Monday, July 31, 2017
Monday, April 17, 2017
Friday, April 14, 2017
Monday, September 16, 2013
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
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 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.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
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..........
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Thursday, July 12, 2012
I peed in the Ritz Carlton!
I've never had high tea there or anything else for that matter. But my friends wanted me to take a peak at the grand lobby and I didn't know that was one of our destinations, so I really wasn't dressed appropriately. If one could feel like a pauper, it was me.
I would have dressed for the occasion! Then the good friends of mine insisted I should examine the 'ladies room'. It was beautiful. No paper towels there...beautiful washclothes so that friends helped themselves to.
I didn't and I didn't partake of the mints they had in a beautiful container.
However, I entered their stall..and I was really impressed....it was just lovely. Made me feel that this natural function of all living things, was a special 'happening'. I think that was the first toilet that flushed itself and scared the heck out of me.
Then I went to rinse off my hands....and I never turned on the faucets...the water splashed on to my hands. Then the lotion...don't know what it was but it smelled delicious.
There was a woman sitting on a stool watching everything and I dropped a dollar into her container.
It sure was worth it. It was an experience...an adventure.
Now I can actually say...I've been to the Ritz and the service was great. I was explaining this to my friend Virginia...and she insisted I write this blog...so if it doesn't meet with your propriety...you must blame her!
I would have dressed for the occasion! Then the good friends of mine insisted I should examine the 'ladies room'. It was beautiful. No paper towels there...beautiful washclothes so that friends helped themselves to.
I didn't and I didn't partake of the mints they had in a beautiful container.
However, I entered their stall..and I was really impressed....it was just lovely. Made me feel that this natural function of all living things, was a special 'happening'. I think that was the first toilet that flushed itself and scared the heck out of me.
Then I went to rinse off my hands....and I never turned on the faucets...the water splashed on to my hands. Then the lotion...don't know what it was but it smelled delicious.
There was a woman sitting on a stool watching everything and I dropped a dollar into her container.
It sure was worth it. It was an experience...an adventure.
Now I can actually say...I've been to the Ritz and the service was great. I was explaining this to my friend Virginia...and she insisted I write this blog...so if it doesn't meet with your propriety...you must blame her!
Saturday, April 8, 2017
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, April 7, 2017
Just thinking...and it makes me happy.
Every morning I think of my darling babies. I think about Davis with his blond curls and his ineresting face absorbing everything that is said to him. And he listens if you call him he comes over to you. I've seen other children ignore they're so focused.
When I watch the big smile that comes on Davis' face when he dances and he does have a natural sense of rhythm....my heart just turns over. I'm so in love. His entire little body moves and it's so touching to watch this little human being.
I can't seem to realize how lucky I am to have him in my life....my later years I get to enjoy my little folks and watch their expressions.
Now to Shane and Hallie........I see the love between those two. I see no jealousy....just pure unadulrated love.
I watched the other day when Shane got into his little car...closed the door and Hallie got behind and she was pushing him. I'm sure he was helping her along but it was such a tender moment that I will
in my memory.
I love these children so much I explode with joy. I love their parents too. What more can a woman in her 90's want except to think of her little ones
I do believe that they'll grow into great people.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Wednesday,Jul y 28, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
We need te 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
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
We need the immigrants!! And they need us all the debris into a large cylinder container...to be emptied into their trucks
Friday, February 10, 2017
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Another year has passed!
And the Yartseit Candle is lit once again dear Allen!
In Loving Memory!
Allen dear, I recall with the tenderest of thoughts our good life together....and the way it was!
As the Yartseit Candle burns down,,, The flame triggers millions of loving memories!
The candle in the kitchen flickers and dims!
Yes, I lost my partner...my mate....my best friend.
Feb. 28, l990.
I wish he could come back back for just a little while so we could tell him how much we miss him....and love him...but maybe he knows that.
For ten years , a decade, I have lived alone........but my husband is never far from my memories and thoughts....because we shared a life together...children together....although we lost our baby girl to Tay -Sachs disease.
We had 4l years together...most of them happy....some sadness....but that's what living is all about. He was a good kind person who cherished his family..
I look at his picture...and he's smiling at me.
I have the advantage of choosing any image.... making him any age on my dresser....so he's always smiling at me ... 29 years old....and we were newly married.....and our married life was just beginning.
This generation may look at him as controlling. Not me....he just cared so very much about everything I did and thought....and he took such a big interest in my life....and this I adored.....
He even liked to go food and clothes shopping with me....helping me 'pick out'.....and it was fun!
He helped me make decisions!
George Gershwin wrote a song about this..."Someone to Watch Over Me".....and how fortunate I was to find someone to do just that....to make me feel so special..
The Jewish religion has us remember our loved ones on the anniversary of their passing....so I follow tradition...because it's ritual........but I really believe in my heart that it should be lit on our loved ones 'birth date'....to life!.
So....on this solemn occasion.....Jeff and I recall with loving memories this very important person in our lives....who lived according to the Rules.
May Your Soul Rest In Peace Dear Allen....Amen!
And these touching words came from Jeff.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Mom
I REALLY liked your last webpage. I can't speak very eloquently about it, but it moved me deeply. Was it a "cathartic" experience for you at all?
And these wonderful words from Paul and Barbara,
Hi Aunt Hilda,
Its so hard to believe its been 10 years but when someone is always in your heart you don't think about time.You wrote a beautiful tribute to Uncle Allen and the life you shared together. He played such an important role in your life and Jeff's as well as ours. I wish Donna could have gotten to know him. It would have been so special. I loved how he took an interest in you and everyone and how he loved to make sure everyone was happy (like you). I still hear him each evening saying. H can I get you something? Waiting on you or anyone gave him such pleasure.....how happy he was to be in Florida....he was so kind.....thats why you stayed together....your kindness...your gentle way....how you loved children.....and all your love just lives on in Jeff and whether its a Yartseit candle we light once a year...its the fact that its not just once a year we think of him, but always...he is always in our heart.
Thank you for sharing your tribute.
love
bb and bo bo
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
And this from my sweet friend Elaine who very recently lost her beloeved hsband.
Dear Hilda, Thank you, thank you for sharing the most beautiful letters I have ever read. You certainly write with so much feeling, I felt as if I could have written your letter to my beloved Bill. I know you are truly a sentimental & compassionate person, and I admire you for being the "lady" you are. I feel fortunate to have met your wonderful Alan, & I know how much he must have loved & admired you too. Hilda dear, may you always remember the good times, good memories and happiness that you & Alan shared. I'm sure he was a Prince among men. Much love, Elaine
Thank you again for another wonderful piece of prose. What lovely beautiful memories you were left with to sustain you.
I hope you have not denied yourself the pleasures that you should enjoy, because your Allan would not approve of that. If you really thought about that, put him in
your place and would you want him to miss out on what is there for him to enjoy.
You have a lot of years ahead of you. Make a few adjustments and try to bring a new beginning into your life as a continuation of the good and happy life you had before.
Thank you for my new lesson. We are leaving right now to go the Morse Geriatric Home as a Volenteers. Will work on it later.
Dear Hilda, I want you to know that I expressed myself the way I did because I consider myself a good friend of yours.
nd from my dear friend Ethel....
That is just beautiful!!!
I'm sorry that Mert and Alan didn't know each other --- I think they
would have liked each other very much ---
I don't get lumps in my throat very often - but you did it, m'dear.
Thank you for sharing.
Glad to know ya... Love you...
ethel
And from my wonderful friends Ruth and Sy..who mean so very much to me!
rfs913@webtv.net (RuthandSyFagan) Date: Sun, Feb 20, 2000, 11:06pm To: hildag1@webtv.net (Hilda Gordon) Subject: Re: And the Yartseit Candle is lit once again!
I'm overwhelmed. What a beautiful tribute. No wonder the comediens didn't make you laugh.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2008
This was written awhile ago....but it's the anniversary!!
And the Yartseit Candle is lit once again dear Allen!
In Loving Memory!
Allen dear, I recall with the tenderest of thoughts our good life together....and the way it was!
As the Yartseit Candle burns down,,, The flame triggers millions of loving memories!
The candle in the kitchen flickers and dims!
Yes, I lost my partner...my mate....my best friend.
Feb. 28, l990.
I wish he could come back back for just a little while so we could tell him how much we miss him....and love him...but maybe he knows that.
For ten years , a decade, I have lived alone........but my husband is never far from my memories and thoughts....because we shared a life together...children together....although we lost our baby girl to Tay -Sachs disease.
We had 4l years together...most of them happy....some sadness....but that's what living is all about. He was a good kind person who cherished his family..
I look at his picture...and he's smiling at me.
I have the advantage of choosing any image.... making him any age on my dresser....so he's always smiling at me ... 29 years old....and we were newly married.....and our married life was just beginning.
This generation may look at him as controlling. Not me....he just cared so very much about everything I did and thought....and he took such a big interest in my life....and this I adored.....
He even liked to go food and clothes shopping with me....helping me 'pick out'.....and it was fun!
He helped me make decisions!
George Gershwin wrote a song about this..."Someone to Watch Over Me".....and how fortunate I was to find someone to do just that....to make me feel so special..
The Jewish religion has us remember our loved ones on the anniversary of their passing....so I follow tradition...because it's ritual........but I really believe in my heart that it should be lit on our loved ones 'birth date'....to life!.
So....on this solemn occasion.....Jeff and I recall with loving memories this very important person in our lives....who lived according to the Rules.
May Your Soul Rest In Peace Dear Allen....Amen!
And these touching words came from Jeff.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Mom
I REALLY liked your last webpage. I can't speak very eloquently about it, but it moved me deeply. Was it a "cathartic" experience for you at all?
And these wonderful words from Paul and Barbara,
Hi Aunt Hilda,
Its so hard to believe its been 10 years but when someone is always in your heart you don't think about time.You wrote a beautiful tribute to Uncle Allen and the life you shared together. He played such an important role in your life and Jeff's as well as ours. I wish Donna could have gotten to know him. It would have been so special. I loved how he took an interest in you and everyone and how he loved to make sure everyone was happy (like you). I still hear him each evening saying. H can I get you something? Waiting on you or anyone gave him such pleasure.....how happy he was to be in Florida....he was so kind.....thats why you stayed together....your kindness...your gentle way....how you loved children.....and all your love just lives on in Jeff and whether its a Yartseit candle we light once a year...its the fact that its not just once a year we think of him, but always...he is always in our heart.
Thank you for sharing your tribute.
love
bb and bo bo
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
And this from my sweet friend Elaine who very recently lost her beloeved hsband.
Dear Hilda, Thank you, thank you for sharing the most beautiful letters I have ever read. You certainly write with so much feeling, I felt as if I could have written your letter to my beloved Bill. I know you are truly a sentimental & compassionate person, and I admire you for being the "lady" you are. I feel fortunate to have met your wonderful Alan, & I know how much he must have loved & admired you too. Hilda dear, may you always remember the good times, good memories and happiness that you & Alan shared. I'm sure he was a Prince among men. Much love, Elaine
Thank you again for another wonderful piece of prose. What lovely beautiful memories you were left with to sustain you.
I hope you have not denied yourself the pleasures that you should enjoy, because your Allan would not approve of that. If you really thought about that, put him in
your place and would you want him to miss out on what is there for him to enjoy.
You have a lot of years ahead of you. Make a few adjustments and try to bring a new beginning into your life as a continuation of the good and happy life you had before.
Thank you for my new lesson. We are leaving right now to go the Morse Geriatric Home as a Volenteers. Will work on it later.
Dear Hilda, I want you to know that I expressed myself the way I did because I consider myself a good friend of yours.
nd from my dear friend Ethel....
That is just beautiful!!!
I'm sorry that Mert and Alan didn't know each other --- I think they
would have liked each other very much ---
I don't get lumps in my throat very often - but you did it, m'dear.
Thank you for sharing.
Glad to know ya... Love you...
ethel
And from my wonderful friends Ruth and Sy..who mean so very much to me!
rfs913@webtv.net (RuthandSyFagan) Date: Sun, Feb 20, 2000, 11:06pm To: hildag1@webtv.net (Hilda Gordon) Subject: Re: And the Yartseit Candle is lit once again!
I'm overwhelmed. What a beautiful tribute. No wonder the comediens didn't make you laugh.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
April 19--another beautiful Thursday
I sit here at the computer my kids got me and I have lots to say but I'm extremely heartsick about what happened at Va. Tech...the college that Jeff attended...then Eric and then Ryan...the Hokeys.
There's soo much blame to go around...so many signs were missed or sluffed off...and it could have been avoided but no one really wants to interfere or listen.
Before this, nobody even heard of a little town called Blacksburg, Va. Now the entire world is aware of it. Will we be more aware of troubled souls who can do such evil.
I remember when we all made this trip with a 'dolly' to carry in Jeff's things...a little refrigerator...black and white tv....no computer since there weren't any. Jeff was taking computer science...a new subject..and he had a new Texas Instrument Calculator to replace his sliderule. Should we have kept them...would that be a 'collectible today!!!! We also schlepped lots of towels, blankets and sheets.
We weren't alone...every other parent was doing the same thing.
I remember on the return trip home, I knew that our lives would never be quite the same again.
And that's when Jeff took his first airplane trip home. We couldn't wait!!!
There's soo much blame to go around...so many signs were missed or sluffed off...and it could have been avoided but no one really wants to interfere or listen.
Before this, nobody even heard of a little town called Blacksburg, Va. Now the entire world is aware of it. Will we be more aware of troubled souls who can do such evil.
I remember when we all made this trip with a 'dolly' to carry in Jeff's things...a little refrigerator...black and white tv....no computer since there weren't any. Jeff was taking computer science...a new subject..and he had a new Texas Instrument Calculator to replace his sliderule. Should we have kept them...would that be a 'collectible today!!!! We also schlepped lots of towels, blankets and sheets.
We weren't alone...every other parent was doing the same thing.
I remember on the return trip home, I knew that our lives would never be quite the same again.
And that's when Jeff took his first airplane trip home. We couldn't wait!!!
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Friday, August 15, 2008
Are we becoming one people under God!
If Obama becomes our president, what does this mean to the Black folks!
That now, finally, we are all even. I don't think so! Blacks still have more menial jobs, spend more time in prisons, and have a poorer education that whites. Now, why did I capitalize blacks and not whites. Do I think of us as having no color while they do.
And their is a caste system in black black and light black like Obama. If he were darker, would he still be so desirable to us!
Maybe statisticians along the road will be able to understand these differences. And what what Hispanics...one out of every 3 people in about 15 years will be a Latino.
So..is this the new 'melting pot'. At the turn of the last century, it was the people coming into Elis Island that gave us this name.
They were given the charming term 'green horns'.
And I musn't forget the Indians...very smart people and they make excellent doctors.
When I hear a symphony orchestra, it seems the orientals take center stage with string instruments...violins, harps, and piano.
So maybe we are meant to blend into one color Under God! The sun is making me so dark, I'm almost not a cacasian.
Spelling bees seem to be won by the Viatnamese ... and so many of the products that we use are made by Chinese.
But they really all want to come to America...so we really must have something going here.
Me....I'm so proud and privileged to live here. If I had been born in Europe, I probably wouldn't have existed 60 years ago.
But I'm here...I'm happy and I'm going to the pool!
That now, finally, we are all even. I don't think so! Blacks still have more menial jobs, spend more time in prisons, and have a poorer education that whites. Now, why did I capitalize blacks and not whites. Do I think of us as having no color while they do.
And their is a caste system in black black and light black like Obama. If he were darker, would he still be so desirable to us!
Maybe statisticians along the road will be able to understand these differences. And what what Hispanics...one out of every 3 people in about 15 years will be a Latino.
So..is this the new 'melting pot'. At the turn of the last century, it was the people coming into Elis Island that gave us this name.
They were given the charming term 'green horns'.
And I musn't forget the Indians...very smart people and they make excellent doctors.
When I hear a symphony orchestra, it seems the orientals take center stage with string instruments...violins, harps, and piano.
So maybe we are meant to blend into one color Under God! The sun is making me so dark, I'm almost not a cacasian.
Spelling bees seem to be won by the Viatnamese ... and so many of the products that we use are made by Chinese.
But they really all want to come to America...so we really must have something going here.
Me....I'm so proud and privileged to live here. If I had been born in Europe, I probably wouldn't have existed 60 years ago.
But I'm here...I'm happy and I'm going to the pool!
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Learning to Blog
.Hello everyone, I kinda feel like I'm in kindergarten 101. My kids are guiding my every word so I'm apprehensive about what I have to say next.
I just know that this is one of the greatest experiences of my life and I do feel as though I truly am living in the 21st century. I find it so impossible to believe that this is a living encyclopedia...anything I want to know or I find of interestcan be found on the internet
Now from someone who remembers when her father built a crystal radio set in 1928 with headphones, and listened to the first radio station ever, Pittsburgh's KDKA, this is quite a miraculous accomplishment.
When I was very young I only read the 'funnies' in our daily paper, either the Pittsburgh Press or the Post Gazette. Later New Kensington was able to put out the Valley Daily News. Now Jeff and Donna have arranged it that when I turn on the computer and go to my homepage, Florida's Sun Sentinel is staring me in the face...all I have to do is decide do I want the Front Page, editorials. letters to the editor...or what!!
Or what....the whole world is open to me and all I have to do us pay attention to what's going on around me...and if I do, then maybe when I'm out in company, I can speak intelligently and people will think I'm bright.
I'm not that at all...but this thing does keep one alert. I'd rather be on this than playing cards with impatient ladies, who can't wait until I lay my next tile.
So, for the moment, this Sunday, I have tons of things to think about so that my grown-up smart kids won't find me boring.
One moment please...I found this enchanting little note from Donna, my teacher and mentor.
1 comments:
Donna of Manassas said...
Wow!!! I wish I could write like you. It's funny how I find the computer stuff so easy but writing is so difficult for me. I suspect the opposite is true for you. We each have our talents don't we?Donna
April 15, 2007 8:54 PM
I just know that this is one of the greatest experiences of my life and I do feel as though I truly am living in the 21st century. I find it so impossible to believe that this is a living encyclopedia...anything I want to know or I find of interestcan be found on the internet
Now from someone who remembers when her father built a crystal radio set in 1928 with headphones, and listened to the first radio station ever, Pittsburgh's KDKA, this is quite a miraculous accomplishment.
When I was very young I only read the 'funnies' in our daily paper, either the Pittsburgh Press or the Post Gazette. Later New Kensington was able to put out the Valley Daily News. Now Jeff and Donna have arranged it that when I turn on the computer and go to my homepage, Florida's Sun Sentinel is staring me in the face...all I have to do is decide do I want the Front Page, editorials. letters to the editor...or what!!
Or what....the whole world is open to me and all I have to do us pay attention to what's going on around me...and if I do, then maybe when I'm out in company, I can speak intelligently and people will think I'm bright.
I'm not that at all...but this thing does keep one alert. I'd rather be on this than playing cards with impatient ladies, who can't wait until I lay my next tile.
So, for the moment, this Sunday, I have tons of things to think about so that my grown-up smart kids won't find me boring.
One moment please...I found this enchanting little note from Donna, my teacher and mentor.
1 comments:
Donna of Manassas said...
Wow!!! I wish I could write like you. It's funny how I find the computer stuff so easy but writing is so difficult for me. I suspect the opposite is true for you. We each have our talents don't we?Donna
April 15, 2007 8:54 PM
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Sunday, January 5, 2014
My little house
Sunday, October 14, 2012
When my husband Allen and I looked at this B unit in a villa, we kind of fell in love with it. There was a loft....for escape time.
Two bathrooms which seemed an enormous luxury...one bath and two showers. The drawers all pulled out on rollers....a dishwasher and a garbage disposal.
And in the bathroom a special fan to eliminate any unpleasant aromas.
Now we had a nice hallway that led us to our master bedroom...but along those walls, Allen nailed pictures of our family and our lives. When we were young...and as we grew older.
When we bought new furniture, we felt like we were on our second honeymoon, even to buying a wastebasket. Everything was a thrill.
Allen hired a shelf maker for our bedroom closet to put up more rods. Now I have to call someback to lower those rods...cause I simply can't reach them.
I loved our backyard look, a stable with horses...and I can hear them whinny and naaay...and it makes me feel good...like I'm not in a large city but near the farms.
Back to my hallway, there are pictures of my Mother and my Father not together, my Father was already married to Aunt Helen, my mom's sister My Mother died at 41 and my father waited 10 years to remarry, till both my sister and I got married. They had a good long marriage.The people who I see when I stroll up and down my hallways are My cousin Henrietta and her husband Eddy.,my endearing Sister Elayne....and my dear Aunt Rose and my sister in law, and my mother and father in law. Paul and Barbara's wedding pictures...also Jeff and Donna. Lots of Allen at all ages. And, of course, pictures of my grandnephews Eric and Ryan when they were little. Now they're both married and I must hang up pictures of their brides.
My family....
I've made some good friends here..and my biggiest pleasure is our swimming pool, which is also my social life. We all have one thing in common...we're all transports from another place and another time....so we've kind of become each other's extended family.
Everyone there is happy and splashing and splishing and making their arthritis feel better.
Lots of noodles are used too....very colorful. This is our country club.
If anyone wants to visit me, I have a loft, if you can climb the stairs. There's a queen bed, a dresser and a chair...and a radio.
To me...this is paradise and I'm very grateful that Allen brought me here.
Two bathrooms which seemed an enormous luxury...one bath and two showers. The drawers all pulled out on rollers....a dishwasher and a garbage disposal.
And in the bathroom a special fan to eliminate any unpleasant aromas.
Now we had a nice hallway that led us to our master bedroom...but along those walls, Allen nailed pictures of our family and our lives. When we were young...and as we grew older.
When we bought new furniture, we felt like we were on our second honeymoon, even to buying a wastebasket. Everything was a thrill.
Allen hired a shelf maker for our bedroom closet to put up more rods. Now I have to call someback to lower those rods...cause I simply can't reach them.
I loved our backyard look, a stable with horses...and I can hear them whinny and naaay...and it makes me feel good...like I'm not in a large city but near the farms.
Back to my hallway, there are pictures of my Mother and my Father not together, my Father was already married to Aunt Helen, my mom's sister My Mother died at 41 and my father waited 10 years to remarry, till both my sister and I got married. They had a good long marriage.The people who I see when I stroll up and down my hallways are My cousin Henrietta and her husband Eddy.,my endearing Sister Elayne....and my dear Aunt Rose and my sister in law, and my mother and father in law. Paul and Barbara's wedding pictures...also Jeff and Donna. Lots of Allen at all ages. And, of course, pictures of my grandnephews Eric and Ryan when they were little. Now they're both married and I must hang up pictures of their brides.
My family....
I've made some good friends here..and my biggiest pleasure is our swimming pool, which is also my social life. We all have one thing in common...we're all transports from another place and another time....so we've kind of become each other's extended family.
Everyone there is happy and splashing and splishing and making their arthritis feel better.
Lots of noodles are used too....very colorful. This is our country club.
If anyone wants to visit me, I have a loft, if you can climb the stairs. There's a queen bed, a dresser and a chair...and a radio.
To me...this is paradise and I'm very grateful that Allen brought me here.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Frustrated...or is it me???
About ten years ago, hotels and motels came out with a new form of key. Plastic like a charge card and you insert it in the room you're renting.Well..sounds good...but does it work...at least some of the time. I swipe it in the hotel slot in the door...and nothing happens...except for a red light. Now I know that red lights mean trouble...so I instantly remove.
Now I try again turning the card in a different direction...same story. I insert the card again and get a green light, but if you don't remove the card fast enough, it shuts off. And this ritual goes on and on!
Five minutes have passed by now and I feel stupid, plus .. I have to use the bathroom.
Finally another guest comes along and smiles at me. I return the smile but I guess she can see utter disappointment in my face because she asks, can she help me.
I admit that I'm stuck outside my door. I can't get in. She takes my card...does exactly what I did...and the door flies open.
She feels very accomplished and I feel like a real dud. She probably told someone she helped an elderly lady get into her room and why is she traveling at all if she can't even us a cardkey.
Does this happen to other people too....or is it just me????
Please .. please.. give me my old key back...even a skeleton one will do.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
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
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
Saturday, January 7, 2017
hildag3@gmail.com... I like your visits...come again soon!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Such rage!
It was the day before Yom Kippur...the Holiest Day of the Jewish Year.
I was shopping at Famous Market in King's Point for some break-the-fast foods and when I was leaving the store, I saw a very angry shrieking heavy woman pounding on a car with a man sitting in the driver seat. I couldn't hear all her conversation but she was screaming at him that he pulled into her parking spot while she was waiting to drive in.
He was red-faced and screaming at her ...I hope you get the worst venerial disease ever and suffer...and I hope you get it in your mouth.
I stood there shocked. I wanted to say...and this is how you want to be inscribed in the Jewish New Year!
I didn't say a word though...I was afraid of these crazy people..that they would pounce on me..the innocent by-stander.
I can't get it out of my mind. These two souls found each other..filthy mouths...and I was a witness.
I'm still outraged! Why can't people be kind to one another. Why?
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
We are so fortunate. When I go to the library, it's like a magnificent buffet...so many books just to entertain me and also to make me a little smarter.
I just got to thinking about books because when I was very young, my first enrollment was in our free public library. Also my son's first connection with the outer world was his library card.
When I pick up a book, I hold it reverenly in my hands. I look to see how heavy it is...how many pages...and then I wonder about the author. Did the author think long and hard about the storyline...or just sit down and begin writing. Did he spend much time searching for the perfect verb or adjective to give the sentence the punch desired. Was it put there for shock value.
So much to wonder about and what a thrill it is to open the flap and read a little bit about the story. If it's a thriller, I immediately return it to its shelf.
After I've finished reading and digesting a good book, I love to discuss it with someone...I like to lie in bed or in the bathtub and think about it some more...such enjoyment.
The earliest dated printed book known is the "Diamond Sutra", printed in China in 868 CE. However, it is suspected that book printing may have occurred long before this date.
In 1041, movable clay type was first invented in China. Johannes Gutenberg, a goldsmith and businessman from the mining town of Mainz in southern Germany, borrowed money to invent a technology that changed the world of printing. Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press with replaceable/moveable wooden or metal letters in 1436 (completed by 1440). This method of printing can be credited not only for a revolution in the production of books, but also for fostering rapid development in the sciences, arts and religion through the transmission of texts.
So..thank God for the printing press. The Egyptians used hierglyphics which is still preserved in the pyramids today.
I believe this is the greatest time in history for upcoming authors.
First of all...they can do all their research on the internet which really lightens their load. Now, all they have to do is weave a delightful storyline around it...and there you have a novel.
I make is sound so simplistic. Who am I kidding!! And I'm also grateful for paperbacks...so much easier to hold.
I just got to thinking about books because when I was very young, my first enrollment was in our free public library. Also my son's first connection with the outer world was his library card.
When I pick up a book, I hold it reverenly in my hands. I look to see how heavy it is...how many pages...and then I wonder about the author. Did the author think long and hard about the storyline...or just sit down and begin writing. Did he spend much time searching for the perfect verb or adjective to give the sentence the punch desired. Was it put there for shock value.
So much to wonder about and what a thrill it is to open the flap and read a little bit about the story. If it's a thriller, I immediately return it to its shelf.
After I've finished reading and digesting a good book, I love to discuss it with someone...I like to lie in bed or in the bathtub and think about it some more...such enjoyment.
The earliest dated printed book known is the "Diamond Sutra", printed in China in 868 CE. However, it is suspected that book printing may have occurred long before this date.
In 1041, movable clay type was first invented in China. Johannes Gutenberg, a goldsmith and businessman from the mining town of Mainz in southern Germany, borrowed money to invent a technology that changed the world of printing. Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press with replaceable/moveable wooden or metal letters in 1436 (completed by 1440). This method of printing can be credited not only for a revolution in the production of books, but also for fostering rapid development in the sciences, arts and religion through the transmission of texts.
So..thank God for the printing press. The Egyptians used hierglyphics which is still preserved in the pyramids today.
I believe this is the greatest time in history for upcoming authors.
First of all...they can do all their research on the internet which really lightens their load. Now, all they have to do is weave a delightful storyline around it...and there you have a novel.
I make is sound so simplistic. Who am I kidding!! And I'm also grateful for paperbacks...so much easier to hold.