Heart Hugs

  

Some things are worth repeating   ...   Happy Thanksgiving!

                                 Heart Hugs 08/19/2021

Recently my granddaughter was helping me go through a bunch of photos and papers in preparation for having to move a ton of stuff so some new carpeting can be laid. She ran across some old blogs of mine and promptly cuddled down into the big reading chair in my “Book Room” to read them.  The first one that caught her eye was the one I wrote in 2015 about her dog.  It is entitled “I call her the Lovely Luna”, and she laughed out loud as she read my description of Luna rolling in bear meadow muffins while pasture prancing.  Then there was “Stranger on the Porch” in which her Uncle Garrett was featured as the hero who came to my back porch with his blow gun to try to dispatch a rabid fox.  Anyway – as I glanced back through those old blogs, I was struck by how light hearted most of them are/were.  They were pre-damncovid and pre-political unrest of great magnitude and before times of a world struggling perhaps more that ever before with all kinds of concerns.  I realized that, as I reread them, I was beginning to think in terms of the good olde days and yet -- they were really just a little while ago really.

There was “Klutz Factor” and “Klutz Factor Revisited’, “There an app for that….”, and “Presbyterian Bunnies”.  “I Cry at the Parades” was about how much I love small town America. I wrote about Tee-shirts decorated with fun sayings and about unsuccessful attempts at home repair. I wrote about upcoming elections, even including a memo that I sent to Donald Trump a year prior to the 2016 election.  I wrote about “Tchotchkes and Other Assorted Treasures”, “Scammed! Not a good feeling”, and “Mouse in the House!”.  And … I wrote about “Ladies Who Lunch” which was about my sister and her lovely friends sharing lunch with me when I was visiting in 2016.

So many….  As I was looking through them, the one that struck me the most though was “Heart Hugs” – so much so that I am going to repeat it today.  If you need to, in these days of social distancing -- you can think of these hugs as mental “air hugs”, those symbolic hugs of the damncovid times.  So – here it is – first published on 10/15/2015.  Who couldn’t use a good hug these days? Some things are worth repeating.

We go back in time together....

 I had a wonderful friend who gave what he called heart hugs.  They were the kind of hugs where you wrapped your arms around each other and pressed your hearts together.  They were indescribably wonderful.  He, being much taller than I, sometimes made these hugs hard to manage, but if I could find a step to stand on, they were perfect.  I miss him. 

Recently on Facebook someone shared a copyrighted “Photo” that made me remember these hugs.  It was a scene of Charlie Brown and Snoopy hugging.  The words? “I love the kind of hugs where you can physically feel the sadness leaving.”  I think the source was something like “You are My O2”.  It was sort of hard to see. Anyway – that is the best definition of a heart hug that I could ever imagine.  Perfect…

A wise woman once shared with me that she never passed up a hug.  She was one smart lady as she was definitely a hugger and thrived on them.  Not all people are huggers through.  I think hugging may be a learned behavior and some families are just not into it.  I am from a hugging family and sometimes I am not into it.  I get it.

Hugs are healthy in general.  Not all may be heart hugs, but all hugs are a good thing… even the ones that send your glasses flying.  I have taught my grandchildren the heart hug. Some things are worth passing on from generation to generation.   I consider it a gift from my friend to them.  They never had a chance to meet him.  I think, as he did, that it is important to share the good things, the best things about people who have passed through your life, whose lives have been a blessing.  It’s a poignant kind of immortality – if the best that was them continues on.

Heart hugs all around.

What I Learned from People Magazine

I think it was the first week of November that I received a People magazine in the mail.  It was one of those trapped in a plastic wrapper with an enclosed envelope that contained all the info on how one could subscribe.  I confess that I threw out the envelope part.  Magazines are wasted on me -- I subscribe and then never read them and wonder why I subscribed in the first place.  Anyway ... 

Diane Keaton was on the cover (I am going to miss her),  and I wanted to read the article about her, so I saved the mag and just got to it this morning. While looking through page by page I discovered some interesting things.  One is that I have no idea of who the "stars" of today are and surprising to me -- the stars of my generation are now old.  I sort of wanted them to stay the same age forever I guess.  It was shocking really -- I picture them in my head as they looked years ago and am, for some reason. surprised that they got older too.   I do know better than that but .... Then again ... I am still a fan of black and white movies.  No apologies.

Seriously -- Fonzie celebrated his 80th birthday the day before Halloween.  Richard Gere is my age and looks it ...  and ... Tiger Woods is almost 50.  Clint Eastwood has a daughter who is in her thirties and Paul Newman's daughter is just four years younger than I am.   John Lodge of the Moody Blues passed away recently at the age of 82. I know that time moves on, but guess I didn't think it was the same for everyone --    I mean -- I can still see Timmy and Lassie in my mind -- clear as day.

One more confession.  I would not recognize Taylor Swift, Sarah McLachlan, or Jennifer Lopez if I stood behind them at the Grocery Store on a slow checkout day, but if I close my eyes, I can see Janis Joplin perfectly --  and hear her voice.  The passage of time is weird.

One other thing I noticed is that I don't care a lot about certain current events that People obviously deems to be important.  Apparently someone named Katy Perry is making out on her yacht with Justin Trudeau (him I have heard about), and ... Brad Pitt, a graying 61, is living with someone who is 35. The story of Kathy Griffin is still sad and continues to be no matter how funny she thinks she is. I don't want to read about her any more.

Does any of this seem strange to others of my vintage? 

Guess that's all for now. I have had enough of People magazine for a while and again -- I am going to miss Diane Keaton ....    

Q-tips and Sturdy Poles

Received an email from a good friend of mine the other day, who among many other good things, is also a fantastic writer.  In this particular email, she was writing about the passage of time.  Children grow up and have children.  Grandchildren grow as fast as weeds, etc. Times change ... no one can keep up with technology.  She used the analogy of hanging onto a pole in a stiff wind as one works his/her way through a lifetime journey and then looks back on a lifetime of memories.  It's true.  In looking back, it seems like a blur of living in some ways and then all of a sudden you are member of the elder community with an assortment of memories ... if you are fortunate enough to have lived that long.

Just a few weeks ago, now, I had the pleasure of sharing some time with former classmates.  I joked about being referred to as a Q-tip and how I was going to adopt and embrace that term to refer to myself. Apparently Q-tip is now being used in reference to a white haired person.  It is used (hopefully) in a sort of humorous and light mockery.  Turn that mockery around.  I love that tag..  I earned every strand of white hair and am sort of proud of each lesson they show. I struggled to learn some of them ... failed to learn others ... definitely have more to learn, but am not sure my hair can get any whiter. I am a Q-tip supreme. Others of the white hair group joined in with a refreshing kind of laughter.  It was a unique moment of comradery and support. Time marches on....  quickly.  It's nice to know sometimes that you are not alone in the journey. What a lovely bunch of people the Corry Area High School Class of '67 are  -- whether or not they are Q-tips. Some do not embrace the white hair thing and that is okay too. Others have no hair, so it is a moot point.

It is also important to know that hanging on to a pole in the wind is much preferable to hanging on by a thread ...  although ... at times, off and on, the two do not seem necessarily to be totally mutually exclusive.  A good sense of humor is a gift at such times.  So is a positive attitude.  I saw a lot of both at the gathering with the CAHS Class of '67.  Go Beavers! 

Fond Memories

When I was a child my family used to travel from NW Pennsylvania to the Philadelphia area at least once a year to visit family there.  We traveled diagonally across almost the entire commonwealth on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, aka America's First Super Highway. The first section of this toll road (turnpike) was actually opened just nine years before I was born and... eventually it had seven tunnels between my house and my grandmother's.  I found it all rather amazing, but I also remember the tunnels as stinky, dark and sort of scary. I understand at least one reason why people try to hold their breath in tunnels. Anyway -- the tunnels brought together both directions of traffic into a single lane in each direction. Don't know if it is still that way. I do know that several changes have been made over the years.  Anyway -- the phrase "light at the end of the tunnel" has always had special meaning for me.  

As the years passed by though -- cross commonwealth carsickness tempered the excitement of travel.  The only thing that saved me was the sight of an orange roof.  Howard Johnson's.  The best restaurant ever.  The best ice cream ever.  28 flavors!  We would stop for one meal along the way.  For me it was always "Grilled Frankforts and Boston Baked Beans with Brown Bread" which, by the way,  cost under a dollar. (I ran across an old menu on eBay recently so I know this is accurate.) My big sister had more expensive tastes in food -- always preferring to order the "Crispy Fried Chicken dinner for a little over $2.00.  It came with cranberry sauce, French fries and coleslaw.  Makes my mouth water to even remember. My dad used to grumble that the chicken would take a half an hour, but always let her order it anyway.  I think the grumble was part of his "Dad" routine. 

All the Howard Johnson restaurants are gone now.  I think the last one was in Lake George, NY.  It was sold and closed in 2023.  Odd thing -- I used to live about 12 miles from Lake George and I never knew that there was a Howard Johnson restaurant there.  Drat.  However... the  childhood HoJo memories remain.... a favorite meal and an ice cream cone on the way out to eat in the car.  Nice. I will just hang on to those small bits of childhood ....  No harm in that.

The Foul Mouth Club

 The politically far left Democrats are sort of grasping at straws at the moment.  They are not in power, and don't seem to have a way to find their way forward. Floundering might be an appropriate word to describe their behaviors. Dangerous "flounderers".  They are ungracious losers and are blaming everyone but themselves. I feel sorry for all the good Democrats I know -- hard working, honest people who care about their country.  Those currently in power in the Democratic party offer no ideas of how to change or improve anything and have fallen into the weak spot of trying to tear down the opposition instead of building themselves a way to regain some popularity, by actually doing something constructive. If you find yourself disagreeing with me -- name one thing the Democratic party is doing -- one constructive thing. One. You must do this without mentioning the name of anyone currently in power. No bashing, no name-calling ...  no mention of Trump nor any member of his leadership team.  Can you build up your side without tearing down another? Until you are able to do this, some would say that there is no hope for you. Others would say -- time to get over your TDS. The USA above all.

I am watching the middle of the road and leftist Democrats.  An election day is near. It appears that the middle of the roaders have been silenced under threats of penalties/cancelations. As for the Left  -- I have not seen any plans, just complaints, frowns and meanness, not to mention destruction of others' property ... and now, desperate for attention ...  they seem to be thinking that singing, dressing up in costumes, and dancing may help.  It is all painful to watch. So much anger and hostility in their frustration of not getting their own way.  And the destruction and violence are unforgivable. The latest insanity though is the tendency of those leftist extremists and some middle of the roaders to think that maybe swearing will help.  It's not working.  It, too, is pathetic. Seriously -- pathetic.  I am embarrassed for those of the foul mouth club. 

Some people on the right like to make suggestions on how they, the Democratic party now under control of the extreme leftist movement, might help themselves regain some respect and move forward from the depths. Why?  I say if they refuse to give up blaming others and continue to do nothing constructive,  let them flounder until they find their own way out of the holes they have dug.  The search and hard lessons are a positive thing. Let them make their mistakes. Acknowledgement of failure might lead them to some well needed introspection.  That's how I learned many hard lessons, and I know I am not alone in this process.  Why should they be any different?   Besides ... while they are floundering, others can put the country back together and advance into a positive future.  Actually ... it seems to me that is the part, the success part, that the foul mouth club hates the most.  Go ahead.  Swear all you want.  You  need to know, though, it's not a good look and ... It's not going to help. Meanwhile those you hate are trying to make the entire world a better, safer place for all. 

News Flash

Is it accurate to say that all the major news networks are located in New York City? If there is one that is not, I can't think of it.  Anyway ... I was listening to a news broadcast out of New York City recently and the news guy kept using the phrase -- Everyone knows... Have you noticed how opinionated the "news" has become? (I bet you have.)  Well news to him...  not everyone knows.  Maybe, just maybe... he doesn't know. Maybe he lives in a bubble that sometimes doesn't come near the real world .. at least not my real world.  I emailed him to suggest as much and did not receive a reply.  Imagine that...

Now -- related to this NYC frame of mind and self-centeredness ... according to Wikipedia, Upstate New York is all of New York state that lies north and northwest of the metropolitan area of New York City. So that means that part of the utmost bottom of a huge state, that is a mere 6 miles from where I live in NW Pennsylvania, is considered Upper New York State.  Totally illogical to me. I think of Upper NY as where I used to live just a few miles from the Vermont border. Bet someone from NYC thought up the Upper thing.  Talk about being self-impressed.  Talk about minimalizing an entire state by lumping all of it together in a term that just means it's not New York City.  Hmmm...  No wonder most of the TV news networks think and talk like New York is the center of the universe. They think it is.  I've got news, folks ... for the news folks ... it's not. In fact -- news broadcasters are trained to talk like we do here in this little pocket of Pennsylvania.  Also in fact -- people are apparently leaving the Big Apple in droves and I totally get it. I am thinking that many of the people who work for all the networks would leave if they could. Once in a while a viewer gets a glimpse of that.  Personally, I wouldn't go to New York City again for any reason -- way too peopley for me and apparently it smells worse than ever. Plus, from what I hear and see on those very same news networks,  not only is it dirty, crowded, and noisy..., it is also VERY DANGEROUS.  Let's face it -- I am a rural person. I cherish clean, relative safety, & peace ... among other nice things. I like not rushing around every minute, being the only one at the traffic light, no crowds and ... smiling at and making eye contact with people just because I think it's a positive human "thing" to acknowledge others. It's good for both sides of the exchange. People in big cities, tend to look at their feet or vaguely off into the distance.  Ever notice that?  Sad.

Having said that -- it is important to remind New Yorkers, on TV and perhaps beyond that, that just because I don't live in NYC, it doesn't mean that I am less than they are.  In fact -- I think, probably, that I am in way better shape than they are in many ways. I have at times thought that if I were dropped off in a city and had to find my way that it would not be a problem.  In fact that sort of happened to me one time in New York City when I was 17.  I survived beautifully.  On the other hand, if a city slicker were dropped off ... say ... in my back pasture,  I am thinking they would be begging for help at my back door in no time -- especially if the neighborhood bear made an appearance.  Actually one harmless ground hog, deer, wild turkey, a murder of gliding crows, or the occasional cayote or fox might do the trick as well and send them running to civilization such as it is here.  And then -- there are the swooping eagles ... or the sounds of a hunting season. Yes, a lot of unknowns for them ...  So many things ... like tall grass or the occasional pine cone on the ground,  untrimmed trees,  pickup trucks in massive quantities, functional clothing, etc.  -- all perhaps foreign to the die hard city dweller. I know for a fact that some of them have never seen a dairy cow or even touched a horse.  Imagine never hearing the sounds of a goat. What a sad way to go through life... in my opinion.

Further...The air I breathe is cleaner. I can afford food or even grow some of it and put it up for the winter.  Further -- housing is also way cheaper and comes with way more square footage. I hear birds singing every day. My family is safe and I don't have to rely on scary public transportation.  Oh and there is the fact that I don't have to worry about a Democratic Socialist, with impractical and big government control ideas, winning a mayoral race. It's a whole different world out here in the wilderness.  People are more in charge and tend to respect others (many of them even know their neighbors).  Also important to mention is the tendency here to respect the environment as well. I have not seen anyone poop on the street or even litter in ... well ... ever.  And to think they think we model ourselves after them.  News Flash!  We don't. We sort of watch and wonder -- how they could be letting this happen to themselves? Are they stupid? Maybe we can blame it on air pollution?  They even think that a 6" dusting of snow is a blizzard.  Like I said -- stupid... or perhaps self-centered narrowminded ignorance?

Ever wonder what would happen if just one of the major "news" networks would move out of the New York bubble?  That would be interesting for sure. Wonder if that will ever happen?  I doubt it.  Maybe there is something in the old phrase "Misery loves company".   One thing for sure... I don't want them to move here. They might bring some of their city slicker mentality with them.  Get enough of that just watching them on TV. Plus their shoes look very uncomfortable and impractical, and... I particularly dislike tight, sleeveless or off the shoulder dresses that look like they belong at a cocktail party rather than a newsroom.  Just sayin'. ( I sent an email about those dresses one time and didn't hear back on that either.  Surprise... surprise....  I guess I just got written off as a dumb hillbilly.  I sort of love that, actually.  Go ahead  -- underestimate me.  I am in good company. I even know how to do survival stuff.)

So Close

Whether you call it an end to war, diplomatic efforts, or a ceasefire, peace agreement, a treaty here and there, or an economic normalization agreement, we are getting closer to world peace... So close...

1. Egypt and Ethiopia
2. Serbia and Kosovo
3. Armenia and Azerbaijan
4. Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda
5. Iran and Israel
6. India and Pakistan
7. Cambodia and Thailand
8. Israel and Hamas

What do these situations have in common?  A world sick of deadly, destructive turmoil, the Team of Donald J. Trump and ... the man himself ... US President, Donald J. Trump.  Let us pray now for peace between Ukraine and Russia. I am thinking that, deep down, they want peace as well.  There needs to be an end to the killing and devastation all across the world.     Global Peace   Imagine that for a moment.

~~~~

Am watching the release of the hostages in Gaza as I type...

Can't help but think of this song -- a global anthem for peace that will probably play in your head for a while -- at least if you are anything like me who starts singing in my head after the first six words.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me;

let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. 

With God our creator, children all are we.

Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.

With every step I take, may this be my solemn vow:

To Take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. 

                                                                (Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller 1955) 

 (Are Ukraine and Russia on the horizon? May they build on success.)

Thanks for listening....

I understand errors.  I make them all the time. I am quite good at it. What I do not understand is why I don't always trust my gut when making decisions.  About a year ago now I purchased a new washer and dryer.  At the time I was tempted to go with another brand that I had never purchased before, but allowed myself to fall back into a comfort zone and purchased a familiar brand instead.  Big mistake. They don't make them like they used to. I tell my kids and grandkids to always trust their gut! Apparently I do not follow my own advice.

This is the issue as I see it .... What is up with new appliances? They are way too techy techy.  They think they should be able to tell you how to do your laundry, but ... they are wrong.  I get to decide how much water I want my clothes to slosh around in, and if I change my mind for any reason, I should be able to change the settling  -- even after I hit Start.   It seems like nothing can be changed … not one single setting …. Once you click Start, everything is set it stone – no going back. 

Sometimes the machine even locks you out. I particularly hate that.  You find a dirty sock on the floor between the bedroom and the laundry room and go to throw it into the washer and it won't let you open the lid for even a nanosecond.  It seems that if you want to change something, like water level or temperature, you have to attempt to start over --  wave your hands in the air, speak softly, make clicking sounds with your tongue and turn around three times before you hit Start again and then when that doesn’t work… you try something else until something finally does. One must never let the machine win. Never.  I don’t want to go as far back as a ringer washer or washing clothes down by the creek,  but seriously – something without stupid sensors would be nice. I mean I am smarter than they are and I still cannot figure out how to use many of the features of my phone -- this after several years of carrying it around with me. Duh!

One last thing.  It also annoys me that the buzzer on my "new" dryer doesn’t work any more, so I never know when my clothes are dry – have to set an alarm on my watch so I can get them before the wrinkles set in. (I have come to the point where I no longer/very rarely iron.) Wonder if I can YouTube how to fix that buzzer problem? Is YouTube a verb? Did I already try to do that? I am thinking I did and the wires looked scary, so I gave up the idea.  Will check again.

Old fashioned or just plain old? Could be both.  I long for simpler times and simpler appliances. I don't want a smart TV or a smart car  either.  Even my Jeep is too smart for its britches. They think they are so smart.  They are not.   Further -- I am sometimes not as smart as I think I am either. It's a frustrating spiral. The purchase of these appliances is a case in point.

Thanks for listening....

Crazy Crow Lady

Does anyone else find it odd that a group of crows is called a Murder?  I've read a couple of different opinions of how this might have originated, but neither of them seems to make much sense really. Even odder to me is that a flock of ravens is called an Unkindness.  Go figure. Guess it is just one of those sort of nutty things about language. Personally,  I prefer family or flock. Anyway -- 

For the past several months my yard and pasture have become popular with crows (at least I think they are crows) and I have decided, after a bit of research, that I would rather be their friend than their enemy.  After all, it's their world too -- just as much as it is mine.

Having the time to explore, I have found out a few interesting things about crows. Surprising to me -- they recognize and remember faces, make tools and hold grudges which to me are all good reasons to make friends with them.  They are, apparently, very intelligent creatures in a lot of ways. Some have even been known to bring gifts of shiny objects to people they like. Apparently the crows around me do not like me or have that gift giving tendency... yet.

I do talk nicely to them, but I have not gone so far as to give them names, basically because I haven't figured out a way to tell one from another. I mean I can't even tell the difference between a crow and a raven. Another thing  ...  I wonder why I have never seen any baby crows  -- just an impressive increase in the numbers of these large black birds.   I do feed them once in a while, but not enough to make them dependent on me. Another reason I don't feed them on a regular basis is because I want them to eat bugs and pesky rodent like creatures that I would rather not meet. Plus there is the fact (just in case they are staying the winter) that I fear that I would not be a trustworthy food source in the snowy, icy months as I tend to hibernate. I don't want them mad at me.  I am totally outnumbered and their numbers continue to grow. Either that or -- they have a lot of company passing through.  Not sure which. 

I wonder where they sleep? Apparently they come together in the evenings into communal  groups -- especially in the cold months. Research indicates that they are monogamous and live with their offspring for a while as a family (I don't like calling them a Murder).  I also don't know what their nests look like and have never seen any large nests in the trees of my pasture and nearby woods.  I am curious.

It's odd really, but I find them to be friendly and in a way  -- protective somehow.  I like sharing space with them. I have potential to become the crazy crow lady.  I feel it. 

Things could be worse.

Update  -- I fear that all the crows that were hanging around are of the migratory type -- haven't seen any  since the day after I wrote this blog.  Drat. Hopefully they will be back in the Spring.

Wood Boogers

Got basically nothing done a couple of weekends ago, but ...  had a lot of fun with my son texting back and forth and talking on the phone. It was an off and on communication fest. Topic?  Cryptids. He taught me a lot, and I plan to do more research on my own.  My favorite name of a cryptid category so far is the Wood Boogers. Thus the title of this week's blog. 

The whole Wood Booger thing is Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and West Virginia's take on Big Foot or Yeti or whatever you want to call this particular creature. The term Wood Boogers was coined by European settlers in that area in the 18th century who found them to be much like Boogeymen. As far as my section of the US goes... mythologically ... the Pennsylvania Appalachian area is full of different sorts of mythical and perhaps not so mythical cryptids -- creatures like Big Foot, Moth Man, etc. Actually there are legends, mythology and folk lore of indigenous peoples across the entire planet  ... have been for a very long time as far as I can tell. 

Anyway - this whole "conversation" started with a post online by a former colleague of mine who posted a trail cam photo taken by a cam owned by a former student of mine.  I uploaded this creepy and mysterious photo to Chat GPT for identification and it was no help because AI saw a bushy tail that I could find no where in the photo -- so  -- I shifted to research through a TikTok link that my son sent me on cryptids.  I/we now like to think the trail cam caught a shape shifter and it is all very creepy. I find it interesting in all of this that I had never heard the word cryptid before.  I sort of like it. I definitely like learning new things.

Thus began my research on cryptids -- flying, reptilian ... even those cute cryptids like the Jackalope of the Great American West. This creature is a bunny with antlers -- a mix of a rabbit and an antelope or deer perhaps.  For those of you who live in this corner of Northwest Pennsylvania, you may remember the "stuffed" jackalope that sat behind the bar at the Deer Head Inn in Spring Creek, Pennsylvania years ago. Of course I also ran across many stories of the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot and the Pennsylvania Squonk of Lumberjack lore.  There is a lot of information out there. I still need to check out the myths and folklore of the Carpathian Mountain region -- apparently there is a lot there of interest as well -- of the super creepy variety.

All I need now it to have an encounter with one -- just one.  I have seen one UFO -- years ago nearby on the road between Canadohta Lake and Union City -- probably in the late 1960's. It was impressive. I am ready for the next step.  A  small Wood Booger a safe distance away would be ideal. I'll readily pass on the shape shifter variety and all the other scary ones.  

Tools by Season

Not in a philosophic mood today and sort of ready to get away from all the serious concerns of the world at the moment ... at least for a little while. For some unknown reason I am thinking about the basic and real tools of life... not mental tools... just physical/hands on/put your back into it working tools. Perhaps it is keeping busy as an escape. 

Now there are inside and outside tools to be sure, but with the change of seasons upon us, I am simply concentrating on the outside implements. I have come to the conclusion that there are basically ten or so important tools that make my life easier.  They are seasonal.

As Spring comes in, first in importance is my Grandpa's Weeder which allows me to dig weeds without bending over.  Second is a knife for serious digging in the soil that I, for some unknown reason, have dubbed the snake whacker. I have seen only one snake in the past twenty-five years and I didn't whack it.  I screamed.  Nevertheless... it is the snake whacker.  Oh ... I cannot forget to mention my trusty battery powered chain saw for small downed pasture limbs. Can't live without that.

Summer tools are those of Spring with the possible addition of a weed burning tool, heavy duty weed whacker (the kind with plastic string) and lawn mower, of course.

Primary for Fall is a competent leaf rake, but also essential is a sturdy battery operated trimmer for cutting back the most stubborn plants at the end of the season -- hopefully well before the snows hit. I do not recommend cutting back in the snow. Plants tend to get slimy and gross ... or worse.

Then in Winter the shovel(s) appear or perhaps a leaf blower that can double as a snow removal device. Oh -- snow plows as well -- how could I have almost left that one out. I don't have a plow, but know someone who does. My plow guy even salts my driveway when necessary.  Huge ...  as there is a slight downhill slope that makes a walk to the mailbox terrifying on an icy day. I am at that stage in life when I no longer joke about breaking a hip. Have been in that stage for a while now. Can you relate?

So...  Those are the tools by season in Northwest Pennsylvania ... or at least the basic ones. Soon it will be time to dust off my shovels.  I have two. I live in a notorious snow belt after all. Winter sometimes comes early and... we have more than one kind of snow here.  If you live in snow country or are a down hill skier, you know what I mean.  If you don't... well... you are missing out on something that can be wonderful and difficult at the same time. You have to experience a true winter in snow country to fully get the meaning of that and to know that shovels come in wimpy and heavy duty.

Shine or Hobble

It's getting to be that time of year in Northwest Pennsylvania when flowers and other assorted plants are sending out droopy and tired    messages that they have had enough of the hot sun and occasional pounding rain, or lack thereof, and that they just want to be "put to bed" for the winter.  That "put to bed" phrase I borrow from my wonderful Mom. Fun, isn't it, how some phrases run through families? I can almost hear her saying that.   

I still remember one of my personal "phrase faves" from my when my son was little -- "No, I amn't gonna do that."  Anyway -- I was saying that one to myself when wondering if I should get up and out of bed this morning when I first woke up at 3 AM. "No, I amn't gonna do that."  And that was before I even tried to move.

Wonder where I am going with this?  I am hoping the first two paragraphs bring me to my point which tries to connect preparing for winter and getting up the next morning ... and does so without making me seem crabby.  The meme below sort of speaks for itself and ... if you are one of us who cuts back a bit too long on a nice day as summer comes to an end, and then "feels it" the next morning... you "get it". The meme below speaks for you too.  

I would like to meet the person who thought of this.  My kind of people.

                        Rise and shine! 

               Or rise and hobble with dignity -- 

                either way, coffee's waiting.  

                                                            (The Dadbod Veteran)  

The Saga of Peeps

Without a pet for many years, I recently had the pleasure of the company of a kitten for a few days.  We think she is a girl and that she is about 12 weeks old. We call her Peeps.  I turned 76 the day before she came to stay.  You can see, in that age difference, that the kitten had a distinct advantage, but we made out just fine.  I have lived with kittens and cats before.  I had forgotten what it was like. I do love cats and dogs. My scabs are healing nicely.

Below are excerpts from a bit of writing about living with a kitten after several years of being pet free. I figured Peeps' people would ask about how I made out with her...  so...

Day 1: Kitty exploration in general.  Seems to be just fine.  Ate well.

Day 2: Peeps is settling in nicely and, as I thought, is definitely not the demon cat I was warned about. She is a teeny, precious purring machine and other than liking to sleep on my face or neck last night off and on – no problem whatsoever.   A short time later....

Peeps just cleaned off my desk a bit as I type and is now playing with something over by the fire place that sounds like a piece of plastic – not sure what it is, but is think it is part of my paper cutter … oh wait a minute – she is now sitting on my shoulder after a flying leap from across the room.  It is clear to me at this moment that she did not have  her nails trimmed before her people left. I am sure the bleeding will stop shortly.  Just kidding…  I don’t think she even broke the skin.  Will double check that later – just in case.  

Update -- From the sounds of it now – Peeps appears to be trying to dismantle the doors on the fireplace – good thing she can’t open the doors and mess around inside that.  Curiosity killed the cat after all.  We can't have any kitty injuries. Not on my watch! Six more sleeps.

Day 3: Peeps and I are getting along just fine.  Counting today her fam will be picking her up after five more sleeps.  They warned me that she can be sort of a demon kitty once in a while, but I find her to be more of an attack cat or Ninja as she lurks under my bed only to dart out and attack my feet as I pass by.  This new development is a bit unsettling.... Five more sleeps.

Day 4:  Peeps and I need to be a bit more active today.  Am hoping to tire her out a bit before heading to bed this evening.  She walks on me off and on all night and purrs very loudly – sort of like a jet engine coming in for a landing on my house.  I think she misses sharing a comfy dog bed with her huge German Shepherd buddy and crawling all over her.  No wonder the Shepherd sometimes puts Peep’s entire head into her big dog mouth.  I totally get it. 

Hoping for a good night's sleep, I tried to keep Peeps awake yesterday afternoon, but there is no reasoning with her.  When she falls asleep she is like a sack of warm breathing fur covered Jello. If you even try to stand her up, she just purrs and settles into whatever is underneath her.  She is a teeny cuddling creature… so cute… just a bit too much energy for me sometimes.  Right now – she is the picture of innocence all settled in the reclining chair across the room.  I am wearing a thick hooded sweatshirt this morning so that when she decides to leap onto my shoulders, her claws will have a thick layer of fabric that will offer my skin a chance.  I am not stupid. I have lived with cats before. 

Just got an idea – perhaps Peeps might like to explore the basement today instead of napping.  I could sweep around the edges while she explores everything.  I think this plan has possibilities.  We will see.  Four more sleeps.    

Day 5:  Peeps slept through the night last night with no walking on my face or trying to sleep on my neck.  I fed her three times yesterday instead of the two times that were suggested + she had exploration time in the basement – plan to do the same today while I am cleaning down there… and she has already gobbled down breakfast... the first of three meals. Am hoping this sleeping through the night will continue.  I get up early enough as it is. (Note -- a second time of basement exploring didn't work. Peeps definitely has a mind of her own and her own agenda.)  Three more sleeps.

Day 6: All’s well here.  Peeps has settled in nicely, but in a fit of zoomies and her decision to repeatedly attack my feet by biting them, she earned a time out in my bedroom for about a half an hour yesterday afternoon. I have decided that I need to wear thick socks at all times.  Her little teeth are very sharp. Needles. She looks so bright eyed and innocent, but when she gets going, she is a challenge.  Don’t think she speaks English yet, but basically she is doing well here without her fam. 

My Granddaughter texted yesterday in response to a couple of pics I texted her. (The only time Peeps holds still is when she is sleeping.  Photos are rare.) She asked that I tell Peeps that she misses her.  I did. Peeps just looked at me with a blank, but sweet kitty expression and softly bit my thumb.  We are working on communication skills.  I definitely like having her around, but… two more sleeps. 

Day 7: Peeps, who is the size of a large sandwich roll, knocked the heavy lamp off the table next to my reclining chair yesterday while I was talking on the phone.  That seemed to end the zoomies for that episode. The lamp is totally fine.  I may have to knock it off myself today to calm her down when she is zooming. She goes from cuddly little fur ball to monster kitten flying around like a attack bat. She loves having the chairs back from their reupholstering, btw.  (They were just returned today.)  She can fly from the book room doorway, a few feet away, to land on an end chair, jump from there to the table and after a quick slide across that - skimming the centerpiece as she goes by – land on the chair at the other end of the table.  It is impressive.  I think I should remove the centerpiece at some point to give her a clear slide.  She tends to like to do that in a leap, fly, jump, slide, repeat mode.  She amuses herself.  It’s all rather astounding.  If I could get her interested in sliding everywhere, I could borrow her once in a while and never have to dust again. The problem is, as I mentioned before, she doesn't speak English yet. Or it may be that cats just do their own thing or that she is ignoring me.  I should know that really. Okay am off to see what cord Peeps is chewing on now. Those sharp little teeth!  One more sleep.  

Day 8: Peeps is doing her leap and slide thing across the dining room table at the moment… she sounds like a herd of baby elephants who can run very, very fast.  Ah Peeps!  It’s going to seem so very quiet and calm once you go home this morning to your family of people and your dogs too. Am thinking that especially the Shepherd puppy, who is the size of a small camel at this point, has probably missed the little Peeps.  They are an odd pair of buddies.  Wonder what it is like if they both get the zoomies at the same time??? I am almost afraid to ask if that has ever happened? The older, more mature and sensible dog, seems to ignore them both.  Smart one.

Peeps can come again to hang out another time. I will rest up and try to be ready. Hopefully she will understand English by that time. Do cats outgrow Zoomies?  I am trying to remember.

Piece of Cake

 Remember as an innocent child when you just knew that adults knew everything and had all the answers to all the questions?  Ah youth! Those were the days.  Now in the last half of my 70's, it seems to me that aging and the "adulting" that comes along with that are definitely not all they are cracked up to be.  Actually I think I have known that for a long time -- maybe since the late teenage years.  I find, and have found, however,  that it is sort of amusing to watch myself work through the process.

I have been the chief cook and bottle washer of my home for many years.  Hope to be able to continue in that role for a long time to come.  It takes effort  -- seems more now than when I had the energy and stamina of youth and...  two wonderful kids still at home to help out. We were a good team. Sometimes I now have to hire out the occasional exterior chore that I do not want to do (or cannot do), but the interior is still basically my domain except for the big heavy chores and repairs that are beyond my skill set which is basically almost everything except using a semi colon properly which rarely comes in handy.  Case in point is installing a new capacitor in an AC unit a few days ago.  That requires expertise way beyond me. Fortunately for me -- I know people who know how to do that. Then again there is the situation of ... I know someone who knows someone.  That is how I found the guy to wash the exterior of my house, clean out all the gutters and the scrub the outside of all my windows.  Perfect. That was a good day. The smell of cleanliness came through the walls. Amazing... and I didn't even break a sweat. I love a project like that. You may have noticed that neither of those jobs requires punctuation.

So anyway  ...  another perk available in our times to those of us who don't know how to do stuff ... YouTube videos.  They often prove to be a huge help if I remember to search for them.  Thankful for people who take the time to make and post videos. I think, actually, that I may have written about this before. Anyway ... videos are not as fun or as interesting as real people are, but they can be helpful and sometimes amusing as well.  A couple of weeks ago I was able to learn how to remove toggle bolts (those thingamajigs with the sort of inside out or backward wings on them).  I wanted to take two of them out and not ruin dry wall in the process.  I was impressed with myself in trying -- even though I was a total failure when attempting the first method I discovered on YouTube which entailed using an old wine opener.  (Oh how I would have loved to tell people that I successfully used an old fashioned wine opener to remove toggle bolts from dry wall.)  I also used "the" YouTube to help me with instructions for preparation and use of spackling and then sanded, and touched up the spots with 25 year old paint.  The bolts were removed, the dry wall survived beautifully, and a new framed counted cross-stitch project was hung.  Ta Da!  You can teach an old dog new tricks.  I am living proof.  Turns out the whole process was a "piece of cake".  

Piece of cake. Strange expression ... right?  Thankful that American English is my native language. It is so weird. Bet you all know what I mean in that. I would have a hard time learning all its idiosyncrasies if it were my second language. Seems like I was "on a roll" today -... language wise ...  Piece of Cake. Adulting. Cracked up to be.  Chief cook and bottle washer.  Break a sweat. Thingamajig. Old dog/new tricks.  Communication is sometimes very interesting.   Happy Thursday!

New Jeans

I ordered three pair of American Eagle jeans last week and they arrived in no time. Must mention -- the three different styles I ordered sold out almost immediately after I placed my order.  Did I need new jeans? No, I did not.  Do I love them?  Yes.  Reasonably priced?  I would say so in comparison to many I have seen ... plus ...  they were "on sale". Do I feel good about my purchase? I do ... on a couple of different levels. New jeans are fun for one thing, but there is more....

Had I ever heard of Sydney Sweeney before an American Eagle jeans commercial involving a simple play on words? No, I had not. Apparently this ad sparked a flame that fueled a hubbub that turned back on those protesting in a rather impressive way - - some say the protest became a total fiasco for them.  Impressive backfire.   I admit that I enjoyed the entire process.  I am thinking American Eagle, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, liked it as well.

You wage your protest, I will wage mine.  Apparently I am not alone in being sick and tired of the assault on common sense and of what appears to be a total loss of a sense of humor or of an appreciation of word play.

Good for American Eagle. Good for Sydney Sweeney. You stand your ground quietly and with dignity against an assault of raging attention seekers.  Sadly, in their own way -- fixated within their limited vocabulary-- they are also missing out on comfy jeans.

Watch the power of the silent majority. The pendulum swings both ways. It's time is now. 

Some think that perhaps its time is past due.

Take a HIke

 I have written about fun and funny t-shirts before -- but I have to mention the one I heard about recently that promoted walking and enjoying the "wilds".  A good friend of mine was wearing this "Take a Hike" t-shirt when someone in proximity was offended and felt it necessary to have a confrontation with her about it.  People seem to be more like that these days... more in your face. I think it's stress related and that it comes from not getting your own way when you think you are entitled to it.  That's a whole other concern... one I don't feel like writing about because I am sick of that a type of condescending behavior and ... I don't want to give them any attention.  They have had enough as far as I am concerned. Perhaps it is time for them to sit down and reevaluate a bit.  I say they should do their pouting, whining, and criticizing alone... perhaps in front of a mirror so they can come to appreciate what they look and sound like.) Once fashionable ... cultural condescending, confrontational outrage is on the way out. I am so tired of this nitwittery and meanness. Please....  You live your life; I will live mine.

Anyway, switch gears -- the central idea of the whole first paragraph brings me to my new doormats. (Yes, you read that correctly -- new doormats.) Recently I purchased not one, but two door mats... one for the front porch door and one for the kitchen porch door.  They are cheery WELCOME mats each with a tree of life featured prominently.  I love them.  They are warmly welcoming. There was a large selection of reasonably priced sturdy mats at this place, and ...  I have to admit, I was amused by and tempted by another door mat that read:  "Go Away!"  I passed it over and "went nice" because I would never want to hurt anyone's feelings, and I don't think everyone would find it as funny as I do.   

My sense of humor is not appreciated by all.  I know this and do try to manage it properly.  My family and close friends understand and, thankfully, we can laugh together.  It's bonding to share or to at least appreciate a sense of humor that is, to some, a bit twisted.  This bonding is also a blessing.  I am thankful... especially in this time of cultural unrest when others seem to be so willing to tell others how to live their lives and to attempt to limit others' word choice and freedom of speech. They seem to have lost a sense of humor. Perhaps they should take a hike, enjoy nature, and get some fresh air. Perhaps they could use a more welcoming door mat.

Wheels and AI

"Round and round it goes, and where it stops nobody knows"  -- an interesting phrase sometimes used to describe the uncertainties of life or the seemingly cyclical nature of things.  It is also used within the context of gambling -- more specifically in roulette. Spin that wheel... 

Was working on an acrostic puzzle the other day when I encountered the clue: "The 'wheel of death' may be part of this act (2 wds., hyph.)"  The title of the puzzle is "Lions and Tigers and Bears. Oh my!" So, for some reason, I immediately thought about a circus  when, perhaps, I should have been thinking of the Wizard of OZ.  Anyway ... this led me to remembering knife-throwing. It fit the puzzle.  Now the thing is, I cannot for the life of me wonder why I never thought about how stupid this particular entertainment is.  Really.  Think about it!  Now I am wondering if this is still done in circuses or magic shows anymore.  Does a circus still exist anywhere in the world?  Hmmm.... Be right back....  Just looked it up.  It does -- but with an emphasis shift away from animals to a focus more on humans doing things like acrobatics and aerial acts.  Interesting.  Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey still exist.  Nice. Wonder where is the world they are right now?

Back to the knife-throwing wheel of death.  As I remember it, some woman who was unfortunate enough to have landed this job, was tied (splayed actually) to a wheel (wrists and ankles).  Then ... potential victim securely attached, the wheel was then set in a spinning motion, while a man, most likely blindfolded, threw knives at her.  Yikes.  Anyway -- it got me to thinking about the stupid and dangerous things that people do, so I asked AI to give me a list. AI found no results.  Yes, you read that correctly.  No results in a search for stupid and dangerous things that people do. I mean I can think of a dozen things off the top of my head. All this being said...

I don't think I am ready to trust my safety and health to AI yet.  Perhaps AI is still too young to have good judgement.  Or ... perhaps I didn't ask it correctly.  Either way ... I sometimes think I have dealt with enough huge changes in my 3/4 of a century.  I am tired of all the adjusting.  Changes, like AI -- "round and round it goes, and where it stops nobody knows."  It's exhausting to think about and ... perhaps more than a bit of a gamble. Not sure I want to play this game. Too late now. I told the AI on my phone to go away and not come back.  It appeared one day --  uninvited. It's still there.  It doesn't seem to follow instructions well. 

Think I will go water my flowers.

Fortune Cookies

Fortune cookies are way more than just sugary goodness.  There is a lot to know about them.  Come to find out, much to my surprise, they are not even Chinese in origin...  but rather are thought to have come to the west coast of the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century - from Japan.  Surprise, Surprise. Learn something new every day -- whether you want to or not.  

I have always liked fortune cookies -- a nice little surprise to open at the end of a delicious Chinese take-out meal.  Sometimes they are philosophical in nature, or contain a fortune of some sort.  In other cases they have a list of lucky numbers for those who play a lottery or something witty and/or funny. Nice variety.

One of my favorite "fortunes" was mentioned in one of my all time favorite movies, The Big Chill.  "You will never amount to anything."  It still makes me laugh. That message seemed so unexpected somehow.  It caught me off guard.

Recently I encountered a few more "fortunes" while playing Guru Mahjong which, by the way, I had to delete from my phone because I was spending way too much time playing.  These are my faves from that source:

• You have the heart of a lion -- and the attention span of a squirrel.
• Life's a Journey.  Take a snack.

I think everyone would like to be reassured by a message like "Your spiritual path is unfolding exactly as it should." However... that is often not the case. More likely -- you would encounter an aphorism -- something like "If it seems fates are against you today, they probably are."

If I were going to write a fortune for a cookie, it might have something to do with a phrase I encountered recently that has been stuck in my brain.  It involves trying to avoid having your ass nailed to a high pole. It's such a catchy phrase really ... and such a clear image.  I sort of love it.

One last Fortune cookie fact.  Fortune cookies were made by hand until the late 1960's when a fortune cookie machine was invented by Edward Louie.  If you didn't already know that, you learned something from my blog today.  My work for today is done.  Am off to order some take-out.

Phone Gap

There is a definite difference in the way generations think of phones. I think of it as a Phone Gap. For example, some of the older generation function better with both a landline and a cellphone, but ... having both doesn't always simplify things.  A case in point is the situation that a writer friend of mine described recently in an email. It was about two recent calls from her daughter. I can picture the whole thing and admit that I find it very funny. 

She called the house phone. I was on the deck, so by the time I got my feet off the chair that I pull close and use as a stool, moved it out of my way so I wouldn't trip over it and face-plant on the deck, got my sandals on (the deck floor was hot ) and into the house, she'd left me a message........but she was calling me now on my cell, which was out on the deck. 

Tell me, that you haven't had a "been there" kind of "phone" experience. In another situation ... just this week I accidentally hit something on my cellphone that made it start to record the conversation I was having with my son, and I couldn't get it to stop even though I tried hanging up on him twice.  He later texted me instructions on how to handle the record feature on an android and, once again, patiently suggested I get an iPhone. I find that very funny too. Poor guy -- he must be just shaking his head. I am a fan of Android.

Back to the phone gap for a minute -- there is the tendency of the younger generation(s) to think of the cellphone as a permanent addition to their body... perhaps attachment is a better word.  Have you seen anyone lately without a phone in their hand?  Is it true that more and more people are tripping and bumping into things?  I gave up smoking because I didn't like that something stupid was controlling my life.  I leave my phone sitting places on purpose now for the same reason. I will see that you called. I will get back to you... probably shortly, because, I, too, am a bit too attached.

One more thing -- I think I still have a pretty good reason for keeping my landline even though I rarely answer it as it seems to have morphed into the recipient of all things SPAM. Here's the reason. The last time I checked, my county was still unable to track the location of an emergency if the call comes in to the 911 Call Center from a cellphone and the person calling is unable to speak for some reason.  A landline they can track.  That seems like a good reason to me. I probably should check again to see if that situation still exists.  I know they were working on being able to track a cellphone the last time I called. 

There are some disadvantages to living in rural NW Pennsylvania.  However, I still think the advantages outweigh them. I do have excellent cell service, so there is that.

 

Talk to Me

 There are many things in today's world that I simply do not understand.

The whole pronoun issue is just one of those things.  Seemingly this trend is going away now -- possibly because people are just sick of it ... I mean  ...  who thinks up this stuff?  Do they have a real job?  Too much time on their hands?  It ranks right up there with self-righteously complaining about everything, but doing absolutely nothing to work toward making change for the better. It's stupid.

Case in point...  I was recently invited to a "donor portal" which, I guess is the way some charities ask you for money now.  A most pleasant letter was signed in bold print ... the signature followed by (she, her, hers) -- also in bold.  Talk about shouting at me.  Here's the thing.  I don't care what pronouns of choice this person prefers, nor do I care whether (she, her, hers) is a woman, a man or any variation thereof. I cannot keep track of all of them anyway. My world is not about you and your pronoun preferences or about your gender concerns.  In my opinion this person's pronouns should be (Me, Me, Me).  (She, Her, Hers) certainly wants to be the center of attention. To think that Boomers are thought of as the Me Generation by some. Hmm....

Perhaps it is time for those so inclined to broadcast their pronouns, etc. to look at the world more outside of just themselves and their friends.  There is a whole world out there.  Am I wrong?  Talk to me.

Needless to say I will be giving my donations to agencies that are more other oriented.  

Leaving 75 In The Dust

It suddenly dawned on me the other day that I am 75 years old and soon to turn the big 76.  Yikes!  How did that happen so quickly?

This is how I look at it.  There are perks. 

For one thing, I no longer need an excuse to stay off a ladder or not to carry heavy stuff.  And... I can love my new walking stick for rough terrain or even walking around the house if I feel like it. 

Further...  I can go to bed any time I want and not have to explain myself to anyone.   I could pretend not to hear things sometimes and get away with it.  Would I really do that?  I know that some people do. 

I love that I fit in with the white-haired crowd easily and therefore readily find people who laugh at the same things I do. Kindred spirits. These people also "get" my references to things.  They know, for example who Liberace was and understand that the sometimes glamourized hippies smelled bad. They remember things like Keds and when a sheet of bubble gum came with a baseball card. The women remember what it was like, as little girls,, to tuck their dresses into snow pants before walking to school.  Oh -- so many things to think about.

Another huge bonus in my case are adult children and close to adult grandchildren. They are totally capable of living their own lives and of making their own decisions.  The pressure is off.  I am in the relax mode.  Perfect.  If either do come to me describing a complicated situation that necessitates serious decision making, I am now where I can listen with care and ask them to let me know how it all turns out. Heaven!

I also like that I don't have to drive at night if I don't feel like it. I like that decisions to not do things are now socially acceptable. It takes the pressure off. Like I said ... perks.

So ... I suppose I should mention ... there are the aches and pains of aging as well as other assorted limitations. We all have our own bag of rocks (as my mom used to say).  I guess we find our way through somehow -- one way or the other... the best way we can.  Hopefully there is not a lot of complaining going on.  Personally, I have little tolerance for excessive "woe is me"... in myself or in others.  It takes up too much time.  I try not to do the woe thing and I only listen to it for what I consider enough time to be polite.  Dwelling on woe is a Big Bummer and subversive really. It's not good for anyone.

They way I look at it ...  we all know that not everyone makes it this far.  I personally feel that I should take advantage of the gift and try not to waste it or to take it for granted.  I will soon be over half way through the septuagenarian years.  Three quarters of a century has come and gone. Oh my....  

Wish I could remember how to nap. I so want to stay awake for 4th of July fireworks.  Happy Independence Day!  We are almost there.

The Potato Cannon and Heart Smiles

Taking a break from blogs remembering Covid. We all need that. This is a happier topic....

                        The Potato Cannon and Heart Smiles

So... I spent over a week with family -- overlapping visits.  My son and his family stayed with me.  My nephew and his family stayed in a lovely Barndominium called "Into the Woods" just a bit down the road from my home.  Outstanding accommodations all the way around. Check it out if you are headed the way of Corry, PA.  My daughter and her family live nearby -- just across the pasture plus a bit actually. Icing on the cake. Perfect.... 13 people in all.

I simply don't know where to start.  What fun -- nice and fun people ... so much laughter.  Dinners out. Dinners in. Make your own breakfasts and lunches.  Many helpful hands.  A trip to Niagara Falls for the Virginia Branch of the family.  My grandson from Terre Haute, IN and his girlfriend, born and raised in the flatlands of Indiana, went exploring - in search of curvy roads and rolling hills,  and my son and his wife from Danville, Indiana were off to the Southern Tier of Chautauqua Co, NY briefly -- followed by their traditional lunch at the French Creek Tavern.  Then there was a lovely afternoon of crafting with my creative great niece. Pickle ball and fishing.  Fire pit fires into the night. Special times for me with each and every one.  Am sure I have missed some of the activities ...  We gathered in the afternoons and evenings for the most part.  Good times. Special....  I think the only thing we forgot to do was to have a recorded skipping contest set to music. We had hoped to repeat that and to establish it as a tradition of such gatherings.  

Have to mention.  Now it is during those afternoon and evenings that the Potato Cannon appeared. It was impressive. We should have given it a name.  Don't know why I didn't think of that.  My nephew built it out of PVC pipe. That construction, along with hairspray, a long lighter and three 5 lb. bags of Russet potatoes did the trick. There were other games as well -- something involving baskets and little sacks of sand and then corn hole, of course.  Another fave involved teams bouncing a ball on a circle of netting ... Spikeball.  All were played pretty much rain or shine.  And of course we had professional photos taken one evening -- in the misty rain. (Thank you, Barb Beebe of Be Inspired Photography!) Mother Nature was not very cooperative, but we didn't really care and the photos turned out great.

A few final words on the impressive potato cannon.  Huge Hit! (Instructions may be found on YouTube, I think.) Talk about the perfect way to put a smile on one's face.... All it takes is shooting potatoes over the tree tops in my back pasture.  The thing is there was never one scrap of potato left on the patio in the mornings and not one potato to be found anywhere in the pasture.  I envision forest wildlife in a line at the edge of the woods eagerly waiting --- hoping the crazy humans are going to shoot more yummy food into the air for them. We were a bit of a loud bunch with the laughter and the cannon booms.  So fun.  As far as I know the neighbors are still speaking to me -- at least the ones that usually do.  

Alas -- all is quiet now.  Everyone arrived back home safely. Thankful in that. Long trips for sure back to Richmond, VA and West of Indianapolis, IN.  So... today I ordered prints and made a photo book. Empty nest syndrome all over again, but good memories for sure. They make my heart smile. My family is a gift... the best kind. I am so thankful for them. 

Life Goes On

                                   

                  June 16, 2020 - June 23, 2020

Police across the country are in the news.  Times are dangerous for those who support law and order.  The world continues to be upside down. The world watches as American cities are being destroyed. We have been subjected to enough destruction, violence and vandalism to last a lifetime.

Every day I am thankful that I do not live in a city where many are pretty much confined to an airless apartment.  I am able to get outside, pull a few weeds, breath fresh air and take a walk in my pasture.  Huge. Sometimes the small things are the big things. Nice to be able to avoid protests and riots.  I am so sick of angry, shouting faces.  It's so ugly on so many levels.

People shopping for clothes are now allowed to try them on... in some stores. Progress....

Some businesses are reopening within certain constraints like limiting the number of customers at one time. 

Erie County in Pennsylvania is entering the Green Phase within a week. Governor Wolf has set Pennsylvanians free!  We will now be able to get a hair cut legally and some restaurants will be allowed to reopen.  One step at a time.  

Some parents across the land have established "Under the Radar" sports for their children.  It seems a very healthy thing to do  -- in my opinion.  I think of it as the "Healthy Activity Underground ".  

The blame game continues in nearby New York State regarding covid patients being retuned to nursing home facilities.  Cuomo may have a big problem.

Trump rallies. No wonder Biden is trying to avoid debating with him. The right seems to be looking forward.  The left seems to be angry anti-everything. Huge contrast. I continue to wonder if politicians on both sides of the fence listen to themselves.  

Once again -- thankful I live in an area of Farmers' Markets and road side vegetable stands.  

Some schools with late June endings are holding Baccalaureate and Graduation Ceremonies in parking lots.

Life goes on...

Unhinged

                                

                                      June 8, 2020 - June 15, 2020

What in the world are people thinking?  The "Defund the Police" movement is totally off the wall stupid.  These are the same people who think that recent  demonstrations that tuned into injuries, killings, businesses burned and shameless lootings were not violent and were totally acceptable.  Beyond nuts. There is speculation and some evidence that someone, perhaps George Soros, is funding protestors.  Imagine that.

Biden is still in his bunker.  When will he talk to the American people? How can one run for President from a basement? The polls say he has a huge lead, yet we know nothing about him really.  There is reference to his handlers.  What? Who is in charge of that campaign? A President needs handlers? That's scary.

Am going to meet a sister/cousin to eat lunch on the porch of a nearby restaurant.  Excitement is high. It's been months since I have been out to eat anywhere.  What a treat! I don't think I will ever take such an opportunity for granted again -- ever. It is a touch of normal.

The "elite" continue the process of becoming totally unhinged.  It's unsettling.  Down has become up and vice versa. It seems that formerly intelligent people are caving into the "leftist lunies".  People of courage  who are not afraid to stand their ground seem few and far between. Bullies abound and they are mean.

Democrat Congressmen knelt on Capitol Hill with Kente scarves draped around their necks. I am sure they were trying to make a point of some sort, but it went over my head.  Wonder how the Ashanti Tribe felt about them wearing their cherished ceremonial cloth in some sort of demonstration? Today's Democrats do love to show off.

The country continues to be divided.  It doesn't help that the Dems have sorted people into little boxes and then lumped individuals they know nothing about into a box that they, the dems, deem to be correct.  It takes more and more courage these days to express even a mildly conservative view on anything.  

Some people seem to be almost overcome with a hatred for Donald Trump.  I don't understand the viciousness. Vitriol with a upper case V -- nasty and abusive. 

Protestors have been allowed to take over a section of Seattle, Washington.  What? I won't be moving the the great American Northwest any time soon.  American history is being torn down one statue after another.  Names of forts, military bases, and schools are being changed.  All this to appease a whiney bunch of libs throwing toddler-like temper tantrums. There must be more to this.  Something underground and cancerous.  Antifa is a new word in my vocabulary.  As if things were not bad enough.

People are able to get haircuts again and the world looks better groomed. Somehow that seems to matter.  Another step forward.  Then again -- man buns abound.

Special times continue with the Grandkids who are a most important part of my life.  Their world has shrunken and changed so drastically, but they are remarkable and resilient.  We will all be okay and hopefully come out at the end of the tunnel stronger and better people. They are the future.