Spin

So gas prices are on the rise again. They're holding pretty steady around $4/gallon in these parts. $4/gallon--can you believe that? I remember when I was first driving, prices were way less than $1/gallon. I'm absolutely certain that I've paid around 35¢ per gallon for gas when I started driving. I can remember filling up in here in Podunk Indiana circa 2000 for $.999/gal. That wasn't that long ago--not long enough to justify a $3+ dollar increase. But I digress. So, as I was saying, gas prices are on the rise again--bitch, bitch, moan, moan, grumble, grumble. Who the hell wants to pay $4/gallon for gas?!? Then comes the announcement: gas prices expected to reach $5/gallon in the next few months, and, oh my god, we're so lucky to only be paying $4 now! See, it's all about the spin.

5 on Friday

1.  How will you remember Dick Clark?

From American Bandstand and as America's oldest teenager, I swear he just didn't age.

2.  What do you believe is the single greatest thing you've learned about life?

That if you are always told you are nothing you will believe you are nothing unless you take steps and change what you were taught.

3.   What was the last thing you read?

The question above. hehe. I’m just so  darn witty! 

4.   What is the last product or service you tried just because you saw a commercial that impressed or amused you about the product?  Did you like the product or service after you tried it?

I really can't think of one stinkin' thing

5.   How old is the oldest photograph in your home?  Are you in it? 

I have a few old photos of my dad in his Air Corps Uniform, my grandma who has been gone for 43 years.  And an old photo of my house which was built in the 1860's and was once a hotel.

Fox news

At lunch today I watched Fox news and the 4 stories I heard were:

1.  child obesity.

2.  teens are drinking hand sanitizer to get drunk.

3.  a new child labor law that wouldn't let kids work on family farms or mow yards until age 18

4. we shouldn't spank our kids

I am not positive but maybe if our kids worked a little more and were spanked a little more they wouldn't be over weight or need to drink hand sanitizer.

Bullies

I always think of bullies as a school thing, but I think, we all know it does not end when child hood ends.  Bullies are aggressive and very insecure. I think they bully to make themselves feel better.  I am very non confrontational and I remember very vividly being bullied in school and in my marriages. The best thing you can do is remove yourself from the situation, but this is not always possible. I always try to remember that the bullying comes from the bully’s issues and has nothing really to do with me. Bullying hurts.  And no matter if I am at school, at home or even in a nursing home, or somewhere in between it is the bully who has the problem and not me. Bullies who use words do just as much harm as those who push or shove. As we age and get more physical limitations, it is easy to become a victim. 

Apples…

Even though Apples are extremely yummy to eat there are many other uses for them.

1) Keeps Cake Fresh – Store cakes with a half of an apple – it will keep the cake nice and moist. Simple.

2) Roasting The Perfect Chicken – Stuff a Whole Chicken with an apple to keep it moist while cooking ( discard apple afterwards) 

3) Loosen Up That Brown Sugar – Simple place a apple wedge in a bag of hardened brown sugar and tightly seal the bag and wait a day or two and it will be soft again ( SCORE!)

4) Ripen Tomatoes – Place unripened tomatoes with a apple in a paper bag for a couple of days.

5) Too much salt? – If your soup or stew is too salty simply add some apple wedges for 10 minutes. The apple will soak up excess salt.

How cool are these tips  Enjoy!!!

I found this online and think it is so helpful. 

Success

You can get anything you want as long as you are willing to pay the price. You can even get success, but you'll never get it if you wait for someone to bring it to you. You have to get up and get it yourself. Success is defined differently by different people. Most people think of success as making it big in power and money. The way I look at success is in being happy and contented. I am convinced that life is like 10% what happens and 90% how I react to it. And so it is that we are in charge of our attitudes. Once you reach that point in life, contentment and happiness can not be too far. And that will give you success.
We can't change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is live  the one life we have.  And so it is up to us  we are in charge of our life. Once you reach a point in life where you allow , contentment and happiness can not be too far.

Another Pet Peeve

It always makes me mad when people driving company vehicles with the company name and phone number plastered all over drive like complete assholes. I'm always tempted to call the number and turn them in, but then I think: What if the number on the vehicle is the cell phone number of the driver? And what if he then tries to run me off the road?

5 on Friday

1. You can have anything you want to eat as long as it involves a tortilla. What do you get?

A burrito supreme is there anything else?

2. Did you get your taxes filed on time?

Duh

3. I run:

Only when chased and then not for very far.

4. On super nice days I:

Open all my windows and smile a lot.

5. How long before you cracked after having no computer, smart phone or internet?

About 5 seconds or less.

PS Happy Birthday to my favorite Daughter In Law. She is celebrating her 23rd annual 21st birthday. Happy Birthday Billie!

Stuff

How did it get to April already?

I have never talked to a psychic yet.

I haven’t had a mammogram in years.

Knowing it gets better gives me comfort.

I have the best family in the world.

I may need to visit the eye doctor.

I don’t watch Two and a Half Men any more. With out Charlie Sheen it is just not the same.

I have a procrastination issue. I am going to work on it.

Is it me or is Tom Selleck getting better looking with age?

I like living in a fly over state.

What is wrong with people?

What has happened to people? People have become so calloused that they refuse to help their fellow man.
I read online about a man was hit a car and left lying in the street. One car that saw the crime stopped for a bit and then pulled back out into traffic and left. A person on a scooter circled the man and drove off while a crowd slowly gathers by looking at the man in the street. No one helps. No one calls 911. A police car finally arrives but he was not called for this.
There is no excuse for no one helping. Does life mean so little to people? What if that had been you? Or your father or husband, wife, child? Have people become so selfish, so calloused that they cannot or will not help someone? How much could it hurt to move your finger and call 911 at the very least? I will make a bet that someone that saw it happen or saw this man in the street did call a friend and say you won't believe what I just saw.
Would I have helped? Yes I would have. People say that that they don't stop because they might get sued. Yea that is is a possibility, some people are sue happy, most people aren't. And then there is that, oh I would not know what to do. Many times all that is needed is reassurance that help is on its way. What if there is blood? What if there are broken bones? What if they are dead? What if what if what if. WHAT IF IT WAS YOU?

Senior citizens

Senior citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary. We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others.

HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point out that it was NOT the senior citizens who took

The melody out of music,

The pride out of appearance,

The courtesy out of driving,

The romance out of love,

The commitment out of marriage,

The responsibility out of parenthood,

The togetherness out of the family,

The learning out of education,

The service out of patriotism ,

The Golden Rule out of society,

The nativity scene out of cities,

The civility out of behavior,

The refinement out of language,

The dedication out of employment,

The prudence out of spending,

The ambition out of achievement or God out of government and school.

And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!!

And, we do understand the meaning of patriotism, and remember those who have fought and died for our country.

Just look at the Seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts as they stand at attention with their hand over their hearts!

YES, I'M A SENIOR CITIZEN!

I'm the life of the party..... Even if it lasts until 8 p.m.

I'm very good at opening childproof caps..... With a hammer.

I'm awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.

I'm smiling all the time because I can't hear a thing you're saying.

I'm sure everything I can't find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.

I'm wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that's just my left leg.

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

Yes, I'm a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life!

Spread the laughter
Share the cheer
Let's be happy
While we're here.
And, MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA
AND MAY AMERICA BLESS GOD!!
Go Green - Recycle CONGRESS!!

(from an email----Thanks Joe)

Monday with Morgan and Aggie

Morgan and her partner in crime Aggie

Aggie is all wore out.

and in other news Becca got her drivers license!

5 On Friday

1. Did you download Angry Birds Space?
Nope I didn't enjoy the first one enough to care and I reject all things Angry Bird.

2. If you could have any animal ability what would you choose?
Hmm mm well either a cats ability to sleep all the time or a parrot's ability to repeat words in funny voice.

3. Which car is the most awesome automobile in television history?
Hands down the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazard.

4. What kind of liquor do you prefer?
Well I do like the taste of rum.

5. What is the best chip and dip combo?
Tortilla chips and salsa and or guacamole. If they are from Kaysan's even better. Oh and followed by a burrito supreme.

Today is Friday the 13th. This year we have 3 months when the 13th occurs on Friday. This only happens during a leap year. I hope you don't suffer from triskaidekaphobia and that you have a good 13th!

Silence

Sometimes the things you don't say scream louder than the things you do. The truth is found in the silence and the spaces between. A shrug, a sigh, a look thrown in disgust. A chance to say something positive - missed. It's heavy and oppressive, this silence. It's judgmental. It takes up more space than necessary Like the air before a storm; heavy, fearful, angry, expectant. Waiting to see what it gives birth to.
Be mindful of your words but be ever aware of your silence.

10 good things

1. Best thing you’ve seen in the past week.
2. Best thing you’ve heard in the past week.
3. Best thing you’ve eaten (or not, for dieters) in the past week.
4. Best thing you’ve learned in the past week.
5. Best place you’ve been in the past week.
6. Best thing you’ve accomplished in the past week.
7. Best thing you’ve said (or not) in the past week.
8. Best thing you’ve read in the past week.
9. Most touching moment in the past week.
10. Biggest dragon you’ve slain in the past week.

• The best thing I have seen this week was the sun. Sunshine makes everything better
• The best thing I have heard was that my friends tests came back negative for cancer.
• I know this may sound strange, but the best thing I ate this week was a bologna sandwich.
• Best thing I learned this week is sometimes I need to to shut up.
• Best place I have been this week was in my sun-room watching the river.
• The best thing I have accomplished this week was that i got thru it.
• Best thing I have said was " your my favorite"
• Best thing I have read this week was The Hunger Games.
• Most touching moment was when a good friend shared his excitement at having a new grandson with me.
• I am not sure that I have actually slain any dragons this week.

Others

From a young age it was pounded into my head.. what will people think? what will people say? So for my whole life I have always worried about it. I worried about my weight, my clothes, and even what I said. I am a very non confrontational person, and will take any abuse heaped onto me. I have let people hurt me and done nothing but cry in private. Because I wanted them to like me I took it. But as I look back I realize people will still think and say what they want and there is no way I could ever control it. So I eliminated those judgmental people from my life. I have wasted too much of my energy and life worrying about something that could not be changed. It is hard to ignore the nasty comments and the hateful digs. Worrying about others just tales away precious moments of life. Instead of worrying about someone else's life People should use that energy to make their own life better. As I aged I have noticed a change in what is important in my life.

On a lighter note this is post number 1001.

Monday with Morgan

Happy Easter

5 on Friday

1. How much time do you spend in the shower?

I stay in the shower until the hot water runs out.

2. When I have to communicate, I prefer to

Make a phone call. I am way more relaxed when I stay in my comfort zone.

3. Do you play the lottery?

Nope, never have. I have never been lucky and don’t have the extra money to waste on a suckers bet.

4. Do you think smoking is attractive?

I do not consider it attractive but as a former smoker I believe it is your right to smoke. Not to mention all the taxes a smoker pays.

5. Should a person have to pass a drug test in order to receive government benefits such as welfare?

Yes I absolutely support drug testing for government benefits.

Spring Cleaning

Well it is that time of year again.. Spring cleaning time. I am not now nor have I ever been accused of being overly tidy and a clean freak. I do however enjoy going thru things putting thing a way in a tidy manner. I love to see a clean and tidy linen closet. Neatly stacked towels make me smile. I love clean windows and clean sheers and curtains make me happy.

Besides all the inside work is the problem of my outside yard work. The flower beds need tending to, the grass needs cut, dandelions need pulled up, ah there is no end to it.

However, since I have become disabled I must depend on others to help me accomplish these things. As I have said before asking for help is very hard for me, so now I have a dilemma, do I wait for someone to read my mind and offer or do I tuck my pride away and ask for help?

BTW Today would have been my dad’s 94th birthday.

Questions

1. What do you tend to focus on the most?
A. The past.
B. The present.
C. The future as you think it will be.
D. The future as you are afraid it will be.

The present. I feel that the present will take care of the future.

2. Name three famous people (living or dead) whose blogs you would like to be able to read.

Marilyn Monroe, Amelia Earhart, Margaret Mitchell

3. How long have you lived in your current residence? How much longer do you intend to live in the same place?

I have lived here for 32 years. I plan on being here until I die.

4. Who or what is the most annoying:

a) Politician – Biden

b) Late Night Talk Show Host – Letterman

c) Color - Chartreuse

d) Habit – smoking

e) Female Celebrity - Lady Gaga

f) Male Celebrity – Ashton Kutcher

g) Television Show – The View

h) Commercial -Joseph Shull attorney

i) Fashion Statement - saggy pants

j) Word - like

What is this world coming too?

Last week out in Colorado, organizers decided to cancel an Easter Egg hunt because the parents could not behave themselves. The area was roped off and only children were suppose to be in that area when it was time for the hunt. Nope. The parents got in there as well, “helping” their children get the goodies. The parents just can’t stand to let their children learn from hard knocks and perhaps the child would not get as many eggs but such is life. We don’t always get it all. E.V.E.R.

Then you have the parents who deposit their child at Daycare and go on about their life. Dropping them off as early as possible and not picking them up till the very last minute. Not caring what happens to their child and going on with their life and letting the kids basically raise themselves. Sometimes they are even responsible for younger siblings.

One one had you have parents who can’t let go, and on the other parents who don’t seem to care at all.

I have a word of advice for them. Let you child learn life’s lesson from you .. So the other kid got more eggs than your child..lesson .. life is not fair ..deal with it. If your child is not smart enough to figure out the concept of an egg hunt you have got a problem. Turn off the TV, unplug the video game console. Spend some time with the kid. Let them fight their own battles, get their own scars, learn life's lessons early.

Monday with Morgan

Crusin around the driveway in her new power wheels little quad runner. It goes up to 2 mph. How much fun is that...

At the town Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday. She had great fun and found 5 eggs all by herself. Pretty good for such a little girl on her first major hunt.