Dreams and our toy store!

Virginia looks so thoughtful!

I decided to have a neighborhood party months ago ...but didn't want to work too hard cause I'm not so young anymore.  

A good way to host a party in your home is to order salads from Wendy's.  They're delicious....reasonable...and easy to serve...right in their own containers.and so easy to clean up after.

Ordered them from Wendy's the day before...and they had them all ready.  However, I didn't use their plastic utensils.  I used my stainless forks and knives.   It looks like we're all boozing it up...but not true.   I got bottles of green tea for everyone...I want my friends to be healthy.

The reason my friend's picture is here...she helped me with everything...and I couldn't enjoy the lifestyle that I do without  Virginia.

She is my source...I call her when I'm in trouble...and I don't wish her any mishap...but I sure wish she would reciprocate when she feels the need.

Recently she invited me to go to the beach with her...and lo and behold, I fell on the way down...and embarrassingly, I wasn't able to get up.   Virginia reached out her small sweet hand to help me, but I wouldn't grab it...to bring her down with me.

Finally two gentlemen came along and each told a hand and I was upright ... like an old piano...but I wasn't feeling good about myself.   Where the heck did my balance go???

She also accompanied me when we went to Ryan and Daniela's wedding...and we had to share a big bed.  Never went to a Hyatt where they didn't have twin beds..but that's the way it was.

Anyway...I'm sure glad that she moved next door...fate has a way!

Joe captured my northern yearnings!

I never really considered photography as an art form until I met Joe Pizzarello.  He's an artist with a camera...or I should say about him...Have camera....will travel!  I miss the fall very much...but Joe has captured in all in this one snapshot...which I'm sure he worked very diligently before sending it to me.

Joe and Annmarie are very talented people.   I've seen a lot of Annmarie's water colors and they absolutely come to life.   Their two daughters are very talented also.....one is an artist in New York...and Jo Jo lives in Florida and is an attorney. 

  I'm very proud of this family because they're what life is all about.....and Joe shows his artistry in his culinary skills.   Whatever he cooks just doesn't taste delicious...his presentation is perfection. 

At Christmas their home is a wonderland.......running trains...villages with old fashioned people ...lights and sounds everywhere.  I didn't know where to look first...and they enjoy watching your face as you watch the goings-on!

Before he left to go up north in the spring, Joe knocks on my door and he has a framed picture of one of his best...and he found a place on my wall that needed something...he also brought a nail to hang it.

Now...everyday, I think of Joe, because I can't enter or leave my house without admiring it.

Thanks nice people!

Kennedy Center in D.C.

Virginia and I picked outselves up and decided to visit Jeff and Donna in Manassas, Va. When my friend V got on the plane, she bowed her head and I could see she was praying for a safe flight. She also took wipes out of her purse and cleaned the dropdown shelf where we get served.

I'm not that clean...and to be honest, it never even occurred to me. We kissed and hugged and headed for their home. It's a beautiful residential street, although V thought the neighbors flowers were plastic.

All I know is that they looked pretty to me. Jeff carried our luggage to the 2nd floor and Donna proceed to get our dinner on the table. We were a tad hungry since our plane was 2 hours late. Jeff and Donna never phoned the airport to ask the time...so they had a long waiting program.

Soon as we got in the house, Jeff took us to the exercise room, and there in a big crate were two exquisite excited dogs to see us...both beagles but enough different so you'd be able to tell one from the other. They couldn't wait for us to see their endless pool in the basement...and we couldn't wait to get in. It was beautiful...and I'm hundred percent sure that it's going to improve the quality of their lives... The water was warm and inviting and they had a full bathroom off the pool in the basement.

This way they can swim summer or winter.

The next day V examined the grounds and knew every planting and tree.

Me, I can't make that statement. My joy was with the dogs. They rested their big heads on my lap and that made me feel sensational.

Next day they took us on a tour to Skyline Drive in the Appalacians...and thru our car window we saw a big black bear. The scenery was beyond magnificent...even tho the leaves hadn't turned yet.

We went out that particular time for Jeff's birthday and he was thrilled.

Virginia sent Omaha steaks and things and she also bought a beautiful birthday care which we all devoured.

We ate out a few time to restaurnts that we dont't have here. Donna also took us to Wegman's which was a real experience to behold.

Jeff and Donna took off work to enjoy our vacation with them. I came home and Virginia went to Tampa to visit a sick friend...although she wasn't feeling all that great herself...allergy or something.

Anyway, it was a fun time and I enjoyed it. Paul, my nephew came over one night and Donna grilled our dinner.

We walked all around and in Kennedy Center. Nothing spectacular was playing but we saw a cute comedy.

So...all's well that ends well....

Virginia visits my kids with me!

When Virginia and I boarded a plane to Washington D.C., Dulles Airport, my kids and V insisted I use a wheel chair...so it was waiting for me when we passed over our boarding passes...and from then on, I was being ushered while my poor friend had to practically run to keep up...and I felt so embarrassed.   I could not get used to this at all.  I felt like I was in Atlantic City being wheeled by an elderly man in a rickshaw.

Then it's time for our security check...V wore socks so she wouldn't get germs from their floor...stupid me, I never thought of that...and besides I couldn't get through right away because I was buzzing.  Yes, I had a metal lipstick tube in my pocket.  I felt like an idiot

We arrived our usual 2 hours early and both of us started reading..but I think  our attentions were on the people who were coming and going.  No recession in this airport.  The younger folks waiting all had computers and they were busily working.   Others were texting or having breakfast.

We finally went over to Checker's and Virginia said she just had to have their french fries.  It was a different kind of meal than I would have eaten at that hour, but I ordered the same thing.   Oh were those ever delicious.  I nibbled at every crumb...I was right to follow her lead.  She said they're famous for that.   What do I know???

Bob and Arlene had taken us to the airport and schlepped our baggage out of their trunk of which I was very grateful.

Anyway, finally we boarded first because I had reserved a wheel chair and I feel like I'm cheating because I'm not really handicapped.

Right before we take off I glance over at Virginia and I notice that she's praying...and again I feel guilty, like I'm riding her shirttails...using her prayer to deliver me safely.

Her prayers were definitely answered because not only did we have a safe journey...but a very pleasant one with Jeff and Donna who met us in the airport with great big smiles and lots of hugs.

What better service...I ask you!

And it's a new day!

I rarely get to watch the miraculous wee hours of the night unfold into daylight, when the sun comes  peeking through, very softly, and it's the  beginning of another day that our Creator has granted us.

I know this is a poor analogy, but this is how I feel when I first start my computer....very very gradually it lights up. ...into spectacularness!

First I see all the special icons like stars in the sky that my kids have picked for me.. and as I eye each one, it seems to say....pick me, pick me.   I'm here to serve you...whatever you desire!

Then I tap Email......and the top of the complete page forms all the information that has been stored there by the magical computer wizard.
With complete wonderment, I watch all this unfold...and oh yes,  I mustn't forget, it gives a complete yawn when it's ready...or maybe when it's bored with my choices.

Now it's my turn to see all that has transpired.      I'm ready to face a new day.    I have my morning cup of java (not the script)...and I'm ready to read my Washington Post......everything that occurred while I was sleeping.

Although in the wee hours of the morning I somtimes hear Jeff take over my puter......checking everything out......and I look at the clock and my heart breaks because I know he's having another sleepless night.

With my computer, I feel connected to the whole world....and that' why it's called www.

Im so grateful  that I'm living in this time slot......because I'm never lonely.  I recall being so thrilled to go to Office Depot to buy a small wooden desk with a slideout shelf for the keyboard....and then I pounced upon a chair that was adjustable...which is just what I need.   Next a mouse pad....and I was in business.

  Now it was up to Jeff and Donna to give me 300% patience on how to use the mouse..and the keyboard and the icons....never thought I'd get the hang of it.  They explained everything to me...even took it apart so I could see its workings.   A really outstanding service is Skype.   Bought a little camera and every single week I get to visit with my kids for about 2 hours...they sit in two chairs and we see each other and we talk.  Sometimes Bandit, one of their dogs, sits on their laps...and this is a treat too.

You Tube also plays a very important role in my everyday life.   Any song that I desire to hear...it's here.  I feel so lucky!

Everything they showed me was important...but what stands out most is my blog that they set up for me..and that's been such an outlet of my rememberings...kind of makes my life come together.

 And my Hallmark cards that they taught me to make..and I've never bought any since... the receivers of my cards all compliment me.

I musn't forget my little digital camera that I can plug into Picassa photo gallery  and store all the pictures of the people I love and the events like weddings...permanent records of their lives.

Didn't realize that   I would be this enthusiastic about an inanimate object. 

I often wonder if it wasn't for Jeff and Donna...would I still be so interested....and that's a big question....and I don't know the answer!

I'm supposed to be in good shape now!

......I've entered a new phase of my life....yep, water therapy for my old acky, and not so agile bones, plus lacking good balance.   So, now I'm learning how to climb steps again..and it's not that I didn't have the opportuity...I have a loft.    I'm blaming myself because I could have prevented some of this instead of spending so much time on my computer.
I'm old...and I don't know exactly when that came to pass.  I used to run instead of walking...I did stairs 2 at a time...and I was never tired.

There are decades in my life that I can't quite account for...there are also some that I wish were frozen in time...so enjoyable they were.   Life is good...and we're guests on this planet to enjoy ourselves.

The ones I can't account for...I've blocked from a part of my brain...too terrible to remember...but I've had tons of good years.

And today as I sit at my computer, I cannot get over the fact that every person is accounted for.   For instance, I also got fitted for hearing aids a week ago...and the audiologist said I see that you're keeping them in your ears about 17 hours a day...but that you don't go out much.

BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING!    Her computer is like a GPS for the hearing impaired.

I explained to her that I watched The Music Man on TV and Shirley Jones didn't sound like the woman I remember.   She had a tinny quality to her voice.   Is this my new life...hearing voices differently that I recall.

When the wind blows it sounds like a hurricane...sounds are very exaggerated.

Anyway, we've come a long way from the bull horn that folks would put up to their ear and shout....what'd you say?  Of course, I'm going way back, even before my time...when you would put a seashell to your ear and hear the ocean roar.

I'll have to go to the beach one of these days and see if I can find such a shell.

But, heck, I don't have to do that.  I'm just 4 miles from the Atlantic Ocean...I can just go down there and hear it for myself with my new hearing aids.  

And while there, I'll appreciate just observing this enormous body of water and maybe see a sailboat or two..or maybe a gambling ship...just 3 nautical miles from land...and I don't have to lose any money....our government's doing a good job of doing that for me.

My Cousin Harvey...once removed!

We Can Gather Together

www.huffingtonpost.com

We really never got to know each other well, except in our writings.   I can't compare this college professor to my 'thoughts' but that is how we keep in touch.

If we were to meet on the street...would we pass each other without recognition.   Possibly!   I'm ten years older and he has traveled the world over and seems to know someone wherever he goes.

He has done an interesting family tree on my father's side...and he has traveled many oceans to meet his cousins and other family members.   

Harvey is very honest and political in his writings and I think he might have been a wonderful ghost writer for anyone of our presidents.    He and his wife Carmen came to visit me two years ago and had wonderful conversation about his traveling.

I'm the opposite...my comfort zone is right in my own home...and I'm delighted to visit all over the world on National Geographic or the Travel Channel.

Harvey wrote 'We Can Gather Together'...and I felt loaded with pride when I absorbed his wise words.

I'm delighted that Harvey is in my family tree.   His mother, my first cousin, would have been so proud of him....so I'm speaking for her.  If Harvey lived closer than California, I'm sure he could give me great pointers to improve my writing skills...but it is what is is!

Carry Me Back to Ole Virginnie

It's been 7 years since I last visited my kids in Virginia. Sure, I see them often...but I wanted to go to their house. Virginia, my friend, and I went to visit Jeff, Donna, their cats and two dogs.

Recently they installed an endless pool in their basement...and they created a beautiful atmosphere in blue for this magic piece of equipment, that you control with a remote, of how much current you need to swim in place.

I went in and it was just wonderful. I saw their new wood floors, and outside the landscaping was just magnificent.

Unfortunately, their two beagle dogs, found grubs in the ground and kept digging to get them ....that's part of their doggie nature...but either Jeff or Donna must be constantly watching and scolding for their mischievous behavior.

The dogs, Lucy and Bandit, are very loveable...weigh about 40 pounds and think they're lap dogs.

They took us to unique restaurants and we were impressed. Also took a motor trip to Skyline Drive, which is God's artistry..and I kept having to swallow, because we kept climbing up and up.

Paul, my nephew, came over one night for dinner and Donna had grilled chicken breasts, corn on the cob and baked potatoes...and we topped off our meal with Apple pie and whipped cream or ice cream.

I did what I thought I would never do...went on a wheel chair in the airports and it was a blessing.

I'm old...I had a lot of trouble climbing their stairs to the 2nd floor. Somebody was always ready to carry my purse and jacket down the stairs for me.

They were perfects hosts....and now I'm back home.....but Jeff and Donna...and Virginia too, insist I climb to my loft at least once a day....and I will do that.

My Disappointment!

In our toy store,  as soon as you'd walk thru the doors, we had about 20% of our space letting Western Publishing occupy the shelves...mainly Golden Books.  We also had a revoving rack containing many volumes of literature for the eyes of young children.

One of the volumes that pleased me was A Child's Garden of Verses...and nobody touched it.  Everyone would walk right by...and I took this personally since I had ordered heavy believing this would be a hit.

Why did I feel this way?     When I was a very young child of about 4, my Mother  encouraged me to recite this poem....and it's touched my heart since.

I don't believe many children today even heard of it.....and here it is!

CONTENTS · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Stevenson, Robert Louis (1850–1894). A Child’s Garden of Verses and Underwoods. 1913.

19. My Shadow

I HAVE a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.
The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow—
Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an India-rubber ball,
And he sometimes gets so little that there’s none of him at all.
He hasn’t got a notion of how children ought to play,
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.
He stays so close beside me, he’s a coward you can see;
I’d think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!
One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup;
But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.

Memories of New Kensington, Pa...and I found Fred!

Hilda Gordon posted to Fred Lukac

Fred, I'm so happy that our toy store in downtown New Kensington, had an impact on your life. Those days are just memories now. Thanks.

Fred Lukac Hilda.....I can remember it as if it were yesterday. That was probably 35 years ago. Downtown was a great place. They say its better to love and lost than to never had loved at all. Well, at least we have the memories of the good old days.

Hilda Gordon I'm curious to know if you came into our store looking for football shoulder pads...or did you just stumple on this them. Were they sturdy enough to protect you? We really didn't carry too much sports equipment being we were right next door to Jacobs Sporting.

 

Fred Lukac The pads were for backyard football only. I'm not sure how much they protected me or not. All I know is that i was one excited little boy.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I was so excited when I found this young man who actually recalls going into our toy store.  I often wonder if anyone has memories of  visiting our store when they were downtown.

My husband and I operated this magical kingdom groomed for little boys and girls.   We tried very hard to have an inventory related for the well-being of our young customers....and to make them happy and good memories.

Our town has died as did a lot of the downtowns across America.   Malls took over and then bigger stores like Children's Palace and Costco.

We were the mom and pop stores that unfortunately no longer exist today.

How sad for my friend...depression time!

I was at a movie with my girlfriend Jean...and she was reading a telegram delivered to Loretta  Young...her lover was killed in the war.
And I couldn't make out the writing
I couldn't read it.   Yes, the doctor confirmed, I was near-sighted and would need glasses. 

When I got my glasses, I was so thrilled I could see the individual leaves on a tree...and not just a big green mass.

We sat in double seats in 7th Grade and I was sitting with Rosie Iozzi.   I noticed when I would copy the work from the blackboard, that she would squint and couldn't see...and had failing grades.

I didn't realize at the time that all glasses had a different prescription..so as soon as I copied the work on the board, I would hand over my glasses to her so that she could copy it into her notebook.    Well, amazingly enough, we had a pretty close fit because it worked.

So for the rest of the year, I copied my work and passed my glasses on to her.

We never complained.   After all these years, I'm not sure anything would have been done to alleviate the situation................these were dark depression years when deprived children got free milk.

My Father always worked...we were the lucky ones.   We also had help in our house.    A coalminer's  daughter would live  at our house and become one of the family.  If we went to a movie...she went.     These girls would stay with us until they married and we went to the weddings in a hall....their families were happy to have us because it was one less mouth for them to feed.  I think we paid $3.00 a week...that was the going  rate.   My mother taught these girls to be good housekeepers.    My sister and I still had to help with the dishes and make our own beds.   We had the 'good life'.

Now that I look back at  those bleak years, why oh why didn't I go to  the principal or  teacher and complain.  It never even entered my mind.   I  think I have matured since then.

Today...I'm old and smart...and  would certainly fight for the social issues of glasses.  I look back at those times and I believe that's when I learned about sharing.

I wonder  if Rose Iozzzi remembers those days...or if she's even still alive.   I'm a member of United Order of True Sisters and one of the agendas of our budget is to buy eyeglasses for needy children.

Eric and Ryan (both married men)-- Love Makes the World Go Round!

I watched them grow from a distance.   Geography always alluded my direct presence in their lives, but vicariously I watched both boys grow up.   We had a toy store and I do believe they had one of everything that we stocked!

In the last two months, I have attended two sensational, spectacular weddings...one in Chicago and the other in Long Island.   Everyone so dressed up...and yes, a place to go....weddings!  Some people cry at weddings...not me..I was thrilled and I smiled during the entire ceremony!

At Eric's wedding, I walked down the aisle on Ryan's arm....and at Ryan's ...I walked down the aisle with  Eric....I was so honored and thrilled...that I could participate in this most important event in both their lives. 

They both fell in love with lovely brides, thanks to J Date.   My heart is so full of love and caring and

wanting them to have enriched lives with their brides.

My only regret was that my sister and brother-in-law weren't here to see these joyous events...how proud and happy this would have made them.

Eric and Becky...Ryan and Daniela...two very newly-married couples setting out in this very complicated world of shoes off at airports, terrorists, and recession economy.   My generation has a lot of explaining to do to pass this bad stuff on to you.   

Becky is a doctor and Daniela is a doctor-to-be....so I know both boys will be in good hands....and so will their patients.  When I met both girls, I was so impressed with how smart and beautiful they both are.

I so enjoyed your weddings and watching you exchange rings and vows.

My family has now expanded....I have great nieces...and what a great feeling that is.

I just hope I can live up to being a great aunt to these two special women.   I adore them!

Eric and Becky get married!

When I think about Eric's and Becky's recent lovely wedding, I have to go back two generations. When Eric's grandparents, whom he never met stood under the chupa exchanging vows that lasted 11 years.
That was all the years Elayne, my sister, had. They had one son, Paul!

Then when Paul and Barbara, in Maryland, exchanged those same meaningful vows, under their chupa...and they begat Eric and Ryan, my two wonderful great nephews.

And now it was Eric's turn...he grew up and found a lovely girl to marry. I went to their wedding, and and in the true tradition of Jewishness, they were also married under a chupa.

While all this was going on, looking at their sweet backs, my mind returned  to the other weddings that brought this one to be created....and my mind recalled these lovely memories....until I heard Eric's foot stomp down on the glass and I knew that my Eric and Becky were One in the Eyes of God.

How Blessed Am I that I have been allowed  to be present at these 3 weddings that brought me here..today...to this moment!

I feel so full of loving emotion as I write this...and wish for them the happiest journey that life can bestow!.....be happy, my children!

Outrageously difficult!!!!

Things, including packaging have sure changed.   When we had our toy store, a blister package was a thin sheet of plastic over the item, and you would pull it apart as easily as peeling a banana.

Today, not so.   It's just about the hardest chore on my schedule these days.   However, I have a wonderful friend...Virginia, who lives right next door to me.  One day she walked over with a present for me....a good pair of scissors made for slicing into todays's blister pack. 

When she brought it over, I thought I would never have occasion to use it.

Well...this gift returned me from insanity to being very functional.

My old cell phone wouldn't hold a charge....so I made a new purchase of an upgraded one.   Not only was the phone in rigid heavy-duty plastic....but the battery also came locked in a blister of it's own.

I wonder if the manufactures over in  China giggled as they constructed these...............saying those stupid Americans will be cursing over this.

Anyway, back to Virginia and her magic shears.....cut right through all  those heavy layers...and finally after cutting this way and that way.....hooray, I was able to retrieve my purchase.

Now....all I have to do is study the instructions.        Help Virginia!!!!!!!    And while I was struggling to open this...Jeff and Donna were on Skype with me...watching...and I don't want them to know how weak I am.

They were exchanging the $300. that they had entered into my old phone and  putting that amount into my new cell.

Now I have to wait for someone to call me!  I gotta use up some of that money!

Nebraska

I don't know a single soul that I've met in my lifetime who came from Nebraska.  Yet this state name on my caller I.D. has been tormenting me for about 4 months.

When they first started calling...it was for "Make a Wish" for children.   Naturally, I gave.

Next it was for Breast Cancer....and naturally I gave.

Now I am on this professional fund raiser's sucker list.    I get calls twice a day...different times...sometimes there's no one even on the line....and sometimes I hear a woman's voice.

Now I know these telemarkets are just trying to make a living....and they do it with leads.   Once I say yes to them.....20 seconds later, I get another call to confirm my donation.

Well today...I took action!!       When the phone rang and I saw it was once again the familiar Nebraska,,,,,,and this very sweet voice starts to talk.....and I interrupt her and let her know that these calls are destroying my sanity....making me crazy....and   I can't stand them...and therefore, I'm giving  no more donations.

Very sweetly she said  she understood...and would put me on the 'don't call l list.  ...but it'll take about a month.

I thanked her profusely....grateful, I won't  be bothered anymore.

So long Nebraska!!!!!!!!!I just hope it  works.

Comcast and me...on the deep end!

So much patience...I don't know how they do it!   About 4 years ago, Jeff and Donna gave me a gift that keeps on giving TiVo which I just enjoyed so much.    I couldn't get over the technology of it.   I could miss my programs and still watch them.   Unbelievable!

And then Comcast decided no more analog...just digital TV.   Well, that screwed up the works.   Two different servicemen from this company came to look..and didn't know what it was all about.    One just asked if he could use my microwave to warm up his lunches.   Anyway, everyone I know got a different bill for this service...and I'm tired arguing.   My friend Virginia says I have no fire in my belly.

Perhaps she's right.
  Now I own a DVR.......I'm still learning how to use the remote.

Are all Unions getting busted?

It sure is a sad state of affairs especially in the state of Wisconsin.   My Father was a very staunch union advocate....he was president of his local union.  If not for this, he never would have had a vacation.   I recall when I was about  6 or 7 my father said goodby to us at the railroad station.   We were going for 2 weeks to Atlantic City, but without my father.   I remember looking out the window watching him wave to us...and my tears streamed.

If unions are removed from our society...then we have no middle class.   I'm thinking of school teachers who really do their best to bring our children to be the very best they can be.

The world, as we knew it, will never be the same as it was.  It all has to do with cheap imports who employ people at a fraction of what our union workers are earning.    And the workmanship is surprisingly good.   Go to any Dollar Store and you'll know what I mean.

It concerns me much the world we're leaving to our children.    There used to be a popular song.....Look For The Union Label.......well, let's start  doing that again.   I'm going to try!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO7VUklDlQw

A most different kind of Service!

It was Friday afternoon and I was going to visit my friend in a rehab.   When I got to her room...her bed was empty.   I checked the bathroom--empty!   I checked a family sitting room and a door leading to outside--nobody.

Finally I went to a girl at the desk and told her I had misplaced my friend.   She asked if we were Jewish and when I replied, she told me that she was at Friday Services...Friday evening being the Sabbath for Jewish People...and also Saturday till sunset.    I was then escorted to a room that stunned me!


My eyes and mind took in a vision I have never before experienced.  Wheel chairs lined up in a big room...a full congregation of non-walking Jewish men and women, totally focused on a rabbi and his wife conducting a meaningful Sabbath service

I missed part of the service, but when I entered the room,  the rabbi's wife,  was waving a small American flag and I could hear the congregation  singing from song sheets...God Bless America...and I thought people usually stand when they hear this melody, treating it  almost like it's our national anthem......then I realized, these were folks in wheel chairs being trained to stand again.  And, Please God, let them!

 I thought about Debbie Friedman who passed away just a few weeks ago at age 59 who wrote the Beautiful Song of Healing...mi shebeirach....songs from the heart!  Debbie Friedma

Edie and Roy Dickes  sang a few more songs, both in Hebrew and English, and then sang America the Beautiful and, of course, Hatikvah  

Edie concluded the Service with the hauntingly, beautiful melody from  Carousel....When You Walk Through a Storm Hold Your Head Up High...and Don't Be Afraid of the Dark which she talked thru while the music was softly  playing in the background.

  I was so touched by this that that it struck emotions I didn't know still existed within  me.

.  I just knew that this good Rabbi and his loving wife, performed a mitzvah...she did it in pure Hebrew and the Rabbi in English.

 After this somber rendition,  the rabbi's  wife passed out delicious  brownies that she had baked....and the rabbi  gave us big chunks of cantaloupe.  Then the nursing staff came in and wheeled the patients back to their respective rooms where they will rest and then await dinner.

I will never ever forget this extra special service where everyone  was sitting in  their wheelchairs really focused on the meaning of the Sabbath and praying for a recovery.
 

My Lady of Mystery!

I adore her...she moved next door to me... and she's so different than anyone I've ever known in my life.

Virginia came into my life and I have never  thought about anything in the same way again.

Is it geography...she comes from Missouri....but she's not back-woods...in fact, quite the opposite...she's up on just about everything.

Every day I find out good things about her....for instance, last week she had me for a New Year's Day luncheon...and it was all very traditional....asssuring us of a good year to come.

We have nothing in common...yet we're good friends.   I'm a a generation older than she is.   She goes to bed about 7 or 8 at night.        I'm a very night person...and I sleep late in the morning.

Virginia greets the paper boy...and she's done with all her shopping by the time I'm turning over  in my bed.     

This lady has had to fend for  herself for many years....and she's done it with grace.

She moved in about  the same time as our big  hurricane and she would come over every time I  lit my grill.....but she just came to socialize.....she  never partook of all the food.    She'd always  say she already ate  

I went with her to a John Lennon art show  downtown....and she was very enthusiastic...and I found it completely  un-artisic....like a first grader.

As I  say.......we are not alike....but she's trying to make me  less wimpy........and I dare say....

it's working!   One  thing I find completely endearing..is the love for the things that she's colllected in her life....and she  has  a complete story about each artifact.    I saw handwork her mother crafted  set in a beautiful frame....and  long pieces of wood that has deep meaning for her.

She's such a good mother...she guides her grownup kids with such loving care.  She's just Goodness.

Thank you,  Virginia  for just being you.

Saying so long to Jeff and Donna till next week!

Every Sunday morning Jeff, Donna and I Skype!   We talk about this and that....we laugh a lot...and it's

just a wonderful visit.   Even their dogs get in the picture.   I snapped this picture as we're ending our
conversation for another week.

I thank Skype and I thank my kids!

Skyping with Barbara and her Baby

This is how I visit with my niece Barbara 3 or 4 times a week.

She's so happy with her life.  Her two sons are engaged to girls becoming doctors.

She has a husband Paul who's really working hard, not just in his job, but at home, putting ceramic tile in the basement.

And then Barb has her little doggie Baby....and I never saw so much love and kisses.

You can see how happy she looks. 

Barbara had no idea I was snapping her picture while we were skyping.

A Kodak or Skype Moment!

Every Sunday morning I have a date...with Donna and Jeff. Yep, we're skyping. So when I was summoned to my computer that Jeff and Donna were calling.  This  is what greeted me! I couldn't stop laughing and neither could he.

It was very cold in Virginia and he had been outside shoveling snow and I could just feel his coldness...Skype is that good!

As I glance at this merriment, it brings back memories when Jeff was about 3 l/2 ...he had a little snow shovel and he was really working hard with his father...both removing heavy snow.
I was standing looking out of our picture window and Jeff

was wearing the same attire as in this picture.   When they came back in the house, I had hot cocoa with marshmallows for my men-folk...these sturdy removers of snow

And now....here he is once again....with that same silly lovable grin on his face.

Keep Smiling Jeff !!!!

We're Safe...for this year at least!!

Lots of people claim they wouldn't want to make Florida their retirement home because of our hurricanes.

They are awful...and I've lived through a couple...and it wasn't pleasant.    Actually scary to say the least, especially when  you've lost your power for 8 days...and the nights are sooooo very dark.

There's a song I used to sing to myself during these periods...."Hello Darkness My Old Friend--I've Come to Be With You Again".

Anyway, High Point, my development discovered the way to prevent the horrors of hurricanes....they bought a generator....and I pass this everyday on my way to our pool, and it's the best un-used thing we own.

The batteries are patiently waiting...my propane grill is properly full...my hurricane lamps fit nicely on my end table....and the battery fan is hidden safely away in a closet.

So....I'll use my cans of tuna and my salmon..spread my peanut  butter on some of the bread that I've frozen away...for when it  was needed.

Yippee......I won't worry for another year.

The Event!

Everytime I think I'm running out of material for my blog I just have to look around me and think!     I'm so fortunate in having so many things to talk about.

A few weeks ago, or I should go back about a month ago, I received a precious bejeweled invitation to Ruth Fagan's 85 birthday party.  Now to look at my friend, you'd never believe that this was this special birthday.   In fact, Ruth didn't think so either...because written on her birthday (loaded with calories) cake was written....Happy 75th!   And she's absolutely right..today's 85th is ten years going back counter clockwise.     Actually, truth be told, Ruth looks much younger than that and her wardrobe attests to this.

I was really looking forward to this.....event of the season.      

To find Ruth's house, her friend Faye went to the dollar store and bought 2 beautiful helium  balloons which she hung on Ruth's outdoor post...announcing  to her  guests...you're here...you've arrived!

Ruth hired Cornelius, our High Point employee,  to help serve and clean up...along with entertaining because he has a beautiful voice.....and he sang a touching gospel number that he has recorded.

This wasn't the only entertainment of the evening....two members of Temple Beth El entertained us with music and a darling skit.

Ruth had filled up her whole house with friends and relatives.......and we all really pigged out on all the food catered by 3 G's restaurant.

Ruth had  ordered so much that I was invited back the next day to eat leftovers much to my delight.

We  all had such a good time that we stayed about 4 hours which is a long time when your hostess is exhausted.

The guests left with a large 'goodie  bag'  filled with all kinds of delightful presents.

My greatest present is the lasting delicious memory  of this special party...wih this special friend...and the enthusiasm and joy she put into this party.  

The chicken or the egg...or the lyricist or composer !!!!!

It's always bothered me about music.   I love to hear songs sung...with poetic lyrics.  Now country music tells a complete story in so much detail that I don't enjoy listening.

But...let's take "Over the Rainbow"...the lyrics we all know were written by Yip Harburg.   His name will not go down in musical history...but the melody and words certainly will.....and the music of course was composed by Harold Arlen, a familiar name for many compositions.

When Jeff was in third grade, he was in a piano musical recital...and that was his song.   Of course, his father and I thought he was sensational.

It all started a year before.   We had placed an ad in our local Valley Daily News in the classifieds...wanted cheap piano for beginner.

Somebody 3 streets away read our need because she phoned within an hour after the paper was delivered.

She had in her basement an old upright player piano with bench..asking price $10.00.  How fantastic for  us.   We hired a mover and he had a problem getting this through our front door.

The guy said to us...how about us sliding it into your garage,  then into your basement.  

No way was our son going to practice in a cold damp cellar.      So  our front doorway was   goughed getting it in.

Allen painted it the same color as  our living room...and padded the bench with foam rubber so that little Jeff's tush would be comfortable.

Then we hired a blind piano tuner and he removed the player guts which were all rotted...another $25.00.

The piano teacher came to the house weekly to give Jeff ,  Schaum  lessons....simplified but to  this mother's ears sounded like Carnegie Music Hall.    I even took the phone off the hook so that he wouldn't be interrupted.

But back to lyricists Tim Rile wrote the words for Evita.     We all know  about Andrew Lloyd Webber....but not a thing about Tim.

Charles Hart wrote the lyrics  for Phantom of the Opera.....another unknown .

So....I'm trying to figure out if  the lyrics are as important as the music.!!!!!!!!!  I kinda believe that the words are more important.

But anyway...Jeff's recital was a complete success...his family made up the audience!

The stove that cooked with the gas turned off! My Chambers!

I believed them...so being newly married, I invited Allen's parents and sister for dinner.

I had purchased a special cut of roast that smells delicious and was supposed to be fork-tender.

Anyway after reading the instructions on my new stove...advising me to set the thermostat to 500 degrees for 15 minutes....then turning the stove off completely.

It never even occurred to me to check it...to open the oven door to take a peek. I believed!

So...3 hours later I invite everyone to sit down and Allen is so proud...entertaining for the first time.


It wasn't true...the roast was uncooked and cold. It never also occurred to me to write the Chambers Company a letter about what had happened.

Of course, the end of my story...we had to take everyone out to dinner..and my first experience was a failure. I never again did cook with the oven turned off.

The really great part of this Cadillac of a stove was the grill on the left. You just pumped up the handle...and and it made the most delicious lamb chops and hamburgers.

It also had a deep soup well at the rear right which I didn't use too often. I used my Presto pressure cooker instead.

Very heavy stove...400 pounds...and probably the most expensive thing we had in our home.

Rachel Rae still uses this stove for her 30 minute meals. Wonder if she cooks with the the heat turned off.   Maybe one day I'll email and ask. 

 This stove also had removable handles to remove to protect little children.....and is considered a
collectible today.

When we moved to Florida I hated to say good  bye to it...the end of my gas cooking.


 

The Second Hand on a Watch--an annoyance!

 My friend Harriet...and I might include myself also, find the second hand troublesome..it gets in the way.

However, I shouldn't complain...we've come a long way from the sun dial.  Wonder if  I'd have ever been able to figure that our.   My brain is very challenged when it comes to numbers.

No more tick tocks to listen if your watch is actually working.   I guess I look at the second hand and that gives me the nod whether I need a new battery.

However, batteries are $3 and $4 and a new watch can be bought for $10 or $12...so I guess watches that aren't expensive can be considered disposable.

About 20 years ago I bought my husband Allen a new watch from K Mart with many features, which were a pain in the butt, but I wasn't aware of it when I purchased it.   I thought it was just fantastic.

Well, between the 2 of us, we weren't very technologically-sophisticated...so when daylight savings time approached, we were very frustrated.    After many hours of Allen's working on this new device, I had the bright idea....this watch is very  inexpensive.      So...why not buy another one...just for daylight savings time.....and then we'd never have to worry about this again.

After all.....we moved to Florida to play....not to have to study the workings of this thing.

As I'm writing this, an old old song comes to mind....about My Grandfather's Clock was to large for the shelf...and it stood 90 years on the floor.   It was taller by far than the old man himself....anyway, this song must be over  100 years old.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3tlIMJ9bK0     Jeff used to play this song on the piano.

Back to the 2nd hand.......I believe we just have to learn to live with it....it's not removable....and time is such an abstract...it moves so fast and yet so slowly.........and I'm trying to make the most of it.

Time is a gift from Our Creater and we must cherish each day.   I do !

A time for Introspection !

Jewish people all over the world celebrate these High Holidays, Our Days of Awe, and we seriously

try to correct our bad habits that we've developed over the years, and try to discipline ourselves into becoming better human beings.

 So...I'm thinking !    I'm considered an old lady now, although somehow they've changed the pattern and this age is considered about 10 years younger.   I haven't discussed this with an actuary, so I don't know how accurate this is.

I'm trying to figure out what I've accomplished in my life...or if I've rubbed off on anyone to make a difference in their life.    And the answer is plain and simple.....NOT REALLY.

I went to a funeral the other day and one of the mourners stood up and spoke...and it appears that the main things in this man's life was he loved to gamble...and he liked soup....but according to his kids, this  made him a great man.

Would Nixon be considered a superior human being, although he had that one big blemish on his record. 

Could be that we're all flawed and that's what makes us human!

I think maybe we're important only to ourselves and we're all held accountable for every deed.

So...I'll just live with  those thoughts...and  maybe try a little harder.

We need the immigrants!! And they need us

I wondering what America thinks of the really hard workers who do very manual labor....

For those of us living in villas and condominiums, the immigrant men keep our lawns well manicured.

I was watching from out my back window...backbreaking work....never stopping for a second even though they're not being watched.

Raking..raking...making a pile then putting all the debris into a large cylinder container...to be emptied into their trucks.

I'm sure they don't make much money...not even sure if they have hospitalization or social security.

They are willing to live in incredibly substandard housing — witness all the garage renovations found in foreclosure housing. They are willing to live with others in a room in houses full of strangers. For these reasons, for many employers, they are more desirable as employees

They're very poor people....but very hard working.   Wonder if they find contentment when they fill up the big dump truck....to be moved on to the next location.

Are they thinking about their families back in Mexico, Guatamala or Colombia...or wherever...and of the money that they'll be sending home.

Rice and beans...one's a starch and the other a legume.   Is their enough nourishment so that they can labor another day.

I wonder what all the fuss is about ... immigration!   They're doing us a favor!    Donald Trump, I wonder if you have any kind of a conscience.


What goes around ... comes around

I snapped this picture while we were Skyping...miraculous isn't it!

 

This is how I spend my Sunday mornings..or I should say, how Jeff and Donna share their Sunday mornings with me.

First we visit! I see these two dear faces, including Bandit, one of their beagles who always wants to hug them when we're visiting.

Then I tell them how I messed up the computer...and they never act impatient or irritated..they just go to my desktop and link on to Teamviewer...and then I sit back and watch them take over.

They said everything is fixable...even my printer...even though they're in Virginia and I'm in Florida.

I glance at the time and realize we've spent 2 hours or more together. We air-throw kisses to each other and say...bye...till next Sunday.

All dressed up with no place to go!

Sometimes fate intercedes and plans falter. This is what happened to my friend and neighbor Ruth Fagan. Ruth was looking forward to her granddaughter's wedding for about a year. She shopped and shopped for a dress because she wanted to look like a modern grandma, which she is.

Well, date of the wedding approaches and Ruth is sick...double whammy...she's really physically ill...but she's also sick about not being able to attend this special ceremony that has deep meaning to her.

So...the best laid plans.....and so the saying goes....

...If anyone is Ruth's size...she'll probably gladly lend it to you..shame to let it go to waste....and she has excellent taste. Too bad I'm not her size...I have two weddings coming up.

Itsy Bitsy Spider....

When I go into my master bathroom, the first thing I do is look into the tub to see if any of my critters have arrived...and sure enough...there are spiders...small ones and big ones.

They don't seem to have a lot of energy...move very slowly...so I guess a sheet of kleenex and make a small pouch into a ball and I toss it into the toilet.   One day I hadn't flushed after I had urinated and I threw the spider in and felt bad all day.

At least I could have given him clean water to expire in...it was not the human thing to do.

I felt unclean.   God did put all these creatures on earth for a purpose...and maybe he cobbles up small bugs.   It is a dog eat dog world.    I really have to admire the ants...they carry 10 times their weight and they're very hard workers.

Take a queen bee...she has all those workers doing her bidding.    I wonder in the bee world if she has a lot of sex appeal...or I should say bee appeal............maybe her honey is sweeter.

I haven't gotten in the lives of love bugs...but they're always together.... I don't know who's on top of whom...I know they don't bother us...their hormones should be raging.

The  only bug that I could never ever dispose of is the lady bug....we treat her with respect!  After all she is a lady....and is wearing a beautiful red dotted coat.

Perhaps I owned one sometime in my life.

Our Independence Day!

...I do believe we need a July 4th every year!    Our economical spirits are at such a low ebb for most of us right now...that when we see the brilliant fireworks...it triggers an emotional outlet for most of us that sends our happiness  spiraling.  Then we listen to all the marching patriotic music and this outlet lets us feel that the grand old U.S. is still Number One...giving a feeling of optimism, along with desperation.

Some of us, however, believe that the money spent on all the fireworks could help the people cope whose unemployment has run out.    This does make sense.

We're not number one anymore.   I watched the spelling bee in Washington D.C. on TV and the stars were Indians and Asians.  The culture didn't stem from us.   We've fallen by the wayside.

Technology parts and components for computers, cars, cameras...and I could go on and on...all come from China.

I want and need to feel proud again!    I want our country recognized for what it should stand for.

Not CEO's taking enormous profits and bonuses and then  quitting the firm.      What happened to the word obligation.    Do they not think about the people at all?????

Will we ever get on track again?     I do see small kindnesses all around me...and this I cherish.

Can we make this a nation of kindnesses once again ???

They Walk Among us !

This morning a friend phoned and asked if I would pick up a prescription for her.     I rushed right out but when I got there, it wasn't ready and I was told to have a seat.

The woman next to me was complaining because she had to get up at 7 this morning because her girl couldn't come to walk her dog.

I said that she's lucky to be able to have a dog.    She said she's very lucky.   She lives at King's Point where they don't permit dogs either except under certain circumstances.

She informed me that you have to know how to use the system!

Then she gave kind of a side-ways smile and said if it was between whether she could have a dog or her husband....she would keep the dog!

I love dogs too...but what a statement!    And that's how I started my day!

Could It Be That I'm a Snob?????

I went into the waiting room of the doctor's office today to pick up a prescription and I thought I was in the wrong building.

There were about 25 white haired ladies sitting around a very long table and they were having such fun...it was set up for bingo and they were all participating and excited.   There were salt free pretzels on the table and diet drinks.

I was so startled that I just stood there.   Finally I walked over to the desk and the girl sitting at a computer asked if I wanted to play.

I told her I'm not a bingo person and I asked if she was.   And she answered of course she is.
   
I feel that I'm not ready to waste an afternoon playing a silly game.....it kind of reminded me of a nursing home....and that's what turned me off!
I know that there are different sets of senior citizens.   The ones who are in their middle 60's...and then the older ones like me..who really can't believe they're old.   But I guess I look old because people offer to help carry my packages.    I know they're being thoughtful...but I can't stand it.

A few weeks ago I was in a waiting room and someone walked in with a cane.. much much younger...and I started to get up to give them my seat...and then I thought....whatever will they think...this old lady getting up for them.

I'm told our age is only a number....but this has been bothering me...so I thought I'd verbalize it and maybe it will all go away.

Help....I don't want to be OLD!

Can't use that excuse...I"M TOO BUSY !!

Now that I have a GPS...I don't have to drive to the library any longer.   I have my digital Reader.

Now that I have tons of note papr (gifts from friends) I don't need to write...I just send e mails.

Now that I can drive to the movies...I have a DVD.

Now that I have some money in the bank...I just use my charge card.    And I don't even need to balance my checkbook.   Everyday my bank sends me (free of charge) my balance and how much deposited and how much spent.   I don't even have to write checks for my telephone, chargecard or electric..it's automatically deducted from my checking account.

Now that I have a juicer...you can buy it just as fresh in the supermarket.  

I haven't had to shake my dust mop out for many years...I have a SWIFTER...and you just discard the soiled sheets....and  you have instant dustfree floors.

My biggest chore it seems to to load and unload my dishwasher.  I don't have to wash them any longer..and they come cleaner. 

I don't need to look any information up any longer...in two seconds I enter it into my search engine...and I have all the facts...(oh I'm so smart)..

Now that I have time to watch my favorite television shows...I have TIVO!

 I haven't had to wind a watch for many years...it's all digital.  And when did it become fashionable when I ask someone what time it is...they'll answer 12:43.    Whatever happened to quarter to 1 ?

  If I can't fall asleep...Paul and Barbara gave me a sound machine to simulate sounds of water to make me drowsy and put me in a state

Now that.....THAT'S THE BIG QUESTION!     The answer is....I need a DOG and a pooper scooper.

That will give me plenty of work...but alas...we're not permitted to own one here.

But maybe...just maybe..........

I'm Not Trying To Hang Myself!

My grownup kids, God Bless Them are trying to keep me alert and healthy.

And I do truly appreciate their efforts. I'm supposedly invincible like an everready battery that  keeps going on and ON.

I'm ashamed to admit to them that without them I couldn't do any thing.

For instance..Jeff and Donna installed this pulley on my door to strengthen MY SHOULDERS, ARMS AND hands and i'm to do THIS 4 TIMES A DAY 30 TIMES AT A SHOT. One arm goes down while the other arm pulls way up. Hopefully it will help my arthritis.

The Burger's got me a Digital Reader and I'm trying to load free books from our library...and so far I'm very frustrated because when I go to download a book...nothing happens. I don't like giving in...I want them to think I can do it all by myself.

I don't believe Jeff and Donna can HELP me since they don't own a reader.

This blog was written late Saturday nite.   Every Sunday morning, Jeff, Donna and I use the webcam.

This morning I explained my lack of being able to download free books from the Palm Beach Library.

They understood.  Not only did they virtually go into my Palm Beach Library, but they were able to install the library books I had ordered  into my Sony Reader.

These are    14 day books...so in that length of time, these books will just disppear from my Reader.

MAGIC !!!!!!

I love my family so much...because they really seem to care about this little old lady.

I thank God for them and I'm really trying hard to keep up with this digital world.

I guess first I'll have to learn to read instructions. I'm not complaining...honestly. I'm grateful!... and now it's 

really time for me to get back to my bedroom door and tug at those ropes...up down...down...up...and away we go!

Company's comin!

It's time again for me to re-activate my house....cause company's comin!    Yep...it's Jeff and Donna and I want everything to be just perfect...but you know what they say about mice and men.

Anyway...time for me to empty out the two top drawers of my chest of drawers.   Donna likes to unpack although they're only staying 3 days....then vacationing on the Caribbean.

My cooking is almost non existent.   I use my George Foreman almost everyday...and I'm happy with the results.

Hard to believe that I cooked for a family and tried to make my meals interesting.   That's why every couple of weeks I invite Harriet over...just to make sure I know how to present an interesting meal...and she most of the time appreciates my results.   Not every time though...sometimes I try to get too creative and I flop. 

Think for their first night I'll bake chicken breasts and make a casserole...everything in one dish.

They're easy people to please...at least they tell me it's good...but who knows what goes on behind closed doors.    I'm only teasing...my grown up kids are very kind and are really helpful.   ] have absolutely no complaints.

Nobody throws a fit....the tone here is harmony.

So...now I have to pray for good weather...but if it's not great, they'll just have to enjoy my company.

Please let the sun come out ... and let strength spring from the rays....after all, this is Florida...our Paradise on Earth! 

Senior learning!

Last week my friend Harriet and I decided we'd  like to join a group of seniors on a trip to St. Petersburg, Fl.  on a venture called Grandedventures.

It's a little pricey but we enjoyed our vacation at a new Hilton Hotel which was beautiful and our home away from home for a week.

We both felt we needed a little time away from our reservation  here at High Point to see new faces and study new people and courses.   There was a so-called religious man who came with a pretty woman whom I assumed was his wife.   He wore 4 different colored skull caps every day and he was constantly quoting from the Bible.   During one of my gossip sessions, I found out they were shacking up together.   I still get shocked!    What's wrong with me!   He  changed yarmulkes (skull caps) like a woman switching earrings.

The classes we attended were very interesting...and some of the speakers were familiar to us...the Russian Orthodox priest talking about his wife and their belief in the Trinity.   We also were happy to reunite with our music lady talking about Cole Porter...and the next day showing us clips of Gene Kelly and that he came from Pittsburgh where I come from and that he had a dance studio where he gave lessons early on.

We spent New Year's eve listening to the Vienna Symphony Orchestra.   I have never seen such a huge stage..and we didn't just listen to the music of the masters...but we watched magical ballet and heard lots of opera.   I was entranced.   Perfect.   My only complaint...everything was in German...and I still haven't forgiven them for the Halacaust.

The food at the hotel was all right.   We all got served the same menu and there weren't too many complaints .   Anything served to me is good.   Let's face it...I'm getting very lazy.  All the deserts were sugar free which wasn't such a great idea because to some people the artificial stuff is poison in their bodies.

Our week was good...went very fast.   We were very cold so we wern't able to take the boat ride offered...but we did get to see the Barnum-Ringling Bros. Circus Museum.

One man spent 50 years  building a matchbox scale of the circus....and that really interested me...such detail....  He included all the trains, animals, performers, tents, and even how they prepared their food....and the dishes they used... a view into their lives and how  hard these people worked to install the tents and then a day later...take it all down again....and do it in another city.

In those days, many of the artists were considered freaks of nature...the bearded lady...twins joined together,,, Siamese and which they're able to separate today.....dwarfs and very tall people over 7 feet.

All that is changed today.   I do remember the day the circus would come to our town and we were all excused from school to watch the circus parade with their big elephants and Arabian Horses.   What a treat that was.

I recall that one year they were selling periscopes for 25 cents.   That was a lot of money when you're 8 years old...but the vendor promised that I would be able to look behind me to see the homework of a classmate.   I fell for it..and was I ever disappointed.  But that was decades ago.

/Returning home from our trip we experienced a massive blowout on our bus tire.    Not every garage can accommodate a bus....so we waited almost 3 hours.   The bus company sent another bus from Miami...but in the meantime a garage came....so we were rescued.

While all this excitement was happening,  Seth who owns Grandedventures brought all of us wine, crackers, cheese and little veggies.   There was such a feeling of camarderie on that bus that we hadn't experienced all week....so everything serves a reason.  When Seth, his wife and son boarded our bus while we were delayed he was received with such applause...he'd come to save us!

I'm glad I went...I'm glad I'm home!

China

I finally found something that I'd like to pass on to my readers.   Although, we don't even have to look anymore...just about everything is made in China...which is not a compliment to our country.  They're so up on everything and I don't know how that came to pass.   They used to be fenced in by their great wall...but guess what...they're very smart people and enterprising...and they've really come out of their closet so to speak.   They're now even encouraging their citizens to have more than one child.  I found this to be very interesting...and we should know it.

Know Your Barcodes:  




Even though the FDA is finally addressing the possible introduction of Melamine laced dairy into the US market from China, there is still no legislation forcing manufacturers to clearly disclose where products are made. Thankfully, consumers are no longer “buying blind.” There is one way to determine the originating country of a particular item – the barcode.



The next time you are are wondering where a product is made, check out the first three numbers of the barcode. If the digits are 690-695, then it is made in China. 
 
Now we know and it's affecting our health....so .. forewarned !!!

How much is a trillion dollars???

A million seconds is only 11.57 days

A billion seconds is 31.7 years

Obviously in today's world we need to add a trillion seconds, which is 317 centuries, or far longer than history.

We don't hear about thousands anymore...nope.

Nor do we hear much about millions....

What we are hearing daily is the word trillions. Scary....especially since we have such a big unemployment rate.

Tell these poor people about all the stimulus packages....and you don't see encouragement or happiness. No...we're seeing despair.

People want to work....working is good for the soul and spirit...so please, government, create more jobs in this country.

I don't know why I feel I have to write this.....I guess it makes me feel better!

We were an independent mom and pop toy store and I was thinking the other day as I was strolling through a super Walmart store, that thank God we're not in business any longer....we would have been among the unemployed.

Does President Obama have any idea at all what a trillion dollars is that he's handing out so freely. I would love to know...or Ben Bernake? Who knows!!!

A Broken Heart!

Monday afternoons will always find me at Hagen Ranch School. I work in an after-school program volunteering to help students with homework studies and reading books.

This year I've been working with 2 little girls, Ashley and Giselle, both eager, darling, enthusiastic children.

I can't get either of them out of my mind this week. Gizelle took a 6 by 8 card and pulled a pink marking pen out of her backpack.

I looked to see what she was doing. It was a love letter to both her parents letting them know how much she loves them.

On the bottom of the card she drew two hearts, one for mom and one for dad.

I told her what a nice idea that was. Then this sweet child informed me that her parents had broken up.

I looked at her and I could feel her heartache. This was her way of letting go of some of the emotion that she was feeling. How smart--she put it down on paper...took it home and gave it to her mother. That was also her way of letting me know what happened in her home. She just didn't blurt it out...that was her way of explaining it to me. Poor little girl!

Ashley on the other hand was staring at my face and then she asked how old am I. I laughingly informed her 1000 years old..

She stared and said she didn't believe me. Then she asked again and I told her 47. She, only 6 years old, told me that couldn't be true...her mother is 45 and has no wrinkles.

Then I told her I was much older and she asked why I had wrinkles and she started tracing her little hand up and down my check.

I said don't do that...it makes me feel self-conscious...and she asked what that meant. It means that I don't like the wrinkles but that happens when you get old.

Then....she gave me a big hug...and said she loves my wrinkles.

Before I left I was given a handbook to bring home. The girls asked me if a handbook was a book for hands.

I explained that it's just called a handbook because it's small and fits easily into hands.

They then asked if they could draw their hands in it so that I would keep it forever....and I really will.

I can't get these kids out of my thoughts.....so young and precious!

Time now to celebrate Jeff's birthday. We've gone thru a lot of them and everyone seems so important.

When Jeff and Donna first started going together, they both volunteered for many years at the Fairfax Hospital.

Later they became involved in Toastmasters for many years.

Now their chief interest appears in taking care of their pets 3 cats and 2 dogs.

It's a very lively house...and I'm sure they're thrilled with all the activity.

Keep up the good works, my grown up children.