Sunday

If only!!!  What a difference there would be in our world.

I was out and about yesterday in a very stormy day and had a ride to Poulsbo.  Sheila had a date to have her blood drawn for her annual checkup and had to wait for breakfast.   We found a new restaurant  where by a friend of a friend said the food was excellent but forgot to say that it was extremely busy with the casino players by the dozens and the wait would be long.  It was.   Crowded, noisy, a long wait for a table, fast water and coffee but the long wait for food. . .  but her friend was right, the food was delicious and well presented.   We found out the hard way when not to arrive at this restaurant as it soon emptied out and we had the place to ourselves.   The view from the window was beautiful in spite of the teeming rain.   The restaurant is part of the casino so there was going outside to get wet.   We found the elevator and off we went to find the machines waiting to be fed.    I found the bingo keno type machine but no luck.  I played  a couple of new ones and although I got my money back twice, I still had to try for a win and paid my dues and off we went to find our way back to the car.  One of the guards was very nice in leading us in the right direction.  That casino is huge.   Sheila had several stops to make on the way home and I waited patiently in the car.    I don't move fast enough to dance in the rain these days and the rubber tip of the can slides easily so the balance can be thrown off.    The traffic was heavy and there are many drivers who need to learn how to drive on rainy roads where speed is not a friend but an enemy.   So we had fun, got the chores done and didn't melt in the rain.

It was very quiet here at Ridgemont.   Everyone had hunkered down and no one was about.   Some one left two Western Art magazines under my door.    Some lovely art work to see.   I found a western movie on the television and settled in until the phone rang and Rose asked me to come and see her.    She wanted to offer me a job taking care of her.  This is the second time she has asked.  I am just to old for that type of work.    I can bring her a food tray and I can visit but I cannot be a nurse and housekeeper for her.    I hope her daughter comes soon to see how she is failing and does something about getting her into assisted living.  She really needs it now.   Time will tell, but meanwhile she will be having her meal in her apartment and that is an easy task which I'd be happy to do for her.   It would be nice if some of the ladies would volunteer to sit with her while she has her dinner, just to keep her from being isolated.   Don't let anyone tell you getting old is fun;  it isn't;  but, attitude has a lot to do with how you make it through ...so develop a good attitude and take care of yourselves now as the day comes all to soon when you have to look for a bit of help and throw that independent streak out the door, relax and 'go with the flow'.   

Keep Sunday calm and holy.  Say a prayer or two for the elderly.    Be kind and stop what you are doing for a few minutes and pick up the phone and call one you know.   Make their day a bit less lonely.   Everyone wants to feel needed, so you have reason to thank them for all of their good deeds over the years and take a little of your time right now to give them a little of yours.   I hope you are building a strong pathway to your door for the time when you will be 'old';  it comes on much sooner than you think.    Just think a few minutes of  'you' can make their entire day.    Go,  be magnanimous and give a little of  YOU to those you love and like.    Be a hugger.    Hugs to all.

Color

Here is a geode crystal that resembles a scene, like a special frame, nature at its best.

A family decorated for Veterans Day;  great job;  so patriotic;  a reminder to get out those Christmas lights.  It won't be long.

Thinking holidays, Macy's parade will be coming up soon....don't forget to watch itl.

South Lake Tahoe.  I painted a picture very similar to this.   It is Sand Harbor where they had the Shakespeare plays every year.  They were such fun to go to.  

Saturday, another soaker we hear as the rains come down and the winds come up.    I am off to Poulsbo with  Sheila today.  She is not going to let the rain stop her from having her blood drawn today;  another checkup time for her and, of course, there is a casino there and she invited me along . . . I wonder how she knows I like to play Keno.   They don't have the four card keno at the casinos here but they have something called Bingo which is similar, but not as much fun as my four card Keno.  Beggars can't be choosers, so I will go and take her to lunch and have a nice ride and a crack at the bingo machine.  Wish me luck.....I want to win a big one . . .don't we all.

 

Here at Ridgemont there is no real exciting news.   Everyone made another day.  That is good news.   Vinnie was a no show for reading as he had banking to do and groceries to buy and he said he was going to have 'his ears lowered' so a stop at the barber shop was on his list.   It worked out fine as I had a mailing job to do for Christine.  she must have had two hundred letters to fold and put in  envelopes, easy work when you have a big television in front of you and a movie to watch.   I had hoped to watch " A Walk in the Woods" with Robert Redford and Nick Nolte, as the coming attraction was so hilarious and I had just finished the book.   The movie was about the road to Watergate and the downfall of Nixon.   The movie that followed was absolutely horrific and it got shut off quickly.   Every scene was ugly, ugly people, ugly sex scenes between he and he and she and she and off it went.    What are folks watching these days?    What is Hollywood putting out there?    Where is the censorship necessary to keep decency in our lives.    No wonder our young ones are having such problems in their lives.    It has to be very hard to be a parent in todays world.  It is tough enough to bring children up  to be decent human beings when you have the Hollywood trades putting out the seamiest side of life. Nudity, sex, violence, ugly words, and the rankest of all behaviors.    There is such a thing as 'Good Taste, an d I can assure you Hollywood doesn't have it.  Thank God there are shut off buttons on the television.   

 

So today, be a good example.   Do your good deeds as you know how necessary  they are in making a little bright spot in  the life of someone you love and or like.     Like is good.   Love is better.    A little of both doesn't hurt a bit.    Keep decency in your lives and set the example.  Someone is watching and listening to you.  You are admired and copied by little eyes and ears, so lead the pathway and shine.    Every parent is a teacher.  Some little one is looking up to you so be sure to send the right messages.  Listening is good . . . debating is fun . . . and bear hugs sets the best example of all.    Go...teach those you  love how to give as well as to receive and make them shine, just like you.  Hugs to all.

 

 

 

Life!

So many little reminders to show us the way to have success in our lives.    How good to use our minds in such a positive way and we already know that starting our day with a prayer means we are on our way to a very good day.

I love old barns.   this one is settled in a beautiful spot.   Silence is golden.  The skeleton of a tree.   Peace and serenity.

Snow at Stevens Pass.   It must be the name of one of the passes here in Washington State.   The skiers are smiling.

A lovely picture.  The river of life.   It can be calm, it can be turbulent and wild  but all the while it is beautiful.

Hey there Jock, looking good.   That is quite a fish...a Chinook,   wonder what that tastes like.    Wonder how long to filet it.   Wonder when you will fire up the grill.  We would like to be tasters.    Love the hat and the smile tells it all.  Congratulations that is a monster to catch.

Friday morning and all seems quiet right this minute.  We are in the midst of a big storm and have been promised more rain and heavy duty winds.    Candles are not allowed here at Ridgemont in case of fire.  I can understand that so I'll have to look for some that are encased and not dangerous or buy a new lantern which gives off good light and you can still enjoy the book you are reading.   Right now there is silence but that is the norm at four in the morning.   who in their right mind gets up at four a.m......I do.....wonder what that says about my mind.     Well some of us are early risers and our body clocks like that early morning quiet time and there is nothing that says you cannot hunker down in your easy chair, turn on the television and sleep through another hour.   Works great, try it, you may like it;.

Here at Ridgemont yesterday there was not a lot going on.    We usually find fault with the food but there was a no name dish of some kind of long noodles with hamburger and cheese that turned out to be very tasty.   The cold slaw is always tasty but the vegetables were a mixture of  left overs.   I'll say no more. . . smile.  

Vinnie and I  were having a good read when the ladies decided to use the table right next to us to play cards.   Here they have an entire room full of empty tables and they decide to sit right next to us.   It just didn't make sense.  I am sure they were not interested in what we are reading, maybe they wanted to hear some of the conversation when our visitors stop to find out how we are doing.    I closed the book and told Vinnie to meet me down in the activity room and we would continue.  It seemed rude to me.    We read in peace and quiet and are making headway.    Those nine hundred page books do take awhile.    Vinnie is already talking of  the sequel .   His eyes are better and he is reading a different book on his own but does not want to stop being read to.   He says it calms his restless soul.    Meanwhile Rose was having a bad day.  She does not like being one hundred years old when inside she wants to feel like a thirty year old.    She told me that she used to feel that way but since she has had her big birthday party she no longer feels young inside.   Her major problem is not having her daughter here to visit her.  She needs and wants family around  and feels depressed.   Watching her fade each day I can understand how difficult it is to try and stay moving as the body is wearing out faster.    I went down to her apartment and played Rummy cube , her favorite game, and brought the green tea and some fig bars along with me.   We had a tea party and a lot of laughs and soon she was as bright as a new penny.    Loneliness is a hard task master so if you have family and, or, friends that have reached a ripe old age, think of them and share a little of your time as it is the little dose of medicine that keeps them going.

 

Make yourself useful.   There are folks that need your attention.   Some are lost.   Some are lonely.  Some are desperate for a smile, a touch, a kind word or just someone to listen.    Just remember what goes around comes around.    All of you have big hearts, soothing voices, love and kindness to share....so don't wait for 'a time' get busy and share YOU with those you love and like right now.    Be benevolent, kind, and above all share those hugs as they make someone feel alive.  Be good,, be kind, be generous with YOU.....it will dry up some tears and bring a smile to someone face and has more meaning that you can ever imagine.    Make it one of your good deeds today.   Hugs to all. 

Wonderful

YUM, Guess what is coming up soon...more than one way to serve turkey!

Ha,ha,  clever, many wish for a carpet to sweep those falling leaves.  

A caterpillar of many colors.    Quite a beauty, a sort of can,  can girl

We did ourselves proud yesterday;  a day of remembrance.

It seems hard for me to realize that half of November is all gone and all of the Halloween 'stuff' was marked down ninety percent.  Imagine paying fourteen cents for paper plates and napkins along with dozens of other oddities.   Just goes to show we should be frugal and shop after a holiday and keep it for the next year. It is in finding space to store things that is a problem and then most likely we forget where we store things and buy new anyway.   Such is the character of the decorating crowd.    Fear not, you can shop for Christmas now as the stores are well stocked and ready for the shopping crowd.  Be mean do not shop before Thanksgiving, make them wait.  

 

Nothing really new and exciting here at "Ridgemont" yesterday.  The sun came out and that was a boon.   One of our ladies went for a walk, slipped and fell, luckily didn't break anything but got a bump on her chin.  She was lucky.   A few wet leaves got in her way and lucky for her there was a gentleman walking by and came to her rescue.   She was a bit shaken but fine and will wait for dry sidewalks before walking out again.     Our manager, Karen, has fifty five coming to the Thanksgiving dinner she and her family are putting on for us.   I cannot imagine cooking a turkey dinner for that many but she is at the ready and found a special sheet on the computer that tells exactly when and how to prepare for a dinner for such a crowd.   I did get a good read in with Vinnie and Don stayed on to listen.   I had to laugh as I looked up and caught both of them with their eyes shut.  There is something about a voice that can lull one to sleep.    I did get a chapter finished and we are getting on to the last of the story.  I think about Christmas we should be finished with this book and Vinnie is already talking of sending for the sequel.    As for the romance, Rose is barely hobbling around these days but she is a determined one hundred year old and doesn't miss a chance to make eyes at Vinnie.  She tells me he is 'cute' and funny but doesn't understand why he wont come and visit her.  He is a kind soul and has promised to take her out for a walk in the sunshine when the weather warms up, so you know his intentions are good but he continues to pray for snow.   Both he and Larry wait on her hand and foot so she is getting exactly what she wants...attention....and they are doing a great job.  So you see, wisdom does come with age, and or Rose is one wise lady.

 

So as you work toward your 'old' age, be sure you work on wisdom, sharpen the brain as you go along and be wise along with being that wonderful caring person you are.  Don't be bashful about letting someone know you care about them.  Take time out to make a call or write a note or even send a funny card.    Just let those you love and like know that you do care;  they need to bask in your sunlight as you make their day bright and beautiful.   I had one of those calls yesterday and I am still smiling.   Don't forget one good deed, a few special prayers, a light touch and a bear hug or two. . . give someone you love a chance to feel special.    Hugs to all.

 

EXTRA SPECIAL

Light a candle . . . Say a prayer or two . . . . Send a care package . . . . Send holiday greetings . . . Be kind, be good and remember all of our Veterans today and every day.   Hugs to all.

Picture Blog

Happy Birthday ...240th....WOW!!    Four Sullivan men were Marines, Three in the Corps and one in the Merchant Marines.  All survived World War II , now they are gone on to bigger and better things leaving a proud heritage behind.  How much they are missed and how much they were loved.

Been awhile since I've seen this face.   A song writer, a guitarist, one of  son Michaels buddies.   A bit older than when I used to have spaghetti feeds for the group.  Some good memories of the 'hippy' fellows, and especially of Scoot who wrote hundreds of words to songs.   I walked into a restaurant with my son and one of his friends who were all done up in their leather jackets and their chains....the waitresses were a little apprehensive thinking maybe these two had captured me and were getting a free breakfast on me.   The kept a good eye on me but soon learned they were gentle souls. 

 A friend of over fifty years with one of his sons.    Charles looks pretty good and is surviving an unexpected operation.   He is older than me...smile.....by a year or so, but I'm catching up.    Brian, the son, is now a grandfather and puts loads of pictures of his new granddaughter on Facebook.   She's a cutie and grandpa and great grandpa are very proud of her.

Amy and Mason.....my grandson and his wife.   I would sure like to see them.   I follow them on Facebook.   It is so good to see a picture of the two of them.   

With winter coming, lots of snow, wonder how the curve will work on a big snow pile.   Looks a bit crooked to me.

"Hey ma, she's touching me"!!!

                                                                  I guess we will keep her, she's my baby sister. 

 Grandmother Judy sent a lot of pictures of her grandson Joseph and his new sister Natalia.   There is nothing like little ones to brighten a household and create a lot of love and laughter.   

 

First snow in Arizona.  Bob and Andrea wont be using their bocci court today.   I want to try that game, don't you?

Here is an idea if you have a hen house and collect those fresh eggs.   I was trying to think of other uses for such an apron but for the life of me I cannot think of anything.    Maybe you can.

 

I hope you enjoyed a picture blog for a change.    It is very quiet around Ridgemont on a rainy day, bet most folks are hunkered down with a good book or having a snooze.    I went shopping for new short curtains  , not bad, sort of finishes off a room.    Go, find something to do on a rainy day and be joyous, nice word, practice that and make those you love and like happy.   Oh, and generous is a nice word.   Hugs to all.

 

OOh Ooh!!

Winter is coming to Truckee up there in the Sierras. . .  First snow flakes.

Jennifer was out for a drive and slipped and slid a little but not hurt, than God,   Icy roads, snow, sleet, yep, winter is coming.

Birds of a father, flock together.  Looks like these are on the take off but to where?   I have no idea.

A truism.

Well a decided change this year, the red cups of no Christmas designs.   Are you sure you want to buy your latte there?
Has Star Bucks joined the politically correct crowd?    No Merry Christmas......um.....

I am amazed at how much dirt gets in between the keys of the computer.    Those silver strings happen to be my hair and at the rate it is falling, I will be bald before I reach a ripe old age.    Little tiny pieces of dust particles, so minute you can hardly find them, but they are there by the hundreds.  Where do they come from?   Tiny little dust mites making their way between the keys.   The rubber tipped tooth wand does a good job  but I am wearing it out so will look for a new one when I next shop.    It is amazing what you see when you wake up at three o'clock in the morning and fire up the computer.   You put on the clean spectacles and voila, dust mites.....  Silence . . . profound. . . not a creature is stirring, no car doors, no noise of any kind;  quiet time, musing time, a time to wake the brain up and blog away.   Now that is easier said than done some mornings.   I am not doing anything really exciting so there is little to talk about.    What can I tell you about that I haven't told you a hundred times already.    I am writing a new book but it is going to be awhile before it gets into print as I have much more work to do on it.    When you keep company with nonagenarians, you can't rush things along.  There is no such thing as 'rushing' it is a lost word in the vocabulary as well as an impossible feat for them.  Daily living in a senior apartment complex has a myriad of tales to tell as you listen to the 'tales' they tell and each one has a story all its own.    I find it was a different world, a hard one fraught with poverty and wars, estranged families, hard work and sacrifice.    The lost of a partner, well loved and missed after fifty or sixty years of marriage.   Children who have forgotten they exist or hovering playing parents to their parents.    Some of the good memories are there too, but, the aloneness creeps in and shadows fall.  A time of life no one prepares for;  time...you have plenty...or so it seems;  then one morning you wake up to find out time is illusive and has moved on at a much faster rate than you thought.    Yes, so many tales to tell and I am working on them.

 

Meanwhile, we wont discuss luncheon food as it only stays in the class of 'yuck', even the deserts fail.    I found some of Freddies  deli entrees are delicious and you can choose a salad or two to keep the body healthy.    If you haven't tried chicken curry, do , Freddy makes a great one.   Don't bother with the cranberry type salad though as it makes for heart burn.   I  love cranberries but not that particular one in salad form.    I'll wait and have my cranberry sauce with my Thanksgiving turkey.  There will be an in-house dinner here as Karen and her family are putting it on for all of us.   We are allowed two guests and that will make it fun.    Hopefully, you are making plans for a great Thanksgiving feast with those you love and like.

 

So today, find something wonderful to do.   Find reasons to sing, hum, hug, smile because you are alive and well and can.   Share YOU with those you love and like.     Be magnanimous!!  Hugs to all.