Friday, November 30, 2012

Moms

Today we celebrate Moms. Why? It isn't Mothers' Day, is it? Nope. But I have unfinished business with my Mom and today is as good a day as any to finish that business.

I offer my condolences to the Dolan family who lost their Mom, Edna Dolan, to lung cancer on Monday of this week. She had eight children. Lian the youngest posted a eulogy that I thought was just beautiful.

http://satellitesisters.com/newstalklaughs/2012/11/27/4960/

I never met Mrs. Dolan but from the way Lian writes about her she was one hell of a woman. I also know from the Satellite Sister and The Chaos Chronicles various postings that Mrs. Dolan's children appreciated her every day that she was alive.

After reading Lian's touching tribute it made me face the reality of my own Mom's mortality. Mom is 96, will be 97 in January. She isn't going to live forever. I really doubt she will make it another twelve months. When she goes it is going to create a tremendous void in my life. I'm not sure how I will be able to handle it. Looking at Mom's mortality made me wonder if I really have appreciated my Mom everyday that I've been life. I have been caring for an elderly parent in some fashion for over ten years. That really is an inordinate amount of time for anyone to care for anyone. There were a lot times when I resented being in that position. There were a lot times during those ten years when I acted poorly, when I wasn't on my best behavior while watching Mom. I have asked for forgiveness on more than one occasion. In my behalf I did my best. I also on many days created a fun atmosphere. Made a strong effort to get her out of the house two to three days a week (the only one in the family that takes her out). I did tell her that I loved her on numerous occasions. But did I ever tell her what I appreciated about her? Or how much I appreciated her? Or what a good mom she was?mNo. No. No.

I don't want my mom to move on to her next life with those questions still being answered with a no. Now is as good a time as any to correct that.

Mom I appreciate you. I appreciate the many times when I was growing up that you went without so I could be with. Mom I always felt lucky to have you as a mom. Sure you weren't perfect. Parenting doesn't come with an instruction book. It really is more trial and error. While I am sure I created many trials for you, you didn't make that many errors. In a contest of mothering skills my money is on you. When I needed help you were always there. Heck you were even there when I was beyond help. While there may have been times when your rules kept me from doing things that I wanted to do there was never a moment I didn't feel love. And those rules probably saved my ass more than once.

Now life has made it difficult for you. As you have always been, you are my everyday hero. How much pain you must be in with a degenerative hip. With a body overtaken by arthritis. I watch you struggle to take just one step. I watch you struggle to transfer to your mobile chair. I see you try to work with hands that you have trouble holding anything with. Yet I still see you smile. I watch you laugh so easily.

Mom did I tell you how proud of you I was when you told me what your Christmas mission is this year? You told me since you couldn't go shopping on your own that you were going to take up painting again. Then you would give paintings as Christmas gifts. I thought it was a wonderful, heartfelt idea. I just didn't think anyone 96 with your set of disabilities could do it.

Wednesday. The day you put me in my place. With nary a word. Just with talent. I was unloading my car to spend the night. I went through the garage, your studio. I looked at the painting on the easel. I sat down and cried. The painting was incredible. I honestly appreciate your talent. OK, when do I get my painting?

Today is the day when you tell my about your Mom. Have anything you would like to tell your mom and haven't yet? It matters not whether she is still with us because I believe wherever your Mom is she will read your words. OK, fire away about your Mom. Don't hold back.

Comment Away.

Closing with a poem and with pictures of Mom's recent paintings.

For all the Moms everywhere. The ones past, the ones present. Thank you.

"I don't think I ever told you,
how much I appreciate the things you do.

You have been there when I cried,
and always known when I've lied.
You taught me how to read and sing,
and punished me when I did the wrong thing.

You were there to tell me goodnight,
and always knew how to make things all right.

I look up to you, Mom,
and I love you very much.
I don't know what it would be like
without your loving touch.

You will always come first in my heart,
no matter how far we are apart.

Mom, I have not told you,
I don't know where I've been.
You're not only just my mother,
you're forever my best friend."

by Candice Winn


In order the paintings are as follows. The first one is the first one Mom painted since she started painting again. It goes to my sister. The second one is the second one Mom painted and goes to the caregiver. The third one is only about 70% done. It is of a place on the Oregon coast and goes to my Nephew in Texas. The next one she is going to paint is of a kitty surrounded by flowers and goes to me.






Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Gifts & Health.

Heading out to Mom's to fix her lunch and get her house set up for her bridge club. Then running errands and back to Mom's for fixing dinner and spending the night. Tomorrow at Mom's all day and most likely will take her frame shopping. She has decided her Christmas gifts this year will be her paintings. Some she has painted a few years back, some she is painting now. Since starting painting again she has painted two pictures. Marvelous they are. I am taking her frame shopping Thursday. The painting is actually hepling her arthritic hands. Here some other tips to help arthritis:


http://www.everydayhealth.com/arthritis-pictures/6-ancient-arthritis-remedies.aspx?xid=aol_eh-arth_8_20121119_&aolcat=AJA&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl41%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D236813


Speaking of gifts. Here is my kind of CEO:

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/11/26/grocer-joe-lueken-employees-esop/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D238226

Back to health:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/cooking-methods-that-may-help-you-live-longer.aspx?xid=aol_eh-genvid_7_20121119_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl2%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D237215

Comment Away.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Lottery, Finds, & Secret Codes

A work day ahead. My plan is to knock at least ten items off my today list. Today and tomorrow I will be participating in my other occupation, future lottery winner. Tomorrow's jackpot is $425 million but should be over $500 million by the time the numbers are picked tomorrow night:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/425m-powerball-jackpot-5-tips-win-234845250--abc-news-topstories.html

A winning lottery ticket would be quite a find. That just makes me want to share an article about an amazing find:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/jfk-portrait-found-hidden-old-frame-150753387.html
If I win the Powerball I wonder if I will start hearing and seeing secret messages. Then I will wonder if I will be able to solve the secret messages.

http://beforeitsnews.com/spies-and-intelligence/2012/11/please-help-to-break-this-code-secret-message-found-with-carrier-pigeon-may-never-be-deciphered-2444040.html

Can you figure out the secret message?

Comment Away.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Beautiful Women, Beautiful Things, Beautiful Girls.

I like beautiful women. The only problem I run into is I think all women are beautiful. Everyone of them have at least one outstanding feature, rather it be their legs, their eyes, their heart, their smile, their personality, their talent, their brains, and so on. What makes the women in the following article beautiful is what they did. Before and after what they dead they are beautiful:

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-11-25/indianapolis-colts-coach-chuck-pagano-leukemia-cheerleaders-shave-heads?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl10%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D238094

Speaking of beautiful things, isn't gold beautiful? How do you tell what it is worth?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/j-lee-drexler/fabulous-finds-appraising-gold-jewelry_b_2103882.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl37%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D233490

And lets close today's article with a beautiful girl:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/25/girl-writes-letters-to-troops_n_2188216.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl22%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D237868

Comment Away.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Pit Bull & Feet Update

Got a fun day planned. Lunch with Mom. Fixing breakfast for dinner for Mom and Susan. Then taking off to a movie, either LINCOLN or SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. On the scheme of things this is going to be a pretty easy week for me. Tomorrow breakfast with Dave and then the to do list. Tuesday I will go to the movie I didn't see today. They have five dollar Tuesday at Regal Cinemas so everyone gets in for five bucks. Wednesday and Thursday or at Mom's. Friday and Saturday or me days.

Last week was a pretty busy week. Sunday was a Mom day. Monday was a rest day. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were Mom days. Friday was a errand day. Saturday was my nephew and great nephew coming up for the game. Boy did they eat. Downed one and a half large pizzas, a huge bowl of fruit, and six small bag of chips. Not to mention the cheese cake. I was really happy with Grayson, my great nephew. He really has the right attitude to turn his life around. Remember he was basically kicked out of the navy with a medical discharge. The he disappeared for almost two years. He returned to our lives just before Thanksgiving. He really seem to have it together and was working towards fixing the past and looking towards the future. He is a very nice young man and treated Mom with the utmost of respect. I am praying that he succeeds with the difficult task that he has in front of him.

Just a couple of stories to share today. One from Dona's area:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/24/pit-bull-saves-nayeli-gar_n_2176158.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D237774

And advice from DanaRae's area:

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/11/25/3171790/dont-forget-about-feet-this-holiday.html#storylink=rss

The blog is now yours. Comment Away. Update me on your lives. Vent. Post whatever your damn well please. This is your day on the blog.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Questions, Questions.

Going to be a good day. Greg and Grayson are coming to visit Mom this morning. Then they are staying to watch the Oregon vs. Oregon State football game. I am putting out pizza, a fruit tray, and chips for the game. Football food. I will be wearing my Duck Pajamas under my pants. The only week I didn't wear the lucky pajamas Oregon lost. While I am there I will cook and set out the dinners for Mom and the caregiver. On to today's entry.

If it was possible to know when you were going to die, would you want to know? I don't think I would.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/19/gene-predicts-death_n_2159918.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl25%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D236623


If there were such a thing a a driverless car, where do you think it would end up?

http://autos.aol.com/article/driverless-car-Wildwood-Jersey-circles-doughnuts/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl36%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D236618

Do you look anything like you did in high school? Sometimes I will run into people I went to high school with and they know me right away. I am stunned.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/15/ceos-yearbook-photos_n_2129356.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl19%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D235770

OK, off to watch a great grandson and a grandmother reunite after over a years separation. Should be fun!

Comment Away.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Black Friday? No. Good Friday? Yes.

I'm sure in the heck not shopping on Black Friday. I'd rather watch one hundred hours of Gilligan Island reruns.

Are your stuffed? I am. We had a nice dinner and good conversation and I got home early last night. Since we had a good day yesterday I am going to change the mood today from Black Friday to Good Friday.

Thanksgiving day started out with me reading the following article:

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/oregonian/john_canzano/index.ssf/2012/11/canzano_giving_thanks_for_kati.html#incart_river_default

The true meaning of sports can be found in the above article.

Then I read the following article off of the Internet:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/20/sia-ka-tian-singapore-taxi-driver-returns-money_n_2165455.html?1353434228&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D236814


I'm thankful that they are people like that in the world.

The early this morning I watched a video.

http://news.yahoo.com/senior-citizens-call-maybe-young-again-video-021608590.html

I got younger just watching the video.

Comment Away.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

I'm Thankful For.

Thanksgiving prayer:

O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.

Amen.

Thanksgiving. A day to give thanks. What am I thankful for? Really just about everything. Not in any particular order, and certainly not all inclusive.

The Mom I have.

That I have had Mom as long as I have.

My sister, Jackie, who uprooted herself and moved here from Utah to help with Mom responsibilities.

My sister's husband Bob, who has been the most supportive husband in the world and treats my mom and treated my dad with the utmost of respect.

That I had the dad I had and that I had him for as long as I did. I miss him dearly.

My brother who does what he is capable of.

The good dude in Oklahoma that made it possible from my great nephew, Grayson, to reunite with his dad, mom, and family in time for Thanksgiving.

All the posters here. You are like family to me.

All the readers here. Every visit to my blog is appreciated.

My Facebook friends. God love them. The put up with my daily posting of pictures, quotes, and musings. If they went out of my life I would miss them dearly.

That I've only lost part of my mind.

For the ability to laugh.

For becoming a good enough cook that Mom no longer uses Pepto Bismal as a salad dressing.

For The Satellite Sisters. Their humor. That as they go through a difficult time with a dad with Alzheimer's and a mother with Stage 4 Cancer that they have the courage and conviction to share their lives with us. It helps all of us caring for elderly parents.

The Chaos Chronicles. See Satellite Sisters. Lian's own blog and podcast. Her humor in tough times is amazing. Often her words are so touching they bring you to tears.

That I got to know Pat before the lord took her at much to young of an age. She was special.

My cousin Dixie who is like a sister to me.

My Uncle Frank who joined my dad in heaven this year. He was a second dad.

My cousins Belva and Don. Fun folks. Enjoy every dinner with them.

My football breakfast buddies, Ted, Bill E, Leland, Doug, Greg.

That I was able to reconnect with childhood friend, Dave this year.

My extended family in Texas.

My cousin Lavelle as she is fighting three active cancers, doing it with strength, humor, love, and courage.

And so much more. I know I missed so many people and so many things that I am thankful for. I'm thankful that I know they will forgive me.

Finally for today, I'm thankful that I am not a vegetarian.

What are you thankful for?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Getting Ready

Tomorrow is my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. The four "F's" Family, Friends, Food, and Football. Today I am going to try to help you get ready for the big day.

First who are going to invite.

http://www.homesessive.com/view/12-people-not-invite-thanksgiving-dinner-thanks?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl40%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D236461

Are you going to have sweet potatoes or yams? They are the same thing you say. You would be wrong.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/19/difference-between-sweet-potatoes-and-yams_n_1097840.html

During out Thanksgiving dinner we often talk about the real meaning of Thanksgiving. Then we tell what we are thankful for. Here are some tips from kids about the real meaning of Thanksgiving.

http://www.parenting.com/thanksgiving-for-kids?src=syn&dom=aolhp&dartkw=aolhp&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl45%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D236834

Comment Away.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Going Ape.

After the last few years I think I not only deserve a nervous breakdown but I think it is finally time for me to have a mid-life crisis. I may even go ape over a mid-life crisis:

http://news.yahoo.com/even-apes-midlife-crises-study-finds-201133712.html


Maybe someone will eventually want to study my brain and see why I decided to have a mid-life crisis.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/17/albert-einstein-brain-study-genius_n_2144865.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D236205

I certainly can't have a mid-life crisis without a new car. Checking out several brands and their customer service scores:

http://autos.aol.com/gallery/2012-jd-power-luxury/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl40%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D235008

Comment Away.

Monday, November 19, 2012

2 In One, Update & Trip Report

Back from Eugene, raring to go and in the update mood. First the update of the past and a report of the future then I will discuss the trip.

On the agenda this week. I spent last night at Mom and did the meals for the day. Today I am off. Tomorrow lunch and dinner and a night at Mom's. Wednesday lunch, dinner, and a night at Mom's. She has her bridge club on Wednesday so after setting in up I will be off between lunch and dinner. Thursday morning and lunch for Mom. Then it is watching football and enjoying the holiday with family and friends. Sis is doing the Thanksgiving dinner. She ordered a dinner from Safeway. It is one of those dinners that is pretty much done but takes two hours to re-heat and put together. Jackie, husband Robert, friends Larry and Gloria, Rod & Marion, and yours truly at the dinner table. Should be a fun time. Friday it is Mom to lunch. Saturday my nephew and his son are coming to Mom's to watch the Oregon State-Oregon game. I'll a pizza or KFC chicken or hamburgers for the game. I do dinner that night too.

My last week. Sunday breakfast with the boys. Dinner for the troops at Mom's. Monday a to do list attacking day. Watched Dancing With The Stars. Tuesday another get the list marked off day. Caught up on Covert Affairs and NCIS LA. Wednesday lunch, dinner, and overnight at Mom's. Thursday all day at Mom's. Home at eight that night. Friday errand day and cooking day. Cooked a casserole for Sunday night for what I thought would be the caregiver and Mom. Saturday was the trip to Eugene.

The trip report. Left Saturday morning and took a leisurely drive to My nephews home. It is usually a two and a half hour trip to his house. I took three and a half hours. Stopped and had lunch on the way. I got to his house a little after one. It was supposed to rain that night. I thought I had layered pretty well but the thoughtful person my nephew is, he had a rain coat that he wanted me to wear as an additional layer. I did and it worked out pretty well. The plan was to leave for the Fairgrounds at 3:30 and take a shuttle to the stadium. At three O'clock I got a call from the caregiver. She was sick and couldn't be at Mom's that night. I think she thought I would save her neck and come back to Portland instead of going to the game. She was wrong. I told I wasn't coming back, my nephew had a ticket, and I wasn't driving back after the game so he had to find her own replacement. I was kind of ticked and the mean side of me wanted her to worry a bit because she keeps doing this crap and it needs to stop. Without her knowing it, I called my sister. Bless my sister's heart she spent Saturday night at Mom's. Just think if she hadn't moved up here I'd been stuck. Since the caregiver was supposedly still sick I did last night at Mom's. At 3:30 we took off for the fairgrounds. Since they got the tickets I wanted to pay for the shuttle. Six bucks apiece. However, it was free for my nephew as he works for the University. And was free for me because I am over fifty-five. Six bucks for all three. Certainly cheaper than parking. We got to the game and I bought everyone dinner from the concession stands. Then we went to our seats. Boy was that a journey. Sixty-eight steep rows up. I made it without much problems except my legs got pretty tired. I went back down at half-time to the use the facilities. Then back up before the half started. Made it again. Again my legs got tired. It was a great game except Oregon lost to Stanford, 17-14 in over time. Grayson, Greg's son was arriving at the bus depot at nine and we had assumed the game would be over by then. Angela, Greg's wife went to pick him up, Greg and I stayed until the end of the game. Then we walked over to where the shuttles were. Well, we were pushed over to where the shuttles were. It was a cattle call, thousand of people trying to get over a bridge and another thousand trying to through them to get to the shuttles. That was the most sex I had in ages. We made it to the Shuttle. The last shuttle. Got back to the Fairground where Angela and Grayson were waiting for us.

Grayson looked fantastic. He has the right attitude to right himself. I was very pleased. He ended up home with his family because of a good dude in Oklahoma. He found Grayson homeless, gave him a job. Grayson would help him remodel his home in return for food and lodging. Then he got some personal information, called Greg, and paid for Grayson's bus ticket home. Of course Greg reimbursed him. Good people in the world. Yes there are.

I came home early Sunday morning. A fairly uneventful trip with one very frightening moment. I was on Interstate 5 in the Northbound lanes. About a half of an hour outside of Eugene. Fortunately I was in the right hand lane. A car going the wrong way on Interstate 5 passed me. He was in the fast Northbound lane going South at easily over seventy-five miles an hour. It took me a minute to realize what happened when he passed me. When I got my bearings I called 911. He had already been reported by other drivers. I didn't hear of any accidents on the freeway Sunday morning so they must have gotten him off the freeway before he hurt anyone or himself.

When I got home I wondered how big of a problem wrong way driving is. I was shocked. Thirty-two crashes involving wrong way drivers in the last year on Milwaukie, Wisconsin's freeways. Five in the last three months on Seattle's 520. Ten in the last three months of Los Angeles freeways, the last three days ago. Over two hundred in a five year period on Illinois freeways.

In closing just going to share a couple of articles with you. The problem. The solution.

http://ict.illinois.edu/publications/report%20files/FHWA-ICT-12-010.pdf

http://www.todaystmj4.com/blogs/vincevitrano/179976241.html

How was your week? What is going on with you this week? Comment Away.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Like A Dirty Shirt On Laundry Day, I'm Off.

Most likely there won't be a post tomorrow on the blog. The updates will be postponed until Monday. In a couple of hours I am heading down to Eugene, Oregon to attend the Oregon-Stanford game with my nephew and his wife. The game is at five, which means by the time we get home from it, it will be nine or later. I am just not going to risk driving home when I am no doubt going to be tired. I am going to spend the night with my Nephew and come back Sunday morning. I switched Saturday and Sundays with my sister for the Mom duties so Sunday when I get back it is straight to Mom's. Any responses to today's post probably won't be responded to until Sunday afternoon at the earliest.

GO DUCKS.

On to today's post. First up is a discovery:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/14/siblings-michael-and-maur_n_2124136.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D234601

Next up is one of those good stories that has a bad turn.

http://autos.aol.com/article/Seattle-good-samaritan-thief-car-accident/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D235142

I am betting that once the word gets out other good people are going to give her the nine hundred smackers back. She may end up with more than she lost. I do hope they catch the asses that stole from her.

Shortly I will be an aging driver on the road, so the following article seems appropriate.

http://autos.aol.com/article/aging-drivers-transportation-challenges/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl18%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D23215

Comment.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Ding Dong

The Twinkie is dead:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/14/hostess-shutdown_n_2132706.html?1352990979&icid=maing-grid10%7

The spread of diabetes has not only lead to the death of several people it killed a company. We always had Hostess cupcakes in the lunches Mom made for us to take to school. Sometimes the lunches included Twinkie. The truth is I never liked Twinkies but they were valuable on the lunch trade market. You could trade them for a banana AND chocolate pudding or cake.

Despite me not being able to call someone a Ding Dong in the near future yesterday was a day filled with good personal stories. I've never shared with you this story before. Greg is my nephew that I am going to the game with tomorrow. His son, my great nephew, has been missing for over a year.

They found him, sent him a bus ticket and he will be home Saturday night. I hope it is a new beginning for young Grayson. Then later in the day Mom's lawsuit had a judgment issued. She and our friend Bernice are free and clear. A good day.

Speaking of diabetes, how do you really know if sugar substitutes are good to use?

http://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/diabetes-and-sugar-substitutes.aspx?xid=aol_eh-endo_2_20121112_&aolcat=APS&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl34%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D234681

Speaking of packing lunches. Or making lunches. Here are some good tips. They are meant for kids going to school but I think they can be helpful for anyone in charge of managing a diet for someone else. Like caregivers.

http://mom.me/back-to-school/3313-10-items-not-to-pack-in-your-childs-lunch/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl31%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D234979#!/back-to-school/3313-10-items-not-to-pack-in-your-childs-lunch/

Comment Away.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Healthy Thursday

Thursday. It was a nice night at Mom's last night. She slept pretty well, thank goodness. Today I am taking her to lunch or dinner, her choice. The other I will cook or put together.

Let's start the day of with a good story:


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/12/khoren-moughalian-jason-abraham-good-samaritans_n_2117947.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D233852

From a good story to some cleaning tips:

http://www.homesessive.com/view/10-ways-clean-lemon?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl20%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D233584


Since I am in a good mood because Mom slept well and so did I let's end with another good story:

http://www.aol.com/video/student-with-cerebral-palsy-crowned-homecoming-king/517536989/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl20%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D233450

Comment Away.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Good Health & Smelley Fears

Wednesday. Heading out to Mom's for lunch and to set up her bridge game. She is playing bridge this afternoon. Then I am cooking dinner and spending the night. I will be there all day tomorrow. Home at eight.

Cooking for diabetics is sometimes tough. So it is good to be informed.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/1107/black-tea-consumption-linked-to-low-diabetes-rates.aspx?xid=aol_eh-endo_8_20121105_&aolcat=APS&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl17%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D232130


I always thought green tea was the in thing, now I am finding out it is black tea.

Speaking of diabetes:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/alternative-health/botanicals-and-herbs-for-type-2-diabetes.aspx?xid=aol_eh-endo_6_20121105_&aolcat=APS&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl19%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D23148

And let's close with a smelly article:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/1106/the-smell-of-fear-and-disgust.aspx?xid=aol_eh-news_10_20121105_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl13%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D231210

Comment Away.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Sidewalk Surfing, Buildings, & Lying.

Looking forward to a productive and To Do list attacking day.

Remember a few days ago when we had a foolish woman that drove on a sidewalk to get around a school bus. I come down on the side of not driving on sidewalks. Here is why:

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/dont-drive-on-the-sidewalk-in-cleveland-or-this-might-happen-t/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D232475

Since it is kind of cold outside I plan on staying inside most of the time. Except maybe going from the car to a building. Some of the buildings may not even look like buildings:

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/gallery/15-buildings-that-don-t-look-like-buildings?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl19%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D232907

I also don't plan on lying to much. I'd like to say not lying at all but that is really impossible isn't it?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-spector-md/lying_b_2095068.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D232962

Comment Away and then go and have a great day.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Holiday For Heroes.

Yesterday was Veterans' Day. Today is the day we officially celebrate the Holiday For Heroes.

Soldier's Prayer...

The soldier stood and faced his God Which must always come to pass...
He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and Said,"No, Lord, I guess I ain't...
Because those of us who carry guns Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent, Because the streets are awfully tough.
But, I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep,
And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here...
They never wanted me around Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod...
As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God,
"Step forward now you soldier,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Anonymous.

We have a hero in our family.

He was awarded the purple heart. In addition he is one of less than five hundred servicemen to be awarded both the Navy Cross & The Silver Star. During World War II they were stationed in The Philippines . They were evacuating the island because the Japanese were coming in force and they were going to be badly outnumbered. Officers were evacuated first, including General MacArthur. Their plane crashed. It was to dangerous to rescue them. They were expendable. That didn't stop them. Out of bamboo they built one man paddle boats to survey potential enemy sites. After making tools from what nature provided them they cut down tress and made canoes. They used the canoes to perform sneak attacks until they were captured. They were all beheaded. They were led by the person my brother, Grover, was named after, Lt. Edward Grover Delong. My Mom's first cousin, my second cousin. Here is the official military citations of his awards:

http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=20352

The movie THEY WERE EXPENDABLE was about his troops. It won two Oscars and is a really good World War II movie to rent.

Lt. Delong is buried in Arlington and has a Motor Torpedo Boat named after him. The boat was harbored in Long Beach Harbor for years but is now retired to the shipyard in the sky.

The following two pictures are of the Motor Torpedo Boat the SS Delong and a picture of Lt. Delong. Handsome dude.








They gave their lives so that we may be free. They give their days to protect us. To all military personnel everywhere. THANK YOU.

In closing I'd like to share an article about the improvements we are making in taking care of our homeless soldiers. But we can do better. One homeless soldier is on to many.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765615350/Hurdles-remain-to-helping-veterans.html

Comment Away.


Sunday, November 11, 2012

OREGON DUCKS NUMBER ONE!!

Had a great day yesterday. Took Mom out for a nice lunch. Then we got a call from a family friend in town from Idaho. Nikki is the granddaughter of Maxine a friend of my Mom for over sixty years. She is the daughter of Tammie my riding buddy when I grew up in Idaho on a small farm. Her grandmother had a gift for my Mom. She didn't have transportation. She was with a friend at the Art Museum in downtown Portland. I went down there to pickup the gift. Nikki comes from good stock. Bother her Mom and Grandmother were beautiful women so of course so is she. I got home and gave Mom the gift. Both Mom and I love angels. The gift was a book on angels. While Mom was resting I read some of the book. Very informative. I didn't know you weren't supposed to pray to angels. Fascinating book.

Going backwards my last week. Saturday after the above came home and pigged out in front of the TV and watched Oregon beat California 59-17. Friday I went to the movie, FLIGHT. A good movie but not as good as some of the others out there. Thursday was at Mom's. We went to lunch at Shari's. I fixed dinner. Got home at 7:30. Wednesday was at Mom's, I fixed lunch and dinner because it was her bridge club day. She played bridge in the afternoon and I did her shopping. We watch FAMILY FEUD and JEOPARDY together. Tuesday I was there for dinner. She had a really rough night and I was up most of the night with her. Monday was errand and work day. Sunday was football breakfast with the guys and dinner for the troops at Mom's.

On the agenda this week. Today is football breakfast with the guys (see a pattern?). Then dinner for the troops at Mom's. Tomorrow is a work day. Tuesday is going to downtown Portland to get a Multnomah County Library card. I live in Washington County so have a Washington County library card. Also have Portland Community College Library Card. But I don't have a Multnomah County Library card and they are the only library with an online OREGONIAN archive. You need a card to access it and it would be really helpful for my book research. Wednesday and Thursday are at Mom's. Friday is reserved for cooking. A day of cooking because I will be gone Saturday. While will I be gone? Because my nephew, Greg. My brother's oldest son, invited me to the Oregon-Stanford game. It as at Eugene, two and a half hours from here. I'm going. It is going to be a great game. An All day event. Looking forward to it.

OK, the blog is now yours. You know the drill. Catch me up with your doings and share your doings to come.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Sexy Saturday.

I went to FLIGHT yesterday and it was a decent movie. I didn't like it as much as others did. I was very disturbed by the amount of booze and drugs used by the commercial pilots in the film. I was also very disturbed by how the illegal drug distributor was portrayed. Very good acting. Very good story. Very good special effects. Very disturbing. I'd choose ARGO or THE TROUBLE WITH A CURVE over it.

I love Saturdays during college football season. I just wish the Duck game was on earlier so I could put my Duck Pajamas on first thing. They are so comfortable. Today it is taking Mom to lunch. Spending the afternoon at Mom's so she can paint. She took up painting again (YEA!) but her studio is in her garage and I don't want her out there when she is home alone. I'll cook her and her aide's dinner (chicken strips, sweet potato curly fries, peas and corn, and a sugar free ice cream bar) and set it out while I am there. Then head home at four to watch the SMU and Duck games. Recliner and two TVS will be in position before heading to Mom's. Snacks in the fridge with a non-adult beverage. Comfy Quilt mom made within striking distance. Remote on the recliner so I won't spend anytime looking for it. GO MOM. GO SMU. GO DUCKS.

Since I will be with my Mom a lot of the today most of the day I will be the young one. Today' articles will honor the young. What do you do when the adult in charge tells you that you can't have candy?


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/31/michael-nicky-bronner-unreal-candy_n_1980212.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D23212

Speaking of football. Watch this video. I think you will be shocked at who leaves the guys behind.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/internet-sensation--nine-year-old-girl-shredding-defenses-to-the-tune-of-25-touchdowns.htm
Let's move on from a unexpected football star to a teen mom:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/17/catherine-hughes-radio-one_n_1798129.html?utm_hp_ref=small-business-success-stories&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D232124

Comment Away.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Retiring With Hairy Socks.

Looking forward to a relaxing day after an up and down few days at Mom's. One night I was up with her all night, the other nights were pretty good so got sleep those nights, two of the days were good, and yesterday was a nightmare. I'm ready to retire from care giving. Speaking of the State of Retirement:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/08/the-10-best-states-to-retire-in-now/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl23%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D232213

California always is high on my list.

Even in retirement I am going to have to do laundry. I get so annoyed when I get all my socks to match up. At least now I know what to do with them:


http://www.aol.com/video/new-use-for-your-old-mismatched-socks/517532877/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl26%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D231998


No matter how old you are you can have a bad hair day. As someone with naturally curly hair I am a real candidate to have a bad hair day.

http://www.stylelist.com/view/10-ways-avoid-bad-hair-day?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl21%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D230851

Comment Away

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Finds, Idiots, & Tricks

Last day at Mom's Taking her out to lunch. Then cooking dinner. Then watching Jeopardy with her. Then when I hopefully get the final Jeopardy question right off to home for a me day tomorrow. Going to go to FLIGHT.


Today we are doing finds, idiots, and tricks. Weird combination.

First up is a good find and a good anniversary gift:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/05/wedding-ring-found-after-_n_2076488.html

Next up is an idiot?

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/woman-drove-past-school-bus-must-wear-idiot-173523817.html

Closing with a trick. Is it better than the ketchup trick?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/05/apple-trick_n_2064810.html

Comment Away,

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

How

Watched the elections at Mom's last night. I am going to take a while to digest the results. I'm glad Obama won. I want to see how in can do in office when he doesn't have to worry about getting re-elected. I want to see how he can do when the opposing party's main goal will no longer be to keep him from getting re-elected. I was very pleased with the very gracious speech by Mitt Romney. I was also excited by his plea for prayers for President Obama and his call for everyone to work together.
Mom is playing bridge today so it should be an easy day for me. I tell you my Mom could hold how to classes on how to play bridge. To honor her today all the articles are how to articles.

How do you get those nasty wrinkles out of your shirts and skirts?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/31/how-to-remove-wrinkles-from-clothes-without-an-iron_n_2049496.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl18%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D228249

Do you have the sniffles? Allergy? Cold? How do you know?

http://mom.me/parenting/health/family-health/150-is-it-a-cold--or-an-allergy/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing9%7Cdl36%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D230609

You got your clothes looking nice, you now have treated either the allergy or the cold, and you are ready for a job.

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/11/05/how-to-become-a-school-principal-infographic/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl33%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D230585

Comment Away.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

VOTE

Election Day. With freedom comes responsibility. You have a right as an American Citizen to vote in an open, honest, and free election. You also have a responsibility as an American citizen to vote in that election. I really care more that you vote than who you vote for. The presidential race gets all the press but the choices you have in the City, County, and State elections could impact the way you lead your life for the next few years. One vote can make a difference:

http://cltr.co.douglas.nv.us/Elections/History_at_Work.htm

VOTE TODAY!!

Election day is always a good, bad, and ugly kind of day. Let's start with the good:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/study-stem-cells-strangers-repair-hearts-17646446

Let's move on to the bad.

http://www.aol.com/video/americas-doomsday-plan-jumbo-jet-on-steroids/517523954/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl19%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D230126

Next up is the ugly.

http://www.mandatory.com/2012/11/05/10-terrifying-near-nuclear-disasters/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl11%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D230279

Comment Away.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Conversations

Looking forward to a work day. And I am looking forward to being alone today. I like talking sometimes and mostly like having good conversations. However, once in a while I just like to keep my thoughts to myself and not feel I have to talk to contribute to a conversation.

Is this a big conversation?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/01/koshik-elephant-korean_n_2058441.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D229692

If I lived in California I think I would like to have a conversation with Safeway just to set them straight:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/02/safeways-2-bad-habits-overcharging-and-not-obeying-the-courts/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D229460
I would also like to have a conversation with young Nico Castro. Just to tell him I am proud of him and that he is a hero.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20640514,00.html

Comment Away.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

A great day yesterday. I was in my element. Recliner, remote control Ducks, Trailblazers and other interesting football games. It made the world go away. Awesome game between USC (DR that is Southern California no your home team South Carolina) and My Ducks. Final score was 62-51. It was a track meet. Then the Trailblazers won in overtime. Between time outs and half-times I watched most of both games.

Today is breakfast with the guys, then to Mom's for some TLC and some dinner setting out. They liked what I cooked last night so well they want to have it again tonight. There are enough leftovers to accommodate them. Tomorrow is a work day. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are at Mom's. Friday a me day. Saturday lunch and dinner for the troops at Mom's.

Last week was one of my easiest weeks. I did accomplish a lot. I fixed my tax program and was able to finish three long standing work projects. Sunday I spent the day at Mom's. Monday was at home. I got up that mornin and said I am not going to stop until I found a solution to my tax program. I did too. Tuesday was finishing the three work products. Wednesday from four o'clock until Thursday at seven at night was at Mom's. We went to Wendy's Thursday for lunch. I fixed dinners at home both Wednesday and Thursday night. Wednesday night was the night I was up all night with Mom. Thank goodness she hasn't had another night like that since. Friday was the movie CLOUD ATLAS. Don't bother. It is way to long at two hours and fifty-two minutes. It is to confusing. It is to boring. Other than that I liked it. I would have been better off going to FLIGHT.

That is my report for the day. Now I am ready for yours. What went on your life recently? What is going on in your life in the future, near and far.


PS

I got an update from Kaye and here it is:

Things are holding steady with Tarzan. We see his oncologist on the 5th. She's wanting to increase his Temador from 300 mg to 400 mgs in November. He takes that only 5 days a month and he's been tolerating it well and she says he's stable, but she wants more than "stable" as the cells from this type of tumor are aggressive and could regenerate.

My 1st two months of retirement have been very busy! We've been to Monroe LA for Tarzan's youngest grandson's 1st birthday; to Corpus Christi for the internment of his mother's ashes then once again to Southbury Connecticut. Tarzan really wanted to see the fall foliage and visit his long time friend up there again. Since I really don't know what condition Tarzan will be in in a year, we went. I did most of the driving since Tarzan still does have some vision issues. The countryside views were amazing! It was a beautiful trip providing Tarzan and Steve some excellent photo opportunities. However, I'm happy to be home.

During all this, I sold my early 1980s bedroom set and selected a new one from Havertys. We painted the bedroom and doing the trim just about did us in. Sixty-year-olds are not meant to crawl around on the floor painting trim! Especially when we discovered after everything was dry, that we used flat paint instead of gloss. So we got to do that a 2nd time. Anyway, the new area rug is in, the furniture is in and I should finish filling up the drawers today. Undies, socks and what-not have been in boxes stashed in the tub in the hall bath :)

So, we have 2 more trips on our agenda: One to Hot Springs still. We thought we could combine that with our trip to Monroe in September, but my cousin and her husband were going to be in New Mexico. Then,.... the trip to Bellevue, Washington! I'm really wanting to do that next year. Will keep you posted :)

Again, I am saddened to hear about the loss of your Uncle and of Pat.

Much love,

Kaye

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Spring Forward, Fall Back GRRRRRRRRRR

You all know what tonight is, right? It is that horrible night when we all set out clocks BACK one hour. You know the night that screws up the sleep and medications schedules of the elderly? You know the most unnecessary task in the history of the world? Two O'clock AM Sunday morning get out of bed and set your clocks back one hour.

Today should be a fun day until I have to set my clock backs. Lunch with Mom. I already got the dinner cooked for the troops at Mom's. Teriyaki Chicken, Sweet Potato Steak Fries, Green Bean casserole, and a sugar free ice cream bar. After lunch I will set out dinner for the troops then head home to get ready for the 4:00 kickoff of the Oregon Ducks vs. USC Trojans football game. Biggest game of the year for the Ducks. USC is a great team that should challenge them. It is my favorite moment to sit in the recliner, watch a good game, and cheer. All the world's problems seem to go away.

Are you middle class? I thought I was, now I am not so sure:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/11/02/pop-quiz-who-is-living-americas-middle-class-dream/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl30%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D22930

Don't let anything hold you back. That is what I took from the following article.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/01/connie-burczyk-rescues-drowning-man_n_2060209.html?1351891432&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D229515

Tomorrow is Sunday. Sometimes a day to ask for forgiveness. But should we forgive or is healthy to hold a grudge?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/15/when-to-forgive-martha-beck_n_1968639.html?utm_hp_ref=own&ir=OWN&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl16%7Csec3_lnk2%26pLid%3D228975

Comment Away.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Hellos & Good-Byes

Things were better at Mom's yesterday. I got her to exercise a bit. She felt enough to go out for lunch. I tried the Epson Salts thing. The rubber ball squeezing her hand thing. And I tried a myraid of other things. I don't know what worked but something did. She got a nice night of sleep last night and so did I.

I always like love stories. Happy ones. They make me happy. Saying hello after so many years apart!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/31/thomas-beck-edith-greiman_n_2050054.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl6%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D228857

While I don't really like good-byes (never did) I love loyalty and appreciation:

http://www.aol.com/video/soccer-coach-joining-military-has-surprise-sendoff/517523284/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl22%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D228778

The one good bye I would like is a good-bye to cancer. Is that possible?

http://www.everydayhealth.com/cancer/margaret-cuomo-md-cancer-research-has-failed.aspx?xid=aol_eh-gen_1_20121101_&aolcat=HLT&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-sb-nb%7Cdl15%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D228818

Comment Away.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

A Trying Night

I had fun handing out the candy to about forty trick or treaters last night. Then the evening took a dramatic turn for the worse. I was at Mom's last night and it was a very frightening night. Mom had so much pain she couldn't sleep last night. I was up most of the night trying to think of remedies. I think there was a point last night that I almost lost her. My total night's sleep was about an hour and a half. I'm beat today. Mom's asleep as I write this so I came home to get some things done. My plan for the day is to try do things during the day that will alleviate Mom's pain during the day that hopefully will make for a better night for her. Well, enough poor me and on to today's entry.

Sandy has been the main focus news for a few day. The destruction is mind-boggling. I hope everyone gets their power back on soon and that all of their homes get fixed. Whenever there is a tragedy there are heroes:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/30/the-heroes-of-hurricane-sandy_n_2044253.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D227791
There a a lot of reasons I am not very fond of flying. Add one more to my list:

http://www.pawnation.com/2012/10/29/stowaway-snake-found-hiding-under-airplane-seat/?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D227164

Some of Mom's pain is due to arthritis so the following article had interest to me:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-pictures/great-home-modifications-for-rheumatoid-arthritis.aspx?xid=aol_eh-arth_1_20121022_&aolcat=AJA&icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl3%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D227124

Please pray for Mom and for Me. We both need them. Then comment Away