We're not in the mood

Today is Halloween but, though goblins may knock, we will not be answering. We choose to be elsewhere tonight. Why is that, you say?

Since we have lived on this street--thirty years now--the rest of the village have called it the 'new subdivision'. Kind of gives you an idea of the pace of life in a rural village. Anyhow from the first year we were here hordes of revelers have rung our bell every year looking for treats. Ordinarily that would not be a problem but the important word here is hordes. Cars come and park at one end of our street and the kids jump out on the run to hit every house. I'm not sure where all the cars come from but somehow our subdivision has become the mecca for treat-hungry kids. Every year somewhere between 160 and 200 kids ring our bell and most of them have no time for anything but grabbing their candy and running.

Lest you are wondering we do love kids and we like Halloween. The little ones all dressed up are cute as can be. We have fun with them and enjoy chatting up the parents who are watchful just out of the light from our porch.

Several years ago we really got into the swing of things. We bought alien costumes from Wal-Mart and adopted voices from outer space. (The picture at right is a pretty good likeness.) We loved hearing the doorbell ring. The little ones were pretty scared but Mom or Dad would encourage them and they helped themselves to the candy we held out. Occasionally one would balk and run back to their parent. The funniest one was a girl about 12 or 14 who started up the walk at the head of her group of teens. In my growly voice, I asked, "What do you want?" She stopped dead, looked at her friends, and took another couple of steps towards us. "Why are you here?" hubby growled. The girl turned on her heel and beat a retreat, calling out, "I'm getting out of here!" Her friends followed and we laughed to ourselves.

Do we sound mean? I assure you we are not. We just decided to make Halloween about the little ones. To them we were very nice and tried our best not to frighten them, even going so far as to use our natural voices. All too soon our candy was gone and we decided to go over to our daughter's house. She was away on a course but her hubby was there on the porch giving candy to little ones as we approached.

"You guys are pretty big for this, aren't you?" he asked. We just grunted, afraid he'd recognize us. He held out the candy dish and we declined, shaking our alien heads. He stood there at a loss. Thinking our son-in-law knew us, hubby started to walk past him into his house. Before our eyes our calm and friendly son-in-law became Godzilla. "Where do you think you're going?" he growled.
"Just into the house," we laughed.
"No, you're not!" and his body filled the doorway.
As always in tricky situations, I started to laugh. Hubby started to laugh. And after a minute or two, son-in-law started to laugh, too, as he realized the joke.

That was a great Halloween and the memories make me smile again. I guess this year we are just too busy, with hubby teaching two nights this week, planning a community event for one night and working full time during the day. So, this year, we're just not in the mood, but next year the aliens may invade again.

Weekend Wanderings

Saturday hubby and I had a busy day. Bright and early we headed for the gym and did a cardio workout for half an hour. After that we gathered up our computer paraphernalia and headed for my brother's place to scan and save family pictures for our family Christmas the second Sunday in December. Looking over the old pictures was fun and we scanned in 45 of them. We'll go back another day and get about that many more for the computer presentation at the family Christmas. It's a great way to bring back those who are gone and have fun together laughing at what used to be.

We stopped for lunch in Stratford and then took the drive to Kenilworth to see the Quality Homes factory. Of course we had already seen a couple of models in St. Mary's but we were unprepared for the beauty and grandeur of one of their bigger homes, the Maitland. We are ready for small but went in just to look. What a beauty!

Back to the Ridgestone, though. It presented beautifully with two columns rising from a half wall to the left upon entering the front door. The whole plan is very spacious, yet cosy, reminding us so much of our favorite holiday place, Marriott's Grande Ocean in Hilton Head. We were a little disappointed in the person who was there to answer our questions as sales is not his job and he basically let us do all the talking. Ordinarily that would be fine but we would have liked him to tell us features, possible problems, and many other things. Nevertheless it is a very impressive and professional setup, showing us that modular homes are quite popular and secure.

Our ride back home was most interesting as we had so much to talk about. This next life step of ours is going to be great but it needs lots of research. Well, we're up for it!

Teaching Again

Yesterday I took a flying leap...well, actually I taught the first session of a three session course in Word. Not having taught for almost 8 years I was slightly nervous but I only had one student and we did the class here in my office so stress was greatly reduced.

To add to the stress, though, we had loaded Office XP on her machine and I am used to using Office 2003. Not to worry. There were very few noticable changes and we got along famously. The old pro teaching skills are still there, the love of people alive yet, and the pleasure in helping very much in the forefront. Mairi and I had a great time as we worked through the materials, with me gradually leaving her more and more on her own to figure things out. (I learned a long time ago teaching computers that you have to be able to work out your own problems.)

This is yet another affirmation that getting older doesn't have to mean losing anything--well, sagging and blotchy skin aside! The important thing, though, is the mind. Mine is purring along nicely, thank you very much. Here are some of the things I do to keep it active:
1. Sudoku. There is almost always a book of puzzles by my chair in the TV room.
2. Computer Games. Mahjong is currently my fave, so much so that I am thinking of buying the Online version.
3. Reading. I have just finished Deepak Chopra's Grow Younger, Live Longer which has opened my mind to new ideas.
4. Exercise. As I work my way around the weight machine circuit, I am always trying to memorize my regimen.
5. Singing. I constantly exercise my mind in sight reading new choir songs and memorizing page turn problem parts--only a singer will get that!

Of course I do much more but you get the idea. Stepping out of my comfortable box is the hardest, though, and I am pleased to have done it yet again with teaching a stranger. I have also advertised a beading class to be held in the winter so hopefully that will be a go and I can do more teaching. Meanwhile my oven is calling me to clean it!

Ya Just Gotta Laugh

Last night hubby and I took a night out, having supper at East Side Mario's--not as good as the one in Woodstock!--and shopping in a mall in Cambridge. This one is interesting as it has an ice rink attached right opposite one row of shops, so that you can be wandering the shops and checking out the ladies' hockey game by glancing right and left. Cool concept. We were looking for the GNC as I needed some Omega3 Fish Oil. (Gotta keep up that healthy stuff!)

When we found the store I immediately started my search and hubby did his own thing. I find these stores a little intimidating because there are thousands of supplements and I don't want anyone to try to 'sell' me on them. My main health thing is fitness, exercise, eat lots of fruits and veggies, and TRY to stay away from the breads and desserts as much as possible. I don't want to be taking 50 pills a day.

Soon enough I found my mega jar, enough to last us for six months, and paid at the till. Hubby joined me there and got me to go over to the men's section. There he pointed out a jar labeled something like Increase Sensual Drive--for Men. This would not be too funny except for the warning on the back. Not to be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The last time I looked, men were neither pregnant nor likely to be breast feeding! Has this changed? Did we miss something?

We had a great laugh as we left the store.

The Paper Got It Right!

Linked you will see the newspaper article about the Heroes in the Home event last Wednesday. The link leaves out the picture so I have put in my scanned newspaper copy with apologies for the poor quality.
I have also written about Ross quite often over the past few months so check my archives if you want to learn about this great guy.

Heroes in the Home (2)

Today I give you part of the program from Heroes in the Home held on Wednesday of this week.
This is page 3 of the program listing the recipients of the various awards. Notice Donna and Tracy in the Community Caregiver Awards and Wayne's name mentioned in the letter excerpt at the bottom of the page. Finally go to Heroes in the Home for the story.

Heroes in the Home

On Wednesday I witnessed a wonderful thing. Well, two or three wonderful things, to be exact. I was at a Heroes in the Home awards ceremony, the first I’d ever attended, watching as wonderful people had their nomination letters read while they received a handshake and a gift from CCAC-Oxford. For the uninitiated, CCAC represents Community Care Access Centre, a blanket organization that oversees homecare and many other health oriented issues. My brother, Wayne, is Board Chair at this time, having spent many years working quietly to improve healthcare in the county.

I knew that my sister-in-law and her daughter were each going to receive a Community Caregiver Award and wanted to be there. Of course these awards attest to their care of my brother, Ross, through the months he lay dying at home. I have already described their love and devotion to every detail as humbling to watch, so that watching them be honored was my next step in the process of being there for Ross’ family. As I watched Tracy mount the platform and work to keep control of her emotions my wet eyes told of my thoughts of her care for her stepfather, how calm she was, how careful to move him just exactly right, how thoughtful she was in finding ways to make his days better and how she leaned over his hospital-type bed, both arms around his head, stroking his hair, brushing away imaginary and real things as though she could brush away the illness that was inside his head, robbing him of life. She became my hero forever.

Next Donna mounted the small dais, stood calmly, small and quiet, her enigmatic smile belying the huge heart beating inside her. She has lost two husbands now, yet still forges on. Throughout Ross’ illness, I was amazed at Donna’s ability to put her own problems aside, to reduce her own medication so that she would be awake if Ross needed her in the night. She arranged first of all to have a contraption attached to their bed so that he could still pull himself up and get out of bed. She rented a stair elevator so that he could still get upstairs to sit in their living room. When those were no longer viable, she turned their bedroom into a lovely haven for Ross. His TV was high in the corner so he could watch it whenever he wanted. She brought in pictures of his many exploits figure skating, flying, having family fun. Everywhere I looked there was something positive to remind us all of Ross, larger than life. For him, she held back her tears. She was exhausted but still she nursed him lovingly and with true dedication.

As she stood on the stage I could see this was a strain for her but she bravely stood, shook the hand of the presenter, collected her award, and with great dignity took her seat again. Such a small person carrying so large a load. Another hero.

Of course I have only mentioned two of the twenty-three heroes in the home who were honored. The stories of each were just as moving, just as full of love. From the caregiver of a happy little girl with two leg braces and no speech to the virtually blind old woman caring for her ill husband in their home, the stories were amazing. People really do rise up and take the burdens they are given.

Finally, after all the awards on the program, there was one final one. This was a special plaque presented to the person who had initiated these awards six years ago, my brother Wayne. He was surprised as his name was called. He moved to the stage and quietly smiled his pleasure as the presenter told of Wayne’s contributions in warm words, words that he had to cut short as he became too emotional to carry on. Wayne has made his mark with people.

After the event pictures were taken of the recipients and then of those of our family who were there to honour Donna and Tracy, and Wayne. Reporters took Donna and Tracy into a corner and interviewed them for about 15 minutes, during which I had a chance to personally thank the wonderful speaker, Eleanor L. Wood. Her message was about positive thinking and she delivered it with great humour and meaningful anecdotes. As I drove away my heart was saddened again at losing Ross but gladdened by all the love I had witnessed the past two hours. People really do rise up to shoulder the burdens thrust upon them and thus become Heroes in the Home.

Positive Feedback

Yesterday I had my three-month checkup at the gym, an appointment I had been approaching with anticipation and a little trepidation. I wanted to know what my numbers were. Had I improved or had I stayed the same.? I knew my weight hadn't changed but I also felt better.

I went early and Deb, my awesome and friendly trainer, was ready for the appointment. She brought up my profile on screen and I could watch it as she measured me and punched in the numbers. My predominant losses in inches were my waist, down 2.75 inches, and my buttocks and right calf, both down 1.25. I wasn't sure why my right calf was down but apparently I've been doing a super job of treating left and right the same so my numbers are evening out. Bottom line? Down 10.25 inches overall!

And I was so happy. I just loved getting that positive feedback from an independent source and I have been musing about my need for it ever since. Why is it we feel validated when someone else says "Well done!"? And then I realize it's a learned response. From the time we are born we are coddled and encouraged with positive (and sometimes negative!) feedback. No wonder we grow to rely on others' opinions. Hence the wifely question, "Do I look fat in this outfit?" (For the record, I've never asked that. Afraid of the answer?) and husbands sucking it up to show off their muscles. We all want positive feedback.

So when we go out in the world today, let's remember to be positive. Let's sink negativity in a tide of encouraging comments. Oh, and by the way, I'm now going 5 days to the gym, hoping in three months to get more of that positive feedback!

Bliss is Good

On Wednesday I took the time to drive to Mount Pleasant for my birthday spa indulgence. In the heat of July, hubby had given me a generous gift certificate which I finally had investigated a week earlier, making a facial appointment with a pleasant voice on the phone.

As I started my drive I realized that I had been day dreaming and taken the wrong road. No matter I would circle around, being the girl who never met a country road, lane or path she wouldn't explore. The problem was the roads. My route was closed-- a main highway--so I would have to travel unfamiliar back roads. I grabbed my map and realized no clear route was evident as all the little back roads are not on maps. Hmm. Well, I would just follow my nose, and after a lot of wondering, found a road to the east which I recognized. I made it to the Scape Spa just in the nick of time.

Now the last time I was in this wonderful building--a renovated mansion--it was a lovely exclusive restaurant so I was interested to see how it had metamorphosed. Mounting the front steps I noticed the interesting brick walk beautifully landscaped and dappled with leaves. I opened the door. Inside a delightful expanse of openness and pleasure greeted me. Music softly edged my subconscious as I moved to fill in the requisite form outlining all my 'things'. In a lovely black leather chair before a massive (fake?) fireplace, I finished the form and started flipping the pages of a magazine.

Immediately my technician came to get me and we headed up the stairs, past the manicure station with its six tables, all empty at the time, to a tiny room under the eaves. White towels, white stucco walls, soft music, soft lights, me in a tiny towel wraparound all snuggled under warmed blankets--all combined to create relaxation.

My technician told me her name but it is gone in the glow of pleasure I received during my back massage--roll over--shoulders and neck massage, face massage--did you notice all the massage? For many minutes I was soothed into a calm and quiet place where worries disappeared and pleasure predominated. She worked quietly and surely, applying creams and scrubs, putting them on, taking them off, putting on eye patches, taking them off. Finally she put on a facial mask which was gentle and soothing and left me to rest for a few minutes while the mask worked. I know I drifted off to sleep for a couple of moments which probably happens regularly since the experience is so quieting.

All too soon she returned, deftly took off the mask, put on more creams and then ever so gently spoke to me of the samples she was giving me and what the different things did. I hope the directions are on the samples as my sleeply brain barely took in what she was saying. She left me to get dressed--no hurry--and, when I left the room, was waiting with a refreshing wine glass of cold water. I drank my fill, headed down the wide staircase like Cinderella all done up for the ball, except I was wearing only the facial afterglow and no makeup! As I sat in my car, I realized I had to wake up enough to drive home and I did, albeit feeling like a pampered orchid. Oh, yes, bliss is good.

What a Weekend!

Painting the dining room, driving all over Simcoe, Woodstock, St. Mary's and all the wonderful little villages in between made our weekend exciting and fun. Oh and we had number one son and his wife for a great Thanksgiving dinner somewhere in there as well. We sure crowded a lot into three days.

And the weather! It made driving superb as we travelled the back roads lined with colour. From the red sumac to the unnamed riotous blue/purple flower everyone is talking about this year, and from the variegated yellows, oranges, and reds of the woods along our way, happiness was for the taking as we basked in these glories. There is really nothing like the colours of fall on a sunny day, with blue sky, treasured sunshine--because it has been so rare of late!--and the company of your one true love. This has been a full weekend of Thanksgiving.

Perhaps uppermost in my mind at the moment is the bike trip, yet again, down the Lynn Valley Rail Trail. Having nephew Mark along made the day even more fun as we watched his excitement on the ride and when we stopped above the rivers winding lazily below us and pointed out water plants luxuriating just below the surface. He was excited about the trip but really got into it when we reached Dover and found some lovely huge rocks lining the lake which held fossils of trilobites and other things there for the discovering. There is nothing like a child's sense of wonder.

When we made it back to the vehicles and the half hour trip home we were pretty tired but it was that 'good' tired. You know, the one where you have the sense of having done something awesome. Something special. Oh, what a weekend!

Down, Down She Went

Wednesday morning I got up, got dressed and went to the gym for an hour's workout. I came home, had my brekkie, went for a hair appointment, and came back by 9 o'clock to start my washing and my day. I piled our huge hamper to the top and then about 18" on top of that. It was almost as tall as I am.

Going down the stairs I took it slowly as I had way too much to carry easily. I rested on the bottom step for a second and then took the last step. Only it wasn't the last step. I heard my voice yell as my hip hit the arm of the bench below but still I didn't let go of that basket. Then I lurched to the right, completely out of control and lost the handles as I went down. When the mass of clothes settled, there I was lying flat out on the floor in front of our front door, winded, bumped and a little scared. Oops! I guess I didn't count the steps right.

I lie there for a minute or so, then check myself over. No broken bones. I think I'm alright. Don't know if I can get up or not. No choice as I'm alone in the house. I sit and grab the stair railing to slowly pull myself up--my brain is still working, at least.

Long story short, I was okay. I gathered up the clothes and threw a couple of piles down the basement stairs before I carried the rest in the hamper. The thing that really makes me angry with myself is that in trying to save a trip down two flights to the basement and thus save time and energy I have totally messed up my energy output for three days as of now and still counting. The anti-inflammatories that I took eased the swelling and I am pretty close to normal until I try to walk anywhere. Then I move like my arthritic friend, lurching along, always thinking of the shortest route to get anywhere. And tired! I need a shot of energy.

Have I learned my lesson? Yes, definitely. Until the next time. Meanwhile I am still hoping to do the Port Dover bike trip on Thanksgiving Monday. Wish me luck!

My New Jewelry Makes Me Smile

Yesterday I had a wonderful day with my best beading buddy, Donna. Together we searched out bargains at Mary Maxim and 4 Sirius Beaders in Paris, and then headed to Brantford for lunch at a cafe we had visited before, part of the Flim Flam Gift Gallery. We arrived, breathless and hungry, only to learn that the restaurant had been turned into a craft area. Our initial disappointment soon turned to glee as we discovered a very good selection of beading things, including Swarovski crystal heart-shaped pendants. Lunch had to wait awhile.

My delight in the day was intensified every time I looked at my wrist and caught a glimpse of my latest bracelet creation. (Bracelets are for the wearer because you don't see your necklace and earrings unless you're looking in a mirror!) It is based on a deep pink/bronze Czech fire-polished bead which sparkles in the light, mixed with bronze spacers, pink and gold beads with ivory pearls. I absolutely loved making it and revel in wearing it. Not for sale, this one!

After lunch we hit the mall for a half hour and found--on sale!--the short-sleeved tops I was wanting, then headed for Woodstock. After a couple of stops--beads, of course--we headed for home. We couldn't believe it was 4:00 when we arrived, the day had gone so quickly.