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.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The Event!
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.
Friday, December 3, 2010
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!
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!
Friday, October 1, 2010
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.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
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 !
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 !
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
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
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
Monday, July 26, 2010
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.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
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.
Friday, July 9, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
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 ???
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 ???
Monday, June 7, 2010
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!
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!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
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..........
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..........
Saturday, March 20, 2010
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!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
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!
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!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
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 !!!
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 !!!