Invisibility

If you are my friend on Facebook, you've already seen this, but I have more to say than FB allows. Well, I could say it in a "note," but I prefer my rambling posts to be here. Most people on FB, myself included, are there for fast updates, quick reads, and my experience is that few bother to read the more extensive "notes." So when I want to be heard/read, I come here.

This was in the morning funnies ....

(Don't forget you can click on it to enlarge, if you wasnt more detail or can't read the print)

What I said about it was "OMG, yes! One comment is all it takes!! I got one the other day, and I was floating!" And this cartoon set me thinking about the contrast to my recent post here about being "invisible" to folks under 30. I have felt myself fading into the backdrops of life for a while. It happens with aging, as younger people are focused on the sizzle and burn of their lives, and those us us who are slowing down and becoming a bit long in the tooth become less actors and more the comfortable scenery in the background. 


I'll confess a bit of vanity here. I was accustomed to being lucky most of my life. I was one of the "pretty ones," the ones who got attention without trying. I also was blessed with a bubbly and attractive personality. So with aging, I just plain miss the attention of those times. Yeah, I know. Shallow as it may be, it is what I was used to, and now this blending into the background has been sometimes disheartening. 


I'm aging. I know that! And I'm OK with it for the most part. Not that I like the wrinkles and sags, but I don't think of them as anything but the normal process. I look in the mirror and go "Euuw," but then I move on. If I were looking for a man in my life, it would be someone with similar creases and folds, not a hunky 40 year old with 6-pack abs, so it is alright! But believe it or not, the ignoring bothers me more than the thought of aging.


Recently I've been blessed with a couple events that were pleasant for my ego. One was as I was walking through an art show and a woman was walking toward me. We spoke pleasantries and walked on a few steps, then she turned and said, "Excuse me." When I turned she stepped close and told me how beautiful I was! She mentioned my clothing and my smile, and she said she just had to tell me because I brightened her day. We chatted for five minutes or so, and went on our separate ways.
And for the remainder of the day, I felt better about myself.


Then last week I took my car in for an oil change. The man took down all my information, we discussed the oil type,and all the necessary details. As I turned to walk away, he said, "Ma'am, may I say something?" I said, "Sure," and he told me that I was a very pretty lady, and that he had noticed my smile before. He said, "I know it is probably out of line, but I thought you should hear it."


Not out of line, at all!! I needed to hear those things! It makes a person's day when we compliment them or say something pleasant, and most of all, with those who are in our lives daily. We tend to overlook our husbands, wives, kids, parents, siblings, etc. Even coworkers, friends. 


Take a note from that cartoon and from my words, and actually notice and verbalize to people around you today. No, make it this week. Today, at home, show your love and appreciation. Then next week do it outside the house. You may never know how much someone appreciates it, but they will!!

I admit it, I'm a flake

OK, I confess. I flaked out. I didn't go dancing tonight. I came home from work around 3:30, and I was just too tired. Truthfully, I know that had I driven back into Ruidoso, I would probably have come alive and had fun, but the thought of driving the 25 minutes back to town was what got me! Then thinking of driving home late at night, over the mountain, as tired as I felt at 6:00 was just unbearable.

So I put on my jammies and have had a nice simple dinner. Now my feet are on the coffee table, and I'm mellowed out. I'm not regretting it. I know I need some rest. I've been dealing with a low level of fibromyalgia for about three weeks now, and I am just worn out. When I have this kind of discomfort from FMS, especially over a period of time, it just wipes me out.  I'm going to bed early tonight, taking meds to stop the aching, and I hope to sleep deep enough to release some of the discomfort and tiredness.

There was a change in my schedule beyond that. The birthday celebration has been moved from tomorrow to Sunday because the birthday girl is participating in a "Wellness Experience" and an open house at a healing center. I had forgotten that I planned to go there tomorrow, not knowing my friend was a participant. So that actually works out very nicely for me. I will do some work around here in the morning, head over to the center for an hour or so, then come home and do some more work and get some rest, too. Sunday will be very busy, but it will be a day of play and spiritual refreshment. A very good thing!

I'm making this a short post so I can rest, but before I go, I have a couple requests. Prayers, first for my daughter who is having mediation for her pending divorce. It isn't getting any better (although she is handling things well) as the soon-to-be-ex keeps throwing ugliness into it all, and she could use all the prayerful support available for an end to the battle and an agreement that allows her to live reasonably on her teacher's salary. (Toss in a prayer for all teachers, as they are grossly underpaid!!) Second, my step daughter is having surgery on Tuesday. She has colon cancer, early stage, we think, and is having a bowel resection. Please keep her in your prayers for a good diagnosis, a good surgical outcome, and a gentle recovery. I'm hopeful for an easy time for her and a positive result. Can't help but be worried, though, both she and I.

And with that, I take my leave, dear hearts. Au revoir!

The weekend approacheth

And it looks to be a busy one.

The singles group is going out dancing tomorrow night, then on Sunday afternoon/evening is a pizza party and game night. I'd love to go to both, but I need to see about getting real life out of the way, too! You know, that pesky house work, yard work, laundry, the dogs are beginning to need another trim, and it might be nice to rest a little, too!

Then toss in a birthday luncheon with two of my favorite ladies, one of whom is turning 65 on Saturday.

Also add trying to make it to some spiritual gatherings on Sunday. I attended a local church last week and enjoyed the service. I may go back. The service was nice, positive, joyous, and I loved that the congregation clapped in thanks to the choir and other good news. I was especially happy to learn that the minister did a joining ceremony for a gay couple recently. We may not have legalized same-sex marriage yet in NM, but with more forward thinkers like this young minister, it will happen before long. And another friend has a holistic healing center where a spiritual circle discussion is held on Sunday mornings. I want to try it out. The discussion is lead by a Unity minister, and I'm excited to learn that Unity has a presence in this community, if not a church.

So let's see how this is going to work out ....

• Friday evening, dancing
• Saturday midday, lunch
• Sunday 9:30, circle
• Sunday, 10:45, church
• Sunday, 4:00, Pizza and games
• House work, stuck in there somewhere
• Dogs, uh, not getting trimmed this weekend!
• Rest, BWAAA ha ha ha ha ha! Not flippin' likely!!

Perhaps I need to reconsider some of this. Ya think?   Oh, hell, we only live once, so I plan to live it!!!!!!!

See ya on the flip side!

Laughs

It has been a while since I shared some humor with you, so here goes ....


I have been here so many times!!

Jazi!!!!

Yeah, my babies, too!

Amen, sista!!!

 Kids!!
\

Yeah, more of this is a good thing ....

I hear it like that sometimes, too.

Obviously a freshman!

Oh yes,  you got that right, little sister!

These two cracked me up!

Tweens!!

My brother was like this to me when I was too little to fight back!!

Time flies!!

Th-th-th-that's all folks!!!

Where I'll be ....

If you need me this is where I'll be ....

I can't take a picture of myself there, so just picture me in blue and white pinstriped jammies with my Kindle in that hammock with a sweet creamy iced coffee on the railing. Yup!

And here are the views from that soft spot .......

 

Don't call me.

Don't drop by.

I just wanted to let you know I'm very busy.

Say a prayer that I don't over-exert today.

That's all.

Carry on.

An intresting night

I tried something new. A coworker recently checked on a singles group for our county, and within a couple days, I mentioned to her that I really want to meet new people. I don't want to meet new people because "my old people" are not great, but just because I want to include new friends and find people with new interests. I told her that I'm not looking for a romance, but just friends, both male and female. If something comes of it, fine, and if not, fine. So she gave me the name to contact for the group.

I made a call and talked to a very nice lady who gave me a quick review of the kind of things the group does .... concerts, pot lucks, dinners out, concerts, dancing, etc. That sounded good to me, so I gave her my information for contact and notification.

Tonight was one such event. The group was going to dinner at a place I've been before, but not for a while. I decided I would join them. My friend/coworker couldn't go tonight so I was on my own.

I drove to the restaurant, about 20-25 miles from home. I arrived and was greeted by the lady I had spoken with on the phone, who then introduced me to the small group of about 10. Interestingly, I knew two of the people. One has been an attendee at another group at which I am a regular. The second was the son of one of the hospice patients who passed away a while back.

The dinner was wonderful. It was "Cantina Night," so our menu was somewhat limited, burgers and kabobs with a few other things, but the food is always excellent at this place. And the company was great. I really enjoyed talking with everyone. I didn't have a chance to explore every person, but was able to talk at length with about half the group.The group appeared to be mostly 50s and 60s, so I was right at home. I ended up at a table with another retired psychotherapist and the son of the late patient, and we had a good time together.

The restaurant is located on a farm. The owner is big on "natural" and "organic" and looks for new thing to try. She offers many of the healthier foods, such as bison, antelope, elk, and home grown vegetables. I was very happy that we were seated on the outside porch for several reasons: it was cooler; it was quieter than the inside seating; it was just a lovely evening; and we got experience the animals of the farm. We had rain today, so it cooled things off nicely. The restaurant is in the country, and the owner grows many of the offerings, both hoofed and rooted varieties. While we dined, there were dogs and cats, geese, ducks and chickens, and even some peacocks wandering the grounds, cackling, honking and calling to each other! What fun!! Occasionally the wind brought a bit of a "barnyard aroma", but it was faint, and believe it or not it was not unpleasant! I know, you just think I'm weird now! What--ever!!!

I had a really good time. I will go back. The group does not seem to be focused on dating at all, but on fellowship and friendship. I really like that. I will admit that a couple of the men made me feel attractive again, something I haven't experienced in a while. It's important for my ego, I will admit.  I'm glad I mentioned to my coworker that I was ready to make another change and reach out into other groups for making friends! We'll see how it goes!

Hodge-podge

This is one of those days when little bits and pieces are coming to mind rather than a post about "something." So get ready for a patchwork quilt!

A few days ago I decided to remove the word verification here on this blog, thinking that it is probably time again to let the guard down. W.R.O.N.G!!! Within two hours there was a "canned" comment with sexual content to an old post back in 2009. Damnation, anyway. Why can't people leave our blogs alone???

I've had a couple close calls recently in my truck, both at low speed, under 25 MPH. When I was driving home a couple days ago, and I got just 30 yards or so from my driveway, a deer jumped out in front of me! Scared the bejeebers outta me!! I slammed on my brakes, and didn't hit her, but barely. Stopping suddenly on a gravel road is iffy and rather scary, as the vehicle just skids all over the place! Even at <25 mph, it is not a good thing. I was glad I was almost home, 'cause my knees were shaking after that.

Then this morning as I was driving out toward the highway, everything was fine until I came to a sharp curve just before I got to the highway, and as I rounded it,  I had a vision of my truck being purple. There was a red pickup truck coming toward me, IN MY LANE!!! Of course, "in my lane" is relative on a gravel country road, but he was certainly not hugging the right side of the road, as is wise!  Once again, I braked and pulled as far to my right as I could and the vehicles did not touch, but I don't know how! I looked in my rear view mirror, as I was now stopped, and he was still driving down the middle of the road!! All I could think was "WTF!!!" which I said out loud.!  Several times!!

On the funny side, this evening I was driving across the gravel road, and I saw a doe elk in the field ahead of me. She was probably 20-30 yards off the road and at least that much ahead of me. I don't often see the elk, as they tend to stay away from us humans during the day, so it was a treat. I was admiring her coloring and size, and the thought crossed my mind that she was thankfully far enough away from the road to not worry about her. Almost as if she heard my thoughts and knew that I've been having, uhmmm, incidents, she suddenly jumped almost straight up in the air and barreled away in the opposite direction!! It's a small community and word gets around!!

My neighbor had a strange incident this week, too. They heard a little commotion in the night, but didn't think much of it. They have a small fenced area for their dog, and when they got up in the morning, there was a deer doe in the little fenced yard, unfortunately already dead. They don't know if she couldn't jump back out for some reason or what. To make it sadder, she was pregnant, leaving us wondering if she got in the small yard (looking for water or food?) and couldn't jump back out because of her awkward size? because she might have been in labor and couldn't make it over the fence? Also sadly, I think it might be the momma deer that has produced several sets of twins since I moved in here, raised the babies under our watchful eyes in the neighborhood. It made us all very sad to hear about it. If it was Our Girl, I will miss her greatly. She is the one who brought her babies right up to our decks and porches and fences, almost as if she was showing them off. She is the one who slept under a tree just off my back steps for a good part of one winter, watching the house and my pups every night.  Ahh, the cycle of life. It is just hard to see an end when we are the ones left to hold together the pieces.

There has been another doe hanging around lately. She is younger, but is already very comfortable with my noisy little mutts. She comes right up the the fence, munching on grass while being only a couple feet from the noses of My Kids without being intimidated. I'm hoping that she will take over where the other sweet lady left off, raising babies here.

So there you go, the hodge-podge.  Go forth and unscramble!!

A new rescue

That got your attention, didn't it?  LOL! Yes, I have a new rescue, but he won't eat much.

Can you see him?

He's way down there.

OK, we'll zoom in for you .....

See him now?

Isn't he cute?  LOL!!

So here's the story. I stopped at the dumpster this morning to drop off my trash, and he was sitting beside the big  box. People put things that are recyclable there rather than crushing them. There has been a ski machine there for several days, and it was gone when I came home this evening. Anyway, I looked at this little guy and thought he was cute, but didn't think any more about it as I drove on to work.

On my way home this evening, I saw him again. However, he was not at the dumpster. He was sitting, abandoned once again, beside the road! Apparently someone picked him up and changed their mind but didn't turn around, or he might have fallen off the back of a truck. Who knows?

So I decided I am apparently supposed to rescue him! And I did!!

That is probably not where he will stay, but it will do for now. I need to think about where he belongs. I certainly didn't plan to have cheesy yard decorations, but there ya go!!!  LOL!!!

Now, he needs a name. Hmmmmmmm...........

Sadness

I'm a little bummed tonight. I just learned that an acquaintance died last night. A little over a month ago her husband died after a very long illness. I knew them both fairly well, as they were some of the first folks I met after moving here. They owned a local eatery, a BBQ place that was a favorite of mine. He came into hospice shortly before he died, and his passing wasn't unexpected. But hers was. OK, she was a smoker with high blood pressure, but she still seemed essentially healthy. But a heart attack, followed by blood clots did their dirty work.

You just never know. You just ever know.

Nice when things work!!

I had a little project for the day, and for a change, my "little project" DIDN'T take me several hours!! That's what usually happens, I think it will be an hour long project, and it will turn out to be all morning or all day. I don't know if this one was better thought out or what, but it worked exactly as it should.

The dogs have two doggy doors, one in front to the deck and the other leads to the back yard. There is a platform where they can go out, then a wee jump to the steps or a trot down a ramp puts them in the yard. It works nicely, but there is one problem .... when it rains hard, rain water comes in through the doggy door. I have a small rug inside to catch the mud/dirt/snow, water from their paws, and several tie it has become completely saturated.

I once had a little "roof" over their door, but a monster snowfall tore it down. Since then, it has become blocked with snow, snow has tumbled through the door, and as I said rain has come in. I needed to protect it in some way, but hadn't come up with a remedy.

I'm talking to a handyman about a small platform deck with a cover to protect their door and mine, too. Nothing fancy, but a bit of protection.  However, until I can afford to have it done, there needed to be some fix.

So I came up with an idea of making a tin cover. Simple enough, but I needed to protect the pups from the sharp edges. So I bought the tin, as well as several feet of the foam tubing used for covering pipes. The tubing is already spit, so all I had to do was slip it over the edge, then secure it with duct tape.

A dozen screws, the foam and duct tape, and it was in place, just as simple as that! It isn't beautiful but very functional, the part that matters!

Here it is....

Look at that reflection of the sky in the new tin!

The dogs were a bit hesitant at first, but it only took a couple tries and they were going in and out without a problem.  Here comes Sammy now!!

"Mom, can I come out now?"

I'm hoping I can find a way to get the deck and roof before winter, but if not, this will take care of us for quite a while. I may have to replace the foam and duct tape, but that's an easy-peasy task!

I just love it when things go right for a change!!

de siete días

Day Seven
Monday, June 20


And finally, it was the day of coming home. Isn’t that always a time of mixed emotions? I was actually pretty rested, in spite of the crazy pace we kept all week long. Oh, and the amount of booze I drank! Much more than I’m used to, and yet I was never tipsy or had even a hint of hangover.

Anyway, I was up at 5:30 to pack the last things, and in the lobby by 6:30. We had all agreed to share the cost of a van to the airport. That’s cheaper and far more pleasant than going it alone.

At the airport, the disaster happened. They wouldn’t let me carry the drum. It is hollowed-out wood, about 18 inches long and 4-5 inches in diameter. It was considered a  “stick,” so it had to go into a suitcase. I got it in and closed the suitcase, but the suitcase popped open! So I had to do what I’d hoped to avoid. I took out a folding canvas bag I took “just in case,” as that “jic” moment had arrived. I pulled out a number of clothing items from the suitcase and tossed them in the overflow bag, snapped everything shut ..... and paid the extra $39 for the bag. gah!

Now .... this looks like a serious weapon, doesn't it? It is hollow, not big enough or heavy enough to do damage, would splinter before cold-cocking I'm pretty sure. Oh well, I'm not about to argue with those TSA people!!

The thing was, I had little choice. I was carrying my carry-on with the huge black pot in it! I had to carry it. There was no way it would fit in the suitcase. There was no way to pack it, and I didn’t trust anyone to get it home for me safely! I was barely “legal.” In fact, I’m pretty sure I was over the limit of carry-on, and the flight attendants were, uhm, not 100% pleased, although they accommodated me. They didn't give me much trouble, but there were many sighs and pursed lips, however. I must say that Continental flight attendants are not nearly as much fun as those on Southwest. Definitely lacking in the sense of humor department. I’ll fly SW any chance I get.

Other than my luggage debacle the trip home was uneventful. I parted ways with my fellow travelers at Houston as they were all from the Kansas and Missouri area. I arrived at the Albuquerque Sunport around 2:00 in the afternoon, was whisked out to my truck, and got settled in. BTW, the young man driving the shuttle made me laugh as we neared my parking space, I said "It's the bright blue truck on the right." As we got, out and he got my luggage for me, he said, "That surprised me. I didn't figure you for a pickup truck." I asked what he thought I'd be driving, and he said, "Oh, some sort of sports car, probably a Corvette." LOL! Yeah, well, not where I live!!

After leaving the parking lot, I made a quick swing around ABQ to get some hair product on the west side of town, then to the east side of the city for Trader Joe's and a few items, with three short stops in between, including gassing up the truck. As I said in an earlier post, I was headed home just about two hours after arriving, making great time.

You know the rest of the story. I came home and began the battle to keep Miss Jazmyn Jewel safely at home. And for the record, I ran to town a couple hours ago to get supplies for the guy who is doing some minor home repairs, and when I came back, Jazi had somehow ripped through wire again!!! It isn't the heavy welded wire, but some that I can't believe she could destroy!! DAMN!! I'm glad Bill was here, because she ran right to him. He put he back inside and blocked the torn area. He was amazed that little Jazi could rip up the wire like she did! I think he thought I was exaggerating about her prowess. He believes me now!!!  I'll be buying more of the heavy welded wire Monday or Tuesday. sigh....

It was a dream vacation. I was with my kids and grandkids and in one of the most lovely places I know. I had more fun than I can describe. I ate fabulous food and lots of fun drinks. I shopped till I dropped, danced my socks off, and had many adventures. Yet when I went to work on Tuesday, I was ready for it. I came home relaxed and revitalized. Most certainly ....

....Life is beautiful!!!!

de seis días

Day Six
Sunday, June 19


So Sunday morning arrived, much too soon for some of our group! This day was about bringing things to a close.  About half the group was going on to a resort on the coast, near Hualtulco. I wasn’t. I just couldn't afford to, and I needed to get back to my job. TL and the kids packed up and loaded into vans for the long trip through the mountains.

It turned into an eventful trip, apparently. Philip was still a bit sick, and the van had to stop several times, but he wasn’t the only one. Several adults were in bad shape, too. I suspect some of them were still under the influence, if ya know what I mean, but the road was extremely winding and not good for anyone with motion sickness. TL had dosed herself and the kids with Dramamine, and they managed to sleep part of the way.

The road itself would be a challenge to many people. It is very twisting, goes from around 5000 feet elevation in Oaxaca to 7000-9000 feet during the trip, then drops to sea level. I read several places that even those who are not particularly motion sickness prone will often have troubles on the road. And they did!!

There were a few who left on Sunday morning to return home. We didn’t see them, because most of them had to leave the hotel around 6:00 AM. I’m glad I didn’t have to leave so early the day after the big party!!

This is Yanek, the youngest member of our celebration and a doll! Taking a picture of him proved to be a major challenge, as he was ALWAYS on the move!!

My kids! Scott, Connie, and TL. (TL = Terri Lynne)

Getting 20-30 people in vans to make the trip was a challenge! Everybody in, oops, someone forgot something, everyone seated, no, let's rearrange who sits where .....

Scott was in charge of Kylee's bouquet. Yep, all her pretty clothes and adornments had to make the trip for pictures at the beach!

TL squeezing in, last one.

The final group was those of us who were returning on Monday morning. After the vans left around noon, we all just hung out and had a nice lunch. I went to the room and packed up, because I had a good deal more than I arrived with! It was quite a challenge, but I got ‘er done.

I spent some time in the afternoon just walking around the hotel and taking pictures of some of the art. It is my kind of art, folksy, primitive.

We all speculated  about whether they are doing what our dirty minds thought. We decided .... yes, they are salsa dancing!!  giggle!

Stained glass and metal.  The hummingbird & blossom are sculpted of metal (next 3 photos).

Toward evening, most of us met up again and had a very relaxed time, dinner and drinks, and enjoyed the soft air of the evening. I enjoyed this day to “regroup” and start transitioning my mind back into going home. I was actually very rested, considering all we had done.

We enjoyed some fireworks while we sat on the veranda with dinner and drinks. We finally decided they were for celebrating Father's Day. Oh yes, Father's Day! Did I wish Scott a Happy Father's Day? Who knows!! In all the excitement, I don't remember, and I'll bet he didn't notice either!

Here is a glimpse of the haul ....

The prized black pot now at home!

I already had the cactus and some of the bugs, but added to the "family."

Sampler tequila, chili and the "tools" from the gift bag.

This gorgeous pitcher was in the gift bag, also. The flowers are raised, gorgeous!

Rebozos .... on the left is the one fro the gift bag, the others I bought. The colors are off, but....

Mezcal "shot glasses"! They are hanging on my liquor cabinet.

This did not come from Mexico. I found it in a thrift shop, and love how it fits with my odd collection. Notice this side is a woman's figure and .....

.... turn it around and it is a male figure! The "cap" is a glass/cup. Beside it is the liqueur Mezcal, capuccino flavor.

A little drum. You play it with the stick, tapping it against the "tabs" cut out of a hollowed tree branch. (You may need to click and enlarge to see the detail.) I don't know what kind of wood it is.The two "tabs" have different sounds. It is really cool. And there is more to this story coming up in de siete días.

There was also a bag of coffee grown by Connie’s uncle and “condiments” for the tequila, chili, roasted peanuts with chili.

Packing was .... interesting! The big pot was filled with wooden carvings, coffee, chili, and other small and/or soft items. I had to unpack it for security in Houston, and they didn't raise an eyebrow. I'm guessing they've seen about everything!

Then a good night's sleep before the journey home. I slept very well.