Earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods, droughts... need I go on? I don't think there is a continent that isn't experiencing some kind of weather disaster. Just here in Virginia, it's still rocking and rolling in and around Mineral, the epicenter of our earthquake, which, by the way. reached out and touched more than 20 states. Hurricane Irene came by to visit, dumping rain, flooding even some high ground, and bringing wind that downed trees, broke electrical poles, and generally threw around anything and everything she could get to. And even she couldn't douse the swamp fire... although she did blow the smoke up for the rest of us to enjoy before she got here. Texas is still, I think, the driest place on our continent. The hurricane that came up into the Gulf of Mexico hardly made a dent in the southeast edge of it. Irene went on north and created havoc for northeastern states.
Yes, Mother Nature has been flexing her muscles... letting everyone know that regardless what we think, she is in charge. She must have decided to take a short break... she let a utility man with his handy-dandy wire cutters have at it, leaving millions in San Diego and beyond in the dark.
I don't know about you, but all I have to say is... Enough, already!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Beginnings of endings
Things are winding down... or gearing up, depending on your point of view.
Fall is in the air. The cool mornings of the past few days are a precursor of the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall. The day after Labor Day, the holiday season is just a slip and slide away. Scientists have said that the expansion of the universe is slowing from the Big Boom. I have yet to figure out how that relates to the speed-up of time... would explain how the older I get, the faster the days go by. I haven't been inclined to cooking meals... the heat has just not been conducive to hot ovens and steamy pots and pans. I'm looking forward to soups, stews and roasts in the coming weeks... and quick breads and cakes and maybe a pie or two.
My second-oldest granddaughter got her driver's license this week, signaling the end of her childhood and her ascent into adulthood. I managed to keep my advice to two points:
a) the car has brakes as well as a gas pedal
b) the car has three rear-view mirrors as well as a windshield
She is a good driver, and she'll gain experience over the coming months. I have little hope that her time on the roads will include limited incidents such as the yahoo who insisted on pulling in front of me the other day. There was no one behind me. What is behind this type of behavior? Ego. God forbid that the driver should be last. But, I digress...
My oldest grandson starts his Senior year in high school in a few days. (They've already taken the Senior pictures!) He's been looking forward to this and he, as well as his younger sisters, are ready for school to start, although they are loathe to admit it.
The plan is in place, the location acquired, and the date set for the From the Heart retreat scheduled in September. I've been looking forward to the retreat since last year's (my first). Along with meeting and greeting other members of the group, we'll be celebrating the 100,000th donation since the group's inception. We've already started on our next 100,000.
Bailey will surely enjoy the cooler weather when it finally sets in. It'll mean more time outside for walks and playtime with his new friend, a Shih Tzu mix named Miss Nellie. Bless his heart, he has to spend so much of his time with just me that he can't contain his glee when we leave our apartment and he gets to see other people. Actually, I can't really call our forays outside as 'walks'... they're mostly 'drags'... him dragging me behind as we make our way along the sidewalks and through the grass lot.
Fall is in the air. The cool mornings of the past few days are a precursor of the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall. The day after Labor Day, the holiday season is just a slip and slide away. Scientists have said that the expansion of the universe is slowing from the Big Boom. I have yet to figure out how that relates to the speed-up of time... would explain how the older I get, the faster the days go by. I haven't been inclined to cooking meals... the heat has just not been conducive to hot ovens and steamy pots and pans. I'm looking forward to soups, stews and roasts in the coming weeks... and quick breads and cakes and maybe a pie or two.
My second-oldest granddaughter got her driver's license this week, signaling the end of her childhood and her ascent into adulthood. I managed to keep my advice to two points:
a) the car has brakes as well as a gas pedal
b) the car has three rear-view mirrors as well as a windshield
She is a good driver, and she'll gain experience over the coming months. I have little hope that her time on the roads will include limited incidents such as the yahoo who insisted on pulling in front of me the other day. There was no one behind me. What is behind this type of behavior? Ego. God forbid that the driver should be last. But, I digress...
My oldest grandson starts his Senior year in high school in a few days. (They've already taken the Senior pictures!) He's been looking forward to this and he, as well as his younger sisters, are ready for school to start, although they are loathe to admit it.
The plan is in place, the location acquired, and the date set for the From the Heart retreat scheduled in September. I've been looking forward to the retreat since last year's (my first). Along with meeting and greeting other members of the group, we'll be celebrating the 100,000th donation since the group's inception. We've already started on our next 100,000.
Bailey will surely enjoy the cooler weather when it finally sets in. It'll mean more time outside for walks and playtime with his new friend, a Shih Tzu mix named Miss Nellie. Bless his heart, he has to spend so much of his time with just me that he can't contain his glee when we leave our apartment and he gets to see other people. Actually, I can't really call our forays outside as 'walks'... they're mostly 'drags'... him dragging me behind as we make our way along the sidewalks and through the grass lot.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Living life amidst miracles, generousity, and serendipity
Almost every day, I am reminded what a gift my life is. I don't actually forget so much as take a day or two for granted then get brought up short with a reminder...
Miracles don't usually happen in twos, with an hour or so between. The result of which being hazard-avoidance and survival. As I can't tell the exact story of these happenings without revealing names, suffice it to say that they were followed by stunned silence on my part and, a couple of days later, a calm, short lecture on changing lanes while driving.
All of my friends and most of my dear acquaintances are warm, intelligent, generous people. Why, then, am I so blown away when I am the beneficiary of that generousity? I am continually amazed when it comes my way... I'm so used to seeing it directed toward others.
During the course of a conversation the other day, one of my granddaughters suggested that I start dating again. Really!?
During the course of a conversation the other day, one of my granddaughters suggested that I start dating again. Really!?
Got a wrong-number call yesterday that turned out to be a right number. The caller was obviously surprised when I answered and when identities were confirmed, it was so good to be speaking with the caller. We hadn't talked in a long time and caught up quickly, albeit with recaps. It was so great reconnecting with this wonderful person.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Kiss of the Mayfly
Kiss of the Mayfly... wouldn't that be a great title for a book or movie? Remember... you heard it here first.
Returned a few moments ago from taking Bailey for his first walk of the day. The temperature is 68 and the breeze is cool, almost bracing. Wonderful! Bailey is so energized that he started running circles around me and the dining table and back and forth between our rooms. Then he brought his tennis ball and insisted on a game of toss & fetch. I know how he feels... I'm almost tempted to dance on the table.
The coolness reminded me of something that happened a couple of weeks ago. The day was lovely; cool enough to drive with the car windows open instead of closed with the a/c trying to run. I was returning home from the 'Yarnery' (my daughter's name for the From the Heart workshop), my friend riding shotgun. While stopped at a red light, I looked down in time to see a Mayfly come in through the open window and alight on the back of my hand. He (she?) stayed a few seconds only but what a gift! Pure magic. AND I have a witness to back me up when I tell everyone about it.
Money couldn't have bought these moments of joy.
Returned a few moments ago from taking Bailey for his first walk of the day. The temperature is 68 and the breeze is cool, almost bracing. Wonderful! Bailey is so energized that he started running circles around me and the dining table and back and forth between our rooms. Then he brought his tennis ball and insisted on a game of toss & fetch. I know how he feels... I'm almost tempted to dance on the table.
The coolness reminded me of something that happened a couple of weeks ago. The day was lovely; cool enough to drive with the car windows open instead of closed with the a/c trying to run. I was returning home from the 'Yarnery' (my daughter's name for the From the Heart workshop), my friend riding shotgun. While stopped at a red light, I looked down in time to see a Mayfly come in through the open window and alight on the back of my hand. He (she?) stayed a few seconds only but what a gift! Pure magic. AND I have a witness to back me up when I tell everyone about it.
Money couldn't have bought these moments of joy.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Ending and beginning with new and familiar experiences
The day before yesterday was the last day of my former age. I spent the most fun part of it with a dear friend. We went to Crosswords on Forest Hill Avenue for brunch. We had been there a couple of times before and enjoyed their coffee, muffins, and scones. This time, we indulged in loaded sesame bagels. An indulgence they were, too... each half of the grilled bagel loaded with a pile of lox, cream cheese, sliced red onions, capers, and a thick slice of tomato. My friend looked closely at her plate and said, "They used real tomatoes!" So they did. I admitted to her that I had never had lox before. Our brunch was wonderful. The only thing that detracted was the plastic forks and knives that were provided... not really up to sawing through a grilled bagel. Spending time cutting through the bagels with those knives did lengthen our time together, but we agreed we'd carry our own metal flatware the next time for a repeat indulgence.And there will be a next time.
The high point yesterday, my birthday, was having lunch with a couple of dear friends at a favorite restaurant. I love those women. We talked and visited while we ate... covering a plethora of subjects dear to our hearts. We didn't solve any of the world's problems, but why should we have to do all the work? Health issues did come up, but we decided that at least we were falling apart together. Our waitress must have overheard my birthday mentioned. She arranged with her manager to provide me with a free dessert as a treat. My choice... Black Tie Mousse Cake with three spoons. Yum! What a great way to start a new year... good friends and lots of dark chocolate.
Continuing my birthday celebrating, I'll be having dinner with family tomorrow night. Notice a theme here?
I had a new battery put in my watch yesterday. Had stopped wearing it over a year ago... why did I need a watch. Re-thought that proposition. Sometimes, while away from clocks at home, I did need to know what time it was. And since I don't have my cell phone clutched in my hand 24/7, the watch it is.
Several weeks ago, my oldest daughter had me read a new book. She took her daughters to a bookstore and told them that they could pick out four books to donate. It was one of the books they chose. It's a "children's" book, pictures with a few words. Hilarious words. Takes about five minutes to read. I have been tee-heeing and haw-hawing to myself since reading it. It is It's a Book by Lane Smith. Went to a bookstore and bought a copy for myself. I showed it to some friends who loved it. One of them asked me how much it cost. I told her what I had paid for it... that she could order it on-line. She said, "Why don't you just down-load it?" No, no, no, no!
It's a book.
The high point yesterday, my birthday, was having lunch with a couple of dear friends at a favorite restaurant. I love those women. We talked and visited while we ate... covering a plethora of subjects dear to our hearts. We didn't solve any of the world's problems, but why should we have to do all the work? Health issues did come up, but we decided that at least we were falling apart together. Our waitress must have overheard my birthday mentioned. She arranged with her manager to provide me with a free dessert as a treat. My choice... Black Tie Mousse Cake with three spoons. Yum! What a great way to start a new year... good friends and lots of dark chocolate.
Continuing my birthday celebrating, I'll be having dinner with family tomorrow night. Notice a theme here?
I had a new battery put in my watch yesterday. Had stopped wearing it over a year ago... why did I need a watch. Re-thought that proposition. Sometimes, while away from clocks at home, I did need to know what time it was. And since I don't have my cell phone clutched in my hand 24/7, the watch it is.
Several weeks ago, my oldest daughter had me read a new book. She took her daughters to a bookstore and told them that they could pick out four books to donate. It was one of the books they chose. It's a "children's" book, pictures with a few words. Hilarious words. Takes about five minutes to read. I have been tee-heeing and haw-hawing to myself since reading it. It is It's a Book by Lane Smith. Went to a bookstore and bought a copy for myself. I showed it to some friends who loved it. One of them asked me how much it cost. I told her what I had paid for it... that she could order it on-line. She said, "Why don't you just down-load it?" No, no, no, no!
It's a book.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Thank you, Mother Nature
The weather the past two days have been pure heaven for me; the kind I hope and pray for... temps in the high-70s-low-80s and low humidity. Today is supposed to be the same. The weather man just called it a bonus day. Change on the way tomorrow. This kind of weather elates me... makes me want, need, to be outside. Some family members are headed to King's Dominion today and I'm thrilled they'll have this day to enjoy. This weather is good for Bailey, too, as he hasn't had his Summer hair cut yet.. (His appointment is in a couple of weeks... harder to get one for him than for me.) He used to enjoy being outside... doing his business, rolling in the grass, checking out the p-notes left by other dogs, known and unknown. Nowadays, he hardly takes time for anything except leaving p-notes himself... he's so anxious to get back inside to the ladies (and some men) who make so much over him. I should have such a fan club.
My brother is home this week, recuperating from a medical procedure. Thanks to his wife, Mom Nature and the medical staff he is spending time getting back to 'normal.' He broke, albeit unintentionally, one of the rules... baby brothers aren't supposed to need stents.
My brother is home this week, recuperating from a medical procedure. Thanks to his wife, Mom Nature and the medical staff he is spending time getting back to 'normal.' He broke, albeit unintentionally, one of the rules... baby brothers aren't supposed to need stents.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Back to 'just us' (sigh)
I realize I do a lot of sighing throughout this post... please bear with me.
Re-entry into the normal every-day routine is hard... especially when the time-out has been so great. Bailey and I spent 5 days with a wonderful group of people and pets in a wonderful place. My son-in-law's sister had invited the family down to her place for the Memorial Day weekend, and let me join in the fun. I've never seen such well-thought-out planning for a siege (all-be-it a friendly one). Eighteen humans and 3 dogs under one roof with deck attached. The deck being the place I spent most of my time. The company was engaging and the food toothsome. Then we returned home. Home, home, home. Yes! After we took a nap, we both had the same reaction... no more Murphy and Belle to play with... no more humans to pet us and tell us how cute we are... no more stimulating conversation... no more delicious smells and tastes... no more dinners at the PIT... no more brisket in the smoker. No more bets on how long it will take for a piece of ice to melt on the deck floor. (We never found out... one of the dogs ate it.) Just us... home again. We're getting back into our usual grooves. I actually (finally) did some laundry yesterday... it was a matter of needing to be decently dressed to go out in public. As the weather is supposed to good today, we're going to the Daily Grind this morning to spend some time with another delightful group of people. Bailey will get pats and strokes and I'll get coffee and conversation. Sigh... the usual routine isn't so lacking after all.
Didn't watch a TV or listen to radio news the whole time we were gone. Assumed the earth hadn't been blown up... I figured we'd get a clue if so. Have resumed watching sporadically... enough to know that the trials, tribulations, and silliness continue. Sigh.
Heard yesterday that James Arness has died. With his boots on, I'm sure. During my formative years, Rev. Venoy B. Skinner, Harry S. Truman, Sgt. Joe Friday, and Matt Dillon were the examples for me of what men should be. They were, and remain, my heroes. Although I have a number of males in my life who come very, very, very close, there will never be another Matt Dillon. Sigh.
Re-entry into the normal every-day routine is hard... especially when the time-out has been so great. Bailey and I spent 5 days with a wonderful group of people and pets in a wonderful place. My son-in-law's sister had invited the family down to her place for the Memorial Day weekend, and let me join in the fun. I've never seen such well-thought-out planning for a siege (all-be-it a friendly one). Eighteen humans and 3 dogs under one roof with deck attached. The deck being the place I spent most of my time. The company was engaging and the food toothsome. Then we returned home. Home, home, home. Yes! After we took a nap, we both had the same reaction... no more Murphy and Belle to play with... no more humans to pet us and tell us how cute we are... no more stimulating conversation... no more delicious smells and tastes... no more dinners at the PIT... no more brisket in the smoker. No more bets on how long it will take for a piece of ice to melt on the deck floor. (We never found out... one of the dogs ate it.) Just us... home again. We're getting back into our usual grooves. I actually (finally) did some laundry yesterday... it was a matter of needing to be decently dressed to go out in public. As the weather is supposed to good today, we're going to the Daily Grind this morning to spend some time with another delightful group of people. Bailey will get pats and strokes and I'll get coffee and conversation. Sigh... the usual routine isn't so lacking after all.
Didn't watch a TV or listen to radio news the whole time we were gone. Assumed the earth hadn't been blown up... I figured we'd get a clue if so. Have resumed watching sporadically... enough to know that the trials, tribulations, and silliness continue. Sigh.
Heard yesterday that James Arness has died. With his boots on, I'm sure. During my formative years, Rev. Venoy B. Skinner, Harry S. Truman, Sgt. Joe Friday, and Matt Dillon were the examples for me of what men should be. They were, and remain, my heroes. Although I have a number of males in my life who come very, very, very close, there will never be another Matt Dillon. Sigh.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)