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Showing posts from 2019

Good-bye 2019

And, really, I am glad to see the back of you, 2019. I can't say that is was a year all that hard hitting for me, but it certainly was for people that I love and care about. Health problems and death were far too frequent visitors to close family and friends. Events of the this past year did push me to take care of business in anticipation of my own unavoidable death. I set up a trust for my children. I am generally not enough of a grown-up to admit I am old, but, let's face it, someday soon enough I will be old. Nothing that happened in the political landscape of our country made me think that 2019 will be remembered as a banner year. I used to think living part time in Vermont and part time in Florida was kind of the best of both worlds, but this past year found me questioning where I really live. It gets harder to make the transition.  (I was leaning toward Florida until Trump decided to change his state of residence.) And yet, there are so many things, and more im

Happy Holidays

Whatever you choose to celebrate in this season, I wish you warmth and peace.

Random

It warmed up and rained. All the snow that was hanging around since early November is gone. Now people are all worried -- will we not have a white l Christmas? Personally, I would like to see a white car. I hate that slush covered look both inside and outside of my car. I put my Santas on the mantle. I have some lights in the windows. I have decided I will not bother to put up the tree this year. I used to have an android phone that would automatically upload my photos to my MacBook Air. Now I have an iphone so you wouldn't think it would be a problem, but you'd be wrong. I cannot get my iphone and my MacBook to acknowledge each other's existence. Annoying! I need to sit down with my grandson and have him teach me how to use my stupid phone. I finally got around to reading Michelle Obama's book, Becoming.  I miss the Obamas SO much. I doubt that Trump will be removed from office although I definitely think he should be. He is a very damaged individual. That

A Simpler Time?

My friend Don often gets nostalgic for his growing up years . . . it was such a simpler time, things were so innocent.  He chooses not to hear me when I suggest we  might have been simple and innocent but the world most likely was just as chaotic and complex as it is today. We had far more shelter from the world at large than kids do today -- even as we left the house in the morning and didn't come back until we got hungry or were called in for supper, whichever came first, and kids today have cell phones so parents' can track there every move and they cannot go anywhere without a water bottle. When I was nine, my family moved to Vermont from New York. I had gone to an elementary school with Black kids and Jewish kids. That was the last of that until I went to college. Vermont in the 1950's was a new reality. My parents returned from a VT house hunting trip with maple sugar candy for us kids. I decided right then and there that I did NOT want to move. My wishes were o

Retraction/Clarification

I while ago I mentioned an article I had read online about what not to put in a garbage disposal. Recently I mentioned it to my plumber friend, asking him, "so what exactly can  you put down a garbage disposal?" He poo-pooed most of the restriction in the article and said that the big problem was that people didn't use the disposal properly. Run water, turn on the disposal, feed the scraps into it, turn off the disposal but keep the water running so that everything does not get left in small pipes that clog easily. I still will be composting most of Thanksgiving detritus, but it's good to know I don't have to be paranoid about tossing the occasional egg shell along with plate rinsing scraps. googled image

Happy Thanksgiving

I am coming out of hibernation mode to wish United States readers a very happy Thanksgiving and the entire world a peaceful holiday season no matter the nature of your celebrations. Don't forget: On November 27 at 2:00 a.m.standard time, set your bathroom scale back 15 pounds.

Who Knew?

I sometimes see people that I recognize from somewhere but I can't recall the name. It's worse when, like the time I went to introduce my boss (my boss from work!) and I could not for the life of me come up with her name. The Scottish have a word for that: TARTLE.  Tartle This Scottish word sums up in two syllables the moment when you’ve momentarily forgotten someone’s name (either one-on-one or when making introductions)! For those of us who tartle any time there are any introductions to be made, this word should be inducted into the English language on account of its sheer usefulness alone. I have noticed this phenomenon while walking in the woods and been struck by the beauty, but I did not know there was a word for it.   Komorebi This beautiful Japanese word komorebi describes the light that filters through the leaves of trees and can also be used for the mist that catches sunlight in forest (say after a rain or on a humid day). The closest term in English would be

Looking for a New Refrigerator?

I probably come across as an old coot waging a war on modern technology. I am not really. I do see the benefit of advances and I even admire those who embrace and run with them. There are just some things I just don't want or personally need . . . even when having fantasies about my ideal kitchen in my ideal home. This LG refrigerator has an ice maker (I worry too much about mold since I use very little ice), instant view door (constant reminder that you need to clean the fridge?). It has auto close doors, which I might like, and the fact that it is counter depth is a definite good thing in my book. It has a smart grid and is WiFi enabled. Fine, but I am retired now and I have the time and a lifelong habit of writing my grocery lists on scraps of paper so I really wouldn't use that. I don't feel the need to communicate with my kitchen appliances. Just keep the food cold and I'm happy. It cost nearly $4000. This Kitchen Aid refrigerator has a Sabbath mode -- not

A Memory

I was little. I woke up and I did not feel good. I don't know why and I am sure I didn't know at the time. I didn't have the concept of or words for "Bad Mood" but when I first read Alexander and The  Terrible,  Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst (as an adult to my children) I recognized my young self in that story. Amazon As a child*, I could be whiny and obnoxious when I was sick or feeling off. My mother knew I wasn't sick and she was generally not the type to soothingly confront bad behavior. She might give it a try once and then threaten to send offending child to Australia by way of a swift but powerful swat to the rear end. This is what I have a pretty vivid memory of: she looked at me in exasperation and said, "Well, you just got up on the wrong side of bed, didn't you?" That put me into a tailspin. When my mother was busy with my baby sister I quietly went back up to our bedroom. There's a wrong side

New and Improved

I have been getting a message from Blogger -- try the New Blogger now. We are making  changes to make life easier (paraphrased). I avoid clicking the continue button to try the changes now. Unfortunately I know that the changes will come on their own. I am skeptical, perhaps even cynical, about changes in technology having any kind of salubrious effect on my life.         Honestly, I am not one who always resists change. I often embrace it. For example, I would certainly embrace a change in the current political situation. However, it is apparent that I no longer have the brain plasticity needed for adapting to changing technology. A phone answering machine that could sit on my desk next to my landline phone was the last advance that I personally felt added some value to my life. Anything after that -- meh. I get to the party late, usually kicking and screaming.

Sleep

I have always needed my sleep. Under ideal conditions I go to bed, sleep for 7.5 hours, wake up refreshed and start my day. I can remember that happening a few times in my life. I remember visiting my cousins who did not have a strict bedtime in the summer.  They would be running around well after dark and I just wanted to sneak away and curl up in bed to sleep. I couldn't believe my aunt and uncle were so irresponsible as parents! Once as a teen I was invited by neighbors to spend a week at their lake cottage. One night we all went to see some friends of theirs who had a horse farm. It was fun until adult conversation went on . . . and on . . .  and on. By one in the morning I was pretty sure my eyeballs were bleeding. There are significant periods of my life during which sleep was elusive. There was a long stretch during high school  and college when I would wake during the night and could not go back to sleep. Every night sound seemed magnified and designed specifically

A few pictures:

It took me a while to get wifi up and running. That's a whole other blog post, but who wants to hear another convoluted Comcast tale of woe? I took a walk on the beach while in South Carolina. (I believe on Fripp Island.) Low tide scenes: Kind of looked like a scene out of some outer space movie. Most of the debris caused by Dorian has already been cleaned up. Here is where I slept in my step daughters' lovely brand new home: Antique, yet comfy bed. On Sunday we took a horse drawn carriage ride through historic Beaufort, S.C. It was really interesting hearing the stories our docent had to relate and to realize how deep and wide the history of any given place can be. Old homes in this district were so beautiful as well, but of course I had neglected to bring my phone. If Don is around I don't leave the house without his asking, "Do you have your phone?" so I thought I was getting better about this, but how quickly we revert to form!

A Long Ride, Safe Landing

I have been in travel mode for the past week. I'll admit that I was a little nervous about a solo car trip from Vermont to Florida. I have done it before but the thought of that was then kept creeping in. I decided to not make a straight shot out of the trip but to take y time and make many stops along the way. It felt like a vacation as a result. I spent the past weekend with my step daughter at their new home on St. Helena Island -- South Carolina low country.  There was a lot of fresh fish and seafood, time on the beach, an historic tour of Beaufort, and endless throwing of tennis balls for their two border collies to chase after. It's beautiful there -- so many beautiful spots to see in this country -- in a soft and subtle way. This is where movies -- The Big Chill (one of my all time favorites), The Great Santini, Prince of Tides (Pat Conroy territory), and Forrest Gump. Now I want to watch those movies again. Gossip: locals loved Tom Hanks. Barbra Streisand -- no

What's a Week End?

I attended the stage play Pride and Prejudice last night with two friends. As you no doubt know it is a good story and there were some modern twists in the play that did not distract in the least. *************** We had a frost last night but the day was sunny and gorgeous -- not warm but beautiful nonetheless. Unfortunately, I spent part of the day attending a funeral of a teacher and former colleague. The fact that he was only 57 years old made it very sad. He was obviously well loved and obviously lived his life with gusto. It was a beautiful service, quite a tribute to the man. Still, sad. **************** My good friend who fell and shattered her hip seems much improved. She is doing occupational and physical therapy and appears much stronger. I watched her walk using the bars and she is able to transfer herself into bed. I do keep reminding myself not to break a hip though. It is just a horrible, painful process of recovery. ***************** One of my former

It's Around the Corner

Fall sort of snuck up on me this year but there is no doubt it is here now. The chill is in the air and the leaves are turning. It's a pretty time of year. I am sure I will enjoy it as I travel south. I noticed signs for ski and snowboard sales, a sure sign of another season to come. Halloween decorations are out on lawns. Candy selections and pumpkins are already kind of picked over in the stores. I did see Santas lined up on a shelf next to skeletons at CVS yesterday. No way the holiday season sneaks up on anyone anymore.

Fun Food

I sometimes buy a store brand loaf of wheat bread -- not necessarily because I am cheap but because it is less sweet than the name brands I know. If I have an egg salad or a tuna salad sandwich I like soft, bland bread. This morning I decided to make some toast with some of that bread. This was the last heel of the loaf. Clearly, it has a mouth. Of course I had to amuse myself by turning it into a bread puppet. Help! Help! She's putting me in the toaster! Nooo! I'll burn! Some people are not nearly as amused by me as I am by myself. I've noticed that a lot.

Job?

Don thinks this is the funniest thing ever and he swears I have way too much time on my hands. He suggests I get a job. I made a few of these bags to take to the grocery store or farmers' market so I don't have to use plastic bags. A little bit of netting and no more than five minutes sewing time. Hey, maybe I could get a table at one of the Farmers' Markets and sell produce bags? Nah, that sounds like too much work. I'm retired and enjoying it!

Bits and Pieces

Road work has become the bane of summer although it is certainly badly needed around here. Vermont winters are not kind to streets and roads and where I live now is no longer the acres and acres of dairy farms that it once was.  And infrastructure has not kept up with the population and the number of cars using area roads. The road work at the end of the development drive forces one lane traffic and goes through the night. Eventually the widened road with turning lanes and traffic lights should relieve some stress. In the meantime, noise and slow going  . . .  we put up with it. I made a trip to Boston -- lots of road work along the way too. I went for a doctor's appointment. I had a laser procedure that straightened out my badly out of alignment septum last December. Yesterday the doctor zapped remaining swollen tissue that is expected to shrink down over the next few weeks as a result.  Finally, free breathing should be fully restored. I have to take an antibiotic and u

Felicity

Felicity Huffman will pay a fine and do 14 days of jail time for her part in the college admissions cheating scandal. I understand that there is some kind of backlash -- a joke of a sentence, not tough on crime, another example of money buying privilege, etc . One guy tweeted that he could buy a gallon of milk on the day she enters prison and it would still be fresh when she gets out. People are strange. Now, my thought is that punishments should fit the crime. How about having her tutor high school students in an inner city school who are trying to be the first in their families to apply for college? How about sentencing her to two weeks of substitute teaching? Oh, wait, that would be cruel and unusual punishment, substitute teaching.

Walking in the Woods

Through Meet Up I have been taking some short group hikes. This past Sunday was a perfect day for such a walk. We started with some outdoor yoga and then headed into the woods. It looks as though I am leading the pack but I really wasn't. The trail went through woods along the lake. 50+ Keeping Active group. I don't mention that I am in the 70+ category.   

Dorian

I was avoiding news for the later part of last week, but one of Diane's friends who lives on the east coast of Florida called and let me know I should be worried. We did turn on the weather channel for a while but, really, there was not a darn thing I could do about the hurricane but pray. But it is a terrible event and I am saddened and concerned for people anywhere in the path. Mike and I spent a number of vacations on Abaco in the Bahamas. We stayed in Marsh Harbor. I don't want to try to imagine what is left there. My heart just breaks at the devastation.

Vacation

I went to visit my friend Diane in southern New Hampshire. She has a lovely cottage on a pond surrounded by mountains and quaint little towns where we can hike and explore. Near the bridge in Peterborough I left my computer at home and never bothered to sign onto the internet. Phone service was spotty at best. I was unplugged and what a relaxing time that afforded! We explored Frye's Measure Mill , Cultural Cocoon , and a number of other little shops and antique stores. I did make one small purchase. A small bud vase As usual when we get together there was good food, some wine, long conversations, games, a play, and walking. The play we saw was A Doll House, Part II . Diane is a long time subscriber to the Peterborough Players  and we stayed for talk back with the cast after the show. I really enjoy summer playhouse productions as a rule and this one did not disappoint. I know retirement seems like full time vacation, but this was just a

Crafty Week

We had our card making group this past week -- fun to get together and make something while solving the problems of the world. Lunch is included, too. I know that retired men seem to prefer solving the world's problems over coffee at a local quick stop, but then what do they have to show for their efforts? My friend Ginnie and I went looking for the sunflower farm. We were kind of disappointed that the sunflowers were not towering and huge, but they still were pretty. I will try to paint a sunflower scene. I read in the newsletter from the Peace and Justice Center that they would like origami boxes to use in their Fair Trade Store. The directions were included. So far I have made 25 boxes.                                        Too much time on my hands? It wasn't all fun and games though. My former son-in-law, father of my two grandchildren, died unexpectedly. He had had a stroke and a heart attack early this summer, but seemed to be we

Sunday Morning Hike

I have joined a 50+ keeping active group through Meet-Up and have been participating in some area hiking. On Sunday morning, 14 of us went around Colchester Pond. The start of the trail and quickly into the woods Views of the pond were a good reason to stop for a moment or two: I took this picture of the sun dappled trail behind me but I somehow did not think to capture the really steep sections. Maybe I was too busy watching my footsteps or trying to catch my breath Heading back to the parking lot, the last leg of the hike: There was a wide path through this meadow. It was a warm day, but I was not going to roll up sleeves or wear shorts (long pants tucked into socks instead) because this just screams tick habitat to me. I am enjoying getting back into the woods even with my fears about ticks. Having a group with a leader planning these excursions is kind of nice as well. I found this tick kit article useful but it doesn't give me

Fun Book

I took a friend's recommendation and read this book: Now I am going to recommend it to you. Hendrick Groen is, as he describes it, one of the inmates of an assisted living facility in Amsterdam. Out of a bit of boredom, he decides to keep a secret diary cataloging the indignities of aging and the curious ways of his peers as well as the staff and administration of the facility. He manages to catalog the joys and the wisdom and the friendships as well. In other words, the dignities of aging are also evident. The book is funny and sad in turns. It's recognizable as life. You will know some of these people, I'll guarantee. I noticed that there is a follow up book on the new books shelf at my local library. I look forward to reading that one soon.