"Sun, sun, sun, here it comes"

How's your memory, these days? Frankly, mine is excellent. My memory of places, facts, incidents and articles, from years ago, is "practically perfect in every way". The catch is, more and more, I forget what I am currently doing. My memories of the day-before-yesterday are also getting fuzzier by the moment. Don't tell me what that is a sign of. I worked in a Retirement Community for seven years. 

Well, here's a description to illustrate aging memory issues. My latest road adventure took to me to places I had visited years ago. ...and not since. By seeing them, memories came trickling back.  A few of the places were unrecognizable, replaced by parking lots and strip malls. Sixty years can bring a lot of change. But, I remembered them. I could see them as how they were....... as an 8 or 10 year old.

Those were the good old days, you know. Our neighbor lady had an old Woody Station Wagon. A couple of times each summer, she loaded it with 9 (yes 9) neighborhood kids, squeezed onto the three, seatbelt-less, bench seats. I remember the number of riders because she had three children of her own and each of her three could ask 2 friends . Can you imagine the noise level, in that car? She drove one hour each way, on two-lane highways. Packed along were our our swimsuits, towels, snacks and lunches. We were there for the entire day, with no sunscreen, no sunglasses, no lifeguards, or life jackets. Just pure unrestricted water-fun, in the three, icy-cold swimming pools of the aging (even in the 1950s) resort. 

I don't remember what the older kids (all boys) did. They probably took self-guided hikes, looking for snakes, around the property, etc. But, Julie, Judy and I had a great time playing by ourselves. Maybe we slept on the way home. But, as I remember, no kids were seriously harmed in the taking of those trips and all the memories that I have, are pleasant.

Now what did I just eat for breakfast?

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 Thank you, Lord, for bringing us, to where we are today. We have enjoyed the journey. Yes, there were a few serious bumps and quite a few potholes, but we became who we are, by taking that ride and having those experiences. 

We don't want to go back. We look forward to the next adventure. We want to live our lives following Your example. 

 

Where did it go?

Whatever happened to ????.......seems to be a phrase that keeps popping into my mind. I've often written about change and I know that living in the past is detrimental to all of us. Truly, change is growth.

Bridges: Yet, the other day, I was driving across a brand new, multi million dollar span of bridgework. If I hadn't known that the "wide Missouri" was beneath that stretch of highway, I would have assumed that it was just a regular flat road. This bridge didn't resemble a "real" bridge. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned bridge structures? Some of the most iconic, man-made edifices are bridges! The Brooklyn Bridge, the Chain of Rocks Bridge, London Bridge. Gone, like land line phones!

Cell Phones: I refuse to carry my phone with me at all times....and, I won't start doing it. Am I supposed to carry my giant purse around the house all day? My phone (I usually preface that word with a descriptive adjective or two) is too big and heavy, to put into any of my pockets, so, it stays in my purse, in the kitchen. Do I miss calls and texts? Sure. But, usually important calls will come my way again. I miss the REAL convenience of a land phone. My cell phone is a necessary nuisance.

Letters: I received a real letter last week. I think I was so surprised, because I haven't sent a personal letter, myself, in a good many months. It was delightful to be reading a letter. Someone had taken the time to sit down and write to me. Personal emails, texts, etc., are great. But, an actual letter! I remember when personal letters were the norm. Now, the only snail mail we receive these days, is "junk".

Cash: Don't even attempt to pay cash or write a check, at a big-box store. Clerks don't like it. Cards are easier tender and definitely preferred. Or, God-forbid, your necessary item has an unreadable bar-code (scratched or faded). The clerk will freak out, attempt to look it up in a thousand-page print out, or call for a manager. So much for speedy, retail convenience.

I'm certainly not suggesting we return to smoke signals and unpaved roads, but I do miss some "old" stuff. But then, I'm old.

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Lord, overlook, our minor complaints. Our Blessings are many. Thank you for the opportunity to live a long life. We are Blessed, to be able to enjoy so much. Thank you God, for everything.   

 

 

 

"Alouette, gentile Alouette"

 I know next to nothing about wildlife. And, although I grew up in a small town, I consider myself a city dweller. Recently, however, I find that I often spend a bit of my leisure time, observing birds.

My current interest in Avian Lifestyle, doesn't focus on learning anything scientific about the natural habitat or culture of birds. I simply like to observe them, as I would humans. And, yes, I know that seems strange. My particular shtick is to project my experience with humans, into those little feathery bodies.

For instance: It seems they can communicate with each other. Do different species of birds talk the same language as other species? They all seem to know when the bird feeders are empty and the exact moment they get filled. And, what is the real reason that all of the other birds will quit feeding, when a big old woodpecker lands on the bird feeder? Are they afraid of the woodpecker, or do they just not like sharing!

All of the birds seem to pick through the assortment of seeds, that we put into the feeders. I mean, some of those birds eat worms, bugs and other nasty stuff. However, they will pick through the seed until they find the exact type of morsel they want. 

And, while I am trying to figure out the whys and wherefores of birds, I find myself switching over to characteristics of human beings. We, as a species, have a hard time sharing and taking turns. It has to be learned! Sometimes, we are not very tolerant of folks who don't look like us, or have different attitudes, habits or even heights. We, well maybe just us shorties, are cautious of tall folks. We all know picky eaters, in our species, who are very specific about their diets! I, for one, am never going to eat brains!!!!!

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 "Thank You for the world so sweet.

   Thank You for the food we eat.

   Thank You for the birds that sing. 

   Thank You God for everything."
 

"...just the perfect blendship."

 Have you thanked anyone recently? I don't mean send someone a Hallmark Card, with a cute thankful sentiment....where you just sign you name.  I mean actually tell someone how much you appreciate them and that you are thankful for their presence in your life. Or, perhaps, write them a note thanking them. Thinking about this, I realize that the older I get, the more reasons I have to thank folks. Therefore, time is wasting! I need to thank people, while I still can!!!!

Yesterday, I got notice that a teacher, I knew, had recently passed away. How many of his students had made it a point to thank him, for his years of service?  Judging from the number of teachers, in my academic years, that I had bothered to thank, probably not very many. Well, don't you want to make some old teacher's day or maybe week? Find out where they are and thank them, now, before it is too late.

You know, we generally have more regrets about things we did not do, than for things we have actually done. 

Okay, so maybe you don't think you want to thank a teacher.  My teachers were fairly old in the 1960's, so they are all long gone. But, how about the friend that has kept in touch with you, for years, or the friend that calls you, once in a while, just to check on your well-being. Sure, we appreciate them and their concern, but do we ever just thank them for being there for us? 

I know you've heard the expression, "It's the thought that counts". Well, your friends are not "thought readers". Reach out and thank someone right now! Do it today.

Thank you for reading this note. I appreciate you.

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Lord. Thank you.

 

 

 

Mistaken Identity

 Somethings are just not easily transmitted via the written word. Emotions are one example. My daughter has cautioned me to avoid capitalizing words, because in Internet writing, that means that I am angry! PHOOEY. I just like emphasis.

Pronunciation is another thing that often cannot be put into written language. Once, I tried to write a post about Peonies. Those large, outrageous pink and hot pink blossoms, that Southerners use to decorate graves. Grandma said, Pee OH nies. Most everyone I know says, PEE oh nies. (There I go, capitalizing for emphasis.) I'm not quite sure you can understand the difference in pronunciation, by written explanation!

Growing up in a town, known for its predominant immigrant population, most of us learned words from hearing, not from spelling.  The Italian, French and Serbian surnames of our friends and businesses, we learned as we got older, didn't match "spelling wise" with the way that we had learned to pronounce them. Names like Cujakti, Oertle, Fornaciari and Billionis rattled off our little tongues, but we sure couldn't spell them.

Oh, the joy of the written word. In school, there was a boy, I knew, Charles Ann Kelly. He was a great saxophone player and sat behind me, in band. His name seemed a bit odd, certainly, but we all (I thought) called him that. It was his name. After all, Johnny Cash had recorded that song "A Boy Named Sue".  Anyway, (Charles Zanichelli), wherever you are,  I'll remember your name, FOREVER!

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 Holy Lord. Memories are such a blessing. Thank you for remembrances of yesterday. May we look back fondly on these blessings, as we continue on with our lives, today.

"Latch on to the Affirmative"

 I told someone the other day, that I have never been bored? By that I meant, I like being busy, and that I can't remember EVER having nothing to do. 

My children, often complained of being bored. I really was not a parent that had to have my four children constantly scheduled with lessons, play dates, etc. However, I would always be able to suggest a half dozen things for them to do to occupy their hands and minds, to escape the awful boredom of doing nothing. Unfortunately, some of these things they would interpret as work. So, they mostly did not want to choose to do anything I suggested. More often than not, they were suddenly "busy" enough!

Truthfully, many seniors, that I encounter, operate as I do. Most retirees will tell you that they are busier now than when they were working! The happiest "old people", are busy "old people". 

Lots of my friends are volunteers at public places.....the opera, the ballet, museums and hospitals. Doing a volunteer shift, a couple of days a week, wears a body out and it helps you sleep. And, doing for others, just makes us feel good. I know, because I do just that. 

Volunteering gets us out of the house, but there's always a ton of things to do, at home. Being someone who likes to eat, I still cook. In my closet, there is always a CWIP (Crochet Work In Progress) to finish, books to be read, and my blog to Post. Lunches with friends take me on new adventures. Gardening or even "Yardening" gets you dirty and sweaty, and it's great exercise. I have a friend that always has a building project, that he is working on.

Then, there are always those chores to be done. Cleaning, dusting and laundry are at the bottom of my "to do" list. But, they are there. I get around to them eventually. Bottom line, stay busy and active as long as you can. My daughter often tells me that "Motion is Lotion."  Even if all you can do, is sit-down stuff. Keep your mind busy.

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Gracious God. We have many blessings. Even aging is a blessing. Thank You for whatever talents we have been given. Show us how to use them for the benefit of others and to Your glory. Amen.

"Choose well, my friend."

 This ranting is not written to be judgemental. In my heart and mind, I seriously believe that whatever a person chooses to do, wear, or be is one's personal decision. What I want to make clear is that sometimes I can't imagine WHY they make the choices they do ???

Years ago, while undergoing radiation treatments, I was given a couple of "dot location" tattoos. I still remember the pain. At the time, I likened it to childbirth. Since that experience, I have often recalled my teeny tiny tattoos, when I meet or see folks that are pretty much covered with ink. Jeeze Louise. How were they able to stand the pain? How were they able to pay for those sleeve, leg and total back tattoos? I can't figure out what would make them decorate themselves like that. WHY?

Then sometimes, as I venture out in sub zero degree weather, I question the sanity of some guy walking past me, in shorts?  It's cold enough to freeze your exposed skin.......so WHY, would someone freeze on purpose? But, tons of folks, all ages, from Middle School to aging men, do it. Being cold is often a choice. WHY????

Just last week, I was maneuvering North on 69 Highway, trying to guess which lanes would be closed that particular day. (Oh, yes, I am aware that the gov'ment started working on that highway in 1964, and they haven't finished it yet!) Why is it so hard for people to prudently get in the left lane, when a sign clearly says that the "right lane closed ahead"? 99% of folks calmly and kindly merge to the left, letting folks in and traffic moves smoothly. But, there is always some fool who speeds up, in the right lane, to the front and tries to be first in line moving into the left lane. They are not turn-takers. Fooey on them. Didn't they learn anything in Kindergarten? Why do they think their behavior is appropriate?

No judging here. Just trying to figure out....WHY?

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 Great and All-Knowing God. Acceptance is a Virtue. I'm not terribly good at it. Teach me patience and acceptance. Allow me to make good choices.

 

 

"Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing, ever a child can do."

 I'm not usually an antique mall shopper.  Costco, WalMart, and Aldi are my favorite stores. But, I like to look at old stuff and it certainly brings back fond memories, of the past. However, I rarely see anything that I think that I cannot do without. I don't go looking for old stuff to buy. I have a house full of stuff and there are very few antiques in my home...... of course, I am not counting the two 78 year olds, who reside here.

Well, a girlfriend and I had an urban adventure, yesterday. We went for a fun and tasty lunch at a place called "The Ship". It was definitely a dive!!!! Lots of ocean, and sea-faring decor.....a rarity in our land-locked town. After our meal, we perused an antique store or two. She, very quickly spotted a cute bright red cat shaped pin. It was a keeper!

I went "'round the corner" (quote from pg. 94), saying to myself, the only thing that I would ever want in a place like this would be......and there it was! BTW, in perfect condition, not a page missing or crayon scribble to be seen. A 1950 edition of the Better Homes and Garden Storybook. I hesitated almost 60 seconds, before snatching it.

What do I need with another copy of a really old, childhood book? The absolute truth is that my beloved original version, of this tome, has always been near me. I've moved in many times. However, because I have referred to it at least once a week, and quoted it almost daily, since receiving it for Christmas, in 1950, it is a bit "tattered and torn". (That's a quote from page 42.) The lime green binding, on my new treasure, is all in one piece, not duck-taped together. This gem contains almost all of my favorite, memorized poems. I now possess pristine copies of "The Owl and the Pussy Cat", "The Goops", and "The King's Breakfast". It has a copy of The Pledge of Allegiance, without the "under God". All of the pages of "The Little Red Hen" are intact. I'm in heaven.

So, dear readers, "Whenever I walk in a London street", "sail away for a year and a day" or "Spill broth on the tablecloth" or "go up in a swing",  I'll be remembering and quoting from my newly-found antique...my brand new old book                          .

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Dear Lord. Every day we receive Your blessings. Sometimes they are small and sometimes they are great. We are thankful for all of them.

 

"Accentuate the Positive"

 I just thought I would let you all know that I am DONE. I have watched my last POST, VIDEO and  LIST. I'm swearing off the "What not to wear (or how not to style your hair) or (or what not to buy) if you are over 60!"

When I first started looking at those things, I said to myself,  "Oh, I would never wear, buy or try to look like that old lady" Then, I started to realize that I had a closet full of "turtlenecks" and "baggy tops". My jeans were all "out of style". I didn't want the latest shoes...just comfortable ones. And, my hair looked just like how I was "not supposed to have it cut". Egad! My whole life mirrored those nasty VIDEOS. I started to believe I was a complete fashion horror.

Now, after viewing several hundred of these Horror Tales, the truth is, there is no way that I can change my whole lifestyle. And, what's more, I don't really want to. I am over 60.......way over sixty. I  possess a whole closet full of decent clothing that I will continue to wear. I like my hairstyle......most days. Sometimes, I even get compliments on my appearance. I have decided that I'm comfortable with who and what I am.

I'll bet you that the writers and authors of those same Horror Tales, are in their mid-twenties. Hell no, they wouldn't wear what I like to wear. I wouldn't want to see them in my clothes. And, seriously, I don't want to be wearing theirs. Just letting you know, I'm not paying any attention to their advice.

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Dear Lord. Growing older isn't for the weak. We seniors should be thankful for all of the things that we can still do. We have wrinkles, lines and gray hairs. Nobody can call us young. We all show signs of courage and survival. We are blessed. We are thankful for life as we have experienced it.

"Don't Worry. Bee Happy"

    

 We have two new additions, to the home site. A friend of Rick's called last week and asked if we would allow him to set up a bee trap and hive, on our back pasture. Our reply was an enthusiastic "YES".

For the past several winters, the back wooded area has been adorned with plastic bags for catching Maple Tree Sap. It seems, that there is plenty of room, on our 5 acres, for all kinds of food production. Especially, when the permanent human residents are charged with nothing more than watching the process. Our friends tap the trees, hang up and collect sap in the bags for a month or so. Then, they do the syrup production and voila'. We are presented with a bottle of delicious Maple Syrup.

I know very little about bees and honey production. But, I plan on doing some research. I'm not interested in getting stung or interacting at all, with the flying sweeties, but I would like to know about how the honey is made. I am fascinated by the whole idea of a Queen and workers. The hive and trap are neat and attractive. They are nice additions to the property. We hope the bees will be happy and in the future, we will be gifted with some local honey to enjoy. 

Before I moved to Stilwell, Rick allowed some friends to add a few small Koi (pets that could not be transported to a new home), to his pond. These Koi are now 2-3 feet in length and could, if they chose to, carry off a small child! We love feeding them and they appear to be very docile and content being admired, from the docks.

But, I am adding this caveat........this notice is to warn you in advance. There is a limit to our benevolence. Please, don't even think about bringing us any goats, chickens, or cattle, for housing and care. We will say "NO, thank you!", without hesitation.

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  Dear God: You Blessings abound. Remind us to be Thankful.                                         

                                              

"Just When Everything Seems So Dark"

 If your life is like mine, you are often reminded, during the passage of time, of those many adages about the foolishness of making plans. Now, I am not putting down the wisdom of planning ahead, we all plan ahead to some extent, but everyone knows "the best laid plans of mice and men....,etc.")

Well, I've been laid low by a rotten cold, this past week. It ruined some of my plans. But, I'm living, although still-coughing proof, that life goes on quite nicely, without being able to complete each and every segment of minutely planned schedule. So, I cancelled a couple of engagements and I missed a self-designated deadline or two. Too bad. Apologies have been made and I am on the mend. No one was injured and no property was destroyed in the process.

Plans are a necessity, in order to accomplish goals, but when Plan A doesn't work out, Plan B or even F, can be just as successful. I read recently that life is just 2 numbers after your name. Two numbers with a dash in the middle. 

Dear readers. Enjoy the dash........ because it's all we've got.

 

 

 

 

"Daddy sang Bass, mama sang tenor....."

I consider myself a music snob. I know what I like and what I dislike. And, what's more, I can be very vocal about my opinions. I've got reasons!

I've made a few jokes about the hours I've spent drinking in bars, in all parts of the world, while my singer-spouse practiced, in near-by performance venues. I did, eventually, sit through all of his concerts. Trust me, when I tell you that I have listened to symphonies, choral concerts, operas and recitals by the dozens. I've watched professional singers, at all levels, in performance. God knows, I could write publishable reviews.

So, why I am I telling you this????? Because, my mother used to say "If you can't say something good, just keep your mouth shut." You will find me listening to what's being played or sung, and then I'll clap like a good audience member. It is possible, for great music to be played or sung very badly. And, likewise, bad music can be performed expertly. 

I've heard high school bands in concert, that were so bad you could not distinguish their rendition of our National Anthem, from their rah-rah fight song. I've even smiled through beginning violin recitals, and imperfect back to back renditions of "O Holy Night".  I'm even quiet, about my opinion of contemporary church music. Mostly.

Yeah, I'm picky, but unless you are sitting right next to me, at a particularly awful performance, and I chance to abruptly grip your arm in sheer audio-pain, you'll never know why. Silence is golden, and I can turn off my hearing aids. 

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Dear God. Help me control my mouth and my typing fingers. Guide me towards curbing my enthusiasm for caustic words. Remind me that praise is preferable to criticism. Gentleness is better than harshness. This help I ask, in your Holy Name.

 

"Thanks for the Memories"

 I have, in recent years, promoted acceptance of change. After all, change is growth. Nothing ever stays the same, in our lives. "To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often." - Winston Churchill. 

But, no matter how hard we try, we often remember how things used to be. Realistically, familiarity can be pretty awesome and comforting. I certainly embrace new acquaintances and new experiences. I like to think that I am growing, daily. However, I frequently communicate with friends that I have known for 70 plus years. I know and love them, not only for how they have evolved (since the nineteen fifties, yikes), but also for what they once were. Together, with our years of shared experiences,we can discuss the past and embrace the future. We have shared broken bones, broken romances, successes and failures. We've shared joy, sadness and devastating loss. This deep connection has enhanced our lives.

Who, among us, doesn't (just occasionally) jump at the chance to have a greasy old-fashioned hamburger and fries? Or, wolf down a serving of gooey macaroni and cheese (when it looks like the stuff we enjoyed, in the grade school cafeteria). Comfort food at it's best! We do it because it's familiar (and yummy), although we all know better. Thanks goodness for the anti-acids in the bathroom cabinet.

Isn't life great?  Enjoy your life to the fullest. Look forward to the new, but hold on, just a little bit, to the past. Both are amazing.

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Great God. We thank you for life.

 

 

 

 

 

"Don't mess with Mr. In-Between"

Congratulate me, please. I just discovered a new word. Well, it's probably not so much a new word, but a new definition of an old word. The root word would be influence. And it means, "to persuade." That's the common, old-fashioned definition. I've just discovered the word, "influencer".

Now, perhaps I used to be an influencer............to my four children. I would suggest that they should clean up their rooms, or else!!!!! Perhaps I was more of a threatener. I was the influencer, who put food on the table and encouraged them to eat it, or starve!!!!

Today, the word influencer is used in regards to Social Media. I checked the Internet for a list of the 10 most successful "influencers" and I recognized four, of the ten names. Frankly, in spite of their popularity, I haven't been influenced by any of them. And, seriously, probably never will be.

An "influencer" in today's jargon, is someone who promotes a product or products. These folks make huge amounts of money doing it.  For example, Justin Bieber (one of the 4 names I recognized) will wear a holey pair of jeans or sport a new tatoo, on his face, and thousands of folks will buy the jeans and rush to the closest tatoo parlor. 

The top influencer, in today's crazy society, is a soccer player names Christiano Renaldo. I'm not interested in knowing anything about him. Common sense tells me that there's not much this mega=popular, gazillionaire guy can influence me to buy, do or change in my life. My age, alone, should make me wiser than this 30-something athlete.

I'm pretty happy with who I am. I'm not interested in following any of the recognized "influencers". I am sure they are all perfectly nice individuals. But, in the end, we all have to make our own decisions and take responsibility for our own actions or inaction. We have free will.....let's use it, wisely.

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Lord. There is but One Influencer that should be guiding our lives. Help us to keep an open heart and open mind, to Your Words.

 

 

"Open my eyes, that I may see."

 Here's a simple question. What did you do, the last time you had a few minutes, unscheduled? Just a few minutes of peace and quiet. Chances are, from I have observed, you probably pulled out your cell phone and checked your messages, your email, or just scrolled through whatever. Listen up! Get your face out of your phone, and observe what's going on around you. Try it.

Here's a suggestion, in my opinion, for the good of you and your fellow human beings. Keep your phone, in your pocket or your purse, and let your mind wander. Think! Use your brain, instead of your fingers. 

There's no telling where your mind will lead you, if you let it wander. 

Or how about speaking to someone you encounter? I believe that it is possible for folks to go for days without opening their mouths and making a sound. We are using our fingers to do our talking. A two year old knows how to swipe a device. A fourteen year old can't write, but he/she can sure text!!!!

Seriously, why aren't we using our time to let our mind's wander and think? Why aren't we enjoying our amazing world? Can we remember a time, when we were actually living our lives and when we were not on the phone, all of the time, texting, messaging, reading nonsense, or waiting for someone to call?

I understand that our cell phones are our present form of communication. But, I am questioning whether it is a totally good thing. Just for a smidgen of time today, cast your eyes upward. Put your phones down and fold you hands in your lap. Quit moving your fingers and let your mind wander. 

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Thank you Lord, for our many blessings. Help us to remember that there are many forms of communication. Remind us to love one another.

But, what if we need it?

 Attention ,all of you "half-way hoarders" out there. You know who you are. I am not the one who is judging you. I, myself, am a recovering HWH. It's time that we break our habit and start on the road to recovery.

To clarify my "label", HWHs are folks who keep one sock, of a pair, when they have lost the other. We keep the lids of plastic containers, when we have misplaced the bottoms (and vice versa). We keep half of a pair of gloves, when we are pretty sure we dropped the other one in the grocery store parking lot. It's dumb. One earring, ladies? The other one is gone...really gone.

These half-items are fairly useless and they take up space. Just today, I tossed a whole drawer full of plastic take-out containers.....bottoms and lids. I saved the only two I found, that matched, for future use. It felt so good. I won't miss them. I have decent number of reusable, and store-able glass containers, to use for left-over containers. I'm quitting cold-turkey.

But, while I am at it, I think I will toss a few un-used, "where did they come from", charger/appliance  cords. These snakey things seem to appear out of nowhere.  We have a couple drawers full of them. They belong to old phones, razors, clocks, tape recorders, radios, etc. Those items are long gone......why do we need to keep the cords? It's a rare cord that can be reused in another item.

To purge is to live a better life. 

Trust me, HWHs of the world, ........less is more.

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Lord, we are abundantly blessed. Remind us to use our gifts with humility and grace. 

"Her name was McGill. She called herself Lil, but everyone knew her as ............"

 I consider myself fairly techno-literate. Most senior citizens are. And, although we learned to type on a manual Smith-Corona, we are, for the most part, computer and cell phone savvy. We use these things daily. Why then, do I continue to be stumped, baffled and chagrined by these damn things?

For two months now, I have been worried about my "digital" membership card, to a local museum. I have been a loyal member of this group for years. They always send me a physical, plastic card to show at their underground parking facility, for free admission. The card also gives me some shopping and dining perks at the museum. This year, the card is something called a "digital membership app". I cannot figure out how to download the thing, on my phone.

Then, last night, I got a message from the garage door clinic. You know what I am talking about ladies. The Mammogram Place, where they insist on electronically lowering a garage door on your female anatomy, once a year, for your pleasure! 

To continue. They sent me a set of forms, to fill out on my computer, including a "sign with your finger" page, which I finished without a hitch. My screen eventually informed me, that the forms were complete and accepted by the sender. At this point, I looked for something that would tell me just when my appointment would occur. I needed to know the date and time! Nowhere, on any screen, was this information to be found.

Next, I sent them an email, asking them to send the appointment information, that I NEEDED. By return mail, I was told that I must request, by email, a "secret number code" to apply, for the phone app, that I should use to get the time and date. Phooey!!! No way!

This morning, at 8:05 a.m., I physically used my cell phone to call the clinic. In 3 minutes, by giving her my name and birth date, the pleasant young lady answered my questions. No fuss, no frustration, no secret code, no delete key. 

Mission accomplished.

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 Dear Lord. Everyday life is not easy. We find that we are often frustrated by the "easy things." Grant us patience, courage and wisdom to survive. Teach us acceptance. Show us how to focus on your Grace. We ask these things in your Holy Name.

"Memories, light the corners of my mind."

 And, as long as we are on the subject of performing.......performing seems to run in my family. Two of my sons have been paid performers during their lifetimes. They both play instruments and sing, like their Grammy Award winning Dad. They have musical talent. They have other talents, too. My daughter is a talented artist, creating beautiful collages. Also, two of my boys, will go down in history, for appearing on stage nearly naked, in High School. They are responsible for a drastic change in Talent Show rules!!

I played the flute, in school, but gave that up decades ago. Recently, I have been trying to re-create my flute skills, by practicing on a tin whistle. I do this yearly, near St. Patrick's Day, hoping for a long- anticipated career,  as a tin whistle player. I'm discovering that, from year to year, I don't remember much about playing my musical instrument of choice.!!

Remember, that old saying about "riding a bicycle". I looked up the facts, and bicycle riding skill is procedural memory.  Procedural memory involves the use of muscles.That's why we remember how to do it......even if years pass, from ride to ride. The other type of long term memory is labeled declarative, and no muscles are involved. That's what we can't remember things like names, phone numbers or episodes from our past life. Supposedly, remembering how to play a musical instrument is procedural memory. 

Well, I'm beginning to question this procedural memory theory. I don't seem to be making much improvement. I've got a month to practice, until a possible performance. Don't add the date, to your Google Calendar, just yet.

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Gracious God. We don't remember all of the things, that You do for us. We are grateful for Your everlasting love and grace. You are our sword and shield and our ever-present strength, in time of need. Forever and ever.

 

"I have a feeling we are not in Kansas, anymore."

 I believe that I have never been accused of being a very deep thinker. However, that doesn't mean that my introspection is therefore shallow. I prefer to consider myself just a tad "quirky". My thoughts and words just tend lean toward the absurd and obscure. 

Quirky. I've written before that I would like to have the Kansas State Song, "Home on the Range" sung, at whatever type of memorial service my children would like to hold, in my honor........and the "Jayhawk Fight Song", too. I also like "Great is Thy Faithfulness". But, I don't want them to use, "Amazing Grace" or "How Great Thou Art." I'm dead serious, about these thoughts.

Absurd.So, as I currently reside "where seldom is heard a discouraging word", let's just ponder "words". "Words are friends. In bad times they keep you company." wrote Peter Balakian. I have quite a few lady friends that simply abhor memorizing words. They just refuse to do it. Not me, I have been memorizing poetry, prose, song lyrics, since I said my first word.  My first performance may have been when I was a just a toddler performing "Down Went McGinty", while standing on my Grandmother's dining room table. My head is full of memorized dittys.

Obscure. I sincerely believe that the author, L. Frank Baum, is perhaps, the greatest philosopher of the modern era. For example, noting where we were born .......My daughter and I believe, that just like Dorothy Gale, we Kansas Girls are sweet enough to help you with your heart and courage, but mean enough to drop a house on you. Don't mess with me or my daughter.  Lions, tigers and bears beware.

And, when my courage fails me, I try to remember what Glinda said, "You've always had the power my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself." Great thoughts, for any type of thinker.

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God: You are our refuge and our strength. Relying on Your strength, makes us strong. Your steadfast love endures forever.
 

 

 

"You'll never be quite the same."

 Three and one half weeks on a beautiful tropical island, reminded me of a poem, written by Rachel Field. Years ago, I read her poem. "If Once You Have Slept on an Island", and sent it to my mother. My mom, Dorothy of Kansas, had just moved, after a lifetime on the prairie, to Long Island, New York. I thought she  would enjoy it, and she told me that she did.

My most recent island experience did not include a lighthouse or a ship whistle. That's kind of East Coast New England, but otherwise, I'll have you know, island living in the tropics is something I will never forget. 

My memories will be of being passed (on the right side), on a two-lane road, by a single motor cyle, carrying a family of four. Dining on fish, cooked with the heads still intact, and eating plantains prepared in every way imaginable. Nibbling on fresh mangoes, passion fruit, bananas, coconut and papaya. Swimming in the ocean and collecting barnacle shells (because they have a hole in them), to put into a future crochet project. Beautiful and unique sunrises, every day. Cool, salty tasting ocean breezes and yummy pina coladas served in fresh pineapples.

And, just as Rachel Field writes, I'll  "never be quite the same."

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Did Lord: New experiences are amazing and awe inspiring. We appreciate them. But, sometimes, our everyday lives seem dull and lack luster, compared to short-lived vacations and exciting travels. Show us how to appreciate, every minute of our lives. We should count our many blessings, constantly. 

P.S. Rachel Lyman Field is also the author of one of my favorite childhood books, Hitty: Her First One Hundred Years.

A Whale of a Tale

 Humpback Whales are very large creatures. They are huge, even from a distance. I wouldn't know this, except that for the past three winters, I have traveled to an island, in the Atlantic Ocean, that happens to be on one of the migration routes of humpbacks. And, from the back deck of my temporary residence, they appear, right there in the sea, in groups or pairs, several times a day.

Scientifically, quite a lot is known about Humpbacks. Folks have studied their migration routes, feeding habits, mating and calf rearing practices. If you are interested, a lot of this information is on the Internet. What's more, you may listen to whales, communication with each other, via sites like Tick Toc.

So, as you might imagine, I like these guys! I pretend that my "back-yard buddies", are just swimming along, on their little five-thousand-mile journey, and as they float by, they wave their giant fins at me and sometimes even leap out of the water, to show-off a bit. Sometimes, they just blow me a waterspout, just to let me know they are passing by. You know, sort of like blowing a kiss.

Whales are special.....and big!

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"Thank you, God, for birds that sing.

  Thank you, God, for everything............especially whales.

 

Perfection

 The New Year presents itself as an opportunity to make personal improvement. Since, I've always considered myself similar to Mary Popppins, that is "practically perfect in every way", contemplating improvement is always difficult for me. 

However, whilst happily haunting the Internet, I happened upon a list entitled, "How to Write Good". Can't everyone improve their writing skills? Here are the a few of my favorites, from the list:

    1. Avoid Alliteration. Always. (I try to avoid alliteration....."Nansense by Nancy" being the     exception!)My sister hated the alliteration of her maiden name, but she turned right around and gave one to her only daughter!

    2. Prepositions are not words to end sentences with. (Who does that? surely you have never asked......     "Where did you go to school at?")

   3. Writers should never generalize. (Never write Never, ever.)

   4. Who needs rhetorical questions?

Bottom line. I'm guilty of all of these absolutely horrible Grammar faux pax. I've done all of the things listed, millions of times. Which leads to number 10. Of course, it is "exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement." 

Remember Naughty Nancy's Nonsensical Nounery, always knows where you are at.

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 Dear Lord. A little bit of humor, is a good thing. Life gets really hard sometimes, but a smile now and then helps a bunch. Thank you for bringing brightness into our lives.  You are our constant.

  

 

"And since we've no place to go......."

 January, in the Midwest. That means cold weather and snow. Well, as we like to put it, "We got dumped on, this past weekend." At last count, we measured 8 inches of ice and white stuff.....where it didn't drift. But, with the 35 mile per hour winds, we have drifts of 2 feet or more, piled up in places. It was a real blizzard!

It's beautiful. Prior to the big storm, we had gray, overcast weather. It was cold and wet. But, with this big snowfall, we can look out upon a panorama of clean, crisp, whiteness. Now, that we're in our third day of coverage, we see dozens of wild animal and bird tracks, all over the lawn. The sun is shining and the pond is frozen over. No, I'm not going to go skating, but maybe it's thick enough to try it.

Now, there is a caveat here. We don't have to venture out, on the snowy roads, so we don't care how much snow comes down. Like everyone else, in the area, we were well prepared. We went out last week (before the accurately predicted snowfall) and purchased a little extra milk, bread and toilet paper. Stocking up on toilet paper makes sense. Who doesn't remember "The Great Toilet Paper Shortage", during the initial Covid outbreak? Buying bread and milk, not so much. But, it's just what we all do.

I'm just a teeny bit sorry for the parents who have had a couple of extra days added onto their kid's school vacation. Kids shouldn't be waiting at their bus stop, before daylight, in just 6 degrees above zero  weather. But, I really don't care. These days, I'm not always sure what day of the week it actually happens to be. 

Retirement is pretty awesome. I'm sorry, if you have to get out of the house, today. Well, maybe not too sorry.

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"Thank you God for the world so sweet, thank you for the food we eat, thank you for the birds that sing, thank you God for everything."

"Let's start the New Year right...."

First Post of the New Year. This is where my list of New Year's Resolutions, should be inserted. Let me just tell you that my list of faults is unusually long. I have a lot of improvement to make, in 2025.

Most folks, data says, keep their New Year's Resolutions, an average of less than four months. In fact there is a specific, designated "Quitters Day" (The second Friday of January) which tells me that, for a fact, it's way less than four months.

Here is a list of six of the most popular Resolutions, and my thoughts about each of them:

1. Save more money. (Not happening. I'm 78, for what and why would I be saving it??)

2. Eat healthier. (Okay. That's a pretty good one, and I could do that, but I like to eat.)

3. Exercise more. (Another good one. We have a room full of exercise equipment. I just need to use it.)

4. Lose weight. (If I ate healthier and exercised more.....Right?)

5. Spend more time with Family and Friends. (I think my Family is happy that I have a lot of Friends, who keep me busy and away from bothering my Family.)

6. Quit smoking. (I never started.)

So, I have recently read that the best way to ensure keeping Resolutions, is to "add something positive" as a goal. Remember when, as children, we would attempt to "give up chocolate for Lent"? That's negative. We should have been thinking about "helping mom more, or doing our homework without prompting". So, writing a blog a week, or finishing craft projects I've already started, would qualify as positive????

And, those resolutions are more successful, if you celebrate your success. That's where I would have a problem. Because, if I would lose weight, I would want to celebrate with eating something very sweet or excessively greasy.......which would not be healthy eating and certainly would make me gain back, any weight I had lost.

So, I'll not be making any New Year's Resolutions in 2025. I'll just be doing what I can to make it a good year for everyone.

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Dear Lord. Some of our decisions are bad, unhealthy or downright stupid. We need Your guidance. Help us to use the little wisdom that we have and allow us to rely on Your Ever Present Grace.