The other day at about 4:00 p.m.,while I was walking around in Wal Mart, I came across a young mom holding her baby. Me being the nosey thing that I am asked how old the baby was. To my astonishment she replied 15 hours - yep, 15 hours.
She explained that she had given birth to the little darling at 1:15 a.m. that day at a birthing center (water method was her choice of procedures). She and the baby were doing well and had been released. Fifteen hours - WOW!!!! I was amazed. She was walking around like nothing out of the ordinary had happened that day. Shades of the pioneer spirit. She was a little surprised with herself because she said it was an easy birth with not much pain involved. Something to be said for that "water thing".
This is the youngest baby I have ever seen except for my son when he was born many many years ago. This has given me a new found faith that just maybe the next generation is going to do okay. She had courage and a fortitude that not many young ones exhibit in this day and age. Bless her heart. I wished them both well and went on my way with the realization that I had witnessed a minor miracle.
Showing posts with label Odds and Ends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Odds and Ends. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Surprise, Surprise, Surprise
I have spent the past few minutes going through all of the stats etc. regarding my blog. I did not realize that so many things were kept track of. I especially liked finding out that my blog has been looked at by someone in New Zealand (no surprise actually because that is where my pen pal lives) and Germany. I was in a quandary about Germany, but then I realized that my nephew is in the military and stationed in Germany - maybe he was the one that looked at it - will never know because those who viewed my blog are not identified, just that they viewed it.
It is a quiet spring day - just the right temperature and the humidity is very low. A nice day for the running of the Preakness - the premier horse race for the State of Maryland. The race is either close to starting or is over, I haven't checked it out yet. I got a lot of my spring yard work done early because it was so nice early. I have some new plants that need to be planted and that is my task for tomorrow. The rest of the family will be taking a trip to Pennsylvania to hit outlet stores, but I have decided to stay home this year. I have bought some new clothes that actually fit me now, but I don't want to buy too much more because I have plans to lose more.
I have so many things that need to be done around the house, but here I sit typing away. I need to get motivated but have not quite made it just yet. Oh well, it will all get done in time - at least that is what I keep telling myself. Won't be long before my son gets home from work and dinner will be ready, this is good because my stomach is starting to talk to me. I hate it when it gurgles and makes all kinds of noises.
Time to move on. Take care everyone and hope that I didn't bore you too much.
It is a quiet spring day - just the right temperature and the humidity is very low. A nice day for the running of the Preakness - the premier horse race for the State of Maryland. The race is either close to starting or is over, I haven't checked it out yet. I got a lot of my spring yard work done early because it was so nice early. I have some new plants that need to be planted and that is my task for tomorrow. The rest of the family will be taking a trip to Pennsylvania to hit outlet stores, but I have decided to stay home this year. I have bought some new clothes that actually fit me now, but I don't want to buy too much more because I have plans to lose more.
I have so many things that need to be done around the house, but here I sit typing away. I need to get motivated but have not quite made it just yet. Oh well, it will all get done in time - at least that is what I keep telling myself. Won't be long before my son gets home from work and dinner will be ready, this is good because my stomach is starting to talk to me. I hate it when it gurgles and makes all kinds of noises.
Time to move on. Take care everyone and hope that I didn't bore you too much.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Goodnight Irene!!!!!
The end of last week was the end of a very eventful week for the east coast. First we had an earthquake (8/23) and then a hurricane (Irene - 8/26-27). I do believe that Mother Nature was trying to give us a message. I have yet to figure out what it is, but when I do I know that it will be very enlightening.
I was at the gym for the earthquake - it was all noise for me as the building protested. No rippling of the ground etc. Truth be told I really did not know that an earthquake had happened until the next patron came in and asked if I had felt "it". "It" being the earthquake - 5.9 on the scale and centered in Virginia. There was minor damage in Baltimore and DC, but nothing that claimed lives.
Irene on the other hand came ashore in North Carolina and proceeded up the east coast - hitting land a couple more times and slinking away as a tropical storm going towards Canada. Each part of the country was the recipient of it's own type of damage from wind, storm surges, high winds and mega rainfalls. It had been decades literally since some parts of the northeast actually experienced this type of storm. The politicos went to work and they evacuated thousands of people in harms way and closed stuff down - some are claiming they went overboard, while others were glad for the precautions. I am a firm believer in the fact that there would probably be many more storm related deaths if these precautions had not been taken.
My little corner of the world was barely phased by either event. My trees stood firm and only gave up a small portion of their branches and we avoided the lose of power as well. The only thing that went wrong was the fact that we lost cable for a couple of days. A minor inconvenience considering that we could have lost the contents of our freezer, which was full to capacity with newly purchased supplies.
We were told to prepare for the worst and expect the best. This is exactly what happened for me and mine but for others it has been catastrophic - loss of a few lives, loss of home, loss of a way of life and in at least one case the loss of a whole a town. It is as if it never existed. It is going to be quite some time before some semblance of order is restored and lives can be put back together again. My heart felt wishes and prayers go out to each and every one them for a speedy and full recovery.
I was at the gym for the earthquake - it was all noise for me as the building protested. No rippling of the ground etc. Truth be told I really did not know that an earthquake had happened until the next patron came in and asked if I had felt "it". "It" being the earthquake - 5.9 on the scale and centered in Virginia. There was minor damage in Baltimore and DC, but nothing that claimed lives.
Irene on the other hand came ashore in North Carolina and proceeded up the east coast - hitting land a couple more times and slinking away as a tropical storm going towards Canada. Each part of the country was the recipient of it's own type of damage from wind, storm surges, high winds and mega rainfalls. It had been decades literally since some parts of the northeast actually experienced this type of storm. The politicos went to work and they evacuated thousands of people in harms way and closed stuff down - some are claiming they went overboard, while others were glad for the precautions. I am a firm believer in the fact that there would probably be many more storm related deaths if these precautions had not been taken.
My little corner of the world was barely phased by either event. My trees stood firm and only gave up a small portion of their branches and we avoided the lose of power as well. The only thing that went wrong was the fact that we lost cable for a couple of days. A minor inconvenience considering that we could have lost the contents of our freezer, which was full to capacity with newly purchased supplies.
We were told to prepare for the worst and expect the best. This is exactly what happened for me and mine but for others it has been catastrophic - loss of a few lives, loss of home, loss of a way of life and in at least one case the loss of a whole a town. It is as if it never existed. It is going to be quite some time before some semblance of order is restored and lives can be put back together again. My heart felt wishes and prayers go out to each and every one them for a speedy and full recovery.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Fourth of July, 2011
Second big holiday of the summer. People are now crowding the roadways on their way to the beaches or mountains, whichever floats their boats. Me, I am firmly ensconced in my home and intend to stay here. I do not have to go far to enjoy the pleasures of the weekend.
We will be grilling our holiday fare and awaiting the fireworks which are kindly provided by several people in the immediate neighborhood. The neighborhood shows provide just as much noise and spectacular flashes across the sky as the big shows do and we do not have to fight traffic or crowds to enjoy.
The weather promises to be nice - not too hot or too humid, which is great. The "walk, jog, run" club that I belong to will not be meeting Saturday morning as usual, but I will make up for it by going to the gym and walking a mile on the treadmill and riding the bike for a mile as well. After that I will go to Denny's for breakfast (I get a free Grand Slam breakfast because I went online and filled out a survey).
The energy that I garner from the walk and bike riding I am going to put to use to do some much needed cleanup that needs to be done outside. Never ends does it?
It won't be long and I will be getting on a plane to California. I fly into Reno and rent a car to travel around - the mountains and Central Northern California - and then back to Reno to fly home. I am looking forward to the trip.
We will be grilling our holiday fare and awaiting the fireworks which are kindly provided by several people in the immediate neighborhood. The neighborhood shows provide just as much noise and spectacular flashes across the sky as the big shows do and we do not have to fight traffic or crowds to enjoy.
The weather promises to be nice - not too hot or too humid, which is great. The "walk, jog, run" club that I belong to will not be meeting Saturday morning as usual, but I will make up for it by going to the gym and walking a mile on the treadmill and riding the bike for a mile as well. After that I will go to Denny's for breakfast (I get a free Grand Slam breakfast because I went online and filled out a survey).
The energy that I garner from the walk and bike riding I am going to put to use to do some much needed cleanup that needs to be done outside. Never ends does it?
It won't be long and I will be getting on a plane to California. I fly into Reno and rent a car to travel around - the mountains and Central Northern California - and then back to Reno to fly home. I am looking forward to the trip.
Monday, June 13, 2011
An Unsettled Day
Looking out my window today I see something new each time. One time the sun is shining brightly and the next time it is quiet and darker. My husband used to tell me that if I waited five minutes the weather would change - he was right. There is never a dull moment here in my world.
Instead of sitting here typing away I should be getting ready to go to the gym for my workout. I have been going 3 days a week for the past couple of months and feel strange when I don't go. I am having a good time as well as beginning to feel better. I am getting stronger each day and improving my stamina each time I ride the bike. I am up to 1 1/2 to 2 miles each time that I go.
The trainer tried to talk me into joining a seniors cardio class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I decided against it. That would mean that I was in the gym five days a week and I am not ready to burn myself out just yet.
Instead I opted to join his "walk, jog, run class" on Saturday mornings at 7:00 a.m. We go to a local park for the exercise. I walk 1 1/4 miles (took 45 mins the first week and 40 the second). The first week I made friends with every single bench along the path, but this past week I skipped half of them. I am getting better and better all the time. Am enjoying myself as well - I am definitely one of the people there each week. But I get all sorts of "atta girl" and "you go girl" and "keep it up" and that encourages me to do better the next time. I can't believe that I am getting up at 6:00 in the morning to get ready and go to the park.
I have gotten more exercise in the past couple of months than I have in the past twenty plus years. If I were truthful I would really have to go back a few more years than that - back to college days from 1964 to 1966. Quite an achievement for a bona fide senior citizen - got my medicare card and SSA benefits - they actually start after 8/1/2011. Never thought that I would get to this stage in my life, but yet here I am. Starting a whole new phase of my life - I still do not admit to being old, just growing older with dignity and grace.
The afternoon is slipping away and I really do want to go to the gym - so.....have a good day everyone.
Oooops!!! I am going to have to wait a few minutes. The lawn mowing crew just arrived - they will be done by the time I am ready to do, maybe even before. It only takes them 15 mins to do the whole yard - well worth the money I spend. If I had to do it myself my time would be worth a whole lot more than what I pay them to do it.
Instead of sitting here typing away I should be getting ready to go to the gym for my workout. I have been going 3 days a week for the past couple of months and feel strange when I don't go. I am having a good time as well as beginning to feel better. I am getting stronger each day and improving my stamina each time I ride the bike. I am up to 1 1/2 to 2 miles each time that I go.
The trainer tried to talk me into joining a seniors cardio class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I decided against it. That would mean that I was in the gym five days a week and I am not ready to burn myself out just yet.
Instead I opted to join his "walk, jog, run class" on Saturday mornings at 7:00 a.m. We go to a local park for the exercise. I walk 1 1/4 miles (took 45 mins the first week and 40 the second). The first week I made friends with every single bench along the path, but this past week I skipped half of them. I am getting better and better all the time. Am enjoying myself as well - I am definitely one of the people there each week. But I get all sorts of "atta girl" and "you go girl" and "keep it up" and that encourages me to do better the next time. I can't believe that I am getting up at 6:00 in the morning to get ready and go to the park.
I have gotten more exercise in the past couple of months than I have in the past twenty plus years. If I were truthful I would really have to go back a few more years than that - back to college days from 1964 to 1966. Quite an achievement for a bona fide senior citizen - got my medicare card and SSA benefits - they actually start after 8/1/2011. Never thought that I would get to this stage in my life, but yet here I am. Starting a whole new phase of my life - I still do not admit to being old, just growing older with dignity and grace.
The afternoon is slipping away and I really do want to go to the gym - so.....have a good day everyone.
Oooops!!! I am going to have to wait a few minutes. The lawn mowing crew just arrived - they will be done by the time I am ready to do, maybe even before. It only takes them 15 mins to do the whole yard - well worth the money I spend. If I had to do it myself my time would be worth a whole lot more than what I pay them to do it.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
New Zealand Quake in February, 2011
This is a picture of my pen pal Adrienne and I
when she came to visit me during the summer
of 2010. It took 53 years for this picture to be
taken.
This past week was a harrowing one for my pen pal Adrienne and her family. They live in Christchurch, New Zealand, and were in the middle of their normal daily routines when the earthquake of February 2011 happened. They all managed to survive the quake, but not without being shaken up a good deal. They suffered no personal injuries, but Adrienne's house suffered some damage and continues to suffer with the occurrence of each aftershock. There is still a lot of "rockin and rollin" going on and probably will continue for some time to come. Each aftershock only worsens the apprehension and fear.
During the five months between the September 2010 quake and this last one Christchurch was hit by 5000 (yep, 5000) plus aftershocks, which does not bode well for this one. Each aftershock probably weakened the buildings and infrastructure causing more and more damage. They have a lot of cleaning up to do and repairs to make. It is going to be awhile before there is any semblance of order. This is the wrong time of the year for something like this to happen because they are not all that far away from the colder temperatures of fall and finally winter.
They are slowly regaining the amenities - they have power, but not much else at the moment. They are putting their camping skills to good use - of course, they never thought that they would have to use them in their own backyard. They are luckier than a lot of other people. They are sticking close to the home front and neighborhood providing help and support wherever they can. I do not envy them the long road ahead of them. I only wish that I lived closer so that I could do more than "listen via e-mails" and send prayers their way.
Adrienne was in school (she is a teacher), her husband was on an errand the other side of town, her daughter and son-in-law were off from work and her son was at working in the center of town. Her son just made it out of his office building before it collapsed. They were all over the place and it took them awhile to come together and make sure that everyone was okay.
No one knows exactly when life is going to return to normal and there are going to be many sleepless nights, tears, fears and a great deal of apprehension during the healing process. I will continue to do my best to be a good listener and cheerleader.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Best News Ever
Got word today that my pen pal and her family, who live in Christchurch NZ, are all well and safe. They are experiencing a lot of aftershocks that have them on edge, but they are all still with us.
I got a Facebook post from Sally, Adrienne's daughter, that said that the internet connection was horrible and that she was attempting to send out the message to put me and other family members at ease. It was the best message that I have ever gotten on Facebook.
I am very glad that I have joined the 21st century because if I would have forsaken modern technology, as some of my friends have done, I would still be sitting on the edge of my seat, biting my nails and waiting for the word that everyone was okay. Now I can breathe a little bit easier and patiently await the next message and/or e-mails. Actually still anxious to hear more news, but I can at least be more patient.
I got a Facebook post from Sally, Adrienne's daughter, that said that the internet connection was horrible and that she was attempting to send out the message to put me and other family members at ease. It was the best message that I have ever gotten on Facebook.
I am very glad that I have joined the 21st century because if I would have forsaken modern technology, as some of my friends have done, I would still be sitting on the edge of my seat, biting my nails and waiting for the word that everyone was okay. Now I can breathe a little bit easier and patiently await the next message and/or e-mails. Actually still anxious to hear more news, but I can at least be more patient.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Earthquake Hits Christchurch NZ
My pen pal Adrienne lives in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the only thing that I can do at this time is sit here and wait for some sort of news regarding her and her family. It is hard to wait for news. It will probably be quite awhile because according to CNN there is no power, no water and residents have been asked to evacuate their homes for shelters. I hope and pray that they still have a home to go back to if they chose to leave.
The pictures on the news have been very disturbing and only serve to make the waiting more anxious. It saddens me that I am so far away and that the only thing that I can do is say prayers and hope for the best. I will be here if my friend of 53 years finally reaches out to me so that I can provide the only thing that I can - words of encouragement etc.
The pictures on the news have been very disturbing and only serve to make the waiting more anxious. It saddens me that I am so far away and that the only thing that I can do is say prayers and hope for the best. I will be here if my friend of 53 years finally reaches out to me so that I can provide the only thing that I can - words of encouragement etc.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wintery Mixture
It is a mess outside at the moment. We had an unexpected couple of inches of snow on the ground this a.m. when we got up. Not supposed to get here until tonight. Needless to say I was outside shoveling snow earlier today. I cleaned off most of the sidewalk, made a path down to the spot where Terry would be parking his truck and cleared the driveway to the point where he would have a clean shot into his parking space. My cardio for the day.
Well it is later in the day and since then there has been rain, sleet and finally more snow. Can't seem to get away from snow this year. At least once a week we are looking at new snow on the ground. I am getting tired of cleaning it off my car only to have it back there in a couple of days. You would think that I would learn and just leave it alone. Well, I have my wish - it will be a few days before this snow is cleaned off my car. Good thing that I went out yesterday and got the makings for sour beef and dumplings this weekend. Terry has requested it for his birthday dinner.
I have just come to the conclusion that it is good that it is dark out already because I don't think that I would like to see what is outside my window. God only knows just how much of the white stuff will be on the ground in the morning. Do know that it is going to mean another day off from school for the kids. Never a dull moment around here.
Well it is later in the day and since then there has been rain, sleet and finally more snow. Can't seem to get away from snow this year. At least once a week we are looking at new snow on the ground. I am getting tired of cleaning it off my car only to have it back there in a couple of days. You would think that I would learn and just leave it alone. Well, I have my wish - it will be a few days before this snow is cleaned off my car. Good thing that I went out yesterday and got the makings for sour beef and dumplings this weekend. Terry has requested it for his birthday dinner.
"Talked" with my brother in California via Face Book today. They are in the midst of a spring like weather pattern. I can't even let myself think about spring - have too much winter to go and it would just depress me. Did enjoy "talking" though. I am getting excited to make my trip to California this summer. It is going to be nice to see the family again.
I have just come to the conclusion that it is good that it is dark out already because I don't think that I would like to see what is outside my window. God only knows just how much of the white stuff will be on the ground in the morning. Do know that it is going to mean another day off from school for the kids. Never a dull moment around here.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Bureaucracy
Being a federal retiree you would think that I would know better, but I guess I have gotten lax. I did not go into my retirement website for a long time and now I am paying for it. I did not realize that there was a time limit on my PIN and now I am trying to get a new one. Sorry to say I am not having much luck.
I thought that paperwork was bad when I was employed, but this is "God awful". I sent an e-mail to the place I was supposed to. I got a reply telling me to go to another website - a secure e-mail site. There was an e-mail waiting for me there telling me that temporary PIN was forthcoming. That was days ago.
I sent another request - got the reply "it will be 15 to 20 days before the e-mail is answered". Heck, I can use snail mail and get a faster response. You can bet your bottom dollar I am not going to let that sucker expire again.
This is typical of the federal government though. Employed or retired it makes no difference.
I must add an addendum on this date (1/26/2011). I did finally get my new PIN. It was sent to me via "snail mail". In this day and age they still rely on it. Who would have guessed. Anyway, all is back to normal and I am once again able to get on to my retirement website. Hip hip hooray!!!!
I thought that paperwork was bad when I was employed, but this is "God awful". I sent an e-mail to the place I was supposed to. I got a reply telling me to go to another website - a secure e-mail site. There was an e-mail waiting for me there telling me that temporary PIN was forthcoming. That was days ago.
I sent another request - got the reply "it will be 15 to 20 days before the e-mail is answered". Heck, I can use snail mail and get a faster response. You can bet your bottom dollar I am not going to let that sucker expire again.
This is typical of the federal government though. Employed or retired it makes no difference.
I must add an addendum on this date (1/26/2011). I did finally get my new PIN. It was sent to me via "snail mail". In this day and age they still rely on it. Who would have guessed. Anyway, all is back to normal and I am once again able to get on to my retirement website. Hip hip hooray!!!!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Motivation
Motivation, or lack thereof, was the theme for this day. After spending time on the computer this morning, breaking to watch my soaps and back on the computer this evening, I am still looking for something that I can say motivated me today.
It was cold outside, so I stayed in. It was cloudy outside so there was really no reason to look out my window in hopes of seeing something. This has been a hum drum day with nothing exciting happening.
Have been eagerly awaiting the news that my tenth grand, a boy, has made his appearance. My nephew and his wife are expecting and the little guy is taking his sweet time - as first ones so often do. From what I have been reading he is giving his mother a fit and his dad is "losing" patience with him already. He will come when he is ready and on his own terms. This one is going to be a strong willed individual that will carve out his own path in this world. I wish them well and look forward to meeting him later on this year when I am in California for a visit.
My next exciting thing that I did today was make sure that Publishing Clearing House is well aware of the fact that I am ready to become a millionaire. Wishful thinking I know, but would it ever be nice. After taking my entourage (lawyer, accountant etc.) with me to claim my prize I would sit down and try to decide what I would do with that kind of money.
Help my son is high on my list as is helping others that are less fortunate. Then I would put all my prized possessions in storage and after paying off my current mortgage, I would bull doze the current abode. I would build a bigger and better one on the very same ground I have now. It would still be a rancher, but bigger rooms laid out better and the addition of a 2 or 3 car garage. My dream home.
This is how my day went - exciting isn't it? Some tell me this is what retirement is for - being lazy, wearing pajamas all day long if so inclined and vegging out and doing nonsensical things that do not require much thought or effort.
It was cold outside, so I stayed in. It was cloudy outside so there was really no reason to look out my window in hopes of seeing something. This has been a hum drum day with nothing exciting happening.
Have been eagerly awaiting the news that my tenth grand, a boy, has made his appearance. My nephew and his wife are expecting and the little guy is taking his sweet time - as first ones so often do. From what I have been reading he is giving his mother a fit and his dad is "losing" patience with him already. He will come when he is ready and on his own terms. This one is going to be a strong willed individual that will carve out his own path in this world. I wish them well and look forward to meeting him later on this year when I am in California for a visit.
My next exciting thing that I did today was make sure that Publishing Clearing House is well aware of the fact that I am ready to become a millionaire. Wishful thinking I know, but would it ever be nice. After taking my entourage (lawyer, accountant etc.) with me to claim my prize I would sit down and try to decide what I would do with that kind of money.
Help my son is high on my list as is helping others that are less fortunate. Then I would put all my prized possessions in storage and after paying off my current mortgage, I would bull doze the current abode. I would build a bigger and better one on the very same ground I have now. It would still be a rancher, but bigger rooms laid out better and the addition of a 2 or 3 car garage. My dream home.
This is how my day went - exciting isn't it? Some tell me this is what retirement is for - being lazy, wearing pajamas all day long if so inclined and vegging out and doing nonsensical things that do not require much thought or effort.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Year 2011
The year 2011 has begun. It is brand new and just waiting for me to fill it up with all sorts of things. I have a trip planned for the summer time - a family reunion in California. I am also looking forward to it being warm and being able to watch my animal friends take on their daily duties.
I got a preview of the spring today when I woke up. I looked out my window and saw a woodpecker doing his thing. He was rat-tat-tatting away with serious abandon - I hope that his efforts were fruitful and he had a good meal. I would have one serious headache if I had to hit a solid object as often as he did - I admire his tenacity and am amazed by God's handiwork.
The last big winter weather incident that dumped snow along the Eastern Seaboard missed my house altogether. There were flurries in the air all day, but nothing stuck. Ocean City had snow on the boardwalk, but we were out and about with nary a flake on the ground. I was glad that it passed me by - I was not in the mood for being "landlocked" by white stuff. I know that winter is not over so there is a chance of us getting cold and white looming in the future - will hibernate then.
I hope to continue my lunch/dinner outings with my friends and hope to meet with my sister-in-law once in awhile. All of these meetings provide many hours of sheer enjoyment and give me something to look forward to.
I will continue to read, write, watch t.v. and do the daily mundane chores that need to be done. I will also continue to keep in touch with all of my FB friends and family. All of these things kept me busy last year and hopefully will keep me even more busy this year.
There is but one regret that I have regarding 2011 - it is one year closer to the end for me. I am now officially one of the millions of baby boomers that will be draining Social Security of its resources. Of course, it will not be official until August, but it is coming ever closer.
I can remember reading George Orwell's book 1984 back in the early 60s and being a little bit leery of the coming of 1984, never dreaming that one day I would be entering the year 2011. It (1984) came and went and bore no resemblance to the book - now I am just living one year at a time and hoping for the best. I am on the downhill side and my life and have no idea whatsoever what the future holds for me in the long run. I am living each day as it comes and hoping for the best.
I got a preview of the spring today when I woke up. I looked out my window and saw a woodpecker doing his thing. He was rat-tat-tatting away with serious abandon - I hope that his efforts were fruitful and he had a good meal. I would have one serious headache if I had to hit a solid object as often as he did - I admire his tenacity and am amazed by God's handiwork.
The last big winter weather incident that dumped snow along the Eastern Seaboard missed my house altogether. There were flurries in the air all day, but nothing stuck. Ocean City had snow on the boardwalk, but we were out and about with nary a flake on the ground. I was glad that it passed me by - I was not in the mood for being "landlocked" by white stuff. I know that winter is not over so there is a chance of us getting cold and white looming in the future - will hibernate then.
I hope to continue my lunch/dinner outings with my friends and hope to meet with my sister-in-law once in awhile. All of these meetings provide many hours of sheer enjoyment and give me something to look forward to.
I will continue to read, write, watch t.v. and do the daily mundane chores that need to be done. I will also continue to keep in touch with all of my FB friends and family. All of these things kept me busy last year and hopefully will keep me even more busy this year.
There is but one regret that I have regarding 2011 - it is one year closer to the end for me. I am now officially one of the millions of baby boomers that will be draining Social Security of its resources. Of course, it will not be official until August, but it is coming ever closer.
I can remember reading George Orwell's book 1984 back in the early 60s and being a little bit leery of the coming of 1984, never dreaming that one day I would be entering the year 2011. It (1984) came and went and bore no resemblance to the book - now I am just living one year at a time and hoping for the best. I am on the downhill side and my life and have no idea whatsoever what the future holds for me in the long run. I am living each day as it comes and hoping for the best.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Christmas Season 2010
This is the extent of holiday decorations on the outside of my house. There was a time when the house would have been covered with lights from top to bottom, but for some reason when we moved to Carroll County in 1986 that tradition stayed with the old house. I was a little sad to see this tradition fade away, but things change as we each get older and over the years we put up fewer and fewer decorations. We still celebrate the season though, with as much gusto as we have ever done.
They (the weathermen of the area) were originally calling for snow on the 25th, but I do believe that has changed. Our little "mole hill" mountains (The Appalachians) are doing their job and so far the worst of the weather has gone either to the north or south of us. I used to "dis" those little "mole hill" mountains, but have learned over the years to greatly appreciate the job that they do.
I learned not long ago, that my friend in New Zealand has been reading my blog - hooray, someone else other than my nieces have read my writings. I enjoy what little writing that I do and am always glad to get feedback. Thank you my friend.
To anyone who may read this I want to wish a Happy Holiday Season (Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza etc. - don't want to leave anyone out) and my the new year bring the best of everything to you.
Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda
I woke up this morning with "shoulda, woulda, coulda" running through my brain. I came up with all sorts of scenarios. I "should have" done this, which "would have" led to this, so that I "could have" done that. I think that we all suffer from this malady every now and then. Especially when confronted with questions from old friends that you don't know how to answer.
I was sent the line "roses are red, violets are blue" for me to complete. I really did not know how to react to this. I am not really the poetic type - even on such an elementary level as this. I know that this person is looking for a certain response, but I am not really sure that I am going come through as expected. I am going to have to cogitate on this dilemma for awhile.
I was sent the line "roses are red, violets are blue" for me to complete. I really did not know how to react to this. I am not really the poetic type - even on such an elementary level as this. I know that this person is looking for a certain response, but I am not really sure that I am going come through as expected. I am going to have to cogitate on this dilemma for awhile.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Unusual Frost by Dory Schreuder
These are photographs taken by my cousin Dory at his home in Bozman, Montana, on Dec. 5, 2010, and if you click on them and open you can see all the detail and the sparkle. Mother Nature outdid herself when she created this wonder.
My cousins words: "We had a very heavy fog/frost at about 0 degrees. I took some photos this morning at about 10 degrees. The frost had grown crystals which stood vertically on most surfaces. The crystals were quite large.....big enough to photograph. When the sun shown on them, they were like thousands of mirrors reflecting light from everywhere. The photos only hint of the spectacle because the camera captured just the brightest."
I told my niece that I would tell her the story of how I met my cousin. So here goes.....
I was at work one day and taking dictation from a co-worker. We stopped for awhile so that he could gather his thought and I could rest my hand (that's right it was dictation done the old fashioned way with a pen, a steno notebook and Mr. Gregg's shorthand). We started talking about our families. He mentioned that he was from Montana and I told him that I had a great-uncle living in Billings. He asked me his name. "Harry Winfrey" I replied and that is when I found out that he was a great-nephew of Harry. (My Grandmother Hemping and Harry were siblings. I just realized that great-uncle Harry may have been my dad's namesake.)
As we talked more I realized that we had met many years before when my family had taken a trip to Montana when I was five years old. I remember him a little bit, but only because I knew him as the cousin that had been "stomped" by a horse. It only goes to show just how small the world was even back then. It is even smaller today.
Since then we have kept in touch. I moved back to Maryland and he moved to Washington State for awhile, eventually ending up back in Montana - his home state. He built his house himself. It sits on a a mountain top overlooking the town. He has sent some really nice pictures over the years and one day I hope to visit him there. Of course, it is going to have to be when the weather is warm as I am not a "cold weather" person.
Things happen in strange ways when they are meant to happen. Dory and I were destined to be reunited in San Diego, California, all those years later (approximately 25 by my count) and we have kept in touch ever since. This is not much of my dad's family left and I am grateful to having Dory in my life.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Fall 2010 (November)
This is the beginning of fall at my house. The tree on the right was the first to drop all of its leaves and the tree on the left was the last. I can finally get the yard cleaned up next week. It will look so much better. Fall has been very confusing this year. Flowers in my yard (petunias and clematis) are still blooming - they just don't know to give up. I just hope that they come back next spring in all of their splendor.
I wish that I could figure out this photo thing - I know that I used to do it better but for some reason things are not working out like I want them to. The tree at the top is what my front yard looks like - thus being anxious to get the leaves gathered up and taken away.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Last Wednesday of the month
I have spent a good portion of the day sitting at my computer typing. For some reason I had the urge to put fingers to the keys and write. I wrote about Christmas trees (the fact that my dad roamed the woods of Northern California to find just the right one to send to us), Christmas memories (mostly Sievert/Hemping family get togethers for the holidays) and started to write about my "formative years" (mainly my years in Iowa). I will get in the mood again I am sure and will expand on the formative years then.
Scooter, the heaviest of the two cats that live here, sat on my mouse awhile ago and she "killed" it. I don't know what she did to it, but it no longer works. I had to scrounge the mouse from my PC, which died a couple of weeks ago. I do believe that a virus attacked it and wiped out programs etc. so it doesn't work anymore. Not much that I can do but replace it. It is a Dell and they are notorious for not allowing the hard drive to be updated. Real bummer. I am currently stuck with using my laptop, but that is okay. I have grown quite accustomed to it and actually prefer it. I bought a printer to hook up to it so that I can print stuff. Printing is all that it can do - no fax, no copy.
It is time to quit for the day. My fingers have not worked this much since I retired and they are letting me know that they are ready to relax.
Scooter, the heaviest of the two cats that live here, sat on my mouse awhile ago and she "killed" it. I don't know what she did to it, but it no longer works. I had to scrounge the mouse from my PC, which died a couple of weeks ago. I do believe that a virus attacked it and wiped out programs etc. so it doesn't work anymore. Not much that I can do but replace it. It is a Dell and they are notorious for not allowing the hard drive to be updated. Real bummer. I am currently stuck with using my laptop, but that is okay. I have grown quite accustomed to it and actually prefer it. I bought a printer to hook up to it so that I can print stuff. Printing is all that it can do - no fax, no copy.
It is time to quit for the day. My fingers have not worked this much since I retired and they are letting me know that they are ready to relax.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
October - confused month
October is almost over - seems like it was only yesterday that I was saying September was almost over. Time is flying by.
October has been very confusing weather wise. Really nice fall weather, colder some days and warmer others. Trees are turning color, but for some reason my spring/summer flowers are blooming. My clematis is almost ready to bloom big time and I noticed that the rose bushes up by Denny's restaurant are blooming in all of their glory as well. I have the feeling that when winter hits it is going to be with a vengeance overnight. We will wake up and winter will have arrived and will be staying.
Aaron finally finished up all of the little jobs that I wanted done outside. My windows have new caulking, my fence has been fixed, new covers have been put on my window wells and I can now put up a curtain on my back porch (i can install the type of curtain that works like a curtain in a hospital). I still have to buy the rail system and the curtains, but now I can do it and not have to worry about how. Aaron is my go-to guy for doing things like this.
Halloween will be here in a few days. I am looking forward to seeing the kids in their costumes. I hope that we have plenty of "trick or treaters" this year. Did not have a single one last year. Eddie didn't even hit our neighborhood. He has a neighborhood full of town homes that he hit every year - gets a lot of candy. I guess that is why he goes there - more swag.
October has been very confusing weather wise. Really nice fall weather, colder some days and warmer others. Trees are turning color, but for some reason my spring/summer flowers are blooming. My clematis is almost ready to bloom big time and I noticed that the rose bushes up by Denny's restaurant are blooming in all of their glory as well. I have the feeling that when winter hits it is going to be with a vengeance overnight. We will wake up and winter will have arrived and will be staying.
Aaron finally finished up all of the little jobs that I wanted done outside. My windows have new caulking, my fence has been fixed, new covers have been put on my window wells and I can now put up a curtain on my back porch (i can install the type of curtain that works like a curtain in a hospital). I still have to buy the rail system and the curtains, but now I can do it and not have to worry about how. Aaron is my go-to guy for doing things like this.
Halloween will be here in a few days. I am looking forward to seeing the kids in their costumes. I hope that we have plenty of "trick or treaters" this year. Did not have a single one last year. Eddie didn't even hit our neighborhood. He has a neighborhood full of town homes that he hit every year - gets a lot of candy. I guess that is why he goes there - more swag.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
September is Almost Over
September is almost over. The first few days of fall have been fairly normal. Rain finally came (the tropical storms in the Atlantic have been moving up the eastern seaboard) and things have cooled down a little bit. I am not going to complain about the rain, because we needed it. Things were a little on the dry side until a few days ago. In fact I am sitting here waiting for the rain to come again.
We have had two tornado warnings during the past few days - both of which were about 20 miles north and west of my location. Can be very disheartening though when messages flash across the television screen telling you to head for the central room of your home and away from all windows. This is the strongest point of the house and the least dangerous place to be in the home. Me I just continued to sit in my chair, watch my soaps and hope for the best.
The warnings did not turn into anything serious, so my decision to maintain my location was okay. Had no problems at all - cable wasn't even affected, which is usually the first thing to go because the main antennae location for cable around here is right in the middle of the flat areas of the state most often affected by these warnings.
I will be kid sitting tonight. Eddie and I will be on our own because Terry is taking Liz to a seminar that will be giving her the pros and cons regarding lapband and/or gastric surgery. Me personally - I will continue to do it my way - eating less but better and increasing my exercises.
I have lost a little bit, don't know exactly how much, but my pants feel looser. Gal at doctor's office said to just by the way my clothes feel and stay away from the scale as much as possible. I like that advice - that way I don't fret over the numbers. I get weighed every three months when I go to my regular doctor's appointments and as long as those results show me weighing less each time I will be happy.
Time to go...will be back soon. To those who read this (and your are few I know) thank you for doing so. I appreciate any and all comments and hopefully I have entertained and informed in a small way.
We have had two tornado warnings during the past few days - both of which were about 20 miles north and west of my location. Can be very disheartening though when messages flash across the television screen telling you to head for the central room of your home and away from all windows. This is the strongest point of the house and the least dangerous place to be in the home. Me I just continued to sit in my chair, watch my soaps and hope for the best.
The warnings did not turn into anything serious, so my decision to maintain my location was okay. Had no problems at all - cable wasn't even affected, which is usually the first thing to go because the main antennae location for cable around here is right in the middle of the flat areas of the state most often affected by these warnings.
I will be kid sitting tonight. Eddie and I will be on our own because Terry is taking Liz to a seminar that will be giving her the pros and cons regarding lapband and/or gastric surgery. Me personally - I will continue to do it my way - eating less but better and increasing my exercises.
I have lost a little bit, don't know exactly how much, but my pants feel looser. Gal at doctor's office said to just by the way my clothes feel and stay away from the scale as much as possible. I like that advice - that way I don't fret over the numbers. I get weighed every three months when I go to my regular doctor's appointments and as long as those results show me weighing less each time I will be happy.
Time to go...will be back soon. To those who read this (and your are few I know) thank you for doing so. I appreciate any and all comments and hopefully I have entertained and informed in a small way.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Scooter vs. Gizmo
This morning as I was vainly attempting to tell my body that it was warm under the three layers of blankets covering me, I became involved in feline war number "umpteen". The cats residing in my house - the clawless Gizmo (Liz's cat) weighing in at ten pounds and and Scooter (my cat with claws) weighing in at 17 pounds decided that they were going to have a dispute right on top of me.
There was growling, hissing, snarling and swatting galore. You would think that my cat would have the distinct advantage (weighing more and having claws) but this is not the case. According to my son, Gizmo suffers from what he calls "Little Man Syndrome" and he has to assert himself big time. Now I really don't mind the cats having running disagreements throughout the house, but when they stop on top of me and go at, I draw the line. It sounded like they were "killing" each other. I hope that Scooter was at least successful in getting in a couple of good swipes with all claws extended. They should be sharp because it has been awhile since they were clipped (this means a trip to the vet because I refuse to fight with her - I am the loser in that battle).
I have not seen Scooter since this morning - she is probably on the other side asleep behind my chair, which seems to be a favorite spot of hers at the moment. Gizmo just got up from his station on my desk in between me and my laptop. Makes typing a very interesting prospect. He is much more interested in checking out the bug that is crawling on the screen of my window. The great hunter is brave as long as the quarry is smaller than him and usually of the insect variety.
Even though the day started with the battle royal, it ended on a really good note. It was sunny, with gentle breezes, low temps and humidity (all windows and doors were opened up to take advantage) and quiet for the most part. A neighbor was using some sort of machine that sounded like a giant milkshake machine to do whatever. All things were copacetic in the neighbor hood today.
There was growling, hissing, snarling and swatting galore. You would think that my cat would have the distinct advantage (weighing more and having claws) but this is not the case. According to my son, Gizmo suffers from what he calls "Little Man Syndrome" and he has to assert himself big time. Now I really don't mind the cats having running disagreements throughout the house, but when they stop on top of me and go at, I draw the line. It sounded like they were "killing" each other. I hope that Scooter was at least successful in getting in a couple of good swipes with all claws extended. They should be sharp because it has been awhile since they were clipped (this means a trip to the vet because I refuse to fight with her - I am the loser in that battle).
I have not seen Scooter since this morning - she is probably on the other side asleep behind my chair, which seems to be a favorite spot of hers at the moment. Gizmo just got up from his station on my desk in between me and my laptop. Makes typing a very interesting prospect. He is much more interested in checking out the bug that is crawling on the screen of my window. The great hunter is brave as long as the quarry is smaller than him and usually of the insect variety.
Even though the day started with the battle royal, it ended on a really good note. It was sunny, with gentle breezes, low temps and humidity (all windows and doors were opened up to take advantage) and quiet for the most part. A neighbor was using some sort of machine that sounded like a giant milkshake machine to do whatever. All things were copacetic in the neighbor hood today.
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