MamaFlo's Place

COPD & Emphysema

2009-05-29T11:42:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, I was a smoker for 36 years and quit in September 2007 with the help of Chantix.
Even though I quit, my breathing has gotten increasingly worse. A few months ago I went to see a Pulmonologist and he started me on a few more medications (some inhalers), and ordered lung scans and some blood work. Earlier this week I went back for a f/u and was told I have COPD-Emphysema, he ordered oxygen (delivered and set-up today, actually I'm using it right now) and Respiratory Rehabilitation which I will start this coming week hopefully.
All this and I'm not quite 54 years old - DAMN!!!!
Not everyone that smokes will get COPD (although most will get at least a mild form) or worse yet Emphysema but I was one that did.
I wish I had never lit a single cigarette.

Please Don't Leave Me!!

2009-05-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

Forgive me if I don't reciprocate your drops. I will be on an Alaskan Cruise with my husband from 5/11-5/22. I'm taking my laptop but the connections on the ship are painfully slow and very expensive so I'll be lucky to check email and post from time to time.
I promise to post plenty of photos when I get back home.

Blogs Not Accepting Paid Entrecard Ads

2009-04-28T15:26:00.003-05:00

I have started a list of blogs that are not accepting paid Entrecard Ads (in my right hand sidebar). If you are not accepting paid ads and would like to be added to this list please leave me a message along with the URL of your blog and I will get it on my list.
I will check the list periodically but if you see a blog on the list that has changed and is accepting paid ads please let me know about this also.

Thanks!

Sucking In My Gut To Get Into a Bathing Suit

2009-04-27T14:30:00.004-05:00

We are going on an 11 night Alaskan cruise soon and we've started packing - yeah I have a staging area and packing lists - Lol!!

I've gained a little weight in the recent few weeks (probably about 4 to be exact - weeks not pounds) and I needed a new bathing suit to take (no I won't be out at the pool but I will be in the Therma pool inside the spa area) - well I ordered it from Lands End (took measurements at home and all) but it arrived today and I had to tug the damn thing on. This is a suit that’s suppose to reduce your size 1 (haaahaahaaa - can you hear me laughing) and it's probably done that but in the process I've found it difficult to breath (and the breathing issue is what caused me to gain the weight in the first place - meds for asthma and COPD and early onset Emphesma - damn those cigarettes). I'm sitting here in that form hugging suit trying to stretch it out, hoping to stretch it out cause I just don't want to have to return this for the next larger size. Understand that I've always been a little bits of a thing and my age and health issues have made this different.

Okay, back to the packing.......
Since we live in South Texas and have a few cold weeks out of the year (at least we think they are cold) we don't have much in the way of winter clothing or coats so those have had to be purchased also, so much planning and packing.
This is an 11 night cruise but we are only packing for 5 nights and we're going to utilize laundry and dry cleaning onboard what with the extra cost of luggage and toting lots of luggage through the airport and to the cruise ship. Packing this way is a challenge as there are 2 sets of clothes a day that are necessary and we are only taking 2 carry-ons and 1 check-on bag (in additon to my laptop bag and camera bag).

In addition to the packing, we now need to worry about the Swine Flu as our ship will be coming from a run in South America/Mexico. This is of great concern seeing as both my husband and I have health issues that would be seriously compromised should we be exposed.

This will be our first cruise to Alaska although our 9th cruise overall. Our cruise starts in San Francisco and goes to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Victoria BC and ends in Vancouver. We have 2 major excursions planned and then will be on our own for the other stops. We try to never overdo the sight seeing though as feel the cruise and cruiseship itself is a destination. I will be posting while onboard.

Okay, it's time to pry this suit off my body for now and give the muscles a rest - Lol Again.

32 Years of Wedded Bliss

2009-04-23T11:30:00.003-05:00

This was us (and our parents) 32 years ago today.
Young and Naive didn't even come close in expressing our love. My father told me early on to judge how a marriage is going by deciding if there were more good days than bad - and the good days have out weighed the bad many times over.
I love my husband much more today than I loved him the day we married.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

How to Spell Exhaustion

2009-04-20T16:29:00.008-05:00

We were fortunate enough to have our Grandson Rudy with us this weekend and I spell exhaustion.........R - U - D - Y
At just over 13 months old he's full of spit and vinegar and you can't take your eyes off him for even a minute while he's awake. Everything he does is wonderful and filled with joy but OMG it's tough! My back is sore and my eyes feel like they have sand in them and yes he slept while he was here and slept well actually but it's the stressful way in which you watch someone so dear.
We had some toys to play with but he had more fun with containers and lids.

This was the nifty portable high chair we got for him that is strapped to an existing chair - worked like a dream.

This was Rudy and I playing with his jack-in-the-box and his baby remote control - don't you know that regardless of how young a man is that he has to have a remote control!!!

Rudy loved sitting in his Grandpa's computer chair and look up at the ceiling fan right above him - Rudy loves ceiling fans of all kinds.

And I also love to open and close the kitchen cabinets, it makes noise and it's something I can do all by myself. Of course he loves it more if he looks around and finds that you're watching him.

This was a little handheld game I keep in the bathroom (yeah I'm a "thinker" in the john) and Rudy uses it like his Daddy's iphone - guess this is another electronics junkie in the making!!

This is probably the gruffest photo I've ever taken of my dear sweet always happy Rudy and just for that reason I have to add it here.

We loved every single minute with Rudy but we're happy we can spoil him rotten to the core and give him back to his Mommy and Daddy - child rearing is definitely a young adults job!!

Another Glorious Weekend With Rudy

2009-04-18T21:06:00.004-05:00

We drove half way to meet our children today to pick up Rudy while they (our son and DIL) enjoyed some adult time at a very nice resort. This is our first time to babysit Rudy solo at our home. He's such a sweet spirited little boy, eats well, plays well, and hopefully sleeps well ;). We got home, put him into the highchair we purchased (yes we are hoping for more grandchildren) and fed him then we played, went for a walk, came home and played with his Aunt Jenny for awhile and then there was bath and bedtime (no fuss, no muss, he went down talked with himself for a short while and then.............whewwwww, this Nana is exhausted!
I know Rudy gets up early, probably between 5:30 - 6:00 (that's AM people). Tomorrow his Great Grandpa and his Great Great Aunt, along with his Aunt Jenny and Uncle Mario will come to visit which will allow me some time to drop my EC's and maybe take a long hot shower.
Rudy is 13 months old and is into everything and because he walks there are no boundaries - do you remember those days?

I sure do miss the smell of a baby and to watch their sweet innocence - is there anything better? Their smiles or the way he juts out his lower lip make my heart turn to jello.
Having this little man in my life is the best part of growing older.

Not Doing The Paid Advertising with EC

2009-04-12T16:23:00.002-05:00

Okay, I did the paid advertising with Entrecard for a week and now I'm going to go the other way and for the time being stay with merely Entrecard Adverts (the kind that give me and my advertiser credits). I am not accepting any paid advertising through EC at the current time.
I wish there was a way to support Entrecard without accepting paid adverts and I hope Graham comes up with another approach.
I just don't think it's fair that people that advertise using credits should get only 50% of the drop credits (they aren't paying 50% less).

A Big Texas Offering of BlueBonnets

2009-04-05T19:45:00.003-05:00

This is my grandson Rudy and his Mommy & Daddy took him for his annual Texas BlueBonnet Photo. As you can see in the second photo, my Rudy can walk holding his Daddy's hand.............ahhhhhhh
Guess what - Rudy is going to be here next weekend for Easter and hunting for Easter Eggs - OMG, I'm sooooo excited!!!!!!

A Big Thanks to my March Top EC Droppers

2009-04-01T10:14:00.012-05:00

Thank You Entrecard Blogging Friends, I appreciate each and every drop!!!

How Do I Get Rid of These Lines?

2009-03-28T21:36:00.003-05:00

I'm almost 54 and I need a rescue for the lines/wrinkles on my face, especially those around my mouth (not the smoking lines above my lips - damn cigarettes) but those on either side of my mouth and of course the lines under and on the sides of my eyes.

I'll admit that I've always been on the tom-boy side and I've never taken good care of my skin. When I was an adolescent (a long time ago) I had acne but I was fortunate not to have too many lasting scars from enlarged pores.

I'm using Clinique products but I'm wondering what other women are using, what have you found to be the most effective for your skin and especially the lines/wrinkles?

OMG, I'm getting old!!
Do you call them lines or wrinkles?

Look, I Can Walk

2009-03-25T09:00:00.003-05:00

Well my little Rudy (grandson) has finally started walking.

Planning a Cruise to Alaska

2009-03-21T10:24:00.004-05:00

We've been on a number of cruises and although I've always wanted to see Alaska, we have never gone - probably because I could never find a good cruise rate. All that changed this year and I was able to snag a great cruise deal for an 11 night cruise on Celebrity's Infinity (we were on the Infinity when we cruised to Hawaii in 2007).

San Francisco
At Sea
At Sea
Ketchikan
Juneau
Skagway
Icy Strait Point
Hubbard Glacier Cruising
Sitka
At Sea
Victoria, BC
Vancouver

We initially booked a Sky Suite at a rate of 50% off last years rate (and got a $300 shipboard credit to boot) and then this past week, prices dropped again and we were able to upgrade to a Celebrity Suite (dropped $1,000 per person for this cabin category). We are still 2 months away from this cruise and we are hopeful that we will see yet another drop in prices.

Have you traveled to Alaska? If so, what shore excursions would you recommend?

It's Been a Year Already - Rudy Turns 1

2009-03-08T19:30:00.007-05:00

We drove to Houston this weekend to celebrate Rudy's First Birthday! It's hard to believe he's ONE but this party did him justice. My DIL did a Baseball motif for the party. All four of Rudy's Grandparents came (his other set all the way from New Jersey) along with all his aunts and uncles, his cousin, Godparents, and friends alike - this is one very loved little boy!!!!

Rudy's Mommy baked and decorated a cake just for Rudy to tear into (and he did), oh what a mess and oh how he loved his cake (although he hated that hat).

Rudy even dressed the part of the baseball player.

This was Rudy showing his Nana (me) how big he was.........there is no other love than the love of a grand parent!!!

Amazing New Hair Product

2009-03-04T22:35:00.003-06:00

I'm not doing a paid advertisement for this company but I just have to tell you about TRESemme 24 Hour BODY shampoo, cream rinse, weightless creme, foaming mousse, and finishing spray.
I have very thin, straight, and limp hair in addition to it being gray. These products give me style and hold and volume without weight or stickiness ALL DAY even with humidity being close to 66%.
I can finally clean up in the morning and still look completely put together at 10pm - no kidding.

February TOP DROPPERS

2009-02-28T22:20:00.013-06:00

I want to thank each of you for dropping on me everyday this month - you are all awesome!

I Installed a New Hard Drive Myself

2009-02-26T07:38:00.004-06:00

I have spent the better part of yesterday afternoon and long into the night replacing the hard drive on my MacBook. I had been using the small hard drive that came with my MacBook and simply removing things as the itsy bitsy drive filled up (60gb). I replaced it with a 320gb drive and I've been installing everything I want back on it - yes I could have copied from the old drive as I have an enclosure but I wanted a fresh install.
Not only is this new hard drive larger it's also much faster and I'm thrilled.
I use my MacBook when we travel to stay in touch with family and friends and download photos from our camera.
This was one of the easiest things I've done to update my computer but it sure is time intensive.

Rudy On The Go

2009-02-22T19:37:00.002-06:00

This little man has brought me joy beyond words.
I found it impossible to explain the love I had for my children and again I find it impossible to find words to describe the love and pride I feel and have for my grandson Rudy.

My Issues Were With the Firefox Theme

2009-02-15T10:10:00.005-06:00

I'm a Mac fan (we have 3) and I've noticed that my Firefox 3 browser was unstable (or at least that's what I thought was the problem) but because of the entrecard toolbar, I continued to use Firefox instead of safari and just put up with Firefox crashing and other weird unpredictable issues cropping up daily.
Yesterday while playing with Firefox, I decided to try a different theme and guess what, not a single issue since switching to the Walnut theme, it's flawless. The theme took some time to get used to the looks but that's easy when everything else works so smoothly - oh I love this theme and thankful that the crashing and hang-ups have ceased.

What browser do you use and what's your theme?

Rudy Finds His Voice

2009-02-09T15:07:00.003-06:00

More About Rudy

2009-02-09T14:51:00.002-06:00

We are a Mac household as are the households of my grown children but alas the rest of the family are Windows PC users and therefore I need to post Rudy videos here for them to enjoy.

Our Weekend Visit With Rudy

2009-02-08T19:36:00.003-06:00

My husband and I were fortunate enough to get to spend some of the weekend with Rudy our Grandson. He will be a year old come mid March and is growing like a weed. He is the spitting image of his Daddy when his Daddy was the same age and it melts my heart to just look at his face.
I hope he doesn't grow up too fast as I want him a little boy for as long as possible.

Thanks for letting me share the love of my life.

What Do You Believe Will Stimulate The Economy?

2009-02-02T12:24:00.001-06:00

This is a list of what makes up the Economic Stimulus Plan according to Associated Press. I don't understand where most of this package will help stimulate the economy. Wouldn't it be more prudent to stimulate the economy and then we'll look at some of the other fluff that is included in this plan? I don't believe this plan as it currently stands will help. I have to laugh when I read it as it's just more of the same that got us to where we currently stand (and that's not in anything but hot water).
Highlights of Economic Recovery Plan
Spending

Energy
$32 billion Funding for "smart electricity grid" to reduce waste
$20 billion + Renewable
energy tax cuts and a tax credit for research and development on
energy-related work, and a multiyear extension of renewable energy
production tax credit
$6 billion Funding to weatherize modest-income homes

Science and Technology
$10 billion Science facilities
$6 billion High-speed Internet access for rural and underserved areas

Infrastructure
$32 billion Transportation projects
$31 billion Construction and repair of federal buildings and other public infrastructure
$19 billion Water projects
$10 billion Rail and mass transit projects

Education
$41 billion Grants to local school districts
$79 billion State fiscal relief to prevent cuts in state aid
$21 billion School modernization

Health Care
$39 billion Subsidies to health insurance for unemployed; providing coverage through Medicaid
$90 billion Help to states with Medicaid
$20 billion Modernization of health-information technology systems
$4 billion Preventative care

Taxes

Individuals:

* $500 per worker, $1,000 per couple tax cut for two years, costing about $140 billion
* Greater access to the $1,000-per-child tax credit for the working poor
* Expansion of the earned-income tax credit to include families with three children
* A $2,500 college tuition tax credit
* Repeal of a requirement that a $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit be paid back over time

Businesses:

* An infusion of cash into money-losing companies by allowing
them to claim tax credits on past profits dating back five years
instead of two
* Bonus depreciation for businesses investing in new plants and equipment
* Doubling of the amount small businesses can write off for capital investments and new equipment purchases
* Allowing businesses to claim a tax credit for hiring disconnected youth and veterans

Source: Associated Press

Michael Phelps - You're a Looser!!

2009-02-01T18:43:00.005-06:00

Michael Phelps, I hope you loose all your endorsements! You were stupid and certainly not above the law. You are not a role model for the youth of the world.
You certainly didn't refuse the money your endorsements were bringing you because you were 23 years old, don't feed the world your sorry arsed excuse now. You knew better, you know that drug use is illegal.

I'm sick and tired of seeing the world put athletes on a pedestal and throwing huge sums of money at them, making them feel like they are above it all. These are people, fallible people, they are going to make mistakes BUT let this be a testament to the fact that because they are fallible they are not worth the money being thrown at them in pay and endorsements.

Michael Phelps isn't the only or the last athlete to screw up, there are notable ones every football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, soccer, boxing season.
We need to stop being their adoring public!

Can You Believe This?

2009-01-30T11:54:00.010-06:00

This is the Cook County Correctional Facility in Illinois.
The Homeless could only wish to be lucky enough to be housed like this with 3 squares a day.
What are your thoughts?

Home from Las Vegas

2009-01-24T21:13:00.003-06:00

We're back from Las Vegas and first I'd like to apologize for ignoring my EC drops while I was away, I've already started to remedy the delinquency - sorry!!

We stay most often at the Golden Nugget downtown as we like how close all the casinos are to one another, easy to get around the hotel because it isn't gigantic. This time we got a good deal to stay in one of their Gold Club Rooms - don't bother, we weren't impressed. The design diva that was responsible for these updates shouldn't be working in the industry any longer, the rooms are horrible. These are concierge floor rooms, they are large and well appointed if you are in your 20's or 30's.

I was bound and determined on this trip to play only Dollar Slots - guess what, I didn't play even one dollar slot but instead played penny slots and won, won, won!! Probably about 3 hours after arriving in Vegas I won 23,136 pennies (that's $231.36), another two times I won 100,000 pennies ($100) and then there were your penny wins of less in high quantity. I had a ball and came home a winner (as did my dear husband who doesn't even like to gamble but he did on this trip and had a great time).

Weather was fine, on the cool side but for winter in Vegas it was okay. There were plenty of people in town but we continuously heard about the downswing in business everywhere - we didn't see it nor did we experience anything that felt like it.

I'm glad to be home though as the late nights and all the time you spend walking in Vegas is rough.

Las Vegas or Bust

2009-01-20T15:41:00.002-06:00

We're headed to VEGAS Baby! In the past, Las Vegas has been one of my favorite destinations for a short trip but that was before I quit smoking 16 months ago. I'm going with my husband and he has never smoked so that will help "some" but that's nothing next to all the smokers I will sit next to at the slot machines and the smell of cigarettes everywhere we will go.
We aren't show people but in warmer weather we are site seeing people, this short,short trip will be strictly for playing the slot machines (husband doesn't gamble either), and eating, a change in scenery kind of trip.

What do you do when you go to Las Vegas?
Do you have a favorite hotel/casino?

Lost & Found - $30.1 Million Dollars

2009-01-16T20:58:00.004-06:00

On the local news tonight here in San Antonio, they reported that they have found $30.1 million dollars in accounts they didn't know existed and that some of this money could go back 30 years.
How is this possible? How does government loose track of $30 million dollars while they raise our taxes because they claim they don't have enough money? How do all the financial people, tax people, auditors loose $30.1 million dollars?
Were taxes paid on this money? Was there more before they found this amount? Will someone go to prison because they didn't pay taxes on this amount of money for 30 years?

What Will YOU Do in 2009?

2009-01-07T16:27:00.004-06:00

There are so many things I'm interested in pursuing this year and I just don't know where to begin. I never thought of myself as being ADD or if it's even possible for it to develop this late in life but I sure feel like I can't stay with one learning project long enough to complete it before something else takes hold of my spirit to run with.

My husband and I were laughing earlier about it being so tough even now with being retired to find time to do everything that interests us.
I'd really like to spend more time learning about photography, and there are books that are begging me to be read, and I'd really like to go fishing with my siblings, and I'd like to spend more time spiritually, I'd like to travel more, cruise more. I'd like to volunteer and I'd like to spend more time crocheting, then of course there is dealing with downsizing our living - we have way too much stuff even now, and I'd love to spend some time learning more about cooking - sauces, I want to perfect sauces. Then we can't leave out the time I spend on the computer - oh how I love the computer...........where do I start, how do I find the time to do all that I want to do?

This doesn't even account for the many unplanned, unknown issues that will crop up during the year to take my time and effort.

What would you like to do in 2009?

Spiritually Thinking...

2009-01-04T13:00:00.000-06:00

Religiously speaking, I don't know what I am. I was raised Roman Catholic but started questioning what had been shoved down my throat later in my teens. I had deep conversations with people about the world and I felt more alive, more awakened than I had ever in my life. While I was in the Army I again had a Catholic awakening and thought I would get out of the Army and go into the convent - yeah, me a Nun - NOT. By the time I was about 25ish I didn't believe in any organized religion, I was feeling controlled. Unfortunately my children did not benefit from any form of religion except the "Be a Good Person" faith. We sent them to Catholic High School not so much for the faith side but more for the private education side.
I am now at a point in my life that I feel very spiritual but not religious. I believe more in A Course in Miracles, Disappearance of the Universe. These "courses" make sense to me, the belief resonates within me like nothing I've ever felt, faith wise. I always felt like something was missing inside me, there was this nagging feeling of more learning that needed to happen. I'm an infant in my study but my understanding grows more by the hour, I have found my Creator.

Southwest Airlines Deal to Las Vegas - HURRY, it's a doozy of a deal

2008-12-31T22:05:00.003-06:00

Southwest Airlines has a tremendous deal running until midnight tonight (Pacific Standard Time), flights to Las Vegas, January 13 - March 11 are half price, yes you heard that right. You must click on the sale icon on their homepage to get those prices however.
I booked a trip for us earlier this evening using this deal.
There is no better time to travel if you have the time and money to do so.

Out with the OLD & In with the NEW YEAR

2008-12-31T15:23:00.002-06:00

I want to thank all the friends and acquaintances that come to my blog (hopefully on a daily basis), everyone of you are wonderful, creative, individuals. Each day you bring me joy and friendship and for that there are no words heartfelt enough to Thank You.

I wish for each of you a year ahead full of love, respect, prosperity, and health.
From around the world we are all so different and yet so much alike.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and your loved ones.

An Award from a Wonderful Man

2008-12-28T22:37:00.003-06:00

This award was given to me by Mike over at Rambling Stuff
Thank You very much Mike, you're a wonderful man!

Merry Christmas - Happy Holidays - Happy New Year

2008-12-25T12:53:00.003-06:00

I would like to thank everyone that comes to my blog, whether it's to drop their Entrecard or read my blog and leave a comment or both.
This past year plus has been one of the best I've ever spent on a computer, my world has opened up as I have read your blogs and made many new friends from all different corners of the world. Each one of you has helped to make me a better person and I feel humbled by your friendship and patronage - Thank You.

I want for each of you a 2009 filled with health, happiness, love, and good fortune.

Where Do You Draw The Line When You Post?

2008-12-19T13:12:00.000-06:00

Do you hang out your dirty laundry and talk about your family, your significant other, your career?
Do you hold back in talking about issues dealing with a family member in order to maintain their privacy?
Do you hold yourself back in expressing how passionately you feel about certain topics because it may offend your readers? What kind of topics do you steer clear from discussing?

For me - I don’t hang out my dirty laundry but sometimes I wish I could, there are issues that piss me off so bad that I want to tell the world about them, I could talk about the dysfunctional family I grew up in until I’m blue in the face.

I do my best not to bring my husband or grown children into my blogging and yes there are times when just doing so would keep my blog bustling with posts.

I do hold back in discussing my views, absolutely I do, but I wish I didn’t have to. I have very strong opinions about what is happening in the United States.
I’d love to talk about how I think children are not being parented, how there are too many deadbeats living off the government, how people expect to get something for nothing (or next to nothing), how we spend what we don’t have, how the politicians that we elect get into office and then do something different than what they promised when they were running for election, that crime is out of control and our judicial system doesn’t seem to care.........what bothers you?

What's Happening to the Economy?

2008-12-12T22:00:00.003-06:00

Should the government bail out every major failing business in America?
What do you believe is the reason for all this failure in our economy?
Do you think that the world is merely rearranging the order of what's important?

My personal feeling about the economy is that we have relied for much too long on money that wasn't ours, we have taken out loans, used charge cards, and spent, spent, spent without regard to what would happen when it was time to pay. This goes for businesses the same as individual circumstances.
I don't think we can responsibly bail out all these businesses. We can't continue to spend so carelessly and leave the financial mess for future generations. Most businesses have operated with tremendous amounts of fat and that fat has to be trimmed/cut out.
I don't need a big luxury vehicle that gets poor mileage, I need transportation that gives me awesome mileage. It doesn't matter if fuel is $1 a gallon or $5 a gallon, we should have never wasted fuel just because it was cheap and plentiful.

Doesn't it piss you off that the executives of these failing businesses have collected 10's of millions and sometimes hundreds of millions of dollars in bonuses while they ran these businesses and your life savings into the ground?
Does it piss you off that employees of car makers could purchase their vehicles cheaper than you the consumer could purchase them? Did you know that some of the car makers employees made $60-75 an hour and they got discounts you couldn't get?

What's next, what is the next major failure in our economy?

I would love to hear what you have to say about the state of our economy.

Spring Widget Issues

2008-12-03T18:50:00.002-06:00

I've noticed that I'm having a problem with the speed of sites with Spring Widgets on them, in particular the Christmas Countdown Widget. It's slow and keeps the other sites from loading smoothly.
Is anyone else having this issue?

I'm not talking about this being an issue on my blog but rather other people's blogs. I know this isn't my computer as I use a workhorse load of RAM.

TOP DROPPER FOR NOVEMBER

2008-12-01T20:47:00.003-06:00

I want to thank everyone that has dropped on my blog(s) during the month of November but give special recognition to Valerie at Thinking OutLoud Blog

If you haven't visited this blog, do yourself a favor and make a stop and drop.
THANKS VALERIE!!!!!

Rudy's First Visit with Santa

2008-11-25T16:31:00.003-06:00

My daughter in law is up in the north east visiting her family for Thanksgiving and they took Rudy to see Santa for the first time today. My DIL said Rudy wasn't afraid at all.
Guess this good little boy will be getting loads from Santa in San Antonio at Christmas!!!

Do You Like Las Vegas?

2008-11-24T15:37:00.005-06:00

Travel to Las Vegas has never been this inexpensive before, there are room deals at every hotel/casino. This morning I got a deal to stay downtown at the Golden Nugget during the week for $89 for 3 nights (that's less than $30 per night), or $119 for 2 nights on a weekend. Last week I got an offer to stay at Wynn for $109 per night with $150 in slot play. New York/New York offered $40 per night during the week.

I love Las Vegas and there has never been a better time to visit if you have the time and money - what a great couples trip during the holidays!!!

The Rock Star Award

2008-11-21T14:48:00.003-06:00

I was given the Rock Star Award by Starting Over who is a new reader of my blog and a strong woman who is starting life over since her divorce. Visit her blog and say hello.

8 things about me (wow, y'all are learning more about me than people I actually know - LOL)

1. I have ugly feet and hands, digits are way too large.
2. I dislike shopping.
3. I don't like taking time to fix myself up (in other words primp).
4. I don't like public restrooms or theaters (too many germs).
5. Chewing gum makes me gag (I chew gum simply to keep from smoking).
6. I love a clean house but I hate to do housework.
7. I love to sleep.
8. I wish I had a fortune to give away.

I'm not the kind of gal to tag people but I want you to know that this award is yours for the taking if you will only tell us 8 things about yourself.

ME in ONE WORD

2008-11-20T17:04:00.002-06:00

I stole this fun meme from Maggie

Me in One Word

Where is your cell phone? Purse
Where is your significant other? Familyroom
Your hair color? Grey
Your mother? Deceased
Your father? Deceased
Your favorite thing? Technology
Your dream last night? None
Your dream/goal? Happy
The room you’re in? computer
Your hobby? photography
Your fear? suffering
Where do you want to be in 6 years? alive
Where were you last night? here
What you’re not? bored
One of your wish-list items? cruise
Where you grew up? St. Louis
Last thing you did? Meme
What are you wearing? clothes
Your TV? 72"
Your pet? dog
Your computer? appendage
Your mood? content
Missing someone? sometimes
Your car? 12
Something you’re not wearing? makeup
Favorite store? grocery
Your summer? gardening
Love someone? family
Your favorite color? red
When is the last time you laughed? today
Last time you cried? today

Copy and Paste this to play along.

I Got Tagged

2008-11-19T21:06:00.005-06:00

I was tagged by Roxie at Roxiticus Desperate Housewives to play ABC......come play with me, please!!!!!

EASY as ABC...............
You went to school to learn girl
things you never knew before
like "I before E except after C" and why 2 plus 2 makes 4
now, now, now
I'm gonna teach you, teach you, teach you
all about love girl, all about love
sit yourself down, take a seat
all you gotta do is repeat after me

A B C , It's easy as
1 2 3 , as simple as
do re mi, A B C, 1 2 3
baby you and me girl

Come on and love me just a little bit
Im gonna teach you how to sing it out
come on, come on, come on
let me tell you what its all about
reading, writing, arithmatic
are the branches of the learning tree
but without the roots of love everyday girl
your education aint complete
teachers gonna show you (shes gonna show you)
how to get an A? (na,na,na,na,na,na)
how to spell me? you? add the two
listen to me baby thats all you got to do

Oh,
A B C , Its easy as
1 2 3 , as simple as
do re mi, A B C, 1 2 3
baby you and me girl
A B C its easy, its like counting up to 3
singing simple melodies
thats how easy love can be
singing simple melodies
1 2 3 baby you and me

A. Attached or single? Happily married to Roland for 32 years.

B. Best friend? Also Roland.

C. Cake or pie? Cake, white cake, buttercream frosting. White is the moistest cake.

D. Day of choice? Since we retired, everyday is the same.

E. Essential item? My laptop, keeps me in the loop.

F. Favorite color? Green used to be my favorite but in the last year it's become red.

G. Gummy bears or worms? neither, I don't care for candy.

H. Hometown? St. Louis, Missouri (county)

I. Favorite indulgence? Baskin Robbin's Jamoca Almond Fudge Ice Cream

J. January or July? January is a new beginning, July is my birth month.

K. Kids? Two, boy that is 30 and girl that is 29 (they are 12 months and 12 days apart in age.

L. Life isn’t complete without? My family

M. Marriage date? April 23, 1977

N. Number of magazine subscriptions? One - Glamour

O. Oranges or apples? Apples.

P. Phobias? Public Restrooms - ICK!!

Q. Quotes? Life is about the journey not the destination

R. Reasons to smile? Life is much better than I could have ever imagined.

S. Season of choice? Autumn

T. Tag 5 people.
I'm not good at tagging people as I know some people just don't care for participating so I'll leave this open for the many friends I've made online to participate if they would like (I sure would love to learn more about you)

U. Unknown fact about me? If I told you, it wouldn't be unknown, now would it?

V. Vegetable? Zucchini.

W. Worst habit? Biting my fingernails.

X. X-ray or ultrasound? Ultrasound.

Y. Your favorite foods? Mexican Food, Chicken anything, ice cream, most vegetables, home cooking.

Z. Zodiac sign? Cancer.

Juvenile Sex Offenders

2008-11-18T22:33:00.004-06:00

The local news at 10:00pm tonight told the story of 20 juvenile sex offenders that are in middle school and high school and the school districts are not informing the parents of the other children in school with these criminals.
The schools say because the offenders are juveniles that they are not compelled to inform the parents of the other children.
Problem is that some of these offenders are beginning to re offend.

What's your thoughts on this subject?
Should the school districts inform parents when they have a known sex offender attending school in one of their schools, should age matter?

MY OPINION - the law is the law, criminals are criminals, regardless of their age. Maybe if these kids knew that everyone would know who they were and what they had done they would think twice before committing these crimes in the first place.

It's Beginning to Feel Alot Like.........

2008-11-16T16:04:00.005-06:00

The weather is finally cooling down, leaves are turning and falling from trees, I see jeans and sweats more often and now with day light savings over, everyone has finished their personal running/walking, and dog walking before it's dark (well before 6pm). My thoughts are turning to the holidays, what I'm going to cook, what needs to be purchased, what needs to be cleaned before visitors arrive.
Cooking always feels so much more comforting when the temperature drops, I also cook differently, the stick to your bones kinda food.
Even my bedding changes with many more blankets and down comforters (but I still need those crisp cold sheets which I found by the way at Thomas Lee). We haven't turned on the main heaters yet but the portable heaters we've started in the master bathroom. Tonight I believe we are going to stoke the fireplace for the first time this season, my daughter and her boyfriend are coming for dinner, the Cowboys play tonight and it will be another chilly night - perfect evening for the fireplace.

What makes it feel like a change in seasons for you?

Blog Clean-Up Necessary

2008-11-12T17:31:00.002-06:00

I'm in the process of cleaning up my blog so if you don't see a link that used to be there or an award you know you gave my blog.........it's still there, it's just hiding until I can finish my clean up. I'm going to add some navigation aides so that everything isn't on the opening page and doesn't delay the site coming up for those just dropping.

Thanking Those Who Have Served

2008-11-11T10:38:00.006-06:00

Thank You for your selfless service so that every American can stay free.

I am a veteran, not of any war but I served my country during the mid 70's for 4 years. When I first enlisted, we were called a W.A.C. (Women's Army Corp), we trained in places different from men for basic training and our training was different as well. Our daily uniform, Fatigues (what they call BDU's today) was also worn differently, we had to wear our shirt hanging out instead of tucked into our belt (as the men wore their uniform) as the Army didn't want the men to be distracted by our shape/waist (can you believe that!!).
I met my husband while I was still in the Army, I got out as an E-5, he was a 1LT when we met and he retired a few years back with 30 years (active and reserve) as an 0-6.
Our daughter did ROTC in college and served her 4 years after and got out as a Captain. She was able to be Airborne and when I was in all those years ago, it wasn't possible for a woman to be Airborne. I helped pave her way and those of all the other women that have been in since the 70's.

"I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died that gave that right to me, and I'll gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God Bless The USA"
- Lee Greenwood -

Drawing Names for Gift Giving

2008-11-10T16:54:00.004-06:00

How does your extended family handle Christmas? My Son asked me the other day if we could draw names instead of shopping for everyone.............there aren't many of us.
I didn't give him an answer because I have to speak with our daughter first.
I rather like the concept of drawing names but I'd love to hear how your family/friends handle gift giving at Christmas.

How Did I Survive Raising Two Children?

2008-11-07T15:00:00.002-06:00

We are still in H-Town babysitting for Rudy while his Daddy works and his Mommy is out of town on business. We got here on Tuesday and we are headed back home tomorrow (Saturday), thank goodness, I'm exhausted!!!!
It's not by happen chance that it's young women that bear children.........my back is killing me, I'm suffering from much less sleep than I'm used to, and Rudy wriggles all over me. His Daddy has taught him how to lean back, actually he forces his body backwards and expects someone to hold him/catch him.
Rudy probably weighs in at about 20 pounds.

I'm so glad we came and babysat, I'm so glad that I had this quality and quantity of time to spend with my little boy, to get to know him and him us. He is the very best of everyone, and he is going to be a handful plus and give us all the greatest joy we could experience.

I'd love to hear from other GrandParents on the best way to handle everything :)

Our First Full Day With Rudy

2008-11-06T09:00:00.002-06:00

Nana and Grandpa have had 24 hours so far with our Rudy and oh what a treat!!!
My own children were pretty wonderful (and still are) but this baby has the sweetest spirit I've ever come in contact with, he is all smiles, peace and happiness.
He is on the verge of crawling and will no doubt be there by the time he is with us at Christmas. He blabbers all the time and his hand eye coordination is excellent.

The annoying toy I brought isn't half as bad as some his own parents have gotten him and I've had the time of my life playing with him.
In all seriousness, Rudy is happy and smiling ALL THE TIME!

What I'm Doing On Election Day

2008-11-03T18:36:00.003-06:00

We'll be leaving to drive to Houston to babysit for Rudy while his Daddy (my Son) works and his Mommy goes out of town on business for the first time since she gave birth to Rudy in March of this year. We'll be there for about 4ish days. We haven't seen Rudy in almost 3 months (since his Christening - OMG, it's really been that long). During this time there was the hurricane and the kids didn't have power for 14 days and we went on our cruise and had some health issues of our own........time sure does fly.
Anyway, I'm headed to Rudy filled with love and kisses along with some clothes and of course an annoying toy (makes lots of noise when it's so much as touched). I'll be thrilled to dote on all my boys (husband, son, and grandson). I'm bringing along my laptop though so I'll be sure to keep up with the goings on online.

We already voted as Texas has early voting.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T10:26:00.003-05:00

This is my Grandson Rudy and my dog Winston.

Cabo San Lucas Mexico

2008-10-30T16:42:00.012-05:00

Our first port of call on our Panama Canal cruise was Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, always a favorite of mine!
We had a shore excursion (or should I say another boat excursion) planned and it was the same one we were on last December (Deluxe Coastal Cruise) but we were unable to get off the ship (it was tendering which means that other smaller boats come to the large cruise ship to pick up people and bring them to shore instead of pulling the cruise ship up to a pier) because there was so much activity happening in the bay (jet skis, site seeing boats, and other tenders from the other 2 cruise ships that were also there for the day and also tendering) that the waters were too rough at the time we were scheduled to disembark the cruise ship for our tender so instead we stayed onboard and enjoyed the ship along with the sites and sounds of Cabo.

Damn Those Cigarettes

2008-10-29T17:10:00.003-05:00

As most everyone knows, I quit smoking more than 13 months ago, today is day 400 and I've avoided more than 10,000 cigarettes in this amount of time. I'm blown away by the number of cigarettes I was inhaling and I think if I'd taken just an hour to meditate on those numbers I surely would have quit a long time ago. I smoked for 36 years and I estimate that I smoked more than 300,000 cigarettes (that's an average of 25 a day).
WHAT WAS I THINKING????

Anyway, I'm seeing a Cardiologist about my clogged arteries to both my head and my heart - I'm experiencing bad things due in part by genetics (my mother suffered her first heart attack in her 40's and later went on to have open heart surgery along with eventually dying from heart disease) but probably most prominently from my smoking - yes I was killing myself.
Today I had a stress test with scans and dye and next month I'll have an echo cardiogram. I'm already on blood thinners and cholesterol lowering drugs. I'm trying to find out why it's so difficult for me to breath (yeah maybe it's also my lungs but my doctor wanted to start with my heart.)

If you smoke, consider quitting, don't let this happen to you.

Transit the Panama Canal - Ocean to Ocean

2008-10-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

We arrived at the Canal on the Pacific side about 5:00am and it took until almost 7:00am to be hooked up to the "mules" to pull us into the first lock. We departed the last lock at sunset, close to 7:00pm - yes, the transit took 12 hours.

There are 3 locks and Gatun Lake.

The locks were very busy in both directions while we were making our transit and the waters were churned up and were muddy.

The actual Panama Canal is an engineering feat that still amazes engineers the world over!

These were locals dressed in Panamanian attire that boarded the ship before we entered the first lock and stayed onboard during the transit answering questions.

This the the bridge of the Americas, it is the only way other than with a boat to move from North America to South America. Also in the photo is the Continental Divide.

The lock doors (all of them) are the original doors (from 1914) and are still in excellent condition.

The Panama Canal is being enlarged to allow for the larger ships being built.

Are We Adults or Children?

2008-10-26T06:00:00.002-05:00

In life, are we little girls dressed up like women, or are we women dressed up like little girls? I feel like I’ve been a woman most of my life (I’m not talking number of years) and I only dressed up like a little girl for a few years. I’ve always wanted to be someone’s wife and to be a Mommy, I liked responsibility.

I thought about this because I know that my husband (along with most men I’ve met) have been little boys dressed up like men. I see the expressions of a little boy, he gets excited at the prospect of warm cookies and chocolate milk, he still likes to kill bugs. And yet his response to his family is so manly........
It took me way too many years to ask my husband how difficult it was to be responsible for me and the kids (I was a SAHM) financially, was there ever a time when he wanted to run away. He tells me no, he tells me that he just kept moving forward that not working was never an option for him.
I don’t know if I could have been as strong.
He did a fine job of taking care of us, we always had what we needed and as time passed we had more than we “needed.”

Antigua, Guatamala

2008-10-25T10:03:00.012-05:00

I remember Guatamala from Geography class growing up, some of what I saw was what I remembered from Geography all those years ago, the colors and people.
Our cruise ship ported in Puerto Quetzal, Guatamala and we took a shore excursion into Antigua (about 90 minutes by bus) in the mountains. Antigua sits in a valley of sorts with 6 volcanic mountains that surround it. We went during the rainy season and so it rained for us probably 90% of the day but we still managed to marval at the beauty of the land, the architecture and it's craftsman, the people and their simple kindness. There is a very definite class system in Guatamala like there is all over central America, your children were either educated in private schools or they were not educated at all.

This (Antigua) was one of my favorite places to visit on this particular cruise.

This is a local bus, they were brightly colored and very clean.

The streets in Antigua are very narrow and cobblestone.

They bury their dead above ground because of the amount of precipitation.

These were some of the buildings that surrounded the central square in Antigua.

Let's Start the Holidays in the Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-21T09:53:00.005-05:00

Rudy is coming to Nana & Grandpa's for Christmas!!!!

When my son told me this news it was all I could do to contain my excitement and joy! The first thing I told my husband was "we need to get someone to dress like Santa." We occasionally will decorate the outside of the house with lights and such but as you know it's a big deal, takes lots of time and so we rarely make the effort but this year of course the effort will have to be gigantic cause Rudy can't come for Christmas to a house that isn't decorated to let Santa know that the best little boy in Texas (albeit the world) is in this house waiting for him!!!!!
My Son tried to dampen my enthusiasm by informing me that Rudy doesn't need many toys, that he is just as happy playing with the paper as the gift...............your talk is falling on deaf ears Son, Rudy's first Christmas cannot come without toys that make lots of noise (I understand he enjoys bongo drums).
There will be lots of this talk as the Holidays draw nearer.

Visiting Huatulco, Mexico

2008-10-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Huatulco, Mexico is a new port of call, it's a newer resort destination also. Not that Huatulco is modern as it isn't but it's clean and without much poverty yet, it's growing and it's inhabitants obviously care for the area and the feeling visitors have while they are there and after they leave. This port is lazy and colorful, it's people are kind and welcoming. Definitely a place to visit.

What would Mexico be without the armed military making a visit.

This is the private Villas that we spied on the nude couple and the place that Mariah Carey and her new husband stay at.

The clarity of the waters that surround Huatulco.

This is the city of Huatulco, it's colorful and alive and we didn't see much poverty.

This is a beautiful church/mission/cathedral and the photos that follow shows some of the artwork that is on ceilings and walls throughout the entire structure. This church like many other aspects of Huatulco shows it's color and ethnicity.

A View Of Acapulco

2008-10-18T09:47:00.010-05:00

When we pulled into port in the early morning hours when the sun had still not risen, we were taken back by the number of military troops both in the water and on the land. I'd like to think they are there to protect our ship (and I think it's partly that) but it's still very upsetting to see automatic weapons strapped on all of them (you will see this in photos near the bottom of this post).
I didn't like Acapulco, the city was old and worn out, poverty was rampid, it was dirty. The people we had an opportunity to talk with were very mild mannered and kind.

There was a troop of dancers at the area near where the cliff divers performed that also entertained us.......I love the cultural aspect of not only Acapulco but Mexico in general.

The fishermen were selling that morning's catch on the beach.

The cliff divers performing. There is an alter at the top where the main diver (the one that dives from the highest point) prays before his dive. Really pretty spectacular!

In town.

The main beach of Acapulco

This is a view of the city from the cruise ship, what you are seeing is mostly the slums.

The military, locked and loaded.

The bottom line, I have no want to return to Acapulco and it was a disappointment.

Nana's Little Porn Star

2008-10-17T16:25:00.006-05:00

While we were away on our cruise, Rudy got his first 2 bottom teeth and he's learned to enjoy the swings at the park. He recently (11th) turned 7 months old and here is one of his 6 month photos - isn't he just precious?!
My daughter in law emailed me this morning and told us she needed to go out of town on business next month and asked us if we could come help with Rudy. She doesn't even need to ask as my immediate response was YES!!!! This is the first time she will be apart from Rudy (about 3 days).

Cartagena, Colombia

2008-10-17T12:06:00.013-05:00

I want to thank everyone that continued to drop on me in my absence, I really appreciate your friendship.

The photos from my cruise will be done over time and will not be in any particular order. As I have said, I took more than 3,500 photos during our 15 night cruise and I will post photos and narratives as I go along.

We visited many ports of call on our cruise and one of the most alluring to me was Cartagena, Colombia. There is a strong Spanish influence in this bustling city, especially with the architecture. The most beautiful place in the city is the OLD CITY (of course this is also the most affluent part of the city). Like most ports/cities in Mexico and Central America, the poor make up the largest part of it's populations.

This is a bustling tourist marketplace, filled with more than the trinkets you can get anywhere. We saw the work of talented artists and craftsmen everywhere we turned.

These are the roofs of the homes where the less fortunate/poor live. Seeing the poverty in all these cities was by and far the most difficult aspect.
Cartagena's population is very diverse with backgrounds from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Africa (many slaves were brought from Africa to build the forts).

This is a small example of the grandiose architecture of the main mission in Cartagena. This is solid gold and it's this is a mere few feet of what stretches for many yards of gold.
I'm so saddened by this when right outside it's doors is the poorest neighborhoods in Cartagena. I cannot understand how they can allow this when starvation runs ramp id.

This is one view of Cartagena from the Mission with it's high rise condominiums.

This is a cafe and street vendor directly across the street from the largest fort.

Off The Cruise Ship

2008-10-16T09:31:00.002-05:00

We are at the Fort Lauderdale airport awaiting our flight home but I have a better internet connection now (still not the stellar one I have at home but much, much better than the one on the ship) and I figured I could make at least one post before I get home and get my photos organized (I took just shy of 3,500 - yeah, yeah I know, I'm a little OCD).
It will be good to get home, pick up my Winston, and re-enter the real world.

This is Huatulco, Mexico - it's a fairly new port of call in Mexico and is very intimate and beautiful with loads of potential. There isn't much happening there (yet) but if you want somewhere to spend time on the beach (all beaches in Mexico are public), consider Huatulco.
Of course we were able to do some "spying" while onboard awaiting to leave this port of call and in using our high powered binocculars, we were able to see a couple staying at a villa up in the hills (very exclusive villa mind you - it's the villa that Mariah Carey and her new husband have stayed at), anyway, this young couple were nude swimming, sunning, and ooooooh other things (see me shy but couldn't take my eyes off them) :).

I've Got Catching Up To Do

2008-10-08T18:55:00.004-05:00

Since I last was successful posting, we have been to Huatulco, Mexico - gorgeous port, lovely people, up and coming resort destination. Puerto Chiapas, Mexico - not worth a plugged nickle at this point in time. This is a brand spanking new port that Mexico is trying to build up and there is nothing there. Today we were in Puerto Quetzal, Guatamala/Antigua - old world in the mountains and a place you need to come and spend some real time at. There is severe poverty everywhere we've been but also great beauty.
I will continue to try to post some of my 2,000+ photos already (yes you read that right).

Acapulco Yesterday

2008-10-06T15:37:00.003-05:00

We were in Acapulco yesterday and I was very disappointed, Acapulco has definitely seen better days..............a long, long time ago (in the heyday of John Wayne, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, etc). This city of 1.5 million people is in decay, with severe poverty everywhere. Petro is the equiv of $5 a gallon and daily wages for most people are $4 per day - yes that's right.
The photo above is of the Cliff Divers which was actually pretty neat.

Today we're in Huatulco and I will post this later tonight or tomorrow as I have problems with this internet connection and it doesn't want to upload more than 1 photo at a time. What I will tell you is WOW about Huatulco - Loved it here!!!

Was in Cabo San Lucas Today

2008-10-03T23:06:00.002-05:00

This is me sitting on my verandah waiting to get off the ship in Cabo San Lucas and yes that's a Bloody Mary in my hand and yes it's before noon - LOL

Sex and the City (The Movie)

2008-10-03T07:30:00.001-05:00

I downloaded this movie from iTunes the other day (I don't like going into movie theaters) and watched this movie with great anticipation. I personally enjoyed every single minute, in fact I've watched it twice already. I watched the series originally and now watch the series late at night in rerun - I think this movie was better than the original series. I was a little surprised with the nudity, especially when I saw Dante's cock - OMG!!!! (I've seen bigger and feel if they were going to sneak the peak it should have been of a better endowed man.) What did you think?
I think Sex and the City is dead though, I'm glad this movie was made, I'm glad I got to see the lives of most of these women concluded - there is no more I'm wondering about.

San Diego Sunset

2008-10-01T09:23:00.004-05:00

As I sit on our balcony watching our cruise ship come into San Diego bay so we can embark, I decided to post a single photo (of which I took dozens) of our sunset in SD as seen from our balcony facing the bay.
Our itinerary:

Embark in San Diego
Day at Sea
Cabo San Lucas
Day at Sea
Acapulco
Huatulco
Puerto Chiapas
Puerto Quetzal
Day at Sea
Costa Rica
Day at Sea
FULL TRANSIT OF PANAMA CANAL
Cartenga Colombia
At Sea
At Sea
Fort Lauderdale

Stay tuned, I'm going to take you along with me............

HELLO From San Diego

2008-09-30T14:57:00.002-05:00

We are in San Diego at our hotel and I'm sitting on the balcony overlooking the bay and 2 cruise ships that are in port (we will board our ship tomorrow morning - it's still on it's way from Seattle). Our flight in, was uneventful and San Diego is warmer than what I found was a forecast online but I'm not complaining as there is nary a cloud in the sky and there is a slight breeze and ooooooh my gosh it's gorgeous here!!!
No pictures yet but I'm sure there will be some posted later this evening. We're going to get ready and head out to purchase some wine and bloody mary mixers for our cruise tomorrow and then get a bite to eat.
Stay tuned, my plan is to post at least every few days from the cruise ship.

Isn't Rudy Precious?

2008-09-28T22:08:00.002-05:00

I just had to share this photo of my grandson Rudy. He attended his first Houston Astros Game on Saturday and look how much joy it gave him. He is the apple of this grandma's eye.

SMOKE FREE FOR 1 YEAR

2008-09-23T20:27:00.003-05:00

As you can see, I've made it to my 1 Year mark without a cigarette thanks to the quit smoking medication Chantix.
I started smoking steadily when I turned 16 but I started in the 5th grade sneaking them with a girl friend. My parents were both heavy smokers so it's probably almost natural that I picked up the nasty habit (I'm the oldest of 7 children, only 3 of us smoke(d), both girls and one brother). I was allowed to smoke in the house in the open as a teen and then when I went into the Army way back when, the Army put cigarettes into our C-Rations and made a pack of cigarettes 17 cents - yes you read that right, 17 cents.
Is it any wonder that I turned into a pack a day plus smoker? I smoked 36 years with no hope of ever quitting. I half heartedly tried to quit a couple of times and the anxiety I felt, made me pick it right back up.
Last year my son and his wife told us they were expecting their first child and also told me that they would not allow this child to be around me if I smoked..............and then my breathing worsened, my health was deteriorating, my doctor said "You have to quit or risk an imminent heart attack and/or stroke."
I QUIT
The quit wasn't easy but taking the Chantix made it possible to carry through with my quit this time.
I have a beautiful grandson Rudy that is 6 months old and he has never smelled his Nana with cigarettes on her breath or clothes, and his Nana's (Me) health is slowly but surely improving and hopefully I will be around to see my Rudy fall in love and have a baby of his own.

If you are a smoker and you've thought about wanting to quit or you have health issues that would improve if you didn't smoke, call your doctor and ask him/her about whether Chantix is an option for you.
The side effects I encountered were gas, some insomnia, vivid dreams (not nightmares but dreams that were 3 dimensional and in technicolor), dry mouth. These side effects lessened over time (three and a half months on the Chantix). All this without putting more nicotine in my body.

I still have days, sometimes a few days in a row where I think I'd like to smoke a cigarette but I haven't, I just change gears and the urge goes away. I also have family and friends that have supported and encouraged me throughout this year - y'all have been awesome!!!!
I've learned that smoking was more of a habit, a ritual, than it was an addiction. I can see that I wove smoking into everything that happened to me during that 36 years, happy events, sad events, it was my constant companion and the one thing I always turned to...........this was the most difficult aspect of quitting, changing how I handled everything I did in my life.

I QUIT SMOKING 365 DAYS AGO - YIPPPPEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why My Posting Has Been Erratic

2008-09-22T19:15:00.002-05:00

We will be leaving for our long awaited Panama Canal Transit coming up here next week and I've been busy getting things done so we can be gone more than 2 weeks.
I'm going to try to post at least a few times from the ship but internet connections onboard are expensive and traditionally very slow.
I hope you will check back often and see where we are and what we're doing.
In the meantime I'm trying to drop but sometimes it gets late before it's all finished. I will not be able to drop at all during the 2+ weeks we are gone, I hope I don't loose you all.

The Devastation Left By Hurricane Ike In Houston Texas

2008-09-18T15:34:00.012-05:00

My daughter-in-law just sent us these photos of some of the devastation caused by Ike in the Houston and Galveston area (you can click on these photos to get a larger look).

My son and his family still are without power and they have some landscape damage but it's nothing in comparison to these photos. They will be without power until at least this next Monday (which will be 11 days after the storm IF they get it then).
They said that things are slowly returning to normal in Houston with gasoline becoming easier to find, more food in grocery stores and such.

Cool Front

2008-09-15T11:19:00.001-05:00

This morning we awoke to temperatures in the low 60's!! We hardly ever see temperatures this low in September. The forecast has us noticeably cooler both during the day and in the mornings all week and this is certainly welcome. It's overcast today but they aren't calling for rain - hey, we'll take the cooler weather!!!

I wish this cooler weather would somehow make it's way down to Houston because without power these people are really uncomfortable.
We are hoping that power will be restored for most of Houston by the end of this week. My Son (in Houston) seems to think they could possibly have power at their house as quick as today or tomorrow (I'm crossing my fingers Son).

Houston & Hurricane Ike

2008-09-12T11:35:00.003-05:00

My Son, his lovely wife, and my Grandson Rudy live in Houston and they have decided to stay in Houston. We are not thrilled with this decision but we have no choice but to accept their decision. My son is a doctor and is essential medical personnel, my DIL and Rudy don't want to leave him there alone.............
The scariest part of this is that they have a concrete waterway behind their home and their street becomes a raging river when they have simple heavy rain.
Please pray for the safety of those anywhere near the coasts that will/are being affected by IKE.

This hurricane is huge at almost 1,000 miles large.

I'm in SA and although we may get some wind and rain, we won't get anything close to what people in other places of Texas and the coast in general will sustain.

New Photos of Rudy

2008-09-10T17:17:00.005-05:00

Rudy loves his exersaucer and now at 6 months old his hand-eye coordination is better and he's able to really play.
Look at those gorgeous eyes!!!

This is Rudy on an airplane headed to San Francisco with his Mommy & Daddy for a friend's wedding. Rudy has now been coast to coast and visited both the Atlantic Ocean(his other Grandma & Grandpa live there) and the Pacific Ocean, and lives pretty near the coast in Houston. His Mommy tells me he's a great traveler...........I'm glad cause this Grandma wants to take Rudy on his first cruise in the next 18-24 months (Disney).

STOP WITH THE MUSIC!!!!!!

2008-09-09T10:11:00.002-05:00

Lately there have been way too many drops by sites with music - STOP THE MUSIC!!! I will not reciprocate your drops if you have music on your site, it annoys the living hell out of me - can you tell that I'm screaming?!!!
This morning as I was opening sites (I open 10 at a time) there were 4 sites in one 10 blog block playing music at the same time, all different, all horrible.

I've also run across sites that have something that's keeping their site from loading quick enough for me and who's Entrecard is way down their site or is so mixed in with other advertisements that I can't locate it quick enough.

In all these cases I will just shut off your site, I will not drop. I know I'm not the only EC dropper that feels this way so if you want to have a following, STOP THE MUSIC!!!

Do You Fart In Front of Your Spouse?

2008-09-09T08:38:00.001-05:00

My husband couldn't believe I would write a post about this topic but I'd really like to know...........
I do, in fact, I have a gas problem and just let em rip (although I try my best to take Gas X when I'm in a public forum). My sister on the other hand does not fart in front of her husband and the joke is that she just doesn't fart which of course is utter BS since she's my sister and I "know."

Inquiring minds want to know..............Do you fart in front of your spouse?

I Need Your Help Finding Sheets

2008-09-04T16:00:00.002-05:00

I know this sounds like a strange request and you are undoubtedly wondering why I don't just do the research myself BUT this is more difficult than that, I have done research and it's wrong, I want to know from my blogging friends.
The sheets I'm looking for need to be smooth yet crisp and cold to the touch - I don't like to sleep on warm/hot sheets. I know I'm looking for percale but all percales must not be the same because I've bought some that just aren't what I used to buy.

HELP PLEASE!!!

Exchanged My Dream Bed

2008-09-03T20:28:00.003-05:00

We exchanged our (my) dream bed to a box spring with a lower profile, and a mattress with less loft (can't you hear my sobs) that cost more - go figure!!!
I'll admit that the mattress of the first purchase had a great deal of loft that made the "set" high enough to need to climb in and you couldn't sit on the side of the bed and have your feet touch the ground (yes I'm 5'3" but husband is 5'8" and his didn't touch either). The loft of the mattress cradled my tired aging body but it did take some effort to shift in bed and DH didn't like it one little bit.
The special option we purchased required us to live with our purchase for 60 days before they would exchange the set for something else. Well, I listened to DH bitch and moan for 60+ frigging nights and finally tonight he got his wish.
I'll make the adjustment but it may take a week or so ;)

Sweet Dreams!

**EDIT**
Saturday, Sept 6, 2008 6:15pm

We called and requested my dream mattress back, they were able to locate it at the warehouse and will return it to us this Wednesday (I hope it's not dirty or damaged).
I don't mind telling you that I cried last night when I got into bed because it was so uncomfortable, I slept on our bedroom sofa and DH got up and fretted. He was the one that called today and managed to talk them into finding it for us.
I can look forward to a decent nights sleep come Wednesday.

Bra Shopping

2008-08-31T19:44:00.002-05:00

I went and did a dreaded deed today, I went shopping for new Bras, yeah the things I wear as infrequently as possible. With our cruise coming up here in about a month I needed a nice bra that would enhance all the lovely clothes I have, especially the clothes I wear to dinner and dancing at night.
Because I hardly ever wear a bra they are horribly uncomfortable to me and it's an oxy moron that the same discomfort is the reason I don't wear them.
I'll admit that I sure look a great deal better with one on, it definitely lifts and separates. OMG I sound like a commercial.
Bra was purchased from Soma a company owned by Chicos, which is one of my favorite stores. I decided to purchase just one and wear it, enough to see if I want to get another.

What Body Parts Get Your Attention?

2008-08-29T12:03:00.002-05:00

I was reading a post at Monkey Fables And Tales about him being so entranced by a woman's boobs that he gave some money for a charity. Yeah-yeah, I know they look but they don't touch.....OMG guys, is that all it takes to get your attention? Have women been slaving away in kitchens and cleaning and ironing and having babies all these years when all it took was having big tits, or a shapely ass, or long slender legs??? Really?????
This made me think about whether I do this with men, do I look at the package between their legs, do I look at their chests, do I look at their legs, their ass?
I can tell you that I DO NOT and of course because I don't look, I cannot be swayed (well maybe if he was hung like a horse and walking around making a public display of this "thing").
What matters to me is whats between their ears, can he make me laugh, can he make me think longer and deeper about a subject than I'd thought before. AND whats in his chest, that thing they call a heart, how big is it, how true is it, how deep does it run.

I Love Your Blog Award

2008-08-29T11:57:00.003-05:00

Is this cute or what? I so love the ingenuity of the design on some of these blogs, love, love, love them! I've always loved the drawings of children (ok, this may not have been drawn by a child but it has that feel).
Anyway, I want to thank Chilly over at On The Bricks for thinking of me. As always, I love everyone of the blogs I read (even when I don't agree with them) and therefore I want you to take this award each and everyone of you.

It's Time To Start Exercising

2008-08-28T17:39:00.007-05:00

I was given the go ahead to start a walking regime from my PCP yesterday so today I went out to buy my first pair (in a long, long time) of walking shoes. He wanted to wait until I hadn't smoked in 12 months but gave in since I was going on 12 months............he wants me to start out walking for 45 minutes every other day and work myself up to 45 minutes daily..........hmmmmm. He said he would add activity as my lungs progressed.
He still heard some noise in one of my carotids and that has me agitated. I don't want them slicing open my neck but I also don't want to have a stroke - yeah I'm only 53!!! Damn cigarettes! I'm also hoping that I can loose a few pounds and tone up the other stuff that moves on my body - hahhaaaa
Of course I got the mini lecture about how the exercise would become a new addiction for me - yeah right, I could only hope. I do have a tendency for OCD so maybe......
Wish me luck!

**EDIT**

I'm back after huffing and puffing my way with my first walk. My dear sweet husband came with me, mostly because he was worried about two things, that I would keel over or quit (I would have probably done the later had he not been there as moral and physical support). My legs may hurt in the morning (or through the night) but I'm actually looking forward to a regime - OMG, the OCD is already setting in!!
I'm ready to hop into the shower and then eat some dinner.

Someone Thinks I'm Awesome (besides my husband)

2008-08-27T21:51:00.003-05:00

I was bestowed this award by Ettarose , what a peach!! Go visit this blog and it's author, you'll love her as much as I do.
Everyone that knows me, knows that I believe everyone that blogs deserves an award so everyone, this one's also for each of you, take it and do with it what makes you happy.
You are all my friends and your support and friendship mean the world to me.

Entrecard Toolbar Beta

2008-08-26T15:15:00.002-05:00

Have you tried this with the sidebar? It does everything I need it to do. Since it's in Beta it gets a little quirky sometimes but Wow, it sure makes a huge difference in being able to drop the way I like to drop. I'm finally able to do my drops throughout the day as new drops come into my inbox and it shows me what I've dropped on and what I haven't dropped on...........great stuff!!!
Here's the link - http://entrecard.com/docs/doku.php?id=firefox_toolbar

Rudy's Christening

2008-08-25T08:21:00.008-05:00

The woman here in the white hair is me, I'm kissing Rudy's feet (my daughter is holding Rudy). Rudy is very ticklish and giggles like a school girl.

Here's Rudy in overhauls.

This is Rudy in church waiting to be Christened. His little (BIG) noggin makes his bonnet so funny looking.

Anyway, I'm back and our California company will be departing in a few hours.
I'd like to thank everyone that continued to drop their Entrecards and post during this short hiatus, I really appreciate your friendship.

Changing Entrecard Dropping Habits

2008-08-21T14:04:00.001-05:00

I've found that I'm just not a very happy person trying to drop 900 ECs a day, I like lingering on blogs and reading, I like having a life outside of EC, and I definitely need to give some attention to my housework and my husband (and oh yeah, I have guests in from CA right now and we haven't seen them in more than a year).
I have almost always dropped from favorites or bookmarks and recently I've started dropping from my inbox, although it's allowed me to find some new and interesting blogs, I don't like being surprised by hearing music - STOP WITH THE MUSIC, then there are the blogs where it takes forever for them to load (and I'm using 4gb Ram so my computer is super quick), or it takes forever to find the EC because it's hidden amoungst all the advertising. When I dropped from my favorites most of the blogs had their EC right up at the top of their blog, there was no music to contend with, and most of the blogs loaded quickly. This week I have turned in 2 hard core porn sites (and I'm no prude but I saw stuff I can't even describe here - like OMG!!!!!!!)

I won't be dropping at all during this weekend when we're going to Houston for Rudy's Christianing, and then I won't drop for 2+ weeks the beginning of October when we're on our cruise............guess it's time to start changing my dropping habits now.

To all my regular droppers, and those who purchase space for their Entrecard on my blogs - Thank You Very Much, you have no idea how much I appreciate your support and friendship.

How Do You Drop Your Entrecards?

2008-08-20T08:58:00.001-05:00

Has the addition of Entrecard's Firefox toolbar changed your dropping habits?
Do you drop on Favorites or from your Inbox?
If you drop from your Inbox, have you requested through Entrecard that they add a "Not Dropped On" category?
If you drop from your Inbox does this penalize a "friend" when they are ill or out of town because they aren't dropping back (not in your inbox)?
Do you have a certain time of the day that you drop?
How many blogs do you drop for and how many do you drop for each blog?

MY RESPONSE TO THE QUESTIONS
I personally like the Firefox toolbar but would like to see the "Not Dropped On" category added and yes I have requested it.
I drop both from my Inbox and from Favorites, I do my best not to penalize a friend when they don't blog for awhile regardless of the reason.
I try to start dropping when the time starts the next day, I've been trying to drop 900 a day (3 blogs) and it's hard! I do my best to have my drops completed by noon.

College Presidents Wanting to Lower the Drinking Age to 18

2008-08-19T20:54:00.001-05:00

What do you think about this?
Sounds to me like they want out of the liability of these kids drinking on campus.
Our local news brought up the fact that this will give high school principals even more liability if the drinking age were lowered to 18 as many high school seniors are 18.
What's the answer? Actually I heard a high school senior comment that the answer is in finding out why kids want to drink in the first place.
Why did you take your first drink and did you get drunk?
I was a sophomore in high school, it was ripple and I was drunk and sick, for days. I still cannot drink wine.

What Message Does the Olympics Send to Our Young People?

2008-08-19T13:04:00.001-05:00

Does a competitive event such as the Olympics teach our children that anything but a Gold isn't good enough? Don't we need to teach our children and remind our adults that doing the very best you can do on any given day in any given endeavor is GOLD?
The Olympics is an athletic event, it isn't life, it isn't education, it's simply an athletic event, don't get so wrapped up in the outcome, and don't for a moment believe that coming in second, or even 8th isn't a triumph - it is, you went out and gave it your best try and you won.

Meme

2008-08-17T19:37:00.001-05:00

I was tagged for a Meme by Garden Gnome Wanderings to tell you 6 unspectacular quirks about myself.
Before I go any further though I'd like to mention the rules of this Meme.
1. Link the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules.
3. Tell 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
4. Tag 6 bloggers by linking.
5. Leave a comment for each blogger.

MY 6 Unspectacular Quirks

1. I sneeze through my mouth - I'm afraid if those huge sneezes were to come through my nose, the little bit of brain I have would come out (seriously).

2. I only shave my legs when it's absolutely necessary. I'm not trying to impress anyone, I've been married for 31+ tears and second, my skin is very dry and this makes them even scalier.

3. I seldom wear a bra, they are hot, I get chafed, and the shoulder straps are always falling down.

4. Since I quit smoking, I'm afraid to be in social situations.

5. I'm most comfortable with routine and any deviation causes me to have panic attacks.

6. I don't like mole hairs, they have to come out!

Who I'm tagging (because I want to know more about them):

Random Ramblings

Buzz Nutter

SpicyBugz World

Original Grits

It's a Blog Eat Blog World

Communication Exchange

There are way many more people that I'd love to learn more about and I hope that these people will find some other people that may be on my list.

WTF, now it's the hot water heater, shit I tell you.....SHIT

2008-08-17T13:53:00.002-05:00

Here I am bitching and moaning again, this time it's about the hot water heater. We had it serviced on Friday, nothing wrong, just preventative maintenance - today I take a shower after the old man and what do I get, luke warm at best. We have a 50 gal tank and I'm a hot water kinda gal, like it hot when I shower, hot when I do dishes, hot when I wash white clothes - this just isn't going to do, I'm not at all happy. I'm screaming and cursing my heart out cause I'm wet and there isn't going to be enough luke warm to suds up - aint going to happen, I'm not sudsing up and then needing to rinse in cold water, nope, I'm going to stay stinky.
The old man turned up the heat but damn it I have to wait for it to heat up and damn it I shouldn't have happened in the first place.

I've got out of town guests headed here from California and I need HOT WATER. We'll all be headed to Houston to see Rudy be Christianed this coming weekend.

Green Beans Make Me Gag

2008-08-16T11:00:00.003-05:00

Rudy has shown you what makes him gag, what makes YOU gag?

Exersaucer Photos

2008-08-14T21:43:00.008-05:00

These are the newest photos we have of Rudy using the new Exersaucer that his Nana and Grandpa recently sent to surprise him.
I have such a good DIL to keep sending me these photos and generally keeping me up-to-date on Rudy's progress.
This is such a great little toy, so much stimulation, color, sound, and learning.

As you can see below here, Rudy doesn't quite fill out the seat yet but he will shortly I have no doubt.

Patch is looking on wanting to be a part of all the excitement.

Hey little man don't grow up too fast, it seems like just last month when we celebrated your birth and already your playing! I Love You Rudy!!!

EEOC Conference - Different Generations

2008-08-13T20:32:00.004-05:00

My sister and I were talking about the differences the 9 years between us (she's younger) makes and she sent me something she got from an EEOC Conference she attended (she works for an attorney). It's so hard for me to believe that someone needs to teach people about different generations and that they are treated differently because of the generation they were born into....

Traditionalists (1925-1945)
Practical, Patient, Loyal, and Hardworking, Respectful of Authority, Follows Rules
Also referred to as Veterans, Builders and The Silent Generation
Many are at or past retirement age, but staying in workforce longer.
The hold deep respect for rules, authority, frugality, self discipline.
Tend to value conformity and see work as an obligation of adulthood, rather than personal fulfillment.
They typically feel that electronic forms of communication are cold, impersonal, complex, confusing.
When it comes to receiving job feedback, they feel that no news is good news.
Strongly value being "respected as elders."
They are often stereotyped as somewhat rigid, autocratic and behind the times, especially when it comes to technology.
Taught to save rather than spend.
Influenced greatly by growing up in the shadow of the Great Depression, the horror of Pearl Harbor and the call to arms for both WWII and Korean War.

Baby Boomers (1946-1964)
Optimistic, Teamwork & Cooperation, Ambitious, Workaholic
Major influence on American culture.
Many grew up during a time of dramatic social, political and technological change.
Saw the introduction of the birth control pill, creit cards, a man land on the moon and the birth of civil rights. Experienced first-hand the misery of the Viet Nam war.
Currently dominate more senior ranks in organizations and politics.
Boomers are characterized by core values such as optimism, involvement, respect for power and accomplishment as well as "paying your dues."
Many boomers are competitors who believe that success is only achieved through hard work, long hours and by getting along with others.
Work tends to be a source of personal identity and fulfillment that is rewarded with advancement, job title and tangible rewards.
Most boomers have developed some technological savvy because they know it is necessary for progress.
Willing to give whatever it takes to succeed at work - LIVE to work generation.
Many tend to be workaholics, politically sensitive, idealistic and often lack appropriate balance between work and their personal lives.

Generation X (1965-1981)
Skeptical, Self-reliant, Risk-taking, Balances work and personal life.
Were raised in a prosperous, materialistic culture created by boomers.
They have been significantly influenced by divorce, 2-income households and more gender, ethnic and racial diversity than any previous generation.
Core values are self-reliance, results-oriented, informality, skepticism and individualism.
Tend to see work as a "contract" - to deliver results in exchange for compensation, rather a source of identity or fulfillment.
A common attitude is, "tell me what you need done and when you need it 0 but don't tell me how or where to do it." Freedom and flexibility are the best rewards for achievement.
Their communication style and work pace tends to be fast, direct, immediate and technology based.
Are not prone to working extensive overtime or on weekends. They want to get their work done quickly so they can leave and get on with their personal lives.
Occasionally, people in this group are criticized for being impatient, cynical, self-centered, disloyal and alcking a more traditional work ethic.
Historical events that shape their world view are: Tylenol Scare, 3 mile island, oil spills, Challanger Disaster, Shooting of Ronald Reagan, Fall of Berlin Wall and Bill Clinton Scandal.

Generation Y (1982-2002)
Hopeful, Meaningful work, values change and diversity, technologically savvy
First generation to read fewer books, in favor of having computers as toddlers, hundreds of TV channels, web sites to surf and downloads. The often have i-pods and cell phones before they hit puberty.
Core values tend to be self-confidence, tenacity,, inquisitiveness, extreme informality, and social-consciousness.
Work tends to be something they do between weekends - it should be FUN.
Millenials care less about promotions, don't necessarily want more responsiblity at work and don't want to work extra hours.
FAST is the key word! They have little patience for slower, less-efficient pace of those who are older. They demand options and choices and expect attention and feedback.
Multi-tasking through multimedia isn't a tool or strategy - it's a way of life.
Concepts like commitment, traditions and dress codes are pretty much irrelevant when it comes to "doing the job you hired me to do."
Millenials are often perceived as spoiled, impatient, egocentric and technology addicted.
From work, they want: to work with positive people, to be challenged, be treated respectfully, learn new info & skills, work in a friendly environment, have flexibility in their jobs and be paid well.

I guess I've been out of the workforce for a few years.

Ahhhhhh, Look - Someone else is thinking about me

2008-08-13T15:45:00.002-05:00

There is a funny story about this award, which incidentally came from a dear friend at SpicyBugz.....she had seen me post something about other awards I'd gotten and wanted to know why I hadn't posted the one she had given me (but didn't tell me about, guess it's one of those hunt and seek kinda awards - hahaaa). Anyway she gave me plenty of razz about it all so I finally went to her blog to hunt it down - Thanks Sugar!!!

Friendship Award

2008-08-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

I was given this Award by my friend Chilly at ON THE BRICKS

Thanks Chilly but my policy is that everyone who blogs daily or almost daily deserves each and everyone of these awards.
I've made way too many friends online to choose only a few. Y'all know who you are, grab this award along with a great big HUG from Mamaflo.

When Did This Happen? How Could This Happen? What Does This Mean?

2008-08-11T11:47:00.001-05:00

When did Baby Boomers go from being Hippies to being Grandparents? I was thinking about how big of a deal this is and what this means to society, not just us becoming Grandparents but us entering that senior realm, the sheer number of us out there that will be eligible for Social Security/Medicare.

Have you thought about where you'll live when you just don't need as much space as your current home provides? Do you want to live in a smaller home, a condo, an apartment? My husband and I have been discussing this more and more frequently as we see our aging home needing repairs and updating - do we really want to invest a lot of money in this or do we want to look at moving as soon as the market is stronger? How much space we really need depends entirely on how that space is laid out. I think we'd like living in a senior development of some kind, somewhere that doesn't allow young adults or children to live. I love my grown children (see that operative word - grown) and I really love my grandson Rudy but I don't want them living with me (just like they probably don't want me living with them - I've had nightmares of my daughter taking me in a wheelchair to the top of a big hill like those in San Francisco and just letting the wheelchair go...........not a good ending :)). I'd like an environment that would be safe and I wouldn't have to worry about getting out of my car in the dark and getting mugged (gated, controlled community). I'd like an environment where when we get much older where we would have the availability of assisted living, or nursing care.

Since most of us boomers are women and we all know that most men die earlier than their wives.....would you consider living with another woman to share expenses (even if you didn't financially need to)?

I personally don't feel like I'm as old as my parents were at 53 and 57 and not near as old as my own grandparents were at this age - they were much older looking and thinking.
I'm wondering if every generation feels this way - don't you think your own children will feel much younger than we do?
Is this like when you go back to where you grew up and see a hill that you used to play on and remember how huge that hill was when you were a kid and see it now and it's barely a hill, that's a weird phenomenon.

I love being in my 50's and I love being a Grandma, and I love that I still have my husband with me and that we're planning our senior years, together.

I'm Kicking Ass!!

2008-08-10T19:46:00.002-05:00

I've been awarded the "Kick Ass Blogger" award from Cindi over at Moomette's Mama Mentor Blog and did you know that she just became a new Grandma on August 5th - Wow there are a lot of us ladies becoming Grandmas. I told Cindi and I'm telling everyone else that's creative, we need a Granny Award to give out.

Thanks Cindi!!