My Bucket List and Random Life

Robin turns 60 on the Coral Princess!

2011-10-20T02:07:00.000-04:00

Whoo Hooo -

robsept5.blogspot.com. I turned 60 in Alaska/ Hubbard Glacier. My creative writing group still wants to me to write about it. 600 pictures, my brother said 10 are any good and has warned everyone NOT to ask to see them. LOL I am so Happy. God has blessed me with friends and family that love me.

Turn me back Scotty

2011-03-15T01:24:00.000-04:00

Daylight saving time is mandatory in New Jersey-I dont like either change (just decide on one and stick to it). So this weekend I dutifully changed -all (I thought) of my clocks.
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My alarm clock was first. I have been sick for 5 weeks with an ear and sinsus and cold -lots of courses of anti-biotics but still............it feels like I have water in my one ear. I even told people I think I may have gone deaf in that ear. I can not even hear my radio in the morning -because I am sleeping on my 'good" ear.

Tonight was a good Massage class -we learned legs. My partner in class is a Chinese man about my age. I was doing his knee and asked if I was hurting him? My Dad just had his knee repalced and I am very aware of knee problems. In his broken English he said 'no hurt. all original parts"/ I started to laugh -original parts yes -but made in China. He smiled.

So I came home in a good mood -tired but happy. Then I heard music playing when I walked in the door.. I freaked at the music. I thought maybe someone was in my crawl space playing a radio. I slowly walked to the back of the house.

-It was my radio -the ALARM was set to PM..................... not AM.

I guess the reason I couldnt hear my radio in the morning was because the alarm was not set correctly. All I could do was laugh. I am such a Phoebe.

Hold the ear drops, Doc . Turn back the alarm and beam me up Scotty -I crack myself up.

Why didn't anyone Tell me?

2010-12-07T03:58:00.000-05:00

Mammogram Machine

The Squisher

Today was my annual mammogram -Yuck- a modern age torture of my breasts -Ok so it is a life saving test but still it is VERY uncomfortable -a little funny -you have to step out of your body to get the humor - so it is necessary to be squeezed and handled by a woman stranger -BUT it is only once a year.

I also had a Pelvic Ultra sound. Last year when they were trying to find out why I was having pain in my right chest -I had a series of tests that started with a colonoscopy and ended with an ultra sound of my gall bladder that was filled with stones. Long story short I ran out of co-pay money and patience for tests and never had the last ultra sound. A pelvic ultra sound that was recommended as a result of the last test.

So today over a year later, I had the test. First the Doctor never even hinted as to what this test entailed. I had had an ultra sound before -with the slimy stuff they smear on you and then the thing that sends sonar waves thru the layers of fat -and I have alot - it hurt because the technician pushed so hard into my fat. Now 22 lbs lighter I am back. I had to drink 32 oz of water and not use the bathroom until after the test was completed. Ha I would drink the water forget and use the bathroom then remember and have to drink all over again.

I get to the Imaging office and wait about 15 min and they call me -a nice woman tech has me lie on the table -lower my pants and underwear to the pubic line and she slimes me to take picures of my kidneys etc. Then she says to empty my bladder /whipe off the slime and return for the internal test.

Did she say IN ternal? Why didnt I know this? Strange. I come back to be asked to remove my pants and underwear/ lay on a table with a square under my hips and cover myself with a sheet.

Then she hands me a long -12 inches / about 1 &1/3 finger wide cylinder like probe -attached to a cord. She says insert this into the vaginal opening -HELLO? say WHAT?

How come no one told me what to expect. It is uncomfortable and hurts a bit -she the puts her hand under the sheet and takes control -very professional -very young female stranger.

I start to laugh -and say i am writting about this in my blog -no one will believe it. I asked her if women talk -she said usually older woman who give her TMI (to much info) like : "no one has stuck anything in me since my husband died";& " I am so dry" etc...

I said they should at least buy you dinner first -but really both my GP and the GYN should have prepared me about what this test entailed -she smiled and shrugged -and said it is just a test-ok I was a little nervous. Then it was over and I then I had the mammogram.

Internal Ultra Sound Probe

Both Tech's said we would have the results in 5 days. I really dont care -it IS, what it is ..................I want an hour HOT shower -I have been slimmed.

2010-12-04T18:23:00.000-05:00

Pudgy Pelican .Avalon NJ and Me -2010

Do I only Blog once a month now? I am trying to write my Christmas letter and re-reading my blog journals and trying to condense them. Two Family deaths; beloved Aunt and Uncle. Four new cousins -all Grandchildren to my first cousins. One girl and three boys (our first set of twins)/a new friend turned one/ My little sister turned 50, our Mother 80. ( I was with them for both celebrations)/ my BFF turned 40, without me/ My Writers Group published our second book, I learned how to re bind a book? or I took the class anyway/ I participated in the 2010 Historic Census -it was a eye opening experience -IRS taxpayers were angels compared to the citizens I met doing the Census and I include the Census administrators and neighbors. I also met some wonderful, interesting Census workers -all ages and backgrounds. Wrecked my car by allowing a deer to hit it/I am fine, she is not. Learned a dear friend lost her husband and two High School friends, each, a son. I continue to declutter my house/spoke with a Realtor / found time is not right to market house/ had some trees removed from the front and the back partially cleared and some work done on the house-spent all the Census money so still saving for the big 60 birthday Land /Sea cruise to Alaska/ Nutrisystem helped me loose 22 lbs and I am down to my college weight-feel pretty good off the Insulin -would like to loose about 50 more lbs and off the majority of my meds but that is for the next Christmas Letter...........

Oliver (1) and Robin (59)

So that is it 2010 include some pictures and we are ready to turn 60 in 2011 -WOW I can not wait!

Still Breathing

2010-11-04T19:03:00.003-04:00

Good friends : Carol. my sister Deb and Sandy -NOW all over 50 -jeeze

With Face Book and emails I am not posting like I should or writing like I want to -sigh- but I am busy and NOT just with doctor appointments. I continue to gather info from travelers who have been to Alaska and sign up for emails on cruise/land tours to Alaska. I am getting so excited. I think we had decided on Princess for our maiden voyage, They seem to offer the best cruise/land tours for our money and what alot of money.I just bought an all weather zip out lining coat that i needed but will also be good for the trip. Marian is in love again and hasnt quit smoking yet but is slowing down -she says- well ok -i can do this alone -but I would rather not.

I have been on a waiting list for a Bucket List wish -for a while and got a call that the next Book Binding Class had an opening -Was I still interested? OF COURSE. The Book Bindery is located in Atlantic City in the Older Jewish Services Building on Atlantic Ave. The free Course is taught by Emmy Todd for 6 weeks. In exchange for the free course you agree to volunteer your new skills to them, when they get books to repair from non profit community organizations. I like that. So far I have gone to two classes (once a week) and really really enjoy it. We have three in our class -all of us are over 55 /all have ALWAYS wanted to learn this skill and I am the only retired person. LOL I heard about this course from a man in my creative writing class and then from a newspaper article.It really is a lost art.

This past weekend I visited an old friend from work who taught me haw to crochet -well maybe she taught me -I havent done it on my own yet -I just have always wanted to learn . smile Thanks Fran. I had a wonderful time visiting her. She lives in a retirement community and I am so envious. I would love to be as active as she is.At 81; she still plays Tennis three times a week. 20 years ago when she moved there no one thought it was a good idea -now I am approaching the same age she was and i can see the sense it makes.

I continue to downsize my stuff in the house and took 80 tops to the ARC thrift store that I have out grown. Wish I could say it made a difference but I have plenty -I am blessed. Wish the weight would come off faster -but I am doing well and steady loosing on Nutrisystem Diabetic meals. Yes it is VERY expensive -but so very Healthy -I am down 20 lbs and off the insulin needle completly. Soon the pills. I still have trouble with drinking enough water =ie maybe the slowwww weight loss. Which has no one upset but me. sigh I am skipping any Thanksgiving visits -that day is not a dieters friend. I can NOT overeat /it is a sickness/ I will not put myself in situations where i will fail. My mantra smells like turkey and cranberry and stuffing and sweet potatoes. So I go to the gym every day now.

Stapling the plastic on my back porch -almost done -then I will take out my air conditioners and hopefully my wildflower mixture will arrive and be ready to sow after the first killing frost. I am excited. I always wanted windflowers of RED poppys and sunflowers and wildfowers in the back of my yard. My house is on the hummingbird and butterfly migratory trail. Cape May County is a beautiful place to live. I shall miss living here.

My parents drove down to see me for the first time in a couple of years .it was nice but crowded in my little house. Took my Mother to see her sister and we had a lovely visit. My creative writing group published our second anthology "Writing From the Heart" my heart attack story was included. My friend Oliver was Christened and turned ONE. My little Sister turned 50?????
It has been a great couple of months. God is good. I am blessed.

Dad and Mother

Sisters

Book #2

Oliver and his Robin

Geni in a Scanner

2010-08-31T03:43:00.000-04:00

My cousin Connie is doing her family and our Family on Geni -with pictures! Pictures she scans in from her parents collections -They are wonderful and bring back such memories. The one of my Grandmother Kate on her 80th Birthday is amazing. My parents are in their 80's and look much younger than Kate did. My Grandfather John, was 55 in this picture -I will be 59 in a week and I cant help but observe that time has treated me pretty well. I look back at the old time Photo's and see my Grandfather at 10 or 12 and immediately recognize his face as one of my cousins -my Grandfather's great -grandson.

1955=;My Grandfather, John at 55, looks on as his Mother, Kate cuts her 80th Birthday cake. Not until this moment did I realize she was 35 when she had her first child -my Grandfather- in 1900.

Then I came across the picture of my Grandfather (75) standing next to the first great -grand son, whom is being held by his grandfather, next to his Grandmother's brother and my Dad. Uncles to the future generation. Only the baby, now grown with children of his own, and my Dad are still with us. Within the past 12 months we lost both my Uncles but their legacy lives on.

How lucky we are that we have pictures to bring back those wonderful memories captured in time. How blessed we are that Connie is taking the time to link all of us together. I hope all my cousins take the time to look at these pictures and add their own.

My niece has already commented on "PopPop's mustache" . My Dad, who was 48 in that picture, was 2 years younger than my sister is now.

I wonder what my cousin's and nieces' future great grand children will think of us old timers? Will they even care about these precious pictures?

Yes, I truly believe, this sense of Family that is so strong in our generation -will still be there for all those great grands.

Thanks again our Connie.

Fireworks

2010-07-03T22:18:00.000-04:00

It is July 3rd -All around me I can hear the sounds of fireworks or rather feel the concussion of the ground. I can not see any explosions in the sky -but i can hear and feel them all around me. I know because I have been outside looking up at the dark sky. As I stand on my back step, I suddenly feel like I am in another time and place. I wonder if this is what the sound of war is like? Surrounded on all sides by the loud concussions of the ground but no explosions in the sky. I have never been to war or seen a war. I guess not many women have, but for an instant there in the darkness -surrounded by sound and echo of the earth, I was afraid , I was in awe, I stood alone. I said a prayer for my Nation and all the men and women who defend and have defended her. Long may my Flag Wave.

Snow White and the Eight Dwarfs by r.l.simpson

2010-06-20T21:26:00.000-04:00

Another Homework assignment was to Rework a Fairy tale and do research to add/ teach some new information -DAAA is a real organization. We are learning about children stories and writing for various ages.

This one is for my BFF+ Batman ( who helped me find the 8th Dward;s name ) and Daria G.

Snow White and the Eight Dwarfs

You all remember the tale of the 7 Dwarfs right. The 7 short hairy miners that found that pretty white girl lost in the woods and gave her a place to stay in exchange for cleaning up after them and cooking for them.?

That is called bartering. You offer one service in exchange for a service the other person offers –no money exchanged. Food and a place to sleep in exchange for cleaning the bathroom and making food for 7 little dirty men. Not such a good exchange for the white girl but then again better than being lost in the woods and sleeping on the ground and eating weird stuff. So Snowy took the deal –until she could find a better gig.

The reason the house was so messy was that the 8th brother was away at a D.A.A.A conference. That is the Dwarf Athletic Association of America. They are into athletic competition for people of short stature. Dwarfism affects about a quarter of a million people in the US –that is a lot and the 8th dwarf was really into healthy eating and exercise. The other brothers were cool with this and liked his cooking and bossy ways of making them clean up after themselves. Also since they were miners and strong anyway they thought it was a good idea that their brother competed in the DAAA events. I mean the 2010 was coming to Nashville TN and they we all going. But when he went on the road –the rest of the brothers sort of forgot their good habits and chores and the brothers were terrible cooks.

Enter Snowy –pretty , young, ok cook and really, really cheerful. She filled the vacuum left by the missing brother -Healthy. Sort of like a white dwarf star. Which is like the sun –only half the energy.

Snowy did get distracted a lot with her singing and wandering in the woods. She didn’t have the energy for deep cleaning and cleaning up after the meals –so the brothers would pitch in and help out while she told them stories and sang to them. In fact they were doing more work than when Healthy was there. They missed him but he didn’t sing very well when he worked.

The brothers were a little concerned over how Snowy and Healthy would get along. Snowy ,of course , would be fine she loved everyone. But Healthy tended to want to do things his own way and expected all the brothers to let him make all the decisions and do things his way. He was very smart and handsome and energetic and did I say smart. Snowy was smart too –but in a distracted way.

The day Healthy came home –Snowy had cooked a big meal with all the brother’s favorite foods. Meatloaf , French fries. Mashed potatoes and gravy. Macaroni and cheese, hamburger and potato salad and,,,,–deep friend corn fritters. With Funnel Cake and all the apples in the kitchen for a hugh Apple PIE = for dessert. In fact a WORSE , UN HEALTHY (get it unhealthy) meal you could not have planned. NO vegetables or Fruit.

Healthy had a meltdown. He yelled and stomped around and yelled and stomped around and finally got silent.. Then he said: “ If you would please excuse us Miss Snowy, I would like to have a difficult conversation with the brothers. Perhaps you could take an after dinner stroll –not far but ah…… out of hearing? You know haw men are ….we tend to get a bit loud when we discuss things.”

Snow White replied: ‘Why, of course Healthy, your Brothers are so excited you are home, they missed you very much.” And she smiled. Healthy smiled back. And the Brothers all looked at each other and smiled.

When she left, Healthy looked at the brothers. Silence. Then:

Dopey- Can she stay?

Sneezy- I don’t even mind the flowers she picks in the woods and brings home.

Happy –She sings better than anyone, even you Healthy.

Grumpy –Even I don’t mind doing the dishes when she sings to us.

Sleepy- She tucks us in to bed every night with a kiss on the cheek.

Bashful- She is the fairest of us all.

Doc – We cant send her back, the evil Queen is still looking for her.

Healthy : Of course we will not send her back –but no more bad food habits –we all have to eat healthy. You know drawfs have health problems. We need to be healthy and strong to work the mine.

The brothers all agreed –so they threw out all the food Snowy had made and had a healthy dinner made by the time she returned. She noticed but didn’t say a word and silently vowed to have more good food choices in the house to cook with. If fact the next day when all the brother even Healthy were at the mine. An old peddler woman knocked on the door with a lovely basket of delicious looking apples. Snowy knew she had used all the apples for last nights meal so when the old woman offered her a bite of her juicy apple –Snowy accepted thinking how surprised and delighted the brothers and Healthy would be with fresh apples to snack on………………..

Well, You all know the rest.

The End

The Bike Tale

2010-06-19T17:15:00.002-04:00

Creative Writing Group Homework 6/18/2010

Assignment:

Childhood event from your perspective as a child, and your perspective of the same event as a grown up.

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I really don’t like this bike it is too big –my feet don’t touch the ground. But it was my Mothers bike when she was a girl and Tommy Boy still has to ride the tricycle.

Dad said it was a 28”.

It is a beautiful day –hot and we want to ride our bikes.

The street we live on is really neat and made of cool rocks that we like to find and put in the garden, but it is not so good for bikes.

Mother said we can ride on Fraleys driveway. They have a really big paved driveway the goes in a circle and then goes over to the work garage. Fraleys live behind us or we live behind them, They own the five little brick houses where we live. We are renters. Everyone is renters. Mr Fraley is a brick layer and he made the houses almost by himself. He also made the big house where his family lives –no little kids.- and a swimming pool the renters can use. Tommy and I are learning to swim by ourselves, but for now we swim in the children’s side. A tall fence is around the pool –no children allowed without parents. We look in on really hot days and make sad faces at SarahJean and Raymond and all their teenage friends. Sarah-jean is our babysitter at night time–but it is daytime now and she tells us to scram. She is 13 and almost a grownup.

It is ok we want to ride bikes.

Every house has kids and we all know the rules. We ride our bikes one way around the circle. It is against the rules to go both ways –to many bikes and to many kids –there could be accidents. That day Tommyboy decided to ride his bike the wrong way. We all yelled at him –but did he listen ? No way –so we kept avoiding him as best we could. No one hit him, and I think maybe he wanted to be crashed into.

Like when we were all in Mike’s treehouse and Tommy climbed way high and had his SAW from his Daddy’s helper tool box –then he sawed for a long time and we ignored him until we heard the branch crack and Tommy fell past us to the ground with the tree branch. The crazy boy sawed off the tree limb he was sitting on ! So we looked down and he was dead of course –with his eyes open and looking at us –and we yelled –Good job Tommy that was a really good cutting job –then he blinked and came back alive. Fool boy. Of course, Dad took the SAW away after that.

So we are all riding around the driveway circle and no one has hit Tommy. So, of course, he aims for the biggest wobbly target, the person whose life he makes crazy with fighting, the person whose name was in all our books first (and he crossed out that name and wrote his name in) –the oldest person in our room –yep he aims for me. I see him and I try, I really tried to avoid him –but the little tricycle with the crazy brother pedaling like mad; hit the front fat tire of my Mothers old 28’ blue bike.

I heard all the kids yelling before he hit me –then as I sailed over the front of the handlebars –silence. I hit the driveway on my head –it hurt when I hit –then nothing- he killed me.

I got dead for a little while. I remember a lot of dirty, sweaty, smelly, little kids faces all upside down looking at me. They asked if I was dead ? and my Mother was coming. Tommy was there but I couldn’t yell at him –then my Mother was there. My head hurt so badly I had to close my eyes again. Then she made me pick up the bike and walk down the hill and home. I think she stayed behind to Thank the children and capture Tommy. Manners are always important.

I just wanted to lay down and close my eyes. My nose was running. No blood , but my brain was swelling out a big bump on my forehead. My head hurt worse than it ever had in my whole -entire- life.

I guess someone called the Dr down the road and since Dad was at work with the car and Mother didn’t drive yet; Dad must have come home or a neighbor took us. I do not remember the drive there.

Tommy didn’t come with us. He was probably on a chair in a corner at some neighbors house,.until my parents made it uncomfortable for him to sit. He was in BIG trouble. It is against the law to kill your sister in Virginia. The prisoners worked in handcuff and chains on the storm ditches in front of our house. The guards had rifles. I think I whispered to Tommy that he was going to the chain gang. Then he got scared. Then !–NOT when he was killing me. Brothers –jeeze ! Truthfully –we never saw any little kids on the chain gang –but I don’t think he remembered that.

Mother and I get to the Dr office –it is very nice –maple furniture –BUT very hot. He had a nice brown rag rug with one circle that goes round and round and round and round like the driveway –I kept looking at it and following the circle as it got smaller and smaller towards the center –then I felt really sick in my stomach –and yep –that rug needed to be cleaned after we left.

I don’t remember anything else. The Dr said; I had a concussion of my brain and my Parents had to keep me awake all night. Which isnt as fun as you think -you have to keep moving -I think it was because my brain would get hard and I would die or I would turn into spinach or some other vegetable. My stomach and my head both hurt, all night.

The worst part was they made me ride that big bike again. The very worst part was I had to get glasses the next year. But Tommy did treat me extra nice for about a day. That was ok, but not worth getting glasses though.

########################## ###################################

From a Grown up pointy of view:

I just wrote about this experience because;

I just bought a used bike and am trying to reteach myself to ride, The bike is the right size but since my stroke I am wobbley, again. smile. My brother is not around while I am relearning but I have a helmet just in case. I asked my parents why they didnt buy me a smaller bike and they said because no one was using the 28” bike and so they gave it to me.
Hello? I was about 5 or 6./ Tommy was 4 or 5 and the parents were 26 and 29. You think they would know better.

But back in 1957; NO one got anything new if old /used /stuff could be cleaned up, mended , painted and passed on and little boys got SAWS that worked and lots of dangerous things.

Tom grew up to be a wonderful man and Dad –that can fix or repair anything and is an Inventor for his employer.

Me –well my brain never worked right so after 31 yrs - I retired from the Government.

MY Random Life June 2010

2010-06-14T17:57:00.000-04:00

My Random life -

The box of Nutra system D just came and I have to read the instructions and I am putting it off -no new matches on Match.com -I am still writing THAT story. LOL

I went to a retirement party for a friend I have known since 7th grade -she is ready to retire -I envy her -she has lots planned and a family that still keeps her involved, a wonderful husband and great friends. I can not wait to see her more; she lives a couple of hours away. Now we can travel back and forth on non weekends. The retirement party was in a new NJ winery and her friends catered the food. The wine was there. Only music was missing. I gave her a girft from a new artist -I just discovered -a mutual HS friend that started making jewelry when she retired. Jeeze all this talent. Woman who worked full time /married /raised a family all with the same man. I wonder if my path should have been different?

Website:	http://web.me.com/carolbea14k

I have turned in my badge for Census 2010-I think our crew is done -just a few revisits to people who refused to comply -mostly because they already filled out the info and Census never recorded or matched the completed form with their address. People also objected to the question on 'if they owned the house or renting or etc" -Only thing the Constitution says is to count the people at the address on April 1st. People should refuse to answer anything else they dont want to. That is it -NO drama- NO yelling -NO police for trespassing -just How many people including you -lived here on April 1st?
I had no trouble but my IRS collection training -hardened me. Not everyone was so lucky or sensitive to irate citizens. LOL

My Dad is doing well since the stroke -he isnt walking enough but that is his choice. Right now we are trying to make sure he goes to the family reunion -2 hours from his house. One day he says yes and he will stay overnight -the next day he forgets ( he said yes) and argues. My dear Mother is a saint.

I came in the house one visit and he says -"Your Mother is yelling at me all the time" I look at my Mother who throws up her hands. I can see He is really upset. So I touch him on the shoulder to get his attention and say"Everyone yells at you Dad -you are Deaf and will NOT get a hearing aide" Then he looks at my Mother and says "OH"

We all Laugh. jeeze.

Census Field Day

2010-05-03T19:19:00.000-04:00

Hot high 80's and humidity almost 90% -LOL -So the addresses came over the weekend to our Crew Leader /she assigned areas closed to where we lived -at first I was unhappy with this but then I remembered I now work for Census -a HAPPY JOB. I can smile (when I remember) as I approach a house. We had a meeting late mid morning today, and went over the addresses and areas. I did not feel well so I went home after the meeting. Decided to go out late afternoon -early evening and meet up with people as they came home. Yea right. I was so excited to get out to start field contacts/ I forgot to spray myself with deep woods mosquito stuff. I must have 50 bites.

Just like my field contact job with IRS -I still have my sixth sense about which house I was looking for -that had failed to return their Census form. So the third house and the one my Crew Leader was observing -said -"but I sent that back" and did not have time to fill it out a new one right then. Of course I had the paperwork all filled out with my name and number to leave it on her door -so I gave it to her and said call me -we can do it on the phone at a better time for her. She will never call, I will stop back in two days, another people sense I havent lost. smile

The last house was also deep woods and the man was home -outside -so I stood and filled out the form /got a hundred new bites and finished faster than the book said was average times.

I am sure the mosquitoes were happy with lots of SWEET Robin blood today.

I love working close to home/went home to tinkle and Benzedril on the bites/ change and off to the gym before it closes. About an hour of paperwork and plan my day tomorrow when I get home. House should have cooled down by then. NICE

Note to self -SMILE MORE.

Fourth day of Class

2010-04-30T15:32:00.000-04:00

Fourth and last day of Census Training. Now if we just get the address list delivered to us. Hello? If the stuff was not ready why did the classes start?

Another day -soon I hope

Day 2 Census Training

2010-04-28T18:11:00.000-04:00

Well Census day is April 1,2010 -so wherever you were on that day is usually, where the Country want to count you.

Basically it is for how many representatives your State gets for the House of Representatives. I have seen NO INCOME questions -but lots of Race questions. it is exactly the same as the questionnaire most of us all filled out.

If you havent sent your form back yet -a Census taker will be out to your door. Anyone who has ever done a genealogy project and found your Great Grand parents in the Census books only to have lost them when the Census taker misspelled the name or the ancestors did not answer the questions -knows how important this information is to future family.

Day 2 was mostly about filling out and understanding the forms and questionnaire. All done by hand and door to door. It is a hugh undertaking. Our Crew is pretty sharp and the leader is good and funny but the material is Dull Dull Dullllllll. I can not wait for it to be over.

I am still pretty tired by the end of the day and today I broke down and bought a can of stale Diet Coke -to stay awake. We have 45 min. unpaid lunch time -I was driving home -but that means 15 min there and 15 min back and 15 min to make and eat lunch -not enough time -so I guess I will try to bring or buy lunch for the next two days. I am just not use to working a full day, and miss my nap in the afternoon. LOL.

We still dont know how much our case load will be. Once that is decided hopefully, I will be able to plan my part time day around Dr appointments, lunch, and ah.........naps?

Stay tuned....

My adventure as an Enumberator for the US Census

2010-04-27T18:48:00.000-04:00

I thought I would start keeping a diary of sorts for my new temporary job as a Census Enumerator. of course I will NOT give any identifiable personal information about the citizens I encounter.Hopefully it will go well.

It started circa 2008 with my Best Friend telling me I had to much time on my hands in retirement and I needed to do more. He suggested Dept. of Commerce and the Census in 2010, but I couldnt find out where to apply on the web site. Ok , so I didnt really look that hard. Forward to 2010 and my little post office. My Postmistress handed me a pamphlet and said you need to apply -this is perfect for you. It was about working for the 2010 Census, and a phone number to call to schedule the test. It also had a web site. So I called and got registered for the next test offered ,in my County. The web site had a sample test and test questions.

I was surprised I only needed two forms of ID and not fingerprints. I showed up /took the test -which had a couple of unusual questions -but of course appropriate for a future enumerator with the Department of the Census. Also I taken the self test online and it was excellent preparation for the test itself. Census employees that administered the test, also graded the tests by hand -right then -and anyone who wanted to, could stay for their grade. I left.

About a month later, I was called Did I still want the Job? and come to training. I said "Sure"/ wrote down the information and went to FL. for a week. I called when I got back to verify it was a real job offer. It was. A week later they called me to ask if I wanted to help them out with fingerprinting?. I said "Sure". So last Wednesday I was taught how to finger print the other newly hired enumerators. Dept of Commerce still uses ink on cards and sends them to the FBI. I am not kidding.

Let me get this straight -most everyone has converted to quick Digital finger imaging that link directly to FBI or upload to the Agency. People have been allowed to take the test and started in the system without their finger prints or clearance/ at least 25 people were sent to finger print training and paid to learn ink printing. No computers were issued or did the Census contract out the fingerprint job to a private company that uses computers and digital printing. Census sends all the ink prints by FedEX. Does any of this make fiscal sense? I am not in charge, I am not in charge.

Finger print class also got alot of administrative paperwork out of the way. So far teaching is reading out of the book. Actually for the length of time these crew leaders have been on the job (a week longer than I ) they are doing ok. It is boring and more time was spent on paper work than learning. it was very very disorganized. I was told today I need to have my prints done again because they can NOT find them . I am not kidding.

Today was the first day of Enumeration training. Held in a large room in the local Fire Company Hall.very very nice and much better than the fingerprint class; a small Sunday School Room in a Church. Who picks these training sites? Do they have to be free? Today's class was repetition of last Wednesday's class, but our Crew leader is much more organized so far -and funny. Of about 15 people scheduled for her crew only 9 showed up and said they were available. We did the fingerprinting at the end . It went well but took a while. Our crew consists of Two real young males -I dont know if they have voted yet. A few young women.. Five Young senior Women, I think three are retired. The Crew Leader is about 49 and not currently working but was /is in Real Estate related businesses.

Did you know ?

"Historic Snapshot of the Nation

The official U.S. Census is described in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution of the United States. It calls for an actual enumeration of the people every ten years, to be used for apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives among the states. The first official Census was conducted in 1790 under Thomas Jefferson, who was the Secretary of State. That census, taken by U.S. marshals on horseback, counted 3.9 million inhabitants. Since that time, the decennial Census has been conducted every ten years, generally on April 1 in years ending in a zero.

Besides providing the basis for congressional redistricting, Census data are used in many other ways. Since 1975, the Census Bureau has had responsibility to produce small-area population data needed to redraw state legislative and congressional districts. Other important uses of Census data include the distribution of funds for government programs such as Medicaid; planning the right locations for schools, roads, and other public facilities; helping real estate agents and potential residents learn about a neighborhood; and identifying trends over time that can help predict future needs. Most Census data are available for many levels of geography, including states, counties, cities and towns, ZIP codes, census tracts and blocks, and much more."

I am glad I took the job -it seems like a good crew and a HECK of an Adventure ! :)))))

Flight to Florida

2010-04-19T12:32:00.001-04:00

I recently went down to Florida for a week to visit my parents in Ft. Myers -it was my Mother;s 80th birthday. I also was able to visit with a retired snowbird friend from Penn State U, in Sarasota. It was a busy but nice visit.

I flew in a Southwest airline plane. It was nice but they offer no seat assignments. However, for $10.00 extra dollars each way, you can board after the wheelchair people and Kids between 6 and 12, that fly without their grownups. They wear these badges around their necks and usually have heavy back packs that fit under the seat filled with snacks and things to do. They dont need the leg room, their legs are short. So I was in the A boarding (or sort of first) #26 of 30. The first people have room in the overhead for their carry on luggage and a choice of seating. EVERYONE has carry-on luggage -so if you dont board early -space is tight. In fact, the last people to board had to take any available seat and had no idea where their luggage was stored. But they saved $10.00. If I ever fly SW again / they allow two check in bags at no additional cost/ I will try the small carry on and board last and save myself $10.00 -welllll maybe.:))))

I really lucked out -I like the aisle seat -so when I boarded about three rows were filled -except one with two kids. The aisle seat was free.I sat there and put my carry on above. Two ten year old girls -not related -were in the window and middle seats. They were delightful. Having just met each other , they included me in their adventure. Seasoned travelers they were in constant motion. One with enough energy to power the plan and non stop talking. The other was a bit younger and shy , but non the less delightful. We shared stories and pictures of our families and pets from our cell phones. They offered me snacks and stories of their lives. The more outgoing one informed us she was studying to be an actress -told us her full name and urged us to remember our meeting when she became famous. I shared my frog story with them . They were very quiet and then with deep regret told me that Walt Disney had already made the story. WHAT? I , being childless had no idea. They were quite curious, I had no children or pets? The shy girl also said that she writes and I should work on the length of my stories and make them longer! I am still smiling as I write this. Thank you GOD, these young American women were just delightful.

Having had such a wonderful experience on my flight down to FL. I was looking forward to the adventure home. Once again I boarded early. A15 this time. Behind me were two young girls flying together with no tags, A16 and A17 boarding order. On the Jet tube , I asked them if they wanted to go in front of me so they could sit together. Yes, they did take the window and middle seats , leaving the aisle for me. I admit it, I planned it. Once again I had wonderful seat mates. Cousins, ages 9 and 12. The 12 year old was in charge, Sorry, I think that is to young to be flying without the attendants looking out for them. They could not even see over the seats for the Oxygen demonstration. So little did I realize , as the adult on the seat row, I was responsible for helping them with their mask's , if need be, AFTER I put on mine. But, that was fine I was looking out for them already I had another wonderful experience into the lives of two young women. Again, we shared pictures from our cell phones and family information.

Warning to parents of children flying alone. I am a nice person, but these children had no -I mean NO FILTERS; when it came to telling me personal family information. I shutter to think if a NOT nice person sat next to them -what would have happened? I dont know if it was me or my attitude or because I spent my life's work interviewing people and finding out information -that put these children at ease -but I could not believe the information I was getting.

I dont know the solution but I am glad GOD put me in that aisle seat. I had a amazing flight experience and feel I helped protect the innocence of four young women -at least for a couple of hours.

Life is good.

A Frog Story

2010-03-20T21:05:00.002-04:00

Yesterday at 10:53pm

This was supposed to be a Homework assignment on 5 min. in your life that was significant. My mind was blank and It was a night the lent itself to scary stories so this is the story of a significant 5 minutes.

A Frog Story by R. L Simpson 03/20/20ten .

I was closing up the gym. Well I was locking up –everyone had gone at closing time –I locked the doors and decided to do my workout routine Legs and arms and stretches and cardio Though Lord knows I did enough cardio just cleaning the bathrooms. We moved from a small gym in a busy shopping center where we parked in front. To a new gym four times the size and 4 extra bathrooms and urinals –(urinals are just weird). Extra shower stalls with no privacy and lots and lots of gym equipment. It was a pain to clean.

Anyway we now park in the back by the entrance, hidden from the busy street in front. It is a big back parking lot, Storage Units on one side and little kids dance studio on the other side. Tall security lights on timers that echoed the hours the businesses were opened. Behind us was a swamp or ‘environmentally friendly drainage; and Frogs sung a very loud chorus every night. I loved their songs.

By the time I left the gym, it was so foggy I could not see my hands in front of me. Security Lights were off. In fact I did a Three Stooges Eye Poke and missed my one eye and hit the other eye, with the wrong finger. I winced and laughed. Mostly to hear noise because the frogs were quiet and it felt like what I would hope an enchanted evening would feel like. Magical. I couldn’t find my car so I pressed the lock on my keys and could hear the beep sound but could not see the lights. Great, I thought, this would be a fun drive home.

I literally bumped into the back of my car. The alarm sound had echoed off to my right, the car was to my left. I hand walked slowly, along the side of the car to my door, opened only the driver’s door and got in. I locked the doors and rolled up all the windows, before I started the car. As the engine started, I looked down at the odometer reading –it was 7777.7 . WOW how cool it that –LUCKY 7’s! maybe I will stop at the grocery store and buy a Lottery ticket because it is to far and foggy to go to Atlantic City tonight.

I backed the car out and drove slowly out of the lot. I should have realized something was wrong when I didn’t hear the first speed bump, but I was so excited about seeing all lucky 7’s . I never heard the second speed bump either and my car speed increased.

I must have done a little air over the end of the lot, because I realized I had gone the wrong way in the parking lot, as my all wheel drive SUV started to sink into the environmentally friendly deep drainage swamp..

OH man, I thought, How am I going to get myself out of this one. It was 2 hours after closing. I was not on the schedule to work for 2 weeks. I lived alone, no one would even start looking for me for days. Of all the times to forget my cell phone.

I looked up and there on the window of my closed Moon Roof is the biggest frog I have ever seen. He is not singing. He is however moving his mouth. “WOW , A talking frog”, I think to myself.
I still have engine power but the car is sinking fast, I open the moon roof.

The frog yells down. “R U Nuts? -Cars aren’t allowed in the swamp”. The frog has an Old English accent.

I yell back “I am dead, right?’

Frog says: “No Princess. but when you get the bill for this little wrong turn , your gonna wish you were.”

“What do I do?” Oh dear, I am asking a talking frog with an English accent what to do. And I started to cry. Now I NEVER cry –well mostly never and never in front of people> or ah> Frogs

" Ok Drama Queen –Is it my turn to talk now? My friends and I can help but it will cost you." says the Frog

"What?" said I.

Frog: (yelling louder) "IT WILL COST YOU"

The car has now sunk to the window tops. I should have tried to get out earlier. I need to close the moon roof or try to crawl out quick. The opening is small and I am large –but I have nothing to loose. I did have lucky 7’s.today, right? I unbuckle my seat belt and start to stand.

"You will never make it thru the swamp without my help" says the English frog.

"Ok so help me". (Am I still talking to a frog? Did I hit my head?)

"The cost for help will be a kiss." the Frog drools " Do you accept?"

"What?" I said stalling for divine intervention.

"It will cost you A Kiss". he repeats with smirkie frogness

"Oh ok" I say with defeat," but no tongue."

He drawls himself up; indignant and says:" I am an English Frog NOT a French Frog."

I Grimaced and stuck my head out the moon roof.
He LIED !
The Frog planted one sloppy tongue french Kiss on me.
Jeeze, My arms and legs and pocketbook were still in the car.

Apparently English frogs like tongue kisses like most Males.

POOF !

Well to make a long story short. : All frogs can talk if they want to, Frogs don’t have lucky numbers and some males have magical tongues,

AND

I hopped right out of that car and joined in the chorus.

I just love frog songs.

Wanda's Husband

2010-01-03T00:38:00.000-05:00

I belong to a Creative Writing Group -this was a recent story of growing old /the assignment was to write a story for AARP or an ageing population ;but it turned out a little depressing ........I never know until the end where a story will go:

He went into the hospital complaining of his toes. They hurt. They were turning black. The Doctors ordered a test. Results showed a funny blockage in his groin. It was causing the blood to flow somewhere other than his toes. So they operated. Guess what? The old man was really hurting and this did the trick –pink piggy toes. Everyone was Happy, especially his 85 year old wife. His long suffering wife to this brilliant, devout Episcopalian, cruel alcoholic, mentally abusive misogynist.

But in his good days –ah those good days –he was deserving of God’s Grace and Wanda’s love.

Two weeks later he is taken back to the hospital in pain. They do another procedure thru the femoral artery to see if another blockage has occurred or can they widen his 85 year old veins to help the blood flow. Nothing was accomplished. They sent him home. Unfortunately, he was hallucinating and it wasn’t the confusion of the anesthesia. It was a weird reaction to the pain medicine. His 85 year old wife was not able to talk with the Doctor since he was released to his #2 son. Getting him into the house he collapsed on the #2 son and cut his finger. #3 son finally arrives. Together get him into the house. It was chaos and bloody.

In the middle of the night he is awake on the phone with a telephone supervisor trying to get her to tell him where these people are holding him, he doesn’t know his bride and calls her the ‘face’. She calls the #2 son in the middle of the night and he drives the 20 min. back to their house. He talks sweet to him and gets some calm response. But the ‘face’ can no longer be within his sight. #3 son takes the next shift and reads out loud from a condensed story. The old man dozes. They have to watch him –two days and he is still hallucinating. They get him to use the urinal. He puts in his finger and pees on the floor. The old woman will have to clean it up but maybe she can finally get rid of the rug in that room. She laughs.

The discharge, follow up nurse calls from the hospital to see how he is doing. The old woman tells her and the nurse says; oh he must be having a reaction you should have brought him back. The old woman screams inside her head –Why did you send him home so soon?. The nurse continues to talk; this doesn’t happen with same day procedures. The old woman is tired. Her sons have heard the verbal abuse he has heaped on her for years and are in denial, blaming the vitriol tirade on the medicine. #1 son calls and the old Lady asked him to take turns with his brothers.

On a long distance phone call to the daughter of her heart, the old Lady says she is grateful to her sons The old man actually was able to use the walker to get to the bathroom –but his grown grandchildren, trying to help, got marching orders to leave him alone. I wonder if they are even thinking of leaving her alone with the old man. I worry. I tell her to make sure she sleeps with a knife under her pillow and call 911 if she needs help. He is still so strong and violent when he is not in control of himself and the world. She says she knows he hates her and maybe never EVER Loved her. I tell her NO –he did Love you –but he is tripping and sick.

I wonder how this will all end.

So many grandchildren and great grandchildren the three sons have given the family. Does anyone just hold her? Is this what a lifetime of love mixed with abuse looks like? She cant remember the good times anymore. She just want to take her Prozac and tune him out. I want to rescue her , but she will not leave him. For better or worse ; In sickness or in Health.

Their generation really take those words to heart.

Because in his good days –ah his good days –He is deserving of Wanda’s Grace and God’s Love.......... and .......I guess, mine too.

My Bucket List and Random Life: Christmas 2009 and the Missing Ring

2009-12-30T18:24:00.000-05:00

My Bucket List and Random Life: Christmas 2009 and the Missing Ring

Christmas 2009 and the Missing Ring

2009-12-30T16:41:00.004-05:00

I had a wonderful Christmas with the family. Didnt make Church with my brother -I am bummed about that -but I will make it soon -just wanted to hear the Christmas Carole's. We spent Christmas day with the family at my brothers home -and My sister in law cooked a wonderful dinner for her family and ours . It is a nice blend of people. After sinner we all sing Christmas Songs and take the annual picture. My niece from Texas was in for the Holiday -her boy friend couldn't come due to work but her cousin's boyfriend came for the first year. We like him.

The following day we had our family over for the gift exchange. This year mother and I made a turkey ahead of time and served cold Turkey sandwiches. I also had hot gravy if anyone wanted hot turkey sandwiches. Dad and I cut up apples and grapes and raisins with walnuts and fat free Mayo -for a delicous Waldorf salad. It was perfect. But no pictures that night.

Over the holidays I got to visit with a friend for Penn State that lives in the area. We went to lunch at Quotations in Media Pa. I really liked it and I like Media. I think when I sell my house in
a few years and move back to PA, I will try for an apartment over one of the stores in Media. I wonder if the trolleys still run ? The tracks are still there and the Train still runs into Philly with connecting access to almost anywhere.

I also got to have a cup of tea with a HS friend and her husband and talk about everything and nothing. I miss my old friends -alot still live in the area.

I just got home to my house and when I called to tell my parents I was home -My Mother greeted me with "I found my wedding ring". She lost it about three months ago -right before they flew to Florida -if fact almost missed the plane searing for it in their home. NOW -while emptying the trash can -she heard something in the bottom of the can -when she pulled up the little bag can liner - THERE IT WAS. YEA -she was so upset and now she is very Happy.

Thank you God and St Anthony and everyone that made this another wonderful Christmas!

Pics:
1/3/ Rachel (22) and Heather(24) Christmas pictures

2/ Family Picture 2009 -

FR- Robin S (me) Parents Tom n Jerry S/ Mary and Joe C (karen's parents)/

BR- Deb n Barry M (my sister) Rachel S/ Craig n Jesse T (karens niece)/ Karen and Tom (brother and sister in law) Heather/ Tyler T (karens nephew) Denise n Don T (karens sister)

A Cheap Posting of my Christmas letter 2009

2009-12-14T01:17:00.017-05:00

Merry Christmas 2009 and Happy New Year 2010 To Everyone :))))

This year has gone by so quickly –I have been retired 2 ½ years now and it seems like yesterday. I still am able to meet up with friends for lunch and occasional dinner out as often as the budget allows. I try to make the early matinee at the local movie theater –which only charges $5.00 for that show. Getting little things done around the house as I have the money –by a neighbor that is doing odd jobs. It works out well for me. I am doing ok –last stress test went very well –It has now been a year (Nov 2008) since my last 3 heart stents were added to the 4 from the heart attack visit. Knock on wood. Still belly dancing at my gym. Had my required colonoscopy and endoscopy –(friend Annie helped me out) and all is well. It was not a fun time. Still clearing out my house of stuff –yes it is going slow –and yes I am trying to clean as I go –smile. Not writing as much as I would like but blogging and of course Face Book and a book group at the CM county Library. I am forcing myself to read ‘good’ books –I dislike more than I like. But Mother is also reading them with me and that is nice.

My 40^th H.S. (Sun Valley) was a blast in August. I was feeling fine and danced (yes oldfriends were SHOCKED) all night long. Carol Cross-Todd and I went together (her husband declined to go this time) shared a room and had a blast kissing and hugging everyone and trying to remember all the OLD people. I can NOT be this old. Marian Sell-Lord kept dancing past and asking me who was I? And what did I do with Robin, who never dances? LOL Thank you Belly Dancing and Angelina!

Went on some day trips to Ellis Island and NYC ground zero and Hudson River Fall Foliage boat. Two trips. My niece Rachel went with me on the Ellis Island trip and I met up with Rach and her mother Karen for the second trip. I think we all had a nice ime.

Rachel graduated from Delaware Valley College in June and was able to fine a job with Cigna Insurance Co. (business major). She is also doing critical care pet sitting (diabetic shots /pills etc) and working at the Pet groomers.

Heather and her partner (I don’t know what to call him –he aint no boy and man-friend sounds to casual) anyway Heather and Ryan bought a house!!! in Magnolia, TX. It looks beautiful from the pics –I still haven’t seen it. Soon!

Tom and Karen are well. Tom will be Master of his Masonic Lodge in 2010 and is hoping to see Heather’s house soon. Yea, She will be home for CHRISTMAS- xoxoxoxo.

Mother and Dad are home from FL for the month. We lost her older brother, Jack Hampton, in the spring. It was sad but we celebrated his life.

Diane, Uncle Jack’s wife, is very ill and dying. I think she cant wait to dance with him again in Heaven. They were/are so strong in their faith.

My first girl cousins are getting together at every possible opportunity. They are all such strong and wonderful women. I am so blessed.

Deb and Barry went to Argentina to see his daughter, Kate and for Deb to meet Kate’s partner, Daniel for the first time. The trip was to short but they all had a good time. Barry was able to get to FL a couple of times in 2009 and help my parents with the house down there. Thank-you, Barry.

The best news is my dear little friend Kylie (who came for visits when my good friend, her mother Patty, lived with me for a short while) is now all grown and a MOM.

Oliver Timothy Listwan-Bush was born in October and I got to hold him when he was a week old.

sweet .

God Bless Y’all /love robin

We are not amused.

2009-10-25T17:24:00.003-04:00

I am e-mailing my Sister to ask if she can drive the 2 hours down to my house.

" Can you come down after work on Nov xx? and stay over Friday the xxth? Bring ur keys. I have been researching -Colonoscopy-Endoscopy for a Diabetic/Hypertensive/Heart Attack survivor with 7 stents; and I am finding nothing on point -but lots of people say -you wll be out of it that day and maybe the next -so????? could you come down? i am not asking you to take off Thurs the xxth -I supposedly have arranged transportation . The Hospital will pick me up and return me to my house, on the xxth Thurs -so that is covered.

Oh YES I am freaking out

No popcorn 2 weeks be 4 (that means HALLOWEEEN :(((( )-I have to buy lots of clear liquid drinks --NO dark red or Purple -and it has to be w sugar -since I will not have any.

No Plavix or asprin 7 days before (sO THAT MEANS THE xTH OF NOV !!!!)

Something about diuretics and the RX prep pills -so i need to call the DR. AGAIN

Oh if they werent sure what sedative to give me =they will be after my first hundred calls

Just light foods after the xth -can i be in this house and not eat for 2 days? Plain noodles/chicken/turkey/ WHITE BREAD/ fat free stuff is ok / but no milk?in my tea? and i am craving lettuce -

I am a little stressed -they should offer Valium before the test.

Like a month before?"

If I dont make it -I am an organ donor and tell the med student that I still have my appendix -How cool is that in a 58 year old woman? -It should make up for the missing womb. :0

The only part I am looking forward to is...........the part that comes out after the procedure is finished and the body expels all that compressed air - Flatulence without smell -what a HOOT -I hope I remember that!

Attitude is everything -oh and a bathroom to yourself.

Helen Rothenberger Hampton's Granddaughters

2009-10-06T21:57:00.012-04:00

I spent this weekend with my girl cousins.

see Photo ; Deb (my sister) Laura (in red) Connie (Laura's sister) Toni (in brown). Kelly (Toni's sister) and me

My Mothers' parents had four children. Two boys and two girls. 11 grandchildren -six of which are girls -and each girl has a sister. Our cousin Connie lives on the West Coast -but she is here helping with her dying mother, my mother's sister in law.

It is very sad but she is strong in her faith and has accepted her time here is short. My Uncle died this past Spring and I know he is waiting to dance with her again -like most couples of that generation. they loved to dance. At the party for their 50th wedding anniversary -I cried when they danced to their favorite song. So when we decided to have a girl cousin get together with Connie -we went to see Aunt Diane also.

It was a Kleenex weekend.

At one point we all gathered in her bedroom, on the bed and in chairs pulled in and she told us about how Uncle Jack asked her to marry him and meeting Our grandparents for the first time. We laughed with her and then left, when it was time for her nap. Later that day we went thru family reunion pictures , I had brought with me. I know we exhausted her, but she was so gracious to us.

Connie and Laura. arranged for a friend to come to the house and visit , while we all went out for a girl cousin dinner (Aunt Jerry, our mother, gave my sister, Deb and I money for the trip so we used it to treat all of us to dinner -with love from Aunt Jerry -it was a lovely surprise).

Then we all went back to Aunt Dianes home -where Connie is staying -and visited and laughed and mostly cried. Kelly and Toni lost their parents first and are a wonderful source of support , both practical and emotional. Deb and I can offer love and support anyway way needed. These women -all younger than I -are so courageous. they humble me. I am so proud of them and to be part of our family. My NaNa, would like her granddaughters, we are good, strong women.

I dont know what Deb thinks -but I am overwhelmed with the thoughts of my parents entering this stage in their life. When I came home I tried to talk about it -but they both changed the subject. I dont even know where the will is or who the lawyer is !

All of my Aunts and Uncles prepared their children for all the details and Uncle Dick even had his funeral home picked and had Thank you cards printed , to be sent after he died -It was a picture of an outhouse on the front and on the inside it said "When you Gotta Go -YOU Gotta GO !" ; he even signed mine! Jeeze..... I burst out laughing -my sister in law was very upset and cried.

Today my parents left to Fly down to Florida for the season -they will be back for Christmas -then fly back. But my Mother lost her wedding ring, She has lost weight and apparently it slipped off. She noticed it when she was putting cold cream on her hands but doesnt know when or where she lost it. SHE WAS VERY UPSET. A 59 year old , original gold band -she never wanted replaced. I hope St Anthony will help me find it while they are gone.

Life is funny.

One woman is saying goodbye , her wedding band still on her finger for however long God grants her life and then, in death, to dance with her husband again.

The other woman ,so very upset, knowing that unless she finds her missing ring, for the rest of her life she will miss that band of gold, from a man she can still hold.

I love them ALL..

Baby Shower

2009-09-16T14:37:00.009-04:00

I am going to a Baby Shower on Saturday (actually it was Sunday - yes I went on the wrong day and then on the right day -I had a good time both days -Jeeze)

The shower is not a surprise. It is being given by a friend that use to be a neighbor- for her daughter. One of the requests on the invitation -was to bring YOUR favorite Baby Book for the wishing well -what a neat idea.

My favorite Book was 'The Little Mailman of Bayberry Lane". It is the story of a Chipmunk mailman -who identified a problem on his route with one of the residents. Initiated a plan and followed thru to the solution. Thereby effectively eliminating the problem to the satisfaction of all the residents.

Also it is a good story by Ian Munn and wonderful illustrations by Elizabeth Webb. Copyrighted by Rand McNally & Company MCMLII / 1952 . Ah, already you see the problem -It is out of print. I can not find my copy -sooooo I did the next best thing...........................

I searched on E-Bay and found one -well two and a Book with four stories which included my favorite. They were the ONLY ones on EBay -57 years later. I later found more on Amazon. My best friend is 38 -and he never even HEARD of this wonderful book. I was taking no chances. I ordered them all! The first one to come, was from the Goodwill of Bridgeport, CT.

I love this young woman having the baby shower -but I just got the one from Connecticut.

I dont want to give it away.

I held the brittle 57 year old book -with the name of some unknown little girl in the front -and gently read the words of this wonderful story of my youth. The colors in the illustrations are still rich and I can smell the Bayberry Candle made by Mrs Goose and taste the apple tart and lemon cakes made by Mrs.Pig.

How can I give this wonderful book to a little boy yet to be born? A rough and tumble little boy made of snails and puppy dog tails. Who will belong to a generation that may not even know what a mailman is or that yellow letters in yellow envelopes mean good news?

How can I not.

And so -I took it to Staples and had the brittle 56 year old pages laminated and then had them fastened with a spiral binding.

It will last until the he has his own Grand children -now THAT is a worthy present for the first baby of a dear girl, I have loved since she was 6 months old.

A Serendipitious Day With Rachel

2009-09-14T22:34:00.018-04:00

My 60th Blog Post =Whew -I can not believe it -Just a little muse to practice my writing -well :))

Last Saturday I went on a trip thru Boscov's Travel Center and Atlantic Cape Community College. I planned to go alone -I had put out the word to various friends that always ask what i am doing next. I have time and interest -but little disposal money -so i really search for fun cheap and maybe ever free stuff to do. It is difficult to find free stuff -which is why i guess i spend so much time on the computer. It is my library/encyclopedia/ communicator and just neat almost free thing to do.

But no one was able to go -so I signed up solo.

The day bus trip was sold as: " -trace the path of our immigrant ancestors at Ellis island and take the Ferry back to Battery park for a guided tour of Lower Manhattan -including Battery Park, the Winter Garden, Wall street. Ground Zero, St Paul's Chapel and more. Dinner on our own at South Street Seaport." $89.00

I thought -like most of the 42 people on the bus that we would spend the day on Ellis Island and maybe take the ferry back to Liberty Island then back to Battery Park where the bus would drive us around for an hour with a local guide on the Microphone and then an hour or so for dinner. Having billed the trip as Ellis Island -we would spend most of the day there. Or so I thought.

Wrong- after the money was paid -about a week before the trip; the itinerary came out and the majority of the time was going to be spent on the four hours tour of lower Manhattan. :(( Bottom line -we got two really unusual tours and not sufficient time for the reason I bought the tour -Ellis Island!!

I could have spent 1 1/2 hours touring lower Manhattan and things relating to 9-11 . But that was all ; especially the day after the national coverage of the 8th anniversary. I would have liked to have spent all day at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Oh well.......

The best part was that my niece, Rachel (22 ),-decided she wanted to go on the trip with me! She graduated from college this year and has a job and a pay check and decided to spend the weekend with me. I am so blessed.

She lives in Pennsylvania, so she drove the almost 2 hours EAST and stayed with me Friday night and Saturday after we got home exhausted. We left my house at 5:30AM and drove to the Shore Mall around 6:15am -encountered no traffic -so we were on time) Rachel was up at 4:00 to shower and my alarm did not go off -but my back up cell phone alarm woke me at 4:30 -I showered the night before and had gotten everything together -sort of -I had about 4 hours of sleep -maybe :)) Rachel kept me on schedule. :))

I had a wing woman!!! to travel with -it was nice -Rachel is a very positive -upbeat friendly person -who likes to sit by the window (I like the the isle) is up for anything (the NYC tour guide had us walking Lower Manhattan in the rainy misty day and most of the people elected to stay on the bus -I had the wrong shoes on but Rachel had worn puddle splashing boots -so she splashed all ove NYC :)) and dear sweet Rachel -controlled me very well -'NO Aunt Robin we can NOT go off on our own and meet the bus -we dont know New York and there are lots of big white buses". Alone i would have stayed on Ellis and met up with the bus at Fulton Street. wherever that was compared to wherever I was. yea right.

It was awful when I missed the ferry from Skye back to the mainland of Scotland. The tour had to wait for me. It was unintended , I believe, but the tour guide had messed up and instead of a half day on Skye (as planned) we only had an hour. I was really upset -still makes me angry when I think about it. I think I may have to go back to Scotland.

Rachel and I had a nice dinner at Pier 17 (South Street Seaport)-third floor food court -Craepes (yes with an 'a') -I had a ham and cheese / Rachels was sweet spmething. I had never had one -it was good.

In fact the whole trip was good -not what I had expected -but good.

My next trip I really am solo -same tour group -up to Hudson River to see the fall Foliage. I still have no itinerary. But our tour guide did and apparently we will be seeing West Point and a Winery. I will pass on the Winery. So another adventure in travel. LOL Rachel and her mother may join me on the Hudson -because Boscov Travel centers are ALL offering the same trip on the same day and Karen called and they said we all meet up on one boat. LOL sure ............an adventure in the making!

Would I like to go back to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty Island ?-YES YES IN a heart beat. I really enjoyed it but missed a whole exhibit -the new wall and walking outside. Inside the walls are hung with hugh blow up pictures of some of the immigrants. I cried when the audio tape had the people tell their stories in their own words. There was so much I didnt get to see and read and research I never even started.

If you go and you should (but not with little Kids) www.nps.gov/stli or call 1-212363-3200 for info and hours.
Access is only by Ferry and security like the airport is before you board.

Go back to NYC ?-no. Ground Zero and the horrible destruction we saw from all the media coverage -was somber. So maybe when the memorial is completed ?-no -Manhattan is still a dirty, crowded city. I have other places to go....................

-except maybe..... a Broadway Show again (Mama Mia?) when Patty M. took me for my Birthday (Mary Poppins) one year and we found that neat third floor walk up Indian place that did waxing and henna tattoos and THREADED eyebrows - ok I would go back to have my eyebrow's done again and a show.

Oh and Lunch at Sardi's -yep -Rachel would love that :))

Catch Up

2009-08-26T15:07:00.007-04:00

I have written this blog at least twice -but each time have erased it by accident and then the auto save -saves a blank page.

It may have something to do with the fake gel nails I have on my fingers -for my HS reunion. Smile. They are very awkward and weird -but i love how my huge hands look so graceful, feminine and sexy. It makes me feel that way also. Maybe i will just have to find the money to treat myself with nails and a pedicure -more than every two years. I am not complaining -i am very blessed in my retirement -I am just still getting use to a budget. I could go onto EBay I guess and sell all the stuff I am taking to the ARC Thrift shop -but once the decision is made to donate it and put it into the bag -I have to get it out of the house FAST. So far more than 100 bags and only two regrets:
1/a double mattress pad and 2/ a set of twin bed sheets. Of course I am almost ready to go thru the house again. Ok so maybe this time -it will be EBay.

The reunion on Aug 14 and 15. was incrdible. From the Friday night Icebreaker to the actual reunion at the Corcordville Inn, Rt 1, Delaware County Pa. Our class was 312 and about 98 classmate and 15 others came on Saturday. I danced -for the first time at ANY reunion -all night. ( Marian kept coming up and dancing and saying -'Who are you and what did you do with Robin -she never dances?" LOL) Didnt get to talk much -but I had a wonderful time. My friend Carol and I split a room at the Hotel -her husband did not want to come this year -and it was one of the best ideas we had. Carol and I were asked to help with the crowd flow while everyone was registering, So we were able to meet and greet everyone first. It was so much FUN.

Later everyone is posting candids on Facebook -What a HOOT. I really like these people. Not many of them live in the area. But when I move back in three years -It will be ok. I feel closer to those classmates after 40 years and most people I have met since =with the exception of a very few.

I have to work on that.

Pizza on the Boardwalk with a friend

2009-08-03T17:35:00.010-04:00

I had a lovely visit with a girlfriend I have known since -well maybe 5th or 7th grade; this weekend. I thought I had met her in 6th grade -but during our weekend reminiscences, she said we went to different schools in 6th grade-but same school district. We starting counting -we must have been at least 9 -six grade classes over four elementary schools . The following year we all met in a brand new Jr. High School (the first for our district). I wonder how many 1951 babies were in that 7th grade?

Our 40th HS reunion is in two weeks and I had gotten out all my year books out and Memory Books for past years. Marian is very excited, as am I. But I only met these classmates in 7th grade. I went to a different school, in a different state, until the middle of 5th grade. Consequently, I never met most of their parents -but my friend knew parents and siblings. I often wonder if my sister -who grew up from age 3 in this town- knew parents and siblings of her classmates?

I picked her up on Friday night at the Cape May Ferry from Lewes DE -I allowed for a good hour to get down to the cape of New Jersey. It was summer and lots of tourists were on the Parkway/Rt 47 and Rt 9- the only three ways thru Cape May County. I live at Exit 17 -It took an hour to go about 20 miles on the Parkway. From Cape May we went to Seaville and Dino's Diner for dinner :))

A quick stop at the ACME grocery store and home. She had been on the Ferry that encountered a storm while crossing the Delaware Bay. The boat was rockin! At home, we put on our jammies and just talked. We havent really visited in 8 years. She was with a nice man that loves to travel on his motorcycle, and she went on the back. But they recently are taking some breathing room. I am happy she was able to visit.

Saturday we went to Avalon. I went to my writers group at the Library and she walked Avalon. We met back at the Library and went out to lunch at the Puddgy Pelician -not impressed. But the company was good. Nothing like going out to lunch with five creative writers -who love to talk and tell stories!

Sat night we went to Ocean City ,NJ -parked at Jelly's at 12th st for $15.00 (the cheapest lot we found) Mack and Manko for the best THIN PIZZZA at the shore and walked the boards -well shopped just a little. I was looking for a pocketbook -nothing- and ended up with crystal bracelets. It was a little stinky -a lot of musscles had died and come in on the tide and the wind was blowing from the beach -soooo. Whew stinky.

Away from the smell, but still on the boards , we decided to stop and sit on an empty bench. Unusually , the boards were REALLY crowded this first Saturday of August. But as we sat down , about 10 teen age boys also claimed the long bench. They started sitting on the rails and back of the bench -facing out looking at the people (girls) ; the bench was long enough for all of us.

Me , being me, of course spoke to them. 'You can only share our bench if you are not rude and watch your language". SURPRISE, they LISTENED to me! One boy was saying something about a 'bitch' and the others reminded him. Marian and I smiled to ourselves. Then they were describing the young girls that walked by them as: "totally you could do her" or just "Hi" what are you doing out tonight?' in a more respectful tone. When Marian and I were ready to move -I asked the young men if i could take a picture of them for my blog. I told them to cover their faces if for any reasons they didnt want their faces shown. One young man said he wasnt comfortable with having his picture taken by a stranger and moved out of the picture. He was the 'ring-leader' for lack of a better word. So I had wanted him in the shot. But you know, I was really proud of him for listening to his little voice. That is what we teach our children to do to help keep them safe. Sad but necessary. The parents of these young men should be proud.

The next day, I cooked scranbled eggs -and did not burn them! Drove Marian down to the Ferry and then drove home on a Sunday afternoon -in all the traffic and a rain storm -It took
1 1/2 hours ,bumper to bumper, on RT 47.

She was almost across on the Ferry by the time I made it home and when we spoke -she said it was another stormy, rolling boat ride!

I am glad my friend came to visit -but she is a chain smoker, that wants to quit and we spoke of getting healthy and loosing weight.

She has always been a walker and somehow got off track these last few years. Maybe during this time out with her man -she will change up her life to where she wants and needs it to be. I hope so.

I love my friends and want them to take care of themselves. I had a nice visit.

Designer Travel Wipes by Dirty Work Diva

2009-07-18T14:45:00.007-04:00

In todays diffficult ecomomy -I admire creative ways to earn income. With American Inginuity my friend Kylie started her own unique business. She somehow takes those ugly but necessary baby wipe cases and creates a designer travel container for Diaper bags. They are also used in bathrooms and being only about 5 or 6 inches long -in Ladies pocketbooks. And we all know what it is like to dig for tissues when the toilet paper roll is empty in the public bathroom. One for the seat/one for you/and one for your hands -because you know a bathroom without TP has no soap for your hands!

I have given them to my nieces ( a leopard print and a college print) and new moms ( baby animals and lady bug designs) and my Godmother (also a leopard design that matches her black and white bathroom)

If you are interested email Kylie:

dirtyworkdiva@yahoo.com

(Her site with all the fabric pictures is undergoing a transformation but it is www.dirtyworkdiva.esty.com)

I am not putting the price here -they were gifts after all -but for $100.00 you could get 5 unique gifts for Christmas /House Warming or A Baby Shower. The Thank you notes (yes it is STILL correct and Polite to send a Thank You Note) all specifically mentioned the designer boxes -and loved the unusual and unique gift. You go Kylie! Good Job!

Christmas Burglary

2009-07-17T16:10:00.004-04:00

The neighborhood man that broke into my house and robbed me over Christmas has just pled guilty- third degree burglary. He will be sentenced Aug 28th, but apparently he has already agreed to a plea agreement. I have called the Victim advocate to find out what that was. Is he going to jail? Will he ever pay restitution? I know his wife divorced him and moved out of State with the son. The for sale sign is down. But?

Just got a call from the Victims Advocate:

Sentencing is at the courts discretion -the Prosecutor wants five years -but I don't agree that jail time, in this case, is right for a looser that is not an animal & he has been there before and it didn't help. I want my out of pocket money back. - but punishment? Do I want to step in this word , and write a Pre-sentence consideration letter or do I trust the wisdom of the Judge? How important is the Victim?

Before I write the letter I would like to know if he ever broke into my house -prior to this time? Did he ever steal from me before? But really, would this change my mind. Isnt what I feel about jail based on something more than my anger at him for violating my home?

I just do not know what to do -I am flaming idiot -He is a fuc*ing Loser and I am stressing over the right thing to do !

HS Reunion and Life

2009-07-16T12:52:00.003-04:00

My horoscope says not to put anything into writing today. Hello -Impossible.

My parents just came down for a visit in their new /used car . They didnt feel safe driving the 2 hours to my house in the old car. So they had not visited in 5 years. It was nice. We went to a nice old lady clothes shop in North Cape May that is going out of business -Mother got a couple of nice outfits. Come to find out she has the same store right up the road from her house.

Then we went to the ferry and watched the ship load cars and two, tour bus walk ons ; full of people (6pm was the last Ferry to DE that day.) The clothes that we had just seen were repeated on about 20 women boarding the FERRY. Yes, apparently DE outlets have a Bon Worth store also. They all looked lovely in thier matching pants and tops with Lighthouse designs and bunnies and flowers.

Then we went out to dinner at Dad's favorite resturant down here Dino's. smile Mother said they will be back to visit and she will pick a SEAFOOD resturant! Lobster House ? smile I would like to go to Habour View sit on the deck at watch the boat across from the Coast Guard Base in Cape May. so we will see.

I had my first appointment with the Gastroenterologist -I expected an ass exam but he only listened to my belly and talked to me -good thing I was very nervous. When he asked when my last colonoscomy was and I said never. He scheduled it along with my endoscopy for the real reason I went -the reflux. So I walked out in a daze and scheduled the test the day before the above High School reunion. When reality settled in my brain -I rescheduled for the next available appt. Hello I dont want any residual problems at my HS Reunion!

Turns out he preferres operating in the new Surgical Center -but they only have transportation pickup and delivery available to people who bring someone with them. I could go by my self but they would not drive me home unless someone would sign for me? But the Hospital (where he only goes once ever three months) has transportation that picks and drops you off -all by yourself. Next available appt was November. That works -smile.

This DO is so cute /with blue eyes and a firm handshake . At first I almost thought his handshake was hurtful -to much strength -which would have made me look for another doctor right away. Men/women who want to hurt with their handshake and establish dominance -are playing a whole other game -that I just will NOT tolerate. But when I shook his hand at the end of the visit -I excerted a little hand pressure back -and his handshake was the same /no competition/ just a handshake. Ok, so I guess I will allow this Dr to put his hand up my ass.

I just sat down to write this blog and watch my Soap -Day of Our Lives =and my one working converter box -is attached to a TV that now has no sound . I guess this means a new TV -and soon. This morning I dropped the replacement bathroom fan , that I was showing my dad, in my marbel sink and chipped the sink. Tomarrow the pest control people are coming to give me an estimate (treament was in 1988 and inspection was in 2004. It is time.

Stay Tuned for more updates!

A Beautiful Day at the Shore

2009-07-02T19:47:00.009-04:00

It was a beautiful summer day at the shore.

My best friend's first niece was just born on the 30th of June and is doing well after a day in natal intensive care to help her with her breathing. 6lbs 2oz & 18 inches long. Welcome to this wonderful world Molly Ann ! I have been praying extra hard for this little one.

My PSU roommate, Bonnie and husband Paul rode their bikes on to the Lewis to Cape May Ferry (over the Delaware River) -brought two friends (Denny and Claudia) approx the same age as we all are, and we all met up in Cape May, at the Bandstand. Parking is now metered and $1.00 per hour for max three hours at a shot. The meters accept credit cards. Sweet. Everyone threw their helmets and backpacks in my car and off we went. We had a nice lunch at the Ugly Mug on Washington Street Mall and then trolled for a free sample of fudge and toffee popcorn (yes I cheated )-being given away on the Mall.

Bonnie and Claudia had never been to Cape May and want to come back. They compared it to other places in the world. I could only add -it was similar to Key West. But surprise, Bonnie had bever been there either. I would go again, if she wanted to drive thru the Keys. But I do not think I want to do the speed boat ride from Ft Myers again -once was enough.

We loaded Bonnie's bike into my SUV (I really like my Honda CRV-ex) I was going to drive her back to the ferry while the other three rode. Bonnie's bike was a no speed -what we call a beach cruiser -they all had those fancy multi speed bikes. Bonnie was having knee problems -they were seasoned bikers. NOT fair.

We stopped at the Lemon Tree and got a Philly Italian Water Ice (Mango) well Bonnie did -they didnt have any sugar free for me-they gave her a sample spoon and she said it was really good. She bought it and It was so much -she split it into two cups and ate her cup there, and we got spoons and napkins for the others and then drove to the ferry to wait for them. They also liked it! It takes about 30 minutes or less to bike ride from West Cape May -Seashore Road- to the Ferry. I am glad we had a little special time to talk. I really miss old friends. Bonnie is also downsizing and ready to sell her house in a couple of years -so compareing notes is helpful.

The Ferry ( www.CMLF.com) was starting to get crowded ; motorcycles, cars and Motorhomes and walk on people waiting to board , today i even saw a cab!-While we were talking to one of the ticket Ladies -she said the Garden State Parkway was , well a Parking lot (that darn light in Middle Twp) and people were calling to say they were worried about making the last Ferry (which today was 6 pm) , YIKES ! -what would they do? , asked Bonnie. The answer -Drive around -which means =up to the closest bridge over the Delaware River - which is approx 2hours North and West -the Delaware Memorial Bridge over to Wilmington, De. It is a two lane road and if traffic is going the speed limit -it could be three hours or more. Not a pleasant trip -but it will save you big bucks. The Ferry aint cheap. As much as $42.25 for the car and driver one way at Peak times. Bikes and passengers are less and passangers with the shuttle,( to shop the Tanger outlets outside Rehoboth.) are $21.00 round trip.. It use to be a fun trip -but I havent done that since the fare was $8.00 -a long time ago. The ticket lady said they will not sell tickets after 1 pm to shoppers -not enough time. (smile) When I visit friends on that side, I usually stay over and then we shop!

As we waited for them to walk their bikes up the ramp a very cute Port Police held up a helmet from the bench we had been sitting on, I had been carring Bonnies' helmet -while they were gathering all their stuff -whoops- sorry Zi.

I stayed to wave goodbye and then took every back road I could find to get home -Hello? -I encountered no traffic on Rt 47 -sweet -I could have stayed in Rio Grande and shopped!!!

But wait , I just remembered, I dont shop to buy any longer -I am downsizing and retired. The pressure is off.

I may just buy a round trip walk on fare -the poor woman's cruise. A three hour round trip cruise (sing it Gilligan Island fans).

Now if I can stay out of the gift shop on board ship...................:))))

Shred Day in Dennis Township, NJ

2009-06-13T18:36:00.003-04:00

MARK THIS DAY _JUNE 13 -I took 6 Trash Bags full of 31 years of old checks /receipts and INCOME TAX returns to my towns free shredding DAY.

I retired two years ago from the Federal Government after 31 years, and well lets just say I had to keep all my tax returns and canceled checks and receipts while I worked there. Or, I was compulsive enough to make sure I had them.

Anyway, I got there about 10:15 am -and ONLY the two men running the program were there. Apparently, it had been quite busy with folks arriving before the 10am start so when I arrived =I pulled right in no waiting.

I had called the day before and spoke to Mr. Ryan , who was running the event, and he said get here early -when the truck is filled -we will turn people away. It was from 10am until 1pm. I had a Creative Writer's group from 10 to noon -should I go to shred day -after? He suggested NO. I talked it over with my best friend, who also suggested I be there when it started. I agreed. (Yes, I was late because I was on the computer.)

The truck was parked at the back of the lot across from Township Hall. Secure Shredding. I was asked to sign a clip board , name /my township address/number of bags to be shredded. The list had two other names (maybe not the first page?). The other two people had two bags each to be shredded. Amateurs. When I had said I really had no idea how many bags -I had just kept filling up the back of my car. He said; estimate the number of bags -So I guessed -SIX.

He pulled over a hugh rolling trash can =and I started to swing the heavy plastic bags -out of my CRV's back and empty the contents -less plastic bag- into the rolling can. 1-2-3-4-5-6 YEA I guessed right. AND, I had filled the HUGH can. I felt Very Proud of myself. He rolled it over to the side of the truck and said Goodbye.

NO ! wait!

I want to see my stuff shredded. I have such little thrills in my life. LOL and my brother in law said to make sure they shred it in front of me.

The hugh rolling can was shoved up under a shoot next to the side controls. A small viewer was above the controls. As i watched; the can and the contents were sucked up. The contents -31 years of my life -were shredded in about 10 seconds. One piece escaped -I dont know what it was -and a couple were still in the bottom -so -Back went the can to the shoot and what was left was re-sucked up and shredding again took place.

I asked the Twp employee, Clarence Ryan, when the next shredding would be -I have one more room to go through and I have burned out two shredders so far. He said that would depend on the township response and the budget. It cost $400.00 per hour for the shredder truck. WOW.

For me it was a lifesaver in a cleaning frenzy that was long overdue. But now what? He suggested -"a little at a time? call the township office and maybe they will shred it in the office for you." What a nice man.

Maybe they will or maybe not. But I am glad I was able to take advantage of the shredding truck -today.

I should write a thank you letter to my township-by e-mail, no sense wasting paper that would eventually need to be shredded.

It was a good day.

Monday I load the car up again -this time with stuff for the thrift shop.

Cleaning and shredding and Downsizing is fun -

now if I could just get rid of my excess weight that easily.

Company's coming I need to clean!

2009-06-05T10:35:00.004-04:00

I am cleaning out my guest room for a cousin that is coming to visit for a few days. truthfully, I told her not to come. She would be better off renting a hotel room. I know, rude. But my cousin loves me and said -"clean the room so i can walk to the bed and stop worrying about it." originally she was bringing her daughter and a friend -but the friend fell thru.

I really needed this -to get me moving. Retirement is so relaxing and I have gotten so lazy in the two years since i stopped working full time. It is really wonderful -but i am so unmotivated to clean out this house. So far I have found cash in a Christmas card from my parents/gotten 7 bags of shredding (all my old checks)/30 years of Income tax returns/At least that many bags of trash/ a sewing machine serger/gifts brought and never given because they were lost in the mess/a scanner/copier/fax modem/VCR movie camera/savings bonds/boxes of pictures and got rid of craft stuff I was really into at one time. I now know why I have no money. smile :)). I would gather up all the stuff off my kitchen table and throw it into a bag and toss it in the back room -when anyone came over -thinking I would go thru it later -I never did.

I also threw away years of Christmas cards I saved -except -what do you do with all the pictures people send with their cards? I have some pics that i would never even recognize -if i hadn't saved the envelopes with return addresses.

I would like to sell my house in two years. Maybe rent around the country -six months here and there. I always wanted to live on the west coast in Oregon. A storage unit near my brother for stuff I want in my old age but can not lug around the country. I know i will have to get rid of a lot then -but I am trying to reduce my clutter now.

i seriously think I may be doing it backwards. I should take out the stuff I want and then let the rag man (recycle guy?) go thru what is left and give me cash. It might be better in the long run. Less drama. But I never did anything the smart or easy way. :)) This way is sort of fun and very, very rewarding. I just found four scratch off lottery tickets in the Christmas cards. I will not scratch them off until I find out if they are still good!!!!!

The thrift shop of the ARC in Rio Grande -is the beneficiary of all my downsizing frenzy. I was spreading the stuff around. But i decided to concentrate on one shop.

It makes it easier -if i need to buy something back. :(((((((((((((

The Greatest Generation

2009-05-25T23:44:00.004-04:00

Happy Memorial day Veterans. Thank you all.

This weekend i stayed home and tried to get some more cleaning done. I did get the front windows cleaned inside and out and put the screens in. It took me all day. I was just so tired. Finished a book -and did not start a new one.

Spoke to family and got updates on my mother's brother, 83. He is very ill in the hospital. His children and grandchildren have all come in from their homes to support their mother and youngest sister. She and her family, still live in the hometown and have been wonderful thru out this whole illness. In fact, my cousin tells me, everyone has been so supportive. Especially their church friends. The family has lived in the same town for at over 40 years. Something to be said for small town USA. We are also worried for my aunt -who is fighting her stage four Ovarian cancer with chemo, every few of weeks. No fears of death, we are all strong in our faith. Just love for the family and saying goodbye.

I asked my mother ,79, if she wanted me to drive her up to see her brother and say good bye. My brother also offered to take off work and drive her up. My sister has no days off -or she would have offered also. But my mother said she wanted to remember her brother as she last saw him . I was a little shocked. She hadn't seen him since the memorial service for their youngest brother, Years ago. But it is her decision.

Their sister, age 85 June 3rd, does want to go up -but has broken her foot and is in a boot cast for four more weeks. She isnt driving anywhere -it is her right foot. She also cares for her husband, also 85.

Except for my Uncle's wife and my mother -all of them were WW II Vets. My Uncles the Army, my Dad and Aunt the Navy. My mother's dance school used to dance for the boys in VA hospitals. She said she still has nightmares about all the young boys so maimed from the war. I guess she can say goodbye -however she wants.

Their generation is pretty tough.

But so is mine.

Graduation Weekend!!!!

2009-05-21T23:03:00.004-04:00

I haven't written in a while -so say some fans(?) -but my life is , well -sort of boring. My cousin and her daughter are coming in June for three days -my house is a disaster -i have given fair warning and they still want to come and visit. Go figure.

My niece Rachel, graduated from college on Saturday, YEA. Delaware Valley College, Doylestown, Pa. I rode up with my brother and sister in law and after the graduation and informal reception (very nice finger food and beverages) WE proceeded to empty her dorm
room.

Well, actually, my sis in law and niece did and my brother carried boxes up and down the stairs. Her roommate , also a senior, was also moving out and her parents were there helping. It was way to crowed for me. I waited at the bottom of the steps -on door duty.

My brother had brought a dolly that folded into a cart. The first load he pushed. The next load I pushed -alone- it seemed difficult -but I kept pushing . Got to the parking lot curb and two of the layers of boxes fell off. Disgusted with my stupidity and weakness, I refused the help of college students standing around and loaded up the boxes back on the cart. I then proceeded to dump them again. This time the college males no longer listened to my refusals and reloaded the cart. By this time my brother came back to me -having loaded the boxes he carried in his car. He gave me the 'LOOK' only a male can give a female and said 'i thought i showed you how to lift the cart over the curb?".

He had , I thought i could do it better. I was wrong.

Then my niece told me :"Aunt Robin , maybe you better guard the car". I hadn't planned it , honest, Tom Sawyer. I really did want to help.

Later we went out to dinner. Niece , Heather , living in Texas, the grandparents and my sister and husband, hadn't been able to make the graduation, but, my sister, was able to join us for dinner -along with my brother's mother in law. I was starting to feel the pain in my lower back. Yep, I hurt my back. I don't know how my brother did all those stairs and carried all the boxes. He even helped carry, Rachel's roommates' heavy computer ,down to her dad's car.

What a good man is my brother.

He knows how to lft carts over curbs, too!

A nice weekend

2009-04-20T14:47:00.006-04:00

This weekend I traveled to my parents home 2 hrs West. They are still snow-birding in Florida. But I check on the ghost and remind the house it is still loved.

This was a special weekend, my first niece was home for 48 hours from Texas. She is maid of honor in a friends wedding this May and was here for the bridal shower. I was able to see her for about 2hrs on Saturday for dinner. It was NOT long enough but it was very gracious of her to include me in her busy time home. My sister was also with us. Then, because her car is in the shop, borrowed mine until Monday.

This worked out really well for all, because my second niece had her Choral Concert on Sunday. My brother and his wife picked me up at my parents and we all went to the concert except for first niece who had to catch her flight back to Texas. She is a second grade teacher. My sister, with my wheels , was able to take her to the airport. My brother usually does the honors, but this was his youngest daughter's last concert in College. She graduates on May 16th. I am glad we all were able to go.

After the concert . the four of us went out to dinner at a chain restaurant called Bertucci's. I didn't enjoy the food much but the conversation and my niece talking about her courses was perfect. Then we dropped her back at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, where she had a 7:30 study group meeting. She is very busy these last few weeks.

I had hoped to meet her new man friend, but he was not able to join us. He works for a zoo in the area, and gives outreach talks and lectures with his zoo animals. He also helps in raising some of the baby animals. I think he has a kangaroo now. He did have a baby bear. My second niece, who never met an animal she didn't want (and brought home lots of them -her favorite being snakes) seems to get along well this new zoo man. As long as she is happy. We talked a little bit about jobs and resumes. I would not like to be looking for a job in this economy.

I am sitting here in my parents home watching the rain and listening to Classical Music on their TV. It is weird I only get one local TV channel at home, but here they get over a hundred channels and nothing is really perking my interest, So I listen to music without commercials. Even the Sci Fi Channel is boring. Soon my sister will be here to get me and we will pick up her car. I will probably drive home tomorrow in the sun. I like the rain just not to drive in.

It was a nice visit but we all have our own lives now and it is time for me to go home.

Basket Weaving Workshop

2009-04-04T19:41:00.003-04:00

I had the best time today -I signed up for a Basket Weaving Workshop at the Cape May County Main Library. It cost $10.00 and was taught by an ex Coast Guard Laurie Schiffelbein. It was a six hour workshop and except for a 5 min bathroom break -we worked the entire time. The workshop had 10 people sign up but eight showed up. The eight finished baskets were all amazing. Mine was the best -:))

but I liked them all -each woman picked her own colors and size of splint to weave. Yellow and white/red white and blue and yellow/purple and white/red and white/green and light purple and yellow flooded the room. It was Easter and baskets were everywhere.

Those who know me, know I have lots of baskets -all kinds -but this is the first one I ever made myself from start to finish. I think the key is same day workshops. That way I am forced to finish and don't have time to get bored. I really like baskets -I would like to learn to make them from native South Jersey materials -these are made from imported bamboo from China. Suppliers are H.H. Perkins Co. in North Haven, Conn. The problem with native plants, is I have trouble identifying poison Ivy and Sumac -and man, am I allergic! The teacher Laurie -once offered a workshop with native plants -no one wanted to use them and she got -yep-poison Ivy reaction.

Laurie is holding another workshop at the end of the month -the 'advanced basket' she is teaching is a magazine basket with a U-handle. I have already checked it out and think I can adapt it while I am making it.

My new bike needs a basket.

A New Bike for Robin?

2009-04-02T22:25:00.006-04:00

I am checking this Craig's List Bike out tomorrow -I think it is just what I was looking for -but i have to see it in person.

Hey I buy my cars by myself and I am going to take it on the road by myself -I should be able to handle this, right?

RIGHT !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ah........................Any suggestions bike riders?

I haven't owned a bike or ridden one in 45 years!! Except at the gym and I don't think that counts? YIKES!

LOL, I know think helmet.

Katie's Most Excellent Blog

2009-04-02T14:06:00.005-04:00

My sisters' step-daughter, Katie, -writes a blog from Argentina -where she is currently living -it is very cool and she is also taking pictures -you would all enjoy it -so I thought I would share -http://seashellsandsunflowers.blogspot.com/

Oh the latest entry gives a recipe for Cheese Bread -(Gluten Free)- so if anyone makes it in the US near me -ah -Please save me one? I would love to try it .

I sort of gave all my baking stuff to the local thrift shop, in an attempt to force me to stop eating. Ha Ha

http://seashellsandsunflowers.blogspot.com/

US AIRLINES Flight to Ft Myers

2009-03-17T21:34:00.005-04:00

I am in Florida , again, visiting my snowbird parents,again, I don't know why, My sister decided to go to Florida to see our parents on her Spring Break from teaching. Her husband -could not go with her (he is going in two weeks) So I said -how much are the tickets? -I 'll go. I was thinking she and I could do all the neat things I missed doing on my last visit.

Her husband booked us on an inexpensive US Airways flight to Charleston SC then we would change planes to FT Myers. I don't like to change planes and the last time I didn't take a direct flight; I missed my connection. But he assured us that we had and hour and 50 minutes between flights. No problem.

I got up at 5am and they picked me up at 6:15. To the airport we did roll. Deb asked what gate ? and he hadn't checked. Deb said he always checked so she didn't. THIS was a harbinger of things to come.

We got off at Concourse C . But the plane was flying out of Concourse A -the International Wing and about a mile and a half from where we were. So we picked up a free trolley cart and put on my very heavy carry on (with computer) and wheels that decided not to work that day , and her very light pull little suitcase. Walked to the other end of the terminal (B) up the elevators to Security.

My sister informs me because she is an elite passenger. we can go in the first class security line. This line is out to the parking lot. It is ALL first class elite passengers. The regular security line has no one waiting!!!! But she wants to stay. We have to ditch the trolley cart. Which is ok for her little roller bag -but my heavy ass no wheel bag is giving me fits.

We make it through security. I have to take my computer out of the suitcase where it is balanced, and put it through in its own bin. Then carry it to a chair and repack it into its little padded case and into the carry on bag. Then the mile hike to Concourse A and of course our Gate is at the end. WE have to stop a half a dozen times when my bag flops to the ground and refuses to roll in a straight line. I have already apologized a number of times to people who have jumped out of my way only to be side swiped by my 'the monster bag'.

We get to the gate and Deb assures me SHE can get upgraded because she is a Silver Elite and will take me with her. Nope the first class waiting are PLATINUM which out ranks her. Oh well , no problem we are together.

Our seats are in the back row 27 -but plenty of space for bags -even my bag has room -I need help pushing it over my head from a tiny oriental woman seated behind us.The flight attendants are all big woman -one bigger than I am -who just looked while I struggled with this bag. But all is well. This is a big plane, two seats on the sides and four in the center.

We get settled. Leave the terminal and start to queue to take off . We waited 10/9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2/ YEA we were next to take off.

Then the pilot says -static: -"we have bad news and good news. The bad news is one of the engines will not start . It is a small valve and we have called the mechanics to see if it is serious . The good news is that Charlotte is having some weather problems and the landings are backed up -so we should be in good shape when we do take off. We are going back to the terminal and anyone who wants to get off can leave." Half the plane gets off. The Oriental woman asks me what the pilot says. I tell her.

Two hours later the mechanics have decided to replace the little valve that is stopping the engine from working. My brother in law says this is the most reliable plane and engine in the fleet and it must be my fault -because stuff always happens to me. Of course.

I call the parents and tell them NOT to go to the airport to meet us -we don't know when we will be to Ft Myers/ RSW (they were on their way) Jeeze
The flight attendants passed out water and juice and sodas and coffee. NO food. I had an energy bar that I shared with my sister. Both of us diabetics, and........

Of Course; We missed our connection flight to Ft Myers.

We landed in Charlotte, SC and had to stand in a line at least 50 people long. Where the Airline customer representatives offered us a standby flight in an hour and a half. No wait two seats -not together -just came available. Did we want them. OK. The plane is at the concourse on the other side of the airport. Of course. Another drag for my bag. We hit the bathrooms and get lunch ( no food voucher for our inconvenience). We buy water.

Of course the Second plane is late. I am in the last seat next to the bathroom -where the seat does not go back. Deb is at the front -behind first class. I am seated with a commercial pilot at the window and a nice man who brings his own salad and onions. Yes, peppers and ONIONS. He is eating his salad and taking his half plus some of my seat. I am behind the nice lady with a young girl and a crying teething baby. Of course. The guy across the isle is about my age and nice looking and doesnt have a ring on. I am to tired to do anything but smile.

Every one is friendly and I close my eyes for taxi. When I hear an "OH NO". And the commercial pilot in seat A; says the ground crew directing us just allowed our planes wing to side under (HIT?) the wing of the plane parked next to us. He calls the flight attendant and asks her to tell the pilot. She says she will and proceeds to ignore him.

He calls the second flight attendant -who is older and he calls the pilot. The plane goes back to the terminal. The mechanics are called out -who check UNDER the wing. It hit? on the top. The commercial pilot in seat A; can see out his window that the mechanics are NOT checking the top of the wing -where he thinks they grazed each other. HE calls the flight attendant again and the attendant, gives him attitude and tells him he will NOT call the pilot again -"The pilot said it was fine". The guy at the window says; "but the mechanic didn't check the top of the wing". The flight attendant walks away.

The guy in seat A, at the window asks us all to get up and he walks to the front to talk to the pilot and the mechanic. The attendant then says to me that "passenger in A seat will most likely be thrown off".

I didn't say anything -but this passenger is a pilot and he is exercising due diligence in reporting his concerns. How could this be wrong? I have been on this trip almost six hours by now, and all I can say is thank goodness someone cares because the staff of this airplane sure doesn't.

Turns out he commercial pilot spoke to our planes pilot and the mechanic up front. The mechanic said : "Oh yea I didn't check the top of the wing", and went back out to check the top of the wing.

All was well -but better safe than sorry. Thank you passenger in seat A.

We landed in Ft Myers -a total of Nine (9) hours into our travel day. The sun was still shinning. It was 80 and breezy. Called the Parents and waited for them at the little park at the end of the baggage area. They took us out to dinner -we were very hungry.

It was a good adventure that ended well.

Oh my sister just checked our non stop flight back on Thurs. She has been upgraded to First Class -window.

I have not.

Snow Day

2009-03-02T19:18:00.008-05:00

My brother in law pointed out on facebook 'When you are retired -everyday is a snow day" true -it is fun but also not true.

I didn't sleep last night -watched the snow and the wind and just couldn't get to sleep -so when it was 7am -i gave up trying to sleep/ got up and opened all the blinds in my house -so that ALL the white light came in. I forced myself to wait until 1pm (taped Days.......)and went out. Oh my......It was over my snow boots, that by the way had dry rotted and need to hit the trash -yes trash!. I uncovered the car and left it running with the defroster on and went back in the house to get my package for the Post Office.

Can you believe we SPRING FORWARD for time next week?

The tiny So Seaville PO is very friendly -but the regular Postmaster -Barb -was not there -so i didn't linger and talk. I did offer my thanks on the clean Parking Lot -to which the postal person covering said he cleaned more snow off where the lot cleaner guy missed. WoW -above and beyond for a government worker. But that is the kind of place it is. smile I also mailed the check to my sister in law for my part of the family cell phone plan and to my brother in law who paid for the tickets to FL. check out his blog, Midnight's stories@ http://www.cappilot.blogspot.com

Then I went driving around the back roads I use to the gym. I open at 5am tomorrow and well it will be more like 4am. I HAVE to sleep tonight! I think I may have to travel RT 9 because the roads may be slippery. Figures.

MY last three days as an employee. At least it wasn't today in all this snow. Today the owner was there. The parking lot is a mess and the driveway is a disaster. I told her about the So Seaville PO lot -but......? The entire gym parking lot isn't even done -so he(?) -the lot cleaner - cut out about 20 spaces in the back -just did not clear them and piled all the snow in the driveway. Unbelievable -there are retaining ponds on two sides for the runoff. Could it be he never saw the parking lot w/o snow? The owner said she called him to come back. I hope she fires him.

Yes , this is the job I just resigned from -it is a responsibility thing I guess -you sign on for a job -you finish it as best as you can. If you cant do the job any longer -the way it should be done -you explain and resign -with two weeks notice.

It is just the right thing to do.

It is called personal honor.

Which is why I will be up at 3:30am and driving on icy roads to the gym!

The GIANT and The Other Girl

2009-02-27T17:01:00.004-05:00

The weirdest thing happened today -and it got me laughing.

I spent the day with my friend Annie -checking out some stores -buying a shredder =looking for a carry bag for my new lap top -nothing -had lunch -talked and laughed

Annie is on the look out for a desk at local thrift shops - I meant to suggest the Freecycle group in WW and check with her landlord -who may have 'extra' furniture stashed somewhere.

Anyway, I dropped off two bags of my stuff at the Rio Grand ARC/ Thrift store -ok I am going a little low with the down sizing of my home and me -but two bags are still two bags. Got the receipt as Annie searched for her desk. Nothing

I had to stop at Home Depot and get a bathroom fan. My cousin Dave, had taken it down from the ceiling and handed it to me -to get a replacement at Home Depot. So Annie and I go into this store. I always loved the smell, but feel like a alien in a foreign country. I just don't speak the language. But Dave told me to show them the old fan and they will know.

I showed them at the service desk -what my assignment was -and she said isle 13 and ask for Floyd. He would be around. So we walked down to isle 15 before Annie saw where the isle numbers were. I had totally missed them and truthfully it is not like a supermarket.

No one is around to help us -but Annie found a tiny little middle age woman, in an orange apron, who said Floyd was at lunch. She proceeded to look at my old fan and look thru the shelves. She was barely 5ft tall and couldn't hardly see to the second level shelf.She calls on the intercom for Floyd to interrupt his lunch and call her back and direct her to the fans. He doesn't call. The she calls an orange apron man walking by, to help -He is shorter than she is! They both stand and stare at the second shelve........stretching to reach and move the boxes so we can see behind. He trys to reach a hidden box...........When I say........

I can get that.

I am 5'9" and in my younger days liked to wear 4" heels -I like being tall. I am use to being around my brother-who is 6'5". Short people ore ok -but get in the way -I often stop and offer to get things off the top shelf in at the Acme for short old ladies. So I am ok with offering to help. Hey , I am what I am. But the short Home Depot orange apron lady says:

Yea let the GIANT get it. She is the tallest one of all of us.

Who says that to a stranger? At first I was sort of taken aback -then I started to laugh.

These two little people -that I could literally squash- just called me a giant.

I was calling Annie -the 'other'one -So we were the GIANT and the other ONE ! LOL

Even after the munchkin people got the yellow step ladder and checked the second and third shelves -nothing. They sent me to a supply house that had it in stock but for over thirty dollars.

The GIANT will check on line. No, Thank you.

What kind of person calls another person GIANT ?

I mean REALLY? How Rude/ funny but rude.

Good thing I am a Friendly GIANT.

In this ECONOMY?

2009-02-26T16:09:00.001-05:00

Well I had a melt down at work, at the gym on Monday -and it was not from over exercises. It was from stress.

I had been answering non stop questions for 4 hours/ putting new people into the computer/answering phones/ watching the floor for people in distress/ taking money for classes and memberships/The owner had just come in to make high energy shakes (a new duty,the staff was asked to do) and decided to do an introduction to a potential new member (-I had just put on a 7 day free trial membership)/ I had just started a new shake (I had never made that type) and the owner came over to help me and then left me to take the money and put in the cafe register/ I was able to wash out that blender holder/ and start disinfecting all the gym equipment/ empty out the trash cans/ then say goodbye to the owner (=who had finished the introduction and was on her way home after a 10hr day) / clean the three stall men's bathroom and women's bathroom (=all except the floor)/

-I stopped.

The other staff on duty had finished her third introduction to the gym and was making shakes. I had not eaten dinner or had time to buy a water to drink.

I got really light headed and almost fainted. I though i was having another TIA. I freaked out. I said I was leaving/

The other staff/ making shakes/ said what about the floors / I said i don't care/ she said at least close out the cash register for the gym / I tried but it didn't match /and me -auditor and brain/ couldn't think how to fix it.

I left, and spent the next 48 hours praying for an answer.

Wednesday, on the phone with my best friend. I typed out my resignation letter.

Thursday, I handed it to the manager.

For the first time in my life I resigned from a job. I had to admit to myself and the world -I could not do a job because of my health and I think age; or all of the above.

What a horrible and humbling thing to have to admit.

When I handed in the resignation letter, the manager was not surprised. Apparently, my 32 year co-worker that evening, had all ready called her. Ouch.

I gave them 2 week notice and am scheduled to open the gym at 5am/ a couple of days. Then I will turn in my keys.

I can not believe how much this humbling experience and finally the decision to resign, lifted such a weight off my mind.

I still believe in the need to exercises for all ages and the dream the owners have for this business -but it will not be with me. Younger and healthier bodies have to multi-task and clean toilet's.

This little part time job, just is not fun any longer.

Notes about Florida Trip

2009-02-25T16:18:00.004-05:00

My brother in law -wants to know where are my blogs -funny thing is -I wonder also.

I came home from the Florida visit with my folks on the first warm day in the three weeks I had been there. Figures. My parents took me out to a Denny's on the way to the airport -when we were just about finished -12 motorcycle police came in and took up the two tables around us. They were in full uniform and so good looking my mother (77) and I could hardly talk -we were drooling. If I did not have a plane to catch -I would have still been there. I think they must have been practicing for Pres. OBama's visit the following day.They were fine looking men. :)))figures.

I had a nice visit with my parents -but i was ready to come home -I am glad I had my lap top computer with me and had a nice break/visit with NJ friends, Paula and Stan, that had moved to a large retirement community near Tampa. About #300,000 seniors I think. Very very nice. They are very active seniors -Golf and Softball/ other sports/dance lessons/rehabbing rental properties and just enjoying all the activities offered. I could easily live in a retirement community, somewhere in the world. They made me feel so welcomed -I stayed an extra day-at their invitation. Stan and I were able to go to the John and Mable Ringling Estate near Sarasota -worth the day trip -I had a great time. Paula played in three softball games that day and we were able to catch up with her for the third one. WHEW -she is my hero!

I had rented a car in Ft Myers -Hertz- across RT 41 from my parents community. Very convenient. The price was high for the long weekend/ Thurs to Monday. I knew it was about 2 hrs from exit 131 north to exit 240 (242?) on Rt75 - but i didn't know if i would wander. I like to explore a bit, I was flying home that Monday and hadn't done much sightseeing. Anyway -I went on line and checked my emails and found a coupon code from Spirit Air Miles club I belong to -so I used that with Hertz and it only cost me $100.00 plus tax for the 4 days - I should have rented a car the whole 3 weeks. My parents offered to let me use their large Mercury -but.... I liked the Mazda 6 I rented.

The first Hertz rental car had a broken tail light -Hertz,still wanted me to take the car -but i said no- and had to wait about 40 min for a replacement car. I hope everyone checks the lights when they do the walk around -before you sign the rental lease -I never did until the lease in Grand Junction CO and my friend Bonnie found the broken headlight. This time I made my Dad hobble with me -he stood behind the car with his cane and wobbly knees and I touched the breaks and turned on the lights. He is the one that found the broken light. I was sort of upset with Hertz -but I guess these things happen with rentals -but where is their due diligence? What else hadn't they checked?

I get the replacement car -but it had no gas -so this Jersey Girl had to go to a gas station and pump the gas (we DO NOT pump our own gas in NJ and it is a lot cheaper prices also -don't ask me how?) even though i did pump gas on my road trip out West -i still had a little problem -ah- making the gas come out of the hose. LOL. But I wanted to get on the road -I was an hour late and Paula and Stan would be expecting me.

Driving toward Tampa or exit 240 north was a breeze on this great road 75. Very fast moving. But I didn't see alot of rest areas and I had to pee. Finally just before my exit -a rest area! Yea! Paula calls and I tell her where I am and she says - I am about 20 mins away. good. I hang up and go to get out of the car and the horn and alarms go off. whoops.

I quickly start the car again and put it into gear and it stops. Then I re park and get out -again the alarms and horn -FIVE times I try to get out of the car -and five time the alarms go off. By this time i am Laughing and of course still have to pee. I had picked up a card from the Ft Myers Hertz and put it in my pocketbook. So I call the manager -Steve- and tell him the problem -he has never heard of such a problem and doesn't know how to help. The Mazda is holding a middle age woman on diuretics -hostage and he cant help me -Hello?

He suggests I call the toll free number on the front of the yellow cover sheet holding my receipt/contract. He hangs up. I have the contract but my yellow binder is not in my purse -oh yea it is in my bag of maps in the trunk. Crap.

LOL ...The car is to small to crawl to the trunk and my bladder is way to full. I check out the glove box and YEA - the past lessee left their yellow cover in the box -I now have the toll free Road assistance number.

I call and a very nice man answers and I give him my problem and info from the contract. He says he never heard of the Mazda doing this to anyone.??????Figures

But he can help and tells me how to reset the alarm. Which goes off again as I get out. (meanwhile NO ONE has come over to see why the car alarm is going off ????) Long story short -I reset the alarm by opening the door from the outside with the key.

The guy on the phone from roadside assistance has a nice voice and wants to talk and laugh with me -but hey -I am at this rest area for a reason....Thanks for the help......but GOTTA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

All is well that ends well/ when you can laugh with your adventure! :)))))

Florida -Day 9 (Pine Island)

2009-01-27T20:43:00.003-05:00

Today, Mother drove Dad and I out to Pine Island -about 30 min -a 17 mile long island mostly fisherman and artists. Not many Pine trees but lots of PALM TREE Farms. A lot of the farmers belong to the the Pine Island Growers. So you see " P I G " Farms everywhere. What a HOOT!

Although we didn't get out and actually TALK to artists. We had lunch at Capt.'s Con's at the North end -it was about 85 and breezy -just lovely. Mother and Dad had the famous house Fish Stew (cream base) fearing crab meat in the stew I opted for a nice hamburger.

We also bought raffle tickets they were selling to benefit the local Lions Club. The prizes were Pictures by local painters -all very nice. I wrote down Mothers Ft Myers house phone number. The drawing is after I leave....but......I still hope. Have you seen the art in this Florida house? OMG 1930 Motel art is better! Keep you fingers crossed.

We also drove past the house that belongs to a woman I work with at the gym. She and her husband come down whenever they can.

A nice 4 hour day trip with Mother driving and Dad directing from the co=pilot seat. They argue and Mother doesn't talk then Dad stops 'helping' and she talks under her breath -that he (so very deaf) can hear? Go figure. LOL I am having a wonderful time -although i may have to walk home -not enough exercise!!!

Thank goodness for cell phone Pictures!

Florida -Day 6

2009-01-24T15:06:00.004-05:00

I just borrowed my parents car and drove to a restaurant off Rt 75 exit 131 to meet up with friends from work. They retired a little before I did and finally settled in Tampa -which is about an hour and a half north.

It was so good to see them. I didn't realize how much. We spoke a little bit about old mutual friends but mostly about how our lives are now that we all have retired. What we are doing -not just to keep ourselves busy- but actually enjoying our lives, doing new things and meeting new people.

We are blessed in our retirement, pensions and healthy attitude towards life.

I may rent a car my last week in Florida and travel around a bit and visit in Tampa. We spoke of the idea I have had floating around my brain of selling my house and moving here. I don't know -I wonder what it would be like with this beautiful weather all year long.

The first step is the biggest -cleaning out my mess and getting rid of all my stuff. I think i have said it before, the economy it getting worst -all we will have is barter and all the stuff an old person can barter with -I am throwing away! smile -no excuses - I need to clean out my house. sigh

Okay here it is day six and I need suggestions from bloggers -what can I do -alone- in Ft Myers and south. High speed boat to Key West and Edison House etc -already did.

Any ideas? I want to hit Pine Island but after that ? _I am almost ready to stop in the IRS office in Ft Myers and take a bunch of numbers off the customer service help machine. smile Ok -so maybe not.

Visiting Parents in Florida =Day Four

2009-01-21T17:07:00.006-05:00

Visiting with Parents in Florida is a unique experience.

It is going to 32 tonight or lower and the grounds people are covering the flowering bushes. I should go around and take pictures but I will not -Florida lazy. I did get Dad to ride around with me as I drove the car. It will not be much longer till I have to escape to - ah- less heated enclosures. I had not driven this car much, so I needed to practice. Mother was not joking when she said "oh ,we don't go out in the cold". OK, it is cold for everyone but the Canadians who are still riding bikes but have found long pants! LOL

Dad and I just rode their three wheel bikes up to the club house and the little gym the retirement community has for the residents. Three tread mills (two work) /two bikes (one works)/ one rower/one leg lift/one leg press/ one arm lift and a universal with five stations. A separate weight room but no weighs under eight lbs (all the lower weights are missing). Another separate room has a desk and file for work out cards and you can do Swedish exercise balls and steps , both of which are stored in that room. Pretty good if everything worked.

We went up to learn the equipment from a trainer who works at the gym around the corner. Where, I think , the hard core exercise boomers belong. She teaches some classes in the retirement community and has individual clients she works with; in their homes. She also said her gym has Silver Sneakers and lots of instructors. I am calling Mother and Dad's insurance to see if they will cover that wonderful exercise program for Seniors. Anyway it was a good hour of instruction and how to use the equipment and she wrote down all Dad's settings and weights and exercises. She was great -I would hire her! Maybe Dad can get Mother to go with him? I brought Lysol whipes to use on the machines & I left it there.

Yesterday we watched the Inauguration all day.

I have a 1958 memory of a little white girl, moving South. from up North -wanting a drink of water in DC but not being able to use the water fountains for "coloreds only' and wondering why?

I remember wanting to sit in the back of the bus and the bus driver admonishing my mother for allowing us to go back there. She never could explain to my brother and I, Why we couldn't sit back there with the other children. They were black.

What an amazing and awesome day. Over a million plus people on the mall waving American Flags !

I still have tears in my eyes.

2009-01-18T23:59:00.002-05:00

You reached me in sunny Fl -it was at least 75 today -maybe warmer.

Flight left on time maybe a little early -when the stewardess said for everyone to turn off their phones and tunes or electronic stuff -one guy in row 7 or so, decided to ignore her -she kept telling him and he kept back talking her.

She then told him she wasn't going to have a problem at 32000 feet and if he wanted off she would take the plane back to the terminal. Those of us in the back couldn't hear what he said but she was trying to get him to listen and spoke loudly.

Then this window seat man said the guy in the middle threatened (?) him. The problem passenger was about 25 to 30. So the stewardess moved the guy in the middle seat over to another row. But the young man at the window continued to give her grief.

Sooooo she told the pilot to turn around and go back to the terminal and then we docked and a black man in a suit came onboard the plane along with two uniform security police and had the problem passenger get his ONLY bag from the overhead -and walked him off the plane.

The man who had been moved from the middle seat to another row -went back to his row and now took the window seat....hummmm? LOL

My row mates and I asked the stewardess what happened and she told us the watered down version. Never a dull moment.

My row mates were my age and on their way to Miami to pick up a three day cruise. He had retired from the Auto Industry and lost all his savings and retirement and was now back working at a sales job for 48 hours a week. She has two part time jobs. Life goes on. I would like to go on a cruise someday, any advice? They said go on the least expensive cruise -it is all good -just go!

We were about 45 min. late to FT Myers (RSW). Everyone was relived the stewardess took the precautions BEFORE we took off. Nobody wanted trouble at 32000 ft!

My parents are fine and had no idea the plane was late -and they remembered I was visiting!!!

I hear it is snowing in the Northeast, and the Eagles lost= OH well..........-Thinking of youall. /

Neighbors

2009-01-10T00:07:00.004-05:00

I stopped in at my neighbors house and Matt answered the door. I asked to speak to his mother. She came to the door and looked every day of her 60+ ?years. I stayed at the door and asked her if she was ok? She said she has been in the hospital with pneumonia. I asked if she got her telephone working yet? She said no but they had a cell. I said if she needed anything to come over. That we would get through this.

She nodded.

I left and went to the gym.
I feel better.
My brother will be proud of me, for reaching out.

The estimate for the door repair should be in the mail, tomorrow.
I am also getting key dead bolts and all the locks changed.
I think I will rent a PO Box and stop home delivery, so I will not have to ask her to get my mail when I am away for more than a couple of days.

I wonder if we will every be neighbor friendly again?

Dockett# 09000027

2009-01-09T12:49:00.005-05:00

Update

I called my township and spoke to the municipal court who informs me that the case has been transferred to the County Prosecutor. I called them and they transferred me to the Victim advocate. I spoke with a very nice woman, Amy McGuire, who said the case was transferred to them because he is being charged with two crimes. 3rd degree Theft and 4th degree Breaking and Entering. I think it should be the opposite with 1st degrees being the most serious. But they know the law.

She said the State Police (Trooper Bounds) has to send his reports to the Capitol in Trenton and it takes a while. So the hearing will not be for a few months. I gave her my phone numbers and the dates I will be away and she said she will send me the blue Victim report. With that I can write down my costs and it can be made part of the case for restitution. Perfect. I am getting estimates and have pictures.

I also asked where Matt would get the best help and she said whatever was available was available at both levels. County and Township. She also said the blue form she is sending has a place on the back for my thoughts and feelings.

I told her about my Jan 1st early morning visit from Matt's wife and the visit from Matt before he signed the arrest warrent (when I told him to go away and he did) and she said that could be considered witness tampering. Me being the witness. Which would be an additional charge to Matt.

I corrected her and said no tampering was done -I am the victim and the witness and I WILL be at the hearing. I want no pound of flesh or any blood. (thank you Wil Shakespeare and Trooper Wil Bounds) I do want the money I am spending on the repairs and as much help for this man as he can get. But>>

I realize he is an habitual criminal as soon as he does his drug(s) of choice. At 33 or 35 I have written him off as worthless to me and society. But somebody still loves him -his 1 year old son -if no other mortal being. So>>>>>

I fear, dear Portia, the quality of MY mercy is a bit strained.

I have to work on that.

A Crying Shame or Forgive Those who Tresspass Against Us

2009-01-07T22:58:00.007-05:00

POST ROBBERY

I am not doing so well with the anger and forgiveness, but i am praying on it. Cleaning up the glass and calling for estimates on replacement glass and washing everything in my dresser drawers and replacing just what I need and downsizing what i don't.

My cousin Dave came down and took out the glass still in the frame and took out the frame and replaced it with a 1/2 inch pc. of plywood. I wish i could say i helped but i was on my way to the gym when he drove into my neighborhood. He said GO to the gym you need the stress relief -and because i really did; I left. when i got back he was out getting the plywood and his wife had cleaned up the glass. Thank you!!!!

Monday morning I was awakened by a knock at by door -It was Matt -back from the Florida rehab. I said -through the door -"Go away Matt -I cant talk to you" So he went back across the street to his mothers house. The Trooper had told me that he usually advised the Victims -not to talk to the perp. It seemed like good advice -especially since I still had no idea what to say and..............well I know one of the AA 12 steps was to talk to the people hurt. I just wasn't ready to make nice and let him apologize. I know the whole thing is a shame. But..............

It is Matt's shame and I am not ready to forgive. Well I guess I am but I can not forget. I am still so angry.

My Homeowners has a$500.00 deductible . Figures. Now I am waiting for the estimate and i will ask the Judge to include that in the judgement.

YEP, after Matt left on Monday -I called the State Police and told them he was back in the State. The Trooper I worked with wasn't on duty till 5 pm . But I let the desk Trooper know what was going on. Then I called back at 9pm and Matt was there turning himself in and signing the arrest warrant. He is released on his own recognizance. I asked if I would be notified when the hearing was to be. The trooper said -"OH yes you will be subpoenaed."

I have tickets to go to Florida for three weeks and now i may have to change them. If i do, I am including that in my total out of pocket costs. I have to get dead blots and locks and keys changed.

I supposed i should be glad i had this little wake up call to get better security and i did get all my jewelry back and he didn't trash my place (ok yes I WOULD know if my placed was trashed).

But I am angry. I eat everything not tied down . I know i am gaining weight. I am working on calm and forgiveness.

I can not imagine how my neighbor of 30 years (and I thought my friend), his mother, must be feeling because ...........well.....she hasn't called me or come over to see how I am.

And that is the other thing I will never forget.

My brother said I soon need to reach out to her. But he is a much better person than I ever will be. I have to work on that.

This whole mess is a crying shame.

The Calvary is not Coming!

2009-01-01T19:19:00.011-05:00

I left my home on Christmas Eve day ,for my trip to my families home in Pennsylvania. Over the river and thru the woods -just like the song. I am glad my car knew the way because I was still not feeling that well -I was at the next to last day of a course of anti bio tics for this throat/chest infection. But my parents were home for a week from Florida and I wanted to be with family. I had decorated the house when I was up for Thanksgiving -and Mother said she was very surprised and pleased, how festive the house looked. My sister in law vacuumed for me since I couldn't get up before the parents got home and my sister dusted.

I was able to get to a Christmas Eve Church Service at Trinity Episcopal Church in Aston Mills -it is a really old tiny church -maybe 150 years old -I had never been there and friends of mine have started going and the husband even sings in the 9 person choir. The organ sounds terrible and needs to be worked on but those 9 people are the best small choir I ever heard. They could and should sing without music. They are that good. The service had about 25 to 30 people Christmas Eve and the interim pastor (they are looking) was female and gave a wonderful sermon. I wonder why she isn't staying? Over on the other side of the river in Merchantville NJ, the big Episcopal Church is also looking for a rector. I usually stop in there for a visit a couple times a year. Christmas Eve in this church is awesome also. But I have heard their interim woman pastor preach and truthfully you could not PAY me to go back to that church while she is there. Talk about awful. Unfortunately the vestry search committee feels the same - I hope God guides their choice -otherwise ?-well they must be desperate.

Christmas Day and I am smelling up the house with cookies , my parents and I open our presents and listen to the Messiah on tape. We get ready and head over to my brother's home. His family has Christmas Dinner for our family and my sister in law's family. It is very nice. After buffet dinner and cleaning up -Karen passes out words to Christmas songs. Then we all sing. No music -just us. We laugh and for 12 Days of Christmas all take a verse 12/5/1 are sung together -but the other verses are sung by groups of people sitting together. Our Dad and Karen's Dad are usually sitting together -neither one can hear or walk well any longer -but they can sing loud! We all laugh, then before anyone leaves we take a picture. This year one of my nieces boyfriend, Scott, took the pic. The other niece ,now living in Texas , was able to be home but her significant other was taking his finals for the Houston Police Academy. He said the classes are difficult; maybe next year he will be able to come and visit. My sister hasn't met him yet but sent a Dunkin Donut Gift Cert down to him (LOL get it; cops love donuts)

The next day we hosted a Turkey dinner for my brother and sister and their families. I was exhausted, it has been 7 weeks since my stent heart surgery and my energy level is not up to par. Mother did well -but she was tired also. Sat was a rest day. Sunday I dove her over to Pennsauken NJ to see her sister and the families resulting from her three sons. Whew! only 4 people were missing. My cousins' son, Ric, -who was on Coast Guard Duty in Cape May and my other cousins daughter and husband and three month old daughter. Cathy is in the Air Force in Tuscon AZ. But they will be back in Feb for the Christening. I can not wait to meet Chloe. My Aunt has 4 Great grandchildren now. How wonderful is that! We have a great Family. I am so glad my mother was able to see everyone.

Tues had my retinaologist eye apt. He is very pleased no new retina leeks, no swelling and next apt in 4 months. Considering the trauma to my body and the blood sugar highs from the operation meds -he was pleased and so was I. Yea!

Wed I took my parents to the airport to fly back to Ft Myers and drove home to southern NJ.

I walked into a very cold house and the back glass door to my porch was open. The glass had been smashed. I called my brother who asked if the glass was inside the house -I said yes and he said the house had been broken into, Go check my Jewelry and yes -my dresser has been ransacked and one dresser drawer was missing. I found a loose charm from a 40 year old silver charm bracelet on the floor. Crap. My brother said call the police . So I did. A nice State Trooper came and went thru my house and attic. I never even thought about someone still being in the house -but the house was cold so it could have been open for days. Well I went around to my neighbors and told them and said the police may be coming to talk to them. Seven weeks from the heart surgery -I need this stress?

Then, settled down to clean up some glass and find something to stop the wind and cold from coming in the broken door. I am angry and wonder when I will get a hold of my insurance man -who seems to be closed for the holiday. My cousin, Dave, said he will come down on Sat and see if he can help me get a glass for the door. or something to see me thru until I can get a new door with a deadbolt. I really like my glass door. This sucks.

My closest friend across the street was at work. Her phone was not working so I went over later, when I saw her car. Her daughter in law -who lives in the neighborhood -came to the back door with her cell phone , while we were talking-so I told her about the break in. My neighbor then said her son was in Rehab in Florida. He had a drinking and drug problem -did some time -turned his life around -got married -became a Dad and started gambling and stealing from his wife -so he relapsed ,spent some time in the County jail did some rhab got out and was to start a program this Monday but decided he needed to go to Fl to a rehab there? OK- not my business and I said I would talk to her later and left.

Next thing I know the daughter in law is at my door with her cell and hands it to me and says it is her husband in the rehab in Florida. YOU guessed it -he was abusing some substance and broke into my house by smashing the back door glass, and stole some jewelry. I asked him what he took and he said he hadn't fenced it yet, it was in a hat at his mothers. His wife recovered it and brought it back to me - ALL, I think, that he took? Matt cried and begged me not to go to the police -but of course it was to late. The police already had been here.

So I called back the neighbors I had warned. Called the Trooper -who came back over -on New Years Eve and they were VERY busy. I told him the story. he went to talk to Matt's wife. I don't know if he went back to the neighbors he had already interviewed. I spent New Year's Eve on the phone talking to my sister, my brother in law (an ex cop) , our friend Carol, my brother, my cousin, Dave and my best friend in Las Vegas -both with Federal Law Enforcement experience. I am upset. If the trooper had come back to my house -I would have asked for a hug. This is when I HATE being alone.

I wasn't able to get to sleep until after 3am -but this morning at 9, I got a call from the wife -who came to my house and cried on my couch for an hour. How the system had failed Matt and he needed help. How he made bad choices and he is going to loose everything and go back to prison. How it was only things and he could have done so much more damage but he didn't. And he told where the items were. I kept thinking how my friend , his mother, would cry at my table and say the same things and how, when her sons were teens, she would worry and try to get her insurance to pay for rehab for them both. Where does it stop? Do we have different rules for regular people and ones for substance abusers? Yes I am glad he admitted to the theft and didn't fence the most personal piece of jewelry I ever owned. He may have gotten $50.00 ? But he SHOULD have told the truth. That is what responsible people do. God bless his wife and son, I hope they can reclaim their lives, but I am the VICTIM.

I have this motto that runs thru my head when I am in trouble.
The Calvary isn't coming -you are going to have to save yourself. I say a prayer and do what needs to be done.

When will Matt stop looking for that magical grain of sand on the beach that will cure him? or that counselor who will help him stay sober? His wife seems to think he is in danger of taking his life. That would be a waste, but I think that may be what he is slowly doing to himself. What a selfish man. His Father had substance abuse problems and never worked thru it in AA; now Matt may take the selfish way out and his son will have all that to work out for himself. When does it end? Who breaks the cycle? A mother and a wife that spout excuses. When does the abuser say enough and save himself? I am the victim, I have seen this man grow up and I thought mature. When he was first married and bought their first house , I invited them to walk thru my house and anything they wanted I would have given them. But they only took a roll of fabric. Why did he break my door in? I wonder if it was the only time he broke in? His wife said Yes it was the only time. But I wonder. At one time his mother had my key. I have since changed the locks. Now I have to go through that expense again. I am still upset but now I am pissed.

About 15 minutes after she left -I got a call from the Sate Police to come down to the station so they could make a tape recording of why I called 911 and what Matt said to me on the phone and how my missing items were recovered. I go in and tell what I know first hand / no opinions /ask some questions and leave. Maybe it took 20 minutes.

I hope he gets help. Apparently the Trooper has spoken to him and if he can get out of rehab and come back to NJ and sign his arrest papers(?) by this Monday; they will not lock him up then but schedule him for a court date. But if he feels this rehab is helping him in FL and he cant leave yet -they will issue a warrant for his arrest and he will probably be arrested in FL. but not sent back to NJ.

At this point I HOPE their house sells, his wife moves back to Pa. and his mother moves to FL.

I don't hope for Matt anymore.

The Calvary isn't coming , he needs to save himself.

Thanksgiving with Family and Others

2008-12-02T12:03:00.007-05:00

Oh I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. I did . My brother and his wife invited me to join them at Karen's sister; Denise's in laws . With the Hosts' ok first, of course. They always get together with Karen's parents, and her sister's family . Karen's brother- in- law's parents built a home in the same block as two of their four children, so it makes sense to have everyone gather there. Along with extended family. The house was planned for these family gathering and lucky me. I was asked to join them. I was pleased.

It had only been 18 days since the heart stents had been put in and truthfully I just wasn't feeling up for family and Thanksgiving. But my brother had taken me to the hospital and stayed with me and waited until I was back in the room. We didn't know , going in , if it would be stents or by pass open heart -so I was doing a little independent female " I can do this by myself "- which he ignored and stayed with me. I felt closer to my brother than I have in years and when he asked me to join them -I was touched and said yes. I was thankful.

It was very nice, food was great and healthy. This is a picture of my niece, Rachel (21) with her boyfriend in the background; and a plate of the Thanksgiving feast! They made me feel very welcomed. I usually help out in the kitchen , but this year I just didn't feel like it. Thankfully, there were plenty of helpers to go around. I was able to sneak away and call my Aunt, from one of the bedrooms. She usually invites this maiden lady to join her family and I was missing them. They passed the phone around and I was able to talk to a couple of cousins and hear all the family in the background. The rest of the day I spent on the couch, next to my brother watching football games and sleeping (well I was the one sleeping). I let myself feel very vulnerable and safe next to him that day. My immediate family took good care of me that afternoon. I was grateful.

The only down side was my missing niece, Heather(23) who now lives and works in Texas and wasn't able to make it North for the holiday. We will see her for Christmas and I will be able to find out how she enjoyed her first Thanksgiving away from family. I hope her man and his family made her feel as welcomed and safe as I was made to feel. Everyone really missed her. I am so proud of her, for following her dream. I am humbled.

There is no such thing as an unimportant act of Kindness. Which reminds me I have to get the Thank you card in the mail to my hostess. I am blessed.

Fun Monday/ Monday December 1,2008

2008-11-30T12:28:00.004-05:00

Fun Monday this week host is 'Beyond My Slab" Ari_1965 ; Tell us about your all-time worst Neighbors from Hell. You know, the family of Irish clog dancers who once lived in the flat/apartment above you? Mrs. Next door and her banshee-like multiple orgasms? Mr. and Mrs. Hard-of-Hearing with their television on full blast? The guys across the street who set off 4th of July fireworks starting in March and didn't stop until the first real snowfall?

Ahhhh -I cant think of any -I have only lived with my parents /in the dorms at college/ in a religious commune / in an apartment with a roommate / in an apartment with myself and this house in a small neighborhood where I don't know hardly anyone after 30 years. I guess I have been very tolerant or very boring.

When I lived with people (I don't now) all but one bathed and she, to be fair, took showers -but didn't believe in deodorant, or shaving her pits. Well, she used corn starch it was more 'natural' according to her father. It didn't work. She also didn't wash her clothes that often, and would dress out of a pile in the center of the floor after smelling them. sigh . It was the 70's.

She shared her little efficiency with me, as a favor to my oldest male cousin and his girlfriend. I moved my twin bed and furniture in and was just grateful I had a place to stay, as I started my new job. I can't remember how long I was there until I found an apartment in the next town.

She is still a friend of my cousin and his wife. I saw an ex boyfriend of hers a few years ago when he and a new friend came to cut some firewood from my back woods. -He had lost his job and was using wood to heat their house. He was freaky -I am glad he didn't keep in touch either.

I wonder how my neighbors would classify me? Maybe I am the neighbor from hell -I do like my music loud and do not rake leaves or plant flowers or grass seed.

On the other hand, I do buy stuff I don't need from little kids that knock on my side door.

And in my humble opinion - THAT is the best definition of a GOOD neighbor!

Bucket List Detour

2008-11-17T12:35:00.005-05:00

I just got out of Presbyterian Hosp in Phil. I got another three stents in my heart -the LA D to be exact -that artery already had two stents from the 2003 heart attack along with the two in the RAC? RAD? anyway I have seven (7) pieces of metal in my heart. It is amazing. I really thought it would be a by pass this time but I guess the stents still work. Since I am allergic to the dye -I had to take meds to counteract the allergic reaction -ok -but it left me with sugars of over 400 -Not good and i cant go back to the gym for a week. I have a feeling I am going to be on insulin for awhile until this sugar level gets under control. All this and I still don't feel that well and I have to loose the remaining 60 or 70 lbs. Oh and the surgeon said "Why didnt I know you were allergic to the metal nickel?" It seems these new drug coated stents have nickel in them. Oh well it is over with now.

Am I ok? Well I am still positive -sort of overwhelmed -but still have scuba diving on my Bucket List. But I have taken a couple of things off the list. I use to think -daydream -what ifs and somedays -but that doesn't seem to happen any longer. I seem to be having a day to day life. And plans for the 'future' don't seem to be more than a month ahead of time. I wonder if this is normal? or just temporary while my body rids itself of the anesthesia?

I cant remember really being asleep -laugh- I Do remember talking so much that the surgeon told me to stop asking him questions he needed to concentrate. I was asking him non stop questions and I couldn't remember the answers so i just kept asking the same questions ----again! Laugh Out Loud

Anyway, I recovered at the parents home near the hospital and near my brother and sister, for 5 days and now I am home. My own pillows/blanket/lumpy mattress/ house noises/ one TV channel (I only had one channel and my parents have cable -which is so overrated) . Oh you know the little special things that make a house your home.

I would like to go to Fl to visit the folks for a week and am waiting right now for the Doctors office to call me back and see if I can fly between now and dec 3 when I have my followup appt. I also have my third and last dentist visit to reschedule -I still have the temp. filling in and the surgeon said no dentist for a month and the Dentist said -AH No call them and get approval for this last filling. smile

The sun is out today and it is cold and very windy -I think I will go and kick some leaves around. Life is good.

Who are you? Jackie or Marilyn?

2008-11-02T03:15:00.006-05:00

I just took this "Hello Quizzy" quiz of two questions -and it turns out I am an Audrey ? Go figure. Only two questions -? maybe it is based on the birth year. I dont know but it was cute. It was really like me -except for the caring to much what peple think about me. :)))))) I dont know about that. I think in my quest to be healthy and THINNER -the image I keep in my mind is one of Audrey Hepburn -I really dont know what she was like -but I like that thin woman body type -of course not even a year after death will I ever be that thin or have that body image -except in my dreams . LOL

I have accepted that -sigh -I am at peace with me.

What are you? http://www:Helloquizzy.com/

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me
* If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure
* I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this
* Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit
* Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally
* Ask me questions to help me get clear
* Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery
* Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings
* I like a good discussion but not a confrontation
* Let me know you like what I've done or said
* Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey
* being nonjudgmental and accepting
* caring for and being concerned about others
* being able to relax and have a good time
* knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around
* my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator
* my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now
* being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey
* being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive
* being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline
* being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally
* being confused about what I really want
* caring too much about what others will think of me (?)
* not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often
* feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant
* tune out a lot, especially when others argue
* are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents
* are supportive, kind, and warm
* are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

FUN MONDAY / Saturday October 18, 2008

2008-10-19T22:28:00.018-04:00

Today's Fun Monday is being hosted by Sarah, who set forth this task for us:
I would like you to take your camera (or your artistic talents!) on a day tour with you. I want to know where you go, what you get up to on a “normal” day (disclaimer - it doesn’t have to be “normal”!). All the details you would consider boring! You are free to make your FM posts as long or as short as you’d like.

OK , Here goes -I only had my cell camera phone with me so some of the shots are crappy -but I had a great day:

I was startled 10 min before I had to roll out of bed by a call from my part time place of employment -the Gym -wondering if I could spend the day with them working for money -- I am a substitute and rarely get called - YEA but NO - I have plans all day today -SORRY -please call again.

Up and ready early enough to eat a multi grain Thomas' Low fat English muffin with Better n Peanut Butter Low salt PB -very ok for almost no fat ;along with 6oz of Low Salt V8 -I take my Am meds and off to the Avalon Library Writers Group, We meet every other Sat from 10 to noon. I read my 241 words from an assignment on the last words after being beheaded. (7 sec) On the Library i-pod , I record my new story 1 ? For now I call it : A Gift from the Salt Hay -(see http://www.avalonfreelibrary.org/ Virtual Exhibits -Robin ; in about a week to hear it). My sister thinks I should call it just Salt Hay Farm.

The Group facilitator Dr Sue J., talked about our Barrier Island Writers Anthology coming out in Dec. and book signings and a silk screened shirt we are getting to wear at signings. One of the woman asks me a question about an IRS Collection letter and I explain to her where the error originated on her 1040. It feels good to be able to help. Now that it has been over a year since I retired I can actually acknowledge my former employer. Before I retired I told people I sold life insurance, smile\

My mind is on the Pumpkin Festival in Cape May I am going to ,-instead of lunch with the group. I am meeting a friend from N. jersey along with her family that still lives locally. I will have dinner with them and celebrate my friends 50th upcoming Birthday. I look forward to this day all year. This family has adopted me into their hearts and I just love them all. I have to stop and pick up the balloons I ordered from the dollar store yesterday -it is windy and they are not going in to the back of my SUV -escaping every time I try to shut the door -i start to laugh and know somewhere someone is filming me and it will be on You Tube.

Get to Cold Springs Village -Great parking space because I have missed the little kids Halloween Costume Parade (darn ) Txt my friend and she meets me at the entrance. First things first : eat a Hot Dog - she buys popcorn from her father who along with her sister and mother and brother in law are in the Rotary and working the Festival. We walk the Village and visit the 48 crafters -usually more are there -crowd stills seems good -cold and windy day -I am looking for the sorority that sells soup -but they are not here this year. Hugs to her nieces and great nieces and take great niece Kate and Patty's dog Bogey to get a face painting (Kate not Bogart)

Bought a sweatshirt from Cape May Shirt Shops' table -it is bright pink and says Cape May -I am happy -Patty bought a pink hoodie and the owner gave us a good deal for two. We go into the Village store that is having a 50 % end of season sale. She buys a rug and a diffuser. They are out of the only diffuser smell I like: Mango -so I buy the sample bottle for a dollar -I will put More water in and turn the sticks upside down -wet side up and throw it away when I am done. I take a chance on the Chinese Aution table the Rotary runs with prizes from local businesses and most of the crafters. I want to win a gift certificate to a local resturant C&J in North Cape May or another sweatshirt or some neat wooden dyed roses that are made from scrap birch shavings. As we leave the Rotary Pumpkin Festival at Cold Spring Village I buy mini low fat cinnamon donuts, with the money I have saved.

We leave the Village and I sort of run over a GIANT orange Police traffic cone -that was in the middle of the road -I didn't ah see it. Thank God the policeman wasn't there (I later found out her was Patty;s second cousin) It sort of got squashed under my car -so I couldn't drive without it making a noise (ok I did TRY to drive and Patty would not stop laughing) I had to pull over and crawl on my hands and knees (which I could NEVER have done before I lost this 50 lbs) and really pull hard on the cone thingies and it came out all smashed -and rather than litter-i quickly opened the back door of my car -balloons are in the back -and throw it in .

Over to Patty's parents home and give her my present. Her mother is out the store -but we go out when she gets home to get her mother a Birthday cake also. See a woman from a class I am taking at Vo tech and then see my Paper Mache teacher from a class I am taking at the CM Library. small world -I never see anyone I know. Of course I am getting out more and more. I like this retirement.

Dinner is Pasta with Home made meatballs and gravy & salad & bread. Patty tells the story at dinner -and the cone thing bounced back to life!!! Of course the great nieces and nephews look at it closely (it is now in the house -Patty's mother is doing Eagles cheers with it as a mega phone) anyway the little kids are calling me cone killer and tell me it has tire track marks and it might be torn. Patty decided not to take it home to N Jersey as a 50th birthday present-(her husband will just throw it away) takes a picture ( I don't have) with the now perfectly fine cone and her parents promise to give it back to the policeman cousin.

Patty's daughter gets in from work in Atlantic City and has brought a lashing tiara for her mother and little tiara's and rings and put them on the tiny cup cakes she made -we all sing Happy birthday again and the 50th Princess Birthday party is in full swing. The birthdy Queen , Queen Mum, Sister and Niece, Daughter, Grand Nieces and the 'adopted' tallest Princess ,me. A Good time was had by all. Cell phone photographer great nephew -Jimmy K,

We end the evening with people coming and going and Captain Kate the pirate's mom arriving from work, as i am leaving. More Hugs and goodbyes. I follow a niece that lives near me up the Parkway to make sure my car is ok -It is so far.

I am home with so much sugar in my system I know I will be spending Sunday close to my own Princess Throne! There is a message on my answering machine. I WON a Chinese Aution Prize!!!!!!!!!!

Let there Be DSL

2008-10-05T19:17:00.008-04:00

I have a DSL line -I don't know what it stands for - but it makes me HAPPY!

A call to the Verizon Help line and ANOTHER connection with India -almost put me over the edge -when i heard the voice on the other end say: " I can not help you , everything seems to be connected - but it just isn't working -we will have a Dispatch person come out to " -remember that word Dispatch - it is the magic word or power word.

I said "No" at first -knowing that my house looks like a tornado went thru it, at least two times and if the dispatch person got lost in my house-I could be charged extra -but finally after a couple hours I gave up -

"OK schedule me for a dispatch man" i cried.

Then he told me to wait at my house from 8am until 8pm on Thursday-and they promised to only call on my cell phone to confirm and let me know when they are in the area.

Thursday my dispatch guy ( Tom) called on my House phone about 10am and he was in the neighborhood. I told him about the house -he said he had probably seen worse.

He went back to the little computer room and promptly said 'Lady -how old is this computer? Is that Windows 98? ' No Windows ME I said-then he said " I don't know anything about windows ME and is it connecting by USB? -oh no this isn't going to work! You need a new computer." - No shit but it is NOT in the budget this year.

Then my cousin David comes in the back door -Holding a small package he says is an ether net. I introduce him to Tom and it was like the angles started to sing and the babble of a male bonding -computer hardware geek language filled the room. My cousin Dave gave me a hug then -opened the back of my CPU. Tom lent Dave a tool from a tool belt he was wearing. (Oh yes, at that point I was ready for Tom, the dispatch man to get lost in my house - I had decided to keep him). But since the little room was now very crowded with these two big men, I left the room.

The ether net card and cousin David; did the trick -well that and a couple of hours and using the ORIGINAL disc to talk the installation thru AGAIN. The guys installed the DSL line -we found out Tom had a girlfriend in CA and he was suffering from allergies but liked his job here in NJ. He said finding my computer was like finding a beat up 57 Chevy that needed a lot of work, in your driveway. Is that like having your Steve Madden shoes stolen and PAYLESS left in their place? OH

It was finished -Tom did his 'ping" test and he left - Dave stayed to help me load a cleanup program and cleaned up my old computer memory.

It is now faster than dial up and I have been retired long enough to have forgotten how a really fast computer, at work responded. So this is great.

The first thing I looked at was YOU TUBE and my friend's nephew!!!!!
What a HOOT. I like this so far.

Happy Halloween !

DSL Disc

2008-09-18T00:55:00.005-04:00

I just called Verizon installation help line and spoke to Ian (?) in the Philippians. He spoke ok English -pronounced words like a computer would ........................so NO I couldn't understand him -but he was very nice. Forgot to ask if he was single.

I asked him where the disc was? did Carlos really order it sent to me? He said Yes and it will take 5 to 10 days. OK -so I wait. The 30 day cancellation period ends Oct 8th. I hope it is installed by then.

My friend Jennifer said when she got her DSL line she called them and asked when they were coming over to install it?

You can do that? Hmmmmmm

NO it would take me a year to clean my house well enough for a stranger to come in. I can do this myself -it is now a point of honor. If Sarah Palin can field dress a Bullwinkle moose, (why would you want to dress up a moose in your clothes ?-but Alaska winters are long I guess ?) I can do this installation !!!!!!!!!!!

How NOT to install a DSL Line

2008-09-18T00:55:00.004-04:00

OMG I have just spent the entire fuc@+#* day trying to install a DSL line!

The goodies box for my new DSL line was waiting for me when I got home and YEA it had a large sheet in ENGLISH with PICTURES! Hot Dang we are in business now.

But wait the first thing it says is I need a fliter for my wall phone and it is not in the box. The picture page says to call. I talked to Verizon operator early in the week and they sent me a filter for my wall phone that they forgot to put in my box of goodies!

My filter is here , I am ready to start. So today: I called again and spoke with David? in India (who spoke beautiful English -I just could not understand him) -who told me I could use my long phone line since the one in the goodies package wasn't long enough to reach the computer from the phone jack. So far so good.

Wait what is an Ethernet plug and where is the port to plug it into? I then call Debbie's husband Barry in West Chester ,Pa; he told me to buy a new computer;- the plug didn't fit into my CPU , because my CPU doesnt HAVE a port for an ethernet.

Then i plugged the electricity back in ( Barry said I could and not blow up the computer) and then played the installation CD in my computer (I tried to play it on my CD player/ stereo but it made sounds like a fax line) . Then I read on my monitor , that if there is no Ethernet connection port in the back of the CPU ( oh - :)))) use the USB connector.

SOOOOO I have to use the USB cable.

But the the CD reads that the connection will not be as fast ( ok so FUC***G WHAT? I have dial up now) and the CD proceeded to install the modem drivers into my CPU - now that was cool I thought.

but wait it is two hours later =should it take this long?

I by now have called John, a friend in Las Vegas and made him calm me down -he asked me if I could do anything other than wait? I said no . Then he said so wait/ and told me to buy a new computer. Then he hung up.. Jeeze.

So I called Verizon AGAIN -this time got Mexico City and Carlos -whose mother and sisters are in HUSTON TX -yes I got the weather report from Mexico City- I kid you not -he said the power should be up in Huston this week -outside Huston ( Heather and Ryan are in Spring?) may take a week

OH and No the installation should not take two hours, my old computer needs and old installation disc and he will send it to me\

Hello -? - shouldn't there be some quality control questions asked when i first ordered this product -that would have eliminated this back and forth FRUSTRATION level?

But hey I spoke to four really nice men ( David, Barry, John and Carlos )--and Carlos said each time I call with an installation problem I get routed closer to home. First is always India/ then London (they disconnected me per his computer)/ then Mexico City / Canada and then ? Somehow I missed Costa Ricca which he said was also a call site. LOL If I ever get to the Canada site tech helper I am asking if he is single. I used to think I wanted a guy who would take care of the yard and fix things -then I got older and wanted a guy who could carry me up the stairs (LMAO) and not die. Now I think a computer geek sounds ok.

To make things worst I never did get to the gym today, good thing i have choc chip raw cookie dough in the refrigerator-

I know but this is was an emergency -LOL

I wonder how long it will take to get that disc -just in case I bought some raw carrots and bananas and got out my jump rope.

I am not taking any chances.

Westward Ho The Bucket List -week three VEGAS

2008-08-29T19:03:00.003-04:00

It was OK

-Played $1.00 and I won $400 pennies and stopped while I was ahead

LOL

John and I did errands Friday night -I was asleep by midnight. He went out. Saturday we took the car back (808 miles) and John got tickets to a Cirque show ‘LOVE” that I have wanted to see for years -at the Mirage. It was WONDERFUL -we went out to dinner first and I had a lovely evening. Came back , he went out. Sunday he took me shooting at a range. It was fun. Then he dropped me off at the Luxor -where I was staying until I left.

Deb and Barry were there on Sunday night but she had a bad foot and didn't not feel like walking -so I met them for three dinners and a lunch and did Vegas on my own. Barry took me on a quick run to the CVS and showed me how to use the sky walks between the Casinos -Luxor -Excalibur-NYNY -MGM. They did take me on a "see the desert" trip all day Tues -that was different. Drove ON Top of Hoover Dam and Rt 66 and Lofton ? and saw JOSHUA Trees -they are cool! Barry said we were in California for a little bit (my first time in that state!)

LOL It is hard to do fun things on your own -I kept asking where do people my age go to dance? and people said: people your age are in bed or at the tables. NO WAY ??????? Deb and Barry tried to fix me up with a waiter at an Italian restaurant they found -but nothing sparked and I was on my way to do the sights. Alone

I did talk to everyone on the DUCE a bus that ran up and down the strip -all day $5.00. Except I made the mistake of riding it to the end of Las Vegas -beyond Fremont Street to Downtown Terminal -or to anyone who ever ended up there by accident -TWILIGHT ZONE -I mean like where people go to die -it was awful -but a great story setting -smile. Very scary. DO NOT GO THERE.

Monday -i went to see American Stars at the Stratosphere with John's friend Lorena Peril singing the Christina Aguilar role. She was great . If you go to Vegas -find out where she is (Belligio?) and see her act as herself. What a voice! I waited and introduced myself to her and she said if she had known I was in town, she would have left a ticket for me. John said she is really just that nice.

Tuesday I went to see the strip and loved the fountains at Belligio so much -i sort of stayed there the whole time.

Wednesday I checked out the Monorail (not worth it) and Ballys and saw the show Jubilee -also not worth it -but I wanted to see a ‘Vegas show” and so I did. see blog - FUN Monday things on your own.

Thursday, I checked out late and went to see the Aquarium at Mandalay bay. very worth it. That Casino/Hotel/ Conference center is huge !

Wednesday is the only day John was able to meet me for lunch at Golden Nugget on Fremont street. So I got to say goodbye and Thank him for the use of his guest room. He never went out of town for work until after I got home -but the time I 'killed' between my visit to CO with friends and my time in Vegas and flight home on the 1st -was a beautiful wonderful adventure -that I never in a million years thought I could do alone and saw things I only saw in books, drove roads that scared the tears out of me ; truthfully Vegas, my end destination (808 miles), was the disappointment But I was glad to see John and spend a little time with him and assure myself he is doing well and really loves it (?) in the land of the dry desert people. Go figure.

My sister and her husband went to Red Rocks that day I had lunch with John, so I never did get to see where she was married 3 yrs ago and they never got to meet John ( he was to busy to meet us for dinner) . Believe it or not Deb and Barry have a time share in Vegas and are going back in two weeks -they only arranged to spend the week with me because otherwise, I would have been alone in Vegas - they were hiking in Yellowstone. How nice was that? Thank you again Debbie and Barry!

I just wish my sister would have felt more like doing stuff not in a car.-If I ever go back I will see their Red Rocks marriage site and maybe Lake Mead. But NEVER in July -I think I fried my brains. :)))))))) However, I did melt 5 lbs off. LOL

Thank you Bonnie and Paul , Barry and Deb and John - This was a Great Bucket List ADVENTURE for this survivor!

Westward Ho The Bucket List -Week Two -Zion Park

2008-08-29T18:04:00.004-04:00

Week Two - Zion ( last National Park )

On my way to a long lonely trip to Zion and the final Park. I came in from the North end of the Park -down a Mountain. that had switchbacks -so scary all I wanted to do was close my eyes and cry. As it was the WPA crews from the depression, made the roads red to match the mountain rocks and no guard rails.

So every pull off, I would stop and cry until I could stop shaking and drive on -I didn't like this at all. But I did it and didn't close my eyes or go off the road or hit the sides of the mountain. My heart is pounding even as I write this . It was horrible. Where are hitch hikers when you need them? Even a stranger in the car would have been better than alone. But I now have the setting for my horror story. Can you picture these huge campers swinging themselves back and forth on the switchback roads. One was behind me the first time I pulled over to cry.

If I am proud of myself for anything on the trip -it was driving that road. I STILL can not believe I did it alone!

Next, I get to a tunnel -that is so narrow -built for old time cars - only one lane of traffic can go thru at a time and the real big motor home -I think- must pay extra to have a designated driver. I had to wait and talked to a very young summer ranger (GS-4?) she is friendly and I tell her about the Nevada Barr novels about a female Law Enforcement National Park Ranger and her adventures. She has heard about them. A line of cars and two piggyback campers come thru -it is time to move.

The tunnel is wonderful !!!!!!!!-But you can not stop and explore it -the WPA crews ventilated it by cutting large windows in the side of the mountain -it gave light and air and the most fantastic views -if you drive slow -and I did! it was worth the wait and almost the switch back road -ALMOST! .....................shudder.

I didn't even know when I drove past the history museum and the Visitor center -but I am now out of the park into the town. I find my motel behind the Bank in the center of a large asphalt lot. It looked hot -I get out of the car it is about 120 degrees and 6pm. This is the only motel I picked on my own, Barry didn't know it -they stay in the Park at the Lodge (which is VERY nice and I would recommend people only stay there).

The place is okay -my room is very small -I have a shower only which is fine, it is cement and the ceiling is falling down. Otherwise the room is clean -but I am glad I have my $1.00 store Bath mat. It has sliders going out to a patio with two chairs. It must be cool some other season , not today. Next door is a goat farm with a heard of about 10 goats (I kid you not- sorry LOL ) I am surrounded by walls of the canyons. The desk clerk is creepy and tries to get me to go to a western show that night -I say ok and he gives me a stub to hand to the ticket desk - with his name on it -i guess he gets a kick back. I decide to skip dinner and the show and go into the park for the ranger talk at the Lodge. To weird.

I take the free town shuttle into the Visitors center and take the free shuttle into the park -the only way you can see Zion is on the shuttle bus -that takes you into the park and stops at the Lodge and places you can get off and walk. It is late but the sun is still bright. So I ride the town shuttle into the visitors center walk across the bridge to catch the Park shuttle to the Lodge. It is a little empty but I was never in this park or took any shuttles and it seems very organized

Everything is red but I am just glad not to be driving down any more scary red mountains on red roads and away from the motel clerk. The Park shuttle driver is very friendly -it is her last shift for the night but assures me the shuttles run to 10 and the lecture will be over at 9:30. She has a tape playing that tells about the park -but since I am not hiking that night -i don't pay attention. We are talking and she is single and is starting to tell me things to do on my own. When an American senior citizen tells us ‘girls ‘ to stop talking so he can hear the tape. Believe me the tape was plenty loud enough and if he had said something earlier we could talked softer. I was upset -but the driver didn't say one more word. I guess a complaint from a tourist could cost her the job. Talk about ugly American tourist.

I will never know if she would have told me ZION is the darkest place on earth and that when I got out of the ranger talk -the lodge has only sidewalk lighting. That you have to find the shuttle to take you back to the Visitor Center across from the lodge where you were let off. That the Park shuttle lets you off at the Visitor center the parking lot - that the lights are out and you have to try to find the bridge in the dark (I could hear the stream) and hope the shuttle driver for town sees you. I would liked to think she would of told me all that -but she didn' t because of the the ugly senior and I was put in a situation that scared me very badly.

The last Park shuttle was full and everyone got off and went to their cars -parked at the Visitors Center. I was the ONLY one on the last town shuttle and he parked opposite the bridge and turned on all his lights -it was the only way i could see to find the bridge. When I said; ' all the lights in the parking lot were out' -he said ; 'oh yea they are -aren't they?'

I called Barry and Deb and she said -oh yea we forgot to tell you to take a flashlight for Zion it is very dark. HELLO! I was really freaked out -as a single woman alone -I NEVER put myself in these kind of situations. I always am aware of my surrounding and this scared me.

OK, I was probably not in any danger but..........I have another setting and situation for a short story. Always put a positive spin on the adventure!

My last day -I still have to ‘do’ Zion. But, I just want to see my friend John. I have been on my own enough. I am Rocked out. I decide to treat myself to an early breakfast. The restaurant is barely opened -i am the first one. My waiter is a local man -just out of the Army and home to help care for his parents. he says that most local people are really into outdoor sports. of course , the economy is tourist. I can relate -that is what it is like at home. I am a little homesick. For the first time on the trip I decide to eat breakfast -not just yogurt and bagel like normal.

I get so sick.

I check out at the very last hour for the motel. Drive and park my car at the visitor center. Nice bathrooms.

Go into Zion. Ride the shuttle bus throughout the whole park, but in this park unless you get off the bus and walk you can not see anything much from the road. I go to the History museum -which is neat and see a film about the park. Take the shuttle back to the lodge.

I have now found every bathroom in the park.

It is sooo hot. I am melting. Try to hike a little around the lodge but take a wrong turn and find my self going up a rocky sandy walkway to the upper pools

F*** this !!!!! I take the shuttle back to the Visitor center. Walk around -they have an air tower cooler -no air conditioner -it is hot.

Back to the car. The ice in the ice chest is melting and i want to put my head in the water and drown myself. Turn on the car -air at full blast -the overheating light comes on -are you KIDDING me .

Back into the visitor center -stop again at the bathrooms- find out where the Toyota dealer is -couple towns down the road -the one mechanic they use to have in Zion went out of business, Oh joy!

I am leaving this red town and red road. I get started -on my way to Vegas -the engine light goes out. I drink a pedalite and my electrolytes must balance -I feel better. I just want to be at John’s and not drive any longer. But “I have miles to go before I rest”.

The afternoon drive to Vegas is forever and boring. But about 4 pm I cross the Nevada State Line -stop at a truck stop to yes use the bathroom, and call John. He is on his way to the gym -tells me to get off the exit AAA recommended and then gave me a better direction. I get to a gas station around the corner from his house -call him -he is 10 min away and I get out to use the rest room. He meets me and I follow him 3 min to his town house.

Finally, I am with my best friend. I am so glad to see him -it has been almost 2 years since I last saw him during a trip to New Jersey. He was supposed to be out of town the week I was traveling in Utah but that trip was posponed to next week. He invited me to stay with him Friday and Saturday night. This is the reason I have driven 800 miles to Las Vegas! I have missed him very much.

Westward Ho the Bucket List -Week Two -Bryce

2008-08-29T17:19:00.004-04:00

BRYCE -week two

Finally off to Bryce Canyon Nat’l park I skipped Canyonlands Park and Dead Horse Park. I need to get moving. Rt 191 to Rt 70 again -Then Exit 23 to US 89. They were paving RT 89 and all the signs were down -and it is very sparsely populated. Understatement of the century. I had to stop some campers and ask if i was on the right road. It was far -or seemed so. In country so forgotten only a crazy woman would follow her husband here to settle. It wasn't all that beautiful and I suspect I am getting rocked out.

I had a bought a Styrofoam cooler in Grand Junction and put it in the back seat of the rental with a case of water and pedalite nutrition drink. It forced me to stop and buy ice and empty the melted water. It was Bonnie and Paul’s idea. Thank you! I had also bought duck tape and Fix a Flat in Grand Junction -didn't need it but................ The little Toyota Rental was just fine but slow going up the mountains -speed limit is 75 -which i wasn't at all comfortable in the little car but i did ok -even when the trucks passed me on the hills. I was a little upset until I came upon a car and truck crash - both had just passed me. Debris was all over and I slowly went pass -lots of cars had stopped to help. I was just glad it wasn't me. That sounds horrible but I was really tired by that time and just wanted to be at Bryce

The motel I stayed in is outside the park called Ruby’s Inn. Bryce Park has a National Park Lodge that was located inside the Park , but it was old and smelled musty and booked a year in advance -I am glad I didn’t get in! So Ruby’s Inn is about 3000 rooms and camp sites and tent sites and restaurants and has built a whole town around itself and its buildings. I had a king size bed /room off in a building by itself with about ten rooms with their own doors. I parked my car right outside. Not a “Bates” motel but circa 1950. It needed to be updated. The best thing I packed was a bath mat from the dollar store -I used it everywhere and left it in Las Vegas -it served me well. I was across from a little canteen and ate about 8pm right after i unpacked. Took a shower (the tub NEVER emptied -so I soaked my feet at the same time - YEA!!!!!) and went to bed.

Next day I explored Ruby’s Inn “town” found a store for the campers YEA and bought Yogurt and a Bagel that I could toast. I should have bought a couple of them in Moab or here in Bryce. They recommend a free shuttle to get to the park from the motel. But since I had my America The Beautiful Park , pass I decided to drive. Checked out of the Inn and packed up my car and started my day in the park. Stopped at the Visitors center first and found out they had no CD tour to rent (stupid marketing error -yes I told them about it!) so I left to drive the 18 miles to the end of the Park (all up hill) and stopped at each point (all on the left) on the way down. Bryce is the prettiest park /Pink rocks and pine trees and just beautiful. At the very top of the farthest point I was doing a little hike (I always wore a T-shirt from New Jersey or Cape May when I visited the parks -it helped start conversations) and a big guy in a white shirt and black pants came huffing on the path in from of me -then he stopped and said ‘I was born in New Jersey”. LOL he was working at the lodge.

I had lunch alone at the musty lodge (after I waited in line 30 min to use the smelly bathroom - YUCK) .I had finished seeing what I could at Bryce. Lunch was ok -a little spicy for my taste-and I thought the lodge was horribly camping rustic. Barry likes this lodge! The hostess was there with her husband -both were retired and doing volunteer work for the park to experience new things. I can see Barry and Deb doing that.

After lunch , went back to the visitor center spoke to the head ranger about a ‘fault line’ that ran under Ruby's Inn -Deb told me about these rift lines in the earth that show movement - in fact i think we went to a museum in London (instead of the wax museum) to see an exhibit on faults? Anyway - the Head Ranger was about 49 and very cute -so when he got so excited talking to me about the fault lines -I did my best impression of someone who knows what he is talking about -while I looked for a ring. Then I bought a map to show Barry -and went to find it on my way out to Zion park. Took some pictures of what I thought the ranger described. I very much would have liked to have seen the pictographs he said they just discovered in that same area -not yet for public viewing but as he described it -the Rock paintings were right above a large rattlesnake den -and they were waiting until Winter to explore it. I guess he saw my eyes light up -I don't know if it was true -but I packed for every contingency except rattlers!!!!

On my way to Zion in my little rental car. Thinking, I should have written that rangers name down and sent him a thank you here is my number and address letter. LOL yea that would have happened ......................................Rt 89 again . Turn off Utah Rt 9 at Mount Carmel -up the 'HILL' to Zion and the drive from HELL. For the rest of my life I will have nightmares about this place.

Westward Ho The Bucket List -Week Two

2008-08-29T00:31:00.006-04:00

Week two - UTAH - from Grand Junction to Moab to Bryce to Zion

Moab

My brother in law , Barry, mapped out the route and planned my itinerary. It was wonderful I could deviate or follow his directions. I had made reservations ahead of time so I pretty much knew that i wanted to make Vegas by Friday night . My brother in law is an Earth Science Geology teacher married to my sister also an Earth Science Geology teacher. My brother also majored in geology in College.

I saw lots of rocks and no I am not a Geologist and never even liked them (rocks) much. But WOW. We sure do have an awesome country. About 90% of the tourist I met (and yes I do talk with everyone) were foreign. So I asked each one I spoke with, why they were here? I got the same answer- our dollar is so weak compared to their money; that they got a good exchange rate. And YES I thanked them for spending their vacation money in the US. smile .We may have a weak dollar right now but we still have the most beautiful country. And YES I offered to take pictures of every family that was struggling -I am (now) a harmless American and of course honest and I think this was my ‘give back’ to my fellow man - I got to meet alot of friendly people. I think between Utah and Nevada I took over 50 pictures for other people. It made me feel good!

I started in Grand Junction then on I 70 to Rt 128 to Moab. I can drive about 2 hours before I start to fall asleep -so i had to stop alot. Close to Moab the road started following a river and had No guard rails. Now with two people in a car this is no problem -but it is very ah difficult to drive a car and look at the mountains and river (Colorado) by yourself. So I had to stop alot. I got to Moab and a nice clean Super 8. Rt 191. This is a neat town and I had reservations for a family style dinner and barge cruise down the river at 7. Cannyonlands by Night. I had a half an hour to spare. The dinner and cruise were okay -not really healthy food but western stick to your ribs fare. I ate veggies and some chicken i think. The barge cruise was different. An old guy told some jokes and had us look up at the canyon walls and see images in the rock walls until it got dark. Asked us where we were from row by row about 60% of the tourist were from the US on this cruise. When it was dark a truck with lights on the road opposite illuminated the canyon walls and a narrated tape with sound effects told the story of the early Mormon settlers to the area. It was ok but not worth $60.00. Sorry Barry ! I did meet two woman (Suzy and Ann) who were about a day ahead of me hiking without their husbands. They told me places to see in Arches -my first National Park. I later saw them all over Moab town and they said they liked the cruise.

A light continental breakfast is included at the Super Eight -I met a family from Salt Lake traveling with family. Some of which were camping. Total 11 in all . They were really nice and very friendly -the husband was about 10 years younger than I was =a runner and good shape-he had just had three stents in his heart a month earlier. So of course we talked about that. He was so shocked that it happened to him who always ate right and exercised, not overweight and young, the wife was a nurse. I ,of course, shared my story and the damage the two heart attacks did and how I am reversing all that with diet and exercise and medication (which we compared). The only thing he didn't seem to share with me was the depression I went thru. Maybe I need to start running?

Arches National park was wonderful. I opted to buy the annual America The Beautiful pass for $80.00 -since I was going to three parks at $25.00 each. The pass is good for a year -at all National Parks and Recreational Lands. It covers the Pass holder and occupants of a single non commercial vehicle, or where per person fees are charged -me and three people over 16. So I have a year to use the pass -i think either way I got my moneys’ worth.

I stopped at the visitor Center first and checked it out. The BEST discovery was a CD that I could play in my car that took me all through the park and told me what I was seeing and when to stop the CD as I got out to walk/ hike around. It cost $10 to buy and $5 to rent -it was in the bookstore and I was VERY excited to find it -it is NOT advertised. Unfortunately I later found out -Arches was the only national Park that has this unique tool. Each park is apparently run differently. Oh they are all USA and have park rangers that wear the funny Smokey Bear Hats. But they are really missing the boat in Bryce -not having a CD to rent.

The CD says it will take about 3 hours -I took 5 and could have gone longer. I stopped and walked everywhere. Even checked out the camp sites (fee to camp not covered by the pass) on the side of the cliffs with unbelievable views. I saw a thunderstorm over the canyon -I later learned it sparked a lightening bolt that started a fire in the town. I took a great pic of the storm cloud with my cell and camera and sent it to my brother and sister in law. Now they are planning their trip for next year based on my picture. sweet. I found the Indian Rock art talked about on the CD and fell in love with this ancient form of expression. The town of Moab's Visitor center has a brochure for finding Rock Art outside the park. I decided to do Moab rock Art the following day.

That night, I ate dinner, by myself, at a restaurant across from my motel called ‘Sunset Grill” which was built on a cliff and the highest restaurant in Moab. I was the only one in the restaurant but half the town had come up to hang on the deck to watch the fire the storm had sparked and the helicopters scooping water from the Colorado river and dropping it on the fire. I was told it was pretty exciting for their little town. smile I imagine a lot of people had fish the next day. I had a great view -not so good Prime rib. I spoke to a guy fixing the pot holes in the road straight up the cliff to the restaurant-he was from Philly and vacationed in Wildwood. He seemed very nice -but I was very tired and wanted to get back to the motel. see blog about eating alone

The next day I went looking for pictographs -met up with the two woman from the Canyonlands Cruise and laughed when we couldn't find the ‘birthing rock’- did find some really great rock art and they headed home to northern Utah and me to Bryce Nat'l Park -about 5 hours away. BUT No wait -one more gravel road to find more rock art -smile -and here are the same two woman -we laughed and exchanged names and email addresses and they said next hike they go on they will call me. The only problem is they are about 2 years older and in very good shape.

I struggled with each degree of altitude and heat. What ever made me think excising at sea level in an air conditioned gym -would prepare me for this trip on my own?

FUN MONDAY -response

2008-08-25T00:13:00.002-04:00

Fun Monday host is Mama Drama and the assignment is:
What funny trivial fact do you remember that you probably should have forgotten a long time ago?

This is funny -all my knowledge is important yet somehow trivial and surprisingly relevant to this age we live in. So here goes.

My Mother always told me that when I was in a car and in mixed company (boys and girls) and the girls had to sit on the boys' lap to make room for everyone to fit in. The girls must ALWAYS have a telephone book between them and the boys' lap.

See I told you this could not be verified by Snoops. To this day I have no idea why or what she meant -course I never married or had children. OMG is THIS where babies come from???????????

FUN MONDAY -response

2008-08-17T22:23:00.000-04:00

Aug 18, 2008 FUN MONDAY Host question:
" What is one thing you would like to ask your readers? Come up with a question to pose to your visitors and throw it out there on Monday. As we’re all visiting each other’s Fun Monday posts we should answer the various questions we come across"

My Question is:
What is the one thing you cannot do alone or place you can not go alone ?

And my answer to that same Question is (of course) a story:

I traveled and taught for my employer before I retired and I am single -so i really don't have trouble doing things alone. Like movies, hotel rooms,airline flights or trips. I just got back from a Bucket list trip to CO, Utah and Vegas. 808 miles in a car alone, strange motels and three National Parks. When I got to Vegas , my sister was not able to explore with me and so I did Vegas on my own, also. It was not my first choice after a week of rocks and more rocks -but hey it is what it is.

I would have liked to have someone to laugh with when I discovered all the people in the six rows in front of me had been moved down to better seats. I was alone in my $50.00 seats in the last row of the Jubilee Theater at Ballys - 10:30 show. My first and only Las Vegas topless showgirl show and I was back so far they could have been headless for all I knew.

The only thing that did stand out from that far back was that they all appeared to be skinny and flat chested and all their nipples were the same color. I laughed out loud and wanted to share my hilarious discovery - which is when I noticed I was all alone in row U. Apparently the ushers don't move the cheap seat patrons forward. At least not with out an incentive. I couldn't be bothered, the show was ok but ???? I should have opted for a male review. smile But I wanted to see a real live Las Vegas feathers and showgirls show. This wasn't it but it was ok.

I am pretty proud of myself for doing all that on my own -but the one thing i set out to accomplish and did -still leaves me with the ‘weirdness fear‘. I do not like to dine in a resturant dining room for dinner alone. Oh I can do it -but i would rather pay twice what the meal is worth and have room service.

This trip i was determined to eat by myself -all alone and conquer this ‘weird fear’ I have. I had my creative writing journal with me and I was all set. I was shown into a dining room in the Sunset Grill restaurant in Moab UT. It was very nice -set on the top of a small hill. The highest point in the town actually. The driveway was straight up, no guard rails and I hoped I would be finished by dark. I was the ONLY patron in the room. This was going to be more difficult than I thought.

They put me at a table for four against a window with a wonderful view of the town and the river and the wetlands or dry lands along the river and wait -flames? A fire? A lightening strike, from a storm I had just seen in Arches National Park, had set the whole river side on fire.

This being big excitement for this tourist town , soon drew cars up the steep driveway to the Sunset Grill. They parked everywhere, all crowding around the outside of the restaurant porch and windows for a view of the fire. Meanwhile, I had a great view -still the only one in the air conditioned restaurant -of the helicopters scooping river water and dumping it on the now large fire. Of all the town spectators right outside my widow table- looking at the fire and peering in at me -all alone. No one talked to me except my waiter and he was mostly looking & watching outside also.

When I got over the awkwardness and stopped laughing to myself over the absurdity of it all -I finished the meal quickly. Do I tip for service/view or meal ?-I decided view -the meal was the worst prime rib i ever ate but frankly, the fire show and audience conversations (I could hear them all taking) was more than I could have hoped for.

I wonder how many families enjoyed fried /smoked fish the next day?

I am so thankful my sister and her husband were in Vegas at the same time I was . She wasn't able to hang out with me but we met for a few meals. Thank goodness -I wonder what would constitute town excitement in Sin City? and would I have enjoyed the front row window seat?

NO,I don't even want to know.

Wash day with Nana

2008-08-15T17:18:00.000-04:00

On the way thru Vegas I stayed with a friend from work that had moved out there 3 years ago. We were talking about chores we hated -I said cleaning the toilet and he said drying the dishes from the dishwasher (Las Vegas water leaves streaks even with that special stuff you put in the rinse cycle) and he also disliked folding laundry after it is dried.

It reminded me of one of my earliest memories with my Nana.

I used to love doing wash with her . The night before we would gather up all the laundry in the house -nothing much -I seem to think she did wash once a week and towels went down to the basement daily. But she and I would make the trip thru the house upstairs and first floor. I think I carried the hand towel from the only bathroom. She carried the underwear and sheets. The wicker wash basket stayed with the washer- it was only for wet clean stuff. So we carried all the things to be washed down the stairs, down the four kitchen stairs, then down the basement stairs to the scariest basement ever built. Well not really, but to a little kid who loved to go down there it was wonderful not to be alone.

The basement had an alcove for the washer and utility tub. It also had partioned off areas; a small toilet room, an all purpose room., an oil tank room -with a door that was closed and my Grandfathers shop. The shop had the extra refrigerator they used, from when my mother was a kid. It was short and had a condenser on top. I remember being excited when i grew talker than it was. Next to it was a wood and glass cabinet that held all the board games and toys and metal toy soldiers my mother and her sister and two brothers had played with. We were not allowed to open it without my grandparents there. It had that real thin glass , I now realize , and my grandparents were afraid the glass would break and hurt us. It had a little scary closet that went under the steps -my Grandfather kept his wood and other stuff in there but the door was hard to open. On the side was a metal Coke Bottle Opener that we were allowed to use once a visit, when we were allowed to have a tiny bottle of coke. The door jam to the entry door was filled with measure lines from all the children and friends that had passed thru the house and of the Grandchildren as we visited. I think it was the hardest thing for us to leave after my grandfather died and they sold the house.

On the outside of the room was a chalk board with chalk and an eraser. It hung at just right height for visiting grandchildren. The shop was very organized and clean . My Grandfather was a retired cabinet maker and he had scrap paper there , that we (mainly the girls) could draw on, using the pencils he sharpened with his knife. The boys would be allowed to build things -once they had demonstrated their creativity with Lincoln Logs/Tinker Toys and erector sets. I don't know about the other boys but my brother was building with my Grandfather when he was five. My brother still likes to work with his hands and design, invent and build things. I was never jealous of his time with grandfather, just glad to get him out of our hair so Nana and I could wash.

Nana would wake me about six in the morning, if I wasn't already up, having met the sun with her. She had done most all the wash already and had it on the line -but left the towels for me to help with. The sheets were done first of course, so they could be hung on the outside lines. That way all the neighbors could see she had her wash out first. I kid you not. Then the underwear because the sheets hid them from view. They took a little longer to dry so when the sheets were dried the towels were hung in their place. Usually at the same time -I seem to recall -at all times protecting the underwear from neighbor view. Funny I never questioned her about this early morning ritual. I just knew for some reason the neighbors could not know my Grandfather wore underwear. This was weird because all the grownup boys and the little boys in my family wore underwear, how sad, I thought, that the boys in those neighbor families didn’t wear underwear. When I told my brother my underwear thoughts, he said they must be Amish and not have metal zippers. We always went thru Lancaster County on the way to the grandparents and talked about the Amish all the time. My brother knew about boy parts and metal zippers.

To wash , Nana had this open type of agitator that would swish the clothes around. then we would take them and feed them thru this wringer thing on the top that she would swing around over the laundry tub.. As the washer would empty we (the wringer) would quish all the water out from the towels into the laundry tub, and make them flat as a board. Which Nana would grab and put into a metal tub that sat on a long wooden bench. I seem to think the washer would empty into a drain on the floor -because i remember alot of water on the floor. Then we would dump all the towels from the metal tub back into the washer and fill it with rinse water and it would agitate and we would quish them all again. We may have done that twice -I cant remember. But the whole time I helped and my Nana and I would talk and laugh and she even ‘glistened’ (ladies never perspired). Even when she glistened she smelled wonderful. Funny all my mother ever did was throw the clothes in the automatic washer and then the dryer, no fun.

With Nana it was alot of work but when it was done we would load all the towels in the wicker basket (I even had my own little basket) and take them up the steep stairs (sometimes she would ask my grandfather to carry it up for us) and out the basement door, under the Grape arbor, to the back yard. Then I would hand her towels or clothespins and knowing me, talking my fool head off. She would let me smell the sheets before we took them down and then smell the towels all wet. Then she would pull the line down for me to hang the wash cloths in my little basket, then she would say;” Thank you dear , I just couldn't have done it with out your help”, and then we would go in for breakfast. Me , I am quite sure, talking little girl nonsense the whole time.

When my Grandmother had her heart attack and stroke and my grandfather had to do the wash. My mother said the first thing he bought was an automatic washer and dryer. He apparently had been trying to convince my Grandmother for years to buy them.

But by that time ,most of the old neighbors had died or moved away and she was just to sick to ever care again about her wash being done and ready to hang .............

as she met the sun on wash day..

Westward Ho the Bucket List

2008-08-13T01:36:00.000-04:00

Week 1 - Colorado - Denver -Vail-New Castle -Grand Junction

Hi just got back from a wonderful and exhausting 3 week trip west -saw a college roommate, Bonnie, and her husband, Paul, and spent some real one on one time with them and it was just like old times at Penn State. Saw three National Parks in Utah and drove on to Vegas, visited another friend and spent a 4 days at the Luxor. Whew!

My sister dropped me off at Philly airport /Frontier Airlines on Wednesday the 16th of July . Flew into Denver took a long walk and a short shuttle train ride to the baggage area / got my suitcase and went looking for the shuttle to drive me the two hours to Vail. Unfortunately it was dark and I didn't see much. We drove around the city and I saw where the Democratic Convention will be -well the area. Then we were off West -thru mountain road cuts and high elevations and I am the only one talking in the very full (7 with driver) Van shuttle. A nice man sitting next to me that was from CA but use to live in Vail and was visiting his married son who had had a bike accident? and was having an operation. He was very nice and answered all my tourist questions. But I will probably not pass this way again and even in the dark it was interesting. I told him I would say a prayer for his son's recovery. I cant imagine it in the winter snow -even in the summer it was a long 2 hour drive -I am glad someone else was driving.

Bonnie picked me up around midnight at the Vail Transportation Center we were about 10 min from her home. The next day, Thursday, we went to the top of Vail Mountain and saw the magnificent view and walked around town. Visited the museum for the WW II Ski Patrol that was trained there. Impressive. Friday we packed up the truck for another drive and I ended up with them about fours hours west of Denver and an hour east of Grand Junction, at their mountain log cabin.

Then I was on a real gravel road straight up the mountain but this was no rustic Daniel Boone cabin -more like Architectural Digest. Was I surprised . It was nothing like I imagined -total solar and propane, low flush toilet and cistern for water -Log house perched on the top of a mountain with views I could spend the rest of my days enjoying. This was Paul's dream since he was fourteen and WOW is the best description.

Saturday it was the 3rd annual picnic for all the mountain lot owners. I helped where i could and when Bonnie would let me -smile. But not even I or my super organized friend could anticipate the real estate broker/sponsor would forget to bring the hamburgers and Hot Dogs. An hour down the mountain and hour back to buy food, desserts eaten first, and lots and lots of laid back humor and good will - salvaged the picnic. Those that stayed, enjoyed a beautiful sunset together.

Sunday we did wash in a really neat little washer/.dryer that was in same compartment. I don't know how it worked but it did. It might have been from Australia? I think they use them in RVs. It was very cool. Paul, Bonnie and I also drove around all the mountain lots and checked to see if the gravel road committee (which just happens to be Bonnie, the realtor and Tim -an adorable neighbor) needed to have the roads graveled. Some of the roads to the lots were so steep I had to close my eyes. Paul drove. This is snow mobile country.

Monday we drove an hour down the mountain and an hour west to Grand Junction, CO. At the airport I rented, from Hertz, a little blue 4 cylinder Toyota for my BUCKET LIST Road Trip to three National parks and Las Vegas.

We said ours Goodbyes at lunch and I promptly got lost looking for a Wal-Mart to buy a ice cooler. Bonnie and Paul had given me a case of bottled water for my trip so of course I needed an ice chest. Which worked out wonderful -when I did find the store -it was near the interstate. I wasn't lost I was exploring the really nice town of Grand Junction. Yes, I would go back to visit Grand Junction for a longer time.

For six days I was treated wonderfully, safe with good friends, it was so very relaxing. Good thing because little did I know what was ahead.

A Fish Story -Bucket List

2008-07-11T06:15:00.000-04:00

In 2006, I crossed ocean fishing off the BUCKET list -it was a riot of fun -but I do not think I want to EVER do this again. I had fish blood and fish puke - all over from head to sneaker and jumped in the shower after -with my glasses and sun glasses still on!

I fished in the 2006 Ladies Invitational Bluefish Tournament off of Atlantic City , NJ

My best friends sister was Vice President at the time (she is now President) and she helped me with all the arrangements and even set me up in a boat. I had no idea what I was getting myself into -i just knew I always wanted to go deep sea fishing.

The Blues fought like crazy -our heaviest one was 11.6 lbs and I don't think I caught it. The boat and the OCEAN never stopped moving all day except for a 20 min. lunch break!!!!!!!

I Started the day at 3am, met my (3) boat ‘TEAM” ladies at 5am/ Met the Captain ( FV Sea Gold?) at 6 am and we were fishing by 7 or 8 am-whenever the Tournament started. I sort of lost track because it took about an hour to get to the spot(?) in the Ocean that a thingie on the boat said some fish were under the boat. My team had been watching the local fishing reports and talking to locals and said the big fish were to the North of us and wanted to go there -but the Captain would not listen to them. Mutiny already? Turns out those ladies were right and the winning fish were caught right were they said the big blues were running.

I got to steer the boat twice and then I tangled the lines so badly the Captain had to cut them all and I was banned from driving.

The other three ladies and the captain had fished before and lots of stuff didn't make any sense -but who am I to question stuff -well ok I am robin and I question everything -but I was good -ok I was stoned on Dramamine but hey I was excited inside -it just never reached my facial expressions. But, I never got sick.

Because it was a tournament -no one can help you bring the fish ‘in’. My first blue hooked and I thought a whale was on my line and I almost went over the side of the boat! Man, are those little things strong. You wear this belt around your waist with a leather thing that holds the bottom of the rod in a little circle of leather-about at your ah lower tummy -below your navel.

Everyone was shouting directions -no one said don't fall out of the boat -but I picked up quick on that and the captain said don't loose my rod it costs over $500.00 . OH. We took turns -so every fourth time it was my turn to strap on the leather belt and pick up a rod (that I swear got heavier each time) and stand on the little rocking boat and try to catch a Blue. Have you ever seen a bluefish? they have a set of teeth like a four year old and by the end of the day I was slinging them in and out of the ice chest bins, in the bottom of the boat, by their gills -it was such a weird feeling. I touched a living thing’s gills. So by the third time up, I just wanted to go home and gave my turn away -a couple of times. Mostly to rest but once to go to the bathroom -oh “head“.

Now that was a riot -I am sitting down and now finished -so I try to get up -there are no bars to hang onto and the ‘head’ is very, very small -so every time I try to stand up the boat bounces down or up -anyway I was laughing in the head and in there so long -they were getting worried. I finally pushed myself up using the toilet and the walls.

Then tournament ended and I fell asleep on the way back. I was exhausted. I could never have done this if I hadn't been going to the gym for 2 years. What would it have been like to fish where the ‘big’ Blues were running? I was happy to learn that the fish were sold at a fish market in Philadelphia and the proceeds were donated back to the Charity Tournament Fund Raiser. I also heard that some of the Blues went to a local Kitchen that feeds the homeless.

I fought 5 fish and brought 3 into the boat. I lost two back to the ocean - after a good fight at the very end when I let my rod drop. I thought that was pretty good for the first time I ever went fishing. Some of the guys from the gym said I should have started with flounders in the back bays or on a party boat -but then, honestly, I probably NEVER would have gone on this adventure! LOL

Anyway, it was for a good cause and I am so very proud of myself for actually doing this very scary but very fun thing.

Curious about the Ladies Invitational Bluefish Fishing Tournament? http://www.fishlibt.com

This is a cut and paste from a 2006 article -I did not write this:
“An interview in the AC Press, a local paper, with the then president B. Gates reported :The Ladies Invitational Bluefish Tournament event benefits the AtlantiCare Ruth Newman Shapiro Mobile Mammography Assistance Fund. In 2006 a record $60,000 was donated to the fund. The Bluefish Tournament raises money in a variety of ways for the Mobile Mammography Fund — from entry fees, corporate sponsors, raffle tickets throughout the year and donations. Helped by good weather, the tournament in 2006, attracted a record 69 boats and 315 women anglers. It helps women without insurance to receive a free mammogram, or get them on a sliding scale. No woman is turned away. The money really stays in Atlantic (and) Cape May (counties) and southern Ocean County, the route of the (the Mobile Mammography Unit).
The boat that caught the biggest single bluefish in weight, The Odds Maker, was the 2006 tournament winner and received the first prize of $1,600. The Odds Maker was captained by John Hartnett, and the anglers were Carole Goss, Carole Connelly, Jackie Moss and Marilyn Abrahms. The boat's top bluefish was 16.02 pounds. The Odds Maker also won the second prize of $1,100 with the day's second-heaviest bluefish, a 14.84- pounder. The top seven bluefish in weight received a cash prize.
The tournament was headquartered at the Sen. Frank S. Farley State Marina in Atlantic City, and at Seaview Harbor Marina in Great Egg Harbor Inlet in Longport. Fishing was within a 40-mile radius from the 1A Buoy in the Absecon Inlet.”

Family

2008-07-06T13:44:00.000-04:00

Last night I went to an open air free concert sponsored by the Greater Wildwoods tourist authority and Coastal Broadcasting. The band was Changes in Latitudes a tribute band to Jimmy Buffett. No I am not a parrot head but i do like music and this band was great. The crowd was great /the food great (J. Otten Caribbean from CH -owned by a little girl, and her husband, from my street all grown up ,married with 2 children)/ beer on tap and a family crowd. Parents dancing with kids /kids dancing alone/beach ball pass/ FIREWORKS and well, just summer fun. Not much cigarette smoke, but I love the smell of cigar smoke and yes they were there also. The best part was picking up my cousin and his wife and Coast Guard son, in the Crest. We all had chairs and sat together /sang the songs /clapped and OK we all stood up and danced together too. smile The most expensive thing about this free concert was the parking (my cousin treated-I drove) $15.00 at the convention center -it was across the street from Fox Park and a great spot.

I spoke later to my best friend and he asked if I would have gone by myself and I said yes, but then i said; ' well, I would like to think yes but I don't know and I don't know if I would have had so much fun.' ( We never lie to each other). I am usually OK on my own and sometimes choose to spend Holidays by myself. This Holiday -July 4- I was feeling sort of lonely by myself. Oh I could have reached out to any one of my friends but I had just had a wonderful weekend past with my girl cousins and a girls only sleepover and then the big WONDERFUL family reunion - and didn't feel like it. I am the only unmarried/un-partnered older cousin and have always been OK with that -well mostly -but since I retired, I thought something is missing. I think I am to young to be retired and I am aware of my age for the first time. weird

Anyway , since the family reunion i realize -nothing is missing-i am exactly where I am supposed to be - in the midst of a warm and loving family. My bucket list keeps me pushing my comfort zone and doing things I always wanted to do.

So the question is could I have rocked on my own in WW in my Penn State collapsible chair?
I would like to think so - but ; I didn't have to .................................my family surrounded me.

It was a HOOT !

Creative Writing Class -Favorite Present

2008-07-02T16:23:00.000-04:00

I cant think of one present that i can recall as being the best. I do remember one present that I really liked more than most. A Cinderella watch I got when I was 4 or 5. 1956 or 1957. My mothers youngest brother and his wife were home from Texas where he was stationed in the Army and she finished nursing school. I don't know if I had ever met them before , I am sure I had, but I didn't remember it. Their oldest daughter wasn't born until 1958, so i know they were childless at the time.
They were about 23 or 24, and seemed so strange to me. I remember I thought my aunt was a teenager, and had the most wonderful , really high curves in her feet. She wore these high spike heels which she kicked off and sat with her feet under her -on my Grandmother’s couch. My mother said she was family because she was her brothers wife, but I thought she must be a guest because NO ONE in the family was allowed to put there bare feet on the couch or sit on their feet.
Or maybe it was just family under six.
Anyway she smelled like perfume and was very gay and happy and everyone was happy because they were home and everyone was laughing. My Uncle brought his dog , a Great Dane, Sandy. The dog was as tall as my Uncle when it stood up and my Uncle was quite the tallest man I had ever seen. 6’4”. The only space the dog could lay down and still be in the room, with my Uncle, was in front of my Grandmothers baby grand piano. All the younger cousins would pet Sandy, But I was afraid. My Uncle would always talk quiet to me and hug me when i was close to him and so he bent down real close to me and took my hand and patted Sandy along with my hand. it was wonderful, scary and wonderful. I don't think I had ever touched such a large living thing before in my life.
Then it was time for presents they brought for the children. My two boy cousins and my brother and my girl cousin and me. It was close to my birthday so the grown ups said it was a birthday present for me. I wondered why the other kids got presents also. Then I opened the box and saw the Cinderella watch with the pink band. I loved it. My first watch. I had no idea how to tell time and my mother had been practicing with me -I now realized she must have suggested the gift.
I have no idea what the boys got -I am sure something from the PX exchange on base -my brother thinks it was a compass or a flashlight -something neat from Uncle. Our Connie, 2 years younger, didn't seem to appreciate the watch like I did. She was a spoiled only child that lived near my grandparents. We were all jealous of her that she could go to the Grandparents whenever she wanted. Connie decided she wanted Sandy the dog and we cousins were worried the grownups would give into her. But her mother said no. She was allergic to dogs and chocolate and anything else her mother didn't want her to have, or so it seemed to us kids. We were glad she didn't get Sandy. Now we all could love Sandy the dog when they visited. Connie grew up to be a wonderful, loving person and Mom. My brother still teases her about the chocolate.
I still have my Cinderella watch , now with a white band. It doesn't work, I don't think. I am getting rid of most of my stuff, downsizing. But I keep putting the watch to the back of my top drawer. I now realize the memories of that evening are just as precious as the watch. It makes me smile each time I see it.
I will have to ask Connie if she still has her Cinderella watch? But of course she does, no one in my family throws anything away!

I read this on the Avalon Library .org ipod writers site -you may be able to pull it up and listen to it -my computer will not make the link.

PS:
At the family reunion I asked Connie if she still had the watch -she didnt and barely remembers the watch or the occasion.. In fact when she read this story -she only wanted to know if she really was spoiled. I told her: not after her brother and sister were born. I love my family. I am so blessed.

Pre Family Reunion

2008-06-25T11:26:00.000-04:00

Saturday is our family reunion -we have been planning it for -oh I don't know -4 months? Anyway it is my Maternal Grandfather's side of the family. He had a brother and three sisters. The sisters never had any children that lived and so that connection died -once I think my grandfathers first cousin(s) came. One even brought some of his grandchildren -but they had so much more money than we did and were spoiled shits -we tried but they never came back. Now his brothers children and their families are starting to fall away. Illness, distance, lack of interest other commitments.
The story goes that my grandfathers father "The Hampton" came to the US from Scotland with his first cousin"The Henderson" . They had gotten in young men trouble with the local football team (Rugby) drinking etc... and the parents decided to send them to the sisters and brothers all now living near Philly. They came with their bag pipes ( left in the attic of my great-grand mothers house -the bag had rotted away and no one wanted them) and their clubs (golf clubs in a linen white bag -we may still have them) and their plaids (lost forever). Who knows if it was true. We lost track of the bothers and sisters of my Great-grand father. And the stories have migrated over the years.
I actually made it to Scotland -not to Aberdeen -but I kept saying to my sister all the time we were there -all these men look like Uncle Charles -my grandfathers brother. smile I never saw anyone that looked like my grandfather who was very tall and thin and had piercing blue eyes. Eyes and a look that made you want to confess to chopping down all the cherry trees in the world. I now realize he must have been a genetic throwback to some beserker Nordic raider that landed in Aberdeen and left his seed to co-mingle in my family genes.
No one knows that story. I just haven't written it yet. :))))))
I am looking forward to this reunion. My mother started hosting it after my Grandfathers sister got to old (so the family thought) for the work involved. And as my Grandfathers oldest girl grandchild -alot of work IS involved. My Mother sort of decided not to have it any more. When we were little my Grandfather's four children and their families (both boys and both girls married and had children -Total 11 living grandchildren) all got together at my grandparents home in York, Pa for Thanksgiving.
I cant remember when the summer reunions started. the first one I remember, was in 1956 my grandfathers mother , Kate's , 80th birthday. I think that would have made her 24 when her first child was born -my grandfather. She had married when she was 23. I think back then, she must have been an old maid.
The story goes that she met my Grandfather when he walked into the weaving room of the mill where she worked in Lima, Pa. She remembered a man with a plaid scarf and a Scottish bough so think she could barely understand him. He was on a job interview and said he decided to marry her the minute he saw her. I think he was younger than she was.
Every birthday and special occasion he would write her these terrible rhyming poems in her cards. My mothers brother recently gathered as many as he could find and copied them into a book for his sisters, We have since copied and recopied them and now all grandfathers Chas's children have a copy. sweet. I will have to remember to bring it to the reunion.
Recently my grandfathers girl grandchildren have decided to try the reunions again. Not at my parents, but at a park. It is a first for our summer reunion. Our cousin from California and her Missionary brother and his family from Africa are going to be there. But alot of people have sent their regrets and now my parents aren't coming.
This why I am so glad we all are on the Internet . I will be able to write a letter and upload pictures to everyone that didn't come. So next year -and I really mean it -everyone that is Healthy enough to come -will rearrange their lives to participate in something so wonderful their children will want to continue.

I think it is called Family.

Happy Fu*kin Fathers Day

2008-06-17T10:27:00.000-04:00

I went up to the parents for Fathers Day weekend -bought the card and a present. My father and I were talking in the kitchen and I said:
"your favorite Granddaughter is still in Texas and will not be here"-
He said : " I really don't have a favorite they are both great kids
My nieces are 21 and almost 24.
I said: "Yes, Tom and Karen ( my brother and sister in law), raised wonderful women. Karen , really was always in their world. Even in High School and college -I don't think a day went by when she didn't talk with them. Sometime I thought it was to much -but I was wrong -because it worked -they are wonderful, thoughtful woman."

"Yea" my dad said, " it was a good thing you never had children . you would have made a lousy parent."

I couldn't talk. I just looked at him. A thousand things -possible responses went through my brain. MY BRAIN SCREAMED - He is right -just look at what you had to use as an example. But I said nothing. He had a shit eating grin -like he just said it to be mean look. Then I realized I didn't care -he couldn't hurt me anymore -whatever he said couldn't hurt anymore. so I said:

"You can say anything you want to me , it doesn't matter, I will never be a parent and I cant change the past."

"You would have ignored your kids, they would have played in the street and you would have let them"

"No". I said, "I wouldn't have let my children play in the street." he wanted a fight I think -but I no longer cared and left the room

When I told my mother, she laughed and said well look at his example.
What ?
When I told a couple of my male friends .
They BOTH said did you ask him Why?
That was weird both males had the same reaction -I never though to ask Why? he said that.
Then one said -well you don't much like him anyway, don't let it bother you.

It doesn't . Yet it does and I cant seem to get past it -Oh not what he said . I can never be a parent -that is in the past. What bothers me is the nasty comment.

The fast cutting comment. That hurts for a minute, and no one asks WHY you said it -they just accept it as part of you.

OMG I did inherit that from him. I do make those brain farts. I did it recently to my niece in front of her friends and family. When I apologised she forgave me immediately. Now, she will make a wonderful parent. My other niece was very angry and called me the next day to let me know. She will also make a wonderful parent. I cant believe I said what i did and if I could give the rest of my life to never have said that hurtful thing -i would. I don't remember now why I said it, and she never asked Why ?. She just forgave me.

Can the next generation teach us to heal?

I am sorry Rach.

I forgive you, dad.

Day 2

2008-06-05T22:54:00.000-04:00

Annie (anniedaze.blogspot.com) and I went to the second day -of the North Wildwood Beach Writers Conference. Well she was there first I was sort of late and she well, REMINDED me it was my idea to get there early and network. Sorry. I did pay the ULTIMATE price . She picked out seats in the (i kid you not ) front row! I think the last time I sat in the front row was a Roberta Flack concert at Penn State, oh and a Star Wars Movie in the theater. -Both were awesome. This was ok. I moved us right before the last speaker of the conference, to a table in the back where we both could stretch and take notes on self publishing -the last topic. HA

Today the first speaker actually had us introduce ourselves and where we were from and a little brag if we wanted to -it was nice and again i asked myself what am I doing with these people? But it was strange the group started to open up after that and talk a little more.

The second speaker was our writers group facilitator, Dr. Sue Jacobson. She spoke on memoir writing.We just love her and the group (which was now about 40 -50 people) seemed very receptive and interested. She invited local writers to join our group and encouraged out of town writers to form their own local writers group. She even gave her Phone number along with her email address. That was a nice touch. Sue spoke to Annie and I from the podium and asked us to tell about the Avalon Library Writers group and what we were writing. At least I think that was what she asked -Annie went first -I sort of had a deer in the headlights moment -smile. Afterwards people actually came up and talked to me and introduced themselves and asked about the writers group. Annie said people approached her also.

For lunch we walked the boards -the three of us -down to Macks Pizza (ah I had ah salad- yeah -ok) we gathered a couple of people from the conference who walked along with us and ate lunch with us. That was when the best part came -networking and sharing stories and meeting other writers. Very prolific and published writers and even they were impressed with Annie's two books. I am such a novice when it comes to these people. Why am I here?

At this point I am getting more out of Annie and Sue and the people I am meeting than the conference. It is interesting, but I think I am not the audience the conference wanted to reach. I find my thoughts drifting, only to be lured back in by the speakers reference to something that triggers another mind drift. Why in the world am I sitting on these hard chairs? Oh yea for the information and the last speaker on self publishing.

The last speaker -self publishing -couldn't make it -sent a very nice substitute speaker on the history of publishing.
I left. Annie came with me.
Dinner was at 7pm -it was 4:15. We walked the boards. Talked about the conference. Annie was not feeling well and skipped the dinner and keynote speaker. I dropped in for a little visit with my cousin Dave in the Crest.

Dinner -I was 15 min early and almost everyone was there -the conference room had been cleared already. I sat with about six others. We introduced ourselves and talked about what we wrote -ah -now this is what I had been looking for from the first day. Dinner was good. But I wish the menu had been announced -I would have asked for the chicken to be served without the sauce. I paid for it, so I ate it and enjoyed it! LOL I talked about my blog and found a woman and her husband and friend, from exit 100 on the parkway, that had been to Rocking Horse Dude ranch. What a HOOT! They loved it also!

The keynote speaker was a Vivian Grey who wrote a book :"Moe Berg, The Spy behind Home Plate". She was excellent. Ok, so I still don't know why I am here -but I am having an interesting time and so humbled by all the awesome passion these writers have for their craft.. I don't mean just the speakers, but the conference members as well.

After dinner the winners were announced for the short story and poem entry. The winner was from our table. A woman who joined us after dinner. She was asked if she would like to read her story. It was a sensory description of her trip to the Great Wall of China. It was WOW!
It was good. It was like being able to reach out and absorb her memory of the trip. I could hear it, feel it and smell it.

I now know why I was at this conference. It all came together in this one point in time, After this one reading of a short story by a woman whose name I never even wrote down, Angela something. It all became clear. I may never write a book or even publish. I truthfully don't care.

I was here to be inspired.

Because I know I am a creative writer.
And that is exactly who I want to be, now that I am all grownup.

Wildwood Writers Conference -Day 1

2008-06-04T22:58:00.001-04:00

Well today I spent the afternoon attending the Wildwood Writers Conference -it was a first for me . I had never attended one of these workshop -conferences before and I always wanted to. No it wasn't on the list -just something I wanted to do. I had no expectations -just curious. It had been well publicized down here in Cape May County. I am a creative writer and I thought it would be fun to go. My friend (Annie P. Scott.blogspot.com) said she would go with me -she went last year and said it was ok. She has published two books and well, honestly, could have been one of the speakers.

It wasn't fun. It was painful and terrifying .

Why am i here? I kept asking myself. These people are writers and want to be published. I was so overwhelmed. Yet it was interesting. I wonder why I am here? I think I just write for myself and friends. The blog and Christmas letters. My indigestion (heart attack) story for the radio. The stories I am starting to write for the Saturday Avalon Creative writers Group, but that is it. I am no where near the kind of writer I think is in the audience.

Yet...........could I be? Should I be?

Most small groups I have ever participated in, start with an introduction of the scheduled speakers in the audience- no one did. Then a followup with the audience members names (no one has name tags -networking is not the goal here) and what they hope to get out of the conference. I would have added 'how many books have you published?'. Maybe at the end?

The conference has about 25 to 35 people in attendance . It varies and I noticed some people didn't come back after dinner and some people apparently came in after work. The guest speakers are talking on various topics. They all have at least one book , sometimes more, published and on the market. I haven't read any of them, yet. Most seemed prepared to speak to an audience -and have obviously done it before -either teaching or speaking at other writers conferences. They are giving out helpful information , I guess.

I DO know that when one of the speakers told the group that 100% of their family vacation was deductible if they use it as research for their book -I almost fell out of my very hard chair. No that is NOT why I am here!

All these rules and hints and what to do and not to do and don't listen to anyone and get a book on grammar and write write write everyday -work it like a job and write thru all blocks and don't listen to your inner critic and WHY AM I HERE?

So far the limited brave class questions have been real &-filled with emotion.
I think i may have said the wrong thing in the bathroom to some woman who asked if i liked the conference -I was washing my hands and didn't say anything and she was out the door -hello .......she actually came back in to wait for my answer. SO, I told her I didn't know yet.
I don't know if she was upset - but hey, I still don't know why I am here so.................

I will let you know tomorrow after after the conference is over. Yes I am going back.

I may not know why I am there , but I do know I am Scottish and I paid the money for two days. Maybe that is why I am here, to learn how to MARKET a friends books? LOL

Mature Adults Bus Trip

2008-06-03T19:07:00.000-04:00

Today, I went on a mature adults bus trip to the Tropicana to see the show 'Best of Broadway" (it was wonderful). Since I don't gamble, I walked around the casino and on the boards and people watched before the show. When I was tired I sat on an empty bench. I now realize it was empty because it was within hearing distance of a very BAD clarinet playing pan handler. Ugh. I was going to go and harass him -Of course, it would have been mean -but I just know he isn't reporting his begging money -but hey I am NOT in charge of the world any more. So I just listened, smiled and enjoyed the sun and breeze.

Then a nice man sat beside me and talked to me while he smoked his cigar (I love the smell of cigars -so shoot me) -yes he asked me lots of questions and since i no longer work for our Uncle I told him ! I was retired etc -he said he had a house on the island, on the point and use to have a business in Pa, seven grandchildren, two sons (one went to PSU :) the other to that university in pittsburgh :(-. An hour and a half he talked to me -it was lunch time -he never asked for my number or even to have lunch with him! He never closed the deal.

So now what about being picked up by a man to old be in my generation -didn't i get? What did I do wrong? I just talked to my friend JMK. and he said I should have asked him for his number and that I would call him next time I was in AC on a bus trip. I should have closed the deal. How easy would that have been ! But nooooooooo.

I am so bad at these things -I cant even ask out old men who chat me up. Geeze.

So, I had a nice time and a beautiful day, didn't loose any money and a seagull didn't shit on me. I was scared a couple of times by this woman walking along by the side me, that needs to do lots more crunches and ab work- oh wait was that a mirror?

Tomorrow I do the Writers Convention in Wildwood.

Ah, the retired life.

Spanish Class then Dance

2008-05-28T21:49:00.000-04:00

Today I had my first beginner Spanish class in the Avalon Library. The room was really crowed almost 20 people . What about the word beginner don't people understand, I know it is accelerated but there were people in the class that travel to Spanish speaking countries (not just Florida) and could actually READ and Pronounce the words from the workbook. I mean It isn't fair -and of course all the people who COULD speak the language sat up front with their workbooks and good accents. I kept thinking I must have missed a couple of weeks -but nooooo -we were all beginners (?) Hello! The woman instructing was using a very small white board in the front of the room -I finally asked her to write larger. Because I , of course, had failed to ask the right person and was told: -'no it doesn't say you need a workbook ' and of course I was not prepared. Thank goodness the men sitting next to me and across from me shared their workbooks. I think we were learning about the gender or tense (?) of the words and two woman started discussing the differences between Spanish and FRENCH and the verb "to be" ? or something (I f ***ing kid you not ) I lost it and started to laugh. From then on it was very easy to just listen and not take myself or the class to seriously. Ok, well I am going to try to BUY the workbook WITH the CD -I figure the class is free -it is the the least I can do for my Bucket List. We meet Monday and Wednesday.

Wednesdays are a little tight ,time wise - I have Belly Dancing at 6:30 in Seaville -which is a doable Rt9 drive -so far (tourists are not all here). Tonight's class was a good cardio workout. I am soo bad -but I just love it. :)))))) Today we had to show attitude and present ourselves like we wanted to be hired to dance for an audience (yea well that will never happen but the exercise and fantasy were wonderful). Belly dancing is a woman's dance not sexual but sensual and it is from the core of our feminine self. It has helped. My posture has even improved!

I hate to miss even one weekly class. But next week is the Writers conference in Wildwood -so I will miss Spanish and Dance -ah but I have wanted to see what this conference is all about. I hope it is a HOOT ,after all isn't that what a Bucket List is all about ???????

:)))))))) smiley face with a double chin

Bucket List - Eastern Dude Ranch

2008-05-19T17:01:00.001-04:00

My first Blog -oh font is to large -maybe this ?or this is better or or or or -no cursive ah this is better -softer

Ok, my first blog is about my ongoing adventures in Bucket List Land. :))))) that is a smile with a double chin

I recently took a trip to a Dude ranch -which was on my list. Now I wasn't sure I really could ride a horse -i hadn't been on one since before I wore a bra and that was long ago - I have a lot more ,ah , bounce now, but I now own a sports bras. Have sports bra will travel. LOL - SO i decided not to go out West but find someplace on the East Coast -with western saddles (something to hold on to).

I have lost some weight since my TIA stroke and heart attack and stents and need to loose another 50 pounds -but why wait? On the website the Rocking Horse Dude Ranch in Highland NY, said they had horses for 'heavy' riders. Happy to say i did not qualify - because I had trouble getting my legs around the horse i got. After a hour up and down the Mt. trails (the horse definitely knew the way -because I had my eyes closed most of the time) it felt like someone had played wishbone with my legs. Horses are OFF my Bucket List. I dint care to ride the next day. Yes I wore a helmet. But I did it and have a picture to prove it ! I am very proud of me!

I did alot of outdoor hikeing and stuff -the first day we took a 'tour around' . Or a three mile hike in 40 minutes up and down the moutains -not alot of seniors finished. I could hear my heart working -it felt great ! When I got back to my gym -I had lost a POUND!

I saw the ad in a local newspaper that the Senior Citizen group was running a trip. I dint know anyone but my parents belonged to the group and I could afford the single room and the 4 day stay and coach ride. It was Senior Citizen week at the ranch. I was one of the youngest ones there. I had a blast -man those 80 year old's can kick some ass. The ranch is really a 1960"s family friendly resort or conference retreat on about 500 acres in the Catskill Mt's. Just beautiful and the nicest staff and horse wranglers. Most of the meals are family buffet style with good food. Even , to my surprise -heart healthy -choices (if I looked) . The best part was everything was included in the price. It may cost a little if you drink at the bar or play video games -but for me -i tipped table waiter and the room maid -everything else was the published price

Our last day a local nursery school had a day field trip there (the kids played and rode the ponies) and it looked like a group of out of town 8th graders came for a class trip. They even brought their own DJ --ok I admit the music was way better than what the Seniors were listening to at the bar -so I danced outside the 8th grade party -hey sometime you just gotta dance. The kids were wonderful and so well behaved and FRIENDLY -it must be the 112 horses in the air.

This would be a great time for a family or Grandparents with grandchildren. Now I wonder if I could convince them to run a singles and single parents (grandparents) with kids -week

Next? Las vegas in July and I still want to learn to Scuba Dive!