#sol24 Out From Under the Bleachers

  

I've sat on my share of bleacher seats

On glorious spring and fall afternoons,

In the scorching heat of summer playoffs,

During snowstorms when we dug out the seats,

In dreary gyms in random towns.

I recently became the owner of a previously-loved

Portable watching-sports-chair!

To be honest, the bleachers, if present,

Are increasingly uncomfortable!

To be honest, getting up from the ground,

Is a little more challenging.

So, I was a bit surprised,

And yet not surprised at all,

When I saw this new invention

Resting proudly on the sidelines

So that little ones can rest their loins,

As they await their turn

To kick the ball around the field.

Yes, you too can have one of these

Saving your littles from intense bleacher discomfort

Or the ravages of the hard ground.

Amazon, Dicks, Walmart...

I feel as if I was living under a rock

Or perhaps under a bleacher!

#sol24 November12 Slice of Perspective

 

The air was pungent with smoky residue from the hills as I tried to rake the leaves, alone.  I was annoyed as my eyes burned and my throat was tightening even as I my mind wandered to those years of when an orchestra of eager-if-not-always-happy-rakers created the backdrop for a full afternoon of laughing-complaining-leaves-in-hair-working-fun. 

Clearly, the sky was dusky and the fall spectacular of crunchy leaves was not what I was expecting until I remembered that I was indeed the lucky one as I could rake my leaves!

"We watched the line of flames barely 200 yards from our house holding our breath," she explained.  "I really wasn't sure we would have anything left, but the path they bulldozed held up and kept the fires at bay." 

"They lost everything," my cousin's voice cracked as she tried to explain, "just hours after they left." 

There has been no rain in more than a month here and in California (an many other places as well.)  Mother Nature's beauty has been muted by the loss of one of her super-healing powers, rain. 

My slice today, is a slice of perspective. 

#sol24 November 5 Our Voices and Our Votes Matter

The parking lot was full, a rarity, and so I drove around thinking about the power of news and social media hype to bring people to the library even before the real Election Day! After finally parking, I noticed two ladies, with walkers, slooowwwly making their way towards the door.  

I thought, for a moment, about passing them and securing a place in the line ahead of them. Instead, I asked if they were coming to vote and held the door as they sloooowwwly entered.  Then, we both stopped in awe of the line of voters wrapped around first the local memorabilia and then all the way around the circulation desk! 

Their collective sigh morphed my own sigh and displaced my thoughts of leaving. I thought of the energy it had taken for them to come out to vote. I thought of the nearly impossible challenge of standing in what was clearly going to be a long and winding line.  

"How about your folks sit here and I will get in line.  When it gets close, you can join the line," I suggested. 

"Thank you," they said quietly and slooowwwly they made their way to the bench while I slooowwwly waded through the sea of voters to secure a spot at the end of the line of people clearly on their lunch break and others clearly frustrated by the long line.. 

I had lots of time to think of past elections of voting at 6AM  before a long commute and at10PM as the doors were about to close.  I really did not remember ever having lines like this before! 

I really did have plans to circle by the grocery store, but instead, after voting, I walked slooowwwly towards their car, surface talk about the incredible line and the equally incredulous weather.

"You know, I used to just cancel out my husband's vote most years, but this time, while I miss him terribly, my vote counts even more," she sighed.

As I headed to my car, I was hoping I would remember to vote (by mail) when my turn to move slooowwwly came in the not-too-distant-future, because, our voices and our votes matter. 

#sol24 October 29 I Love You, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

 

It was many, many years after I eagerly sang along with them, in my pajamas, as they crooned on the Ed Sullivan show; yet, when that music began....we overlooked the converted gym, fake sideburns, sloppy wigs, and bad dad jokes!  We sang along at full tilt.

There were a few among the "silver sneaker" crowd who had actually seen them, long ago, at Yankee Stadium and one person even stood outside the Ed Sullivan theater to catch a glimpse! Yet, for most of us, it was a "first"!

Their starting number, of course, brought most of us to our feet as the words emerged from the recesses of our minds. "I love you, yeah, yeah, yeah," was certainly audible to the young-uns on the treadmills or in the nearby pool!  

During intermission, they donned longer wigs and St Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band inspired outfits to embrace the '70s, and we chugged flavored waters and shared memories of albums and songs that had shaped our identities, even if we do not think about it every day. 

It was over, at nine because the fake Beatles had to travel to another gig the next day and because, well, the "silver sneaker" crowd had a morning stretch and flex class early the next morning!

As we headed outside, we laughed and reminisced about how fast time passes!  Then, someone joked about how a future "silver sneaker" crowd (filled with our grandchildren) would be filling a future multipurpose room somewhere talking about their version of I Love You, Yeah, Yeah Yeah...

And in the parking lot, we ended the evening with the currently popular but far less familiar  to us......."Marry me Juliet, you'll never be alone, It's a love story, just say yes, oh, oh oh..." 

#sol24 Everyday Images in the Sky

At the beginning of October, I went outside to try to see the "Ring of Fire" eclipse.  It was too cloudy.

A few days later, I tried to catch a meteor shower that was supposed to be visible in the early evening but I must have been too early, missed it or I was looking in the wrong place. 

Next,  then tried to catch Jupiter that was supposedly going to be visible, but still no go.

Then, I meant to catch the Hunter's Moon, that final super moon of 2024, but I forgot!

But, during the clear skies of this October, there have been many, many nights when the skies have been filled with the colorful reflections of sunlight on the horizon.  

These images may not earn notoriety for their rarity, but they sure do offer few moments of sustained happiness in spite of withering plants, shedding trees, and clearly shorter days! 

With clear skies again today, we are most likely going to have another light show! There is something to be said for those everyday images in our sky.

 

#sol24 October 15 Grand Dogs For Me

"We've always had dogs," he said as his dog pulled desperately on the leash. "They sure are good company," he added with a smile that suggested the benefit of a dog for those of us who live alone, without acknowledging my quiet house.

There were many busy days (years in fact) when being alone was a goal rather than a problem for me; however, these days, my home is mighty quiet and alone is the new normal.

 

"I do think about it, sometimes," I offered, "and the thought of a pal sharing my porch on summer evening sounds inviting.  But, the thought of having to make plans with a dog walker if I go out for the day and the idea of bundling up for a walk late on a cold winter night have been deterrents. Plus," I added with a smile, "pets are like kids, you never know what you are going to get!"

"And," he laughed as he was pulled down the street, "most of the dogs on this street do have minds of their own." 

"I'll settle for strong-willed, visiting grand-dogs," I offered, but he was long gone on his walk/run after his beloved and strong-willed pet. Yet, my heart was remembering that long ago downy soft drowsy puppy snuggled next to me. "Grand dogs for me," I reminded myself, sternly!

 

 

#sol24 October8 Slice of Cake with Frosting

In a world where divisiveness, disagreements, and destruction headline the daily news, I am sharing a  happy slice of life about a small group of children who spent a couple of hours focused on decorating mini-cakes with mountains of frosting, layers of tiny cakes, and heaps of sprinkles!

The sugar laden picture (below) will not take away the assured pain of a huge-o hurricane nor will it restore peace in our world; yet, there is something peaceful and even hopeful about squishy pastel colored frosting oozing out of a gigantic tube filled with more sugar than any parent would allow any child to consume in a week! 

In reality, a cake decorating party is a messy event that is best held outside! 

To be honest, there was a lot of frosting wasted!

In retrospect, more sprinkles landed on the ground than on cupcakes! 

Yet, the sensory rewards from surrounding oneself with self-created sugary treasures are profound as evidenced by the smiles and laughter (not pictured)!        

This is a not-just-for-kids party idea!

 

#sol24 October 1 Good Bye, Neighborhood

I have written about the lawn jockey my neighbors

dressed for every holiday and Giants game.

He was a beloved fixture my grandchildren referred to as

the Little Man. Here is his story of his last adventure.

"I realized the end was near when he took off my Giants shirt and began to dig out my feet. I'd been a feature on the street for decades and I really wondered how many people would miss my costume changes to mark the seasons, holidays, and every sporting event.

While I was a little excited about the potential of a new adventure, I saw tears well up in his eyes and realized this was a new, and different chapter. Yet, he continued as if he was on a mission. His son finally showed up late in the afternoon and they lifted me onto the trailer with a fire pit and a mini fridge. I saw the little girl across the street watching the action from her porch."

"Can I go over to say good-bye she begged her grandma with tears streaming down her face.  I can't believe they are really taking him away!"

"Moments later, they were snapping a picture of me and the man was walking away while the tears poured down his face. I tried to be brave and smile for that picture, but to be quite honest, I was afraid.

There were some uncomfortable good-byes among the other humans, but the man stood by himself facing his old house. I realized at that moment, that life for each of us would never be the quite the same.

We pulled away moments later and I tried to bravely wave good bye to the house I had guarded and the neighborhood I had cheered for so many years.  

We had not gone very fall when I leaned over a wee bit while he was making a turn.  Without my feet being firmly planted on Earth, I leaned over and fractured my arm, the one I need to wave to my fans.  I am pretty sure it is a stress fracture as I sure was stressed!

Now, sadly, I sit in a storage unit where the sun does not shine and there are no cars going past.  I am waiting patiently, however, because that man with the tears in his eyes talked about something called retirement. He said it would be different, like a new season, and I think I saw a wee bit of a smile on his face as he told me to rest up for the next chapter. 

Right now, I'm a bit unsure about what will happen in this retirement stage, but I'll rest up for a bit and hope his smile is a sign of a new beginning, with new cars, and new human fans."

#sol24 September 17 Tree, Table, Book Club

 We gathered in a basement,

Are all book clubs in basements?

With grapes and cookies,

From 8 to 88 to discuss

Challenges of each stage of life,

Including cognitive decline.

Tree, Table, Book

We shared stories,

Our writing,

 Dreams of being published,

Compared thoughts about the characters,

Made bookmarks

To remember

To share our stories.

It was a first, for all,

An Intergenerational Book Club.

The book was uniquely suited

As if Lois Lowry had planned it!

We are all awaiting the sequel!

#sol24September10 Shopping for Santa?

 

When I heard James Earl Jones passed, 

I smiled and I remembered...  

Long ago, in the days before cell phones with cameras, 

I left school on December 23 with a huge list of 

what needed to be done for the looming holiday 

replacing lesson plans and curriculum concerns. 

The snow had already begun to fall, and the forecast called for 

lots of white stuff before the impending holiday.

 Part of me knew I really should head to the babysitter's to pick up my kids, 

but the other part of me hoped I had enough time to 

stop at the local Grand Union to pick up a few things.  

Like almost everyone else in town, I grabbed a cart and threw in the snowy day essentials like bread, milk, and eggs. I impulsively grabbed flour and sugar thinking I might just bake cookies while stuck inside. The lines were growing, so I pulled into the nearest one and impulsively grabbed a slew of the in-reach items.  A scored a couple of Swedish Fish, Twizzlers, M & M s, Hershey Kisses, Jolley Ranchers, Altoids, bubble gum, gummy. worms, pens, travel sized games and travel size toothbrushes for good measure. I was pretty sure this would be my last shopping before the big holiday and so I took full advantage of that impulse aisle! I suspect I was thinking about the excessive amount of sugar destined for those stockings or perhaps I was bemoaning the lack of weather appropriate footwear, but the voice behind me was comforting and familiar. 

"Helping the big man out?" he asked with a laugh as I threw the haul onto the conveyor belt. "Did you see these Santa candy dispensers?" he asked reaching for Santa Pez dispensers in the nearby aisle.  He carried only a handbasket, but was dressed for the snowy afternoon in an oversized coat. 

I surely smiled as I responded to the bigger than life local hero who popped 2 Pez dispensers onto my belt.  

"You needed them," he chuckled. 

Let's be honest. The novelty dispensers were 

a bigger hit than all the junk I purchased! 

I've long wondered how he retold the story

of his Grand Union encounter 

with a snow-holiday-stressed local teacher!

 snowfall outside 

#sol24 September 3 Wherever You Find Yourself

 

Schools have opened, pools have closed and the air has a certain chill; therefore, no matter what the calendar says, "summer" is over, and we must abandon slip-on sandals and lazy afternoons. In these waning days of summer, life moves slowly for most people, even though the days go way too fast for teachers and students! 

For some, the summer slow down has reached the ultimate in slow-motion events, The Annual End of Summer Tractor Parade! There really is something special about this parade that my cousin and #1 reader told me about even though this slow moving event could  make local kids excited about school!

                                                                    (Montgomery, NY)

For many of us (teachers and students probably fit in here), the summer slow down has led to abandoning damp swim suits for Scrabble. Life, or Jenga blocks!  We hit the stores for backpacks and shies and now find ourselves teetering on the edge of excitement and trepidation! Fall is like that! 

For some. today is just a new day or working and transitioning to sweater and jeans.

All of these are good options,

Wherever you find yourself today, I wish you a fall season that "falls in a good way for you."

#sol24 August 27 Power of Stories

The request was simple enough. "Want to do a book club?" she asked. I read a lot more than usual this summer as I took the summer "off" from my teaching tasks. Kristen Hannah and others had filled my summer evenings with stories of people who interfaced, ever so briefly, with my "real" life. I often thought about how this chapter of my life mirrored those middle years when books and their characters filled the crevices of my mind that had been filled with teaching, family, and life demands for so many years.

"Sure," I responded and ordered the book (back ordered) from Libby, my free online library. Worse come to worse, I could always order a Kindle version if it took too long.

Then, one day, I noticed the e-book had arrived. I "knew" Lois Lowry from many books shared with students and teachers over the years of my professional life as a literacy specialist.  

From the first words, I recognized the familiar "memory" assessment that is part of nearly every doctor visit after a certain age.  Often, we joke about that 3-word assessment; however, we also dread and respect the potential of 3 words to a life's path.

The themes, mostly heavy duty, included those nearest and dearest to my heart: aging, friendship, and the power of stories.  

I read deep in the night and finished early in the morning while my eyes were still encrusted with sleepers.  The "inter-generational" reading-inspired-book-club was weeks away and there I sat, deep in thought, early on a late summer morning, rocking gently.  

It was a feeling similar to how I felt as I finished The Women earlier this summer and wondered why I had never talked about the impact of the Vietnam War on my generation.  Families and friends had been divided by differences.   These days, it's more likely political and lifestyle choices that divide and separate people

Yet, there are some aspects of life that cut through all the "red tape" of life and Lowry answered the question about what is most important exquisitely: the perils of aging, demands of friendship, and the power of stories.   Consider it a must read. 

Tree, Table, Story

By Lois Lowry

#sol24 August 13 Good Samaritan

 

Today, I could write about the people I met during multiple flight delays or I could tell you about the amazing and powerful people one shares life experiences with when a hurricane, such as Debbie, does what hurricanes do and alters travel and vacation plans. I really want to write about the stranded woman and special needs daughter from Dallas who had spent 18 hours securing a new fight: however, I am going to write about a moment at the beach, on my long awaited and much needed vacation. 

I had already done the obligatory ocean swim where one goes from one end to the other of the designated area and had settled into an salt-water holding pattern of slow motion when they entered my visual space.  She was more spry than he was, but not by a lot.  I wondered about their trip to the Island. He must have needed a wheel-chair assist at the airport, but I was sure he did not want one. Perhaps I was projecting my own thoughts onto others,

He held onto her shoulders as they slowly, but surely, made their way onto the sandy ledge. His slow descent was marked by many stops where he readjusted his stance while focused on the goal, the water's edge.  Several times, he stopped and appeared to be rethinking the decision to enter the water; yet, his supportive partner appeared to reassure him that the trip was both possible and worthwhile, even if she was not sure of the path ahead.  

He stopped inches from the water's edge, and it was then that a younger man passed a toddler to his wife and emerged to become an entry support person. I do not know what words, if any were exchanged.  I do know that the entry went smoothly and the man was soon immersed in the warm water where his smile was evident to all.  The younger man stuck around just in case he was needed.

The older man stayed in the ocean only a few minutes, and the Good Samaritan helped with the exit through the murky sand.  Eventually, the Good Samaritan returned to his own, young family playing in the briny waves. 

I hope that some day, in the not so distant future, there is a Good Samaritan to help me when the waves and ocean drop are greater than I can manage,  

I hope, in the distant future, there is another Good Samaritan to help that young man when he needs support to feel the ocean in his bones. 

#sol24 July 30th SMART Talk

 

I wasn't sure I was going to post today, 

But a conversation with friends got me thinking 

About the power of words.

Overheard at the gym...

"I don't know how she keeps up, she's BIG!"

"That teacher is just awful."

Overheard on the news....

"She's a bum."

"He's weird." 

Overheard in class: 

"He's impossible!"

"She's off base."

In my opinion, all this name calling from adults is likely to result in more and more name calling among our children which would clearly undermine the movement to reduce, rather than increase bullying!

I, for one, am going to try very hard to move about this fray and try to focus on observable characteristics!   

Of course, when I think of observable traits I think of Individual Education Plan goals which really might offer us a good way to talk about issues!

Good IEP goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely).

Perhaps we could start talking in SMART ways as well?

#sol24 July23 To Be Two

 She has a strong voice and lots to say,

She is not afraid to "flail" to get her way,

She talks too much, when quiet is expected,

She runs too fast, when slow is anticipated,

She swings with too much gusto,

She eats too many Goldfish,

She devours too much cheese.

She'll read the same book, too many times!

She'll play hide and seek, too many times!

She has two favorite blankets, today!

She can find her Meme in a crowd, too!

She is not afraid to speak her mind!

My love for her is too great!

The littlest of my beloved grand-kiddos is two!

#sol24 July 21 A Slice of Love

 

From over the river and across the sound

Excited friends and relatives braved summer traffic,

Challenged air traffic controllers,

Set aside the trials of daily lives,

To show support and celebrate love.

After prayerful rituals and solemn promises

They arrived to explore the incredible venue,

Consume delectable morsels,

Savor cake and pastries,

Dance with determination,

To celebrate love.

Planning a celebration of love can be stressful and exhausting,

Executing that celebration can be difficult and expensive,

Arranging for travel and accommodations can be difficult,

Organizing all cousins for a photo-shoot, memorable,

Watching grandparents dance, a miracle,

The opportunity to show support and celebrate love

Priceless.

 

Congratulations K&J,

I hope your future is filled with

A Zillion More Slices of Love

#sol24 July 16th Waves of Change

    

"It's perfect," she said as the finished the "shell garden" at the base of the house. 

"I'm pretty sure there is no such thing as an imperfect sand castle," I smiled silently to myself.  

On the way home, I thought about that castle, created with love. With or without a protective moat, each castle is an opportunity to create a special place and a special moment in time.  Yet, it will not stay as the waves of time will leave their mark; tomorrow, a new sand castle will likely arise in about the same place as a new family leaves their mark in the sand.

As I pulled into my driveway, another wave of change was clearly evident.

I smiled as I waved to my new neighbors who had just finished unloading a U-Haul trailer into their new-to-them house. 

I suspect she, too, was thinking, "It's going to be perfect." as they stared adoringly at their new-to-them house that would soon see waves of change in order to be recreated in the days to come.

 

#sol24 July 9 That Pool of Sweat

 

I woke up sprawled on the bed in a pool of sweat. I pushed the damp hair off my face and realized it was not yet dawn; yet, the air was dreadfully hot and heavy.

"I knew I should have had the air conditioner serviced," I thought as I tried to go back to sleep.  "There is no way they are going to come for an emergency visit during this heat wave," I thought as I moaned softly,  "I had better open a window," I thought as I swung my legs over the side of the bed. "I cannot believe I was so foolish," I admonished my sweaty self. 

The air outside was even hotter and heavier and so I made my way to the basement in search of the old, 6 inch emergency fan.  It did provide a bit of relief, but I lay on the sweaty sheets alternating between being annoyed at myself for not having my mini-split system serviced and concerned about all the people who  are suffering and not sleeping during this heat wave. I'd do a major mea culpa and call the repair department first thing in the morning! 

The fan moved the air around and I was able to go back to sleep. As I made the bed a few hours later, I noticed the remote was under my book.  When I went to sleep, I must have put the book down and accidentally turned off the air!  I pressed on and the familiar hum of cool air returned. 

I submitted a non-emergency request for service, a few hours later,anyway!  

To be honest: I am blessed to have installed this new system when I did some renovations a few years ago and even on the hottest of days, my space is tolerable! There are many people who do not have access to air conditioning on these very hot, humid days. 

# Fourth of July: Drones Anyone?

1960  Rain fell most of the day offering only brief forays to the dock. The grownups kept up the presence of a good time and there were lots of sparklers!  Eventually, we pulled away leaving Yankee Lake's annual fireworks display in the rear view mirror.

1976  We walked over the bridge to celebrate the Bicentennial.  Scoring a location early, we watched the fireworks from the great steps, leaving a trail of smoke and a crowd of people at the end of the day.

1986 The promise of swimming, hiking, watermelon and birthday cake would surely allow for something for everyone.  We sang Happy Birthday to Grandma, a real firecracker before heading home, certain to see lots of fireworks on our trip!

1996 It had been a long weekend in the ICU where we watched our love one fight for life.  Yet, we shared Hershey's fireworks through the hallway window with others, in the same boat. 

2024 I listened to fireworks all day long; yet, I wandered out to watch a magnificent display by my neighbors before going in to watch the Macy's display. 

The reports of injuries and deaths as well as the haze, the next morning, were clear reminders that this long standing tradition needs to give away to 21st Century technology that can provide a magnificent show, safely and without impacting lives and the environment!

I't hard to think of Fourth of July without a light show; to that end, I am planning on gifting my loved ones drones so that they might be part of the next revolution!

https://www.npr.org/2024/07/04/nx-s1-5020172/why-drone-light-shows-are-replacing-traditional-july-4th-fireworks

#sol24 July 2 A Beach Story

 

"What did you ask me to bring," I asked her, confident she would remember the request.

"Paper," she responded, lunging for my bag that really did contain a couple of notebooks filled with blank pages waiting to become something! 

In minutes, the first page was filled with the "story" of a vacation at very blue beach filled with abundant waves, colorful sailboats, and dancing dolphins hurling through the waves while happy vacationers settled into their beach chairs on the sandy shore.  

As she worked on the details of her second dancing dolphin, the modern-day artist asked me "Google" how a one should  look. After studying the image, she refined her craft on successive waves of pages.  In time, the tides ebbed and flowed across the island's counter top.  

This observer soaked up the real-life moment rather than taking a picture.  Therefore, you, the reader, will have to imagine the picture!   

This young artist is totally confident of her ability to tell her story.  This young artist, poised to begin her public education career, has not yet studied van Gogh; however, I thought of his words as my feet nestled in her sand and I soaked up her ocean breezes: 

                                      There is nothing so delightful as drawing

#SOL24 Their Teacher is Amazing

 

They plan their schedules and they arrive early to get a spot because their TEACHER is AMAZING 

There is lots of catching up before they begin as most of the group has physical or family "stuff".
"My husband has been struggling since the diagnosis...."                                                                            "The cruise was incredible...."                                                                                                                          "I'm not sure when I will be back as I will have to help with he grands...."                                                                                                                                                                        

Yet, they move deftly and begin to smile as they enter the pool as the from long ago and yet familiar music begins.  Their AMAZING TEACHER along with her smiling students begin to sway as the music plays.... 

                Wouldn't it be nice if we were older?
                Then we wouldn't have to wait so long
                And wouldn't it be nice to live together
                In the kind of world where we belong?

"Beautiful,"  the AMAZING TEACHER says (I think she really means it) and the group sways, scoops, and sings along, while smiling.  

They leave with a with a smile because the TEACHER is AMAZING.

#sol24 June 18 If Only

 I took a deep breath before I headed into the office as I really do not like "working with" new-to-me doctors of any kind. 

    First of all, there are all the forms where I try to remember all the things that have ever happened to me     and all those who I would call blood relatives. It's a lot to remember! Next, there is always the long,            long wait with few, if any, magazines and distractions other than "medical television." Then, there is

    that always-awkward conversation where I try to explain that what I have had and done to my body of        the years and how I really am trying to make up for lost time exercising and caring for myself. I can            expect a sigh or at least a nod as they write down all the things wrong with my body and mind! Finally,      there are the lists of "to-dos' that I certainly will leave with as they try to 1) find any possible issues; 2)      use the services of their colleagues. I would rather clean bathrooms, even latrines than go to a new-to-      me doctor appointment!

As I arrived at the potential new-primary-care provider's office, I opened the door to a small waiting room where there was no one waiting!  I noticed, happily, that there were abundant magazines neatly arranged in racks and a TV set to the Food Channel. I was pretty sure I had made a date-time mistake as I headed to the desk and introduced myself. 

"Welcome," the intake person said cheerfully as he handed me a two sheets to fill out. "We already have all your records, so the only part you need to add is if there are any new concerns or changes in the last 6 months."

The doctor was lovely and neither sure my days on earth were limited nor was she dismissive of my aging body's needs.  She assured me that those extra pounds were certainly muscle and that my aquacise routine was working well.  I left with one recommendation that was not considered urgent and a smile from ear to ear. I headed out to get a creamy Starbuck's coffee treat......

Then, I rolled over and stretched realizing that today was the day of my appointment and this altered reality was just a lovely dream.  "If only," I thought with a smile. Sigh. 

#sol24 June 11 Should I Stay or Should I Go?

A"For Sale" sign appeared across the street and I started thinking that just maybe, this MIGHT be the time to take advantage of the HOT real estate market.  

Homes in my neighborhood are selling like "hot cakes" for prices that seem incredible.  I really do not need this whole house anymore. I'm tired of home improvement projects and water in the basement issues/ Plus, there would be no more "Come On Over" porch-parties on hot summer nights and there would be no more "Just Because" snowblower services for my little stretch of sidewalk. 

Then, as if on cue, the fruit of five summers of planting, feeding, and nurturing reluctant hydrangeas appeared like huge stacks of "hot cakes" in both my front and my back yard.  I'm guessing that the rainy winter and spring had something to do with them. It's also slightly possible that the pricey "magic hydrangea potion" I bought on impulse last summer helped. 

No matter the reason, this is their season and they seem to say that we are right where we should be right now!
 

#sol24 June4 An Old Timer and Newbie

A note appeared in my mailbox a few weeks ago seeking support for a neighborhood street party. To be honest, it seemed like late spring was a strange time for block parties, in the season of graduations, communions, Mothers' and Father's Days. To be honest, I live alone and have no young children; but, the note seemed to be heartfelt, sincere, and welcoming. 

My first reaction to the note, which asked you to scan a QR code for information and sign ups, was to not respond; but the note bugged me and eventually I responded through the code.  For some reason, I felt compelled to sign up to bring veggies, hummus, chips, and chicken fingers, perhaps because I would not be bringing children.

To be honest, I did not know the person who sent the note.  After some investigation, I determined the house, just 3 homes away, had changed hands under a private sale this spring.  I did  know the former, elderly homeowner had not been outside in a long, long time, but there were no outward signs of this private home sale. 

So, late on Saturday afternoon, I showed up at the street/block party with my contributions to meet lots of new neighbors and lots of older neighbors who I really did not know. We discussed common concerns such as water in the basement and insatiable rabbits. We talked about the technology and physical book challenges our library has experienced. We laughed as the youngest on our street rode scooters and threw Frisbees. We played corn-hole and giant Jenga and we talked about our neighborhood and ourselves. We made plans for a December cooperative dinner and discussed how we could encourage greater participation in the future.

After almost 7 years on my new-to-me street in my new-to me town, in my new-to me state, I am still a newbie by the old-timers and also an old-timer by the real newbies! It's a funny place to be, but it really does sum up where I am in this chapter of life!

#sol24 Wars, Wonders, and Women

 

This Memorial Day, the parades and ceremonies honoring those lost to wars were cancelled or postponed due to impending dangerous storms, but I did find myself reflecting on wars from a slightly different perspective:

I recently read The Women (Kristen Hannah), which chronicles a fictional Army nurse before, during and after tours in Vietnam. I have been haunted by reminders that most Americans did not realize there were women risking their lives to support the injured over there. I have been haunted by the lasting physical and emotional scars of war. I wonder why their stories have not been shared? I wonder how these women are doing now? 

I also reflected on The Code Girls (Munzy) which chronicles the real lies of young women who were recruited for the meticulous work of code-breaking which shortened WWII. They were sworn to secrecy and their stories were silenced for more than 70 years. I wonder about the frustration that decades of silence caused? I wonder about the messages they decoded and the information they buried? I now suspect my Aunt was one of them after piecing her WAC timeline and  her discharge papers. But, I will never know for sure.

Perhaps,"we have come a long way" as women now serve with men rather than behind them? I wonder about the impact of more women in "definitive" and "leadership" roles?