Nothing new. SSDD

Well, it is Sunday and I am once again contemplating my place in the universe.  As level headed, grounded, and grateful for all things as I am,  it is too often an effort to not think about how my life compares with others. When I read others' blogs, or have conversations with friends, I realize that I am at a loss for words and experiences for a couple of reasons. 
Being the primary caretaker for my mom limits my traveling in a big way. This brings good fortune as well as cabin fever. The look of sheer joy... along with her favorite spirited word of 'Hmm!' when handed an unexpected black and white half moon cookie helps me to appreciate this unique time together.
Born one of three kids and the only girl,  sibling interaction is limited.  Added is the loss of one brother in the Navy which leaves me with one terrific brother. He is priceless to say the least!  He also lives five hours away as do nieces and nephew[1]!
My personal family plans included many kids.  The Good Lord sent me one.  I can't remember life without my favorite son who is a wonderful person. Never farther than a text away, he lives two hours away and I look forward to a grandchild...someday!  No pressure, Jer.
And lastly, being single never seemed as isolating as when retirement comes into the picture.  With an exception or two, most retirees walk into the sunset to go places and do things with their spouse. 
Single people are often not included in the mix with couples. I am not complaining...it is what it is. My eyes are wide open...though I do enjoy eyes closed and the altered state of sleep.
So when I attempt to write something exciting about life, I am challenged by circumstances which are beyond my control.  And there you have it...the reasons for lapses in my blogging.
That...and my practiced propensity for procrastination!!

30 days...



And the countdown begins...We are 30 days from Flo's 100th birthday! 

to the 3 digit birthday!
100!
Details soon.

FOLLOW UP!

When I purchased my house twenty years ago, I learned about heating with kerosene and how to take care of the 250 gallon oil tank in the backyard.  I signed up for a service contract  each year because it included an annual furnace cleaning, and more importantly to me, they were there 24/7/365 just a phone call away if things went awry! And they had to be friendly and nice as they solved the problem. 
 Radiators warm each room, and I like that.  Truth be told, I am wary of gas.  Maybe in a former life...I was in one of those spontaneous combustion house explosions.  Anyway,  since the price of oil has drastically risen in these past 20 years, I am really, really, really paying attention and here's my story:
In March when 187 gallons were delivered and it was $4.99 a gallon, I immediately wanted to speak with the oil cartel.  Before I placed a phone call to my oil distributor, I called a different one just to ask what price they were charging per gallon.  Ready?  $3.99 which is one dollar cheaper and when you have 187 gallons delivered, that's a difference of $187.
So... I called my company and reminded them that I was a customer for twenty years, and 'holy mackeral' what is with the price of oil these days?
"When you get oil from your distributors, tell me, are they wearing masks?  Because they should be!!"
[Just kidding, I didn't really say that!]
I mentioned that the other company was a whole dollar less, and that is a big difference.  Then I related how I am on a fixed income and taking care of my 99 year old mother...
[Cue the violin music now].  Again, kidding.
The manager agreed to lower the price by $.25 now and in all future deliveries.  I agreed thinking that eventually all $187 would make its way back to me.
Fast forward to this past Monday...
The oil truck was backing down my street [beep, beep, beep] and I remember thinking that at least now we were not at peak oil prices and they had come down a bit.  And then my added $.25, well, it is still crazy!
Imagine my meltdown when the receipt said 187 gallons at $5.24 a gallon.....What???????????
Another quick call to the competition again showed $3.99 as their price.
Okey dokey!  My conversation was pleasant and cordial as I assured Debbie that I had no intention of 'Shooting the messenger' but taking cover might not be a bad idea. 
Two far out things occurred.
First, they had forgotten about the .25 and...are you ready for this?
She said, "I don't know why it said $5.24 because it shows up today the same as the other company.  So I will be happy to adjust your bill."
And the .25 a gallon that we had agreed on???
That was already included as my price had gone from $5.24 to $3.99.
I was totally prepared to switch companies.  I was all done debating the details.
My pleasant phone call resulted in $225.00 coming off of my bill, and I stayed with the company I have been with for twenty years.'
Two morals of the story:
I believe that you really are more effective 'catching more bees with honey'.
Secondly, you have to pay attention to details on bills, sales, etc.  Or you'll pay the price.
So...cue 'The Rocky Movie Theme'......
$225.00  Oh yeah!
Christmas Tree Shoppe...Here I come!!

Lingonberries

There's a new berry in town! From Scandanavia, lingonberries have 30% more antioxidants than all  berries....most potent fruit in the world.

These red berries kill bacteria, fight cancer, and are sugar zappers with diabetes fighting power.

A natural antibiotic, they kill bacteria.

Go to Dr Oz.com for details and/or recipes.
It's on my shopping list!!

Life 101

Each one of us arrives into time and place unaware of everything and in control of nothing.
A phone call from Sarah got me thinking about life, people, and happenstance. Most often we are first judged by outward appearances and first impressions. And yet what makes us unique as an ' individual' are things that are not visible.

I met Sarah a year ago when she became Mom's hospital roommate in need of some 'steroid therapy'.
I thought, "Oh! Sounds good...sign me up!"

Sara has multiple sclerosis and needed therapy to improve her walking capabilities. In her late 50's with one sister who lived an hour away, no children, and a husband on dialysis who had no more energy for her, the hospital was the place for some R&R...rest and recuperation. Sarah, Flo, and I spent about 4 or 5 days visiting and I kind of double teamed helping both patients since I was the most ambulatory of the three of us. The most challenging hurdle , though, was her speech impairment[not related to the MS] . Uncomfortable to listen to at first, it soon became clear that she was making perfect sense but talked so excitedly that it wasn't easily understandable. I'd have to say."I'm not understanding you yet...slow down."
And sometimes, it was"One more time, Sarah."
It was an adjustment for me and definitely outside of my comfort zone. I would guess that people often opt out of sharing a conversation that was so difficult, and kind of embarrassing to both people. It required time and getting past uncertainty.
The point is that an intelligent and witty woman was in there hidden by the outward appearance of chronic pain and 'other than perfect speech'. There was some hearty laughter mixed in our conversations. It was good.

Whenever I visited my mom, Sarah would comment on my colorful pocketbook. It was a red fabric bag with small daisies that was a birthday gift about 10 years ago. I had pressed it into service many times and my mom did, too. The last night when I left the hospital after visiting hours, I went home on a mission. I dumped the handbag's ingredients, and put it in the washing machine and then the dryer. Into one of the flaps, I tucked an index card with my name and phone number in case there was anything I could do for her. The next day, Flo was to be discharged, and I went to get her. I handed Sarah the red pocketbook and she said how much she really loved it. She didn't understand at first that I was giving it to her. Tears rolled down her face and I honestly don't know who was the happier camper!!! It was a grand moment and she still talks about it.
We have chatted several times on the phone, and I visited with her when she was in a rehab center. She told me that now she had some help come into her house two times a week and that the young woman recognized my name and thought that she was a former student of mine. Turned out to be true.

I was invited for cake and ice cream on a day that her helper would be there. So as Estelle Getty used to say on 'The Golden Girls'....Picture this:
I was sitting in Sarah's living room and she had her red pocketbook anchored at her feet. Across from me was my former student who was 10 years old when I met her...[and then her two sisters], too. As a part of her helping job, she had the refreshments ready to go. The three of us enjoyed a Pepperage Farm cake with chocolate ice cream as we all caught up on each other's lives. I remember thinking how unscripted and unique and enjoyable this whole scenario had become.
Sarah summed it up best. She said

"I can't believe that I found a friend in the hospital. I never thought that would happen."

Me, too, Sarah.
It's been a real adventure.

I was thinking that I knew Sara more because I had spent a couple of days in her presence. How many people don't get a fair chance at life, jobs, or friendship because it is difficult to get past the outside?   On Dancing with the Stars, there is an Iraq Vet whose Humvee was blown up when it encountered a land mine. He was badly burned, has had 30 surgeries, and is now dancing up a storm on network TV after an acting stint on 'All My Children. I give him a lot of credit. Initially it is difficult to look at his face. I have seen him on TV for a year and his smile is awesome.
Will the majority give his dancing a chance?

Or will a good looking ordinary dancer have an advantage right from the beginning?
The world would certainly benefit from giving each other basic kindness regardless of outward appearances and/or fashion.

I don't know if that is possible. Maybe one person at a time.