A Rose

What a beauty.    Mari  planted the rose bush and Mike is bragging about his  lady and her way of  bringing beauty and love into his life, and ours.   A rose is a rose is a rose; and this one is spectacular.    .   

 A desert scene, sunshine and shadows, quiet prevails , a spectacular sight.

A jelly fish, unusual, awesome creature of the sea.

The Wednesday evening pizza work party was not as great as we hoped but when you have a small crew and a big job to do everything does not always go right.    We are trying to make  some twenty eight bracelets for the Pirate Luncheon coming up in August.  A good thing we are starting early as we find it takes a lot of time to put beads and buttons together.  There are no words to tell you how frustrating it is to finish a bracelet and then have it  bust up and spew all over the floor and have to do it all over again.  I am not sure if it was the basic string that is elastic but paper thin , or the glue for the knot at the end but something was a miss.   I found out that I cannot thread a needle  without help, thanks to Zoey, our little ten year old helper, who came to my rescue, and threaded the needle for me.    Maybe next week it will go better and faster and we will have our quota done.    We all found hindsight is so much better than the foresight of imagining we could just create some beautiful awesome bracelets.  I have no words for the finished products.  Maybe amateurs would lessen the sting, and we do hope to do much better next session.  After all we have experience now so we will give it one more try.  I know a place we can buy some already made and cheap at half the price.    

Here at Ridgemont we had a family of nine come and play their violins and entertain us with patriotic songs.   They play well and one young lady is excellent on a horn, another a guitar but sad to say they are not favorites so attendance was down and it showed.  Sad really as they give of their time and talent for free.   I am not quite sure what it is that  is missing, maybe a spokesperson, or maybe a little more interaction between the players and the audience.    Vinnie and John, the only two males brave enough to attend, sang out and tapped their feet so enjoyed the recital.   The ladies sat quietly and listened.   Not to many came so that says a lot.   As the saying goes it was not every ones cup of tea.

There are changes on going as folks move in and out.   There are always changes.    One of our ladies is moving back to her home state and join her sister who has seven children and just lost her spouse.   Help is needed and wanted so our friend leaves us for a livelier life style.    Al, who lives in the apartment at the end of our hallway is in the hospital.  We haven't heard what happened but we all wish him well.    A quiet man, a movie buff, soft and friendly and nice to know.  Hopefully he will be back soon.   So life goes on at Ridgemont for better or for worse.  

So live healthy and happy and make the best of each day.   Be good, be kind, be gentle.    Don't be afraid to tell a joke and laugh out loud, it is good for you.   Don't be afraid to  share YOU with those you like and love.    Find ways to make your seconds count.   Some folks are carrying a cross that is unbearable and you can be the one who can help them carry it for a short while.  It doesn't take a lot to make someone smile, so give it a try and see just how easy it is.   Light up your corner of the world.   Be YOU.   Hugs to all.

Bonsai

A young student found good use for his toy soldiers and created a masterpiece.   Very creative and very patriotic.  

That sandman is a it again, how clever and how talented.  I tried making castles in the sand but

never could take credit for anything as artistic as this.   A bucket of sand and a little water but a few lumps and bumps was all I ever managed.    Some folks just have a creative streak that shines and some of us find it hard to fill the sand pail.

A Maple bonsai, gorgeous . . . not sure if I had this picture on with some other bonsai but it is worth a second peek.   I wouldn't mind having one of these in my apartment, how about you?

Hump Day is here. . . going to a workshop later today and make some button bracelets for the upcoming Pirate Luncheon.  It should be fun and I am hoping someone has  some clever ideas on some creative wrist decorations.   The ladies are very creative so it will be interesting to see what they come up with.   One of the ladies said she had a collection of buttons and would donate them to our cause, but. . .that proverbial but...she changed her mind and decided not to part with them....who could blame her as some must be as old as she is...so we will have to check out the local yardage store and see if they have any buttons we can work with.    Collections are a two way sword as you collect and store some one article or item you love and then put it away in a dark corner until the urge comes to take a peek at it and back it goes.    Doesn't make sense to collect and hide.    The trouble with collecting is that it becomes too much and loses its special meaning and quality.   it is best to choose wisely for both quality and quantity.    Too much of anything is never good for us.

I conned Christine into going out to have some Chinese last evening.  she ordered her usual special dish and I ordered what was actually fish and chips.   she laughed at that.    I really wasn't hungry but did enjoy sitting by the big windows overlooking the water, watching the boats and the ferry.    It is a lovely view and the water has such a calming effect.   There are times when one feels restless and the water view has a way of calming the spirit down.    It must be special to have a boat and take a trip out and sail on the calm waters.    The Ferry boat had come and gone so it was very quiet out there.   The sun was setting over the mountain range  and the clouds were making pictures to enjoy.   We stopped to visit with Patricia for a bit.  she has been having some M.S. bouts this past week and that is never good.   It slows her down so she doesn't feel like going out and about so we brought dinner to her.  She was both surprised and pleased.  We stayed to watch the news with her and Emma was in her glory getting all the petting and loving she could stand.    

I did read to Vinnie for a short while yesterday.  That Navy book is funny and the shenanigans of the incinerator boss and his crew are hilarious.    Vinnie is reliving some of his Navy time.   He is also suffering from ego problems as he has purchased two huge rings which are weighing him down and making his fingers swell.   Both are beautiful rings and must weigh heavy as they leave huge red welts on his fingers.  Vanity has a price.   I think some seniors are just plain lost and lonely and think 'things' will relieve the feeling of loneliness.   If they would If they would share time it would be much more beneficial but that doesn't seem to enter their minds.    At dinner time everyone sits at their favorite table and seem to be enjoying an exchange of words until the food cart comes.   They eat their lunch and get up and leave and do not stop to sit awhile and continue with their conversations.  They head for their rooms, close the door and hibernate until the next meal.    I left my door open a crack and got company....yeah for me.....Ron stopped in and stayed for awhile telling me all about the puzzles he does on his little pad, some very complicated and all very colorful.   My puzzle sits  and waits for a finish which I doubt will come about any time soon as each piece fits wherever you want to put it and it really doesn't belong so you pull out as many pieces a you put in.   I have never done a puzzle like this, very hard , a challenge and it is so slow in getting done.   

So, now that I have caught you up on events here, get up, get out and make your day bright and beautiful just like YOU.   do not forget you have a duty to be good and kind and generous today . . . make your today a sunshine day and share YOU with those you like and love.    A smile, a kiss, a hug . . . all the things needed for a 'good' day.....go and see how many you can share.   Don't be afraid to share YOU. . . there are folks just waiting .  I'll take a verbal hug anytime.  Hugs ot all.

Bonsai

A Hobbit House under the bonsai tree.   

A hundred year old Bonsai tree...what a beauty.

Ha, Ha,   a truism.

I wish I could grow a bonsai tree.  I tried but didn't get very far.  It takes know  how and patience.   There are some members of the Brookings Oregon Garden Club who do a fantastic job of growing the delightful and colorful tiny trees.   It was always interesting and fun to go and see the displays and marvel at the beauty and awesome displays.

I have been looking out the window, daydreaming, wondering what words I can put on the screen today.  I wonder if you take time to look out your window and watch the new day begin.  Right this minute the upper trees are motionless while the lower ones are moving just a little.  We had a hot day yesterday, up to 84 degrees and it doesn't cool down until the wee hours and then summer heat takes on a new day.    Right now it is day break and the sky is a murky blue, almost not color at all.    The workers are already parked and the familiar cars are out in the parking lot right there by my window.   Someone has a little yellow jeep which reminds me of both John and Michael .  John bought the jeep many years ago and traveled far in it, then Michael took it over and spent years remaking it like new and it is still going strong.   Every time I see this little yellow jeep I think of my sons.  I miss seeing them but I am lucky to be able to reach them by telephone and that is second best. Cross your fingers for us as granddaughter Erin may be coming for a July visit...we hope....it has been too long with her special hugs.  Sipping hot coffee, talking with you, a great way to start my day.

As for yesterday and the monthly meeting of do and do not do reminders of living in a senior apartment complex begets a nice cool Popsicle.   Tasted pretty good.    Karen, our manager, brought up a few minor infractions to be taken care of, especially those who keep things in their ovens and forget they have and light the oven....doesn't happen often but it has and she likes to remind us to be careful.  She was open to suggestions for future trips and she is looking for help with the newsletter she wants to put out.  All in all she had few complaints and that was good news.  Some of our seniors have never set foot in the local gallery so Christine is thinking of putting on a light luncheon and invite our seniors over for a look see.   Karen would have to bus them over and back, but it would be a good day trip for them, short and sweet with lots of good treats , especially the art work itself.  Some have never seen what our local artists can do.    Maybe it would help them to think about taking a class or starting a painting of their very own.   Something to think about.

The screen is jumping so it must mean I have gotten the best out of this old machine this morning.  I am out of words so I'll love you and leave you.    Be good, be kind, be gentle and treat others like you want to be treated.   Kindness goes a long way in making someone you like or love to react in a positive way today.   Think of what you can do to make that happen.    Be YOU...the kind, gentle person who has more than enough love to share with those you like and love.    Make 'my day' and make some one else have a 'my day' too.    You can do it.    Go be magnificent.   Hugs to all.

Hello

c

The beautiful Hydrangea with the softness of the color blue .  The old timers used to put nails in the soil and the color would change to deep purple.

I've gotten thrown out a couple of times so am not sure how far we will get this morning.   I am hoping this old relic will hold up awhile so I can save up for a new computer.   I'll have to go look around and see what is out there and how much they cost these days.    I only need a little one as I am not writing like I used to, most likely I've told all the tales I want to tell . . but. . one never knows, I might come up with a tale or two yet.

Christine and I went off yesterday, she to Bainbridge Island and me to the Keno machine at the casino.   I had fun but no win; almost...smile.    We had breakfast at the restaurant downstairs in the casino and it was crowded.  The food is good there and I ordered my biscuits and gravy.   One does need energy to push those buttons.

It was summer hot yesterday and it looks like it is going to be another one today.   I had the doors and windows open, the fan going and often wonder why it heats up after dark more so than in the afternoon.    It is strange weather here, or weather I am just no used to.    Right now it is still out there, not a sign of a leaf moving.   The early morning silence is peaceful.   

The start of a new week, wonder what is in store for us.    We had the meeting for the upcoming Pirate bash and have come up with the makings of the center pieces for the tables.   That means we will have a workshop this coming Wednesday and make some button bracelets.  One of our ladies is donating her collection of buttons.  I gather she collected buttons for years so it will be interesting to see them and pick and choose which ones to use.  Speaking of button bracelets reminds me of one of our adopted grandmothers who loved to be creative and one year she made button bracelets for her granddaughters and for my girls too.   They were just plain awful and the girls never wore them.   She clumped them together in all sizes and shapes so they were huge and ugly.   We would never hurt her feelings so the girls wore them when she came for a visit but otherwise they sat in the darkness of a drawer.   I wish I had one of them now as it may be just the right pattern for the ladies of today.  If you have some suggestions, feel free.

Have yourself a 'good' day;   a God day;   do some one wonderful deed that you will be proud of.   Help someone in need, help someone lost in a world of pain and suffering.    One magic thought from you, one hug, a peck on the cheek, a kind word. . .doesn't take much to make someone feel good knowing you care enough to give the best of YOU.     Be kind, be good, be a bumble bee today and buzz around, just be sure you keep your stinger where it belongs.    Make today a soft day and be a softie.   Hugs to all.

.

Good Sunday Morning

Time for a Gab Session

I'm late this morning. I couldn't fire up the  borrowed computer for some time due to the fact it is a borrowed one I am not used to and find it hard to fire up when I don't know which button to push to get it going.   I finally found the right one and here I am but...not for long as I am going off with Christine this morning and try my luck at the casino for a short time.   It is a beautiful sunshine morning , much to nice to stay inside.  A twenty minute ride should break the spell, a lovely buffet breakfast at the casino, a few tries for a win . . .or not. . . and back home again.   Sunday is a lovely day for a ride.

What did I do yesterday?   I have to tell you it was a fun day as Christine had her friends stop in for a visit and it was great to be invited and listen in to the tales John and Robin had to tell .  John has just retired after years of 'trucking' and Robin hasn't decided to retire yet as she is helping some of the autistic children make their way in school.   Both are special people and fun to be with.  We went to the Light House and had breakfast as it was a fun raiser for one of the local charities.   They did a great job and the princesses were right on tap to serve.  Those young ladies work hard all year, they are not just pretty faces.  

We enjoyed the breakfast and the visit  then went on to a meeting at the Gallery to make plans for an upcoming luncheon with a pirate theme.   Ideas flowed and lists were made so Christine and I hit the dollar store and found some neat table decorations.   We found a 'salty' looking parrot for each table along with some colorful rocks and shells.   It will look great and we are looking forward to some fun and good eats as well.   The ladies at the Gallery, and a few of the gentlemen, work hard to make money for the Gallery.    They donate a lot of time which is precious.   We are going to have a work shop and make some  button bracelets as one of our ladies is donating her collection of buttons.  She tells us she has boxes of them.  I can hardly wait to get a look at them as she tells us they go back a long way.   I am looking forward to a busy work session and time with some delightful ladies.

So I am off to put my shoes on and go.....wish me luck....smile.     Have a day to brag about.   Take you love ones for a ride, visit a park or go for a walk in your local woods and enjoy nature at its best.   If you are lucky to live by the sea..ah....a walk on the beach frolicking  in the waves should change your disposition from sour to sweet in a hurry.  Go......be a mermaid today;  be a pirate....be YOU.   Hugs to all.

About Time

A truism.  I keep telling you we only get one second at a time so use them wisely.  What is that old adage..something to do with haste makes waste.    

This picture reminded me of being told I didn't have to jump of a cliff just because someone else did.  I gather following sometimes seems easier than leading but then we pay a price we are not always happy with.   

Friend Marge , in Brookings, has a lovely home filled with beauty and here is one of them, a fig tree.  I hope she will write and tell me all about it .  Will she have to transplant it a bit later.  How big does a fig tree get?

Our weekend has arrived.   I am going out to breakfast with my girls and meet up with some friends of Christine.   Two ladies are making plans for an upcoming event in August and are looking for ideas for a Pirate theme.   I think we have a few ideas in mind so will share our thoughts and get our act together to help make another successful event happen.    Half the fun is in plotting and planning.   Then we have a date to meet with John and Robin and have breakfast which will be fun.  John has just retired from his truck driving work and will have lots of tales to tell.   I wonder what he will do with himself now as he is not one to sit still.   It will be good to have him home and hopefully share more time with the two of them.  

Meanwhile I am walking around with a boo boo.  I had the cupboard door open, and it is at head level, reached up to get the coffee can from the top shelf, which is a dumb place for the coffee can  holding three pounds of coffee,  and  hit my forehead on the edge of the door creating a quarter size rainbow of color on my forehead.  Hey wait a minute.  I am going to go fill my cup with hot coffee and wake up...I'll be right back.

I'm back..ah!!!  One sip begets two. . . I opened the blinds to see a grey sky, a quiet parking lot and silence.  No wind this morning, not a leaf stirring.  The new shift is coming in for hospital duty this morning.  I can hear the closing of the car doors.   I don't know the car makes by name but some of them are new and the predominate color seems to be a navy blue. I have not seen a clunker yet so the pay scale may be good around here.    It has to be a very tough job though, and one has to be very dedicated to take on the responsibility of caring for the ill.  

I just got thrown out and found my way back.   I think I had better love you and leave you and go get ready for my adventure out this morning.  I didn't have a lot of words for you this morning.  Some days I am 'in' and that begets down time so there is nothing special to talk about.    The 'inmates' are quiet and pretty much stay to themselves and don't seem to want to share themselves with others.   Most find napping to their pleasure;  some join in a bingo or card game;  some are reading a good book and can't get back to it fast enough.    Most would like to be elsewhere sharing time with those they love, and they do when they can.    My neighbor, Evelyn, is gone until Sunday as she took off for Spokane, Washington and a visit to her brother whom she has not seen in a year or so.   She will have tales to tell at the dinner table when she returns.   Meanwhile, I am off to put my shoes on and get going for my outing.   It should be fun.

So today, find some place to go for an outing.  Take a friend or family member along and pack your smiles along with you.   Treat yourself to lunch out and choose a restaurant that has your most favorite foods.    A bit of Mexican?  A bit of Chinese?  Maybe a big fat juicy hamburger or a hot dog with relish and tasty onions.   Only you can choose your favorite lunch, so do it and enjoy every morsel.    Just enjoy your favorite 'things' and relax and enjoy your seconds.  Just remember food is your fuel and that is what feeds the brain and gives you the best ideas of what to do with your seconds today.    Fill them with love and laughter and have a ball.   Don't forget to be good, be kind, be gentle and spread those hugs around.  Hugs to all.

Three o' clock

A good idea and while you are at it, count your blessings.  Here it is three a.m. and I'm wide awake. . I'd go out on the balcony and count the stars but I might wake others up so I'll be good and wake you up instead...like I could....well I wont awaken you but I'll blog and think of you.

A truism.,....wow.....never thought about our food being a cause to end our lives when the truth of the matter is that we need the nourishment to keep our bodies going....well, not as much as we shovel in;  we could be a little less greedy and take good care of our bodies which , in turn, takes good care of us.

The lovely chrysanthemum  of peaches and creme colors;  how lovely.   

So I woke up at two thirty and thought I'd roll over and go back to sleep but my body seems to think it is time to get up.  No use fighting it, might as well do something than toss and turn so here I am.  I wont stay up, I'll go nap in my chair.  All I have to do is turn the TV on and hunker down in my chair and I'll be back to sleep in no time.   But, seeing I am awake right now I might as well put the brain to work and blog.  I can't think of another thing I'd rather do right now than visit with all of you.  I know, you are asleep, dreaming good dreams and without a care in the world but just think you will wake up to my usual gibberish and smile.

Vinnie was  a no show again yesterday so I called Pat and she picked me up and we went to the dollar store...Ah, big spenders.   I wasn't looking for anything special, just looking and I manage to find a few things to my liking.  I replenished my pink and white peppermints, a good treat to have on hand when you don't want to fill up on fattening candy or deserts.  A small mint melting in your mouth takes care of the desire for something sweet.  It works, try it.   I did buy a yellow jonquil flower with a lovely butterfly for my vase I picked up at the thrift store.  It's a little beauty and sits on my kitchen counter making a little dull spot shine.   It doesn't take much to brighten your abode, a few pictures you love, flowers make a room come alive, even the artificial ones.   So I have yellow jonquils with a colorful butterfly. My picture with the three kittens ready to pounce on that little green frog makes me smile.   Speaking of pictures, I had one that Christine gave me years ago and it hung on my wall for a long time.  It was a picture of a lady standing by a nickel machine and it looked more like my friend Gerry so I sent it on to her favorite niece who has it hanging in her living room and loves it.   I met the artist yesterday and she was happy to hear her painting is being enjoyed.  Christine and I went to Moon Doggie II for the steak special and I was delighted to find it just the right size and so tender.  It had been some time since I had a steak.    I had spent the afternoon with Pat watching the new episodes of "Cedar Cove" a series from our local writer, Debbie MaComber, who writes about folks in Port Orchard;  none we know of course....smile.  Daughter Patricia is so good about inviting me to see special shows she pulls up on Netflick.    I was surprised last evening to find one of the series on regular television so got to see part of the new season of "The Last Ship".   

So here it is a new day about to dawn, but not for awhile yet.    Sleep in, enjoy your snooze, and do have dreams to make your heart sing.   I am tempted to go put the coffee pot on, but if I do I would probably not go back to sleep.   So, I am off to read and hope that sends me back on the road to sleep.  Three twelve a.m. is not the time to start ones day.    So when you do wake up, plan to make your day special, like you.   Take a ride to the dollar store and see what you cannot do without.   Stop at a thrift store and see if you can find a treasure.   While you are at it, find a spot to have lunch out and treat yourself to something you haven't had in a long time.   A banana split comes to mind, or a hot fudge sundae.  How about a hot dog with all the trimmings . . whatever makes you happy.  Just remember to be good, be kind, be gentle and do some one thing that gives you a sense of pride in yourself.   Be a good neighbor.   Be a good friend.   Be a good YOU.  Hugs to all.

Clouds

The lenticular clouds of Nevada.    These clouds are mostly seen in Nevada skies and remind me of space ships.  It was always fun to watch them float bye, sometimes alone, sometimes in rows.  Your imagination would take off and you could fly to outer space in the blink of an eye.

It is Thursday today, all day, sometimes it is hard to remember just what day it is.   Throw in a holiday and the calendar disappears from the brain cells.  Hitting the nineties era is interesting and sometimes foreboding as we 'elders' have to go around the brain a couple of times to get 'it' right..  One thing is that we are in good company as our table mates do not know what day it is either.    We do know that twice  a month , on a Wednesday, the rickety bus comes to take those who are interested in a ride somewhere.  It could be a ride to an area we haven't been to, a shopping mall, or better still a museum where we can  enjoy the history of another time.   I like the Navy museum , and I think  the puppet museum came next as it was very interesting.  I am looking forward to another ride out and a stop for lunch out with the ladies.

Someone is out  in the parking lot beeping their horn, a no-no, as the drapes are not even drawn at this time of the morning.

I gather someone is not awake yet and leaned on their horn.    Right now there is silence, the sky is grey and the trees are still.  We had rain in the night.  I didn't hear it.   One of our ladies was telling me that someone has been knocking on doors in the middle of the night.  I haven't heard any knocks.  She may be dreaming or one of our men folk is having signs of Alzheimer so may be confusing day with night hours. I am not a heavy sleeper so am glad to report no one is knocking on my door in the wee hours.   I don't know if that would be considered lucky at this age or not...smile....  My sister-in-law used to tell tales of a male who knocked on doors hoping for a bit of romance in the wee hours but those in the know put a stop to that idea in a hurry.    So far, our gentlemen callers have chosen the afternoon hours to visit and then the door is wide open.   I think most just want and need a touch of the hand, a peck on the cheek, a little attention to brighten their lonely days.   You might give some thought to visiting a shut in and make their day a bit brighter.   Some folks have no family and their friends have all gone on before them.   Everyone trudges along the time line and one day may find themselves in the same spot, so remember that what goes around comes around.  Giving of yourself for a short time each month could be the difference of happiness or sadness for a shut in.  

I have a very old paper back "Now Hear This" by Daniel  Rear Admiral USN (ret.) which came out in 1966, which is the new book to read to Vinnie.    He is an old 'tar' from way back and he is already laughing out loud at some of the shenanigans of the crew.  .If you get a chance to pick up a copy in a used book store, do, it is hilarious.   I started a Patterson book which should keep me awake;  murder and mayhem and I just started the book. Patterson is a great writer so I am sure I will have some 'awake'  hours after a good read.    That knocking on the door the ladies are talking about might just have me hiding under my covers.   Ah, what a good mystery does for the phys e..

So today make plans to visit a shut in.   Give a little of you, your sense of humor, your sense of love and laughter, your sense of sharing and caring.  We need folks just like you in our lives.  I sure am glad you are in mine.   We are going to share some time with some old friends of Christine tonight and meet them at Moon Doggies for one of their specials.   It will be fun to see John and Robin and share some laughs and hear all about their travels.    I may have a tale or two to tell.   Moon Doggies II is the local bar on the main street where everyone goes.   The folks that work there meet and greet you like you are a long lost relative and make sure you have that nice tall special beer of the day.   I don't drink beer, don't like the taste of it,but, there is nothing wrong with their hot coffee.   It is always fun to go there and I am looking forward to that special steak and baked potato.  Wish you were here to join us.   You will have to call a friend or two and make plans in your area....go, make a date and enjoy yourselves to  a bit of revelry and good food.   Share YOU with those you love and like.   Make your day bright and beautiful, just like you.   Hugs to all.

A Walk

What is it about a walk on a beach that makes us happy?    The sound of the waves breaking on shore, the cry of the gulls, the agates that shine in the sunshine. 

A  walk in a Vineyard through the grape vines, the cluster of grapes growing in size and beauty.  The quiet, the sun shining on the clusters of grapes, and a stop at the tasting room.   One more delight in finding peace and serenity .

• Hey, it's Hump Day, and the little borrowed computer has a jumping screen this morning.   At least it is up and working so I am able to keep in touch.    I am not complaining.   I am just making noises and hoping I can blog even if I do not have a lot of words to share this morning.   Yesterday was a quiet day , an in day, a day to relax and read.  I started a new book with Vinnie, a borrowed Navy book that is  funny and he seem to enjoy recalling his Navy days with some of the characters , the old timers who had learned to run the Navy their way.   I enjoyed lunch with the ladies and was to lazy to go out for a walk so hunkered down with my J.A.Jance "Left For Dead" book and finished the whole book by midnight.  It is quite a read.  Now I have to find a new read but think I'll go for that walk out today.    I can use the exercise.  

I have my blinds open and the sky has some pink in the clouds this morning, not a leaf stirring, so no breeze out there this morning.   The workers are changing shift and some of the ladies look tired as they get into their cars and drive away;  time to rest for them.    It has to be a difficult job tending to those that are ill.    The shades are still drawn and quiet prevails.   Take time out to say a short prayer for them.   Count your blessings if you have good health, a lot  of folks have painful days.

As I sit here ,looking out the window at a row of parked cars, I wonder if there should not be a better system to get workers to their destination rather than drive an expensive car and leave it parked in the elements all day.   It seems such a waste.  My mind goes in circles looking for solutions but I know no one wants to give up their comfort.   All I can say is I am glad that I do not have to go out the door to work anymore.  Retirement is not a bad thing and do not let anyone tell you it is.   Twenty years to grow up;  twenty years to work; twenty years to retire or more if you are lucky.  Not a bad   life span at all.   Just be sure you live each second and enjoy it.

I am off to get my coffee and wake up.   I have one eye open and am thinking breakfast . . come, join me, I'll share.    How about an awful waffle?   no???  Well how about a blueberry pancake?   no????  Gee you are hard to please. . . I know bacon and eggs but I don't have any bacon.....a dropped egg;  poached to you who have not heard that phrase;  always a good breakfast or coffee and something sweet.. . . don't have anything to tempt you so I'll go check out the cupboards and see what it is I do have  and  settle for peanut butter toast.  Go, enjoy your breakfast and raise a coffee toast for a good day.   Be good, be kind, be gentle and smile as though you won a lottery.    If you do, don't leave without me.   Hugs to all.

Good Morning

The lovely yellow tulips.   Sunshine.    Summer.   How lucky we are.

1. A storm went through last night complete with thunder, but didn't last very long.   I had visions of a huge storm but that was not to be the case;  just a little one that passed over quickly.  I think I was disappointed as I had not heard thunder in some time and thought I was in for a good old fashioned summer storm.  

I am not sure I am going to be able to blog for long this morning as the screen seems to have a life of its own.   I am typing away and it is rolling up and down and a little sign is coming up in the right corner of the computer telling me to complain to Google.   I'd like to complain to Google but it wouldn't do much good.   This is Christine's old computer and I am hoping it does the trick but I have a feeling we will be computer shopping before the week is over.   The jumping screen is a bit exasperating.  Did you tune in to hear my complaints???  I bet not.   Sorry about that, it isn't much fun to have computer problems you cannot fix on your own.  I am just not computer savvy , next time around I'll pay more attention.

A twenty minute ride over a busy highway takes us to Tacoma a sizable city where there is a huge shopping mall.  It took a little while to find the SAS shoe store but Christine is a whiz.   The clerk was waiting on a customer and we had a chance to browse.  The shoes have changed in design and colors but I tend to stick to the same comfortable style they have carried for over thirty years.    A good walking shoe, a good balance, and the size of a battleship.   Christine thought I should buy two pair but at the new prices I am lucky to buy one pair.    Makes me wonder how come shoes cost so much.  I know there is a big mark up.   So, I have new shoes and all I have to do is put them to good use and take a hike around.   We had lunch at the Olive Garden which was a treat.  I haven't been to one of those in some time.   The soup and salad and breadsticks were delicious.

I did better than I expected to do with the rolling of the screen and the lack of lots of words to share this morning.   I finished the book I was reading to Vinnie and gave him a break for a bit.    We have several new ladies who have taken up residence here at Ridgemont and all seem to be very friendly.   Jan is back from the hospital and looks thinner and healthy.  We were all glad to see her.   Ron stopped in for a visit yesterday which was a nice surprise.  He brought along his latest copy of a History magazine he gets.  The pictures and stories looked very interesting.   I think son Michael would enjoy reading it and I may sign him up for his birthday gift this year.   

So I am going to love you and leave you as the screen is jumping like crazy.   I am going to wish you a day filled with love and laughter.   Be good, be kind, be gentle and share YOU with those you like and love.    Be lucky today and find a four leaf clover .   Share YOU with those you  love and like.    One or two or even three good deeds today;  make someone smile.  Cook up a special dish to share .   Christine made a manacotti and brought some over for my dinner tonight.   I don't have to cook...smile.   I did go grocery shopping yesterday so have some 'good' things to eat up.  Come by and I'll share.   Hugs to all.

Hello

Jock celebrated Fathers Day out fishng with his daughter Darcy and her husband.   That is a big fish...'So Big' !!

Oregon . . Ah!!   Lovely to look at, Delightful to see such beauty and serenity all in one picture.

• My computer crashed so I have not been able to blog.    Daughter Christine brought me one of her old lap tops and it is much like the one I had but still a bit different and enough to make me a bit leery as to how to make it work.    I am not going to write much;  just want to say be patient until I get used to this one and I'll see what I can do to stay in touch. 

I thought computers lasted forever;   nope,  they go the way of all things.   The screen is jumping up and down and I am afraid I am going to lose you so I am going to say hello and goodnight and try again in the morning.

I may have to go computer shopping.  Christine tells me they have a new small one out that is interesting, so we may go look some over.  Meanwhile I am not sure how this one will work as the screen is jumping;  I get thrown out but then I have heavy fingers that are all over the key board.    I got it working and I am talking to YOU...aah....I've missed my daily blogging.   

I am keeping busy;   did some inventory work at the Gallery that kept be busy.   I have been shoe shopping which is always the same in style but the price changes;  can you imagine that???   SMILE.....  The SAS shoe is the only one that fits these feet and the style is the same now if they would keep the price way down it would help so I could order another color but all they do is mark them higher so I stay with the same one.    I can't be fussy but I can be comfortable.    

So today go shoe shopping and buy some of those new summer sandals.  They come in lovely colors and look great with your summer wardrobe.   Go and take them for a walk along the boardwalk or find a lovely ocean path to walk and enjoy.   Be good, be kind, be gentle and go about making life bright and beautiful for those you love.    Hugs to all.

Saturday Morning

I felt like I was walking this road this morning;  well, I'd like to be but it is not Nevada ...and I do miss Nevada....friends....rides....wild flowers and lots of good memories.......but I was trying to get on the computer for hours it seems as it does not want to work this morning.  There is no reason I know of, but it is slow and it is having its own time in coming up to put any pictures or messages on.   Not sure what will happen but I'll continue and see.

One of those pictures that deserve as econd look.   How lovely wild flowers are.   Easy to look at and sometimes the aroma is heavenly.    How lucky we are to be able to have gardens, lovely flowers, and they look good inside the house as well as outside in the gardens.   It is a shame to cut them but then that is why we grow them.   They make a room come alive.

My beautiful daughter Patricia.   She is such a jewel.   I am very happy and content to be in her life.  

My words would sting this morning.   I think he will go down as the worst president we have ever had and we have had some doozies.   

Looking out my window this morning the skies look like rain coming;   that gray overcast look without a breeze and the furnace kicked on so we may have some cold outside.  I am not going out to find out as it is Saturday and I don't have to put my shoes on until later.  

Vinnie and I finished the book yesterday so we will take a sabbatical for a week or two.   I want to find a new story to read but not a war story, had enough of that for awhile.   The two books written by Herman Wouk, in 1978, telling the tale of World War II with all of its horror and miseries.   An author who writes with passion for the tale he wants to tell.   If you have not read the books, I would highly recommend them.  Now to find a new tale, but what?   Something with a little humor would be fun.   I have the old book "Suds In Your Eyes" about ladies who build a fence with beer cans, wonder if Vinnie would enjoy hearing about that.   Nah, maybe a western would do it, but, I think he would prefer some Navy stories and Christine has a friend who has a book which she touts as hilarious and it is about the Navy so maybe she will loan it out and I can read that.   We could use a laugh or two.

 

Yesterday, Friday, was house cleaning and laundry day and a down day.  I did get a lot done.  I put on my music and dusted, straightened the pictures on the wall and looked pretty good around here.   Then, after our dinner time, I hunkered down with my book and finished it.   It was a Patterson "Cross" book and they are fast reads and always keep you on your toes.   I took three of my books up to the library and traded them  in for three new ones.   So today, if there is nothing exciting to do and I do not get an invitation to anywhere, I will start a new book.   That doesn't mean I wont stop to puzzle;  puzzle....it is a doozy...defies you to find apiece as they are all alike and fit anywhere you want to place one...then find it doesn't go there....it takes patience;  you know that old saying...'patience is a virtue possess it if you can, seldom in a woman, never in a man";  a truism I think.   I know you are smiling.  Good!!  My rhetoric is repeated over and over;  sorry, there just isn't anything new and different to tell you about.    So, the weekend is here....find something to do with it......something that you waited all week to do.....the time is now....use it wisely.

 

Go, have a fun weekend and do some things you have been wanting to do.  Take the time to enjoy the weekend.   You can catch up on chores and other mundane things all week.  The weekend should be yours to lighten up, relax, do what YOU want to do....it is that easy.    Go...enjoy yourself.   You waited all week, worked hard, so think "I deserve a weekend to do what I want to do"...and...go do it.   Have fun while your at it.    If you shop 'til you drop don't blame the stores;  If you eat more than you should, don't blame the restaurant.   If you don't share your love and your hugs, you have no one to blame but yourself . . .so. . . be a hugger, get busy and see if you can break the count...one means your selfish;  two means you are heading in the right direction, and three means you hit pay dirt....go for it and try for four.    Hugs to all.

 

 

 

Hello

A little irreverent to say the least but a truism nevertheless.    When 'it' hits the fan we all know about it, so, we pick up our pieces and get on with life as we learn some days are much better than others.  Some days we are strong some days we are weak, and some days we get it just right.;  That beach looks inviting, a good placed to walk the blues away.

Ah a lovely shot of Mt. Hood  Serenity at its best.    Some folks love to climb mountains, not me, the pleasure is in looking; nothing lazy about me.

Now you know who is looking for trouble.  

 

 

Mid June and time is fleeting, the fire works booths are showing up already.   So many folks in businesses want to rush the time away as they rush the holiday seasons in much too soon.    We don't have time to enjoy one holiday before they start pushing for sales for the next holiday.    We had a ride out on the highway yesterday and booths are up already with firework displays.   Not my favorite holiday although fireworks can be awesome.    That last barrage is always an eyeful and an earful.  At least with the booths up early , it does give you a chance to tell the children how dangerous it can be if they do not pay attention to what they are doing when lighting a five inch salute.  

 

The workers are on their way into work this morning.  There must be a birthday celebration as one has an armful of balloons and another wrapped packages.  Fun time for someone who is confined to a hospital bed.    The sun is shinning on the side of the building making lovely shadows of the trees.    Not a leaf stirring out there, silence prevails.

 

Don't go way, I'll be right back, need a refill . . . Ah!!  Coffee, what would we do without our early morning java???  Hate to find out.   So now that we have communed with nature, let's get on with a few words , not of wisdom, just words of greeting and a verbal hug or two.     Pat and I went for a ride yesterday to Poulsbo  and did stop at the Casino for a short while.    It was fun to play the slots for awhile and get a little play .  I won a little, gave it back, won it again, gave it back...you would think after some fifty years of playing the slots I would learn to sock away a little of a win but then it wouldn't be fun as one never knows when the cycle is ready to break and give you a win.  It does happen, just not often enough.    We didn't stay long, but did enjoy a wonderful luncheon sandwich and some free coffee.  The only place that doesn't charge three dollars a cup anymore.    now that can get a thousand words of protest out of me.   I remember when coffee was five cents a cup;  twenty five cents was shameful and one never gave though that the price would hit three dollars a cup;  I just wont pay it, I'd do without first.    Cut my nose off to spite my face!!   I'll make a pot at home and drink water out; unless they put a charge on that.  Um, think I have used those words up before, and probably will again.  I just don't like being gouged, there is no reason for it other than pure greed.  I wonder what they charge for a pot of hot water for tea these days.

 

So Ridgemont is quiet, no news which is really good news as most of the folks are doing okay.  We only have Jan over in the hospital wing and she is doing good.  Diabetes can be worrisome when it flares up.  A lot of the folks have been missing, probably the lovely weather and invitations away are prevalent.    My daughter, Christine, is going to take us for a ride to the ocean when she can take a work break and I am looking forward to a walk on the beach.   How much I miss Brookings and my walks over at Lone Ranch Beach, a favorite place.   So today, think beach and find your way for a visit.   Stop and listen to the waves tale;   stop and watch the gulls cry;   stop and find peace within;   stop and enjoy your seconds and refresh.   Ah, sounds good to me.    Be a love today.   There is someone waiting for a smile from you, a kind word, a hug;  go on. . . give it all you have as there are many more where that came from.    One hug begets another, almost like eating popcorn.    Be a kernel and pop;.....good deeds, smiles and hugs, what a way to go.   Hugs to all. 

 

 

 

Wake Up Time

A truism

He becomes stronger, and wiser as he ages.  

Leave it to the seniors.

Here it is Thursday already, another fast week, cool and comfortable with a bit of a shower in the mix.   I met my new dentist yesterday and found him to be a gentleman I had once shared a table with at a special dinner my girls and I attended some months ago.    The x-ray tooth proved to be still healthy but there has been some bone loss and the space between two molars is the cause of my problem which I already knew and my using the probing tool didn't help.   I also found his prices sky high and wonder if he lives in a castle.   $95.00 and that was for one x=ray and his time.   I'm told that is the going price these days, um...wonder if I can survive my first big checkup with him;  no choice as it is imperative that we keep our teeth healthy as our food is our fuel and we have to be sure we eat well to survive.    I have that old 'depression era' mind so it is difficult to reconcile the differences in the prices today.   All I can say is take time to be sure you keep your routine up and keep your  teeth and gums healthy.    I  found the quote for a full check up is $165.00 and that is for looking, not for any work that needs to be done.   I have heard the phrase 'gumming it' and may yet find out just what that means.   We have often heard the expression 'life is not fair' and I believe the professionals lead the way down that path with their expectation to live high on the hog while we are expected to keep them in the style they have become accustomed to . . . I don't think so, we may be the start of the toothless generation.

 

I opened the blinds to see a blue sky with a touch of grey clouds, a bit more rain today I think.    It has been normal weather for the northwest I take it, sweater weather and carry an umbrella. . . June. . .um, wonder what July and August will be this year.  I remember coming here a year ago and finding it extremely hot for weeks then back to a normal pattern which was a wait and see .  I have to tell you that we have some of the most beautiful skies that are truly awesome to see.   The clouds reflect scenes over the water that seem impossible and take your breath away.   One of these evenings I will try to take my camera and catch a view or two and share them with you.   

 

Here at Ridgemont there are no changes.    Karen, our manager is holding down two jobs at the moment, working in  one of the other buildings, helping out as they look for some new people to man the desks.    Some are complaining .  There must be a 'gag' rule about letting us in on how our former neighbor is doing;  silence seems to be the rule of the day.

 

I did read to Vinnie yesterday for two hours and we have about two and a half chapters to end the book.    It has been a long time to read the two books about World War II but Herman Wauk has done a remarkable job of making it all come alive.  There is much history to his tale.   We will probably take a break until we find another book that interests us.   All I can tell you at this time is that it will not be a 'war' book...smile.

 

So today, look around and see what needs doing.    There must be a garden patch that needs weeding already.  Pat's garden boxes are coming along great and we are going to have some luscious vegetables  as the beets are already showing and the carrots not far behind.   I am waiting patiently for a garden tomato.   Thee is always something to do in the garden.   There is a time to nurture and a time to cull the bounty from your hard work.   There is nothing more delicious than a ripe garden tomato.    Have fun exercising those muscles and know that bending and stretching with your behind in the sunshine can only reap a harvest of delicious eating.   Don't be a slug . . . be a gardener. . . baby things along and you will not be sorry, you will be sated with the taste of nature.    Hugs to all.

High Tea

The Theme- Pooh Bear

One of the volunteer tea pourers

The table settings

The Gallery set up for High Tea

Welcoming flowers on the front entrance way

One of the lovely teen princesses serving some tasty treats.   Yes, that is me I the background with Doris and Aggie.

I forgot my camera but Sally did not and she came up with all of these pictures of the High Tea.   There are two teas a year, the next one will be the Christmas Tea and a new theme will be chosen.   The members will get together and help to make whatever is decided for the tables, tickets will be sold, the tables will be set up, the doors will open and all will gather to have  great treats and good companionship.   A great way to spend an afternoon.

I gave myself an expensive treat yesterday and made it to the beauty shop for a hair cut.  The last few cuts at the el-cheapo beauty salon  left my hair standing on ends so I thought I'd better find an expert to give me a good cut.   Amanda is a young beautician and I learned that she has been a beautician for eight years.  She originally wanted to be a policewoman but it didn't work out so she went to beauty school.  I think she said she had 'fessed up' at the interview that she had tried pot once, so she was out before she could get in.   She loves being a beautician .  She is going on a trip to England and Ireland is all excited.   She is partially deaf and doesn't practice her sign language but her mother and grandmother are very good at it.   She has wonderful hand and the shampoo was heaven, such a treat to have someone give you a shampoo, a very relaxing treat.   She snipped, cut, primped, teased my hair into a fancy hairdo which looked elegant but not me and you know the shower this morning will give an end to all that primping.   The salon was huge, five chairs or stations I think they are called.  Each beautician was as different as day to night.   One large woman with tattoos;  one tiny woman with no good feet covering and I wanted to tell her she would be sorry down the road.   One beautician who takes her makeup seriously and loved eye shadow.   A busy salon and all hard workers.   They were having a bad day with the machines not working properly so were happy to take a check or cash.    Forty dollars plus a tip is a high price to pay according to me and one I can't do ,or wont do often.   Once every five years is enough.  I miss Gina, my lady barber in Brookings who really new how to cut hair.

So today, treat yourself to a new hairdo.   Enjoy being pampered for a day.    It feels so good.   You deserve a little pampering, we all do.    Stop and have lunch out and make a day of it.   Enjoy a trip around the thrift shop and see if you can find a treasure.   Whatever you choose to do today make sure you do it with gusto...be gutsy...be wonderful....be YOU.  Hugs to all.

P.S.   Thinking Flag Day was yesterday and not a mention anywhere. . . did I miss something?   Our flag is important to each and every one of us. . . so belated Happy  FLAG Day!!!   Nope, I didn't put mine out either . . . out of sight . . .out of mind. . . now that is scary.