As we wander around the country, we have thought it interesting to note the culture and disposition of the areas we visit. One of the best things about both Texas in general and Omaha in particular is the attitude of the people we have seen and spoken with there. The majority of people are polite and cheerful, making most outings some sort of fun adventure. They hold doors for each other, say "please," "thank you," and "excuse me." They chat with each other while waiting in lines and have smiles for each other. Considering the geographical disparities, one would think the same pattern would follow in all parts of the country, but that does not seem to be the case, although the people at Trader Joe's in Ann Arbor are delightful, as are Kim and Chuck's friends.
For years daughter Kimberly has complained about the "gray days" of Michigan's winter, and she has often mentioned how depressing it gets to be by the time spring arrives. Surely, those same gray days plague the Syracuse area, too. So, we were wondering if that is why so few people look happy and smile around here. As we have walked the malls, visited shopping centers and grocery stores, we have noticed that the majority of the people not only look gloomy; they look positively miserable. It is a challenge to get anyone to even make eye contact, let alone smile. We found a three young ladies, at check-out counters at Penneys and Sam's Club and the candy girl, and one elderly lady, a ticket taker for "Charlie Wilson's War," who were cheerful and smiled. That is about it, and we both have really made an effort! No one EVER seems to talk in the check-out lines here. How boring! It forces me to read the tabloids! Even a lady at church, after learning where we were from, grumbled, "Why would anyone ever want to live in Texas?"
I heard some years ago that psychologists were experimenting with various sources of indoor lighting to see if that would relieve the depression of the "gray days," rather like grow lights for people, I guess. All I can say for Ann Arbor and Syracuse is "Turn on the lights!" These people need help!!!!!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Familiar Names
Happy New Year to all! After almost two weeks of letting the wrist heal from the sprain/strain/jam/whatever, I am back to writing. We are on our way back up to Fayetteville, a town just outside of Syracuse where Mom lives. This area is called Upstate NY, as opposed to NYC, and Fayetteville is this area's version of Ann Arbor to some degree. Certainly, the housing prices and school taxes are similar. This area is the home of Stickley furniture, and so the shopping center around the huge Stickley showroom is loaded with the names one would expect... Panera, L.L. Bean, Chico, Anne Taylor, Bonefish Grille, etc. Instead of Whole Foods, they have the local equivalent, Wegman's, where I will be heading later today.
Tomorrow night we are having a thank you dinner for the neighbor who helped Mom with her nose bleeding attack. Fellow neighbor Marge informed Mom that they eat Italian food (they are of Italian descent), and we assured Mom that Northern Italian cooking was not too spicy for her. While she was inviting Tom, I had asked her to inquire about anything they did not eat, so she put me on the phone to hear the answer. I was a bit unprepared for Tom's hale and hearty responses, as I have never met him before. In the space of two minutes, I became "Hon" and "Honey." Those of you who know me realize I am usually outgoing. However, I have never become used to people other than close family or dear friends calling me by names other than Judy.
Now, in our traveling around I do not mind being called the various familiar names one receives at the Mel's Diners, such as "Hon," "Dear," "Sweetie, " etc. That just seems to be part of the territory, rather like "Well, eat ma grits." And, I can tolerate it in sales associates/clerks in stores, although I am not fond of it, as in the "Oh, Honey, it is YOU" catagory. But, I generally do not appreciate it coming from other people
One offender was a prissy, fussy, ever-so-wonderful antique dealer in California, who was just much too precious to learn our names. George never referred to 1HW by any name at all, and I was always "Dear." Since he bought large quantities of expensive items from us, I was forced to overlook it and frequently bit my tongue to hold back smart aleck comments.
Probably the worst case was from my step-mother Fang (aka, Hang-Nail by 1HW), named thus because her fake, curving nails stuck out 3/4 inch beyond her fingertips, much like talons, and the little finger was a gold one with a cubic zirconia in it. Really. I am not joking. Her self-proclaimed "profession" of nail "stylist" meant she glued on fake nails for people, most of which came unstuck and flew around the room. The one time she forced me into having my nails done (at a hefty price, too, I might add), one of them went across a dinner table and almost landed in someone's wine glass. Not good. She wanted everyone to think she was from Texas (instead of eastern NM), and she adopted a fake accent and called everyone "Dahlin'." She never once called us by our names. Some time I will relate other stories about Fang, as she was a work.
So, as we get ready for Saturday's dinner, I just hope that Tom will remember my correct name and use it. More later on our "candlelight supper," as Hyacinth on BBC's "Keeping Up Appearances" would call it! Have a happy Friday!
Tomorrow night we are having a thank you dinner for the neighbor who helped Mom with her nose bleeding attack. Fellow neighbor Marge informed Mom that they eat Italian food (they are of Italian descent), and we assured Mom that Northern Italian cooking was not too spicy for her. While she was inviting Tom, I had asked her to inquire about anything they did not eat, so she put me on the phone to hear the answer. I was a bit unprepared for Tom's hale and hearty responses, as I have never met him before. In the space of two minutes, I became "Hon" and "Honey." Those of you who know me realize I am usually outgoing. However, I have never become used to people other than close family or dear friends calling me by names other than Judy.
Now, in our traveling around I do not mind being called the various familiar names one receives at the Mel's Diners, such as "Hon," "Dear," "Sweetie, " etc. That just seems to be part of the territory, rather like "Well, eat ma grits." And, I can tolerate it in sales associates/clerks in stores, although I am not fond of it, as in the "Oh, Honey, it is YOU" catagory. But, I generally do not appreciate it coming from other people
One offender was a prissy, fussy, ever-so-wonderful antique dealer in California, who was just much too precious to learn our names. George never referred to 1HW by any name at all, and I was always "Dear." Since he bought large quantities of expensive items from us, I was forced to overlook it and frequently bit my tongue to hold back smart aleck comments.
Probably the worst case was from my step-mother Fang (aka, Hang-Nail by 1HW), named thus because her fake, curving nails stuck out 3/4 inch beyond her fingertips, much like talons, and the little finger was a gold one with a cubic zirconia in it. Really. I am not joking. Her self-proclaimed "profession" of nail "stylist" meant she glued on fake nails for people, most of which came unstuck and flew around the room. The one time she forced me into having my nails done (at a hefty price, too, I might add), one of them went across a dinner table and almost landed in someone's wine glass. Not good. She wanted everyone to think she was from Texas (instead of eastern NM), and she adopted a fake accent and called everyone "Dahlin'." She never once called us by our names. Some time I will relate other stories about Fang, as she was a work.
So, as we get ready for Saturday's dinner, I just hope that Tom will remember my correct name and use it. More later on our "candlelight supper," as Hyacinth on BBC's "Keeping Up Appearances" would call it! Have a happy Friday!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
The Best Ever!
What spectacular treats! Imagine, receiving the past and the present, all wrapped up and delivered in two digital frames! Both of the girls and their sweet, thoughtful husbands made us digital frames with tons of wonderful pictures! Not only will we enjoy them now, but we can continue to see those happy, smiling faces and remember so many times spent together! There are years of thoughts, faces, and memories, all put together in unbelievable packages, from baby daughters and granddaughters and grandsons, to swimmers, soccer players, coaches, birthdays, Christmases, and every other imaginable event under the sun! If ever there were the gifts which keep on giving, these are the ones! And, new pictures of each can be added regularly! What a wonderful treats! And, now, when any of you visit us, you can be treated to all of them, too! What treasures and blessings! You all are the greatest! Thank you!
The Day After Christmas
How could it be that this is the day after Christmas? After suffering from a head cold for almost ten days, I went to Urgent Care on Dec. 24th along with son-in-law Chuck to see what was the matter. Unfortunately, both of us were suffering from upper respiratory infections and put on antibiotics, so now at least we can remind each other to take our horse pills. It is decidedly better NOT to spend the holidays with a cold, as it wrecks everything! I did my best not to be a pest or burden, but no one could ignore my symptoms completely, and I felt horrible, which I do hate to admit! And so I spent the time foggy with stuffiness and Coricidin, and kept on doing everything as cheerfully as possible so as not to wreck it for others. In spite of all of that, we have had a wonderful time all along the way!
It was such fun to spend time with K, T, and kids in Omaha, enjoying the snow, lights, and Christmas music concerts, as well as listening to the Best Christmas Pageant Ever, watching Spiderman 3, and playing cards! And, the food was way too good! And, what fun it was to have our traditional Italian dinner with our old Suppers 8 group! Many thanks to all for that wonderful week!
Here in Ann Arbor, we have continued stuffing our rounded bodies with more good food, resolving that after the leftovers are finished tonight, we will begin healthier eating tomorrow! Wish us luck! We have kept the family game tradition going here with Yahtzee and more cards, and have also watched Ratatouille, as well as playing numerous activities with the boys, who seem to have much more energy than I do! This all does not sound too exciting, but it has been a fun, family-filled holiday for us, which has been thoroughly delightful. And, the quieter pace was just what this coldy person needed.
The only disquieting note was someone backing into our car while it was parked out front, and, of course, they left no note and no trace. So, the car was put into the collision shop this morning and is now undergoing a transformation to become beautiful once again! We decided as long as it was in for so much, we might as well repair the dents and scraped paint, so now that it is paid off, maybe it will last for another few years!
So, that about completes what is going on with us, when I am combined with 1HW's account! We do think about all of you during these holidays and hope all of you are enjoying them as much as we are! Merry Christmas, ongoing, and Happy Boxing Day, too, whatever it is!
It was such fun to spend time with K, T, and kids in Omaha, enjoying the snow, lights, and Christmas music concerts, as well as listening to the Best Christmas Pageant Ever, watching Spiderman 3, and playing cards! And, the food was way too good! And, what fun it was to have our traditional Italian dinner with our old Suppers 8 group! Many thanks to all for that wonderful week!
Here in Ann Arbor, we have continued stuffing our rounded bodies with more good food, resolving that after the leftovers are finished tonight, we will begin healthier eating tomorrow! Wish us luck! We have kept the family game tradition going here with Yahtzee and more cards, and have also watched Ratatouille, as well as playing numerous activities with the boys, who seem to have much more energy than I do! This all does not sound too exciting, but it has been a fun, family-filled holiday for us, which has been thoroughly delightful. And, the quieter pace was just what this coldy person needed.
The only disquieting note was someone backing into our car while it was parked out front, and, of course, they left no note and no trace. So, the car was put into the collision shop this morning and is now undergoing a transformation to become beautiful once again! We decided as long as it was in for so much, we might as well repair the dents and scraped paint, so now that it is paid off, maybe it will last for another few years!
So, that about completes what is going on with us, when I am combined with 1HW's account! We do think about all of you during these holidays and hope all of you are enjoying them as much as we are! Merry Christmas, ongoing, and Happy Boxing Day, too, whatever it is!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Where Are Their Mamas?
It seems to me that this time of the year is not just about cheer and good will. It also appears to be a season of "Hold on to Your Money," or "How Our Ads Can Separate You from Your $$." Now, agreed, some of the ads are creative, imaginative, and delightful to watch, even though they do emphasize the more material side of this season. Who could not smile at some of them, especially when kids and dogs are innocently featured.
However, I must say I am sick and tired of seeing scantily clad Victoria's Secret models parading about in something someone might think resembles underwear or pajamas. Now, really! Have those babes ever tried riding in a car for 500 miles in that underwear? And do they really sleep in pajamas that tight? I don't think so. Now, I know that a reader could think it is a matter of envy on my part, since I haven't worn that size underwear or pajama since I was six years old. And, I know that their legs are at least twice as long as mine, not to mention their hair. What I really object to is the ads being shown during the part of the day when kids might be watching, let alone susceptible adults, male and female alike. First, children and adolescents (as well as adults!) do not need to think that all women should need to look like that to appear attractive. Second, those women need to put more clothes on! That is just not the correct image that should greet kids! I do believe that it is true that some things should be left to one's imagination when growing up, and that is not the image which should be left. The human body is beautiful, but it shouldn't be exploited like that!
However, I do wonder how those girls' parents feel. Are their parents proud to see their daughters strutting around in practically nothing? "Hi, Mom! I'm in Victoria's Secret Fashion Show wearing practically nothing tonight!" Are their mamas feeling proud for them tonight? As for me, I am so happy that our daughters are mothers, teachers, nurses, musicians, translators, readers, and well-dressed, meaning, in clothes after the underwear. Thanks, Dears! I am so proud for you, and I think you all look terrific! Keep up the good work! And, Merry Christmas, too!
However, I must say I am sick and tired of seeing scantily clad Victoria's Secret models parading about in something someone might think resembles underwear or pajamas. Now, really! Have those babes ever tried riding in a car for 500 miles in that underwear? And do they really sleep in pajamas that tight? I don't think so. Now, I know that a reader could think it is a matter of envy on my part, since I haven't worn that size underwear or pajama since I was six years old. And, I know that their legs are at least twice as long as mine, not to mention their hair. What I really object to is the ads being shown during the part of the day when kids might be watching, let alone susceptible adults, male and female alike. First, children and adolescents (as well as adults!) do not need to think that all women should need to look like that to appear attractive. Second, those women need to put more clothes on! That is just not the correct image that should greet kids! I do believe that it is true that some things should be left to one's imagination when growing up, and that is not the image which should be left. The human body is beautiful, but it shouldn't be exploited like that!
However, I do wonder how those girls' parents feel. Are their parents proud to see their daughters strutting around in practically nothing? "Hi, Mom! I'm in Victoria's Secret Fashion Show wearing practically nothing tonight!" Are their mamas feeling proud for them tonight? As for me, I am so happy that our daughters are mothers, teachers, nurses, musicians, translators, readers, and well-dressed, meaning, in clothes after the underwear. Thanks, Dears! I am so proud for you, and I think you all look terrific! Keep up the good work! And, Merry Christmas, too!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Yet, Once Again!
Those of you who have known me for a while will not be surprised to know that the Queen of Klutz has done it once again. Fortunately, this time is not as bad as the time in France, which I have not yet had enough nerve to discuss in a blog. This time it was slightly more than stepping off a curb, since this time I was riding my brand new bicycle. 1HW and I have been busily and happily riding our bicycles since Thanksgiving. Both of us have shiny maroon Trek Navigator Mountain Comfort Bikes, the same company who provides wheels for Lance Armstrong, but, obviously for us, different models. These have higher handle bars so we do not have to bend over, which would kill both of our backs. Yesterday we decided to take two spins around the park, roughly 1 1/2 to 2 miles, before sitting in the hot tub to relieve our aches and pains. It was on the way back to the RV when the accident occurred.
We were rounding the bend toward the straight-away, pedaling hard against the breeze, when I noticed 1HW point to something over on the left. I thought maybe there was something or someone there, and I looked hard to see what it was, but saw nothing, and prepared to hang a quick right. Unfortunately, he was gesturing to tell me to go strauight ahead, and then he slowed down to make sure I caught it. BOY! Did I ever catch it! Smack! I went straight into his rear wheel, causing a kamikaze effect quite rapidly! Thoughts flashed through my pea-brain, that my shiny, new bike could get hurt, so I braced for the fall and pulled the bike on top of me. Not too bright, huh. Well, the bike survived in excellent shape, but we just cannot say the same for me. Alas, I am among the walking wounded, a veritable disaster area. Sad to say, as it was a warm day here, I was wearing shorts and a T-shirt, so my right knee and leg got badly scraped, as did my right elbow and arm, right smack into the graveled road. Just lovely. However, that was nothing compared to my head. I smashed my glasses into my face as I hit my head, so immediately a huge goose egg began to pop up between my eye and my hairline. It was a bit like watching Mt. Vesuvius rise from the ashes, or at least it sure felt that way to me. So we pedaled home, put ice on the head right away, and my sweet husband sponged off my wounds which were bleeding all over. He then knew that anesthesia was in order and poured a light Scotch and soda with a twist of lemon, to soothe my new aches and pains. As you can probably guess, I did not sleep too well last night.
This morning, there was an even greater delight as I looked into the mirror and saw a nice black and blue area from the corner of my eye up my forehead, beautifully coloring the large lump. I had an appointment to see my favorite hair stylist for a hair cut this morning, and he could not have been more sympathetic. "Oh, my God, Hon, what HAPPENED? Oh, you poor baby!" That was followed by, "It's a good thing we got your bangs longer! We'll just cover that up!" And, later, "Now, when that starts to turn green, just put some pink powder or eyeshadow over it to neutralize the color!" Now how can one ask for anything more sympathetic and helpful than that?
And, you just have to know how wonderful my dear, sweet husband has been. He keeps trying to blame himself, but really, all of us know how I am, and it was not his fault. He not only cleaned me up and gave me anesthetic, he decided I shouldn't cook, either. And then he remembered that the Kentucky Colonel wasn't too far away. Now, I ask you, how much better can it get than that? Hmmm... I do remember he saw a commercial for the Colonel and had been wanting some, but beggars can't be choosers! Besides, I now feel thoroughly cossetted and terrifically spoiled. And, best of all, my bicycle doesn't have a ding! Maybe tomorrow....
We were rounding the bend toward the straight-away, pedaling hard against the breeze, when I noticed 1HW point to something over on the left. I thought maybe there was something or someone there, and I looked hard to see what it was, but saw nothing, and prepared to hang a quick right. Unfortunately, he was gesturing to tell me to go strauight ahead, and then he slowed down to make sure I caught it. BOY! Did I ever catch it! Smack! I went straight into his rear wheel, causing a kamikaze effect quite rapidly! Thoughts flashed through my pea-brain, that my shiny, new bike could get hurt, so I braced for the fall and pulled the bike on top of me. Not too bright, huh. Well, the bike survived in excellent shape, but we just cannot say the same for me. Alas, I am among the walking wounded, a veritable disaster area. Sad to say, as it was a warm day here, I was wearing shorts and a T-shirt, so my right knee and leg got badly scraped, as did my right elbow and arm, right smack into the graveled road. Just lovely. However, that was nothing compared to my head. I smashed my glasses into my face as I hit my head, so immediately a huge goose egg began to pop up between my eye and my hairline. It was a bit like watching Mt. Vesuvius rise from the ashes, or at least it sure felt that way to me. So we pedaled home, put ice on the head right away, and my sweet husband sponged off my wounds which were bleeding all over. He then knew that anesthesia was in order and poured a light Scotch and soda with a twist of lemon, to soothe my new aches and pains. As you can probably guess, I did not sleep too well last night.
This morning, there was an even greater delight as I looked into the mirror and saw a nice black and blue area from the corner of my eye up my forehead, beautifully coloring the large lump. I had an appointment to see my favorite hair stylist for a hair cut this morning, and he could not have been more sympathetic. "Oh, my God, Hon, what HAPPENED? Oh, you poor baby!" That was followed by, "It's a good thing we got your bangs longer! We'll just cover that up!" And, later, "Now, when that starts to turn green, just put some pink powder or eyeshadow over it to neutralize the color!" Now how can one ask for anything more sympathetic and helpful than that?
And, you just have to know how wonderful my dear, sweet husband has been. He keeps trying to blame himself, but really, all of us know how I am, and it was not his fault. He not only cleaned me up and gave me anesthetic, he decided I shouldn't cook, either. And then he remembered that the Kentucky Colonel wasn't too far away. Now, I ask you, how much better can it get than that? Hmmm... I do remember he saw a commercial for the Colonel and had been wanting some, but beggars can't be choosers! Besides, I now feel thoroughly cossetted and terrifically spoiled. And, best of all, my bicycle doesn't have a ding! Maybe tomorrow....
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
It Must Be the Season...
It must be the season, but I will take it for now and for any and all seasons! We have been receiving the most wonderful little (and big) notes from friends all around the country, wonderful expressions of friendship and love. When 1HW put out a request for blog suggestions, he didn't know if he would receive any ideas, but good friend Terry (of one of his previous blogs) sent one, formed in one of the nicest compliments ever! And, sure enough, it is making him think about new ideas.
Then, I received a note from Terry, too, and truly, it is one of the most wonderful compliments I have ever received, so I am sharing it, with a huge public note of thanks to Terry.
Then, I received a note from Terry, too, and truly, it is one of the most wonderful compliments I have ever received, so I am sharing it, with a huge public note of thanks to Terry.
"Judy,
You didn't ask for ideas, but I think you should write about laughter. More specifically, you should write about delight. I've seen you burst into laughter as a result of delight so many times. At least that's how it looks to me. I am delighted sometimes too, but you may have a corner on the delight market. And when you are delighted, it's contagious. It's a gift!
Just an idea. I've learned to throw ideas out there and let go of them. I do it with opinions too.
Wishing more laughter and delight to you,
Terry "
If I can only leave one legacy behind, this one would be fine with me. I have been so richly blessed in so many ways, that not to enjoy these gifts would be criminal, and surely an insult to the good Lord. Many years ago, I decided that life must be celebrated and enjoyed, and I decided that one of my goals would be to help others enjoy life, too. I decided that if the only thing I could do was cause a person, even a complete stranger, to smile, the day would have had some merit, regardless of anything else. So, I tried it, and it worked! Even in the busiest and snobbiest of cities... London, Paris, Chicago, New York, Kerrville, Friday Harbor, Omaha... people respond to a smile. I keep hoping that if they smile back at me, the smile will be extended to someone else, and the chain of humanity will go on. And sometimes, those complete strangers can even become friends, and we all need more of those. So, Terry has seen right through me. The best part is, the smiles and the laughter make us all feel so good! I delight in Chuck, and I'm pretty doggoned sure he delights in me, too! And, the two of us delight in our families and friends, our experiences together, and in this glorious time of the year! Thank you who read this for being a part of it, and a big thank you, Terry, for making me aware of it! I am smiling!!!
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