We have come to the end of another year. Time flies even when you’re not having fun. On the other hand, I’m having a wonderful time.
I have never been a fan for New Years Eve parties. The last thing I want to do it be on the road on the biggest drunk night of the year — besides, it’s cold to night. My little apartment building has it’s own party. Maria loves this night and organizes everything. I will attend for a while at least. I have no idea why it starts so early, but here we go. 6:00 p.m. that event begins. All I can thing of is that most of us cannot say up that long. At the high point we will likely have about 30. That will be around 7:30-8:00. We will start with 6-8 people and begin whining is anyone will come. They will, but a six-hour party is a long time. Three or four will be there at midnight. I have been part of that group the past two years, but since I am already tired I doubt I will be part of that group tonight.
The party’s over — for me! It’s only 9:00. That’s OK. It’s midnight in New York and the ball has already come down. That’s good enough for me.
It was a very quiet party. The room was arranged in two groupings. Rather than uniting everyone it created two divisions and with a much smaller crowd once divided they stayed divided. There were 16 at them most and after eating it settled to about 13 a group of four and a group of eight. The largest group was hard to hear as a tape was playing 60’s songs and it would go up and down depending on the person controlling the volumes joy in the song. She liked most of them.
It was a night of pleasant and often funny stories. No gossip. No attacks, no complaints. It was nice.
I’m off to bed knows the date will change in our area without me. But maybe I’ll wake in time to enjoy the Rose Parade. I do love the floats and would enjoy an edited version later in the day, but they always repeat it all. That is why I usually get Christmas decorations get packed away. I do it during the horse and bands. Sorry if that offended someone.
I really need my rest because I am expecting out most explosive year yet with enough action for a grand finally should I ever want to turn this into a book. People are choosing sides and rumors are being created. It is going to continue until there is an explosion and some one leaves. Chas is so hurt by what has already happened that I do not believe he can keep quite. If he sees her he will most likely attack.
The fireworks that will wake me are only the beginning.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
RANDOM THOUGHTS
TO MY ALASKA READERS - both of you
I may not make a film, but I’m getting close to a book. I would need to develop a plot and tie it all together, but the drama and conflict is there. On the other hand, I doubt I have the discipline to write a book even if I have most of the content. Thanks for the gift(s). How’s that for a personal expression.
DEVELOPMENTS WITH OLIVIA
Olivia has started a rumor that Chas spoke to her last night. I hear it very round about and was concerned that it might be true so went directly to Chas to ask. He was in his apartment all night. No one that I know of actually saw them talking, and I got it third hand (you can’t trust stuff like that). I wanted to make sure he got that info in his book.
MY GRANDSON
I loved being with my grand kids for both Christmas even and Christmas. Out time for gifts were exchanged Christmas day. I had given my grandson a pocketknife for his birthday last year and the bland broke off. It was one of those cheap knifes sent to me by a promo company that wanted me to buy 500 or so. That was when I had my graphic business. I still have pens with antiquated info on it. This time he got a genuine Swiss Army knife I picked up in Switzerland a few years back. When he opened it his mother immediately told him to be careful. He assured her that he knew how to handle a knife. He immediately opened it up and swished it around like a sword stabbing into the air. Yeah! He really knows how to handle a knife. I’m going into hiding.
ROBE
I love my new comfy robe and slippers. I wrap myself in the each night to watch my last few moments of TV. It feels so good. The last robe I owned was terrycloth. Yuck. I don’t know what this material is but I feel snug as a bug in a rug. How do you like that for a cleaver line?
NEW YEARS EVE
We have a New Years Eve party in our building every year. We do invite a few people from the other building. I stay out of it. It’s Maria’s thing. We have about 30 people. It starts at 6:00 and she tried to get everyone to stay until midnight. Tough to do! Six hours of eating is a long time. It’s not very lone of you’re drinking, I guess. Tomorrow is the big night. I got to decide what to make and bring. Chips seem too rinky-dink.
CAMERAS
My 35mm camera gave up the ghost on Christmas say. I liked the camera a lot, but the automatic focus no longer worked and my eyes are not focusing like they once did. So there were times I thought it was focused and I was wrong. This time the shutter locked closed. I may be no big deal, but I still decided not to have it fixed. It’s time to go Digital. It would save me money and time.
This was just random thoughts. Trying to tie up loose ends before the year is gone and I cannot longer remember the past. Best wishes for a great new year. Things can only get worse or get better, so you have a 50% chance of being right in your dreams.
I may not make a film, but I’m getting close to a book. I would need to develop a plot and tie it all together, but the drama and conflict is there. On the other hand, I doubt I have the discipline to write a book even if I have most of the content. Thanks for the gift(s). How’s that for a personal expression.
DEVELOPMENTS WITH OLIVIA
Olivia has started a rumor that Chas spoke to her last night. I hear it very round about and was concerned that it might be true so went directly to Chas to ask. He was in his apartment all night. No one that I know of actually saw them talking, and I got it third hand (you can’t trust stuff like that). I wanted to make sure he got that info in his book.
MY GRANDSON
I loved being with my grand kids for both Christmas even and Christmas. Out time for gifts were exchanged Christmas day. I had given my grandson a pocketknife for his birthday last year and the bland broke off. It was one of those cheap knifes sent to me by a promo company that wanted me to buy 500 or so. That was when I had my graphic business. I still have pens with antiquated info on it. This time he got a genuine Swiss Army knife I picked up in Switzerland a few years back. When he opened it his mother immediately told him to be careful. He assured her that he knew how to handle a knife. He immediately opened it up and swished it around like a sword stabbing into the air. Yeah! He really knows how to handle a knife. I’m going into hiding.
ROBE
I love my new comfy robe and slippers. I wrap myself in the each night to watch my last few moments of TV. It feels so good. The last robe I owned was terrycloth. Yuck. I don’t know what this material is but I feel snug as a bug in a rug. How do you like that for a cleaver line?
NEW YEARS EVE
We have a New Years Eve party in our building every year. We do invite a few people from the other building. I stay out of it. It’s Maria’s thing. We have about 30 people. It starts at 6:00 and she tried to get everyone to stay until midnight. Tough to do! Six hours of eating is a long time. It’s not very lone of you’re drinking, I guess. Tomorrow is the big night. I got to decide what to make and bring. Chips seem too rinky-dink.
CAMERAS
My 35mm camera gave up the ghost on Christmas say. I liked the camera a lot, but the automatic focus no longer worked and my eyes are not focusing like they once did. So there were times I thought it was focused and I was wrong. This time the shutter locked closed. I may be no big deal, but I still decided not to have it fixed. It’s time to go Digital. It would save me money and time.
This was just random thoughts. Trying to tie up loose ends before the year is gone and I cannot longer remember the past. Best wishes for a great new year. Things can only get worse or get better, so you have a 50% chance of being right in your dreams.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
REALLY NOW. WHY?
Olivia, Olivia, Olivia. When will you stop? It’s over or rather it should be over. You didn’t get everything you wanted, but you got something. When will you let it go?
I got more information about the hearing. Chas was told three things. 1) Don’t go in her apartment. 2) Don’t talk to her. 3) Don’t stare at her. Olivia entered the dining room during the Bingo break when people stopped to get snacks. I was sitting at a corner table with Rocky (Maintenance) and Chas. Chas had his back to the rest of the room. Olivia came in and went to get herself a cup of tea. Rocky had a full direct view of her and I could see her in my peripheral vision. Chas saw nothing. She stood behind him about 10 feet slowly making her cup of tea while boring a hole in the back of his head the entire time. Fortunately Chas did not get that funny feeling we all sometime get when we feel someone looking at us.
They are allowed to be in the same space — but no staring — by him. There is nothing to prevent her from staring at him. Olivia went to the pool table room and sat in front of the fire having a conversation with another woman. When Bingo was over and people were beginning to mingle about She stood and moved close to the door connecting the two rooms. I felt like she was waiting for him to come by.
When Chas was getting ready to leave I asked that he come with me to my car. Why? Don’t ask just come. I directed him through the kitchen and out to the garage door. Leaving the kitchen he saw her standing at the entrance to the poolroom, but immediately turned right and left the building. When we got in the garage he asked if that was why we were heading to my car. Absolutely. I told him to write this down in his notebook about Olivia.
Later that night Gail came for a visit and we compared notes. I learned that when the boss arrived at court her came in, patted Chas on the shoulder and told him everything was going to be all right. Then she sat beside him. Olivia could not have missed this or the implications of the gesture. The boss asked to address the court and mentioned she believed this had been settled two weeks ago. The retraining order was filed two days after that meeting that was meant to end the conflict.
Olivia had better watch herself. I suspect management is looking for a reason to evict her. It takes some time, but it can be done. I predict she will move by summer. Either her choice or not!
I got more information about the hearing. Chas was told three things. 1) Don’t go in her apartment. 2) Don’t talk to her. 3) Don’t stare at her. Olivia entered the dining room during the Bingo break when people stopped to get snacks. I was sitting at a corner table with Rocky (Maintenance) and Chas. Chas had his back to the rest of the room. Olivia came in and went to get herself a cup of tea. Rocky had a full direct view of her and I could see her in my peripheral vision. Chas saw nothing. She stood behind him about 10 feet slowly making her cup of tea while boring a hole in the back of his head the entire time. Fortunately Chas did not get that funny feeling we all sometime get when we feel someone looking at us.
They are allowed to be in the same space — but no staring — by him. There is nothing to prevent her from staring at him. Olivia went to the pool table room and sat in front of the fire having a conversation with another woman. When Bingo was over and people were beginning to mingle about She stood and moved close to the door connecting the two rooms. I felt like she was waiting for him to come by.
When Chas was getting ready to leave I asked that he come with me to my car. Why? Don’t ask just come. I directed him through the kitchen and out to the garage door. Leaving the kitchen he saw her standing at the entrance to the poolroom, but immediately turned right and left the building. When we got in the garage he asked if that was why we were heading to my car. Absolutely. I told him to write this down in his notebook about Olivia.
Later that night Gail came for a visit and we compared notes. I learned that when the boss arrived at court her came in, patted Chas on the shoulder and told him everything was going to be all right. Then she sat beside him. Olivia could not have missed this or the implications of the gesture. The boss asked to address the court and mentioned she believed this had been settled two weeks ago. The retraining order was filed two days after that meeting that was meant to end the conflict.
Olivia had better watch herself. I suspect management is looking for a reason to evict her. It takes some time, but it can be done. I predict she will move by summer. Either her choice or not!
A FIRST SETTLEMENT
I have been worried about my friend Chas. He is torn between his heart and the law. He wants to apologize to Olivia but the court order says he may not talk to her.
He took the Access bus at 7:30 Monday to the courthouse. After he was loaded a woman called out asking whom he was. He introduced himself and they had a normal new acquaintance chat. As he was leaving the bus she mentioned that he had a very nice voice. It was only then he became aware she was blind.
I awoke about 8:30 and prayed for Chas. He was very nervous and had no idea what was going to happen. Sunday afternoon he was feeling like everything was his fault. I visited him and gave him the letter he requested but advised him not to give it to the judge. Wait and see what happens and just answer any questions as truthfully as possible.
He was encouraged that the head of the housing corporation was present and their lawyer. Neither spoke at the hearing. The judge was kind and tactful. He did not threaten either party and allowed Olivia a sense of satisfaction. Chas was restrained from going into her apartment and talking with her apart from a counselor being present. The corporate head advised them both that they had placed on retainer Coalition Counseling to mediate all resident relationships. It will be available to all residents who want it, but when issues cannot be resolved it will become a requirement. The company was no longer going to mediate these petty relationship issues.
Amen. Glory Hallelujah. Forever and ever amen! Let it be. This might become a full time job for this company. The business is located two blocks away but will come here. Their meeting is two weeks away.
Chas is OK with the decisions and looking forward to more peace. He doesn’t want to go to her apartment or talk to her. When he got on the Access bus to return he was greeted by the same blind lady who said it’s you – the man with the nice voice. This was like a gift from God as one complaint Olivia had was about his loud voice. When get got home and closed his apartment door he looked at all the Christmas cards he has received and they were all from friends here at The Home. He went through them and gave thanks for the support and encouragement. He had been wondering if he just moved maybe things would be better for everyone. No they wouldn’t. Olivia is a bitter woman who has not had a happy day in her life since her husband died 16 years ago. She was a woman of faith at one time and taught Sunday school. Now she is angry at life and God. I have tried to tell her (as have others) that everyone dies. It is normal. He was in his 80’s and he had a very full life. But God took him away from her. In most married relationship where the couple does not die together, one is taken from the other. The chance of one of you becoming a widow or widower is very high. It’s a given of life. But from experience and in spite of statistics, the woman does not always die first.
I guess people have to blame someone and God has bigger shoulders than us all. It never occurred to me to blame God when my wife died. She had a life threatening disease and it took over and won. It happens. I feel like King David (from the Bible) who wept and cried before God while his infant son was sick and dying. When the baby passed he got up, washed himself and stopped the mourning. People were perplexed that he was no longer crying for his son, but David said I plead before God before he died, but he is now gone. He washed, put on clean clothes and continued with life.
That’s a shortened version of what most of us do. It took a couple of years to get over the worst of it for me. She was and I suppose, still is the love of my life. I still have moments and will have them the rest of my life that bring tears. But there is a time for mourning and a time for joy. I do not believe anyone can exactly pinpoint that moment to move on. It is different for us all. But there is a time to move on and discontinue the blame game. Ones anger is felt by all around them. Neighbors want friendship, not arguments and bitterness. By the time you get to our age you have had plenty of anger to deal with. More of us want joy and laughter. We want the rest of our time to be pleasant. Few want to invest time in seeking out pain.
Olivia may feel like she could find a better more friendly place to live. No she can’t. She is her main problem and she will take that with her.
He took the Access bus at 7:30 Monday to the courthouse. After he was loaded a woman called out asking whom he was. He introduced himself and they had a normal new acquaintance chat. As he was leaving the bus she mentioned that he had a very nice voice. It was only then he became aware she was blind.
I awoke about 8:30 and prayed for Chas. He was very nervous and had no idea what was going to happen. Sunday afternoon he was feeling like everything was his fault. I visited him and gave him the letter he requested but advised him not to give it to the judge. Wait and see what happens and just answer any questions as truthfully as possible.
He was encouraged that the head of the housing corporation was present and their lawyer. Neither spoke at the hearing. The judge was kind and tactful. He did not threaten either party and allowed Olivia a sense of satisfaction. Chas was restrained from going into her apartment and talking with her apart from a counselor being present. The corporate head advised them both that they had placed on retainer Coalition Counseling to mediate all resident relationships. It will be available to all residents who want it, but when issues cannot be resolved it will become a requirement. The company was no longer going to mediate these petty relationship issues.
Amen. Glory Hallelujah. Forever and ever amen! Let it be. This might become a full time job for this company. The business is located two blocks away but will come here. Their meeting is two weeks away.
Chas is OK with the decisions and looking forward to more peace. He doesn’t want to go to her apartment or talk to her. When he got on the Access bus to return he was greeted by the same blind lady who said it’s you – the man with the nice voice. This was like a gift from God as one complaint Olivia had was about his loud voice. When get got home and closed his apartment door he looked at all the Christmas cards he has received and they were all from friends here at The Home. He went through them and gave thanks for the support and encouragement. He had been wondering if he just moved maybe things would be better for everyone. No they wouldn’t. Olivia is a bitter woman who has not had a happy day in her life since her husband died 16 years ago. She was a woman of faith at one time and taught Sunday school. Now she is angry at life and God. I have tried to tell her (as have others) that everyone dies. It is normal. He was in his 80’s and he had a very full life. But God took him away from her. In most married relationship where the couple does not die together, one is taken from the other. The chance of one of you becoming a widow or widower is very high. It’s a given of life. But from experience and in spite of statistics, the woman does not always die first.
I guess people have to blame someone and God has bigger shoulders than us all. It never occurred to me to blame God when my wife died. She had a life threatening disease and it took over and won. It happens. I feel like King David (from the Bible) who wept and cried before God while his infant son was sick and dying. When the baby passed he got up, washed himself and stopped the mourning. People were perplexed that he was no longer crying for his son, but David said I plead before God before he died, but he is now gone. He washed, put on clean clothes and continued with life.
That’s a shortened version of what most of us do. It took a couple of years to get over the worst of it for me. She was and I suppose, still is the love of my life. I still have moments and will have them the rest of my life that bring tears. But there is a time for mourning and a time for joy. I do not believe anyone can exactly pinpoint that moment to move on. It is different for us all. But there is a time to move on and discontinue the blame game. Ones anger is felt by all around them. Neighbors want friendship, not arguments and bitterness. By the time you get to our age you have had plenty of anger to deal with. More of us want joy and laughter. We want the rest of our time to be pleasant. Few want to invest time in seeking out pain.
Olivia may feel like she could find a better more friendly place to live. No she can’t. She is her main problem and she will take that with her.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
TWAS THE NIGHT AT THE END OF CHRISTMAS DAY
I’m home. Tired but refreshed. It has been a wonderful past two days.
I met my daughter and her family at their home and we headed over to my son-in-laws sister where all the in-laws gathered. They have moved into a beautiful former WW2 two bed one-bath bungalow. The previous owner raised the roof and added a second floor with a great room two bedrooms and two baths. The great room was a perfect gathering place.
What to say about nine grand kids running at top speed and screaming at top volume. They were up and down the stairs having the most wonderful time while a couple of us adults were somewhat thankful our hearing is going. The meal was cooking downstairs and the smoke detector went off three times (I think). When the alarm went off two or three of the kids matched the pitch and out decibeled the alarm. The stereo screeching was lovely to behold.
The two papas managed a mostly understandable conversation in the middle of the hubbub. Supper included the traditional potato soup with oysters for those who wanted them added. One of the youngest chose to come from the kids table to reach above my son-in-laws plate to get an orange and pulled over the sparking cider bringing his hand back. That brought a little extra excitement. The spill mostly landed in the lap of his neighbor (his brother). That set off a chain react ion of spills at both ends of the table.
Opening gifts is usually a big deal as it is typical to open one gift at a time and work around the room until the gifts are all open. This year the gifts were opened in groups beginning with the four youngest. The pile of kids in the middle of the room were jumbled together tearing paper off and trying to see what each other got. I had to wait for the pile to clear to figure it out. The kids drew names this year and gave each other gifts. The two littlest cousins were adorable. The little girl walked up to her equally small male cousin and gave him a kiss then they hugged. OK, OK! I’m sentimental. Loved it.
Christmas morning was spent at my daughters with my three grand kids. It was nice to have enough calmness to know what was happening. Our family is so very excited about Christmas. I’m sitting here writing my blog in my new robe with my new slippers. Everything feels so good. My old 35mm camera gave up the ghost this year. The shutter locked closed. To bad it happened so early in the day. I won’t get it fixed. It’s time to go digital.
I had a moment of guilt but enormous joy when my son-in-law gave his wife a certificate to get braces for her teeth to close the gap in front. As a father is was part of her charm to me. My daughter was never a complainer and rarely even asked for anything. I wasn’t smart enough when she was living at my home to know how badly she wanted that gap closed. She was so happy she was in tears. I knew it was important to her and I regretted never doing anything about it. I’m grateful that her husband is caring for that important issue to my baby.
The kids all got quite games and things to do, so after the gifts were opened I began reading m new John Grisham book. Love his writing. He always hooks me in the first chapter and keeps building to the very end. I really wish I could write like that, but then again I was a pastor not a lawyer. Don’t know of any murders in my churches. However, there was a messy legal issue when one elder sued another elder but that’s a story from another life.
I met my daughter and her family at their home and we headed over to my son-in-laws sister where all the in-laws gathered. They have moved into a beautiful former WW2 two bed one-bath bungalow. The previous owner raised the roof and added a second floor with a great room two bedrooms and two baths. The great room was a perfect gathering place.
What to say about nine grand kids running at top speed and screaming at top volume. They were up and down the stairs having the most wonderful time while a couple of us adults were somewhat thankful our hearing is going. The meal was cooking downstairs and the smoke detector went off three times (I think). When the alarm went off two or three of the kids matched the pitch and out decibeled the alarm. The stereo screeching was lovely to behold.
The two papas managed a mostly understandable conversation in the middle of the hubbub. Supper included the traditional potato soup with oysters for those who wanted them added. One of the youngest chose to come from the kids table to reach above my son-in-laws plate to get an orange and pulled over the sparking cider bringing his hand back. That brought a little extra excitement. The spill mostly landed in the lap of his neighbor (his brother). That set off a chain react ion of spills at both ends of the table.
Opening gifts is usually a big deal as it is typical to open one gift at a time and work around the room until the gifts are all open. This year the gifts were opened in groups beginning with the four youngest. The pile of kids in the middle of the room were jumbled together tearing paper off and trying to see what each other got. I had to wait for the pile to clear to figure it out. The kids drew names this year and gave each other gifts. The two littlest cousins were adorable. The little girl walked up to her equally small male cousin and gave him a kiss then they hugged. OK, OK! I’m sentimental. Loved it.
Christmas morning was spent at my daughters with my three grand kids. It was nice to have enough calmness to know what was happening. Our family is so very excited about Christmas. I’m sitting here writing my blog in my new robe with my new slippers. Everything feels so good. My old 35mm camera gave up the ghost this year. The shutter locked closed. To bad it happened so early in the day. I won’t get it fixed. It’s time to go digital.
I had a moment of guilt but enormous joy when my son-in-law gave his wife a certificate to get braces for her teeth to close the gap in front. As a father is was part of her charm to me. My daughter was never a complainer and rarely even asked for anything. I wasn’t smart enough when she was living at my home to know how badly she wanted that gap closed. She was so happy she was in tears. I knew it was important to her and I regretted never doing anything about it. I’m grateful that her husband is caring for that important issue to my baby.
The kids all got quite games and things to do, so after the gifts were opened I began reading m new John Grisham book. Love his writing. He always hooks me in the first chapter and keeps building to the very end. I really wish I could write like that, but then again I was a pastor not a lawyer. Don’t know of any murders in my churches. However, there was a messy legal issue when one elder sued another elder but that’s a story from another life.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
CHRISTMAS 2010
What a wonderful time of year. Actually, it is my favorite time. Plus I live in the perfect place for me. It is beautiful, the temperature suits me just fine and my family is only 20 minutes away. Also, I really love the people I share The Home with from day to day. I suspect my blog makes it sound different at times, but they all bring some joy to me. I get to serve them much of the time. I prepare a monthly newsletter filled with cartoon, jokes. news and out monthly schedule. I plan several of the monthly items organize and promote them. I have a handful of people to takes to various appointments, go to movies or shop with. Then, of course, there are the gossip coffee breaks each morning. Really enjoy those. Without them, I would have very little to write about.
There will be no review of my year as I have daily reviews. I will report that we will be going to my daughter's in-laws for Christmas Eve, will return home for a Christmas Eve candle light service and then I will be with my family for Christmas Day. It is always so much fun. I can't wait. I love the surprise on everyones faces when gifts are opened. We do it one at a time so we can enjoy what each one received. It spreads the joy out and makes for a wonderful morning.
I began this blog for me, but am very grateful for my followers. I love your comments. I know some of you read but do not join. That is not a problem. I would still love to see your comments. You can email me for find me on Facebook - if you know me that is.
I am not a serious a person as I may sound from time to time. I see a great deal of humor in life along with the silly reactions of people to some pretty benign situations. One of my favorite people is Maria. She gave me movie cash for Christmas. She is a pretty regular movie goer with me. We like much the same thing. Gail is an exceptionally trust worthy person. She can actually kept a secret. Very unusual around her. I have great conversations with Chas. Kiki is just delightful. I love the cross cultural reactions I get from her. You can;t beat the potlucks around here. This place is loaded with great cooks. I am thankful for all I share my life with. They encourage me and laugh with me.
I wish you all a wonderful and very Merry Christmas at this the celebration of our saviors birth. May the joy and peace of the season be yours. Lovingly, Clyde
There will be no review of my year as I have daily reviews. I will report that we will be going to my daughter's in-laws for Christmas Eve, will return home for a Christmas Eve candle light service and then I will be with my family for Christmas Day. It is always so much fun. I can't wait. I love the surprise on everyones faces when gifts are opened. We do it one at a time so we can enjoy what each one received. It spreads the joy out and makes for a wonderful morning.
I began this blog for me, but am very grateful for my followers. I love your comments. I know some of you read but do not join. That is not a problem. I would still love to see your comments. You can email me for find me on Facebook - if you know me that is.
I am not a serious a person as I may sound from time to time. I see a great deal of humor in life along with the silly reactions of people to some pretty benign situations. One of my favorite people is Maria. She gave me movie cash for Christmas. She is a pretty regular movie goer with me. We like much the same thing. Gail is an exceptionally trust worthy person. She can actually kept a secret. Very unusual around her. I have great conversations with Chas. Kiki is just delightful. I love the cross cultural reactions I get from her. You can;t beat the potlucks around here. This place is loaded with great cooks. I am thankful for all I share my life with. They encourage me and laugh with me.
I wish you all a wonderful and very Merry Christmas at this the celebration of our saviors birth. May the joy and peace of the season be yours. Lovingly, Clyde
Monday, December 20, 2010
NOW I UNDERSTAND
Chas came by for a visit tonight. He has been reading his Bible tonight and feels like he wants to apologize. He asked that I write a letter to the court for him. I got to read the court order for the first time. What he interpreted as a restraining order was a list of things Olivia wanted from the court. There were crossed out. I can understand why he was confused. The judge simply drew a couple lines through all her requests and only signed the order for him to appear in court.
I appreciate his desire to apologize, but the matter is not a legal one. As he was explaining what he wanted he was really apologizing for her. That’s not really possible. He can only accept responsibility for what he did, not what she thinks he did.
When he moved into The Home they were in separate buildings. She didn’t like how loud is voice his. It’s true he dues not really whisper. He can be heard from a long distance away. Several people have worked with him over the years to tone his volume down. The loudness comes across as anger. He is just trying to get attention. It could be quieter.
We went over everything he said and what he wants. My assignment is to write the letter. I have done this several times for him. This may be the hardest letter yet. I know what he wants, but the matter is also a legal one so I do not want him accepting blame that is not his. He wants it to end so is willing to take all the blame. Like I said yesterday, the court hearing will not likely end the matter. She is another of our tenants who does not forget and will not forgive.
I just started Christmas Cards today. I don’t mail any. These just get handed out around The Home. I will do a Christmas greeting on me email list and facebook account. I rarely use the mail any more. Lazy I guess. I will wrap all this up by Wednesday. I will be away from my computer until Dec. 27. I will write for the next two days and then again on the 27th.
I appreciate his desire to apologize, but the matter is not a legal one. As he was explaining what he wanted he was really apologizing for her. That’s not really possible. He can only accept responsibility for what he did, not what she thinks he did.
When he moved into The Home they were in separate buildings. She didn’t like how loud is voice his. It’s true he dues not really whisper. He can be heard from a long distance away. Several people have worked with him over the years to tone his volume down. The loudness comes across as anger. He is just trying to get attention. It could be quieter.
We went over everything he said and what he wants. My assignment is to write the letter. I have done this several times for him. This may be the hardest letter yet. I know what he wants, but the matter is also a legal one so I do not want him accepting blame that is not his. He wants it to end so is willing to take all the blame. Like I said yesterday, the court hearing will not likely end the matter. She is another of our tenants who does not forget and will not forgive.
I just started Christmas Cards today. I don’t mail any. These just get handed out around The Home. I will do a Christmas greeting on me email list and facebook account. I rarely use the mail any more. Lazy I guess. I will wrap all this up by Wednesday. I will be away from my computer until Dec. 27. I will write for the next two days and then again on the 27th.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
LIFE GOES ON
Chas met with the top three people in the administration on Thursday afternoon. I did not connect with Chas as I was having a very difficult staying out of my bathroom. Gail had a meeting with Chas to warn him to keep his mouth shut about the meeting. Chas has a hard time keeping secrets even when a secret would benefit him. At the meeting he learned the organization was sending their lawyer. As a result he rolled out of the meeting on air feeling like he had won for sure. Maybe yes, maybe no. Gail was concerned he would become cocky and brag about his supposed advantage. It may be real, and maybe not. No one knows the end result. The court date is Dec. 27.
Neither Gail nor I think the court date will end this conflict. If they both remain at The Home, the conflict will begin again. It will just be a matter of time. No one has a clue how this will turn out, but no one believes it will end if they remain near one another.
Sunday afternoon I was invited to a dear lady’s apartment for a small social gathering. She says she wanted to have some of her dearest friends. I was surprised I was included. I am warm and friendly toward her, but don’t visit and care for her in a personal way like most of the others do. I was very honored. During our visit she commented that she believed this would be her last Christmas and she is getting her things in order. I have seen this before — twice — and both times the prediction was accurate.
These premonitions or advance warnings from God have served these women well. Their end is gentle and kind and loving. May God grace us all that kind of grace.
Neither Gail nor I think the court date will end this conflict. If they both remain at The Home, the conflict will begin again. It will just be a matter of time. No one has a clue how this will turn out, but no one believes it will end if they remain near one another.
Sunday afternoon I was invited to a dear lady’s apartment for a small social gathering. She says she wanted to have some of her dearest friends. I was surprised I was included. I am warm and friendly toward her, but don’t visit and care for her in a personal way like most of the others do. I was very honored. During our visit she commented that she believed this would be her last Christmas and she is getting her things in order. I have seen this before — twice — and both times the prediction was accurate.
These premonitions or advance warnings from God have served these women well. Their end is gentle and kind and loving. May God grace us all that kind of grace.
Friday, December 17, 2010
A NEW ME
Preparing for a colonoscopy is worse than the actual procedure. I think it would have been easier to call Roto Rooter and had it done quicker. But then, Medicare doesn’t pay for Roto Rooter. I should have just taken a TV tray to the bathroom and moved some work in there and stayed. I never got to leave for long. The runs didn’t stop until about 11:30. I slept reasonable well. Up only twice, but had to get up at 6:00 to continue treatment.
I never drank four quarts of anything in a day. Actually it was only two quarts each day. The instructions said to drink it all at once. Ha! I sloshed when I walked.
The procedure (as they call is) was not that bad. When the doctor came in to prepare for the “procedure” I asked if he could take out my noses hairs from the inside since he would be going that far anyway. He didn’t do it.
I don’t know how long I was in recovery, but when I came out from under I was aware of everything. I could stand and walk straight on my own. My driver was very surprised. She didn’t remember anything about her “procedure.” I have no polyps, and no signs of cancer All I wanted was to get something to eat. Two days with no food is more than I could handle.
Again I was told I would be in perfect health if I lost weight. It is said like I have no idea less weight would be preferable. So far I am getting the same thing from everyone. I am about ready to make a sign and put it on my computer that reads “Your Fat” (just incase I forget or my mirror breaks.)
I know, I know. I have no idea why skinny people are compelled to ask us that question with a tone that assumes we probably don’t know we are fat. WE KNOW! Some skinny folk look like they have anorexia. But I have never heard a fat person ask if they know they are excessively thin. I know we do all this because we are a nation consumed with health and want us to look — well, what do they want us to look like. The beautiful people on TV, in the movies and magazines ready don’t exist. I've done make up for theater. Six pack abs are the standard for men. I don’t know anyone who looks like that. I’ve got a six-pack, but I think its bowling balls. Maybe I’ll make up a magazine photo of me for my blog. I will get rid of my gray hair, put a twinkle in my eye, backlight the picture, put on a shirtless body appropriate for the 25 year old I believe I am. And I will definitely get rid of all these liver spots. I might look better but it would have no resemblance to who I am. Besides women would begin beating my door down just to meet and I can barely handle what I have.
I never drank four quarts of anything in a day. Actually it was only two quarts each day. The instructions said to drink it all at once. Ha! I sloshed when I walked.
The procedure (as they call is) was not that bad. When the doctor came in to prepare for the “procedure” I asked if he could take out my noses hairs from the inside since he would be going that far anyway. He didn’t do it.
I don’t know how long I was in recovery, but when I came out from under I was aware of everything. I could stand and walk straight on my own. My driver was very surprised. She didn’t remember anything about her “procedure.” I have no polyps, and no signs of cancer All I wanted was to get something to eat. Two days with no food is more than I could handle.
Again I was told I would be in perfect health if I lost weight. It is said like I have no idea less weight would be preferable. So far I am getting the same thing from everyone. I am about ready to make a sign and put it on my computer that reads “Your Fat” (just incase I forget or my mirror breaks.)
I know, I know. I have no idea why skinny people are compelled to ask us that question with a tone that assumes we probably don’t know we are fat. WE KNOW! Some skinny folk look like they have anorexia. But I have never heard a fat person ask if they know they are excessively thin. I know we do all this because we are a nation consumed with health and want us to look — well, what do they want us to look like. The beautiful people on TV, in the movies and magazines ready don’t exist. I've done make up for theater. Six pack abs are the standard for men. I don’t know anyone who looks like that. I’ve got a six-pack, but I think its bowling balls. Maybe I’ll make up a magazine photo of me for my blog. I will get rid of my gray hair, put a twinkle in my eye, backlight the picture, put on a shirtless body appropriate for the 25 year old I believe I am. And I will definitely get rid of all these liver spots. I might look better but it would have no resemblance to who I am. Besides women would begin beating my door down just to meet and I can barely handle what I have.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
RESTRAINING ORDER
THE DRAMA CONTINUES. At 8:30 this morning Chas got a visit from the Sherriff. Chas met him in the downstairs lobby where he had been talking with Gail and Angela. He asked for Chas by his full name. I am he, replied Chas. The Sherriff did a double take and served him with a restraining order ordering him to stay beyond 25 feet of Olivia. He could not believe he was serving a man in a wheelchair. I would love to know what was going through his mind.
Absolute shock spread across the faces of all who heard. How could this be? Then the questions came to mind. Is my apartment even 25 feet from hers? Can I go by her apartment to use the automatic doors installed for me? Do I have to leave a space if she enters or does she have an obligation not to enter is she sees me? By the time he came to tell me he was making jokes a bout the whole thing. He has a court appearance on Dec. 27. Until then it’s a temporary restraining order. Of course no one knows what will happen.
Her written report said he has been harassing her since she moved in four years ago. He is loud and aggressive. The truth is he can be loud. You can hear is voice at quite a distance. They like him when he calls Bingo. He can be aggressive in an argument and in his chair he could out run most people. But I have no idea what she is referring to.
I went over to have coffee with him and we met Rocky. Chas wanted to show him the order. So we sat down and I first ask how his night went. He is in a court ordered class for alcohol abuse. The truth he had been drinking, but he was not even close to the limit. The police report said they had to chase him down. What they don’t know is that he video recorded the whole thing. Rocky is having his own legal problems. He had a hard time focusing on Chas’ issue when he had his own. He was on his want to meet with his boss to address an issue he is having with a tenant. She refuses to corporate and challenges him to his face and calls in complaints about him almost daily. He is so fed up he ready to tell them to choose between him and her. She is Olivia’s best friend. Together they taunted Chas all summer over his plants. It was just meanness. I would like to have a vote, but alas I am disenfranchised.
Chas called for a meeting with the top dogs. Because it is a legal matter, the very tippy top leader was called in. I don’t know how the meeting came out as I began drinking the 50 gallons of liquid necessary to prepare me for the colonoscopy tomorrow. Yeah! I had diarrhea — still do. Wish I had a desk at the toilet. I would have got a lot more done today.
Absolute shock spread across the faces of all who heard. How could this be? Then the questions came to mind. Is my apartment even 25 feet from hers? Can I go by her apartment to use the automatic doors installed for me? Do I have to leave a space if she enters or does she have an obligation not to enter is she sees me? By the time he came to tell me he was making jokes a bout the whole thing. He has a court appearance on Dec. 27. Until then it’s a temporary restraining order. Of course no one knows what will happen.
Her written report said he has been harassing her since she moved in four years ago. He is loud and aggressive. The truth is he can be loud. You can hear is voice at quite a distance. They like him when he calls Bingo. He can be aggressive in an argument and in his chair he could out run most people. But I have no idea what she is referring to.
I went over to have coffee with him and we met Rocky. Chas wanted to show him the order. So we sat down and I first ask how his night went. He is in a court ordered class for alcohol abuse. The truth he had been drinking, but he was not even close to the limit. The police report said they had to chase him down. What they don’t know is that he video recorded the whole thing. Rocky is having his own legal problems. He had a hard time focusing on Chas’ issue when he had his own. He was on his want to meet with his boss to address an issue he is having with a tenant. She refuses to corporate and challenges him to his face and calls in complaints about him almost daily. He is so fed up he ready to tell them to choose between him and her. She is Olivia’s best friend. Together they taunted Chas all summer over his plants. It was just meanness. I would like to have a vote, but alas I am disenfranchised.
Chas called for a meeting with the top dogs. Because it is a legal matter, the very tippy top leader was called in. I don’t know how the meeting came out as I began drinking the 50 gallons of liquid necessary to prepare me for the colonoscopy tomorrow. Yeah! I had diarrhea — still do. Wish I had a desk at the toilet. I would have got a lot more done today.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
GETTING HEALTHY
I’ve had two of my four specialist visits and two to go. The one I am not looking forward to is the colonoscopy. That’s on Friday. Mostly I learned what I already knew. I am seriously over weight and the problems I face now are only going to get worse. I’ve known that and done very little about it. I have frequently said I treat my diabetes like most people treat living out their faith, I believe in it, but don’t practice it.
In reality I have changed my eating habits a great deal. My sugar intake is at an all time low — for me, that is. Admittedly it is not totally gone — but almost. It’s the corresponding essential I have ignored. I would like to say I don’t exercise like I should, but the truth is I don’t exercise. I couldn’t run if I wanted to. I have a difficult time enjoying a walk. However, I did walk when I first arrived. I have been a “Y” member in the past and a “Y” is coming to our area. It is under construction now and it is nearby. I should join. But I doubt I will be any more motivated there than I am now. It isn’t that I don’t have time, but — now what was that excuse I am presently using?
I can’t speak for the rest of the people in my boat (old, single, tired and hates exercise), but I have had some minor success. I have managed to give up milk, butter, cheese – most dairy products, except about a tablespoon of cream for my coffee. I am only a one-cup a day guy now. I am amazed what that has done for my plumbing. I feel much better.
This is a good time of year for some fruit. I like the little Chinese oranges with the skin that almost falls off. I also like bananas. I can talk apples, but they are pretty low on my appreciation scale. The summer is good for the berries and some melons. I do get intimidate trying to figure out when a melon is ripe.
I have virtually given up eating out. All I can really afford is fast food and all I eat now is Subway. Yes, I want more variety. There is no possible way that I could live on a diet of Subway. I am definitely no Jarrod.
OK, so if I beat my repulsion of exercise, I might even be almost healthy. I’m going to save my money for a Wii. I do love playing those games. I have greatly improved my bowling. I still cannot bowl for real. The balls are too heavy.
In reality I have changed my eating habits a great deal. My sugar intake is at an all time low — for me, that is. Admittedly it is not totally gone — but almost. It’s the corresponding essential I have ignored. I would like to say I don’t exercise like I should, but the truth is I don’t exercise. I couldn’t run if I wanted to. I have a difficult time enjoying a walk. However, I did walk when I first arrived. I have been a “Y” member in the past and a “Y” is coming to our area. It is under construction now and it is nearby. I should join. But I doubt I will be any more motivated there than I am now. It isn’t that I don’t have time, but — now what was that excuse I am presently using?
I can’t speak for the rest of the people in my boat (old, single, tired and hates exercise), but I have had some minor success. I have managed to give up milk, butter, cheese – most dairy products, except about a tablespoon of cream for my coffee. I am only a one-cup a day guy now. I am amazed what that has done for my plumbing. I feel much better.
This is a good time of year for some fruit. I like the little Chinese oranges with the skin that almost falls off. I also like bananas. I can talk apples, but they are pretty low on my appreciation scale. The summer is good for the berries and some melons. I do get intimidate trying to figure out when a melon is ripe.
I have virtually given up eating out. All I can really afford is fast food and all I eat now is Subway. Yes, I want more variety. There is no possible way that I could live on a diet of Subway. I am definitely no Jarrod.
OK, so if I beat my repulsion of exercise, I might even be almost healthy. I’m going to save my money for a Wii. I do love playing those games. I have greatly improved my bowling. I still cannot bowl for real. The balls are too heavy.
Monday, December 13, 2010
LET IT RAIN
I finished an art piece that I have struggled with for al most a month. It’s of a couple. He has a half white beard — larder that it seems since with colored pencil you must leave white what you want to be white. It’s easier to add it later, but his hair was nothing compared to hers. I’ve never tried to paint platinum before. All painting is a blend of colors — but what colors. I finally came close. The lavender helped. I know. It makes no sense. I hope this means I’m more consistent with my postings.
The weirdness here has not stopped. Olivia is hiding out on her room. When she sneaks out she visits a resident in their room to tell than she hopes they don’t hate her. However, she takes not responsibility for any of her actions. She is not guilty of anything and never did anything to anyone. Or so she says.
We have really had the rain in our area, lots of it. Sunday was the worst. If was already flooding in the area but it poured on Sunday, buckets full at a time. This is the northwest. It’s going to rain and rain a lot. But we are destined for fine rain. Little sprinkles, the occasional light spitting. It can do that all day, day in and day out, but it is not suppose to dump water like the floodgates have been opened. It is only December.
The Home is situated on a bay. Old guests recall the day the b ay overflowed. Some were worried. We could see it rising. The little park just south of us has a boar ramp and dock. The lower boat tie up portion of the dock was under water. I didn’t know any of this until my son-in-law called to say he was coming to town to pick me up and take me to their place to decorate the tree. I could see it was raining, but he insisted saying water was over the roads and it was pretty bad. I argued a bit (its and independence thing) before giving in. His wipers were on hit and doing a lousy job. None of the road water was very deep. Of course, it wasn’t raining on the return home and the roads were clear.
On the 11:00 weather report about rain in the area they were quoting figure like .09, 1.65, 1.98 and only one over 2”. They never commented on the 5.89” inches on the screen behind them and it was our area. I guess it was more important to talk about where there was serious flooding. We got the rain, but not the damage.
And the rain keeps coming. What happened to a white Christmas?
The weirdness here has not stopped. Olivia is hiding out on her room. When she sneaks out she visits a resident in their room to tell than she hopes they don’t hate her. However, she takes not responsibility for any of her actions. She is not guilty of anything and never did anything to anyone. Or so she says.
We have really had the rain in our area, lots of it. Sunday was the worst. If was already flooding in the area but it poured on Sunday, buckets full at a time. This is the northwest. It’s going to rain and rain a lot. But we are destined for fine rain. Little sprinkles, the occasional light spitting. It can do that all day, day in and day out, but it is not suppose to dump water like the floodgates have been opened. It is only December.
The Home is situated on a bay. Old guests recall the day the b ay overflowed. Some were worried. We could see it rising. The little park just south of us has a boar ramp and dock. The lower boat tie up portion of the dock was under water. I didn’t know any of this until my son-in-law called to say he was coming to town to pick me up and take me to their place to decorate the tree. I could see it was raining, but he insisted saying water was over the roads and it was pretty bad. I argued a bit (its and independence thing) before giving in. His wipers were on hit and doing a lousy job. None of the road water was very deep. Of course, it wasn’t raining on the return home and the roads were clear.
On the 11:00 weather report about rain in the area they were quoting figure like .09, 1.65, 1.98 and only one over 2”. They never commented on the 5.89” inches on the screen behind them and it was our area. I guess it was more important to talk about where there was serious flooding. We got the rain, but not the damage.
And the rain keeps coming. What happened to a white Christmas?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
Who knew that the true meaning of Christmas was gorgeous women strutting around in their underwear with flowing see through gauzy pieces of cloth draped over their shoulders? I was inundated with the image at nearly every commercial last night. I think it was ABC advertizing the coming Victoria Secret display of flesh that is meant to pass as a legitimate and worthwhile TV Christmas show. I should probably be pay per-view.
No doubt the viewing audience will be very high. We men like seeing nearly naked women in any setting. The promotion, which began in the family hour (is there still a family hour on TV anymore), had women in smaller pieces of cloth than the average bikini. I have no idea what holds those 3-4” wisps of cloth in place. They appear to defy gravity. Yes, strings are attached, but the chunks of cloth barely cover the (ahem) appropriate parts of the anatomy. I swear there has to be glue under there.
I was reading today that the movie studios have not and will not be opening with any Christmas films this year. There is no market and the field is already over crowded. So sit down and watch A Christmas Story one more time. It is now one of biggest Christmas film ever. You can’t beat a leg lamp for great Christmas entertainment! Yes, I loved the film. I even used one of my favorite lines on my grandson last year when he wanted a BB gun for Christmas. Of course I said, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” He was eight and he responded with that’s from A Christmas Story. Now with a Broadway bound musical based on A Christmas Story — it’s popularity will grow even more. It was exceptionally funny. Personally I love the film.
We used to be worried about the commercialization of Christmas. It stopped very few people from packing packages under the “holiday” tree. We have increasing worried about the push to Christmas sales earlier and earlier each year. With all due apologies to you who may be horrified that decorations and Christmas sales begin before Thanksgiving, but that is all artificial dates anyway. If you really want to avoid the crowds, you should shop in the summer while everyone else is at the beach. There are no Christmas sales, just summer clearance sales.
Black Friday, the traditional day for getting people out of bed in the middle of the night to go shopping, began right after Halloween this year. You see Christmas is really about spending money — and watching nearly naked women bounce down a runway. At least that’s what our culture says.
I shopped before Thanksgiving because I hate crowds, mall and big box stores. I will not watch Victoria Secrets exposure of the very few secrets they are hiding. I’ve got enough problems as it is. I know that even though I am alone I will turn on my CD copy of the Messiah – all of it, read the Biblical version of the Christmas Story, pray for my family, friends, the poor and others. I will make a very nice cup of coffee (I can’t have a sugar filled hot chocolate anymore), and eat a piece of pumpkin pie while I await the Hallelujah chorus and the joy and tingle I feel when hearing Handel’s magnificent anthem that makes me see God and be thankful for the birth of the Savior. I love this time of year.
No doubt the viewing audience will be very high. We men like seeing nearly naked women in any setting. The promotion, which began in the family hour (is there still a family hour on TV anymore), had women in smaller pieces of cloth than the average bikini. I have no idea what holds those 3-4” wisps of cloth in place. They appear to defy gravity. Yes, strings are attached, but the chunks of cloth barely cover the (ahem) appropriate parts of the anatomy. I swear there has to be glue under there.
I was reading today that the movie studios have not and will not be opening with any Christmas films this year. There is no market and the field is already over crowded. So sit down and watch A Christmas Story one more time. It is now one of biggest Christmas film ever. You can’t beat a leg lamp for great Christmas entertainment! Yes, I loved the film. I even used one of my favorite lines on my grandson last year when he wanted a BB gun for Christmas. Of course I said, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” He was eight and he responded with that’s from A Christmas Story. Now with a Broadway bound musical based on A Christmas Story — it’s popularity will grow even more. It was exceptionally funny. Personally I love the film.
We used to be worried about the commercialization of Christmas. It stopped very few people from packing packages under the “holiday” tree. We have increasing worried about the push to Christmas sales earlier and earlier each year. With all due apologies to you who may be horrified that decorations and Christmas sales begin before Thanksgiving, but that is all artificial dates anyway. If you really want to avoid the crowds, you should shop in the summer while everyone else is at the beach. There are no Christmas sales, just summer clearance sales.
Black Friday, the traditional day for getting people out of bed in the middle of the night to go shopping, began right after Halloween this year. You see Christmas is really about spending money — and watching nearly naked women bounce down a runway. At least that’s what our culture says.
I shopped before Thanksgiving because I hate crowds, mall and big box stores. I will not watch Victoria Secrets exposure of the very few secrets they are hiding. I’ve got enough problems as it is. I know that even though I am alone I will turn on my CD copy of the Messiah – all of it, read the Biblical version of the Christmas Story, pray for my family, friends, the poor and others. I will make a very nice cup of coffee (I can’t have a sugar filled hot chocolate anymore), and eat a piece of pumpkin pie while I await the Hallelujah chorus and the joy and tingle I feel when hearing Handel’s magnificent anthem that makes me see God and be thankful for the birth of the Savior. I love this time of year.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
WHAT'S UP?
Something is going on around here and no one is talking. Something happening is not unusual, but no gossip is very unusual. As I was coming out of the main building after morning coffee I met Rocky at the front door. He stopped me and told me to put the snowflakes back on the tree. I was a little caught off guard as I decided not to mention that someone removed them. It just didn’t make that much difference to me. Well, apparently it made a great deal of difference to Rocky. He wants to stop all this silly moving and removing of things just because they don’t like it or want it there.
Yes, that happens all the time. I just didn’t want to fight this. I fight enough battles as it is. It wasn’t worth it. Now, the maintenance man is putting pressure on me to start a fight. I didn’t say yes and I didn’t say know. I’m going to ignore the request as long as I can.
I was told that the tree belongs to Olivia. I don’t know if this is true. Several months ago people we told to remove personal items from public places or consider it a gift to The Home. The tree was not moved.
Add to that, that something strange is going on with Olivia and if she is being evicted I don’t want to make it any worse for her. When I went to coffee there were two empty boxes in front of her apartment. Also, her name was removed from the door. The Home authorities would not take that name off until she was moved. Olivia most likely did it herself. I’m not sure what it means. She does not rant and rave. She keeps her own secrets. She just sneaks around and does things behind out backs.
She had a meeting with the big wigs yesterday. If she was given an eviction notice she has 20 days to be out. That would be the day after Christmas, a very Scrooge thing to do. She did come to my place to get this morning to ask about the address of the previous manager. It appeared in the newsletter in September. The action was interesting has she had nothing good to say about them. Last night she asked Gail not to hate her. Weird!
Something is up. Just don’t know what. If there is an eviction and word gets out it may not be a very happy Christmas — that is until she gone. Then there will likely be a party.
Yes, that happens all the time. I just didn’t want to fight this. I fight enough battles as it is. It wasn’t worth it. Now, the maintenance man is putting pressure on me to start a fight. I didn’t say yes and I didn’t say know. I’m going to ignore the request as long as I can.
I was told that the tree belongs to Olivia. I don’t know if this is true. Several months ago people we told to remove personal items from public places or consider it a gift to The Home. The tree was not moved.
Add to that, that something strange is going on with Olivia and if she is being evicted I don’t want to make it any worse for her. When I went to coffee there were two empty boxes in front of her apartment. Also, her name was removed from the door. The Home authorities would not take that name off until she was moved. Olivia most likely did it herself. I’m not sure what it means. She does not rant and rave. She keeps her own secrets. She just sneaks around and does things behind out backs.
She had a meeting with the big wigs yesterday. If she was given an eviction notice she has 20 days to be out. That would be the day after Christmas, a very Scrooge thing to do. She did come to my place to get this morning to ask about the address of the previous manager. It appeared in the newsletter in September. The action was interesting has she had nothing good to say about them. Last night she asked Gail not to hate her. Weird!
Something is up. Just don’t know what. If there is an eviction and word gets out it may not be a very happy Christmas — that is until she gone. Then there will likely be a party.
REDUNDANT
Don’t you just love question’s that when answered will probably embarrass you? Questions like: Do you work out. If you answer no, the questioner feigns shock. He may say nothing but he means, “That explains why you’re so fat.” If you doubted that I worked out, why did you ask?
One that annoyed me years ago and caused my smart mouth to click on all by itself came during a time of great conflict with my son. A lovely church lady asked do you have an open line of communication with your son? No, that’s why we’re fighting like this. Get real. When you see steam coming out the tops of heads things are not going well. That is your clue to MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. Never ask the obvious.
It’s unreal how often this happens. Just watch someone struggling to carry some things that are more than can be managed. Do you need help? No, I just want carry these until my back breaks and you have to call 911.
Many of these questions are meant to be polite. I know and I appreciate it, but it feels like the point is to make us both look stupid. I was decorating the Christmas tree the other day when another resident asks, are you decorating the tree? No. I’m trying to get decorations off as fast as these others put them on. Duh! You walk in the house and are immediately overwhelmed with the wonderful aroma of a cinnamon rolls, fresh bread, pumpkin pie, etc. and ask are you baking? No, I’ve put the garbage in the blender to make it smaller.
I actually respond to all these questions as most people do. I just answer them as though they were serious question, but in my mind I know those people are crazy.
One that annoyed me years ago and caused my smart mouth to click on all by itself came during a time of great conflict with my son. A lovely church lady asked do you have an open line of communication with your son? No, that’s why we’re fighting like this. Get real. When you see steam coming out the tops of heads things are not going well. That is your clue to MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. Never ask the obvious.
It’s unreal how often this happens. Just watch someone struggling to carry some things that are more than can be managed. Do you need help? No, I just want carry these until my back breaks and you have to call 911.
Many of these questions are meant to be polite. I know and I appreciate it, but it feels like the point is to make us both look stupid. I was decorating the Christmas tree the other day when another resident asks, are you decorating the tree? No. I’m trying to get decorations off as fast as these others put them on. Duh! You walk in the house and are immediately overwhelmed with the wonderful aroma of a cinnamon rolls, fresh bread, pumpkin pie, etc. and ask are you baking? No, I’ve put the garbage in the blender to make it smaller.
I actually respond to all these questions as most people do. I just answer them as though they were serious question, but in my mind I know those people are crazy.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
WONDERFUL LIFE
It’s a wonderful life. No, it really is. I just got back a few minutes ago from a community production of George Bailey’s struggles in the play “It’s Wonderful Life.” I have been to this little theater four times. The first time was great. I saw “Horton Hears A Who.” It was a kid’s production and the cast was terrific. Horton was a stand out. Another was terrible and the other two were OK. This moved back up on the production scale ladder.
This is a very small struggling theater. The stage is cramped and they use what they have very well. Crowd scenes are awkward at best. All four productions grouped their crowds in a semi circle. I wanted to scream. The high school productions do the same thing. It appears that so much time is spent directing the primary cast with little time left over for the extras. A minor complaint! I still enjoyed the show.
I came home this morning from church and noticed that the little fichus tree outside my door had been stripped of its decorations. This would be the third year I decorated the tree with crocheted snowflakes. But this is the first year they were removed. They hung them on the curtain rods behind the three. I don’t know for sure who did it, but I have my suspicions. The mad woman of destruction! At least she didn’t hid the snowflakes on me. That’s he normal MO. Then, it could have been a new “mover.” Around here, you never know,
The building is decorated. It is beautiful. It is really beginning g to look a lot like Christmas. If we get the snow they are predicting, we will have a white Christmas. That will be great as long as we don’t to go some place. However, I do want to get out to the hills where my family live. Christmas would suck with being with my grandkids.
This is a very small struggling theater. The stage is cramped and they use what they have very well. Crowd scenes are awkward at best. All four productions grouped their crowds in a semi circle. I wanted to scream. The high school productions do the same thing. It appears that so much time is spent directing the primary cast with little time left over for the extras. A minor complaint! I still enjoyed the show.
I came home this morning from church and noticed that the little fichus tree outside my door had been stripped of its decorations. This would be the third year I decorated the tree with crocheted snowflakes. But this is the first year they were removed. They hung them on the curtain rods behind the three. I don’t know for sure who did it, but I have my suspicions. The mad woman of destruction! At least she didn’t hid the snowflakes on me. That’s he normal MO. Then, it could have been a new “mover.” Around here, you never know,
The building is decorated. It is beautiful. It is really beginning g to look a lot like Christmas. If we get the snow they are predicting, we will have a white Christmas. That will be great as long as we don’t to go some place. However, I do want to get out to the hills where my family live. Christmas would suck with being with my grandkids.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
ITS BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
The fireworks today were little more than a kid throwing poppers on the ground. The big explosion and expected reaction were very tame.
It is always interesting when they send the community director. She is a very sweet and wonderful woman but she knows nothing that is going on and has no authority. She was here on time. But the ones who had something to say were 20 minutes late. She did her best without even knowing whether anyone was coming. She reminded people of the coming events and celebrated the birthdays. By the time the big boys arrived, everyone was done and ready to go. But arrive they did.
Rocky showed up first. It was a Rocky I had never seen before. He was kind, gentle, commended the group for the good things and supported and encouraged them to good works in a few problem areas. As he was wrapping up, the big boss arrived with her silent assistant. She took over and continued with praise and minor correction. It was so good the group applauded all who spoke. I’ve never seen that happen before. Threat them like adults and they will be adults.
The final question was a popper. Sincere and maybe even necessary, but posed by a woman who does not have a gentle way of expressing anything. You could almost see the fur stand up on the back of some necks. She asked about whose responsibility it was to clean up their garden area, as they looked horrible. Everyone knows whose responsibility garden clean up is – the gardener. Maria and a few others left mumbling about nobody telling them what to do, as it is their garden. Thankfully none of the big wigs heard here. But then she didn’t want them to hear.
We were to decorate both building public areas with Christmas decorations after the meeting. Since I am usually the only man who helps, I stayed in the large building to help them get their things down. They have much more and a much larger areas. After that I came over to my building and saw that one of the younger women had got the tree up and there were four people decorating it. The only real conflict was over hanging candy canes on the tree. Maria did not want them hung. Two other somewhat aggressive women did want them and would not back down. Everyone was shocked when Maria gave up the struggle. So the candy cane wars ended without a shot being fired.
Two people are decorating our hallway. It has never been done before, but it looks great. Lots of candy canes. I usually take care of the corner when I live and finally got myself going again and got that done. It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. I love this holiday and the great joy my grandkids give me by just being who they are.
It is always interesting when they send the community director. She is a very sweet and wonderful woman but she knows nothing that is going on and has no authority. She was here on time. But the ones who had something to say were 20 minutes late. She did her best without even knowing whether anyone was coming. She reminded people of the coming events and celebrated the birthdays. By the time the big boys arrived, everyone was done and ready to go. But arrive they did.
Rocky showed up first. It was a Rocky I had never seen before. He was kind, gentle, commended the group for the good things and supported and encouraged them to good works in a few problem areas. As he was wrapping up, the big boss arrived with her silent assistant. She took over and continued with praise and minor correction. It was so good the group applauded all who spoke. I’ve never seen that happen before. Threat them like adults and they will be adults.
The final question was a popper. Sincere and maybe even necessary, but posed by a woman who does not have a gentle way of expressing anything. You could almost see the fur stand up on the back of some necks. She asked about whose responsibility it was to clean up their garden area, as they looked horrible. Everyone knows whose responsibility garden clean up is – the gardener. Maria and a few others left mumbling about nobody telling them what to do, as it is their garden. Thankfully none of the big wigs heard here. But then she didn’t want them to hear.
We were to decorate both building public areas with Christmas decorations after the meeting. Since I am usually the only man who helps, I stayed in the large building to help them get their things down. They have much more and a much larger areas. After that I came over to my building and saw that one of the younger women had got the tree up and there were four people decorating it. The only real conflict was over hanging candy canes on the tree. Maria did not want them hung. Two other somewhat aggressive women did want them and would not back down. Everyone was shocked when Maria gave up the struggle. So the candy cane wars ended without a shot being fired.
Two people are decorating our hallway. It has never been done before, but it looks great. Lots of candy canes. I usually take care of the corner when I live and finally got myself going again and got that done. It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. I love this holiday and the great joy my grandkids give me by just being who they are.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
THE PLOT THICKENS
I was called to a meeting this morning by the manager, however, the meeting was ran by the big boss. It was a very calm and controlled meeting — very adult. We accept each other’s view of a questionable cartoon I published attacking the US welfare system (it was really funny). The cartoon was important, but not the real reason for the meeting. They believed they were picking up discouragement and/or frustration about my being here through my emails. While I am actually thrilled to live in such a nice place I have been frustrated that emails to the top are not answered. So when I send a second, third or even fourth — I know I get more aggressive. I told them I was less concerned about the answer than the feeling of being ignored. That makes me feel like a child and less than valuable.
Apologies went all around with promises to do better. I also asked clarification as to whom questions should be addressed and told them that I did not even know There was an over all manager existed until the fall.
I was very pleased with the meeting and glad we had it. I believe a lot has been clarified and we understand each other’s position.
Tomorrow (Thursday) at 12:00 we have a residents meeting. There are a number of issues that have not been addressed since summer, so things are piling up. The big boss is coming to try and clarify things. I am praying she will be controlled and positive. She can speak with a threatening voice that ticks off the majority. Her harsh language and dogmatic statements will not help. The overall manager is too timid and she will say nothing. The maintenance man will speak and he is aggressive and demanding. He went around today saying the meeting was mandatory. In reality, they cannot demand anyone be there. He tends to take “you must do this” stand with verbal harshness. He is a great guy doing a great job, but needs to temper his speech.
The biggest current issue revolves around the twins (as they are called). Two women from our building who are getting more and more annoying, but have probably already (or finally) crossed a line from which they cannot return. They have attacked and abused a disabled tenant for months. Last week one told him she was going to get a restraining order against him and they she did not want him in our building, the other building or even in the city or area. They have taunted him by moving his plants into the shade all summer. At one point he was so exasperated, he pulled all the plants out and threw them away. That, of course, upset nearly everyone. His plants were beautiful. Nothing was ever done to control their behavior. That only gave them more courage to ride him. He's had a tough time and several of us are worked hard to keep him in control and not set his self up for reprimand. It will all come to a head soon, but I hope that will not happen in the public meeting. They are impetuous people prone to instant response and action. A public statement on this situation could divide the group. It they just evict these two quietly, there will be less disruption. However nothing they do will happen quietly. If they do evict the twins, they will be very vocal and do all they can to mess the place up. By law they will have 20 days after the eviction is approved. But that means a court date and legal charges. There has to be supporting evidence.
We will see what happens.
Apologies went all around with promises to do better. I also asked clarification as to whom questions should be addressed and told them that I did not even know There was an over all manager existed until the fall.
I was very pleased with the meeting and glad we had it. I believe a lot has been clarified and we understand each other’s position.
Tomorrow (Thursday) at 12:00 we have a residents meeting. There are a number of issues that have not been addressed since summer, so things are piling up. The big boss is coming to try and clarify things. I am praying she will be controlled and positive. She can speak with a threatening voice that ticks off the majority. Her harsh language and dogmatic statements will not help. The overall manager is too timid and she will say nothing. The maintenance man will speak and he is aggressive and demanding. He went around today saying the meeting was mandatory. In reality, they cannot demand anyone be there. He tends to take “you must do this” stand with verbal harshness. He is a great guy doing a great job, but needs to temper his speech.
The biggest current issue revolves around the twins (as they are called). Two women from our building who are getting more and more annoying, but have probably already (or finally) crossed a line from which they cannot return. They have attacked and abused a disabled tenant for months. Last week one told him she was going to get a restraining order against him and they she did not want him in our building, the other building or even in the city or area. They have taunted him by moving his plants into the shade all summer. At one point he was so exasperated, he pulled all the plants out and threw them away. That, of course, upset nearly everyone. His plants were beautiful. Nothing was ever done to control their behavior. That only gave them more courage to ride him. He's had a tough time and several of us are worked hard to keep him in control and not set his self up for reprimand. It will all come to a head soon, but I hope that will not happen in the public meeting. They are impetuous people prone to instant response and action. A public statement on this situation could divide the group. It they just evict these two quietly, there will be less disruption. However nothing they do will happen quietly. If they do evict the twins, they will be very vocal and do all they can to mess the place up. By law they will have 20 days after the eviction is approved. But that means a court date and legal charges. There has to be supporting evidence.
We will see what happens.
Monday, November 29, 2010
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Maria, Maria, Maria. Give it a rest. You are going to wear everyone out.
She was up at 7:00 a.m. and found Rocky (maintenance man) working around here somewhere and got him to unlock the storage door so she could get the Christmas decorations. She now has boxes sitting in all the public areas. Looks really messy. I wouldn’t be surprised if that doesn’t set Olivia off I don’t know what will. Time to hide out.
The boxes would be open and decorations going up (at Marias direction) if she had her way. She found no recruits. So she began herself. If she does do it all-alone, she is going to be one angry puppy. She has set around some of the bigger decorative items downstairs, but let me know I was responsible to get the tree up. I didn’t answer – I smiled.
I distributed the December newsletter today. I listed a day to decorate all the spaces. We have our monthly residential meeting and birthday celebration on Thursday. A lot will be gathered, so I scheduled decorating after the meeting. May as well take advantage of recruiting from a larger group.
This morning I had to get all my doctors visits lined up and make sure I knew when the appointments are and where they are. I have five meeting in December. It was a good thing I checked. I had them all mixed up. A couple appointments were changed, one by the doctor and another by the weather. I have no idea how I got them all twisted around. It turned out that I did not even have an appointment with the podiatrist. Who knew? I was convinced that was my Friday appointment. No that’s for a mammogram. I have steadily growing and spread pain in my chest. Of all the things I am being referred for, this is one of two for which I have pain. The other is my left foot (good title for a movie).
I’m sure Maria was looking for me this afternoon, but I had much to do in my own apartment today. Since I am rarely here I guess she never thought to come to find me at my apartment. I did slip up stairs late this afternoon and she had nearly everything up. No one will need to help and she will be mad. I may try to put the tree up Wednesday during Bingo. That way there will be no one leaning over my shoulder telling me how to do it. I know how, really I do.
She was up at 7:00 a.m. and found Rocky (maintenance man) working around here somewhere and got him to unlock the storage door so she could get the Christmas decorations. She now has boxes sitting in all the public areas. Looks really messy. I wouldn’t be surprised if that doesn’t set Olivia off I don’t know what will. Time to hide out.
The boxes would be open and decorations going up (at Marias direction) if she had her way. She found no recruits. So she began herself. If she does do it all-alone, she is going to be one angry puppy. She has set around some of the bigger decorative items downstairs, but let me know I was responsible to get the tree up. I didn’t answer – I smiled.
I distributed the December newsletter today. I listed a day to decorate all the spaces. We have our monthly residential meeting and birthday celebration on Thursday. A lot will be gathered, so I scheduled decorating after the meeting. May as well take advantage of recruiting from a larger group.
This morning I had to get all my doctors visits lined up and make sure I knew when the appointments are and where they are. I have five meeting in December. It was a good thing I checked. I had them all mixed up. A couple appointments were changed, one by the doctor and another by the weather. I have no idea how I got them all twisted around. It turned out that I did not even have an appointment with the podiatrist. Who knew? I was convinced that was my Friday appointment. No that’s for a mammogram. I have steadily growing and spread pain in my chest. Of all the things I am being referred for, this is one of two for which I have pain. The other is my left foot (good title for a movie).
I’m sure Maria was looking for me this afternoon, but I had much to do in my own apartment today. Since I am rarely here I guess she never thought to come to find me at my apartment. I did slip up stairs late this afternoon and she had nearly everything up. No one will need to help and she will be mad. I may try to put the tree up Wednesday during Bingo. That way there will be no one leaning over my shoulder telling me how to do it. I know how, really I do.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
REAL MEN CRY
I just finished watching the Hallmark presentation of “November Christmas.” I can’t go to bed yet. My eyes are still watering. I love the Hallmark specials. They always make me cry. Real men cry. I only said that because I cry. Hallmark used to have a series a commercials (long time ago – maybe a 100 years) that made me cry. They have always been able to suck a tear out of me within 60 seconds.
I think there is nothing like a good cry. It clears the tear ducts and drains the sinus. I don’t know if they need to be cleared on a regular basis, but all I need is a tender moment. It has never taken much. I have never tried to hide my tears. They have become a badge of courage. Of course, I come by it naturally — my dad was a crier.
I do find it hard to believe how much I’m like my father. There was an extended period in my teens (those horrible obnoxious years) when I was absolutely convinced I was adopted. I saw myself as so different from the rest of them that I just have to be adopted. It’s a natural time when teens begin to pull away from out parents. I wanted to run away. But then, where would I go. I liked my bed and having food on the table.
I was not like my brothers and father. I did not repair things, building things or ever became handy with tools. U never wanted to fight and never carried brass knuckles just in case there was a great fight after school. I liked art, any kind of art. I drew and, loved clay, building things with Lincoln Logs, my Erector set, or the little tiny white blocks that that were a predecessor of Lego’s.
I did not see myself going bald like dad. My hair was too thick. Well, I have kept my hair but almost everything else is just like him. I walk with the same limp. From the back I look just like him, I’m told. My family says I laugh just like him. I’m looking more and more like him and can now see myself in him when we were both in our twenties. I am my father’s son. I’m proud to be like Dad. He was a very godly man and read the Bible through every year. I haven’t done that. I have accepted everything about being like my dad — especially the tears. I feel terrific after a great cry.
I think there is nothing like a good cry. It clears the tear ducts and drains the sinus. I don’t know if they need to be cleared on a regular basis, but all I need is a tender moment. It has never taken much. I have never tried to hide my tears. They have become a badge of courage. Of course, I come by it naturally — my dad was a crier.
I do find it hard to believe how much I’m like my father. There was an extended period in my teens (those horrible obnoxious years) when I was absolutely convinced I was adopted. I saw myself as so different from the rest of them that I just have to be adopted. It’s a natural time when teens begin to pull away from out parents. I wanted to run away. But then, where would I go. I liked my bed and having food on the table.
I was not like my brothers and father. I did not repair things, building things or ever became handy with tools. U never wanted to fight and never carried brass knuckles just in case there was a great fight after school. I liked art, any kind of art. I drew and, loved clay, building things with Lincoln Logs, my Erector set, or the little tiny white blocks that that were a predecessor of Lego’s.
I did not see myself going bald like dad. My hair was too thick. Well, I have kept my hair but almost everything else is just like him. I walk with the same limp. From the back I look just like him, I’m told. My family says I laugh just like him. I’m looking more and more like him and can now see myself in him when we were both in our twenties. I am my father’s son. I’m proud to be like Dad. He was a very godly man and read the Bible through every year. I haven’t done that. I have accepted everything about being like my dad — especially the tears. I feel terrific after a great cry.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
AFTER THANKSGIVING
I’ve returned from a couple days with my daughter’s in-laws. They are very warm, loving and accepting people. They have included me in family activities since my wife died. They always have a houseful of activity with plenty of kids running around.
I returned to have my ear bent by those enjoying the activities at The Home. I flew under the radar for the rest of Friday, but had to get some laundry done. I went to work on the puzzle while my wash was going. People pass and gather in this lounge.
The first report was what I wanted to hear. The group who go together for a Thanksgiving potluck had a great time. There were nine, ten or fourteen depending on who was reporting. I’ll just say there were eleven. Maria was frustrated. She wanted people told what to bring so there would not be an abundance of the same dish. This ticked the two primary organizers, as they did not want that kind of pressure on anyone. It turned out well anyway. Most people just ignored Maria and did what they wanted, and a good time was had by all.
Friday was another story. All personnel from the executive offices had the day off. It was an extended weekend. That meant our maintenance man also had the day off. Maria went around getting people together to decorate for Christmas. She wanted someone (meaning Gail) to call him and request that he open the storage cupboard so they could have access to the decorations. Gail pointed out that it was his day off and they her request was not an emergency and she would not call him. Naturally, this upset Maria. However she had another reason to be upset.
It seems people got tired of her orders and directions. Several told her that if she wanted the place decorated she could do it herself. They had no intention of helping. When she asked why, one woman told her directly. There is only one way to do it and it is your way. We put things out and you move them. Or you tell us where things go and how you want them set. It is not a building activity, it is your activity and we want to cut out the middleman and just let you do it.
Maria has competition from the first floor. The resident directly under her also likes things her way. The two will continue to move things around, or remove things they don’t like until the season is over. Then they will both adjust things for the next several months with each accusing the other of interference. They are two of a kind.
Rachel has other problems. On Tuesday she had a run in with Chas. Chas had a slice of pie and cup of tea. It was 4:00 when he noticed Olivia had not yet come down so he went to the kitchen to begin cleaning up. As he was coming out into the commons room, he ran into Ruth at the garbage can and asked, “Where did you get that plate.” “What difference does it make?” “It’s mine.” She was about to throw away the plate. Chas had intended to continue using it. He told her that he would appreciate it if she did not touch his things.
She asked why make such a big deal. It’s not a big deal just leave my things alone. Stop yelling. I’m not yelling. Verna, am I yelling? Don’t get anyone else involved in this?
Chas went back to the fireplace. After Olivia apologized to Verna for being forced into involvement, she came over to the fireplace. She told Chas that he was rude and owed her an apology. I was not rude, I simply asked you to leave my things alone. You are turning everyone against me because you don’t like me. That was not the point. I just asked that you leave my things alone. You have made complaints about me at the office and someone from there just laughed it off and told me not to worry. She denied saying she had ever expressed concerns about me being on the second floor, I laughed.
She lied about that. On multiple occasions she has tried to get me to agree that Chas should not be in this building.
From there an explosion occurred in which Olivia told Chas that he had no business being in The Home on the first floor, on the second floor or any floor. She told him she was going to file a restraining order against him and wanted him out of the building, out of this complex and out of this city.
Chas went down to the office to see if someone was there, and then went back in about five minutes and Olivia started the attacks all over again.
This may backfire on Mrs. Perfect. The people on top are weary of her complaints and constant requests of an extremely minor degree. This may not be the final nail, but it will become another nail in her coffin. It was of her that out last maintenance man said, I just wish she would wake up on day and decide to be happy. Amen!
I returned to have my ear bent by those enjoying the activities at The Home. I flew under the radar for the rest of Friday, but had to get some laundry done. I went to work on the puzzle while my wash was going. People pass and gather in this lounge.
The first report was what I wanted to hear. The group who go together for a Thanksgiving potluck had a great time. There were nine, ten or fourteen depending on who was reporting. I’ll just say there were eleven. Maria was frustrated. She wanted people told what to bring so there would not be an abundance of the same dish. This ticked the two primary organizers, as they did not want that kind of pressure on anyone. It turned out well anyway. Most people just ignored Maria and did what they wanted, and a good time was had by all.
Friday was another story. All personnel from the executive offices had the day off. It was an extended weekend. That meant our maintenance man also had the day off. Maria went around getting people together to decorate for Christmas. She wanted someone (meaning Gail) to call him and request that he open the storage cupboard so they could have access to the decorations. Gail pointed out that it was his day off and they her request was not an emergency and she would not call him. Naturally, this upset Maria. However she had another reason to be upset.
It seems people got tired of her orders and directions. Several told her that if she wanted the place decorated she could do it herself. They had no intention of helping. When she asked why, one woman told her directly. There is only one way to do it and it is your way. We put things out and you move them. Or you tell us where things go and how you want them set. It is not a building activity, it is your activity and we want to cut out the middleman and just let you do it.
Maria has competition from the first floor. The resident directly under her also likes things her way. The two will continue to move things around, or remove things they don’t like until the season is over. Then they will both adjust things for the next several months with each accusing the other of interference. They are two of a kind.
Rachel has other problems. On Tuesday she had a run in with Chas. Chas had a slice of pie and cup of tea. It was 4:00 when he noticed Olivia had not yet come down so he went to the kitchen to begin cleaning up. As he was coming out into the commons room, he ran into Ruth at the garbage can and asked, “Where did you get that plate.” “What difference does it make?” “It’s mine.” She was about to throw away the plate. Chas had intended to continue using it. He told her that he would appreciate it if she did not touch his things.
She asked why make such a big deal. It’s not a big deal just leave my things alone. Stop yelling. I’m not yelling. Verna, am I yelling? Don’t get anyone else involved in this?
Chas went back to the fireplace. After Olivia apologized to Verna for being forced into involvement, she came over to the fireplace. She told Chas that he was rude and owed her an apology. I was not rude, I simply asked you to leave my things alone. You are turning everyone against me because you don’t like me. That was not the point. I just asked that you leave my things alone. You have made complaints about me at the office and someone from there just laughed it off and told me not to worry. She denied saying she had ever expressed concerns about me being on the second floor, I laughed.
She lied about that. On multiple occasions she has tried to get me to agree that Chas should not be in this building.
From there an explosion occurred in which Olivia told Chas that he had no business being in The Home on the first floor, on the second floor or any floor. She told him she was going to file a restraining order against him and wanted him out of the building, out of this complex and out of this city.
Chas went down to the office to see if someone was there, and then went back in about five minutes and Olivia started the attacks all over again.
This may backfire on Mrs. Perfect. The people on top are weary of her complaints and constant requests of an extremely minor degree. This may not be the final nail, but it will become another nail in her coffin. It was of her that out last maintenance man said, I just wish she would wake up on day and decide to be happy. Amen!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
BLACK FRIDAY
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, is historically one of the busiest retail shopping days of the year. Many consider it the "official" beginning to the holiday season. I call it the official beginning of complete hysteria. Most retailers will open very early and provide massive discounts on a select number and quantity of their products. You must be the first in line and wait all night to get the deal. The opening times vary and are complete insanity. Just tonight TV commercials reported stores opening at midnight, 3:00 a.m., 4:00 a.m., 5:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. One store (I cannot remember which is opening Thanksgiving Day at 4:00 p.m. Others will be open most of the day. Soon we will have to cancel Thanksgiving so as not to interfere with the Black Friday sales.
Although Black Friday is typically the busiest shopping day of the year in terms of customer traffic, it is not typically the day with the highest sales volume. It is just the craziest day. The highest sales are usually either Christmas Eve or the last Saturday before Christmas.
The origin of the name, "Black Friday" does not come from any color or movie title by the same name. Back in the very olden days when accounting records were kept by hand, red ink indicated financial loss while black ink indicated profit, thus coining the popular fiscal terms of being "in the red," (losing money) or "in the black" (profitable). This term only dates to the 70-s and came into popular use in 2002. I guess they have been struggling all year and in this last month they make it all back and can go home to a good Christmas. Of course, the nest day they have to go back to work and take all the things back again.
Canadians don’t have to deal with all this nonsense and maniacal behaviors, lucky people, then neither so I. I don’t receive the 10 pounds of newspaper ads on Thursday so don’t wade through them. I have no reason to head out in the middle of the night to shop. Sanity and safety is more important to me than standing in a line for two hours to save a few dollars. Besides, I can’t stand that long any more.
No, I will sleep in. I will roll over about 7:00 a.m., shut my eyes again and go back to sleep. I’m in not hurry. My Christmas shopping is done. I did it last month. A habit I picked up from my wife.
Although Black Friday is typically the busiest shopping day of the year in terms of customer traffic, it is not typically the day with the highest sales volume. It is just the craziest day. The highest sales are usually either Christmas Eve or the last Saturday before Christmas.
The origin of the name, "Black Friday" does not come from any color or movie title by the same name. Back in the very olden days when accounting records were kept by hand, red ink indicated financial loss while black ink indicated profit, thus coining the popular fiscal terms of being "in the red," (losing money) or "in the black" (profitable). This term only dates to the 70-s and came into popular use in 2002. I guess they have been struggling all year and in this last month they make it all back and can go home to a good Christmas. Of course, the nest day they have to go back to work and take all the things back again.
Canadians don’t have to deal with all this nonsense and maniacal behaviors, lucky people, then neither so I. I don’t receive the 10 pounds of newspaper ads on Thursday so don’t wade through them. I have no reason to head out in the middle of the night to shop. Sanity and safety is more important to me than standing in a line for two hours to save a few dollars. Besides, I can’t stand that long any more.
No, I will sleep in. I will roll over about 7:00 a.m., shut my eyes again and go back to sleep. I’m in not hurry. My Christmas shopping is done. I did it last month. A habit I picked up from my wife.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
LET IT SNOW.
Winter has arrived in the northwest. While it is often cool here in the winter, there is rarely much snow. It’s going to be different this year.
When I awoke yesterday I looked out the window about 7:00 a.m. It looked like frost on the sidewalks. About two hours later I left to join the coffee group in the other building. To my surprise, it was snowing. There were beautiful, light and very tiny snow-lakes accumulating on the ground. And it was cold. The cold reminded me of my college days in the prairies of Canada when we dumb students ran between the dorm and administration without coats. It was chilly, but we were tough.
As we sat around a table yakking it up about the snow and how pretty if was becoming. It was really beginning to sick. It’s early for snow in this area. The ski resorts are happy, but we are at sea level. We should be seeing this in the mountains above out heads. The snow would pick and slow down, but it never stopped. The wind began to pick up and at one time it reminded me of Canadian snow. It was rushing past the windows horizontally. It reminded me of some Canadian snowstorms I in which I had been caught.
By the 5:00 news the TV stations are reporting heavy ice, crashes, sliding and horrible conditions. The tenants from the Midwest and northern states began the normal belittling of drivers from the west and south letting everyone know these people don’t know how to drive in weather like this. Frankly it was getting so bad few seemed to know how to drive. The roads and sidewalks were all ice. There were traffic jams and stranded motorist everywhere.
My daughter gets to work in about 30 minutes. It took here nearly 3 hours to get home. This was the story everywhere. Out power went out and a small party gathered outside my door. There are emergency lights in the hall. Most of us ignored the “no candles” rule just so we could see. Using my cell I reached my family to see how they were doing. They had also lost power. Ours came back on about 30 minutes later. It is now Wednesday night and there is still no power in their area. We learned that 200 transformers were out in our county and at noon only 30 were back on. They came in to my place to get warm and have supper, but nothing I did could convince them to stay. They went back home to sleep. They like a cold room. Good, temperatures remain in the teens. Personally, I like heat.
They are projecting this weather to last through Thursday — thanksgiving. I expect the traffic to be unforgiving. We will leave for the other grandparents house and pray the heat stays on there. If I were going to freeze, I would rather do it at home.
When I awoke yesterday I looked out the window about 7:00 a.m. It looked like frost on the sidewalks. About two hours later I left to join the coffee group in the other building. To my surprise, it was snowing. There were beautiful, light and very tiny snow-lakes accumulating on the ground. And it was cold. The cold reminded me of my college days in the prairies of Canada when we dumb students ran between the dorm and administration without coats. It was chilly, but we were tough.
As we sat around a table yakking it up about the snow and how pretty if was becoming. It was really beginning to sick. It’s early for snow in this area. The ski resorts are happy, but we are at sea level. We should be seeing this in the mountains above out heads. The snow would pick and slow down, but it never stopped. The wind began to pick up and at one time it reminded me of Canadian snow. It was rushing past the windows horizontally. It reminded me of some Canadian snowstorms I in which I had been caught.
By the 5:00 news the TV stations are reporting heavy ice, crashes, sliding and horrible conditions. The tenants from the Midwest and northern states began the normal belittling of drivers from the west and south letting everyone know these people don’t know how to drive in weather like this. Frankly it was getting so bad few seemed to know how to drive. The roads and sidewalks were all ice. There were traffic jams and stranded motorist everywhere.
My daughter gets to work in about 30 minutes. It took here nearly 3 hours to get home. This was the story everywhere. Out power went out and a small party gathered outside my door. There are emergency lights in the hall. Most of us ignored the “no candles” rule just so we could see. Using my cell I reached my family to see how they were doing. They had also lost power. Ours came back on about 30 minutes later. It is now Wednesday night and there is still no power in their area. We learned that 200 transformers were out in our county and at noon only 30 were back on. They came in to my place to get warm and have supper, but nothing I did could convince them to stay. They went back home to sleep. They like a cold room. Good, temperatures remain in the teens. Personally, I like heat.
They are projecting this weather to last through Thursday — thanksgiving. I expect the traffic to be unforgiving. We will leave for the other grandparents house and pray the heat stays on there. If I were going to freeze, I would rather do it at home.
Friday, November 19, 2010
THE ROYAL PRISON
This post is much longer than usual. I didn't write it, but I thought it was funny. With all the women who have dreamt of being a princess some day and even possibly marrying Prince William, this description of Royal life will give pause.
Millions of young women may envy of Kate Middleton’s engagement to Prince William, but Andrew Roberts says they should be relieved to miss out on the onerous, boring, and unending life of being a royal.
Across the globe, socially ambitious young ladies are sighing over the fact that Prince William, the world’s most eligible bachelor, has finally gotten engaged. Their wild hopes that perhaps he might have repeated his April 2007 breakup, leaving Kate in the lurch once again, are now irrevocably dashed. As their gaze now swivels elsewhere—to pop stars, hedge-funders, social networking tycoons, even Prince Harry—they are awaking from the dream of marrying the tall, blond Adonically handsome cavalry officer prince at Westminster Abbey. Yet even as they cross off Prince William from their little black address books, they can console themselves with this thought: being a royal in the 21st century is appallingly hard work, where the disadvantages easily equal, and probably outweigh, the advantages.
In the calendar year 2009, Her Majesty the Queen undertook no fewer than 409 official engagements, i.e., more than one a day. She is 84 years old. Except for Christmas Day and Easter Day, she never has a day away from her government red boxes, which follow her everywhere. Although Kate will obviously not be head of state, it is an indication of how busy her husband will be, and she will be expected to be with him on all the most important engagements. Yet she will also be expected to undertake hundreds of engagements on her own as well, and will be minutely judged on each of them.
She cannot say anything controversial, or indeed particularly interesting, for the rest of her life, otherwise she will be castigated in the press. She can never again express a political opinion of any kind whatsoever, because the most important constitutional duty of the royal family is to be above politics. Even if she winds up knowing much more about a subject than government ministers—as is often the case with the royal family regarding conservation, environmental, agricultural and heritage issues—she must keep resolutely silent about them in public. Even in private she must be highly circumspect, otherwise the politicians or civil servants will leak her letters, as has happened recently to Prince Charles.
• William & Kate: Photos, News, and More Her income will be publicly picked over to the last pound sterling in House of Commons committees, and she cannot spend lavishly even her own private money. Every item of expenditure at her wedding will be subjected to intense media scrutiny, especially at this time of austerity. Almost every holiday—and there are precious few—will be a “working” holiday of some kind where she will have to meet and greet local worthies. If she is ever once caught yawning during an interminable tribal dance in Papua New Guinea, the photo will haunt her for decades.
Everything she wears every single day will be commented on and picked over and judged in the newspapers day in, day out. In this era of the telephoto lens, she can have no bad hair days for the rest of her life. The days of mildly malicious gossipy lunches with friends are over, as are nightclubbing, flirting, and drinking more than two glasses of wine, for fear of the paparazzi snapping a flushed face. Yet however glamorous she dresses and lovely she looks, it could be decades before she is allowed to emerge from the shadow of her iconic mother-in-law, as she will be reminded whenever she looks at her engagement ring.
When she visits her in-laws in Scotland, she must pretend to enjoy being woken up at 6:15 every morning by bagpipers at Balmoral, and enjoy the cold and damp and Wellington boots of the House of Windsor’s hearty outdoors life. She must deal with the inanities, bitchiness, and pettiness of life at court, and she must also be a role model for millions of women, who will look up to her and expect her to say the right thing all the time. She must personify honor, duty, and diligence, otherwise she will be compared unfavorably to the present queen, who promised on her 21st birthday to dedicate her life to her people, and then spent the next 63 years doing exactly that.
So Kate must open schools, hospitals, and community centers, whether she feels up to it or not, scores of times every year for the rest of her life, and be seen to enjoy it. She must be bland when she does so, but also compassionate, interested, and caring. She must shake hands with hundreds of thousands of complete strangers and show interest in their lives, even though she will never see them again.
She must have at least two healthy photogenic offspring, preferably more, of whom at least one is expected to be male, whom she must try to bring up as normal children even though patently obviously they are not. She and her husband and children could well be the target of assassination attempts, and will certainly receive constant death threats. She will almost never be praised in public except by oleaginous flatterers desperate for social advantage. She will not genuinely know how she is doing in her new job; there are no objective career assessment programs for royals.
When she visits her in-laws in Scotland, she must pretend to enjoy being woken up at 6:15 every morning by bagpipers at Balmoral.
When, after half a century of not putting a foot wrong in this most taxing of public roles, Queen Catherine of England becomes a national treasure—as I am certain she will—she will have more than deserved it. But in the meantime, all those young women around the world who were dreaming of becoming princesses should instead be thanking providence that Prince William chose someone else.
Historian Andrew Roberts' latest book, Masters and Commanders, was published in the UK in September. His previous books include Napoleon and Wellington, Hitler and Churchill, and A History of the English-Speaking Peoples Since 1900. Roberts is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the Royal Society of Arts.
Millions of young women may envy of Kate Middleton’s engagement to Prince William, but Andrew Roberts says they should be relieved to miss out on the onerous, boring, and unending life of being a royal.
Across the globe, socially ambitious young ladies are sighing over the fact that Prince William, the world’s most eligible bachelor, has finally gotten engaged. Their wild hopes that perhaps he might have repeated his April 2007 breakup, leaving Kate in the lurch once again, are now irrevocably dashed. As their gaze now swivels elsewhere—to pop stars, hedge-funders, social networking tycoons, even Prince Harry—they are awaking from the dream of marrying the tall, blond Adonically handsome cavalry officer prince at Westminster Abbey. Yet even as they cross off Prince William from their little black address books, they can console themselves with this thought: being a royal in the 21st century is appallingly hard work, where the disadvantages easily equal, and probably outweigh, the advantages.
In the calendar year 2009, Her Majesty the Queen undertook no fewer than 409 official engagements, i.e., more than one a day. She is 84 years old. Except for Christmas Day and Easter Day, she never has a day away from her government red boxes, which follow her everywhere. Although Kate will obviously not be head of state, it is an indication of how busy her husband will be, and she will be expected to be with him on all the most important engagements. Yet she will also be expected to undertake hundreds of engagements on her own as well, and will be minutely judged on each of them.
She cannot say anything controversial, or indeed particularly interesting, for the rest of her life, otherwise she will be castigated in the press. She can never again express a political opinion of any kind whatsoever, because the most important constitutional duty of the royal family is to be above politics. Even if she winds up knowing much more about a subject than government ministers—as is often the case with the royal family regarding conservation, environmental, agricultural and heritage issues—she must keep resolutely silent about them in public. Even in private she must be highly circumspect, otherwise the politicians or civil servants will leak her letters, as has happened recently to Prince Charles.
• William & Kate: Photos, News, and More Her income will be publicly picked over to the last pound sterling in House of Commons committees, and she cannot spend lavishly even her own private money. Every item of expenditure at her wedding will be subjected to intense media scrutiny, especially at this time of austerity. Almost every holiday—and there are precious few—will be a “working” holiday of some kind where she will have to meet and greet local worthies. If she is ever once caught yawning during an interminable tribal dance in Papua New Guinea, the photo will haunt her for decades.
Everything she wears every single day will be commented on and picked over and judged in the newspapers day in, day out. In this era of the telephoto lens, she can have no bad hair days for the rest of her life. The days of mildly malicious gossipy lunches with friends are over, as are nightclubbing, flirting, and drinking more than two glasses of wine, for fear of the paparazzi snapping a flushed face. Yet however glamorous she dresses and lovely she looks, it could be decades before she is allowed to emerge from the shadow of her iconic mother-in-law, as she will be reminded whenever she looks at her engagement ring.
When she visits her in-laws in Scotland, she must pretend to enjoy being woken up at 6:15 every morning by bagpipers at Balmoral, and enjoy the cold and damp and Wellington boots of the House of Windsor’s hearty outdoors life. She must deal with the inanities, bitchiness, and pettiness of life at court, and she must also be a role model for millions of women, who will look up to her and expect her to say the right thing all the time. She must personify honor, duty, and diligence, otherwise she will be compared unfavorably to the present queen, who promised on her 21st birthday to dedicate her life to her people, and then spent the next 63 years doing exactly that.
So Kate must open schools, hospitals, and community centers, whether she feels up to it or not, scores of times every year for the rest of her life, and be seen to enjoy it. She must be bland when she does so, but also compassionate, interested, and caring. She must shake hands with hundreds of thousands of complete strangers and show interest in their lives, even though she will never see them again.
She must have at least two healthy photogenic offspring, preferably more, of whom at least one is expected to be male, whom she must try to bring up as normal children even though patently obviously they are not. She and her husband and children could well be the target of assassination attempts, and will certainly receive constant death threats. She will almost never be praised in public except by oleaginous flatterers desperate for social advantage. She will not genuinely know how she is doing in her new job; there are no objective career assessment programs for royals.
When she visits her in-laws in Scotland, she must pretend to enjoy being woken up at 6:15 every morning by bagpipers at Balmoral.
When, after half a century of not putting a foot wrong in this most taxing of public roles, Queen Catherine of England becomes a national treasure—as I am certain she will—she will have more than deserved it. But in the meantime, all those young women around the world who were dreaming of becoming princesses should instead be thanking providence that Prince William chose someone else.
Historian Andrew Roberts' latest book, Masters and Commanders, was published in the UK in September. His previous books include Napoleon and Wellington, Hitler and Churchill, and A History of the English-Speaking Peoples Since 1900. Roberts is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the Royal Society of Arts.
Monday, November 15, 2010
THE MANIPULATOR
The controller is always the controller — right up to the end. It was Maria in all her anguished glory working her magic behind the scenes. I call it manipulation, but she has a way of framing it as help.
I wandered in on her and a group sitting around the table trying to organize car rides for our meal out today. It didn’t seem to matter that most of those people had been whining about the Housing Association making the van available to us for a longer outing and that they had all signed up to ride n the van to take us to the best fish and chips eatery in the area. Humongous pieces of fish!
At that time, I was trying to explain that we needed that van to be full or there may not be another time to use the van. We need their van because it will carry wheelchairs. I thought everything was settled and that group had agreed to ride the van. Wrong!
I stayed away from people for the weekend. My granddaughter came and helped me get my place cleaned up. I love having her around. But at coffee this morning the manipulation to take cars was back on. Maria calculated that there were at least twelve taking the van. Yes, but she was trying to get most of them to switch to cars. I questioned her again and she said she was on track to ride the van. Wrong.
At time to go, the big van was in front loading Chas (a big man), and I brought my van around to take another wheelchair resident. Our driver was nervous just getting Chas loaded. She tried several times to get the lift to go up and nothing happened. I prayed silently and the lift when up. Whew! Two others got in the van. After checking it out, I went to the crowd at the door just hanging out and guess what. You guessed it. Maria was organizing cars saying there was not enough room for everyone in the van. I began talking over her and said we have room for ten more in the van. They stood there and looked at me with their eyes saying: ”Are you crazy?” Well no. I don’t think so. I just wanted the Housing Association to be willing to use the van again in the future for us.
I need ten more people for the van. The driver asked Maria if they should go in the van. I didn’t wait for Maria to answer I said take the van. Let them pay the gas. Finally all moved and boarded. There was still one empty seat.
The rest of the day went great. There was one waitress who handled 22 of us in a separate room and another dozen or more in the dining room. We were in and out of there in 70 minutes. I thought that was terrific. Naturally there were some complaints about slowness, but after I stuff a whole piece of boiling hot fish down their throat, the complaining stopped. The ambulance arrived quickly to take the two women away. Then it was a better afternoon.
I wandered in on her and a group sitting around the table trying to organize car rides for our meal out today. It didn’t seem to matter that most of those people had been whining about the Housing Association making the van available to us for a longer outing and that they had all signed up to ride n the van to take us to the best fish and chips eatery in the area. Humongous pieces of fish!
At that time, I was trying to explain that we needed that van to be full or there may not be another time to use the van. We need their van because it will carry wheelchairs. I thought everything was settled and that group had agreed to ride the van. Wrong!
I stayed away from people for the weekend. My granddaughter came and helped me get my place cleaned up. I love having her around. But at coffee this morning the manipulation to take cars was back on. Maria calculated that there were at least twelve taking the van. Yes, but she was trying to get most of them to switch to cars. I questioned her again and she said she was on track to ride the van. Wrong.
At time to go, the big van was in front loading Chas (a big man), and I brought my van around to take another wheelchair resident. Our driver was nervous just getting Chas loaded. She tried several times to get the lift to go up and nothing happened. I prayed silently and the lift when up. Whew! Two others got in the van. After checking it out, I went to the crowd at the door just hanging out and guess what. You guessed it. Maria was organizing cars saying there was not enough room for everyone in the van. I began talking over her and said we have room for ten more in the van. They stood there and looked at me with their eyes saying: ”Are you crazy?” Well no. I don’t think so. I just wanted the Housing Association to be willing to use the van again in the future for us.
I need ten more people for the van. The driver asked Maria if they should go in the van. I didn’t wait for Maria to answer I said take the van. Let them pay the gas. Finally all moved and boarded. There was still one empty seat.
The rest of the day went great. There was one waitress who handled 22 of us in a separate room and another dozen or more in the dining room. We were in and out of there in 70 minutes. I thought that was terrific. Naturally there were some complaints about slowness, but after I stuff a whole piece of boiling hot fish down their throat, the complaining stopped. The ambulance arrived quickly to take the two women away. Then it was a better afternoon.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
TALK TO ME
I would love some comments or reaction to the things I write. Of course, I realize I am never controversial and only write about things with which all would agree. And when I am not walking the line of universal opinion, I’m telling a story. I know everyone agrees with everything I say.
I suspect I am also frightening people away from places like “The Home.” Old age is frightening in it’s own way. It is not for the faint of heart. It takes, courage, strength and confidence to enter this phase of life. I know I entered it earlier than most of you will (66), but my circumstances led me to believe it was the best thing for me.
I believe I could have worked longer — maybe one year longer. But I have been alone since ’92. I’m not complaining, but physically I was wearing out and I wanted to be nearer my grand kids (oh and my daughter and her husband as well). I wanted to be here before they were all in their teen years and became too busy for any adult of any type unless that adult was driving them some place.
I got one year with the oldest, but I’m making up for it with her. I have hired her to clean my apartment. Yes, I can still clean, but my motive is to be near her, teach her a few things and increase our friendship. It’s too early to know if I am succeeding.
I am a social person. I need to be near people. Living in an independent living home with common meeting areas seemed right. I assumed I would meet more people and have some fun. Little did I know the kind of fun I would have. I laugh everyday and often. I laugh about how silly many of the people are. I laugh about their gossip — and, yes, I have said some things just to see how fast it would get around. The answer is within a half a day.
A sample: my doctor believes some of my physical issues stem form lactose intolerance. It is no big deal and I had no need to make an announcement, but I decided to tell one well-known gossip just to see what happens. I mentioned it to her early in the morning and by Bingo at 1:00 I had been approached by nine people expressing their concern with most asking what I was going to do about pumpkin pie. Pumpkin is my favorite pie. Several people bring me pieces and we will get one in the Thanksgiving basket we get next weekend. I will eat it. I‘m too addicted to give it away.
I did find a recipe on line for a dairy free pumpkin pie. It doesn’t sound too bad. I think I’ll try it.
Living in a home is an experience. If you are sensitive and your feeling get hurt easily, I don’t recommend it unless you intend to hibernate in your apartment. Then it works and we have about a third of the residents we never see. There are people here I have never met and I’ve been here two years. But if you are like a duck and most things just run off your back, “The Home” is a blast.
I love being near my family and like not living with them. Their lives are too hectic and their house is too small for me to be part of their household. Besides, we all love each other and I want to keep it that way.
I suspect I am also frightening people away from places like “The Home.” Old age is frightening in it’s own way. It is not for the faint of heart. It takes, courage, strength and confidence to enter this phase of life. I know I entered it earlier than most of you will (66), but my circumstances led me to believe it was the best thing for me.
I believe I could have worked longer — maybe one year longer. But I have been alone since ’92. I’m not complaining, but physically I was wearing out and I wanted to be nearer my grand kids (oh and my daughter and her husband as well). I wanted to be here before they were all in their teen years and became too busy for any adult of any type unless that adult was driving them some place.
I got one year with the oldest, but I’m making up for it with her. I have hired her to clean my apartment. Yes, I can still clean, but my motive is to be near her, teach her a few things and increase our friendship. It’s too early to know if I am succeeding.
I am a social person. I need to be near people. Living in an independent living home with common meeting areas seemed right. I assumed I would meet more people and have some fun. Little did I know the kind of fun I would have. I laugh everyday and often. I laugh about how silly many of the people are. I laugh about their gossip — and, yes, I have said some things just to see how fast it would get around. The answer is within a half a day.
A sample: my doctor believes some of my physical issues stem form lactose intolerance. It is no big deal and I had no need to make an announcement, but I decided to tell one well-known gossip just to see what happens. I mentioned it to her early in the morning and by Bingo at 1:00 I had been approached by nine people expressing their concern with most asking what I was going to do about pumpkin pie. Pumpkin is my favorite pie. Several people bring me pieces and we will get one in the Thanksgiving basket we get next weekend. I will eat it. I‘m too addicted to give it away.
I did find a recipe on line for a dairy free pumpkin pie. It doesn’t sound too bad. I think I’ll try it.
Living in a home is an experience. If you are sensitive and your feeling get hurt easily, I don’t recommend it unless you intend to hibernate in your apartment. Then it works and we have about a third of the residents we never see. There are people here I have never met and I’ve been here two years. But if you are like a duck and most things just run off your back, “The Home” is a blast.
I love being near my family and like not living with them. Their lives are too hectic and their house is too small for me to be part of their household. Besides, we all love each other and I want to keep it that way.
Friday, November 12, 2010
MEAL OUT
I’m walking on air. I picked up a portrait commission from one of my four contacts at the Bazaar. It’s going to be a good Christmas — for my grand kids. And that will make it a great Christmas for me. Now that the area is expecting snow and for this December, my grandchildren will have the white Christmas they dream of. While it will be beautiful, it probably means that I will not be able to drive to my kids. The last hill into their place is so steep my non-four-wheel drive vehicle will not make it.
We had this same kind of weather two Christmas’ ago and we had to hike in through the forest. Doubt I could make it this time. Oh well, it will still be a great Christmas.
The administrators asked that I schedule a residents meeting and the monthly birthday celebration for the first Monday of the month. Today I am told no one can come on that day or any other day. In fact the two who need to be there cannot (read will not) come at all in December. Go figure. They have the information. They can make the decisions. They can give the answers at that time without running it through multiple channels. But they will send a likeable low on the totem pole woman who tries to appease everyone but cannot control the angry mob. It should be interesting.
Monday we have our dinner out. The most people we have ever had signed up to go — twenty. Today they have been cancelling out of riding in the van like flies under a flyswatter. And they are now making their own arrangements is various cars leaving the housings van nearly empty. People have been begging to have the van up and running. It is here for our use on Monday and it holds 15. All but three have made other arrangements. Chas cannot go anywhere without the van because of his weight and wheelchair. They will stop using the van and there will be another outcry. Go figure. We want the van but we don’t want to ride in it. I know why. Certain people do not want to share travel space with other people. Junior High children for sure. I am ready to send them to their room with a meal. Wish I could.
We had this same kind of weather two Christmas’ ago and we had to hike in through the forest. Doubt I could make it this time. Oh well, it will still be a great Christmas.
The administrators asked that I schedule a residents meeting and the monthly birthday celebration for the first Monday of the month. Today I am told no one can come on that day or any other day. In fact the two who need to be there cannot (read will not) come at all in December. Go figure. They have the information. They can make the decisions. They can give the answers at that time without running it through multiple channels. But they will send a likeable low on the totem pole woman who tries to appease everyone but cannot control the angry mob. It should be interesting.
Monday we have our dinner out. The most people we have ever had signed up to go — twenty. Today they have been cancelling out of riding in the van like flies under a flyswatter. And they are now making their own arrangements is various cars leaving the housings van nearly empty. People have been begging to have the van up and running. It is here for our use on Monday and it holds 15. All but three have made other arrangements. Chas cannot go anywhere without the van because of his weight and wheelchair. They will stop using the van and there will be another outcry. Go figure. We want the van but we don’t want to ride in it. I know why. Certain people do not want to share travel space with other people. Junior High children for sure. I am ready to send them to their room with a meal. Wish I could.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
HAPPY DAYS
There are days I just love The Home. There is nothing special about today, but this is one of the days. Maybe it’s just because I’m happy. Nothing special happened, there was no windfall – I am still broke, my apartment looks like a cyclone hit it. I brought everything back from the Bazaar and just dumped it. I am starting to put things away as my oldest granddaughter is coming tomorrow to help me clean. I just hate cleaning and she could use the month. However, she is so busy I have to work around her schedule. No problem. I can live in a pigsty.
Coffee was terrific this morning. Not the taste, the people. So much laughter! It seemed like everyone was hitting on all cylinders and cracking jokes one after the other. I would repeat them, but then I can’t remember them. They are really just wisecracks.
I have a namesake here that has many problems. He is one who should be in a care facility. He is not allowed to cook, as he may not turn the stove off. He may not microwave, as he may never get the right setting. He knows every bus route in the area and tells me where he is going using bus route numbers. I have no idea what he is talking about. I have not been on a bus since I was seventeen. I don’t even know this area very well yet. Anyway, Mr. Namesake always has questions and things to report. We are having another inspection. This one from one of the many lenders with money tied up here. He is a nervous wreck about what may happen. He need not be concerned. A church group comes one a week to make sure his apartment is respectable; He is OK, but still struggles.
He has had medications changed and he worries about that. These concerns are valid. He may not remember to take his medication. While he has many notes to remind him of things, he may not remember to read the notes. Today I heard all about his search for a girlfriend. He has a buddy who wants to set him up with the girlfriend of another guy. Are you following this? He doesn’t know if he should. I suggested that might not be wise, as the boyfriend may want to find you and pound on you. He was surprised. Do you think he will? What I know about his friends, I am sure he will.
I like my namesake. It is hard to have a conversation with him, but he is an innocent soul who has been mistreated much of his life and lived on the street far too long. He is the kind of guy that is hard to know where to slot him and how to really help him. He manages but gets nervous about new things. I told him that is normal. Most of us do. Do you. Yes, me too. He was surprised. I have tension all the time and have had most of my life. I’ve had so much that I tend to think tension is normal. The worst part is I have no reason to be tense, at least not that I can figure. Maybe he and I are more similar than I think.
Coffee was terrific this morning. Not the taste, the people. So much laughter! It seemed like everyone was hitting on all cylinders and cracking jokes one after the other. I would repeat them, but then I can’t remember them. They are really just wisecracks.
I have a namesake here that has many problems. He is one who should be in a care facility. He is not allowed to cook, as he may not turn the stove off. He may not microwave, as he may never get the right setting. He knows every bus route in the area and tells me where he is going using bus route numbers. I have no idea what he is talking about. I have not been on a bus since I was seventeen. I don’t even know this area very well yet. Anyway, Mr. Namesake always has questions and things to report. We are having another inspection. This one from one of the many lenders with money tied up here. He is a nervous wreck about what may happen. He need not be concerned. A church group comes one a week to make sure his apartment is respectable; He is OK, but still struggles.
He has had medications changed and he worries about that. These concerns are valid. He may not remember to take his medication. While he has many notes to remind him of things, he may not remember to read the notes. Today I heard all about his search for a girlfriend. He has a buddy who wants to set him up with the girlfriend of another guy. Are you following this? He doesn’t know if he should. I suggested that might not be wise, as the boyfriend may want to find you and pound on you. He was surprised. Do you think he will? What I know about his friends, I am sure he will.
I like my namesake. It is hard to have a conversation with him, but he is an innocent soul who has been mistreated much of his life and lived on the street far too long. He is the kind of guy that is hard to know where to slot him and how to really help him. He manages but gets nervous about new things. I told him that is normal. Most of us do. Do you. Yes, me too. He was surprised. I have tension all the time and have had most of my life. I’ve had so much that I tend to think tension is normal. The worst part is I have no reason to be tense, at least not that I can figure. Maybe he and I are more similar than I think.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
COMPLETE OVERHAUL
I am a very grateful person. I do not consider myself slow to give thanks, but I am often too quiet. There are few unexpected things that come my way for which I do not thank God. I am grateful for every good and perfect gift that comes from above. Neither am I unaware that most of those things came through people listening to the voice of God. To them I must express more thanks. I have begun working my way though the many people who lovingly surround me to make sure they know they are appreciated. They are and my family brings light to my existence.
I am in a strange phase of life. I visited my second doctor of the week today and told him I had to either get a completely new body or take this one in for a complete overhaul. After thinking for a while he suggested the full body overhaul. New bodies are hard to come by.
I am now being referred to an endless array of specialists. I am not an especially fearful person. My best friend who lives in another country (O Canada) is concerned about me often. I wrote to tell him of all that was happening and invited him to worry for me. He will. Of course, I didn’t have to ask and if one of us needs to worry, I would rather it be he than me. I love the Lord and am fine with my place in life. I joke with my daughter that I am worth more dead than alive. Don’t mistake any inference. I love life and am enjoying my place in life and have no interest in hastening the end, but I will welcome it when it comes.
Yesterday I met with a doctor to discuss an up coming colonoscopy and other rear end alignments issues. I like him and am OK with the procedure. I am not excited about it, but it is necessary. He also suggested that a number of other internal issues might relate to lactose intolerance. He asked me to cut out all dairy products for at least six months. Of course, I will but am crying about the lost of milk and ice cream. I am addicted to both. He told them there is soymilk and soy ice cream. Yuck! I had a housemate who was lactose intolerant. And he was surviving fine. I remember telling him at the time that I didn’t know if I could do it? We will now find out.
I am now being referred to a specialist about pain in my chest. No appointment yet. Today my own GP looked at my sore left foot and noticed that it turns in. I told it has turned in for 68 years. This is nothing new. He believes it may be the reason walking is getting increasingly difficult. My left foot starts hurting and then my right hip gives in. Now you know why I need an overhaul.
My eyesight is declining. I was recently given a prescription for new glasses but cannot afford them so continue to use what I have. I can see fine – until it gets dusky. The computer is fine. It has light behind the writing so I am doing my computer playing around as night begins to fall.
I’m sure there are other things that are wearing out. There seems to be a replacement for everything. I would rather keep the original equipment, but we do what we must. But with age comes increased medical issues. It is tough to accept a times, but we were not built to last forever. We wear out and our replacements are born everyday. I love the process of turning life over to my grandchildren just as long as they continue to love me in the process. They do. They make my day.
I am in a strange phase of life. I visited my second doctor of the week today and told him I had to either get a completely new body or take this one in for a complete overhaul. After thinking for a while he suggested the full body overhaul. New bodies are hard to come by.
I am now being referred to an endless array of specialists. I am not an especially fearful person. My best friend who lives in another country (O Canada) is concerned about me often. I wrote to tell him of all that was happening and invited him to worry for me. He will. Of course, I didn’t have to ask and if one of us needs to worry, I would rather it be he than me. I love the Lord and am fine with my place in life. I joke with my daughter that I am worth more dead than alive. Don’t mistake any inference. I love life and am enjoying my place in life and have no interest in hastening the end, but I will welcome it when it comes.
Yesterday I met with a doctor to discuss an up coming colonoscopy and other rear end alignments issues. I like him and am OK with the procedure. I am not excited about it, but it is necessary. He also suggested that a number of other internal issues might relate to lactose intolerance. He asked me to cut out all dairy products for at least six months. Of course, I will but am crying about the lost of milk and ice cream. I am addicted to both. He told them there is soymilk and soy ice cream. Yuck! I had a housemate who was lactose intolerant. And he was surviving fine. I remember telling him at the time that I didn’t know if I could do it? We will now find out.
I am now being referred to a specialist about pain in my chest. No appointment yet. Today my own GP looked at my sore left foot and noticed that it turns in. I told it has turned in for 68 years. This is nothing new. He believes it may be the reason walking is getting increasingly difficult. My left foot starts hurting and then my right hip gives in. Now you know why I need an overhaul.
My eyesight is declining. I was recently given a prescription for new glasses but cannot afford them so continue to use what I have. I can see fine – until it gets dusky. The computer is fine. It has light behind the writing so I am doing my computer playing around as night begins to fall.
I’m sure there are other things that are wearing out. There seems to be a replacement for everything. I would rather keep the original equipment, but we do what we must. But with age comes increased medical issues. It is tough to accept a times, but we were not built to last forever. We wear out and our replacements are born everyday. I love the process of turning life over to my grandchildren just as long as they continue to love me in the process. They do. They make my day.
Monday, November 8, 2010
IT IS FINISHED
The Bazaar is over. Our team loved the event and wants to do it again. We only had eleven vendors and everyone sold something. The Bazaar was not a massive financial success, but it was an emotional and unity building success. We have only one vendor complaining that the event was a giant waste of time. He lost money and resented being asked to contribute to the total expenses. At the moment he is bad-mouthing the event.
No one promised him anything. He knew and understood that since this was the first time we will learn some things and doubt it will be financial success. All but our one detractor are novices to sales and just thrilled that anyone would want anything they made.
Barb makes absolutely beautiful Afghan’s in the most contemporary colors. She sold two and was walking on air. Our big winner of the day was the baker who made a great variety of loaf breads. She made 24 and sold everyone of them. As usual, I brought too much of everything so lost money even though I made more money than I ever have at one of these events. I do have leads on four people who may possibly want some portraits. If this happens, I will be the big winner and actually make money for the very first time. Three are looking at having portraits done of their grandkids and they each have three. One is a single drawing. Just to get my name out there and begin making a name for myself my special offer was for headshots unmated and unframed for $100. It’s cheap but better than nothing. One of the resident’s daughters came along to help me get on EBay. I have been encouraged to do it before, but a bit nervous. There are parts of the Internet that make me nervous. If she successfully gets me going, I plan to double my prices to $200 for an 8-10 headshot. Prices go up from there. Hope it works before my hand begins to shake so bad I can no longer draw.
We are getting together as a group next week to evaluate the whole bazaar experience, make plans and recommendations. The best idea so far is to try and rent the church that two of us attend. Four times as much space, easier to find, less emotional stress and by opening it to artisans from the church we would have younger bodies to help set things up. It may also help draw people to the church (side benefit and selling point).
Working with management here was exhausting. Neither of the two people making decisions about what we can and cannot do came by to check it out. We learned that they thought our desire to decorate and hang some Christmas lights was a waste of time. They could at least have come by to see how beautiful their ugly room was.
I’m just a bitter old man. It is annoying to have to fight for everything we get. They have no concept that we are customers and not inmates. They are not the least bit interested in helping us enjoy life. They are pulling out their van for the first time in over a year to take us out for a meal next Monday. It has space for two wheelchairs. One of our residents can only be taken places in that van. He is too heavy for any personal vehicles and cannot transfer to a car seat anyway. Big boy! We almost had to send around one of the boys to break some arms to get this concession. They removed the position of activities director so we took over that responsibility but they would not give us any financial assistance because we were not employees. They stopped providing anything they had always done – coffee for coffee breaks, cakes for birthday parties, basic supplies for monthly potlucks, the van for a monthly outing or even to go shopping for groceries. We have only had the van for about a year. It was donated by a community organization and has sat unmoved for a year. Great use of resources! We are loved.
No one promised him anything. He knew and understood that since this was the first time we will learn some things and doubt it will be financial success. All but our one detractor are novices to sales and just thrilled that anyone would want anything they made.
Barb makes absolutely beautiful Afghan’s in the most contemporary colors. She sold two and was walking on air. Our big winner of the day was the baker who made a great variety of loaf breads. She made 24 and sold everyone of them. As usual, I brought too much of everything so lost money even though I made more money than I ever have at one of these events. I do have leads on four people who may possibly want some portraits. If this happens, I will be the big winner and actually make money for the very first time. Three are looking at having portraits done of their grandkids and they each have three. One is a single drawing. Just to get my name out there and begin making a name for myself my special offer was for headshots unmated and unframed for $100. It’s cheap but better than nothing. One of the resident’s daughters came along to help me get on EBay. I have been encouraged to do it before, but a bit nervous. There are parts of the Internet that make me nervous. If she successfully gets me going, I plan to double my prices to $200 for an 8-10 headshot. Prices go up from there. Hope it works before my hand begins to shake so bad I can no longer draw.
We are getting together as a group next week to evaluate the whole bazaar experience, make plans and recommendations. The best idea so far is to try and rent the church that two of us attend. Four times as much space, easier to find, less emotional stress and by opening it to artisans from the church we would have younger bodies to help set things up. It may also help draw people to the church (side benefit and selling point).
Working with management here was exhausting. Neither of the two people making decisions about what we can and cannot do came by to check it out. We learned that they thought our desire to decorate and hang some Christmas lights was a waste of time. They could at least have come by to see how beautiful their ugly room was.
I’m just a bitter old man. It is annoying to have to fight for everything we get. They have no concept that we are customers and not inmates. They are not the least bit interested in helping us enjoy life. They are pulling out their van for the first time in over a year to take us out for a meal next Monday. It has space for two wheelchairs. One of our residents can only be taken places in that van. He is too heavy for any personal vehicles and cannot transfer to a car seat anyway. Big boy! We almost had to send around one of the boys to break some arms to get this concession. They removed the position of activities director so we took over that responsibility but they would not give us any financial assistance because we were not employees. They stopped providing anything they had always done – coffee for coffee breaks, cakes for birthday parties, basic supplies for monthly potlucks, the van for a monthly outing or even to go shopping for groceries. We have only had the van for about a year. It was donated by a community organization and has sat unmoved for a year. Great use of resources! We are loved.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
NOT AGAIN!
Here we go again. It’s McDonalds all over. A woman is suing Starbucks saying they had the responsibility to let customers know that hot coffee can spill. Duh! What world is she from? If you don’t remember the McDonalds story, a few years back they were sued by a woman who placed a cup of hot coffee between her legs and it spilled scalding her… well her… never mind, you know where. I wonder if she took pictures for the court case? Don’t want to think about it (but, of course, I did).
Maybe I’m just old fashioned, but I have always known that 1) coffee is hot – unless you let it sit for a couple of hours. 2) Coffee can spill.
My experience with spilled drinks is vast. I am vague on my early years of spilling. but I know for sure I have spilled a taking truck load over the years. I have spilled water, mike, chocolate milk, Nesquik, Ovaltine, Koolaid, other forms of colored water, pop – most flavors except grapefruit – not my favorite. I have also spilled hot chocolate, tea and coffee. I have spilled more coffee in paper cups than in mugs. You would think everyone knows that something with a small base will spill with greater ease. I consider myself somewhat an expert on spilled drinks. I have been doing it all my life.
There are many ways to spill milk. You can do it intentionally, usually anger at yourself or someone else. That’s a really dumb idea, especially if you paid for it. This approach can hurt someone if throwing it is part of the spill. You can do it absently mindedly. Like reaching for something and accidentally hitting the container with your arm. This is the most common form of spilled drinks. Related to that method is absentmindedness. This is when you sit a drink someplace, like on the floor by your chair, than you get up and kick the container. It’s your fault, even if you blame someone else. You set it there and forgot. I don’t consider that horrible, just messy.
Some are overwhelmingly angry when you are the spiller. Admittedly they act like they have never spilled anything in their life. I want them to think! O course they have spilled. I have spilled more than drinks. Just the other day, I flipped a pancake and caught it on the edge of the frying pan and it flipped to the floor. It was gone. Even the three-second rule wasn’t acceptable to me. If you saw my floor, you would know why.
I’ve a couple recommendations for getting along in this world. 1) Everything is not someone else’s fault. 2) No adult needs a warning about things that should be common sense. If you do, sue your mother. She didn’t teach you common sense. That seems to be the most lacking quality in adult heads. And we blame our kids for their stupidity. Look where the other fingers are pointing.
Your comments are encouraged.
Maybe I’m just old fashioned, but I have always known that 1) coffee is hot – unless you let it sit for a couple of hours. 2) Coffee can spill.
My experience with spilled drinks is vast. I am vague on my early years of spilling. but I know for sure I have spilled a taking truck load over the years. I have spilled water, mike, chocolate milk, Nesquik, Ovaltine, Koolaid, other forms of colored water, pop – most flavors except grapefruit – not my favorite. I have also spilled hot chocolate, tea and coffee. I have spilled more coffee in paper cups than in mugs. You would think everyone knows that something with a small base will spill with greater ease. I consider myself somewhat an expert on spilled drinks. I have been doing it all my life.
There are many ways to spill milk. You can do it intentionally, usually anger at yourself or someone else. That’s a really dumb idea, especially if you paid for it. This approach can hurt someone if throwing it is part of the spill. You can do it absently mindedly. Like reaching for something and accidentally hitting the container with your arm. This is the most common form of spilled drinks. Related to that method is absentmindedness. This is when you sit a drink someplace, like on the floor by your chair, than you get up and kick the container. It’s your fault, even if you blame someone else. You set it there and forgot. I don’t consider that horrible, just messy.
Some are overwhelmingly angry when you are the spiller. Admittedly they act like they have never spilled anything in their life. I want them to think! O course they have spilled. I have spilled more than drinks. Just the other day, I flipped a pancake and caught it on the edge of the frying pan and it flipped to the floor. It was gone. Even the three-second rule wasn’t acceptable to me. If you saw my floor, you would know why.
I’ve a couple recommendations for getting along in this world. 1) Everything is not someone else’s fault. 2) No adult needs a warning about things that should be common sense. If you do, sue your mother. She didn’t teach you common sense. That seems to be the most lacking quality in adult heads. And we blame our kids for their stupidity. Look where the other fingers are pointing.
Your comments are encouraged.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
CRAZY OR SENILE
Ethel and Rose are both in a panic. They are convinced someone has broke into their apartments. Ethel believes it has happened twice. People are calling them crazy or senile.
That makes them angry. My question of the day is: Who is the best just of whether you are crazy or senile? Is it you or those close around you?
We have a new front entry lock system. It opens both front doors with a single key. The doors remain open 30 seconds after you turn the key. Until you stand around and time 30 seconds, it seems short, but most agree the doors remain open longer than necessary. Many complain that someone could come in after them. I suppose it’s possible. I do wonder what kind of idiot burglar would waste their time breaking into a building with people wandering around the halls, and why would they choose a government financially assisted living facility to rob when there are dozens of better places nearby? And why choose Ethel twice?
Ethel’s apartment is not the easiest to reach. She is in the middle of the hallway. Why not choose an apartment on the end – near the stairs. I know there are stupid criminals, but twice in the same apartment just days apart and not entering any others? Doesn’t make sense. Besides, how much valuable jewelry and silver does she have? Possible, but not plausible!
Rose on the other had, is still convinced someone broke into her apartment and messed around with her computer changing setting and moving things. Now why on earth would anyone do that? There are not more than two people in our entire complex that may know enough about computers to do what she says they did. Wrong generation. Not plausible. She is convinced they have it out for her and are trying to mess with her head. Now that is plausible.
I mentioned a few questions to help her see other possibilities. 1) Is she on line? Yes. 2) Does her computer have a virus? I don’t know. 3) Do family or friends have access to her apartment? No, the door is always locked. She absolutely cannot accept the possibility that her computer has a virus or a hacker got into her computer. So I guess, the only other option is a break-in.
Both women are loud and terrified and spreading panic throughout The Home. At least things are exciting. They are angry at the administration and demanding that they beef up our security. They are annoyed the administration did not do something and simply told them to call the police. They want cameras installed at all doorways, common areas and hallways. It will never happen. Ethel plans to install a nanny cam pointed at her door. Great idea. She might catch herself breaking in. Rose believes someone can get in her apartment from the ground despite no evidence even hinting at the possibility. When the police came yesterday the dirt on her windowsill was undisturbed.
Back to my original question: Who is the best just of whether you are crazy or senile? Do you know if you are going crazy? Do you know when is senility is setting in? Can you be paranoid without knowing for sure you are being followed or that everyone is out to get you? YES!
I know — I should have written something about last nights election, but the wrong people got elected. So not make any sudden judgment about my political believes as I would have said that about anyone who got elected. I wanted to check off “none of the above.”
That makes them angry. My question of the day is: Who is the best just of whether you are crazy or senile? Is it you or those close around you?
We have a new front entry lock system. It opens both front doors with a single key. The doors remain open 30 seconds after you turn the key. Until you stand around and time 30 seconds, it seems short, but most agree the doors remain open longer than necessary. Many complain that someone could come in after them. I suppose it’s possible. I do wonder what kind of idiot burglar would waste their time breaking into a building with people wandering around the halls, and why would they choose a government financially assisted living facility to rob when there are dozens of better places nearby? And why choose Ethel twice?
Ethel’s apartment is not the easiest to reach. She is in the middle of the hallway. Why not choose an apartment on the end – near the stairs. I know there are stupid criminals, but twice in the same apartment just days apart and not entering any others? Doesn’t make sense. Besides, how much valuable jewelry and silver does she have? Possible, but not plausible!
Rose on the other had, is still convinced someone broke into her apartment and messed around with her computer changing setting and moving things. Now why on earth would anyone do that? There are not more than two people in our entire complex that may know enough about computers to do what she says they did. Wrong generation. Not plausible. She is convinced they have it out for her and are trying to mess with her head. Now that is plausible.
I mentioned a few questions to help her see other possibilities. 1) Is she on line? Yes. 2) Does her computer have a virus? I don’t know. 3) Do family or friends have access to her apartment? No, the door is always locked. She absolutely cannot accept the possibility that her computer has a virus or a hacker got into her computer. So I guess, the only other option is a break-in.
Both women are loud and terrified and spreading panic throughout The Home. At least things are exciting. They are angry at the administration and demanding that they beef up our security. They are annoyed the administration did not do something and simply told them to call the police. They want cameras installed at all doorways, common areas and hallways. It will never happen. Ethel plans to install a nanny cam pointed at her door. Great idea. She might catch herself breaking in. Rose believes someone can get in her apartment from the ground despite no evidence even hinting at the possibility. When the police came yesterday the dirt on her windowsill was undisturbed.
Back to my original question: Who is the best just of whether you are crazy or senile? Do you know if you are going crazy? Do you know when is senility is setting in? Can you be paranoid without knowing for sure you are being followed or that everyone is out to get you? YES!
I know — I should have written something about last nights election, but the wrong people got elected. So not make any sudden judgment about my political believes as I would have said that about anyone who got elected. I wanted to check off “none of the above.”
Sunday, October 31, 2010
TALK, TALK, TALK
I admit I cringe every time Anna is in my presence. She is a nice enough person. She has one of the most interesting life stories of anyone I know. She not a bad person at all! She is just a talker. And she does not know when to stop talking.
If I am at the puzzle room, she does not bother me. She comes, sits and talks until I leave or someone else comes. I do not believe she knows how to end a conversation, or take a breath. If you would want to respond (which is really not necessary) you would have to jump in and interrupt. The occasional head nod, grunt or “ahem” will satisfy.
If I would actually listen I would know more about her family than I want to. I really don’t want to know much. She talks about the people she has met throughout the day. People she has gone to school with grown up with and worked with. Since she stops and talks to everyone she knows hundreds — maybe even thousand. Dare I say millions — feels like it? AND she wants to tell everyone she knows everything there is to know about everyone she knows. I am tearing my hair out as I write.
She popped in yesterday. I called at the door for her to come in, but had to go answer because she did not come in. She was talking to my neighbor while knocking at my door. I knew I was in trouble as soon as I saw her. She came to give me information I needed to make labels for her bazaar baking. It was written down (as I requested). I asked about the other things she is to provide: like the price she is charging and how many labels she needed. The whole thing should have taken two minutes. Maybe four minutes with some niceties thrown in.
Forty-five minutes later I gave up trying to hint at her leaving and told her I had to go to the restroom and stood up. She still went on another five minutes. I actually went into the bathroom, closed the door before she would leave. It made me miss a show I would have liked to watch. I now know that hinting is insufficient.
She called back today to ask about an item on the information sheet. We had covered it last night. The call was unnecessary. I don’t know why, but I have never liked telephones. To me they are for passing on information or making arrangements. Get what you need and get off the phone. As soon as I heard her voice, I became very direct and somewhat confrontational. I wanted off the phone. Naturally she had stories to tell me. I told her I did not have time for her stories. I didn’t. That did not stop her.
I did some laundry tonight and she caught me in the laundry room and began her stories right away. I would love to tell you what she said, but I didn’t listen. I walked out of the room when I got my things in the washer and she followed me to the puzzle table and kept the story going. She was there over a half hour until someone came to get her to show her something. Blessed is the woman who wanted to show her something. They left together.
If I am at the puzzle room, she does not bother me. She comes, sits and talks until I leave or someone else comes. I do not believe she knows how to end a conversation, or take a breath. If you would want to respond (which is really not necessary) you would have to jump in and interrupt. The occasional head nod, grunt or “ahem” will satisfy.
If I would actually listen I would know more about her family than I want to. I really don’t want to know much. She talks about the people she has met throughout the day. People she has gone to school with grown up with and worked with. Since she stops and talks to everyone she knows hundreds — maybe even thousand. Dare I say millions — feels like it? AND she wants to tell everyone she knows everything there is to know about everyone she knows. I am tearing my hair out as I write.
She popped in yesterday. I called at the door for her to come in, but had to go answer because she did not come in. She was talking to my neighbor while knocking at my door. I knew I was in trouble as soon as I saw her. She came to give me information I needed to make labels for her bazaar baking. It was written down (as I requested). I asked about the other things she is to provide: like the price she is charging and how many labels she needed. The whole thing should have taken two minutes. Maybe four minutes with some niceties thrown in.
Forty-five minutes later I gave up trying to hint at her leaving and told her I had to go to the restroom and stood up. She still went on another five minutes. I actually went into the bathroom, closed the door before she would leave. It made me miss a show I would have liked to watch. I now know that hinting is insufficient.
She called back today to ask about an item on the information sheet. We had covered it last night. The call was unnecessary. I don’t know why, but I have never liked telephones. To me they are for passing on information or making arrangements. Get what you need and get off the phone. As soon as I heard her voice, I became very direct and somewhat confrontational. I wanted off the phone. Naturally she had stories to tell me. I told her I did not have time for her stories. I didn’t. That did not stop her.
I did some laundry tonight and she caught me in the laundry room and began her stories right away. I would love to tell you what she said, but I didn’t listen. I walked out of the room when I got my things in the washer and she followed me to the puzzle table and kept the story going. She was there over a half hour until someone came to get her to show her something. Blessed is the woman who wanted to show her something. They left together.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
THEY DIDN'T COME
Yesterday was a huge disappointment to twelve from The Home. We had planned our annual Halloween potluck and only twelve showed up. Potlucks are the largest attended event we have each month. So—there was shock and dismay and disappointment and a ton of food left over. They spent most of their time trying to figure out what happened. I think I know.
One lady who loves to dress-up and who is in charge of the kitchen suggested we encourage our people to get into costume. While there was no demand such as “wear a costume or die,” it did say, “Please wear a costume.” I guess “please” is a very powerful word. I suspect that scared them off. Few ever want to do anything out of the ordinary! On the bright side, there were twelve people having a wonderful meal all dressed in costume. And of course, I was not one of them.
I have been staying with my grandson the past two days while mom and dad were at work. I love hanging out with him. Because of his surgery, he was rather listless, but just as talkative as ever. He is usually content if I will sit and watch him play video games. Since I have a terrible time figuring them out, I am content to watch. He did try to teach me to play a couple games. In reality the games were not that difficult, I just couldn’t get my fingers to move as fast as necessary. Great, now I have another part of my body that needs exercising.
I got him into something more my speed yesterday. We made dough Christmas ornaments. He is rather artistic and had a blast. He has good ideas and had fun adding little twists. The most fun was a bear shape we had. The bears ended up with noses, hats, and extended belly (like papa), socks and funky little cut marks. Other than powder and some dough globs on the table and floor, it went rather well.
I should have distributed the November newsletter two days ago but was not here. I must do that today. I am sure the twelve apostles who ate at the Halloween potluck will be very nervous about the Thanksgiving potluck we have scheduled. The big difference is that they won’t be required to come in costume. However, coming as pilgrims or Indians might be fun.
One lady who loves to dress-up and who is in charge of the kitchen suggested we encourage our people to get into costume. While there was no demand such as “wear a costume or die,” it did say, “Please wear a costume.” I guess “please” is a very powerful word. I suspect that scared them off. Few ever want to do anything out of the ordinary! On the bright side, there were twelve people having a wonderful meal all dressed in costume. And of course, I was not one of them.
I have been staying with my grandson the past two days while mom and dad were at work. I love hanging out with him. Because of his surgery, he was rather listless, but just as talkative as ever. He is usually content if I will sit and watch him play video games. Since I have a terrible time figuring them out, I am content to watch. He did try to teach me to play a couple games. In reality the games were not that difficult, I just couldn’t get my fingers to move as fast as necessary. Great, now I have another part of my body that needs exercising.
I got him into something more my speed yesterday. We made dough Christmas ornaments. He is rather artistic and had a blast. He has good ideas and had fun adding little twists. The most fun was a bear shape we had. The bears ended up with noses, hats, and extended belly (like papa), socks and funky little cut marks. Other than powder and some dough globs on the table and floor, it went rather well.
I should have distributed the November newsletter two days ago but was not here. I must do that today. I am sure the twelve apostles who ate at the Halloween potluck will be very nervous about the Thanksgiving potluck we have scheduled. The big difference is that they won’t be required to come in costume. However, coming as pilgrims or Indians might be fun.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
SHOTGUN EFFECT
Random thoughts about the happenings of the last few days:
My grandson had minor surgery on Tuesday. I picked up the girls from school and hung out with them preparing supper until mom and dad got home with my frandson. We had a fascinating talk about books. The middle child is an avid reader. Both girls like sad books. Couldn’t really find out why.
It was most interesting when we transitioned to family. My wife’s side has been traced back to the 1100’s in France. They moved to Scotland and got established and developed connections to royalty. I thought this might be interesting, but #1 child said she didn’t care much about that side of the family because they aren’t blood relatives. I guess that is true in one sense but not legally. My daughter is adopted. She assumed that was the start of a new family and therefore is not connection to our side of the family before her mom. I had to laugh. Then asked if that meant I wasn’t her Papa? No was her papa. So how does that work if her mom’s side of the family is not blood relatives? She was stunned and staggered for a moment. Well, you are my papa. Mom and dad arrived and the conversation was over. I would love to have explored that more.
Wednesday was my regular doctors appointment. Besides the normal talk about diabetes and high blood pressure I pushed to get answers to other issues. He kept trying to get away, but I would not let him.
Our talk led to a cortisone shot in my left elbow. I’ve had pain for several weeks and it just would not go away. My hand was beginning to shake making my art rather difficult.
I am now scheduled for a colonoscopy next week. I’m not excited. I had one at age 50 and was not put under for the procedure. I just squirmed with the weirdness, and leaked most of the day. I have taken two friends for the same tests since moving here and they were so drugged out when I brought them home neither remembered anything that happened until after 6 pm. They weren’t even sure I brought them home. The test will also check for a botched rear end alignment about 12 years ago. Had hemorrhoids removed and things were not put back correctly. Yuck!
I’m also being sent to an urologist. Problems on both sides! And finally I am being sent for a mammogram to see why I have pain in my chest. He thinks it may be a cyst.
OK. I accept that I am falling apart. No, I am not fearful for any of it. I admit that I do not like pain and hate drugs even though I load up on them daily. I keep trying to get rid of some, but he keeps adding instead. I may open my own pharmacy.
I stayed with my grandson today and will also do it tomorrow. We always have a good time. We watched “How to Train Your Dragon” learned to play some DS games (I didn’t know what it was either – he had to teach me – and I never won). and cleaned the kitchen. I was surprised. The best thing we did that he enjoyed was clean the kitchen. Go figure. He was so proud that the first thing he said to mom was “Look at the kitchen” Good kid.
My grandson had minor surgery on Tuesday. I picked up the girls from school and hung out with them preparing supper until mom and dad got home with my frandson. We had a fascinating talk about books. The middle child is an avid reader. Both girls like sad books. Couldn’t really find out why.
It was most interesting when we transitioned to family. My wife’s side has been traced back to the 1100’s in France. They moved to Scotland and got established and developed connections to royalty. I thought this might be interesting, but #1 child said she didn’t care much about that side of the family because they aren’t blood relatives. I guess that is true in one sense but not legally. My daughter is adopted. She assumed that was the start of a new family and therefore is not connection to our side of the family before her mom. I had to laugh. Then asked if that meant I wasn’t her Papa? No was her papa. So how does that work if her mom’s side of the family is not blood relatives? She was stunned and staggered for a moment. Well, you are my papa. Mom and dad arrived and the conversation was over. I would love to have explored that more.
Wednesday was my regular doctors appointment. Besides the normal talk about diabetes and high blood pressure I pushed to get answers to other issues. He kept trying to get away, but I would not let him.
Our talk led to a cortisone shot in my left elbow. I’ve had pain for several weeks and it just would not go away. My hand was beginning to shake making my art rather difficult.
I am now scheduled for a colonoscopy next week. I’m not excited. I had one at age 50 and was not put under for the procedure. I just squirmed with the weirdness, and leaked most of the day. I have taken two friends for the same tests since moving here and they were so drugged out when I brought them home neither remembered anything that happened until after 6 pm. They weren’t even sure I brought them home. The test will also check for a botched rear end alignment about 12 years ago. Had hemorrhoids removed and things were not put back correctly. Yuck!
I’m also being sent to an urologist. Problems on both sides! And finally I am being sent for a mammogram to see why I have pain in my chest. He thinks it may be a cyst.
OK. I accept that I am falling apart. No, I am not fearful for any of it. I admit that I do not like pain and hate drugs even though I load up on them daily. I keep trying to get rid of some, but he keeps adding instead. I may open my own pharmacy.
I stayed with my grandson today and will also do it tomorrow. We always have a good time. We watched “How to Train Your Dragon” learned to play some DS games (I didn’t know what it was either – he had to teach me – and I never won). and cleaned the kitchen. I was surprised. The best thing we did that he enjoyed was clean the kitchen. Go figure. He was so proud that the first thing he said to mom was “Look at the kitchen” Good kid.
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