Water Water Everywhere

Water Water Everywhere

Happy 54th Birthday Ron Howard!

Yesterday at aquatic class, I realized how soothing the water was. It was warm, caressing, and sensual in a sense. It is much easier to move in than outside the pool. There is just something about the sense of weighlessness (especially to those of us who are overweight!) that calms and soothes. There is a complete freedom associated with being in the water.........an unrestricted enviroment. It is so calming to lay back, close your eyes, and just float atop the water's surface, feeling the water surround you as the motion of the water undulates around you.

Someone once told me that he had a theory about the sensations that being in water bring us. He said, we were carried, protected and safe, in fluid for 9 months until our birth. It is only as we grow that we learn to fear the water.....through some near drowning experience. or such. Just watch a toddler splashing and frolicking in the water......no fear, no inhibition. Sometimes we just have to let go and let the child in us free.

Answer to 2/29's trivia question: What was invented in 1925, were small wooden adveryising signs with a twist, and were discontinued in 1963? Burma Shave roadside ads

Today's trivia question: Who said “Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do ‘em all together, I guess.”

Thought for the Day: Every 2000 frowns equals 1 wrinkle.

"A Few of My Favorite Things"

"A Few of My Favorite Things"

Julie Andrews did a special benefit for AARP in which she performed her trademark song from the legendary movie, "The Sound of Music"...."A Few of My Favorite Things"
.
Here are the lyrics she used: (Sing It!) - If you sing it, its especially hysterical!!!

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillacs and cataracts and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
nd then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Answer to 2/28's trivia question: The cute little character at the top of that entry was Topo Gigio who appeared several time on TV's "Ed Sullivan Show"
Today's Trivia: What was invented in 1925, were small wooden advertising signs with a twist, and the last year for them was 1963?

Thought for the Day: When French people swear do they say pardon my English?

The Silence is Deafening

The Silence is Deafening

In my community, some seniors are afforded a cab to take them to and from medical appointments in the event they have no other transportation. Today I had to take that cab to a doctor's visit and a question came to mind as I was sitting in the back seat, looking at the back of the head of the driver, feeling uncomfortable because it was so quiet. Why is it difficult to just accept silence?

I felt that I needed to make conversation with the driver by chatting about the weather. Then I began thinking of other times this awkward silence comes into our lives. Times like waiting in a long line and looking back at the person behind you and you feel the need to make some cute little comment about the clerk. Times like when you push the button to an elevator and someone else comes and pushes it too and there the two of you stand..........aimlessly looking around to cover up the silence. Times like when you are in an elavator and it is just you and another person and you feel compelled to make idle conversation. Times when you are in a waiting room and the person next to you makes eye contact and you feel compelled to tell them your life story up to that moment.

Why do we feel we need to speak instead of just accepting the silence? Maybe it is because that silence makes us feel awkward or vulnerable. Maybe it is because we are social creatures. Maybe because we have so much noise in our lives (radio, TV, phones, neighborhood noises, etc.) that silence feels deafening. Maybe it is a twisted way to take control of the situation by talking to a stranger first, so unconsciously we have made the first move and we are the dominent one in the original order of the pack. This is not to say that responding to a hello or nod from them is the same as feeling you HAVE to find common ground in which to indulge a conversation. Whatever the reason, maybe we should take time to hear the silence, button up our lips and just feel comfortable about it all.

Answer to 2/27's trivia question: Actor George Reeves played the title role in TV's "Superman" show. What role did he play in GWTW? He was one of the Tarleton twins who was seeking Scarlett's attention in the scene at the barbarque where the three of them were on the veranda steps.

Today's trivia question: Who is the cute little character at the top of the page and what TV show did he appear on regularily?

Thought for the Day: "I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure."- Clarence Darrow

You Have to Give Us Credit

You Have to Give Us Credit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUOtVjK-egM

As we begin to lose our youth (and some may even say our good sense), we lose many of our protective inhibitions. We have reached the point where we don't care what others may think of us or how others may see us. This IS now our time.............time to be free, time to let our hair down (what little is left), time to explore new possibilities. So if we do things that appear silly and maybe even a little foolish or dangerous for our age, so what? At least we are doing SOMETHING! In our generation, people our age basically shriveled up and died once they reached retirement age. I am so glad times have changed and in the above video, one must applaud their attempts and even envy their courage to try. God love the seniors!

Answer to 2/26's trivia question. The 1950's decade saw 2 presidents, who were they? President Truman and President Eisenhower.

Today's trivia question: Actor George Reeves played Superman on the TV series. He also played what role in GWTW.

Thought for the Day: Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here and drink what comes out"?

The Empress' New Clothes

The Empress' New Clothes

I take aquatic classes at a local YMCA during the week. The routine is generally the same every day. We go to the locker room, shower, then go out to the pool area where we walk the length of the pool and lay our towels on the bench until we are ready to come out of the pool.

Yesterday was no exception to the routine. I laid my pretty colorful green and white towel on the bench, went into the pool, had a great workout, got out of the pool and headed for the showers.

Our shower area is arranged basically into the open shower area and 3 small enclosed cubicles which cause even the most non-claustophobic to become claustophobic. So I proceeded to shower, taking off my suit under an open shower, squeezing it out, walking a few feet to another bench area and placing it in my plastic case to take home. I then finished showering and went to grab my towel on the bench where my suit just laid and realized that I had not brought it in with me from the pool area.

In the meantime, other women were coming in from the pool area. When I realized I had no towel, I muttered "Oh, crap!" and headed for the door which lead to the pool area. I was just reaching for the door handle, when one of the other women asked me where I was going. I told her and again reached for the door handle when all of a sudden I was pulled up short when she firmly said, "You can't go out there like THAT!" I looked down and realized I was stark naked as I had already removed my suit before I took my shower. "Oh My God ". I cried and meekly went back into the shower area to wait for my friend (who was still dressed in her suit) to retrieve my towel.

By the time she got back, I was laughing so hard at my almost-near humilating experience. After all, if you can't laugh at yourself every once in awhile, then you have lost your sense of humor.

Answer to 2/25's trivia question: What does DA (the haircut) stand for? Duck's Ass as the back of the hair was slightly parted and arranged in the back to look like the back end of a duck.

Today's trivia question: The 1950's gave us 2 presidents..............who were they?

Thought for the day: Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we could simply press 'Ctr Alt Delete' and start all over?

Didn't We Look Cool?

Didn't We Look Cool?

We sometimes look at the fashions of the kids today and become our parents and granparents by shaking ouyr heads in puzzlement, saying, "I can't believe their parents let them out of the house looking like that!" Each generation produces its own fashion sense and as long as there are teenagers, there will be strange looking outfits. I know in my days as a teenagers, our fashions were critized and we were sometimes left as hopeless and as rebels.

Do you remember wearing these? Poodle skirts with motifs on them (ex. poodle with a leash)and tight fitting blouses tucked into the waist, capri / pirate pants, pedal pushers, jeans / dungarees, petticoats, "can-can" petticoats, peter pan collared blouse, twin sweater set, wearing your cardigan sweater backwards and buttoned up the back, cinched belt, pleated skirts, gingham dress, bathing suits: strapless, or haltered one-piece suits, motor scooter slacks, stirrup pants, penny loafers, white buckskin lace up shoes, saddle shoes,pumps,stiletto heel, plastic pop beads, sloppy joe sweater and leotard, bermuda shorts and hawaiian shirt, bobby sox, ankle sox, jeans, t-shirt, leather jacket or denim jacket, white fake peter pan collars that fit over a sweater, black horned rim glasses or cat eye glasses, neckerchief (in a color to match your motif on your poodle skirt), cardigan, turtleneck (black). formal wear such as the white sports coat or strapless gowns if you were a girl.

Haircuts were just as much of a fashion statement as were our clothes. Hair cuts such as the pompador, the flat top, the crew cut, the DA, pony tails, page boys, etc.

Our jewerly was also a statement: circle pins, class rings, pop-it-beads, etc.

So next time you are tempted and I MEAN tempted bite your tongue and remember how foolish we looked to our parents and grandpartents and we actually turned out ok!

Answer to 2/24's trivia question: Who was Margaret Mitchell's first choice to play Rhett Buttler in the movie adaptation of her novel "Gone with the Wind"? Basil Rathbone.

Today's trivia: What did DA (Hir cut) stand for?

Thought for the Day: Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.

I'm from Buffalo

I am from Buffalo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHbnQXsyDrE

I'm from Buffalo. We eat chicken wings, not buffalo wings.

Jack Kemp is a quarterback, not a politician.

We drink Labatt Blue and love it.

Mighty Taco always has preference over Taco Bell.

Pop, not soda and Pepsi, not Coke.

We have beef on weck. If you know what a weck roll is, you are from Buffalo.

They are sneakers not tennis shoes.

It's a sucker, not a lollipop.

Bison Chip Dip, La Nova Pizzeria, Aunt Rosie's Loganberry, Chiavetta's Chicken, and Ted's Hot Dogs are all too familiar...not to forget Anderson's lemon ice.

Our bars don't close until 4, and we DO sell beer in a grocery store (Tops or Wegmans ), which always makes for early starts and late nights. Jim's Steak Out at 4 in the morning is calling it an early night... ]

We never cuss, but we swear entirely too much.

We know that a 65 mph speed limit really means 80. -We will cut you off, swear, and give you the finger if you are not keeping up AND do it all in the snow, while expecting nothing less from you in return. Driving in the snow not only comes naturally, it is fun.

We start the weekends off right at Thursdays in the square enjoying beer, free music, and an interesting crowd.

We lived through Wide Right, The Forward Lateral, and No Goal.

Dubbed by Dan Marino as "the meanest fans because none of us actually wanted to live here"... we all know he wouldn't stand one winter up here.

We love the Bills (no matter what) and accept that it takes 2 hours to get home from a game. Nothing closes in 3 feet of snow or -20 wind chills... in fact, that's how we prefer to tailgate.

The 2001 Christmas Storm that dumped nearly of 7 ft of lake effect snow we still think it's a mere 2nd to The Blizzard of '77.

We can correctly pronounce, spell, and identify Chippewa,Scajaquada,Lackawanna, Cheektowaga,Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Olean and Tonawanda without hesitation. When giving direction it's not " take I-90 to Route 33 east" it's "take the 90 to the 33 east"..."the" is not an option.

We are 30 minutes from another country, one of the seven wonders of the world, and even a few beaches. It's the second largest city in New York. Chippewa Street is Named in Big n Rich's country song and you know how they do!

I AM FROM BUFFALO, a beer drinking town with a Big sports problem, and damn proud.

Answer to 2/23's trivia question: Howdy Doody of the TV show Howdy Doody had a twin sister. Her name was Heidi Doody.
Today's trivia question: Who was Nargaret Mitchell's first choice to play Rhett Butler in the movie "Gone with the Wind"?
Thought for the Day: I want to live forever........so far, so good.

Delta Burke's Admission

Delta Burke's Admission

Actress Delta Burke just made public her battle with depression on an airing of “Entertainment Tonight”. I applaud her courage and forthcoming candor. She is not alone in her battle with this illness. It effects approximately 14 million adults per year in just the USA alone. Most of us woman have suffered from post partum “Blues”---depression.

Some symptoms (Please do not assume if you have any of these you suffer from depression………..if concerned, please see your doctor): Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood; loss of appetite and/or weight loss, or conversely overeating and weight gain; insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping, restlessness or irritability; feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, helplessness, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism; difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; thoughts of death or suicide or attempts at suicide; loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex; decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down" or sluggish. persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.

It is not a disease to be confused with being mentally slow or mentally handicapped…..check out some people who have suffered from depression: Abraham Lincoln, John D.. Rockefeller, Princess Diana, Vincent Van Gogh, Winston Churchell, Issac Newton, Mark Twain, Buzz Aldrin, Terry Bradshaw, etc. Although I am not too impressed with this site’s title, but it does offer a very good list of famous people who have suffered or suffer from depression.:
http://www.mixednuts.net/depression-famous.html

I know whereof I speak because I suffer from depression and oft times have been put down by family and friends because I am not able to be “up” when they want me to as me being “down” makes them uncomfortable and they don’t know how to handle it and often think it is a “put-on”.

If you know of a friend or family member who might be suffering from depression do not judge them but urge them to seek medical advice. Please do not expect him or her "to snap out of it."-----do you actually think that the person WANTS to be depressed? It is a lonely place to be and it is a world of entrapment without getting the necessary help and support. People who never have suffered from it, assume the person affected, is crying out for attention, or should be strong enough to snap out of it, or just needs “to get a grip”.

They need your support and understanding…support that involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement. A person can’t fight this illness on their own and a little bit of understanding and support goes a long ways for them.

Answer to 2/22’s trivia question: Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, was created in 1939, in Chicago, for what department store as a Christmas promotion? Montgomery Ward.
Today’s trivia question: Howdy Doody of the TV show Howdy Doody had a twin sister, what was her name?
Thought for the day: Motto for my kitchen: A messy kitchen is a happy one and this one is delirious.

Th Emerald City

The Emerald City

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edl5mQoSaFM

(No, I am not referring to "The Wizard of Oz"....I am referring to that wonderful city of Seattle, home of "Frasier" and "Grey's Anatomy". I had the pleasure of going there this spring and what a delight it was, in spite of the cold, rainy weather.

The city has its own personality...............rich beside the poor, sophisicated beside the not-so-sophisticated...............the traditional beside the modern......................young beside the old. No matter where you go in Seattle, you will see a mixture of ethnic groups and a mixture of statistics. On one block, you will see a high rise apartment complex completed with a water fall next to a little food store. Seattle is growing so quickly that every square foot of space has to be utilized. So when an older structure comes down, a new one appears.

There is so much to do and see in Seattle........Mt. Reiner, the pier activities, the Space Needle, the restaurants, the theater, Pike market, etc. It has become an Emerald City just as the one in Dorothy's "Wizard of Oz"........it is a magical place where hopes and dreams can come true if you just click your heels together 3 times.

So be Dorothy and follow the yellow brick road to Seattle.

Answer to 2/21's trivia question: Hattie McDaniel won the best supporting actress oscar in 1939 for her portayal of Mammy in the movie "Gone with the Wind". Her winning this presented 2 distinctions: she was the first African American to win such an award and she was not physically recognized and given the award until the 1950's because of her race.
Today's trivia question: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was created in 1939, in Chicago, for what department store as a Christmas promotion.?
Thought for the day: There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.

And the Winner Is..................

And the Winner is........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0X73owiI7g

Sunday night is the 80th Academy Awards Presentations. No matter how many movies are made and how many bright promising actors and actresses are given that coveted award, one movie will always stand out in my mind...."Gone with the Wind".....winner of 8 academy awards in 1939.

"Gone with the Wind" won oscars for best picture, best actress/Vivian Leigh, best supporting actress/Hattie McDaniel, best director/Victor Flemming, best adapted screenplay/Sidney Howard, best cinematography in color, best for interiro decoration, and best film editing.

"Gone with the Wind" is rated #6 of 100 American films of all times by the American Film Institute. "Frankly my dear", I would rate it #1.


Well, time to close for today and will see you tomorrow because "after all tomorrow is another day"



Answer to 2/20's trivia: What were the names of Sheri Lewis' puppets? Lambchop. Hush Puppy, and Charlie Horse
Today's trivia: Hattie McDaniel won the best supporting actress for her portrayal of Mammy in "Gone with the Wind", what 2 distinctions did her winning the oscar produce?
Thought for the Day: The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

Baby's Firsts

Remember when your children were born? You had a baby book in which to keep all the precious things from your baby's first few years. As the number of children that you had grew, generally the entries and memorabilia for each child diminished. But most of us made sure that all the baby's firsts were recorded. Firsts are unique as they are virginal and can never again be classified as a first.

We recorded every first that we witnessed: first word, first introduction to solid food, first outings, first time baby sat up, first time baby crawled, first steps, first hair cut, first lost tooth, etc. These firsts were most definately milestones in your child's life....things that you wanted to remember always, things that you were proud of, and things that baby could look back on as it grew into an adult.

I read that today that Robert Irwin, 4 year old son of the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, had a first today. This first was so important that his mom, Terri, announced it at a press conference. He was rather late considering that his sister experienced this first at 18 months old. What was so important to be recorded as a first?......first book he read, first time reciting a poem, first time doing somersaults? None of the above. Well his mom can now proudly enter into his baby book along with that first word, his first step, his first tooth..........the first time he was bitten by a snake! He was bitten on the finger by one of his cousin's baby boa constrictors. According to mom, Robert was very proud of his accomplishment. I wonder if she had to order a special baby book that included a cute little picture of a coiled snake with a title that read, "Baby's First Snake Bite".

I was proud of all 4 of my kids' first and recorded as much as I could for posterity, but I can honestly say that I am not disappointed that I did not have to witness and record on a page set aside for first snake bites.

Answer to 2/19's trivia question: What was the name of George Washington's horse? Nelson
Today's trivia question: Sheri Lewis had 3 puppets. What were their names?
Thought for the Day: Freedom of the press means no ironing.

PS....baby pictured above is one of my grandsons who just turned 18.

I am thinking of changing this blog's name from "Welcome to My World" to "The Senior Spotlight"...................please vote (on the left column) for your choice..........thanks

Times, They are A-Changing

I am sure you will remember this scene from a typical day in grade school. When the whistle shrilled, you went into the cloak room and positioned yourself like the students above or else you hit the floor and went under your desk. "What in the hell would you do that?", one might ask. This was an air raid drill........for some inane reason those in power thought that these actions would protect you in case a nuclear bomb was dropped. Those were the days of the constant threat of The Cold War materialzing between the US and the Communist countries, especially the Soviet Union and Cuba. Bomb shelters were built and air raids were established.

I have been an eye witness to many historical making world changing events..........the fall of the Communist government, the Berlin Wall being taken down, man's walk on the moon, a president being assisinated, a missle exploding in front of my eyes, killing all members aboard, etc.

Today, I have witnessed another world changing event.....the resignation of Fidel Castro, dictator of Cuba. He gained power in 1959 and has the distinction of having the longest rule (over 4 decades) in any government and of establishing the first and only Communist state in the western hemisphere. With his resignation comes the hope for a democratic transition for the Cuban government.

He rejected the US government, seized Amnerican property, and turned to the Soviet Union for support and aid. Relationships between the two goverments grew more tense as time passed. They finally came to a head in 1962 with the Bay of Pigs invasion. The CIA plotted to kill Castro and Kennedy gave the order to invade Cuba and overthrow his regime. However, the invasion proved to be a disaster for the United States. We lost and Castro grew even more confident with his victory. This invasion brought the world as close to the brink of a nuclear war as it had ever been.

To think that we have lived so many years to witness events that will be written into history textbooks and will be studied by our grandchildren and their children and so on. Yes, my friend, times....they are a-chainging.

Answer to 2/17's trivia question: What did Jane Mansfield almost lose during the telecast of the 1957 Academy Awards? She accidently exhaled her breast out of her dress, almost losing a boob.
Today's trivia question: What was President George Washinton's horse name?
Thought for the Day: dietary thought....He who stuffeth, puffeth.

Boobs or the Boob Tube

The roofers were here yesterday and had to disconnect my dish satelite, so no TV for awhile until the work is completed and until the satelite can be reinstalled. OH NO!!! What in the world am I to do?


The TV has become such an accepted part of our lives that we most definately take it for granted. Bored?...grab the remote and turn TV on. TV has come such a long ways from when I first watched it. Not too many homes had a TV in the early 50's. Those that did had this little screen that made watching details almost impossible. There were only 2 stations when TV first came out in my community. There were only a limited hours in which to watch it....after 11:00 pm both channels shut down and placed a test pattern on the screen until the next day. (For any of you who are too young to remember a test pattern, check out my 2/11 entry for a picture of one.)


Colored TV was a long ways off. There were transparent sheets that came in differnt colors. If you wanted to see colored TV, all you had to do was put one of these colored sheets on the screen. The only problem was EVERYTHING was the color of the sheet! I actually saw my first colored television broadcast in 1965..."The following program is brought to you in Living Color on NBC!".....the NBC peacock. What a thrill. There was also a major problem with color TV sets. If you vacuumed in the room when the TV was on, you could de-magnitize it and would have to have a repairman come and reset the color.


The first demo broadcast of color TV to the American public was a 1 hour broadcast Monday-Saturday in 1/1950 in Washington, DC. The first experimental broadcast was Kukla, Fran, & Ollie, a children's show, in 8/1953. The first coast to coast color broadcast was the Tournment of Roses in 1/1954. The first prime time production in color was The Marriage in 1954. Very few people could afford one as they cost about $1,200.00 (would be equalivant to over $10,000 today).


TV remotes were not introduced until 6/1956 by Zenith and then very few homes had them.. Imagine having to leave your comfortable seat to go turn up the volumn, change channels, or turn your TV off!!

Nowdays if your TV breaks, it is cheaper to buy a new one. When I was a kid, you called the repairman who came out, charged you, and generally replaced your picture tube.

Your TV had rabbit ears on top to adjust the picture or if you were fortunate enough, a TV antena (which sometimes could act as a lightening rod) attached to your roof .

There were no such things as cable TV, HD, satelite dish, surround sound, flat screen ,etc. When we watched TV in my days, it was an adventure and a pure delight. What our grandparents would have to say about all this modern technology!!! My grandmother got confused trying to change channels!

So I guess I can rough it for a few days..............read a book, do computer work, get back to writing my books, call a friend, etc. I guess the concept here is that men are addicted to boobs and we women to boob tubes.

Gosh, I wonder what is happening on Desparate Housewives tonight!!

Answer to 2/16's trivia question: Who played the 1st openly gay main character on a network TV series? Billy Crystal played Jodie Dallas, on network television on ABC's "Soap," which aired from 1977 to 1981.

Today's trivia: What did actress Jayne Mansfield almost lose during the telecast of the Academy Awards in 1957?

Thought for the Day: Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.

Laugh til It Hurts

Laugh Til it Hurts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_mBLWpdwnI

When was the last time you laughed so hard it hurt or that laughter took your breath away? My guess probably too long ago. The old saying goes, "Laughter is the best medicine" and there just might be some truth in it.


When you laugh, your body releases hormones called endorphines that create a sense of well being in a person. When you laugh your lungs expand and are exercised. When you laugh you are refreshed mentally. When you laugh you are contagious...........a hearty laugh will 99% of the time make others laugh and gee, what a great experience.


I can remember laughing so hard I couldn't get my breath and my face and chest hurt, and tears were streaming down my face. I am sure all of us remembering a time when we were drinking something and we got to laughing and it came out of our nose. Who of us have not roared at seeing someone slip and fall (as sadistic as that sounds). I, for one, love to laugh and it doesn't take much to get me started.



Many of us forget to laugh as adults. We have to be so serious because we are MATURE people. Well laughing as an adult does not make you immature, it makes you fun to be around. There must be something to this laughter thing as it brings in money......just look at all the home video and blooper shows on TV. Do you think a sponsor would invest in such shows if they didn't think it would draw people?



So the next time, something tickles your funny bone, let lose of you inhibitions and throw your head back and let the laughter free............I promise you , you will not regret it.


You might even want to bookmark the above video and save it and replay it when you feel there is nothing left in life to laugh about.



Answer to 2/15's trivia question: What was the first song ever sung in space?
"Happy Birthday" was the first song to be performed in outer space, sung by the Apollo IX astronauts on March 8, 1969.
Today's trivia question: Who played the first openly gay person on a TV series?
Thought for the day: No matter how serious your life requires you to be, you will always need a friend to act goofy with.

The Hereafter

The Hereafter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yN-6PbqAPM

The Hereafter

It has been said that seniors spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter. I guess that is true. A senior will enter a room, be deep in thought, become disorientated and will ask himself, "What am I here after?" I have a dog who just turned 11 years old, so she is growing old along with me. I guess because the water is much colder there, she likes to drink from the toilet. One day she went into the bathroom, stopped, looked a little puzzled, looked around, and then turned and walked out. She was through the kitchen and was heading for the dining room when all of a sudden she stopped and ran back into the bathroom and got her drink. I didn't think it was possible, but I think my dog is becoming a little senile too........lol.


My doctor told me once that it was like a filing cabinet being cleaned out.............the old stuff gets tossed out. So it is, according to him, with our brains. Over a life time we commit so much to memory that in time some of the things in our memory bank get erased. I guess that sounds logical, but how come I can remember where I was, what I was doing, the time of year, how old I was when I hear an oldie, but goodie on the radio? I guess we tend to lose our short term memory first or maybe it is because we had such a good time when we first heard that oldie but goodie and the pleasure of that experience outweighs remembering all the bad things that are happening all over the world. Could it be selective memory?


In any event..........Now if I could just remember what I am doing at this keyboard!!!


Answer to 2/14's trivia question: What did Alfred Hitchcock use for blood on the 45 second shower scene of the movie Psycho? chocolate syrup
Today's trivia question: What was the first song to be performed in outer space, sung by the Apollo IX astronauts on March 8, 1969.
Thought for the Day: When you're old and fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.

Something new: I have added a poll that you will allow you to voice your opinion on various topics every now and then.

I am thinking of changing the title of my blog to "The Senior Spotlight" as there is a pattern forming in my entries.......much of what I am about deals with issues of seniors. Please cast your vote in the area to the right of the entry just under Leave a Message. I will keep this poll going for a week or so.

Happy Valentine's Day

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IbyuQsUyTs

There has been much spectulation over the years on the origin and purpose of Valentine's Day. Being a romantic myself, the following is the origin I like best. "Perhaps the most popular legend centers on an imprisoned priest during the Dark Ages. Local children missed him during his imprisonment and would throw flowers into his cell through the prison bars. He fell in love with the jailer's daughter, who visited often during his confinement. Some sources state that she returned his love because he had cured her blindness. He would send her love letters frequently as a means of communicating his love. Right before he died, he wrote her a love letter signing it, "From Your Valentine"."

Common symbols of Valentine's Day

Cupid: Cupid was known to the Romans as Cupid and to the ancient Greeks, he was Eros. No matter what his name is he is still the little impish little character who flies around shooting arrows at unsuspecting people causing them to fall in love.

Roses: Various colors of roses represent something different. A red rose is for passion; a white rose, true love; a yellow rose, friendship. All roses are to sympolize both love and forgiveness and peace and war.

Those that need no explanations: cards, candy, hearts

Great recipe: Chocolate Valentine Cheese Pie

3 packages cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided

1 extra serving-size packaged cracker crumb crust

3 tablespoons whipping cream

1. Heat oven to 280°C.
2. In large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar.
3. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Stir in 1-2/3 cups small chocolate chips; pour into crust.
4. Bake 10 minutes. Without opening oven door, reduce temperature to 180°C continue baking 30 minutes or just until set. Remove from oven to wire rack. Cool completely.
5. Cover; refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
6. In small microwave-safe bowl, place remaining 1/3 cup chips and whipping cream. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 20 to 30 seconds or just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred.
7. Cool slightly; spread over top of cheesepie.
8. Refrigerate 15 minutes or until topping is set.
9. Cover; refrigerate leftover cheesepie.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone............may the magic of love touch you today and be with you forever.

Answer to 2/13's trivia question: Whose woman's picture/portrait appeared on a US postager stamp for the first time? Martha Washington's portrait appeared on a 8 cent stamp that was issued in November 1902.

Today's trivia question: What was used for blood in the famous 45 second shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock's movie, Psycho, which actually took 7 days to shoot.

Thought for the Day: from a woman's dictionary.....Valentine's Day (val*en*tinez dae) n. A day when you have dreams of a candlelight dinner, diamonds, and romance, but consider yourself lucky to get a card

Even Animals Fall in Love video at bottom of page

Are You a Survivor?

Today's entry is actual a copy of an email sent to me, but I could not have said it better.

ARE YOU A SURVIVOR?
First, we survived being born to mothers who took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.



Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribscovered with bright colored lead-based paints.



We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we tookhitchhiking.


As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, boosterseats, seat belts or air bags.



Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.


We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.



We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.



We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made withsugar, but we weren't overweight because, WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!



We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day.And we were O.K.



We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.



We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cellphones, no personal computers, no Internet or chat rooms...... WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!



We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuitsfrom these accidents.



We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in usforever.



We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks andtennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not poke outvery many eyes.



We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang thebell, or just walked in and talked to them!



Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't hadto learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!



The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!



These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers andinventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEALWITH IT

ALL!

If YOU are one of them CONGRATULATIONS!

Answer to 2/12's trivia question: The picture is of a tv test pattern. For those of you who are too young to remember this, television did not air 24 hours a day and we only had 2 channels. When the networks went off the air, the tv test pattern appeared on your tv screen.
Today's trivia question: Who was the first woman whose picture/portrait appeared on a US postage stamp?
Thought for the Day: You know you're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.

Do You Want Your Senior Discount?

Thought for the Day: Your home is your refuge, so surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.


Today's trivia question and the answer to yesteday's is now found at the bottom of the daily entries.

DO YOU WANT YOUR SENIOR DISCOUNT?

I remember the first time anyone asked me that. I was indignant!! "What? Do I LOOK like a senior?" roared my slightly wounded ego. Now I take whatever discount is offered to me as a senior.

I went grocery shopping today. Since I do not have a car, I have to rely on others to take me. I have a dear friend who usually asks me to go shopping with her, but due to the bitter cold weather we have been having, she has not ventured out of her house. So I availed myself of one of the community senior programs.....The Senior Van.

This was my first time and I was a little apprehensive, which turned out to be unfounded. There were only other seniors in the van and I realized that there is a certain bonding and safety with being with people my own age. We had just been introduced and we were carrying on like we had been friends for years. We all agreed that there were certain perks to being old and being a senior....not many, mind you, but some.

However, if we just stop and think about it, we have more than others. Here, in Buffalo, is has become a joke of sorts. Whenever a senior goes out to eat, the choice and location of the restaurant is not as important as finding a restaurant that gives senior discounts and accepts coupons. And most seniors I know sure take advantage of that..........the heck with the misplaced pride.

So with my groceries in tow, I proudly climbed into the van that very clearly had "Senior Services" written in bold letters on the sides, and for one was glad that I had come this far in life...that I had become a senior. So the next time someone asks you, "Do you want your senior discount?", hold your head up proudly and say, "Hell, Yes!!!"

Answer to 2/11's trivia question: What did Dr. Jonas Salk invent in 1955? The polio vaccine

Today's trivia question: What is the picture below representing?

It Is So Cold......How Cold Is It?

Answer to 2/10's trivia question: The odd looking object is a skate key, used to adjust your roller skates (I still have one)





Today's trivia question: What did Dr. Salk invent in 1955?





Thought for the day: Did you hear?…Campbells has come out with a new soup for seniors….Large-type Vegetable

IT IS SO COLD..........HOW COLD IS IT?

It was minus 20 degrees with the wind chill factor last night here in Buffalo. That is cold!!!!

Let's put it this way................you wouldn't want to stick your tongue on a metal storm door.

My son in Greenland tells me that most days it is minus 20-25 degrees there without the wind chill factor. That would be the last place in the world I would want to live..........I give him credit for his fortitude.

February can be a fickle month weather-wise and this just proves it. A few days ago it dropped 20 degrees within 2 hours. Today is is milder.....in the teens with a wind chill factor of maybe 10 degrees and the sun is shining proudly.

You have all heard the controversy over the concept of Global Warming. Not to go political with this entry, but I think it is a reality and is happening....just watch the news for the strange and unusual weather factors all over the world.

All I can say is when I woke up this morning as I was snuggled under a wonderfully warm quilt, was "Thank God for a warm house!" I guess we often do not realize the good things in our lives and take them for granted.

So I hope this day will find you well and keeping warm

Batteries Not Included

BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZE3tOV4Zl8

Answer to 2/9's trivia: Frances Gumm made her bright entry into this world on a "rainbow"....she was Judy Garland.

Today's trivia: What in the world is this contraption above? I had one and was probably one of the first latch key kids and I wore my house key and this around my neck at all times. I never left home without them.

Thought for the Day: My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.

Batteries Not Included

Wasn't it a lot cheaper for our parents when we were kids and most of our toys came ready-to-use without batteries? Without the artificial stimulation to get our toys running, we were left to our own imaginations..............we could make a toy basically do what we wanted by imagining it. In today's world of electronic toys and toys requiring umteen batteries, isn't that thought refreshing?

Let's see................if you were a boy you might be playing with Lincoln Logs, an Erector Set, Tinkertoys, a fort complete with plastic indians and cowboys, a pair of cap six shooters, a rocking horse, a chemistry set, pedal cars, etc.

If you were a girl, you would be playing with a Betsy Wetsy or Tiny Tears doll, Barbie, paper dolls (my favorite), an aluminum cooking set, a tea set. a nurses kit, a doll house, etc.

Of course, there were uni-sex toys too: Slinky, Silly Putty, roller skates, Art sets, Monopoly game, bikes, scooters (powered by legs only), a View Master, Mr. Potato Head, hula hoop, Pick-Up Stix, yo-yo, Play Doh, etc.

Yes, our toys back then were gender-based, but I do not think that it hurt us any....I doubt if any of us grew up to be gender confused or if we became disfunctional people. It was just a simplier time to be a child.

If your favorite toy is not listed here or in the video, leave me a message on my board.

Ok, it's time to leave our childhoods behind and re-enter the present.........everyone have a good, safe, and happy day. See you tomorrow!

Where Would We Be without Our Computer?

Trivia answer to 2/8's trivia question: Three Dog Night took their name from a Swedish custom. When it was cold, they would have their dog sleep with them.........the colder the night, the more dogs, thus 3 Dog Night would have meant a very cold night.

Today's trivia question: What actress brightened this world when she came into it as Frances Gumm?

Thought for the Day: Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are " XL”?

When I was a pre-teen in the 1950's a computer took up an entire block and was very complicated and totally unassessible to the every day person. Today almost all homes have at least one computer.....................computers small enough to fit into a brief case or a manilla envelope. Many families have a computer for each family member.

While talking to a friend today, the subject of where we would be without our computers came up. It started me thinking........... Most of us were skeptical when we first got a computer. Maybe we only used it to play solitaire. As we got more confident, we explored our options on the computer.

We got bold and went to chat rooms to meet people from all over the world. Personally, I met my soul mate on ICQ. I have made friends with people all over the world. I met one of my best friends in a chat room...Joanne. During those nights whn sleep evades us, it is somehow conforting to turn on the computer, boot up and go into your favorite chat room...there is always someone to chat with.

The computer has opened our world for help. There are all kinds of support groups online. When I was first diagnosed as having breast cancer, I went online and found a support group that helped me get through the initial shock.

When I was a kid, if you were lucky and fortunate enough, you had a complete set of encyclopedias in which to learn and research. Since I do genealogy and so much other research, the computer has opened a vast dooorway to knowledge and learning. The knowledge is so vast and only limited to your own hunger to learn about a subject.

The computer has made our world a much smaller world. When my son first went overseas, if there had not been the computer, I would have had a very difficult time keeping in touch with him. With just a flick of the wrist, we can talk to anyone in the artic, the desert, or where ever else we would like to go.

So, our world would still be the small world it was before computers, if we did not have one at our fingertips. So what would be be doing?...crocheting, finding a hobby to keep us amused, or just twiddle our thumbs. I for one am glad I have lived long enough to be part of the advance technical age....the computer age.

It's Friday....Yeah!!!

Trivia answer to 2/7's trivia question: The couple in the picture are Justine Carelli and Bob Clayton...better known as American Bandstand's favorite couple. They appeared on that show almost every day. Did anyone guess it?

Today's trivia question: What is the meaning of the singing group of the 1970's, The Three Dog Night's name? Enter your answer on my live chat area if you want.

Thought for the Day: Things that make you go hmmmmmmm.....How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?


It's Friday and to many that means the weekend and some time away from your job. One of the perks of being a senior and being retired (and there are not many of them...) is that Friday is just like any other day. EVERY day is time away from a job. So I will take this time to wish all my readers a great and safe weekend.


Wonderful news!!!.....My son's dog has found a good home while he is in Greenland. His sister will take London and the best news is that London will have a playmate while living there......a cute little pug named Reggie.


I finally made it to the pool today and the aquatic class was so refreshing. It is amazing how addictive exercise can be. It seems like it is an ordeal the first few times you participate, but then you look forward to the next session and your body sure thanks you. Who would think that a bunch of old ladies would be this active? An interesting article appeared in the Washinton Post newspaper on 12/28/2007 regarding seniors and exercise. "Older Americans play with video games that promise to keep their minds sharp. Some do crossword puzzles, try to master foreign languages or learn to play musical instruments — all in the hope of staving off Alzheimer’s disease. Now, a growing body of research is offering tantalizing evidence that a brisk walk in the morning or some laps in the pool might accomplish the same task" Think about it!

I hope all of you have had a good day and have done something that has made you smile......it is one of the few free things that we have abundantly if we just move those facial muscles and smile.



So until tomorrow......slan (for all of you who do not know Gaelic, it means goodbye)

The Sun is Out

Today's trivia question: Who are these people? Hint: they appeared quite regularly on a TV show.



Answer to 2/6's question of "Who did Rudd Weatherwax almost lose Lassie to in a poker game?" He almost lost Lassie to John Wayne who did the honorable thing and did not hold Rudd to his bet.



Thought for the day: Dogs are miracles with paws.



Good morning to all!



Here it is another wintery day, but the sun is shining and menatally that is uplifting. There is something about having the sun shining that takes away the gloomies. I once read an article that said February is the worse month for suicides in areas like ours where winter consists of the gray skies, the bleak days, and the seemingly endless days of winter. It does make sense. The other winter months are filled with the preparation of the holidays, the much needed calm after those holidays, and the light at the end of the tunnel with Spring approaching (March). But poor little February just kinda got stuck in the middle of those other months and really offers us a little more that an unpredictable groundhog and a little naked boy angel running around shooting arrows at people.



The matter of London, my son's dog is still up in the air. He just sent me anything else one would need to know about her:

'I do not want to lose her. I made a pact with her when I got her that I would keep her safe and always come back for her, no matter where I was. I do not have children and London is the closest thing I have to a kid. I have a weird life and took my last dog with me around the world but can't in Greenland. The project in Greenland is very important to me and I must finish it. I considered adoption for about an hour and then felt like the most evil man in the world, and even worse because I feel like I've abandoned her. She would love another dog as company. I think she's very lonely. My email is aquaskaya@hotmail.com and I can call you from Greenland to arrange anything.

Some general information about London...
Inside dog only? Most of the time. She loves the outdoors, though.
How many pounds? She's gotten a little fat and is about 25 pounds.
Spayed? Yes
Shots up to date? Yes, and she has all her papers and rabies certification.
Does she come with a crate? Yes
Is she a alpha female (ie how does she interact with other dogs?--we go to dog parks)She's very humble and was physically abused before I got her. I've tried very hard to show her that humans aren't bad. She's completely a pack dog and is not intimidated by big dogs. She LOVES dog parks and to run with the other dogs.
Am I to understand she needs to be shipped here or will I have to ship her somewhere when the stay in Greenland is up? She's in Ft. Worth right now but I can ship her anywhere (except Greenland-the weather would kill her and it's impossible with what I'm doing here). When my stay in Greenland is up, I will either come and get her or pay to have her shipped wherever I end up. Before she flies, she needs a vet check up. I will pay for any vet bills.
Is she an escape artist?No. She comes when you call her. Outside of an enclosed area, though, I've always kept her on a leash, as she likes to investigate and I'm terrified she'll be hit by a car. I never really seen her dig, either.
Annoying habits and human interaction?She enjoys being around people. She loves woman and is very good around children. She's gets a little strange around African-American males (that's not a racial comment! I think the man that abused her was an African-American male). She squeals when people come home and she's been alone all day, but calms down after a bit. She's been put in a kitchen-sized area during the day. She used to sleep with me at night but has grown used to sleeping in a dog bed. She's has her own bed (several, actually) and toys. I will give you $100.00 a month to take care of her until I get back."

So if you are interested, either contact me via email or by phone (716 507-0412) or my son at his email addy listed above. Once again thanks.

Well that about does it from here for now..................glad you stopped by and will look for you tomorrow.

TC,
Glory

Can anyone help a poor little Beagle?

This is not a regular entry. This is a call for help. As most of you know, my son is in Greenland on a grant from Georgetown University. He will be there for a little over a year. He has an adorable little beagle mix called London. Unfortunately the person who agreed to keep her can no longer do so. My son has to find a home for her by next weekend and has issued a call for help on his blog.......................My son's blog entry: Can anyone take care of her for a year until June '09? I'll have her shipped to you and give you a nice payment to take care of her. Because of the conditions in Texas, she has to be shipped by a certain day before it gets too hot to fly (not later than May). She's in excellent health, updated on all her shots and is a happy dog that needs a flophouse until I finish my Greenland experience.You'll also get some nice some parting gifts from Greenland!I'd bring her to Greenland but that's not an option.She's a good dog. A beagle-terrier named London. She sheds in spring but that's about it. She's alone most of the time now and needs a family to play with.

I can assure you that my son will pay you a remarkable fee for keeping her until he gets back to the states in a year or so. I would keep her myself, but my dog is too agressive for me to bring in another dog to our home.

Please, if there is anyone out there that might be able to help, please email me ASAP. Thanks

Rhett Butler's People

It is another gloomy dreary day in Buffalo, NY. There is little to do to brighten it except maybe talk to my friends on here through this blog.

I had originally invited you to view my blog on Yahoo 360, but I feel that this site will provide for a more creative blog. I would like to include some trivia and thoughts for the day in each blog entry.

If you are a Gone with the Wind fan, then you might enjoy the novel Rhett Butler's People written by Donald McCaig. He is the award-winning author of Jacob’s Ladder designated “the best civil war novel ever written” by The Virginia Quarterly. People magazine raved “Think Gone With the Wind, think Cold Mountain.” It won the Michael Sharra Award for Civil War Fiction and the Library of Virginia Award for Fiction. The estate of Margaret Mitchell approached him to do this sequel. He writes very much in the style of Margaret Mitchell and the transition from GWTW to RBP is quite smooth. So if you would like to wile away the rest of the dreay winter month's, get a copy of Rhett Butler's People and enjoy. And no, I will NOT tell you if Scarlett and Rhett end up together in the book!

Thought for the day: Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back

Today's trivia: Rudd Weatherwax, one of Lassie's trainer nearly lost Lassie as a stake in a poker game. Who won Lassie? (The winner did not keep Lassie, but returned "her" to Rudd.)

So with this tidbit, I will close for today and will look for you tomorrow.