What a frustrating experience this was:
I was cooking some chicken pieces, stewing with onion and chicken broth and spices, for our supper and also for Buddy who adores chicken.
I started the chicken right after lunch so I would have it done and out of the way well before supper time. The delicious smells filled the kitchen and Buddy could hardly wait. When it was done I gave him a few bites.
I put the remainder in the fridge until later. Got it back out and reheated right before we ate.
THEN>>>>
I tried to lift the lid off the pot. A large stainless steel dutch oven type pot. UH OH . The lid would not budge. I pried and lifted and fought with it.
All the while dinner awaited. Buddy waited, Hubby waited. Then hubby came in and tried his hand at getting the lid off. No luck.
I said, let's try running COLD WATER over the lid. Nothing.
We tried prying it with a screw driver,....nope
STUCK TIGHT
I threatened to take the pot, chicken and all, and toss it over our second story porch railing and watch it bounce on the driveway.;)
Mr C finally had a sandwich and I ate rice and a canned peach. Buddy ate dog food :(
Then I posted a question about my problem on "Yahoo Ask" and I got this answer
" If you have liquid in the pot, put it back on the burner , turn it up high, medium and let it simmer for a while." I did this.
Went back in about 15 minutes later and VOILA ! the lid lifted right off.
Never in my almost 81 years have I experienced a vacuum stuck pot lid. A first for everything I guess.
(I now know the cold water I ran over pot probably stuck the lid on tighter)
Tuck this experience in your memory bank. You may need to unstick a pot lid one day.
Thinking back on this pot caper, I realize it would have made a funny episode of " I Love Lucy" with Ethel and Lucy and Ricky. Ricky would have been cussing in Spanish. :) :)
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Inner Peace
Inner Peace: This is so true
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
...Then You Are Probably .........
The Family Dog!
And you thought I was going to get all spiritual ;)
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
...Then You Are Probably .........
The Family Dog!
And you thought I was going to get all spiritual ;)
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Buying a Buick in the South
Go here on Youtube for a good one.
Click on the title of this post for direct link.
It's worth it. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J__T2dvaWww
Click on the title of this post for direct link.
It's worth it. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J__T2dvaWww
Saturday, August 06, 2011
The Joy of Tree Climbing
The Pecan tree in my back yard
My brothers would climb it
And shake the branches
Until the pecans rained down.
The chinaberry tree in our front yard
Good for me to climb.
With low hanging branches.
But nasty smelling berries.
The flowering peach tree
In our backyard field
I climbed and sat for awhile
Surveying the blue, blue sky
Of a summer day.
The huge oak tree holding
A rope and tire swing
Across the neighbors' back yard
Thrusting high, higher, up and away.
The purple flowers
On the ancient Wisteria vine
Growing and twisting up the oak tree
Half in our back yard
And half in Mrs Woods' yard.
The Japanese maples
In our townhouse front yard
Red leaves and interesting shape.
With low branches
For visiting grand children to climb.
Since, sadly, Now, I'm too old to climb a tree.
;)
My brothers would climb it
And shake the branches
Until the pecans rained down.
The chinaberry tree in our front yard
Good for me to climb.
With low hanging branches.
But nasty smelling berries.
The flowering peach tree
In our backyard field
I climbed and sat for awhile
Surveying the blue, blue sky
Of a summer day.
The huge oak tree holding
A rope and tire swing
Across the neighbors' back yard
Thrusting high, higher, up and away.
The purple flowers
On the ancient Wisteria vine
Growing and twisting up the oak tree
Half in our back yard
And half in Mrs Woods' yard.
The Japanese maples
In our townhouse front yard
Red leaves and interesting shape.
With low branches
For visiting grand children to climb.
Since, sadly, Now, I'm too old to climb a tree.
;)
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Computer help
"As we "Silver Surfers" (older folks on the Internet) know, sometimes we have trouble with our computers.
I had a problem yesterday, so I called Eric, the eleven year old next door, whose bedroom looks like Mission Control and asked him to come over.
Eric clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem.
As he was walking away, I called after him, 'So, what was wrong?'
He replied, 'It was an ID ten T error.'
I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired,
'An ID ten T error? What's that? In case I need to fix it again.'
Eric grinned.... 'Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?
'No,' I replied.
'Write it down,' he said, 'and I think you'll figure it out.'
So I wrote down:
ID10T
I used to like Eric , that little shit."
(My almost 15 year old grandson is my "go to techie" person for computer and IPHONE tutorials :)
I had a problem yesterday, so I called Eric, the eleven year old next door, whose bedroom looks like Mission Control and asked him to come over.
Eric clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem.
As he was walking away, I called after him, 'So, what was wrong?'
He replied, 'It was an ID ten T error.'
I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired,
'An ID ten T error? What's that? In case I need to fix it again.'
Eric grinned.... 'Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?
'No,' I replied.
'Write it down,' he said, 'and I think you'll figure it out.'
So I wrote down:
ID10T
I used to like Eric , that little shit."
(My almost 15 year old grandson is my "go to techie" person for computer and IPHONE tutorials :)
Friday, July 15, 2011
Goodnight Moon
Sitting on the front steps on a starry night with my first dog, Mickey. A brown and white terrier mix and my best friend.
We look up at the sky and find the Big and Little Dippers and the Milky Way. The crescent moon shines brightly.
The night is quiet and still. Clean fresh air. No traffic on Grady Avenue. Cars are scarce in Athens Georgia in 1938
On my legs I felt the cool, scratchy concrete of the front steps. I wear mostly plain little summer dresses. White cotton panties. No girls wear long pants. Just not proper. Maybe a pair of blue denim overalls for play.
The lightening bugs flitt by. Another night time I would have caught the fireflies, washed my smelly hands, and kept the glass jar filled with bugs to light my bedside until morning. Tonight is for star gazing with my dog.
Then,
My Mother calls from the front porch breaking the spell of silence.
" Come on in now. Time for Fibber McGee and Molly. And afterwards we can walk to the drug store for an ice cream cone"
I go in.
Mickey yawns and sets out to canvas the neighborhood for his doggie friends.
"Gotta check out the street for new, exotic smells and sounds."
"Goodnight Stars. Goodnight Sky. Goodnight Moon"
We look up at the sky and find the Big and Little Dippers and the Milky Way. The crescent moon shines brightly.
The night is quiet and still. Clean fresh air. No traffic on Grady Avenue. Cars are scarce in Athens Georgia in 1938
On my legs I felt the cool, scratchy concrete of the front steps. I wear mostly plain little summer dresses. White cotton panties. No girls wear long pants. Just not proper. Maybe a pair of blue denim overalls for play.
The lightening bugs flitt by. Another night time I would have caught the fireflies, washed my smelly hands, and kept the glass jar filled with bugs to light my bedside until morning. Tonight is for star gazing with my dog.
Then,
My Mother calls from the front porch breaking the spell of silence.
" Come on in now. Time for Fibber McGee and Molly. And afterwards we can walk to the drug store for an ice cream cone"
I go in.
Mickey yawns and sets out to canvas the neighborhood for his doggie friends.
"Gotta check out the street for new, exotic smells and sounds."
"Goodnight Stars. Goodnight Sky. Goodnight Moon"
Monday, July 11, 2011
A long time ago
I remember when I was 15 and my cousin, Harry, was MIA in WW2 in Holland with the US Army. His wife was pregnant with their first(and only) child. A few weeks later the baby was born and shortly there after his family received word that Harry was dead. Killed in action. Rachel, his wife. was only a few years older than I was. My aunt Nora, Harry's Mother,( Rachel was staying with her), called and invited me and my two girlfriends over to visit Rachel and the baby. Only a few days old and fatherless now. We went and got to hold the baby (little Lee) and talk awhile with Rachel. She looked so young and vulnerable. It was sad to think the baby would never know his Dad.
I moved away from Athens and lost track of Rachel and Lee. One evening, years later, I went to a party here in Atlanta and learned that Lee, all grown up now, was the caterer for the event. We met and hugged and talked about Athens and his dad. I was astonished that Lee was the "spitting image" of his dad , Harry, even down to the same friendly personality and never met a stranger attitude. A real charmer. And Lee's dad had also been in the food, restaurant business.
Lee took an avid interest in our family history, paternal side, and with a family tree that a distant aunt of ours had compiled, he went to Donald S.C. and found the old family home of major John Donald (Donnald S,C, was named for Major John Donald) He would have been our a great- great- great grandfather or something like that. Lee bought the old home, had it moved to Athens, restored it to it's original condition (circa about 1800 and he lived in it for a while.
I just think it is touching that Lee was driven to delve back into time to obtain a sense of his Dad and his family history.
"Donald-Epting House "The Hill"
"On the outskirts of Athens, this Plantation-Plain-Style home (circa 1800), with period furnishings and gardens, is the private home of one of Georgia's most hospitable hosts and creative caterers. The Epting family represents the seventh generation of Major John Donald - the original owner - for which Donalds, South Carolina, is named.
No matter what the occasion, Lee Epting creates events that surpass the ordinary. Whether it's candle-lit dinners with waiters in period costume and fireplaces ablaze in every room, mint juleps on the porch, or receptions on the lawn - it will be an experience to remember."
I moved away from Athens and lost track of Rachel and Lee. One evening, years later, I went to a party here in Atlanta and learned that Lee, all grown up now, was the caterer for the event. We met and hugged and talked about Athens and his dad. I was astonished that Lee was the "spitting image" of his dad , Harry, even down to the same friendly personality and never met a stranger attitude. A real charmer. And Lee's dad had also been in the food, restaurant business.
Lee took an avid interest in our family history, paternal side, and with a family tree that a distant aunt of ours had compiled, he went to Donald S.C. and found the old family home of major John Donald (Donnald S,C, was named for Major John Donald) He would have been our a great- great- great grandfather or something like that. Lee bought the old home, had it moved to Athens, restored it to it's original condition (circa about 1800 and he lived in it for a while.
I just think it is touching that Lee was driven to delve back into time to obtain a sense of his Dad and his family history.
"Donald-Epting House "The Hill"
"On the outskirts of Athens, this Plantation-Plain-Style home (circa 1800), with period furnishings and gardens, is the private home of one of Georgia's most hospitable hosts and creative caterers. The Epting family represents the seventh generation of Major John Donald - the original owner - for which Donalds, South Carolina, is named.
No matter what the occasion, Lee Epting creates events that surpass the ordinary. Whether it's candle-lit dinners with waiters in period costume and fireplaces ablaze in every room, mint juleps on the porch, or receptions on the lawn - it will be an experience to remember."
Monday, July 04, 2011
New IPHONE
WOW
My new IPHONE is a doozy.
I can play games like "Words With Friends" a Scrabble clone, text my grandchildren, surf the internet, etc etc. I can even make a phone call when the spirit moves me. ;)
I even downloaded an App for a silent dog whistle to help quiet Buddy's sometimes excessive barking.
The world at my fingertips is not an over statement about the IPHONE.
What a neat toy.
If any of you have an IPHONE and have downloaded the App for "Words With Friends" my game name is jehnet. Maybe we could play a game or two..
My new IPHONE is a doozy.
I can play games like "Words With Friends" a Scrabble clone, text my grandchildren, surf the internet, etc etc. I can even make a phone call when the spirit moves me. ;)
I even downloaded an App for a silent dog whistle to help quiet Buddy's sometimes excessive barking.
The world at my fingertips is not an over statement about the IPHONE.
What a neat toy.
If any of you have an IPHONE and have downloaded the App for "Words With Friends" my game name is jehnet. Maybe we could play a game or two..
Thursday, June 16, 2011
9 things that will disappear
9 Things That Will Disappear In Our Lifetime
Whether these changes are good or bad depends in part on how we adapt to them. But, ready or not, here they come.
1. The Post Office
Get ready to imagine a world without the post office. They are so deeply in financial trouble that there is probably no way to sustain it long term. Email, Fed Ex, and UPS have just about wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post office alive. Most of your mail every day is junk mail and bills.
2. The Cheque
Britain is already laying the groundwork to do away with cheque by 2018. It costs the financial system billions of dollars a year to process cheques. Plastic cards and online transactions will lead to the eventual demise of the cheque. This plays right into the death of the post office. If you never paid your bills by mail and never received them by mail, the post office would absolutely go out of business.
3. The Newspaper
The younger generation simply doesn't read the newspaper. They certainly don't subscribe to a daily delivered print edition. That may go the way of the milkman and the laundry man. As for reading the paper online, get ready to pay for it. The rise in mobile Internet devices and e-readers has caused all the newspaper and magazine publishers to form an alliance. They have met with Apple, Amazon, and the major cell phone companies to develop a model for paid subscription services.
4. The Book
You say you will never give up the physical book that you hold in your hand and turn the literal pages. I said the same thing about downloading music from iTunes. I wanted my hard copy CD. But I quickly changed my mind when I discovered that I could get albums for half the price without ever leaving home to get the latest music. The same thing will happen with books. You can browse a bookstore online and even read a preview chapter before you buy. And the price is less than half that of a real book. And think of the convenience! Once you start flicking your fingers on the screen instead of the book, you find that you are lost in the story, can't wait to see what happens next, and you forget that you're holding a gadget instead of a book.
5. The Land Line Telephone
Unless you have a large family and make a lot of local calls, you don't need it anymore. Most people keep it simply because they've always had it. But you are paying double charges for that extra service. All the cell phone companies will let you call customers using the same cell provider for no charge against your minutes
6. Music
This is one of the saddest parts of the change story. The music industry is dying a slow death. Not just because of illegal downloading. It's the lack of innovative new music being given a chance to get to the people who would like to hear it. Greed and corruption is the problem. The record labels and the radio conglomerates are simply self-destructing. Over 40% of the music purchased today is "catalogue items," meaning traditional music that the public is familiar with. Older established artists. This is also true on the live concert circuit. To explore this fascinating and disturbing topic further, check out the book, "Appetite for Self-Destruction" by Steve Knopper, and the video documentary, "Before the Music Dies."
7. Television
Revenues to the networks are down dramatically.. Not just because of the economy. People are watching TV and movies streamed from their computers. And they're playing games and doing lots of other things that take up the time that used to be spent watching TV. Prime time shows have degenerated down to lower than the lowest common denominator. Cable rates are skyrocketing and commercials run about every 4 minutes and 30 seconds. I say good riddance to most of it. It's time for the cable companies to be put out of our misery. Let the people choose what they want to watch online and through Netflix.
8. The "Things" That You Own
Many of the very possessions that we used to own are still in our lives, but we may not actually own them in the future. They may simply reside in "the cloud." Today your computer has a hard drive and you store your pictures, music, movies, and documents. Your software is on a CD or DVD, and you can always re-install it if need be. But all of that is changing. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are all finishing up their latest "cloud services." That means that when you turn on a computer, the Internet will be built into the operating system. So, Windows, Google, and the Mac OS will be tied straight into the Internet. If you click an icon, it will open something in the Internet cloud. If you save something, it will be saved to the cloud. And you may pay a monthly subscription fee to the cloud provider. In this virtual world, you can access your music or your books, or your whatever from any laptop or handheld device. That's the good news. But, will you actually own any of this "stuff" or will it all be able to disappear at any moment in a big "Poof?" Will most of the things in our lives be disposable and whimsical? It makes you want to run to the closet and pull out that photo album, grab a book from the shelf, or open up a CD case and pull out the insert.
9. Privacy
If there ever was a concept that we can look back on nostalgically, it would be privacy. That's gone. It's been gone for a long time anyway. There are cameras on the street, in most of the buildings, and even built into your computer and cell phone. But you can be sure that 24/7, "They" know who you are and where you are, right down to the GPS coordinates, and the Google Street View. If you buy something, your habit is put into a zillion profiles, and your ads will change to reflect those habits. "They" will try to get you to buy something else. Again and again.
All we will have left that can't be changed are "Memories".
Whether these changes are good or bad depends in part on how we adapt to them. But, ready or not, here they come.
1. The Post Office
Get ready to imagine a world without the post office. They are so deeply in financial trouble that there is probably no way to sustain it long term. Email, Fed Ex, and UPS have just about wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post office alive. Most of your mail every day is junk mail and bills.
2. The Cheque
Britain is already laying the groundwork to do away with cheque by 2018. It costs the financial system billions of dollars a year to process cheques. Plastic cards and online transactions will lead to the eventual demise of the cheque. This plays right into the death of the post office. If you never paid your bills by mail and never received them by mail, the post office would absolutely go out of business.
3. The Newspaper
The younger generation simply doesn't read the newspaper. They certainly don't subscribe to a daily delivered print edition. That may go the way of the milkman and the laundry man. As for reading the paper online, get ready to pay for it. The rise in mobile Internet devices and e-readers has caused all the newspaper and magazine publishers to form an alliance. They have met with Apple, Amazon, and the major cell phone companies to develop a model for paid subscription services.
4. The Book
You say you will never give up the physical book that you hold in your hand and turn the literal pages. I said the same thing about downloading music from iTunes. I wanted my hard copy CD. But I quickly changed my mind when I discovered that I could get albums for half the price without ever leaving home to get the latest music. The same thing will happen with books. You can browse a bookstore online and even read a preview chapter before you buy. And the price is less than half that of a real book. And think of the convenience! Once you start flicking your fingers on the screen instead of the book, you find that you are lost in the story, can't wait to see what happens next, and you forget that you're holding a gadget instead of a book.
5. The Land Line Telephone
Unless you have a large family and make a lot of local calls, you don't need it anymore. Most people keep it simply because they've always had it. But you are paying double charges for that extra service. All the cell phone companies will let you call customers using the same cell provider for no charge against your minutes
6. Music
This is one of the saddest parts of the change story. The music industry is dying a slow death. Not just because of illegal downloading. It's the lack of innovative new music being given a chance to get to the people who would like to hear it. Greed and corruption is the problem. The record labels and the radio conglomerates are simply self-destructing. Over 40% of the music purchased today is "catalogue items," meaning traditional music that the public is familiar with. Older established artists. This is also true on the live concert circuit. To explore this fascinating and disturbing topic further, check out the book, "Appetite for Self-Destruction" by Steve Knopper, and the video documentary, "Before the Music Dies."
7. Television
Revenues to the networks are down dramatically.. Not just because of the economy. People are watching TV and movies streamed from their computers. And they're playing games and doing lots of other things that take up the time that used to be spent watching TV. Prime time shows have degenerated down to lower than the lowest common denominator. Cable rates are skyrocketing and commercials run about every 4 minutes and 30 seconds. I say good riddance to most of it. It's time for the cable companies to be put out of our misery. Let the people choose what they want to watch online and through Netflix.
8. The "Things" That You Own
Many of the very possessions that we used to own are still in our lives, but we may not actually own them in the future. They may simply reside in "the cloud." Today your computer has a hard drive and you store your pictures, music, movies, and documents. Your software is on a CD or DVD, and you can always re-install it if need be. But all of that is changing. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are all finishing up their latest "cloud services." That means that when you turn on a computer, the Internet will be built into the operating system. So, Windows, Google, and the Mac OS will be tied straight into the Internet. If you click an icon, it will open something in the Internet cloud. If you save something, it will be saved to the cloud. And you may pay a monthly subscription fee to the cloud provider. In this virtual world, you can access your music or your books, or your whatever from any laptop or handheld device. That's the good news. But, will you actually own any of this "stuff" or will it all be able to disappear at any moment in a big "Poof?" Will most of the things in our lives be disposable and whimsical? It makes you want to run to the closet and pull out that photo album, grab a book from the shelf, or open up a CD case and pull out the insert.
9. Privacy
If there ever was a concept that we can look back on nostalgically, it would be privacy. That's gone. It's been gone for a long time anyway. There are cameras on the street, in most of the buildings, and even built into your computer and cell phone. But you can be sure that 24/7, "They" know who you are and where you are, right down to the GPS coordinates, and the Google Street View. If you buy something, your habit is put into a zillion profiles, and your ads will change to reflect those habits. "They" will try to get you to buy something else. Again and again.
All we will have left that can't be changed are "Memories".
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Five summers ago
I was browsing through my blog and came across this post which brought back pleasant memories.
H is 12 years old now and still a baseball "super star" Such a fine young athlete. Presently, he is away at camp for a month so the summer's baseball games are over but the sweet memories remain intact.
"Beautiful sunny day here in Atlanta. A perfect afternoon to attend grandson's baseball game. Blond hair and blue eyed he is 7 years old and a hum dinger of an athlete. Wearing his navy blue uniform trimmed in red, with his name and number on the back and his black helmet, he looked the part. Sorta like Robert Redford in "The Natural".
Today he played like a pro, sliding into home and scoring a run. He got a good hit and ran like a swift energizer bunny to first base where his dad, my son, was coaching. We left a bit early and H just called to tell us his team, the Indians, won the game 12 to 11. He asked if we saw him when he slid into home scoring the run.
Yeah H !!!!! You go little guy.
PS :Since when did they allow little girls to play on a baseball team? It did seem odd to look at home plate and see a small figure batting, shoulder length brown curls cascading from her helmet...:)"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I found this on the web site of the Northside Youth Organization that sponsors the games and I like the message here:
"INVOLVEMENT
'Always be positive!
Learn to encourage, not criticize. If you don't have something good to say, don't say it.
Be a parent, not an agent. Talk to your child regarding his/her concerns, and help your child to learn to take care of most issues independently.
Rather that criticize coaches and players, and make excuses for himself/herself, take the excellent opportunity to teach him/her how to cope with adversity. Don't make lists of demands for the coaches to follow.
Spend time practicing at home. In the years to come, you will both treasure the memories of tossing the ball around, much more so than of victories and losses.
Volunteer your time. Ask the coach how you can help, and follow his/her direction. Your child will appreciate your positive involvement, and be proud to have you as part of the team.
Attend games and cheer.
Positive self esteem is the primary goal of sports, not [just] winning or losing.''
H is 12 years old now and still a baseball "super star" Such a fine young athlete. Presently, he is away at camp for a month so the summer's baseball games are over but the sweet memories remain intact.
"Beautiful sunny day here in Atlanta. A perfect afternoon to attend grandson's baseball game. Blond hair and blue eyed he is 7 years old and a hum dinger of an athlete. Wearing his navy blue uniform trimmed in red, with his name and number on the back and his black helmet, he looked the part. Sorta like Robert Redford in "The Natural".
Today he played like a pro, sliding into home and scoring a run. He got a good hit and ran like a swift energizer bunny to first base where his dad, my son, was coaching. We left a bit early and H just called to tell us his team, the Indians, won the game 12 to 11. He asked if we saw him when he slid into home scoring the run.
Yeah H !!!!! You go little guy.
PS :Since when did they allow little girls to play on a baseball team? It did seem odd to look at home plate and see a small figure batting, shoulder length brown curls cascading from her helmet...:)"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I found this on the web site of the Northside Youth Organization that sponsors the games and I like the message here:
"INVOLVEMENT
'Always be positive!
Learn to encourage, not criticize. If you don't have something good to say, don't say it.
Be a parent, not an agent. Talk to your child regarding his/her concerns, and help your child to learn to take care of most issues independently.
Rather that criticize coaches and players, and make excuses for himself/herself, take the excellent opportunity to teach him/her how to cope with adversity. Don't make lists of demands for the coaches to follow.
Spend time practicing at home. In the years to come, you will both treasure the memories of tossing the ball around, much more so than of victories and losses.
Volunteer your time. Ask the coach how you can help, and follow his/her direction. Your child will appreciate your positive involvement, and be proud to have you as part of the team.
Attend games and cheer.
Positive self esteem is the primary goal of sports, not [just] winning or losing.''
Fathers
When the good Lord was creating Fathers,
he started with a tall frame.
A female angel nearby said, "What kind of a Father is that?
If you're going to make children so close to the ground,
why have you put the Father up so high?
He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling,
tuck a child in bed without bending,
or even kiss a child without stooping"
God smiled and said,
"Yes, but if I make him child size, who would children have to look up to?"
And when God made a Father's hands, they were large.
The angel shook her head and said,
"Large hands can't manage diaper pins,
small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails,
or even remove splinters caused from baseball bats."
Again God smiled and said,
"I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy
empties from his pockets, yet small enough to cup a child's face in them."
Then God moulded long slim legs and broad shoulders,
"Do you realize you just made a Father without a lap?"
The angel chuckled.
God said, "A Mother needs a lap.
A Father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled,
to balance a boy on a bicycle,
or to hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."
When God was in the middle of creating the biggest feet
any one had ever seen, the angel could not contain herself any longer.
"That's not fair..... Do you honestly think those boats are going
to get out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries,
or walk through a birthday party without
crushing one or two of the guests?"
God again smiled and said, "They will work.
You will see. They will support a small child who wants
to ride to Branbury Cross or scare mice away from a summer cabin,
or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill."
God worked throughout the night, giving the Father few words,
but a firm authoritative voice;
eyes that see everything,
but remain calm and tolerant.
Finally, almost as an after thought, He added tears.
Then he turned to the angel and said,
"Now are you satisfied he can love as much as a Mother can?"
The angel said nothing more.
By
Erma Bombeck
he started with a tall frame.
A female angel nearby said, "What kind of a Father is that?
If you're going to make children so close to the ground,
why have you put the Father up so high?
He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling,
tuck a child in bed without bending,
or even kiss a child without stooping"
God smiled and said,
"Yes, but if I make him child size, who would children have to look up to?"
And when God made a Father's hands, they were large.
The angel shook her head and said,
"Large hands can't manage diaper pins,
small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails,
or even remove splinters caused from baseball bats."
Again God smiled and said,
"I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy
empties from his pockets, yet small enough to cup a child's face in them."
Then God moulded long slim legs and broad shoulders,
"Do you realize you just made a Father without a lap?"
The angel chuckled.
God said, "A Mother needs a lap.
A Father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled,
to balance a boy on a bicycle,
or to hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."
When God was in the middle of creating the biggest feet
any one had ever seen, the angel could not contain herself any longer.
"That's not fair..... Do you honestly think those boats are going
to get out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries,
or walk through a birthday party without
crushing one or two of the guests?"
God again smiled and said, "They will work.
You will see. They will support a small child who wants
to ride to Branbury Cross or scare mice away from a summer cabin,
or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill."
God worked throughout the night, giving the Father few words,
but a firm authoritative voice;
eyes that see everything,
but remain calm and tolerant.
Finally, almost as an after thought, He added tears.
Then he turned to the angel and said,
"Now are you satisfied he can love as much as a Mother can?"
The angel said nothing more.
By
Erma Bombeck
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Photo
Here is a photo of me I took on my new Apple computer in January. I am wearing a scarf my 10 year old granddaughter gave me for Christmas.
I thought the picture turned out good,( not bad for an 81 year old lady ) :) I am sitting in front of the computer of course and the background is my guest room/ computer room.
Cheers !!
Hi all
6 weeks out and I am doing well. ( seems like 6 months) Going to out patient therapy and getting stronger every day. Thanks for your good wishes and prayers.
I have been entertaining my self with my new IPHONE. My daughter and 14 year old grandson(my computer guru) had me download "Words With Friends" to the IPHONE and I am having a ball playing it. Very much like SCRABBLE. I love word games. I picked "RANDOM PLAYER" after some hits and misses I got connected with a player who seems to have as much free time as I do. We usually play a game a day.
Buddy and Sam have been fantastic caretakers. I appreciate all they have done.
I will post more soon.
6 weeks out and I am doing well. ( seems like 6 months) Going to out patient therapy and getting stronger every day. Thanks for your good wishes and prayers.
I have been entertaining my self with my new IPHONE. My daughter and 14 year old grandson(my computer guru) had me download "Words With Friends" to the IPHONE and I am having a ball playing it. Very much like SCRABBLE. I love word games. I picked "RANDOM PLAYER" after some hits and misses I got connected with a player who seems to have as much free time as I do. We usually play a game a day.
Buddy and Sam have been fantastic caretakers. I appreciate all they have done.
I will post more soon.
Friday, May 20, 2011
I am recovering
This is a photo of a lovely flower arrangement a dear friend sent me a few weeks back as I began my recovery period. It consisted of white roses, hydrangia, white orchid, lilies and greenery.
Since my bedroom is upstairs my husband placed them just outside my room to brighten the days.
Another friend brought her special meatloaf and son and daughter in law brought yummy chicken casseroles. Such a welcome help and comfort.
I am doing really well with the physical therapy. My cute little 26 year old therapist says I am doing better with my exercises and mobility than many of her patients who are years younger.
Yesterday she had me outside for the first time walking up the neighborhood street. Then inside for a session on our recumbent bike.
My husband came in last week with an IPHONE for me and I have been having fun playing around with it.
I am considering ordering a Kindle reader tomorrow since I will be in for a few weeks more.
I am thankful my healing is going along swiftly.
My best to all of you.
PS click on photo for larger image.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Episode One of" General Hospital"
Here is what happened during my total knee replacement surgery . I had this procedure 2 weeks ago and I am making good progress with therapy and medications.
My husband, bless his heart, has been doing double duty as care taker, chief cook and bottle washer and dog walker.
During the surgery something happened that resulted in a 7 inch cut on my LOWER CALF. totally unrelated to the knee procedure. The doctors' explanation went something like this. His Physicans Assistant dropped the knife which resulted in the wound, and about 25 stitches (staples) in my lower leg.
The doctor and his assistant continue to apologise for this mishap. The lower leg incision continued to drain profusely after I got home from the hospital. Arrangements were made for a nurse from Visiting Nurse to come out daily to change the dressing.
OK Those are the gory details. (if you want to go throw up, now is a good time)
This surgeon has one of the best reputations in Atlanta. Plus he does hundreds TKR a year.
"Why me Lord"
Now the good news
The drainage has just about stopped. I am making real progress with the physical therapy.I am using a walker to get around just fine. Our bedroom is upstairs so the therapist has taught me how to conquer the stairs a few times a day. With this I use a cane. The pain is well controlled with medication.
The therapist says I am making remarkable progress with my mobility.
Yesterday was a fine Mother's Day.My out of town daughter called and sent a sweet card.
My in town children brought the grandchildren over. Son and his wife brought a lovely orchid and three chicken and wild rice casseroles. My in town daughter and her family came over with a dozen beautiful yellow roses. It was such fun to see those grandchildren also.
So, all in all, I am doing well.
Had it not been for the "accident" I would be ready for a turn on "Dancing With The Stars" :)
I will keep you informed on my progress.
Thanks for your care and concern.
(If I had to go through this ordeal I should at least have had "George Clooney in the role of my doctor.")
Was voted "Sexiest Man Alive" by People Magazine. [1997] ;)
My husband, bless his heart, has been doing double duty as care taker, chief cook and bottle washer and dog walker.
During the surgery something happened that resulted in a 7 inch cut on my LOWER CALF. totally unrelated to the knee procedure. The doctors' explanation went something like this. His Physicans Assistant dropped the knife which resulted in the wound, and about 25 stitches (staples) in my lower leg.
The doctor and his assistant continue to apologise for this mishap. The lower leg incision continued to drain profusely after I got home from the hospital. Arrangements were made for a nurse from Visiting Nurse to come out daily to change the dressing.
OK Those are the gory details. (if you want to go throw up, now is a good time)
This surgeon has one of the best reputations in Atlanta. Plus he does hundreds TKR a year.
"Why me Lord"
Now the good news
The drainage has just about stopped. I am making real progress with the physical therapy.I am using a walker to get around just fine. Our bedroom is upstairs so the therapist has taught me how to conquer the stairs a few times a day. With this I use a cane. The pain is well controlled with medication.
The therapist says I am making remarkable progress with my mobility.
Yesterday was a fine Mother's Day.My out of town daughter called and sent a sweet card.
My in town children brought the grandchildren over. Son and his wife brought a lovely orchid and three chicken and wild rice casseroles. My in town daughter and her family came over with a dozen beautiful yellow roses. It was such fun to see those grandchildren also.
So, all in all, I am doing well.
Had it not been for the "accident" I would be ready for a turn on "Dancing With The Stars" :)
I will keep you informed on my progress.
Thanks for your care and concern.
(If I had to go through this ordeal I should at least have had "George Clooney in the role of my doctor.")
Was voted "Sexiest Man Alive" by People Magazine. [1997] ;)
Thursday, May 05, 2011
TKR
HI blog friends.
I came through the total knee replacement fine. I am 10 days out from the operation and my knee is responding well.
There was a complication during the procedure that has left me exhausted, which I will write more about later.
I am going to be OK but this is a difficult time.
I will write more later with a complete explanation.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
I came through the total knee replacement fine. I am 10 days out from the operation and my knee is responding well.
There was a complication during the procedure that has left me exhausted, which I will write more about later.
I am going to be OK but this is a difficult time.
I will write more later with a complete explanation.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
Friday, April 08, 2011
TKR
I have finally bitten the bullet and scheduled a TKR (total knee replacement) on my right knee. I have postponed this surgery since last year because the recovery is not pleasant and involves a lot of pain and hard work in physical therapy.
But the time has come when the benefits outweigh the negatives.The pain and reduced mobility is the pits.
I have, in addition to my doctors print out instructions of information on the experience and recovery period, an excellent book which I found on Amazon."Total Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation:" 50 plus people recommended this book, and I highly recommend it also.
It is written by a doctor, who underwent this surgery himself and a physical therapist, who treats recovering TKR patients.
I am doing the strengthening exercises and also riding our recumbent bike as my knee allows.
I understand the recovery period is difficult and painful but as a friend of mine says "It IS what it IS"
The surgery is scheduled for April 26, so after that I may be MIA from the blogs for a while. But probably not for long as soon as I can hobble to the computer I will post how I am doing.
OK now don't you feel sorry for me? But hubby, Sam, deserves all the good wishes he can get since he will be my "recovery nurse" at home.
Bless his heart, he tries but he is not cut out to be a caregiver.
But...it is what it is...:)
I am getting nervous as the day approaches but I compensate by cleaning out just "one more drawer" And cleaning and dusting. I bet I am a pain in the neck to live with about now.
And poor Buddy is going to be so confused by my 3 or 4 day absence and upset in the routine when I get back home. I will just have to give him extra treats and hugs.
Have any of you had this TKR experience or do you have any good tips or suggestions?
.
But the time has come when the benefits outweigh the negatives.The pain and reduced mobility is the pits.
I have, in addition to my doctors print out instructions of information on the experience and recovery period, an excellent book which I found on Amazon."Total Knee Replacement and Rehabilitation:" 50 plus people recommended this book, and I highly recommend it also.
It is written by a doctor, who underwent this surgery himself and a physical therapist, who treats recovering TKR patients.
I am doing the strengthening exercises and also riding our recumbent bike as my knee allows.
I understand the recovery period is difficult and painful but as a friend of mine says "It IS what it IS"
The surgery is scheduled for April 26, so after that I may be MIA from the blogs for a while. But probably not for long as soon as I can hobble to the computer I will post how I am doing.
OK now don't you feel sorry for me? But hubby, Sam, deserves all the good wishes he can get since he will be my "recovery nurse" at home.
Bless his heart, he tries but he is not cut out to be a caregiver.
But...it is what it is...:)
I am getting nervous as the day approaches but I compensate by cleaning out just "one more drawer" And cleaning and dusting. I bet I am a pain in the neck to live with about now.
And poor Buddy is going to be so confused by my 3 or 4 day absence and upset in the routine when I get back home. I will just have to give him extra treats and hugs.
Have any of you had this TKR experience or do you have any good tips or suggestions?
.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
New Addition
Our son and daughter in law and children have an addition to their family.
A brand new English Springer Spaniel puppy. She is a doll. Deep brown and white. They named her "Ella" short for "Cinderella" . They had just returned from Disneyworld when they got the puppy.
8 week old Ella and her human family came over so we could meet her. My hubby and I love Ella but Buddy is deeply worried about the new doggie. He hid the entire time she was here.
Ella played with Buddy's toys and balls but Buddy would have no part of it. Buddy will be two in July and I guess he was exhibiting typical teen behavior:)
Maybe Buddy thought we were replacing "HIM" with a 2011 model or else he was just shy.
Animals are so funny aren't they.
A brand new English Springer Spaniel puppy. She is a doll. Deep brown and white. They named her "Ella" short for "Cinderella" . They had just returned from Disneyworld when they got the puppy.
8 week old Ella and her human family came over so we could meet her. My hubby and I love Ella but Buddy is deeply worried about the new doggie. He hid the entire time she was here.
Ella played with Buddy's toys and balls but Buddy would have no part of it. Buddy will be two in July and I guess he was exhibiting typical teen behavior:)
Maybe Buddy thought we were replacing "HIM" with a 2011 model or else he was just shy.
Animals are so funny aren't they.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Inner Peace
Inner Peace: This is so true
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
...Then You Are Probably .........
The Family Dog!
And you thought I was going to get all spiritual!!!
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
...Then You Are Probably .........
The Family Dog!
And you thought I was going to get all spiritual!!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Japan
I have been following Robert Brady at www.pureland.blogspot.com for some time now.
Robert is an American who is married to a Japanese woman and has lived in Japan for years. I immediately thought of him and his family when the devastation hit with the earthquake and tsunami.
His daughter, son in law and 3 small granddaughters live north of Tokyo. Thank goodness they are all ok as is Robert and his wife. The daughter and family are living in a school gym as their apartment was damaged in the quake.
If you have not visited his site recently you may want to check it out. It brings this disaster in close to us knowing someone there via our blog world.
Robert is an American who is married to a Japanese woman and has lived in Japan for years. I immediately thought of him and his family when the devastation hit with the earthquake and tsunami.
His daughter, son in law and 3 small granddaughters live north of Tokyo. Thank goodness they are all ok as is Robert and his wife. The daughter and family are living in a school gym as their apartment was damaged in the quake.
If you have not visited his site recently you may want to check it out. It brings this disaster in close to us knowing someone there via our blog world.
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