Cool Musings

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 23:02:00 +0000

And here's how the whole thing began. To my Mom. Only two remain now. Mom and Goldie, who has severe memory problems at this point and is in a care facility.

Four Plus Two Equals Seventy

That's correct. Four plus two equals seventy. Yesterday was another get together of the Old Friends Club. That's what I've named it, anyway. This month's trek took us to La Mirada. I use the term trek because of the way the I-5 moves on any given day. Just to drive five miles, you might as well pack a lunch because it's going to take you what seems to be an eternity! A 'normal' (whatever that is) drive from our starting point in Burbank should have taken about half an hour. Double it. Yup--that's how long it took us. I had my mother, one of her friends, and the daughter of that friend in my car. They came from the west end of the valley, so Burbank was kind of a central point from which to start. So we arrived at this lovely home about ten minutes or so later than we had originally planned, but I knew that anybody coming the same way would also be on the slow track. Within the next twenty minutes or so they all arrived and the house was full.

Years ago, when the husbands were all alive and well, the group would meet every month or so at rotated homes. Sometimes there would be homemade foods, and at other times food was brought in. Never, you understand, did or does this group go hungry! These days, however, most of the men are deceased and it's just the women. In an earlier blog you may remember that it was MY mother who decided that life was short and the school chums needed to visit more often, but the only way to do it was to include the chauffeurs (daughters/granddaughters). So that's how it started. Now--instead of every month--they meet every few months. It started out as only four of the group coming to Mom's house. A couple of months later, three and three (old/younger) met at Phillipes for french dipped sandwiches. The gathering yesterday was at its FULL compliment of six school chums...all in their upper 80's. There were a lot of sweet goodies and a delicious jello concoction, along with cheeses and other tempting morsels of food which seemed to keep all quite content. The afternoon sailed along with lots of memory conversations and lots of snapshots being taken. Somebody there even had an old Polaroid camera! She's upset, though, because film is no longer available for the camera.

Before we knew it, it was past 6 p.m. and the party would soon break up. Before that, however, my mother announced to all (just in case they didn't remember) that this year marks their 70th anniversary since graduating. Imagine that! Some of these ladies also went through elementary and junior high (that's what it used to be called) together, making their relationships about 80 years young. But the main number here is 70. Seventy plus years of weddings, births, deaths, laughter and tears--and probably a whole lot more. Most of the bodies are in pretty decent shape, and the minds are all sharp. These "old friends", as stated earlier are quite remarkable to all who know them. If I'm fortunate enough to be around as long as they have been, I hope I have as much on the ball. So you see--four (the original four) plus two (the two that made it yesterday) really do add up to seventy. Seventy years of friendship! I salute you all and hope to see you all in November at the next outing in Sylmar.

w.p.

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 22:57:00 +0000

I decided to re-post a blog from 2008. It's a reminder of how precious time and memories are to us all. Hope you enjoy it and one more I will re-post:

Preserve your memories, old chums

I received an e-mail the other day from a friend of my cousin. Seems she is doing a documentary on long term friendships from the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles. My cousin suggested she take a look at my blog and she apparently enjoyed my articles on the old high school friends from Boyle Hights/Roosevelt High. She wanted to know all sorts of things about how they became friends, backgrounds, etc. I know that some videos have been done on the old time era from that area, but this was hitting me right at home and involved MY family and friends. As I was reading and answering her questions, an old familiar song kept going through my brain, and still is. It's from the Bookends album of Simon and Garfunkel. It is kind of a combination of two 'run together' songs, entitled "Old Friends", and Bookends". When you take time to really take in the lyrics, you start thinking. Thinking of perhaps your youth, your family, and YOUR old friends. As they sing, you need to close your eyes and simply picture what they are referring to. Although I am not posting the actual sounds of this thought provoking song, I will share with you the lyrics and simply say to all to follow the advice of the last two lines or so. Many thanks to Simon and Garfunkel

Here are the lyrics....enjoy...

Old FriendsOld Friends

Sat on their park bench like bookends

a newspaper blown through the grass

Falls on the round toes

Of the high shoes

Of the old friends

Old Friends

Winter companions, the old men

Lost in thier overcoats

Waiting for the sunset

The sounds of the city sifting through trees

Settle like dust

On the shoulders of the old friends

Can you imagine us years from today

Sharing a park bench quietly?

How terribly strange to be seventy...

Old Friends

Memory brushes the same years

Silently sharing the same fear

(Musical Interlude)

Time it was and what a time it was-- it was

A time of innocence

A time of confidences

Long ago it must be...

I have a photograph

Preserve your memories

They're all that's left you

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 21:42:00 +0000

I've been delving into family history stuff. Something new, discovered today.

My Hebrew is Carmela , Carma, Carmelit, Karmela, Karma, Karmelit - Vineyard; golden..
Take The Hebrew Name Generator today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator.

Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 16:07:00 +0000

Once again it's time to celebrate Labor Day here in the United States. Are you among the fortunate working class that has this as a day off? Do you also enjoy such things as paid holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, MLK, Memorial Day and more) during the year? If so, you have the unions to thank for those little--taken for granted--bonuses. Here's a link to why you have some of your benefits....http://www.upworthy.com/have-you-ever-heard-of-the-ludlow-massacre-you-might-be-shocked-when-you-see-what-happened?g=2&c=ufb2

A worthwhile read, for sure...

Most Americans don't even realize the importance of unions as it relates to their daily lives and many feel that the unions are evil things. Think again. Oh yes...there are good and bad apples in every bushel, but the unions have added much to our lives. Minimum wages, 40 hour work week, health care, illness time and paid overtime are only a few of the benefits you receive because of UNIONS. There are those who work in union jobs but don't feel the need or desire to pay union dues. They have their deductions go to a chosen 'charity'. Yet these are the first ones in line at the union office if something goes wrong on their job. They are content to have a 'free ride' and reap the benefits that union MEMBERS pay for. This practice needs to stop.

The decline, in recent years, of the union popularity has caused a lot of what's wrong with our economy. Without unions, the employers can pretty much do as they want and most often do. The "Right to Work" states share an idea that is mostly beneficial to the employers and NOT the employees. It allows them to arbitrarily cut hours so they don't have to pay benefits. It also allows them to OUTSOURCE the manufacturing of goods to third world countries, where workers are basically enslaved. The goods they produce are--of course--cheaper to buy, but they are also of cheaper quality. All for the good of the corporation...not for the workers. We have always had the capability of producing far superior goods and such, but the large corporations simply didn't like paying the wages and benefits packages. So..operations were moved offshore for pennies on the dollar.

There is currently a push by many for more Made in America products, thanks in part to ABC World News. This is something that needs to be embraced by all Americans. Oh sure...the homeland security things and immigration issues are important, but the welfare of the American people should be a top priority.

On this Labor Day, we need to reclaim the labor workforce in AMERICA...period!

Memorial Day

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Mon, 26 May 2014 14:02:00 +0000

It's Memorial Day, 2014. This is the unofficial start of the summer season. Schools are ending their sessions, and families are planning vacations and more. Many will have BBQ's today. Many will head for beaches, parks, and more. Sadly, many families will be remembering and mourning those family members who paid the ultimate price so that you and I can breathe free and enjoy the simple things in life that their family members can no longer do.

Last Memorial Day our family lost a family member quite suddenly. We remember him today, as well as all who have moved on to a more peaceful place.

How fortunate I am to have family close by. I still have my mother--a sharp lady who is up there in years but still thinks and does for herself. She has her own home and is pretty darned healthy.
I am lucky enough to only be about an hour or so away from my sister and brother-in-law. They are healthy, happy, and active! Other family members are still in California and most are doing quite well. A speedy recovery is wished for my aunt, who just underwent hip/back surgery. Hang in there, Auntie, and do all you can and need to do to speed up the recovery process.

I am blessed to be able to awaken to beautiful sunrises and enjoy equally beautiful sunsets. Living in Arizona has given me an unbelievable appreciation for how gorgeous the desert is and can be. Our active adult community is filled with amenities and activities and more. Making new friends has been a joy, as well as starting up our new--and growing--computer club.

Our celebration today will consist of an outing to the movies and then...well...we'll see what we feel like doing. I hope YOUR Memorial Day is filled with great things, making wonderful memories and more. Most of all, I hope all will stop for a moment to reflect on those who have served and still serve our country and those who paid the ultimate price so that we may enjoy this wonderful day.
cw

A Sad Chapter in the lives of the Old Friends**--and now there are two...

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 20:06:00 +0000

For several years I have been writing about my mom and her high school chums. Six of them together for over 70 years. Visiting, calling, reminiscing about days gone by. Yes...there was also a lot of gossip, too. It was just the gals, as the husbands were all deceased.

A few months ago one of the group left us--Gertie was the eldest of the group and we lost her at 93...or was it 94? It matters not. After a life of ups, downs, kids, grandkids and more, she was gone. And we were now left with three of the original six. Mom, Goldie, and Lily were the survivors.

This week came the IM from Lily's granddaughter that Lily would not be with us more than a few days. She had been declining in the last few months, but this news was tough to read. Yesterday we got the sad news that Lily had passed on early in the morning. Before she died, my mother was able to speak TO her on Friday, but there was no verbal response. Her daughter told Mom it looked like she knew who was on the phone.

Pictured above is from a 90th birthday party for Lily that her kids and grandkids made for her. So many people and so much fun and food. Two vibrant ladies and sharper than most much younger. At one point in her live, she sold real estate, and...until recently, Lily was one of the most active people I've know. Living in La Mirada, she was involved with senior counseling, city council work and so much more. Recipient of several awards and such, but most rewarding to her was her family. She treasured each and every one of them and was often invited to go camping with them. A lovely lady, indeed.

For several years--while the husbands were still alive--they would all get together every few months, meeting and somebody's home. What fun they all had. Once the husbands were gone, the visiting was much less frequent and was usually at the hands of the daughters to initiate and/or transport. Through this means, we were all still connected for at least two generations. And now the numbers have once again dwindled down to just two...one of which is not always able to recognize friends/family and lives in an extended care facility.

I am fortunate to still have a pretty independent mother who lives on her own and still has a very sharp mind. Much of the carting around to markets and such is done by me, but I don't mind. I'm happy she is the woman she is and hope she is this sharp for a long time. Oh sure...time and Mother Nature have a way of slowing us down in many ways, but to still have a mother that most consider sharp is a blessing.

Although not one of my close-in-age friends, I will miss my friend Lily very much. She has always been one of my favorite people and it will not be the same without her. Should we get back to California and go downtown to Phillipes, we will say a silent toast to her. It was one of her favorite places.

And so ends another chapter in the lives of the OLD FRIENDS**. Lily, rest in peace, knowing the impact you made on so many lives in YOUR lifetime.

**Old Friends--Credit to Simon and Garfunkel.

Check Mate--WE lose

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sat, 12 Oct 2013 14:45:00 +0000

October has been anything but festive for those working for a federal paycheck or for those who depend on the trickle down income from federal employees spending monies in local establishments. Over and over again, we've seen the congressional fools acting like the spoiled children they truly are. Day after day, year after year, they THINK they are helping us. Right...helping us go broke.

How interesting to see what the government jerks seem to feel is "essential" and "non-essential" in dealing with the 'shut down'. National Parks and monuments, some fire and police positions and more have been deemed non-essential and have had workers furloughed. There is the threat of many not receiving Social Security checks and the same for civilian workers in the government offices. Yet...these same fools seem to feel that their ultra exclusive gym and other perks (including legislative paychecks) are 'essential' and allowed to continue.

As we move into our second week of the shut down (maybe now it's just an extreme slow down, with some being called back to work), the players in D.C. seem to be holding the chess pieces (us) at bay. It's become sort of a he said, she said situation or two siblings saying "HE STARTED IT!" When it comes down to talking sensibly, Mr. Boehner and others refuse, stomping their collective feet and storm out of the room. Why not!?! THEY aren't suffering. In this monetary war of words, the very FIRST people who should NOT be paid are those causing the national grief---the senators and congressmen/women. Their livelihood is NOT being impacted at all. What is wrong with this picture?

The arguing and such will eventually end and there will be a budget, but at a very high cost to all in the public sector. Most people complain but not enough remember when it comes to voting and they re-elect these fools. It's high time this stops. The next national ballot needs to include a vote on term limits. It also needs to eliminate the congressional pensions and benefits and force those elected to serve to also live as those they serve do. Did you know that after just one term they are eligible for a FULL retirement, WITH benefits (and that does NOT include Obamacare). They supposedly work for us, but they aren't doing a very good job of it. They pass a health care bill even they don't understand and then exempt themselves from it! While many of us do not like or want the health care bill as it is written, it WAS signed into law and upheld by the US Supreme Court. So this is NOT the arena in which to argue the bill and hold us hostage due to the arguing taking place. They long ago passed legislation that allowed them to literally ROB the Social Security Fund and mix it in with general monies, which was NOT the way the SS act was meant to be used. After robbing the fund, they claim Social Security is broke. Guess who broke it!!!

America needs to have cold water splashed on its face and wake up to the fact that this behavior is driving us into the ground. Our forefathers are most likely turning in their graves at what this once great nation has become. It's time to take the country back, and the only way to achieve this is at the ballot box. Will YOU remember all this game playing the next time you vote for a congress person or senator? The incumbents have had it way too easy. Let's hope the American people finally become involved in their futures and send a very loud message to the legislators. This latest debacle is a cruel chess game in which we have become check mated. Wake up people. The choice IS yours. Will it be more of the same? cw

STRIKE THREE...You're OUT!

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:00:00 +0000

I was born and raised in Los Angeles and from the time they arrived in 1958 until the McCourt era, I was a Dodgers fan. I've seen games at the L.A. Coliseum, and Dodger Stadium. I've seen Koufax and Drysdale pitch, Maury Wills steal bases and more. One of the highlights of going to see the Dodgers was where we sat in more recent years. We had a friend (with connections--LOL) and we could go to any game we wanted. Our seats were in Aisle 12...just under the overhang so that the sun was never a problem and we could see it all from a very good vantage point. In 1988 we were able to get tickets to one of the most exciting playoff games ever seen. Our seats were up high for this game, but it didn't matter. We watched as Kirk Gibson (playing hurt--as usual in the late season) hit the home run and limp around the bases to clinch the division title. WOW! What a rush.

Fast forward to recent times. The McCourt years brought lower attendance, disenchantment among players and fans alike and a general lack of interest in the Dodgers. Parking lot control was literally non-existent at the end of the games and it was terrible. Along with many others, I also lost interest in the Dodgers but still was a fan of sorts. We no longer knew who half the players were and the bickering McCourts just added to the sour taste in our mouths. It was a couple of years ago when that terrible incident took place in the parking lot and a Giants fan was beaten within an inch of his life. He made the mistake of wearing the colors of the Giants team to the game.

Hit the fast forward button again. Last year we moved (a double move....Mom and I) to our new homes in an active adult community in Arizona. We each have our own homes and love it. Time once again for baseball last Spring. We went to Camelback Stadium to see the Dodgers (we've done this before) and Diamondbacks play. It was Spring Training, so injuries were not a factor to either team.....yet. The Dodgers started off slowly, but caught fire in July and never looked back--or anywhere else, for that matter. They were back from their early season injury stats and nobody would be able to catch them. Meanwhile...back at Chase Field...things were going in reverse for the D-Backs. Not only were injuries plaguing the team, but the platoon of very young players--not used to full nine inning** games was starting to fizzle out. Cody Ross, Miguel Montero, Aaron Hill--just to name a few among the walking wounded. Well...Cody was not walking, after displacing his hip sliding into first base. OUCH! Our pitching staff was also suffering from injuries, inexperience and... Many base runners were left standing on base in what would become a disappointing season. But...the Diamondback organization and the D-Back fans are something else. In one evening, they raised OVER $100,000 to help the families of the Granite Mountain 19. They constantly give BACK to the community in so many ways. They are constantly raising money for Phoenix Children's Hosiptal and more. And each time the D-Backs score six runs or more (win or lose), we get three free tacos for the cost of a large drink. There is also a pizza deal of 5 0% off a pizza the day after the D-backs win.

Back to the Dodgers. It has been interesting to notice that Mr. Puig seems to feel he is above all rules, regs, and managerial requests made of him. He has been asked (or told) on numerous occasions to throw long hit balls to the cut off man. Does he comply? NO. He throws lobbing balloon tosses which frequently go over the intended receiver's head and hands. He is--in my opinion--a spoiled child who seems to always get his way. When our players have tried to engage him in conversation (in his own language) he snubs them. A real winner--for sure! NOT!

So when the Dodgers clinched the race for the western division here at Chase, our management asked that they NOT return to the field after the game out of respect to OUR fans. They were requested to complete their celebrations in their locker room. Once again, the Dodgers ignored requests and had the nerve to not only celebrate (as they put it) but purposely jumped over the fence into OUR pool and who knows what all took place in there besides their show of rubbing ones noses in a loss. Real maturity, Dodgers. If this kind of show of disrespect is what the Dodger fans are PROUD of, it is indeed a sad statement.

The Diamondbacks may not have won the division or even a wild card spot, but they played with respect for people and property. Our manager, Kirk Gibson, was steadfast in his efforts and rarely lost his temper...at least not for the fans to witness.

So-- to the Dodger diehards who are so proud of their team and the immature and disrespectful behavior they have exhibited, I am resigning from that fan base. My respect and loyalty now belongs to the Arizona Diamondbacks!

Here's to a healthy and more successful 2014. The youngsters still have some learning to do and our injured will recover and do great things, as will our friend Gibby! Games at Salt River are just around the corner! Go, D-Backs!

Building a Community

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 19:57:00 +0000

The most recent trend in housing is to build a minor city of sorts and create a complete community (well--pretty complete). After the last several years of housing problems and recession issues, home building is once again taking off at an alarming rate. In our Del Webb community of Sun City Festival--Buckeye, AZ, growth is frantic these days.

When you see a bunch of potential home site lots not yet developed within a planned community, you just don't realize what goes into actually CREATING the neighborhoods.

For some time now my neighbors and I have been watching a steady stream of activity near us, guessing whether there will be a water feature (as some suggested) or what will be where the heavy machinery digs and then covers up, only to have another batch come in and do more digging and covering and such. What they are actually doing (realized a week or so ago) is preparing to extend one or more streets around us. That means they need to put in sewers, run pipes for them and also do what's necessary for street lighting, home electricity, and more. I see now where there has been a fire hydrant or two installed in strategic spots. At the far end of all this (see the picture above) there has actually been a wall constructed. Not sure what it butts up against but will find out once there is a road!

I suppose there will soon be paving equipment brought in to actually create the street extensions and then, perhaps, some building will begin. Before the actual building does begin, the town of Buckeye checks out what has been done and then they will release 'x' number of lots for the purpose of building.

Pulte Homes and Sun City Festival recently introduced seven new home models and have or are in the process of fading out the original models. A home being built right down the street from me is one of those new models. Interesting, but I'm not sure it 'fits in' with our models. Oh well--we shall soon see. The one nice thing about a new community is the fact that basically everybody is new, as well. Makes it much easier to meet people and establish new friendships. Shown below is that new home being built. The curved front entrance is something new and I'm not sure it looks quite right.

I mentioned earlier about the fact that we aren't exactly a complete community. What we are missing is shopping. Our nearest shopping area is about ten miles away. The markets claim they are counting rooftops and are waiting for us to reach some magic number before they will build. Rumor has it, however, (from a very reliable source) that Pulte is ACTIVELY working on changing that. Let's hope so.

So you see, there's a lot of work that needs to be done long before you saw houses spring up in ANY newer development. Think about it the next time you see a bunch of homes being built and just how involved it is.

Weather---Or Not

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 17:26:00 +0000

Welcome to Summers in Arizona...

My home was built roughly eighteen months ago and was originally being considered as a 'vacation' get away of sorts. After many many conversations with our mother about moving out of California once and for all, she FINALLY agreed LAST summer. Personally, I have been here in the summer and am well aware of what Arizona summers can be. I was even here for the GREAT HABOOB on July 5, 2011--an "E" ticket, to say the least.

Fast forward to the present. We took everything--lock, stock, barrel and settled into our new permanent homes last October. Mom is quite content in her home with no 'kid' noise and a great private yard to enjoy. Now--summer has arrived in full force. Today's high temp here in Buckeye is expected to be somewhere around 117°. The highest recorded temperature here in Buckeye was 125° in 1995. Hopefully, we won't break that record, but who knows. Our LOW temperature tonight is expected to drop to a "chilly" 85°.

The one saving factor in all this is the fact that our humidity level is mostly below ten percent. Never mind what that graphic above says...it's DRY out there.

Fortunately, we have good air conditioning units and solar panels on our roofs. Mom was a bit upset by last month's jump in her electric bill to about $90 (we had plenty of heat during the period). I explained that her a/c was most likely on 24/7 and--when broken down on a per day cost--she was paying about $3.00 per day (same for me). When comparing what we have here to what I had in Santa Clarita during the summer, with $200+ electric bills (no solar power on those condos), no complaints from me.

As you can imagine, we spend about 95% of our time indoors. Oh...we don't stay put, just make sure we are inside an air conditioned car or building.

I feel most sorry for the folks who do construction in this heat and the drivers of the mail trucks and UPS trucks. They have NO air conditioning. Wonder if things will ever improve with these two companies. Our mail carrier drives her own vehicle, which DOES have air conditioning, but still....

Well--that's what's happening in Arizona at the moment. No monsoon rains yet, but the monsoon season has just begun. Stay tuned for any late developments. Until next time, stay cool, hydrated and happy. carolyn

A little history of Buckeye, Arizona...

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sun, 05 May 2013 04:19:00 +0000

Did a little digging this evening into the history of Buckeye and here's how it goes...

Later on, I plan to find out more about Surprise, Arizona, which is where we shop (much closer than the town of Buckeye itself...

In 1877, the founder of the settlement that was to become the Town of Buckeye led a party of six men, three women and ten children, from Creston Iowa, bound for Arizona. The leader of this party was Thomas Newt Clanton whose purpose for coming west was to foster good health. It was a good move for him – he lived in Arizona for 49 years before his death at the age of 82.

Development in the Buckeye Valley received its first great boost with the construction of the Buckeye Canal. In 1884, Malin M. Jackson named the canal in honor of his native state of Ohio, the Buckeye State. Clanton built ten miles of the canal, which was completed in 1886.

In 1887, Clanton and his family moved to Buckeye, becoming the first permanent Anglo residents. Clanton and Jackson envisioned a need for a town site near the center of the Buckeye Valley, so in 1888 the two, along with William “Bucky” O’Neil, who later became known as a famous Rough Rider, laid out the town site on a portion of the Clanton Homestead.

The first post office in the area was established the same year. Also in 1888, Bucky O’Neil and associates organized the Buckeye Irrigation Company and had it certified by the Territorial Secretary. Jackson named the town Sidney, after his home in Ohio. However because of the significance of the canal, over time the town became known as Buckeye, and the name was legally changed in 1910.

Advances in transportation put Buckeye on the map. In 1910, the Arizona Eastern Railroad came to Buckeye; the first car in 1911; a steam rail line connected it to Phoenix by 1912; and a state highway by 1915. The coming of the railroad was so significant that the business district was moved to accommodate the location of the railroad station. As a result, Buckeye was booming. By 1912, major buildings were constructed, along with expansion of the business community.

Buckeye was incorporated in 1929 and included 440 acres. The first mayor was Hugh M. Watson. Watson started the Buckeye Valley Bank. His son, Hugh Watson, Jr. served as mayor from 1956 to 1958.

In 1935, the Buckeye Chamber of Commerce started the Helzapoppin Days, which became a local tradition. The festivities included street dances, parade, carnival, and a rodeo. Proceeds were given to local churches that distributed the funds to the needy and for scholarships. Celebrities such as cowboy singing star Gene Autry attended the events. Similar local holidays, such as the annual Pioneer Days, are still celebrated in Buckeye today

Updates from Arizona...

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sat, 04 May 2013 22:20:00 +0000

Greetings from the 48th state. A lot has happened since my last posting to this blog. The big move took place around October 16, and our movers did a fabulous job. If you are in Southern California and are contemplating a move (or know of somebody who is) we highly recommend Pink Movers. Honest, extremely efficient and nice! As expected, we got throught our move relatively unscathed. Of course, there were boxes upon boxes and more. Mom did a smart ($$) thing by having these professionals come over the next day and just about unpack everything and put all her dishes and stuff away. As you can imagine, she has bee re-arranging things ever since. But the main thing was the fact that within two days it looked like she had been living there for years! I'm still sorting through stuff, but all in all, my place looks pretty good, too.

At holiday time we went down to my sister and brother-in- law's home in Mesa and once again joined in the Leisure World parade. I didn't, but my mom and friend Kaye got to ride in it. As usual, we then gathered at my sister's house for some serious snacking. That's always a must.

Knowing there were medical issues I had to address, I had a complete hysterectomy in January. Although diagnosed with endometrial cancer, nothing penetrated the wall of the uterus, and all lymph nodes were negative! As a precautionary measure, I did undergo three short treatments of radiation in February and March, as a precaution. Pretty much healed now, I've been busy around here. We even went to a Dodger Spring Training game. It was HOT that day!!!

MY new toy

Have had a perimeter fence installed around my back yard and also had some landscaping. The flowers shown above were all on ONE cactus! Neighbors came around taking pictures of it. Absolutely beautiful!! I've also managed to get MYSELF a new toy, in the form of a golf cart. The color is called Kandy Orange. The cart itself is a fleet clean up and only a couple of years old. SO MUCH FUN to drive. I'll get a picture of the fencing, etc. and post, as well.

Weather is now warming up, but expected to drop for a few days with the possibility of a little rain. We don't get a LOT of winter rain, but did have a couple of gully washers a while back. Guess that's about it from here. Hopefully there will be more good stuff to blog about soon. In the meantime, happy Cinco de Mayo and more! cw

The Times...They Are A-Changin'

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:09:00 +0000

Been a long time since I've posted but my brain has been telling me lately that it is once again to do so. One never knows how different episodes in life will ultimately change them, but they do. We go along happy-go-lucky and suddenly we stumble and everything changes. For about a year or so a dear aunt had an on again, off again cough coupled with what seemed to be some sort of low grade virus or some such thing. She would go up and down in how she felt and so on. Late last summer they discovered the underlying cause of all the troubles she was having. It was T-cell lymphoma. This hand dealt to a woman who always ate right, exercised daily, and did all the RIGHT things...slapped in the face with this THING. In October we lost this beautiful soul. I was reminded that it's three months today! Her sense of humor and her caring disposition is and will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Left behind is my dear uncle

and their lovely daughter. These seemingly unexplainable incidents change a person and family.

Rest in Peace, Aunt Cissy. You've earned it.

***********************************************************************************

Life and locations change with tides and events as well. For the last couple of years, my wanderings always have seemed to take me towards my sister's place and the surrounding areas in Arizona. My mother and I have taken several short vacations there, as well. We were fortunate enough to be a the very FIRST Spring Training game at Camelback Ranch...Spring home of the Dodgers. Beautiful place. Well...seems I have been enjoying my trips and the beautiful...yes beautiful...landscapes of Arizona. The sunrises and sunsets in the desert are a sight to behold. Last year I began thinking about getting a small 'vacation' spot there--maybe in an RV park or some such place. My sister's RE agent pointed out that those places wouldn't really give me any equity, etc. So I began the dangerous process of thinking! Maybe she is right. Maybe I should be thinking future and long term. After all...my tax man keeps telling me I need DEDUCTIONS!!! Ok, cp, I hear you! My mom and I have had a couple of very nice stays at one of the newer Del Webb communities, staying in an actual home and living as residents of the community. Tours of the models were quite impressive. Especially with the amenities offered and what they were including as 'standard' features. This last July, I went with my good friend who lives in the area to once again check out the models (I already knew pretty much which one I liked). This was after viewing several homes in my sister's adult community, but NOTHING impressed us!

A decision was made to go ahead and have one built for ME...an easy decision once I was shown what lots were available and there was a nice corner lot that I really liked. At one point, I had been looking to buy a home near my mom in Burbank, but even the 'nice' ones needed work and were well into the 400 and 500k range. It bothered me to think of going into debt for that huge amount!

The new house was finished around Christmas and it's really nice. This picture is of the sky at daybreak. I took it from my front yard. Another trip is about to be taken to the new place and once again my car is loaded with STUFF! Yes...the times they are a-changin'. Never did I ever think I would want to do anything outside my comfort zone of So. Cal. But several events in my life have made me realize that there is really nothing actually HOLDING me here. Social circles have changed or diminished, and what work type things I do for friends can be done anywhere. Some of the things and people that mattered a lot still matter, but they are not as important to me as my own well being. Time for me to look out for me and try some new adventures while I still can. For the time being, I will use the Arizona home as my escape and such, but things here are rapidly changing and my desire to move on is very strong, so....eventually...this will become a permanent place of residence, relaxation, activity, and more. More pictures will be posted in a week or two, as people are now bugging me to see MORE. OK already!

Remembering 9-11

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 18:46:00 +0000

I remember that Tuesday morning vividly. I had just recently retired** and was up early, as usual without a care in the world. Went into the kitchen and turned on the coffee pot and came back into the living room to watch the 6 a.m. news. It was a few minutes before 6, but channel 7 always seems to be a bit early. I heard them say something about an explosion or accident or some such thing in New York. As usual, I stood in front of the set to see what they were reporting. Within about one minute, I saw--live--the second plane hit the tower. I simply could not believe my eyes. To this day--ten years later--that vision is as fresh in my mind as though it happened yesterday.

It was obvious that this was NO ACCIDENT. Slumped on the sofa, I sat glued--as did most of the nation. What in the world was going on? As I was sitting there, it became apparent that we had been attacked...twice. Then--a very short time later--came the news of the crash at the Pentagon.

I continued (as I'm sure most did) sitting glued to the television and then that horrible moment when one by one the towers simply collapsed was almost too much to take. It looked like a war zone, which is exactly what it had become. Those people at Morgan Stanley and the other large companies---they never had a chance. The brave men and women from the fire companies who risked their own lives (some didn't make it) to find and help others that might still be alive under the rubble that was once a New York landmark.

I remember later in the day watching and seeing notes posted all over the place from those in search of loved ones not accounted for in the wake of the disaster.

I had breakfast with a friend of mine in Burbank and we decided we needed to get ourselves new flags (Seems many others had the same idea). We couldn't find one locally and finally ended up somewhere around Venice and Fairfax to purchase our treasures.

The images of the day's events and events in the following days, weeks and months shall ever be embedded in my brain.

In recent weeks, Yahoo News has been posting 9/11 articles and videos of not only the people who were there, but of how America has changed in the ten years. They have done an excellent and very moving job of reporting.

As we now are commemorating ten years this weekend, I hope all will take a moment to reflect on this tragedy and to once again show your support for America by displaying our flag for ALL to see that we truly ARE the UNITED states of America. Peace to all.

**Retired on paper but continued working until 2007.

Governor cheats...just like so many of his species!

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Wed, 18 May 2011 19:50:00 +0000

Oh look! The latest scandal involving our former governor and the fact that he cheated on his wife, blah blah blah is old news and nothing new. It's a practice that's been going on since the beginning of time and only reinforces a belief that it's STILL a man's world and that they ALL belong to a secret "Good old Boy's" club. It's a practice that I don't think I will ever really understand. It doesn't seem to matter if HE is married or if SHE happens to be married or maybe both. Maybe it's the 'risk' factor and such that makes the game so enticing. The old story about telling the spouse/close friend/girl friend they are either working late, or fishing, or some other such age old story is just that. We women are the fools of the century, for the most part. Why? Well--for one thing, we make the mistake of being entirely too trusting. Whether they are actually getting some action or just having a meal with a potential 'lover' doesn't matter. It's all a form of cheating.
My question to our former governor is why NOW to disclose/admit what you've been up to? Why, after fourteen years or so have you just decided to 'tell your wife' and then -- as a typical male -- you "apologize" for...blah blah blah. What was about to happen, Arnold? Was the 'lover' about to go public now that you're out of office? Is there somebody in the know that indicated the affair was about to be exposed? Why NOW, Arnold?
So you men go about your little "hunting" expeditions, knowing that some nice lady is home keeping the home fires burning and taking care of all that needs to be done while you play and do her dirt. Hey...what she doesn't know won't hurt her. If you or your 'lover' just happen to be married...all the better. No strings attached. No commitment. Just fun and games and....all the sex you can handle. And if your wife finds out, you'll apologize and perhaps buy some nice little thing to soothe her ruffled feathers and make nice. Trust me, ladies...as soon as you turn your back, the fox will be out hunting again.
So the former governor has admitted to cheating on his wife and fathering a child. Who needs the media cramming this old as time news down our throats. I certainly don't!

LAUSD and a drop in the money bucket

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 14:32:00 +0000

Today's news headlines boast of LAUSD 'booting' 19 consultants, most of which are construction consultants. My reaction to this "big" move is..."Big Whoop"! The few construction consultants are barely a tip of the waste iceberg plaguing the District and the entire educational system in Los Angeles.

Back in the 50's and early 60's the LA City schools were among the absolute top in the country. So what happend, you may ask. A lot, and most of it was not good for the system of education itself. Back in the glory days, the focus was on (gasp) education! We didn't have the bloated with consultants district. We had a district interested in actually educating the youth to become productive members of society. We gave them a "WELL ROUNDED" education, which included such bygone things as Home Economics, and Industrial Arts. It included basic and advanced art classes, as well as music programs. Wow! What a concept! And it's gone. Gone are the days when students learned to appreciate all forms of art and music. Gone are the days when students could make basic projects in wood shop and more. Gone are the days when students learned how to sew on a button. Imagine....what use could those classes possibly have?!? This was probably the precise thinking of those coming into power within the system. Forget education...let's just teach them HOW to graduate. Who cares if they actually understand what the tests are about...just get them to pass them, no matter how you do it.

In the 60's the board member make up also changed. In previous times the members were all members at large, serving ALL students. Some brilliant idiot decided to have the board members represent geographical districts within the system. Can you say political springboard, boys and girls. Now....the board members coming in were only interested in their own little piece of the pie and their own political agendas.

Another tragedy of the LAUSD was to do away with the shop, homemaking, and other practical arts programs. They cut back so far on art and music funding that most schools simply did away with them in an effort to satisfy the "testing" results. The brilliant politicans question why the drop out rate is high. Hellooooo????!!!! Not all are or want to be college students. There are those who actually LIKE working with wood, metal, material, and more. The District has taken away their reasons for attending school, and all that interest that segment of the youth population. From where will we get the carpenters, electricians, glaziers, locksmiths and more. How will we produce musicians? From where will the future Marc Chagal's come? It's sad to watch.

When will they learn that the real TEST is how well the students can function in society and how well they actually understand what's going on around them?

As I read the headlines and constantly ponder the stupidity of the LAUSD, I wonder how much of the 'education' monies produced from lottery sales has gone to pad the consultant levels within the system. It is just short of being criminal, and the ones who are hurt the most are the students.

While I'm on my soapbox, let's ask the real reason why they won't let Jamie Oliver into the schools. It is said that people who have nothing to hide hide nothing. The monumental effort being made on the part of LAUSD to keep Oliver out indicates to me that they have plenty to hide.

As a District retiree, with 40 years experience, I feel bad for the current employees who are facing more furlough time and pay cuts while those in command basically don't suffer at all.

Lose 90 percent of your consultants (especially the educational ones) and get back to the basics of teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. If the kids understand and master the basics, the rest will fall into place. Get a clue, LAUSD. Get a clue!

90's gals

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 16:29:00 +0000

Went to celebrate a 90th birthday last evening. It was for the mother of a dear friend. Some years ago, we began (for who know what reason) comparing notes on our moms. They are approximately three months apart in age and have lived. We've been trying to match the two of them up for a long time, without success. I've known about the recent birthday for a couple of weeks, but didn't say anything to MY mother--fearing she would find some reason NOT to go. So I simply called yesterday and told her to meet me out front because I was taking her for a NICE dinner. All was fine except she is still kind of upset with me because she wasn't happy with her attire! We went to Tam O'Shanter--part of the Lawry's family of eateries. Mom felt she was 'under dressed'. She looks cute in most anything, though. That out of the way, the two 90 year olds met...for the first time. When Eloise walked in, I could see why her daughter (Betty) wanted them to meet. They are both about the same height (short), both walk with a cane, both have almost the same hairdo, and more. They immediately began talking about shoes, clothes, and QVC. We made sure the two of them were seated next to each other.

It was interesting to hear them talk about things from years ago and the terminology used then, compared to the present day lingo. What we call a baby buggy was commonly referred to as a 'perambulator' by that generation. It's actually an English term for buggy. What we call a stroller was called a 'tailor tot'. Both use the same terms. The evening was complete with great food, birthday gifts, and some great conversations covering a very wide range of topics. Those two "youngsters" had no trouble keeping up with the rest of us.

As the evening came to a close (a couple of hours later!), it was nice and rather amazing to see these two women, who have seen a lot in their lifetimes. Much of it different, and much of it the same. Both still drive, look sharp and are a tribute to their generation. If I live to be that ripe old age of 90, I can only HOPE to have as much on the ball as they seem to have. Happy Birthday, Eloise. May you and Ruth and all the others of your generation continue going strong for many more years to come.

Paper, Plastic, or Cloth?

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:11:00 +0000

I've been giving a lot of thought to the fact that some stores are now going to ban the use of plastic grocery bags. Why? They claim it's an "environmental" issue. The markest want us to buy and bring our own cloth type bags, thereby saving mother earth. I'm not buying into their hype for one minute.

Ok...so let's say you don't have your groceries bagged in the paper or plastic, but bring your own bag. Sounds wonderful and conscientious, but is it really? NO.

Think about your trash at home. Do you place it in a dumpster (or street barrel) in its raw form? Do you place it in a cloth bag? You MAY use paper bags (which the markets don't like either, for some reason). Most of us place our trash in large PLASTIC trash bags and then dump the PLASTIC bags into the dumpsters or barrels. So---how is THAT helping the environment?

Plastic is plastic, whether it be in a supermarket flimsy plastic grocery bag or in a Hefty or Glad extra strength trash bag. Either way, if the markets are correct, why sell the trash bags?

When I go to the store, I ask for paper IN plastic. That way, if anything I toss happens to leak at all, it won't mess up the inside of a cabinet or the floor. It's just something for you to think about.

On another note.....don't know about you, but I'm getting very tired of Charlie Sheen-gate. I think the show's producers should have him killed in a cliff dive car accident, and the entire estate be left to Berta. In could move Rose's father---Martin Sheen. How would that be as a slap in the face to the blame game master, Charlie?

Would he be missed? Maybe for an episode or two, but I think that would be about all!

Have a good one, everybody. cw

We're Mad as Hell, and....

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 12:50:00 +0000

I received the following from a work friend and really like and endorse its contents.
My brother-in-law decided to post it in HIS blog and I thought that would be a great idea.
So....here it is. Feel free to copy and paste the contents of the blog into an email
and send it on its way to your friends, family, and perhaps....
your congressman/woman! It's time to let the clowns in
Washington know just how mad we can get!

The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified!

Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971...before computers, before e-mail, before cell phones, etc.

Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less

to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.

I'm asking each addressee to forward this to a minimum of twenty people

on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message.

This is one idea that really should be passed around.

Congressional Reform Act of 2011

1. Term Limits.

12 years only, one of the possible options below..

A. Two Six-year Senate terms

B. Six Two-year House terms

C. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House terms

2. No Tenure / No Pension.

A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.

All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people.

4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

7. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

8. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.

The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S. ) to receive the message. Maybe it is time.

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!

Oh NO! Another Year Gone?!?

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 21:55:00 +0000

No use in crying about it, gut yes--Virginia--another year is just about history. And what a year it's been! You may recall a few years ago when my mother had the relocation issue due to mold in her condo? Well that was remediated, but signs of it began to reappear earlier this year. The writing (if not the mold) was on the wall...time to make a move. Sell and move on! And so the search for a new or newer condo began. We enlisted the fine services of Coldwell Banker and the agent my brother in law has used. What a gem! Went to a few open houses, and general visits. We first looked at this one building, but my mom didn't think she 'needed' the third bedroom. We've told her it's better for re-sale and more. So she passed on the one unit she was contemplating. Onward to find not much of anything to her liking. Finally went back to the original new construction in Burbank. Success. Bought a lovely (in most minds) three/two condo with its own laundry room and more. Problem? On the alley, but----

Ok so now comes the move, which you've read about. After the move, the eventual sale and long laborious escrow in selling the old unit things slowed down...for about a minute! I then began my journey into flooring. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. But--in the middle of all that---I get this frantic phone call from my mother who informs me she has wrecked her car. Nothing I could do right then. In the end, she recently got a brand new 2011 Malibu. Does everything but the dishes and even has a Bose system. Rear seat has a 110 outlet!

These cars have everything now.

OTHER STUFF:

I have a dear friend who also has a mother the same age as mine. We constantly 'compare notes' on what WE do wrong! Know the feeling? Anyhow, we've been talking about how we are going to get these two to meet and get acquainted. We almost had it done this past week when my mom hit the big number 90 on December 7. My friend often goes to Tam O'Shanter and that's where I was

taking Mom. Friend thought...hmmmmm. So off to the restaurant we went on Tuesday. We were sitting at out table when here comes my friend, but not with her mother. She was with another mutual friend! Sort of surprise to me, and total surprise to Mom. The four of us had an absolute ball there! When the waitress made the announcement of a very special 90th birthday, all around applauded! When we left, one of the waiters came up to my mother and said, "Are you REALLY 90, because I find it hard to believe". She told him yes, but didn't have her driver's license with her, so she couldn't prove it to him!

It's holiday season, everyone, and that doesn't always mean thrills and fun. I don't especially enjoy the holidays. I've lost too many loved ones no longer able to enjoy the every day goings on. To you, however, I wish a healthy and happy holiday and hope to do a little more blogging in 2011. Hey...if anybody knows of a nice 3 bdrm house for sale (or rent) in Burbank, let me know. Till next time....keep on waddlin'

It all started with...

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:22:00 +0000

It all started about a month or so ago, when the light blocking shade from my bedroom woven blinds decided to completely give up the ghost. Two 'strings' broke and well--that was the end of that puppy.
So I called the company with whom I have done business for several years. Told them what the problem was. Oh...and when they come out to re-assess the window and its measurements, maybe they could bring some hardwood samples, too. My carpeting is original throughout my condo and with two cats around here the need was to either replace the carpeting or change to something else. Keep in mind that I've been toying with this idea for quite a while. The window shade was kind of the proverbial 'straw' that broke the camel's back, so to speak.
So the decision was made. Bedroom carpets would remain. The rest of the condo was up for grabs. Hardwood in the living room, dining room, entry hall, and interior hall. Kitchen and both bathrooms would now (finally) get tile. When one has allergies, some asthma, and cats (or any animal, for that matter), carpeting is not the best way to go. Seventeen years ago, when I bought this place, ideas were different and wall to wall carpeting was in style. Not so these days and for good reason.
Okay. Decision and selections made. Material would be ordered and work would start. And start, it did. On Monday, I escorted my two 'girls' (cats) to their vacation retreat---a kitty condo at my vet's office. These two are NOT spoiled. Once they were delivered, that left the rest of the day to pick up and pack away THEIR stash of goodies. Done. Tuesday morning would be the start of....
At about 10 a.m., the work started. Furniture from the living room had to be moved into the dining room area and then the ripping began. Up came the carpet! Up came the vinyl from the front hall and front bathroom. The front bathroom toilet was now residing inside the bath tub. It's really quite a statement, when you think about it. An original 'redneck' design. Shower/toilet combo--take care of two jobs at one time!!!!
So now the vacuuming and sweeping and such commence. Finally--finally we are about to start on glue and hardwood. By the end of the day (6:30 p.m.) a nice portion of the living room had been done. Great! Well...not exactly....
This morning (Wednesday) they arrived at 9:30 to discover that something didn't exactly set correctly. The next two hours were spent pulling up three lines of oak flooring. Things are now moving along again, and we may finish this project someday. When down and in place, the flooring DOES look great. I just hope it will be completed soon. The feline vacation condo is nice, but nothing is cheap. So what all started as a 'simple' shade fix has grown and grown and grown. Keep your fingers crossed that the rest of the project moves along with no more major glitches! Here's what the finished (somewhat) look is. Hopefully YOUR week is going smoothly. webpenguin

Moving right along...

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 23:56:00 +0000

It was an early summer day at the end of June when the world of boxes took over. It didn't take over the world--no--just a new condo on a nice quiet street in Burbank. The movers came to Glendale, saw what they had to do, and then conquered 37 years of what was a relatively comfortable lifestyle. At the young age of 80+, mom left the comfort (not so much anymore) of her Glendale abode and moved to a brand new, smaller complex in Beautiful Downtown Burbank. (You have to remember Laugh In to understand that description). She left her organized sanctuary and found herself wallowing in boxes. Here a box...there a box...EVERYWHERE a box or two or...oh who can count that high! My parents had purchased their two bedroom condo when it was new, back in the early 70's and were quite happy. It was large, light, and all was right with the world. In the last four years or so, things had changed, including some building related health issues and it was simply time for Mom to move on to something better, newer, and fresher.

Part of the box problem was our own fault. Being completely exhausted as we arrived at the new place, and not being used supervising such monumental undertakings, we allowed boxes to be placed where they shouldn't have been placed. Can you find the kitchen sink in the above picture? On Saturday morning, mom awoke and was ready to shut the door and go away for a breather. We simply had to make some sense of all the boxes and clear some pathways.

Enter....SUPERMAN. In his civilian life he goes by the name Dennis, but he is a superman or super hero or whatever other superlative label one cares to give him. Hand truck aboard, the transformation began and boxes were moved out of the way so one could at least navigate. I think MY NAME was 'mud' for a few days, but....

Update to the present: Things still are not all unpacked and put where they will permanently reside, but things are so much better!!! The hallway is clear, living room looks pretty darned good, and things are actually beginning to settle down. Moving soon? I don't envy anybody who does and I just don't understand how some people move at the drop of a hat. Well...maybe they don't have an accumulation of over 50 years of 'stuff'. 'Nuff said!

Absence Makes the Heart......

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:53:00 +0000

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Absence takes on many forms, as we know it. Some absences are permanent, as when we lose somebody. Other absences might mean anything from friends away on a trip, or close friends who have moved away and are at a distance. Yesterday, April 25, was a day when the absence of some meant a great deal. It was another 90th birthday party. The lady on the right is Lily, and to look at her, you would hardly believe she has reached that number in her years on the earth. She celebrates officially on the 28th, but yesterday was the day for friends and family to celebrate her life and accomplishments. With children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and even great great grandchildren in attendance, the numbers were too high for keeping an accurate count! The lady on the left is MY mother, who is the 'baby' of the high school chums group at 89. Absent and sorely missed were the two living members who were not able to make it due to health constraints--Gertie and Goldie. The other two absentees were two we lost last year. . . Rochelle, and Helen. Helen's daughter and good friend, Marilyn did make it and we had a great time! To see the love in the community clubhouse was amazing. At one point, a slide show had pictures of Lily as a child, young mother, and more. There were some photos of previous gatherings of the 'gals', taken during the last few years.

As these ladies age, and as some are no longer here for us to enjoy, we witness a constant reminder of just how short life is and how precious it is. Just as life is precious, so too are cherished friends. The meetings have become few and far between. What used to be almost a monthly gathering is now....when those involved feel up to it. The two pictured above are symbols of what we would all want to be like if we should be fortunate enough to reach 90. Their bodies may be a little weaker, and maybe they don't do quite as much as they did 40 years ago, but what a testament!

Not only does absence make the heart grow fonder, but so does witnessing these amazing events of celebration. To those we've lost--we miss you terribly. To those who are just away, may we meet again soon...very soon.

Happy Birthday, Lily! Where is your 100th party going to be?

A Tea Party for the Moneycrats

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:13:00 +0000

For some reason, the moneycrats in Washington, Sacramento, and other cities and states just do NOT get it. Apparently there are a lot of common citizens who also have no clue or are just turning a blind eye to our growing problem of too much government...a government which keeps passing laws and levying taxes upon us and considers themselves exempt from all of it. There is talk and movement throughout the country gearing towards another Tea Party. Not a bad idea at all. Originally, the colonists were fed up with King of England making them pay for all his little projects and such. The British felt that the colonies were created to be used in the way that best suited the crown and parliament.
Britain ordered that colonists were to house and feed British soldiers if necessary....kind of similar to us granting so many benefits for the illegals currently in our country. Another factor leading up to the revolution and the Tea Party...was Britain granting a monopoly to the British East India Company--kind of the way a few extremely large (WM) companies are running the common neighborhood businesses out of town, creating their own kingdom of wealth. In large part, the American Revolution grew out of increasing restrictions placed upon the masses.

We have caved in, producing very little on our own, and relying on shoddy imports because they are 'cheap'. Cheap, at what price. We now have massive recalls on products made abroad that are proving dangerous to use or consume.

Our professional politicians have cut back on our Social Security, while granting themselves nice hefty pay raises. The voters have consistently told President O. that they do not WANT the health care plans he is proposing, yet he is determined to shove it down our throats. Some do still read and understand what it would do to our independent choices.

It's high time we did have another tea party. It's high time we amended our constitution to include language that would force ALL in congress to live by the same rules and pensions as do the people who put these people in office.

Wake up, people! We are NOT being represented. Hopefully, the teapot will reach boiling in short order and then the party can begin.

Valentine's Day and money matters

noreply@blogger.com (webpenguin) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:30:00 +0000

So here we are at another Valentine's Day. A day when women expect to be waited on, pampered, fed and loved unconditionally. It's a day when the poor men of the country scramble about, spending a fortune on candy, flowers, perfume and such. See's Candy must be literally raking in the money. I didn't buy anything for anybody this year. Why, you ask? Well...I guess that's a good question. I just don't think that spending gobs on frivolous things is how you prove you care about somebody. Oh...it IS nice to get a little something. I did get a small box of candy from a friend of mine this year, which was totally unexpected and very much appreciated. I hope it was because he wanted to give it rather than feel he'd better give it. Speaking of candy, as I digress, I have been trying--with some success--for the last year to shed the sandbags I carry around, known as weight. I think, however, my friends and family are trying desperately to sabotage my efforts. I say this because for the last few months, these kind (not really) people have been giving me nothing but candy, cookies and other stuff that I should NOT be eating. But if it is around here....well....

ENOUGH, people! Food is one of my strongest weaknesses and even on a good day, it's almost impossible to resist yummy foods.

Back to the holiday and showing love. No--I don't think that flowers and candy show real love. What shows it is being there for somebody, even when you really don't feel like it. It's listening to them vent. It's showing compassion and understanding on a daily basis. Loving somebody should not be something of a convenience...only being shown by materialistic things.

Have a friend that doesn't do much cooking? Bring them a meal from time to time. See something in a store that you just know they've been looking for? If it isn't going to break your budget or take food (there's that word again) out of your mouth, buy it for them...just because!

It's called paying it forward.

For Valentine's Day this year I'm just sending love, in the form of cards...mostly e-cards, telling the people I care about that I DO care about them.

Next month is another one of those birthday things coming up to hit me in the face. Last year was NOT a good year for birthdays. A series of small but significant 'little' things happened to make me feel very low. One friend, whom I've known for many many years, claims to have 'forgotten' my birthday, which is not quite true. The decision was made to simply not acknowledge it. This year, maybe that person will have a new memory chip put into the brain. I hope so. Some who read this will know to whom I am referring. If so...tell that person that instead of candy or perhaps another 'stick', they can surprise me and invite me to dinner. Maybe a cute teddy bear or something along those lines. Tell my other friends and family to lay off the options of CANDY....please. I really need to shed the weight.

I'll close by sending each of you air kisses and hugs and hope you are shown love by all. There is NO better gift than that. Hugs are nice, too. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone. cw