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.
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