tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6672841747163760852024-03-13T13:35:55.145-07:00Ahead of the WaveNavigating the fine line between steering and surrender....Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1001125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-16043244663628550252012-12-27T21:35:00.000-08:002012-12-30T08:22:18.141-08:001001 Posts and all that JazzI've created this post dozens of times in my head. I've pondered the ways<b> <i>Ahead of the Wave</i></b> might come to its natural end. Would my final post pop with a profound bang or whimper out with a pathetic fizzle? Perhaps somewhere in between?<br />
<br />
1001 posts over five years.....what have I learned? What's different about my life now? Have I grown? Or am I the same person? Furthermore, does anyone care?<br />
<br />
Here's what I know.....<br />
1. Blogging is mostly fun.<br />
2. Sometimes I've lots to say, sometimes there is nothing to say.<br />
3. Blogging can create unwanted pressure.<br />
4. My truest self comes out on these pages but still, it isn't all me. I hold back.<br />
5. Fundamentally, I'm very opinionated. And, probably mean. Two people near and dear to me remind of this all the time. <br />
6. I miss my Mom; a lot. There are still questions I need to ask her and wisdom I could use.<br />
7. My Dad is a love but he cannot hear. Screaming at him is irksome, beyond belief.<br />
8. I'm happy with myself and what I believe.<br />
9. I may want to be eternally ahead of the wave but realize this isn't realistic and not really desireable in the end. Life is short; being buried by the wave at times is what makes each day new.<br />
10. Christmas is my least favorite time of year. In fact this Christmas 2012 was the worst Christmas ever. That's why there's<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=667284174716376085#editor/target=post;postID=4512430007412717155"> the day before Thanksgiving</a>; a truly blessed day.<br />
<br />
.
Much love to all and thanks for reading!
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-45124300074127171552012-11-21T17:15:00.002-08:002012-11-21T17:15:41.555-08:00My Favorite DayThis day, this wonderful day before Thanksgiving has always been my "favorite-ist" day of the year and hopefully will be forever. Why the day spells magic and joy to me I don't exactly understand although I've some ideas. <br />
<br />
For one, the Thanksgiving Day holiday is my favorite holiday of the year; better than Christmas. The day is about all the right things; loved ones and time together, sharing a great meal. What could be nicer? I love that Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday, the fourth Thursday of November. The time of week makes for a very nice four day weekend for many of us, unlike Christmas or New Years that can fall on any day of the week. I love the loaded plate of food, the tastes all blending together. I love the leftovers. I even love the preparation and (sigh) even the cleanup. The fall decorations are beautiful.<br />
<br />
This is prime time, people.<br />
<br />
But the day before Thanksgiving? This is the day of promise, the beginning, the quiet anticipation growing, the joyful thought about how nice it will be to gather together once again as family, as friends, as grateful people enjoying the bounty of our lives. I always stop to think about my extended family and where they are on this day, what they're doing and no matter how far afield they may be, I can draw them close in my thoughts. I remember those loved ones no longer here but who were once such important faces around the table.<br />
<br />
Recent tradition holds that we'll watch <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Charlie_Brown_Thanksgiving">A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving</a> video, eat pizza, and snack o <a href="http://www.chex.com/Recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=6709">Party Mix</a>. No matter the weather, it's time to be gathered inside together.<br />
<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!</div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-60139395200914114132012-11-06T09:24:00.000-08:002012-11-06T09:24:45.346-08:00A Week Later: AmbivalentWell, here we are. Election Day 2012. But, that's not really the point of my post today.<br />
<br />
My last post was a week ago, the day after the big storm, Hurricane Sandy, hit the East Coast. I can barely fathom that it's been but a week; it seems so much longer. We were so fortunate. Nothing untoward came our way. My heart aches for the devastation, the loss of lives, the injuries and hardships of those affected by this terrible storm. In mid-town Manhattan, there was little evidence of a problem aside from lighter traffic, closed businesses, and tourists moving about the old fashioned way: on their two feet.<br />
<br />
By Wednesday, Halloween Day, traffic was hectic as people busted out their vehicles to make it to work with a downed subway and bus system. More places were open, including the Broadway shows which had been dark for three days. We bought tickets for the matinee performance of <a href="http://www.oncemusical.com/index.html?gclid=CKfVpOzpurMCFW1yQgodnVAAvw#googsearch">Once</a> and enjoyed an early dinner on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restaurant_Row_%28Manhattan%29">"restaurant row"</a> in the theatre district. The food was amazing at <a href="http://becco-nyc.com/">Beccos </a>and the wait staff were all in costume. All very festive and light hearted.<br />
<br />
In retrospect, had I truly understood all the sadness and pain going on within a fifty mile radius at the very same time, the enjoyment would have evaporated. When you don't know, you don't know. The human stories come forth days later; they did in New Orleans with Hurricane Katrina, with 9/11, with the massive Asian tsunami of 2004, with the earthquake in Japan. The details take time to surface and spread and in the meantime, most of us (even those in the middle of the fray, unscathed) keep moving forward with our lives.<br />
<br />
I'm glad we went to New York. The days spent in the big city were epic, unprecedented, and we saw and experienced things that we will likely never see again. Empty streets, closed businesses, cordoned off subway access points. I learned that geography was on our side as we hunkered down in mid-town Manhattan, protected by tall buildings and removed from the wilds of Battery Park and the southern tip of the island where havoc played out while the rest of us sighed in relief.<br />
<br />
By Thursday, Manhattan north of 34th Street started to look and act like "the city" again. We took in more sights, another Broadway play, good food, and walked our legs off. Meanwhile....grief stricken people were close by.<br />
<br />
The juxtaposition in hindsight gives me an odd feeling. Could I have done anything useful to help? Or was it "OK" to simply go on with a vacation and make the best of poor timing?<br />
<br />
You can see, I'm wondering. <div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-57493338469953857292012-11-05T09:25:00.000-08:002012-11-06T14:54:31.734-08:00Strategic Eating in NYCD and I learned that good food is reasonably priced in New York City. I sort of knew this from a couple of trips over the last decade but D had not been in the city since the late 1960's. He imagined that meals would be outrageously expensive everywhere. But, not so; especially if you stick to the main rule: <u><b>NEVER eat in a hotel restaurant, especially at breakfast</b></u>. If you do, be for-warned that 2 eggs, bacon, toast, hash browns, and coffee will set you back 28 bucks.<br />
<br />
We avoided standard breakfast fare entirely choosing to buy wonderful looking and tasting pastries from bakeries the day before and enjoying them in our hotel room with a cup of coffee before setting out for the day. Denny found a great authentic bagel spot on Third Avenue called<a href="http://www.ess-a-bagel.com/"> Ess-a-Bagel</a> which reminded me again that not all bagels are created equal. Nothing like seeing those bagels being made right in front of you and having a choice of two dozen types of cream cheese that gets slathered on an half inch thick<br />
<br />
As for lunch and dinner, we found great choices everywhere from restaurant row on West 46th Street to the delis on 7th Ave and the 50's. We ate at<a href="http://www.carnegiedeli.com/home.php"> Carnegie Deli</a> twice; splitting the enormous hot pastrami sandwich which clearly feeds two for the price of one. Then there was the unexpectedly great lunch at an Irish Pub, one of the few places open the day after the hurricane where we enjoyed a Guinness and corned beef. Two nights when very little was open owing to the storm, we ate great tasting pizza from a small storefront on Lexington just by the hotel.<br />
<br />
We did not go hungry and we didn't break the bank.<br />
<br />
The cost of hotel accommodations is a separate story.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-36077518850605692262012-10-30T07:51:00.000-07:002012-10-30T07:51:34.832-07:00The Damage after the StormDenny and I ventured out of the hotel after dark last night to buy some dinner. We spied a pizza/pasta joint within 50 yards of the Barclay and thought a quick sprint would be safe. The rain was light and the wind relatively calm. The restaurant was bustling with hungry folk. We took our pizza slices and a piece of NY cheesecake to go and were back to the safety of our 10th floor hotel room within 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
We were glued to the TV until midnight, channel surfing to catch all the news of the storm we could take in. We never lost power and heard but a few gusts of wind powerful enough to catch our attention. Lower Manhattan took a huge hit with flooding at Battery Park, the FDR highway, and the subway system. The power went out south of 34th street and remains out. Backup generators at NY Hospital didn't work and patients required evacuation to other medical centers in the middle of the night. A dangling crane from a building under construction on 7th Avenue forced closure of streets in the area for fear of the crane would fall with gusting winds.<br />
<br />
And this is just Manhattan. We've been watching the news out of New Jersey which sounds horrific and the boroughs of NYC, Long Island and beyond.<br />
<br />
This is the first time I don't regret our decision to cancel the cruise, due to depart NYC tomorrow. Will that cruise actually leave the city? How will passengers get into the city when all three airports are closed? Wow.<br />
<br />
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More later.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-43328359062078030892012-10-29T12:55:00.002-07:002012-10-29T12:55:54.585-07:00In NYC for the Big Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LEKFZSZDVSA/UI7YuydUYkI/AAAAAAAAFB4/ZGnrNw_ILDM/s1600/hurricane+sandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LEKFZSZDVSA/UI7YuydUYkI/AAAAAAAAFB4/ZGnrNw_ILDM/s400/hurricane+sandy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm not sure how this happened but....we find ourselves in the the big city for the "storm of the century", Hurricane Sandy. It's been many a year since Denny and I've lived through a hurricane; the last was Alicia when she hit Houston in 1983. That's a long time ago.<br />
<br />
Several days back Denny pointed out that the storm hovering out in the southern Atlantic might hit the east coast sometime during our 5 day trip to New York City. I gave the concern very little thought. As it turns out, our flight from Seattle arrived in to Newark Liberty airport in the nick of time last evening. Plus...we were lucky enough to get one of the last trains from Newark into Penn Station.<br />
<br />
You'd never know anything was amiss aside from lighter traffic. Times Square was abuzz last night with tourists. We enjoyed a great hot pastrami sandwich at the Carnegie Deli on storm's eve with mild 60 degree temps and a slight breeze.<br />
<br />
The storm ramps up today. Fewer people are out and about and taxis are about the only vehicles aside from police cars on the roads. Most shops are closed. We did manage a great lunch at The National, one of Geoffrey Zacharian's (iron chef!) restaurants. The chef himself was there, eating with his family and Denny thanked him for keeping his place open. "My pleasure", and a big smile from Geoffrey.<br />
<br />
So now we sit in our hotel room with a bottle of Sauv Blanc and the TV on with all the hype about the storm. There's a crane dangling from the top of a 90 story building under construction in mid town Manhattan (not far from here). Yikes.<br />
<br />
Here's some pics of Manhattan from last night and today.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTXUufB4SaQ/UI7dJTeISCI/AAAAAAAAFCU/lwcCdSUuvhQ/s1600/143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTXUufB4SaQ/UI7dJTeISCI/AAAAAAAAFCU/lwcCdSUuvhQ/s400/143.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carnegie Deli Hot Pastrami</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qL5OpMhRsk4/UI7dXEVxSkI/AAAAAAAAFCc/VpTApJ67I7g/s1600/141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qL5OpMhRsk4/UI7dXEVxSkI/AAAAAAAAFCc/VpTApJ67I7g/s400/141.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4agEocwGY4/UI7dxoKS8iI/AAAAAAAAFCk/kHgiMWlAfvY/s1600/157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4agEocwGY4/UI7dxoKS8iI/AAAAAAAAFCk/kHgiMWlAfvY/s400/157.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty Streets NYC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-76pi6XN0lXU/UI7eBpHqzoI/AAAAAAAAFC8/MBpb_ZNjwDY/s1600/164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-76pi6XN0lXU/UI7eBpHqzoI/AAAAAAAAFC8/MBpb_ZNjwDY/s400/164.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at the National</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9CZ5CI0DN0/UI7eHQqvIHI/AAAAAAAAFDE/vGyYCO0NLJc/s1600/165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9CZ5CI0DN0/UI7eHQqvIHI/AAAAAAAAFDE/vGyYCO0NLJc/s400/165.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bar at National</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over and out!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-23411762069358449192012-10-12T20:25:00.000-07:002012-10-13T08:25:56.448-07:00Missing My MomTwo years ago this morning, on a sunny, crisp fall day, my Mom died. She was declining for days prior, lying in her bed at the adult family home, family sitting vigil at her bedside. The morning before she died she woke up enough to recognize MM and me before slipping back into a coma of sorts. The next day, she was gone, somewhere around 7:30 to 8 AM.<br />
<br />
At that sacred moment of her death, my Dad was in the living room at the home, I was en route, driving and my sister not far behind me in her car. The lovely person in attendance with Mom at the very moment of her last breath was<i><b> Yerusalem</b></i>, a very dear and loving caregiver. I'm so glad it was she who was in attendance. I so wanted to be there, holding Mom's hand. I will regret always ignoring my instinct to stay the night and coming on home to sleep. These are things that can never be undone. <br />
<br />
Today on my drive to work, drops of rain fell from grey skies. Temperatures were in the low 50's. I thought about Mom and all of life that has been lived since her passing. I longed for her presence here and now. I longed for her advice, her wisdom; especially now when there is so much about my life's plan that has been upended.<br />
<br />
I figure I will always miss her. Mom missed her mother decades after her death. This may be a loss from which we never fully recover.<br />
<br />
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I love you, Mom.<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-39549625899277612902012-10-09T08:20:00.000-07:002012-10-09T08:20:00.018-07:00Words Have Power<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hzgzim5m7oU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
How true.<br />
<br />
Enjoy and be inspired.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-19352409733533937732012-10-08T19:02:00.002-07:002012-10-08T19:04:53.411-07:00He's Meditating on It<span id="goog_2030629704"></span><span id="goog_2030629705"></span>Yesterday I shared the news with my 95 year old Dad.<br />
<br />
"Laura is pregnant".<br />
<br />
A slight, soft smile crossed his face; maybe a small chuckle.<br />
<br />
"I guess this means she's getting married", he said.<br />
<br />
And then I explained the rest of the story. He was thoughtful, quiet, absorbing all that I told him. We sat together in silence. He wasn't upset. He wasn't overjoyed. He took it all in. He listened and ate a couple of York peppermint patties.<br />
<br />
<i><b>"I'm meditating.", </b></i><b>he said</b><i><b>. "I have a lot to think about."</b></i><br />
<br />
I'll be interested in what his meditation brings forth over the coming weeks. He's such an honest man; honest but also thoughtful.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>"She's a beautiful girl that Laura.", </b></i><b>he added.</b><i><b><br /></b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-710381335199412322012-10-06T16:15:00.000-07:002012-10-08T17:52:33.347-07:00When Dad Knows, It's Time for the World to Know.Hearing aids serviced and best possible operating condition: check<br />
<br />
Dad wearing both hearing aids: negative. He was wearing only one<br />
<br />
Dad is a reasonably good mood: negative. He was cranky about the sore on his face, aggravated by "the way the girls on for the weekend shave me" and his burned out light bulb with no replacement in sight.<br />
<br />
Dad and daughter visiting alone: negative. Laura wanted to go with me to visit her grandfather. "There's nothing else to do and going will distract me". (sigh)<br />
<br />
One out of four requisites didn't cut it. Tomorrow may be a better day to let him know our news and be open to his response. I have no clue what he'll say but whatever it is, he'll (probably and hopefully) be honest and say what's on his heart even though he respects privacy <a href="http://aheadofthewave.blogspot.com/2012/09/i-dont-know-and-i-wont-ask.html">(see last post)</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-80595908954765932772012-09-25T22:59:00.000-07:002012-11-06T08:59:29.232-08:00"I Don't Know, and I Won't Ask"....Dad is cool. And here's why I think so....<br />
<br />
Sunday we attended the Homecoming church service at SFB. Homecoming service is a big deal because the choir comes out of hibernation, puts on their blue and white choir robes and music abounds. This after a long, dry summer with a soloist here and there and the organist but none of the great anthems we've come to expect over the years. The service was great and Dad thoroughly enjoyed the music and the fanfare.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>But, he still can't hear worth a damn despite his hearing aids</b>. That's a topic for a separate discussion entirely. He hears the music because the decibel level is up there. As for the greeting, the sermon, the readings, and the prayers; he's basically stone deaf to it all that's spoken in church.<br />
<br />
During one of the hymns, there's an opportunity to come forward with specific prayer requests. In all my years attending church I've only done this once before; one time when Dad was sick and hospitalized back in 2006. I asked for prayers for his healing and the request was read aloud along with multiple other prayer requests.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
This past Sunday, I definitely had something worthy of a prayer or two and so I left my seat with Dad telling him I'd be "right back". I didn't think he even missed me and I certainly didn't think he heard my prayer request. He never mentioned a thing about it.<br />
<br />
Until....the next day, Laura and I stopped by to visit him and we got to talking about how lovely the church service had been.<br />
<br />
Dad: "Yes, and you got up during the hymn and walked up to one of the ministers."<br />
<br />
Me: "Yeah, I had a prayer request. The minister mentioned all the requests during the prayers of the people part of the service. You couldn't hear what she was saying, could you?"<br />
<b><br /></b>
Dad<b>: "No. I couldn't hear anything. I don't know what you were praying for and.....I won't ask".</b><br />
<br />
We laughed and moved right on to another topic of conversation. Dad is very perceptive, even more so it seems in his 90's and at the most unexpected times. He knew there was something on my mind, something that made me want to walk up and talk to a minister with a prayer request but he's never been one to pry. Always willing to listen but he never pushes.<br />
<br />
I do intend to share my prayer request with him. He needs to know. And, perhaps he can offer his sage advice which might possibly be...."It'll all turn out OK in the end".<br />
<br />
Thanks in advance, Dad.<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-56801330615368910672012-09-22T22:11:00.002-07:002012-09-22T22:12:45.258-07:00Resentment vs Guilt<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8tsYX2FJBg/UF6X6Hr2oYI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/YAEID-SL0Nk/s1600/020.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8tsYX2FJBg/UF6X6Hr2oYI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/YAEID-SL0Nk/s320/020.JPG" width="240" /></a>When I visit Dad, as I did today, I.....<br />
<br />
1. Ask how he is sleeping.<br />
2. Water his plant<br />
3. Straighten the framed photos on the wall that have slipped out of place<br />
4. Check the candy and Ensure supply<br />
5. Ask about library books; which ones are ready to go back?<br />
6. Check and remark about the updated Exxon Mobil stock quote<br />
7. Clean and change the batteries in his hearing aids.<br />
8. Hand him his 5 pound weight and encourage him to "lift 200 pounds", a hundred with each arm <br />
9. Check the volume on his telephone<br />
10. Let him know when I'll be back next and ask if he wants anything<br />
<br />
Today he complained about not getting his eye drops. He also couldn't give me a definitive "yes" about going to church on Sunday and told me to call him back on Sunday morning to decide yay or nay. He wasn't happy about his shoes and couldn't understand why his foot care provider wanted him to get a new pair. He told me Geydon will only let him have 2 peppermint patties a day. He pointed out that the carpet in his room had been professionally cleaned recently. He told me that as soon as I left he was going to get one of the caregivers to take him out for a walk. When I told him he looked good today, he said, "Thank you" and smiled.<br />
<br />
Each visit is much the same. He seems to welcome my company but I'm lately feeling as though his world is shrinking smaller. The smallest things are huge for him.<br />
<br />
Sometimes battling the snarled up traffic to drive all the way to Northgate and back seems like such a waste of precious time. I wish he were closer. I spend more time in the car than I do with him. A big bite comes right out of the day when I go to Dad's. Balancing the feelings of resentment with the guilt of not going when I could or should is rough. Guess which is the worse feeling? Yep...guilt is way worse. Always has been and always will be.<br />
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And, tomorrow is another day.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-71946448937271422092012-09-16T10:29:00.002-07:002012-09-16T10:34:52.006-07:00Blurry Edges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm drawn to this photograph for many reasons. Yes, I used this picture in my last blog post, the provocative, <a href="http://aheadofthewave.blogspot.com/2012/09/so-sayeth-soothsayer.html">"world turned upside down"</a> soothsayer entry. But, I return today to study the colors, the shapes of the trees, the blurry edges, and the specks of white that dot the scene. This is a lowly I phone picture taken at the <a href="http://www.manitogardens.com/japanese_garden/manito_japanesegarden.htm">Japanese Garden at Manito Park</a> in Spokane over the Labor Day weekend two weeks ago. I was standing on a wooden bridge that crossed over a serene pool swimming with koi. At once mesmerizing and calming, I felt a slight breeze of cool air in the midst of a very warm day. I looked down into the water and the reflection of the shimmering trees and clouds above looked back at me. The visual experience was, let's say, "nice" at the time and I thought a photo remembrance might be good. I'd been taking I phone pictures all afternoon and this one was just another.<br />
<br />
But, when I actually had time to look at this photograph, I connected more deeply.The colors are lovely and muted. The water and sky become one and the reflected trees are upside down, their crispness distorted into blurred edges. Reminds me a bit of a 19th century painting by Manet or Monet. There is mystery and magic here.<br />
<br />
Perception is not reality and reality is not perception.<br />
<br />
I am awash in changing emotions and thoughts. The photograph gives me some comfort right now and this is what I need most. <div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-70951675019340342182012-09-11T11:55:00.000-07:002012-09-11T11:55:53.338-07:00So Sayeth the Soothsayer......My last post was exactly two weeks ago, on my Birthday. It was a happy, good day. I alluded to something I did that I had never done before in addition to all the other lovely things that consumed my day. What was that thing?<br />
<br />
I visited the psychic, the tarot reader, the soothsayer.<br />
<br />
I've never had my palm read nor have I had my cards read. But, driving by his place of business every day on my way home from work coupled with a bit of hyped-up curiosity, I walked in for a consultation. Much like a seasoned professional, in fact much like the work I do....if you ask the right questions and look carefully at body language, you're 80 percent there. He told me nothing I didn't already know.<br />
<br />
But, he did say with a modicum of urgency and emphasis, "It's going to get worse". "It" is what we talked about. Did he say this to entice me to come back and use phrases like "I guarantee I can help you" to keep me engaged? Likely. Unfortunately, for his wallet, the promise of a guaranteed success story didn't work. I will not be going back. Who in their right mind tells a doctor they can guarantee anything? Especially not when we're talking of matters out of our control. Come on.<br />
<br />
But he was right to tell me that things would get worse. Although it's a pretty good bet in most settings, he was spot on here. 48 hours later my life changed forever and flipped upside down.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-57097761947690796752012-08-27T21:31:00.000-07:002012-09-16T09:47:52.269-07:00Happy Birthday to MeToday was a perfect day, starting with a good night's sleep after a two day camping trip whilst tossing and turning in a sleeping bag inside of a tent. The trip was marvelous but the sleep...not so good.<br />
<br />
I totally indulged myself in the day, my 58th Birthday. <br />
<br />
First the coffee and newspaper.<br />
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Then, the triple pickup: garbage, recycle, and yard waste. Purge!<br />
<br />
Then a sweet call from my darling Daughter.<br />
And, lots of Facebook greetings. <br />
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Then, the much needed haircut from Ching.<br />
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Then, lunch at <a href="http://www.menchies.com/frozen-yogurt-shops/frozen-yogurt-magnolia-village-wa">Menchies</a>, using my gift card to indulge in another triple whammy: coconut, original tart, and watermelon ice topped with mini-chocolate chips. Divine. I am totally addicted.<br />
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Then, a visit to Dad. Bless his heart; he sang <i><b>Happy Birthday</b></i> to me and I caught it on video. Last year he sang to me as well but I didn't have my camera on him in time. I remember praying that he'd remain healthy and with us a full year later so I could hear him sing again. Yes!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxEZU2GrtyotecKNl0aOsymYsigeRX1CnTogQgyDZX_4aFzq9DVjLEQoRpH6iKWyhk3RQWPMZwwJxOJUUBj0w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
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Then, a lovely, relaxing interlude at the salon getting a pedicure whilst reading People Magazine.</div>
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Then, I did something I've never done.....more later. Maybe. </div>
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Then, a wonderful dinner at<a href="http://www.palisaderestaurant.com/"> Palisade</a> with my man.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate and Denny 8/27/12</td></tr>
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Then, a stop at <a href="http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/interbay">Whole Foods</a> for a sweet dessert to enjoy. And, then a call from my wonderful Son and Daughter-in-Law with more greetings. <br />
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And now, I sit with my laptop and ponder how wonderful it is to celebrate birthdays and another blessed year. May there be many more. There is so much living ahead.<br />
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I am blessed. Blessed. And, very grateful.</div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-36056145980420758012012-08-12T20:06:00.000-07:002012-08-12T20:06:04.015-07:00So Sayeth Condoleeza Rice....<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IizyvZ1-i3E/UChqKNCEmkI/AAAAAAAAE5M/YNvsqgIubc4/s1600/condoleeza.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IizyvZ1-i3E/UChqKNCEmkI/AAAAAAAAE5M/YNvsqgIubc4/s1600/condoleeza.jpg" /></a>Condoleeza Rice delivered <a href="http://www.smu.edu/News/2012/commencement-Condoleezza-Rice-speech">a wonderful commencement address</a> to the graduating class of 2012 at Southern Methodist University this past May. She's such an impressive person. Her words to the 2100 young graduates bursting forth into the world after four years of higher education resonated with me. She had, among other comments, four specific bits of advice regarding the<i><b> obligations and responsibilities</b></i> of those educated persons.<br />
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<b>-- "find and follow your passion"; the "something you really believe is a unique calling to you, in other words something you can't live without"</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>-- a "commitment to reason"</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>-- to "graduate with wisdom and humility"</b><br />
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<b>-- to "remain optimistic" and to "work towards human progress"</b><br />
<br />
Love it.<br />
<b> </b><br />
On the topic of wisdom and humility, her words resonate deeply for me. She points out that strong beliefs aside, a wider vision, acknowledging that others have a right to their views is healthy. And, necessary. She says.....<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"There is nothing wrong with holding an opinion and holding it passionately. But at those times when you're absolutely sure that you're right, talk with someone who disagrees. And if you constantly find yourself in the company of those who say "AMEN" to everything that you say, find. other. company."</span></b><br />
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Find other company. Yes. Balance. Expand your thoughts. See what's out there. Respect. <br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-43555632143121118222012-08-12T18:10:00.000-07:002012-08-12T20:16:31.782-07:00Saga of ShoesMy Dad rarely puts in a request for new clothing or shoes. When Mom was alive she told me he declared at age 80 that he owned enough shirts and ties to <i><b>"last forever"</b> </i>and requested<i><b> "no more".</b></i> We've not exactly complied with that request. What else do you get Dad for his Birthday or Christmas or Father's Day but a new shirt and sweater vest? <br />
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Here's Dad wearing a shirt and vest purchased for some such celebratory event. He wears it proudly as he works out with his 5 pound weight. <br />
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<a bp.blogspot.com="bp.blogspot.com" fmtbcmisi="fmtbcmisi" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FOlNoVCvLZE/UCfoXqHja1I/AAAAAAAAE4M/gDKC82KHdZs%20%0A%3Ca%20href=" http:="http:" k="k" s1600="s1600" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" uguast="uguast" uses3idh_lk="uses3idh_lk" vknjh0="vknjh0"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PI1-AvKnJH0/UCfmTBCmISI/AAAAAAAAE3k/uSES3idh_lk/s320/Auguast+2012+052.JPG" width="240" /></a>As for shoes, for the last 6 years he's had only two pair; one black and one brown. The black ones are totally spent. As I think about it, we need to pitch them as he hasn't had them on his feet for years and for good reason. The brown ones, purchased ages back from Lands End, are enormous slip on shoes that have seen use every single day. He's worn them to church (yikes), Thanksgiving dinners, and my Mom's Memorial service. We try not to look at his feet. Attempts to polish them end up a fool's errand as they never look any better. Countless times we've asked Dad if he'd like a new pair. <i><b>"No"</b></i>, sayeth he. Ok, I think. Be that way. You're 95, you can decide for yourself.</div>
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The <b><i>"NO</i></b>" turned into a yes (finally) when Betty, his foot care lady called me to say that Dad's shoes were a disaster; totally eroded on the inside and cutting into his toes. Did Dad complain prior to this? Negative. But, once Betty told him new shoes were highly recommended, shoes were on his mind, constantly.<br />
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My first attempt fizzled when the size 12 B shoes from Macy's were <i><b>"nice but too tight"</b></i>. So, I ordered from Lands End, a 12 wide with shoes to be shipped to his address. Every day I'd ask....<i><b>"Shoes there yet, Dad". "Not yet</b></i>". Sigh. The postal tracking indicated delivery on 7/31. But, there were <i><b>NO DAMN SHOES</b></i> and Dad, although pleasant in his complaints, was clear in his remarks that his current pair "hurt my feet". Sigh.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjw7SQmTq2w/UCfmW2_B5xI/AAAAAAAAE3s/iwHzv49qFZ8/s1600/Auguast+2012+047.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjw7SQmTq2w/UCfmW2_B5xI/AAAAAAAAE3s/iwHzv49qFZ8/s320/Auguast+2012+047.JPG" width="240" /></a>A call to Lands End after waiting several days for the shoes to be delivered revealed that the <i><b>"package must be lost, Ma'am. We'll send another pair in the mail for you right away"</b></i>. Meanwhile, one of the caregivers pointed out that the postman had delivered a "tried to deliver" note. According to the writing to the left: <i><b>"garden sprinkler across entry"</b></i>. The post office can't deal with a garden hose? C'mon! By now, Dad's desperate for shoes and I'm steaming.<br />
<br />
Long story short: I picked up the original pair of shoes at the post office and a day later the second pair arrived. At least he's happy with the fit and style. But, he doesn't want both pair. <i><b>"You'll need to get the ones in the box back to Lands End, sweetheart</b></i>."<br />
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OK Dad. OK.<br />
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Success at last. New shoes and they make him happy. Love it when that happens.....<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-33276911906543062292012-08-12T08:30:00.001-07:002012-08-12T08:30:16.521-07:00Status Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://aheadofthewave.blogspot.com/p/about-this-blog.html"><b><i>Ahead of the Wave</i></b> </a>, this baby of mine, hangs on my consciousness like another bit of unfinished business. Created in late August 2007, <i><b>the Wave</b></i>, will soon celebrate five years and boast nearly 1000 posts. I've not been writing of late because I'm thinking....thinking hard about its future direction. Some of many considerations have included:<br />
<br />
--taking the blog to an even <b><i>1000 posts</i></b> and then.....<br />
--taking the blog to its 5 year anniversary on<i><b> August 24</b></i> and then.....<br />
--pressing on without change, posting intermittently in keeping with my recent pattern, <br />
--ramping up the posting schedule, seeking the prior commitment to writing,<br />
--letting the blog fizzle out,<br />
--and other less definitive ideas.<br />
<br />
Two weeks ago I ordered "hard copies" of my blog from<a href="http://blog2print.sharedbook.com/blogworld/printmyblog/index.html?gclid=CP-Io6Ct4rECFUk0QgodAxkAEQ"> blog2print</a>, a sweet web site that prints each year's posts into a book. I've 2007, 2008, and 2011 so far with 2009 and 2011 pending. Hard copy lined up in a row feels more accomplished to my eye than an accessible, cyber-archive requiring another login and password. Give me a<i><b> real book.</b></i><br />
<br />
I ask myself; has blogging (started to) become passe? I know I'm reading fewer blogs these days finding it hard to keep up. Like most cool fads, at some point something new overtakes the old . Has blogging become old, a bit stale? I don't quite know.<br />
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Then, there's my other blog, <i><b><a href="http://www.mybackintheday.blogspot.com/">Back in the Day</a>, </b></i>a memoir of sorts about my professional life, that demands more thought, time, and effort to write, lying dormant at the moment. Perhaps I should turn my focus in this direction and shoot for 5 years or 1000 post for <i><b>Back in the Day</b></i>.. Lofty goal, this.<br />
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I've always known that <i><b>Ahead of the Wave</b></i> was a springboard to something else. Practice. <br />
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Where I'll go isn't quite clear but at least there options.<br />
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Stay tuned. I'm thinking.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-80948088002369212242012-08-05T09:54:00.000-07:002012-08-05T09:54:48.299-07:00The First Week of August“The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of
the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it
pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from
balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but
the first week of August is motionless, and hot. It is curiously silent,
too, with blank white dawns and glaring noons, and sunsets smeared with
too much color.”
<br /> ―
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1954.Natalie_Babbitt">Natalie Babbitt</a>,
<i>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1955922">Tuck Everlasting</a> </i><br />
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She says it all and so beautifully. This weekend is "motionless, and hot", pulsating in its shimmering potential.<br />
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More to come. <br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-11514923836730812562012-06-25T22:08:00.002-07:002012-06-25T22:34:09.584-07:00Don't Want to Go Home....This, our last day in Kauai is bittersweet; lovely to have another day of vacation but difficult to anticipate the goodbye and harder yet, the arrival back into all those "Seattle issues". Years ago, myy mother-in-law advised wisely that we let all those "things" back home slip away when on vacation. "They'll be right there when you get back", she'd say....and, so true indeed.<br />
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I wish I felt more rested from the standpoint of getting back into the work routine. I don't. Another week in the tropics and maybe..... Sigh.<br />
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I felt the same last year about leaving Kauai. I cried on the way to the airport and will probably do so again.<br />
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This gorgeous place allows my mind to put the crap on hold; if just for a little while.<br />
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Tonight D went out to Da Crack and brought food back. We ate on the lanai, the soft breezes pulling in ends of daylight. Night comes. And then, morning will come.<br />
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I don't want to go home.<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-76354686627495769342012-06-24T23:00:00.000-07:002012-06-24T23:01:17.428-07:00Lanai View<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">early evening</td></tr>
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Whether dusk, dawn, midday or sometime in between, the view from our deck (or as the locals say, "the lanai") at condo #136 is a slice of heaven for me. We've enjoyed this ocean vista for the last six days and have one more full day to languish in this sweet paradise. <br />
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The colors mesmerize me; the powder blue sky against the oceanic cerulean contrasted with the long expanse of green lawn. Oh my. Heaven.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mid day</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span id="goog_829835636"></span><span id="goog_829835637"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-3289978542112056052012-06-11T10:02:00.000-07:002012-06-17T08:38:39.638-07:00Second Monday in JuneI'm feeling strange with an abrupt shift of gears today. Coming off of a 7 day on-call mindset, totally consumed by things medical, I'm back to work at the Arapahoe house. MM and I are at it again; one step at a time, towards the goal of getting the house on the market.<br />
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This is a sad time but I try not to dwell on the meaning of breaking up a home, dispersing every item therein and closing the door for the last time. The finality troubles me.<br />
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This week we're witnessing the fruits of our labors in April where all items of value were photographed and cataloged into a document for all seven grandchildren of Dean and Doris to peruse and select items they might like to have. Furniture, rugs, wall hangings, dishes, crystal, silverware. Everything.<br />
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What I thought would be simple, wasn't. Creating the inventory was an enormous task. We had hundreds of photographs of items divided into categories. MM did the bulk of the work on the master document and the task of encouraging the family to participate in the process in the midst of their busy lives. That was harder than I had anticipated.<br />
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A friend of mine went through this process with her parent's home awhile back. Using a similar list, she was amazed how dispersal seemed to magically "sort itself out". I hope that's the case for us. To some degree we're noticing this with our master list. It's fascinating to learn what's important to the third generation of our family. Everyone is unique. Some have selected many items. Others 2 or 3 at most. Interesting.<br />
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When all is said and done, the "left overs" will either go to thrift shops, consignment, or....get packed up and stored in my home. There are so many things that I can't part with just yet, can't let go into the big world.<br />
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This is hard.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-5238806913272623322012-05-28T21:26:00.001-07:002012-05-28T21:44:07.918-07:00Celebrating VirginiaVirginia Maher would be 98 years old on this 28th day of May if she were still alive. Today we <a href="http://aheadofthewave.blogspot.com/2008/05/virginia.html">celebrated her birthday</a> as we've done for years with the usual meal shared in a booth at<a href="http://www.ilovespiros.com/"> Spiros Restaurant</a> in north Seattle. The Vangelis Special pizza is the only pizza we'd consider ordering on this important day. It's a good thing it's the favorite. Virginia enjoyed this tasty pizza on many an occasion when she lived in Seattle. The tradition of a medium Vangelis Special, iced tea and a small salad lives on today and hopefully for years to come. Delicioso!<br />
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Happy Birthday Virginia!<br />
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I found this photograph of Virginia and her three children taken on Memorial Day 2002, the day before she turned 88. We had a party for her at our house and the family gathered to celebrate. The rhodie was in full bloom on that day, just like today. Happy memories.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 2002/Memoiral Day</td></tr>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-62900722895191633912012-05-28T14:23:00.002-07:002012-05-28T21:27:30.195-07:00Three Day WeekendSometimes it feels really good to do very little except what pleases. This three day holiday weekend has so far been all about a bit of this and a bit of that. In the case of games on the I-Phone, I'll admit it's been a lot of time spent playing <a href="http://zyngawithfriends.com/gameswithfriends/support/Newtoy_Support.html">Words with Friends, Hanging with Friends, and Scramble with Friends. </a>I let myself play as much as my little heart desired, figuring that I'll slip into my age related dementia more slowly if I challenge my mind with word games.<br />
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There was also a trip to church with Dad yesterday which left me feeling guilt-free for the day.<br />
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Plus, 3 two mile walks, amazing food (D made halibut, spaghetti, and sirloin sliders), sorting, cleaning, fresh air, sleep, television shows, a dumb Netflix movie (Midnight in Paris), <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hitchhikers-Guide-Galaxy-Douglas-Adams/dp/0739322206">The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy on audio book,</a> and an old fashioned in-the-hand book which I'm loving called <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/books/review/Donoghue-t.html?pagewanted=all"><u>Swamplandia!</u></a>. How does Karen Russell write like this? She looks about eighteen years old.<br />
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Plus the weekend will end with an annual tradition planned for later today. More on that in a blog post if I can find the photograph that tells part of the story.<br />
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Happy Memorial Weekend!<br />
Happy Birthday Virginia!<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-667284174716376085.post-16338598627986079052012-05-21T20:36:00.001-07:002012-05-21T20:36:11.573-07:00Hacked Accounts Have an UpsideBoth my email and Facebook accounts got hacked this past weekend while we were in Chelan. Did this annoyance have something to do with the unsecured hotel internet connection? I'll never know. I've no idea how hackers do their bad deeds in the first place. I only know they create havoc, a sense of dis-ease and concern over what else they might have accessed while they were busy creating bogus emails and sending them to everyone in my address book.Sigh.<br />
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Fortunately, I was tipped off by a friend who received the <b>"click here and make an easy buck"</b> email that went out under my name within an hour and I was able to change my password. All back to normal? Hopefully. <br />
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Hackers and their nasty work piss me off.<br />
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What surprised me, however, was the unexpected benefit that came of this mess.. I received emails from three people I hadn't heard from in a long, long time who wanted to let me know that my account had been hacked. But that wasn't all; their messages contained personal messages and an update on their "news". Nice to hear from these folks even if it took scammers to bring us back in touch. Who would have thought?<br />
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Good to hear from y'all again; P, P, and S!<br />
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Now, NO MORE HACKERS. Be gone you turds. <br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ahLr</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1