Opportunity

Random thoughts regarding 'opportunity'.

Have you ever wondered why opportunity knocks for some and bypasses others?

Opportunity is often fleeting, something that must be seized when it presents itself, or its next appearance may be connected to the sighting of a comet.

Does opportunity 'knock' on one's door, or does one's door have to be open for opportunity to enter?

Do people become successful because opportunity finds them or because they seek out opportunity?

Are some people unsuccessful because opportunity never visited or because they ignored opportunity?

What is success? Is it not defined differently for each of us?

Do we define success or does it define us?

I think I'll take this opportunity to sign off and ponder opportunity further. Perhaps you'll do the same. If nothing else, take the opportunity to simply ponder.

Ancora imparo

Granny's Excitement

Oh, TLV is coming today!

My preparations have been focused and fun, but I am not done. Having a short visitor brings a new level of excitement to our humble abode that is not normally present. Having only tall visitors is great but the short type bring out the best in my SO and me.

We have a birthday cake and ice cream, toys, children's books, and special foods and we haven't even begun to get out things for TLV!

Later today you will find me on the floor, reading books, or conversing as only a three-year old can converse. There will be a big smile on my face and I'll laugh more than usual. The presence of a little head under your chin does that to grannies and gramps.

The feeling of euphoria has begun. Let it never end!

Ancora imparo

Tourists Shocked

Tourists visiting Washington D.C.'s famed attraction, The National Mall, were shocked today to find that, in a clandestine overnight transformation, it has been converted to the nation's largest auto mall. Shoppers in the market for a new car can find only GM and Chrysler brands. Missing are any of the Ford lines, forcing those looking for a new Mustang to find a local dealer in their area.

Executive press releases included sound bytes from national ad campains (intentional misspelling) that will be released on Monday, June 1 and will feature the brightest and the best from each political party: Nancy Pelosi, Newt Gingrich, Harry Reid, Rush Limbaugh, Hillary Clinton, and Dick Cheney. Details on which party headliners would promote which automaker were not revealed, although Fiat is rumored to be rejecting all of the six political superstars. Little success for car sales is expected as Pelosi is quoted as saying she hasn't been informed and Newt Gingrich says she was. Dick Cheney is expected to enter the verbal fray later today after a hunting trip with Hillary Clinton. Roland Burris has been contacted about a cameo appearance but is quoted as saying he has had no discussions regarding this matter. Meanwhile North Korea is indicating that they have a solution to the U.S. auto maker woes. Obama has been filmed rattling his sword, but it is ultimately assumed that he will ignore North Korea's offer.

Meanwhile, U.S. car shoppers looking for car bargains have plenty of choices at former GM and Chrylser dealer lots across the country as these dealers look for ways to reduce their inventories of new cars that were gifted to them by Detroit.

Ancora imparo

Wet, Soggy, and Drenched

Al I can say is that if I see animals coming down the pier, two-by-two, we're all in trouble and I'm glad I'm on a boat! I'll be calling my children and having them join us post haste. There is no shortage of rainfall here.

This morning, the rain hitting the water had a decidedly white form and shape to it, leading me to understand just how cold it is. I felt like Puxtahawney Phil, poking my head up out of my hidey hole, assessing the temperature and weather, not liking what I see and feel, and ducking back below, waiting for another day - or another week!

All the warm-weather clothes I brought with me are useless at this juncture, simply hanging limply in the clothes locker. My head keeps swimming (no pun intended) with visions of all the cold-weather clothes I could have packed but left behind, believing that they would be useless and never unpacked this trip. My two hooded-sweatshirts have been pressed into service - one for the day time and one for sleeping - always with the hood over my head, trying to preserve whatever body heat I can. I've resigned myself to cold feet, day and night.

Oh, this is not good. Two seagulls just walked past us on the pier...........and behind them are two ducks. This pattern of two's is very disturbing.

Oh, oh. Noah's coming. Time to call the kids!

Ancora imparo

Just How Cold Is It?

It's so cold here that:

I've got two pair of socks on but am losing the battle for warm feet.

My SO is working with a blanket over his lap.

The floor feels like it is covered with crushed ice.

The boat asked to be shrink-wrapped.

The fish are flopping onto the shore to find warmth.

The calendars have reversed themselves to the month of February.

The fog enveloping the marina is from people's breath.

Beer doesn't need to be refrigerated to stay cold.

The local market didn't get a delivery of fresh fish today.......local fishermen said the water was too cold for the fish to bite.

People are eating hot chili peppers to stay warm.

I stopped at the local resale store this morning and there were no jackets left on the racks.

Children have become confused and have started composing their letters to Santa Claus.

Ok, Ok. Get the idea?

The good news is that I'm not in a tent! The bad news is that it feels like I am!

Ancora imparo

Redifining Delicious

I suspect that, for every individual I would interview, asking the question, "What do you consider delicious?", I'd get a different response. This is just a guess, but I am confident about my conclusion.

Another conclusion I've arrived at, through empirical and anecdotal evidence, is that for one person, the concept of delicious does not remain static, but constantly changes and evolves over time.

Such is the case for moi. My idea of delicious has been forced to morph over the years simply because of dietetic necessity. Certainly not from personal preference and taste!

I am convinced that if I ever become non-lucid, my rantings will not be about people, places, and things from my past but rather the foods that I used to eat and enjoy. My babbling will include phrases and sentences such as:

• I'll have real butter with that. (Instead of fake butter.)
  
• Extra cheese, please. (Instead of fat-free shredded cheese.)
  
• Make that two scoops of ice cream, please. (Instead of soy or rice frozen dessert.)
• Let's see - I'll have my pizza with sausage, double cheese, and pepperoni.
• Bacon-wrapped chicken livers, please. (There is simply no fat-free substitute for this one.)
• Liver and onions (No substitute for this one, either.)
• Make my t-bone steak rare. (Instead of fake meat strips made out of cardboard.)
• Whole milk and cookies (No possible substitute for this!)
• Freshly baked white bread, right out of the oven, slathered with butter
• Campfire meals with full-strength Spam on the grill
• Eggs cooked by spooning bacon grease over the top, served with thick-cut bacon
• Turtle sundaes
• Real mayonnaise
  
• Full-strength blue cheese salad dressing
• The piece-de-resistance.................REAL macaroni and cheese
  

You get the idea........my fantasies revolve around forbidden foods. Actually I have no forbidden foods, just food that I need to avoid in order to be able to see my grandchildren graduate from high school and college, plus watch their lives beyond their education. My end-goal is worthwhile so I'll keep my new definition of delicious, but if I am ever told I have thirty days to live, I reserve the right to change my definition!

Ancora imparo

The Tradition Continues

The couple welcomed us warmly and, as transient boaters, we were both surprised and pleased.

Being a transient boater is always unpredictable. You are probably in an unfamiliar marina where everything and everyone is an unknown. Marinas are very much like neighborhoods where newcomers and new boats stand out as if a neon sign is hanging above the craft. The regulars may be friendly and cordial, especially if the itinerant boat is a large one.

This couple didn't care about the size of our boat and greeted us warmly as dock mates. Over the years, the past four as slip holders, we've spent great evenings together with delicious food and lively conversation.

Recently the couple decided it was the time in their lives to stop boating and their boat was sold to out-of-state owners. We had heard the boat would be in Minnesota by this time so it was with surprise that, on our first dock walk of the season, we discovered the same boat in our marina, but with its new owners, working hard at getting the boat ready to sail away later this summer.

Tonight the tradition of welcoming continued, only in reverse. We invited the new owners to our boat for conversation and snacks. Just as the original owners extended the hand of friendship to us years ago, we extended our hand of hospitality to the new owners. The conversation was lively and the time slipped by quickly.

Bon voyage and happy sailing to the new owners.

Ancora imparo

Quaker Cooking

This blog could have been titled, "The Differences Between Men and Women", but that would have been somewhat misleading. Today we discovered yet another item to add to our cache of differences.

As we all know, there are many differences between men and women aside from the obvious physiological ones. Men don't like to stop and ask for directions - women will. Most men do not care for shopping, most women enjoy the experience. Many men are uncomfortable expressing emotion, many women are not. There are "chick" flicks and there are "macho" flicks. What is the saying, "Men are from Mars women are from Venus"? And the list goes on, much to the delight of the comedians, many of whom make their living off from "the list".

My SO and I do many things differently, enjoy a wide variety of activities that are total opposites, find different topics funny and different topics offensive, laugh at different jokes, enjoy differing types of personalities, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

But...........when it comes to procedures, my SO feels that he has the 'preferred' technique for, well, lots of tasks. Often he does and I'm 'down' with that. In fact, it makes sense to copy a technique that works better, faster, and more efficiently. (A little secret - Sometimes it is just good marriage PR to agree that your spouse's method works better than yours.) Then, there are times when a spouse KNOWS that the method or technique he/she is using is better than their SO's, but for purposes of avoiding marital dischord, it is meet and right to follow your spouse's lead. Said another way, "keep your mouth closed!"

This morning, yet another example of the "two ways to do something" surfaced: Making oatmeal in the microwave. Oh, yes - my SO and I have taken this concept to totally new, higher levels than previously known to mankind. Once we identified the two, separate techniques for making oatmeal in the microwave, we seized upon the opportunity to educate the other on the "proper" way to cook the oatmeal - both sides feeling certain that their way was the best. The atmosphere was electric and had the feeling of "Iron Chef Oatmeal"

Did we ever come to a conclusion? No - but that is what makes life fun and, adds a bit more levity to the day-to-day scenario that we call the institution of marriage. We each did our best to convince the other that our way was superior, but to no avail. We both remain convinced that our individual technique is FAR superior to the other's.

That's OK.

Ancora imparo

(My technique really is better.........................)

When It Works

Good service is a curious entity. It reminds me of the nursury rhyme line, "when she was good, she was very good. When she was bad, she was horrid."

Such is the sphere of service. Indeed, when it is good, it is amazing and encourages the consumer to continue to do business with the good-service provider. The consumer is also more inclined to share the good-service story with others.

When service is bad or nonexistent, it is akin to a field of manure, piled high, stinking to high heaven. The consumer may then harbor very negative feelings toward the company or provider and one of several scenarios usually occurs: 1. The consumer complains vociferously and achieves some level of satisfaction, although frequently left with a sour taste in the mouth. 2. The consumer becomes disgusted and vows never to conduct business with the provider again. 3. The worst-case-scenario - The consumer becomes disgusted, vows never to take business there again, AND tells everyone about the bad experience.

Such is the sphere of service.

My SO and I just experienced both phases of service, with the same company, in the last twenty-four hours. The first contact, yesterday, with an internet weather-service provider was frustrating, to say the least. My SO called a number provided and was connected to an individual in a far-away land whose speech pattern was barely discernible. In addition to the communication gap, the individual clearly was not familiar with the product or how it works. The resulting impression left with my SO was unflattering, to say the least, and the problem was not resolved. SO gave up in disgust.

Today, having put twenty-four hours between him and the last dissatisfying encounter, my SO found another phone number to call and, this time, was connected to a person who communicated clearly and, more importantly, knew the product line and was able to resolve the issue within a short period of time. Positive experience, positive PR for the company.....all because of good service, given by a knowledgeable employee.

Hats off to all companies and employees who recognize the value of good service. Their businesses will be more recession-proof.

Raspberries to those who do not.

Ancora imparo

House on Wheels

It was a unique experience.......watching my portable residence coming down the road on a giant trailer.

Her name is Timeless and she came out of winter storage recently where she had spent the winter, patiently waiting for warm weather to return. While she was in storage, she got her normal winter 'spa' treatment - systems checked, exfoliated, manicure and pedicure, skin buffed up, metabolism monitored, and motor tuned. She is ready for the summer.

My SO and I were present when she came out of storage. We'd never seen her moved down the road before. You would have thought we were waiting for parade units to pass by.

Suddenly she came into view. To us, she loomed large, slowly moving down the main street of the little village where she winters. She took up more than her half of the street and one man was positioned up on top - I guess watching for wires - although what he would have done had he encountered a wire is beyond me.

My SO took lots of pictures of the street ride and then when she was placed on giant straps, ready to lower into the water. Skilled, experienced hands did all of the maneuvering, never once giving the impression of anything other than a successful procedure.

Now our house is no longer on wheels but still portable, which is just the way we like it. We've moved in to our smallish quarters and most of the 'stuff' is put away. Soon it will be time to play. We have to play quickly and intently because all too soon our portable house will return to its winter digs and we'll be shoveling and shivering!

Here's to summer!

Ancora imparo

Why Am I Not Suprised

Today's Headlines:

Credit Card Reform Bill now allows loaded guns in National Parks.

This makes sense to whom??????????????????????

Only a politician or the Great Illusionist would herald a bill that contains both provisions. Washington knows that the hugely popular Credit Card Reform Bill is a sure-fire hit with the public and that piggy-backing these two measures would allow the gun provision to sneak through without scrutiny. The Great Illusionist says that he will "proudly" sign the bill.

Shame on you, Washington D.C., for not having the guts to take this before the American public for a real debate. Shame on you, politicians, for kissing the behinds of the NRA leaders who have lobbied for loaded guns in National Parks. "To save people from bears", that is rationale touted by the NRA and bed-fellows in Washington D.C.

I repeat my idea to move the center of government from Washington D.C. to Las Vegas. At least, in Las Vegas, they understand the difference between reality and smoke and mirrors.

And, they have white tigers in Las Vegas.

Ancora imparo

The Curtain of Cordiality

Our society does 'cordial' very well, doesn't it?

Surface cordiality is alive and well in our society and I am 'cordial' with the best of them. We smile, shake hands, make small talk, but often never get to 'really know' the person or people we are speaking to. At times, I feel as if I am an extra in the movie "Amadeus", taking part in the many dance/ballroom scenes. All of us 'extras' are smiling, moving about, perfunctorily doing all that is required for proper etiquette. We move through life greeting others as if we are starring in the movie "The Stepford Wives", with the warmth only skin deep.

What is the catalyst that bumps us from cordial to caring and sharing?

Don't get me wrong. I have no desire or expectation to bare my soul to every individual I meet and greet. Nor do most people, who meet and greet me, have any desire to see my inner soul. This cordiality curtain is multi-directional, serving both the greeter and the greetee, much like speed dating events. We meet - greet- then move on to the next person or group and the whole ritual is repeated.

Since I mentioned the days of classical music and Mozart, it occurs to me that this curtain of cordiality has been in place for centuries. Throughout the years of civilized society, the same 'dance' has been replayed millions of times, on every continent and in most every country. Cordiality, while often insincere, is, at least, better than hostility.

You see, this is why I miss Max. With Max, there was never a question of sincerity. He wore it on every inch of his body.

Ancora imparo

The Unthinkable Happened!

Today the unthinkable happened. I found a science that I can embrace.

Until this morning, my entire life has been spent in resistance to anything scientific. My brain just doesn't assimilate scientific facts efficiently..............if at all. I do not agree with the Order of Operations in math and I certainly cannot comprehend theorems, formulas, and other calculations associated with science. It is not that I do not appreciate science and scientifically-oriented minds, it is just that I, well, would prefer to think about other things. If I have a science-related question there are two wonderful minds close to me that are just a conversation away.

However, today, I discovered The Second Law of Thermodynamics and I thought to myself, "Now here is a principle that I can wrap my mind around!" Order and disorder.........this I understand.

An out-of-control chaos moving toward order.........that pretty much sums up a beginning band. This I know how to control and mold chaos into harmony.

Disorder on my desk or in my office? I know how to fix that. Pick it up and put it away.

Disorganization in an organization? I know how to organize and motivate. I can visualize, plan, and execute. I've been a middle-school band director.

Who knew that my life-skill set was based upon The Second Law of Thermodynamics? Plus, I'm old enough to know that if I can't stand the heat (thermo), I should get out of the kitchen.

I'm in better shape than I thought.

Ancora imparo

Laughing At Myself

Oh, the places the mind can take a person!

During our morning walks, my SO and I often try to solve the problems of this world, forgetting that in the next world, there will be no problems. Today's walk was no exception.

Our topics are usually of the "what-keeps-me-awake-at-night" type. Some days it is just one of us that is over-thinking something. Other walks, it is a shared responsibility - which was the case a few hours ago.

When we returned home, we were laughing at ourselves because during the course of our walk our conversation had taken us to the following conclusions:

• The Red Cross was needed for a rescue.
• The CDC should be called in for a consultation.
• The Coast Guard would be needed to perform a water rescue.
• The economic situation would worsen to the point that thousands of instances would necessitate three, four, and five families moving in together.
• Reverse migration will take place to the neighboring countries of Canada and Mexico.
  

You've heard of 'Extreme Sports'? Well, we do extreme thinking.

Does it accomplish anything? No, although it can produce headaches of the first degree.

What it does allow is a good laugh at the end of the 'extreme-thinking' session.

May you not experience 'extreme thinking'.

Ancora imparo

The Great Illusionist

Prestidigitation. Slight-of-hand. Smoke and Mirrors.

The Great Houdini was, no doubt, one of the best at what he did. Others have followed in his footsteps, hoping to achieve some of his greatness, but few, if any, have bested him.......which is why we still call him The Great Houdini.

Let's think for a moment about what constitutes superior magic feats.

Smoke and mirrors. The better illusionists make the audience and viewers believe they are seeing one thing when, in actuality, something very different will really happen.

Slight-of-hand. The greats are adept and highly skilled at maneuvers so minuscule that the average person's eyes miss the nuanced movements that make up the 'trick'.

Prestidigitative acts can always be explained. They rarely are because the perpetrators of those acts do not want their secrets exposed. Power lies in holding secrets 'close to the vest'.

Such is what I see happening in Washington D.C. these days. Our nation not only has one Great Prestidigitator but many apprentices, all of whom are busy with slight-of-hand political maneuvering and posturing. There are so many smoke and mirrors in use that it is impossible to tell where our money is going, what promises are being made (or broken) and to whom, or what is simply misguided, egotistical decision making. I keep waiting for the great white tiger to come on stage and eat all of the costumed magicians and their assistants, but, instead, every day brings another story of The Great Prestidigitator and his lackeys waving yet another set of wands over the nation, hoping that we'll pay more attention to the costumes and finery than the outcomes and ramifications of their actions.

Perhaps we should move our center of government to Las Vegas. That city has more per-capita, QUALIFIED illusionists than Washington D.C.

Besides, there are white tigers in Las Vegas.

Ancora imparo

12-BandAid Limit

It was supposed to be quick and easy. In and out, as they say.

My SO and I decided to visit a local site where we could get blood screening done for cholesterol and other metabolic readings that only people of advancing age and maturity should have to think about.

We've done this before and the process has always gone smoothly and without a hitch........in the past.

Today was to be the exception.

After we completed our paperwork and paid the fee, we took our seats and waited for the next available station to open up. We had barely lowered our bodies into the uncomfortable molded plastic chairs when one of the nurses (I presume she was a nurse.) called out, "Next person, please." Both of us said, "You go.", simultaneously and the nurse-type person laughed and teased us about the two of us being too eager.

My SO went first. He got to the chair and the nurse turned to me and asked if I wanted to hold his hand or laugh. I replied, "Laugh.", which God retaliated for in short order. The laugh was to be on me.

A kindly nurse-type person near me - seated in those awful plastic chairs - motioned for me to come on over. I complied and took a seat. She told me she chose me because she needed "an easy one" next. Apparently, her last 'draw' had not been easy. Since I was one of the only (my SO was the other) 'younger-looking' individuals waiting, she mistakingly assumed I would be 'easy'.

Such was not to be the case, both to her dismay and my discomfort.

About ten years ago I was told that I had small veins and should always ask for a 'butterfly' when I had blood taken. Of course, I have no idea of what a 'butterfly' is or does, but I always dutifully volunteer this information, the phlebotomist nods and all goes well.

Not today.

When I told this kindly-looking nurse-type person that I needed a butterfly, she sighed and her shoulders sunk a little lower. Clearly this was not information that she found encouraging. But, she took a 'butterfly', opened the plastic, and proceeded to try finding a vein near the crook of my arm. She wasn't happy with what she found but she thought it would work. The needle went in and, for about ninety seconds, she moved it around, trying to find the vein. Her efforts were in vain. Discouraged, she removed the needle, placed some wadded up gauze over the entry point, and put a Tazmanian Devil BandAid on the spot. BandAid number one. She then began searching for another vein in which to push yet another needle into.

Clearly she was having difficulty finding veins. I teasingly told her she had a twelve-BandAid limit. Fortunately she saw the humor in my remark.

Next 'we' went to the wrist on my opposite arm. She told me "this is going to sting", which was a first-class understatement. Once again, she gently moved the needle, probing to find blood, but could get nothing to go into the little plastic tube. Oh, yes. By this time, she has another nurse-type person assisting her, holding the tube and bottle-thingy at a level that will encourage blood flow.

While all the 'stinging' is going on - this attempt for well over two minutes - she keeps telling me to relax.

BandAid number two.

Meanwhile, I am thinking to myself, "I got up early, fasted, drove forty minutes to get here. I am not going home until I get blood drawn."

After the failed second attempt, two more nurse-type people join the two that are already there. I look over at my husband. He is smiling but the smile quickly fades when he sees me looking at him.

The four nurse-type people take turns looking at my arms, wrists, and hands, each sharing an opinion on how to get blood out of my body. I keep insisting that this is the first time this difficulty has ever occurred. I am embarrassed, to say the least.

Now another nurse-type person sits down, ready to have a go at me. She decides to try the top of my left hand, which, heretofore, has been unscathed. Not now. The four nurse-type people agree upon a spot and the needle goes in. Very minor, short sting, but blood doesn't want to flow. I am working at relaxing so my blood can flow. I imaginine myself drinking massive amounts of margaritas on a Jamaican beach. One of the nurse-type people holds the apparatus at a helpful level. Between that and the nurse with the needle massaging my hand's vein, we slowly get the job done.

Forty-five minutes later and BandAid number three, I am a free woman.

May all who read this posting always have a one-BandAid experience or.......lots of margaritas.

Ancora imparo

Why Do I Blog?

"Why do you blog?"

This question has been posed to me several times in the more recent past - as opposed to the more past past (go figure that one). Each time the query is uttered, it is done so with a wide-eyed expression and incredulity in the person's voice, with an emphasis on the word 'do'. I guess it is safe to say that I know few individuals who blog. One person almost hissed the question of "how do you find the time"? Her implication and tone-of-voice was clear - that by blogging I must be taking time away from other, more important tasks.

There is only one blog that I follow on any regular basis. When this guy posts, I get an automatic notification that he has updated his blog, which is what he did within the past twenty-four hours. His blog topic was partially about how he has backed off on his blogging and he gave his reasons for doing so.

That increased my cogitation.

Why, I asked my self, do I blog? Does anyone care about my thoughts and opinions, other than myself?

I blog because it is akin to thinking out loud.............for me. I blog for me and me alone. I have no expectation that others will read my blog, even though if I knew others would read the postings, it would not change what I write.

I do not use this blog as a diary, even though many postings are 'inspired' by events that happened that day. I write as if there are subscribers or readers of a publication looking at a daily column. Sort of a folksy blind conversation.

There you have it. The thoughts from my head today. Who knows if any thoughts will be present tomorrow. If there are, you'll be the first to know!

Ancora imparo

Simple Gifts

Small but mighty.
All that glitters is not gold.
Simple is better.
Less is more.
More precious than gold.
Priceless.

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free..................................

Simple words from a Shaker melody but truly applicable to this blog today.

I recently received two gifts for Mother's Day. These two gifts were not expensive but they carried great weight, both in their message and intent. The gifts were of small monetary value, but huge in their sentimental value. They came from the heart and stole the heart of the recipient.......moi.

One gift consisted of three paper flowers, toddler-decorated and toddler-assisted in assembly, with pictures of TLV. His smiling face, twinkling eyes, and devilish grin adorn a vase on my desk, directly in front of this laptop. If I feel sad, they'll buoy me up, as only a grandchild can do.

The other gift was a hand-written note, accompanied by a laminated card of Bible verses. The thought behind this gift brought tears to my eyes and lifted my spirits. It, like the three flower-pictures, will 'light up my life', time and time again, proving that simple gifts are often the best gifts.

When Aaron Copland wove the unadorned Shaker melody, "Simple Gifts", into his "Appalachian Spring", he took simple to a whole new level.

Between TLV, lamination, hand-written notes and Aaron Copland, how could I ever want for more?

Ancora imparo

I'ts Still Hard

Change.

I've written about it before in my blog postings, about how difficult yet necessary - at times - it is.

Well, I'm writing about change once again.

Change can come in many forms and it affects each person differently - as it should. Change can mean a change of location, a change of opinion, a change in health status, a change in job status, a change in relationship(s), a change in plans, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera - to quote from "The King and I".

What is interesting about change is that the smallest of changes is often the most difficult to deal with.

Take, for example, having to change offices at work or classrooms in a school........might as well have an amputation! Move my favorite chair at home.........forget it! Have to change driving routes to work due to construction and detours............incensed! Change my favorite coffee bean................no way. New waitress at your favorite eatery..................can't cope!

One change that I always get into trouble with is when one of my neighbors changes vehicles. I am used to waving at a vehicle that I know belongs to certain people. But...........when a different car or truck goes by, I probably will miss acknowledging my neighbor a time or two until I realize that a switch has been made! In the meantime, my neighbor may assume that I am simply ignoring him or her.

Even pets struggle with change.

I remember our beloved dog, Max, having trouble with a change in my bedtime routine the night that I never went to bed, working on the final touches of my masters degree project. Max kept walking toward the bedroom - over and over - but would always return to me, gazing at me with questioning eyes as if to ask, "What is going on here? Don't you know what time it is?" I did and the lack-of-sleep change messed up my system for several days. A seemingly small change that was mighty to my body.

And, the huge change of losing a pet. Max has been gone for three years - plus - and I still haven't recovered...........................

The best kind of change comes with quarters, dimes, and pennies. Yes, even the lowly penny has value - still. I confess that I stoop to pick up pennies - plural and singular.

So, here's to change. Large and small. If you stoop to pick up enough change, you won't mind the large and small changes.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Ancora imparo

Just Different

Red Hat Society..............

I'm not a member but I was invited to join a group of "Red Hatters" last night for dinner and I accepted the invitation. I was a stranger in a strange land.

These are lovely ladies, many of whom I knew as a child (like my very first piano teacher), some I know as an adult, and others I knew not until last night. Our dining destination was a location that was very small when I was very small. Back then, my family rarely, and I do mean rarely, ate out in restaurants. I can count, on one hand, the number of times I recall eating 'out' and those were as guests. My parents were married in The Great Depression and carried a certain mind-set with them there entire lives.

Basically, if there was food in the house, we ate it, no matter how old or what color. The color was of no consequence. If the color was offensive to the eater (me) then my mother (or I) either scraped it off or cut it off. Offensive odor was another matter and was (usually) seriously considered. For our household to discard any food, a serious health risk had to be involved.

But, I do digress. Back to my evening's dining experience.

The women's attire was eye-catching, to say the least. My sister's and my entrance into the establishment was seemingly noted by every diner. Most would point and say, "they went that way", indicating the area of the restaurant where our reserved table was. My sister knew well over half of the people she walked past and I knew a couple of them myself.

I was dressed as close to the 'dress code' as I could come and my red hat, courtesy of my sister, was perched perkily on my head. The hat and I would later part company as quickly as I was seated back in my sister's van, having made my head itch most of the evening. The red scarf, tied around my neck, completed my ensemble's accents nicely, but would be removed first upon arriving back at my sister's place. Scarves look great.........on other people who don't mind their necks feeling hot all evening!

I found food choices to be curious. A few of us made menu selections that were reflective of trying to eat healthily, but most others did not. Not a drop of alcohol was ordered even though the restaurant does have a bar. I followed suit, similarly, and chose not to order a glass of merlot. Dessert was enjoyed by all. I indulged as well, sharing the largest bowl of strawberry shortcake I've ever seen with my sister. There was only one other coffee drinker besides myself.

My sister had asked me if I could create an ice-breaker game that we could play while waiting for our kitchen orders to come. I composed a pop-culture, trivia fill-in-the-blank 'game' that I was confident would be easily completed by all or most there. Boy, was I wrong! The name of the Clinton's ''first cat' or the breed of the newest 'first dog' was not easily identified by the women.

However, all-in-all, it was a fun time out with my sister and her friends. I felt a little like a fish out of water, but the ladies were pleasant and good conversationalists.

Thank you, Red Hatters. It was my pleasure!

Ancora imparo

Total Strangers

Characteristically unconversational.

That would normally be me in a waiting room, airplane, auditorium, or any other venue where large numbers of strangers gather. The purpose of the gathering matters little.

I am not reticent to strike up a conversation with a stranger because of shyness, discomfort, or fear - it just doesn't occur or,generally, appeal to me. I'm usually armed with a book or magazine, ready to wrap my mind around text and mindless page turning - aka escape.

So, this morning, as I wandered into the waiting area of a local car dealership, I took advantage of the complimentary coffee, shut out the ever-present din of the wall-mounted television, found a seat at a small, round table, and settled in, armed with back issues of several magazines. Shortly after I arrived, a woman came in and sat down with her newspaper. Something that the morning-news-program talking head said elicited a response from this woman and, I, lifting my nose out of my magazine, replied, not wanting to seem rude.

Thus, a wonderful, spontaneous, two-way conversation began. Her family farms. They would be considered medium-sized farmers, raising cash crops on over five-thousand acres and over four-hundred head of beef cattle. Hard-working folk, more of which our country desperately needs.

And so it was, a short two-or-so hours later that my name was called to pick up my vehicle, and I was actually disappointed to leave the conversation. Not too long before I had to leave, a third woman had seated herself in the waiting area and joined our discussion. I gathered my things and left a lively conversation between the two of them.

What a pleasure it was to open myself up to conversing with strangers. I came away relaxed and with a renewed sense of the basic goodness of Mid-westerners.

Thank you, fellow strangers, for opening yourselves up to me!

Ancora imparo

Poignant

Twice, today, I've been reminded, right before my eyes about life's fragility and poignancy.

In separate circumstances, I had the opportunity to watch couples who have been married for a remarkable period of time. These two couples have probably never met each other. There would be no reason for their paths to cross.

Yet they share some characteristics in common. Characteristics that are at once beautiful yet poignant.

In both cases, the wife has advancing dementia and is having physical difficulty moving about. The husbands are careful and gentle with their wives, as if they are handling a fragile dandelion whose flower could blow away in the wind at any second. The women move ever so slowly in a halting gait. With their husbands at an elbow, they stop frequently to speak to strangers or gaze at a budding bush or emerging flower. While their voices speak to people, their eyes tell a different story.......seeing as if in vignettes from long ago.

One of the couples just adopted a ten-year rescue dog from a local shelter. As he explained to us yesterday, "I hope Georgie might help my wife with her dementia." Georgie has been rescued with the hope that he might 'rescue' a human. Who knows what comfort stroking Georgie's fur may bring to the woman?

Some day any one of us may be in either set of the shoes I've just described.......as the caregiver or the care receiver. Only God knows which role we may be called upon to play. I just hope that if I am the care receiver, I have a Georgie of my own to sink my finger tips into - just one more time.

Max, I miss you.

Ancora imparo

Happy Birthday

Today is the birthday of my future grandson who lives in a far-away country. I've never met this charmer but I have seen many pictures of him and his orphanage care-givers. He has a million dollar smile. There are many people, stateside, who are waiting for him to 'come home'. Only God knows when that will be.

I ate a piece of cake today, thinking of FG's birthday. (Well, that's my story for eating the cake and I'm sticking to it!)

Happy Birthday, Future-Grandson!

I can't wait to meet you!

Ancora imparo

Ostrich Syndrome

I've never heard of the Ostrich Syndrome, but if it was authentic, I'd like to suffer from it.

Last night I attended a seminar designed to inform and educate individuals on the current economic crisis, its history, its possible path, and different scenarios regarding its conclusion. The evening was marked with a parade of speakers, each armed with varying tools for 'show and tell'. Attendees were showered with dazzling Power Point pie charts, graphs, graphics and industry jargon sure to impress the sharpest of financial minds.

For those attendees who have not yet finished reading "Understanding the Current Economic Meltdown For Dummies", the take-aways were more than likely totally different than those of the savvy investors.

Allow me to condense what I gleaned from listening to the very well-presented and carefully researched information:

I'm waiting for the Anxiety Bounce. Historically the Anxiety Bounce has always occurred.



Yeah, that's it. If you were waiting to read more helpful information, you'll be waiting for the blue moon. The key word here is anxiety which is in full supply everywhere. The media has done and is doing an excellent job of helping create, increase and ensure anxiety on many levels for a variety of reasons.............just look at the nervous, jumpy investors on Wall Street, riding their bicycles or walking to work, wearing their face masks, carrying bottles of hand sanitizers.

This is why I'm hoping to soon suffer from the Ostrich Syndrome.

As soon as I figure out how to contract this latest syndrome, I'll let you know!

Ancora imparo