Nowadays, I operate on an 'only get it if I really want/need it' philosophy. I'm trying to downsize my belongings, so I've stopped going into stores that have pretty things that I'd like to get but definitely don't need. For the rest, if I see something and I'm not 100% sure it's a 'must have,' I wait until the next time... if I've thought about it and it's still there, then I get it. This past week I had visual proof that I wasn't supposed to have it.
I had been in one of my favorite thrift stores a couple weeks ago (Thrift For Life, proceeds to the Massey Cancer Center) and had seen a handbag I considered getting. I was only 90% sure so I didn't get it that day. I had occasion to go to the store again this past Wednesday and decided I'd get the bag if it was still there. I followed a woman into the store. She walked straight to the bag display, picked up the bag, looked inside, and went to the counter to pay for it. In my mind I could hear her gods telling her "Hurry! She's right behind you! Get it!" My gods were saying "Nah nanny boo boo."
Friday, March 4, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Tidbits
I don't know why I'm still amazed at the pace at which time is passing. It's hard for me to realize that the second month of 2011 is almost gone. I know it's cliche' but the days seemed so much longer when I was a child. Then again, I didn't have all the electronic devices available today. I've noticed that having my face buried in an electronic screen can eat up my time in large chunks without my being aware of it's passing. Oh, well... everything has at least two dimensions... pretty/ugly, up/down, good/bad... you get my drift.
I finished the last of Peggy (see previous posting) last evening... made a small, great-tasting pot of navy beans for my dinner. I was hungry and needed to have food in my stomach to take my medication. Enjoyed the beans; forgot to take the med.
I ran into one of my favorite acquaintances last month. I hadn't seen her in a while. When I teased her about not inviting me to her church, she told me she would be singing a solo, she thought, on February 20th. I went to her church yesterday morning. The reason I hadn't been seeing her in the lobby? She had moved out. In October last year. Enjoyed the church service. She didn't sing.
I have to keep my calendar updated so as not to miss any of my 'To-Dos and Go-Tos.' Missed a doctor appointment a couple of weeks ago. It was on my calendar; forgot to look at it for that day.
My car is still going. Just. Have an appointment to take it in this morning for diagnostics and repairs. I suspect and dread a dire diagnosis. I trust the auto service personnel to know what they are doing and to not over-charge me when they do it.
My family is still going strong... adults, grandchildren, nieces and nephews... all going, growing, learning, doing. All have busy, and I hope, fulfilling lives. I just don't see them as often as I would like.
Some people have friends that they have known and loved for years. I don't. But over the past few years, I have made friends (and still have them) who are intelligent, artistically talented, witty, caring, and giving. I know that any or all of these friends will be there for me if/when I need them. I hope they know the same about me. Eat your heart out, Blanche Dubois.
I finished the last of Peggy (see previous posting) last evening... made a small, great-tasting pot of navy beans for my dinner. I was hungry and needed to have food in my stomach to take my medication. Enjoyed the beans; forgot to take the med.
I ran into one of my favorite acquaintances last month. I hadn't seen her in a while. When I teased her about not inviting me to her church, she told me she would be singing a solo, she thought, on February 20th. I went to her church yesterday morning. The reason I hadn't been seeing her in the lobby? She had moved out. In October last year. Enjoyed the church service. She didn't sing.
I have to keep my calendar updated so as not to miss any of my 'To-Dos and Go-Tos.' Missed a doctor appointment a couple of weeks ago. It was on my calendar; forgot to look at it for that day.
My car is still going. Just. Have an appointment to take it in this morning for diagnostics and repairs. I suspect and dread a dire diagnosis. I trust the auto service personnel to know what they are doing and to not over-charge me when they do it.
My family is still going strong... adults, grandchildren, nieces and nephews... all going, growing, learning, doing. All have busy, and I hope, fulfilling lives. I just don't see them as often as I would like.
Some people have friends that they have known and loved for years. I don't. But over the past few years, I have made friends (and still have them) who are intelligent, artistically talented, witty, caring, and giving. I know that any or all of these friends will be there for me if/when I need them. I hope they know the same about me. Eat your heart out, Blanche Dubois.
Friday, January 21, 2011
A ham named Peggy and a dearth of crap
My family 'holiday' get-together was last weekend and I had purchased the ham. When buying a real Smithfield ham, you are truly buying a pig in a poke. All you can do is heft and squeeze and try to guess if it will be a good one. I bought one weighing 15.27 pounds... hey, I wanted to be sure there would be enough for everyone. My daughter helped me heft it into the soaking water and later put it into the oven. Let me tell you about this ham. It had one narrow bone running through it. There was very little fat on or in the ham. I have never seen so much meat on a ham. When it came out of the oven and I had trimmed it, I told my daughter that we should name it 'Peggy' because "eeese so preeety." It sat on the kitchen counter and we sliced and picked at it all afternoon and evening until we finally put it away for the night. Even though soaking had reduced the amount of salt in the ham, we ate so much that I had visions of all of us waking the next morning swelled up like blimps. We sure enjoyed that ham.
Later, while telling some friends about Peggy, I was reminded of a story that had tickled my brother and me years ago...
Seems a city man was taking a drive in the country, enjoying the sights of the countryside. As he passed a farm, he noticed a three-legged pig leaning against the fence next to the road. As he drove on, he kept thinking about that pig. He finally turned around and drove back to the farm where he had seen the pig. Finding the farmer, he asked how the pig had ended up with just three legs.
"Let me tell you about that pig," the farmer said. "One night while we were all asleep, that pig started squealing and kicking at our bedroom door. When I got up, I discovered the house was on fire. That pig saved me and my family."
When the farmer didn't continue his explanation, the city man asked, "But, what about the pig?"
"Let me tell you about that pig," said the farmer. " I was out in a back field plowing and the tractor rolled over and trapped me under it. That pig ran back to the house and squealed until my wife followed it to where I was and she got help to get me out from under that tractor."
Again the city man asked, "But, what about the pig?"
"Let me tell you about that pig," said the farmer. "One day my son was swimming in the cow pond and started sinking. That pig ran up to house and squealed until we followed him down to the pond and got my son out of the water. That pig saved my son's life."
"But what about the pig?!"
"Well, Son," said the farmer. "A pig that good ya don't eat all at once."
Back in November, my daughter and I had gone to Target and were looking at the games while my grand-daughters perused the toy aisles. We found a new trivia game called "Fact or Crap." I immediately fell in love with the name. I didn't get the game that day but was determined to buy it soon. This past Sunday, I took the grand-daughters shopping (a touch of boredom and gift cards burning holes in purses). We went to Target. I had told my oldest grand-daughter about the game and thought I'd buy it for us to play when we returned home. We searched the game shelves and didn't see it. I noticed an empty space on the top shelf and I told her I bet that was were the game had been. I was right. When I looked at the label identifying the empty space, it said "CRAP." When I could stop laughing, I told my grand-daughter that, apparently "It's official... Target has sold all their crap."
Later, while telling some friends about Peggy, I was reminded of a story that had tickled my brother and me years ago...
Seems a city man was taking a drive in the country, enjoying the sights of the countryside. As he passed a farm, he noticed a three-legged pig leaning against the fence next to the road. As he drove on, he kept thinking about that pig. He finally turned around and drove back to the farm where he had seen the pig. Finding the farmer, he asked how the pig had ended up with just three legs.
"Let me tell you about that pig," the farmer said. "One night while we were all asleep, that pig started squealing and kicking at our bedroom door. When I got up, I discovered the house was on fire. That pig saved me and my family."
When the farmer didn't continue his explanation, the city man asked, "But, what about the pig?"
"Let me tell you about that pig," said the farmer. " I was out in a back field plowing and the tractor rolled over and trapped me under it. That pig ran back to the house and squealed until my wife followed it to where I was and she got help to get me out from under that tractor."
Again the city man asked, "But, what about the pig?"
"Let me tell you about that pig," said the farmer. "One day my son was swimming in the cow pond and started sinking. That pig ran up to house and squealed until we followed him down to the pond and got my son out of the water. That pig saved my son's life."
"But what about the pig?!"
"Well, Son," said the farmer. "A pig that good ya don't eat all at once."
Back in November, my daughter and I had gone to Target and were looking at the games while my grand-daughters perused the toy aisles. We found a new trivia game called "Fact or Crap." I immediately fell in love with the name. I didn't get the game that day but was determined to buy it soon. This past Sunday, I took the grand-daughters shopping (a touch of boredom and gift cards burning holes in purses). We went to Target. I had told my oldest grand-daughter about the game and thought I'd buy it for us to play when we returned home. We searched the game shelves and didn't see it. I noticed an empty space on the top shelf and I told her I bet that was were the game had been. I was right. When I looked at the label identifying the empty space, it said "CRAP." When I could stop laughing, I told my grand-daughter that, apparently "It's official... Target has sold all their crap."
Friday, December 31, 2010
Looking forward to good eats in 2011
The Cooking Channel and Food Network have nothing on the chefs in my family. Virtually all my family members have mastered must-have dishes for our get-together meals. And I have advanced to status Master Eater. I have been thrilled to discover that even with my taste buds altered by medication, I can savor all of my families' delights... YUMM!
My oldest daughter often prepares Shrimp Fettuccine or Chef's Salad with Chicken when I visit. Almost forgot to mention her BLT Salad.
...her son has mastered Mini Burgers.
...just thinking about her husband's grilled or smoker eats makes me salivate. And he is bar-tending wizard.
My son operates a mean grill.
... his wife is a Master Cake Baker and Decorator. Give her a picture of anything and she can duplicate it in batter and icing.
... their girls are chefs-in-training
My youngest daughter delights with Venison Roast and Stew and Oven-BBQ Ribs.
...her youngest daughter makes a Chocolate Chess Pie to die for.
...her oldest daughter whips up From-Scratch Brownies that make all boxed brands taste like chocolate-flavored cardboard.
...her oldest son bakes Mexican Wedding Cookies.
...her youngest son makes a mean Lasagna.
My baby brother puts just the right char on hamburgers and hot dogs whenever the weather allows firing up his grill. (Hmmm... I'm sensing a theme here... males with grills). He also makes the best Boy Scout Stew (also called Hobo Packets).
...his wife has always had to prepare BBQ beans whenever we eat together, and her dressing is a must at Thanksgiving. (She graciously gave me her recipe but, good as it is, it must be prepared by her hand to taste the best.) This year she has added the best biscuits to her menu. Not to mention that we will require her Coconut Pound Cake at all holiday gatherings in the future.
...his sister-in-law makes Pumpkin Pie and Deviled Eggs that barely make it into the house before they disappear.
Serendipity has continued to be active in my life this year, bringing me chance meetings and connections to people about whose whereabouts and conditions I have been wondering... not to mention parking spaces in front of or near to the entrances of places I've gone for various reasons.
My 2011 New Year's Hopes list remains the same as for this year. One of these days, I will learn to para diddle.
My favorite nephew and his wife celebrated their wedding anniversary this past week. When they got married nineteen years ago, my niece-to-be asked me to provide the music for the wedding. I was so honored. I asked if she had anything special she would like me to play and she requested a song by an artist that I enjoyed too. I had already learned one of his piano solos and confidently practiced memorizing the one she had asked for. Did I mention that I still get stage-fright, even after 60 years(!) of performing in public? This may be a factor in her answer when I asked if she had enjoyed her song... she told me, "Yes," but that I had played the wrong one. If they decide to renew their vows sometime in the future, I'm not counting on being the musician of choice.
Happy New Year!
My oldest daughter often prepares Shrimp Fettuccine or Chef's Salad with Chicken when I visit. Almost forgot to mention her BLT Salad.
...her son has mastered Mini Burgers.
...just thinking about her husband's grilled or smoker eats makes me salivate. And he is bar-tending wizard.
My son operates a mean grill.
... his wife is a Master Cake Baker and Decorator. Give her a picture of anything and she can duplicate it in batter and icing.
... their girls are chefs-in-training
My youngest daughter delights with Venison Roast and Stew and Oven-BBQ Ribs.
...her youngest daughter makes a Chocolate Chess Pie to die for.
...her oldest daughter whips up From-Scratch Brownies that make all boxed brands taste like chocolate-flavored cardboard.
...her oldest son bakes Mexican Wedding Cookies.
...her youngest son makes a mean Lasagna.
My baby brother puts just the right char on hamburgers and hot dogs whenever the weather allows firing up his grill. (Hmmm... I'm sensing a theme here... males with grills). He also makes the best Boy Scout Stew (also called Hobo Packets).
...his wife has always had to prepare BBQ beans whenever we eat together, and her dressing is a must at Thanksgiving. (She graciously gave me her recipe but, good as it is, it must be prepared by her hand to taste the best.) This year she has added the best biscuits to her menu. Not to mention that we will require her Coconut Pound Cake at all holiday gatherings in the future.
...his sister-in-law makes Pumpkin Pie and Deviled Eggs that barely make it into the house before they disappear.
Serendipity has continued to be active in my life this year, bringing me chance meetings and connections to people about whose whereabouts and conditions I have been wondering... not to mention parking spaces in front of or near to the entrances of places I've gone for various reasons.
My 2011 New Year's Hopes list remains the same as for this year. One of these days, I will learn to para diddle.
My favorite nephew and his wife celebrated their wedding anniversary this past week. When they got married nineteen years ago, my niece-to-be asked me to provide the music for the wedding. I was so honored. I asked if she had anything special she would like me to play and she requested a song by an artist that I enjoyed too. I had already learned one of his piano solos and confidently practiced memorizing the one she had asked for. Did I mention that I still get stage-fright, even after 60 years(!) of performing in public? This may be a factor in her answer when I asked if she had enjoyed her song... she told me, "Yes," but that I had played the wrong one. If they decide to renew their vows sometime in the future, I'm not counting on being the musician of choice.
Happy New Year!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Savoring the little things
The holiday season is upon us, beginning with Thanksgiving next week. We've had some achingly beautiful Fall days in the past 2-3 weeks. The nights have been chill and during the days, we've gone from putting on our heavy jackets to taking off our sweaters. The colors of the surrounding fauna have been ablaze with red, orange, gold, yellow, brown, and green. Heavenly!
I am so enjoying this phase of my life. Retirement has given me the chance to do, or not do, anything I can afford to do. I have made new friends and discussed old ideas. I even found new things to think about and to do with my hands that allow me to (continue) being lazy but seem to be accomplishing something (the procrastinator's dream!). I've cut my carbon footprint by more than half... maybe by 3/4. Recently, my car insurance company requested the mileage on my speedometer and sent me a revised bill that is $38 less than I would have paid. I imagined the clerk thinking "This woman needs to get a life!" Little does she know. My life is fuller than it's ever been. My children have advanced to the age where they feel they can tell me what to do, and I get to see them when they feel up to it; most of my grandchildren like to spend some time with me. (I have told my children that I'm not old enough to have kids their age. Well, I don't feel old enough.)
With Thanksgiving coming next week, my mind has turned to considering the idea of gratitude and the benefits of being thankful. I've discovered that although I don't have a lot of things (i.e. gold bathroom fixtures, a private jet, Mercedes in my parking space), I have much to be grateful for daily. I've realized that, just for that moment, the gratitude replaces the pain. It doesn't take away the trouble but replaces it with a small imprint of warmth and joy. Everyone has something to be thankful for. I can stand on my own two feet unconfined to a wheelchair; I eat what I want to when I want to (if I can get it); I can breathe unassisted; I can fall asleep whenever and wherever I happen to be; I can go wherever I want to if I have gas in the car or money to buy it. See? It's easy to find things to be grateful for if I try. The reduction in my insurance payment? It will cover the $25 increase in my next month's rent. Are there things that I can't control? Sure there are, and I've finally realized that I'm responsible only for deciding how I'm going to deal with them. I've come to accept that the fate of humanity isn't my total responsibility. Phew! What a relief! Try a little gratitude. You'll be glad you did.
Speaking of angst, the News is full of it about the TSA requiring more thorough security imaging and pat-downs of airline passengers. Get over it! Accept the scrutiny or stay home... it's still your choice. Hmmmm... it's been awhile since I had a good pat-down. May just have to head out to the airport.
I am so enjoying this phase of my life. Retirement has given me the chance to do, or not do, anything I can afford to do. I have made new friends and discussed old ideas. I even found new things to think about and to do with my hands that allow me to (continue) being lazy but seem to be accomplishing something (the procrastinator's dream!). I've cut my carbon footprint by more than half... maybe by 3/4. Recently, my car insurance company requested the mileage on my speedometer and sent me a revised bill that is $38 less than I would have paid. I imagined the clerk thinking "This woman needs to get a life!" Little does she know. My life is fuller than it's ever been. My children have advanced to the age where they feel they can tell me what to do, and I get to see them when they feel up to it; most of my grandchildren like to spend some time with me. (I have told my children that I'm not old enough to have kids their age. Well, I don't feel old enough.)
With Thanksgiving coming next week, my mind has turned to considering the idea of gratitude and the benefits of being thankful. I've discovered that although I don't have a lot of things (i.e. gold bathroom fixtures, a private jet, Mercedes in my parking space), I have much to be grateful for daily. I've realized that, just for that moment, the gratitude replaces the pain. It doesn't take away the trouble but replaces it with a small imprint of warmth and joy. Everyone has something to be thankful for. I can stand on my own two feet unconfined to a wheelchair; I eat what I want to when I want to (if I can get it); I can breathe unassisted; I can fall asleep whenever and wherever I happen to be; I can go wherever I want to if I have gas in the car or money to buy it. See? It's easy to find things to be grateful for if I try. The reduction in my insurance payment? It will cover the $25 increase in my next month's rent. Are there things that I can't control? Sure there are, and I've finally realized that I'm responsible only for deciding how I'm going to deal with them. I've come to accept that the fate of humanity isn't my total responsibility. Phew! What a relief! Try a little gratitude. You'll be glad you did.
Speaking of angst, the News is full of it about the TSA requiring more thorough security imaging and pat-downs of airline passengers. Get over it! Accept the scrutiny or stay home... it's still your choice. Hmmmm... it's been awhile since I had a good pat-down. May just have to head out to the airport.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Who's at the wheel?
Back in the late '50s when Science Fiction was becoming very popular, one of the predictions for 2000 was that we would all be in the air, 'driving' our flying cars. Not yet on the horizon, but driver-free cars with auto-pilots doing all the work are being tested right and left. Cars that park themselves are already being touted for sale.
Right now, the main rule of road law is that the driver is to be in control of the car at all times. With the new self-parking cars available and the driver-free cars being developed, insurance coverage and changes in the laws will become necessary.
I can see it now: " It's not my fault, Officer. I was asleep in the back seat".
Right now, the main rule of road law is that the driver is to be in control of the car at all times. With the new self-parking cars available and the driver-free cars being developed, insurance coverage and changes in the laws will become necessary.
I can see it now: " It's not my fault, Officer. I was asleep in the back seat".
Friday, October 15, 2010
When it's good, it's good; when it's bad, it's merely irriting
When it's good....
Since my diagnosis, I have been surrounded by angels in scrubs and white lab coats. All of my care-givers have been wonderful. Saw my oncologist yesterday. He showed me the results of the blood test and pointed out the cancer markers he watches. They look good. I'm still Chronic! Treated myself to lunch at one of my three favorite oriental eateries. Why the celebration? Well.. the next phase is Terminal.
My youngest grandson has always wanted a guinea pig. He was able to get one... a pretty all-gray. Finally decided on a name: Harry Plopper. (He doesn't go for the mundane when naming his pets.) His mother's reaction... "groan." Now he just has to find a name for his hermit crab.
There are two streets I avoid during the day here in Richmond, if possible: Broad Street and Midlothian Turnpike. Between drivers who think the rules of the road are for everyone else and those who insist on driving 10 miles below the speed limit, I have to use stress-reduction tactics to keep my blood pressure down. I don't ask for much. I don't want them to speed... but could they please just go the limit? And, how about loosing the attitude and driving defensively?
There is one street the gives me respite... West Cary. Drivers maintain the speed limit (mostly) and are courteous to other drivers, allowing cars to enter from side streets when possible to do so without backing up traffic too much behind them; slowing down a bit and waving through drivers waiting to make a turn across the lane onto a side street. And a high majority of drivers benefiting from this courtesy wave a hand of 'thanks.' For me, driving on West Cary is a wonderful respite from driver idiocy and personal stress.
Another driving note: my second-oldest granddaughter has acquired her learner's permit. She drove me a couple of weeks ago and did well. Note to drivers described in paragraph above: pay attention to the road laws when she's on the street. You don't want to get on my List (just ask my kids).
Fall weather is finally here and it's wonderful. Drove in the rain yesterday... for just the second time in several months. Yes, I know it was dreary, but we need the rain so much in our area, and the sun did come out eventually.
When it's bad....
My youngest granddaughter fell off the monkey bars at school and broke her right arm (both long bones). Naturally, she is right-handed. She was brave and has acted the Trooper through it all, only being sad that she can use only her left hand to color and paint. I suggested she practice slowly with her left hand and she might become ambidextrous. We were on the phone but I know I felt an eye-roll at some point. X-rays show that things are proceeding well and she should get her cast soon. I don't know what color she has decided to ask for.
I don't really follow the news much anymore, but the Primaries are coming up soon. I did happen to hear that one of the candidates said that this is an election where the 'the voters might actually make a difference." ???? Was this an admission that results don't really have anything to do with what the voters say when they go to the polls. And 'they' wonder why it's so hard to 'get out the vote.'
A suggestion... Re-institute the Draft. For convicted paedophiles. Why should we keep sending our best people into harm's way when there is such a plethora of the worst ones available? And none of this 'three strikes you're out.' First conviction, send them to Afghanistan. Armed with slingshots.
Since my diagnosis, I have been surrounded by angels in scrubs and white lab coats. All of my care-givers have been wonderful. Saw my oncologist yesterday. He showed me the results of the blood test and pointed out the cancer markers he watches. They look good. I'm still Chronic! Treated myself to lunch at one of my three favorite oriental eateries. Why the celebration? Well.. the next phase is Terminal.
My youngest grandson has always wanted a guinea pig. He was able to get one... a pretty all-gray. Finally decided on a name: Harry Plopper. (He doesn't go for the mundane when naming his pets.) His mother's reaction... "groan." Now he just has to find a name for his hermit crab.
There are two streets I avoid during the day here in Richmond, if possible: Broad Street and Midlothian Turnpike. Between drivers who think the rules of the road are for everyone else and those who insist on driving 10 miles below the speed limit, I have to use stress-reduction tactics to keep my blood pressure down. I don't ask for much. I don't want them to speed... but could they please just go the limit? And, how about loosing the attitude and driving defensively?
There is one street the gives me respite... West Cary. Drivers maintain the speed limit (mostly) and are courteous to other drivers, allowing cars to enter from side streets when possible to do so without backing up traffic too much behind them; slowing down a bit and waving through drivers waiting to make a turn across the lane onto a side street. And a high majority of drivers benefiting from this courtesy wave a hand of 'thanks.' For me, driving on West Cary is a wonderful respite from driver idiocy and personal stress.
Another driving note: my second-oldest granddaughter has acquired her learner's permit. She drove me a couple of weeks ago and did well. Note to drivers described in paragraph above: pay attention to the road laws when she's on the street. You don't want to get on my List (just ask my kids).
Fall weather is finally here and it's wonderful. Drove in the rain yesterday... for just the second time in several months. Yes, I know it was dreary, but we need the rain so much in our area, and the sun did come out eventually.
When it's bad....
My youngest granddaughter fell off the monkey bars at school and broke her right arm (both long bones). Naturally, she is right-handed. She was brave and has acted the Trooper through it all, only being sad that she can use only her left hand to color and paint. I suggested she practice slowly with her left hand and she might become ambidextrous. We were on the phone but I know I felt an eye-roll at some point. X-rays show that things are proceeding well and she should get her cast soon. I don't know what color she has decided to ask for.
I don't really follow the news much anymore, but the Primaries are coming up soon. I did happen to hear that one of the candidates said that this is an election where the 'the voters might actually make a difference." ???? Was this an admission that results don't really have anything to do with what the voters say when they go to the polls. And 'they' wonder why it's so hard to 'get out the vote.'
A suggestion... Re-institute the Draft. For convicted paedophiles. Why should we keep sending our best people into harm's way when there is such a plethora of the worst ones available? And none of this 'three strikes you're out.' First conviction, send them to Afghanistan. Armed with slingshots.
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