Flo admits to the "B" word!!

It's a Sunday, and for my mom and me, it seems like a longer day than the others. Maybe because the television programming is so different from the weekdays, the day drags a bit slower. Maybe because we feel like we should get out and do something, but there is so much flippin' snow...we can't even consider it.
Big picture window...not a deer to be seen.
I was playing hearts and scrabble on the computer, kind of semi-entertained.

The gold medal Olympic Hockey Championship game was on, but Flo sees it as very dangerous..."The hockey players are so fast on skates, and everyone has a big stick, and they crash into each other."

"How are you doing, Mom?"

"Fine. Everything's good." [Flo is not a complainer.]

"Are ya bored?"

"Well, if you are really asking...yes...I am bored! There is really not much to do. Not complaining though."

"I would certainly agree with you in this case...what's to do?"

I must admit that I was very surprised to hear those words from Flo.

As a kid, we were not supposed to say those words.."I'm bored!"

My brothers and I would get the answer..."Well, what are you going to do about it??"

Boredom is a state of mind. Take action and do something.

And so it became the "B" word.

And even as a teacher, the 'kid' in me kept that going.

The kids knew not to say the "B" word.

It was always fun to watch the other [than my] kids who were not in on our context of the word listen to someone say, "Mrs. W...So and So said the "B" word.

Eyes got as big as saucers!

And I'll bet you thought the 'B' word was something different!!

Fooled you!!

Syra'Cuse' shuts Nova down!

Syracuse Basketball at its finest!! A home game and in front of a record -breaking number of orange clad fans...the now #1 team brought down the house!!! It was electrifying and looked like a whole lot of fun to be there.

Wahoo!! Woot!! Huzzah!! Tada!!

Mother Nature...Get a grip!

I was going to say, "Mother Nature...Chill out!" But if she took that literally, we'd be in trouble. She has scared us with wind. Wind can be a force to reckon with...and listen to... and pray for it to stop all the while hoping that the existing trees remain standing. [My Jan 7, 2009 post can explain the 'fallen' details.] We have had enough snow to last for the rest of the season. My next door neighbor kids built these two life-size snowmen and they are truly terrific!! Art! They decorated in great detail even with a red heart tucked onto where the heart would be located. They just make you smile!!

It snowed so much that when I went to let the dog out, I couldn't open the door! So I pushed enough to get it 'poodle width', and the snow was deeper than she was tall! Gracie looked at me as if to say, "Are ya serious?"

The spring bulbs that are in containers on my front porch have begun to sprout up green messages: Spring! Less than a month. Someone needs to text Mother Nature. Earthquakes...tsunamis...mudslides...This is not what we have ordered! So, now, if everyone would please cooperate by stretching your arms out to both sides, close your eyes, and hum...Oh-mmm. and Whoa-oo!

Similar to clapping to bring Tinkerbell back to life, if everyone hums together ...maybe we could help calm things down. It's worth a shot!

Thank goodness, it's all behind me now!

Yesterday I spent the day preparing for that 'dreaded' colonoscopy.

This morning, as I came into consciousness and prepared to shower , get dressed, and go...I heard the radio reporting that all schools are closed. It was a snow day!!

Well, I was pretty sure that the roads had to be good enough to travel on to arrive at my out- patient , one-day surgery' hospital appointment. If the words about 'No unnecessary travel in the county' had been voiced, I would have sounded the alarm....and gotten there somehow. There would be ....no ...do over on the prep for this appointment.

Fortunately, I have good friends to drop me off, and pick me up, too.

And thankfully, today I crossed it off my list of 'Been there...had to do that!

It was my third one in 10 years . And both the prep and procedure were the best of the bunch. Butt[sorry, sometimes I can't stop myself] this time, I'm thinking the 'All Clear' call will get me 5 years off'.
I voiced my opinion about how I would really like to be in altered states.

"You don't want to watch the monitor?"

"Nah...I think I'll pass."

I am doing the dance of joy as this is now ....history.

The Five O'Clockers

Everyday, between 4:45 and 5:15PM like clockwork, a pair of cardinals visits the sunflower feeder. It has reached the point that we watch for them because we know they will be there. Even when we don't have any other birds for days...those two cardinals show up and dine right outside our living room window. I suggested to Flo that she should name them, and she thought,

"Well, since they fly in everyday at 5 o'clock...I don't know...I guess 'The Five O'Clockers"!

As daylight stays later each evening, this dynamic duo continues to arrive as a sure thing, but the time is a bit more unpredictable.
"Flo, how 'bout giving them actual names. What shall we refer to them as instead of the 'five-o'clockers'?"

Her answer couldn't have been more classic, and she said, "I don't know...Adam and Eve!"

Several days later, I asked her if she had seen our favorite couple yet.

"What did you rename them?"

"Cain and Abel."

"Well, you are in the correct series of books, and quite current in 21st century relationships! In this case, one brown cardinal [Eve] and one red cardinal [Adam] makes them a traditional pair of cardinals...fortunately with the ability produce future finely feathered friends!!

Whew!

And there you have it.

A failed intervention, and the bloomin' results!

I should have known better. Why didn't I immediately changed the channel. But I was powerless, rendered immobile, and under the spell of...QVC's Spring Flower Show! 'Cottage Farms' and 'Roberta's Unique Plants '[that no one else has seen]. Once again , they will be sending me new and different surprises, and one repeat performance.

Some folks will watch QVC as they would watch any regular programming. Not me.

Other folks wouldn't give them the time of day. That's not me. [I'd relay that info!!]

My particular MO [method of observing] is to 'stop in' as I happen to channel surf by it. To me, their 'Quality, Value, Convenience' works for me.
Delivered to my door, [I am on a first name basis with my UPS man, Ronnie] I have purchased television sets, a recliner, solar lights, Mrs. Prindables Chocolate covered apples, a picnic table that doubles as a bench, clothing, etc...all while not watching!

I may pause for a couple of minutes of Easy Solutions, Electronics Today, and Quacker Factory...
So when I returned to my house, walked in, and this beautiful 'Pink [cotton candy] Ornamental Grass was being featured...Nic and I exchanged glances and we both knew that I was powerless. She took the dog for a walk, and before the walk was over...those plants were ordered. And then another [a Royal Red Summer Lilac Patio Tree]. And a third one[a Golden Magic Gardenia Deco Kit]. Help! I am seriously in need of an intervention!![ In the plants and flowers department, that is!]

And then a funny thing happened.
As I went to QVC's website to get pictures of my newest additions for this entry, I noticed a whole bunch of customer reviews that completely nixed the idea of actually getting the same results as they stated during the show. It wasn't just a few bad remarks; there were many. And being the not-so-proud owner of the three year old 'barren blueberry plants', I figured that my intervention had occurred! I called customer service and cancelled that cotton candy. Yes I did!

And then, as the show was nearing the end of the 'Spring Preview', they showed the beautiful and grand strawberries that I ordered last year. We watched them grow, and it was so entertaining as well as lots of fun. But...Not a single berry did we get to eat! Before we could pick one and 'hum the ummmm'....they were gone!! Birds? Chipmunks? Squirrels? the UPS man? It's an unsolved mystery, and a cold case at this point. I do, however, believe that the necessary barriers needed to prevent this are within my power. So...I ordered another set. Huh? Yes I did!

And a couple of cedar planters, too.

QVC: Quick...Versatile...Captivating!

Celebrating milestones...

It was two years ago that my niece, Katie, set up my blog and it sure has been great. I must also recognize Kay in Hawaii who was the first person to read it and respond . Two years later, there are many cyber friends whose lives I regularly follow. And I have come to realize how much I like to write and so it's a good match for me. That was February 16, 2008!

The other milestone occurred one year ago on February 17, 2009. I slid, lost my balance, and was face down on the lawn before I even knew what had happened. After a phone call to 911, I heard the siren go off to summon the responders and thought how strange it was to know that it was for me! And then I had my first ambulance ride where I was the injured person. I had no idea how much my life would be affected and the length of time that would be necessary to get back on my feet. It really was a life altering experience.

And it's history! And I'm walking! And today, I did not venture out of the house. I stayed inside and watched it snow...it was a much better day.

So, to celebrate my second year blogging anniversary ...if you read my blog, would you enter and sign in please...

The games, the stories, the best!!

I am so very entertained by many aspects of The Olympic Games. The opening ceremonies offer a wide range of diversity in their programs. I can recall a Los Angeles show that ended with many women dressed in beautiful blue, flowing gowns seated at 85 individual grand pianos playing Gershwin tunes. It was visually and auditorally stunning!! Also stunning but in a 'far out' way was France's opening ceremony. My son[ 11 at the time] and three other buds were camped out on the living room floor on a Friday night while Cathy[mom of 3 buds] and I were amazed at how 'bizarre' it seemed to us. And then there was Beijing. Beijing's ceremony was in a class all by itself. Every time I thought it couldn't get more surprising...it did. Unbelievable!

I often think about past games' surprises. Topping the list has to be the 1980 miracle hockey
team that won the gold. The excitement was over the top in our living room as well as on the ice!! Jer was a mere baby, and now he does 'play by play' hockey as one of his [favorite] jobs! Hockey must have a genetic link.

Perhaps my second favorite upset had to be when 'the perfect storm' lined up with all of the planets in rotation....and Sarah Hughes was suddenly the gold medal winner. She was in the dressing/ training room with her coach when someone else's scores mathematically put Sarah in the spotlight. It was 'out of the world unexpected' given the women competing with Sarah. Sixteen years old and in high school, unpretentious and refreshing...it was awesome [truly] to behold!

Torvill and Dean were poetry in motion. Mesmerizing and perfect, they made it look so effortless! You couldn't take your eyes off of their routine of grace and fluidity.[Is that a word?}

I often have to catch myself leaning in an effort to help in some way.

Snowboarding races, skiing acrobatics, and wasn't it fun when there was a bobsleigh team from Jamaica!! I find myself rooting for people and teams based on some of the background stories that are shared. The training and work involved that is necessary to achieve an Olympic level chance to compete is in itself beyond my scope of reality.

And so, for two weeks, let the games reign. It is so different from regular TV programming. There is no sex, violence, murder, bad language, etc.

My prayers go to the family and friends of the luge fatality. A horrible accident.

We do not have the ability to change it, and so in his honor and with a prayer in our heart, I believe we must focus on the athletes who are still competing with all the effort, honor, and energy that they can muster for the occasion.

The awards ceremonies...the national anthems...the pride of accomplishment...well, it does a heart good!!!

I love these games.

Good, Glad, Great!

Back in the days of teaching [5th grade], a regular assignment was to 'document the weekend' in your journal. Something had to fall into the categories of...good, glad, great. I told them that when they happened upon their journal when they were older, it would be a real treat to read about their life as a 10 year old.
Here are my 3 G's...
It is a good thing that the Olympics are 'only a day away!' Tomorrow...tomorrow...the opening ceremony is tomorrow [are you singing that song from Annie?]. I was absolutely blown away by the opening ceremony from Bejing, and I am really looking forward to this year's choreographed extravaganza. And then...let the games begin!!
I love it! And that's a good thing!

Glad....Yes, I'm glad all over...yes, I'm glad all over...[Are ya singin' along?]
Baby I'm glad all over...cause Syracuse beat that UConn b'ball team!!
The picture of Carmelo Anthony is from the era when Syracuse won the National Championship. Flo's favorite player was Carmelo back then. She even had a life size Melo poster hanging up in her house much to the surprise of anyone who happened to see it.
UConn has been a thorn in Syracuse's side for many years. Their last encounter was that '6 overtimes' game that went until 1:30 AM, and at that point everyone was exhausted. So last night, Syracuse was ahead by 12 points for a lot of the game, but somehow managed to make it a nail-biting finish right down to the final seconds!! I am so glad that they won. Whew!

Great! How great thou art...How great thou art!![Again...singing?]
My hair dresser of 30 years who has just returned from a Florida vacation called me to say that [on her first day back] she had a cancellation and ...yes...I could come in so that I could again be made beautiful...as only she can do. Wahoo!!! That was GREAT!
Seems like a little thing, but I have to say that if you can... 'take joy in the little things', life is great.
And there are my 3 G's...good, glad, great.
How 'bout you?? Share with us. C'mon...

Perspective is Everything!

Everytime I teach a 'Safe Driving' class, I always learn something new from the participants. In different sessions, we have been fortunate to have a truck driver, a state trooper, an RV traveler, an insurance agent, a fire fighter, a nurse, among many other valuable contributors, and this class has a ...

Snow Plow Driver!! Wahoo! His perspective was very powerful. He talked about how much the truck weighed,[which makes it difficult to stop fast if some bozo pulls in front of him], the blind spots [especially on the passenger side], and how if you follow too closely and he stops....that you could wind up under his truck. And why anyone would want to pass such a force is a mystery. Trucks, snowplows, RV's, buses, ...cut them a break.

We were also told that you can get a ticket for a license plate frame from the dealership or the like. The same way you can get a ticket if there is anything hanging from your rear view mirror.

Also some very insightful thoughts on cell phones and texting.

It was a very nice sponsor[ a church] and location, but not the one in the photo. The room was set up, TV and VCR hooked up and ready, and coffee and refreshments were available, too!

I have an 85 year old woman who is fun, with laughing eyes...very personable. And a 20 year old young man.

Next Saturday is Part 2 and then class is dismissed with 25 safer drivers on the road.

I believe that my unique [haha]style of teaching keeps them listening[ or I may imitate snoring if I think they're not with me], and it's a no stress class. People are comfortable sharing ideas and opinions. More fun to come.

And for God's sake,

Get off of the phone and keep your distance from a flippin snow plow!~!

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall...

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see the familiar face that has accompanied you on your life journey, or do you see what you [and others] 'perceive to be' the negative aspects [wrinkles, spots] of your journey? As we age, there certainly are physical changes, and yet there are also emotional/intellectual changes that can't be seen.

The eyes are the windows of the soul. You can read happy, sad, coldness, lying...character. All in the eyes. Eyes fascinate me.

My eyes are the one constant in my life, and they are the same as they were at my birth. Everything else [ears, nose, and body] continue to grow as we age. Not our eyes!! We are born with them fully grown, which is probably why when you look at a baby's face...those eyes are a compelling force!! And when you look at your face in the mirror, the 'eyes' have it.

I have to say that the rest of my 'physical presence' goes more unobserved by me. When I see a photo or reflection of myself...it's like...ooff! I forget that 'it is that what others see'...cause I am on the inside looking out. What I see on the outside [hazel eyes, brown hair, chubby, with some gnarly hands] is totally different from what I perceive of myself on the inside. [ positive temperment, creative thinker, a kind person, cherishes laughter!!] What brought this on...you may wonder.

I was watching The View and the star of the movie 'Precious' was relating that she sees herself as beautiful [Kudos to her!] She was not bragging, as it was merely stated in the conversation with the ladies. Public opinion from an early age and from our peers usually wins in the defeat of the spirit as it emphasizes what is 'acceptable' and not. Also, there was an editorial column in the newspaper about the main character [Alphaba, otherwise known as the wicked witch of the west] in the musical 'Wicked'. And I quote Andrea Stratton[ from ' The Citizen' newspaper]:

"Wicked portrays the Wicked Witch of the West, Alphaba, as a young girl, who due to her appearance, was always an outcast. She sought love and acceptance from her family, which she never received, having few friends who would give her a chance, primarily due to her appearance. The inner beauty that she possessed was not in evidence at first glance. This seems to parallel the lives of people with disabilities , who are in constant battle with the perception of their character versus the true abilities they possess. Often, as children, we classify the popular by looks and talent. I believe this perception can stay with us and cause reactions to people whose appearances are different- reactions that might not be formed if we could see inside the heart." She goes on to say that your appearance generally cannot reflect the heart that lies within each of us.

There is the saying, 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. Well, many 'beholders' have been skewed by the media and the cultural perception of what is 'acceptable' and the effects perhaps have reached far beyond the teenagers.

I have a book: "Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart" by Gordon Livingstone M.D. Great insights!

I am content with the person that I have evolved into...

Just keep those mirrors under wraps!

I relate better to the view on the inside!!