Autumn... again..... and time to 'fall back' with our clocks.

This fellow joined the family last year. Seems to be holding up pretty well considering his 'adoption fee' was only somewhere around $5!!! ...and he sits on the front porch - the windy side of the house.

I had to move him this morning though. Last night the wind came in from the west with a big PUSH and knocked him over on his bench, along with the two chairs that managed to stay put pretty much all year until now. I don't think you can see him from the road anymore but he should stay safely upright.

Life moves forward. As usual, life is full of contradictions. I spent a day with my mom this week while Nat & her hubby did yard work for me (her mom) at my house. It was the best day for yard work (no rain for a change) and mom had a doctor appointment as well as multiple errands...

More of those contradictions:

• Social security payments will not increase because the cost of living this year did not increase...
• But... my auto insurance premium increased, even though i'm at the top of their 'insurance rating' system and after comparison with other 'bargains' found my company is still the best bargain.
• Pay on line didn't work because insurance company doesn't accept the one credit card company...
• ...and the other card company refused to pay that insurance company!???!
• After 45 minutes of automatic phone instructions a girl in India told me she would instantly 'take the block off' that payment so i could pay online. (She said they sometimes block payment for no apparent reason?????) ...and tell me again why is Michigan unemployment above 10%?
• I talked with agency in Michigan and they posted my payment... while i wrote a check and mailed it directly to them!
• On a whim i checked 'current activity' on the 'good' credit card the insurance company doesn't accept and found a payment to a company i never heard of for $16.95! Girl i finally talked with sounded American... but not from Michigan..... and told me it's better to try directly with the disputed company first. Meanwhile she formally accepted the charge as disputed...
• ...while the girl at the company... (Indian? or British???)... would not tell me what the charge was for (to protect the customer's privacy)... only that it was for a 'membership' for which i would be charged monthly (!!!) ...and i thought I was the customer!???
• She then told me she would immediately remove that and all future charges.
• FYI: here is the disputed info - 10/25/09 PRO*VAC PASSPORT MONTH 877-349-4840 MN 100546863 1 $16.95 Services (Notice the State is a phone number?) I suggest you read your charges each month... how many times do these thieves get away with it?

We shall see. God bless America!!! We need all the help we can get!

Don't Bundle Me...

Funny how one thinks when young, in love, and married... emphasize married. I don't think it was just that though; it was also the era of 'The Brady Bunch' and 'Father Knows Best.'

In 1955, when Frank and i married, there were men's jobs and there were women's jobs.... well, sort of. There were exceptions like my mom, who chose not to remain in a bad marriage. She chose to work as a waitress and support her own kids in a 'women's job.' During WWII she joined Rosie the Riveter, working in an automobile plant, but quit when the men came home.

Anyway, when we married, Father Knows Best was still the ideal so it was easy to allow gender to define our roles. Besides... Frank didn't like changing diapers and i didn't want to carry out the garbage! It worked.

When the time came when it appeared my only language was baby-talk, Frank suggested i get out of the house. I did. Interacting with other adults, i discovered a whole new world of excitement. I was 'my own person' as they say. All this while, we still did many things within our classic male or female roles... keeping both of us relatively happy and relatively sane in a fast changing society.

He was the tech and all around fixer upper. I was the homemaker, cook and housekeeper.

He has been gone 4 years; tomorrow is our 54th wedding anniversary. I have learned much in the past 4+ years. That is a good thing.

This week i learned why men do a task and ask questions later... if they must!

Saturday last i purchased a TiVo and a new TV. I set up the TV - piece of cake! Sunday i tackled the TiVo. Piece of cake? Not so much!

Step 1 told me to activate my service, giving a choice of phone or online. I chose phone. WRONG CHOICE! The chick on end of line said i should talk with a technician if i'm setting up using a wireless adapter (because i no longer have a telephone landline.)

The tech gave me 45 minutes of convoluted directions, including 'take the box to a neighbor with a landline to get started...' I ignored him totally. Monday i bought a wireless adapter. I followed directions in the box.

Success with NO pain! How do those guys get their jobs, anyway?

Oh! The title? Don't Bundle Me???

I cancelled the Charter Communications DVR service AND phone service. I now have basic+ cable service and internet service. Don't let them kid you. I AM saving money by NOT bundling!

It's Monday Madness and more...

This week's questions; all about birthdays!
Happy Birthday Natalie!!! (Natalie/Otto's birthday is tomorrow.)
1. Name one thing you received as a gift on your last birthday. Love! It may be a phone call, a visit, a card, or some other token of acknowledgment... but bottom line, the message is 'I'm glad you were born.'

2. What would be the "perfect" birthday gift? Okay, call me sappy but my answer is in number one.

3. Do you look forward to birthdays? Not really, but I am more aware of my age on my birthday. I guess my attitude still is '...better than the alternative.'

4. On your birthday, do you treat yourself to something special each year? Not really but then again, I've never been overly excited one way or the other about my birthday.

5. Do you bother keeping up with your horoscope on a regular basis? Yes... it usually has some relationship to my life - except when it refers to my 'love life' - which is nonexistent. I'm a widow with no intention or desire to resume a brand new love life. I find mine, not on MyYahoo, but the regular Yahoo page which can now be customized & is faster loading the MyYahoo! Matter of fact, here's my horoscope for today:

Quickie: Improving your health is admirable -- lecturing other people to do the same is not.
Overview: Branch out. Take a language class. Try some exotic delicacies. Attend art galleries, poetry readings and cultural festivals. If you make an effort to enjoy and indulge in the new and the sublime, it will indulge you.

6. What zodiac sign are you, and do you think you fit the description for that sign? I'm a Pisces & pretty much fit the sign. I also read an inspirational quote of the day - arriving every weekday in my email. I always think it's a good way to find something to blog about... and today's was NO exception:

... that today is the birthday of the Automobile Speed Limit? In 1901,
Connecticut enacted the first automobile speed limit:15 mph on country
highways and 12 mph within city limits.Celebrate by keeping to the speed
limit on our roadways.
~~~
Today's Inspirational Quote:
"The moment of enlightenment is when a person's dreams ofpossibilities become images of probabilities."
--
Vic Braden, American Tennis Coach

The auto speed thing? Appropriate! Not gonna tell the whole story here but... Friday late afternoon I was stopped by a policeman for speeding. I was going fast - didn't know how fast! It's a new car and moves 'easier' than my old pickup truck did. I was going 72 in a 45 mile/hour zone... and honestly didn't realize it. The WONDERFUL officer actually let me off with a warning! You know, I actually like and respect police officers and that must show through. I was not frightened (although my passenger was a bit nervous) and I guess that's a good thing too.

I had a great Mother's Day...

Heard from some and enjoyed visits with others... all in all none of my beautiful six daughters missed it! I will be visiting my mom today (she didn't want me to stop by on Sunday). Don't ask - she's 91 and deserves to do it any way she wants to!

Now here's my Monday Madness. Natalie (OttO), you outdid yourself this time. The questions concern something I'm a bit opinionated about, so here are my answers:

1. Which web browser do you prefer? I use MSIE7, MSIE6 and Firefox. I prefer MS internet explorer 6 best because i'm most comfortable with it. Microsoft made it too safe in MSIE7 - so safe that it's too time-consuming to use. Using Firefox sometimes to get used to it... because Microsoft, unfortunately just becomes bulkier and bulkier and i'm losing tolerance for all of the new products!

2. Are you a PC user or MAC user? PC but might have to go over to the more expensive MAC in future. Don't like all that overhead built into Microsoft products. If I decide to stay with PC - am trying to learn more about Linux - especially the newest version - Ubuntu (http://www.ubuntu.com/).

3. Will your next computer purchase happen within the next year (do you think)? I hope not!!! I like the ones I have - except maybe... just maybe..... a bigger notebook some day.

4. Will you purchase your next computer at a local store or via the internet? Whereever i can find the best deal.

5. Have you had any experience with Windows Vista? Not personally but as recently past president of a computer club i had a fullblown legal Vista OS when it first came out. Couldn't even give it away to any of our members. Have since given it to a nephew who might try it when he builds himself a new computer.

6. What are your feelings about this new operating system (if any)? All based on reviews by friends in a computer club...

• It's too bulky and not compatible for use on existing older computers already set up with XP (or older) OS.
• There's a bit of a learning curve involved for those of us that are comfortable with all previous Microsoft operating systems so one friend who evaluated Vista & uses it in his workplace suggests unless you are going to have to use it in the office, keep your old Windows versions. You can still purchase new computers from sources - one is Dell - with XP OS and soon to come, with Linux OS.
• Another friend bought a laptop with Vista just to learn and evaluate it. He says Vista does not work well with older versions of MS programs.
• Yet another friend, who works with multiple computers in a school, likes Vista just fine... but he still has the old OS on his system at home.
• Linux is not as fancy... it's open source (free)... and updated every six months.
• Linux works with your old Windows programs (I think) - but if you're starting fresh you can also get just about any program you want online - open source. So far all I hear is good & will be trying it on one of my computers soon!

What was the question again?

Not a Diet...

...it's a lifestyle change; first time since the biggy when the husband left his earthly body. Here's the plan:

• Count calories - only thing that ever worked for me. Found a great place on line that does it all for you. It's called My Calorie Counter and my blog & journal is here. It keeps track of calories (input and output) and charts your progress! You don't have to show all that info but it works for me so I do! It helps to have a buddy so if anybody wants to go it with me, join up and let me know!


• Use exercise equipment - formerly used for extra clothing storage and coatracks for company. Yes, I have a stationary bike and treadmill and will start using them every day. Might possibly make exceptions on days when I'm 'out and about.'


• Cook for myself and, in general, use the kind of recipes I used for Frank. Honest!!! We ate healthy, even when I didn't lose weight! I controlled the fats & used more veggies and fruits for balance. Since he's gone I've begun eating out again and eat more fats and less veggies and fruits. Looking at my daily food journal will definitely help accomplish this goal.


• Get a life! He died; I didn't. I know he doesn't want me to vegetate.

Had a break from cabin fever earlier this week. Went out for breakfast with Jack & Jacquie and the same day took mom out for dinner. It was a full day but yes... loads of fun! Good people, good food - what more can one ask for? I guess you might say it was the big binge that made me decide to try to get back to reality! No, not gonna stop going out... just plan to be more realistic with every day eating. I think I've been adjusting (or not) to my first time ever living alone by doing what lots of people do when they're 'on their own' for the first time. The difference is... I know better!

The kitty in the pic? No, I didn't acquire another!!! It's my mom's! Isn't she a beauty?

...and oh yes, Monday Madness - today mine shows up on Friday. OttO (Monday Madness) says, 'Sorry, folks! I'm running a bit late (again)! Hope all is well and you all have a wonderful week. Thanks for playing Monday Madness. The following 2 questions come from our friend, tricia... Thanks, Tricia, and thanks for the idea!'
1. Do you ever use all caps when typing online messages? no... I sometimes use caps on one word... sort of shouting on purpose. ;-)
2. Does it bother you when other people use all caps in their messages? not really because I don't think they know what it means.
3. Do you use abbreviations (i.e. lol, brb, etc.) when typing email messages or text messages? not usually because I don't know what most of them mean... but I DO use fyi and btw quite often. Does that mean I should have said yes?
4. Do you ever receive faxes or other correspondence from a professional office that are typed in all caps? If so, what do you think of that? actually, no.
5. Do you rely on the computer program to catch your typing errors, or do you proofread your material before sending it out? My spelling and grammar are actually pretty good so I usually ignore what my computer program corrects... unless it's a business letter or document. Most of my casual 'errors' are actually done on purpose. ;-)

Delusions and Confessions...

Omigosh! I'm an addict! For all my complaints about the Anna Nicole publicity I just realized the truth! My favorite news station is covering the court proceedings almost constantly. Today I sorted laundry... three loads and I want to get it all done today. I just realized the addiction when it was time to take a load out of the washer... I actually considered Tivo-ing the trial so I wouldn't miss any of it!

Yes, I did turn it off yesterday... but partly because I have some favorites on HGTV... at least until I get some redecorating and remodeling completed. So far today I just don't want to miss a thing. Good heavens... some days my life seems like a soap opera but this story becomes more mesmerizing as it progresses! No, I will not Tivo it.

Yes, I am afraid! Of what? Oh, didn't I mention? I just learned about a new medical condition. It's called Barrett's Esophagus. Never heard of it before... never heard of GERD... rarely have heartburn.... and I feel absolutely great!!! Had heartburn during pregnancy and recently started having it on a regular basis after taking Fosamax for osteoporosis. Yes, I am aware that Prilosec, a treatment for Barrett's Esophagus, is known to weaken the bones. Yes, my primary physician has already taken corrective action... changing my osteoporosis medication and strongly advising to take the Prilosec!

Why am I afraid? She has impressed on my mind that Barrett's Esophagus is a precancerous condition. Now I've just read in the above mentioned website:

'Surprisingly, as many as 40% of patients who are diagnosed with an esophageal adenocarcinoma (Barrett's associated cancer) deny ever having typical heartburnor GERD symptoms, such as burning chest pain or regurgitation of acid.'

Okay, so I'm afraid but will not dwell on it. I feel great and will conscientiously follow doctor's orders and do everything in my power to maintain my health.

I'm superstitious! A year or two ago an environmental extremist weirdo female advised me that I should not go around 'bragging about my good health in public'. Since then my husband died and two of my family pets have died. Logic tells me it's coincidence. Short of poisoning our food or drink, that witch has no way to cause ill health in my household!

I'm religious! I pray and ask for your prayers as well.

I'm an optimist! I honestly believe I am as healthy as I feel. I believe maintenance is important in life... be it your home, your car, or most of all your own body!

I dislike housework of all kinds, including laundry! ...so I save it up, do it in one day and get it out of my way until it really needs it again.

Also, sounds like I'm self-centered! Hmmm! Perhaps I am. I do know, however, that in order to love others one must love oneself... and I think I do. Since my best friend, my spouse, died, I need to be my own best friend... and so I am.

1:19 PM 2/22/2007
Talk about drama! One of the lawyers just collapsed in the courtroom. Turns out he's diabetic and needed sustenance. Judge just announced he wants to wrap up testimony today because he wants to announce his decision tomorrow! ...and this is just to determine who gets custody of the body! I can hardly wait for the parental custody portion. Hope that judge is dramatic as this one!

Tell me... am I 'normal'?

Delusions and Confessions...

Omigosh! I'm an addict! For all my complaints about the Anna Nicole publicity I just realized the truth! My favorite news station is covering the court proceedings almost constantly. Today I sorted laundry... three loads and I want to get it all done today. I just realized the addiction when it was time to take a load out of the washer... I actually considered Tivo-ing the trial so I wouldn't miss any of it!

Yes, I did turn it off yesterday... but partly because I have some favorites on HGTV... at least until I get some redecorating and remodeling completed. So far today I just don't want to miss a thing. Good heavens... some days my life seems like a soap opera but this story becomes more mesmerizing as it progresses! No, I will not Tivo it.

Yes, I am afraid! Of what? Oh, didn't I mention? I just learned about a new medical condition. It's called Barrett's Esophagus. Never heard of it before... never heard of GERD... rarely have heartburn.... and I feel absolutely great!!! Had heartburn during pregnancy and recently started having it on a regular basis after taking Fosamax for osteoporosis. Yes, I am aware that Prilosec, a treatment for Barrett's Esophagus, is known to weaken the bones. Yes, my primary physician has already taken corrective action... changing my osteoporosis medication and strongly advising to take the Prilosec!

Why am I afraid? She has impressed on my mind that this condition is a precancerous indication. Now I've just read in the above mentioned website:

'Surprisingly, as many as 40% of patients who are diagnosed with an esophageal adenocarcinoma (Barrett's associated cancer) deny ever having typical heartburnor GERD symptoms, such as burning chest pain or regurgitation of acid.'

Okay, so I'm afraid but will not dwell on it. I feel great and will conscientiously follow doctor's orders and do everything in my power to maintain my health.

I'm superstitious! A year or two ago an environmental extremist weirdo female advised me that I should not go around 'bragging about my good health in public'. Since then my husband died and two of my family pets have died. Logic tells me it's coincidence. Short of poisoning our food or drink, that witch has no way to cause ill health in my household!

I'm religious! I pray and ask for your prayers as well.

I'm an optimist! I honestly believe I am as healthy as I feel. I believe maintenance is important in life... be it your home, your car, or most of all your own body!

I dislike housework of all kinds, including laundry! ...so I save it up, do it in one day and get it out of my way until it really needs it again.

Also, sounds like I'm self-centered! Hmmm! Perhaps I am. I do know, however, that in order to love others one must love oneself... and I think I do. Since my best friend died, I need to be my own best friend... and so I am.

Wednesday - Midweek Mumbling...

Today Martha Stewart showed her viewers how to force springtime blooms indoors. A couple of weeks ago my neighbor gave me some freshly cut branches from an apple tree! Today those branches are in full bloom. I just took this close-up of one of those apple blossoms this morning. How do you do it? Cut the branches, put them in a vase of fresh water and be patient. Of course Martha had a more complicated way to do it. What works? Anything that will blossom - apples, pears, cherries, forsythia... try just about any deciduous bush or tree branches.

This cute little tiger aka Miss Kitty, shown below helping me play Spider Solitaire is the reason I must keep those blossoms on top of one piece of furniture she still can't jump up on! She doesn't do it to be mean but the little critter is the most curious cat ever to have moved in with me! She follows me everywhere and tries to figure out how everything works. She still hasn't grown into those ears either.

Celebrity Losers: Poor pitiful blondes seem to be particularly in the national headlines lately. First it was Anna Nicole Smith birthing a baby girl and losing her firstborn immediately after. Not enough that two men claimed fatherhood of that baby... after the mom dies from what is probably a drug reaction, even more creeps come out of the woodwork claiming fatherhood! People took advantage of the poor woman when she was alive and continue even now that she's dead. News media were the worst and still won't let it go. I've resorted to watching Animal Planet and HGTV during the interim. I guess there is no real news any more!

...so BS (that would be Britney Spears Shears) decides she's not getting her share of the news and goes beserk - in & out and in & out and back in... to rehab, shaving her head during the interim! Not to mention all the others that have gone in and out of rehab (the new celebrity status symbol), I ask, who cares??? It's all a lot of B.S. but they sure do give us reason to believe the old saying... 'Money is the root of all evil.' Wouldn't it be a goofy world if we all acted out like that?
Gee I'm glad I'm me!!!

...and finally - Monday Madness!
OttO says, 'This week's questions come from 3 of our fellow MM participants. Thanks to you all for your faithful participation in my meme! =) ' These were tough but good ones!!

From sleeping mermaid:
If you could rewrite one pivotal moment in history, good or
bad, to make a change, which moment would that be AND what are some of the consequences that you believe might come from that change? I believe even if you could change a historical moment, the consequences would remain... perhaps just at a different moment. I guess I mean that whatever 'it' is, it was meant to happen.

From beth:
What's the most unusual hobby you have? How did you get started with it? sailing... may not be unusual to some but can you sail? How did I get started? I wanted to do it so we bought a sailboat and sailed it!

From shelly:
Name one thing for each of the following:
Favorite smell lemony
Favorite texture fluffy
Favorite view my backyard
Favorite sound laughter
Favorite taste savory