My View of the World

 I wish the whole world had my view tonight.  There is just something special about sitting outside in the evening.  What if we lived in Chicago or New York or any highly populated area where people are stacked many stories high?   I cannot imagine that.  Do they ever have an evening as I am enjoying tonight?  My imagination runs wild sometimes and I think and wonder about others. especially about those folks living in high rises without a balcony and in deplorable conditions.  Maybe they have a window, maybe not.  How sad it must be.  

Here it is the Labor Day eve we are blessed with a near perfect night.  On this particular night, not one sound do I hear except a leaf blower off in the far distance.  Even the neighbor has put his away for the night.  Now nothing.  SILENCE.  No wind at all which is extremely rare in Oklahoma.   The sound of silence.

We will go inside in a bit, but for now we are going to soak up this blessing a little bit longer unless the mosquitos decide to have dinner on us.

Enjoy your Labor Day and for us retired folks, you will find us on the porch.  

I love you.

Oh wait!   I hear a noise!  The geese just flew over.  Goodnight all.  It's all about the blessings.  

Resourcefulness

Good morning all.

1.  I have never tasted a macaron.  Just sayin'.

2.  I had a strong flashback of my mom pasting lace curtains over board walls, then pasting wallpaper over that.  Johnny asked if it wasn't gauze, but I distinctly remember the lace flower pattern in the curtains.  He said that they used to use gauze over the boards to make them smooth before pasting the wall paper.  

Then we had this whole discussion about the way people used to use things they had on hand to save money.  They used everything UP!  The clothes were passed from one child to the next and if you were in line for your big brother's summer shorts, then that is what you wore even if you were a girl.  The examples of their frugality are endless.

This morning I was on Instagram looking at a woman's bathroom renovation.  To me, her current bathroom is something I am still dreaming about, but to her, I guess it is time to go.  Out with the old, in with the new.  It will be interesting to see her before and after photos; however, I wonder and question about the necessity of throwing the old in the landfill.  For what gain?  

On this beautiful day, I wonder what my mother would think about the resourcefulness of this renovation. Her thoughts would probably run along these lines.  1.  Isn't that (old) bathroom beautiful?  2.  Why?  3.  Is it broken?  4.  Are you going to do it yourself?  5.  Can't you reuse that toilet?  6.  Are you going to give the old fixtures to someone?  7.  How much is that costing?  8.  Again, why?

So, Mom, I have to hand it to you.  You were the queen of resourcefulness.  You are still my inspiration.  

I love you.  

I wonder how different our world would be if we USED IT UP rather than fill our landfills with things we discard just because we no longer like the color.  

   

Special Moments

Here it is, the end of a year; one of the worst years that I can think of for many reasons. Not only the pandemic hit us all unexpectedly, I lost several good friends. It seemed every day was a new challenge.  

Today, on Facebook I linked an old blog post about Pop Dixon and making our New Year’s Eve special.  I reread a comment regarding that post.  The commenter said life is a string of special moments. Looking back over 2020, I didn’t, at first, remember any special moments; all doom and gloom, certainly no string of special moments. Then it began to dawn on me that there were a lot of special moments.  In fact the whole year was made up of special moments, perhaps smaller than in years past, but nonetheless, SPECIAL.

There was a one last Dallas trip to meet special friends just as the pandemic started.

There was a overnight trip to see our favorite guitarists right after Covid reared it’s ugly head.  Weighing all the risks, we decided it was worth the effort....and it was, indeed!

There were the date day trips we made to Walmart grocery pickups.  We made those trips fun just watching the world drive by on I40.  

The trips for fast food only to eat in the car in the Target parking lot were entertaining.  We, again, called them date nights.  

Easter was different and challenging, but my immediate family got to share some social distancing on the front porch, even working in an Easter egg hunt.

Some of the best special moments were those warm evenings watching the deer enjoy the corn that we’d provided......then the foxes, opossum or two, even a family of 4 skunks waddled in a time or two.

Black and white movies became a new passion.  Gosh, what productions those were.  I enjoyed just looking at their movie sets, maybe more than the plots.

So.........here I set, corned beef simmering for Rueben sandwiches later, just about to work in a little nap because we will be up late making another sweet special moment.  Friends, life is made up of a string of special moments.  Make one, even if it is just for you....it takes effort.  Maybe even an afternoon nap is special.

All my love for a great 2021.

What is Your Limit

For the last few days, we have been watching various car auctions from Scottsdale, AZ.  Many hundreds of thousands of dollars (and several million on some) are spent on cars that may or may not ever be driven.


This begs the question............just what is your limit?  Exactly where does one draw the line on how much is something worth?  Do you bid up a car to 1.975 million, but just can't go another $25K to make it $2M?  Do you secretly hold your breath hoping to win the car or do you secretly let out your breath when someone outbids you?


This same question can be asked about most anything we buy.  Exactly what is our limit.  Yesterday, I saw a little key fob, really cute.  Considered the little bobble for myself until I realized that it was $109.  After sucking in my breath a little, I thought to myself "who would buy this........at $109?". 


I often think of my mom back in the day when the price of lettuce spiked.  I can't remember the price, but it was pricey in her opinion.  Mom had reached her limit........the price of the lettuce was higher than her perceived value...........so the lettuce stayed at the grocery store.


I'm not on anybody's case.  If you can afford to spend $109 for a little key fob to attach to your purse, by all means go right ahead.  Your limit has not been reached.  If you want that million dollar car and can afford it, then you have told the world that your limit has not been reached.


I think for most of us, our limit is tested daily and not by million dollar cars or $100 key fobs.  Our limit is challenged by the price of that Starbucks coffee, the new pajamas we saw at Target, whether to buy the plain Jane $2 notebook or the one with the daily quotes for $9.  It might even be the head of lettuce from Walmart for $1.48.............which after a bit of hesitation I decided to buy. 


Here's to you, Mom, for instilling me with a sense of cost effectiveness.


I love you.

Times Have Changed

Tonight we went to our middle grandchild's 6th grade production of "The Nutcracker Suite" and it was delightful.  Our little guy was the star of the show (in our minds).  The program plus all the picture-taking brought to mind all the Christmas programs of the past, those of my children, but even further back............to those of MY childhood.  Those days when magic, awe, and wonder was new in my heart and as simple as a new dress.  And I had a new dress every Christmas.........all my sisters did.


In those days women wore dresses........ to every "event", and their daughters were just as well dressed.  My mom made almost all our clothes, but the dresses she made for her four daughters at Christmas were the highlight of the year.  Black velvets, red satin, the tiny flowered satin print dress with the velvet tie belt, the navy satin that changed to plum according the light (I still remember twirling just to see the colors dance), the red corduroy jumpers with the white puffy sleeved blouse trimmed in red corduroy, the lace collars and bows, the lace insert skirts with matching blouses............  I even had a little fur coat with matching hand muffs.  They were all adorable.  Oh how I wish I could twirl in that navy satin dress again or touch the velvet.  Those childhood sensory memories only enhance with time.    


Those were the days.  Everyone dressed, even the men.  Everyone wore their best, but especially to something as important as a school play.  When a teacher took the time to present a program for the parents, then it was important for us to show her respect and part of that respect was showing up in our finest.   To look ones best.  I truly think it gave us a sense of respect for ourselves.


I looked around tonight and I didn't see one dress and not one suit was in sight.  I kind of long for those days when we dressed.  I think I might put on a dress...........next time. 


Times have changed.  I love you.


Some things haven't changed.  The cute kids in the productions.  The pride the parents have for their children.  The love all around us.

Brain Drain Part 5

51.  Can you believe tomorrow is Halloween?  No need to buy candy for the goblins.  They don't come down our street anymore.  Sadly, I miss those days of neighborhood kids arriving at our door with giggles and outstretched bags as they say in unison "Trick or Treat". 


52.  Today, today, today...........was a beautiful day in Oklahoma although the wind came up.


53.  Yes, today was beautiful, but we spent a great deal of time in the medical waiting rooms.  But aren't we blessed to have such medical tests?


54.  Don't eat ham if your tongue is sensitive.  Just saying.......salt!


55.  Fall, no doubt to me, is the prettiest time of the year.  Everything turns is golden.


56.  Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume smells lovely.  I got a bottle from Angie.  My daughter gave me a lovely tie/scarf which I adore, and some cute earrings.  My hubby gave me some Mrs. Sees candy and a beautiful emerald locket. 


57.  My brother and his wife gave me a lovely dinner party with family on my 70th birthday.  I think I had the best time I've ever had.  Birthdays are not a big deal to my family so having someone make over me with extra special. 


58.  Wear good shoes!  If you have feet problems, don't buy shoes that will end up making your feet hurt.  That means heels may not be your best friend despite the celebrities who wear them.


59.  And please don't let celebrities sway your own personal opinion about an issue.  You have a mind, use it.  Read...........investigate............and realize not everyone, especially celebrities, have your best interest at heart.


60.  I want wood or fake wood floors.  I am probably not going to invest in them, but I love the look in magazines of lovely homes with wood floors.  Guess I will stick to tried and true.........and comfortable.............carpets.


61.  It's almost time to start decorating for Christmas..........well......another month.  I would love to turn on the lights Thanksgiving night.....maybe we can light some.


62.  Pink.  Have you noticed the pink tones this year?  Rose gold, rose, soft pink hues.  I just love them and I find that tops in a pink color make me feel pretty.  I look in the mirror and feel feminine, soft, and I am just going to say it, pretty. 


63.  Listening to music in the evening, hubby on one of the couch, me on the other......perfection.  Soon we will be replacing music with black and white Christmas movies.  "It Happened on Fifth Avenue" is our lead off movie.  I just love that sweet movie.  Give it a try.


64.  Linda Ronstadt is singing "I've Got a Crush on You".  Remember how popular and current she was.  1975--time marches on.


65.  If you are feeling the least bit cold, down, sick, or otherwise miserable, take a hot bath.  If you don't have a hot tub, this is the next best thing.  Always makes me feel better. 


66.  My feet are cold.  I feel the need for a hot bath.


67.  Mom and Dad.  This time of the year is the time I miss my parents most.  Those peanut harvests, the smell of the earth, the clean crisp air, the golden leaves, and the thought of upcoming holidays to celebrate the harvest..........it becomes to much for me and my memories fall with teardrops from my eyes.  So much love.


68.  My grandchildren mean the most to me.  Three lovely kids, two boys and a girl.  I am so blessed with the love from them.


69.  I couldn't come to the end the list of 70 things without talking about my son and my daughter.  They are my LIFE.  I think back over their years living under my roof and realize those were the best years of my life.  Having them at our feet as they watch TV with us, the dinner table conversations, the school activities; it all makes for a perfect life.


70.  My hubby will end my list of 70 things.  When I think about how much he has done for me personally, it is overwhelming.  His sense of humor was what drew me to him in the first place and it still does.  He makes me laugh.  My love for him grows stronger with each passing day.


Well, that is all I have.  My mind is drained, but tomorrow, Lord willing, I am going to fill it up again.  I am going to make the rest of my 70th year as good as I can.  I am going to find things to be thankful for rather than counting sorrows.  I am going to fill my life with things that make me happy.  I am going to try to be a blessing to someone every day. 


I love you all.

Brain Drain Part 4

31.  "We should have brought a change of clothes and then we could have gone back through the line," he said.  I almost choked on my sample.  I laughed and laughed.  He loves teasing me because I love to try samples at Sam's Club.  His humor is one of his greatest lovable assets.


32.  Don't tell Blaine, but we are not going to watch the World Series.


33.  I want to see my sisters.  One is across town, one is in Branson at the moment, and one is in Mississippi, and honorary sister is in Coweta.  Probably could count on NOT seeing them any time soon.


34.  Do you make candy at Christmas time?  I used to make a lot of different recipes each year, but for the last five years not so much.  One batch of fudge and some caramel popcorn.


35.  I hate watching Mecum car auction so why do we have it on tonight?  Perhaps it is because dear hubby brought me a dish of ice cream topped with whipped cream and pecans...........yeah, he can watch whatever he wants.


36.  I threw my back out this morning and all I was doing was getting out of the chair to get myself another cup of coffee.  Two Aleve and one muscle relaxer later, and I was ready to shop again.


37.   I found the cutest simple little Christmas décor at Walmart today.  Isn't it cute?  Just a little plastic 7" animated piano that plays three tunes and it was less than $10.  Surprisingly, it really sounds like a recorded piano.  I'm going to have fun just pressing the play button throughout the holidays.  I will have my own little pianist.  The link will open when you click on Christmas décor above.


38.  Brown beans--do you like them?  I love them especially the way I make them.  I do NOT soak.  I sort and wash them, add them to the pot and cover with a couple inches of water.  As the beans cook they will swell and the longer they cook the water will be absorbed and the bean broth will get thicker and thicker.  You will need to add water as they cook.  But remember the longer they cook, the darker the broth will become.  Add any flavorings you like; ham, sausages, onions, jalapenos, etc.


39.  I follow several decorators on Instagram.  One thing I have noticed is how clean their houses are............I don't think I can ever achieve that cleanliness.  I am quite comfortable with the lived in look.


40.  Don't be afraid to open the door for someone including men.  I call that just being nice.


41.  Today at Walmart I had 10 things in my cart which I thought were cute.  I had these things in my cart long enough to realize that I was, indeed, impulse buying.  I took the time to take those things back to their rightful shelf and left feeling like I did the right thing.


42.  My daughter..........she came after me to do a little shopping around noon.........after I was feeling better from my back incident.  I love our time together and she makes me happy.  Bringing along her daughter just fills me with pride.


43.  Clowns--don't like them.  Don't like a happy clown.  Don't like a sad clown.  Don't like a scary clown.  NO CLOWNS FOR ME.  In fact, they might be in the running with snakes and my scariest things.


44.  Do you read books on your tablets?  I have, but I much prefer turning the pages of a real book.


45.  I find that the older I get, the more I love going to bed early.  I think I am turning into my parents.  Hubby, however, still stays up till 12:30 or 1:00 every night so I guess it really isn't an age thing.  I'm getting sleepy.......Oh, I guess it's okay to go to bed now...........10:04 p.m.


46.  My 14 year-old grandson is growing up!  He has muscles of a man!  I am not a fan of that look, but oh my............stop...........  I still haven't given up on my image of him as a baby.


47.  I subscribe to several magazines.  That's not so bad, but what is bad is I don't read them. 


48.  Coming up with 70 brain drains is harder than I thought.


49.  I ordered flameless candles yesterday.  I feel like the glow of a candle warms the house so I look forward to decorating with these. 


50.  One of my pet peeves is when my family members washes their hands in my kitchen sink before coming to the table.  Yep, a pet peeve that I try to divert by sending them to the bathroom.


Night night all.


I love you all.   

Part Three of Brain Drain

21.  A friend took me to lunch today and it just made my week.  Such a kind person. 


22.  "I just want the d... thing to work," just said my hubby.  Technology may or may not be involved.


23.  My little Stormy has been gone for two years, but there are times when it seems like yesterday when that little storm cloud came running as hard as he could across the yard just to check in with his master.


24.  Just go with your heart.................


25.  Have you ever looked around at the amount of stuff we have in the world.  Stuff that we may or may not need, but it's out there.  Somewhere along the way of civilization, we went way beyond our needs.  Result = stuff.


26.  You don't always have to be right.  You don't always have to express an opinion.  There are times when I am in conversation when I realize that what I am about to say will have little relevance in the long run, but in the short run might cause friction............so why try to explain my point.  After all, we are not in a debate class.


27.  I am looking forward to Thanksgiving this year.  I usually dread baking the turkey, but this year I have a new outlook on life.  I want to make my meal extra special and I'm looking forward to exploring recipes.  To tell you the truth, my family would prefer the plainer side of sides..........get it side of sides?


28.  Confession:  I skipped school one time in my life; my senior year--one day.  My girlfriend and I went to the state fair with our boyfriends.  We even talked my friend's sister-in-law into writing an excuse letter to our principal.  That is about the extent of my rebel period.


29.  I just want you to know that my life is better when I do NOT watch the news.  I also want you to know that my life is better when I don't tap into Facebook. 


30.  I got an Alexia, and I think I like it.  She's a pretty smart old gal.  She keeps my TO DO list and keeps me on track.  I think she's my personal assistant.............isn't it amazing how technology has evolved since 1988 when I first use a Deck Mate?


That's all I got today...............


I love you ALL.

Part Two of Brain Drain

Here I am again.


11.  Ice Cream = Cherries, Pecans, and Cream.  Husband fixing me a bowl = love.


12.  Lowe's have all their flowers one-half off.  Now, PLEASE, come plant them. 


13.  Friends.  I wish I had cultivated more.  To all you younger folks, start your friendship tree early.  And remember, not every friend has to share your exact same values.  We are all in this together, people.


14.  Make your bed daily.  It will make you feel so much better every time you go into your bedroom.  In fact, for me, when I walk into my bedroom and the bed hasn't been made, it really brings my mood down.


15.  Money.  Save it!  It will come in handy one day.


16.  I joined a club Saturday.  OHCE.  We will see how that goes.  It is a service organization.  Who knows I might cultivate some new friends.


17.  I need to clean my return air ducts.  Just keeping it real.


18.  Sometimes my hubby talks to the TV.  As an engineer he can't help but question a lot of what is said on the TV.  Come to think of it, I, too, question a lot of the rhetoric, but I don't talk to the TV.


19.  I will never get white carpet again.  I actually wish I had hard-wood floors......but, it's not going to happen.


20.  I would love to go to New York again, but with a group of people.  I want to see some plays.


Well.......that's 10 more of my brain drain.  Just having a little fun, folks.  Don't take me seriously.


I love you.

70 Brain Drains

Recently, I turned 70 years old and for the first two weeks in October I was under the weather.  At the beginning of the month, it was my plan to give you 70 things that mean absolute nothing.  Just 70 things that I kind of call my brain drain.  Nothing serious here.  So here are a few of my 70 things that I will add to so they will add up to 70.  Understand????  Me, neither...........part of the brain drain.


1.  Just because you are sick for a few days doesn't mean that you are down for the count.  It is easy to get into the "oh woe is me" mode..........but here to say, I'm back.


2.  Flatware placement in this order.  Left to right, salad fork, dinner fork......right of the plate should be the steak knife (if required), dinner knife (both with sharper side of the knives toward the plate), then the small spoon.  My granddaughter placed her flatware that way at the restaurant last night and told me that was the way you do it.  One proud grandma.


3.  PBS has great programming.  Sunday night is my favorite, i.e. "The Durrells in Corfu". 


4.  It's autumn..........take a look around!


5.  Leave the polish off your toes during the winter........let those puppies breathe.


6.  Have you found your talent?  One thing I have learned is that not everyone has a talent of one of the arts..............but that doesn't mean you can't just be nice.  I'm trying to develop and hone this skill, and honestly I truly do believe being nice is a learned skill. 


7.  I'm not a great housekeeper, but that, too, I am try to hone......otherwise known as getting up when I'd rather set on the couch and wait for bedtime.


8.  I'm not going to win the lottery, but I buy tickets every once in a while.  A girl's gotta dream.......and I dream big!  Oh yeah, I'm got a whole list of people I am going to help.


9.  My husband falls asleep with his tablet in his hand and it falls on the couch waking him.  Then the whole process starts again.  He probably does this 15 times before he actually puts the tablet down and gets comfortable in his recliner for his nap.  It is the funniest thing.


10.  I don't understand ripped jeans being a fashion.  I just don't get it.  Shaking my head, I just don't get it.


See you tomorrow maybe with some more brain drain.


I love you.

Cheers Everyone

Cheers Everyone.  Happy Tuesday to each and everyone of you out there in cyberland.  Just had my first half cup of coffee and I now have one eye open regardless of the fact that I have been up for over an hour.  Speaking of coffee..........did you see the news last night?  Just one cup of coffee helps you live longer and three cups helps by 18%..............so today I will have three cups, please.  Don't quote me on the statistics.  Go look it up.  Oops, my other eye just opened.


I've been told I don't write in my blog anymore so I am going to try to remedy that so I can go on to become the Pulitzer prize winner that I am destined to be.  (And yes, it can be awarded for online journalism.)


So.........this summer has been a very, very busy one for me and I am enjoying it to the fullest.  Soon I will be on my fourth trip (or vacations as my grandchildren like to call them) in as many weeks.  Been so many places, even the credit card folks are calling.  When will this fun ever end?  Never, I hope. 


One thing I have noticed after these trips is how much better I feel physically.  Seriously.....I can walk better, my aches and pains have subsided, and certainly my mental health is way better.  For a few years I have been giving in to a certain kind of depression (I guess you could call it depression.....not a psychologist).  I could only see the disadvantages of getting older.  I assumed we couldn't do anything or travel because we had these ailments and maladies that come to us all.  Well, guess what?  I am seeing the light. 


I have many blessings that I had NOT been counting.  The ability to travel is one of them so with that, get in the car!


There's a commercial that runs on TV that says "a body in motion, stays in motion".  There's truth in that statement.  So here's to another trip..........Cheers everyone.


I love you and thank you for letting me just chatter away on this blog 

So Seriously, Don't Mess with My Watermelon

It's a dark, cool, or to my way thinking, COLD, day here in Oklahoma.  The wind is blowing and there's a mist in the air.  A perfect afternoon for a nap..............of if you can't sleep...............a perfect afternoon to "Pinterest".  Yes, that is a verb.  I Pinterest.


So I am scrolling through Pinterest and see a recipe for watermelon with balsamic vinegar and feta.  Disgusting!  As what point did someone say "Gee, this watermelon is only so-so.  It needs something to enhance the flavor."?  I guarantee I was not one of the ones voting to bump it up a notch.


Some things are just perfect as they were created.  So seriously, don't mess with my watermelon.


I love you.

Nice Night for Some Football……….

Good evening everybody.  Nice night for some football.........or is it?  I must have a very soft heart because it sometimes hurts to see an opposing team loose to one of our Oklahoma teams, or to anyone else for that matter.  Today, for instance, it hurt to see Iowa State loose to Oklahoma State.  Don't get me wrong, I was rooting for OSU every second of every play.............until they won.............until they panned the camera to the loosing side of the field..............until I saw that young man hang his head in despair.  You see, according to the announcer, Iowa State needed to win this game plus the next two in order to qualify for a bowl game.  They hadn't been in a bowl in years. They did not win.  I am sad for them.  Of course, I would have been sadder to see Oklahoma State's winning streak to come to an end.

Just now I was watching the third overtime win for Michigan over Indiana.  I only saw the last 5 minutes of the game and I decided I would root for Indiana just because I thought they'd be the underdogs.  I don't know if that is true or not, but it seems I hear Michigan in the football news than I do Indiana.  So Indiana it is.  Just after I started watching, Indiana made a touchdown and the two point afterward........then only to let Michigan tie up the game.  Three overtimes were needed to determine the winner of the game.........Michigan.  Indiana did not win............

Every time there is a game played, there will be a winner and there will be a looser.  If there is a tie game, somebody will loose in overtime.  Someone will go down in the rankings.  Someone will not go to the conference playoffs.  Someone will not get a bid to a bowl game. 

Oh it feels so good to win, but it hurts so bad to loose.  These young men are actually little boys to their mothers.  Somebody is hurting tonight...............somebody is going to fall into bed tonight thinking "if only".

Now on to watch Baylor mix it up with Oklahoma.  I am going to tell you right now that I am rooting for Oklahoma.  I want to be sad that Baylor looses.  Fingers crossed!

I love you.

You Might Recognize Your Mother in Yourself

Good morning everyone.  I have been looking at Facebook and I have noticed a lot of beautiful girls out there; granddaughters of friends, friends of friends, etc.  One thing I have noticed is these lovely young women, dare I say beautiful young women, resemble their mothers and even their grandmothers.  These young women probably don't want to hear that, but they do. 


When these young girls look at their mother's or grandmother's youthful pictures, I am sure they don't see the resemblance.  Here's what we/they tend to forget.  We didn't have all the helpful hints that the girls use today.  For instance, we were lucky if we had a tube of lipstick, one black mascara, one color of eye shadow.......not a pallet of colors, and maybe a little blush.  That's it.  Back in the day, there wasn't special makeup to cover blemishes, blotches, and dark under eye circles the way they do today.  We didn't color our hair and if we did, it was from a box from the drugstore....not high lights at the salon.  And NOBODY ever got a manicure AND we had never even heard of a pedicure.....who'd let anybody touch their toes???  We didn't know that we should put a hand on our hip to make us look slimmer.  We didn't know to pout our lips in a seductive way.  We didn't know to tilt our heads at a certain angle to make our faces look slimmer.  Nobody ever heard of photo shopping the picture to take inches off our hips and thighs.  We certainly didn't have the privilege of taking 88 photos in order to select the one that could make a magazine cover. 


I'm not saying these girls are all photo shopped, but they certainly have advantages that my generation did not have.  Good????  I wonder.....  Maybe not.  My opinion:  They, and I will include me, too, have all become very vain.  Seems somehow sad to me.  It's all about the glamor.........


So lovely gals, if you take off the makeup, go with your natural hair, look straight into the camera, put your elbow down, and smile, you might recognize your mother in yourself.


I love you.

Simple Joys

Today I ran across an old post and realized I needed to reread my own words again.  Lately I have been struggling with finding "joy".  Everything I see on TV or read on the internet is just plain awful, mean, odd, weird, or plain old crazy.  I find myself being pulled into a negativity that I know isn't good for me; a place of darkness.  Here's my old blog post.


http://retirementthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2012/05/simple-things.html


After reading it twice I realize that I, me, am the person that controls my joy....not the TV, and certainly not the rants that I see on Facebook.  I am responsible for ME.  I need to find the "joy" of washing dishes again.  Perhaps it is all the little "joys" that make the deeper happiness in all of us.  I may have to plug in the iron.  The simple joys.


I love you.


I'm going to try to blog/write again, my friends.  It has been difficult finding time or should I say, difficult to find a time when I wasn't on Facebook.  I am trying my best to put Facebook away for a while because Facebook rants, and sometimes even raves, can put me in a "negative" mood.  I'm going to try.


I can't post this on September 26 without sweet memories of two people who had the same September 26 birthday; Mrs. Tucker and my dad.  Love them forever. 


 

Your Smile is Your Logo

Your smile is your logo,

your personality is your business card,

how you leave people feeling after

having an experience with you

becomes your trademark.

(Author Unknown)

This was a Facebook shared post by my niece today.  I wanted to share it with you.  This is so true!


Retirement brings about a certain "I've done it.  I've paid my dues so get out of my way.  You owe me!" attitude.  I see it all the time.  I do my shopping during the week and see lots of people my age or older out running errands.  Some of these people are so rude I am embarrassed for them.  Don't they realize that how they leave people feeling after having an experience with them just became their trademark?  I know when they leave I am glad I am not married to that person or I am glad they aren't my neighbor or I am glad they aren't my mother. 


Now I am not going to tell you that I am all smiles and giggles when I am out, but I have learned that being a little nicer sure has helped me acquire what I need from a sales person.  If you can put a little smile on someone's face, it might be the only smile they get that day.  How many smiles does it take to erase that unpleasant experience they had earlier......the one where the guy was screaming because he didn't understand what was needed to get his car tag.   


Smiling doesn't take much effort.  I have heard that it takes more muscles to make a frown than it does to smile.  I don't want to be the crabby old woman that lives in the third house on the left.  I don't want the sales person to roll her eyes to her coworker after I leave.  Just smile!


Your smile is your logo. 


I love you.

Here's to Falling Acorns

Good evening everybody.  Lots going on here the past few weeks.  Sorry for not posting, but frankly, I have had so many distractions that posting took a back seat and that is a good thing.  For a change, most of them were great distractions.  Believe it or not, there's a whole world out there.


To bring you, or perhaps myself, up to speed, I am back walking.  At least I walked tonight.  Does that actually mean I am back to walking?  Maybe I should take a wait and see on that one.


But for tonight...........we walked.  I know I have told you about our little 5 acres in our little area of the good old USA, but every time I am outside I am reminded how blessed I am.  I can walk right down the center of the road, and rarely do I see a car.  If I do, more than likely it is a neighbor and the window rolls down for a bit of conversation.  Can't beat that.  We do have good neighbors.


A wonderful place.............this place of ours................with only the sharp tin snap of a bat hitting a ball in the far distance to disturb the peace and quiet.................or an acorn falling..................or a dried leaf drifting through the trees...............this place of ours is....................HOME!


Here's to falling acorns.


I love you.

Get Up and Deal With It

There is something compelling me to write tonight and I don't know why or what I will write about.  I haven't written regularly in months, so I will begin and don't know where I will end...........hold on.............


Today has been one of those ordinary days, but there was nothing ordinary about it.  I attended my very best couple friend's funeral.  It was hard to say goodbye for so many reasons.  How can I say goodbye to 40 years friendship?  While we were different as night and day, I will miss that soft voice, that lovely smile.........and believe me, she had the best smile.  I will miss her gentle spirit. 


So today I said goodbye to her, I am not going to dwell on her death, but her courage in her darkest, sickest hours and look even further back to remember those Corvette trips, outings, vacations, dinners in each others' homes, eating out...........  Fun times with a sweet girl.


As I was walking tonight, thinking of her, alone, I was sad and almost wanted to give up writing, give up Facebook, give up on emailing, give up on a lot of things.  I wonder if anybody besides me ever has those moments when so much seems like such a huge effort.  Jealousy reared its ugly head.......why can't I have a life like that, why can't I have that beautiful home, why can't I be so popular, why can't I have a boat and a new car at the same time, why can't I.............such ugly words..........why can't I.  Oh I was having my pity party tonight.


When I got back to the house, cooled down a bit, and started to play a game of solitaire on the internet it hit me..............do I want to spend my hours playing solitaire or do I want to get into the game again?  Do I want to stagnate or do I want to live life?  I chose life and I chose it be happy.  I chose the words "I have.  I have.  I have.  I have so many, many blessings."


So here I am writing a silly blog...........nobody reads it except for a couple.............but therapy for me..........words to help clear my mind.  I am pulling my big girl panties up and dealing with it.  I have so many, many blessings. 


I love you.

If I had a Home Away from Home

It has almost all I want out of life.........that being Red River, NM, my favorite spot on this earth.  My home away from home.  If we were there this morning, right now at this exact time--7:00 a.m. MT, we'd just be beginning to wake up.  I'd turn over and notice a slight glow coming through the bedroom window and the old white cotton curtains stirring just a little bit from the crisp, cool, mountain air.  It'd be just cool enough to want to snuggle under the covers for a few more minutes. 


There are things to do this morning so rouse myself and brace for the chilly bumps as I put my feet on the floor.  I notice the front room is glowing from the sunshine (with the help of the old gold drapes that have been there forever) and the shiny pine paneling.  Time to get this day started.  Out to the balcony I'd stumble to observe sunrise coming over the mountain.  The town is still in the shadow of the mountain, but the brightness of the sun illuminating the top of the ski slopes is almost blinding. 


Another day has begun in Red River.  The sleepy little town is coming alive.  In fact, I can see several cars at Shotgun Willy's.  Yes, breakfast AND COFFEE are being served as I type.  The Der Markt (yes, that is the correct spelling) is open for all the essentials you'd need if you were not going out for breakfast. Looking down the street, cars are parked at a few places indicating which businesses are open for breakfast.  Yes, the town is coming alive.


Just what will we do today?  Rent an off road vehicle and go up the mountain?  Walk around town and peek in the shops?  Drive over to Taos and have a nice lunch outside in the plaza watching the people go by, or maybe shop just a little in the old town?  Go see the Vietnam Memorial?  Go see the gorge?  Float down the river?  Oh so many things from which to choose.


It really doesn't matter what we do for it is all good.  You can have your sandy beaches, but for me I will take my mountain home away from home.......IF I HAD A HOME AWAY FROM HOME.


I love you.


Clear, with a high near 75, and a chance of afternoon showers.  What's not to love when it is 105 in Oklahoma today.  No, that is not today's forecast, but we have been there when it was. 

Whatever I Want

Good morning everybody.  I am having my Monkey Plate as my hubby calls it.  He says if we saw that at the zoo we would be thinking there was a special birthday for a monkey.  Oh you should see it.  A lovely plate of sliced bananas, fresh blueberries, strawberries, and delicious fresh pineapple with a side of turkey bacon.  It completes me.......that is all I need for a delicious breakfast (who needs steak and eggs?)...........oh, that, and a cup of tea.  This morning's tea -- Earl Grey. 


The last two hotels where we have stayed had large urns of water with sliced oranges.  It made the most refreshing water and since I don't like plain old water, it helps me drink the stuff.  Now I keep a pitcher of orange water in the refrigerator filled with ice.  Such a delicious summer treat instead of grabbing a diet drink.  Trying to wean myself, girls, and that isn't easy.  So, along with my tea, I am having water to go along with the other 16 ounces of water that I drank an hour ago with my Boniva.  So...........guess what is in store for me this morning.  Lots of time to see all the things I need to clean in a certain room.


I am in a wonderful mood this morning despite a few things which have popped up.  It all has to do with my new bedroom paint color..........very, very, very pale blue..........so pale that it looks white at certain times of the day.  You see, just a couple weeks ago my room was a dull cocoa color with dark, dark brown drapes.  I don't have new drapes yet so even though my bedroom is on the west, the light wakes me up very early............and always puts me in a good mood.  You know the reason why?  It reminds me of my bedroom when I was a teenager.  A whole day of not knowing what to expect.  A day in which I was free to do whatever I want until Mom called to tell me to help pick beans. 


As a retired person I realize that I can do whatever I want with my day and how I choose to fill it is up to me with certain parameters.  As we all know, our days are always subject to uncertainties, but this moment, this minute, this is mine.  My moments, my minutes are wasting so I am off to the races or should I say closets............they need cleaning.  Not going to pick any beans today although I would love a mess of fresh green beans with some new potatoes.  Whatever I want..........


I love you.


Ok, I admit it, I would dearly love to have a steak and eggs breakfast at Cattlemen's.  Invite me.  I will go with you.