A Spanish smirdivitz

Today I ordered Rosetta Stone, Spanish (Latin America). I'm so excited! I've wanted to do this for a long, long time, and I finally found a way to afford it.

Here's the thing .... my daughter-in-law is Mexican by birth, and now a naturalized US citizen. I want to converse with her in her native language. I believe people who come to live in America should learn the language, but I also believe it doesn't hurt us a bit to learn their language. She learned my language, now I'm going to learn hers.

Also, My son and DIL are planning a huge Quinceanera in DIL's home in Oaxaca in June. I want to be able to navigate myself through the surroundings without an interpreter in tow while I'm there. I don't plan to go off on dangerous larks, people, so relax! But I do want to feel I could get along by myself if necessary. And II want to be able to communicate with her family. Her parents are adorable people who I met at the wedding 17 years ago. We communicated by sign language, my tiny tidbits of Spanish (nether of them knows any English), and with translators when they were around. I want to really talk with them, even haltingly, this time around. Exciting!!

If you don't know what a quinceanera is, check it here. It's similar to our debutant parties, but it will be a lot more fun! Have you ever been to a Mexican wedding? yeah, like that! Then take a look at how beautiful my sweet little granddaughter is going to look.... Well, imagine her with her hair done, jewelry, etc.!

I'm having a necklace and earrings made by my friend, white druzies and Austrian crystals. It's going to be perfect to go with the dress.

I'm SO excited!! About the trip, about the party, about learning Spanish, the whole smirdivitz!

Hands off!

I'm watching a marathon of "Empty Nest." Does anyone remember it? A sitcom from back in the 80s (?) about a widowed man whose two adult daughters live with him (off & on, as I recall), which I liked pretty well.  I'm enjoying the trip to the past. I'm not feeling top notch today (nothing serious, just tired) and I'm planning to spend the day on or near the couch, so this is a blank-mind kind of program.

Actually, it's not really blank-mind. I've watched several episodes already, and I was thinking about how they interact as a family. Like most families on TV, they poke their noses into each other's business. This made me think about my own relationship with my kids. I've always tried to avoid nose-poking, even when my kids were kids (as in children and teens). Of course, I did get in their business when I sensed trouble, but tried to let them develop who they are on their own. Then as they became adults, I also did my best to stay out of the role of meddling mother (and mother-in-law, as well). I didn't always succeed, but I did try.

I wonder if my kids feel the same about my status. I know recently I've been more vocal about my girls and their marital problems. I'll make no excuses. I'm just irritated with two men who are being stupid and making excuses for it as they do "stupid" in a big way.

My parents were very hands off with me. They didn't boss me around, they gave me lots of freedom, and for the most part, I didn't abuse it. Of course, there were times I pushed the limits, but I enjoyed having the freedom resulting from their trust of me. There were also some times when they crossed the line with me as an adult, but it wasn't often. Having that kind of relationship with my parents was great. I tried to pass that on to my children. I hope they feel the same.

So how is it in your family? Do you nose around in each other's business or is it hands-off?

Puzzles of all kinds

I finally broke down and went to a doctor. I'm now on two antibiotics. And I'll be scheduling a colonoscopy soon.

I'm doing much better but not "right" yet. But I'm to the point that I need relief, because I'm so tired .... no, exhausted .... from the drain on my body and the antidiarrheal medication that works like a sedative. So I'm looking forward to feeling many times over improved in the next few days.

I selected a new doctor, because to schedule the colonscopy, the GI doc requires there is a Family Practice or Internist doctor on record. As they explained, it is in case something should go wrong, for instance with my heart, during the procedure. So I picked a doctor, but I'm not fond of him. I was cautioned that he isn't the most, uh, patient friendly around, but he was quick to get in to see, and I needed relief. True to that caution, he pissed me off right off the bat! He was condescending and asking some rather stupid questions, considering the answers were on the multi-page form I filled out! Don't you love how they make you fill all that out, but obviously don't look at it? Some do, but many don't, and it galls me. He also misstated several things (I said I was having chills, then he said "so you have a fever," and couldn't get it through his head how many years since I'd had a siege of this. And the topper was when he asked (1) "how do you know it is diverticulitis, as there are many things that can be wrong with the colon" and "how were you diagnosed" for diverticulitis. (1) Another doctor told me so, and (2) it was nearly 20 years ago, I was being diagnosed with multiple tests for several things, and I honestly don't remember what tests were done! I was having labs or tests every 1-2 weeks for about three months, and I can't recall what was what. So at this point, I said, "I guess you could call my doctor in Kansas City and ask him about it if you need to know."

After that, he was more attentive and calmed down to a nicer tone. However, I won't go back to him. I will return to the little clinic I went to before. There is a Nurse Practioner there, and she refers to docs for special things. I couldn't use her this time, because the GI doc wanted a physician in case of emergency. However, I'll trust her to treat me and make referrals as necessary.

BTW, I was looking at his diplomas and certifications as I waited (for over an hour!) and I know what part of his problem is .... his undergrad degree was in .... wait for it .... Electrical Engineering! Twelve years later he got his MD! Yeah, bedside manner of an engineer. Don't get me wrong, I like engineers. My son is one! But the thing is, compassion is not necessarily the strong suit of engineers. Oh, well! Anyway, it is quite a leap, and I wonder what makes one take that kind of change of direction.

I've been putting together a jigsaw puzzle. I finished it last night after ten days or so. You know how it is with jigsaw puzzles, you always swear there is one piece missing? Well, there was!! It was a brand new puzzle, so there was a factory glitch or, more likely, one fell off the table and a dog ate it. I guess I will just toss that puzzle. It's aggravating, though, because I looked and looked for that piece, right in the middle!

OK, I guess it is time to start another puzzle. See ya later!

Sunset stuff

As you know, I rarely show pictures of sunsets because, as gorgeous as they are here in New Mexico, I live on the wrong side of the mountain to see them. I'm on the eastern slope, so the mountains block most of the rich colors. I enjoy the reflected light on the mountains north and east of me, the Capitans. Like these two a couple days ago.

I really love how the  shadows add drama to the early stages of the sunset.

The contrast, the definition is just beautiful.

Then, last night, as I was driving home, I was going west and I saw this ....

Look at that molten gold! And isn't the windmill interesting?

And the "shadow" in the sky over Nogal Peak!!!!

So pretty!

And then tonight I noticed there was a vivid sunset, and although I can't see most of it .....

Can you believe this is just a tiny part of it? I'd say it is about 1/4 of what was in the sky!

.... this was breathtaking!



Just for fun, I took some shots of some trees around the office with the sun behind them.

This looks almost like snow on the needles, but it's sunshine.

An interesting gnarl of branches waaaay up there in a Ponderosa pine.

I like the shadow-effect.

The sky was so blue behind the needles.

It was a beautiful day!

It's been a good week for photography!

Wouldja believe it?

After two days without hot water, I woke in the wee hours this morning with an interesting thought. I wondered if by some fluke the breaker switch to the water heater had been thrown. I dragged my sleepy behind outta bed, opened the box (fortunately in my bedroom) and  ....voilà!!!!!

Damn, I'm smart! I'm just not quick!!

Good news/Bad news

Yep, I have both.

I've had some health junk going on. BAD - A flare-up of fibromyalgia was one thing, and it was not a terrible one, but still uncomfortable. A combination of severe cold and stress with the new job, I'm sure. GOOD - That has passed.

BAD - I've also had a flare-up of diverticulitis. This is the first problem I've had in eleven years. I know I probably brought it on myself with, again, stress, coupled with a poor diet. I've not been eating as wisely as I usually do, making sure my diet is balanced and fiber-rich, and I'm paying for it. If you don't know, diverticulitis is a chronic condition of the intestine, causes severe diarrhea when the intestine doesn't function correctly and develops an infection. Vile and nasty. And dairy products, nuts, seeds make it worse, so I've been avoiding those. I was taking Immodium to stop the diarrhea, but it doesn't stop the cramping and roaring in the gut, and it makes me extremely tired. I was hardly able to function. GOOD - After more than a week of trying to get it under control, I began a bizarre diet recommended by a nurse friend. It consists of soy milk, rice baby cereal, and mashed bananas. I began it yesterday, and within a few minutes of my first "meal," the diarrhea stopped, the cramping and rumbling stopped, and I've felt much better!

BAD - This morning I took a lukewarm shower. My water heater apparently has stopped working. I've noticed for a couple weeks that it seemed the water wasn't as hot as usual, but honestly, I didn't think a lot about it. I just figured I wasn't that used to showering that early in the AM. Well, was I ever wrong! I made a call to the plumber, but he can't come out until Thursday afternoon. Woopee-ding-dong. I'll be taking some "spit baths" with water heated on the stove for a few days. gah. GOOD - None here, not just yet. This has to wait till it is fixed or replaced. The good thing is he doesn't think we will have to replace it. Thinks it is a coil that needs to be replaced. I hope that's all.

GOOD (nothing bad to precede this!) - Today I took one of the volunteers (V) to meet one of the hospice patients (P). I had met P on my second day of employment. He was not doing well at all. Everyone thought he didn't have long, and  would have agreed. He was nearly comatose, dozed most of the time I was there, but did respond to questions with nods or simple one-word replies. He let me know, however that he thought having a volunteer come out to spend time with him would be a nice idea. It took me a while to get my ducks in order with weather and my health and to get together with V, but today we made the journey.

Now, I'd been told P was doing better and might even be able to go home again eventually. But I was totally unprepared for what I found. P was up and walking around! We introduced ourselves and spent the next hour and a half totally enjoying him! P talked non-stop! And he was very mentally sharp. At one time he was talking about a piece of property he and his son own, and he said, "It's a nice piece of land. Let's see there are 19 acres and 24 on the other side, so it's (split second pause) 43 acres." I couldn't have added it that fast, and he just popped it right out. The man's mental capacity is wonderful.

But here is the best part .... both P and V are older men. I knew they were probably similar in age, but we learned during the visit that they were born just eight months apart, both being 86 years old. Both served in World War II, both were pilots, one in Europe, the other in the Pacific. Both were from Texas. Both attended the same college after returning from the war. Their homes are just a few blocks apart, and they have many common friends! And as they talked, they figured out that V was in a local hardware store a few days ago, and he chatted with P's wife as they stood in line to pay. I couldn't believe it! I just sat quietly  and listened to these two sweet gentlemen talk about the old days. It was just a delightful time!

As V and I left, P walked us to the door and said to V that he looked forward to the next visit. I was thrilled to have such a great connection. Life can be just amazing at times, can't it? Yeah, this made up for a lot of the stuff up there listed as "BAD"!

The REAL storyof Valentine's Day

I'm posting this today to allow you time to recover by tomorrow!  chuckle!

Do you know about the origins or Valentine's day? It ain't all hearts and flowers!  Check this out. Now you can go back to normal ideas about the romantic aspects of the day. If you want to, of course!

Oh, OK! I'll help you a little by teasing your sense of humor ....

 

Now .... go forth and laugh and give out hugs!

Random and odd ....

.... because that's how my mind is working this evening.

Here are some random photos from the last few days.  First, snow. And yes, I know everyone is sick of snow,  but I thought this was so pretty, looking across the valley at the Capitan Mountains.

I love looking across at the hills and seeing all the snow in between.

And I love seeing the mountains  covered with snow.

And I caught Lolita having a bad hair moment!

Doesn't it look like she is saying, "WHY do you have to take a picture when my hair is standing on end? I have an image to protect, you know!"

And here is a bright spot.... my geraniums have bloomed a little all winter. I love to see this .... inside, spring; outside winter!

I used the flash on this, and it lightened it too much, but it's a better shot with the snow showing.

This one is actually the right color. It is so cool having some pretty blooms in the house to offset the winter blahs.

I'm SOOO glad it's Friday. The job is getting a little easier, but I'm still working really hard, and I'm tired! I suppose by the time I reach about three months, I should have a routine established and be able to balance things better.

I wonder if I will be able to get back to posting here on a daily, or almost daily, basis, as I used to do. I'm clearly not there now! We'll see as time goes on. I guess I'm not doing too badly, as this is my 5th post in eight days, but it seems less than to me.

Well, I'd better go feed some hungry furry-faces. They won't let me drop to five feedings in eight days!

Thoughtful Thursday

The entire life of a human being  depends upon ”yes” and “no” uttered two or three times  between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five.

~Unknown

~~~~

One of mine was when I said "no" to going to college directly out of high school. It took me twenty more years to decide what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I'm glad I waited. My decision and direction at 38 was much wiser than it would have been at 18, and I never regretted it.

What were your two or three times? Or at least one of them.

Lynilu's critique

I was not a fan of either team, but I decided to root for the Packers. I picked well! Jes’ sayin’.  ;D That being said, I watched the game with lackluster enthusiasm, but I must say it was a pretty good game. I like football. I prefer football with one of my favorite teams involved, but Super Bowl is Super Bowl, after all.

Lea Michele from “Glee,” who sang “America the Beautiful” has a beautiful voice, but her lips were so “plumped” that it is amazingly unattractive! I sincerely hope those are not her own lips, and that she didn’t opt to do that on purpose in a plastic surgeon’s office, ‘cause it is not pretty! I enjoyed her rendition of “AtB’ much more than Aguilera’s massacre of “The Star Spangled Banner.” She hit the notes right, but she also hit a bunch of notes that are not in the original, and I’m sick of that flashy kind of presentation of our anthem. And did I hear some new lyrics? Me thinks she forgot the words in her excitement of slicing and dicing of the melody!
   
Not impressed with the halftime show. Certainly planned for people a lot younger than me. I really don't like that kind of music, so figure that in with my opinion.

The commercials are pretty good, for the most part.Liked the Coke commercial with the two guards at the gate. Budweiser disappointed me. Most of the car ads were enjoyable. The Teleflora ad had me laughing out loud.

Since I was staying home alone, I wasn't planning to do anything special in the way of food, but hearing all the talk on TV and on the internet over the past few days for Super Bowl foods, I was hungry for chili, so I made a batch. Chili is one of those things that I have a great deal of trouble making without ending up with enough to feed the army. But I did well today! I came up with about two quarts, enough for a few meals without tons of leftovers. And it turned out really, really good. I enjoyed a bowl of it with a tortilla. And a beer on the side, of course!

All in all, it was a good day, despite being alone for the day. The rest of the day was filled with reading, a little house cleaning and some TV. I can't complain.

So .... what was your opinion of the game, the ads, the entertainment? And how did you spent your day?

Family

How perfectly said. No nasty pokes, not animosity, just truth and experience. I love this young man for his poise and strength.






I hope the whole world hears his message.

Regrets

Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what they did, but rather for things they did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets.    

~unknown    

~~~~

A friend recently posted a question about what you would say to your self if you could go back to a certain time. I really struggled with that. Not that I've lived such a perfect life that there was no advice to give to a younger me, but I just couldn't come up with something that seemed significantly important.

The time frame my friend used was fairly short, at least in my long life, just eight years. Now, perhaps if I could go back and stop myself from taking certain paths, I might. The trouble with that is that if I changed my course, I would have missed out on some other wonderful things that came after I made such decisions. So even then, it would be difficult for me to tell my younger ego anything that could change it.

As to that quote above, it's not that I have absolutely no regrets. I do. But I've dealt with those regrets and resolved most of them. I've forgiven others, and I've forgiven myself. I come to grips with shortcomings or overstepping occurring through my life. I think I'm pretty much as "regret free" as possible. And I love this state of being, because I live my life without a fear of death. I haven't feared death for a long time, but now that I've worked through some of those unfortunate events in my life, I'm really free.

So I'm wondering .... would you like to skip back and have a chat with a younger you? How are you in the regret free status?

Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what they did, but rather for things they did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets. unknown

Snow days #1 & 2

For the few of you who aren't having it, this is what snow looks like .....

The truck, about a third uncovered.

There was a ton of it on poor little  Blue Belle!

I just finished getting most of that off the truck just a few minutes ago. The sun is shining brightly now, and those ice crystals have mostly melted at this time.  Those two pictures were yesterday afternoon.

This morning, the drifts around the truck were past the hubs and over most of the running board. That means the drifts are at least 15 inches. Drifts against the house are approximately 28-36 inches, as well as I can estimate. I didn't go out and measure, because I didn't want to be knee deep in snow, thank you very much!

It was bad enough that just as I finished getting the last of the snow off the truck, I swung the long handled ice scraper/window brush over my head to another location, and I hit the tree branches above me. I got a load of snow down the collar of my coat!!!! I didn't put up the hood, because it obstructed my view while looking up toward the top of the truck. I didn't even think about that low branch!!! Damn, that was cold!! I came inside immediately. It's still below zero. I'd been out for about 10 minutes, and was l pushing my time, anyway, but I was close to being done and wanted to finish. I'm finished!!!

This is the north end of the driveway, very steep, and the part that stayed frozen (2-4" of ice) until I managed to get it clear last winter. I'm really dreading driving down this, because it will pack down (=ice) unless I shovel it. I don't have the energy/strength to do this. It's looooooong, probably 50-70 feet.

This grill isn't going to be used any time soon! I uncovered this at least five times yesterday!

I measured the snow on the trash can, and it was 17".

The railroad ties are covered at least 2 deep.

The lowest, partially covered tie you can see is the 3rd from the bottom!

Standing in the back door, looking down at the steps. You will notice there are no puppy prints there. Nope, they won't even venture out there! The snow is deeper than they are! They are going to the deck. I'm gonna have a lot to clean up, but it is better than losing one of them in the deep snow!

That mark to the left of 3.5 is a minus symbol.

I have beautiful ice crystals on the outside of most of the windows.

Are we having fun yet??? LOL!