I wish you a good Christmas with your family. If it is not possible to be with family, then I hope you will enjoy the spirit of the season in whatever circumstances you find yourself.
For those with good incomes, be glad for what you have and perhaps share a bit with someone less fortunate. If you find yourself unemployed or with a job where the salary just won’t stretch far enough to meet basic necessities, I pray that circumstances will change for the better for you.
When we were raising our children, our gift giving at Christmas was modest. I had three basic tenets on Christmas gift giving. Each child should have three things: something I knew they wanted, something they would not expect, and at least one book. There probably was something new to wear and there might have been some small items or family gift such as a game. We did not have a lot of money, but I believe our children enjoyed our family Christmases. Except that one Christmas was very hard financially. It broke my heart at the time, so I can understand a bit of the struggle that some are having.
Wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, I wish you good health, enjoyment with family and friends, sufficient funds to provide for your family, peace of spirit and joy in your heart. To quote: “I wish you enough” in all areas of your life.
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
How Did I Ever Grow Up
What is a puny kid doing, still hanging around in her mid-eighties? I weighed about five pounds when I was born and it took me thirty years just to get to 100 pounds. I had a bad round of flu and laryngitis every winter. I had several near misses as a kid, but the skinny little girl that Grandpa Stricker wanted to feed-up a bit when we visited them, is now well into senior adult status. I had a bout of pneumonia at age six months. Not a lot of medical help for pneumonia in those pre-antibiotic days, but I survived it. If there were other circumstance those first few yearss, they are beyond my memory, or as told to me by anyone else.
At age five, during my first year in grade school, I was well on my way to freezing to death. It was the winter of 1931/32, bitterly cold, but at five I had no idea how cold. We did have a radio, but there were no school weather reports. I heard no talk of should we, or shouldn’t we go on to school. My two older brothers and older sister and I were of school age. We didn’t all walk together, we just got ready for school and left at the appropriate time; perhaps joining up with a friend or two on the way. We lived about a mile across town from the school. I had no concept that a kid shouldn’t try to walk that far; I had no idea of how cold is too cold. What I found out later was that Dad had planned to drive us to school, but the car wouldn’t start. The older three kids seemed to know that and stayed home. Perhaps I was in the bedroom getting ready and didn’t hear the talk. Apparently no one saw me leave and thought to say, “Hey, you stupid kid! Don’t you know it’s too cold out to try to walk to school?”
I think I got about half-way, when I became awfully tired and sleepy and decided to sit down on the curb and rest a bit. As fortune would have it, not long after that a Mr. Scott, who lived a block or sobehind us, came along taking his granddaughter, Sammy Lee Mason, to school. His car was in a garage and didn’t succumb to the cold. Sammy Lee was a school friend, and she and her grandfather coming by when they did, quite possibly saved my life. When I got to school I must have exhibited some signs that were not good; I think I must have been in a semi-stupor. They decided I needed to be warmed up. They took me downstairs to the furnace room, parked me by the furnace, and left me with the janitor for several hours. Can’t you just see someone doing that in today’s world! How could this happen? I have no idea, but in a casual household of several family members, they did not immediately notice I wasn’t there. Perhaps Mr. Scott, or the school, notified them of what had happened. I can only hope so, because I can’t imagine Dad not making an effort for me once he knew I had gone on by myself. In defense of my mother, in addition to the four school-age children, there were three younger brothers, Bob, Pres and new-baby Tom in the household.
Not long after that, pneumonia struck again; apparently, much more serious this time. I was out of school for more than two months. When I got my year-end report card, the grades were okay, but on the Promoted To line, there was a qualifier. Since I had missed so much of my first grade year, I was Promoted – On Condition. The condition was that if I could do the second grade work, I could stay in the class; but, if after 30 days, it was determined I couldn’t do the work, I would have to go back to first grade.
In the second grade, there were two reading classes: Class A and Class B. Since I had been promoted on condition, I was put in the B group, and would be reevaluated in 30 days. At the end of the 30 days, I was promoted to the A class and no one said anything more about kicking me back downstairs; figuratively speaking. I was glad because I liked school and I liked learning to read.
The next incident I remember occurred when I was about six. This time it was a near drowning. We lived not far from Big River, and our family and some of the neighbors were having a swim-fish-picnic outing. One of the neighbor boys was hassling me, trying to do something he shouldn’t and I was struggling to get away from him. No one seemed to see that either, although my sister and several other children were playing on the gravel bar and in the water. When I managed to jerk free from this kiddie-masher, I ran. And I ran to what was in front of me – the river. I ran right into water over my head, and I couldn’t swim. I struggled up out of the water, but immediately went down again, and then again. My sister, who was four years older than I, saw the commotion and managed to get to me and hauled me out of the water. Scolded soundly, I was!
Near drowning incident number two: same river, different place - about five miles west when we lived at Stony Point.I was now age nine. I still couldn’t swim, although I tried. I just couldn’t get it. We were allowed to go swimming in the Big River without adult supervision, but with the older kids in charge of the younger ones. Most of whom could swim. This time I wasn’t running from anyone. We were just having fun, playing in the water, when all at once I stepped in a chug-hole or chuck-hole, putting me in water deeper than I was tall. Chug-holes are treacherous things and this river had a lot of them. You’re standing ther one minute, then you take another step, and trouble rears its ugly head. You’ve probably heard the old “going down for the third-time” thing in relation to water and drowning. I was down under for the third time, when this same sister, now age 13, managed to grab hold of me and dragged me out of the water again. She did a lot of things I didn’t like in her role of older child helping look after a younger one, but she did literally save my life - twice.
There were other minor happenings, but no more major incidents that I recall. The next hazard happened after I married. I had spent some months in Texas, while my husband was stationed in Camp Howze during WWII. When the unit broke camp to head for Europe, the wives headed for home. The bus I was riding on developed a problem that let exhaust fumes into the bus. Several people complained of headaches and nausea. Some with nausea did more than complain, but the drivers stopped somewhere to make a call, then the bus kept on going. I wasn’t nauseated, but when we finally stopped and I walked off the bus, my head wasn’t quite with me. Someone seeing I was woozy, jerked me around and sat me down on an overturned soda case. I heard an odd sound, which I later realized was the bottles rattling as I fell, and then I was kissing the concrete. I didn't know that yet because I was out cold. I was later told that if I hadn’t got fresh air when I did, I would have been in big trouble. We were at this place for quite a while. They wanted to wait until I could see a doctor, so they said. When he arrived, the only concern they seemed to have was that I sign a paper releasing the company from any liability. The doctor behaved like a lawyer, not a doctor.
If I hadn’t got off the bus when I did and the fumes had overcome me for good, it would have taken out my daughter, Barbara too, since I was a few weeks pregnant. There would have been no Barbara, no Carolyn and no Russ. I believe my children appreciate me as their mother. I hope so, because it certainly seems I had a number of chances not to become anyone’s mother.
At age five, during my first year in grade school, I was well on my way to freezing to death. It was the winter of 1931/32, bitterly cold, but at five I had no idea how cold. We did have a radio, but there were no school weather reports. I heard no talk of should we, or shouldn’t we go on to school. My two older brothers and older sister and I were of school age. We didn’t all walk together, we just got ready for school and left at the appropriate time; perhaps joining up with a friend or two on the way. We lived about a mile across town from the school. I had no concept that a kid shouldn’t try to walk that far; I had no idea of how cold is too cold. What I found out later was that Dad had planned to drive us to school, but the car wouldn’t start. The older three kids seemed to know that and stayed home. Perhaps I was in the bedroom getting ready and didn’t hear the talk. Apparently no one saw me leave and thought to say, “Hey, you stupid kid! Don’t you know it’s too cold out to try to walk to school?”
I think I got about half-way, when I became awfully tired and sleepy and decided to sit down on the curb and rest a bit. As fortune would have it, not long after that a Mr. Scott, who lived a block or sobehind us, came along taking his granddaughter, Sammy Lee Mason, to school. His car was in a garage and didn’t succumb to the cold. Sammy Lee was a school friend, and she and her grandfather coming by when they did, quite possibly saved my life. When I got to school I must have exhibited some signs that were not good; I think I must have been in a semi-stupor. They decided I needed to be warmed up. They took me downstairs to the furnace room, parked me by the furnace, and left me with the janitor for several hours. Can’t you just see someone doing that in today’s world! How could this happen? I have no idea, but in a casual household of several family members, they did not immediately notice I wasn’t there. Perhaps Mr. Scott, or the school, notified them of what had happened. I can only hope so, because I can’t imagine Dad not making an effort for me once he knew I had gone on by myself. In defense of my mother, in addition to the four school-age children, there were three younger brothers, Bob, Pres and new-baby Tom in the household.
Not long after that, pneumonia struck again; apparently, much more serious this time. I was out of school for more than two months. When I got my year-end report card, the grades were okay, but on the Promoted To line, there was a qualifier. Since I had missed so much of my first grade year, I was Promoted – On Condition. The condition was that if I could do the second grade work, I could stay in the class; but, if after 30 days, it was determined I couldn’t do the work, I would have to go back to first grade.
In the second grade, there were two reading classes: Class A and Class B. Since I had been promoted on condition, I was put in the B group, and would be reevaluated in 30 days. At the end of the 30 days, I was promoted to the A class and no one said anything more about kicking me back downstairs; figuratively speaking. I was glad because I liked school and I liked learning to read.
The next incident I remember occurred when I was about six. This time it was a near drowning. We lived not far from Big River, and our family and some of the neighbors were having a swim-fish-picnic outing. One of the neighbor boys was hassling me, trying to do something he shouldn’t and I was struggling to get away from him. No one seemed to see that either, although my sister and several other children were playing on the gravel bar and in the water. When I managed to jerk free from this kiddie-masher, I ran. And I ran to what was in front of me – the river. I ran right into water over my head, and I couldn’t swim. I struggled up out of the water, but immediately went down again, and then again. My sister, who was four years older than I, saw the commotion and managed to get to me and hauled me out of the water. Scolded soundly, I was!
Near drowning incident number two: same river, different place - about five miles west when we lived at Stony Point.I was now age nine. I still couldn’t swim, although I tried. I just couldn’t get it. We were allowed to go swimming in the Big River without adult supervision, but with the older kids in charge of the younger ones. Most of whom could swim. This time I wasn’t running from anyone. We were just having fun, playing in the water, when all at once I stepped in a chug-hole or chuck-hole, putting me in water deeper than I was tall. Chug-holes are treacherous things and this river had a lot of them. You’re standing ther one minute, then you take another step, and trouble rears its ugly head. You’ve probably heard the old “going down for the third-time” thing in relation to water and drowning. I was down under for the third time, when this same sister, now age 13, managed to grab hold of me and dragged me out of the water again. She did a lot of things I didn’t like in her role of older child helping look after a younger one, but she did literally save my life - twice.
There were other minor happenings, but no more major incidents that I recall. The next hazard happened after I married. I had spent some months in Texas, while my husband was stationed in Camp Howze during WWII. When the unit broke camp to head for Europe, the wives headed for home. The bus I was riding on developed a problem that let exhaust fumes into the bus. Several people complained of headaches and nausea. Some with nausea did more than complain, but the drivers stopped somewhere to make a call, then the bus kept on going. I wasn’t nauseated, but when we finally stopped and I walked off the bus, my head wasn’t quite with me. Someone seeing I was woozy, jerked me around and sat me down on an overturned soda case. I heard an odd sound, which I later realized was the bottles rattling as I fell, and then I was kissing the concrete. I didn't know that yet because I was out cold. I was later told that if I hadn’t got fresh air when I did, I would have been in big trouble. We were at this place for quite a while. They wanted to wait until I could see a doctor, so they said. When he arrived, the only concern they seemed to have was that I sign a paper releasing the company from any liability. The doctor behaved like a lawyer, not a doctor.
If I hadn’t got off the bus when I did and the fumes had overcome me for good, it would have taken out my daughter, Barbara too, since I was a few weeks pregnant. There would have been no Barbara, no Carolyn and no Russ. I believe my children appreciate me as their mother. I hope so, because it certainly seems I had a number of chances not to become anyone’s mother.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Milestones
Today is my daughter’s 65th birthday; a very important milestone, indeed. I believe she wanted to grit her teeth and yell, “Noooo!” on some earlier birthday milestones in her life; although she looked forward eagerly to each new experience of life’s milestones and was in a hurry to make them happen. I also believe she is embracing this milestone with grace, wit and the enjoyment of a life well lived, and the blessings of having a wonderful family.
I found a book in our small ‘residents library’ that was titled, “1,003 Great Things About Getting Older,” by Lisa Birnbach, Ann Hodgman, Patricia Marks and David Owen. I am not at all sure that I agree, or accept the full 1,000 plus statements, but being curious I checked them out.
One quote was by Bernard Baruch, a statesman, financier, etc., well known for his sagacity during an earlier part of my adult life. He said, “Old age is always fifteen years older than I am.” I’ve heard this statement many times, with variations; most frequently using a ten year age gap, perhaps because we become more fully aware of the years as we begin each new decade.
The other quote here is by Groucho Marx, a well known comedian of the day, “Growing old is something you do if you’re lucky.” A variation on that is “Growing old is not so bad when you consider the alternative.”
Getting older is something that begins from the day we are born. There is nothing we can do about that except enjoy each day, month, year as much as we can. There are some things we can control in our lives by the decisions we make. But there is much that is beyond our control and we must find a way to accept it, live with it, or change it if we can.
I have said that “Life is like being on a runaway train that you can’t stop, so you might as well enjoy the ride.” I was never too much concerned with advancing milestones and enjoyed whatever age I was. So, if you ask me if I am still enjoying the age that I am in the ninth decade of my life, the answer is, “As much as I can, but not as much I would like to.” The chief obstruction in that path being the after shingles pain that I’ve had to deal with, which is now rapidly marching down the last half of its second year. It does keep me from doing some things I would like to do, and succeeds in making me more miserable, when I do some of them anyway for short periods.
Medications have not helped, but created other problems, while making me feel rotten at the same time. I try to ignore the pain, using mind over matter, keeping my mind busy, etc. No, I have not neglected prayer, but for whatever reason, God is leaving it in my life.
Another quote which I believe was a part of a song said, “Into each life some rain must fall, but too much is falling in mine.” The rain in my life is nothing compared to what many others have endured. I, too, am richly blessed in having a wonderful family, which includes not only today’s milestone daughter, but a second daughter and a son as well. Of course along with that are the spouses of said children, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Lord has indeed smiled on me.
I know you are enjoying this milestone birthday today. I applaud you for embracing it with your usual verve, and wish you many more such happy occasions.
I found a book in our small ‘residents library’ that was titled, “1,003 Great Things About Getting Older,” by Lisa Birnbach, Ann Hodgman, Patricia Marks and David Owen. I am not at all sure that I agree, or accept the full 1,000 plus statements, but being curious I checked them out.
One quote was by Bernard Baruch, a statesman, financier, etc., well known for his sagacity during an earlier part of my adult life. He said, “Old age is always fifteen years older than I am.” I’ve heard this statement many times, with variations; most frequently using a ten year age gap, perhaps because we become more fully aware of the years as we begin each new decade.
The other quote here is by Groucho Marx, a well known comedian of the day, “Growing old is something you do if you’re lucky.” A variation on that is “Growing old is not so bad when you consider the alternative.”
Getting older is something that begins from the day we are born. There is nothing we can do about that except enjoy each day, month, year as much as we can. There are some things we can control in our lives by the decisions we make. But there is much that is beyond our control and we must find a way to accept it, live with it, or change it if we can.
I have said that “Life is like being on a runaway train that you can’t stop, so you might as well enjoy the ride.” I was never too much concerned with advancing milestones and enjoyed whatever age I was. So, if you ask me if I am still enjoying the age that I am in the ninth decade of my life, the answer is, “As much as I can, but not as much I would like to.” The chief obstruction in that path being the after shingles pain that I’ve had to deal with, which is now rapidly marching down the last half of its second year. It does keep me from doing some things I would like to do, and succeeds in making me more miserable, when I do some of them anyway for short periods.
Medications have not helped, but created other problems, while making me feel rotten at the same time. I try to ignore the pain, using mind over matter, keeping my mind busy, etc. No, I have not neglected prayer, but for whatever reason, God is leaving it in my life.
Another quote which I believe was a part of a song said, “Into each life some rain must fall, but too much is falling in mine.” The rain in my life is nothing compared to what many others have endured. I, too, am richly blessed in having a wonderful family, which includes not only today’s milestone daughter, but a second daughter and a son as well. Of course along with that are the spouses of said children, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Lord has indeed smiled on me.
I know you are enjoying this milestone birthday today. I applaud you for embracing it with your usual verve, and wish you many more such happy occasions.
Monday, May 3, 2010
No Adrenaline Zone - Wrong Number
Dialing the wrong number is something we’ve probably all done at one time or another, but I’ve received an inordinate amount of wrong number calls since I moved into this place, especially the first two years. There are not as many of these calls now, but they are at times interesting.
Some callers immediately realize they have erred in dialing when they hear my croaking attempts [vocal cord problem] to say hello, apologize and hang up. There is probably a similarity in numbers, when I get calls for the local fire department, demolition bowl, and a few other local businesses. Others have dialed the number correctly; I’m just not the person they expected at the other end of the line.
Yet, why so many people dial correctly and ask for so many and varied persons, I can’t quite figure out. One woman called, asking for a male by name. Caller I.D. showed the call to be from a local labor union office. At first I gave her the standard, “You have the wrong number” line. She related my number and asked if she had that number. I told her that she did, but I had had the number for more than two years at that time, and assured her there was no one living here, but me. She replied, “That’s interesting.” Now why would anyone, hoping for work, give a phone number at which they can’t be reached!
For quite some time I got frequent calls from what seemed like attempts to collect debts. They wouldn’t settle for being told they had the wrong number, but persisted, giving the impression they thought I was deliberately misleading them in their attempts to reap financial justice. More recently someone called and asked for “Mr. Someone.” When I did the wrong number spiel, he came back with “It is Mr. Specific Someone I want to talk to.” Again with the implied tone and attitude that they knew the person was here, if they could just get me to admit it.
This number belonged to a mobile home sales office before I got it. I believe that it is possible there are people who think it is a mobile home park where people live, but how it will help anyone to give a phone number for which they have no access, frankly baffles me!
On the lighter side of wrong numbers there was the woman who, when I said, “Hello,” immediately demanded “ Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for an hour and I’ve been trying to call you! {I’ll bet she had} In this case, she believed my wrong number speech, sputtered a bit, instantly apologetic and promptly hung up the phone. I would be willing to bet, that whether spouse or child, someone was in a bunch of trouble, when they finally showed up!
Then there was this morning, which is responsible for this blog. A woman called and asked, “Is this the Adrenaline Zone?” Hey, I couldn’t help it, it was as automatic as jerking back your finger when you unexpectedly touch something that is too hot. I burst into laughter. I think she had a sense of humor because she didn’t sound annoyed as she said, “No, I guess it isn’t. I have the wrong number,” and then hung up the phone.
The situation with this so very senior citizen is about as much of a no-adrenaline-zone as you could find. My sojourn in a going on two years after-shingles-pain episode is beginning to wear me down, so the words truck me as funny. At this point I’ll take any laugh I can get, so thank God for this morning’s wrong number. That’s something I never thought I’d say!
Some callers immediately realize they have erred in dialing when they hear my croaking attempts [vocal cord problem] to say hello, apologize and hang up. There is probably a similarity in numbers, when I get calls for the local fire department, demolition bowl, and a few other local businesses. Others have dialed the number correctly; I’m just not the person they expected at the other end of the line.
Yet, why so many people dial correctly and ask for so many and varied persons, I can’t quite figure out. One woman called, asking for a male by name. Caller I.D. showed the call to be from a local labor union office. At first I gave her the standard, “You have the wrong number” line. She related my number and asked if she had that number. I told her that she did, but I had had the number for more than two years at that time, and assured her there was no one living here, but me. She replied, “That’s interesting.” Now why would anyone, hoping for work, give a phone number at which they can’t be reached!
For quite some time I got frequent calls from what seemed like attempts to collect debts. They wouldn’t settle for being told they had the wrong number, but persisted, giving the impression they thought I was deliberately misleading them in their attempts to reap financial justice. More recently someone called and asked for “Mr. Someone.” When I did the wrong number spiel, he came back with “It is Mr. Specific Someone I want to talk to.” Again with the implied tone and attitude that they knew the person was here, if they could just get me to admit it.
This number belonged to a mobile home sales office before I got it. I believe that it is possible there are people who think it is a mobile home park where people live, but how it will help anyone to give a phone number for which they have no access, frankly baffles me!
On the lighter side of wrong numbers there was the woman who, when I said, “Hello,” immediately demanded “ Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for an hour and I’ve been trying to call you! {I’ll bet she had} In this case, she believed my wrong number speech, sputtered a bit, instantly apologetic and promptly hung up the phone. I would be willing to bet, that whether spouse or child, someone was in a bunch of trouble, when they finally showed up!
Then there was this morning, which is responsible for this blog. A woman called and asked, “Is this the Adrenaline Zone?” Hey, I couldn’t help it, it was as automatic as jerking back your finger when you unexpectedly touch something that is too hot. I burst into laughter. I think she had a sense of humor because she didn’t sound annoyed as she said, “No, I guess it isn’t. I have the wrong number,” and then hung up the phone.
The situation with this so very senior citizen is about as much of a no-adrenaline-zone as you could find. My sojourn in a going on two years after-shingles-pain episode is beginning to wear me down, so the words truck me as funny. At this point I’ll take any laugh I can get, so thank God for this morning’s wrong number. That’s something I never thought I’d say!
Monday, March 29, 2010
A Story of the Heart
The Swan House by Elizabeth Musser
Paper Back 442 pages – For those with good sight that's okay. My eyes would like a little larger font. I need lots of light to read paper backs. For me, some are almost impossible.
I’ve just finished reading this book and I’m not sure how to tell you about it. So, I’ll just list some of the things you will encounter. Atlanta, Georgia – time period early 1960s: a devastating plane crash; the privileged and unprivileged; wealth and poverty; prejudice and understanding;reaching out in hatefulness and in helpfullness; Christianity, an involved, personal relationship vs going through the motions; artistic talent, depression, yearning and learning youth. It is a beautiful story, haunting in its sadness and uplifting in its hope.
Paper Back 442 pages – For those with good sight that's okay. My eyes would like a little larger font. I need lots of light to read paper backs. For me, some are almost impossible.
I’ve just finished reading this book and I’m not sure how to tell you about it. So, I’ll just list some of the things you will encounter. Atlanta, Georgia – time period early 1960s: a devastating plane crash; the privileged and unprivileged; wealth and poverty; prejudice and understanding;reaching out in hatefulness and in helpfullness; Christianity, an involved, personal relationship vs going through the motions; artistic talent, depression, yearning and learning youth. It is a beautiful story, haunting in its sadness and uplifting in its hope.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Television Golf Fan
I am not a big sports fan, but I do enjoy watching golf on television. I have several favorite players. They don’t always win, but they play well and rank rather high in the standings fairly frequently. Except for those occasions when nothing works and they just can’t make the vital cut, or keep dropping down the list as the play continues. Sometimes they end up in the top spot as Ernie Els did last weekend. It was good to see him with the win.
This past weekend in the Transitions tournament, Steve Stricker, high on my favorites list started out pretty well, but slipped a bit as the tournament continued. I don’t feel too badly about that because he has had his share of wins in recent months and neeless to say added considerably to his financial status.
As Stricker slipped, who went up the leader board? Another favorite, Jim Furyk, made his way to the top of the list on Saturday, and managed to hold on to the lead. Although he did make me a bit nervous the last few holes, when he gained and dropped a point a couple of times. I think they said he had had something like 52 starts without a win, but he has ended up with some good spots on the standings a number of times. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him make the top spot.
I heard an interesting sidelight about another golfer: I didn’t catch his name, but he thought he hadn’t made the cut after Friday’s play. He grabbed his clubs and headed to the airport and home. While waiting for departure, he received a phone call telling him he had made the cut after all and was expected to play on Saturday. He had no problem leaving himself, but wouldn’t have been able to get his clubs from the plane. Rather than play with a make-do set, he chose to fly on home, retrieve his golf clubs and take a charter flight back to the tournament. By then there was only minimal time for sleep, and with only an hour or so of sleep, he went out and played a round of 67. Sorry I still can’t tell you his name, so I don’t know how he made out in the final standings.
There are other golfers I like to watch play as well, but these are some of the ones I’ve seen most recently.
This past weekend in the Transitions tournament, Steve Stricker, high on my favorites list started out pretty well, but slipped a bit as the tournament continued. I don’t feel too badly about that because he has had his share of wins in recent months and neeless to say added considerably to his financial status.
As Stricker slipped, who went up the leader board? Another favorite, Jim Furyk, made his way to the top of the list on Saturday, and managed to hold on to the lead. Although he did make me a bit nervous the last few holes, when he gained and dropped a point a couple of times. I think they said he had had something like 52 starts without a win, but he has ended up with some good spots on the standings a number of times. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him make the top spot.
I heard an interesting sidelight about another golfer: I didn’t catch his name, but he thought he hadn’t made the cut after Friday’s play. He grabbed his clubs and headed to the airport and home. While waiting for departure, he received a phone call telling him he had made the cut after all and was expected to play on Saturday. He had no problem leaving himself, but wouldn’t have been able to get his clubs from the plane. Rather than play with a make-do set, he chose to fly on home, retrieve his golf clubs and take a charter flight back to the tournament. By then there was only minimal time for sleep, and with only an hour or so of sleep, he went out and played a round of 67. Sorry I still can’t tell you his name, so I don’t know how he made out in the final standings.
There are other golfers I like to watch play as well, but these are some of the ones I’ve seen most recently.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
What’s New
This morning I saw a segment on the Today Show where they showed various new items on the market. I think it was called "Jill’s Fun Finds." There were several items shown, but two in particular caught my eye.
Monopoly has come up with a digitalized version of their game. I never really liked Monopoly, but a lot of people do, and fans of the game will probably love it.
The item that really intrigued me was a new “party” camera. It sets on its own little lazy-susan-like stand, where I assume it is plugged in and turned on. The stand rotates to cover the party area. And here is the unusual bit: a smiling face activates the camera. The camera stops and takes a picture of the smiler.
Your party album will be filled with happy looking faces only. No bored or disgruntled seeming faces. A smile will get your picture taken. If you don’t want to be a part of the party shoot, just keep a straight face, or frown— if you must. If you like having your picture taken, or want to be included in the album, smile for the camera.
It’s as simple as that. This seems to fall into the what will they think of next category. We don’t know, but we do know that new ideas will continue to surprise us from time to time. I didn't catch the cost of either, but it will be easy to find out.
Monopoly has come up with a digitalized version of their game. I never really liked Monopoly, but a lot of people do, and fans of the game will probably love it.
The item that really intrigued me was a new “party” camera. It sets on its own little lazy-susan-like stand, where I assume it is plugged in and turned on. The stand rotates to cover the party area. And here is the unusual bit: a smiling face activates the camera. The camera stops and takes a picture of the smiler.
Your party album will be filled with happy looking faces only. No bored or disgruntled seeming faces. A smile will get your picture taken. If you don’t want to be a part of the party shoot, just keep a straight face, or frown— if you must. If you like having your picture taken, or want to be included in the album, smile for the camera.
It’s as simple as that. This seems to fall into the what will they think of next category. We don’t know, but we do know that new ideas will continue to surprise us from time to time. I didn't catch the cost of either, but it will be easy to find out.
Monday, March 1, 2010
What Happened to February 2010
What happened to February? It seems to me it went by as fast as some of those skaters and skiers did in the recent Olympics. There were some major happenings on the national and world scene in the weather. Earthquakes, record snowfalls, wind, rain and mud slides. For the purposes of this blog, I won’t get into politics, either here or abroad, except to say that I abhor the extremes in words and actions and the public lies that seem to be so prevalent at present. Other than that I will confine this blog to my own personal world.
Nothing very unusual happened: snow, sleet, rain, slick streets within my small community. Altogether, we fared very well weather-wise in the midst of the February I’ll give you one good taste of winter before spring arrives onslaught. Here, it was a picnic compared to a lot of other places.
Yes, I’m still dealing with what is called “after shingles pain.” I also hit a low-energy period for some reason, not sure why. Otherwise things are much as usual. I did the things I usually do: read, write letters & blogs, crocheted pink and white hats for cancer patients and/or supporters; worked a bit on genealogy, other computer stuff; did housework - the usual cook, clean, laundry stuff [how can one person have so much laundry?]; tried to get in a bit of exercise now and then, so I won’t lose more ground than I need to; trips to the library and grocers when necessary, contact friends/relatives; check on Facebook, Twitter and keep up with email. [This is like trying to keep up with clutter & recyclable paper, it’s only temporary; it’s as futile as the gerbil going around on its wheel.] Sometimes I just quit everything and rest for awhile.
Right in the middle of February I got a year older. Oldest daughter came for a visit for my birthday and stayed a couple of days. We had a very pleasant visit and I had an enjoyable birthday. We met Russ, Jan and family and had a good dinner and enjoyed spending time together. Second daughter was too far away to be with us. We had to visit by phone. And we did miss you, Cara; as well as the other grandchildren whose working and family lives keep them elsewhere. I’m thankful to all for personal and phone visits, cards and gifts.
Daughter-in-law Jan’s eye problem was both a lowlight and a highlight: Low in the seriousness of the situation and the surgical procedures. And high in the favorable outcome, which seems to have been successful. Thank God for the outcome and for the prayers of family and friends.
Days in between have been spent doing some variation of the above.
Nothing very unusual happened: snow, sleet, rain, slick streets within my small community. Altogether, we fared very well weather-wise in the midst of the February I’ll give you one good taste of winter before spring arrives onslaught. Here, it was a picnic compared to a lot of other places.
Yes, I’m still dealing with what is called “after shingles pain.” I also hit a low-energy period for some reason, not sure why. Otherwise things are much as usual. I did the things I usually do: read, write letters & blogs, crocheted pink and white hats for cancer patients and/or supporters; worked a bit on genealogy, other computer stuff; did housework - the usual cook, clean, laundry stuff [how can one person have so much laundry?]; tried to get in a bit of exercise now and then, so I won’t lose more ground than I need to; trips to the library and grocers when necessary, contact friends/relatives; check on Facebook, Twitter and keep up with email. [This is like trying to keep up with clutter & recyclable paper, it’s only temporary; it’s as futile as the gerbil going around on its wheel.] Sometimes I just quit everything and rest for awhile.
Right in the middle of February I got a year older. Oldest daughter came for a visit for my birthday and stayed a couple of days. We had a very pleasant visit and I had an enjoyable birthday. We met Russ, Jan and family and had a good dinner and enjoyed spending time together. Second daughter was too far away to be with us. We had to visit by phone. And we did miss you, Cara; as well as the other grandchildren whose working and family lives keep them elsewhere. I’m thankful to all for personal and phone visits, cards and gifts.
Daughter-in-law Jan’s eye problem was both a lowlight and a highlight: Low in the seriousness of the situation and the surgical procedures. And high in the favorable outcome, which seems to have been successful. Thank God for the outcome and for the prayers of family and friends.
Days in between have been spent doing some variation of the above.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Get 'em Up - What's That
Each generation has its own fads and lingo pertinent to the time. Various phrases used over the years that I recall are: neat, cool, hip, groovy, far out, right on, etc.
One of the fads for the past few years has been baggy pants; pants so big at the waist that they fall down low on the hips, and expose several inches of ‘underwear’ or skin; at times so low, they seem in danger of falling to the ground.
Sometimes fads are started just to be different, sometimes to “shock the older crowd,” irritate their parents or adults in general, or merely attract attention. Whatever the purpose, though they may attract attention, my personal opinion is that it does not add to their physical attraction. I find it difficult to believe that having your pants in danger of falling down, bunching around your legs, while your so called “underwear” or bare skin is exposed can be comfortable. To whom does extreme sloppiness appeal? Not me, obviously, though I hadn’t given much thought to it, accepting it as a peculiarity of today’s youth, until I heard the news item about the movement to change this particular fad.
But ho: Apparently not only the elders think the look is ‘not in the groove.’ A young St Louisan has begun a movement to pull up those pants and has created a song about getting those pants off the ground to publicize the effort. Clothes that are extreme; either so loose as to bag and sag, or tight enough the wearer’s body looks squeezed – I ask: where is the benefit to the wearer, either in comfort or attractiveness?
I hope the young man's efforts succeed. This blog is dedicated to my now deceased husband, whose birthday is today. He was a neat man.
One of the fads for the past few years has been baggy pants; pants so big at the waist that they fall down low on the hips, and expose several inches of ‘underwear’ or skin; at times so low, they seem in danger of falling to the ground.
Sometimes fads are started just to be different, sometimes to “shock the older crowd,” irritate their parents or adults in general, or merely attract attention. Whatever the purpose, though they may attract attention, my personal opinion is that it does not add to their physical attraction. I find it difficult to believe that having your pants in danger of falling down, bunching around your legs, while your so called “underwear” or bare skin is exposed can be comfortable. To whom does extreme sloppiness appeal? Not me, obviously, though I hadn’t given much thought to it, accepting it as a peculiarity of today’s youth, until I heard the news item about the movement to change this particular fad.
But ho: Apparently not only the elders think the look is ‘not in the groove.’ A young St Louisan has begun a movement to pull up those pants and has created a song about getting those pants off the ground to publicize the effort. Clothes that are extreme; either so loose as to bag and sag, or tight enough the wearer’s body looks squeezed – I ask: where is the benefit to the wearer, either in comfort or attractiveness?
I hope the young man's efforts succeed. This blog is dedicated to my now deceased husband, whose birthday is today. He was a neat man.
Friday, February 5, 2010
February 2010 - Already!
A February Day: The weather is a mixed bag - rain and snow so far, but not bad right here. A granddaughter in Virginia/DC is expecting a weathered-in weekend. I just looked out and it is snowing rather briskly at the moment. Do I want to walk across the street to check on the mail, which is most likely only fodder for the blue bag? [recycles] Maybe yes, maybe no.
A little more than a week to Valentine's Day. Hope you have a good one. And a little bit more until I get older again. But, that's what we've all been doing since the day we were born. I just have a more advanced degree on it.
Have you forgotten about "Do One Nice Thing?" I've managed to do some small things since I heard about the idea, nothing major. Available energy and pocket book don't allow for major.
I advised a grandaughter that a weather day like this was a good "soup day" and later took my own advice. I made some cheesy/potato/bacon soup. It hit the spot very nicely. Going back to work on a couple of small projects. The bigger one just won't get done. I'll want to celebrate if/when it ever does.
You all have a good day.
A little more than a week to Valentine's Day. Hope you have a good one. And a little bit more until I get older again. But, that's what we've all been doing since the day we were born. I just have a more advanced degree on it.
Have you forgotten about "Do One Nice Thing?" I've managed to do some small things since I heard about the idea, nothing major. Available energy and pocket book don't allow for major.
I advised a grandaughter that a weather day like this was a good "soup day" and later took my own advice. I made some cheesy/potato/bacon soup. It hit the spot very nicely. Going back to work on a couple of small projects. The bigger one just won't get done. I'll want to celebrate if/when it ever does.
You all have a good day.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
A Day Out
My day out was only about an hour; it just seemed like a day. I went to Walmart for the first time in at least a year and a half. That is a really big store! It seemed even bigger than it was before, and I had to walk from one end of the store to another to get the various things I needed.
For the past year or so, my shopping forays have all been in the near vicinity to where I live. Originally, I only planned to go to the grocery store because my milk jug was empty, but there were a couple of things I couldn’t find at nearby stores. The temperature was supposed to move up to about 40 degrees, so I decided it might be a good time to scoot out to Walmart. I could pick up the other things I needed and get the milk as well. [It's funny how a simple trip to the store for one or two items works its way up to $50 to $100.]
The weather wasn’t too bad and surprisingly enough the parking space in front of my villa was open when I returned. That was a plus! I picked up some ‘little drumsticks’ at the deli, which were very good, as well as a pumpkin pie from the nearby bakery department. That made a good lunch when I got back home. I had been home maybe half an hour when it began to snow like crazy. It is still doing so, but not as heavily. The snow is melting as it hits the street, but is accumulating a bit on the grassy areas.
So, what is in store for the rest of the day: Reading, a bit of crocheting [I’m making some pink and white caps for cancer patients and/or cancer supporters.] It is one of the “Do One Nice Thing” projects that I thought I would do, though I can’t crochet too long at any one time. A little work on the computer, and so on, as the spirit moves me.
For the past year or so, my shopping forays have all been in the near vicinity to where I live. Originally, I only planned to go to the grocery store because my milk jug was empty, but there were a couple of things I couldn’t find at nearby stores. The temperature was supposed to move up to about 40 degrees, so I decided it might be a good time to scoot out to Walmart. I could pick up the other things I needed and get the milk as well. [It's funny how a simple trip to the store for one or two items works its way up to $50 to $100.]
The weather wasn’t too bad and surprisingly enough the parking space in front of my villa was open when I returned. That was a plus! I picked up some ‘little drumsticks’ at the deli, which were very good, as well as a pumpkin pie from the nearby bakery department. That made a good lunch when I got back home. I had been home maybe half an hour when it began to snow like crazy. It is still doing so, but not as heavily. The snow is melting as it hits the street, but is accumulating a bit on the grassy areas.
So, what is in store for the rest of the day: Reading, a bit of crocheting [I’m making some pink and white caps for cancer patients and/or cancer supporters.] It is one of the “Do One Nice Thing” projects that I thought I would do, though I can’t crochet too long at any one time. A little work on the computer, and so on, as the spirit moves me.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Double Dipping Chips: In A Word - DON’T!
Do you double dip? Do you pick up a chip, stick it in the dip, doing the same again, with the chip you had just taken a bite from? If so, you really should have seen the last part of the Dr. Oz show this morning. If you didn’t see it, you might try to find the segment on http://www.DoctorOz.com/ That is the problem I have with the web page. I don’t always see the show either, or I see a part of a segment that I want to find out more about. I sometimes have a problem finding the info I’m looking for on the page.
This morning they showed illustrations of the kinds of bacteria produced in a person’s mouth, which was then transferred to dip, some of which can have very serious consequences. They also showed several bowls of dip from a get-together. Everybody loved it and everybody ‘dipped’ in. And spread some not so good stuff.
Do you do your double dipping when at a party representing other households, or when only your own family is involved? Even then, keep in mind that you or your family members probably have been in contact with other places, other people, and other households. Hands have touched other possible sources of bacteria outside your home. Returning family members bring something from their contacts with them, as well as the guests in your home. Scary, isn't it!
Another source of trouble is the kind of dish that holds mini candies, or perhaps nuts, that people stick their fingers into and pick up a few bits, while the next person comes along and does the same. A great possibility for passing along those nasty looking, though unseen bugs waiting to attack anyone they can grab on to.
A couple of common sense things can be done that will circumvent the UGLIES to some degree. Wash your hands when you get home after being out. Remember when your mother said, “Wash your hands before you eat. Wash your hands before you set the table. Wash your hands before you prepare food for yourself or anyone else.” Get the picture.
Hint: Be sure you have small plates by the bowl of chips and dip and the nuts or candies. Put a suitable picker-upper in the chips, so people won’t stick their hands in that bowl. Have a spoon in the dip, so family/guests will understand they need to put the dip in the plate. Also have a suitable scoop in the nuts or candies bowl, with small dishes beside them. Okay! So set them up! Remove the temptation! Such small things to do that can be a big thing on your personal health front.
This morning they showed illustrations of the kinds of bacteria produced in a person’s mouth, which was then transferred to dip, some of which can have very serious consequences. They also showed several bowls of dip from a get-together. Everybody loved it and everybody ‘dipped’ in. And spread some not so good stuff.
Do you do your double dipping when at a party representing other households, or when only your own family is involved? Even then, keep in mind that you or your family members probably have been in contact with other places, other people, and other households. Hands have touched other possible sources of bacteria outside your home. Returning family members bring something from their contacts with them, as well as the guests in your home. Scary, isn't it!
Another source of trouble is the kind of dish that holds mini candies, or perhaps nuts, that people stick their fingers into and pick up a few bits, while the next person comes along and does the same. A great possibility for passing along those nasty looking, though unseen bugs waiting to attack anyone they can grab on to.
A couple of common sense things can be done that will circumvent the UGLIES to some degree. Wash your hands when you get home after being out. Remember when your mother said, “Wash your hands before you eat. Wash your hands before you set the table. Wash your hands before you prepare food for yourself or anyone else.” Get the picture.
Hint: Be sure you have small plates by the bowl of chips and dip and the nuts or candies. Put a suitable picker-upper in the chips, so people won’t stick their hands in that bowl. Have a spoon in the dip, so family/guests will understand they need to put the dip in the plate. Also have a suitable scoop in the nuts or candies bowl, with small dishes beside them. Okay! So set them up! Remove the temptation! Such small things to do that can be a big thing on your personal health front.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Errands: Two Day Deal
Yesterday was errand day again. I hadn’t been out and about in the car since New Year’s Day, before the advent of the snow and brrrr cold weather. With today’s weather warnings, we can know in advance when the weather and roads will be bad, so we have a chance to get in the necessities to tide us over. If I don’t have to go out, I don’t. In addition my son called to see if I needed anything, but as it happened I didn't. I don’t see any point in getting out in the bitter cold and cleaning the snow or ice off the car if I’m not going anywhere. As the weather warms up and/or the sun comes out, I let the warmer temperatures do the job for me. The sun took off most of the snow on my car, plus I saw someone brush off some of it on the east side of the car! Much of the snow had melted on the west side.
The temperatures were in the thirties, there was no cold wind to contend with, and six stops had accumulated. Since one of those stops was the grocery store, I decided to cut the stops in half because that one alone tires me out. There was an open parking space in front of my villa, so I didn’t have to park at the curb, carry the bags in, and then find another space to park, down the block. I still have three more errands to do, so that means I have to go out again. The rest of the week is supposed to be even warmer than yesterday, so that’s good.
I’m grateful that I can still get out if, and when I want to, or need to. And for the fact, that in Missouri, we know the temperatures will change for the better. I’m also grateful for children who are willing to help if, or when I need them to.
Errands - Part Two: Temperatures are warmer, but damp cold. I went back out to try to finish the second half of the three erands I didn't do earlier this week. Meanwhile, three more jobs cropped up. While out today, I did two of the errands I didn't get done on my earlier foray, pushed back one task yet again, and did one of the newer things that had cropped up. So, I'm still three errands behind. Maybe no new things to do will pop up before I go out again, and on my next trip out I can cross the current three jobs off the list, and end up with zerio errands to do - until the cycle begins again.
The temperatures were in the thirties, there was no cold wind to contend with, and six stops had accumulated. Since one of those stops was the grocery store, I decided to cut the stops in half because that one alone tires me out. There was an open parking space in front of my villa, so I didn’t have to park at the curb, carry the bags in, and then find another space to park, down the block. I still have three more errands to do, so that means I have to go out again. The rest of the week is supposed to be even warmer than yesterday, so that’s good.
I’m grateful that I can still get out if, and when I want to, or need to. And for the fact, that in Missouri, we know the temperatures will change for the better. I’m also grateful for children who are willing to help if, or when I need them to.
Errands - Part Two: Temperatures are warmer, but damp cold. I went back out to try to finish the second half of the three erands I didn't do earlier this week. Meanwhile, three more jobs cropped up. While out today, I did two of the errands I didn't get done on my earlier foray, pushed back one task yet again, and did one of the newer things that had cropped up. So, I'm still three errands behind. Maybe no new things to do will pop up before I go out again, and on my next trip out I can cross the current three jobs off the list, and end up with zerio errands to do - until the cycle begins again.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Cold Weather Idea
What am I doing in this super cold weather? Making a hat. Why? The above occupation was inspired by the extremely cold temperatures we’re now having and the fact that the two knit hats I own, have chosen to keep themselves hidden from me when I actually need them.
I don’t like to wear anything on my head, and usually don’t, except that I did in the dim, distant past when everyone wore a scarf if it was windy, cold, raining etc. And even in this cold, if I were just dashing [if an almost 84 year old can be said to dash] across the street for the mail, I probably wouldn’t bother. But walking down to the end of my block to the trash dumpster, and especially walking back with that wind out of the west hitting me head on, I really wouldn’t mind wearing something on my head. But, alas there was no hat to be found.
That led me to look in some of the ‘closet bags’ to see if I could find enough yarn to make a hat. For the most part, I stopped crocheting years ago when my hands became too painful after only a few minutes. I gave away almost all of the yarn I still had on hand. But a hat shouldn’t take too much time. I didn’t find any complete skeins of yarn, but did find some already crocheted swatches that I had intending for an afghan at one time. So I thought, what can I do with that? I had some small balls of yarn in a contrasting color, so began putting the swatches together to see how it would work out. The swatches have been ‘whip-stitched’ together, and the bottom is finished. All that is left now is to decide how I want to finish the top and sides of this weather-inspired hat. So far, it is working out fairly well, but I would have chosen a different color if I had begun it from scratch.
Within minutes my forefinger became numb, which occurs with pressure on my fingertips since the advent of the shingles last year. Even have to watch out for overuse of the computer mouse. Restrictions! Bah, humbug! So, I probably won’t be going back to crocheting much, but maybe I can get this small project finished without aggravating those nerve endings too much.
Note: The hat is finished now; it will be warm, and doesn't have to stretch to make room for your head/hair. How will I look in it? Welll! That reminds me of what I heard a woman on an MSNBC news show say a couple of days ago. She had said something about the cold in Chicago, and her male partner on the show made a remark about looking cute. She said there is no such thing as cute in the cold in Chicago when you're trying to be warm. These previous words are not verbatim, but the gist of what was said. Children are cute when they're all bundled up for the snow and cold. The rest of us just do the best we can.
I don’t like to wear anything on my head, and usually don’t, except that I did in the dim, distant past when everyone wore a scarf if it was windy, cold, raining etc. And even in this cold, if I were just dashing [if an almost 84 year old can be said to dash] across the street for the mail, I probably wouldn’t bother. But walking down to the end of my block to the trash dumpster, and especially walking back with that wind out of the west hitting me head on, I really wouldn’t mind wearing something on my head. But, alas there was no hat to be found.
That led me to look in some of the ‘closet bags’ to see if I could find enough yarn to make a hat. For the most part, I stopped crocheting years ago when my hands became too painful after only a few minutes. I gave away almost all of the yarn I still had on hand. But a hat shouldn’t take too much time. I didn’t find any complete skeins of yarn, but did find some already crocheted swatches that I had intending for an afghan at one time. So I thought, what can I do with that? I had some small balls of yarn in a contrasting color, so began putting the swatches together to see how it would work out. The swatches have been ‘whip-stitched’ together, and the bottom is finished. All that is left now is to decide how I want to finish the top and sides of this weather-inspired hat. So far, it is working out fairly well, but I would have chosen a different color if I had begun it from scratch.
Within minutes my forefinger became numb, which occurs with pressure on my fingertips since the advent of the shingles last year. Even have to watch out for overuse of the computer mouse. Restrictions! Bah, humbug! So, I probably won’t be going back to crocheting much, but maybe I can get this small project finished without aggravating those nerve endings too much.
Note: The hat is finished now; it will be warm, and doesn't have to stretch to make room for your head/hair. How will I look in it? Welll! That reminds me of what I heard a woman on an MSNBC news show say a couple of days ago. She had said something about the cold in Chicago, and her male partner on the show made a remark about looking cute. She said there is no such thing as cute in the cold in Chicago when you're trying to be warm. These previous words are not verbatim, but the gist of what was said. Children are cute when they're all bundled up for the snow and cold. The rest of us just do the best we can.
Friday, January 1, 2010
A New Year - January 1, 2010
What about this new year? Do you feel a renewed sense of purpose at the beginning of a new year? Do you feel hope? Do you feel disappointment? Are there some old thoughts or prejudices that should be jettisoned? Do you think, “Oh boy, I have another chance to reshape a part of myself with which I am not 100% happy?”
How about New Year’s resolutions? Do you make them? Do you keep them? I’ve heard people say, “I don’t make New Years’ resolutions, because I just break them.” Perhaps that’s true, and perhaps some of them are not realistic. But – if they have a good purpose, aren’t you better off for having done them for whatever time you did keep them? Sometimes I make resolutions, and sometimes I don’t. I have made one so far, which has three parts to it. Will I fail? I don’t know, but I will certainly try to maintain it. It’s like being on a diet and breaking it, then giving in to old habits. You don’t have to do that, you can just revert to it again the next day.
The above is looking ahead. Now, let’s take a look back. In one of my Christmas blogs, I told you about our custom of setting out our Christmas shoe boxes again on New Year’s Eve. Now to New Year’s Day: Irish superstitions abounded in our household in the old days. I don’t know if that is where the following came from or not. The saying was that whatever you did on New Year's Day would set the pattern for what you did all year. So, we did the necessary work we had to do to be clean, warm, fed and clothed. Then we crowded in as many things as we could that were fun to do. We were keen on setting that part of the saying in motion.
In my own household, I pretty much did the same, doing what needed to be done, then rest, relax, play games, call someone I hadn’t talked to in a while,doing whatever appealed at the time. After my children left home, whenever else I may have talked to them, I made a point of calling them on the phone on New Year’s Day. So that is one of the things I will be doing later today.
What about today? I cooked food yesterday that is more than enough for dinner, so I won’t need to cook much, and it’s too cold to go out just for fun, for this person. However, if I want the light bulb replaced in my dining area, I will need to go out and buy more, but may put it off another day or so. There are four of these flood lights in that area, and one of the bulbs went out about Christmas. Harold changed it for me after they got here. Maintenance does it, but with the extra work on the icy/snowy street and walks, I figured it would be several days before he got to it. Usually, when one of these bulbs goes out, the others follow suit, with maybe a week or two in between. They are high enough that I can’t begin to reach them with my two-step ladder.
I don’t keep a lot of these bulbs on hand, because of the limited storage space.I thought I had two of them, but if so it is eluding me. As luck would have it, the second light went out about a half hour after Barbara and Harold left.
Let’s hope 2010 will be a better year than 2009 for everyone. One of the things I would like to see is a lessening of the kind of opinion emails I get by the dozens, which are presented as fact. Many are full of distortions, sometimes outright lies, which generates, or perpetuates angry and bitter feelings,may and sometimes does, lead to improper conclusions or actions.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to any and all who may read this.
How about New Year’s resolutions? Do you make them? Do you keep them? I’ve heard people say, “I don’t make New Years’ resolutions, because I just break them.” Perhaps that’s true, and perhaps some of them are not realistic. But – if they have a good purpose, aren’t you better off for having done them for whatever time you did keep them? Sometimes I make resolutions, and sometimes I don’t. I have made one so far, which has three parts to it. Will I fail? I don’t know, but I will certainly try to maintain it. It’s like being on a diet and breaking it, then giving in to old habits. You don’t have to do that, you can just revert to it again the next day.
The above is looking ahead. Now, let’s take a look back. In one of my Christmas blogs, I told you about our custom of setting out our Christmas shoe boxes again on New Year’s Eve. Now to New Year’s Day: Irish superstitions abounded in our household in the old days. I don’t know if that is where the following came from or not. The saying was that whatever you did on New Year's Day would set the pattern for what you did all year. So, we did the necessary work we had to do to be clean, warm, fed and clothed. Then we crowded in as many things as we could that were fun to do. We were keen on setting that part of the saying in motion.
In my own household, I pretty much did the same, doing what needed to be done, then rest, relax, play games, call someone I hadn’t talked to in a while,doing whatever appealed at the time. After my children left home, whenever else I may have talked to them, I made a point of calling them on the phone on New Year’s Day. So that is one of the things I will be doing later today.
What about today? I cooked food yesterday that is more than enough for dinner, so I won’t need to cook much, and it’s too cold to go out just for fun, for this person. However, if I want the light bulb replaced in my dining area, I will need to go out and buy more, but may put it off another day or so. There are four of these flood lights in that area, and one of the bulbs went out about Christmas. Harold changed it for me after they got here. Maintenance does it, but with the extra work on the icy/snowy street and walks, I figured it would be several days before he got to it. Usually, when one of these bulbs goes out, the others follow suit, with maybe a week or two in between. They are high enough that I can’t begin to reach them with my two-step ladder.
I don’t keep a lot of these bulbs on hand, because of the limited storage space.I thought I had two of them, but if so it is eluding me. As luck would have it, the second light went out about a half hour after Barbara and Harold left.
Let’s hope 2010 will be a better year than 2009 for everyone. One of the things I would like to see is a lessening of the kind of opinion emails I get by the dozens, which are presented as fact. Many are full of distortions, sometimes outright lies, which generates, or perpetuates angry and bitter feelings,may and sometimes does, lead to improper conclusions or actions.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to any and all who may read this.
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