Fact and Opinion: Mine!

Political rhetoric and mean spirited accusations... whether they reflect truth or opinion... have become accepted behavior for too many people in this country. While freedom of  speech is well documented in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution, I cannot fathom what has been said 'outloud and in public' in many forums.  Lack of cooperation in our Congress is a national disgrace.  Where is the integrity that is essential to do what is right for the good of the country?  [regardless of political party] 
You have surely heard the phrase, "There's no 'I' in team"...well, how exactly are we 'United' as a country known as 'The United States'.
Add the media's effect: 
 My personal opinion is that nothing is sacred in reporting both public and/or private information.  There seem to be few rules of decency anymore.  All is fair in love and war.... and ratings. It is incomprehensible to me that anyone would receive a $100 million dollar signing bonus as a part of a 4 million dollar contract for 8 years...and then to use that as opportunity to spew sarcasm and hatred.  I would not even show him the honor of printing his name but the fact that his show somehow boasts 'The EIB Network' which stands for 'Excellence in Broadcasting' is certainly an oxymoron...accent on the moron!  Some of his first words on air after Obama's election were,
"I hope he fails."

Well, right back at ya !  I hope you fail based upon your words and as accountability for your actions, and that all of your sponsors drop their support of your radio program. This is not the first time that you have crossed the line of decency.  I can only hope that it is the last time.

Yesterday

I spent the tenth anniversary of 9/11 as a regular Sunday for me...taking care of my mom who is now in a sleep mode, and so I watched the tv coverage in my own little corner of the world. There was so much to absorb visually while simultaneously listening to the people reflect about the past. The memorial has several parts...the lone tower standing as high as the twin towers will remind me of the plane flying into it. The two sunken fountains where the World Trade Center Twin Towers originally stood are a perfect memorial in my opinion. Simplistic yet mesmerizing and not ostentatious in any way. As the two reflecting pools are constantly refreshed with the sounds of waterfalls, it is both peaceful and powerful at the same time.

New to me was the documentary about how the waterfront was quickly mobilized as the exit strategy. The 'all call' issued by the US Coast Guard for people with boats was prompt and effective. You can watch this 12 minute movie on You Tube. It is called 'Boatlift' and is narrated by Tom Hanks.

I am truly amazed at the very fact that the whole thing actually happened. It remains incomprehensible to me that there could be such complicated planning to cause this overwhelming devastation that actually resulted in the Twin Towers totally collapsing. The loss of the buildings in no way compared to the human loss and suffering that resulted. How do you move on after that?
We do this together.

Summer Reflections

A couple of years [ OK...decades] ago, when I was in my twenties, summer had a whole different aura to it. In the 'June through August' days between college years, friends and I would rent a house at the [Jersey] shore for the summer where we got jobs and explored assorted adventures.

For the first summer, I landed a waitress job at a family owned Italian Restaurant and boarding house [also doing some chambermaid work, too] . I had no previous experience in these two endeavors, but I knew it was not 'rocket science'. Consequently, some interesting memories come to mind.

At the restaurant, I quickly got the program and was the cause of only one unfortunate experience. I had a round bar tray with six tall ice waters, and learned that it really does matter which glass you take off first. Turns out it was a balancing act as to how they were to be handed out strategically one at a time. I didn't choose correctly, and so...the girl who was the recipient of the cascading ice water bath left to get dry clothes and returned to receive her meal 'compliments of the house'!! Geez...that was embarrassing. There was some laughter shared just as soon as I was able to breathe again.

The other memory involved a kitchen event that was scary to say the least. There was a packed restaurant of customers waiting for their dinners when an accident occurred that stopped everything. The owner had a large pot of boiling spaghetti water in her hands, and as she turned to go to the sink, somehow the pot slipped out of her hands and hit the floor. Once determined that all people in the kitchen were okay, we were instructed to go out and tell the customers there would be a slight delay but we weren't to go into detail. Again, I did this just as soon as I could breathe and speak at the same time.

And most historically speaking, I remember all of us crowded around the television as the astronauts landed on the moon. It was truly awe inspiring, and not to be taken lightly back then. What a moment in time!!

And there you have it...the first summer at the shore. Well, I did leave out a couple of details and highlights that deserve to stay a part of history. Did I mention that the other waitress at the Italian Restaurant was a skinny blond-haired, blue-eyed swimsuit model?? God's sense of humor for me. Whatever!!

Oprah...and my favorite word...Imagine!

Yesterday was 'The Oprah Winfrey Show Finale'. Her talk show has been a major influence for many people. She wrapped up 4, 561 shows over a 25 year span of sharing, learning, laughing, ...understanding.

For the past two days, many people, both the famous and the unknown, convened in a large arena to surprise her and demonstrate the fact that she has influenced so many lives. I was inspired by many people...mostly those whose lives were changed by Oprah.

Quite an awesome memory for her was combination of the 'Wicked' Broadway Show star singing the song, "I have Been Changed [for good]" as 400 graduates of Morehouse College dressed in tuxedos and carrying a single light walked in the aisles to assemble on the stage. They had all graduated from college with scholarships from Oprah's benevolence where they would not have been able to attend college without the assistance. Just a wonderful thing to be able to make a difference in the lives of others...kind of like the 'pay it forward' initiative in action.

One guest, a neuroscientist Dr Jill Taylor, wrote a book about [her] stroke that changed her life forever. Her 'Stroke of Insight' is an amazing read about the mysteries of the brain.

Two insights worth repeating:
All life is energy.
"Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space."

So, to conclude my thoughts...Oprah...

There are so many focuses on her...her history, her money, her weight, her hair, her power, her choices, ....whatever.. Like her...don't like her. Watch her...don't watch her.

But you cannot go without acknowledging the good deeds that she has made happen...the changes that she has orchestrated on this planet...one person at a time.

Good for you, Oprah.

And to go back to Dr. Jill's quote:

Please take responsibility for the energy that you bring into this place...

I choose good energy. How 'bout you?

Ahh...Even I can do it!

I am giving a shout out for these Oxo storage containers for anyone who has trouble opening, twisting, peeling, or pulling...the tops off of containers. The knob on the Oxo top is easily popped up by pushing on it when it is flat with the top [the closed, air tight position] and then you just pick it up. When you are done, you put the top back on and push the knob back down flat. So easy to do, Yipee!!! Genius!! Refreshing!! Sold. I have a wide selection of gizmos to help me get stuff open. That was probably the result of not being able to get the Tylenol container open, and I had to resort to sawing it off with a serrated knife!@!@! That was years ago. Since then, I generally ask people for help whenever I cannot get childproof tops off. Forget about mouthwash that you have to push both sides in and also simultaneously turn it, too. I am really tired of the cellophane/foil wrapped benedryl that you have to bend the end and then peel the paper diagonally to then break the foil. Uh-huh...scissors work much better. And the Reddi Whip container that you are supposed to peel that tiny piece of plastic counterwise....I recommend grasping the bottom of the can with two hands and give that plastic top a Smackdown on the edge of the countertop. That cap will FLY! Seriously, you should be able to open stuff without using your teeth or asking the CIA to help you figure it out...or the nearest kid you can find!!

Day 1...Changes

My goal is to post daily for 40 days with the hope that something will be helpful in someway to somebody. Subtitle: Procrastination on hold!!

Day 1: Changes

My Jersey high school friend of 45 years [we must have been womb-mates 'cause I don't think I am even that old] is signing the paperwork for the 'closing on the sale of her house'. Since she has lived there for 25 years, looking back at all of the changes that have occurred in that quarter-century...yowser! Even though I moved to NY, thankfully our bond has always remained tight.

It is a blessing that we do not know what is in our future because we might not believe some of the scenarios that present themselves. We would shudder at the inequality/fairness of life relative to our place in the universe. Some actions are planned by us, and some are a kind of fate or destiny.

We change...whether we want to or not. We forge our way on through happy, sad, confident, scared, doubting, sick and tired..

When in the process of a divorce, my response to 'How are you doing?... was :

"I'm reeling, Lord, but I'm still standing."

Now as I years have gone by, my answer to the same question is..."Been better, been worse."

Janet leaves a home that she and her sister bought together and changed all kings of things within, collected memorabilia. and planted things, sheltered dogs and cats, and raised their niece with them from the age of 3 until college years. Being one of nine children, there were many family gatherings and holiday parties at this big house. But that great big house in NJ was costly in taxes and maintenance...too much for one person alone. Her beautiful souled sister passed through to a higher place at the age of 52. It was heartbreaking.

And so things will change again. Different opportunities, new possibilities, change in location, new beginning to this part of her life....and hence...to mine. Because she is among the places in my heart that are 'home' for me. Similar to why I bought a water dish for Gracie[my dog] that says, "Home is where your dog is!"

Home is a state of mind...

Be a Parent

I may be slightly biased in this editorial since my chosen profession was that of a teacher. Then again, I can speak from my experience of 30 years.
It is all over the news from Wisconsin to Ohio to everywhere that the idea to abolish collective bargaining will balance all budgets. It seems that I mostly hear about teachers' unions, followed by huge generalizations that are unfair. Many people are of the belief that anyone can be a teacher [I challenge them to spend a week in a classroom], teachers [all?] make more money with less time on the job [really!!], and that unions make it possible for the undedicated [is that the silent majority??]to advance with no consequences. What could be worse? That would be the idea that we are responsible for all things wrong with schools. I do not agree.
I am not going to spend the time or energy refuting these old and tired generalizations. Instead I choose to offer a plan to improve the whole learning experience, raise test scores, and watch the positive domino effect on all of America.

Be a parent: Supply bed and breakfast along with some active parenting participation...
1- Kids function best when they have had a good night's sleep...in bed and asleep by...maybe 9?

2- Kids learn best when they have energy from eating...breakfast every day.
3-Make learning something that is actively pursued, followed up on, and be on the 'team' to enforce some rules in the kids' best interest. [Even if they whine, complain, or try to wear you down.] "I don't have any homework" is as ridiculous as, "The dog ate my homework!"

Spend some time with the kids...active participation...together.
That's parenting.

And teachers can't do that part for you. They can merely work with the kid who comes through the door [in whatever the state of mind is at that time].

And I can tell you that standing in the doorway in the morning greeting the kids spoke volumes. It's more difficult than most people are aware of...

Just stating some facts in an effort to be a united team...for the students.

And I loved working with the kids.

Ziggy

Breaking News: Mother Nature is the all powerful force capable of trumping all plans. We have witnessed the many, varied, and unusual ways that she has wreaked havoc over time and space.

It reminded me of senior year in high school when the band was going to march in The St Patrick's Day Parade in New York City, and we didn't get to go because of a flippin' freezin' outbreak of 'WEATHER'.

It was probably way back then that I began to identify with Ziggy who 'if he didn't have bad luck, he would have no luck at all'.

Fast forward to today, I was supposed to be in Buffalo at a gala event where my son is co-hosting a laughter -filled evening for a large gathering of people. I have been looking forward to it since Christmas when he asked me if I would like to be his date for the occasion. I lined up all my ducks in reference to making sure that Me Mum's needs were all planned out and I was going to stay overnight. My brother was to be traveling from NJ and fill in for me and along with St Nic, I thought I had it all covered. And then...the biggest storm in the history of our existence blew across the country...and that was that.

I am not a happy camper. I know...I know...I am counting my blessings. I could have been stuck on the Thruway in a 75 car pile up. I had to speak out loud my two criteria for downgrading my disappointment...There are wars going on and people are battling cancer. That can certainly change your perspective on life.

I'm okay. I'm just pretty darn annoyed...ticked...spittin' mad! [well, not really spittin, though].

Besides.... snowstorms, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, mudslides, lightning, wind, ...

I wouldn't want Mother Nature to kick it up a notch because of my stupid ranting about missing out on some little special occasion that has scarred me forever. Think about it: That parade in NYC was like forty-five years ago.

Damn. I'd like a slight revision in my lack of luck... any time now...

Oh, where oh where has my little ???gone?

I have come to the conclusion that there are a number of conventions being held and the constituents assemble 'under the radar'. It finally began to click as 'an official plot' when I was in search of a pair of scissors. Because scissors are such a useful tool, I have placed one in every room and occasionally there will be two...the second as back up pair [in the living room and kitchen.] Thus, when I was looking for a scissors and there was none in the living room, I went to the kitchen. There were none to be found in the kitchen. On to the bathroom...none...the dining room...none.

"There must be a scissors convention somewhere because there are none to be found. They have met together somewhere secretly because there isn't a one in plain sight anywhere!!"

The phrase kind of took off and seemed appropriate in other situations...pens! Regardless of the fact that there are probably two hundred fifty pens [ okay, a slight exaggeration] in various places all around the house, the fact remains that if I need one to jot a phone message or write a check...the only ones I can find are the ones that must have been denied admission to 'the pen convention' because they no longer work. And yes, I do throw them out when they become nonfunctional. Even in my pocketbook and in the car, there are either eleven lying around all over the place...or not a one working one. I have now tied one to the notebook where I record the names and phone numbers of people registering for the next driving class.

And now ...a drum roll please... the gold medal winners of the 'among the missing when you really need one' goes to ....the phones. If I had a nickel for every time that I have fished a phone from the 'underbelly of the sofa,' I'd be rich. And when they remain lost and in seclusion for too long, the batteries lose their charge and there's no audible help in locating exactly where the ringing is coming from. My former set of three portable phones became a set of two, and then the two remaining ones malfunctioned once too often to be reliable. I knew it was time to replace them. Trying to outsmart the 'phone convention', I changed brands and bought a package of four thinking there would always be a phone in each room. I realized I was in trouble when while sitting on the couch watching TV, I noticed that there were three phones on the end table next to me...THREE! A phone convention right under my nose! This was not good news.

There's my personal set of bronze, silver, and gold medal winners of ...Coincidental Conventions.. Band aids, phonebooks , and sunglasses get honorable mention.

What kind of conventions are happening in your world...now that you know they really do exist!

Do share! Misery loves company. I must have some kindred spirits who on occasion wonder if they are losing their marbles!!!

Losing your marbles???

Oh...Now I get it...there obviously must be a 'marble convention' somewhere!!

And the beat goes on!

And the beat goes on...
Another load of 'stuff' has left the premises. Wahoo!The local newspaper shared the news that there was going to be an appliance recycling/disposal event on Saturday from 9AM-1 PM. I am proud to announce that my garage got bigger yesterday morning! The eviction list included:

an air conditioner, a microwave oven , a computer monitor and printer, a television, and the hated : 'Phones don't work/last the way they used to'... collection known as 'The Phone Cemetery'!!!
It was a great feeling to get rid of them and know that the hazardous parts of the air conditioner [Freon?], and TV[terrible programming...kidding] would be taken care of in a way that doesn't contaminate the environment.

Now, if we could just get people to understand that the cocktail of chemicals delivered to keep their lawns looking green and plush...ultimately affects all of us!!!

Gone is gone.

Most likely, people will remember many details from 9/11. There was the overwhelming sadness, along with the powerful element of shock. I , to this day nine years later, cannot believe that the two towers are gone...totally demolished, and the far reaching effects of how many lives were forever changed. Friends of grieving people... ache for the pain that they see and hear because it is hard to witness sadness.

Thursday night I received a phone call from a very good friend whose voice I didn't even recognize. She was close to incoherent as she managed to get the words out that her father had passed away in his sleep. Her [out of state] parents had just been here for a two week visit, which included a short vacation with their daughter before the new school year began. Her dad was looking forward to getting home, and the fishing trip he had planned. He went on that fishing trip. The most obvious thought seems to be that for her dad...well, he died while on a fishing trip [his personal refuge] and while he slept. You really couldn't ask for a more peaceful transition.

For those who love him and will miss him terribly, it hits hard and it hurts. His wife, daughter and son, grandson, relatives and friends will always remember him as a good man...a good friend.

The loved ones of those who died on 9/11 remember the shock of its occurrence, and the sadness that it brought to so many people. God bless them and God help anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. Grief is painful.

Call and/or hug your loved ones. Help anyone you can through a bad time. It reminds me of a saying that my family is particularly sensitive to : Always leave home with loving words for they may be the last.

And there you have it: My thoughts for today.

Peace be with us...everyone...everywhere.

Hummingbird Charades

My mom, brother, and I have been watching the hummingbird feeder that is attached to the picture window, and it is a busy, busy spot!! They are so small that it is amazing to me how these birds can migrate such a distance. This morning, one of them hovered mid-air looking directly at me moving ever so slightly as it moved in front of each of the 9 [tic-tac-toe ] window panes for about 20 seconds. Awesome!

The very old joke that goes:
You know why they're called hummingbirds?

Because they forgot the words! [Groan..nn]

Picture me facing this 'lil bird saying, "What's the matter girl? Is Timmy in the well?"

So...thinking that maybe some new sweetened water was the message, I cleaned their feeder and changed the water. I will miss the hummers.
Too bad the squirrels don't migrate!!

On to the good news...

It has been a tremendoulsy sweet year for peaches. The bestest of the best! I even snuck a bag of 'country farmer's market peaches' into my visiting brother's car when he wasn't looking for a juicy surprise after that 5 hour drive.

And, I am pleased to announce that....

At last...there is a bud on the gardenia plant that we have been nurturing all season. Wahoo! I hope it blooms. It looks pretty healthy! It is Flo's favorite, and we've been impatiently giving that plant some 'not so subliminal messages' to 'FLOWER' ...COME ON...FLOWER!

And finally...

On this Labor Day weekend, I would like to thank all of the many, varied, and unusual laborers who help us in various ways. Farmers, nurses, medics, secretaries, scientists, plumbers, electricians, construction workers, trash collectors, comedians, song writers, dancers, [good news] reporters, politicians [who are working for the general good and not their own personal pension], fire wo/men, police officers, cooks, teachers, title searchers, caretakers, our military and their families,

veterinarians, volunteers.... The Geek Squad!!!

Any other 'laborers' that you would add to my general list whose work you would miss?

Random thoughts

Spring is in the air and the birds are singing. It is brighter out, lighter longer, and of course...warmer! Our container bulbs are growing up, up, up! And the 3 year old barren blueberries wintering on the front porch are sporting new leaves. Maybe this is their year to drop their 'booberry ' status!!
Speaking of boo...
Sarah Palin drives me crazy, yet what really amazes me are the people who think she is presidential material...and yes, I do think she will enter the race. I find it scary.

Joy Behar makes me laugh out loud when she is on The View. I don't find her own show at night on HNL that she hosts to be as funny. Maybe it is the quick-witted playing off of the other ladies on The View that brings out her humor. I realize that sometimes they all talk at once, but I find the show amusing and fascinating. And it would definitely not be the same without Joy!

March Madness College Basketball is about to begin! 64 teams...cut in half to 32...then the sweet 16...and then there are 8... trimmed to the final 4...and lastly, the championship game between the two teams who make it to the end. Good luck everyone, and "Go Syracuse!!"

Oscar gift baskets are valued at $91,000 worth of free stuff...It includes a $45,000 safari among other trips and goodies. Most actors donate theirs to charity so that they don't have to pay taxes on it. They still do get the value of the basket as a tax write off. Multiply that by the number of actors who get one...[winner or not ]...they all get them.
I have absolutely no self control when it comes to rice crispy treats or chocolate chip cookies. I'm sure they exist in heaven. For me 'mum', it's rice pudding with whipped cream. Flo never, ever tires of it. [Turtles, either!]

And there you have it. Nothing earth shattering. But today...that's all I got!!

Perspective is Everything!

Everytime I teach a 'Safe Driving' class, I always learn something new from the participants. In different sessions, we have been fortunate to have a truck driver, a state trooper, an RV traveler, an insurance agent, a fire fighter, a nurse, among many other valuable contributors, and this class has a ...

Snow Plow Driver!! Wahoo! His perspective was very powerful. He talked about how much the truck weighed,[which makes it difficult to stop fast if some bozo pulls in front of him], the blind spots [especially on the passenger side], and how if you follow too closely and he stops....that you could wind up under his truck. And why anyone would want to pass such a force is a mystery. Trucks, snowplows, RV's, buses, ...cut them a break.

We were also told that you can get a ticket for a license plate frame from the dealership or the like. The same way you can get a ticket if there is anything hanging from your rear view mirror.

Also some very insightful thoughts on cell phones and texting.

It was a very nice sponsor[ a church] and location, but not the one in the photo. The room was set up, TV and VCR hooked up and ready, and coffee and refreshments were available, too!

I have an 85 year old woman who is fun, with laughing eyes...very personable. And a 20 year old young man.

Next Saturday is Part 2 and then class is dismissed with 25 safer drivers on the road.

I believe that my unique [haha]style of teaching keeps them listening[ or I may imitate snoring if I think they're not with me], and it's a no stress class. People are comfortable sharing ideas and opinions. More fun to come.

And for God's sake,

Get off of the phone and keep your distance from a flippin snow plow!~!

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall...

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see the familiar face that has accompanied you on your life journey, or do you see what you [and others] 'perceive to be' the negative aspects [wrinkles, spots] of your journey? As we age, there certainly are physical changes, and yet there are also emotional/intellectual changes that can't be seen.

The eyes are the windows of the soul. You can read happy, sad, coldness, lying...character. All in the eyes. Eyes fascinate me.

My eyes are the one constant in my life, and they are the same as they were at my birth. Everything else [ears, nose, and body] continue to grow as we age. Not our eyes!! We are born with them fully grown, which is probably why when you look at a baby's face...those eyes are a compelling force!! And when you look at your face in the mirror, the 'eyes' have it.

I have to say that the rest of my 'physical presence' goes more unobserved by me. When I see a photo or reflection of myself...it's like...ooff! I forget that 'it is that what others see'...cause I am on the inside looking out. What I see on the outside [hazel eyes, brown hair, chubby, with some gnarly hands] is totally different from what I perceive of myself on the inside. [ positive temperment, creative thinker, a kind person, cherishes laughter!!] What brought this on...you may wonder.

I was watching The View and the star of the movie 'Precious' was relating that she sees herself as beautiful [Kudos to her!] She was not bragging, as it was merely stated in the conversation with the ladies. Public opinion from an early age and from our peers usually wins in the defeat of the spirit as it emphasizes what is 'acceptable' and not. Also, there was an editorial column in the newspaper about the main character [Alphaba, otherwise known as the wicked witch of the west] in the musical 'Wicked'. And I quote Andrea Stratton[ from ' The Citizen' newspaper]:

"Wicked portrays the Wicked Witch of the West, Alphaba, as a young girl, who due to her appearance, was always an outcast. She sought love and acceptance from her family, which she never received, having few friends who would give her a chance, primarily due to her appearance. The inner beauty that she possessed was not in evidence at first glance. This seems to parallel the lives of people with disabilities , who are in constant battle with the perception of their character versus the true abilities they possess. Often, as children, we classify the popular by looks and talent. I believe this perception can stay with us and cause reactions to people whose appearances are different- reactions that might not be formed if we could see inside the heart." She goes on to say that your appearance generally cannot reflect the heart that lies within each of us.

There is the saying, 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. Well, many 'beholders' have been skewed by the media and the cultural perception of what is 'acceptable' and the effects perhaps have reached far beyond the teenagers.

I have a book: "Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart" by Gordon Livingstone M.D. Great insights!

I am content with the person that I have evolved into...

Just keep those mirrors under wraps!

I relate better to the view on the inside!!