It was a very good year….NOT…

It was a very good year….NOT…

 

As the year ends, I have the tune of the song called, It Was a Very Good Year, that Frank Sinatra use to sing. With the words…..

But now the days are short
I'm in the autumn of the year
And now I think of my life as vintage wine
From fine old kegs
From the brim to the dregs
It poured sweet and clear

It was a very good year….

 

But this year is such a whacked out year.. Only good thing I can say about it… is no one close to us, died.  As the past 5 years we lost family members and very close friends every year. Several of them..sometimes.

 

It was a Murphy Law type of year.  If anything can go wrong.. it did.. There were no celebrations of important birthdays. There were no travels to see family.  There were falls off of ladders, (me) and wrenched back that the King thought was kidney stones, or maybe infections… or what ever.. a month of drs. and hospital, and tests and finally a MRI which showed it was a wrenched back from lifting and brother dropping his end, of a heavy dresser. It was family members having health issues as well..

It was a year of not going to the hospital with your love one, but sitting out in the car on the street next to the hospital for hours … while they were in the ER.

 

But even with that said… there was Peace.. peace of mind while doing yard work this summer.  Peace of mind while the King got well enough, just in time to be able to go hunting this fall… and getting the meat.

There is the blessing of the health issues of love ones not being life threatening. 

 

So one has to understand there is blessing among the craziness of the year. 

 

So I wish you all.. a HAPPY NEW YEAR… may 2021 bring you good health… the arms of your love ones around you and yours around them.. and may you always have ENOUGH… enough to eat, enough to pay the bills, enough to be healthy… ENOUGH.. 2021

 

 

So what is the hurry?

So what is the hurry?

 

I don’t know why, but I seem to do things in a hurry.

Even when I was working, I was up and down the halls.  To the point that one of my nurses use to call me Speedy Gonzalez …

 

If I am doing a project, I keep working until it is done or run out of day light.  Because I know full well, if I sit for a while.. I won’t get the job done.  I hate dilly dallying thru a job.  I want to get it done and over with so I don’t have to go back.

 

So in older age (notice I did not say in old age) I would have thought I would slow down. But I still seem to truck along. So much so, in the stores that my granddaughter when she first moved here… 5 months pregnant, told my grandson, that she wasn’t going shopping with me anymore.  She said Nana walks too fast.  At the time she was 20 and I was 77.

 

I don’t have the patience for crafts… so I don’t do well. When I went to paint and wine sessions with my daughter and friends.. I did lousy…  As the instructor is leading us thru painting bottles, I would look up and she is just doing the tree trunks, and I had that done and I was almost done on my branch’s of my pine tree. And starting around the other side of the bottle.

Why can’t I just sloooooooooooooowly paint a bit, and get it right?  I think because I already know I paint like a kindergartener… so let’s get this done and over.

 

The King has such patience.. He ties flies for fishing. No way Jose for me..  Didn’t have patience for sewing either…  I did go thru a year and half of making western shirts for everyone… but that was short lived. And before that.. well, let’s just say when I left home, my mother had a cedar chest full of unfinished sewing projects of mine.

 

Even the summer time projects that I did.. It was paint this, and paint that, next..   

 

I don’t know if it is lack of patience’s, or…   I don’t know. But I always seem in a rush.  

And now I am in a rush to get this year over with.. how about you? 

 

I don’t know why, but I seem to do things in a hurry.

Even when I was working, I was up and down the halls.  To the point that one of my nurses use to call me Speedy Gonzalez …

 

If I am doing a project, I keep working until it is done or run out of day light.  Because I know full well, if I sit for a while.. I won’t get the job done.  I hate dilly dallying thru a job.  I want to get it done and over with so I don’t have to go back.

 

So in older age (notice I did not say in old age) I would have thought I would slow down. But I still seem to truck along. So much so, in the stores that my granddaughter when she first moved here… 5 months pregnant, told my grandson, that she wasn’t going shopping with me anymore.  She said Nana walks too fast.  At the time she was 20 and I was 77.

 

I don’t have the patience for crafts… so I don’t do well. When I went to paint and wine sessions with my daughter and friends.. I did lousy…  As the instructor is leading us thru painting bottles, I would look up and she is just doing the tree trunks, and I had that done and I was almost done on my branch’s of my pine tree. And starting around the other side of the bottle.

Why can’t I just sloooooooooooooowly paint a bit, and get it right?  I think because I already know I paint like a kindergartener… so let’s get this done and over.

 

The King has such patience.. He ties flies for fishing. No way Jose for me..  Didn’t have patience for sewing either…  I did go thru a year and half of making western shirts for everyone… but that was short lived. And before that.. well, let’s just say when I left home, my mother had a cedar chest full of unfinished sewing projects of mine.

 

Even the summer time projects that I did.. It was paint this, and paint that, next..   

 

I don’t know if it is lack of patience’s, or…   I don’t know. But I always seem in a rush.  

And now I am in a rush to get this year over with.. how about you?

Heading down the last week…..

Heading down the last week…..

 

Here we are.. just 4 more days and this year is over…

OVER… but the part that makes me laugh is people’s

reaction to the end of the year and the new year coming.   It is like there is a big switch up there in New York, where the ball that falls.. and as the ball falls to the bottom it will flip the switch from 2020 to 2021 and all will be right.   Like it is magic. No more bad things will happen.. You just have to laugh at how they view it.  It truly would be amazing, if we all woke up January 1^st. 2021 and the rest of the year was a wonderful glorious year.. full of love and respect for others. That all would be right, and no wrongs.

 

I once was told that I viewed life thru rose color glasses.  And when I was younger that might have been true. I always tried to see the better of people. And if some one did not like a person… I would wait and see if that person was as bad as they said. Because some times.. other people just don’t get along..  And it was true several times for me.  That some that I had been warned of.. turn out to be really great people.  So I guess it is just a matter how some people treat others, in how they respond.

 

So maybe the magic of 2021, is ….how we treat others.  To try to find some good in them.. To over look for a couple times, their rawer side.  And leave the politics and religion subject to others. Like in the older days.. I remember Mom and Dad saying never talk religion or politic with friends.. as it could end your friendship.   Guess that would be true of 2020.

 

So as we head down this last week of 2020, maybe we can work on that… Some times, life is what you make of it.  Oops, there goes my rose glasses again.

The shortest Day…..and NON ESSENTIAL ..

The shortest day…..and NON ESSENTIAL ..

 

Yesterday was the shortest day of year.  Well, the shortest daylight day of the year.  Now we start to stretch back out again.  This getting up at 7:30 am and it is still dark.. And watching the room get dark before 4pm… and having to turn on lights… is for the birds… don’t think even they like it.

 

It is these long nights that gets one depressed. Especially with a lot of the days, without sun shine.

Winter is the leader of depression months. Especially around January and February ..with long nights, dreary days… CABIN FEVER…  that is when people buy those lights that light up your room like it is a summer day.

 

This year is especially bad. I am hoping 2021 is going to be better than this year we are finalizing.  The people, especially those in cities where they don’t have yards to go to. So staying home has the full meaning of being coped up. No wonder people are depressed.  All their worth have been shut down. Our worth to us, is working, making money to live on.. for food, rent and all the essential things.   So many have lost jobs in the cities.  And then to have the label put on them…. Where all of this is a losing battle… to be called NON ESSENTIAL…. Your job is NON ESSENTIAL. Which makes you… wear the label of being.. NON ESSENTIAL.  I think that is the worse thing you can do to a person, to tell them that. They don’t take it as label of their job.. they take it personal. That they personally are not worthy.. that they don’t matter. They are non essential…Is it any wonder, there is more suicides this year.

 

If you know someone who has lost their job..please do not use the term on them or their job.  Find a way to make them know that they are important, that they have a purpose.  Yes, there are place, who are helping… (God bless them) with food. And other supplies.. but you can’t buy to give away, the feeling of mattering to those who are without a job now.

So do smile, even if you have to move your mask slight, and say Hi.

 

My daughter got me a couple mask from Costco. They are clear and they fit on my face like glasses. So people can see my face.. they can see I am smiling.. they can see I said HI.. Or good morning… I have seen so many who have return the smile.  We need to feed the soul as well as the body.

 

 

These are rough times…

These are rough times…

 

I understand we have to be careful.  I understand that there has to be some rules of sorts.. Rules is too strong of a word for what I want..  Policies? Maybe.

GUIDELINES.. that is the word I need. Guidelines!!

 

Without guidelines, we don’t have as much structure. And right now we NEED structure.  The wearing of mask is guidelines.  It is a way of helping tone down the viruses.  Yet people fight it. It is like we are asking them to wear a 50 pound armor.  And worse off, is the ones who shame others for wearing the mask, or not wearing the mask.

 

I have to wonder about the ones who get on Facebook and put down a company that has people at the door, telling them .. no mask.. no entry.  Screaming at the top of the world about the injustice of it all. How that business, will never see them at their door again.  THAT THEY HAVE RIGHTS.. They are not going to be told what to do.  Yet, as they stomp across the parking lot and get into their cars, they are putting on their seat belts as they get ready to leave the parking lot.   Were they one of the people who said they would never use seatbelts when it came out as a safety issue?  Do they strap in their babies before they turn on the car?  How is this any different?   The question I have for all of them… WHAT…….IF…….YOU…… ARE…. WRONG? What happens if the mask are the answer?  How much are you willing to bet, take a chance on? What happens when it is some one really close to you… and YOU are the cause?  Are you really willing to take the chance… WHAT…IF….YOU….ARE ….WRONG?

 

 

I DIDN’T KNOW THAT…

I DIDN’T KNOW THAT…

This post is going to be under the lead of .. I didn’t know that.

Today is the Christmas tree… In my thought the other day, was .. what was the symbol of the Christmas tree suppose to mean..  I couldn’t get it connected to Jesus being born.. And wasn’t sure about a German connection, as Santa I believe is.  So I looked it up.  So if you are bored and have nothing else to do..  continue reading…  other wise.. have a great day.

When did Christmas trees originate?

The true Christmas tree tradition can be traced to 16th-century Germany, where Christians began to decorate trees—or, if times were tough, simple pyramid-shaped stacks of wood— inside their homes. The tradition of adding candles to the tree branches is most commonly attributed to Martin Luther, leader of the Protestant Reformation movement in the 1500s. (Legend suggests he was inspired by the stars in the night sky and wanted to re-create the scene in his own home using candlelight.)  According to A Christmas Cornucopia: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Yuletide Traditions, the first-ever Christmas tree was in London, near what is now Leadenhall Market. However, it seems it was a one-time trend, as Christmas trees wouldn't be back in Britain until the 19th century.

In what country did the Christmas tree originate? And are Christmas trees religious?

Despite the Christmas tree's roots in Christianity, most Americans refused to adopt the tradition at first because they believed it to be attached to pagan beliefs. The tradition was mostly contained to Germany until the late 1700s and early 1800s. Until then, the Puritans of New England upheld especially strict views of Christmas in America, and people were severely punished if they celebrated or decorated in any way. (They believed the holiday was so sacred that a church service was the only appropriate way to celebrate.) This solemn American observance of Christmas continued until Irish and German immigrants began to make their way across the Atlantic and established their own traditions despite the Puritan rule.

German settlements, particularly in Pennsylvania, typically decorated community trees in the late 18th century, and soon the trees found their way into the individual homes of German families—but most of the country was still skeptical. It wasn't until England's Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (who was of German heritage) were depicted in a popular newspaper in 1848 standing around a Christmas tree with their family that the tradition became more widely embraced. Americans were hereby convinced that Christmas trees were desirable holiday decorations.

 

So there you have it… How we come to have Christmas trees.  Kind of interesting it was against the law of the Puritan’s to have one..AND NOW.. you can say.. I know that…

 

Oh, one more thing…

Where did the custom of decorating Christmas trees originate?

Other than the candle aesthetic already established in Europe, decorations like ornaments (often imported from Germany) became more popular in the late 1800s, and homemade decorations like cookies and garlands (think: popcorn, berries, nuts, and more) became decorating staples.

These more homespun decorations gave way to electric lights and synthetic materials, like tinsel, as technological and industrial developments changed throughout the 20th century. The popular Shiny Brite ornaments, inspired by imported German glass ornaments, marked the beginning of the U.S. ornament industry in the early-to-mid 1900s.

I guess what really frustrates me is….

I guess what really frustrates me is….

 

Those of you who have read this blog for any length of time, know that I am an unaffiliated voter. I don’t say independent because there is party for them… and that isn’t what I believe in… You would know me as the Cafeteria  Party that I made up years ago. I joked about walking down the aisle at voting time, picking from side to side of those I THOUGHT, would do a good job for the American people… (oh how naïve) and joke about I am on a diet, as there is so little to pick from any more.

I am NOT a Republican.. never have been. I always felt that the Republican party represented the corporations, and not the people.  It has been to my thoughts they are about money.  The last Republican party candidate I liked… was one with that part of his campaign. I LIKE IKE. I was too young to vote, but had I been old enough, I would probably have. I liked that he wanted to make better roads. I like that he wanted keep illegals numbers down. I liked that he was a former General, so knew the world and their leaders.  But he is the last one of that party I cared for. I really thought he was for the American people.

I am not a Democrat, but have Democrat leanings. Because the Democrat of the past seem to want to do what was best for the American citizen.  A kinder side. The other side seemed harsher.  And my favorite President was JFK. He had so many programs for the American citizens. Job Corp, and etc.  To me.. when he was killed, they not only killed the man, but the killed the heart of our land, as it hasn’t recovered yet.  Obama tried, but there were so many against him.. he didn’t have a chance. They were blandly against them, to the point of saying.. no matter what he brought up, they were going to make sure if was turned down. It was about him, and them.. not the American people.

 

There is so much wrong about our Congress, I don’t know if any time soon will be be a UNITED country.  Both parties have ran off in to the ditch with their ideals. The Democrats want to give away everything.. and the Republicans don’t want the average American have anything.  Can Biden bring it back?  I seriously doubt it.

 

I think what makes me so frustrating  is… When Trump actually got voted in.. actually made it, as most of us who use common sense, who has morals, who believe in TRUTH, never even thought he would get in.  I truly believe if the Democrats had someone else besides Hillary, Trump would never seen the front door of the White House.  She had way too much luggage.. and the Democrats were fools.   So                        when he got in. I foolishly thought.. naively thought, the Democrats would keep him from doing the damage he has done.  But instead of righting up the boat called Congress, they too went off in the ditch.  It is like it is a contest, of who can be, or do the worse.. and not one is winning, but no one is losing either, except the average American citizens.

 

There really needs some changes in the Congress. 1. no Senator should have the power to stop a bill being voted on. McConnell’s behavior is so un-American.. No one Senator or even Representative should have the single power. 

2. We need to put a term limit on Congress. We have one for the President.. we need on for Congress.  Serving 30 years is obscene.  Sadly the only ones who can make those changes is CONGRESS… AND you KNOW that will never happen.

 

Stepping down off the soap box

  

 

Back yard mechanic, no more.. no more..

Back yard mechanic, no more.. no more..

 

Sung to the tune of HIT THE ROAD JACK.. don’t come back, no more…no more..  ha…

 

Last week the King and I had a problem with the old Buick. Seems the thermostat was sticking..  Found this out when the King took it in for quick oil change… as it popped up on the machine..  Not a problem.. the King tells them. I will get it fixed.  Knowing full well, he would get the part and fix it.. Not a big problem..  

Now you got to understand.. the King has been a machine for zillions of years.  And even I can change a thermostat.  I had changed a few in my days… after all being a mechanic’s daughter, you learn a lot of things.  You start out as a go for.. You learn really quick the different of a ¼ wrench from a 7/8 one. Or a quarter inch socket from a ¾ one.  Crescent  wrench or a 3mm from a 15mm… 

So when the King came in and said…. I CAN’T FIND THE THERMSTAT… I am thinking.. is he getting feeble minded? Who can’t find the thermostat?  It is right on top..  I told him. Did you follow the hose down to the motor, where the intake manifold is?  He looks at me disgustedly and said OF COURSE I DID. But I still can’t find it.. look it up on google.. So I googled it… there was one…. can I change the thermostat as the garage wants $280!!..  So I clicked on that..

 

AND that was when the horror set in… It shows where the thermostat is.. KIND OF…. Along with the wording .. this is why the garage is charging $280….    I showed it to the King, and he goes back out to the car.  Comes back in with sad face and says.. I got to go over to see how much Emerald will charge us and get an appointment.  WHAT???  I asked?  He said.. you would not believe what I would have to remove to just get to the thermostat.  So eating humble pie, off he went.. found out they had two cancellations, so we could get it in that day… Long and short of it.. $247.10 later, we had our car back.

 

I think if this car dies on us.. I will look for a 1970 something. Something we still can work on ourselves.  Because this sure the hell isn’t it.. and way more expensive. Heck the car is just barely worth more than the part.   Well, actually the labor, the part we had and that was only $7.

 

So our days of back yard mechanic is pretty much over with.

 

 

 

 

 

Sadness day

 

December 7, 2020

Sad day…..

 

I wonder how many will remember this day.. Hopefully more than just the old vets who show up in Hawaii, for how ever many there are left, from the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

So many young don’t even know what today means. I don’t know if they still teach it in schools anymore. It seems like the schools have backed off of history.  We really need to keep passing on the history of this country and what we had to do to keep it whole.  Even with the past summer, of how so many have tried to rip it apart.   If only we could keep the 20% in the back ground instead on the front lines of our newspapers.  To make those who have done so much for so many…of late thru all of this shutting down business. The people who went to bat for those restaurants and other businesses. Those who went into their pantry’s and pulled out food for others,  The stores who help out and still helping out.. that is what should be on the front page.  We don’t want history to repeat itself..  but with so few knowing, it is bound to happen.

 

So do remember this day 79 years ago… Remember what it cost us. Remember, because maybe we won’t be so lucky next time. It took 4 years to clean up last time.

 

On a personal note, this day is also a reminder to our family, of how horrible depression is. And the cost and effects of it. As we lost a family member just 5 years ago today.  In our busy lives, we sometimes sidestep, or not pay enough attention to a fellow person… to see how much trouble they are in, trying to handle their lives. Especially in times of now, where depression and anxiety is building up inside of so many. Christmas time is a heavy time for them.. and with the shutting down, wearing mask so you don’t see smiles.. and no hugging…  it adds to the burden of those who just aren’t strong at this time.   Just a mere Hi, and a smile if mask permits it… can make a difference in someone’s life. Some one you might not even know, but walked past..

 

Keep the faith, people..  We shall survive, but it not only takes a village, but it takes a community.

(the picture is one I took 10 years ago, as we were going back to the pier from the memorial)

 

 

 

 

HELLO DECEMBER….

HELLO DECEMBER…. 

 

Well, here we are..  the last month of this hellish year.  I have made a promise to myself … that I will for this month.. Starting today..  to have positive things in my life. Positive to say to others..  positive thoughts … and above all..KINDNESS..  Surely I can get thru 31 days …right? 

 

Want to try it with me?  So much negative around all of us. So if each of us try… maybe be the drop in the bucket that makes the wave? I know it isn’t an original idea.  Seems we tried this before.. But surely if any year this needs to be tried.. it is this year. 

 

So I will start out with each of my post for this month with what I am thankful and feel blessed about.  Trying to name at least 2… So for this day I am thankful for 1. the King’s good health, as it wasn’t so good in August and September.

And also for 2. my own health, remember I decided to take a flying leap from the ladder, not planned.

 

What can you say you are blessed for .. for today..