The sequel to the story: Part 2

This is Part 2 of the 'nun' stories. If you haven't read Part 1, go back one post and read Part 1 first.

My Catholic school grammar school experience was relatively 'normal'...whatever that is! I was the 3rd kid following two brothers who probably helped me seem angelic. I liked school, especially the fourth grade which was the only grade that had a teacher who was NOT a nun. Mrs. Kernan was mostly responsible for my love of learning and the desire to be a teacher who made learning fun. Moving on from fourth to fifth grade became a harsh lesson of how reality can change drastically. Sister 5th Grade's personality was a tad bit different than Mrs. Kernan's aura. Suddenly, there was tension in the air. I certainly flew under the radar, but when punishment is being dealt out...even though it is not happening to you...at the young and impressionable age of 10...it is scary just being there. And sometimes, the entire class would catch the flack and have to pay the piper. One day, Sister came into the room and it was obvious that she was upset. She had received a postcard inferring that 'if she didn't stop manhandling the students', the word would be passed along to Monsignor. She wanted to know who was responsible for this and she was going to find out. I happened to be her 'helper' on the helper chart at the time and she had me clean out the closet and bring her stuff [notes, parental requests, etc.] for her to go through that had been from parents. Maybe she was comparing handwriting or typed notes with the latest message. I don't know. Well, it was never resolved, and as misfortune would have it, she moved to 6th grade with us. She could be a contender for 'Most Intimidating" or name...Name that Mood!

I must concede that we learned whether it was from fear of the 'in school' discipline, or 'at home' where you never shared that you were 'spoken to' because parents backed up the teachers. For me, I am sure that I learned good things about teaching from Mrs. Kernan and what not to do from the nuns. I learned the harm that occurs from what I call 'public humiliation'. I learned how unfair it was to punish everyone for the crimes of the few[future felons]. I was shown the 'power' that a teacher has...And my students did not experience those negative consequences. And I feel good about that. For my good friend Kathy [See Part 1], she never forgot it. She went on to accomplish great things, and I am sure she is a very compassionate Hospice nurse. Those memories are still with her.

The topic of 'the nuns' came up many times as the family gathered in later years. My brother told the story of being in high school and he was paged to go to the library. When he walked in, the door slammed and the nun was behind the door waiting for him. So, naturally, I went into my story about how the nun came into the classroom wanting to know who had sent the anonymous note card through the mail . And just like in the Perry Mason stories at the end of the trial...my mother stood up and said, "I did that!!!"

"What?? What did you say?"

Flo repeated, "I sent that note because you came home from school and told me one too many times...how scared you were. I knew that if I had a discussion with the nun, that she would take it out on you. I knew that if I told you that I was the one who sent the note...that it would be written all over your face, and again you would be the recipient of the rage. So I figured that I could get my message across without it coming back on you by letting her know that she shouldn't be so harsh with the children and that someone was paying attention!"

Well, it's a wonder that I didn't pass out right then and there. It was SO out of character for Flo. Who would have thought that 30+ years later the truth would surface in Flo's dining room. I immediately called Kathy, and recanted,

"Remember in 5th grade when someone sent the anonymous note to the nun about being too harsh...IT WAS MY MOM WHO SENT THAT NOTE!!"

And there was the unusual twist to the story. Along with the revelation that even a mild mannered Mama Bear[Flo] will protect her cubs in her own way.

Oh, and yeah..'Trust no one...even your mother!!"

A phone call returns me to grammar school. Part 1

Among the people in the 'friends' category, I have a special one from grammar school who keeps in touch with me by phone. When I moved to NY, getting together was intermittent at best. Sometimes years will pass and our paths don't happen to cross. Yet, whenever we do talk, it is like no time has passed, and that's rare in a friendship.

Kathy and I were in the same classroom from 1st grade through 8th grade by nature of the fact that we went to Catholic school and there was only one classroom of each grade! We were both chubby, and we were sometimes called by each other's name. We were also friends outside of school. The grammar school only went to 8th grade, and so it was that we parted 'classmate status' when we went to different high schools. Kathy went on to go to nursing school, and currently is a hospice nurse with an infectious, cackily laugh! Last night, we got to reminiscing about some of the 'nunsence' that left a lasting impression. There was Sister 5th Grade who went with us to 6th grade, and then Sister 7th Grade who moved up to 8th grade with us. Both of these nuns were a force to be dealt with! Kathy has more baggage from Sister 7th and 8th Grade who evidently hit her in a fit of rage. I don't doubt it, but I do recall my near-encounter with her. I sat directly behind Kathy[2nd row...seat#5], and we were preparing to take the high school entrance exam by doing some workbook pages that were review lessons. Sister[very thin with small, thick glasses which hid very beady eyes] told us,

" Now, do not turn the page back to see if you did it correctly."

Well, I must confess that I did look back a page...and the next thing I knew...down the aisle she flew with her rosary beads swinging from side to side and her habit[ankle-length clothing] airborne behind her. I thought I was going to die. My knees were weak, and I felt scared to death. As she approached the subject of her wrath, she...stopped...at the desk in front of mine[that would be Kathy's desk!!], and got right in her face screaming,

"I told you NOT to turn back and look!!"

I cannot tell you any more than that because when I realized that Kathy was the object of the fury...I just couldn't believe it...and all of my energy went back to things like...breathing and slowing the adrenalin rush cursing through my body!! Sorry Kathy...evidently we both turned the page back, but you got the heat. Whew!

Kathy reminded me that the time that she lost a book, Sister7+8 had everyone in the classroom look for it. When Kathy managed to find it...[and it was in her desk], the nun made Cathy stand up and say out loud, "I am a very stupid girl!"

And then there was the time that Kathy was publicly chastised for not knowing the difference between an adjective and an adverb. Little did we know that she was actually ahead of her time, 'cause I dare say that nowadays there are many people who don't know the difference!

We laughed a lot for about 50 minutes as we caught up on each other's lives and kids' lives.

I must share a story about me and Sister 5th and 6th grade that had quite the unexpected twist. I'll write about it in the next post. Stay tuned!

My birthday celebration...and 'All That Jazz'

Shuffled off to Buffalo for a day with my sun...ok.. I know it's son!

For my birthdays and Christmas, I have asked for entertainment tickets to something that the two of us could enjoy together. In the past, we have enjoyed magnificent performances of the Lion King, Wicked, Rent, and yesterday we attended the musical 'Chicago'. It was singing and dancing with energy that I can't even imagine sustaining on a daily basis! A good time, for sure!

My day started at 730 AM with a 2 hour + Thruway ride to spend the day in Buffalo. I shared some sunflowers and 'glads' to go with the new windows on his house and I brought a huge rawhide bone for my grandpup Hank. Was he ever happy about that! Joy!

After carrying it around in his mouth like a prized possession, we went for a visit to the 'dog park', one of my requests for the day. It is a free to the public, open 24/7, fenced in area where dogs run around and play[hopefully]. There is a small dog area and a large dog area. Hank had to be among about 25 average to large dogs communing together along with one highly spirited and in no way intimidated 'small dog' running with the big dogs. What a hoot! Plus, Hank and I got to go for a ride in my son's new car ...Hank had the back seat all to himself. The new car doesn't look a year old, and has features that I didn't even know existed. Not only a keyless entry, but also a keyless start! There are other amazing features besides being a dynamite looking car...it's pretty smart. Modern technology...mind boggling!

We had brunch at a restaurant that was 2 blocks from the theater. We shared a crock of chicken pot pie soup[ we laughed about it being a first...sharing soup!! and both agreed that we wouldn't necessarily do that with anyone else!!] and then roast beef au jus on salted kimmelwick rolls . Ummm delicious!

Our seats were in the second balcony in the center of the theater. And imagine my surprise when I was told that, "No, we don't have an elevator!" So up the stairs ...slowly..one at a time... with my 'newly physically -therapied legs'. And it was ok. I guess people in wheel chairs must be sure to get tickets on the main floor, or miss out on the entertainment altogether.Back to the house, and I had to leave since it was the same 2+ hour thruway trip and I was hoping to not spend too much time driving in the dark. It rained the entire way home, and traffic came to a screeching halt at one point because of an accident. Motorcycle and a couple of cars. And deer grazing not far from the road. When I pulled into my garage, there was a silent 'Thank ya Jesus' followed by an ecstatic Flo [Mom] who would then relax because I was home.

It was a great time and I look forward to the next outing. I'm hoping for tickets for, ' In the Heights' which I googled and it looks very interesting. But the best part is the one-to-one with my sun. [I know... it's son!]

Bloodwork followed by retail therapy!!

On Monday, I had a rheumatology appointment in Syracuse. It was the first one in quite a while due to the 'flippin' broken leg trauma' which put a real halt on traveling...or walking...or just about anything! I had continued to have bloodwork done in town and the results were sent to the 'doc' to be sure that my meds weren't causing any problems. It will be 20 years in April that I began my RA routine...oh well...see the post of 12/4 for the first impressions of my friend of 20 years. The doc and I have forged a very good relationship over the years.

I brought some gladiolas to share, and it's fun to see the smiles.

The day starts by zooming through the Drive- Thru and grabbing 'Egg McMuffins' for the 40 minute ride, along with my bestest shopping buddy and kindred spirit, Kate.. After the dr. appt., off we go to The Christmas Tree Shop [This store is not about Christmas]. I love that store and hadn't been there in a long time. Kate and I synchronize our watches [in my case it's my cell phone], and we meet at the registers in an hour. Then in the same mall is TJ Max which is associated with Marshalls, and everytime I go there I find such unique stuff! What discoveries awaited us? We couldn't wait to find out!

I bought new bath towels : some have an embroidered decoration at the bottom, others polka dotted, and a set of plush 'Hotel' towels [for MY house] and my old ones will get dropped off at the SPCA. I bought a book, "365 Brain Games", a sky blue really soft hooded pullover for Flo that has a front center pocket [so to speak] whereshe can put her hands to warm them up, a basket with a material liner of fall leaves, spring bulbs [something to plant, await, and look forward to], 'relaxed cuff' socks [it's difficult to find socks that don't leave marks on Flo's legs], Girlfriend's Tarot cards[$ 2 and what a hoot], and a package of 'Pepperage Farms Mint Milanos' to share on the 40 minute ride home while chatting with an old friend!!

Fun, fun, fun.

CBS Sunday Morning...pass it on!

One of my very favorite shows is CBS Sunday morning. It is on from

9 AM -10:30 AM and I have been watching it for years. My DVR records it automatically, and besides the flexibility of watching at my convenience...I love to 'zoom' through the commercials.

It is fascinating and informative- a mixture of story reporting, commentary, movie reviews, and my favorite: the last 45 seconds is recorded with only nature's sounds of both plant and animal life. Today you heard the rushing waters in Alaska where the salmon were 'swimming upstream' as a bear waited for opportunity.

Art, music, theater, people profiles, history, the famous and the infamous! The first 5 minutes give a brief preview of the topics that are on the agenda, and then a mere 5 minutes of what is currently going on in the news. At that point, topics of war, murder, and the depressing and/or sensationalized subjects are left behind as the features of the day are reported.

Set your VCR or DVD recorder right now.

And watch it. I'm betting that you will become a regular Sunday Morning weekly viewer, too! I have yet to be disappointed.

New Snapple facts with commentary...

1. One fourth of the bones in your body are in your feet. And if your feet aint happy...well, it can just ruin everything. The fashion world sports 5 inch high heels, and if you buy them...kinda self-de'feet'ing to those 26 bones, 33 joints,107 ligaments, and 19 muscles.

2. The tongue is the fastest healing part of the body. That is a good thing! What amazes me is how painful it is when you inadvertently bite your tongue. 'Ouch' just doesn't describe it.

3. The average American will eat 35,000 cookies in his/her lifetime. I knew that I was above average in many ways...this would be one of them!
Actually, I believe that I am at the head of the class!!

4. Penguins have an organ above their eyes that converts seawater to fresh water. Thank goodness for that! Probably in response to their cries of..."Oh come on...give us a break!!" After watching National Geographic's movie, The March of the Penguins, I was so depressed thinking about what a hard life they had. And if someone thought things were bad, I would say, "Things could be worse...you could have born a penguin!!"

5. Oysters can change genders back and forth. No way!!...Way!

It takes about a year for an oyster to mature. They start out in the male gender, and progress to the female gender at a later time. Isn't there a saying that goes something like...'With age comes wisdom.'

6. Broccoli is the only vegetable that is also a flower. My mom does not like broccoli and doesn't eat it. Often, when eating dinner, regardless of what vegetable is on my plate, I will ask Florence in a very thoughtful and benevolent kind of voice...Mom, would you like some of my broccoli? I catch her off guard all the time!

"No thank you." [everytime!]

7. Almonds are part of the peach family. Flo loves Jordan Almonds! That's the way to eat almonds, especially at the movies 'cause you can make them last a long time.

8. Strawberries contain more Vitamin C than oranges. I must remember to pass this info along to the squirrels and/or chipmunks that stole my strawberries right off the front deck. I have noticed that the chipmunks are particularly plentiful, plump, and perky!!

9. Apples, peaches, and raspberries are all members of the rose family. So much for the ..."A rose ...is a rose....is a rose. Turns out their relatives look nothing like them. In the end, roses...smell great...and/or taste good. Now we're talking apples and oranges....I mean apples and roses!

10. Fresh apples float because 25% of their volume is air.
So if you are bobbing for apples, and you don't see the apples bobbing, politely decline the invitation...and pass on it! They don't call them 'Granny 'Smith apples for nothing. They're old!!

11. The fingernail on your middle finger grows the fastest. I realize that this fact is about the middle 'finger', but I just could not resist this picture. How funny is that? And so, I wonder if the middle toenail grows the fastest, too!!

12. Bees are born fully grown. If I remember correctly, when we [people] are born...only our eyeballs are fully grown. Everything else continues to grow as we age.
I, for one, am sure glad that bees get no bigger!

That's the 'buzz-zz-z!

Until next time...bee nice...because nice matters.

Sing along with me...

A peek into the 'normal' routine of the 'not so normal' caregiver...that would be me!

And Flo...the not so normal 97 year old!

We watched the very last episode of 'The Guiding Light' which Flo has watched for years. She used to set her VCR to tape the show daily in case she fell asleep in her recliner while it was on, and especially for the times that she and the 'biddies' would go to Atlantic City every once in a while. I remind her that she learned that skill a lil bit later in life [her mid 70's] when she tries to tell me, "I'm too old! You can't teach an old dog new tricks!!"

And I say, "In your case, oh yes we can! Remember learning how to program the VCR?"

But I digress...

After Judge Judy finishes her two sessions of setting people straight with her trademark remarks of...

"I'm speaking...hey! Can you see my lips moving? I'm speaking!!!"

So then , at 6 PM, there are 3 planned events left in each evening's agenda: 1:a bathroom visit, 2: something to eat, and 3: getting ready and into bed.

As I rolled her wheelchair over to her recliner chair to take her into the bathroom, she looked at the dog staring at her from the picture window and said, "You have such a pretty face!"

And I immediately launched into:

"Chantilly Lace had a pretty face,

And a pony tail hanging down,

With a wiggle in her walk and a giggle in her talk...

Makes the world go round, round, round'

There ain't nothing in the world like a big eyed girl

Who makes me act so funny

Makes me spend my money,

Makes me feel real loose like a long necked goose...

Like a girl...Oh baby, that's what I like!"

Mom is laughing while saying ,"I'd say that you are crazy, but I know we are related!!"

Then, Flo wants to call that dog with the pretty face to come and ride with her to the bathroom, but she forgets her name.

So, I began singing, "A..ma..zing..."

She says, "Grace!"

I continue the verse as the 'stand up and transfer' occurs, and it is a great distraction from the fact that she needs help getting to the bathroom.

Dinner, rice pudding with whipped cream, "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?", and off to bed. Into our beds, our safe havens, "Thank ya Jesus", and no more responsibilities for today.

And then she says, "Mare, does the person who owns this house know that we are using it?"

Oh-boy!

There's that 10% of the time that she is confused...

As I have said before, she has all of her buttons, but sometimes she forgets where she keeps them.

Ommm-m-mmm-!

Eye! Eye!

Modern medicine has certainly accomplished amazing discoveries. I was watching the Today Show and they featured a woman from Florida who had been blind for 9 years. They removed a tooth [ironically her eye tooth], drilled a hole in the middle of her extracted tooth, and placed a lens in there. Then they surgically put that tooth in her eye...and she can now see!!! Incredible!! She was looking forward to 'seeing' her grandchildren.

You can go to 'MSNBC' and click on the link to get details. It was also announced that the hope was that this procedure would be possible in restoring vision for the service wo/men who have been blinded in the war. That's the good news for today!!

We're off to see the...

The dentist's office called two days ago with a cancellation in the hygienist's schedule. Flo was in need of a dental check-up visit with an October appointment on the books, but I accepted the offer [on Flo's behalf]. As we were rolling onto the deck/ramp, en route to the car, Mom says:

"Where are we going now?"

"You know that you are better off not knowing because you are a worrier! How much time would you like? We are 20 minutes from the dentist to get that teeth cleaning that you requested!"

"We are! The dentist? I thought that was in October."

"It was...but for you...less time to be stressed about it!"Into the chair, and I'm fielding questions on Mom's behalf... the technician is asking medical questions..

"Any operations lately?"
"Gall bladder in 1979."

She asked what prescriptions were on Flo's list. I handed over 'the list' and she xeroxed it.

"Any non-prescription drug use?"

I thought to myself...huh? She's 97! So I answered:

"She does have one addiction...

"Just rice pudding with whipped cream nightly!!"

Reassuring Flo that I would not be far away, those 'old teeth' were polished, flossed, 2 x rays, and 2 cavities.
{Flossie thought that she was too old to get a cavity.]

Without missing a beat, they said that we could make an appointment and both cavities could be done at the same time, or it could be done today if we waited 40 minutes.

Given the option...hold onto your hat...Flo said:

"We're here. Then we won't have to come back."

After they revived me with smelling salts, we wheeled Mom back to the waiting room where she proceeded to take a 30 minute snooze. Eyes closed...very peaceful.

She is something else!!

Back into the chair, novacaine, 2 fillings, and ...home again..home again...jiggedy jig!!

Rice pudding with whipped cream...and all was well!!! Ohh-mmmm!

A dozen Snapple facts...with commentary! [of course!!]

Once again, I apologize ahead of time for the puns that emerged from the 'right' side of my brain.

1. A group of twelve or more cows is called a flink.
Ink!!-a-dink-a-flink! So, where is the favorite place for the flink to meet...?
At the 'Moo-vies!'

2. Some bears build nests in trees for sunbathing and resting.
That way, you can get a tan without anyone kicking sand on you as they pass...which is...unbearable!

3. The oldest living animal ever found was a 405 year old clam, named Ming by researchers. Really? What is the formula for determining the age of a flippin'....clam? Let's ask Mr. Ming!

4. A lemon contains more sugar than a strawberry.

Sweet!!

The next Snapple facts are under the category of...huh??

5. Shakespeare invented the words 'assassination' and 'bump'.
You know how you should never assume anything because
it can make an ass out of you and me...So I'm thinking that Shakespeare assumed both 'asses' when he came up with assassination.

6. The quartz crystal in your wristwatch vibrates 32,768 times a second. Now wait 'just a cotton picking minute'!! No way, Jose!

I have trouble accepting that a second can be broken down into hundredths [as in the Olympic swimming stats]. Even 'Ripley's Believe it or Not' would have trouble with vibrations of 32,768/second!

7. If done perfectly, any Rubik's cube combination can be solved in 17 turns. Of course we know how clever squirrels are! They can solve it before you have the cube out of the wrapper!

This HAS to be my favorite picture of them all!!

8. Second Street is the most common street name in the United States; First Street is the sixth most common. What happened to Main St. or Central Ave?

9. The indentation in the middle of the area between the nose and upper lip is called the 'phlitrum'.

No comment...except...who 'nose' that word?

10. The ridges on the sides of coins are called reeding or milling.
My question is...why did we need to have a word for this?

11. The number sign # is called an 'octothorpe'.

I hear the Octomom has used octothorpes to keep the 8 kids 'recognizable'.

12. The most popular ice cream flavor is...vanilla!

I wouldn't have guessed vanilla was the most popular. My favorite flavor is 'coffee' ice cream. So, what's the scoop... about your favorite flavor of ice cream ?

Once in a blue moon...

Last night, at about 4 AM, I quietly turned on the bedroom light so that I might safely go to the bathroom. [I take no chances since I fell in Feb.] I glanced across the room, and Flo's eyes opened. I told her that I was just going to take a bathroom break, and I'd be right back. Since during the daytime, Mom had expressed a desire to see the full moon, I said:

"Mom, would you like to see the full moon? It wouldn't be difficult to do."

"Sure! Yes, I would!"

Was I surprised that she would want to get out of bed to see it? Not really. Flo has surprised me more than once. I have learned not to think for her.

Picture it:

I rolled her wheelchair next to her bed, sat her up, and into her chariot she went! A very short trip to my side of the room, and we gazed out the window. There, shining brightly, was a very full moon.

"Oohh! That is certainly bright! And beautiful!"

I wondered if it was a blue moon. Then I recalled that it was not possible since it was the first full moon in September. I remember years ago while still teaching, my friend, Maureen, explained that a blue moon is actually when there is a second full moon within the same month. It doesn't happen very often, and averages about once in every two and a half years. The rare phenomenon of 'two blue moons' in a year happens about every nineteen years, with 1999 being the last time this occurred.

Flo, Gracie, and I sat for a moment staring at the full moon, and chatting a bit [at 4:30 in the morning!!]. I told Mom that I would 'Google it' in the morning and find out when the next blue moon would occur. Here's the news:

The last one was May 31, 2007. And...a drum roll please...

Get ready everybody...Dec. 31, 2009!! So this New Year's Eve, be sure to look in the sky for the full moon, and make a wish!! It could be lucky!

And this info ...compliments of the last person that you would want to consult about astronomy!!

Which is why I thank my lucky stars for 'Google'!!