Taking things for granted

 

 

 

Turning on the washing machine, the dryer, the dishwasher, the iron.  The hairdryer.  Flushing the toilet.  Toilet paper.  Turning the faucet and getting clean, running water.  Brushing my teeth.  A choice of a shower or a bath.  Warm water.  A fresh change of dry clothes.  Clean sheets.  A comfortable mattress – not a stadium seat with a sleeping bag.

 

I should not be complaining about mopping.  I am just trying to find a shine.  In Biloxi they are using mops to find the floor.

 

I am happy to be doing laundry.  I still have my clothes. 

 

I am glad to be watering the yard.  I still have control over the amount of moisture it receives.  I’m just glad I have a yard.  And landscaping.  In Mobile they are looking at yards of mud and downed trees.

 

I am glad to be able to be able to cook a meal.  I have a working oven and stove, refrigerator, and freezer.  I have a selection of foods to eat.  In New Orleans there is a struggle to even find water to drink.

 

It seems frivolous to work on a scrapbook when others have lost all but their memories.

 

I see the images on the televsion.  Empathizing yet safely cocooned, miles away.  I think of the parents with little ones looking to them for assurance.  Expectant moms transferred to new doctors.  The brides having final fittings.  Services expected to provide 24/7 coverage yet no one is available to man the phones.  First graders with new imprinted memories of school.  Funerals that must be postponed.  Phones that ring busy, hour after hour.  Gas stations where the posted price no longer matters.  The station is closed.  Rolls of film that will never be developed.  Precious baby books that float away.  Critical reports that no longer seem important at companies that cannot open their doors. A scheduled closing on a house that no longer exists.  An oxygen tank that is running low.  A husband missing a wife. A wife searching for a husband. 

 

Tears of fear, relief, grief, hunger, pain, despair, gratitude... 

 

I pray for the lives that have been lost and the hearts that have been broken. While I face my own personal challenges each day, their plight puts it in perspective.

Answering the questions posed to me: The Game

Okay.   It is now my turn to answer the questions you posed.  Thanks for being so kind.  You caused me to do a lot of thinking but nothing too difficult. 

Tricia at luckysaysso83 asks:

1.  I know you're married. Do you have children and if so how many?  Actually, I am divorced - twice.  Been divorced now for four years.  I have two wonderful children.  A married daughter, 27 and a single son, 25. 

2 How did you get started journaling and when?  I just started this journal a month ago.   Why?  Because I love to read and write and, I guess, because I am a frustrated comedienne-wannabe.

3 What is something you hope to accomplish during your life that you have not done yet?  In a recent entry I listed a ton of things I want to do (including kiss John Travolta), but realistically, I am looking forward to sharing stories with my grandchildren

Lizzzza at philadlfiagrl poses these questions:

1)  how much do u hate men by now??????????????? lol( that should be posed to me)  Luckily, two bad apples did not spoil the barrel for me.  I love da men and hope someday to find a wonderful man and grow old together. 

2)  how long have u lived alone? or do any of ur kids still live there?  I have been living on my own for five years. (And, that is not in conflict with the first question posed by Tricia. **wink**)  Both of my kids and I live in a large metropolitan city so we get to see each other a lot.

3)  where was ur most favorite place to visit in the US and why?  There are so many places I love but I believe my favorite for beauty and nature would be Durango, CO.  For excitement it would be New York City.  I love the theater.

Terra from terra19728 asked me:

1.  What is your favorite song??  For someone with hundreds of CDs (and tons of dusty albums), this is a tough question!!  I am still a softie for John Denver's, Annie's Song.  As far as current songs, I would go with Kellie Clarkson's, Since You've Been Gone.

2.  Who inspires you and why?  My dad.  He is 77 and is still learning new things like the computer.  He is also still working and he's my role model for being optimistic.

3.  What is your favorite sound and why?  Ocean waves. They remind me of when I was a kid and my family spent time at the beach each summer. 
 
                    

Something for everyone

I love Jland and enjoy visiting websites and also viewing the journals others recommend.  That leads me to still other journal listings and, before I know it I am deep into new territory.  Such was the case today.  One click led to another, to another and so on.  Fascinating trip.

 

Did you know there are blogs out there where people post entries on caskets, pressure washers, mandolins, and pond pumps?  Now, I am not referring to websites on these topics.  I mean an actual blog with postings and comments and sometimes pictures. 

 

There is a gal out there who is the self-appointed expert on squirrel info.  There is a blog with the how-to steps on all types of piercings.  And, remember Miss Muffet?  She evidently has started a journal on whey resources.  I’m not lying!!

 

I couldn’t get enough!  There were blogs dedicated to discussions of the German economy, pet urns,pet insurance, outlet malls, hairstyle ideas, and free acne facts.  There was the complete guide to mandolins, journals on muscle cars, rims/wheels, religion in New Jersey, helpful human skeleton resources (never know when that one will come in handy!), as well as night vision information and resources.  But the most helpful blog I found, that I do not believe has been given its journal accolades yet, was the blog on the Rules of Hygiene.  It was a step-by-step guide. 1. Shower  2. Use deodorant 3.  Brush your teeth, etc.  Each step had plenty of detail provided and comments. I did not pay enough attention but I think the purpose of the journal was to teach teenagers how to date.  Gee.  Don't you feel better knowing someone has spelled it out? 

 

Just goes to show you that everyone has something they want to share!  I still think my AOL buddies' journals are the best. 

 

What is the most unusual blog you have come across? 

Babysitting my granddog

This is Sadie, my granddog.  She is almost a year old and weighs about 3 lbs soaking wet.  We have a great time when Mom and Dad let her come stay with me since I spoil her rotten and probably give her too many doggie treats.  She likes to sit on my shoulder and watch tv but I could not get a good picture of that.  She is fearless when someone knocks on the door or rings the bell but she becomes manic around the vacuum cleaner even when it is unplugged.  I think there must have been some traumatic event in her first few weeks that instilled this fear in her.  That’s okay – I don’t want to vacuum anyway. 

 

Sadie is a ham when it comes to having her picture made and she posed on the counter for this one.  

 

If I am having this much fun spending the weekend with my granddog, I can only imagine how I will feel with future, less hairy offspring. 

Sneaking out of the house AKA Mission Impossible

A question was posed to me recently, asking if I had ever snuck out of the house as a teenager.  While I was in the minority, I truthfully answered that I had not.  What I failed to admit (but am choosing to disclose here in all its glory) is that I did sneak out of the house as a grown woman – married and the mother of two children.  

 

What possessed me??  My close friend at the time, whom I shall fictitiously call Pam, was in a very unhappy marriage.  We were both in our early thirties and she frequently confided in me about the concerns she had regarding her husband’s behavior.  For someone on the outside looking in, it seemed obvious to me that her husband was running around on her.  I knew, too, that he had already had one affair and had even made a pass at me one time.  She would describe his unusual schedule and ask me if it sounded reasonable to me.  An auditor (fictitious but similar occupation) that had to leave the house at 2 AM to “go to the office”?!  Yeah, right!!  But, on the occasions she had called his office to check on him, he either answered or called back later with a semi-acceptable explanation (he had gone to use the copier and did not see his message light on the phone, etc.)  Keep in mind that this was in the days before carrying a cell phone was the norm.  Cell phones at this time were expensive and the size and weight of a cheap brick.

 

After many weeks of conversations about her unhappiness and fears, I could not stand it any more.  I offered to follow him and try to get to the bottom of the truth.  The Best Friend Private Eye Company at your service, ma’am.  After we went back and forth about it for a couple more weeks, we finally decided that the next time he said he was going into the office in the middle of the night, she would let me know and I was going to follow him.  One evening the call came.  Perfect timing!  My husband’s car was in the shop and he was driving a rental.  I could drive that car and Mr. Scummy Husband would never recognize it!

 

At my house no one knew my plans.  Everyone went to bed as usual but I lay there, wide-awake, knowing I had a mission to perform.  Mr. SH had told his wife he was leaving at 2 AM.  So, I slid out of bed, dressed and headed to my friend’s neighborhood.  I drove to their street around 1:30AM and parked my car, facing their house.  Sitting there, with the car lights turned off, I could hear the pounding of my heart in the darkness.  Sure enough, at 2 AM he opened the garage door and I swear I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest.  He rolled the trash containers down to the curb.  (Okay.  He had a redeeming quality.)  I scrunched down below the steering wheel, fearful that I would be seen.  Holding my breath.  After a few minutes, he backed his car out of the driveway and headed out of the neighborhood. 

 

There was no other activity on their street at that time of the morning and, not wanting to raise suspicion, I waited until he turned out of the neighborhood before I turned on my lights and followed.  I knew the path he would have to take – one that led to the highway which then connected to any other direction he would need to go.

 

As I pulled on to the main road that led to the highway I saw his taillights in the distance.  Pace yourself.  Pace yourself.  Breathe.  Don’t let him see you.  Stay back.  As we approached the entrance to the highway, the lights overhead illuminated his car.  But it wasn’t his car!!!  Where was he??  I panicked.  How had I lost him that easily?  Had he seen me?  Was he aware of my presence and now he was following me??   Yes!! There he was!  A few cars back on the interstate – in the next lane over.  I knew I was busted!

 

What would he tell my husband??  What would he say to his wife?  What if we were wrong in our suspicions??  Oh, why was I doing this??  I picked up my “for emergency use only” cell/brick and called my friend.  Oh, no!  She could not believe I had actually done it.  But then, she was the one who gave me the heads up on his schedule that evening, right?  She suddenly felt that it was not a good idea to begin with! Duh!  Little late for hindsight now. 

 

At this point I am driving down the highway, scrunched down behind the wheel, talking on the cell phone at 2:15 AM and feeling like I am going to be sick.  I told Pam I would keep her posted.  Heck!  My cover was already blown.  I sat up straight and took a deep breath. Mr. SH was coming up on my right side.  He passed me without so much as a glance toward my car.  Yipee!  He had not recognized the car.  He did not know it was me!  PTL

 

I quickly called Pam back and told her of our good fortune.  Now what?  She left it up to me.  Safer that way.  She could later claim ignorance.  Of course, if caught, that was going to be my defense.  I was ignorant!  Stupid!  Crazy!  Who would challenge that?

 

I realized that the way I had missed him earlier had to have been because he pulled into the gas station we passed.  Maybe he had been suspicious.  Perhaps he thought he might be followed.  Regardless.  I was in full-blown Mission Impossible mode.  “Your mission, should you decide to accept it …”  Of course, I was going for it now!  Mr. SH was picking up speed as he headed toward town.  I had to quickly catch up and yet stay far enough behind to not be caught. 

 

On through the night we drove.  Where was he headed?  To his office downtown?  No… we exited off the highway.  Best Friend following Scummy Husband. It was tougher to keep up now.  I saw where we were headed.  The part of town where the nightlife never slept.  The hookers, the drug deals, the street lights shot out. I lost him on a back street, with my friend on the line.  Where he was going or what he was doing was merely speculation at that point.  I had failed in my mission.  And, now I was lost at 2:45 in the morning!!  Pam tried to help guide me out of my mess but neither of us was that familiar with the downtown area.  Finally, I told her to go on to bed.  I would figure it out.

 

Thirty minutes later, in tears and still lost, I had to admit defeat once again.  Only one thing left to do.  I called my husband.  Woken from a dead sleep he could not figure out why I was calling him from the other side of our bed.  But when I explained where I was and confirmed the time of day/night, he was suddenly wide-awake.  I told him I would explain my behavior when I got home.  (If I had told him at that moment he might not have led me back home!!)  The tears started to flow.  Once I was safely home there was never a more contrite spouse than me.  I promised to never again play detective.  I promised to stay out of our friend’s problems no matter how helpful I thought I could be.

 

And, whatever became of Mr. Scummy Husband and Pam?  A few months later he left her for another woman in his office building.  Evidently he was having to work those crazy hours so he could "take care of business" during regular hours.

 

2037 does not seem that far away!

http://www.okcupid.com/death 

I took this test and, based on my answers, I will probably die of cancer at the age of 84 in 2037.  Age 84 seems reasonable to me but funny how 2037 seems too soon.  Maybe it is because we are already into the 21st century and I recognize how quickly the days of my life are passing.

I am mentally taking stock of all the things I still want to accomplish and I better get on the stick!  (Where did that phrase come from??)  I still want to write my script for a Movie of the Week although they do not have Movies of the Week anymore so I guess it will be on the cable channel Lifetime Movie Network.  Or, perhaps because of the theme it might be picked up by WE - Women's Entertainment. Who knows?  There may be a bidding war over who gets the rights to bring my-life-so-far to the screen with all its wit and pathos and delightfully interesting characters!  I certainly know one or two people that would pay to keep it out of public viewing! 

In addition to the Movie of the Week, my list is long of things I still want to accomplish.

1.  Learn to program the clock on the VCR before it becomes completely obsolete.

2.  Visit the remaining United States I have not yet seen.  There are only 8 more to go but that includes Alaska and Hawaii.

3.  Take an Alaskan cruise.

4.  Stay in a chalet overlooking the Swiss Alps.

5.  Visit Branson, MO and meet at least three headliners.

6.  Kiss John Travolta. 

7.  Attend the air ballon festival in Albuquerque, NM

8.  Plant a garden that does not burn up before it produces.

9.  Be able to afford fresh flowers in my house every day.

10.  Meet Meryl Streep.

11.  Learn to scuba dive.

12.  See the fall leaves at their best in Vermont.

13.  Take a photography class.

14.  Find a hair style I actually like on myself.

15.  Get my masters degree in Psychology.

16.  Plant an English garden.

17.  Get back to my weight in 1992.

18.  Learn to design web pages.

19.  Take a gondola ride in Venice.

20.  See the Sutherland Falls on the Milford Track in New Zealand.

21.  See an active volcano.

22.  Go to a Yo-Yo Ma concert.

23.  Buy another house.

24.  Own a Maltese.

25.  Ride in a horse-drawn sleigh in the snow.  (It is the Currier Ives in me.)

26.  Finish all my craft projects.

27.  Learn to sculpt.

28.  Own a convertible.

29.  Take a road trip on a motorcycle.

30.  Spoil my grandchildren - when I get some.

31.  Win a poker tournament.

32.  Follow the Monarch butterfly migration and/or visit El Rosario the Monarch sanctuary in Mexico.

33.  Make salt water taffy.

34.  Learn to play the harp.

35.  Attend a movie premier.

I better get busy!

Turn about is fair play? We'll see.

Let's see how this goes.  I posed questions to Barb - A Ticket to Ride - so now it is my turn.                                                        

The game:  ASK ME ANYTHING

Here's how we play:
  - Ask me 3 questions. Any three, no matter how personal, private or random.
- I have to answer them honestly. I have to answer them all.
- In turn, you post this message in your own blog or journal and you have to answer the questions that are asked of you.


Questions must be submitted in the comments thread of this entry, no later than 10 PM (CST) Monday, Aug 29.   Hit me with your best shot!!   Donna

Mr Picassohead

I have not felt this artsy since I learned how to use an Etch-A-Sketch.  If you have never been to this website you must check it out. The intent is to enable you to create your very own Picasso-like portrait.  I got carried away and created three works of art (using that term verrry loosely) in the last two days and learned something about myself in the process.  My desire for perfection is in conflict with my inner-Picasso.  Each time I would start off great ... adding misshapen forms and oversized features but I could not stop.  I wanted my art to resemble reality so I painstakenly reworked each feature.  Not that the end result was reminiscent of Michanagelo or DaVinci but I felt better.  My palms weren't sweaty, my heart was back to a normal rhythm, my facial tic had subsided but then, we all suffer for our art, right? 

I was thrilled when I had company last evening and they commented on the pictures taped on my refrigerator.  (wink)  I think I'll go to Home Depot today and check on some track lighting for the kitchen.   

http://www.mrpicassohead.com/canvas.html?id=a2b3e18

My three masterpieces are #407466 (My Bad Hair Day), 407485 (Presenting: Successful Surgery), and 407517 (Surprised!)

So many books .... so little time

I enjoy reading - always have. When I was a child I read the back and sides of the cereal box as I ate my Cocoa Krispies each morning. I read all the Bobbsey Twin books, the entire Nancy Drew series and a few of the Pollyanna books.  (I always thought she was too much of a goodie two shoes so those were not a favorite of mine.) I read the childhood classics and my favorite was “Little Women.”  My mother had a degree in Early Childhood Education and I believe she instilled this love of literature by reading to us children.  I remember reading the Classics Illustrated comic books which I have been tempted to purchase again on Ebay.

                             

 I read the instructions that come with appliances. I pause the TIVO and read the vanity card that Chuck Lorrie adds at the end of every episode of Two and A Half Men. It looks like a Blog entry to me!! I read the little tiny print of the labels slapped on prescription bottles. Of course, I have to look over the top of my glasses to read anything that small! I read the acknowledgements on CD dust covers. (When they were albums they were dust covers. What are they called now when a disc comes in a plastic shell?) I read the little messages printed on receipts in case I can win something.  I read fortune cookies, movie reviews, and the crawler at the bottom of the news.

 

I subscribe to several magazines and read them all. I read the news, emails and blogs on the internet.

 

And, of course, I read books. I have five bookcases full and have considered cataloging them. I have loaned too many books that were never returned - usually to former co-workers. By now the book has sat on their shelf long enough they think of it as their own. But one day, when they dust it off and open the cover, they will see my address label and ta-da! I will be rejoined with my long, lost friend. And, it will be nice to hear from the co-worker, too!

Remember test patterns in the middle of the night?

My earliest memories are from the black and white television era of the late 1950s. Our first television was housed in a large wooden console that took up a sizeable portion of the living room.  In those days, if you wanted to change to any of the five channels that were available at the time, you had to actually get out of your chair and manually turn the channel selector knob - every time.  Now you only need do that when you run down the batteries in your remote.  Our television was high tech.  The channel changer was a rotary dial and when you pressed the button of the desired channel it started to automatically change to each channel until it reached the number you had depressed.  Oooo - aaahhhh.  We kids almost wore it out, pressing the buttons and enjoying the wonders of automation.

There wasn't as much programmed viewing in those days and each evening the stations eventually signed off with the recital of the Television Code, the playing of the national anthem, and the screen went to a test pattern with an annoying test tone. I have read up a little on this (I love Google!), and learned that the purpose of the test pattern design was to help you adjust your vertical and horizontal linearity.  Duh!  Who knew?  We always did that in the middle of the program!

Rainbow Fish

SassyDee50 shared this from Best Pictures of 2004 and I am sharing it with you.  Don't miss the reflections of the children in the glass.

Which Looney Toon Character Are You?

My test results: 

Look at the last line I have highlighted below and check out my entry from 8/9/05: "Directionally challenged - even on Memory Lane"  What a hoot!! 

                       

Bugs Bunny!
You scored 28 Aggression, 100 Sophistication, and 71 Optimism!

You have all the sophistication and charm one would expect from such a high-class hare. Very upbeat and generally laid-back, you are remarkably calm and peaceful even in the midst of the most stressful of situations. On those rare occasions that your anger is aroused, your retaliation usually results in embarrassing the aggressor and laying-bare how foolish he or she really is -- rather than doing any real harm. You likely have many friends and more than a few admirers and would make an excellent leader, if you had any interest in being one. But, being a leader would require hard work and attention to detail, both qualities you are lacking in. In fact, if you are not careful, your laid-back attitude will often lead you to drift through life completely oblivious to the changes happening around you. You also tend to have a horrible sense of direction

                                   .


My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 15% on Aggression You scored higher than 84% on Sophistication You scored higher than 61% on Optimism

The Which Looney Tune Are You Test
http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take?testid=481494329074504659

High Anxiety

    

I am waiting to hear back on a new job that I very much want.  My nerves are in a bundle and I cannot focus.   

My friends and family have been unwavering in their support of me over the last few months and I will be eternally grateful.  They know how miserable I have been in my current situation and I have tried to learn from this "test."  Yes, it has been a test of my patience, my mental stamina, my faith, my confidence in myself, my resilience and my ability to overcome adversity.  I have always considered myself a survivor but this time the challenge is beating me down.  I do know this - I have not lost my ability or desire to pray.  I am just ready for a new response to my prayers.  I'm not happy with the answer I have received so far which I have determined to be "No change today.  Deal with it." 

It's All About the Blog

I have been out on the web tonight looking at the Blogsphere.  What an amazing place!  Maybe it was due to the names of the other journals I chose to read but, for the most part, I found the sites to be interesting, often creative and generally informative.  Many left me feeling very inadequate but my blog is young and she will mature with time.

Here are a few of the themes that caught my attention: 

Views of nature through the lens of a camera:  What wonderful photos!  Made me want to try my hand at some serious photography.  Of course, then I would need to master the art of uploading (or is it downloading?) the pics to the puter.

Caretakers of people with serious illnesses or People with serious illnesses:  When I think that I have burdens to bear, all I need to do is read a few entries of these courageous folks.  The ones that were most disturbing were those where they shared a downturn in their situation weeks or months ago and that was the last entry.

Places around the world:  I love seeing the human interest photos of places beyond my little part of the world.  They were not the kind of pictures you would likely see on a postcard but they give you a very real perspective of life and love in other lands.  Their journaling is very enlightening as well.

Writers:  I am talking about the people who are making a profession of writing.  They have so much to share and a journal/blog is an excellent outlet when their cup overflows.

Politicians:  No one expressing their political views online was ambiguous! 

Gays coming out: It amazed me how many gays were so willing to share their most open thoughts and attitudes online but admit they were still closeted to some of their family, friends or co-workers.  I think for some it was perhaps a place to tell their story in the hope that their blog will do the rest.

Moms and their families:  What a great way to share the daily activities with long distance relatives!! I wish it had been around when my children were growing up.

People trying to be creative:  This is the category to which I most relate.  There are so many helpful places and people online that even the most techno-challenged among us can have a voice. 

And, of course, there are educational blogs for every imaginable topic. Fortunately, there are services like AOL that put them into categories for us to search.  So many blogs - so little time!

If you are reading this entry, then you already have stepped into the blogsphere.  Don't stop now.  There is much to be experienced! Enjoy!!

Crazy Drivers!

I live in a large, metropolitan city and the drivers here are crazy at times!  I was driving to the store earlier today and somebody in a white sports vehicle was right on my bumper.  This always frustrates me and I typically tap on my brake to give the driver the idea to back off but today I didn't because it had recently rained and I was afraid the street might be wet.  I was the third car back when we stopped at a traffic light and the very second the light turned green, this jerk behind me tapped on his horn.  I couldn't believe it!  I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw the guy's hand on the steering wheel kind of flip up as if to say, "Go!"  I flipped my hand in the air in reply with my palm open as if to reply, "What do you want me to do, Butthead?  There are cars in front of me!!"  As we proceeded down the road, he was still riding way too close on my bumper and I was getting ticked off!  But, I behaved myself and did not give him a single digit wave even though I felt he deserved one.  The traffic was too heavy to speed up and get out of his way and my turn was coming up anyway.  I just muttered under my breath how people were just too impatient and that I was not going to let this single incident get to me.  

As I pulled into the turning lane, I looked over my shoulder to try and get a good look at the idiot, and, yes, do some profiling.  You know how you have certain mental perceptions of certain drivers?  Well, I wanted to see what this guy looked like but I could not get a good view.  I was just glad I was turning and he was moving on.

Just then my cell phone rang and as I flipped it open, still steamed by the inconsiderate driver, I hear a voice ask, "Don't you know when you are being followed by your son?!"  Aargh!  I couldn't believe it!  The idiot driver was my own 25 year old!  He thought he was just too funny and I had to admit it really was.  He said, "I saw you talking to me with your hands!"  I told him that I was just glad I had not "said" what I was thinking!!  

And, I have got to learn to recognize his new car.   

Remembering the power of one cent

Gas was 35 cents a gallon when I started driving.  It just does not seem possible that it is now averaging $2.50 a gallon and still on the rise.  I won't mention the "I" word but I have been reminiscing about what a single penny could purchase when I was a kid.  Today, if a penny is spotted on the ground, many feel it is hardly worth the effort to bend over and retrieve it.  I still get excited when I find any amount of money! 

I can remember when I could buy three Tootsie Rolls for 1 cent.  Or I could get five sugar coated lemon drops, not that I wanted those but that was a lot for one penny. Licorice came in red or black rolls for a penny.  There was also the Pixy Stix straw filled with tart flavored sugar for a single cent. (I read somewhere that many of us are probably suffering from Pixy Stix lung because it was so easy to accidently inhale the contents of those straws!)  There were little wax bottles filled with a sweet liquid, barrel shaped hard candies that tasted like root beer, or the Atomic Fire Ball - each for only one cent! 

But the best bargain of all, for me, was Bazooka Bubble Gum.  For one penny, I could enjoy a piece of delicious gum (scored in the middle in the event I wanted to share or save half til later) wrapped in a comic and my very own fortune!  Talk about your market bundling!  And, the little tiny print told you how to send off for prizes when you had saved enough comics.  Wow! 

I never did save enough comics to be worth while but it would have been fun to send off for the prize catalog. Of course, for that, I would have had to justify the use of a five cent stamp.

                                            

picture used by permission www.oldtimecandy.com

Mmmmm Mmmmm Good

Do you have certain flavors or items of food that you can recall from your past?  I 'm not talking about that delicious dinner you remember from last week.  I'm referring to foods that evoke specific memories from your childhood. 

                                             

My earliest memory is tied both to a traumatic event in my life and then a food item as comfort.  Hmmm ... could be a connection to my current use of food as comfort food.  But, that is another post.  When I was three I was playing in the neighbor's yard and ended up with a cut eyelid that required stitches.  After my return from the hospital, my neighbors were sympathizing and apologizing for my injury and they shared some cookies with me.  What I remember so clearly was those cookies were like pecan sandies with bits of orange.  To this day, an orange flavored cookie will transport my thoughts to that screened in porch.

Because much of my extended family lived almost 1,500 miles away I only got to visit them once a year when my family made our vacation pilgrimage.  Perhaps because the foods associated with those visits were so infrequent might explain why they have made such an indelible impression on me.  Pep-o-mint Lifesavers, in the dark blue wrapper, remind me of my great grandfather.  He had a huge rolltop desk in the office connected to his home, and he always kept an ample supply of those candy rolls in his top right desk drawer. Every time we children came to visit, it was a polite round of kisses and hugs and then a mad dash to the desk when the adults settled into their conversations.

On those visits my Pop-pop would walk me to the little general store and treat me to a York peppermint pattie.  They were delicious and I think of my grandfather when I enjoy them today.  When I taste sweet tea with lemon added, I always remember my grandmother.  A Zero candy bar reminds me of summer camp.  For me, Circus Peanuts are associated with Halloween.  And cotton candy was a once-a-year delight at the state fair. 

I have noticed a trend in my happy food memories.  They are all tied with sweets.  That is probably because vegetables were not rare at my house ... and they are very forgettable!  Ever known anyone who got a smile on their face from thinking about Brussel sprouts or boiled okra?

The Penny

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. I'm not sure who wrote this originally but it gives you something to think about.
 
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.

The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.

Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.

He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?

"Look at it." He said. "Read what it says." She read the words "United States of America."

"No, not that; read further."

"One cent?" "No, keep reading."

"In God we Trust?" "Yes!" "And?"

"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United Statescoin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!

When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.

It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful!

And, God is patient...

Have a blessed day!!

Directionally challenged - even on Memory Lane

Why is it, when I have a 50 - 50 chance of getting it right, I consistently turn the wrong way?  Was I born with an internal compass chip missing?  Before I started to drive I never noticed but from the first time I sat behind the wheel, I have never been certain - left or right?  Don't even try to tell me something is North or South, East or West!  

My dad still shakes his head when we talk about how confused I would get backing out of the driveway.  During the time I had my learner's permit, I was allowed to drive the family to church.  Now, I had been to the same church multiple times a week ever since we had moved to this town, but as I put the car in reverse and slowly backed out the driveway, I had to step on the brake, turn to my dad and ask, "Which way?"  For a man who traveled for a living, he was not amused.

Luckily, I did not move often after I started to drive so eventually I paid enough attention to be able to get myself back home after a trip to the store.  And, since I have lived in larger communities all of my adult life, I can eventually find anything I want in every direction.  Yes, I meant to go this way!! 

There is a major street near me and, if I can find my way to Josey Lane, I can survive!  I have checked and in addition to the police station, the post office, a fire station, a public library, a hospital, dentists, eyecare and every imaginable type of medical doctor, I have access to multiple pharmacies, banks, gas stations, dry cleaners, department stores, and 17 varieties of drive through fast food all on this very special street.  It gives me a peaceful feeling that I will not have to make any turns until I have reached my destination. 

Everyone who is directionally challenged should have a Josey Lane nearby!  Within a seven mile strip there is also a bakery, tailor, florist, locksmith, travel agent, humidor, and vet.  I can get my shoes repaired, shop antiques, put my old clothes on consignment, arrange for insurance, get financial counseling, receive check cashing assistance, or put things in storage.  I can shop for groceries in at least three different languages. I can enjoy multiple buffets or sit down dining.  To meet my personal needs, I can have my hair done, get a manicure, pedicure, facial, tan, exercise, or be tattooed.  I can be tutored, take karate lessons, learn to dance, indulge my hobbies or find all my party supplies. 

Without turning a corner I can hire a maid or temporarily staff my office, get my vacuum cleaner repaired, upgrade my computer, play pool, sing karaoke, rent videos, or receive physical therapy.  I can go to rehab or buy discount shoes, cigarettes, tires and beauty supplies. My car will not lack for attention on Josey Lane since there I can purchase it gas, auto parts, have the oil changed, the brakes checked, as well as have it lubed or inspected.  If I am ready for a change I can even replace it with a used car. 

Yes, I have found nirvana and her name is Josey.  But one thing is missing.  There is no funeral home on Josey.  But then, I do not have to worry about getting lost while trying to find it - someone else will be driving. 

Survived!

I am not sure who should get the credit for this wonderful walk down memory lane, but I thank my friend Benny for sharing it with me.

                                 

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!  First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us.  They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.  Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paints.  We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.  As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.  Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.  We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.  We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.  We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because we were always outside playing!  We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.  No one was able to reach us all day.  And we were O.K.    

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.  We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99  channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cellphones,  no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chatrooms.......... WE  HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!  We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.  We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.  We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.  We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!  Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.  Imagine that!!  The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! 

 

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and  inventors ever!  The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.  We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!  And YOU are one of them! CONGRATULATIONS!  You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good and while you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were. 

 

Kind of makes you want to run through the housewith scissors, doesn't it?!? 

Wish I'd Said That

                            GREAT QUOTES BY GREAT LADIES

The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy. 
-Helen Hayes (at 73)-


I refuse to think of them as chin hairs. I think of them as stray eyebrows.
-Janette Barber-


Things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse.
-Lily Tomlin-


A male gynecologist is like an auto mechanic who never owned a car.
-Carrie Snow-


Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry with your girlfriends.
-Laurie Kuslansky-


My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being, hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint.
-Erma Bombeck-


Old age ain't no place for sissies.
-Bette Davis-

Inside every older lady is a younger lady wondering what the hell happened.-Cora Harvey Armstrong-

A man's got to do what a man's got to do. A woman must do what he can't.
-Rhonda Hansome-

The phrase "working mother" is redundant.
-Jane Sellman-

Every time I close the door on reality, it comes in through the windows.
-Jennifer Unlimited-

Whatever women must do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.
-Charlotte Whitton-

Thirty-five is when you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.
-Caryn Leschen-

I try to take one day at a time -- but sometimes several days attack me at once.
-Jennifer Unlimited-

If you can't be a good example -- then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.
-Catherine-

When I was young, I was put in a school for retarded kids for two years before they realized I actually had a hearing loss. And they called ME slow!
-Kathy Buckley-

I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb -- and I'm also not blonde.
-Dolly Parton-

If high heels were so wonderful, men would still be wearing them.
-Sue Grafton-

I'm not going to vacuum 'til Sears makes one you can ride on.
-Roseanne Barr-

When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping. Men invade another country..
-Elayne Boosler-

Behind every successful man is a surprised woman.
-Maryon Pearson-

In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.
-Margaret Thatcher-

I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine marriageand a career.
-Gloria Steinem-

I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man, I keep his house.
-Zsa Gabor-

Nobody can make you feel inferior withoutyour permission.
-Eleanor Roosevelt-

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
Anais Nin

                                                           

I have to write it down before I forget

Blogs are still an internet novelty but from the time I was introduced to my first one (Thank you, Mike Cope), I have been intrigued with the possibilities.  I started my own blog several months ago and wrote a couple of test journal entries. Before I got the courage to share the site name with anyone, I was side-tracked and, much to my chagrin, realized later I could not "find myself."  How lame is that?  This time I am more resolved to stick with it.  I keep a spiral notebook handy now and wrote down the name of this Blog.  So, if I can just keep track of the spiral, I am all set!