MOMS SMILE. IT'S YOUR DAY

 

To ALL the ladies 

who put in the time....

over the course of a lifetime.

You deserve to be celebrated.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY 

to all my blog buddies, 

family and other friends.

ENJOY every MOMENT

PS)I'm easing my way back to blogging on a more regular basis.

Been lots of obstacles. Don't know when it'll happen? 

Hopefully sooner rather than later. Stay Tuned

Raccoons & Gasoline

 

Years ago, I remember long lines and a run on gasoline. Back then, the cost of a gallon was much cheaper than it is today. But the supply was carefully rationed and  people struggled to keep their gas tanks filled. And resorted to all kinds of devious ways to do it. Today filling our tanks has become costly again.  While I don’t mind paying a little extra in a 'round about' way to help Ukraine. Some people do... bitching and complaining. But one thing we can agree on...  is to do what we can to reduce our gasoline usage, to keep the price down in our individual households. Like they did back in the seventies. These are tough times. And not surprisingly, one of the tricks back in the day to fill the tank has resurfaced now. Can you guess what it is? The other night I was sitting in the living room. It was rather late in the evening. After midnight. The sound of a car alarm/panic button broke through the silence of the night. I got up to collect my car keys, in an attempt to turn it off, thinking it was my vehicle outside screaming. Quiet settled in before I could pick up the keys. Then, before I sat down, the alarm blasted again. I thought perhaps my battery in the hand held device needed replacing. But it stopped and the disturbance to my evening disappeared temporarily. But suddenly there was more noise. This time no alarms. It sounded like a raccoon rooting around in the trashcan. I didn’t dare open the door when I heard that. Raccoons while cute,  are very mean creatures. I didn’t want to have to confront one up close and personal.  So I flashed the house spotlights and hit the panic button on my keychain. It chased them away. I thought I heard hushed whispers as something ran off. I realized in that moment  that the earlier alarm sounds I heard,  had come from my neighbors driveways, not mine. Curious, I thought.  I wondered if they too were confronted with the animals? Now an hour later, I was tired and certain, the trouble outside had passed, so I headed off to bed. When I got up early the next morning,  I went outside to see what kind of mess had been made by our visiting raccoon friends. What I found surprised me. The trash lid was undisturbed. No sign of  raccoons. But... both of our gas caps were open. Apparently the commotion I heard was a couple of rowdy thieves. It appears they had siphoned gas out of both our vehicles tanks. And being in a hurry, they had not put the caps back on, as they dragged the cans across the driveway. When I checked my gas gauge I was over half a tank short, as was my husband. I remember having to buy a gas cap with a lock, back in the 70’s, to protect what was mine. This precious commodity called gasoline. What goes around, comes around. 

History repeats.

I’ll check Auto Zone to see if they have one of those caps. 

Any of you guys been confronted with this kind of theft?

Back in the 70's or nowadays?

EASTER & PASSOVER GREETINGS

 

We are in desperate need of a vacation...

The 'staycations' of the past three years 

are getting boring.

Not sure what our plans are, looking ahead? 

We've been sick with flu and respiratory issues 

for almost a month.

I have an infusion scheduled before the holiday...

Hoping the nausea from it doesn't overwhelm me...

And ruin the weekend.

FINGERS CROSSED. 

To all my blog buddies, family and other friends.

HAVE a WONDERFUL EASTER

AND PASSOVER... 

ENJOY!

PS) Hoping to be back blogging on a more regular basis....

 again in the coming months. Be sure to look for my posts.

HOPE, Getting Old & Reality. A bitter Pill

 

Growing older is tough. Your adult kids have their issues. Your elderly parents have theirs. Pets do too. If you are married, there are spousal issues, not to mention your own. In our cases, health is the main problem. It can all be overwhelming. Some days more so than not. I struggle at times with the weight of it all. Being the glue that holds things together is a daunting task. “You can never tell how STRONG you are… until being strong, is the only choice you have.” This is where I find myself these days. I have to take joy where I can. And some days it just ain’t there. But I can’t complain. When you look at what is happening in the world, the images of horror coming out of that war in Ukraine. (Their strength and determination is awe-inspiring.) Our spoiled lives here shrivel in comparison. There, but for the grace of God, could be us. That madman hates us too. His menacing threats cannot be overlooked. Or ignored. We can’t afford to take anything for granted. The world is walking on a tight-rope. Inching along. I’m going about my daily routine.  Trying to pretend everything will be okay. And saying my prayers each night hoping they will be. My body aches. My heart cries. It’s tough getting old. Reality is a bitter pill to swallow. This was not the life I planned. But it’s the hand I was dealt. Taking things one day at a time, one day at a time. Is all I can do. 

It’s all anybody can do.

Leprechauns and Green Beer DAY

 

To all my BLOG buddies, friends and family...

Let the Shenanigans begin.

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY

PEACE for UKRAINE, PRAY

 

Politics aside. I can NOT stay silent.

Ukraine is in my thoughts and prayers.

President Zelensky is a man of honor.

The images coming out of this beleaguered 

country are heartbreaking.

A family trying to escape the chaos, 

brutally murdered.

The newborn babies who may never live another day. 

The young children clutching stuffed animals, 

terror in their eyes... 

not understanding what is happening 

all around them. 

The heartsick mothers trying to get to safety. 

The brave fathers staying behind 

to stave off the death and destruction.

A country under seige by a 

maniacal lunatic and his ethnic cleansing. 

His finger on a nuclear button that could 

annihilate us all.

Those offering a bounty on Putin's head, 

need to up the ante.

He is a WAR criminal, an evil monster. 

The likes of which hasn't 

been seen in decades. 

He is committing atrocities 

beyond the pale. He needs to be stopped. 

 I do not know what the future holds for all of us...

in Ukraine and around the globe. 

But, I well remember hiding 

under my school desk as a youngster-

being told if I didn't, we would die.

And now all these years later, here we are again...

because of ONE narcacistic man, living in his brain,

in a reality he created, 

fanning the flames of hate, 

keeping his country in the dark

as he pummels another country without cause. 

Ukraine is standing up against this tyrant... 

Showing all of us Democracy is worth fighting for. 

Слава Україні! Героям слава! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!

 

Woe Is Me . More USPS Insights from where I'm sitting.

 

In my life… there have been numerous USPS mail mishaps over the past few years. Packages and letters that don’t arrive on time.  Gift cards and gifts that have mysteriously disappeared into thin air. Last fall I was out over $300. And thats not including the cost of shipping. No kidding.  Just a litany of bad things, seemingly getting worse over time. I have filled out forms, submitted the paperwork and ultimately arrive at a dead end in most cases. With the USPS giving me excuses that nothing can be done to remedy the situation. These things happen.  A month ago… a clerk didn’t scan ONE of the three items, I brought into the post office to send back to the manufacturer. Each item had a  prepaid label. I hate to be cynical but I bet dimes to donuts, she lifted it.  By not scanning it into the system, there was no record of it ever being returned. This infuriated me. So I sent off a letter to the Postmaster.  It was sent back as undeliverable. I kid you not. It became clear this was another postal problem they didn’t want to deal with.  Fortunately, the  company I had been trying to return this package too, was very understanding. They refunded me... so I wasn’t out the money.  So I’m grateful for their understanding that all this happened through no fault of my own. I seriously hope the postal clerk is enjoying her new ring, courtesy of me. The other clerks are not above reproach either. I can’t tell you how many times… I’ve watched them 'feel up' the envelopes I’m sending,  while I’m buying stamps. They blatantly ask if there is a gift card in them? Then… they inform me the postal service doesn’t reimburse you for lost gift cards. I NOW realize that. Most I’ve attempted to send, have not reached their destinations. And I’ve been out significant sums of money. I wonder why? Employees with STICKY FINGERS, no doubt. Something else to note, this just isn't happening where I live.  A postal clerk,  halfway across the country, back East, miles from here… waited on my mom. She was sending a birthday card to my niece. The man at the counter talked about the pretty PINK envelope it was in. And then inquired if it was for a special occasion? My 87 year old mom said yes. Her granddaughter's birthday. That card never saw the light of day from that point on. My niece never got the $50 bill my mom had innocently tucked inside it. I’m sure that clerk opened it and pocketed the $50. Theft is a great 'side hustle' for these folks who are working at Post Office, isn't it?  I’m desensitized. And disillusioned. Hoping something will change my mind about all this. But more BAD than good has come out of my interactions with the USPS in recent years. So sad, the levels they have now sunk to. Used to be such a respected institution. Now it's a cesspool of greed.  And in closing I’ll just say this. I ordered a Pioneer Woman 'gingham COW mug' a few weeks back. I was so excited to find an affordable one online. I like to drink my tea from a cup/mug with character. Fills me with joy. You have to take it where you can find it, right folks? So I anxiously awaited it's arrival. It  finally was delivered the other day. See the photo below. Need I say more??? I’m just saying??

Que Sera Sera.

The Universe Taketh away my HEART on Valentine's Day

Before we had left the house. I had plucked my Heart pin off the dresser and placed it on my coat lapel. It made me smile. A souvenir of days past. It was going to be a good day to take our minds off our health issues. And I prayed that’s exactly how the meal would play out. For Valentines Day we opted for a lovely seafood supper. We went on Sunday afternoon... because we figured it would be less crowded, than going on Monday. Figured The Super Bowl would keep most folks home on Sunday, and not out and about. Strategy worked. When we arrived, almost had the whole place to ourselves. A nice romantic setting. At Christmas, my hubby gave me a gift card. And we intended to cash it in, to buy our entrees. So the Valentine Day meal would effectively be FREE. A nice treat for sure. Everything was going well, but it was a bit too warm in the restaurant. (It was 18 degrees outside.) But in there I felt like I was on a tropical beach, wearing the wrong clothes. So I stood up and took off my winter coat. I was wearing a velour blazer underneath, where I had attached the Heart pin. As I straightened myself out, to sit back down…  I screeched in shock. My Heart pin was missing. Where was it??? I was devastated. It wasn’t expensive. But very sentimental. It had been in my life more than a few years. I searched for it around my chair and under the table. Nothing there. My husband told me to retrace my steps from our table, back to the lobby. As I meandered along the hallway I carefully looked for a glimpse of it. Nothing visible anywhere. My cane and I were weary from the long trek. So I plopped down on a bench and explained to the hostess in the lobby what had happened. She said she'd be on the lookout for it in the Lost & Found Box if someone turned it in. I thanked her. I was holding back my tears, determined not to let this loss, ruin my husband's and my celebration. Even though I didn’t have the keys to the van. As long as I was this close to it… I decided to make a quick walk outside, and peek in the window, plus scan the ground near it. From what I could see. The pin wasn’t there either. Just more disappointment. My husband knew how physically and emotionally draining… All this was on me. Walking is difficult at best, for both of us. But I had a litany of other health issues that were more worrisome. I found my happy where I could. And he knew how much I was hurting about the Heart pin. He looked at me, when I got back to the table. I forced a smile on my face, said I couldn’t find it. Then added, it wasn’t a BIG deal. And sat down to eat. The salmon, lobster, shrimp trio was unbelievably flavorful. Just the right seasonings. The food was delicious. We savored each bite. My hubby and I were Foodies. It warmed my heart and his to have such a fabulous banquet. I toasted with my TALL Blue Moon Beer. Holidays are usually only time I imbibe.

We had managed to put our worries away and find some joy. However, fleeting. Red Velvet cake for dessert awaited us at home. So back outside… to the van, we went. I climbed up and sat down… I lifted my cane into the vehicle… and slid it down between the console and my seat. It’s a tight fit. Took a moment or two to adjust. You have to get it just right. I noticed a dirty crumpled up napkin on the floor there… so I leaned over, much to my back's chagrin, and scooped it up, to throw away. When I did… I couldn’t believe my eyes. Underneath it, lying upside down was my Heart pin. It must have fallen off my coat… into this narrow crack. It was amazing I had discovered it... because the ornate part was on the front, and the back blended into the van carpet. My neuropathy laden, arthritic hands, trembled… as I reached back down and tenderly picked it up, turning it over to see the pretty roses. My eyes filled with tears… as I cradled it, holding it close to my chest, while ignoring the pain in my back. I NEVER really lost my HEART after all. Imagine that?

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

To ALL my blog buddies, family 

and other friends.

 

ENJOY!

ANGELS IN THE SNOW

The BIG blizzard we were expecting turned out to be not such a big deal. The ice predicted didn’t come. Just snow. A whopping 9 inches. Nothing to scoff at, I realize. But those winds gusting at 35 to 50 mph never showed up either. So there wasn’t a lot of blowing and drifting snow across the roadways. However we still got up to a Level 2 emergency. Which means don’t go out on the roads if you don’t have to. Fortunately, the power stayed on throughout the storm. And life went on as normal despite the heavy snowfall. TV and computers, as usual kept us occupied and entertained. That is of course… until the next morning… when I opened the front door. It took my breath away. I stood there looking at the beauty of the season, thanking Mother Nature for this  glorious winter wonderland. And then suddenly realized, we needed to dig out. We were prisoners, stuck in place until we did that. My hubby is 83. He physically is in no condition to do the heavy lifting involving a snow shovel. (Especially with his breathing problems, heart issues and spine complications.) BUT, frankly neither am I in a position to do anything to clear away the snow. A bad back, geriatric osteoporosis, arthritis, polymalagia rheumatica, etc has sidelined me too and that’s that. During the thirty six years we have lived here, few if any of the neighbors have offered to help, when my hubby worked out of town and I was here all alone. Even if we were willing to pay. The couple across the street has pitched in during the warmer months to mow the grass in the past few years. And they’ve  been a god send. I give them gift cards for their efforts. But with all this snow I figured we were on our own to take care of it, since they never volunteered to assist us during winter months. Finding someone to do the job would be difficult because they’d deem it too small a job to tackle. To us it’s a mountain too high to climb. As I contemplated that fate and tried to figure out what to do next… I went about my business, depressed by the notion, we’d be stuck in place for a while... until rising temps melted the snow away. But the weatherman burst my bubble explaining frigid temps... only in the teens or below were sticking around. Not good news at all. No melting snow. But it is what it is. We’d cope because others are in far worse shape. The day came and went and sometime during the evening I heard noises outside. After a certain time of night, we don’t ever open the front door, because of the 'crazy two men' breaking into the house, a few years back. We had been traumatized by that situation. Since then… If something happens, the door remains locked and we call 911. This noise and the voices out there now were persistent… before I called the police… I tried to peek out the window to see if I could see what was going on? There was a man in the driveway, on the other side of the van and a woman with a ponytail near our sidewalk. I couldn’t see what they were doing, but for some reason, at this odd, late night hour… I took a leap of faith thinking they didn’t appear to be threatening. So I walked away from the window and sat down on the sofa. I hoped I made the right decision and tried not to worry. My hubby was sleeping and I decided not to wake him up. Eventually… the voices and the noise outside… died down and disappeared. I was relieved. But... before I could get ready for bed… curiosity overwhelmed me. I went to the front door and opened it a crack, and indeed the couple appeared to be gone. So… I threw caution to the wind… and opened the door a little farther, then stepped out on the stoop. I drew in my breath, as I looked around. I realized with absolute certainty that we had been visited by a pair of Snow Angels. Heaven sent. Our sidewalk, porch and driveway were completely shoveled. What an amazing gift, these two strangers in the night, had given us. I’ve been disillusioned of late, feeling the world was full of more hateful rhetoric, than not. But this gesture of kindness has touched my heart and shown me, I must not despair. There is HOPE. GOOD people are out there. I hope we can awaken the masses and pass this GOODNESS on. It’s a glorious thing. PEOPLE helping people. Imagine that? No strings attached. KINDNESS. PASS IT ON!

A candle & a stinkbug during a Blizzard

Yesterday was Ground Hog’s Day. Phil the cute groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter. Which explains why a snowstorm is bearing down on us, as I write. Blizzard conditions are predicted. It’s going to be BAD. The ice and snow have begun. It’s suppose to last  though Friday.  Our local weather guy says to expect 12- 16 inches. We have a generator in the garage that should have been trashed long ago. If the power goes out… we are just going to have to grin and bear it. So… we’ll be piling on extra layers of clothes and blankets to get us through the worst of it… if that happens. I spent all yesterday morning preparing meals for the next 5 days. They can be eaten HOT or COLD to handle whatever circumstances Mother Nature puts us in.  After I had finished my meal preparation I needed to sit and relax. The calm before the storm. Wanted a cup of hot tea. So I made it… and sat down at the kitchen table. I had put my Yankee Candle/ Merry Berry under my candle warmer when I woke up earlier around 4 am.  It’s fragrance permeated the air with its sweet notes of sugar plum, raspberry, butter cookie, apricot and honeybell orange. As I was sitting there enjoying the moment…  I noticed something besides a candle wick floating in the melting wax. At first... I wasn’t sure what it could be…. then when I moved the candle warmer closer, it became obvious. A rotten old STINKBUG was on it's back,  lying in the hot wax. At first… I was horrified that it’s rancid odor had been released when he accidently landed…  into my $25 candle… (that I had gotten for 75% off… after the holidays.) I was sure that he had ruined it. But… when my hubby sniffed the candle, there was no evidence of that. So I immediately scooped the dead nuisance out of the candle wax… with a napkin, and handed it to my husband to put in the trash. He looked at me and I looked at him and I said, “At least now he won’t STINK.” Both of us burst out laughing. Those of you who have encountered a stinkbug, will understand just how funny that is. A little humor went a long way to change the trajectory of what’s suppose to turn into a BAD situation here over the next few days. And I appreciated the diversion. One stinkbug down. 

One blizzard to go. 

LET IT SNOW.

CHEERS 

BLUE BLUE snow & MUGS

 

Even in the dead of winter I love autumnal colors. The vibrant terra cottas, marigolds, sienna browns, turmeric, and sage…. fill me... inside out, with delight. At Christmas, once upon a time… I found joy in the twinkling white lights that mimicked the winter landscape, ice glistening in the moonlight. But later, I began navigating to the old fashioned, multi-colored lights of my childhood. A nostalgic nod... to simpler times that enveloped me, in a big hug. If I had to pick a favorite color…  I’d say burgandy or purple. Lavender, not so much. Though mauve/pink has crept into my selection of tops recently. HOWEVER… I’ve never, with all things considered… been fond of the color blue though. Too much bad PR using the word BLUE to describe sad feelings. Just doesn’t appeal to me. So I don’t know why it suddenly has. Perhaps it was reading about a blog buddy's, blue cobalt glassware, that was oh so pretty? Just don’t know why it's on my radar, right now, but it is! I shop thrifts... when I can get out and about. And I collect mugs, among a zillion other things. I use them for water, wine, margaritas, but mostly tea. A nice hot cup, to warm my arthritic hands and fingers, in the dead of winter. What could be more comforting? Anyway... seems like every thrift I go to... has an 'over abundance' of BLUE mugs. Apparently, it is NOT a popular color, this time of year. In some places they are 3 for $.99 or $.99 a piece in others. All sizes are available too. Six, ten, twelve, twenty-four ounces. So I've been snapping them up. They are now my GO-TO vessel of choice. Oh woe is me… BLUE BLUE my world is blue. Did you note... some of my 'new' acquisitions at top of page... that lead into this post. Even if you click and enlarge the pics, you really can't see the cool designs on them. But I promise you they are definitely awesome. What do you think? BLUE is a keeper??? But which mug should I use today??? I'm in the mood for a design that is more 'sedate'... as I sit here and watch the snow pile up outside.

Winter Wonderland & MLK Day

 

Childhood memories of a snow covered landscape 

stir up illusions of 

Dr. Zhivago's winter wonderland. 

Beautiful and breathtaking to look at. 

But terrible to walk and drive in. 

Be careful if you have to venture out. 

OTHERWISE- 

STAY WARM and get yourselves comfy cozy... 

with a book or Netflix movie.

And ENJOY the scenery out your windows on this 
Martin Luther Kings Day. 

A SHACKET AFICIONADO AT 82

 

My hubby was a snazzy dresser back in the day. He wore suit coats, cufflinks, fancy shirts and ties. He also coordinated his belts and shoes. Over time, that guy I used to know, has completely disappeared. When he retired... he gave up, giving a damn about his clothes. He developed a habit of wearing flannel shirts, only. I have no problem with that. But he then would wear a heavier mismatched shirt-jacket on top. Refused to buy a coat. No need… because according to him, those two pieces of clothing would keep him warm, no matter how tacky I thought they looked. I personally thought it looked sloppy too. But my hubby said he felt comfortable. So I zipped my lips about it. My hubby has paid his dues. And he deserves to wear whatever makes him happy, at this late stage of his life. Que Sera Sera. What’s funny… is that the mode of dress he prefers, is NOW the latest thing. It’s become fashionable. And anybody who is anybody, male and female, young and old alike…. are wearing the style. My hubby is a trendsetter. They call the outer piece a SHACKET. A shacket is a cross between a shirt and a jacket (shirt-jacket) and makes a great layering piece for your wardrobe. Who knew? That the way my hubby has been dressing.... for years in retirement, would suddenly be trending. And that everybody LOVES doing what he does. From the high priced department stores to the cheaper box stores. There is a SHACKET to fit every budget. So folks… feel free to join the IN crowd and have some fun. Get yourselves a piece of the action. Shackets are comfy, cozy and toasty warm… especially on a cool night, in the dead of winter.  I can extol their virtues because when nobody is looking… I’ve been known to grab one of my husband’s to wear around the house. Now I know there’s no judgement out there. Nobody is  laughing. No reason to be embarrassed ladies... because these ‘shackets’ are hip and cool. The more mismatched the better, says my hubby. Who knew my hubby would become a fashion plate at 82. 

Imagine that?

PS) The first picture was from an advertisement for a shacket.