" promoters who want us all to live vanilla lives that can't possibly offend anyone offend the hell out of me!
Oops, should I have said vanilla? Maybe it's on the list of things that offend someone. I don't give a royal you know what!
These pitiful bandwagons that some people jump on drive me nuts. Natives have a hell of a lot more to be protesting against than a fiddlin' Halloween costume that's just a tad racy.
"Politically correct" promoters who want us all to live vanilla lives that can't possibly offend anyone offend the hell out of me!
Oops, should I have said vanilla? Maybe it's on the list of things that offend someone. I don't give a royal you know what!
Friday, October 30, 2015
I Was Right!
The euphoria I felt was accurate. Kim just got her first client, one she might have to work full time for but there's also the possibility of part-time. Either way, it's great news!! She's now heading in the direction she charted for herself.
My take on ESP is that all dynamics of life can be coming together and, if your mind is open to receiving those dynamics, you can assess whether or not they bring good news or bad. This is just my theory.
There's been a lot of unsettling events in our lives lately but our family is solid steel and super supportive of each other. I also believe that family strength like this will draw success and happy endings. Those are the vibes we open ourselves up to and right now they're filling us up.
I'm beginning to ready myself for leaving for Florida. I pulled out the large suitcase and laid it open on the bed in the spare bedroom and will begin filling it up. I bought coffee for the Keurig and left it in the car trunk, too. None of our luggage will go in the trunk so there's lots of room in there for anything else I want to take. I'm not going to be doing much Ebay any more so the trunk won't be filled with goods to sell. This might be the first year I go to Florida without a fully packed car.
I still can't gather up too much excitement about wintering in Florida this year but now that Kim seems to be set I can relax and enjoy it even while missing Sylvia. Change is constant and we either accept what we can't change or let it ruin our day.
As a mother, I can only be comfortable if my children, granchildren, and greatgrandchildren are on a safe and happy path in life. Today they seem to be doing fine and today is all we can count on.
Life is good.
My take on ESP is that all dynamics of life can be coming together and, if your mind is open to receiving those dynamics, you can assess whether or not they bring good news or bad. This is just my theory.
There's been a lot of unsettling events in our lives lately but our family is solid steel and super supportive of each other. I also believe that family strength like this will draw success and happy endings. Those are the vibes we open ourselves up to and right now they're filling us up.
I'm beginning to ready myself for leaving for Florida. I pulled out the large suitcase and laid it open on the bed in the spare bedroom and will begin filling it up. I bought coffee for the Keurig and left it in the car trunk, too. None of our luggage will go in the trunk so there's lots of room in there for anything else I want to take. I'm not going to be doing much Ebay any more so the trunk won't be filled with goods to sell. This might be the first year I go to Florida without a fully packed car.
I still can't gather up too much excitement about wintering in Florida this year but now that Kim seems to be set I can relax and enjoy it even while missing Sylvia. Change is constant and we either accept what we can't change or let it ruin our day.
As a mother, I can only be comfortable if my children, granchildren, and greatgrandchildren are on a safe and happy path in life. Today they seem to be doing fine and today is all we can count on.
Life is good.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Good Things Are Coming
There's something in the air here and I can feel it in every fiber of my being. I really like it when this happens because it's like waiting for Christmas morning, full of excited anticipation for something wonderful.
I have and accept my ESP and that's why I have it. If you don't believe in ESP and open your mind to it, you won't experience it. I actually count on it at times and when it's very strong as it is today, I know good things are about to come my way. What they'll be is another thing entirely.
ESP is not always a good thing because it can also fill you with dread. You don't know what awful thing is lurking in your life but you know something just isn't right. I prefer the joyful ESP I'm feeling right now. I hope I'm right!
Kim is meeting with a client today who just might be her first. I hope this explains my happy intuition.
I have and accept my ESP and that's why I have it. If you don't believe in ESP and open your mind to it, you won't experience it. I actually count on it at times and when it's very strong as it is today, I know good things are about to come my way. What they'll be is another thing entirely.
ESP is not always a good thing because it can also fill you with dread. You don't know what awful thing is lurking in your life but you know something just isn't right. I prefer the joyful ESP I'm feeling right now. I hope I'm right!
Kim is meeting with a client today who just might be her first. I hope this explains my happy intuition.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Ups and Downs
It seems there's always something to worry about. Usually, problems work themselves out and nothing builds up to the horror you worried it could.
This week so far has been full of ups and downs for me. First Cindy got sick and then she got better. Then I got sick and then I got better. Today Kim might have acquired her first client...she finds out tomorrow. I'll worry until tomorrow.
This week so far has been full of ups and downs for me. First Cindy got sick and then she got better. Then I got sick and then I got better. Today Kim might have acquired her first client...she finds out tomorrow. I'll worry until tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
A Little Bit Sick
Our bodies are such amazing vessels and we don't appreciate their everyday workings. But, as soon as one little organ goes awry, we notice right away.
I feel mentally sluggish because of an upset stomach. I don't know if it's something I ate that didn't agree with me or if I have the flu. All I know is that my body is not working with precision as it should.
We take these bodies for granted, hardly paying attention to how synchronized each organ is to each other, how they work in harmony to keep us healthy and alive.
I'm not seriously ill, just feeling a little punk and I'm expecting I'll feel much better tomorrow. Now I'm going to bed early because rest heals most illnesses.
I feel mentally sluggish because of an upset stomach. I don't know if it's something I ate that didn't agree with me or if I have the flu. All I know is that my body is not working with precision as it should.
We take these bodies for granted, hardly paying attention to how synchronized each organ is to each other, how they work in harmony to keep us healthy and alive.
I'm not seriously ill, just feeling a little punk and I'm expecting I'll feel much better tomorrow. Now I'm going to bed early because rest heals most illnesses.
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