Thursday, January 31, 2013

Some people have lots of houses ---not Sarah

Sarah is one spoiled puppy!!!

She not only has ONE bed.

She has TWO.

She has kinda outgrown this one!!

 Just a little---maybe---ya think!!


No, make that three, and this one is good for hiding under!!

Or could it be four?

So, she has a lot of beds.

The pink blanket in that pink bed--Our Nonie MADE for ME.  But NO, Sarah got it.

Well, just during the day. It makes a good blanket for Jerry as he likes a little more than I do. He puts Sarah's blanket on his side of the bed. She sleeps ON it and he sleeps UNDER it.

No she's NOT spoiled just a little.

SHE is SPOILED a LOT!!!!!

More later, Linda

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Times they are a changing

I was just looking at my iPhone.

I can make phone calls!

I can enter something to be done in the calendar.

I can keep up with my friends by Find a Friend app.

I can read my Bible with YouVersion.

I can receive and send emails from my iPhone.

I can_____________________.

You fill in the blank.

Do you realize that we didn't even have Internet until 1994?

There was no Yahoo-Google-Skype-or any other way to keep in touch with family that is far away.

When Jerry worked in Libya, and Egypt, and Ireland, and Mauritania, and Nigeria, and and and.

Not until he was working in Mexico could I communicate with him.

And that was by fax machine.!!

Now I can hold a computer in my hand!

I have instant access to Internet, long distance, and friends galore.

Times are REALLY changing!!

What's it gonna be like in another 100 years?

More later, Linda

 

Monday, January 28, 2013

It's that TIME again

Doesn't everyone one know what time it is?

It's the dreaded TAX time of the year.

UGH!!!!

Why can't we do something like they do in the UK?

The Tax people send you a fold sheet of paper with questions on it. Like do you own a home? A second home? Do you own a boat? Or a horse. How many cows?

How many live in your home?

And then you mail it back to them. In an envelope that you provide and to which you attach a stamp.

In a few weeks they send you back a letter letting you know how much you owe them--if any--and you have to make payment in a quarterly fashion.

No mess, no deductions,nothing but what do you have---and here is what you owe.  Now if you have a question about their amount you can question it and ask for a hearing. But you still have 4 times during the year  you can make payments on the tax owed.

Easy for them and easy for the taxpayer.

So why---if they can do that---can't we come up with something that is understandable by everyone. If you call the IRS hot line about a question you will get different answers every time you call about the same question.

Not a good way to give us common folk confidence in the tax -- ing system.

Anyone have a way to reform this stressful time of the year?

More later, Linda

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Now I can't get onto a Website!!


You know how EXASPERATING trying to make a call to a company and you can't get anyone to answer---or they put you on HOLD!!!

Well, Now it's the computer.

Gathering information the page said

for 40 MINUTES.

I just backed out.

THAT is ENOUGH. When you can't even get onto a website to find out why they sent an email.!

I will get back into the website later---or try to call----AGAIN!!!

Not only the phone, but the website too. UGH!!

I may have to call the other number I have and try to get to them that way.

There used to be a time when you made a call to a company a person answered.

Nice and friendly voice coming down the line.

It really helped when you just got over a screaming match with your VERY strong willed child.

Or when you and your spouse had an argument. And you just needed to hear a friendly voice right at that minute.

What's gonna happen next??

More later, Linda

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

What's happening to our children

A while ago a middle school boy went to school and killed himself in the main hall before school even started.

I want to know what's happening to the kids of our country!!

Is it the very violent computer games?

Is it the lack of parenting?

That last question is VERY controversial. I know! I was a working mom for a while.

My daughter has worked for years. At one time, when the kids were in grade school she only worked 4 days a week. So, IF they finished their chores by Thursday, they got to do what they wanted on Friday--with mom.

When those kids got into High School Band mom and dad went as sponsors EVERY place they went.

Now I'm not saying they are perfect, but they both call their mom and dad nearly every day.

When they need help they call dad.

AS a young mother myself, without the example of a mom, I learned that the more I was involved with my kids the better they were. Happier and more settled. We needed that when we went to England for the two years that turned into six.

That's scary for kids. Leaving all that they know, to go to a place that speaks English, not American.

New food, new climate, new transportation--they drive on the left--new friends--if they stayed around at the school for a year. The school had a 75% turnover EVERY year.

Constant change!!

Our son got off track for a long while, but with God all things have worked out.

Back to today. I have heard from educators that they wished parents would take more interest in what their children did.

And that's another thing---Why do we call 18 year olds CHILDREN??  All that does it make them unable to function in college or a job...you know---the REAL world.

This CHILD of 20 still acts like a child of 12.

Sad, SAD!!!

And more sad!

Today's blog is a mess. Yesterday Jerry had to have an EEG. And, of course, he went to sleep.

The scan was almost over when he started making noises and moving -- or trying to move -- his feet and arms. The scan on the computer went almost completely dark with waves.

I don't know if he had some kind of brain problem or if it was a nightmare.

But I remembered one thing--God is in charge and HE knows best for all of us.

More later, Linda

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Exercise

It's kinda awful that the only reason I exercise is so Sarah will.

But she lost a hall of a pound. I on the other hand DIDN'T.

Tomorrow, if its warm again, we will go back. I don't know how far it is to the back of the property, I just know it took 35 minutes of constant walking.

Two days in a row means we will have worked for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Not bad for me and Sarah.

I really like this because it only takes out 35 minutes in my day. If I go to the gym it takes a 3 hour chunk of time.

I don't have that much time. I have other things I need to do.

Tomorrow !!

More later , Linda

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

I SPY!!

Have you ever looked and looked for something---like your child or your furry person.

EVERYWHERE!!!

And couldn't FIND them

ANYWHERE???

Sarah has decided that since it is cold outside--but not in the house, it's never cold in our house.  Jerry thinks 120 degrees is a good temp.

UGH!!!!

Back to the subject.  Sarah has taken to cleeping a lot and MOSTLY on her back.

I just can't imagine HOW she can be COMFORTABLE!!

I mean REALLY.  On her back. Head in the floor. Feet and Hands pointing to the ceiling!!

SSSHHHH!! I think I might have disturbed her and that is NOT an option. Not when SHE'S sleeping.

I think I might have made it.  She is not awake YET!!

Hooray, I am not gonna get THE look.

You know the one.

Yeah, that look. That grandma gave when she was REALLY mad.

More later, Linda



 

Monday, January 14, 2013

Growth is a Good Thing


I just figured out how to put the badges from one blog to another. See, it is GOOD to work your brain.

Now maybe I can go to other sites and pick their brains--or badges--or something.

 

Computer Games--I Confess

Yes, I play computer games.

Right now I am on mah jong legacy of the toltecs.

What Mah Jong has to do with Toltec Indians I don't have a clue.

I do know that I am on game 331 and it's taking me way over alloted time to finish.

Why do I play computer games??

That's easy!!

It's fun, moral, non threatening, non fattening, and good for the brain.

Have you ever heard one person in their 50's say they are too old to learn???
Well, ones too many!!!

Our brains are NEVER too old to learn.

Our bodies many be not as perky as they used to be.

 Our skin may sag in the strangest of places.

 We may not have as much hair on our heads as we had as kids.

But, our minds are as fertile as they ever were.

Try it. It's a wonderful way to spend a little time.

The only problem with computer games is they can be addictive.

So that's why I limit myself to 30 minutes a day.

It's a no brainer--pun intended!!

A little fun along with a brain workout.

What could be better??

Chocolate Cake---that's what!!

More later, Linda

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Ok!! I'm Confessing

I cried during the movie Les Miserable.

If you didn't ----  you are lying!!

To see Hugh Jackman and Russell Crow with tears running down their faces was heart wrenching.

Even now when I think of their tears, I tear up myself.

I have always been that way.

And when Anne Hathaway sold herself in that box--well, it looked like a coffin--and then sang "I dream a dream", that still bothers me.

I remember when TVs got into homes. My dad and I would sit on the couch in front of that 10" round screen and watch movies.

There were a lot of LASSIE and RIN TIN TIN movies on TV in those days.

Those two could get into more trouble!!

And I would cry.  And CRY!

And my dad would cuddle me close and pat my shoulder.

I just didn't understand that it was just a movie. To me it was real.

Makes me wonder about all these people who open up with gun fire. Do they just think it's not real??

Or are they really crazy??

Back to Les Miserables. I downloaded the entire book onto my Kindle and am reading it. But, as you know, books of that time were the TV of today. But TV shows all the scene and shows all the costumes and the emotion. Books of Victor Hugo's day had to write it all out, which takes pages and pages.

So MY analysis of the book and the movie will come at a later time.

Much later.

More later, Linda



 

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Sarah went shopping

It's cold here today!!

REALLY cold.  BRRRR-cold!

So, Jerry had to go shopping. He wanted to go to see Dave, but thank you Lord that he didn't because it's now raining and 32 degrees. And you know what that means---

FREEZING RAIN!!

YUCK---O!

Anyway we did make it to Tractor Supple to get Sarah some chew bones. I can't seem to find any she likes or I get too big a package and they get stale after they are opened.

She got the royal treatment.

Magazines in the baby seat for her to sit on, though she didn't sit---no, SHE lounged like Cleopatra did as she would float down the Nile.

We let her smell ALL of the treat bags and she chose two.

Of which she has devoured one and decimated the other. I guess those are the one we will keep buying.

As were were going to the check out Jerry saw the furry person jewelry---known in other households as collars and leads or leashes.

She got the cutest Pink collar and a matching lead.

It looks good on her. 

And it doesn't remind me so much of Georgie. Sweet little Georgie who died June of 2008.

My point is this---it's not always the women who HAVE to go shopping to keep down the boredom.

Men like to shop too.

More later, Linda

Friday, January 11, 2013

Learning to tell your point of view

Have you ever had a person who told you over and over that you were --too short---too fat---too skinny---not pretty enough---or something that really hurt your feelings.

I just had one of my friends leave after telling me how she felt about some comments.

WOW!!!

Hurt was pouring from her--as it should have.

But she didn't really tell that person what she felt like.

Because she didn't want to hurt their feelings!!

This is what I learned while I ws in college.

I feel---I felt---I have found. 

This works every time!!

I tell you the truth.!

I feel like a marshmallow in a nutcracker.

I have felt this for a long time.

I have found that I need to change what I am doing for work. So I have to give my resignation.

Wouldn't this get across to the boss what you were going through than tell him what a scum bag he is for asking you out on a date??

I feel like nothing when I hear those words.

I have felt that way for a long time.

I have found that those words are not acceptable to me any longer.

To your boyfriend, sister, mother, father, husband.

Much more effective than making them aggressive with your words.

It's all in how you say it. The feel-felt-found approach is telling them the facts not the feelings.

Neat and to the point.

Works every time.

Try it on your spouse, child, childs teacher, a bully, anyone who has hurt you or made you mad.

It would lead to a lot less bullying, spousal abuse, child abuse and any other abuse.

Life can be so easy---when we just figure out the best way to do things.

More laer, Linda

 

Monday, January 7, 2013

This is Sarah as a pup. She wouldn't come in the house and even though it was 35 degrees outside Jerry propped open the door.


I should have know what was going to happen even then I should have know.

A few months went by and Jerry started taking his naps with Sarah. He even puts my pink fleece blanket on his legs so she will be even more comfortable.

Or warm!!

The pink blanket goes on the bed for her too.

I really think he's in love!! Like I was with Mandy. Don't get me wrong, I know what a little furry person can do to you. Mandy and I were just like -- well I don't know what to say. She went everywhere with me.

And Sarah goes everywhere with Jerry.

Grilled cheese sandwich -- for Jerry, but what do you wanna bet Sarah gets some of it too??

I didn't actually see him give her any, but as slow as he eats it sure did disappear fast.!!!

That's how it is Mom, when my Daddy thinks I'm hungry!!


More later, Linda




Sunday, January 6, 2013

Experiment

Today Lynn took me to see Les Miserable.

First off, Jerry and I went to the ATM to get some cash and we stopped at McDonald's for eggamuffin.

That's when the experiment began!!!

I had an eggamuffin, bun and all.

Lynn and Keith came by and picked up Jerry and me. We went to Moore, and ate at the Five Guys and Fries for lunch.

I got a bacon cheese burger with lettuce and tomato. And the BUN!!!

Went to the the theatre. Got popcorn and lemonade with sugar.

Movie is excellent. Watch Daniel Huddleston, he's going places.

Got heartburn around the time the movie ended.

So I didn't feel well.

Carbs don't agree with me. They give me heartburn and other problems.

This is what I have found out for ME!!

I can have carbs---IF they are vegetable carbs and not starchy carbs.

So--goodbye potatoes, bread, chips, candy, cookies, pies, cakes. Goodbye,

SOB!!!!!

Now I do feel good because I had ham and carrot for supper. Coffee with cinnamon later.

Back on track. And I aim to remember how I felt today when I had eaten those starchy carbs. 

More Later, Linda

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Four Letter Words

I know, as do all of us who have furry people, that bath is a four letter word. Or at least it causes us to use some four letter words when we are in the bath-ing process with our furry people.

I can't imagine having to bathe a furry person that is bigger than Sarah.!!!

It has got to be a horrendous process.

And then there is the other four letter words --- for some it is work.

My thought is that if you don't like your work, do something about it. If you're flipping burgers and dream about playing a guitar in Nashville. Go for it!!!

Flip those burgers to pay for lessons, to pay for going to those gigs, to pay for that trip to Nashville.

Make a goal and think on it.

How to make it work for you!!

Now onto my four letter word.

DIET!!

I have always been short.

I have always been not skinny!!

Now I have to be on this diet.
My way to make it work is that this is the best way to get back to optimal health.

So it is a pathway to what I want.

NOT something to feel anxious about.

It's just a path that I choose to follow to get and KEEP good health.

Health sounds a lot better than DIET!!
 

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Diet!!!

Have you been watching TV lately?  Have you seen all the diet plans that are available? I think most of them are just plans to make money for the people who own the company.

I know that for years I craved protein. I would eat chips and popcorn and all that other stuff.

But it never made me feel good. I never had anything but a slowed down feeling after eating sugar. I never remember having a sugar high. I do remember having to take naps when I ate too much carbs in a day.

So, now the doctor tells me to eat bacon and eggs for breakfast and skip the toast. Have lots of vegetables, but no starch.

Since Monday I've lost 6 pounds.

I think that at 71 I should know my body. What would I do if I couldn't afford the protein. I think I would go to vegetable protein. You know the dreaded BEAN.

But, thanks to Jerry's planning, we have enough to buy what we need.

On the other hand the doctor told Jerry to eat cereal for breakfast. He is thriving on it. He's up 1 pound. And he needs to gain 2 or 3 more.

And he's not napping as much.

I guess when we have children at home, and all that hurry and scurry that goes with taking care of the house, the children, school, job, and numerous other things, we don't have time to pay attention to our bodies.

That's for us old folks.

And THAT'S why we can work circles around you youngun's!!

More later, Linda

 

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Our Dave

Many years ago when we lived in Great Yarmouth England, I had a gypsy tell me about my family.

Your husband--she said--likes to invite people into your home and then tell you about them coming for a meal.

Spot ON with that!!

You have two children--she said-- a girl and then a boy.

Right again

She said--Your daughter will never give you any trouble. But your son is like a rogue elephant that can't settle down. He will try to run over everyone and everything until he gets older and then he will settle and be the man he should be.

Right again!!

Lynn is a joy to be around. When she was younger I thought she would always be shy.

Not on your Nellie!!

She takes up for herself. I am so proud of her.

Dave was always wanting things to go HIS way.

But then his dad is a lot like that, so I didn't think anything about it.

UNTIL the gypsy!

He had to go though a lot to get to where he is. And now I can truthfully say, I am proud of the man he is.

So all you parents out there with a rogue elephant in your sons room, take heart and know that if you train them right, they WILL come back to their training.

More later, Linda