I'm not sleeping well these days but there's too much going on around here for me to take a nap. I don't want to miss any of the fun. I finally crashed yesterday afternoon and slept for 2 hours. I then went to bed around 10 P.M. and slept soundly until 2:30 A.M. and have been awake ever since. I knew this would happen!
I've been walking around like a zombie all day but still managed to get in some birthday present shopping, some casino (I won $60), a huge St. Patrick's Day party at a friend's house here in the park, and then Rummoli at the clubhouse this evening. I'm so very, very tired but I know if I go to bed too early I won't sleep through the night and tomorrow I have to be at the bus for the dog races at 7:30 A.M. I swear all this fun just might kill me.
All winter I do this to myself because I know how quiet my summer will be. Sure, I do the odd thing but here at the park it's all day and all evening...every day and every evening.
I've gotten some good news about my buddies here lately. Some that I thought wouldn't be back have changed their minds and a couple who rent every year never knowing what will be available has just negotiated a 4 month deal for next winter. Winter 2009/2010 may be a little different but it's starting to look more promising.
Back to my insomnia...I took a Tylenol P.M. (not available in Canada) and will climb into my bed by 10 P.M. tonight and can count on getting a good night's sleep.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Crazy Hat Monday in March
************************This is the second Monday of our "crazy hat at the pool" month.
Picture #1 shows a few of the saner ones.
Picture #3 shows a very nice man wearing dreadlocks who is having his afternoon nap.
The rest are just a few of the crazy people who help make my winters so much fun.
Putting Up With
Sylvia and I sat at the pool yesterday after having a swim and then waiting for our card buddies to show up. Part of the discussion was about things we "put up with" and why we do.
For instance, we put up with slow service at a restaurant because the food is great. We put up with a friend who always shows up late because they're a hoot when they do arrive. We put up with an abusive mate because we love them. Etc., etc., etc.
But there sometimes comes a time when we have no interest in "putting up with" poor behaviour anymore. That is the point when the good isn't worth the bad. I often think that many celebrities behave so badly because they are surrounded by adorers who put up with their horrid behaviour long after they should have been shunted aside.
There are two celebrities in the news these days who are involved in a physically abusive relationship which has become known to the public. The man beat up his girlfriend and then it's rumored she married him. Good old Oprah said it all. If he hits you once, he'll hit you again. The poor young lady in this case apparently believes her beautiful young man has learned his lesson but this is not likely to happen.
People learn what they can get away with fairly early in life. I watched a young mother and her 4 year old daughter in the pool yesterday and the future of that little girl is already plain to see. She mouths off at her mother and refuses to do as her mother meekly asks. When I heard her grossly overweight mother trying to bribe her vastly overweight child with food, I wondered why we're all so often blind to what we're doing wrong in our lives.
My "putting up with" meter has changed over the years. At my age now I put up with very little and I'm amazed at how liberating that is. It's easier for me to walk away from crap than it was when I was younger and it's easier to speak up about things I think I can change. Maybe it's because I have less to lose now but I've tried to instill my newfound ethics in my grandchildren. My own children are at a time in their lives when they're redeveloping their own "putting up with" meters.
We put up with what we have to but there is a lot we don't have to put up with.
For instance, we put up with slow service at a restaurant because the food is great. We put up with a friend who always shows up late because they're a hoot when they do arrive. We put up with an abusive mate because we love them. Etc., etc., etc.
But there sometimes comes a time when we have no interest in "putting up with" poor behaviour anymore. That is the point when the good isn't worth the bad. I often think that many celebrities behave so badly because they are surrounded by adorers who put up with their horrid behaviour long after they should have been shunted aside.
There are two celebrities in the news these days who are involved in a physically abusive relationship which has become known to the public. The man beat up his girlfriend and then it's rumored she married him. Good old Oprah said it all. If he hits you once, he'll hit you again. The poor young lady in this case apparently believes her beautiful young man has learned his lesson but this is not likely to happen.
People learn what they can get away with fairly early in life. I watched a young mother and her 4 year old daughter in the pool yesterday and the future of that little girl is already plain to see. She mouths off at her mother and refuses to do as her mother meekly asks. When I heard her grossly overweight mother trying to bribe her vastly overweight child with food, I wondered why we're all so often blind to what we're doing wrong in our lives.
My "putting up with" meter has changed over the years. At my age now I put up with very little and I'm amazed at how liberating that is. It's easier for me to walk away from crap than it was when I was younger and it's easier to speak up about things I think I can change. Maybe it's because I have less to lose now but I've tried to instill my newfound ethics in my grandchildren. My own children are at a time in their lives when they're redeveloping their own "putting up with" meters.
We put up with what we have to but there is a lot we don't have to put up with.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Overdone
I knew I had to be careful about what I bought in Florida to take home this year because Anna and Lisa are coming down to have a little vacation and then drive back with me. There is only so much room in my little Honda and every year I have to burden friends to take stuff back for me. I was careful until a few weeks ago.
First I bought 6 huge wooden masks for my backyard fence. Then I bought a huge load of baby clothes for my upcoming greatgrandson. I was expressing my worry about car space last week to some people and a friend took pity on me and offered to take them home in her trailer. I honestly wasn't talking to drum up a taker but her offer was instantly accepted.
Then I did something even worse. I bought an EZ-UP tent. I'm not sure it will even fit in my car once I'm home but I'll worry about that later. Anyway, I wrapped my arms around Norma and begged her to consider taking it home, too (she and Charlie live about 20 minutes from me back home). Her eyes glazed over and the smile froze on her face but she said they'd take it if it was less than 6' long. Bless her, it is.
If I keep this up I'm going to lose a lot of friends in March of every year because they'll be afraid to come near me. I think I'm finished buying now, though.
First I bought 6 huge wooden masks for my backyard fence. Then I bought a huge load of baby clothes for my upcoming greatgrandson. I was expressing my worry about car space last week to some people and a friend took pity on me and offered to take them home in her trailer. I honestly wasn't talking to drum up a taker but her offer was instantly accepted.
Then I did something even worse. I bought an EZ-UP tent. I'm not sure it will even fit in my car once I'm home but I'll worry about that later. Anyway, I wrapped my arms around Norma and begged her to consider taking it home, too (she and Charlie live about 20 minutes from me back home). Her eyes glazed over and the smile froze on her face but she said they'd take it if it was less than 6' long. Bless her, it is.
If I keep this up I'm going to lose a lot of friends in March of every year because they'll be afraid to come near me. I think I'm finished buying now, though.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Vegas Day
Every March we have a day of Vegas like gambling in the clubhouse but with play money. There are always plenty of poker tables but we also have the color wheel, a horse race game, darts, and a boring game called "over and under" where you bet whether the throw of the dice will be either over or under 7. I prefer the horse race game over all.
At 5 P.M. we were served a humungous portion of excellent beef stew and then were entertained by an auction. The co-ordinators of Vegas Day either buy or find donations of items that are auctioned off after dinner. We purchase with our play money so the amounts bid for each item can reach $50,000. To obtain funds like that you have to have good friends who will donate their play money to your pile.
The only thing I wanted was a group of frog light reflectors to put in my garden. They had a lot of them so I thought I might have a chance with my piddly $4,000 but ended up pooling my friends' money to pay the $12,000 price tag.
It was a lovely warm evening when all the festivities were over so a group of us went over to the pool with drinks in hand. Only one went in swimming but we sat and gabbed for an hour or so.
No question...another wonderful day in paradise.
Note: The people who donated the frog light reflectors told me they found them in the dumpster behind Dollarama. $12,000!!!!!!!!!!
At 5 P.M. we were served a humungous portion of excellent beef stew and then were entertained by an auction. The co-ordinators of Vegas Day either buy or find donations of items that are auctioned off after dinner. We purchase with our play money so the amounts bid for each item can reach $50,000. To obtain funds like that you have to have good friends who will donate their play money to your pile.
The only thing I wanted was a group of frog light reflectors to put in my garden. They had a lot of them so I thought I might have a chance with my piddly $4,000 but ended up pooling my friends' money to pay the $12,000 price tag.
It was a lovely warm evening when all the festivities were over so a group of us went over to the pool with drinks in hand. Only one went in swimming but we sat and gabbed for an hour or so.
No question...another wonderful day in paradise.
Note: The people who donated the frog light reflectors told me they found them in the dumpster behind Dollarama. $12,000!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Beautiful People
One of the important things I've learned in my life is that truly beautiful people are not necessarily photogenic people. Some people have a goodness that just shines out of them and draws you in like a moth to a flame. If you tried to analyze their attraction, the shape of their face or body would never come to mind.
I know a lot of good, decent people but very few have this unique asset. You know it when you see it, though. Like Jack Nicholson said in one of his movies...it makes you want to be a better person.
Just a thought.
I know a lot of good, decent people but very few have this unique asset. You know it when you see it, though. Like Jack Nicholson said in one of his movies...it makes you want to be a better person.
Just a thought.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Crowded, But Fun
Yesterday was our Monday morning coffee and we've finally reached the saturation point. We had 17 coffee drinkers and gabbers and only 16 chairs (Norma brought 2) so Sheila and I dragged my picnic table across the yard so we could use that for seating.
I love the fact that so many ladies enjoy our Monday morning get-together but I think the time has come to enlarge the patio to accommodate them all. Mickey, Sylvia's husband, is going to help me enlarge it with patio stones because that's probably the cheapest way to go. One of the ladies has offered me a few of the plastic stacking chairs, too. I've been trying to find more folding chairs at yard sales but with no luck.
We've also been trying to decide on a name for our group so we can have t-shirts made up. Someone got the bright idea that we should march together in next year's park parade so now we're on a hunt for a suitable name for ourselves.
After lunch I went over to the pool and discovered a pool full of people wearing crazy hats. I'd forgotten that someone had suggested we all wear some sort of wild hat to the pool on Mondays in March. There was Delores with a toy dragon on her head, Carol with a decorated lampshade on her head, Linda and Dick with crowns, Bill with a court jester's hat, and many more just as silly and just as much fun. I'll take my camera next Monday and post some pictures on the blog.
It's interesting to analyze why we seniors have so much innocent fun together and I think it's because we're out of the competetive world...we don't need to impress anyone. We're not afraid to look foolish, especially in front of each other.
Oh, another lovely thing happened yesterday. Gail came over to the pool to look for me and she had a bag in her hands. Naturally I assumed it was her Swedish weaving that she needed help with but she said no and asked when I'd be back at the trailer. I told her 4 P.M. and that's when she came over with the bag. She'd crocheted a gorgeous afghan for my new greatgrandson (that's Gail in the picture with the afghan). How kind and thoughtful of her! It's blue and white and so soft that I can't wait to cuddle baby boo in it. It would be nice if his Mommy and Daddy could decide on a name soon, too.
After supper I phoned Kim to find out if any of the drama at home has settled down. She made me laugh by saying that our wild and crazy Matthew seems to be more stable and settled than anyone else right now. He's working full time at Canadian Tire and we're all keeping our fingers crossed that he has finally matured. Do you suppose??
There's still plenty of drama back home but there is also great hope for the future. I have no doubt that things will work out for everyone given a bit of time.
I stayed home in the evening for a change and did absolutely nothing but watch T.V.
I love the fact that so many ladies enjoy our Monday morning get-together but I think the time has come to enlarge the patio to accommodate them all. Mickey, Sylvia's husband, is going to help me enlarge it with patio stones because that's probably the cheapest way to go. One of the ladies has offered me a few of the plastic stacking chairs, too. I've been trying to find more folding chairs at yard sales but with no luck.
We've also been trying to decide on a name for our group so we can have t-shirts made up. Someone got the bright idea that we should march together in next year's park parade so now we're on a hunt for a suitable name for ourselves.
After lunch I went over to the pool and discovered a pool full of people wearing crazy hats. I'd forgotten that someone had suggested we all wear some sort of wild hat to the pool on Mondays in March. There was Delores with a toy dragon on her head, Carol with a decorated lampshade on her head, Linda and Dick with crowns, Bill with a court jester's hat, and many more just as silly and just as much fun. I'll take my camera next Monday and post some pictures on the blog.
It's interesting to analyze why we seniors have so much innocent fun together and I think it's because we're out of the competetive world...we don't need to impress anyone. We're not afraid to look foolish, especially in front of each other.
Oh, another lovely thing happened yesterday. Gail came over to the pool to look for me and she had a bag in her hands. Naturally I assumed it was her Swedish weaving that she needed help with but she said no and asked when I'd be back at the trailer. I told her 4 P.M. and that's when she came over with the bag. She'd crocheted a gorgeous afghan for my new greatgrandson (that's Gail in the picture with the afghan). How kind and thoughtful of her! It's blue and white and so soft that I can't wait to cuddle baby boo in it. It would be nice if his Mommy and Daddy could decide on a name soon, too.
After supper I phoned Kim to find out if any of the drama at home has settled down. She made me laugh by saying that our wild and crazy Matthew seems to be more stable and settled than anyone else right now. He's working full time at Canadian Tire and we're all keeping our fingers crossed that he has finally matured. Do you suppose??
There's still plenty of drama back home but there is also great hope for the future. I have no doubt that things will work out for everyone given a bit of time.
I stayed home in the evening for a change and did absolutely nothing but watch T.V.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Double Dipping
I think it's a lot more common among the executives of large corporations to participate in double dipping than we commoners know. They retire with huge buyouts and pensions and then are rehired. How incredibly greedy of them!
They don't do this on their own. They have to have the complicity of board members to carry out their plans and it's ridiculous to hear the reasoning of the board when they're caught. The members of the board will swear up and down that no-one else on earth can do the job except the person who they just retired with an exorbitant payout. Funny, he/she chose to leave the job but only decided they still wanted it after pocketing a very large sum of money. Where is their conscience?
It's just another game where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
They don't do this on their own. They have to have the complicity of board members to carry out their plans and it's ridiculous to hear the reasoning of the board when they're caught. The members of the board will swear up and down that no-one else on earth can do the job except the person who they just retired with an exorbitant payout. Funny, he/she chose to leave the job but only decided they still wanted it after pocketing a very large sum of money. Where is their conscience?
It's just another game where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Say Please
An idiot in British Columbia tried to cross the border into the States and refused to turn off his car motor unless the border guard said "please". He got maced for his stupidity.
Some people have an inflated idea of their own importance in this world and it's bound to get them into trouble now and again. People like the B.C. idiot won't learn from his mistake, though, and will err again in the future. Maybe the next time he'll get punched in the face. You can almost see it coming!
Some people have an inflated idea of their own importance in this world and it's bound to get them into trouble now and again. People like the B.C. idiot won't learn from his mistake, though, and will err again in the future. Maybe the next time he'll get punched in the face. You can almost see it coming!
The Luau
Every March we have our luau party, sort of a goodbye to the winter season. Actually, we're having another goodbye but that's later in the month. The luau last night was the biggest success ever and it's all due to the incredibly hard work of a small group of people who have been instrumental in preparing a lot of our special days this winter. Most of those particular people will not be back next year but new ones have stepped forth and volunteered to take on the job.
For a $7.50 ticket we had the hall decorated in a Hawaiian theme, were served pina coladas either with or without alcohol, had a lovely ham dinner complete with dessert, were entertained by a lady who sang and joked with the crowd, danced to terrific music, and got to have 5 hours of darned good fun. The crew who decorated, cooked, and served also did the cleanup. I love this park!
Nothing goes on too late here, though, and I was home by 10:30 P.M. It had been a long and busy day for me...yardsaleing and then the pool...so I didn't mind the party breaking up early. This is the life, and I wish it could go on forever but the winter is almost over and it will soon be time to face the reality of the world outside our retirement community.
But that's still 5 weeks away so I'm going to enjoy this as long as I can.
For a $7.50 ticket we had the hall decorated in a Hawaiian theme, were served pina coladas either with or without alcohol, had a lovely ham dinner complete with dessert, were entertained by a lady who sang and joked with the crowd, danced to terrific music, and got to have 5 hours of darned good fun. The crew who decorated, cooked, and served also did the cleanup. I love this park!
Nothing goes on too late here, though, and I was home by 10:30 P.M. It had been a long and busy day for me...yardsaleing and then the pool...so I didn't mind the party breaking up early. This is the life, and I wish it could go on forever but the winter is almost over and it will soon be time to face the reality of the world outside our retirement community.
But that's still 5 weeks away so I'm going to enjoy this as long as I can.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Laughter at Rummoli
I truly think that if all senior citizens had the opportunity to spend the winters in sunny Florida at a campground with a clubhouse where there were lots of activities they would live longer and healthier lives.
Last night our little group of 8 met at usual in the clubhouse at 7 P.M. We rolled out one of the round tables to use because that's the most comfortable for us. There are quite a few already set up but they were in use by the large group of people who play Bid Euchre.
At some point in the game we all forgot who had dealt last (this is a common problem with our other games but never with Rummoli). We almost had one of the ladies convinced she'd lost her memory but we were all so confused (who had sold the spare hand?, who had the person who bought it paid their money to?) about what had transpired just a few short minutes previous that we never did know for sure.
This produced such a clatter and laughter from our single table in that clubhouse that I'm sure the other people there couldn't hear themselves think. We usually forget that we're not alone and often get just a tad noisy. I wish I had a tape of the yakking and laughing around that table as we tried in vain to figure it all out.
It must have taken us 5 minutes of "rolling in our seats" laughter to get the game going again and we all agreed that you couldn't have this much fun anywhere else in the world. I think we all added a few years to our lifespan last night.
Last night our little group of 8 met at usual in the clubhouse at 7 P.M. We rolled out one of the round tables to use because that's the most comfortable for us. There are quite a few already set up but they were in use by the large group of people who play Bid Euchre.
At some point in the game we all forgot who had dealt last (this is a common problem with our other games but never with Rummoli). We almost had one of the ladies convinced she'd lost her memory but we were all so confused (who had sold the spare hand?, who had the person who bought it paid their money to?) about what had transpired just a few short minutes previous that we never did know for sure.
This produced such a clatter and laughter from our single table in that clubhouse that I'm sure the other people there couldn't hear themselves think. We usually forget that we're not alone and often get just a tad noisy. I wish I had a tape of the yakking and laughing around that table as we tried in vain to figure it all out.
It must have taken us 5 minutes of "rolling in our seats" laughter to get the game going again and we all agreed that you couldn't have this much fun anywhere else in the world. I think we all added a few years to our lifespan last night.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Fashion Show 2009
We had our park fashion show today and it was great. Bonworth was the sponsor so that's where all the clothes come from. Many, if not most, of the ladies in the park shop at Bonworth and we couldn't wait to see the new items. The clubhouse was packed, the food was good, and the models lively.
3 of the men from the park dressed up in female clothing and danced around the clubhouse. It was a hoot!
Bonworth is a U.S. franchise only but I sure wish they were in Canada. We ladies of a certain age don't want to dress like centenarians or teenagers so we're thrilled with what we find at Bonworth. The clothes are lovely, mostly casual, well made, and reasonably priced. I should write their ads!!
Theresa organized the first fashion show last year but didn't participate much this year. She's a lovely lady who deserves a lot of credit for her terrific ideas in bringing the show to our park. I hope she continues to have a hand in it every year.
3 of the men from the park dressed up in female clothing and danced around the clubhouse. It was a hoot!
Bonworth is a U.S. franchise only but I sure wish they were in Canada. We ladies of a certain age don't want to dress like centenarians or teenagers so we're thrilled with what we find at Bonworth. The clothes are lovely, mostly casual, well made, and reasonably priced. I should write their ads!!
Theresa organized the first fashion show last year but didn't participate much this year. She's a lovely lady who deserves a lot of credit for her terrific ideas in bringing the show to our park. I hope she continues to have a hand in it every year.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
State of the Economy
Bad news again today. I'm beginning to wonder if anything will bring us out of this depression...yes, depression, because it is too disastrous to be called a recession so don't be fooled.
A newsperson said this morning that there will be a bottom point but no-one can predict how low we'll go before we reach it and start to recover. Anyone over 60 who had their retirement funds solely in the stock market probably won't live long enough to see their investment returned and that's a terrifying thought. My one and only mutual fund has now reached it's all time low and it represents a 1/3 loss. I'm not expecting to live long enough to see it get back to it's original value.
Ever since my husband retired I've resisted attempts by bank personnel to put our retirement money into supposedly high interest mutual funds (stock market) and insisted on the safer course of GIC's (guaranteed) which paid significantly lower rates. I knew we couldn't take chances and it turns out I did the right thing. Unless Scotiabank folds I'll be okay and maybe even leave $1.50 for my children to inherit.
My advice to the young. Don't take great chances with your hard earned dollar. First, invest in real estate such as your home. Pay it off as quickly as you are able. Next, invest in GIC's because they're about as safe as is possible in this world. Consider starting your own home based business on a small scale. It would be something to fall back on if your real job disappears. Don't spend large amounts of money on things you don't really need like toys and gadgets that will be obsolete within months. I know politicians are telling you that to renew the economy we need to start spending again but there will be plenty of dopes who will do just that. You be the smart one and conserve your funds.
When the economy picks up, and it will, pay off your bills first and then take a small percentage of your savings and play with it in the market. Don't ever take chances with the bulk of your money because what's happening today can happen again 10 years down the line.
I am your free financial adviser so take advantage of the wisdom of my years. LOL!
A newsperson said this morning that there will be a bottom point but no-one can predict how low we'll go before we reach it and start to recover. Anyone over 60 who had their retirement funds solely in the stock market probably won't live long enough to see their investment returned and that's a terrifying thought. My one and only mutual fund has now reached it's all time low and it represents a 1/3 loss. I'm not expecting to live long enough to see it get back to it's original value.
Ever since my husband retired I've resisted attempts by bank personnel to put our retirement money into supposedly high interest mutual funds (stock market) and insisted on the safer course of GIC's (guaranteed) which paid significantly lower rates. I knew we couldn't take chances and it turns out I did the right thing. Unless Scotiabank folds I'll be okay and maybe even leave $1.50 for my children to inherit.
My advice to the young. Don't take great chances with your hard earned dollar. First, invest in real estate such as your home. Pay it off as quickly as you are able. Next, invest in GIC's because they're about as safe as is possible in this world. Consider starting your own home based business on a small scale. It would be something to fall back on if your real job disappears. Don't spend large amounts of money on things you don't really need like toys and gadgets that will be obsolete within months. I know politicians are telling you that to renew the economy we need to start spending again but there will be plenty of dopes who will do just that. You be the smart one and conserve your funds.
When the economy picks up, and it will, pay off your bills first and then take a small percentage of your savings and play with it in the market. Don't ever take chances with the bulk of your money because what's happening today can happen again 10 years down the line.
I am your free financial adviser so take advantage of the wisdom of my years. LOL!
Monday, March 02, 2009
Grabbing the Baby
Kim, my daughter and the future grandmother of Nick's baby, and I have had a short discussion about my decision to hold myself in check where the baby is concerned. Kim told me to jump in and not hold back but I don't think she realizes just how I feel about this little fetus. I adore him already.
When Nick was a baby I could barely control myself from wanting to grab him and hold onto him forever. I hated to see anyone else holding him because I felt they were using up my time with him. Kim seems to have forgotten that.
When our new baby arrives in July someone is going to have to politely put me in my place or I'm going to monopolise that sweet thing. I'm already imagining how soft his skin will feel on my cheek and how mesmerizing his breath will feel on my neck when I cuddle him. I know I'll want to look at him for hours and search for all the similarities he has with his daddy, my Nicky.
So you see, Kim, you might want to set me straight before I get completely out of hand.
When Nick was a baby I could barely control myself from wanting to grab him and hold onto him forever. I hated to see anyone else holding him because I felt they were using up my time with him. Kim seems to have forgotten that.
When our new baby arrives in July someone is going to have to politely put me in my place or I'm going to monopolise that sweet thing. I'm already imagining how soft his skin will feel on my cheek and how mesmerizing his breath will feel on my neck when I cuddle him. I know I'll want to look at him for hours and search for all the similarities he has with his daddy, my Nicky.
So you see, Kim, you might want to set me straight before I get completely out of hand.
Cold Coffee Morning in Florida
I can't believe the Florida weather this winter. It's been up and down like a toilet seat and even the first of March hasn't been predictable. A horribly cold northern wind brought us temperatures so low last night I had to turn the furnace on. The problem is that my propane tank is now empty and won't be filled until tomorrow. I have a little ceramic heater which helps while I'm awake but I don't leave it on all night. Tomorrow morning is going to be a rough one for climbing out of my nice warm bed.
I've been forcing my poor Monday morning coffee group to bundle up and sit outside on the patio through some very cool mornings but I couldn't do that to them today. I cleaned the lawn chairs off and carted them inside. If everyone showed up we were going to be sitting on each other's laps but so be it. As it turned out, only 10 ladies came over and we were very comfortable. I told them how proud I was of them for taking the chance we'd be freezing outside on the patio. Having them make the effort to come this morning reinforced my belief that we all enjoy these get-togethers a lot.
Gail, who didn't make it this morning because she and her husband went to the internet casino instead, came over after lunch so I could help her with her Swedish weaving. She also brought a bag full of creamers she'd taken from Burger King. I've encouraged my Monday morning coffee ladies to avail themselves of a few extra coffee creamers whenever and wherever they can and bring them on Mondays. Do you suppose this is a crime??
Tonight is Pokeno night and I think I'll go for a change. I probably haven't been for over a month because I like to have one night a week to do absolutely nothing at all except play on the computer and watch a little T.V. It's going to cost me $1.50 in pennies but I'll be with good friends and have a lot of fun. Soon I'll be back home for the summer and have every night to vegetate so why do it now?
I've been forcing my poor Monday morning coffee group to bundle up and sit outside on the patio through some very cool mornings but I couldn't do that to them today. I cleaned the lawn chairs off and carted them inside. If everyone showed up we were going to be sitting on each other's laps but so be it. As it turned out, only 10 ladies came over and we were very comfortable. I told them how proud I was of them for taking the chance we'd be freezing outside on the patio. Having them make the effort to come this morning reinforced my belief that we all enjoy these get-togethers a lot.
Gail, who didn't make it this morning because she and her husband went to the internet casino instead, came over after lunch so I could help her with her Swedish weaving. She also brought a bag full of creamers she'd taken from Burger King. I've encouraged my Monday morning coffee ladies to avail themselves of a few extra coffee creamers whenever and wherever they can and bring them on Mondays. Do you suppose this is a crime??
Tonight is Pokeno night and I think I'll go for a change. I probably haven't been for over a month because I like to have one night a week to do absolutely nothing at all except play on the computer and watch a little T.V. It's going to cost me $1.50 in pennies but I'll be with good friends and have a lot of fun. Soon I'll be back home for the summer and have every night to vegetate so why do it now?
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Double Entendre
The Scene: The clubhouse where multiple tables are filled with people playing various card or board games, one of which is called "Screw Your Neighbor".
Overheard: "I've been screwed 3 times already and I didn't even enjoy it!".
Laughter all around the room!!
Overheard: "I've been screwed 3 times already and I didn't even enjoy it!".
Laughter all around the room!!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Last Sarurday Coffee Morning
Sheila, Sylvia, and I (Faye, too, but she's not here this year) prepare coffee for the park every Saturday morning in February and today is our last kick at the cat. We've started getting out the huge urns on Friday night after Bingo so all that's needed to do on Saturday morning is to turn them on at 7:15 A.M. and put out the toasters (for bagels), sugars, creamers, stir sticks, napkins, etc. Sheila and I take turns picking up the donuts. Today is my turn to plug in the coffee urns.
I don't like going over to an empty and dark clubhouse because I'm afraid I'll run into a cockroach. Remember that this is Florida and, even though the clubhouse is sprayed regularly, cockroaches are wily and ever present creatures.
Residents will start filling the clubhouse around 8 A.M. even though the coffee isn't put out till 8:30. It's a nice meeting place to come down and talk with your neighbors. Bagels, jam, butter, and cream cheese is put out slightly early so that people can prepare their bagel their way. We start filling the carafes at 8:30 with both regular and decaf coffee and they're quickly picked up and taken to a table. The noise level of many conversations fill the room along with the wonderful aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Then we fill huge platters with 8-10 dozen donuts and carry them to the buffet tables at 9 A.M. on the dot. There are "donation" cans set out for both bagels and donuts and most of our residents slip in a dollar each. A few are cheap and take what they want for nothing.
When the activities panel starts giving their announcements, we take the leftover donuts around to the tables to try to get rid of them and don't have any problems. Then it's clean up time and we are a well oiled machine. We wash, clean, and put away in no time at all and then take the dirty dish cloths and towels home to put in our own laundry.
This is our last Saturday coffee morning forever. We've done it for 6 years and decided to pack it in. Sylvia might not be here next year, both Faye and Sheila are not positive they'll be able to come, and I'm not doing it with a new group.
Changes. There's nothing we can do about them. Right now it's light enough outside for me to head over to the clubhouse for my last shift.
I don't like going over to an empty and dark clubhouse because I'm afraid I'll run into a cockroach. Remember that this is Florida and, even though the clubhouse is sprayed regularly, cockroaches are wily and ever present creatures.
Residents will start filling the clubhouse around 8 A.M. even though the coffee isn't put out till 8:30. It's a nice meeting place to come down and talk with your neighbors. Bagels, jam, butter, and cream cheese is put out slightly early so that people can prepare their bagel their way. We start filling the carafes at 8:30 with both regular and decaf coffee and they're quickly picked up and taken to a table. The noise level of many conversations fill the room along with the wonderful aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Then we fill huge platters with 8-10 dozen donuts and carry them to the buffet tables at 9 A.M. on the dot. There are "donation" cans set out for both bagels and donuts and most of our residents slip in a dollar each. A few are cheap and take what they want for nothing.
When the activities panel starts giving their announcements, we take the leftover donuts around to the tables to try to get rid of them and don't have any problems. Then it's clean up time and we are a well oiled machine. We wash, clean, and put away in no time at all and then take the dirty dish cloths and towels home to put in our own laundry.
This is our last Saturday coffee morning forever. We've done it for 6 years and decided to pack it in. Sylvia might not be here next year, both Faye and Sheila are not positive they'll be able to come, and I'm not doing it with a new group.
Changes. There's nothing we can do about them. Right now it's light enough outside for me to head over to the clubhouse for my last shift.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Unwanted Changes
As I sat around our games table last night I sadly realized that most, if not all, of the ladies sitting there wouldn't be back to the park next year. For some it's the state of the economy, for some it's health reasons, and some are just ready to try somewhere new. I've come to care very much for these ladies and always look forward to seeing them when I get to Florida. Most live a little too far away from my home in Canada for us to keep in close contact.
One of my best friends here has just listed her trailer for sale and will probably be moving about 50 miles further south. Sylvia has been a treat to know and hang out with and I'm going to miss her terribly. She's a Canadian but lives in Nova Scotia, about 1000 miles or more away from my place in Ontario so we don't see each other in the summer. It's going to be a tearful goodbye when she sells her trailer. I know her new place will only be 50 miles away but sometimes that's all it takes to change the closeness of a friendship. She'll find new friends and so will I but I'll never forget her because she's one of those special people you seldom come across in your life.
I came to this park for the first time in 1998 and have since gathered a group of friends that are great to be around. They're people you can count on to always have a good time with. It's so depressing to know that this year is the last we'll all be together.
I hate change. I like permanence and I want foreverness with my family and friends. It's unrealistic and impossible but that's what I want. I'll just have to tough it out, won't I?
One of my best friends here has just listed her trailer for sale and will probably be moving about 50 miles further south. Sylvia has been a treat to know and hang out with and I'm going to miss her terribly. She's a Canadian but lives in Nova Scotia, about 1000 miles or more away from my place in Ontario so we don't see each other in the summer. It's going to be a tearful goodbye when she sells her trailer. I know her new place will only be 50 miles away but sometimes that's all it takes to change the closeness of a friendship. She'll find new friends and so will I but I'll never forget her because she's one of those special people you seldom come across in your life.
I came to this park for the first time in 1998 and have since gathered a group of friends that are great to be around. They're people you can count on to always have a good time with. It's so depressing to know that this year is the last we'll all be together.
I hate change. I like permanence and I want foreverness with my family and friends. It's unrealistic and impossible but that's what I want. I'll just have to tough it out, won't I?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Hate Crimes
I have a problem with a crime being designated a "hate crime" because it involves an attack against a gay or person of color. I also have a problem with the description "person of color" because I am sort of pinky/beige and that's a color as far as I'm concerned.
Is it any less a hate crime if the person battered, raped or murdered is a straight Scandinavian? How about the woman beaten to death by her crazed husband just because she wants to leave him? Did he murder her because he felt love or hate at the time? And what about a straight but homeless man beaten savagely just because he's helpless. I don't see that as anything but a hate crime. Seniors are also chosen victims because of their frailty. Do the attackers feel love or hate when they kill them? I think it must be hate.
We have to be careful about giving preferential treatment to specific victims. If one of my relatives was killed during a robbery I wouldn't want the criminal to receive a second less in jail just because the robbery wasn't motivated by racism or intolerance. All crimes carry an element of hate or there wouldn't be any crimes committed.
Often a person is victimized simply because they're in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's just too easy to say that the victim was chosen because they happen to be gay or a "person of color". Some of the animals who prey on the defenseless will use any excuse to attack.
Criminals deserve punishment but the punishment should be the same whether the victim was a gay teacher or a straight waitress.
Is it any less a hate crime if the person battered, raped or murdered is a straight Scandinavian? How about the woman beaten to death by her crazed husband just because she wants to leave him? Did he murder her because he felt love or hate at the time? And what about a straight but homeless man beaten savagely just because he's helpless. I don't see that as anything but a hate crime. Seniors are also chosen victims because of their frailty. Do the attackers feel love or hate when they kill them? I think it must be hate.
We have to be careful about giving preferential treatment to specific victims. If one of my relatives was killed during a robbery I wouldn't want the criminal to receive a second less in jail just because the robbery wasn't motivated by racism or intolerance. All crimes carry an element of hate or there wouldn't be any crimes committed.
Often a person is victimized simply because they're in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's just too easy to say that the victim was chosen because they happen to be gay or a "person of color". Some of the animals who prey on the defenseless will use any excuse to attack.
Criminals deserve punishment but the punishment should be the same whether the victim was a gay teacher or a straight waitress.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Swedish Weaving Class
I learned how to do Swedish weaving a few years ago and have enjoyed it immensely ever since. I've found it to be the most relaxing, satisfying, and pleasurable craft I've ever taken up and, although it looks difficult, it's so darned easy to do. I've taught quite a few people how to do it and they never believe me when I tell them they only need to do 2 rows of weaving and then they can do anything.
We use monk's cloth (1/2 yard for a table runner or 2 1/2 yards for an afghan). The cheapest place to buy the fabric is at Walmart in the States (about $6 a yard) and then zigzag stitch the ends, leaving a few rows for a fringe. The cotton fabric is then washed in hot water and put in the dryer to shrink before starting the weaving design. 4 ply polyester yarn is used and the colors and combinations are endless.
I usually teach at my trailer but this year started teaching at our craft class in the clubhouse every Wednesday in February. After only 1 class, one of the students had finished her table runner on her own and started her afghan. Everyone learns at a slightly different rate and another student is not too far behind. The craft really is simple to do and addictive because of it's simplicity and beauty.
Today I'll teach #1 student how to do the lattice work which fills up the center of the afghan...the weaving is done on the ends and the center so the lattice work joins the 2 most detailed designs. #2 student will have finished a few rows of her table runner and be thrilled to realize she now knows it all. #3 student is doing fine even though she started out a little shakily on her own. #4 student sort of started on her own and now needs just a bit of touch up help. #5 student will be dubious but willing to learn and learn she will.
What fun!
We use monk's cloth (1/2 yard for a table runner or 2 1/2 yards for an afghan). The cheapest place to buy the fabric is at Walmart in the States (about $6 a yard) and then zigzag stitch the ends, leaving a few rows for a fringe. The cotton fabric is then washed in hot water and put in the dryer to shrink before starting the weaving design. 4 ply polyester yarn is used and the colors and combinations are endless.
I usually teach at my trailer but this year started teaching at our craft class in the clubhouse every Wednesday in February. After only 1 class, one of the students had finished her table runner on her own and started her afghan. Everyone learns at a slightly different rate and another student is not too far behind. The craft really is simple to do and addictive because of it's simplicity and beauty.
Today I'll teach #1 student how to do the lattice work which fills up the center of the afghan...the weaving is done on the ends and the center so the lattice work joins the 2 most detailed designs. #2 student will have finished a few rows of her table runner and be thrilled to realize she now knows it all. #3 student is doing fine even though she started out a little shakily on her own. #4 student sort of started on her own and now needs just a bit of touch up help. #5 student will be dubious but willing to learn and learn she will.
What fun!
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