Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Kissing Trembling Frogs

I wanted to thank everyone for their contributions to the blog yesterday and a special thank you to DR for sharing with us her experience with helping an elderly stranger. As the society ages this problem will no doubt become more common. There was some really good advise in the comments so if you haven't read the comments from yesterday's post please do.

Today we are talking frogs. They might be able to keep the earth from shaking:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100331/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_trembling_toads

Are you going to rush out right now and buy a pet toad?

Next up is a very troubling article about the risks women take with dieting. Is this the Americanization of Asia?

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2010-03-30-skinnyasianwomen30_CV_N.htm

As always I am looking forward to your input.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Help With a Dilemma

One of our blog family would like our input on a problem she was confronted with yesterday. I will chim in at the end of the day with my input as I don't want to influence anyone's opinion and what to her your unfettered advise for DR. Here is her email:

"I came out of Walmart and noticed an elderly man kind of wandering about the parking lot, somewhat oblivious to traffic. I put groceries in car, returned cart and he was still wandering, so I went over and asked if I could help, was he looking for his car. Yes, he was. Could he describe it. Yes, a medium sized red car. He said he could show me one like it, but not exactly, as it was an Intrepid and his was a Dodge (I know zilch about car makes and models). He agreed to stay by my car, while I searched the parking lot. A thorough tour revealed red vans, red trucks, no mid-sized red cars. I returned and he said the car he showed me was about where he thought he parked his car. I suggested we go into the store and ask them to help him, maybe call the cops and say his car had been taken. No dice, after long discussion. I went over and discovered "Dodge" on the side of the Intripid. I said I thought this was his car. No, he insisted. I suggested he try the key. It unlocked the door, but this was not his car. I suggested he try to start the car. It started, but this was not his car. I opened the glove compartment and found an expired insurance card. Asked him his name. It was his car. I pointed that out to him. No, he insisted, not his car. I showed him the card. He said whoever took his car left the card in this one and, besides, his name was misspelled. After another ten minutes or so, I finally got him to give me a phone number, to call his wife,.although he didn't know why I insisted on doing so, since she couldn't do anything. Called the number and a young man answered. I asked if he knew a Mr. Phillip Morris. Yes, he did. I explained I was with him and needed to talk to his wife. Am told his wife died four years ago and the young man would get his mother, Mr. Morris' daughter. She came on the line and I explained where I was, with her father. Her first question was whether he was all right. I said yes, but I was concerned about him wandering the parking lot and his insistence the car wasnt' his. She asked which Walmart I was at, confirmed the car was his and asked if I'd stay until she could get there. I agreed to wait. He continued to insist it was not his car. Daughter and grandson arrived about 15 minutes later and she was a bit sharp with him. She also made it clear my job was done and I should Go Away.

Here's my dilemna... Himself feels this should be reported to someone for a variety of reasons. One, should the man behind the wheel of a car. I know he has a driver's license, but don't know if it's valid or expired because I wasn't thinking clearly enough to ask to look it closely. I know he has an expired insurance card in the glove compartment, but don't know if he has a current one elsewhere. I know he has some form of dimentia or Alzheimers, given the issue of the car and the fact he told me to call his wife, who passed four years ago. Did his daughter know he'd left the house, given she didn't know where he was or which Walmart store? I know our neighbors in FL, whose wives had Alzheimers, often dealt with their "escapes." Fortunately, they were always on foot and there were near neighbors who stepped in and got them home. Mr. M was so focused on finding his car, he wasn't paying attention to other cars in the parking aisles, so was he in any danger? I felt the daughter and grandson treated this as if it wasn't uncommon and they knew how to take care of it and would I just go away. The only elder hotline I could find was United Way. The woman listened patiently, expressed concern, but said it wasn't their area and suggested I call the Upstate Alzheimer's Agency tomorrow and get their input.

I'm conflicted. I took responsibility for finding his car and finding family to help. Do I have a responsibility to report this to anyone and, if so, to whom? On what basis? His wellbeing? The wellbeing of others on the road? I am positively loath to take away independence, given what I've seen Mom go through, losing her ability to drive, her sight, her mobility. OTOH, at what point do you have to do that in some respects in everyone's best interest? I have no idea where to go from here and a strong suspicion the Alzheimer's Assoc isn't going to be real helpful. What would you do?

Bill, thanks. I'm really out of my depth here. I know his name and what street he lives on and what he drives, but nothing else. Was today an aberration or something that happens frequently? All things considered, why does he have keys to a car?

DanaRae, with no clue what to do"

What should she do? Call Elderly services? Call the police? Call the Division of Motor Vehicles? Nothing? Let's help out our blog sister here!

Monday, March 29, 2010

One Woman's Journey

"I think had he known the costs, Terrance would have objected to spending an amount equivalent to the cost of vaccine for nearly a quarter million children in developing countries."

Amanda Bennett

http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2010/03/lessons_of_a_618616_death.html

Comments?

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Eighteen Days to April 15

My update as always this time of year is work. Work and family. Next week sister is going to Utah to help her daughter move into a new home and the caregiver is taking off to parts unknown so once again the second busiest weekend of the year for me will include a couple of nights at Mom's. Happens every year. Everyone makes promises. Things happen and it ends up being just Mom and I again. The good thing is that next Saturday good friends from Washington are coming down on Saturday and they are taking Mom and I out for dinner. That will fill up Saturday. Sunday I will take Mom to breakfast for Easter and then head into work. That takes care of Sunday. Monday night sis will be back and Tuesday night my nephew will be back from vacation.

As part of my update I wanted to share a story that happened to one of the clients of the firm I work at. I was assigned his tax return this year and worked on it Wednesday last week. This story happened on Thursday:

http://www.oregonlive.com/west-linn/index.ssf/2010/03/home_robbery-jewelry_heist_echoes_unsolved_cases.html

My heart just tugs for them. Can you imagine the fear that they felt? On one of the television stations this week as part of the story it was reported that the owner of the story begged the robbers not to take the jewelry that was in the store to be repaired for customers. The robbers complied. All reports said this is a very nice couple.

That reminds me of the time when I was working in Gardena, California. I did a couple's tax return. When they were done with their tax returns they went out to get into their car and there was no car there. It was stolen.

Now on to the entertainment update:

First elimination on Dancing With The Stars is this coming week. I met Edward Aldrin, Michael Collins, and Neal Armstrong once way back then. Also got to see the space ship that they rode to the moon in. The most surprising thing was how small the ship was, not much bigger than the top of a dining room table. The three men that first went to the moon are icons and American heroes. All that being said I hate to see a hero embarrass himself so am praying that he is sent home this week.

Eliminated on The Amazing Race last week was the newly dating couple Jeff & Jordan. After watching them over the weeks my guess is they will in the not to distance future be referred to as "the former dating couple." She was annoying and he was impatient. Not a match made in heaven.

OK I am all ears. Waiting to see how things are with all of you. DR I certainly hope you have gotten better. Dona I hope you are enjoying your new kitchen. Pat I hope your Mom has stabilized. Kim hope you are getting ready for a knockout spring vacation with your family. Mary I hope tax season hasn't killed you. Mary Z hope you are enjoying the basketball tournaments and/or traveling. Bev hope things are better with your mother-in-law. Naomi hope work hasn't consumed your entire life! Red Whistle hope things are improving in the r.e. market and you also are finding free time to go to the movies. Cousin Bev A. hope you are enjoying being back home and are looking forward to our reunion! Snug, Lisa, Simply, and Kaye where are you? Hope I didn't miss anyone! If you are new to the blog this would be a great day to introduce yourself and meet all the outstanding just mentioned women!

The blog is now yours. Tell me everything about you and yours.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Help Wanted With Night Vision

First up are supposedly funny help wanted signs:

http://www.urlesque.com/2010/03/18/funniest-help-wanted-signs/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.urlesque.com%2F2010%2F03%2F18%2Ffunniest-help-wanted-signs%2F

While I admit that some of the signs did make me laugh I have never been a big fan of the term loser. I've never and will never use the word loser to describe another human being. It was interesting to me how many of the help wanted ads on the billboards for fast food restaurants had that term on them. Not my cup of tea. What ads made you laugh?

Next up is driving at night. I drive at night. A lot. You really can't avoid it in the winter. I don't really like driving at night and sometimes at night when the gain is coming down like gangbusters I am especially glad when I get home. Here are the latest advances to help us see while we drive at night:

http://autos.aol.com/article/advanced-vision-technology/

How about you? Night driving your cup of tea? Or do you avoid it at all costs? What do you think of the latest advances?

Friday, March 26, 2010

Rules Of Love

OK, Mom's caregiver is back in town and I am back among the living. First up are a couple of concerns and requests for positive vibes, prayers, and good thoughts.

DR has been missing lately because she is having some pretty bad back and neck pain. Send what you have her way.

Bev my blog mentor that posts here on once in a while, her mother-in-law fell and broke her hip. She had surgery, which went well, but they are now worried about her lungs. Send what you have her way too!

Your thoughts worked for me. My follow-up appointment went with the heart doctor went well. My blood pressure was 124/64, pulse 68. Cholesterol was 147 (lower than 200 is good.) Bad was 64 (below 100 is good). Now the needs improvement. Good was 37(over 40), Tri-s were 204 (below 200.) Thanks for the vibes and prayers!

On to the rules of love. Here is an article by a woman giving advise on how to deal with us men:

http://www.bvonlove.com/2010/03/23/dating-rules-for-single-women/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bvonlove.com%2F2010%2F03%2F23%2Fdating-rules-for-single-women%2F

First, she starts off wrong. Every man I know loves it when a woman asks him for a date. It is just awful for us to get up the courage to make that call, to walk across the room at a bar or church to meet you. Us men are basically chicken. If you want to ask us out, damn it do it. The rest of the advise seems pretty good.

What do you think of her advise?

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Mean & Green

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/19/if-youre-green-are-you-more-likely-to-be-mean-a-new-study-sug/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl4|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autoblog.com%2F2010%2F03%2F19%2Fif-youre-green-are-you-more-likely-to-be-mean-a-new-study-sug%2F

I don't know I am pretty aware of the environment and very few people would describe me as being mean. Do you agree with the above article? Does it run true of your friends who are green through and through?

http://www.popeater.com/2010/03/17/britney-spears-jason-trawick-stars-agents/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeater.com%2F2010%2F03%2F17%2Fbritney-spears-jason-trawick-stars-agents%2F

According to the above article the new trend in Hollywood is for actresses to date their agents. I wonder just exactly how ethical it is for an agent to date a client. I also wonder whether or not it is a great idea. For us lowly Certified Public Accountants it unethical for us to date clients. The theory is that our advise should always be for the best of the client and that personal relationships with clients could hinder you giving the best advise. In a lot of years in the business I never really dated a client. OK, there was that one time but it was after her divorce and I had adivsed her to use another CPA. What is your take on agents dating client? Ethical or Unethical? Good idea? Bad idea?

May you be green today without being mean.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

From Limb To Limb.

I found the following article pretty darn interesting:

http://www.aolnews.com/science/article/genetic-discovery-could-help-humans-regrow-limbs/19403257?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl1|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fscience%2Farticle%2Fgenetic-discovery-could-help-humans-regrow-limbs%2F19403257

What do you think of the article?

A couple of other notes:

Last night's Dancing With The Stars was actually pretty good. The only one that didn't really belong on the floor was Buzz Aldrin. I know he is a hero and an American Icon but he can't dance and at 80 her can hardly remember his steps. It is embarassing. All of the others did pretty good for the first night out. The favorites after the first night: The Pussycat doll, The bachelor, The Sports Reporter, and the figure skater.

Here in Oregon it is Spring Vacation Week. That means my nephew and the caregiver are in parts unknown and sister and I are the fill ins. Sis is on duty Sunday through Tuesday. I am at Mom's Wednesday and Thursday night. That means that Thursday there may not be a blog entry so if I am missing in action that day you know why. Friday since I work from home there will be a blog entry but it will be later in the day.

Hope this is a great day for everyone and that if you need a few extra limbs you are growing some.

Monday, March 22, 2010

A Cut Above

The good story of the week:

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/03/with_every_snip_and_curl_portl.html

Next up is the day's discussion topic.Today's discussion is about Catholic Priests and whether or not they should be required to live a life of celibacy. According to the following article the Catholic Church is having a difficult time finding priests. Applications for the priesthood are down sixty percent and they attribute it to the celibacy requirement. The reason for the requirement is the church in the early times imposed it because they wanted the priests to serve only one master, God. Is it time for a change? Read why one preist retired:

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/03/portland_priest_says_his_last.html

Hope this day brings you nothing but joy and puts you a cut above the rest in your world!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Bloodwork

My update: work, lumps, and blood tests. Enough about work. Susan, Mom's caregiver, found a lump under her arm. She is going to the doctor tomorrow. Please send prayers, good thoughts, and positive vibes her way. I could use some of the same. Remember the stress test I had in December? There was a follow-up appointment a week later. Then the heart doctor wanted to see me in three months. Believe it or not the three months is up. I see him this coming Tuesday. I took a blood test Friday. So send whatever you have my direction that my cholesterol comes back normal! Not to mention the CBC.

Entertainment update:

Eliminated on The Amazing Race: Joe & Heidi, thanks to being U-turned by the detectives.

Eliminated on Celebrity Apprentice: Carol The Comedian.

Starting Tomorrow: Dancing With The Stars. I'm rooting for Erin Andrews. She is the ESPN reporter that some idiot filmed through keyholes in her hotel room and posted the nude pictures on the Internet. He is now justifiably in jail. I think she deserves some good to happen in her life. GO ERIN.

Top Chef Masters: Returns with 22 Chefs on April 7.

Speaking of food. According to thatsfit.com there are foods that will make you lose weight. Read the article here:

http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/03/18/foods-that-help-you-lose-weight/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thatsfit.com%2F2010%2F03%2F18%2Ffoods-that-help-you-lose-weight%2F

I was actually surprised that red meat was on the list.

Besides telling me what foods on the thin list that surprise you, you know the drill. This is the date to update you on your life. Tell me about yourself, your friends, your family, events attended or attending. Share some secrets. Just tell me all about what is going on in your lives. I love knowing more about you. I also love to meet new people so if you are new to the blog step up and introduce yourself. You will meet some really nice folks here.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Boys Will Be Boys

Because of something that happened on Facebook I am continuing some of the discussion from yesterday. They were discussing Sandra Bullock on Facebook. For those of you that don't know this year's best actress winner moved out of her home in Los Angeles last week because she found out that her husband had been cheating on her. While she was on location filming The Blind Side, Jesse James was at another location playing around with Michelle ‘Bombshell’ McGee. One of the guys posted a message about how sorry he was for Sandra. I made the following comment:

"Jesse James is an idiot. Let's see a guy with a couple of tattoos and a reality show with maybe one viewer probably located in Outer Mongolia. He hits the jackpot with a beautiful, talented, funny, wife. He should have been spending everyday of his life giving thanks for his marriage and doing everything in his power to make his wife happy. Dumb bastard."

The next response was from a woman. "I am sure he loves his wife, but boys will be boys."

VENT ALERT!!!

I cannot tell you how much I despise and hate the phrase "boys will be boys." I hate the phrase so much that it is hereby banned from the blog. You can use it in this thread. You can use it today. After today and in another thread any comment that includes the phrase "boys will be boys" will be deleted.

Here is why I hate the phrase:

It gives cheaters a pass. I mean so what I cheated on my wife, I was just doing what I was supposed to, after all boys will be boys.

It intimates that all men cheat which is stereotyping to the max. It is no different than saying all women are emotional. All Italians are mobsters. All blacks, All gays. Stereotyping is wrong in any form and at any time.

It places cheaters on the same level as good honest men that have never or would never cheat on their wives. Shouldn't these honest men be placed on a higher level than men that take the time they should be spending with their wives and children and use it for their own sexual satisfaction? How damn hard can it be to say no. "I appreciate the offer, you are beautiful but I'm married (or involved)?

Isn't it time for women to hold men responsible for their actions instead of giving them a pass with phrases like "boys will be boys."?

I'm done. Your comments will be appreciated.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Dirty Laundry.

A woman is airing her dirty laundry in public and the whole neigborhood is upset:

http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/moms-fight-to-hang-her-laundry-outside-gets-dirty/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parentdish.com%2F2010%2F03%2F17%2Fmoms-fight-to-hang-her-laundry-outside-gets-dirty%2F

Would you want this woman living next door to you? I admire her spirit but am not sure how I would feel about her as a neighbor.

Speaking of women airing dirty laundry in public. This woman did so in a court room and it cost her husband's mistriss a chunk of change:

http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/jury-awards-nc-woman-9-million-from-husbands-mistress/19405886?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl1|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fnation%2Farticle%2Fjury-awards-nc-woman-9-million-from-husbands-mistress%2F19405886

I get that the mistress is partially responsible for the affair and I sometimes think when a man cheats on his wife his mistress is given to much of a pass. However, shouldn't this woman have jointly sued her husband and his mistress? Isn't the scumbag husband as much at fault for the affair as the mistress?

What is your take on alienation of affection lawsuits?

As always, I love getting your comments.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Where Are The Women On This List?

According to the article only fourteen of one thousand and eleven self-made billionaires in the world are women. Also according to the article less than ten percent of those on the Forbes Magazine list of the richest people in the world are women. Directly quoting the article "Interesting, among those 14, seven of them have made their fortunes on mainland China. Two other women are Indian. Oprah Winfrey is clear down in 400th place. In an era in which women have fought and won a place in boardrooms, Congress, and even as heads of state -- and we came so close to having a woman as U.S. president -- women are barely represented on the money = power list. Most of those who are landed on the list because of what their husband, father or other male relative achieved before his death. Call these "man-made women billionaires."

You can read the full article here:

http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/why-dont-more-women-make-billions/19398645/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl3|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailyfinance.com%2Fstory%2Fwhy-dont-more-women-make-billions%2F19398645%2F

The author has many reasons why she thinks women don't become billionaires. Women get that money isn't happiness. A lot of billionaires made their money on the backs of the poor and women don't want to go there. She also mentions the degeneration of feminism.

Instead of asking why there so few of the billionaires are women, I am going to ask why so many of the billionaires are men. My take on it is that men get their identity from their job, power, and what they accumulate. They don't get their identity from sharing and caring. They are focused on the dollar and ways to accumulate it.

Now it is your turn. Tell me what points in the article that you agree with. Also add some of your own ideas. In addition tell me two more things. Why do you think there are so few women billionaires and why doyou think so many of the billionaires are men. I am looking forward to your answers.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Advise Needed

It was a really difficult day at work yesterday. Mary, the partner of the firm, found out her Mom had died. I was surprised how serious my reaction was to the news. I kept my composure but I honestly felt like crying after the news. I really don't know Mary that well and have never met her Mom but the news was crushing.

For the past few years when a friend loses someone instead of flowers I've been sending a gift card to a nice restaurant with a little note that memories never die and that they should use the card to take their best friend/sibling/relative out and just talk about what they remember of the person no longer with us. The reaction to that has been very positive, one calling it a creative and thoughtful way to let them know that I care.

I don't think, however, that is appropriate for a boss. That is where you come in. What would be an appropriate way to let my boss that my heart is with her and her family after the loss of her mother?

Your advise will be very much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

America In 2050?

http://www.aolnews.com/opinion/article/opinion-what-american-population-will-look-like-in-2050/19398588?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fopinion%2Farticle%2Fopinion-what-american-population-will-look-like-in-2050%2F19398588

Do you agree with the above article? I'm not sure I do. I think there will be a higher percentage of the population that is single and that will lead to less babies being born. I also think there will be the death of print journalism and your morning newspaper will be no more. Everything will be online.

http://kevin-blackistone.fanhouse.com/2010/03/13/us-puts-heart-hugs-before-goals-wins/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fkevin-blackistone.fanhouse.com%2F2010%2F03%2F13%2Fus-puts-heart-hugs-before-goals-wins%2F

Was it just a hug? Or was it a heartfelt support of an opponent?

Maybe it was just a hug but sometimes that is all it takes to show you love and support.

Your comments on the articles of the day are appreciated.

Monday, March 15, 2010

You Be The Judge

I think the judge shouldn't have taken the chance with a baby's life until it was determined who was telling the truth. Better safe than sorry. He did just the opposite. Read the article here:

http://www.examiner.com/a-2524818~Judge_faces_election_after_unpopular_decision.html

I really don't think the man belongs on the bench. Anyone that doesn't put a child's safety first is to stupid to be a judge.

One of the issues that was brought up in the article is whether judges should be appointed or elected. Most judges are against electing judges because they think it makes the legal process political. Instead of making decisions from the bench based on law they might make their ruling based on what it takes to get elected or reelected. I ask the question, is there in anything more political than the U.S. Supreme Court?

I completely disagree with the legal scholars and think all judge positions should be elected including the U.S. Supreme Court. I also think it is insane that once a judge is appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court the only way he or she is taken off the court is by impeachment, death, or retirement. This would be my plan:

For each judge position have minimum requirements before anyone could run for the position. Age, legal degree, X number of years of experience. Then require a psychological evaluation of each potential candidate. Next put them on the ballot and let us citizens vote.

Questions for the day: Should judges be elected? Should U.S. Supreme Court judges be appointed for life? What should happen to the judge that called the mother a liar putting her baby in harms way?

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Spring Forward & Update Me

We interrupt this blog post to bring you a special announcement. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAT!

I hope all of you remembered to set your clock forward one hour last night before you went to bed. If not get away from the computer immediately and do it now!!

Every six months I complain like heck about the stupid idea of playing around with our clocks. If you want daylight savings time then damn it keep it all year around and let my body rest in peace. Here is one look at daylight savings time:

http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/daylight-saving-time-may-throw-off-our-internal-clocks/19397056?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl1|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fnation%2Farticle%2Fdaylight-saving-time-may-throw-off-our-internal-clocks%2F19397056

Now my update. Work at the firm that bought my business on Monday. Work at my other job Tuesday through Friday. Took mom to lunch on Saturday. Then after lunch met with one of my favorite relatives to discuss some business issues with him. Today I am working on my own two returns, my corporate return and individual return. I haven't done anything really weird this week like last week. No shoes in the fridge or ties in the microwave. However, last Sunday after breakfast with friends as we were all walking out to our cars with me pushing Mom in her wheelchair one of those brain freeze moments happened. I pushed the wheelchair to the back of the car and opened the trunk. Just before I put the wheelchair in the trunk, I remembered my Mom was still in it. Oops. Good thing I remembered what I was doing before anything serious happened. I quickly pushed the wheelchair to the passenger side of the car. Told Mom I was sorry I just wasn't thinking but maybe it was my plan to get even with her for all those times she treated my siblings better than she treated me. Our friends said, "if you ever go missing the first place we are going to look for you is in the trunk." Not only is it dangerous for shoes and ties to be around me, it is now dangerous for my Mom to be around me. Thank goodness, my Mom has a sense of humor, she was laughing so hard she had trouble getting in the car. So were Ted & Betty. Is it really that funny that I have the memory of an ant?

It is now your turn to confess the little secrets going on in your life. Update me on your life. Tell me everything that is going on with your relatives, your friends, and yourself. Have you anytime in life put a friend or relative in a trunk?

Before closing, I wanted to thank Dona. The post yesterday was great. She and hers created something to be really proud of and I am very appreciative that she shared it with us!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

A Family Member Shares Her Life

There is even some beefcake for you ladies because Dona's son is a hunk. Here is what Dona says:

"I wanted to finally show you some of what we had gotten done here in the kitchen at the house. You guys are my blog/internet family and sort of know how I have had to change my living for the past 7 years and so I was more excited to show you guys the finished project more than anybody.

The first 4 pics were "before" where there was just a sink with few cabinets above and a stand alone pantry on the other side of kitchen. Then had to show you where Brandon (my son) was the one who did most of the work. Then of course the finished product. Frank did the tile, (first time ever) I think he did a wonderful job. It is so nice to have cabinets to put things in again, finally a normal kitchen.

Since taking out the old pantry (which was falling apart and why we started this to begin with) we have the whole other side of the kitchen wall where we are still working on. Will send pics when that part is finished.

The best part was this. As we were at first going to just replace the old pantry came to find out they are not cheap. The only one we found to compare to the size of ours was $1329. We decided to have Brandon just rebuild the outside and replace the original insides. But that was going to cost at least $400. For some reason we looked on the internet and found a place and got all these cabinets and all the hardware/sink/faucet for just at the price that the one pantry would have cost us! Our kind of money...:)"

So this just fit perfect and will allow me to get some of my things out of the barn finally! haha

Thanks for letting me share this with you."

















No, Dona. Thank you for sharing your life we us. You are definitely a part of our family!

What do you guys think? Maybe Frank and her son will travel to Oregon and remodel my kitchen.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Men's Day

Tomorrow on the blog will be a special day because Dona sent me pictures of her remodeling project and gave me permission to post them on the blog. Tomorrow will be Dona Day. It is really amazing the amount of talent that people reading the blog have. You all will be amazed.

Today, however, is a couple of issues concernng men. The first up is advise to married women about their husbands. Don't let your husband retire if you want the marriage to last.

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/03/08/staying-on-the-job-is-marital-therapy-for-boomers/?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walletpop.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2F08%2Fstaying-on-the-job-is-marital-therapy-for-boomers%2F

Next up is a really troubling article about how divorced men:

http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/suicide-rate-greater-among-divorced-men-research-finds/19388300

I am really not surprised about the first article. My Mom and Dad, however, seemed to do just fine after dad retired. They did get out of the house a lot and do a lot of things together so maybe that is the secret instead of not retiring, get out of the house.

The second article does surprise me. I thought men were emotionally more together than that.

Comments?

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Call The Cops

How could you not love this little dude?

http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/7-year-old-boy-calls-911-saves-family-from-attackers/19392052?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fnation%2Farticle%2F7-year-old-boy-calls-911-saves-family-from-attackers%2F19392052

Speaking of love and heros here is another hero to love:

http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/female-world-war-ii-pilots-to-receive-top-congressional-honor/19389988?icid=main|htmlws-sb-n|dl5|link5|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fnation%2Farticle%2Ffemale-world-war-ii-pilots-to-receive-top-congressional-honor%2F19389988

Amazing woman, no? I am not sure I could get in an airplane now let alone when I am in my ninites.

And the seven year-old hero, how smart of him to lock himself in the bathroom and take the phone with him. I don't think I would be that smart, in fact I know I wouldn't. One time when I was living in Los Angeles after a night on the town I went home, put my pants over a chair and fell asleep on the couch. I heard a noise. Woke up and there was this man going through my pants. Did I do the smart thing and acted like I was still asleep? Nope I yelled "what the f are you doing?" He took off and I tried to tackle him. Fortunately I missed. He went out the door down the stairs with me chasing him. He dropped my wallet at the bottom of the stairs. Everything was still in it. Not much was in it after the night on the town but my driver license and credit cards. Once I got the wallet, I stopped chasing him and called the cops. They never did find him. I was also properly chewed out by the cops. I wasn't as smart as the seven year-old.

Have you ever had moments where you weren't as smart as a seven year-old? Ever been robbed? How about flying? Would you like to fly a plane?