5 On Friday

1. Where I live March is... cruel, warm then cold again but this year it is full on gorgeous.
2. I am excited for summer so that I can.. Open the windows, wear sandals, get relief from high heating bills and all around enjoy the weather.
3. What percentage of books you read are electronic? That is easy 100%, guess I haven't mentioned lately how much I love my Kindle Fire.. Get one you will love it.
4. Who is the "jerkiest" person in your life? Wow not a jerk in sight, they are all in the past where jerks belong.
5. What is your favorite kind of donut? I love me some glazed donuts, and some cream filled and some iced and etc.

Out my back door

John is still fishing out there. he made it thru another winter.

It was so very windy today when I took these photos as you can tell by the way the Wabash appears to be flowing upstream.

I will never tire of this view. Behind the red buds is the local park. I am so lucky to have this lovely living picture out my back door.

Cooking….

Yeah I know, I really haven't been doing too much cooking over here at the house of mine, in the past few years. I mean, sure, I eat, but it's mostly heat and serve crap that I know is absolutely horrible for me. But in terms of making a meal where the actual components of the meal have to be cooked separately, I'm sorely out of practice. I made dinner on last night and the kitchen was pure chaos for an hour. I timed everything wrong. I didn't know how long things needed to cook. I was intermittently chopping veggies and checking on things on the stove, so instead of putting the sharp knife down, I would walk around with it. You know, just in case anybody ran up to me, they'd be greeted first by the blade of a sharp knife slicing into some part of their body. Yikes. In any case, it's like I told myself: everything tastes good in the end, but the middle part is like a very messy bad TV show.

Stories

We tell ourselves stories. We weave together different plot lines, wondering if the out come of the story might be different had we done or said something other than what we did or said. All the while we know that the various alternative outcomes are just more stories meant to distract us from what actually is happening. And so we stop weaving our fiction and commence breathing and say hello to what really is.

Monday with Morgan

5 on Friday

1. American cars are____________all I drive.
2. Have you ever confronted some one in public for an etiquette violation ) jumping in line stealing a parking space)? I usually mutter under my breath but a face to face confrontation.. color me nonconfrontational.
3. What spray do you have your shower set on? Wow just regular old spray I guess.
4. Social networking is________________Something I wish I didn't use all the time.
5. You put your money in the snack machine and it doesn’t give you what you ordered what do you do? I would probably go for double or nothing and pay for another one.

Things I thought about today:

Can you believe this weather? It was 86º today! in March!

Do you ever get tired of talking about the weather? I do.

I had the A/C on today in March in Indiana!

Why would any one want to be POTUS?

I got gas the other day and it cost me $51 to fill up.

That Joseph Shull commercial on TV skeeves me out..

Is it too early to plant flowers? Never mind I know it is.

When will I stop waking up at these odd times?

Does Dr Oz and Dr Phil really know everything?

I actually embrace my age. And I look forward to the future very much. Well sometimes I do.

Why do I keep getting spam from the Viagra people?

I spend too much time on the computer, but in the whole scheme of things does it really matter?

I hope Morgan feels better soon I miss seeing her.

Why do bruises last longer the older you get?

Spring

Today marks the first official day of spring. This is one of my favorite times of the year. It is wonderful to see folks out side walking, jogging, cycling, and eating ice cream. We all seem to be in a much better mood now that the temps are warmer and we have that extra hour of day light in the evenings, (you know the one we stole from mornings.) Being out side brings out the best in us I think maybe it is the extra Vitamin D we are getting from the extra sunlight. The benefits of springing ahead are a little early this year. The pleasant record setting March temperatures are a good sign that our very mild winter maybe over. No more bone chilling cold, icy roads and best of all no big heating bills. I find it funny that last fall they were talking about a colder and wetter winter. so much for technology. Now we can get on with important things like which teams will make it to the final four and where will Payton Manning play. Ahhh spring what a great time of year to live in Indiana.

RaNt

Every day I pick up the paper and there is something horrible about people in our country who do not appreciate living in America. Our youth are killing each other for no apparent reason. They do it just for the fact that they think it is fun to shoot a gun or kill someone. I don’t blame it on video games, we played cops and robbers with play guns and I haven’t had any desire to shoot anyone for real. We need to start bringing back to our families that America is the land of the free and the home of the brave and that it takes every one working together with love and kindness to make it happen and to keep it a wonderful place to live. Some how we need to make our youth appreciate the fact that they are living in a free America. It is the job of everyone, every citizen, every parent, to try and make America a better place in which to live. We need to take care of our land for future generations. I think one way to show your pride is to display our flag. Do you fly our flag? Daily? On holidays?

Do you know how I know I'm old?

The other night, a friend called and we had stimulating conversation.
About medication and supplements.
Yes, yours truly has officially entered that stage in adulthood when you stop being cool and start worrying about your health.
Which was the next topic of conversation.
How did this happen? This didn't just sneak up on me, I know I've had these conversations before. But usually they happened when we were being cool and sarcastic about it. Like having deep conversations about the state of the world and how totally messed up it is, then a slight segue into some new vitamin regimen that will supposedly keep us young and beautiful forever, then laugh at the elderly and how they have nothing to look forward to but conversations about ailments and medicine, then back to being awesome.
I guess I don't feel sad about it. It was an interesting conversation. And it's not like we were complaining about how kids these days don't know what respect means (which they so obviously don't).
Damn kids. They better just stay off my lawn.

5 on Friday

1. Have you ever called 911 for an emergency? No I have not, I have called the sheriff though on the non emergency number. That was long ago and my life is much more serene these days.

2. Do you spend more or save more? Well Duh, I spend more doesn’t every one? I mean, honestly. with the price of gas and food prices raising daily, how can we save.

3. How many live plants do you have in your home? Quite a few I would guess at least 10, some more healthy than others. I love having live plants around and they help filter the air so it is win win for my breathing problems.

4. What was the last thing you did to exercise? Well with my COPD I couldn’t exercise if I wanted to. Just walking across the floor is my limit.

5. Where do you compare with regard to your parents, do you feel like an adult or still the kid? I finally feel like an adult it has been a long time coming, I don't think I am like my parents in any way. BTW my mom will celebrate her 92nd birthday in a few weeks.

Rattling around in my head today

1. People who say "y'all" when they aren't from the south.

2. I think I figured out why Anne Heche always plays a crazy person. Just like Charlie Sheen.

3. Is there anything better than actually laughing out loud?

4. I have actually enjoyed our non-winter this year.

5. I think I could smell spring this afternoon. That earthy smell? It was heavenly..

6. There's a new study out that says you should have chocolate for breakfast.

7. Lots of my friends live in my computer, and I consider this completely normal.

8. Everybody should see "The Descendants"

9. I have never ridden in a helicopter.

10. Why do people say "y'all" when they aren't from the south?

Senior Discounts:

Of course this list doesn’t pertain to me but I thought I’d share it with you, just in case. The best one is the US Park Service.

As I was waiting in line behind an older gentleman at Wendy's recently, I heard him ask for his senior discount. The girl at the register apologized and charged him less. When I asked the man what the discount was, he told me that seniors over 55 gets 10% off everything on the menu, every day. Being that age myself, I figured I might as well ask for the discount too.
As I waited for my turn, I thought about the consequences of doing so. If the employee asked me for I. D., it could be embarrassing having to show my license. But if she didn't ask for proof, I would get depressed that I really did look "old" and that I didn't need to prove it. Since I always like to save money, I boldly asked for the discount, and sadly she just rang up the discount (even though I am convinced I don't look a day over 54).
Anyway, this incident prompted me to do some research, and I came across a list of restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, travel deals and other types of offers giving various discounts with different age requirements. I was actually surprised to see how many there are and how some of them start at the young age of 50.

Restaurants
Applebees: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arbys: 10% off (55+)
Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)
Bennigans: discount varies by location
Bobs Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Captain Ds Seafood: discount varies on location (62+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
Chili's: 10% off (55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Culver's: 10% off (60+)
Dennys: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)
Dunkin Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)
Einsteins Bagels: 10% off bakers dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddruckers: 10% off any senior platter (55+)
Gattis Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardees: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off (55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)
Long John Silvers: various discounts at participating locations (55+)
McDonalds: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoneys: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off (55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendys: 10% off (55+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)
Retail And Apparel
Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)
Belks: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)
Big Lots: 10% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 20% off (50+)
Kohls: 15% off (60+)
Modells Sporting Goods: 10% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)
Grocery
Albertsons: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
Frys Supermarket: free Frys VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)
Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guisepps Marketplace: 5% off (62+)
Travel
Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+)
Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members
American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Best Western: 10% off (55+)
Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+)
Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members
Greyhound: 5% off (62+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels(65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)
Motel 6: 10% off (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+)
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Activities And Entertainment
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+)
Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa : $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark / Century Theaters: up to 35% off
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 30% off
Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket (55+)
SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
Cell Phone Discounts
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).
Miscellaneous
Great Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+)
Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60 +)

( from an email. Thanks Anne)

Beauty

Ah, the beauty of spring. Increased daylight gives us more time to spend outside taking in nature, and one of the greatest rewards nature offers, along with the opportunity to do a little soul searching is to gain some insight into new ways to stimulate your life. I’ve concluded that although my life is fulfilling, I need a little more color and a lot more flavor in mine.

I’ve been particularly focused on bringing more serenity into my life lately and that includes bringing peace to my home and adding more harmony with daily routines, and consistency. I think I need - and deserve- some tranquility.

I tend to believe it all boils down to what we value most in our lives and, for me, it’s home and family.

Home, to me, is unity, peace, and safety. A comfortable place. An inviting place that has intimate, simple touches, accessories and furnishings that reflect me, my personality and my lifestyle.

Surrounding myself with items that brighten my life – it could be pieces of art, framed photographs of family, or eating a meal from the good china - is as important as who I share my time with.

I’ve decided, from this point forward, to avoid things that suck the life completely out of me and take time and energy away from that which I value. Nothing is that important, and I cannot, will not, exchange another day of my life for something inconsequential.

There’s too much beauty in life to admire, opportunities to benefit from, challenges to meet, dreams to realize, songs to sing, games to play – and the price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.

Morgan on Monday

5 on Friday

1. What is your favorite day ever? I have a lot of favorite days but I will just pick today.. I am happy to be here today.

2. What is your favorite season? I’m a sucker for spring.

3. Have you ever read War and Peace? If not what is your favorite book? I have not read War and Peace, I really have no desire too either. My favorite book is still Margret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind

4. What is one piece of advice you want to share with the world? I would encourage people to enjoy today and have a good time all the time.

5. What mood are you in right now? I am in a pretty good mood today. I am optimistic.

Annoying me today

1. Cars that wait for you to get right up there and then they pull out in front of you.

2. Then they driver at least 10 miles under the speed limit.

3. When people say the phrase “on so many levels”

4. Door dings on my car.

5. Loud mouth people

6. People that speed in parking lots

7. Morning people

8. How fast time flies by.

9. How did March get here so quickly?

10. Changing our time.. I mean why ?? just why??

Alzheimer Test

I must admit that at my age...I started to think about this.

It was very reassuring to take this quick test and know ...I'm good!

SELF EXAMINATION FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE....It takes less than 15 seconds...

If you are over 40 yrs old, you SHOULD take this Alzheimer's Test
How fast can you guess these words and fill-in the blanks?

1. _ _NDOM
2. F_ _K
3. P_N_S
4. PU_S_
5. S_X
6. BOO_S

| | | | | | | | | |
Answers:
1. RANDOM
2. FORK
3. PANTS
4. PULSE
5. SIX
6. BOOKS

You got all 6 wrong....didn't you?
You do NOT have Alzheimer's
You are a Pervert

(from an email)

Spring Haiku and Friday’s Devastation.

Listen, do you hear it?

Birds singing, wind whispering

Spring is coming quickly.

Tiny blades of grass peeking

Uncurling their leaves skyward

Welcoming the Spring.

Birds fly here and there

They make nests for little ones

Spring, the time for rebirth.

Look, do you see it?

Mother Earth getting ready

To spring forth new life.

This past Friday was a day that brought tragedy to so very many families in our state and those of our neighboring states. It is heartbreaking to see the footage of areas of complete devastation. Lives, families, and towns torn apart. It is natural for me to want to reach out and help these families who lost so much. 39 precious lives lost at last count. I urge each of you to give if you can and if you can’t, then keep them in your prayers. I support the Salvation Army. If you can help please do.

Tornado Victims

Monday with Morgan

My Gram found me the cutest interactive Fisher Price bouncy horse.

5 on Friday

1. At what age did you have your most embarrassing haircut?

My hair has been a lifelong source of embarrassment.

2. The best way to travel long distances is...

A bus. You meet the most interesting parolees. Or hitch-hiking and train-hopping.

3. What’s the primary use for your personal computer?

I use it a lot like a typewriter, but I also surf a bunch. Just shopping and Facebook, altho I also use it to troll people.

4. What do you think about when you think about March?

It’s all lions and lambs, what else? I also worry about the ides. Just call me a classicist!

5. Do you think there’s life on other planets?

Based on what I’ve seen so far, I kinda doubt it, but I’m open to the possibility, but I won’t believe it ‘till I see it.