GOALS

It’s important to think through what your goals are. When we moved to our current home our yard was a blank slate. The builders had cleared the entire area to build. Many builders followed suit and soon for miles around all you could see was new construction and dirt. I watched the displaced wildlife looking for new homes. It was heart wrenching to think that my new home had ousted so many animals. From that time forward my goal became have a yard that encouraged wildlife.

Now, 13 years, 10 trees, numerous bushes, birdfeeders, flowering and non-flowering plants later I have that very yard. Is there a down side? Yes! I only have one Hosta left in my shade garden, one very sad looking rose bush and numerous other plans are suffering. The rabbits have taken over and are eating every tender spout this year. I had to take down the bird feeders because I found I was allergic to the bird droppings. I do miss the birds but I enjoy breathing more.


We have talked about getting an owl box. An owl would certainly take care of the rabbit population but we think the families with small dogs might not be too happy about our Mr. McGreger approach. I guess the neighbors who are putting in plants that discourage wildlife and rocks instead of mulch have the solution. So if I have a goal of getting rid of the cottontails what new problems will I create?

MONDAY'S HOLIDAY

As we approach the Memorial Day Weekend I have a few thoughts about how I remember our fallen Soldiers.
 
A number of years we were in Washington D. C. I attended a marriage conference and Kent enjoyed himself by visiting Civil War sites. Early Sunday Morning July 4 we decided we would drive around the capital. Previously I had visited the Vietnam Memorial but Kent didn’t feel that he wanted to be there. This time Kent was prepared to go to the Vietnam Memorial. He had brought with him some of his own memories of Vietnam.

As we approached the memorial the feeling of sacredness that I had felt so many years earlier returned. We both cried emotional tears. There were no words to describe the feelings we were having. I was so grateful that I was there with Kent at that moment. As I looked to the top of the monument I thought my spiritual eyes could see soldiers standing guard over the monument. I don’t know if they were there but it seemed very real to me. Kent found the name of a friend and left his pictures and dog tags at the base as so many other vets had done before him.

Alone in the early morning mist we were lost in thought and emotion when we saw an family approach. They were laughing and enjoying their day. I remember feeling “please don’t ruin this sacred moment for us.” As they entered the path in front of the monument they must have felt the sacredness because they became very reverent. They passed us respectfully allowing us this time to ourselves.

A NEW STORM PASSED THROUGH

Today as I worked on cleaning a cupboard a storm came through. We were in a tornado watch once again. In the past I found watching the storm fascinating. Today I felt fear. I realize that I am vulnerable. My thoughts turned to those in Joplin who had just suffered a devastating storm with so many lives lost. I feel that I need to do more to help those who are suffering. Other than giving a donation I can’t think of anything else. I am still limping after my meeting a tornado in the Airport last month but I am growing stronger and soon will be able to keep up with the best. Retirement from one field doesn’t mean I am retired from caring for my fellow man. Next year I will be one of the seniors out there making a difference.  

May 22, 1946

There are milestones in our lives that shouldn't be forgotten. One of them is the magical age of 65. This is the age where you are officially old. You have senior status. Everyone from airlines to eating establishments give you a discount. The fashion police drop most laws for you. No one cares that you are wearing sneakers when casual shoes are required by everyone else. A rumpled shirt is passable. Grey is acceptable in the hair department. You find humor in many things that others are much too serious about. Friends have greater importance and you find they are aging much faster than you. There is nothing better than an evening with family.

Today, I want to wish the love of my life a Happy Birthday. And to show how much I love you there will be no birthday party. Just a private celebration with family. Here's to the next 20. Love Lorrie

A REALLY GOOD THING ABOUT CALIFORNIA

The world viewed from the Midwest perspective is rather homogenous. If I look at an even smaller perspective, that of O’Fallon, Missouri I find it is Caucasian with a smattering of color. All the people I see on a daily basis are very much like I am. We have similar conservative views, ethnic backgrounds, religious orientations, love of the Cardinals and we drive and live in a traditional middle class world. I didn’t choose to live in this world. It just happened. We used to live in North County. But after 20 some years North County stopped being a wonderfully diversified place to live. It is now the drug world of the Midwest. People come from all over to buy drugs. According to KMOV you can find a drug dealer on every corner. We left for that very reason.

After 12 years of living in a homogenous world it is easy to forget what its like to live in a world of diversity. It is easy to become complacent and enjoy not having to be different. As I become more complacent I find myself not worry about speaking to strangers or trying to make those who are different feel welcome. I make no effort to communicate with those who don’t speak my language.

As we traveled to Pasadena we were once again reintroduced to the world of diversity. We found ourselves in the minority. There were many ethnic backgrounds as well as political and religious ideologies. We were not only dealing with accents but languages as well. Nothing was familiar but then it was all comfortable. Throughout the trip we talked about how wonderful it felt to be in such a diverse place.

As we sat at LAX waiting to board our plane to take us home we sat with people waiting to board a plane for the orient. I found myself thinking how wonderful it was to be able to enjoy conversation with those traveling back home after a trip to our country. I am tired of being a conformist. I want to be part of a more diversified world. I’m not sure how to accomplish this but this I do know, beginning today I will make the effort to speak first when I meet anyone who doesn’t fit into my homogenous world.

SO SAD

One of the saddest things is a sick baby in a hospital. You feel so helpless. Mother's and father's forget what it feels like to have sleep. Older sisters feel neglected by the parents (but not by grandparents and a special Aunt Becca and Uncle Ben). Doctors and nurses miracles are second only to the miracles of prayer. Going home is the best part of all.

ANOTHER TRY

Well it’s about to happen again. Friday it is going to storm (lightening, thunder, and winds) at the same time we are endeavoring to fly out of St. Louis.  In March it was a freak snow storm. It April it was a tornado. Now it’s May and we are going to attempt another try at going to see the grandchildren. We never unpacked one of our bags. It was the one with surprises from grandma and grandpa. If we don’t make it out this time because of the storm we are stopping at the post office on the way home and mailing the contents of the suit case.

AS I WAIT...

Today, I have repair people in my home again. I’m glad there are individuals who know how to do things such as electrical, plumbing, repairing, etc. Having said this I am tired of these individual being in my home. They come early or when its convenient for them. The early is hard because I am not an early person. The anytime is difficult also because you are waiting most of the day for an individual you need. Repairs are needed on a home but there really is nothing to see for the money spent. I guess peace of mind or hot water is something. It’s much more fun to have a piece of new furniture or a vacation but that will have to wait until our house is in good repair.

MAY 8, 2011

Happy Mother’s Day to my daughter, daughter-in-law, family, and friends.

ABOUT LAST NIGHT

What a different world we live in. With news telling about all the terrible things happening around town and the world it is refreshing to be apart of something better. Last evening we had a dinner and auction where everything was donated. That means 100% of the proceeds go to the intended recipient. The purpose of the evening was to raise money to send youth to summer camps. The food was incredible and the auction items showed the talents of many people. Some of the items offered were family horseback riding, waterskiing for 6, a mystery dinner, professional photography, a professional chef cooking class, dance lessons, dinner’s cooked for your party, hand made items, art, jewelry made by professionals, baked goods, and many services offered by the younger generation. Everything was bid on and everyone was happy with what they got. For the most part people were willing to forgo looking for a bargain in order to bid higher for the good cause.

Yes, today I will see murders, injustices, and sorrow on the news, but my memories of last night give me hope for the future.

FOR JUST ONE DAY

The use of social media is quite amazing. A call to join in a celebration or to avoid a path are noted and responded to. Pictures taken by a cell phone can be viewed as events unfold. News spreads quickly, albeit not always accurately. The days of busy signals and looking up phone numbers are almost unknown to today’s generation. Is this new world better or just new? Do we need all the news so quickly? Is this very technology causing us to have an overload of our senses which leads to anger and frustration? Still one has to wonder about the quieter days of Robert Thoreau and Walden Pond. What amazing things would we discover if we turned off and tuned out for just one day?

sunsets

clouds

standing and talking to a neighbor

watching a rabbit eating new leaves

a robin building a nest

a book with pages to turn

What would you discover if you stopped and viewed the old world of less technology? Would you come away amazed or just bored?

WHY IS IT ...

Why is it when you buy something for the house that isn’t a necessity your house falls apart. We had been saving for a new stove. It was at the point where the oven didn’t work well and the burners had two settings – high and low. After paying taxes, checking online reviews, Consumer Reports and asking friends we settled on a Kitchen Aid gas range. When we went in to order the stove we were told that there was a sale of 15% off and it was no tax week sponsored by the State of Missouri. Also, since Kent was a veteran we would get an additional 10% off. With all this incentive we decided we would replace the very noisy and old refrigerator also. Today is delivery day and I am so excited.

But now the question, WHY IS IT that after making this less than critical purchase are we suddenly unable to get hot water? Our water is warm. It is fine but if you want steam forget it. So now we are researching water heaters. We are looking at tankless water heaters. There are many government rebates available and they say you save $320 a year in utilities. In other words it would pay for it’s self in 2 or 3 years. With the energy saving projected by the other appliances it looks like the utilities companies will be paying us to use their gas and electric.