Throw Out The Old Style!

I was going to blog about some health issues that my family is facing; however, I just don't feel like being depressed or despondent. Therefore, I must think of another topic. The topic of politics has just about been worn out and everyone seems to be totally disgusted with that, me included. While I was in the beauty salon today, I heard a lot of that. One lady said she was going to quit saying, "You betcha" because Sarah Palin says it a lot (I hadn't noticed). Another questioned why everyone didn't think that Bev Purdue is the right choice for governor of N.C. I sat quietly and tried to ignore the topic, hoping it would go away. Do you know that it actually did? Maybe that's a key: ignore the people who cannot get past the issue. I am as much in favor of my candidate as the next person and am very anxious for him/her to win; however, I have voted, I have stated my opinion to many, and now I'm turning it over to God.

Hubby and I went this morning to choose new glasses for him. He has worn out his glasses after almost 5 years! I have never, ever worn out a pair of glasses. I always have to have them changed so often that I never get that opportunity. He is in his 70's and his prescription has not changed one iota! The optometrist informed me that my prescription which I got in June may not even hold until Christmas! (What else expensive am I going to have to pay for? This sure does mess up how much I can spend for my family's Christmas) Of course, I won't get new frames even if I do need new lens. I guess I have eyes like my grandmother who had to have surgery many, many years ago when surgery was seldom heard about. Oh well, this experience today is allowing us the opportunity to throw out the old style and modernize hubby's eyewear!

Brotherly Friendship

Sunday, a childhood friend of my family, celebrated a special birthday. I cannot believe that RH is now 74! I can remember when we were just kids and he and my brother were the best of friends playing around with the other guys in the neighborhood. There were at least 7 other boys in the neighborhood and they all seem to enjoy our yard and our driveway where the basketball hoop was mounted on the garage wall (RH was the most handsome of the group; he and my brother, of course). They also loved playing football and baseball in the vacant lot next door, and sometimes even allowed me to play with them just a little. I learned a lot from RH though; he was the most intelligent of the group I think (he's now an engineer), and was the one who I would seek for help with my schoolwork. Being a few years younger, I always looked up to RH as a big brother; I depended on him and had all confidence in his answers and he never let me down. After all these years, I still think of RH as a big brother, one in whom I can put my trust. He has still always, always been there for me, along with his wife who was my best childhood friend. I know that I can still call upon him for any kind of help and he will never turn me down. Over the years, we have written church programs and actually making productions of them. On the many church trips we have taken, RH has been my faithful assistant (he always ensured that everyone was on the bus and ready to travel). I should have thanked you Sunday for your brotherly friendship, RH, but today, I want to tell the world what a special person you are, to me, to your and my family, to our church, and most of all, to God. Happy Birthday, "Bro"! May you have many, many, many more!

Old-Fashioned Entertainment

I know that I haven't been on the air lately, but it seems to get harder and harder to find the time to even read my emails. When I don't check my mail for a few days, I usually have 50 + emails to read and then I end up catching up on them. I do enjoy receiving these emails and now that this is election time, I am receiving many of that type. At any rate, I hope that people will continue sending me my favorite kind of old-fashioned entertainment; better than TV which has really gone to the dogs in our opinion. It seems that the only kind of programs we tend to watch on a regular basis is sports. We like Monday Night Football, college games on Thursdays, Saturdays and some Sundays. We also enjoy NASCAR races, at least the first 50 and last 50 laps (we often nap during those laps in between, at least during the Sunday afternoon races). We also enjoy the old programs such as Gunsmoke, Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, MASH, Reba, The Golden Girls, and a few others. One of our favorites, however, has recently been removed from Hubby's watch list: The Andy Griffith Show. He was very disappointed when he became involved in politics. Hubby believes that his being from North Carolina and a friend to everyone here, he should have maintained a neutral status. I tend to agree; regardless of which candidate he would chose to support, he was certain to lose about half of those folks who have always loved and respected him. Unfortunately, I know many folks who have already made up their minds to no longer respect this "good ole country boy from the South" who now wants to join forces with many of the other Hollywood Liberals. As for me, I am an independent which means that I am capable of thinking for myself, that my thoughts are mine alone, and that I can make my own decisions for whom I will cast my vote. How about you? I am really beginning to be turned off by all these folks calling and telling me how I should vote. Hmm... is this why I have a headache today?

Doing our Civic Duty

Today, I was able to pick up our two grands and keep them for a few hours while mom worked late. The girl sang all the way home to me but the boy begged her to be quiet. Well, that just wasn't possible; she was having too much fun. The boy told me that he's cutting a new tooth (not in those words though); I couldn't tell if he is excited about a 6-year molar, which is what I told him that it probably is. Now the girl wants to know where her new teeth are!

The hubby and I went and did our civic duty today. We were met in the parking lot by some guy who tried to give us a sample democratic ballot. (I don't know where the Republican guys were). Anyway, we declined and continued inside to do our own thing. Hubby says that he doesn't want to hear another word about this election. (Where can we go to avoid that?? I'm ready too!)

Can You Hear Me Now?

Can you hear me now? How many times did I hear that question today, I wonder. Yes, my sister and I spent almost 4 hours at the audiologist's office having my hearing checked. What a day that was. I really grew tired of listening for the low beeps, the high beeps, the quick beeps, the slow, steady beeps. That was the worst part. Then I had to listen to this lady talk while in a crowded room. Well, some of that time, I only caught a word or two or three, but, by the end as the room grew noisier, she may as well kept her thoughts to herself! I learned that I do have moderate hearing loss, too much to continue without some hearing assistance. I suppose you know what that means: those very, very expensive little things that fit in and around both ears. I also have tinnitus extremely bad which also affects the hearing as well as my sanity. I was then fitted for the best money can buy which I will try for 60 days; if not satisfied, they will take them back with a very reasonable, minimal penalty. I must admit that the aids were very beneficial and they really weren't uncomfortable. I understand that the younger one is when they begin wearing them, the more likely they will adapt to them and use them regularly. I can see that. I know that my mom, who was in her 80's refused to acknowledge a hearing loss, thus refusing to wear them; in fact, we did have to return hers after a long and strenuous game of "Search for the Hearing Aids" which she had literally thrown away. Aah, what a sweet little lady she was and what a great sense of humor. I truly miss her and her personality.

Remembering High School Days

I received an email from my grandson who is a senior in high school. He has been emailing fairly regularly and I really do enjoy hearing from him. I hope that he will never outgrown talking to his grandmother. I had to chuckle tonight when I received an email asking me what kinds of things I did as a high school, that is, if you can remember being a high school senior. Frankly, I remember quite well. In fact, the older we get, it seems that we can remember things that happened many years ago much better than things which happened yesterday (or even this morning). I could almost tell him on a day-to-day detail of my schedule, the fun things I did, the minor things I did which were not viewed as funny by some of the crabby old teachers. I remember my friends, my many boyfriends, my favorite teachers, my daily routines, games I attended, etc., etc., etc. Just ask me sometimes. I could write a book. Now, about last week: what day did we arrive back home? Which day did I visit which doctor? What day is today? Who cares? I'm retired today and I'm on an extended vacation.

Consistencies

Another day with appointments behind us; however, they scheduled Hubby for tomorrow with the dentist since he has to have pre-meds. We didn't think that would be necessasry since he is only have his cleaning. Ah, well, this just uses another day this week which we hadn't planned for. We are never sure of a schedule it seems, but I'm so glad that we able to laugh about it and make the necessary changes. I don't mind, really because I don't care too much for foolish consistencies (Hmm. I think I remember a similar quote about a foolish consistency being the hobgoblin of little minds; do you?)

Routine Appointments

I don't know why I'm having such a hard time catching up with everything since our return home! On second thought, I guess I do understand. We have both been busy with extracurricular activities, that is, if one calls doctor/dental appointments extracurricular. Every day this week is being pre-empted by at least one such appointment. Don't get the idea that we are both sickly; it's just that these routine (we hope) appointments have all been scheduled the same week. Hubby is having his routine appointment with the surgeon who will probably re-instate his physical therapy. I'm having a worn-out crown replaced on one of my molars (I plan to sell the gold crown for some extra Christmas money! Should I put it on eBay? Actually, the jewelry stores all around us are advertising their desires to buy gold at top dollar...hmm, I wonder about that).

I enjoyed spending much of yesterday with my sister who has been diagnosed with a health problem. I was glad that the outing last night seem to lift her spirits. We decided to eat our breakfast last night at IHOP and that was a lot of fun for us. I hope that all my friends will remember her in your prayers.

Now, I have to stop and get ready to go visit my favorite dentist (and... he's not bad on the eye either!) It makes me recommend that everyone keep a routine check on your teeth.

The American Way

Another day has almost slipped by without my taking the time to blog for my friends. First off, I had an appointment with my cardiologist, a routine visit I might add. He was satisfied with my condition; yet, he did consider doing another nuclear stress test. I told him how much I hated those tests, saying they were quite painful. He told me that the injection they were using in 2006 when I had my last 2 tests, had been changed to something much less offensive. That was nice to hear even though he didn't wish to perform one this time. Perhaps by the time I do have to have the next test, the test will be improved even more.

The cute little grands came by for awhile this afternoon. This was the first time we had seen them since our return. During the two-week period that we missed seeing them, it seems they have grown at least a couple inches each! They are as cute as ever. It was so funny when they placed little flags around the gold cart to mark off their pretend "crime scene". What will they come up with next?

Tonight, Hubby and I watched the ACC football game and were not too surprised at the outcome: NC State losing to Florida State. I wasn't overly impressed with either team to tell you the truth. In fact, none of my favorite teams/alma mater are doing as well as they should.

We have friends camping at the lake nearby and we are looking forward to spending time with them this weekend as well as next week. We haven't seen them in over a year so it will be nice to see them again. What a great way to meet people and to make new friends, a positive feature for camping. Almost everyone is friendly and helpful. I was so happy when we were camping at the various places recently when the neighbors, upon noticing Hubby's arm in a sling, would rush over to help us set up camp. Now, that's what I call the American Way!

Having fun Camping

In case some of you readers didn't know, I have been out of town for about 2 weeks having fun camping. We are now back home and busy with doctor appointments, dental appointments, and just keeping dates with special family and friends. It seems that either Hubby or I have an appointment practically every day for the next 2 weeks; however, he is already wanting to go camping again. Actually, we didn't want to come home but we had no choice. I doubt we will be going anywhere for a long time though. We realize that some of our appointments will only lead to more follow-up appointments; isn't that the way it goes?

I didn't have time to set up the computer until tonight, now I have to leave for choir practice. The hubby wanted to use this tonight while I'm gone so now, she's ready for the guy to have some fun and do some business. I'll try to get back on board later tonight. If not, I will tomorrow after my next dr's appointment.

A Focus on the Younger Son

Tonight was choir practice night. We have begun practicing our Christmas cantata, which is good since that time is drawing so near already.

I finally talked with our younger son tonight. I had been unable to contact him and I learned that he had sold his house and was busy moving furniture out of it. When he married in May, he and his bride decided to stay in her grandmother's home which she was renting from her dad for a very reasonable amount; therefore, he felt the need to sell his home. That would then require him to commute about 30 minutes to his job and she could be closer to her job. He is very pleased to be able to sell his home at this time when the economy is so shaky. I think he still was able to make some profit.

Tomorrow is our younger son's birthday, so I really wanted to talk to him and wish him a happy birthday. Sometimes it just seems difficult to make contact when the children don't live close by. Actually, it's difficult sometimes when they live very close by. Anyway, we are very proud of our son, as we are all of our children. He is a hard worker, has a most pleasant and outgoing personality, and really cares for others. I regret that we can't see him tomorrow, but we do wish him the happiest of birthdays.