New Year's Resolution

As of this moment, I don't have any definite ideas for what I'd call a New Year's Resolution. There are a few things which I started in 2007 that I'd like to continue, but nothing "new" has come to mind. I've been exercising and dieting for 6 months now. I will continue to do that. Perhaps I'll try to save more than I spend on myself. Doing that always brought good results in the past, because after saving for awhile I was able to take a "nice" vacation. Some day I'd like to visit Italy. I'll need to start saving for that soon. Having a little nest egg is also good if you suddenly have the desire to redecorate or to make home improvements. Hopefully, in a few years I'll be able to purchase a new car. Saving toward that is also a good thing to do. I know that I have no control over it, but I'd like to say that this year, 2008, I will win the lottery, BIG TIME! I will pay bills, help out family members and give to my favorite charities. After doing those things, I'd have to give careful thought to what I'd do with the rest of my winnings. It's nice to dream, isn't it? May all of my dreams come true this year.

Two Christmas Mysteries

This week I have completed two books. They were both Christmas mysteries. I enjoyed both but prefered one over the other. I don't remember reading anything else by this author, but will seek out her books during my next visit to the library. The mystery genre is a favorite of mine when reading fiction. Most of the time the books are an "easy" read and are done with quickly so you can move on to the next. I have another mystery, by another female author, waiting for me to pick it up and breeze through it's pages. I wonder if I'll be a good sleuth and find out the answers to the mystery before the book ends? That's part of the fun of reading that type of book. Here's to mysteries, may they all be solved, whether they be part of fiction or part of our daily lives.

Merry Christmas!

Our family had a Merry Christmas. The turkey dinner turned out well and the gifts were delightful. The day went quickly. Today after the dishes have been done and put away, I see that the kitchen floor needs to be done again. Someone spilled something. It's necessary to dust and vacuum. We clean before company comes and again after they leave. It's a labor of love. We do all of this before the next holiday comes in a week, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. I bought a Real Simple Cleaning book to assist me in cleaning problems as they arise. In that book I have found a great way to wash up the coffee drops which were left on the laminate floor. There are other great ideas in that book as well. In three weeks I will have someone come again to help me clean. Until then it's all up to me. Sometimes I feel like Cinderella.

A Kitten For Christmas?

Someone very gently asked me if I'd like a black kitten for Christmas. In a weak moment I considered it. I wasn't against the idea exactly. I even agreed that Sandy and I could welcome a little kitten into our home at Christmas. Don't know what the outcome of all the discussion will be, but I may be adopting a new cat. If he/she comes for Christmas I'll name it NOEL. It may be good company for Sandy who follows me around most of the day when he's not sleeping. It'll also give him a little competition. He won't be "top cat" anymore. Maybe Sandy will refrain from waking me up in the middle of the night if he has a companion. Of course, there's always the reverse of that. The two cats could take turns waking me up at night. In any case, it's yet to be determined if I'll receive a new kitten or not. Que Sera, Sera.

Angels In The Snow

Do you remember making "angels" in the newly fallen snow? Doing that was a lot easier than making a snowman. You couldn't make a perfect angel by yourself because you always needed someone to help you up after the angel was made. Otherwise, it wouldn't be perfect. If it's not perfect is it really an angel? They were so pretty when made correctly. I dated someone for awhile who privately called me "Angel". I must say that that was a nickname I enjoyed being called. We all have "angels" in our lives. Of course there are the supernatural kind which watch over us in our daily lives. We call them guardian angels. Some people we have in our lives are angels also. They look out for us and help in our welfare by the little things they do unselfishly. I have several friends who I'd call "Angels". They are always there when I need them to be. I can always count on them and fall back on them like I fell upon the soft snow making my snow angels. I don't know what I'd do without them. I pray that they continue to have healthy, happy, full lives and that they know how much I value having them in my life. Here's to the angels we know, and the strangers we may come upon who turn out to be angels also. God Bless Them All!!

Busy Shopping Day

Arriving at the grocery store one hour after it opened, I found the parking lot crowded and the store very busy as well. I was a bit slow in getting "a move on" or I would have arrived when the doors opened at 7am. It took me longer than usual to shop because I had more than I usually have to buy. I decided to make next weekend's shopping trip shorter by buying all the non-perishables I'll need for Christmas today. I also went and bought the wine we'll need for dinner, and brandy for the pecan pie which I plan to make. Making that stop today avoided the rush on the liquor store at the last minute. After unpacking the car and putting everything away, I decided to go out to pick up three prints which I had had framed. That store, in a strip mall with a bookstore, and two department stores, was also very crowded. The parking lot was full but luck was with me and I found someone pulling out of their space. I put on my blinker and I pulled into the space. It wasn't very far from the store either. All of Santa's Elves and associates are out there looking for Christmas treasures. I stopped into the bookstore to look for a new Christmas book which came out this year. There was a whole pile of them, so I decided that I could put off purchasing it until another day. You see, the line to check out your books was slightly longer than ? A mile, maybe? Not really, but it was sure a long line which wrapped around a couple of times. What I need to do next week is get to the bookstore at the opening hour of 9am before the crowds arrive. I now know where the book is in the store, just need to pick it up and walk to the register and pay for it. That will be painless. The book is also 30% off which helps the pocketbook at this time of year. I don't like shopping in "crowds". I guess I feel that I have better things to do with my time than wait in long lines. But to all those die hard last minute shoppers, may you find what you're looking for, and may all the lines you have to wait in be short.

Messy Weather Today

We had sleet/rain/snow today. The parking lot is a sheet of ice. Tomorrow promises to be better. It was a good day for baking, but I refrained from doing that only because I didn't want to eat all that I would have made. My diet is working and I have to continue with the struggle for a couple more months.
My down wrap/throw arrived today. Now when I get cold I'll have something very cozy to curl up in. It's got a zipper half way up the front and finishes off with snaps. You can actually make 2 sleeves in it for your arms. I tried it on and it is perfect for the job for which it was created.
Tonight is a perfect night for watching a Christmas movie. It's beginning to look alot like Christmas outside and inside. The mood is set. Which movie will it be?

You're All I Want For Christmas!

Do you remember the Christmas song, "You're All I Want For Christmas"? It goes on to say, "all I want my whole life through..."
I have a match on a dating website which brings this song to mind. Don't know if the match will ever result in a meeting, but would sure like it to be the opening for something which moves in that direction. Been doing this dating website thing for awhile. Nothing has clicked yet. I have hope that this match will be different. That's all I want for Christmas!

Waiting For The Winter Solstice

We've had such dreary weather for the past couple of weeks. It's been mostly overcast with rain or snow in some form almost every day. It starts to get dark really early when the sun doesn't shine during the day. Each day is shorter than the one before. I'm looking forward to the Winter Solstice because then the days will start to get longer. By the end of January we'll start to see more daylight then we have in December. It will probably be dark after five instead of after four. That gives hope that Spring and Daylight Savings time is on it's way. I'm not sure when the "dead of winter" takes place but it sure feels like it this December. Officially, it's still Fall. Winter comes with the winter solstice. We may have more snow and ice during the winter months, but we'll also have more sun.

Who Do You Sound Like?

Do you ever catch yourself singing? I do. Who do you sound like when you sing? I spoke to my mother today. She said that while she napped this afternoon she thought she heard me singing. When she opened her eyes she saw Margaret Whiting singing a Christmas Carol on the Traditional Christmas Music Choice Channel which she had left on the tv. I said, "I sound like Margaret Whiting?" "Yes", was Mom's reply. It's amazing the things you continue to learn from your mother. Margaret Whiting has a pleasant voice. It's not one I'd describe as beautiful. However, I guess it's safe to still "sing" when I have the urge to do so, even if it is out of the shower.

A Christmas Movie

Today is such an overcast day. It looks like it will snow, but so far nothing has fallen from the sky onto the lawn outside my window. Earlier this afternoon I decided to play a Christmas movie which I watch every year, "The Bishop's Wife" with Cary Grant, David Niven, and Loretta Young. It's a movie which was made in the 40's, but is still enjoyable today. I have about 4 or 5 old movies which I watch every year at Christmas. That's one of my traditions. I'm a "Romantic" at heart. There is the usual bit of romance in each of the movies. They are black and white pictures. Christmas remains my favorite holiday season. It still holds the magic for me that it did when I was a child. As I get older I think of those relatives who have left us and gone on to a better place. I miss them around Christmas. Christmas memories of them bring me comfort. I wish that our entire family could be together at some time this season, but that's not always possible. It would be great fun to see the "little ones", my great nephews and great niece. They live 7 hours away and that is not always possible. Thanks to Alexander Graham Bell and the computer we can "almost" be together.
I wonder which Christmas movie I'll watch next? Maybe "Christmas In Connecticut" with Dennis Morgan and Barbara Stanwyck.

Life Is Beautiful

My life has been good. Today I feel that life is beautiful! What a difference a day makes! I awoke at 2:00am wide awake. Besides the usual Saturday errands, my plans for the day include taking time for giving thanks. It's easy to find a reason for giving thanks every day if we stop to think about it. Today's reason is a "no brainer". I hope that the weather cooperates today because I'd like to go to church tonight.
On the more "selfish" side, I'm treating myself to a pedicure today. A little pampering will feel good.
Happy Saturday to all my friends and family. May "good news" find you today.

Good News

The doctor who did my biopsies called this morning to tell me that all 4 were benign. I feel like I received a miracle today. The prayers of my dear friends and family were answered. Thank you, Dear God. I feel that a huge worry has been lifted from me. I didn't realize how much stress it was causing me. I now pray that the people I know who have loved ones waiting for the same good news will also receive it. What a terrible disease. I wish they'd find a cure for CANCER of all kinds. Why haven't they yet?

The Power of Prayer

My family and friends are praying for me tonight. Tomorrow I have to have a medical procedure which includes a biopsy. My nephew told me to keep my spirits up and to keep in a positive frame of mind. I won't have the results of the biopsy immediately, but I'll be glad when it's over and done with. God willing, I will be all right. If not, I'll fight the good fight again. I believe that there is power in prayer. My mother told me that a lot of people are praying for me tonight. I will be joining them. Hopefully, the answer to our prayers will be to our satisfaction.

The First Snowfall

We have a soft snow falling here today. It's covered the cars and is beginning to cover the grass. It makes a good back drop for listening to Christmas music while the Christmas lights are lit on the wreaths and the tree. The temperature is very cold, 21 degrees is what the weather forecaster said it was today. The first snowfall of the year is always the prettiest. What's great about today is that it's not a work day for me, so I don't have to drive. I have a church around the corner which I can walk to for mass. It would be a perfect day for baking Christmas cookies. A December snowfall helps set the holiday mood. As long as there is no where you need to be, it's very welcome.

They Say....

They say that you teach people how to treat you. I was insulted by a comment made to me by a friend today. I didn't respond but someone else did. Then another comment was made. It was the second comment that made me decide not to join the group tonight for quilting. My "friend" called to see where I was and I decided not to answer the phone. Some people feel free to say what they want to say. They should also be prepared to pay the consequences. Think before you speak is a good adage. Is what you have to say so important to say that you would risk offending a friend? I doubt that it is in most cases. I will get over it, but not tonight. Maybe my friend will think twice before she speaks the next time.

The Retiree Breakfast

This morning about 25 of my former colleagues and I met for breakfast. We do this once a month from September through November and then again in March and April. In May we have a luncheon. It's always a time to catch up on the news in everyone's life. Breakfast lasts about 3 hours before we pay our separate bills and say "goodbye" until the next time. After the breakfast today, I went to purchase a grave blanket for my father's grave. I drove the little way to the cemetery and placed it on his grave. It felt good to be there. I miss him very much still, especially at this time of the year. We're fortunate that we still have our mother with us. On Friday I will visit her and put her Jack-O-Lantern away and take down her Christmas trees for her. We'll also put a wreath on her door. I love this time of year. I seem to have more energy than usual and always feel the "warmth" of the season despite the colder temperatures. Here's to a happy holiday season for all and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year as well.

Where Did The Day Go?

My morning started by getting my flat tire changed and repaired. After stopping at the bank and the pharmacy, I spoke to my diet counselor. She was pleased that I had a loss despite the holiday. I had lunch and wrote out some bills then it was time to meet my new gynocologist for an annual checkup. I liked her very much. She was very upbeat. I arrived home from the doctor's appointment at about 3:30pm exhausted. I made a cup of tea and answered a couple of phone calls, perused new magazines, and had supper. Presently I'm watching the Channel 2 program of the lighting of the Christmas tree at Bryant Park. It's an entertaining show. I like the ice skating. I can't believe it's 7:35pm already. I don't feel like I did a lot today, but where did the day go? I'm just getting started!

A Flat Tire

Today I went outside to get into my car so I could go to my dental appointment. Unfortunately, I had to cancel the appointment because I have a flat tire. It's a nasty, rainy, cold day today. Usually I would have called AAA by now to change the flat and then I would have taken the tire to be repaired and put back onto the car. Since it's such a messy day I've decided to wait until the morning for all of that activity. I do need to have the tire back on the car by 2pm tomorrow because I have a 2:10 doctor appointment. What a nuisance a flat tire is, especially since you have to call and wait for someone to come and change it and then take it to be repaired. I'll be glad when I have four working wheels again. One is lost without a car in the burbs.

Christmas Shopping

Christmas Shopping while I listen to Christmas music is my kind of shopping. I sat in my recliner and perused several catalogues. The next step was to pick up the phone, dial up the computer and make out a few checks. I now have a gift for everyone on my list. Oh, there are a few incidentals I'll have to pick up, but for the most part, I am done. Hip, Hip, Hooray! The next task to tackle will be my Christmas cards. They'll take a bit longer to do, but I still have time for that. My living room is decorated except for the tree. I'll try to do that tomorrow. Since Sandy climbs the usual tree, I'm going with a small fiber optic tree this year. He won't be able to climb that because it's so compact. Only lights, no ornaments for the cat to swat and break. Simplify, simplify, simplify! I'm reading at the 8:30 mass on Christmas Day and I'm cooking Christmas dinner for 5 of us. I don't mind the cooking, it's the cleanup that's a chore. It will be a labor of love.

Thanksgiving Eve

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Luckily, I don't have to cook dinner because we've been invited to my sister's home for the holiday. Tonight I did cook. I'm bringing two dishes and 5 desserts to our Thanksgiving feast. We usually start our day by watching the Macy's parade on TV. Football is a favorite of the men. The highlight of the day is our turkey dinner with all the trimmings. It's one of my favorite holidays. This year, as with every other year, I have plenty to be thankful for. Above all, I'm thankful for good health and family and friends. There are many other less important things which I'm also thankful for but will remain "untold" at this time. One thing which I'd by very happy about is if we had world peace. It's too bad the world hasn't found a way to do that yet. I wonder if there will ever be an end to war? God bless our military men and women and their families for the sacrifices they have made for our country. Keep them safe and please bring a resolution to the problems in the middle east and an end to terrorism and it's threat.

New Paint

It's amazing how a new paint job in the hallway makes such a big difference. It's bright and clean. There is nothing in the hall except one piece of furniture which will also be painted soon. That chest holds my table linens. It will be painted an antique white by the same guy who painted my hallway. I'm looking forward to the new look to finish off the hall. The next new change will be the arrival of my new dining room table at the end of December. I'm anxious to receive it. Then each room will be "done" except for the craft room. There are a few things in there which I intend to get rid of when I get the chance. Room to move around in there is what I need to work on. It's such a small room and is a catch all for "stuff" which will change.

Wanting More of The Arts

It's been several years since I've had the good fortune to see a play or to go to a museum. I find myself wanting to do those things again. There is a Renoir exhibit in the Philadelphia Museum which I'd like to see. Some of the art work hanging on my walls are copies of Renoir paintings. He's always been my favorite impressionist. I found a bus trip to this exhibit and now have to find someone else who'd like to go to see it. I could go by myself, but it's always more fun when you go with someone else. Perhaps if no one else is game, I will go by myself. A Broadway play I'd like to see is Jersey Boys. I'm even "up" for going to the ballet again, or for going to hear the NY Philharmonic in concert. I suppose these are my desires for Christmas. I hope that they can become dreams come true.

Feeling Happy

Did you ever wake up to a new day and feel different than you felt the day before? Sometimes I awake more exhilarated by life than I was the day before. Today I have a feeling of happiness greater than I had yesterday. That's a good feeling. I can't explain it. I'm not sure what's causing it but I welcome it. Before I went to bed last night I started to read a new book called "the not so big life". It was inspiring. The premise of the book is to "make room for what really matters". That's what I've been trying to do for the past few months by cutting out activities which exhaust me and do not bring me joy. Like someone said, we are human beings, not human "doings". I've taken my father's advice and have taken time to smell the roses.

Lunch With A Friend

I met a friend for lunch in a quaint town called Clinton today. After lunch we went in and out of the shops. I didn't buy anything but lunch. Yes! I came home with money in my pocket. It use to be that if I shopped from a catalogue and saw something I liked, I'd buy one in every color that I liked. Recently, I've managed to buy just one when purchasing. Now that I'm retired, it makes more sense. Doing so makes the money go farther. I've lost some weight and soon I'll be cleaning out my closet of the "old" clothes and I'll need to purchase new things. Since I' m not working I won't need the extensive wardrobe which I still have from those working days. My friends will probably see me coming and going in the same things all the time. I don't have the need or desire to be a "clothes horse" anymore. After I do some repairs around the house, I want to start traveling again. I'll need to save up for trips since, like my father always said, "Money doesn't grow on trees." I'd like to visit Italy a couple of times. I want to see the tourist sights in the cities like Rome and Florence. I also want to see the countryside and have a restful vacation without a lot of running around. God willing, I'll get to visit France again. There is much that I'd like to see in that country. I've only visited Paris and the close environment to the city. I'd also love for Ireland to be in the travel picture again. We'll see what "life" has in store for me in the future. I hope that I'm the one making the decisions in that regard.

A Vacation From Blogging

I haven't written in a few weeks because of a lack of inspiration. Sometimes you run out of ideas. I could have written about my visit to DE to visit a former colleague a couple of weekends ago. Four of us spent the weekend catching up on all the people we know and reminicsing about all the funny things that happened at work. We visited the ocean at Bethany Beach and found a few boutiques to visit. My great find was an aqua colored sweater with a cowl neck and the popcorn stitch stitched into the sweater. I also found inspiration for a knitting project. We saw a turquoise scarf, very long, which could be used for a shawl and buttoned in the front. It will be very easy to make. I just need to find out how to knit buttonholes, then find some "funky" large buttons. The scarf sold for $92. which is more than I'd spend on a scarf. My friend Ruth and I decided that we'd make one ourselves. I found turquoise yarn at the craft store and bought it already. Put that on my list of "To Knit" projects. I'm currently working on an afghan. I may put that on hold since doing the scarf will be faster. If I wait until I do the afghan, I may lose interest in the scarf, or it'll be out of style and a waste to make. The friend we visited must have had a good time because she invited us back next November and asked us to rent a house in the Poconos with her in July. That'll be my first vacation in 3 years. It's always fun to be away with girlfriends. It reminds me of happy times in the dorm at college.

Mah Jongg Tomorrow

Four of us will be playing MJ tomorrow. Four others can't make it. One thing is for sure, we will each get to play every game. I must remember my card and my MJ set tomorrow. A couple of the gals we play with don't own their own MJ set. I think they should. There's always one or another of us schlepping our set everytime we get together to play.
It should be great fun to play again. I missed the last time the group got together. As long as I can win one game I'll be happy. I'm not very competitive with the others, but if I can win one game I feel that the day wasn't a total loss.

Golf In The Autumn

Three of us played 9 holes of golf today on a beautiful public course in our area. The day started out very cold and crisp. It warmed up nicely although a sweater was still required. It was the first time in about 17 years that I've played on a "real" golf course. I was very rusty!!! I was so rusty that I decided not to keep score and to only keep track of my Putting. That wasn't too good either. I need to hit balls to practice my swing. If that doesn't work, I'll try a lesson or two in the spring before the next season begins. L. wants C. and I to join the Ladies League next year. I need to get better by then. It was fun to be out on the course and in the beautiful autumn air. I hope we can get in another day or so before we call it quits for the winter.

Fantastic Flooring

The laminate floor's been laid. It looks beautiful! I'm so glad that I went through the hard job of getting everything packed up and moved out of the rooms. I've spent all afternoon trying to put things back together again. I'm pooped! I'll finish the dining room tomorrow. Putting the books back on the shelves of the bookcases will probably take a couple more days. Even the storage closet in the LR has been done. Everything is back inside in good order. It's amazing what you find when you clean a closet. Treasures you forgot that you had! I have to hang all the coats back in the hall closet, then I 'll be able to get back into the craft room. Slowly but surely the place will be put back together. Now I can't wait until I have my bedroom floor done.

Packing Up

Packing up two full rooms and three closets is over whelming! To quote my sister, "This is hard work." I guess we're not as young as we use to be. Help is on the way tomorrow when my younger brother comes by for a visit. He'll finish up boxing the books and I'll pack the dishes from the dining room. On Saturday I'll pack the cd's and video tapes. Sunday is reserved for the storage closet in the living room. Hopefully, the two rooms will be free of everything but furniture by Monday morning. I can't wait until Tuesday when the floor is done and I can start putting my home back in order. I've decided to play golf on Wednesday! I'll deserve a break and a day of fun with friends. That'll be the day I pack up my cares and woes.

Estudiantina Waltz, Op. 191

The Light Classical station is playing the Estudiantina Waltz by the Cincinnati Pops right now. It sounds so familiar. I remember that tune from my childhood when they had a beer commercial on TV. If I write the words to the jingle, you may know the tune without hearing the music play. It starts, "My beer is Rheingold, the dry beer. Think of Rheingold whenever you buy beer. It's not bitter, not sweet. It's an extra dry treat. Won't you try extra dry Rheingold beer?"
I've never been a beer drinker but I remember liking the melody to that particular jingle. However, since I'm not a beer drinker, I have no idea how to spell "Rheingold". I do know how to spell Rhine wine which I prefer to any beer, be it bitter, sweet or extra dry.

The Shelves Are Up

Today was the day the shelving was put up on the wall in the craft room. They look great and will hold a lot of hobby materials. I spent a few hours "stocking the shelves" so to speak. After that, I moved some of the things I need to store into the room. Next Monday I'm having laminate flooring put in the living room, dining room and hall. I need to store all items which will fit in the two other rooms. I've started with the craft room. The hall closet has been emptied. Tomorrow I'll pack up the dishes from the dining room buffet. On Thursday my sister has offered to help me move all the books from the bookcases and we'll box them in the bedroom. It seems like an overwhelming job to "clear the deck" so the men can put down the floor. I'm glad I've decided to start this early.

I Couldn't Believe It

I actually won playing Pinochle last night. It is the first time I've won in well over a year of two. It gave me a sense of satisfaction to win, but it was not as exciting as I thought it would be. We played two games. Whoever reaches a score of 250 first is the winner of that game. I won the second game. I really believe that winning is mostly in the cards you're dealt. There is some strategy, but if you don't have the cards it's all to no avail. I guess that is kind of how "life" goes also. The "cards" you're dealt has much to do with whether you win or lose. Not giving up but persevering often pays off. Who was it who said, "Success is failure turned inside out"? That reminds me of the children's story, "The Little Engine Who Could". If you continue to "think I can", you often can and do succeed.

When Will I Win?

Tonight is our night to get together and to play Pinochle. We've been playing for more than ten years. It's been at least two years since I've won a game. I've come close very often, coming in a close second. I'm beginning to wonder if and when I will ever win a game again. Two of our friends play at home every night during the week. They have been walking away with the miniature trophy every time we play. Part of playing cards is strategy, but most, I think is luck. Needless to say, I'm not lucky at cards. I'm happy to say that, thankfully, the rest of my life has been better.

The Jack-O-Lanterns

As I'm sitting here thinking of what to write about, a big Jack-O-Lantern is staring at me from the top of the fireplace. It's light is glowing an orange color and he's smiling at me showing the 5 teeth he has. There are 2 baskets on the tea table which hold Halloween candy. They were put there in anticipation of the trick or treaters who will be coming in a few weeks. Halloween was a favorite holiday when I was a kid. We were even lucky enough to have the day after Halloween off from school. Our public school friends were not that lucky. We didn't have to go to bed "early" because we could sleep late the next day. My brother and I only missed one Halloween of trick or treating because our doctor decided that the day before that wonderful holiday, we should have our tonsils taken out. Much to our surprise, however, the day was "saved" by two of our cousins who shared their candy with us. They delivered it in a small plastic Jack O Lantern and made our day!

Patience

Do you have patience? Sometimes daily living requires more than the usual amount of patience. For instance, I've been waiting for several weeks for someone to let me know when they can put up some shelving for me in my craft room. I'd like to get that done before the men come to lay the new floor in the LR/DR/Hall. If the shelves aren't put up I need to find some place to put the four boxes of shelving and all the paraphanalia which comes with them. The craft room is in turmoil. Soon the whole house will be in turmoil as things get moved into the bedrooms so they can lay the floor. I'd like to get the shelving job done so I can use the craft room for storage. I'm beginning to run out of patience. I suppose things get done in a more timely fashion if you are lucky enough to have a handyman around the house. Some men aren't that handy in fixing things. Please, please, please put up my shelves. I'd like to move on to bigger and better things.

So Many Channels, Nothing To Watch

I listened to music again today because I couldn't find anything interesting to watch on the tube. I checked out the news, and surfed the other channels. If you love sports, you had it made today. Although I don't mind a football game or two, I don't really enjoy watching the NFL on TV. I'd rather watch a college game on Saturday. Weekend TV is a sports fan's dream. I'd rather watch a mystery or a good movie. "Good" is the word here. They put a lot of junk on the ordinary channels. I don't subscribe to the movie channels because cable is expensive enough without them. I would watch the Yankee game, but I'm afraid I'll be disappointed by the outcome. What's the matter with those Yankees? I could lose a baseball game for that kind of money. They've been such a disappointment. Now they're saying that if they don't win, Joe Torre may lose his job. It's not him swinging the bat or pitching or messing up the plays. I have a better idea. Instead of Joe losing his job, why doesn't George take a few million away from the team players who don't measure up to the salaries they're making?

A Big Project

In two weeks, I'm going to have my wall to wall carpeting replaced with a laminate floor. My work is now cut out for me because I have to remove everything I can from the rooms. Part of the problem is that I can't lift heavy boxes because I will hurt my back. The heaviest boxes will be the boxes of books when I empty the bookcases. Where to put them in a small condo is the next problem. I'll also have some boxes of dishes and I have to remove the stereo components from the stereo stand. I'm told that the workers won't move electronics. I'll probably put the dishes and the stereo equipment in the kitchen and remove all books to my bedroom. Where I'll then put them into boxes thus avoiding the need to pick up the boxes of books. I already emptied the linen closet in the hall. I have a coat closet in the hall to empty. There is a storage closet in the living room to empty. The things from the storage closet may have to be placed in the bathrooms because I'm sure I'll be out of space for them anywhere else. This will, however, be a labor of love because the end result of the new floor is well worth going through all the trouble. Maybe next year I'll have one bedroom done. That should be an easier project.

It's Working

Today was my second day of physical therapy for my aching back. I can honestly say that my back feels better today. When I spend a day sitting at the sewing machine, bending forward causes back pain. Eric, the PT, is teaching my back to bend easily in the opposite direction as well. This is the first time that I've had physical therapy for my back. It does work!

Skipping The News

What a peaceful day! I decided to skip the evening news broadcast on TV. I attempted to watch "Hardball" but decided to skip that also. I could feel my blood pressure rising and decided that a music station would be more to my liking tonight. I think that's it's important to know what's going on in the world, but sometimes, when it comes to the news, "ignorance is bliss". The power of one to change anything as we watch the news in our living rooms is limited. If you can't beat them, change the channel. I guarantee that you will have a pleasant evening if you do. Here's to happier times and more Good News!

The Search Begins

Today I found out that I will need to find a new doctor. My doctor is going to turn 70 and will retire. As I've gotten older, I've had to do this several times before. It's not an easy task nor an easy transition. Once you've established a report with someone it's almost like losing an old friend when they retire. I know that there are many good doctors out there and that I will find one I like. It's just hard to say "goodbye" to someone again.

Halloween Fun

Great Grandma and I went through a Halloween catalogue and found many surprises for our great grandchildren and great niece and nephews. We don't see them often because they live 7 hours away by car. Probably just as long by plane. The items were reminiscent of our own childhoods. We found red wax lips, wax lips with white fangs, eyeball gum balls that ooze red liquid, lizard lips, wax bottles with juice inside, toads that ooze green stuff when you bite into them and Halloween skull and cross bone pencils.( the teacher in me couldn't resist) The confections were sent in care of their grandfather, my brother. When some of the things were introduced to them, they were told that Great Grandma had sent them. The children exclaimed that Grandma Hannah is the best! She remains a child at heart. I wish we could be there to see their excitement when given these things, but their Grandma, my brother's wife, said that she'd take pictures. Since a picture speaks a thousand words, that's better than nothing. Happy Halloween!

Inspiration

Today was another beautiful Fall day. I went out for a little while. When I returned home I used the rest of the afternoon to catch up on my magazine reading. I got the December issue of a quilting magazine. There was beauty inside of the pages. Each quilt was more colorful and beautiful than the next. What inspiration inside those pages! I need more time in my day and more days in my week. So many quilts, so little time. I also looked through a fashion magazine. The inspiration which came from that magazine was to stay on my diet. I'm doing well, and would like to lose a few more pounds before the holidays begin. Clothes tend to look better when they hang on a thinner frame. We all need inspiration in our daily lives. Some things are harder to achieve or "get through" than others. When the road you're traveling seems all up hill, a gentle push now and then can help to propel you onward. That's how inspiration works for me.

What A Beautiful Fall Day

Today was perfect! The temperature is in the low 80's and there is no humidity. I have two doors opened. The air is so fresh and clean. It's been a quiet day outside and therefore has been a peaceful day. I'm listening to classical piano music and sipping a glass of white wine. Today was a day of rest. I didn't get lots of things done although I did straighten up and read the paper. I managed to send a few emails to friends and answered the telephone a few times. The light of day is beginning to dim. Before long I'll turn on the lamp next to my chair and resume my knitting. I love days like this. We need them once in awhile to give balance to a busy life style. This week will bring more good weather our way. I wish for many more days with such magnificent weather before all the leaves fall off of the trees and Jack Frost comes to nip our nose and pinch our toes with much colder weather.

Following A Knitting Pattern

I've started to knit an afghan. It's made up of 24 blocks. Each block is made up of a different pattern. My first block is a woven knit pattern. It requires attention to every stitch. I'm on row 20 at present. It was suggested to me that I write the pattern for the row down and cross out each stitch or group of stitches as I knit them. This does slow down the process but it helps to prevent mistakes and the necessity of "ripping out". I've chosen this project because of the variety of blocks which gives me the practice of following a pattern. There's no telling how long it will take to finish, but when this is done I'd like to learn how to follow a grid, to change the color of the yarn and knit a picture into a sweater. When I can accomplish that I'll feel that I can knit anything I'd like to knit.

By The Sea

It's beautiful by the sea. We visited the shore towns yesterday. The temperature was in the 80's and even though it was a late September day, many people were on the beach. We drove from Bradley Beach through Avon By The Sea, over the bridge into Belmar and on into Spring Lake. The ocean is so beautiful. I can sit and watch the waves breaking on the shore or on the rocks forever. It's so peaceful. It's also fun to ride down the side streets and look at the lovely homes which grace the streets. It must be very nice to be able to live in one of these towns. I have a couple of favorites among those I've mentioned. Until that day comes I'll enjoy riding through and stopping to take in the sights. Maybe there will be a shore house in my future. I'm still " waiting for my ship to come in".

Wish I Were There

The NY Philharmonic season started tonight. I'm enjoying the concert on the PBS network. We just heard Yo Yo Ma playing a Cello concerto by Dvorak. It was lovely. Yo Yo actually worked up a sweat while he played. Several years ago I was fortunate enough to have season tickets to the NY Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. Two friends and I traveled into the city after our day of teaching at Kennedy School. What an experience it turned out to be. Besides hearing beautiful music in person, we often saw famous people at Lincoln Center or at the restaurants and stores nearby. I wish I were there tonight. Classical music in person is strong, beautiful, exhilarating and satisfying. I would compare the greatness of hearing classical music in person to the greatness of seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time. There is nothing like it and the joy it gives can not be adequately explained or described. You just have to experience it for yourself to understand.

The Mystery Gift

I've received a gift of a subscribtion to a news magazine. I have no idea who sent it to me. I'm not sure yet if the writers' bent leans left or right or a bit of both. I suppose that time will enlighten me. I've read this magazine before but since I receive a daily newspaper, I can't always keep up with a weekly subscription to a news magazine. I do find some of the news articles and feature articles interesting. There was an article on Luciano Pavarotti which I found to be interesting. I'd like to say "thank you" to whoever sent the magazine to me. I wonder why you sent it?

Hitting The Links, Miniature Style

Two friends and I went to Pitch and Putt this morning. I haven't hit a golf ball in at least 10 years. It wasn't quite the disaster I thought it would be. My putting needs work, but my swing is not too bad for being away from golf for so long. I'm encouraged. We've decided to play 9 holes on the local public course in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I'll make sure I visit the Driving Range and hit a few buckets of balls. We had fun today and it was my day's exercise. Fall is such a beautiful time of year to play golf. It's not too hot and humid. There actually was a very gentle breeze today. I hope we get the chance to play together a lot this fall. I could really get into this again.

My Scaredy Cat

The electrician came this morning and installed the ceiling fan/light fixture in the "library". It really looks great and now I don't have to worry about anyone hitting their head on the chandelier because the fan is much higher, nearer the ceiling.
To my surprise my cat, Sandy, is afraid of the fan even when it's stationary. I wish I knew what he thought it was. He slinks past it and can't leave the room fast enough. He's usually so bold. It's funny to see how frightened this makes him. Maybe he thinks that it's a big animal on the ceiling which will swoop down and carry him away. I'm curious how long it will take for him to realize it's nothing to be afraid of. What do you think? Will it take a day or two? What about when I turn the fan on. I probably won't see him for days since he'll probably hide under the bed.

Eight O'Clock Mass

I visited a neighborhood church this morning for the 8:00 mass. The morning was sunny and warm. The church was quiet while we waited for the service to begin. The feeling I got from mass at this church was a very spiritual one. I've been trying to analyze why the spiritual feeling was more intense then I had experience recently at this same church. Why was there a difference? What was different? In trying to answer those questions I've decided that the difference was with me. For the past couple of weeks I've been undergoing a "change" of some sort. I can't really identify it or explain it, but I realize it's been happening. I feel a 'peace' I haven't felt in awhile. "It's a good thing" that's occuring. I'm looking forward to "going" where it may take me.

The Paper Piecing Class

Paper piecing is definetly a challenge. After ripping out stitches twice, I caught on to the technique. I have half of a Mariner's Compass done. The class was full. Some of the ladies had experience with paper piecing before this class. There were a few who had not done paper piecing previously. I needed to take this weekend's class to prepare for next weekend's project. We will be making a paper pieced quilt which starts with the Mariner's Compass. The quilt builds on the compass and ends up being a queen sized quilt when completed. The class will meet once a month for four months so I'll have a lot of homework to do each week until the next class meeting. Anyway, I feel up to the challenge and will be happy to have another quilting technique under my belt.

Completing the Library

Today I moved the final bookcase into the "library" from the craft room. Doing so freed up a wall for shelving to be put in. I'm on the road to getting organized. The library looks inviting. I also put a game table in the middle of the room. Scrabble anyone? Backgammon? Can't wait until the craft room looks just as inviting as the library. Then there will be a place for everything, and everything in it's place.

New TV Season

The new Fall TV season can't start soon enough to suit me. TV has gotten very boring. I'm tired of reruns and reality shows. Hopefully the new season will bring several new shows which may be worth watching. I know that some daytime shows start a new season next week but I think we have to wait longer for the new evening shows. Instead of dramas and comedies, I wish there would be variety or musical type shows just so our choices would be broader. If nothing changes or improves on the tube I can always play music and read or do my crafts. Also, there's always the "talking heads".

Getting Organized

My craft room is going to get an overhaul shortly. I plan to have shelves put up on a long wall where I now have photos. This will enable me to get some things off the floor and on to shelves. The room will have an entirely different look and feel. I'm not sure when the shelves will arrive since they're backordered, but in the meantime I can find someone to hang them for me. When the room is done, I'll be able to do my crafts without moving "stuff". I can lock the cat out so he won't play with beads, or lie on fabric I'm trying to cut or sew, or put his paws in paint I'm using. The creative possibilities will be endless. I can't wait to see the "new" room.

During the 90,000 Mile Checkup

My car was given the 90,000 mile check up today at the place where I bought the car. While I waited for my vehicle I walked around the showroom to look at the new cars. Saw one I liked but I'm not ready to purchase another car so soon. I like to get at least 8 years of use from a car I've purchased. That way I feel that I've gotten my money's worth out of it. My mother had her last car for 12 years. That is my goal this time, to reach 12 years with mine. That means that I'll have the car for 5 more years. I'll give the car away at that point because I won't get much for a trade. Besides having a car that works superbly, I like a car that has style. The one I saw today comes in an ice blue which I thought was very attractive. I've never had a pastel colored car. I may go for that the next time. In any case, when I'm ready to buy a new car, I hope that my budget cooperates so that the payments will be a piece of cake.

The Best Exercise

The best exercise for me is water aerobics. The pool was closed for two weeks for repairs so we weren't able to have water aerobics. I went this evening for the first time. It was great fun, and great exercise. Actually, the lifeguard got in the pool and did the class with us. He had as much fun as we did. I look forward to getting back into the routine of going daily for water aerobics. It will help me lose the weight I'd like to lose and also give me much fun and needed exercise.

A Reason To Celebrate

On September 16th I will be cancer free for five years. My Oncologist told me that people who have reached the five year mark are less likely to have the cancer return. I hope and pray that that will be the case for me as well as others who have had that terrible disease. We are buying a bottle of Champagne to offer a toast to the future and to remaining cancer free. Please, please, please someone find a cure for that disease. It's affected too many people I know and love. Life is short as it is, lets not have anyone else's life shortened before "old age" by such a horrible illness. Please dear God give us a cure for cancer.

A New Ceiling Fan and Light

In honor of a milestone I've reached, I've decided to buy a new ceiling fan and light for my "library". Formally, that room was a dining room. There is a chandelier hanging in the middle of the room and two of my guests have hit their heads on it when getting up from an easy chair. The new light/fan will be much higher. Hopefully, that will solve the "hitting the head" problem for visitors. I will place a game table under the new light temporarily until my family gets use to the idea that something else is hanging there. That will let any 6' + people know that they will need to be careful and "watch their head" if the table is not there. Come to think of it, it may be better if the game table becomes a permanent fixture under the new light/fan. I don't know any women who are 6'+, but some of the men in my life are that tall. Heads up, gentlemen!

Wear White After Labor Day?

I was in the company of two girl friends the other day. They both were wearing white slacks. They made the comment that they thought they'd get another day's wear from the white slacks because they couldn't wear white after Labor Day. I had no idea that women still followed that old rule. White is white, there is a "winter white". Is that less white than "summer white"? The difference is in the fabric not the color. What my friends should have said is "I can't wear white cotton after Labor Day". Actually, summer isn't officially over until Fall begins. So, I'd say wear your white and your cotton until the temperature drops. That may not happen for several weeks if we're lucky.

Train Dominoes

We didn't have enough people for two simultaneous MJ games today so while four people played MJ, the other three played Train Dominoes. When it was time to switch games, I learned how to play Train Dominoes. I must say that it is easier than MJ but is a lot of fun. I won the second game I played. I wasn't as lucky at MJ today.

Another Wonderful Day

Today was my third day at home. I only went outside to get the mail and to put out the garbage this morning. It was a great day. I accomplished a lot that I hadn't planned on doing. The craft room is straightened as is the rest of the house. All the laundry has been done. I even had some time to read today and I didn't take a nap afterall as I thought I might. Hopefully, I'll get a better night's sleep tonight. I've really enjoyed staying home and being productive here. Being by myself had a calming effect on me today. There was no stress from fighting traffic or from anything else. Tomorrow I'll end my solo act. Our Mah Jongg group is scheduled to play at about 11:00am until about 3:00pm. I haven't played in awhile and I know I'll enjoy myself. I'll get in a walk around the neighborhood before I go to play. Then I'll have all day on Friday to do what I want to do, followed by a couple of games of Pinochle with friends on Friday night. There is something to be said about being quiet and experiencing solitude once in awhile. I feel refreshed and ready for the outside world again.

Very Tired, But Wide Awake

My body is ready for sleep, but my mind is on overdrive. I went to bed about two hours ago and got up almost one hour ago because I couldn't fall asleep. They say that that's what you should do when sleep doesn't come quickly. After blogging I'll try reading my book. That may make my eyes tired and hopefully, sleep will follow. Tomorrow when I want to accomplish some things I'll probably be sleepy. I may need a nap in that case. I'd rather sleep at night. In any case, for all you others out there, pleasant dreams. Mr. Sandman, I'm ready for a dream or two myself. Won't you please visit me tonight?

Staying Close To Home

Last week I was "out and about" all week. There was something to do each day. Although I thoroughly enjoyed each day as it was happening, I'm not use to all the activity. This week I'm content to stay close to home and do things here. There's always "straightening up" to be done. I have a million crafts I can do and I have two books from the library. I always enjoy going out with friends, but sometimes it's just as nice to spend a day or two at home by oneself. I'll actually have three total days to be at home. On Thursday, I play Mah Jongg with friends and on Friday night it's Pinochle with friends. This weekend is a holiday weekend and I'll have company. I'll read at church on Sunday and relax that day again. It's great to be able to travel about and do things with friends, but sometimes you can have too much of a good thing and you need to "regroup" so to speak. The first three days of this week are my time to do just that.

A Stroll Through the Craft Store On Sunday

Yesterday afternoon, I visited a craft store when I was at the shore. It is a popular chain craft store. What great fun it was to stroll down the aisles and see what there was on each and every shelf. As I entered the store I saw fall items such as silk fall leaves, Chrysanthamums, scarecrows and of course back to school items. There were scrapbook items and Halloween stamps and fall baking pans and cookie cutters. Everything was so colorful. Another store which is like "candy for the eyes" . I walked up and down every aisle taking in all that was available to purchase, but naturally I couldn't get one of everything. I settled for a bouquet of white and a bouquet of red mums, a bunch of fall leaves, a grapevine wreath which I'll cover with the fall leaves, a box of assorted greeting cards, fall stamps for scrapbooking and some beading items. It was a thrill of go home with those treasures which I got on sale. Since I've returned home, I have placed the mums in a vase on the coffee table. They're standing next to an orange spice candle which I was given for my birthday. Next weekend is Labor Day, the unofficial end of the summer season. Everything will start to look like fall soon, and I'm ready.

An Easier Class

A few days ago I took another beading class. It was an earrings making class for beginning beaders. This class was a "piece of cake" compared to the bracelet weaving class I took earlier in the week. I made 1 pair of drop earrings and 2 single earrings which I have to make the mate for at home. I wanted to experiment with a different design which is why I decided to make only 1 of the pair at the class and to then design a new one which also needs a partner. I showed the earrings to several friends. They loved them. I think that earrings will be my "thing" in beading. At least for awhile. I'd also like to learn how to put a clasp on a beaded necklace because we ladies like to have a necklace to match our earrings at times. I'm glad I decided to try this new hobby. It's proving to be great fun.

Coal Mining

The six coal miners lost when the Utah mine collapsed have not been and probably will never be recovered. The collapse happened about two weeks ago. Even if they have enough air to breathe, it's not possible to survive for two weeks without food and water. I feel so bad for their families. Coal Mining has got to be one of the most dangerous jobs there is. The miners go down into the bowels of the earth every day to get coal. On a good day, they return home when their shift is done. On a bad day, there is a mine collapse and they have to wait hoping to be rescued from the tomb they find themselves in. Unfortunately, this time, three of the rescue workers were killed trying to find the six. I believe it's been decided that it is too dangerous to dig further for the trapped miners. The mine community and the families need a miracle. Not retrieving the trapped miners or not recovering their bodies if they have been killed does not sit well with me. I pray that this situation could have a better ending. God Bless them and their families.

A Completed Bracelet

My second bead class was this morning. I was more successful with making this bracelet than I had been making a necklace at my first class. I actually finished the project and put the clasp on it. The key to being able to do it was being able to see the pattern so that you know which bead to pull the thread through and when. I had a few beads left over so I bought a couple more and now I can practice making the bracelet on my own at home. Since it'll be the same color as the one I made today, I'll give it away as a gift. The cost for making 2 bracelets is only $28. Of course, the class fee has to be added to that. So, if I make several, I'll sell them for $30. each. Maybe I'll be able to go to flea markets to sell them. It could be the start of a new business. It took me 3 hours to finish my first bracelet. Hopefully, I'll be able to make the next one faster. It was a very enjoyable experience and the people in the class were very helpful and friendly. Here's to new adventures! May they all be just as successful!

TV Chefs

Instead of watching the 5 o'clock news today, I decided to watch the food network. I watched Paula Deen, Giada, The Barefoot Contessa and Sandra Lee. Some of the recipes which were made were very appealing. Unfortunately, I'm on a diet. So, I will file the ideas away in my mind and look up the menus perhaps for printing out on the printer. Then I'll have them on hand for the future. My favorite recipes are the ones which don't require a lot of preparation or time to make. I have gotten some of Martha's recipes which are also appealing, but hers usually require more preparation and hard work. The sad thing about that is that after spending so much time making something, it can be eaten in 5 minutes. Seems like a waste of time to me unless you have help in the preparation. I do enjoy good food, however, so I will continue to watch my favorite cooks on the tube.

Tea For Six

Six of us went to a local tearoom today. Five of the six of us went to college together. We try to get together from time to time so we can keep in touch and keep up on each others news. We arrived at the tearoom at 2pm and left at about 5:30pm. The conversation was diversified. First we talked about children and education. Since we are all trained teachers, this topic often pops up. Leaving this conversation for others is always welcomed by me. Not that I don't like children and education, but being a retired educator I prefer other topics. I gave most of my adult life to educating children. It's nice to have moved on. Yes, there is life after teaching.

Inspiration From a Movie

As I mentioned, I saw the movie Becoming Jane today. Learning the story of Jane Austen inspired me to start writing my memories of my early childhood. After I get the narrative of what I remember down on paper, I'll see what I can do with it. It has always been a desire of mine to write a children's story. I never did get that done. Now I'm thinking that because of my advanced age, it would probably by less difficult to just write a story without a particular age of the audience in mind. From a story could come a book. That remains to be seen. They say that everyone has a "book" in them. My wildest dream is to be a published author and to have people actually read my book. I think of Helen Hooven Santmeyer who wrote "...And Ladies Of The Club". She took 50 years to complete that book. I'm sure I don't have 50 years left since I've already wasted at least 50 years by not getting started sooner. However, I've finally made the first step. I turned on my word processor and started to write today. I plan to write a little each day. When I run out of memories I'll attempt to tell the story of "Becoming Joanne".

Becoming Jane

Saw the movie Becoming Jane this afternoon. Needless to say, I loved it. It was my type of movie. It was about Jane Austen and the love of her life. I've always loved her novels. Pride and Prejudice was a favorite of mine. What I especially like about her novels is that although her characters have troubles, the story ends up happily. Not always so in "real" life. As Jane could attest to in the movie version of her life. I've always felt that since life isn't fair and ones experiences don't always end up happily, movies and novels should end up happily. There is enough sadness in life without walking out of a movie depressed, or closing a book at the end and feeling despair. So, here's to Jane, her novels, and happy endings. May we all have them!

Rainy Days and Mondays Never Get Me Down

It rained all day today. It was a steady, drenching, almost like Fall rainy day. The temperature has dropped significantly since yesterday. There were warnings that there may be local flooding. It was a very good day to stay inside and do any number of things. It didn't get me "down" because I welcomed the cooling of the temperature. When I worked, rainy days got me "down" and so did Mondays. The weekend was over and it was time to return to work on Monday. Rainy days were just gloomy. Now, since I'm not working, I welcome Monday as I do any other day of the week. I find rainy days to be a time for "cozy" type activities like curling up with a good book, taking a nap, even cleaning is a good activity for a rainy day. So, although I agreed with the Mommas and the Poppas for a number of years, I can honestly say now that Rainy Days and Mondays never get me down.

Anuna

The next concert on NJN is Anuna. They are an Irish group. Their music is beautiful. There are about 8 men and 8 women in the group who sing and then the musicians playing instruments in the background. They sing in both English and Irish. The music is "old". Some of it sounds like it may be Renaissance, some sounds like Irish folk music. They also sang "Scarborough Fair" and a John Denver song. The music is very soft, melodic, and restful. They will be performing at the State Theater in October. I'd love to hear them in person. Not only are their voices beautiful, but each member of the chorus is beautiful as well. I'm a bit biased I know, but I've always found the Irish to be good looking. The ending song of the concert is calm and restful, not bombastic like so many closing songs at performances. It was a beautiful concert.

Willie

Mom and I are watching a concert on NJN. It's got Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and other assorted musicians playing their well know songs. I do like Country Music although Willie was never someone I was "crazy" about. I do enjoy his music however. Summer time TV is usually reruns and it's often hard to find something worth watching. This concert is very entertaining and enjoyable. "You Were Always On My Mind" is what's being sung at the present moment. Was there ever anyone who was always on your mind? As life goes by, I often think of people I have known and no longer see. They are often on my mind. Some of them I've been told have passed on to their greater reward so there is no chance that we'll ever meet. Others are thousands of miles away and we've lost touch. In any case, I treasure the memories and wish them peace and happiness.

Another Birthday

Today is my birthday. I began my day by going to feed my friend's cat. I took a nice leisurely ride through the countryside and avoided the highway. When I arrived at my friend's home I was surprised to find a birthday card and several food items waiting for me. She had baked ziti for me to take home so I wouldn't have to cook today, along with sourdough bread, a small watermelon, peaches, petite cakes, and a vase full of garden flowers. The ride back home was just as nice since I went through the countryside on the way home also. After lunch, my mother and I drove to the quilt shop in Pennington where I used my 20% off birthday coupon to purchase a book, a magazine, a ruler and 3/8 of a yard of green fabrics. I will use the green fabric in a "practice" paper foundation piece so I can be ready for 2 paper foundation classes I've signed up for. One class is the Mariner's Compass, the other is the Hawaiian Star. On our way home we stopped and had a small ice cream. I managed to stay on my diet most of the day. My birthday splurge was the ziti and the ice cream, but I took a very small portion of each. It was a nice, quiet day. I plan to give myself a facial and use a body scrub in a warm shower followed by a perfumed body lotion before I retire for the day. It's another milestone birthday. I now can get 15% off on Wednesday at a local store. I'll remember that when gift shopping comes along. All and all it was a Happy Birthday!

The Eyes Have It

Took Mom to get a CT scan today. While I was waiting for her to be done, I was talking to a very interesting man who was waiting for his wife. He told me all about a wonderful doctor in Flemington who corrected his sight by removing his cataracts and replacing them with a hinge type device which allows him to see near and far. He said that the operation was experimental but that it was a wonderful success. He doesn't need glasses or even sunglasses any more. Since I now have baby cataracts, I asked if his doctor was a young man. My doctor told me that I might want to get surgery in 20 years for my baby cataracts which he expects to get worse by then. I'll need a good doctor by then. Luckily, his doctor is only in his 40's and could conceivably still be in practice by then. Of course, medicine will improve by then and hopefully there will be other good Opthomologists in practice in our area.

Ready To Go

My sewing machine's back in the table all set up for a day of sewing tomorrow. I took a Stack and Whack class last week at the quilt shop and need to finish sewing my blocks for the wallhanging. The quilt is called "Spin Cycle". It is made up of 16 kaleidoscope blocks. It took us about three hours to cut the fabric to prepare for sewing. Unfortunately my machine wasn't working correctly, so I didn't make much progress in sewing during class time. The problem with the machine has been straightened out and now I'm ready to go for tomorrow. Since each block will be different, I can't wait to see each one finished. As I'm sewing tomorrow, I'll be thinking about who I will give the quilt to. If no one comes to mind I may just have to keep it for a wall in my home.

Laughter Is Good For The Soul

The weekend's not over yet, but so far it's been filled with fun. On Friday my brother, his wife, and I visited with four cousins at the shore. Of course when you get together with relatives you haven't seen in a while, you talk about your childhood and all the relatives and things you remember about the old neighborhood. We laughed and laughed. Some of us found out little tidbits we didn't know before. We had a good time. I enjoyed every ones company.
Tonight, my brother, his wife and I visited with 2 high school friends we've been in touch with over the years. It was another fun filled evening where we laughed and laughed. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Someone once said that a day when you don't laugh is a day wasted. I totally agree with that. Laughter is good for the soul. These past 2 days were very special because we saw people we care about and we shared many good laughs with one another. Here's hoping that you may share laughter with someone every day of your life.

I Looked Like A Guest

Yesterday afternoon, I spent my first day of the summer swimming in an "outside" pool with the sun shining down on me. It was hot and humid as I've already reported. The water was cool and crystal clear. My cousin and I caught up on each other's "news". I really enjoyed myself bobbing around in the water. I got my first "color" of the season on my face, back and shoulders. My driving arm had been my only tan body part since the season changed. I don't ever get a deep tan. My Irish skin freckles and I am "tan" for me, but never as tan as the rest of my friends. When I was in High School, my family belonged to a swim club. We went to the swim club every day of the summer. One day, toward the end of August, a friend named Craig commented to me that I , not having a tan like everyone else, looked more like a guest at the pool instead of a member who soaked up the rays all summer like everyone else. I have siblings who tan more than I do. I've always said that if I got more freckles to fill in the empty spots on my arms etc. I'd be as tan as everyone else. Since that's not going to happen, I'll be content with my freckles and the slight pink I get after being out in the sun.

Boardwalking

Went to a town along the New Jersey shore yesterday with my brother and his wife. It was at the time the sun was setting. We walked the boards together for almost a mile. It was hot and humid that night. When we first arrived we could feel the ocean breeze, but after walking, the air became stuffy and we could not longer feel a cool breeze. Since I'm in need of daily exercise, walking is always a good substitute for water aerobics. It's especially nice to be able to walk with someone else. It's more interesting because you can have a conversation which makes the walk more pleasant than just a form of exercise. My sister-in-law gave me a piece of chewing gum before we left the car and I found out that I CAN chew gum and walk at the same time.

Dog Days of Summer

It's been so hot and humid for the past few days. The meteorologists say that we're entering the dog days of summer which usually occur in August. The temps get higher and it gets very humid here. Usually by the time September comes the dog days begin to go away and the heat is not as intense. After such extreme heat, fall is always welcomed by me.
It's been a busy summer, filled with activity. I really can't believe that it's almost the end of July. Where does the time go? Time goes fast whether you're having fun or not!

A Place For Everything

Finding a place for eveything in a small condo when you have many hobbies is not an easy task. You can purchase storage containers to house things, but if you're not careful, pretty soon you're tripping over storage containers. My father use to say that there is a place for everything, and everything in it's place. Not so in condo living. Who designed these dwellings? Obviously it wasn't someone who had hobbies or any personal belongings. I've managed to downsize, and have donated many things to charity. My craft room needs more cabinet space so that "stuff" isn't in sight. With more cabinet space I may be able to find a place for everything and I will certainly put everything in it's place.

A First Time Scrapper

Today I designed a scrapbook page for the first time. I'm going to a birthday party in a few weeks and we were requested to do a page for a scrapbook which will be presented to the person having the birthday. I found the task to be very enjoyable but time consuming. However, I had so much fun doing it that I didn't realize the time it had taken until I was done. I have collected many supplies for this activity over the past few years, but have always put scrapping on the back burner while I do my other hobbies. Well, now I'm hooked! I shant put it off any longer. The shoebox full of photos I have will be put into the appropriate scrapbooks in the near future. Designing a page is sort of like designing a collage. The last time I did that was in undergraduate school when I was taking an art appreciation class. I have 2 Memory magazines which contain ideas and it so happens that before I was given this challenge, I re-subscribed to the Memory magazine. It's fun to have another creative outlet. I would love to sit for an afternoon with a friend or two and do scrapbook pages. There are many pictures which recollect fond memories waiting to be put into scrapbooks. Happy Scrapping!!

Nothing To Say

Haven't written for awhile because I had nothing to say. Life is still good. Family responsibilities have taken up my time recently. Ones daily routine is interrupted by such things, but I'm always happy to be able to help my family out. The day to day routine is not so sacrosanct that it can't be interrupted or put on the back burner.

Waiting For The Rain

This morning I went to water aerobics class at 9am. I arrived home at about 10:30am. I made a few phone calls and took care of some mail. The weather report said we'd have thunder storms this afternoon. I put off going out to do errands because I was waiting for the rain to come and then go. It never came where I live. So, I spent this warm summer day inside waiting for the rain. I was hoping for it to cool us and to get rid of the humidity. Tomorrow I will go to W.A. again at 9am. I will go out to do postponed errands ,whether it rains or shines, after W.A. I'm beginning to think that "waiting for the rain" is a little like, "a watched pot never boils".

As Appealing As Candy

A friend and I visited 3 of our favorite shops yesterday. One was a quilt shop, one was a knit shop and the other was a bead shop. No matter which of the 3 shops you entered, your senses had the same reaction to the beautiful colors of the fabric, the wool and the beads. I've always loved fabric which is part of the reason I started to sew. I also love the various colors of yarn available to knitters, and the bead shop has any number of possibilities for making jewelry.
I'm as excited entering these shops as I was when I was 6 and I entered Mrs. K's candy store where all the penny candy was displayed in a glass case. The shelves of candy were right at my eye level and it was a hard decision deciding which of these appealing sights would leave the store with me that day. It's just as hard deciding on which fabric to buy for a quilt, or which yarn to buy for a special project or which beads would make a perfect piece of jewelry. They are all as appealing to my sense of sight and touch as candy was to my sense of sight and smell. One advantage to choosing fabric, yarn or beads is that when you're done choosing, you have something which doesn't disappear in a few seconds as candy did to a 6 year old. Did I tell you that I love fabric, yarn and beads? I have a stash of fabric. I've resisted more with yarn and beads although they're just as tempting as fabric and candy.

An Afternoon Spent Reading

I've been so active for so long. I don't usually give myself much time to just read. This afternoon I did just that. I had Easy Listening music playing softly in the background and I read, sipped iced tea, and read some more. Tonight my plan is to do more of the same. The book I'm reading is not a "fast" read. It's well written and has many references. I'm enjoying it very much. It is a long book, there are 869 pages if you include the index. It's going to take me a long time to read it unless I devote more days to just reading. Maybe it's time to wind down a bit, take time to smell the roses, and read.

A Hidden Blog

I wrote another blog earlier tonight. Thought I published it, but can't view it on the blogsite. I wonder why that is? Did I forget to click on something? It'll be interesting if I can get it to appear. Not that it's anything earth shattering. Oh, well, I'll try again.

Secrets

There's another new book coming out. It's about information which has been designated as top secret. The author feels that having too many secrets is not a good thing. He mentioned a quote in which he said something like, if you keep an eye on your toothbrushes with the same vigor you watch your diamonds, you'll lose more diamonds than toothbrushes. It may be worth reading that book. I'll let you know if I do.

Another Biography

Saw Bob Novack on TV twice yesterday. Seems he's written an autobiographical book. I don't always agree with his thinking, but his book may be an interesting one to read since it's about his life in Washington, D.C. as a reporter. I'm sure there'll be a waiting list at the library and the book will be a 2 week book since it's new. When I finish the book I'm reading I may consider reading his book. So many books, so little time.

Garrison Keillor

Listened to Garrison Keillor on Book TV on C-Span2. He is the host of A Prairie Home Companion which is heard weekly on more than 580 radio stations. I enjoyed his talk. He has humor as well as intellect. He spoke on the beauty of libraries. Makes me want to visit what he calls a "real" library . His library is in St. Paul. He said that New Yorkers will never visit St. Paul even if there is a large star in the sky over St. Paul with angels all around. I'm not a New Yorker, so I probably could be lured there especially by a star and angels all around. I've never had the privilege of visiting the NY public library. I'm sure that would be interesting to see and to investigate. At the current time, I'm reading "Edith Wharton" a biography by Hermione Lee. I've always enjoyed biographies because they give me a glimpse into the lives of people who came before me or during my lifetime whom I did not and will not ever know in person. They also give me a glimpse into other cultures and customs. They paint a picture of places I've never seen and may not ever see. As a young girl biographies gave me heroes and people to admire as I was becoming my own person. They also give me "things" to aspire to. I have not reached all of those things I've aspired to (i.e. speaking French) but there is still time. It's good to have a dream or two. Like the song says, "I can dream, can't I?"

Catching Up

We had lunch with a former colleague today who we haven't seen in about 4 years. She moved away to Delaware after retirement. We went to Teaberry's, my favorite tearoom. We met at 1:00pm and said goodbye at 4:00pm. There were four of us at lunch. We caught up on our friend's news and she was updated with ours. I enjoyed the afternoon very much. We set aside a weekend in November when we "Jersey Girls" will go down to visit our friend in Delaware. It's always fun to "catch up" with old friends. Someone once said that new friends are like silver but old friends are like gold.

A Good Workout

A friend and I attended water aerobics twice this week, on Monday and again on Wednesday.
We got a good workout both days. Monday's class was more like pilates in the water with stretching and aerobics. Today's class was mostly aerobic. What I like about attending these classes is that there are several teachers and you get a variety of workouts. I've decided to attend 5 classes next week since I'm free each morning of the week. I prefer attending class in the morning rather than in the evening. The classes usually energize me, but today, for some reason, I was very tired after class and required a nap. That may have something to do with the fact that Sandy woke me at 4:30am, or the fact that I'm dieting. Anyway, I fell asleep for an hour after eating lunch and now I'm still going strong. My next water aerobics class will be on Friday. I look forward to it. I hope that these classes will hasten my weight loss and also strengthen my heart as well as exercising my body.

Another Line

I awoke at 4am this morning. I had dreamt about the movie I saw, "Evening". When I awoke, another line from the movie came to me. Ann, on her death bed, said, "I always thought there'd be more". She was referring to her great love for Harris. She had 2 failed marriages and never found anyone else she loved as much as she had loved Harris. That line had the most meaning for me because I had the same thought not to long ago about my own love life. I had always thought there'd be more; At least one more. I read once that marriage is a decision you make. I wonder how many people who marry are not totally in love with their choice of partner? But because they were not able to marry someone they truly loved, had settled for someone else. I suspect that that happens more often than not. If your goal is to be married and have a family, you get married and have a family. If your goal is to find someone else who is the love of your life, you wait until you find that someone. You may be disappointed if they never come along.

A Chick Flick

Tonight, a friend and I went to see "Evening" at the movies. We both enjoyed the show. There were a few lines which resonated with me. One in particular line said by Ann, played by Vanessa Redgrave, was "Where did my life go?" I've often had that same thought since I've reached senior citizen age. There are so many years behind me. They seemed to have gone by in a flash. They were full years. I hope that I still have "full" years ahead of me. Another line said by Meryl Streep's character was that after awhile it doesn't matter any more. Meaning things we worried about when we were young or things that were so important to us at that time don't matter any more. Now when you look back after a full life, those things don't matter any more. All the life crisis' which occurred in my youth can be summed up with "Time does heal all wounds." Thank you, God. "There are no mistakes", is another line which has much meaning now. Life has unfolded according to God's great plan for me. I may not understand why it's unfolded as it has, but it wasn't a mistake that it did. I can honestly say at this point in my life that I have no regrets. Hopefully, God willing, I'll have many more years ahead of me. I wonder what lies ahead?

A Day's Worth of Ironing

Today was a hot weather day. I decided to stay in and iron all the clothes I've laundered and put off ironing. I've finished all but 3 outfits. How I managed to do it all is a mystery to me because I hate ironing and I can't sit down when I do it. My feet and legs start to hurt. As I was ironing and listening to the Golden Oldies on the music channel, my mind wandered to a time when I was a young girl. I thought of my mother and other women of her generation and how ironing was part of their daily chores. A sadness overcame me. Our mothers and grandmothers went through a lot that we didn't go through trying to maintain a home and family and also keep up with the ironing. My mother's first washing machine was one with which she was required to pass the clean clothes and other items through a wringer to remove the water. I can remember standing on the opposite side of the machine and asking if I could help by pulling the towels or sheets through on the other end. Her warning was" be careful of your fingers by the wringer". My grandmother, I am told, had to use a wash board to wash clothes and an iron which doesn't compare to the great irons we use today. Still they were both better ironers than me. Maybe it's because they had so much "practice". Thank you to all the people who have invented all the modern conveniences we have to use today. I know that my housekeeping is made easier by them. Now if I could find it as easy to have an "attitude adjustment", or maybe think of Mom and Grandma as I do my chores, I may not despise ironing so much.

A Short Vacation

I returned today from a short respite. I went to the Jersey shore for 4 days. I brought Sandy, my cat. He spent most of the time hiding behind the couch because he was in unfamiliar territory. I managed to go for a walk and to sit on the boardwalk and watch the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Took in a movie and watched a couple of DVD's I hadn't seen before. I didn't talk on the phone or work on the computer. All in all, it was a nice break from the usual busy pace I seem to keep. It was good to get home this morning. I treated myself to a pedicure today and went to lunch with a friend. Since Sandy had such a tough few days, I bought him a running water fountain dish. Hopefully, this will satisfy his desire to drink water out of a running faucet. Maybe he won't wake me up in the middle of the night anymore when he wants a fresh drink. Time will tell about that.

Homekeeping

My daily routine day has turned into a three day weekend routine. I've washed every piece of glassware or china in the hutch. I don't know how Martha Stewart does it all. I bought her "Homekeeping Handbook" and it's amazing how busy cleaning one could be if you did nothing else. Most of the weekly jobs are the routine ones. She's got monthly and seasonal jobs to do if you don't have enough activity keeping your home dusted and vacuumed. If I can get to it, I have 2 closets to straighten and go through. One is a coat closet , the other is a bedroom closet. She suggests that you take all the dishes out of all your cabinets and clean the cabinet and the dishes. My dishes are in constant use so I guess I luck out in that regard because they get a weekly if not a daily wash in the dishwasher. Martha what's your secret? I know, it must be that you have thousands of people working for you. I'd settle for 2 extra hands. One person to keep my home dusted and vacuumed and the other to wash the dust off of things which I display on tables, for instance a tea set on a tea table. I KNOW that the old adage "A woman's work is never done" is definetly true.

Simple Living

I'm reading "The Simple Living Guide" by Janet Luhrs. It's a refreshing change in thinking. I like the suggestions given for dating. They fit into the life of retired people. Things like taking advantage of free concerts, bike riding, walking anywhere. It could be around a new neighborhood or along the beach or down the main street of a quaint town. Simple Living appeals to me also because as one ages, one gets "tired" of late nights and all the "partying" you could do out there. Don't get me wrong. I like parties and still like to get all dressed up to go out, but I'm not itching to do it as often as I did when I was younger. "Everything in moderation." Who said that? I've also decided to cut out some of my activities. I don't want to be so busy anymore. I'd like to have days when I have nothing scheduled and can do anything I choose on the spur of the moment. I'm hoping to leave the "hectic" life behind. Would you like to come with me? We'd have time to smell the roses.

The Daily Routine

What is the daily routine? Cleaning the house. That's how I spent my day today. I got a lot done and still have a lot to do. Tomorrow may be a continuation of today. Next week I'm going to the shore for a brief vacation. I want my home to be in top shape when I arrive home again. My cat will come with me next week so I won't have to worry about finding cat hair on the furniture when I get back. Cleaning is sort of boring but you always feel good when it's all done.

An Afternoon With My Sister

My sister came over this afternoon. I took her to see what Brenda had left in her store. E. found several items of clothing, a pair of earrings and a cute necklace. She was glad that I brought her to the store and mentioned that she was sorry that she had never gone there before. We came home and had iced tea. It was so very hot and humid today. We found a lot to chat about. She left to go home at about 4pm. It was a nice visit.

Brenda's Gifts

Our favorite boutique is closing tomorrow for good. We went today to see what was still left in the store. We found many treasures at a good reduced price. I was able to buy a birthday present for my sister and a couple for myself. There was a decorative lamp for half price which was an excellent buy. It's an accent lamp which will go in my foyer. Since everything was on sale, I didn't spend much money but got a lot of value. I've invited my sister to go with me if she'd like to see what's left tomorrow. Haven't heard from her yet. It's easier to resist if you don't go in the first place.

A First Meeting

I just met a very nice gentleman for lunch. It was an enjoyable lunch for me. It was like having a blind date. It's a strange way of getting to meet people, but I'm starting to believe in it. I was nervous and I think he was also. We chatted about all we could think of then we knew it was time to end our first meeting. He promised to call or email me again and said that we'd do this again. I look forward to it.

Tips and Tidbits

Today I took a quilting class called "Tips and Tidbits". It was very informative. My favorite quilt teacher taught us all her "tricks of the trade" so to speak. She also showed us examples from her own finished quilts. She has one advantage when it comes to machine quilting. She has a Long Arm machine for doing the tops of her quilts. A Long Arm machine can run from $10,000 for a manual machine to $40,000 for a computerized model. I don't think that I will ever have this type of machine in my future. If I did, I'd be turning quilts out quickly. Whenever I go to a quilt show it's always fun to look at and try these machines. Another problem I'd have is where would I put one in my small condo. I'd need a bigger house for such a machine. So, I'll just be content to sew on my regular size machine and continue to hand quilt my tops or if I find extra money, send them out to be quilted.

A Full Day

Today was a busy day. I had a doctor appointment in the morning which was about 40 minutes away. When I got back in my home area I had errands to run. Went to pick up my new eyeglasses this afternoon and at about 4:30pm a friend visited. We went shopping for a couple of hours and then met her husband for dinner. They stopped in here after dinner for a short visit. My cat, Sandy, was glad to have the company. I'm listening to gentle music now and winding down. Soon it'll be time to call it a day.

Pampering

Today I had my nails done, a French manicure. It looks terrific. I also gave myself a facial followed by a warm shower and clean hair. We had a thunderstorm about the time we were scheduled to go to water aerobics. Needless to say, water aerobics was postponed. Too risky. Pampering oneself while grooming is a treat. Manicures, pedicures, facials, the sauna and water aerobics for exercise. I'm starting a new diet. The food will come next Tues. I can't wait to try it because a friend is doing this diet and she loves the food. Hopefully, I'll be successful in getting to my goal weight and staying there. Almost time to put on the fragrant cremes and lotions and sink into my "easy chair" and read the biography of Edith Wharton by Hermione Lee.

It Only Takes One

When the right one comes along you'll know it. Words from a tv commercial. I'm in the process of getting to know someone. We haven't met yet. We like what we know about each other now, but I suppose meeting in person is the real test. We just had our first phone call. This is certainly a weird way to get to know someone. We've decided to meet for lunch on Monday. I'll keep you posted.

Four For Mah Jongg

Four of us played Mah Jongg today. It was a perfect set up. No one had to wait to play. We played about 12 games. I won one, came close twice to winning again, and made a mistake which cost me winning another time. The day went quickly. I hosted the games this time. The day turned out to be sunny and cooler than yesterday. I was able to open both doors so now I can appreciate the beautiful day. I also appreciate the quietness outside. I can hear traffic on the highway in the distance now that it's rush hour. The sound of the traffic is so low, it's almost soothing to hear. Quiet music is playing across the room from where I'm sitting. It too, is soothing. I know if I close my eyes, I'll be lulled to sleep. I have some reading to do. I think I'll get to it.

Why Making Jewelry Is A Good Idea

Learning how to make jewelry may be a good idea after all. I took a silver necklace to a regulation jewelry store to have a ring attached so the chain could be reattached. I got it back 4 days and $32. later. If I had known it was that expensive I wouldn't have taken it to a store, I would have tried fixing it myself. I do intend to persue jewelry making if only for the reason that I'd be able to repair my own jewelry much less expensively. I don't intend to make expensive jewelry, only custom type jewelry. I like some of the pretty, colorful, pastel beads I've seen in the craft stores. If I do this well, I can give what I make as gifts. Another reason for learning that craft. I have a friend who is interested in jewelry making. It's something we could get together to do. I'm always looking for new and interesting things to do with friends. I'll have my quilting friends, my Pinochle friends, my MJ friends, my red hat friends and now my jewelry making friends. That's what makes life interesting! Friends.

Pinochle / Life

We played Pinochle this past Saturday. I almost won the second game. I haven't won a game in over a year. Before the last hand, someone caught up to me. Our scores were even. Unfortunately for me, he made more points on the last hand and he won. I'm not lucky when playing cards. Thankfully, I have better luck in other areas of my life. You have to play with the hand you're dealt not only in cards, but also in life. Something I've learned to do in "life", but continue to be frustrated by in cards. By my age, you learn to roll with the punches. Since I haven't won at cards in over a year you'd think I'd have learned to live with that, well, I haven't. It's still disappointing, especially when you come so close. You may have guessed, I'm not a competitor. I don't like competing. Why? Because I usually lose. If you want to compete with me, I'd rather just step aside and let you have whatever we're competing for because you'd probably win it in the end anyway. That way I'd save myself the frustration and disappointment after all the energy I'd have spent competing. I am not a quitter, however. If I'm competing with myself in my own way and time I'll see a "thing" to the end. I tend to win more when competing with myself. So, I may never win another card game, but I like to think that I "win" in some ways in my "life". Thank you, God!

The Old Neighborhood in Pictures

My cousin sent pictures of the neighborhood we first lived in when we were wee ones. He went back to the "old" neighborhood with a friend of his and took pictures. Much to my disappointment, the house we lived in is no longer standing. There is an empty lot there now. He sent pictures of our first school, Blessed Sacrament, and of the church across the street. The school looks the same on the outside. So does the church. The only new addition to both is a white iron fence in front. On a side street, behind the church, is an old Victorian house where Kindergarten classes were held when we were of that age. I'm not sure if it's used for that purpose anymore, but it still looks impressive. The pictures recall many memories. I was 8 yrs old when we moved away so my recollection of other places in the neighborhood are not crystal clear now. We walked up the hill to the school. The cousins walked together. There were 7 of us going together at that time. We ranged in ages from 9 to 6 yrs. old. We walked home together also. Our house was a 3 family house. There were 3 "flats". My brother and I lived on the second floor. Two cousins lived upstairs from us and the other cousins lived downstairs. We had great fun playing together in those days. Where does the time go? Thanks for the memories.

Using The Library

I'm trying to turn over a new leaf. Instead of buying books which can be very expensive, I've decided to get my books from the library system in our county. I met 2 friends for lunch today and we perused the shops on Main St. I saw a book in the bookstore which I would have loved to buy. It was $35. I looked through the book, read the fly leaf and considered purchasing it. Good reason prevailed and I decided to come home and see if I could get it from the library.
I was able to request in on line which saved me a trip to the library. Now, when they have it available for me, I'll go down and pick it up. It's really quite convenient being able to order books through the library system and best of all it saves money now that I'm retired.

My Lazy Day

What should I write about tonight? I can tell about my visit to the eye doctor this morning. I was given a clean bill of health. I drove home with my sunglasses on and a very dark throwaway pair in front of my own sunglasses. My pupils were dilated so I couldn't read when I arrived home. It was a cool day so I was able to open both doors and feel, smell and appreciate the air outside. It was a "lazy" day for me. I did do the laundry, but I also took a long nap. For some reason I seem to be extra tired lately. I'm hoping that this too shall pass, and quickly. This evening I watched the news and one of the "talking heads". As I'm writing, I'm listening to music. I paid a few bills. I have a lot of reading to do and will read before I go to bed. The other day I thought of several topics to write about. I should have written them down, because I can't remember what they were today. Hopefully, something more interesting will occur to me for the next time.

Reading Vs. Television

Some people can read a book while the TV is on. I can't. It's too distracting. My house guest likes the TV in the evening. I'm tired of the" same old, same old " stuff that's on and would rather read. So, after I finish writing I'll retire to my bedroom and spend the rest of the evening reading. I often wonder what it was like to live before there was such an invention as television. Did people read more often? Did they play games in the evening? Did they listen to the radio? Or did they just go to bed earlier. Was there more conversation in the evening? I picture a summer evening without TV where I would sit on a porch swing and read a favorite book. When it got dark I'd sit there and watch the fireflies light up and smell the honeysuckle. If I lived in town I'd watch people passing by, out for their evening stroll. I wouldn't be sitting in in the air conditioning because there wouldn't be any. It would be cooler outside. I'd be enjoying the summer air and the summer season. I feel like I'm missing something today. I'm so used to having AC that I don't sit outside if it's hot and humid. I spend the cold winter inside and the hot humid summer inside as well. Oh, I'm thankful for AC, but I miss summers of my youth when we didn't have it. Our quiet street was alive with people visiting on porches and children riding bikes until it was time for the little ones to go to bed. That was much later than they went to bed in the winter. We weren't "stuck" in front of the tv in those days until very late in the evening. We seemed to enjoy each other's company more. Getting up before everyone else in the morning was a good time for reading also. It was quiet, and not as hot as later in the day. I know I'm being nostalgic, but although so much is "better" today, I long for some of the things we had or didn't have (AC for example) when I was young. I'd love to live in a neighborhood similar to the one I grew up in. Where we knew our neighbors and enjoyed chatting with them on a warm summer evening.

It Goes Fast

Today I went food shopping. I bought gas for my car. I had a haircut and got a pedicure. I came home with an empty wallet. Money has a way of "going" fast. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to live with 1965 prices for 1 week? I'd settle for 1 day. Think of how much a whole shopping cart of groceries would cost. A tank of gas would be very inexpensive. You could probably have a manicure, pedicure, facial and haircut for what a haircut costs today. Unfortunately, it doesn't come in as fast as it goes out.

Playing "Catch Up"

Now that things are winding down for the summer, with some organizations ceasing activities, I have time to catch up on my reading. There are a few John Grisham books I plan to read. I've been saving a couple of books which I'd like to get to like " The Greatest Generation" and "Flags of Our Fathers". The biography of Benjamin Franklin sits on my shelf waiting for me also. Al Gore's books "An Inconvenient Truth" and "The Assault on Reason" are also on the list. "Presidential Courage" by Michael Beschloss rounds out the list of histories. I've always favored Non-fiction. John Grisham and Rosemunde Pilcher's novels have always fascinated me and held my interest. What's especially fun is discussing the books with people who have also read them. I'll see if I can talk my sister and brother into reading the same books. It'll be interesting to get their "take" on them as well.