Today it's gray and gloomy, looking even more like snow. What am I doing?? Absolutely nothing. I got up earlier than usual this AM, made coffee and sat, and sat, and sat. This afternoon, I decided to change positions and laid on the sofa, and read. I fell asleep, and about 3:45 PM woke up and decided to shower and get dressed. Then I stripped my bed, straightened up my room and did a load of laundry. I'm "exhausted" so I think it's time for more sitting.
I decided the worse thing about living alone (more or less) is cooking. I have to cook it, eat it alone, then do the dishes.(When my late wife was here, were shared these and most household chores.) I see why so many single people opt to eat out. Tonight, since all meat in the house is in the freezer and not thawed, I will have a delicious bowl of Raisin Bran. I will lay out some pork chops for tomorrow.
Baby, it's cold outside, but in here it's warm as toast and cozy!
Peace,
JE
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Let It Snow!
The weather outside yesterday was frightful. Here in the Midwest, we got barraged with snow. My area of the world only got 4-5 inches, further south it was worse. Oh well, if we're going to live here, we have to abide with the winters.
Isn't it funny that when we in the Midwest get a "bunch" of snow, we hardly get a mention on the Weather Channel. However, the New England states, and along the East coast gets storms named for them and plenty of hype. Do they not know how to handle snow, or what? I would think that as much as they get in the winter, and that it usually comes to us before them, they would have plenty of warning and be prepared. What a bunch of wimps!! I guess it goes to show who are the heartier people. We are the pioneers, after all.
Today is beautiful. Not too cold, and the sun is out on this snow covering up all the ugliness. I decided to go out and get out the snowblower and get it going. NOT! It will not start. I only used it once last year as we had minimal snow, and it worked fine. I cleaned the sparkplug, put in new gas/oil mix, choked and primed and about pulled my arm off trying to get it going. Nothing would work. So, I resorted to the shovel. But since I am in therapy for my left shoulder and rotator cuff and etc, I more or less shoved instead of scooped. I got things cleared enough to get the car out of the garage, and the sidewalks cleared to the garage, and the front so the poor mailman could get to my porch. Now I feel like I need a nap. So I will.
We are expecting more of the white stuff later in the week, but if my snow blower won't start, I have a number to call for a guy who has a blade on his truck and charges a reasonable fee for snow removal. I will give him a call and save my back and shoulders from more harm.
Again I must say that this growing old is NOT for sissies.
Peace,
JE
Isn't it funny that when we in the Midwest get a "bunch" of snow, we hardly get a mention on the Weather Channel. However, the New England states, and along the East coast gets storms named for them and plenty of hype. Do they not know how to handle snow, or what? I would think that as much as they get in the winter, and that it usually comes to us before them, they would have plenty of warning and be prepared. What a bunch of wimps!! I guess it goes to show who are the heartier people. We are the pioneers, after all.
Today is beautiful. Not too cold, and the sun is out on this snow covering up all the ugliness. I decided to go out and get out the snowblower and get it going. NOT! It will not start. I only used it once last year as we had minimal snow, and it worked fine. I cleaned the sparkplug, put in new gas/oil mix, choked and primed and about pulled my arm off trying to get it going. Nothing would work. So, I resorted to the shovel. But since I am in therapy for my left shoulder and rotator cuff and etc, I more or less shoved instead of scooped. I got things cleared enough to get the car out of the garage, and the sidewalks cleared to the garage, and the front so the poor mailman could get to my porch. Now I feel like I need a nap. So I will.
We are expecting more of the white stuff later in the week, but if my snow blower won't start, I have a number to call for a guy who has a blade on his truck and charges a reasonable fee for snow removal. I will give him a call and save my back and shoulders from more harm.
Again I must say that this growing old is NOT for sissies.
Peace,
JE
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
On Christmas Day
Oh My Golly! What a wonderful day. The kids were all here. My brother called me from Texas, I received awesome gifts, and saw a great movie. If you have a chance to see "Guilt Trip," go go go! It's hysterically funny. Barbra Streisand (Joyce) accompanies her son (Andy) played by (I can't remember his name) on a car trip across the US from NYC to San Francisco. What happens along the way is just too funny to tell.
We even got free popcorn at the theater. (That's to make up for the "highway robbery" of $9.00 a ticket that it cost us to get in.) But it was worth it to spend quality time with Prof and Kiddo and Kiddo's buddy/roommate.
So, after all the excitement of the day, this ol' guy is tired. So, merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Peace,
JE
We even got free popcorn at the theater. (That's to make up for the "highway robbery" of $9.00 a ticket that it cost us to get in.) But it was worth it to spend quality time with Prof and Kiddo and Kiddo's buddy/roommate.
So, after all the excitement of the day, this ol' guy is tired. So, merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Peace,
JE
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Tis The Season
Tis the season to be jolly! Right! I am beginning to get excited about the upcoming festivities for Christmas. Finally! It's been a rough few weeks for me. Seems like I am missing Tilly more than ever. After all, Christmas was her favorite holiday and it seemed she was the driving force that got the house ready, the cooking done, and the gifts purchased and wrapped. (Okay, I did help with the decorating, and the wrapping.)
I went shopping yesterday for the first time. I had picked up a few things here and there, but the major shopping was done yesterday. I still have some to do. Oh, I haven't bought the two little grands a thing yet. I am at a loss there. Their house looks like Toys R Us now, so I am not buying toys. Mom says they don't need clothes, so what does that leave. BOOKS! I am looking for the classic children's books like Curious George, Goodnight Moon, etc.I haven't found them yet. Maybe B and N will have them if I can arrange a 45 minute drive to the nearest one.
Gift cards seem to be high on everyone's list this year. That is so easy, but so not-like-me. But, if ya can't beat 'em, join 'em. So I got a bunch of gift cards to everyone's fav stores. Then I picked up some smaller things for each adult.
My list for myself was rather simple. Tighty whities, Tee shirts, and socks were top of the list followed by a new set of portable phones, (mine bit the dust last weekend after 15 years of good service), a Kerig coffee maker, and a Chromebook! I believe in giving a list with a wide price span, just in case some one is feeling flush this Christmas. LOL!
My Christmas is made more wonderful each year when our church choir and orchestra present our annual cantata. That happened last Sunday evening to a packed sanctuary. It was a joyful celebration of the Birth. It is our choir's gift to the community and the community surely responded. There were people of different denominations and faiths present. It was glorious!
My travel plans to Texas had to be put on hold for a few weeks due to the expensive repairs on my car last weekend, but it is fixed and safe to drive once more, so maybe next month I will head to my bro's in the Lone Star State. I miss him and his family, especially at this time of year. But I will get there soon.
Peace,
JE
I went shopping yesterday for the first time. I had picked up a few things here and there, but the major shopping was done yesterday. I still have some to do. Oh, I haven't bought the two little grands a thing yet. I am at a loss there. Their house looks like Toys R Us now, so I am not buying toys. Mom says they don't need clothes, so what does that leave. BOOKS! I am looking for the classic children's books like Curious George, Goodnight Moon, etc.I haven't found them yet. Maybe B and N will have them if I can arrange a 45 minute drive to the nearest one.
Gift cards seem to be high on everyone's list this year. That is so easy, but so not-like-me. But, if ya can't beat 'em, join 'em. So I got a bunch of gift cards to everyone's fav stores. Then I picked up some smaller things for each adult.
My list for myself was rather simple. Tighty whities, Tee shirts, and socks were top of the list followed by a new set of portable phones, (mine bit the dust last weekend after 15 years of good service), a Kerig coffee maker, and a Chromebook! I believe in giving a list with a wide price span, just in case some one is feeling flush this Christmas. LOL!
My Christmas is made more wonderful each year when our church choir and orchestra present our annual cantata. That happened last Sunday evening to a packed sanctuary. It was a joyful celebration of the Birth. It is our choir's gift to the community and the community surely responded. There were people of different denominations and faiths present. It was glorious!
My travel plans to Texas had to be put on hold for a few weeks due to the expensive repairs on my car last weekend, but it is fixed and safe to drive once more, so maybe next month I will head to my bro's in the Lone Star State. I miss him and his family, especially at this time of year. But I will get there soon.
Peace,
JE
Friday, December 14, 2012
With a Heavy Heart
I, along with the rest of our nation, am with a heavy heart tonight. The senseless killings of 20 children and 6 adults today in Newtown, Conn. has brought the nation to it's knees in prayer. My heart goes out to all those who suffered loss today, and too, to those parents who suffered through the minutes until they found their children safe. Unless we experience something like this, we cannot even imagine the hurt and the tragedy.
I remember the fear that surged through me when I came upon a car accident on a nearby highway, noticed that the mashed up vehicle on its top out in a field looked a lot like my son's car. It was! But he was unhurt, thanks to seat belts and a roll bar. So, I can relate to some level of fear that those parents of surviving children must have felt. I cannot, in any way, imagine the loss that the parents of the murdered children are feeling. I only know that it must be devastating.
My big question is what was the young man's mom doing with automatic firearms. For cripe's sake, she was a teacher of young people. What did she need with an assault rifle?
There is no excuse for what this young man did. I really don't give a damn what his problems were, or what his motivation was. Who cares? He had to be sick, but who cares? I don't! I only care about those poor people in Newtown. How can they possibly overcome this tragedy.
I admire the law enforcement personnel who responded. What a job! And they did it so well.
What else is there left to say except please remember these folks in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn. May God be with them all.
Peace,
JE
I remember the fear that surged through me when I came upon a car accident on a nearby highway, noticed that the mashed up vehicle on its top out in a field looked a lot like my son's car. It was! But he was unhurt, thanks to seat belts and a roll bar. So, I can relate to some level of fear that those parents of surviving children must have felt. I cannot, in any way, imagine the loss that the parents of the murdered children are feeling. I only know that it must be devastating.
My big question is what was the young man's mom doing with automatic firearms. For cripe's sake, she was a teacher of young people. What did she need with an assault rifle?
There is no excuse for what this young man did. I really don't give a damn what his problems were, or what his motivation was. Who cares? He had to be sick, but who cares? I don't! I only care about those poor people in Newtown. How can they possibly overcome this tragedy.
I admire the law enforcement personnel who responded. What a job! And they did it so well.
What else is there left to say except please remember these folks in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn. May God be with them all.
Peace,
JE
Cars! I Hate it When They Need Repaired!
I am not a mechanic of any sort. I know where to put the gas in my car, and that's about it. I used to be able to change the oil, and even install new brakes, but with today's new "car tech." even that isn't possible anymore.
My beautiful red '06 Chrysler Sebring was making a "clunking" sound when I turned the steering wheel. It's been doing it for about a week, but was getting worse. So, yesterday I called the local garage and made an appointment to have it looked at. The "gal" I talked to was rather rude and abrupt, made no overture of being the least bit helpful. I explained that it was my only "ride" so I would at least need to be taken home, or else I guess I could sit there all day while they fix the car. A few other questions were met with either snide or rude remarks. They are the only Chrysler dealership around this area. The one where I bought the car is about 25miles away and I didn't want to risk going there with the noise it was making. So, I made the arrangements to go at 8:00 AM this morning.
In the meantime, I related my phone call to Prof. Sooooo, on her way home yesterday after school, she dropped in at the garage. She talked to the Service Manager, who she said looked to be about 12 years old (LOL) and she told him that his people were not very "people friendly" and told him how I was treated by whom ever answered the phone that morning. She said that I had been a Chrysler fan for a long time, and might just want to buy a car there sometime, and that if that was the kind of service...and so on and so on.
This morning when I got there, they were ready and waiting on me. With a free loaner car for the day. They called when they had an estimate of time and final cost. They called me again to tell me that I will be needing new brakes soon, or did I want them to do that today, and also called when the car was done. They were polite, and very accommodating.
Now, why and what made the change?? Was it because the service manager is just that much better at his people skills, or did the fact that Prof stopped in and was polite, but firm with him that made the difference. Do they treat all Senior Citizens like second class citizens unless they are stood up for by someone else, or what? Made me questions their ethics, though.
I bought my last car somewhere I had a friend working. He no longer works at that establishment, so I have no ties at that garage. So I might buy here locally the next time, or I might go 40 miles away where my friend is working now.
Customer service is so important, and whether or not I am wealthy or just middle class, old or young, should not make any difference.
But, now it's fixed,(broken tie rod) and paid for and I am satisfied with the job they did, even if I am not too impressed with their people skills.
Peace,
JE
My beautiful red '06 Chrysler Sebring was making a "clunking" sound when I turned the steering wheel. It's been doing it for about a week, but was getting worse. So, yesterday I called the local garage and made an appointment to have it looked at. The "gal" I talked to was rather rude and abrupt, made no overture of being the least bit helpful. I explained that it was my only "ride" so I would at least need to be taken home, or else I guess I could sit there all day while they fix the car. A few other questions were met with either snide or rude remarks. They are the only Chrysler dealership around this area. The one where I bought the car is about 25miles away and I didn't want to risk going there with the noise it was making. So, I made the arrangements to go at 8:00 AM this morning.
In the meantime, I related my phone call to Prof. Sooooo, on her way home yesterday after school, she dropped in at the garage. She talked to the Service Manager, who she said looked to be about 12 years old (LOL) and she told him that his people were not very "people friendly" and told him how I was treated by whom ever answered the phone that morning. She said that I had been a Chrysler fan for a long time, and might just want to buy a car there sometime, and that if that was the kind of service...and so on and so on.
This morning when I got there, they were ready and waiting on me. With a free loaner car for the day. They called when they had an estimate of time and final cost. They called me again to tell me that I will be needing new brakes soon, or did I want them to do that today, and also called when the car was done. They were polite, and very accommodating.
Now, why and what made the change?? Was it because the service manager is just that much better at his people skills, or did the fact that Prof stopped in and was polite, but firm with him that made the difference. Do they treat all Senior Citizens like second class citizens unless they are stood up for by someone else, or what? Made me questions their ethics, though.
I bought my last car somewhere I had a friend working. He no longer works at that establishment, so I have no ties at that garage. So I might buy here locally the next time, or I might go 40 miles away where my friend is working now.
Customer service is so important, and whether or not I am wealthy or just middle class, old or young, should not make any difference.
But, now it's fixed,(broken tie rod) and paid for and I am satisfied with the job they did, even if I am not too impressed with their people skills.
Peace,
JE
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
My "grown up " Christmas List
Okay Mel, here is mine. (Note that you and I have a couple of the same ones.LOL!)
1. Last Christmas play you saw in a theater? Scrooge
2. What is your favorite Christmas movie? The Preacher’s Wife
3. Who is your favorite fictional Christmas Character? The Little Drummer Boy
4. Favorite magazine for Christmas ideas? Taste of Home
5. Favorite smells of the Season? Pine and Spices
6. Favorite sounds of the Season? Love the sound of jingling bells!
7. The saddest part of Christmas? Missing those who have gone on before us.
8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up on Christmas morning? Is everything ready?
2. What is your favorite Christmas movie? The Preacher’s Wife
3. Who is your favorite fictional Christmas Character? The Little Drummer Boy
4. Favorite magazine for Christmas ideas? Taste of Home
5. Favorite smells of the Season? Pine and Spices
6. Favorite sounds of the Season? Love the sound of jingling bells!
7. The saddest part of Christmas? Missing those who have gone on before us.
8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up on Christmas morning? Is everything ready?
9. Favorite Christmas treat? Chocolate fudge
10. Where is your best hiding place for gifts before Christmas? Car trunk, only I have the keys
11. Finish this statement. “If I had lot of money I’d….give more to charities and good causes..
12. What is the best present you remember ever getting for Christmas? There have been scores of "BEST" presents over the years. I loved them all!
13. What kind of weather do you like to have on Christmas? It’s Indiana, so snow and cold is a must!
14. Favorite holiday drink? Spiced Cider
15. Something I used to do at Christmas that I don't do anymore.....Buy lots of gifts and send lots of cards
16. Do you wear anything special for Christmas? Nope
17. Favorite Christmas memory? Seeing Prof and Kiddo hauling all their stuff off the train from Montana. Maybe not a “favorite, but was a hoot.”
18. What is your favorite Christmas activity? Singing in our Christmas cantata.
19. What activity is traditional in your family on Christmas Day? After unwrapping, we go to a new movie. We all have to agree on the same one.
20. What is your favorite Christmas Carol? There’s so many, but I love “In the Bleak Midwinter” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
21. What is your least favorite part of Christmas? Taking down all the decorations and packing it all away again!
So, what is on your Grown-Up Christmas List??
Saturday, December 01, 2012
On Getting On...
The older I get:....
The more I enjoy sleeping in.
The more I like just staying around the house.
The more I enjoy the giggles and laughter of my family.
The more I like the smiles of my friends and acquaintances.
The more I enjoy a good book and a cuppa coffee.
The more I appreciate a hug.
The more my faith means to me.
The more I admire the "heroes" of my community. ( Medical personnel, Fire and rescue, and police.)
The more I enjoy the beautiful lights and sounds of Christmas.
The more time I want to spend just being me.
The more I love being alive and being free to do all things.
Senior citizens and those of you who aren't there yet, but might be close, enjoy life today. Tomorrow isn't here yet, and yesterday is gone and done with. As someone wiser than me once said, "Today is a gift...that's why it's call the "present."
Peace,
JE
The more I enjoy sleeping in.
The more I like just staying around the house.
The more I enjoy the giggles and laughter of my family.
The more I like the smiles of my friends and acquaintances.
The more I enjoy a good book and a cuppa coffee.
The more I appreciate a hug.
The more my faith means to me.
The more I admire the "heroes" of my community. ( Medical personnel, Fire and rescue, and police.)
The more I enjoy the beautiful lights and sounds of Christmas.
The more time I want to spend just being me.
The more I love being alive and being free to do all things.
Senior citizens and those of you who aren't there yet, but might be close, enjoy life today. Tomorrow isn't here yet, and yesterday is gone and done with. As someone wiser than me once said, "Today is a gift...that's why it's call the "present."
Peace,
JE
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