I was just reading my 1-1-11 posting, and I am sorry I haven't written in the meantime. But these things just get away from me.
Granddaughter Esther and her husband had their baby, Wesley Philip Varner, II, on January 20. He weighed in in excess of 8#, and was over 20 inches long. Quote a bit bigger baby than Jenny's little Keeley. A couple of posts back I mentioned that with these two babies, and now Ruth expecting in May, I would probably not have any more babies in the family for the rest of 2011, and then just a few days after I made this comment, I learned that my stepgrandson Vinnie and his wife are expecting again in June. So you see, it just doesn't stop.
Our winter got off to a good, wet start, but then it went on vacation. We have had very little rain for the last several weeks. It has been more like spring. Beautiful sun shiny days, temperatures in the 60s and even the 70s, with very little rain. Now, they tell us this is all going to change. I believe starting tomorrow it is supposed to rain every day for the rest of the week. Beyond that, who knows. All I know is, I am sure glad I live in this part of California. It seems the rest of the country, even southern California, has really been having some severe weather. I'm glad I don't have to put up with that.
I subscribe to a bunch of magazines (11 I believe) and really enjoy them. Nothing to do with current events, sports, fashion, etc. Mostly they are home magazines and memory magazines. By this I mean Country, Country extra, Reminisce, Reminisce extra, Family Circle, Women's Day, Reader's Digest, etc. You may not be familiar with the first ones, but they are the kind that just never go out of date. I am often reminded of things from my youth by what I read in these magazines. In fact, in the Deember/January issue of Country I found an item that brought back some very vivid memories of not too long ago. It was just a short item called "A Lame Duck" and I quote - " A hunter stopped by the butcher shop to buy a duck. 'I'm sorry, but we have no ducks today' the butcher told him. 'How about a nice leg of lamb?' The hunter replied 'Don't be silly, I can't tell my wife I shot a leg of lamb, can I?'
This reminded me of a story about my husband, HRR. He was not a "typical" man, in that he was not one for any kind of sports - athletic, shooting, fishing, etc. One year the fellow he worked with at the county print shop talked HRR into going for a weekend fishing trip with some other guys. Well, when they came home, HRR was the pround possessor of three or four of the nicest fish - chinook salmon, and a couple of trout. I was so proud of him. We even made a bed in the grass to take pictures of his catch. Everything was fine until the next bank statement came in the mail, and there was a cancelled check made payable t a FISH FARM where he had purchased the fish he "caught". I don't remember being upset with him, but we sure had a lot of laughs over this situation thru the years, and this note in the magazine reminded me so much of this particular incident.
Most of the years since I have had a family I have bragged about how they all lived within 15 minutes or so of me. Well, that has sure change the past few years. Now my daughters are scattered - one in Marysville, one in Yuba City, one in Roseville, one in Nevada and one in Texas.
I have a grandson in Seattle, a granddaughter in Natomas (Sacramento) two grandkids in Texas, one in Oroville, a step in the Bay Area, a step in Virginia, a step in Seattle, and great grandchildren as above plus one in Tennessee. Sure not all close together any more. So, when I brag about 17 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren, it sounds like I am surrounded by family, but really they are pretty well scattered around and I don't get to enjoy them as much as I would like. Oh well ----
Well, it's getting late, and I'd better call this quits for now -
Later
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Yes, it is 1-1-11 and the start of a new year. May it be a Prosperous and Happy one for each of you. Do you realize the significance of the 1-1-11? The significance ito me is that if you use just one number for the month and date, and two for the year, they are all the same. Stop and think about it. How often does that happen? When will it happen again? Actually as I see it, the next time such a thing will happen will be on Veterans' Day, November 11, 2011 (11-11-11). Then such a number will not occur until 12-12-12. Then it won't happen for a very long time, as I see it. I can remember back in the '70s, thinking about how neat it would be to live to see the turn of the century (2000) and I thought "I will be 70 years old then - wow, that's old). Well, it has been 10 years since the turn of the century and I am now 80 years old. And, my great-grandchildren just born could very easily live to see the turn of the next century (2100) Wow!!
When I wote my Christmas blogs I mentioned the card I had received which said "this Christmas might feel different from some we have had---". Well, yes, this Christmas felt very different. It is the first time I can remember of having nothing special for pre Christmas. I didn't even get to go see the Christmas llights, something I really enjoy doing. When we were observing Christmas the Sunday before, I spent Christmas Eve alone several times, but this time it did seem different. My housemate went to her family for the evening, and I was left entirely alone - strange. Christmas morning, Kathy came and got me and took me to her home for the day. There was nothing too special about the day - she had lunch of a deli tray for sandwihes, a shrimp tray and non alcoholic beverages. Everyone had gone by about 2:30.
Oh, I missed the start. My granddaughter, Jenny, gave birth to her baby at 1:02 am Dec 24 (Christmas Eve Day). Keeley Nicole Boley was born at 1:02, Dec 24, 2010. She weighed 5#8 oz and was 18 1/2 inches long (I swear she can't be more than 15 1/2 inches. My smallest was 7#4 oz so Keeley seems so tiny. Anyway Christmas Day evening we went to Dave & Jenny's at about 4 pm and spent the evening with them. It was about 10:30 pm by the time I got back home, and then Kathy had to drive back to Marysville - another 45 minutes. So it was quite a busy day, and definitely different from any other.
We have had a very wet but uneventful week. I wanted to watch the New Years' fireworks from Old Sacramento last night, but it didn't work. Old Sac had two displays - one at 9 pm for the kids, and another at midnight - so parents did not have to keep their kids up so late. Anyway I thought maybe I could see them from our back patio, but the house right behind us makes that impossible. I did see one burst so I knew just where it was. That is such a beautiful house, and they must have the most fantastic views, but it sure screws up our being able to see things south of us. So, I watched the ll pm news and went to bed. I got up early enough this morning to watch the Rose Bowl Parade. I saw it on the Hallmark Channel (I didn't know it carried it) without commercial. Once in awhile they would run on the screen "The 122nd Rose Bowl Parade is being brought to you by *****" without making any interruption in the parade. It was really nice.
Well, I can't think of much else to write about right now, so I'll just repeat my wish - have a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
1-1-11
When I wote my Christmas blogs I mentioned the card I had received which said "this Christmas might feel different from some we have had---". Well, yes, this Christmas felt very different. It is the first time I can remember of having nothing special for pre Christmas. I didn't even get to go see the Christmas llights, something I really enjoy doing. When we were observing Christmas the Sunday before, I spent Christmas Eve alone several times, but this time it did seem different. My housemate went to her family for the evening, and I was left entirely alone - strange. Christmas morning, Kathy came and got me and took me to her home for the day. There was nothing too special about the day - she had lunch of a deli tray for sandwihes, a shrimp tray and non alcoholic beverages. Everyone had gone by about 2:30.
Oh, I missed the start. My granddaughter, Jenny, gave birth to her baby at 1:02 am Dec 24 (Christmas Eve Day). Keeley Nicole Boley was born at 1:02, Dec 24, 2010. She weighed 5#8 oz and was 18 1/2 inches long (I swear she can't be more than 15 1/2 inches. My smallest was 7#4 oz so Keeley seems so tiny. Anyway Christmas Day evening we went to Dave & Jenny's at about 4 pm and spent the evening with them. It was about 10:30 pm by the time I got back home, and then Kathy had to drive back to Marysville - another 45 minutes. So it was quite a busy day, and definitely different from any other.
We have had a very wet but uneventful week. I wanted to watch the New Years' fireworks from Old Sacramento last night, but it didn't work. Old Sac had two displays - one at 9 pm for the kids, and another at midnight - so parents did not have to keep their kids up so late. Anyway I thought maybe I could see them from our back patio, but the house right behind us makes that impossible. I did see one burst so I knew just where it was. That is such a beautiful house, and they must have the most fantastic views, but it sure screws up our being able to see things south of us. So, I watched the ll pm news and went to bed. I got up early enough this morning to watch the Rose Bowl Parade. I saw it on the Hallmark Channel (I didn't know it carried it) without commercial. Once in awhile they would run on the screen "The 122nd Rose Bowl Parade is being brought to you by *****" without making any interruption in the parade. It was really nice.
Well, I can't think of much else to write about right now, so I'll just repeat my wish - have a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
1-1-11
Friday, December 17, 2010
Holidays, again
When I signed off last night, I thought I was through for probably 20l0. Then I realized a couple of things - 1. I forgot to mention that one of the biggest things that happened in our family since my last posting in September is the fact that Judy and her household have moved from the Yuba Sutter area - this time for good. By her household, I mean her, her husband and all five of their cats. I already miss them so much. But they have to do what they think is right for them.
And, I think I goofed. I said I would post on January lst so I could date it 1-1-10 and next year I would be able to say 1-1-11. Well, shoot, in just a couple of weeks it will be 1-1-11, and not a year from now.
My Christmas spirit is getting lifted so much. I got another card today that really boosted my spirits. It's as if the senders of these two cards knew just how I was feeling and what to do to make me feel better.
Well, again, have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Beth
And, I think I goofed. I said I would post on January lst so I could date it 1-1-10 and next year I would be able to say 1-1-11. Well, shoot, in just a couple of weeks it will be 1-1-11, and not a year from now.
My Christmas spirit is getting lifted so much. I got another card today that really boosted my spirits. It's as if the senders of these two cards knew just how I was feeling and what to do to make me feel better.
Well, again, have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Beth
Merry Chriatmas
I can't believe I haven't posted since early September. That's ridiculous! It's not as if nothing of interest has happened - shoot I can always find something to write about.
Living in the situation I do, I don't get much opportunity to participate in such things as "Trick or Treat". I live in a restricted area - no one under 55 yrs old. So, we don't get kids going house to house trick or treating like we used to. And, when I lived at the Assisted Living Facility, there were always Girl Scouts groups, or church groups coming around with treats for the residents. We had one trick-or- treater this year, and that was Artiemay's great=granddaughter. She and her mother were both dressedin costume, and it was really cute to have her. Of course they came in the daytime, not the evening. This little girl is just 2 weeks younger than my twin great-grandsons, so it is easy to mentally keep track of them.
September brought a new great=granddaughter - Mikayla Rae Grimes - in Texas. I have seen pictures of her on her mother's blog, and she is really cute.
November brought the elections. Not being a Presidential election, it was amazing how much interest there was in some of the lesser offices - especially here in California. Although things did not turn out all as I wished, I know we have to accept and try to live with what was given us.
November is of course, several family birthdays - none the least, my own. I was 80 this year. And I thought I would be ancient when I turned 70 at the turn of the century. I know I am feeling it now, but I think that is because I have a couple rather serious health probems which pretty much restrict my physical activities. Otherwise my health is really pretty good. Also having birthdays in November two daughters, & the twins. Then of course there is Thanksgiving. It has been several years since I have hosted Thanksgiving dinner, and boy did my fingers itch to do some real cooking - but that is impossible for several reasons. Well, this year I joined Judy and Steve and we went to Oroville to granddaughter Ruth's for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, and I spent the night at Kathy's and Friday Kathy, Rick & I went to Rick's son and his family for a second Thanksgiving. So I got my fill of Turkey and all the trimmings. Both were very traditional dinners, but the environment was so different. Thurs. there was only one child and a baby with 15 adults, and Fri. there were about 5 or 6 kids under 10, and about 8-9 adults. So you can see what I mean about the environment being so different. On Sautrday I went with Kathy over to my grand daughter Jenny's to go through my Christmas Decorations. I have so many - and most of them are really nice, but I doubt if I will ever do any major decorating again, so we decided to just get rid of most of my decorations. I offered most of them to some of the family, but as I am finding out with much about me and my life, I am either too old fashioned, or I'm too formal. Most of my tree ornaments were too formal for the families. They are beautiful glass balls - mostly gold or white with gold trim. So there are some people who shop regularly at Salvation Army (Sally's) who will have the opportunity to get some very nice decorations for their trees. It was hard to do, but something I knew had to be done. Of course, I did not get rid of everything. I still have some special ornaments that I will keep until I die.
Let's see, we got a new baby in September. Jenny is expecting again early in January, and so is Esther. They are due about the same time, so we will see who gets here first. Then, Ruth and Andy are expecting in May. That will give me I believe it is 22 blood great=grandchildren and 10 step great grand-children. And that should be it for 2011. Maybe.
But then, Erik just announced his engagement to Cyndi, so who knows? That was another wonderful piece of news to receive just recently.
And now comes the Holiday Season. Remember a year or two ago when there was so much fuss made about not saying "Merry Christmas" but we should say "Happy Holidays"? So many people got so up in arms about this matter, and I have to admit I guess I was one of them. But, for some reason this year it doesn't bother me a bit if people say "Merry Christmas" "Happy New Year" or "Happy (whatever the holiday mey be), I don't think I have ever heard where the expression"Merry Christmas" got started anyway. It would really make more sense to say "Have a Blessed Christmas". What does Merry have to do with it anyway. And have you ever looked back at some of the old fashioned greeting cards - lots of them said "Season's Greetings". Personally I think it is easier to say "Happy Holidays" than to say "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year". The Christmas Season has hit me real hard this year. For sseveral years now I have not hosted the fmily Christmas party and I guess I really miss doing it. And, since I quit doing it, we have never been able to establish a Christmas tradition, and that tratition is rather important to me. I really don't have any place to put Holiday decorations here, and Artiemae is not doing much this year - her health is failing her. So I have been sitting here feeling pretty depressed about the whole thing. Then, today I got a card in the mail that just expressed my sentiments exactly and told me that people did understand. I'm not going to say who sent it, maybe you can figure it out, but I am going to share it with all of you -
it read - Mother - The very best part of Christmas isn't how we celebrate or where...It's who we share it with. This Christmas might feel different than some we've had, but it will still be special, and you'll still be at the heart of it, just as loved and appreciated as ever.
That so expressed just the way I have been feeling, but now I feel better about the whole season, so Merry Chirstmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kawanzaa, and even Happy New Year. Whatever- I hope you have a Blessed Christmas and a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
See you in 2011. I'm going to try to write on the 1st, and then I can date my blog 1-1-10. Just wait , next year it will be 1-1-11!!
Living in the situation I do, I don't get much opportunity to participate in such things as "Trick or Treat". I live in a restricted area - no one under 55 yrs old. So, we don't get kids going house to house trick or treating like we used to. And, when I lived at the Assisted Living Facility, there were always Girl Scouts groups, or church groups coming around with treats for the residents. We had one trick-or- treater this year, and that was Artiemay's great=granddaughter. She and her mother were both dressedin costume, and it was really cute to have her. Of course they came in the daytime, not the evening. This little girl is just 2 weeks younger than my twin great-grandsons, so it is easy to mentally keep track of them.
September brought a new great=granddaughter - Mikayla Rae Grimes - in Texas. I have seen pictures of her on her mother's blog, and she is really cute.
November brought the elections. Not being a Presidential election, it was amazing how much interest there was in some of the lesser offices - especially here in California. Although things did not turn out all as I wished, I know we have to accept and try to live with what was given us.
November is of course, several family birthdays - none the least, my own. I was 80 this year. And I thought I would be ancient when I turned 70 at the turn of the century. I know I am feeling it now, but I think that is because I have a couple rather serious health probems which pretty much restrict my physical activities. Otherwise my health is really pretty good. Also having birthdays in November two daughters, & the twins. Then of course there is Thanksgiving. It has been several years since I have hosted Thanksgiving dinner, and boy did my fingers itch to do some real cooking - but that is impossible for several reasons. Well, this year I joined Judy and Steve and we went to Oroville to granddaughter Ruth's for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, and I spent the night at Kathy's and Friday Kathy, Rick & I went to Rick's son and his family for a second Thanksgiving. So I got my fill of Turkey and all the trimmings. Both were very traditional dinners, but the environment was so different. Thurs. there was only one child and a baby with 15 adults, and Fri. there were about 5 or 6 kids under 10, and about 8-9 adults. So you can see what I mean about the environment being so different. On Sautrday I went with Kathy over to my grand daughter Jenny's to go through my Christmas Decorations. I have so many - and most of them are really nice, but I doubt if I will ever do any major decorating again, so we decided to just get rid of most of my decorations. I offered most of them to some of the family, but as I am finding out with much about me and my life, I am either too old fashioned, or I'm too formal. Most of my tree ornaments were too formal for the families. They are beautiful glass balls - mostly gold or white with gold trim. So there are some people who shop regularly at Salvation Army (Sally's) who will have the opportunity to get some very nice decorations for their trees. It was hard to do, but something I knew had to be done. Of course, I did not get rid of everything. I still have some special ornaments that I will keep until I die.
Let's see, we got a new baby in September. Jenny is expecting again early in January, and so is Esther. They are due about the same time, so we will see who gets here first. Then, Ruth and Andy are expecting in May. That will give me I believe it is 22 blood great=grandchildren and 10 step great grand-children. And that should be it for 2011. Maybe.
But then, Erik just announced his engagement to Cyndi, so who knows? That was another wonderful piece of news to receive just recently.
And now comes the Holiday Season. Remember a year or two ago when there was so much fuss made about not saying "Merry Christmas" but we should say "Happy Holidays"? So many people got so up in arms about this matter, and I have to admit I guess I was one of them. But, for some reason this year it doesn't bother me a bit if people say "Merry Christmas" "Happy New Year" or "Happy (whatever the holiday mey be), I don't think I have ever heard where the expression"Merry Christmas" got started anyway. It would really make more sense to say "Have a Blessed Christmas". What does Merry have to do with it anyway. And have you ever looked back at some of the old fashioned greeting cards - lots of them said "Season's Greetings". Personally I think it is easier to say "Happy Holidays" than to say "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year". The Christmas Season has hit me real hard this year. For sseveral years now I have not hosted the fmily Christmas party and I guess I really miss doing it. And, since I quit doing it, we have never been able to establish a Christmas tradition, and that tratition is rather important to me. I really don't have any place to put Holiday decorations here, and Artiemae is not doing much this year - her health is failing her. So I have been sitting here feeling pretty depressed about the whole thing. Then, today I got a card in the mail that just expressed my sentiments exactly and told me that people did understand. I'm not going to say who sent it, maybe you can figure it out, but I am going to share it with all of you -
it read - Mother - The very best part of Christmas isn't how we celebrate or where...It's who we share it with. This Christmas might feel different than some we've had, but it will still be special, and you'll still be at the heart of it, just as loved and appreciated as ever.
That so expressed just the way I have been feeling, but now I feel better about the whole season, so Merry Chirstmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kawanzaa, and even Happy New Year. Whatever- I hope you have a Blessed Christmas and a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
See you in 2011. I'm going to try to write on the 1st, and then I can date my blog 1-1-10. Just wait , next year it will be 1-1-11!!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
This 'n that!!
Hi - did you think I had given up? No such luck! I did not realize it had been so long since I had posted, but I have a pretty good excuse (at least I think it is). I forgot my password and misplaced the booklet I had written it in. So, today, I just took a chance, and voila! I came up with the right one.
To touch a little on a few of my last posts - I mentioned how the transportation problem really gets in my way. Well, that is kinda working itself out. I did get to go to the one genealogy meeting, and would still like to go to more, but so far no one has come forth and offered me a ride. I have found several at pinocle who are willing to give me rides. One man shares my philosophy on this ride business. In order to participate in the activities at the Sun City Lodges (Orchard Creeek or Kalaga Springs) you have to live in Sun City and be a homeowner. Well, since I am considered a "co-owner" with Artiemae I have my membership in the homeowners association. So, I can participate in these things. One gentleman who plays cards has been coming to pick me up and bring me home. As he said last night (and I thoroughly agree with him), "If you live in Sun City, you cannot be more than about five miles at most from any of the other members, and that is surely not too far to go to make it possible for someone to take part in the activities." He is a really nice man. I have spoken to his wife on the phone. She doesn't play cards, but encourages him to go. Now, I don't know if it will become a regular thing or not, but he has started putting our garbage out at the curb when he brings me home. That is really nice of him. And yes, I am playing cards regularly on Wednesday evenings. We usually have about 7 tables (28 people). And surprisingly, it is mostly men.
I mentioned about the skeletons rattling in my closet. Well, I have had confirmation of the one who served time for "carnal knowledge", and I expect confirmation of the other things. Kinda makes you wonder just who lingers in your past. Maybe I will find someone really notable. But heck, I already have that. After all, I have known all my life that I am a direct descendant of the pioneer Daniel Boone. I don't think I have ever mentioned that these two ladies I am dealing with in finding all this family history are all sorta "related". The first one is in Washington state. I found her by accident - she wasn't who I was looking for, but knew that person. She and HRR are not blood relations, but they share a common aunt & uncle. She is the person who sent me that address in Florida to get in touch with. That lady is the ex-wife of one of HRR's aunts' grandsons.
. Again, none of us are blood related, but are all family connected to each other. Small, small, world.
I also mentioned about finding the video I had made of my trip to Washington in 1994. And, I did have it transferred to a CD. Unfortunately, it only plays on a CD player. I can't use it on my computer without some special equipment. Now, if I can just get some of those scenes copied to stills I'll really have it made. It is so neat to watch that video and see all these people, and they are actually talking to each other. I hope someday my kids, grandkids, and greats can really appreciate what this video means. Several years ago, about 2004, I wrote a small book of stories about when I was a kid. I also included a chapter on my Mother, one on my Father, and on on my wedding day. I have since written some more, but it is still on the computer. I have never printed it out. I gave copies of the book to each of my kids, and to each grandkid, and I hope they will read and enjoy this as well as the video.
Since my last posting, we have had an addition to the family. No, not as you usually think of. This was a wedding. My granddaughter, Ruth, married Andy Smith on August 14. It was quite a different wedding than what we usually think of, but very, very, nice. They were married in an outdoor ceremony at 10 am, with only the immediate families (about 25) present. Then, they had the reception in the evening with many of the rest of the family and lots of friends there. At the wedding, they had no attendants. Ruth had a beautiful ivory satin strapless gown with a wide red satin ribbon as a belt. The whole theme of the wedding and reception was red and white, with a little country thrown in. Very different, and very nice. And, believe it or not, the reception was held in an abondoned milking barn. Of course they had spent hours cleaning it up, but it made a nice setting. A really nice day.
And, you know what, my birthday is coming up pretty soon, and I am becoming quite an "antique" but I am certainly not ready to give up on this world. Heck, I can't. I might miss something exciting in my family. I still have four grandchildren to get married, and the great grandchildren just keep coming. I can't leave yet! Shoot, I have four more great grandchildren coming within the next year.
Well, I think this is enough for now,
Later, alligators -
To touch a little on a few of my last posts - I mentioned how the transportation problem really gets in my way. Well, that is kinda working itself out. I did get to go to the one genealogy meeting, and would still like to go to more, but so far no one has come forth and offered me a ride. I have found several at pinocle who are willing to give me rides. One man shares my philosophy on this ride business. In order to participate in the activities at the Sun City Lodges (Orchard Creeek or Kalaga Springs) you have to live in Sun City and be a homeowner. Well, since I am considered a "co-owner" with Artiemae I have my membership in the homeowners association. So, I can participate in these things. One gentleman who plays cards has been coming to pick me up and bring me home. As he said last night (and I thoroughly agree with him), "If you live in Sun City, you cannot be more than about five miles at most from any of the other members, and that is surely not too far to go to make it possible for someone to take part in the activities." He is a really nice man. I have spoken to his wife on the phone. She doesn't play cards, but encourages him to go. Now, I don't know if it will become a regular thing or not, but he has started putting our garbage out at the curb when he brings me home. That is really nice of him. And yes, I am playing cards regularly on Wednesday evenings. We usually have about 7 tables (28 people). And surprisingly, it is mostly men.
I mentioned about the skeletons rattling in my closet. Well, I have had confirmation of the one who served time for "carnal knowledge", and I expect confirmation of the other things. Kinda makes you wonder just who lingers in your past. Maybe I will find someone really notable. But heck, I already have that. After all, I have known all my life that I am a direct descendant of the pioneer Daniel Boone. I don't think I have ever mentioned that these two ladies I am dealing with in finding all this family history are all sorta "related". The first one is in Washington state. I found her by accident - she wasn't who I was looking for, but knew that person. She and HRR are not blood relations, but they share a common aunt & uncle. She is the person who sent me that address in Florida to get in touch with. That lady is the ex-wife of one of HRR's aunts' grandsons.
. Again, none of us are blood related, but are all family connected to each other. Small, small, world.
I also mentioned about finding the video I had made of my trip to Washington in 1994. And, I did have it transferred to a CD. Unfortunately, it only plays on a CD player. I can't use it on my computer without some special equipment. Now, if I can just get some of those scenes copied to stills I'll really have it made. It is so neat to watch that video and see all these people, and they are actually talking to each other. I hope someday my kids, grandkids, and greats can really appreciate what this video means. Several years ago, about 2004, I wrote a small book of stories about when I was a kid. I also included a chapter on my Mother, one on my Father, and on on my wedding day. I have since written some more, but it is still on the computer. I have never printed it out. I gave copies of the book to each of my kids, and to each grandkid, and I hope they will read and enjoy this as well as the video.
Since my last posting, we have had an addition to the family. No, not as you usually think of. This was a wedding. My granddaughter, Ruth, married Andy Smith on August 14. It was quite a different wedding than what we usually think of, but very, very, nice. They were married in an outdoor ceremony at 10 am, with only the immediate families (about 25) present. Then, they had the reception in the evening with many of the rest of the family and lots of friends there. At the wedding, they had no attendants. Ruth had a beautiful ivory satin strapless gown with a wide red satin ribbon as a belt. The whole theme of the wedding and reception was red and white, with a little country thrown in. Very different, and very nice. And, believe it or not, the reception was held in an abondoned milking barn. Of course they had spent hours cleaning it up, but it made a nice setting. A really nice day.
And, you know what, my birthday is coming up pretty soon, and I am becoming quite an "antique" but I am certainly not ready to give up on this world. Heck, I can't. I might miss something exciting in my family. I still have four grandchildren to get married, and the great grandchildren just keep coming. I can't leave yet! Shoot, I have four more great grandchildren coming within the next year.
Well, I think this is enough for now,
Later, alligators -
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Pinochle
In my last post I mentioned that I was going to go to the Genealogy club at the Sun City Lodge. Well, I did, and yes, I enjoyed it very much. The leader of the group took me, and it was a group meeting, with a speaker. She was the head Archivist for the State of California, and had some very interesting information on how to preserve (store) family documents and pictures. It was really an interesting meeting. However, I'm not sure how much I am going to be able to attend, because all their meetings are in the evening, or Sunday afternoons, and my old bug-a-boo of transportation is always there.
Tonight I went to play Pinochle. They have a group who meet on Wednesday evenings to play single deck, and another group (I'm sure some of them are the same prople) who meet on Friday afternoon to play double deck. Since I do not play double deck, I am stuck with the evening group. Artymae took me down this evening, and was going to come get me to bring me home, but I found a gentleman who lives just the next block over from me, who brought me home, and is willing to provide me with rides whenever he can. He's really a nice guy. As I say, he lives just the next street over, parallel to Hidden Hills. He is black, and drives a Golf cart - it's neat. I am really looking forward to getting to know this bunch - they seem to have a kot of fun. When we were in Washington in 1954, a lot of the Olsons played pinochle, and they had a way of scoring where if you thought you were going to be able to take all the tricks, you could claim that you would Shoot The Moon, and if you were successful, you got 75 points instead of 25. If you were not successful, you lost 75 points and did not get credit for what you did get. Believe me it is not easy to take all the cards, but it could have happened two out of four hands at the last table I played at. But, we both chickened out and did not claim it, so of course, we did not get it.
Maybe, just maybe, I have finally found a group I will be able to mix with. I sure hope so. And especially Pinochle, because I do love playing. There is one lady who plays who will be 100 years old in November. She seems sweet, but of course, is very hard of hearing, and when she goes to the ladies' room, you can figure she will be gone at least 10-15 minutes.
Well, this is short, but I am excited about getting a chance to get involved, so, I just had to write it while I could.
More next time - that's all for now,
Beth
Tonight I went to play Pinochle. They have a group who meet on Wednesday evenings to play single deck, and another group (I'm sure some of them are the same prople) who meet on Friday afternoon to play double deck. Since I do not play double deck, I am stuck with the evening group. Artymae took me down this evening, and was going to come get me to bring me home, but I found a gentleman who lives just the next block over from me, who brought me home, and is willing to provide me with rides whenever he can. He's really a nice guy. As I say, he lives just the next street over, parallel to Hidden Hills. He is black, and drives a Golf cart - it's neat. I am really looking forward to getting to know this bunch - they seem to have a kot of fun. When we were in Washington in 1954, a lot of the Olsons played pinochle, and they had a way of scoring where if you thought you were going to be able to take all the tricks, you could claim that you would Shoot The Moon, and if you were successful, you got 75 points instead of 25. If you were not successful, you lost 75 points and did not get credit for what you did get. Believe me it is not easy to take all the cards, but it could have happened two out of four hands at the last table I played at. But, we both chickened out and did not claim it, so of course, we did not get it.
Maybe, just maybe, I have finally found a group I will be able to mix with. I sure hope so. And especially Pinochle, because I do love playing. There is one lady who plays who will be 100 years old in November. She seems sweet, but of course, is very hard of hearing, and when she goes to the ladies' room, you can figure she will be gone at least 10-15 minutes.
Well, this is short, but I am excited about getting a chance to get involved, so, I just had to write it while I could.
More next time - that's all for now,
Beth
Monday, July 19, 2010
"old-timers" disease
"Old-timers" disease is so commonly used as a joke if someone who is approaching their golden years - referring of course, to Altzheimers disease. Well, I don't know if it was a good example of Old-timers disease, senility, forgetfulness, stupidity, ignotance, or any number of excuses, but I have just been through what could have been an absolutely embarrassing, expensive goof. My TV is about 16 years old - a Magnavox - and it has served me well. From the day I bought it, I have always used the remote to operate it, and although it has a row of buttons across the front to make your choices (on - off - volume - etc), I have never used them. I use the remote. It was not until a couple of years ago that I even learned which button turned the power on/off. Well, late last evening, something happened, I have no idea what, but there appeared across the lower part of my screen, the letters 4 OF 10 1F. I have no idea what the letters meant, and nothing I could do made any difference. And, I could not turn the TV off. All I got was a screen full of snow, and the lettering was still there. The screen would not go blank. Everything else about the TV worked, including the mute. So, I had to leave the set on, muted, all night long. This morning I spent a long time on the phone with the Direct TV rep, and she finally told me it was not a system problem, it was a TV problem and there was nothing more she could do for me. As I said, my TV is a 16 year old Magnavox. Have you tried to find home service for that make and age of TV? No luck in the yellow pages, so I tried the Internet. And, the closest one I could find was in the Sacramento area, whick would have been 25 miles or more. About that time, Artymae came into my room, and I asked her if she had ever seen anything like what was on my TV. It only took her a couple of minutes to turn the set off with the set on/off switch, and then told me to turn it back on with the remote. Voila!! It worked and is working fine, now. If I had not asked her about it, I would probably called one of the service people off the net, and not only had the embarrassment when the told me what the problem was, but probably a "mileage" service call. See what I mean about stupidity, ignorance, or whatever. I'm just too old for these things. Remember, I'm almost 80 years old. It tales these younger people to figure things like thiis out. You know, Artymae is only 78 years old. Well, anyway, for whatever reason, I'm sure glad it was so easily and cheaply fixed.
I'm going to try something new tonight. Living in Del Webb Sun City, entitleds the resident to membership in the social club. I finally got my membership established a couple weeks ago, and tonight I am going to take advantage of it for the first time. I am going to be attending a workshop of the genealogy group. One of the other members is going to come pick me up. I am really looking forward to it. They meet evenings I think it's twice a month, and once a month they have a Sunday afternoon meeting. Unfortunately, because of the timing of the gatherings, I cannot use the Dial-a-ride, and must be dependent on some other transportation. Same problem I had in Yuba City. This was a problem I faced with the church when I decided to move to Lincoln, and I had so many promises of rides, that never materialized. I hope this works out better. I am also hoping to get involved in their Pinochle group. I really miss playing cards.. I do the best I can with the computer version, but in person is so much more fun. Sp we will see what happens tonight.
Later -
I'm going to try something new tonight. Living in Del Webb Sun City, entitleds the resident to membership in the social club. I finally got my membership established a couple weeks ago, and tonight I am going to take advantage of it for the first time. I am going to be attending a workshop of the genealogy group. One of the other members is going to come pick me up. I am really looking forward to it. They meet evenings I think it's twice a month, and once a month they have a Sunday afternoon meeting. Unfortunately, because of the timing of the gatherings, I cannot use the Dial-a-ride, and must be dependent on some other transportation. Same problem I had in Yuba City. This was a problem I faced with the church when I decided to move to Lincoln, and I had so many promises of rides, that never materialized. I hope this works out better. I am also hoping to get involved in their Pinochle group. I really miss playing cards.. I do the best I can with the computer version, but in person is so much more fun. Sp we will see what happens tonight.
Later -
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