A Life 103 Years Young

I think I speak for alot of people when I say that attending a funeral is not one of the high things on our lists. We do it out of respect/and or love for the person and the family. But sometimes after attending them we come home with a sense of maybe knowing the person a little bit more and sitting back and reflecting on what we have or have not accomplished in our own lives.

This past weekend I attended a funeral for a neighbor. When we first moved to the neighborhood she and her husband were the "cute little couple" across the street. He was a tall, lanky guy who always helped his wife to the car. Shortly after moving to the neighborhood her husband after a short illness passed away and her son came to live with her. At the time I didn't realize how old she was until another neighbor told me a little about her. She was 90, Herbie was her second husband, and she had four sons, two who she outlived.

Over the years I had a chance to talk to her a few times. When you went to her house it was like going to grandma's. She always offered you candy and hours of stories that I would always love to listen too.

Living out on the farm with her first husband, being a young widow with two small children during a time when so much was happening not only in this town but in the country in general. The late 20's and early 30's were as turbulent as the current time is. But with all that she lived through it. She saw many things in her lifetime, really too much to count on one hand.

The invention of the car, phone, television, computers, the list goes on and on.

Her grandson told of how after his Dad passed away, he and his sister came to live with his grandparents. He said he really had so much to thank her for that if it hadn't been for them he didn't know what would have become of him. He said one story that came to mind was that she taught him how to drive in the local Liberty Park Baseball Field parking lot. Seeing his grandma do donuts with the family car was something he and his grandma kept secret for many years. She drove a car until she was in her early 90's.

Another story that had been carried down was once when "Cindy" and her older son got into a heated discussion so much so that her son lifted her up (she was only about 4'11) and put her on top of the refrigerator until she "cooled down". That visual in itself I still laugh at.

Some people live in neighborhoods and never speak to their neighbors. Others form a friendship of sorts.

I was proud to know "Cindy" and will miss the little conversations.

Christmas Season the Groundhog's Day Approach

Another interesting week has come and gone. Not without drama, laughter, frustration and a little Christmas shopping thrown in. Our granddaughter, Hadleigh hit a milestone that none of my children accomplished at her age. She made her first visit to see Santa. I was in a panic wondering would she sit on his lap, cry some of the things parents and grandparents cringe at in that first picture. But I am happy to say that she did wonderful. To see the wonder in her eyes at looking up at the white bearded man was in itself priceless.

Which made me think several times this week. Maybe I will keep that Christmas joy and its decorations up in my house until just before spring! One thing that I think I may have a touch of is the approaching winter duldrums and just having and seeing the lights, the decorations may keep those duldrums at bay. I will give anything a try.

People laugh at me because ice skating is considered a winter sport and it is cold and I did it all my life, so you would think that winter wouldn't be such an issue. It has only been since moving to the midwest where you experience all the seasons-some more than others.

So if you happen to drop by my house after New Year's Day don't be in total shock if you see a Christmas tree and Santa Claus and all the other symbols of the holiday season, I am just keeping the winter duldrums from knocking at my door.

A Time to Give Thanks and a Time for Giving

One a day with turkey and all the fixings and taking time to be with family and friends, I actually had a little down time during the morning of basting and preparing to sit back and watch a few minutes of the Macy's Parade and a quick heartwarming story. I flipped through the channels and stopped at a story on ESPN about a handicapped man who was the 50 year pride of a small college on the eastcoast.

On a cold winter day in 1960 a young college student was driving home when he stopped upon a woman with a young man in a wheelchair stopped along the road. The young college student asked if he might assist her and little did he know that he along with hundreds of other students would have a lifelong bond with this man.

Butch became a fixture not only to the college but also to the young men and women he touched. He became the mascot of the football, basketball teams, attending all of the games for the past 50 years. Each basketball season the football team gets him to every game and each basketball season the football team makes sure he is there to cheer them on also. Over the past years he has made many friends and is a part of each and every one of there families. At a recent football game he tearfully thanked his first friend who picked him and his grandmother up that cold day and said he felt so blessed to know all of them. The excitement they see on his face they said made there time at the college a truly inspiring time in all there lives.

Of course by the end I was tearing up as well. Thanksgiving is a time to remember memories of past and present. It is a time for family and friends and also a time to remember how thankful we all are to have our health, jobs to go to and loved ones to hold close. Enjoy every minute and give to others no matter how small it might be.

Another Reason to be Happy I am Short

For several years I have tried to drag my body out in the somewhat early morning, be it rain, snow, sun or cold (sounds like the mailman) and either I take to the pavement and walk my neighborhood when it's nice out or jump in my car and drive a short distance (this always seems a little wrong that I have to burn another gas to burn calories) and take one hour from my day to attempt to stay in some form of shape. It may not be the shape that the statistics would prefer but hey I am getting out. I usually walk around four miles.

Yesterday an article really caught my eye because the caption read "Take that, Stretch! Short people burn more calories walking". Well I thought to myself this looks like I may be doing something right. According to an article published in the Journal of Experimental Biology scientists have come up with a new equation (oh great) to determine how much energy people actually use while walking. I thought this could be rather interesting. My philosophy has been if I can manage to lap people that are significantly older than I am I must be doing pretty good. Especially according to them I am just "a kid".

In a nutshell they studied 48 people ranging from age 5 to 32 on a treadmill. Ranging in weight from 35 to 195 pounds and height of 3.5 to 6 foot tall. (Ok I fit in the weight but not the age range sadly).

The outcome was everyone used the same energy for each step they took, but because people with shorter legs take more steps to cover the same distance as people with longer legs, short people used more energy over distance.

Hey I have know that for years. I take twice as many steps as both my husband and my kids. So tall people are more economical walkers because they take bigger steps. The sad thing was when it came to calorie burn a person who is 5 foot tall (I am slightly taller) burns roughly 49 calories to walk one mile while a 6 foot tall person burns 71 calories to walk the same distance. Well that doesn't seem fair. But hey I guess somehow it must balance itself out because although tall people can reach the top shelf a short person can get in tiny spots that others can't.

I will continue to walk and wish that I was taller probably until I die. Hey maybe I will be reincarnated a 6.2 model..who is a speed walker..Ahhh I can dream...

Cruising, Spam and Pop Tarts-My Ship is Dry Docked

I have had a very busy two weeks and it's times like this with the weather turning cold that I fantasize about nice warm beaches and Hawaii. One of the big topics on the news this week has been the dead in the water Carnival Cruise ship that was on its way to Mexico. Not far off the coast a sudden engine fire basically created a catastrophe for 4,500 pleasure cruisers. There pleasure quickly became a multi-day nightmare when with no power, which means no cooking, no swimming or any other cruise type activity that you usually get to experience this was not going to be the cruise they had dreamed of.

When I lived in California I was asked multiple times whether I was interested in these cruises. I love to go travel but the thought of being on a ship, headed to Mexico never peaked my fancy. We had several friends who frequently went but I was always the "party pooper".

I can't believe some of the stories on the news these people had to endure. No bathroom facilities, no heat or air, hot dog salads, playing cards sounded more like a bad camping trip. When the said that spam and pop tarts were airlifted in by a naval carrier was is this the best they had? Although I have never tried a pop tart/spam sandwich (I guess a sweet/savory thing was going on here) but uncooked spam wouldn't do it for me. Many who had been on previous cruises said this was the first time that they had probably lost weight on a cruise because of the food.

It was a nice gesture to give a free cruise and give hotel vouchers but this event and others I have heard like it basically has cemented my thought that a cruise won't be on my to do list.

Halloween Learning Lesson

On a previous post I remember writing about having very few halloween experiences because of usually getting sick. But a recent internet story about halloween and punishment caught my eye for two reasons.

One that it was a wonderful way to administer a punishment in hopes that the person would learn from the experience. Especially in times when a slap on the hand or verbal reprimend doesn't seem to work. This young man had went into a local halloween costume store and attempted to steal it. Unfortunately for him and fortunately for the owner he was caught before he exited the establishment. The owner decided a most unusual punishment would be for him to wear the stolen costume and carry a sign stating "I tried to steal this costume from the store and this is my punishment". Some might think this is cruel and unusual but hey if the young man learned a lesson and didn't get arrested so be it.

This also made me remember my one and only time in my attempted crime. I was I believe eight years old and had went on a shopping stop with my parents to a local Newberry's store. I wasn't often allowed to look around on my own but for some reason I managed to get away from my parents and explore in another department of the store. I came upon a leather fringed thin belt that for some reason caught my eye. To this day I still do not know why I thought I could steal it but steal it I did. I managed to make it come with my prize in my little purse and proceeded to hide it in a hope chest that belonged to my mom that was in my room. I opened it up and hide it in a safe place at the bottom of the chest. Several weeks later when I got home from school my mother greeted me at the door with the fringed item in hand and wondered how it got there. I wasn't able to lie my way out of it so I confessed that I had stole it from the store. She immediately got on the phone and called the store and asked to speak to the manager and handed the phone to me and made me tell the man that I had stolen the item from his store. The only thing I do remember most vividly was that that fringed belt probably to this day is still in the bottom of that chest. A little reminder to me that stuck with me and I never attempted to steal from a store again.

For today it seems pretty mild, but I couldn't imagine parading in front of the store with a sign admitting my guilt. Hopefully this young man will learn a lesson like I did that he will carry with him forever.

Happy Halloween....

Dividing Lines or Should we be Hung Out to Dry?

It was that time again to spend the morning in the transformation shop or as most people call it the beauty shop to transform my greys into color again. Its amazing how happy that can make someone, I guess I am admitting I am a little vain and trying to hang on to youth as long as I possibly can. I mentioned to the guy who does this transforming for me that I will probably end this process when I turn the magic age of sixty. I figure maybe by then I will be more willing to let age take its course. But for now I will continue going sometimes more often that I want too.

While sitting under the dryer to let the process take its course, I grabbed a magazine to read, instead of zoning out and taking a quick nap as I sometimes do. It's something I have always done. I can remember as a kid putting on the plastic helmet and turning on the buzzing dryer and tuning the world out. But today I thumbed through an older People magazine and the one story that really jumped out at me made me a little mad.

Several town across the country, as part of their HOA rules have made it not politically correct to hang laundry on the line in their yards. Are you kidding!!! What once was a part of most of us growing up is now wrong! Come on. Apparently these associations feel it brings the property value down and is not pleasing to the eye. I'm sorry this would make me made enough to thumb my nose yet again.

As a kid growing up in sunny California at least 3 times a week my mother would through loads of clothes, sheets, etc. in the wash and forgo putting it into the dryer because it was such a great day out we would hang it on the line.(That's a little untrue, the actually reason was because my father didn't want to waste money by using the dryer. Of course we had a completely fenched in backyard but everyone pretty much was a clothesline verses dryer type family.

In this article one of the interviewed stated "they didn't want to see other's underwear and unmentionables". Gee the trick to that is hang the sheets and towels on the outside and the clothes on the inside, no one would ever be the wiser. And besides who cares!! In this era of "being green" I would think people would be jumping at the chance to hang things out to dry.

I guess the people of the by gone years were too much ahead of the times. My opinion those HOA people need to re-think and put themselves on the dividing line to be hung out to dry.

Annual Business Women's Week-Off and Running

Each day I have so much scheduled on my multitude of calendars I am really not sure if I am coming or going. This busy week started off yesterday with our Woman of the Year/Past Presidents Brunch. It's always nice to surprise someone with being recognized for the good they do and we managed it yet again. Our receipient was very surprised and speechless.

Today my partner in crime and I did an early morning radio spot advertising what our club has done and will be doing this week. We were both surprised in that we managed to cover alot of what is going on and really only made one tiny omission but we get a do-over at another radio station later in the week so that will get covered too. I was surprised in that my brain could cover so much so early in the morning. To me it was early but for her it wasn't.

Zumba Exercise, Friendship Luncheon, Membership Tea, food drive is a few of the things we will be doing. I tried to make it a point this year as president that we wouldn't as I like to call it "Eat our way through the week" so we tried to schedule a couple different activities.

It's always nice to hopefully get some new contacts to mix with our hard working current members. I hope each will be a success but hey what am I saying women are always successful in what they do. It may have taken us a little while but we are determined, never give up and wear our successes proudly. If in doubt just remember with November 4th and voting coming in just a few weeks remember it wasn't so long ago we were given the opportunity to vote.

So as our Business Women's Week begins locally and also nationwide get involved in a women's issue or come to Business Women's Week, we would love to have you.

Repondez s'il vous plait (Please Reply) RSVP

I guess in the age of technology and time being spread so thin, this has become a pet peeve that seems to have gone way beyond it for me.

I can remember getting invited to parties when I was growing up and at the end of each invite the letters RSVP with usually a specific date to let the invitee know if you were or were not planning to attend. The funny thing about this is I always got so excited to be invited to parties but I never attended many parties due to usually getting to excited and getting sick so I could attend.

I find it funny now how most people seem to neglect these four letters at the end of invites today. I don't exactly know the reason why. Some of the reasons I have got in the past are mere excuses. "Oh, I forgot", "well you know I would be there anyway", or my favorite "I was wondering about that, what does RSVP mean"..I find not RSVPing very rude. When someone invites you to a function they need to make plans. Just because you have been invited you can't assume that you will come.

I find it interesting that etiquette has gone out the window with the lack of verbal communications these day. We e-mail, we text message, no verbal communications with your inter circle seems to be non-important these days.

I have come to the point that I wouldn't feel bad if I sent out invites and if I didn't getting a verbal response, I would enjoy people showing up for a function to be surprised if without telling anyone I decided to cancel the event because gee I didn't feel like put forth the effort to do it after all.

Does it sound like I am upset, well yes I am. No matter what we do, people don't respond to anything these days. They only thing they seem to respond too is if you get upset and rant and rave. Guess that's what I am doing, it probably doesn't do me any good but I've layed it out and threw my feelings on the world-wide web. I would be glad to say it in person, if you respond to my invite.

The Best Years of Our Lives

Last night while channel surfing later than usual, I came upon one of my favorite movies of the 40's. The Best Years of Our Lives was an Academy Award winning mega hit of its time. One of the first such movie to award I believe Best Supporting Actor statute to an unknown non-actor. Homer Parrish played by Harold Russell was a true veteran of World War II who had lost both arms in the war. In later years he actually had to auction his award off for financial reasons.

The story is timeless in that it reflects on the lives of three men coming back from the war to a much different small town. Frederic March, Dana Andrews and Harold Russell did a wonderful job in portraying what it was and still is like to return home after years in a war.

Several of the parts in the movie made me think it doesn't matter when it is be it any war things never change. Talk about how it would be harder on people's jobs because the soldier's were returning-some incomes had been higher paying than they would when they got back, the GI Bill for veterans returning home for housing loans, and people returning to jobs they once did and it just wasn't the same. How attitudes changed on why we fought in the war.

The title of the movie comes out at one point when Virgina Mayo who plays Dana Andrews war bride who married the uniform and not the man who came home so candidly puts it "Why I gave up the Best Years of My Life" while you were gone. Somehow I am sure than as in now, movie goers didn't agree with her statement but it goes to show things really don't change.

Harold Russell battled with whether he should marry his high school sweetheart, Wilma who felt arms didn't make a man, it's what is inside and working together to figure out how to continue was all that mattered, that still holds true for a lot of people even today who see loved ones return minus limbs and a load of psychological issues.

That old movie really isn't that old in my eyes. It still holds a lot of truth today. I am sure the next time its on a classic channel I'll make sure I watch it again..

Bullying Has Reached A Whole New Dimension

Sad to say its not hard to have an opinion about what has been not only plastered on the news and just about everywhere about what the degree of bullying has taken recently.

First, it is never acceptable to do any type of bullying. I am sure everyone at one time or another has experienced some form of bullying. My experience was mostly in grammar school and pretty much tapered off as I got older. I was teased for my last name (Boothe) with "You know your great-great grandpa killed President Lincoln". Or the other major one was "Do you live in a telephone booth?" I was also teased for having to wear shoes other than what everyone else wore because I had bad feet. I was picked on for being little, wearing home-made clothes, etc. Sometimes it would bother me more than other times but it never got to the point that I wanted to die.

One of the usual comments my parents would make was "Just ignore it". Today's kids don't seem to be able to ignore it. Why? It could be a number of reasons, poor self-esteem, peers not taking it seriously, it seems to be a number of reasons.

I think a lot of times the bullier has poor self-esteem and thinks negatively of themselves and to help them feel better they chose to put other's down. I have never understood how poking fun at others could make you feel better but some individuals choices are a little one sided at times.

With Facebook those who lived through bullying have a chance to see what some of those who bullied us have become in society. Some are still the same, some have went down the wrong paths in life but one thing I think I can be sure of, taking a life is not the answer. Also it seems when they do this they are letting the bullier win the situation. It's a losing situation really for both sides. Most times the bullier never cares or thinks what they are doing is wrong.

It used to be a part of growing up but it has just taken a horrible and sad turn for today's society. Face to face confrontation has been replaced by Facebook news feeds. It has become easier to just plaster lies and half-truths on the Internet where everyone can be a part of the upturn of this situation.

It has been said that it's the parents/teachers faults. In part this might be true but has anyone ever considered that those who were bully's continue to be so even as adults? Some never grow up or out of being mean. No one is perfect but it is something to consider.

Think before you speak--There is several quotes that come to mind but I have put my own spin on one "A leopard doesn't change his spots--only if he takes a brush and does it himself".

We can all change if we try and/or want too...

Not A Day Goes By-Giving Thanks

This week has been filled with a lot and its only Tuesday. Yesterday was one of those days when you just wish you could get back into bed and start the day all over. But the one thing that seemed to make me think as it usually does how wonderful life really is was this week was my week to deliver for Meals on Wheels. It had been a while since my last week of volunteering to deliver and I was wondering how much my route had changed.

Yes, there were some that either no longer needed delivery due to various things, but its always nice to see some of the usual faces too.

It doesn't seem, my how time flies that I have been volunteering for the Meals on Wheels organization for almost five years. Although now I am not only on the board of directors in my community and also deliver, it is not the first introduction to the organization. Many years ago my grandmother benefited greatly. So I was excited to be able to giving back and I continue to do so.

Today was one of those days that things just seemed to overwhelm me at once. While driving to deliver 1 of the 9 meals I do in town, a song I hadn't heard came on the radio. "Not a Day Goes By" by Lonestar. The original group is no longer together but the song still moves me each time I hear it. Just some of the song

Not a day goes by
That I don't think of you
After all this time
You're still with me its true
Somehow you remain
Locked down deep inside

A lot of the song relates to a couple, but for some reason this song lyrics hit me as I was driving and thinking not only about my grandma but also about how you think about people who come in and out of your life.

Most people never like to admit to anyone that they may need assistance in some way. A lot is due to pride or not wanting to be a bother to others. I admit I am that also someone who does like to always ask for help. But I guess most of that thinking is because of being raised to be independent.

It's good to know that there are many, many organizations who are their to provide a little help when needed and even in these tough economic times their are a lot of people including myself who will give a little of their time to help. I give thanks that I am able to do so and will continue to support whenever and however I can, in the memory of those who have done the same.

Stepping Back in Time

One year ago when I went on a visit to California I stopped by one of the skating rinks I spent many hours at during my childhood. I had heard it had been closed for awhile due to new ownership and renovations taking place. The building I knew was older, the windows were tapped with black plastic someday to reveal a new dynamic rink. This picture shows how it was that day I stopped by to see my old homestead of sorts.

This past month I again thought I would stop by and see if any progress had been made and to my surprise the sign read OPEN in big black letters on the marquee. A few cars in the parking lot so I thought what the heck I'll stop in and see what it looked like.

I have to say when I pulled in the parking lot I stopped for a brief moment and sat behind the wheel of the car. I rush went over me. One because it had been at least 25 years since I had stepped foot in this particular rink. Alot of great memories but also alot of sad one's too. When I stepped through the door I briefly told the young man in the office that I used to skate at the rink as a kid and I just wanted to see all the new work they had done. "No problem, Mame go ahead". That in itself was strange to me because the last time I had set foot on the ice there I was in my early 20's. As I canvased the new renovations. That rink smell was still there. That large patch of white had a couple single skaters and a couple coaches but other than that it was just as I had remembered. Now equipped with surveillance cameras at 6 different sights (that seems to be the think in most areas of California sadly) most things in the inside were still the same.

Although all new coaches pictures graced the wall, I didn't strangely recognize several from my days of gracing the ice. The only major difference was that the old fire pit that proudly stood in the middle of the off ice area was now just black rubber. A little sad as I spent many a time sitting there warming my hands and other wet spots on the body from falling down on the ice.

Many hours of my early lifetime was spent at this establishment. That brief few minutes standing there at taking a 360 degree look around was a little daunting for me but I am extremely happy that it did get purchased by someone who loved it for what it was a special place for many people who have come through those doors. Either for recreational or professional hopes of becoming another Dorothy Hamill, Kristi Yamaguchi or whoever the current queen of ice might be.

It provided a wonderful haven for me, I met some wonderful people and had some of the best times of my life in that place.

Life is Like a Jigsaw Puzzle

Several weekends ago I had taken a trip out of Dodge to attend a Leadership Conference for our Business Women's Group. It usually consists of various speakers and words of wisdom to hopeful change your thinking about things to enhance your life.

With my A type personality it usually is very difficult for me to admit my shortcomings although I seem to be doing better as I get older (I hope).

One interesting exercise in personal growth included a jigsaw puzzle. One of the first questions that the speaker asked was whether we had ever done a jigsaw puzzle without looking at the picture first. Such a wonderful question, and it actually got me thinking. No never in my life had I done that. It reminded me a little about a game I played called Concentration. You turned all the pieces over with pictures not showing and proceeded to turn two at a time to match as sets. The object was to see how fast you could match all of them up.

Part of the object to me of putting together a puzzle has always been to get an idea of what the picture is and to start with the outer part of the puzzle and work you way to the middle, thus finishing the puzzle.

To me doing a puzzle without looking at the picture is like putting something together without looking at the directions. But in life you don't always have directions. Sometimes you have to make up your own directions or just experience the situation first hand in your own way. Sometimes it is not always the best way but for each individual it can be the right way.

After doing many puzzles as a kid if the picture was one I really liked or if it was a really difficult one I would usually buy puzzle glue and forever seal its fate and use it as a picture. Now that I look back at that it probably wasn't the best thing to do except that it was forever locked into place and hung on the wall to enjoy.

After the completion of the exercise many of us at our table considered trying to do a puzzle next time without looking at the picture. I believe I would try a small puzzle rather than a 1,000 piece one just to be on the safe side in hopes of completing it easily. As in life sometimes we want to take the easy way instead I guess.

We also got to choice two pieces of the puzzle at our table, picture down, that had a little saying on the other side. How fitting the two I choice were:

"Be grateful for pieces of life's puzzles that fit" and "Expect there to be missing pieces and learn to live with them". Two very fitting quotes that really do describe something that needed to be a reminder to be.

Doors that the Internet Opens

Since returning from my trip to CA last week I had to stop and think that no matter how far away you may be from other parts of the country the Internet keeps us connected to anywhere we want to go around the country and also around the world.

As much as people complain and I know I do my share, the Internet has provided so many opportunities to everyone. Some people rely completely on the Internet to do everything in their daily life. I admit I have not completely turned my life over to it (contrary to what some of my family thinks) but it is truly wonderful how we are able to keep in touch with others or do business over the world-wide web.

I recently went into a shop with some friends and the first thing the proprietor asked was "Where did I live?" after telling them they stated "Oh, I am sure they must have a store close by". Rather than correct them I thought I will just check on the Internet. Of course the closest store is more than three hours away but after checking on-line I found it was easier just to make purchases there than the long drive.


When I stop and think how much on-line shopping you can do it blows my mind. I have bought a wide variety of items and it is like Christmas when the UPS or Federal Express man comes, package in hand.


Some are not happy to step out of their personal comfort zone, but hey if you can't find it locally go on-line its a big world out their and it's your opportunity to see everything, from the comfort of your computer screen..


Here are just a few places that might be of interest:

www.lush.com
www.jenisicecreams.com
www.picklesandthings.com
www.reluctantgourmet.com

A Tiny Hole in a Tiny Heart

You never like to get bad news, at least I don't know anyone who does. But sometimes the best precautions can mean alot. Our new granddaughter went to her second checkup and words you never want to hear came out of the doctors' mouth. "I think she has a heart murmur?" Of course any news about your child is horrendous but being the mom I am I told my daughter, "It's probably nothing".

I was blessed with two healthly children. Yes both went through the typical childhood things, no broken bones, thank goodness and really the only severe accidents were our son knocked out a front tooth when he was two years old and our daughter hit her head on the fireplace after a "wrestling match" with her brother. I felt like I got off pretty good with minor things.

Especially considering that David's first son was not so lucky. He was only six years old when he passed away. To many abnormalities to list in a time when medical science still wasn't able to take care of things. So when I had children I was overly critical of telling the doctor of past things.

I am happy to say Hadleigh's "tiny hole" is a fairly normal occurrence and the doctor said by age two it should be gone. My daughter was relieved to here this news as we all were. After getting off the phone with her the one thing that stuck with me was that she said the doctor said he could tell with how happy and active she was that it couldn't be anything severe. He gave her a picture of her heart for her "baby scrapbook".

My thoughts are that the tiny hole is just letting lots of extra love inside her already loving heart.

Hats are "In" Again

I saw on a recent news report that hats are in again! For people who know me. Hats have not been an intrigal part of my wardrobe, until very recently. As a kid growing up a hat was plopped on my head usually around Easter with the laced bonnet or if I had a cold or ear infection my mom usually made me wear a scarf or knitted cap so my ears would recover. Usually the first chance I could get the hat came off. Once in a great while I would pop on a baseball cap but only as a last resort.

Several times I had to wear a hat or decorated cap when I was figure skating. I found there is really know way to have your hair styled high on your head and wear a top hat at the same time. It really doesn't put forth a fashion statement.

But recently I have bought a couple winter caps and since our Corvette purchase a visors that I pop when we have put the top down.

This recent news report said fedoras are back in style have probably a 40 year rest. Many of the current red carpet stars sport a fashionable fedora. I always thought only certain few can actually do hats and you definitely have to feel comfortable with one on your head. I always thought my head was a little larger and being only 5'2 thought a hat just wasn't me.

My grandpa always sports fedoras. A grey one for every day and darker for special times out. Always a little over one side to make him look mysterious.

Maybe that's why people are getting back into hats. The mystery one can put forth. Although it is probably more just styles are on a revolving door spurts and now is the time for people to wear fashionable head wear.

Well as it is I am a shoe fantatic but you never know you might catch me in a smart hat.

Something to Do with All that Zucchini

Zucchini seems to be growing hot and heavy everywhere you look. I guess due to all the rain everyone has been getting. No matter who I talk to they all seem to have alot and sometimes are at a lose as to what to do with it all.

Over the years I acquired a taste for it myself. While I was growing up I couldn't stand them, (kinda like the avocado's we were overwhelmed with 2 trees) but believe me I have learned to love it. I have eaten sauteed with onions, mixed with tomatoes, had a zucchini cheese bake, of course the always sneaky zucchini bread (I have alot of different recipe's and you would never no it is inside the bread) cookies well you get it the list it goes on and on.

The other day it again must have been a slow news day because one of our local areas had a zucchini derby. What you may ask? For all of you who have had sons in boy scouts you can relate. Scouts wasn't without its yearly Pinewood Derby. But yes they had a race apparently the 4th annual of its kind. They decorated there zucchini's and raced them down a hot wheels strip. Strange you might think but apparently loads of fun if you have nothing to do. Seems like a waste of a good item but I guess if in doubt, race them..

The one thing the Pinewood Derby keeps the memories forever and the zucchini derby doesn't is that, the memories of my son and husband making it together. They worked long and hard on the little car, painted, whittled, weighted in just the right place, put cute stickers all over it and proudly ran it down that track. If my mind serves me I think they came in second place. Another plus is that car is a part of his memory box. I rather doubt that the top winners in the zucchini run will be able to preserve their winner.

One Determined Man- Skating Across America

Usually every morning I read our paper on-line. There are usually a couple stories that catch my eye and this one definitely did.

Kenichi Yamasita is a 62 year old Japanese man who is making a trek across the country via rollerblades to thank Americans. During World War II he said many helped him and he wanted to thank Americans for doing so. He started his journey in Santa Monica, CA and will hopefully end it in Provincetown, MA before his six-month visa expires.

His determination is inspiring and personally I can't imagine going across country via rollerblades. He stopped in Sedalia and people graciously took him in for a meal.

Sadly, a story such as this also makes me think of my grandpa who fought during World War II, who wouldn't even let a grain of rice in the house. He was a very opinionated man and never forgot the time he had to spend away from home and all that he had to fight for. I can understand his feelings but also it is extremely heartwarming to also understand Mr. Yamasita's life-long determination and for him to make a trip to America and give words of thanks.

I wonder if there will ever be people in years to come who will thank us for all our country has done to allow their lives to be different-only time will tell...

Old Movies-They Do It Every Time

When David is home we always try and do a "date night" which usually means dinner and a movie. We try to be fair to each other and I usually like the chick flicks and he the action adventures. This time it was my turn to pick and we saw Grown Ups. It was a cute movie, which brought back memories of growing up way back when and the lessons learned. One thing I found interesting with all the comedians that starred in it was that they was really no explicit language. That is a rarity by today's standards of sex, drugs and four letter words.

Yesterday while flipping through channels I came upon an old movie that I hadn't seen for a while. It brought me back to a time as a child when Sunday afternoons was usually a movie fest and tv dinners. One movie after another starting at 1:00 and going until dinner time was usually what we did. William Holden, Cary Grant, Irene Dunne, Myrna Loy those were the actors and actresses in the 1930's, 1940's and 1950's that was a household name and one's that I grew up with in the 1970's.

Not many actor's of today come close to the glamour of those times when the glitz and glamour was a mystery to everyday people. Nothing like today's sex, drugs and problems of many of them plastered on the tv, and tabloids.

Even after seeing Love is a Many Splendid Thing with William Holden and Jennifer Jones which depicted an American with a Eurasian woman was pushing the envelope. The story itself still made me cry even after all the times I have seen it, but what can I say, I am female and most movies make me cry at the drop of a hat.

A Long Weekend to Celebrate

With the 4th of July long weekend just hours away, many will be bbqing, having picnics and getting together with family and friends.

We will go a short distance and celebrate with family and friends. Hoping that the weather will hold out since it has been a fabulous week as far as weather for us.

July 4th weekends growing up sometimes meant trailing along with my Dad who was a fire prevention officer with the fire department. He had to observe fireworks being displayed to make sure they didn't catch each other or anything on fire. Fireworks displays are always better viewed from far, far away rather than up close and personal which is usually what we had to do.

My favorite display of fireworks of all times was when I was much older and a friend asked if I wanted to go to the Rose Bowl Celebration. Although it was the most beautiful I had ever seen and by that time I had seen many, I couldn't hear for several days after because the sound bounced off the stadium. Back then they didn't suggest you bring ear plugs or headphones.

The food and the togetherness is much more than the fireworks. Independence is something everyone should strive for. The American flag is a symbol of what Americans have worked so hard for, which today's seems like it gets harder and harder.

No matter what your opinion is of what is currently going on in the world today, if you don't get a little lump in your throat or a tear in your eye when you hear any of the patriotic music that will be heard in the next several days, remember many many people have and will continue to give their lives for what we enjoy each and every day.

Have a great weekend everyone.

One Person's Unwanted Items is Another Person's Treasure

One can never have too many purses but you can always get more..

Dooney & Bourke

3 For Sale Med Tassle Tote $40.00

Vintage Black/Tan $40.00

Vintage Camel/Tan $30.00

Weekend of Anniversary Celebrations-My Perspective

This weekend I attended two anniversary celebrations. My in-laws celebrated 60 years of marriage. Wow!! Hard to put your head around that sometimes. The last few years have been tough for our family but it is always so touching when we visit them that they still keep the spark going even after all the bumps in the road. I love to hear the story of how they met at the wrestling match in town. They both had come with other people but left with each other and have been together ever since. They both were hard working people, raised four boys and have 12 grandchildren and 10+ great-grand children. They always seem to overlook the little issues with each other and just enjoy their life together.

The other couple's party I attended have been married 40 years. They have also had their share of rough times but they still continue to plug along.


When people ask me how David and I have managed to stay married sometimes I really have to stop and think what we have done to keep it together. It has not been easy, we have had our share of rough patches like everyone else. But I always think back to the first time I saw him and it truly was one of those moments when we both did a double take and somehow it clicked. Although we have spent alot of our marriage apart because of his work I think over the years that probably just works for us. No it didn't at first I can remember when the kids were little we would all stand at the door with tears in our eyes saying "do you have to leave". I admit it is by no means easy to see him leave each trip but, it's his job, how he makes his living and I just deal the best I can.


Our 26th anniversary is approaching in a few months, I hope we can get to 50 years, with luck and hard work we will. It's a full-time commitment and not a walk in the park, he is my ying, and I am his yang and I wouldn't have it any other way.

People ask "What is the secret to a good marriage?"It really isn't a secret. Everyone has their own way of making it work. Sometimes I think couples today think it's a walk in the park or when it does get hard they don't try and iron out their problems. It is like anything else we do today, you work hard, you have the good and the bad and you go on. Things change, people change you either change with the tide or move on. Their is a reason why you pick each other and through the years certain things do change but always go back to what first brought you together and work toward that throughout marriage.

Memorial Day Weekends of Long Ago

Memorial Day Weekend has long been the first weekend of sun, relaxing and BBQing. I have done one out of the three--relax.. I can remember a time when I was a kid that you had to put out your towel, lather on the suntan lotion and bake in the sun for the weekend so that you would return to school with a start of a tan. The school year for us mostly ended toward the middle of June. Sometimes we weren't so lucky with sun and had to resort to the QT fake tans of long ago that left you a strange orange color. Yes, I do admit I did try it once and thank goodness fake tanning has come a long way over the year.

Now with the threat of skin cancer a possibility I tend to spend a little less time in the sun, although I do partake occasionally even though I shouldn't and spend my money on the fake stuff.

I would have loved to BBQ this weekend but ours was on its last leg and was put out for spring cleanup and we have yet to purchase a new one. I have checked a few out but still can't seem to decide on one. There is something about standing in front of the grill and the aroma of smoking meat that just brings about more great childhood memories. Of course then it was charcoal and lighter fluid instead of gas cooking. This is another aspect that isn't as healthy for you either but how is it that everything fun is bad for you?

I have put off firing up the air conditioner too. I guess I am trying to see how long I can go to keep from having that astronomical electric bill. I have pushed up all the windows and letting the ceiling fans and breeze do the work for me. Of course, this has slightly affected allergies but I will live through it.. Oh yeah we never had air conditioning growing up. Our way of cooling down was opening the windows, laying on the floor and letting the ocean breeze make its way through. Iced tea was a "summer only" beverage so we drank pitchers of it. Why is it I don't remember sweating as a kid? Maybe because it is not something that matters when you are growing up. Now you just hope you can get through the day without having to change your clothes at least three times in one day.

Memorial Day is memory day for some-the good, the sad and everything rolled up into one.

Tornado Alley-Someplace You Don't Want to Be Caught in the Dark

For the early part of my life I lived where you never knew when the ground would be shaking. I lived through several earthquakes, two that were pretty damaging. The fact that you never had warning was something you just accepted. A few broken mementos and cracks in your sidewalks far easier to accept.

When we moved to "tornado alley" my goal was to find a home with a basement. Unfortunately, that didn't happen so I figured the likelihood of tornado's is like a crap shoot. In the almost 14 years I have lived in our present area we have had two close calls. Both times to look overhead and see the swirling clouds is a little frightening. Our neighborhood dodged a bullet this time, and the two that did touch down last night were reported as minor. The frequent claps of thunder and the close lightening strikes certainly didn't help my nerves. A brief knockout of our power for a couple moments wasn't encouraging either but the one good feeling was that David was hear to see me jump and squirm every time my emotions got the best of me. Yes I am a big baby I will admit and he always has a way to calm me.

A couple years ago we experience straight line winds on a return trip from the east in our big truck. The "green sky" I have always been told is an indication of bad things to come. That was not a fun experience especially after getting out of the truck and seeing the top of our trailer peeled back like a tuna can and half of our trailer roof probably miles away. No content was damaged. Thank goodness the full trailer probably saved us and David's knack for packing tight. In that instance again David's calming nature kept me from going ballistic.

Actually I usually get a little more edgy when I hear the tornado warnings. There is just something about that sound that makes my hair stand on end. Partly because there is really not alot that you can really do.

We bit the bullet again, God and Mother Nature was on our side.

Customer Service- Two Cans and a Piece of String

This past week has been extremely difficult. We never realize how much we depend on technology until we are without it. I have had several times in my life where it was "like the good ole days". During my time in CA we had a couple times when earthquakes were bad enough that we could loose power and sometimes were unable to use gas for long periods of time. We would dig out candles and try and make an adventure out of a bad situation.

This past week I had to do without phone and Internet usage..Not good when your business pretty much depends on both to get things done. We had another pretty significant rainstorm which usually brings problems to the phone service anyway. But this time it was different. We went from static to sporadic usage to a dead line.

The process of getting it fixed started Tuesday morning where a call to customer service said it would be Thursday before someone could get out. Two days?? Let's go back, of course the first call was through an automated system, (no human) where over and over I put in the phone number and pressed the designated numbers. Unfortunately, they should include a number for all of the above, which they don't. The time frame for the appointment was 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. as stated in the recorded message, someone 18 years or older must be at home, (that would be me), all animals must be out of the yard (no problem), and we must be able to get in the area where the phone box is (still no problem, everyone can get in our yard). So I looked forward to a day at home. As the time ticked away and first the morning passed and then afternoon and still no call or repair tech. By 7:00 p.m. I attempted to call back the repair number but with no way to talk to a human voice. By this time our second line was having the same problem so I got the bright idea that if I reported it I may be able to actually talk to someone..Wrong again.

So bright and early on Friday morning I called the repair number again this time getting a human and basically giving them a piece of my mind. Why did no technician show up? No explanation. The only advice was to send it to the "Expedite Dept". Ok fine I need phone service before the weekend. I have already been here a full day without a call as to what was going on. Of course the first words out of their mouth is "I am sorry for the inconvenience". Are they really?? Some one will call you in the next two hours to set up an appointment before 5:00 p.m. Your kidding right, Friday?

Well thirty minutes later the technician called saying he had just gotten the order. Hummm what happened yesterday, he hadn't a clue.. He was out in fifteen minutes and had the problem solved in less than thirty minutes. Apparently between old, rotting lines and possible lightening strike the lines need to be pulled to expose new line..Problem solved..almost..

After a lengthy conversation with the technician, he explained like all companies today, they are also cutting back staff in all areas.. Basically one technician for a pretty large area. How can you expect service to work with that? How can these same companies continue to air commercials that state they have 97% of phone users? If they do a large percentage are not really happy. Over the course of several weeks I have talked with several people who are not exactly happy with either land line, Internet, or cellular service.. Bottom line customers would much rather be able to voice their concerns one on one, not to an automated system, or even an e-mail on the Internet. Sometimes that human contact can really only get the job done..

Which comes to the conclusion, and something I sarcastically but truly believed at that point in time. "I would do better with two cans and a piece of string at this point".

If You Need Cheering Up-Buy Shoes

With only a few days left in this month and so many highs and lows, I can only imagine what the rest of the year will bring. I have taken on some things that were out of my box so to speak but each day brings a surprise.

Our new granddaughter is almost two weeks old and it is hard to believe how things can change in a little bit of time. Her birth brought me both tears and laughter for so many reasons. The road ahead will be filled with twists and turns a hundred times over.

This past weekend I participated in my sixth State Conference for what is now Business Women of Missouri. I am a few days away from becoming the President of our local group, Sedalia Business Women. It is going to be something completely new for me. I made the trip to the conference with a very wonderful friend. She is the sister I wished I'd had and I can always expect laughter in some way when I am with her. This weekend was no surprise.

Actually I think we may have figured out we might be shopping enablers of each other. It may or may not be a good thing but lets just say the shoe industry made out like bandits this weekend. In our defense we did have a purpose in a few of our purchases in thinking of others. For me I bought a much needed pair of work boots for my hubby and she bought a pair of pumps for a shopping challenge/donation. The other pairs were lets just say icing on the cake. But we got joy, laughter until we hurt and it will be something we will never forget.

Sometimes when your days get blurred together it is a breath of fresh air to have people around you that you know will make the sun shine on your day-even if it's raining.

Thanks

Spring Has Definitely Sprung

I have definitely cleared away the long winter doldrums that I seemed to encounter all season long. My vitamin D levels were almost what seemed non-existent in my opinion. As soon as the temperature got above 60 degrees and the sun came out my winter clothes were quickly packed away, my Capri's were on and I felt like an excited child. Sound familiar? I have spent several days out in the yard either doing some spring cleaning and planter weeding and as if I don't have enough on my plate (somehow the plate I have seems small maybe I had better upgrade to a platter) I got the bright idea to start a container garden this year.

With the high price of produce in the stores I decided why not be healthy and economical at the same time. One of the things on my honey-do lists was to clear off the patio and plan my attack of a container garden. After reading a Facebook favorite "The Dinner Garden" it put my mind into motion to start small. I have a small herb garden with basil, chives, rosemary and lavender. A couple tomato, green and yellow peppers and strawberries. I have my fingers crossed that I will have some success.

I have my childhood memories with my grandpa and our tremendous backyard farm. In those days he cleared the area, prepared the soil and I was the planter and tender. Anything you could imagine we had: squash, tomatoes, peppers, onions, beans, cabbage, carrots, radishes. A variety of fruit trees and flowers. He was the farmer Connor of the block. I have very fond memories of sitting in the midst of the dirt, pulling out a large carrot and eating it dirt and all.
Not a care in the world. We didn't do it because of the economy, we did it because it brought joy to both of us and a great sense of accomplishment. He was great friends with the horticulture teacher across the street at the junior high school so I couldn't help but feel another since of pride that my classmates across the street were also benefiting from grandpa's green thumb.

I will keep my finger's crossed that my container garden will be a success, but I will have a little help in spirit... By the way--celebrate Earth Week by planting a little something.

Dad's and Daughter's A Special Connection

As the week officially starts the days tick by when life flashes before your eyes. Our little girl will soon be a mommy herself. Yes, it is very hard still to believe. I am amazed at how each little thing that goes by makes me go back on my own personal journey before our daughter was born. The parallels are sometimes their. She is the same age I was when I had her brother, she has had some of the same body issues that I had carrying her. Although it has been a lifetime ago, their are some things that never change.

Recently when her Dad was home, as always Jennifer came by to check on her Daddy. I have always been amazed at that father/daughter bond I had always heard people talk about. It started the day she arrived, rather fast 23 years ago. Unlike with when her brother was born, her Dad got to cut the cord between mother and daughter and probably a little bit of that connection from then until just a few years ago. I wasn't the first one they handed her too, her Dad was right their, arms outstretched to receive his not so little (9 lbs 15 oz, in 8 minutes, with no drugs)bundle of joy. The first picture taken was of the two of them. I remember early the morning after she was born he had went down to the gift shop and returned with a brown and white bunny hand puppet. He walked right in the room, up to the portable bassinet with puppet on hand and leaned over and greeted his new daughter.

When she was sick usually the first thing out of her mouth was "where's my Daddy"? After the big earthquake "I want my Daddy, when is Daddy going to be home"? Her Dad was the one who would hold her when she had to get shoots of any kind. It was always a little comical because she would try to bargain any way she could with him but somehow he would get her to calm down and take it.

Yes a few times the words "Well if you won't do it , Dad will" did come out of her mouth. Yes we had our blowups. Yes we are a little bit alike. Although I have always thought she looked more like her Dad, females do find their times to stick together.

I think the turning point for us was when she went away to photography college. On the other side of the country the calls would come frequently. The conversation of I don't know if I can do this came to me and the no option of coming home until you finish and my frequently visits to her helped build a different bond.

But the special connection still holds. Recently after a trip, David mentioned that he had been looking for a hand puppet. He wanted to find one for our soon-to-be granddaughter Hadleigh.
"You don't think Jennifer would be upset do you?". "It is something between her and I". I really didn't know what to say. Still even as I type this tears come to my eyes. I told him I really wasn't sure but he should ask her.

I know she still has that multiple washed, old rabbit somewhere. She like her Granma Edith Amazetta never threw special things away. But I am pretty sure if one appeared Jennifer would get the connection. Also I think Granma Edith would get a little laugh that she will have a little namesake in 2010.

What Do You Define as Leisure Time?

Ok I could hardly wait to do this post..I had plotted out my day like most women do pretty much the night before. I knew I needed to do a little bit of computer work before I drove my father-in-law to have his second cataract out-patient surgery. I took the book I have been trying to finish since my trip to Washington D.C almost a month ago so I could possibly try to finish it. My mother-in-law was with me and she usually never remembers to bring something to occupy her mind instead of sitting and worrying about how the procedure is going. After about 45 minutes she gazed at her watch and asked "Gee I wonder when they are going to come get me to see him?". I told her it had only been a little while (but I guess it seemed liked forever for her). Shortly after that they called her back and a few moments later she came out saying that I could go get the car to pull to the front.

As I turned the corner to exit the building my father-in-law is walking out the door with a nurse running out after him. Oh I forgot he has a hearing problem and refuses to wear a hearing device. I proceed to tell the nurse "can you please take him in so I can get the car?". She is trying to look at the situation as humorous while I am thinking he could possibly fall on his face because he still has somewhat blurry vision. Needless to say it was like trying to stop a three-ring circus but we managed to stop everyone in their tracks while I speedily got the car. (Thank heavens for handicapped parking plaques).

I managed to get them both out of the car at separate times, which is no small task. Got them inside and proceeded to tell them I had alot to get done at home. By now the first half of my day had ticked by quicker than I wanted.

The rest of my day was as follows:

Answer e-mails and phone calls from clients, stop at the Dollar Store for brooms to do sweeping that I hadn't done over the weekend, do some filing, pay some bills, do a load of laundry, pick up in the yard, plant some herbs, (yes I am on a quest to grow my own veggies and eat healthy, lets see how this one goes!) sweep and vacuum and try and plot tomorrows strategies.

Well it probably wasn't as busy a day as the day before was but it still for me took a measure of focus, to try to keep things running as smoothly as possible.

I happened to watch the episode today on Dr. Phil which was largely about how at home mothers have on average, according to a university sociology professor who I will not call by name in this post because I at first had a name for him that was very nice, approximately 40 hours a week of "leisure" time....Hummmm I thought is this guy from another planet?

After listening further, his definition of leisure time differs greatly from mine.. Leisure in my book is, for instance, reading a book for fun, sitting out in my yard on a sunny day, playing with my dogs, ok you get my drift...Some of his were: Having a root canal (going to the dentist), community work, personal care. I guess it is all in the interpretation but lets just say their were alot of extremely unhappy women in that audience.

I guess if you were to chalk my day up according to this gentlemen my whole day was leisure except for maybe the first couple of hours..and sadly the few minutes I took to watch the episode.

Well back to living my leisurely life, sitting on my lounge, eating my bon-bons and pointing at my royal subjects--yeah right...Well what do you define as leisure time???

The Leprechaun Story

I had a very uneventful St. Patrick's Day. No green beer, and no cornbeef and cabbage. But today on a walk with my daughter she told me a story that topped any celebrating I could possibly have done.

A friend she had told her a story that he claims is totally true. I am glad if it is true that it happened in our small town because I doubt if it had happened anywhere else that it would have been handled in such a kind way. I guess it pays to have compassion and a sense of humor all in one.

Anyway a woman who works at a local retailer was at work on Wednesday when her mentally challenged son called her from home. He is able to stay at home on his own and do the basic daily tasks. He called her on her phone very excited with the news that "He had caught a leprechaun and he had a pot of gold". "That's nice", the woman replied to her son and hung up. After multiple excited calls back to his mom, the woman told her boss that she thought there might be something wrong at home and maybe she should check it out.

When she got home, her son excitedly greeted her at the door with "I caught a leprechaun, he's in my room and he has a pot of gold!".. His mother was a little frightened to see what he had in his room but she proceeded in to his room.

There standing in her son's room was a "little person" on his cellphone holding a bag. It turns out that the person was a Jehovah's Witness going door to door delivering his message.

Anywhere else the police would have been called, the young man probably would have been arrested but apparently the little person was somewhat understanding of the situation.

It have to admit it made me laugh...

Mrs. Goalder Goes to Washington

Well the last couple weeks have been like I would imagine the feeling of being in the eye of a tornado. I often complain of being way to busy or never having enough time for down time, but yet my down time from Thursday of last week to Tuesday of this was anything but down time.Several months ago, my friend Linda asked if I would like to accompany her and her granddaughter to Washington D.C. for the Alzheimer's Summit. She has taken her two oldest grand kids so that they can experience what some would term something only for "old people" but nothing can be far from the truth. Unfortunately, Alzheimer's is quickly climbing the ladder of the major diseases, two quickly really. We had the opportunity to visit our Missouri Senators Kit Bond and Claire McCaskill and also our Congressman for our area, Ike Skelton. All seemed really eager to support the Alzheimer's causes. With this being a busy "health reform" year I think they were probably a little more receptive than usual but you have to take what you can get and hope they are true to their words.

With my 16 years of past civil service experience in California it brought back alot of memories from dealing with government officials. To be honest alot hasn't changed, unfortunately, and I am really not sure if it ever really will but you have to keep trying over and over again. Maybe if they can know you by name like our Congress does my friend Linda, she must be doing something right. Sometimes the form letters in response to your letters or e-mails just are not enough, a face to face speaks volumes and we did with approximately 650 Alzheimer's advocates speaking to their representatives.

At least we were able to have some fun time too. I have only been in D.C. once on business with David and we were never able to be tourists. What an experience it was. People who voice their opinions about Washington without being their truly don't have any idea what a powerful feeling the city gives. To visit all that we did:

The Lincoln Memorial-It actually brought a tear to my eye to stand and look at the massive monument and see a man that was one of many who brought our country through some difficult times that people all over our country are still affected by.

Washington Memorial-Something I learned it took 82 years to build.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial-That long, black wall seemed to go for miles. 58,000 names of those that sacrificed so much and still those living that are paying the price for fighting for our country.

The World War II was the most beautiful of all the memorials and holds a special place in my heart.

Smithsonian-Hard to hit all of them but the Ruby Slippers from Wizard of Oz and Brian Boitano's Gold medal skates were worth it.

I could go on and on and I think my family has already gotten tired of the stories so far but all I can say is every American should experience a trip their. I truly think it means more if you are a mature adult who enjoys history but hopefully everyone can bring away something from an experience like I had. The weather was the most beautiful 5 days that we had all winter so we were pumped with enough Vitamin D to last us a few days.

Oh and I can't forget that the Omni Shoreham Hotel where we stayed was a historical significance also. The Beatles first performed their when they came to the US in 1964, several presidents have had their inaugural balls their and the 8th Floor Ghost Suite was four flights above our room. We did have some strange occurrence's happen, the non-believers can think what they want but with a town full of history you have to expect a few strange happenings here and their.

Walking through the Petersen House (where Lincoln died) was enough to make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck (something that happened a couple times on this trip) and the Ford Theatre where Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth (no it is no relation!!) was another experience. I know I am missing some of my experiences but their was just to many.

I will always be a city girl at heart and the electricity that a large city provides helped to pump me up for a while. To coin a phrase from an Orange County Housewife "my tank was depleted and now my tank is full for a little while" until I get the urge to visit another big city.

Winter Olympics Vancouver 2010

Well today is the last day. What a two weeks it has been. The excitement alone has been an adrenaline rush. It's helped make the long, long winter a little brighter.

Thank you to MSNBC for replaying the entire figure skating groupings this morning. It gave me a chance to get a closer look of the things I missed. I am much more critical of it because it was a major part 33 of my 48 years. Living and breathing something puts everything in perspective.

Individually, my take on the games. Something that will really never change about the sport is that exposure to international competitions greatly influences where you place in the Olympics. Favorites will always win before true skating. The outside stories also tend to influence the outcomes. Overall the competitors did well but the inconsistency of rewarding or overlooking the obvious still will probably never really change in this sport.

In re-watching the ladies competition it was very obvious. Korea's Kim Yu-Na really was alone in the race for gold. After watching her program a second time it was very interesting how many influences she had in her program. I saw alot of Michelle Kwan, Sasha Cohen, and as far back as Nancy Kerrigan. Of course also saw alot of her coach Brian Orser. Much of the footwork moves were all Brian. (I couldn't help but think back to the "Dualing Brians". He lost the gold that Olympics and made me think he got his gold medal with Kim's performance) It will be interesting to see how she holds up in her career. She really doesn't seem to skate for herself more for her country and culture. Something that will never change in the Asian nations. The same could be said for the silver medalist Mao Asada. Her story was alot like the men's silver medalist, Plushenko. Although her tricks included three triples or was it two, they were not clean and complete so it really didn't count. You could really see the sadness in her face also. She had the silver medal but still didn't seem happy.

Canada's Joanie Rochette was a heart rendering story in itself. I can't help feel her performance was awarded due to the fact also of the sympathy factor and home advantage. Although her program was good, it did have several mistakes but those seemed to be slightly overlooked due to her personal tragedy to still give her the bronze medal.

The same is true with the ice dancing. The Russians ecked out a bronze, partly due to their higher scores in the Compulsory Dance. The "costume question" in both the Free Dance and the Original Dance were the same issue. But, since the Russians have always placed in the top 3 since the inception of the Ice Dance category, the really squeaked by.

In the men's competition it was really only Lysacek/Plushenko. It goes to show here any quad won't do.

It will me interesting what the World's Championship next month will bring. In the past most Olympians chose not to compete. I am sure it won't be any competition like the Olympics but still it's just as important.

Pushing Yourself to the Limits

I feel as though I have been living my own Olympic event the past 11 days. Valentine's Day was suppose to be a day of love and heartfelt giving and it was my first day of feeling totally awful. I spent the day in bed feeling like I had been literally struck in the heart with an arrow but this arrow was a good case of bronchitis. I made my way to the doctor's office where his first comment was "gee I haven't seen you in a long time".. Which like most is the way you like it unless you are a hypochondriac. I proceed to get my z-pac and codeine cough syrup and today is the first day I have felt actually human again. I guess this is my version of my gold medal getting back to good health.

My path has been fully loaded with way to much on my plate as usual with no end in sight. I guess this was my bodies way of telling me slow down. The one bright spot in this is that I have been able to direct my attention to many of the Olympic events. Being sick made me think of how often athletes compete while being sick. Adrenaline can push you through things you never imagined you could make it through. Plus the desire to put in the best performance possible, no matter what your chosen sport is. Being on autopilot can make you forget how sick one can be and still make it through.

I remember when I was competing with the synchronized team one year I had to compete with a terrible inner ear infection. Thank goodness I had people on each side of me who could keep me standing because I doubt if I would have made it otherwise. A take it for the team attitude can get you through anything.

By the way I hope one year synchronized skating will be a part of the Olympic experience so I can say I was part of the pioneering teams. I guess I can at least be happy that our pictures grace the Figure Skating Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs as part of the legacy of skating. We pushed the envelope many times.

The Russian ice dance team made me reflect again on how costumes can push the limits of the sport. They did it in a not so tasteful way but any extra publicity definitely puts you on the mind of the viewing public and judges. Our team did it with top hats and splitting the team in half where half wore black tuxedo coats and the others white dress (I unfortunate got to wear the tuxedo) we ended up winning that year and were the talk of the competition, not unlike the Russians.

I look forward to the finals in ice dancing and the start of the women's skating events in the next week. Another week of pushing the limits and I will have a front row seat.

A Little Sunshine in this Long, Long Winter

I speak for many when I say "I am sick of winter!". It is probably the worst I have experienced in my lifetime. The color white has become a constant reminder. Some have actually said to me, "but you loved figure skating so winter should be your favorite time of the year". But those must realize you can step in and out of a rink and experience the outdoor season. Skating is a way of life, like any sport. My body totally got used to being in the little dresses, or almost naked as some used to remind me, but it was completely different. I compared it to football players who play in the snow, you are working mostly on adrenaline and it's something that is a part of your life, like putting on your shoes. Only those who are passionate about something in their life can truly know a little how it feels.

Although I have been a little under the weather the last few days I have still managed to click on the television and watch skating. It brings back those truly magnificent times in my life where I felt like nothing was unattainable.

Figure skating constantly changes but the one thing that is the most enjoyable is to watch the "older" more seasoned skaters come back and try just one more time to capture a moment in their hands they have worked all their lives for.. To put it in perspective their are 10 figure skaters out of the millions and millions who skate who worked up the ranks this year to be able to be an Olympian. You dedicate your whole life, 24-7 to the sport, you live and breath it, it takes tremendous focus and determination. Believe me not everyone has the talent. Personally I was always happy to just do the best I could. I was always my own worse critic (and still am). It's a very harsh world.

I remember long ago our local newspaper wrote an article on my parents about their love of the sport and my dad being quoted he wanted to be "buried with his boots on". That quote made me think about the young man who tragically died on the luge course. It was quoted on the internet this morning that he had told his dad he would either win or die trying. My first thought was be careful what you wish for, but it also made me felt although we never have a chose on how we leave this world, he died doing what he loved.

So with that in this long, long winter from east to west, the Olympics is bringing a little sunshine and fond memories to my life.

The Biggest Contest of the Year

It has been a few years since I have taken the time to sit down and watch a football game. Truthfully, probably the last one was our son Matthew's last high school football game 5 years ago. Bittersweet as it was, admittedly I was glad it was over. But as a mother I needed to support his desire to play.. Our family truly has never been a sport watching family. I don't lose my husband on the weekends to any of the major sports like other women do (thank God) but occasionally a Super Bowl has been enticing enough to watch.

I have been invited by a friend to her Super Bowl party. She has many reasons to cheer this year. After Hurricane Katrina she was one of many families that had to relocate somewhere else. Her husband had a chance for a transfer here so Missouri became her new home.. Needless to say she is on "cloud-nine" that the New Orleans Saints have a great chance to win the Super Bowl this year.

Usually I root for the underdog and heaven knows New Orleans has had it's share of struggles the last several years. It would be wonderful if they win.

New Orleans is a great town. I had the chance many years ago to attend a conference their. I remember the wonderful food, sights and people. Although Katrina took alot of that away, step by step and little by little I am sure they will one day be the New Orleans I remember best.

Who Dat!!! Saints....

Without Music the World Would Be Silent

My love for music started early on. First from the time I stepped into a skating rink music filled my life on a regular basis. Most weekends we spent our time at one of the few rinks that still had a organ player at the public sessions. Many early skating rinks had on-site organ players to accompany the skaters even at competitions. Later you cut special " 98 record albums" that you picked the music for. Most skaters of today don't even know what a record album is. During my era you had a multitude of cassette tapes in your skate bag because you never new when a music malfunction would occur.

I have always had a pretty eclectic music taste. My mother was a music buff also so she had cabinet after cabinet of albums. I still have a box of albums tucked into my closest that I just can't seem to get rid of. Even today when I hear a piece of music no matter what it is I think, "Wow would that be a good piece to do a skating routine too". Many an afternoon I would put on music and plot out a skating routine on the living room floor. Sometimes it would drive my parents crazy. Jumping in the house was tolerated to a degree.

The whole point of this post was I saw Barry Manilow and Neil Sedaka on television this past week which brought back a memory of my teen years. When most kids my age were listening to hard rock music , my choices were classical, Broadway show tunes, Barry Manilow and Neil Sedaka, Barbara Streisand and the list goes on. I can remember pretty much every piece of music I ever had a routine too and the reason behind it. Toward the end of my skating time I did my own music and choreography.

Although I listen to alot of country now, I still pull out some of my closeted favorites. So if you see me in my car, and my lips are moving I am probably not talking on hands free on my cellphone I am probably singing to one of my favorite old songs..

Skating-Not Always a Fairy Tale World

As it gets closer and closer for the Vancouver Olympics skating it a part of the news again. Like any sport it is not only the good but the bad you hear about.

Of course recently while watching one of the competitions that is a qualifier for the Olympics the subject of the Tonya/Nancy saga came up. I am sorry does this have always be a part of Olympic reporting? It was sad then and it is still sad. Although up until this past week Nancy has continued on skating professional, married and had a family. She has done very well. On the other hand Tonya continues to still be an accident waiting to happen. Not one of the fairy tale stories of the skating world you periodically hear about something not skating related she is doing.

To make matters worse a tragedy again has happened to Nancy. With the death of her father Dan allegedly by her brother's hand, the downfall of the skating world becomes a sad part of skating reporting.

As with anything when a family devotes themselves to supporting a family member(s) in a specific endeavor it becomes hard on everyone. My first thought was that it is quiet possible the problems that have been eluded to about Nancy's brother have been a root of problems for many years for him.

From personal observations I encountered alot of on/off ice drama's when it came to seeing what it did to families. One of the reasons I never pushed skating or anything to the 100th degree.

Parents yanking kids off or pushing them on the rink, arguments amongst siblings, the pedestal effect can damage everyone. Names that come to mind are: Christopher Bowman, Nicole Bobek, and the list goes on. Issues other than skating became a bigger part of their lives. Along with the coach, the off ice academic teacher, ballet, strength and the never ending list maybe one I am not sure any have thought of during their careers was-a therapist..

For as much as I had dreams of doing more with my skating during my time I am glad I kept my priorities in check and chose to treat it more as fun than an occupation. Just glidding along and feeling the edges was therapy enough for me...

While You Were Sleeping......

As the television viewing seasons go from year to year it becomes harder and harder to find something good to watch. But, since last year was the last for one of my favorite programs ER when they came out with a program called Mercy I was curious. I knew it wasn't going to be the same type of hospital drama but thought I would watch a few times and give it a chance.

Overall it is a pretty good show. This past episode in part was about a man who had an accident and was in a coma for 10 years. Their have been several over the years who have been lucky enough to awaken from long-term coma's one thing you don't think about is the psychological issues it can do. Ten years is a very long time and alot happens in a ten year period. That was the basic premise of the story was the things in history that he missed and the changes he was going to have to accept. In one conversation with the nurse she had taken him for a ride in his wheelchair and they were overlooking New York. She randomly mentioned, we had a Black President, the technology such as IPODs, GPS, etc. As he was listening and looking out at the skyscrapers he asked, "Where are the towers?" She explained all the things that had changed because of 9/11 to him.

This also took me back to when my granpa had his stroke in the 70's. They said although he had a severe brain stem stroke and was unable to verbally communicate he could possibly hear what was going on. He wouldn't respond as normal but you might get some form of a response. Several times when someone went into his room and talked to him he cried. I have heard several people who have been in situations where they were unable to speak say they could hear what was going on. The "hearing is the last to go" comes to mind.

Ironically the man in the program could remember little things, like the strange name of his girlfriend he had only dated briefly and the nurse who took care of him would say a certain saying in chinese to him everyday. Pretty amazing..

When you stop and think all that has happened it does make you feel a sense of wonder about all that happens over the course of a decade. Sometimes it's difficult being awake through it all but think how it would be if you slept through it.

Wonderful Things Happen to Wonderful People

At a time when you think people you know are not lucky, something wonderful happened this past week to my in-laws. They are very, very deserving of it and it was a long time coming. From the first time that I met them 27 years ago they have always been and will continue to be very deserving people. They both were working parents when their boys were growing up, stretched a buck until it couldn't stretch anymore and always went way beyond for everyone in the family and even others.

I have heard both of them tell many a story on how my father-in-law basically raised two families in his lifetime. He was the oldest and when his father died in a farming accident everyone looked to him to be taken care of. Even after they both married , family members from both sides always looked to them for help, even sometimes when they could ill afford anything. They have never asked for anything back in return, selfless by most standards, so it's always been my thoughts that those same people, that were fortunate enough to receive help from them should return the favor someday.

This new event has made me sit back and see what will happen. They have both struggled the past several years with illnesses and situations no one should need to deal with especially at this time in their life. They should and need to be enjoying what time they have left on this earth and let others and those people who were fortunate for their help to help them in return.

That hasn't come as frequently as I had hoped but again no control over other's thoughts and moral ideals.

That little voice that my parents put inside my head always comes out "don't depend on other's be self sufficient, because most of the time other's don't come through for whatever reason". It's hard not to listen to that but I am doing my best to tune it out.

So I hope they can enjoy themselves, be selfish not selfless this one time.

The Beginning of the Year Brings Re-evaluating Priorities

Starting a new year has its advantages and disadvantages. I gave up long ago with the resolution thing but both as an individual and someone who runs businesses prioritizing and evaluating your business situations always is high on the list at the beginning of the year. If anything this year I need to be even more organized and making priorities a top one on my list. Maintaining the list is another thing entirely but my goal this year is to keep everything in working order on every front.

Learning when to say the "no" word is also difficult in any situation. I try to take on only what I can handle in both my personal and professional life but it becomes more and more difficult as the years go by. I love keeping busy but sometimes it is not just the keeping busy aspect its not letting things fall through the cracks.

My perfectionism hat comes into play too. I know no one is perfect not even me but if you can come to as close as possible it does help occasionally.

Today a meeting with a labor company we have used for many years made all this come into perspective. We have had the same company for 10+ years and this was the first year we have had an on-sight meeting with them. The regional manager and branch manager found this amazing but as we told them the small companies usually fall through the cracks because we usually aren't as important as a larger corporation. After spending and over an hour in talk with them it made me think there is still hope for the smaller companies that are still in business today.

That old saying, "don't lose hope, don't give up" played in my mind and goes along with keeping me focused on priorities. We will see, right now January is looking hopefully, now six months down the line I will re-evaluate my feelings and hope I still have my priorities in line....Only time will tell.