tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30863705024179595692024-03-13T15:34:34.175-04:00Ellen Alive!A blog about a woman living in a medium sized city in Michigan who has a lot to say about a lot of things.Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.comBlogger578125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-75801938959035673972024-02-26T09:19:00.000-05:002024-02-26T09:19:41.913-05:00Age of Reflextion<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Two days ago I attended a Celebration of Life for a very good friend. The next day (yesterday) marked one year since one of my very, very best friends died.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I started thinking of all the women that I have shared space with; it's a long list.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I think, well, I know, I appreciated their friendship at the time. Most of them but not all, I didn't realize until many years later how very grateful I was to have known them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm leaving family members off this list because - I loved them all and miss them a ton so . . . enough said.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm also sure I'll miss a few but in my way of keeping my blogs short-ish, here goes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My kindergarten teacher, Miss Adams, was so kind and encouraging. I remember her soft voice and presence.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mary Hearn and Elnora Simpson. Hard working women and possessed patience from the gods.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Pat Ankney. She expected your best and got it - if it killed us.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sue Johnson Lange who still rides along with me most every day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Pat Higgs Miller who showed me how to tell the funniest damn stories - about myself. She deserved an Oscar for her tales.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Kathi Proper - who filled my life with joy every nano-second we spent together.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Gwen DeBruyn who encouraged me constantly with my jewelry.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are more but I promised to keep it short-ish.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Take a moment and reflect on the gifts left behind by people you loved and admired.</span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-69379476411774175942023-12-31T13:00:00.001-05:002023-12-31T13:00:42.985-05:00Glasses<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Not the ones on the dinner table. I'm talking about the ones on your face.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I always say I've been wearing glasses since I was 9 years old and I'm pretty sure I'm right but I've been known to confuse dates and times. It's kinda my "thing." I'm famous, I mean <i>world</i> famous for it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, anyway. I've had them riding on my nose for decades. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I tried bifocal contact lenses several years ago and it didn't go well.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I actually don't mind wearing glasses. My first pair of red frames set me on a "snazzy" path. Hey, if ya gotta wear them, might as well have fun.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Along with advancing age (I'm a hair's breadth away from 75) other fun stuff happens to your eyes: dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Petey and I both have cataracts but we're hoping to out-live the surgery. Neither one of us have started to exhibit symptoms - yet.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But if, in fact, surgery happens I decided I'm not going to go with the corrective lens option. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Why, you say? Don't you want to toss those specs and run free?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">No, I don't. Glasses to me are like "face jewelry." They cover up stuff. You know what I'm talking about - bags and wrinkles.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I need to <u>distract</u> attention not <u>call</u> attention.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've also seen people after surgery that are still carrying around "cheaters or readers" when they need help up close or far away depending on what they had corrected.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What's the point? I'd have to always make sure I had that back-up assistance as opposed to now when I don't have to look in my purse or pat my pockets looking for the dang things.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Nah. I'll stick with getting new frames every 3-5 years (hopefully) just to keep life interesting.</span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-32919560564822068752023-12-04T13:22:00.000-05:002023-12-04T13:22:44.814-05:00Pics: the good, the bad and the ugly<p> <span style="font-size: large;">I love taking pictures with my cell phone. I don't think I did much of that when I had a Tracfone - maybe because I couldn't? Can't remember.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, life opened up in a big way when I moved up to an iphone. Thanks, Lisa. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I recently upgraded from a #7 to a #14 and I feel like the picture quality is much better. I'm sure there are a lot of super cool things I can do with it but I'm happy at this point with the results.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I love saving memories. I love getting screen grabs from my nieces' FB or IG accounts. I love sending pictures of my bruised knuckle to my sisters.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Probably the biggest benefit for me right now is that I can record (video) myself playing my ukulele and singing songs to send to a group of friends living with serious health conditions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The other plus showed its self today while we were decorating the house for Christmas. I'd forgotten that I'd taken pictures of where everything went. Whew. Saved some time there.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The ugly happened when Peter thought we elevated the tree a bit last year - using a stool. I was like "no, didn't happen." Then I started to doubt myself so I went back to the pics from last year.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Dang it! There it was. The stool we used to make the tree more visible so all our neighbors could take joy in our elaborate show of the holiday! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Did I mention it's a Charlie Brown tree? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now for the ugly. Last week in downtown Holland there was a contest. The deal was to take a picture of yourself at one of the local stores or restaurants and submit it to the city. The prize was a gift certificate to one of the shops or eateries.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Dining at our favorite - Hops at 84 East - I grabbed the menu, held it up to my face and took a pic. I didn't look at it until after the menus had been taken away which was a huge mistake.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Why you ask? Because with my white hair and having the light behind me the result was freakish! Not to mention way, way too close. EEEEEEEEEEK!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was too embarrassed to ask for a menu again and was pretty sure the result was going to be the same so I just shot the wreath above the door and submitted that.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I didn't win.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The pictures are still a gift. I love going back, often with tears, and look at the people I miss and taking joy in seeing new and old friends and of course, family that are still hangin' around.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'll be happy if your "take away" is to photograph your decorations if nothing else.</span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-36221906818265412242023-12-02T11:21:00.000-05:002023-12-02T11:21:34.957-05:00Music buddies<p> <span style="font-size: large;">I like to sing but I'm not a musician. Yes, I picked up the ukulele a few years ago and I'm really enjoying it but there's nothing natural that's happening on that instrument. My goal, from the start, was to accompany myself in my little den here at The Red House. I missed singing so the uke has helped me fill that void.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This time of year has me really reflecting. Many experiences and people have been running through my mind like crazy little rabbits lately.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One category that's at the head of the memory train is: Musician friends that are no longer here. I had the pleasure of standing on the same stage as the men I'm going to mention.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Fred Gibson</span>: I first met Fred when he was in elementary school and hung out at the playground I was working at for my summer job. I pumped him daily for info on his older brother. I had a big crush going on back then and needed some insight. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After that summer I didn't see much of Fred until my Cabaret days. He was like magic on the stage. He tore it up. He owned it. There were times I considered trying to talk him into running away with me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">His life ended abruptly and way too soon. He left a big hole in everyone's heart.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Bobby VanStee</span>: I met Bobby (a lot of people called him Gus) many years ago through a mutual friend. That friend (Mary Spreitzer) and I were rehearsing a song (Desperado) at her house. She sang it and I interpreted it in American Sign Language. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There sat Bobby on Mary's couch with his dog, Emmy Lou, with tears running down his face.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bobby didn't read music. He sat down at his keyboard and stuff just happened. His ear was finely tuned.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was lucky enough to have some meaningful phone (Facetime) chats with Bobby toward the end of his life. His death still caught me off guard. I sure miss that big man.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Mitch Wooster</span>: "Rooster," the one-man band. I remember going into Mitch's record store in downtown Allegan looking for, what I thought, was an obscure musician's Blues music: Delbert McClinton. Mitch knew exactly who I was talking about and ordered some tapes for me right away.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I saw/heard Mitch play many, many times but I didn't appreciate what an outstanding musician he really was until years later. It was like I was seeing him for the first time and he blew me away.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">He helped me out on some recording problems I was having and we also had several private Facebook chats about politics and life. We shared "the same page."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Last time we talked in person was a quick chat at the Eagles. If I'd known he was going to leave this life soon after that day, I would have stayed longer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Noah Smith</span>: Noah was a force to be reckoned with. He paid me the highest compliment when I sang my first solo ("Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," the Big Maybelle version) at Cabaret many years ago. "Who were you channeling for that?"<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Noah's body took a real blow by some weirdo disease and movement was limited. The last time I saw him perform he couldn't lift a glass but he could still sing. The man was determined.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When I started playing the ukulele, Noah gave me some great advice during one of our phone calls. Some chords were difficult for my old fingers and he said "oh, hell, you don't have to play all the chords. Just skip the one that's hard and pick up on the other side."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks, buddy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">These men all left wonderful memories behind. Great stories that will hopefully be shared for years to come.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-35825030377974583532023-11-20T07:29:00.001-05:002023-11-20T07:30:14.278-05:00Cell phones<p> <span style="font-size: large;">I've written about cell phones before. There are so many things I love about them. They have opened up a whole new world but lately . . . </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We watch a lot of movies and series on Netflix and sometimes Prime and I've noticed over the past few years that cell phones are playing a big part in the entertainment field. So much so that if you see someone pick up a "real" phone then you know you're watching a really old flick.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We've seen actors record confessions from unsuspecting bad guys and many, many funny scenes where cell phones are pivotal to the plot.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here's my complaint: when a message comes in it is sometimes shown in the air so WE CAN ALL READ IT. Super cool idea.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Most often, though, you only see a shot of the phone itself with the </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">teeny tiny message displayed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Who do they think is able to read that??? And you only get a nano-second to decipher! If it could be frozen and I felt like getting up off the couch and crawling up to the TV, then I'd be able to <i>see</i> the message. But I'm all comfy, you know, so I let it pass me by with some grumpy mumbling under my breath. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When they're making a movie isn't there a time, like maybe at the end of the day, where <i>someone</i> sits in a room to see what the day's shooting looks like? Didn't that person realize the text can NOT be read by anyone without binoculars at the ready?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Often times that unreadable text is important! Like where the body is buried or when the lovers are supposed to meet and run away together.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, who to I write to so I can lodge my complaint? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not going to send a text. Maybe an email. Or maybe, just maybe, I'll go old school and put pen to paper. </span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-73977063586746193282023-10-24T10:07:00.000-04:002023-10-24T10:07:30.407-04:00Who Are They???<p> <span style="font-size: large;">So I'm doing a little "light" cleaning. I'm pretty good at it. I do, at times, go for a "deep clean" but I'm not sure my style is the same as everyone else's.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For example: I noticed the canisters on my kitchen countertop needed a swipe with a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth to make the streaks disappear.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I began to wonder if the people that really want to <i>hit it</i> actually empty <u>out</u> the container and actually <i>wash</i> it. Like with soap and water.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Are there people out there that do that???</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I know someone, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lisa</span><span style="font-size: large;">, that had a really narrow walk-in pantry. It was so narrow that you really couldn't walk straight into the thing if your shoulders were wider than a third grader. Well, the person who lived there like a thousand years ago thought it should be wall papered! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We spent an inordinate amount of speculating how that job was accomplished. Had to be an over-achiever or a contortionist. Or both.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Remember when people used to mop their floors? I mean on their <b>hands and knees</b>??? Can you imagine?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">How about the concept of <u>spring cleaning</u>. What does that really mean, anyway? Does that mean you move the couch and vacuum behind it? Or completely remove all the clothes in your closet and dust and vacuum? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm exhausted just thinking about it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As you can tell, I don't ascribe to that style of life.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am a bit better, though, since we live in a house with all kinds of direct sunlight screaming through the windows now.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Didn't see that coming. Caught me totally unprepared.</span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-88161774787676781352023-10-08T17:31:00.000-04:002023-10-08T17:31:35.986-04:00The Sky!<p> <span style="font-size: large;">The sky is amazing! I have a new found appreciation for the sky. I think it has to do with my age and my location.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When I was a kid and probably up into adulthood I didn't give the sky a lot of thought except to maybe check to see if the sun was out or if it was raining or snowing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I do remember seeing a shooting star for the first time and it blew my mind but I would have to say that since moving to Holland the sky has left me breathless at times.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've mentioned before in a blog that having direct sunlight has been wonderful because we didn't have that in Allegan since we lived at the base of a hill surrounded by very big trees and a large Victorian house next door.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, the same goes for access to the sky. Going for a drive yesterday I practically had my nose pressed to the windshield. The cloud formations were so dramatic and it looked like you could see forever. The horizon looked endless.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And then we were treated to this:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02kxBoNoXm8DdbnfH3LjvvYmQchCRf2bnxYWWn3wpaZ-4SbCmw91D-5U1WHHJgZ9ZxW1KCd4a-Tpg1ampss649DXWddNXlQl4bbNjvh_ydeNzEFPd1IFfscZ6Jz0o-C93eAYJpU0vqQpHT1pYRZ1pWy8wkqSbcxhKXHGlEabSnAlRleqBTF17P7hvKRX9/s4032/IMG_6832.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02kxBoNoXm8DdbnfH3LjvvYmQchCRf2bnxYWWn3wpaZ-4SbCmw91D-5U1WHHJgZ9ZxW1KCd4a-Tpg1ampss649DXWddNXlQl4bbNjvh_ydeNzEFPd1IFfscZ6Jz0o-C93eAYJpU0vqQpHT1pYRZ1pWy8wkqSbcxhKXHGlEabSnAlRleqBTF17P7hvKRX9/s320/IMG_6832.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>And then this morning - this:</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yIfuOaCJpMyrk9rK7Dvfu7IXglUWPQ6VKWBr5EZRTj7SPAfVia38O0J00PXR2E6zcihPSOG1j1w5B0i48rAJSbRHPtBAhQaVz5JsS8eN0JiPXWT__MF6wfuVTmhWF5q1JsU-kjD_ud1ob0VB85AW_nINJkRQsMkpaIUh7IcvkjDVlFfb_3mnun7hpVcF/s4032/IMG_6847.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yIfuOaCJpMyrk9rK7Dvfu7IXglUWPQ6VKWBr5EZRTj7SPAfVia38O0J00PXR2E6zcihPSOG1j1w5B0i48rAJSbRHPtBAhQaVz5JsS8eN0JiPXWT__MF6wfuVTmhWF5q1JsU-kjD_ud1ob0VB85AW_nINJkRQsMkpaIUh7IcvkjDVlFfb_3mnun7hpVcF/s320/IMG_6847.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Another plus to being on flat land is driving on secondary roads lined with trees. They're huge! We had huge trees in Allegan but driving along curvy roads bordered by those big guys feels like driving through a tunnel.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I love looking at the sky - whether it's chocked full of clouds or crystal clear. I won't miss a day, if I can help it, for the rest of my days.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /><br /></span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-1033213415592033372023-10-02T16:49:00.001-04:002023-10-25T06:47:51.069-04:00A Woman's Wise Words<p><span style="font-size: large;">That wise woman was my mom, Nan Brachman. She said "<i>lose it before you're 30, El." </i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I remember like it was yesterday. Right down to the exact spot those words were uttered.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here I am, moments away from 75, to tell you that I <u>did</u> lose it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And then gained it back and then took it off and then . . . You get the picture right?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The weight loss industry is HUGE in this country and we know why. Because it's so dang hard to lose weight but even <u>harder</u> to keep it off. The percentage of keeping it off is staggering and depressing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My friend, <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Paula</span>, introduced me to an app called Lose It several years ago. It's a food log but so, so much better than the old pencil and paper version. You know, the one where you had to buy the calorie book, look up a specific food and then weigh and measure it?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well this app makes it so much easier. It does a lot for you except you still have to weigh and measure. It's kind of fun at first. It still takes time but worth it cuz, baby, the pounds disappear!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You start digging in the back of the closet to find the shorts that didn't fit this year and then the fashion show begins.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's wonderful right up until you convince yourself you don't have to weigh and measure anymore. Why? Because you <u>know,</u> you really <u>know,</u> how much 3oz is just by looking at it, right?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Move the scale off the counter. Put the measuring spoons back in the drawer. You got this!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It only takes a couple of weeks for you to lose sight of <i>exactly</i> what 3oz looks like. Then one morning you step on the scale and - WHAT THE HECK? You gained a pound!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Last year I reintroduced myself to Lose It for the third time. She hadn't forgotten me and I felt no judgement on her part. This time I dragged Petey along for the ride and we both lost. A lot. Particularly Petey. Why is it that men lose more than women?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So where's the lesson here? It's certainly one I haven't learned.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I do know that whatever plan you decide to use, it has to be one you'll hang on to for frigging ever. The minute you stop whatever you did to lose the lbs, they'll gradually come back home.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Was this a downer blog? Do you wish I'd never written it?<br />Yeah, me too.</span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-75539100847107329112023-07-08T09:50:00.001-04:002023-07-08T09:50:19.547-04:00I Can't Open This!<p> <span style="font-size: large;">It can't just be me. Please tell me it's not just me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Not to sound paranoid but a little bit of me thinks it might be a conspiracy - a plot against my generation.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Let's start with bags. I'll narrow it down to two - chips and cereal.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I tried for a long time to muscle those things open - pulling from both sides just below the top. It didn't go well.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I used to use my teeth but at this point in life, that's just tempting fate.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now I have a pair of scissors placed conveniently in a nearby kitchen drawer that are used solely for the annoying bags. Those scissors are <u>never</u> to be moved under penalty of death.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Jars. I bought a handy dandy tool several years ago which quickly became my new bestie. It's made by Oxo (fat handle for ease) and has a "V" opening with <i>teeth</i> which grip the lid. It's life changing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">It, however, doesn't work in every single situation.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">When that happens my next move is to pull out the hammer (which is right next to the scissors) and or the "church key" which is also in the same drawer but back in a corner because it doesn't get a lot of use.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tapping around the lid with the hammer is a prep maneuver followed by my bestie. Same goes for the church key - prep and then bestie.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh, I just thought of a another category I have issues with - the ring tab on cans. I've seen people use the end of a fork or spoon for leverage but my silverware is too wide.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I use my table knife to pry the ring up and hope my strength is at full capacity to finish the task. I'm still ok in that department but I see issues in my future.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Having to adapt is annoying. Being <i>able</i> to adapt is something I'm grateful for. </span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-49300860049906818122023-06-28T08:26:00.000-04:002023-06-28T08:26:43.513-04:00Pairing<p> <span style="font-size: large;">When I hear or see the word "pairing" it always makes me think of those fancy schmancy restaurants with the extremely long wine list.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The person in the fancy schmancy "wine" clothes comes over to your table (they have a fancy schmancy name but I can never remember what it is) and talk about your possible dinner choices and what wine would pair nicely with each possibility.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I think the same could be said about the cheese person. I actually found out they have a name as well and it's "cheese monger." Thank you Jeopardy! for that. They know a lot about cheese, just like that wine person, and will help you out with pairing a cheese that will go nicely with that frankfurter you'll be throwing on the grill later.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm much more familiar with pairing donuts. Most of the time it's an easy choice and doesn't need much direction. Donuts always go nicely with a cup of coffee or tea. Oh, and milk, of course. Duh.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was faced with a little pairing dilemma yesterday. Knowing that a donut would help me recover from "the cold that will not die" I bought one, ok, I bought three but intended on sharing with Petey. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'd already eaten breakfast and it was a bit too early for lunch so I felt I should wait. That wasn't the problem, though. I wanted to eat that chocolate covered sweet thing at noon but . . . along side a sandwich? That just didn't seem right. Have cereal for lunch when that's what I had for breakfast? hmmmm What to do, what to do?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It didn't take me long to figure it out. I had some yogurt with granola for lunch with a side of . . . you guessed it - that donut that had been staring at me for oh, so long.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They paired nicely.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Who needs fancy schmancy. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">PS - Sommelier (I Googled it)</span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-51798152883807810032023-06-06T07:31:00.000-04:002023-06-06T07:31:01.940-04:00What happened to the top sheet???<p> <span style="font-size: large;">When was it decided that we no longer need the benefit of a top sheet?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Who made that decision? Do you think it was just one person or was there a "sheet committee?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The first few times (in a hotel) when the absence of the top sheet was obvious to me, I thought maybe it was just a "thing" the hotel chain was trying out. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There wasn't a little card in the room asking me "so, how'd you like <u>not</u> having that top sheet? What did you do when you felt smothered by the huge/heavy thing (comforter/duvet?) and all you really needed was something light? You know - like a TOP SHEET?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I would even have accepted a light blanket but there was nothing between me and that 12 pound whatever-we're-calling-that cover.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A few more hotel stays over the past few years and I see that <i>everyone</i> is onboard with this new fad.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Our recent trip out east visiting family was a shock when I saw my own niece had joined forces with the hotel people!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So that means this <i>trend</i> has spread into the private sector.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, as I was putting clean sheets on our bed, I handled my top sheet lovingly and may or may not have whispered "I will never let you go."</span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-58729767780811367452023-05-30T11:03:00.001-04:002023-05-30T11:03:35.024-04:00Cliques<p> <span style="font-size: large;">I was recently having a discussion with people my age and the word "clique" came up.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It has a negative sound to it because cliques were exclusionary.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">People who share similar interests and enjoy being together but don't readily allow others to join.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So were you in one in school? Or did you want to be in one but didn't feel welcome?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I had a blast in school and had some great friends. Some of those friends were ones I'd known since forever and others came along later - the country school and Catholic school kids.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The people I was with when "clique" came up were women I'd gone to school with but never hung out with. The reason? They were quiet girls. Good students. I was not.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That was pretty much it. I didn't dislike them back then. I simply didn't know them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That was why, when this opportunity came up to spend some time with these ladies, I jumped at it. I enjoyed that afternoon and look forward to the next gathering.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">At our 50th reunion 6 years ago I realized, as we all sat down for lunch, that I was at "the smart table." Again, more people that I didn't socialize with because - smart, studious, rule followers - wasn't the category anyone would place me in. And yet? I had a blast with them and didn't feel awkward. Not much, anyway.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The reason I decided to address the idea of cliques is because it's been haunting me a bit since then. Who gets through school unscathed? Feelings get hurt. We mature, hopefully, and heal.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Your thoughts and comments are welcome.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-70790753356414060762023-05-25T07:57:00.000-04:002023-05-25T07:57:45.432-04:00Three Little Words<p><span style="font-size: large;">Wow. I haven't written a blog since last September. I think I've been relying on Facebook and Instagram to keep you abreast of my every move and thought.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I felt like this "thought" needed more space so here I am - back in the blog saddle.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This topic may only resonate with the Medicare crowd but you youngins might enjoy it too. Stick around.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Everyone knows, whether you choose to accept it or not, that "as we age" (don't you hate that expression?) our memories get a little wonky at times. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So Medicare decided they needed to check to see if we still had all the marbles we started out with on a yearly basis.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One of those ways was to hand you a piece of paper and ask you to draw the hands on a clock for a specific time. We know how to do that because that's how we grew up but there's that moment of complete panic when you ask yourself "is the short one supposed to be pointing at the hour or is that where the long one goes?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Whew! Nailed it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now for the challenge. The nurse tells you 3 words and asks you to repeat them. She says she'll ask you to repeat them later on in the conversation. So for me, that means I don't listen to a single word she says from then on because I'm silently saying those dang words in my head.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A few years ago I used a crutch to help me remember. Sign Language. I didn't actually move my hands about - didn't want her to think I'd gone completely off my rocker - but made the signs "in my head" and it worked!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I recently went in for my yearly physical armed with my secret Sign Language weapon but was still on edge.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">First off, I never got to draw the clock. The task I was most confident in. And then? NO WORDS TO MEMORIZE.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As I got up to leave I asked about that part of the yearly interogation (I mean physical) and she said "Oh, we don't do that any more. That's why we sent you the questionaire beforehand. You know, the 2 pages of questions you filled out and brought in?"<br /></span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I <u>didn't</u> remember! Maybe they should go back to <span style="color: red;">The Three Little Words.</span></span> </p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-45349967907292529582022-09-04T13:14:00.000-04:002022-09-04T13:14:23.200-04:00I've been wonderin'<p> <span style="font-size: large;">So if you've been riding along with me on this blog thing, you know how my mind sometimes wanders off and starts wonderin'. I have thoughts. I have questions. Most of the time my thoughts aren't very deep. This one isn't either. I know you'll still be as fascinated as you've always been while reading my blogs.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Right?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Remember when I bought my ukulele, Tilly, in early January 2020?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well I've been really enjoying her. We've become besties. She has challenged me in many ways. Mostly my fingers which periodically rebel.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've had so much fun looking for songs to play and sing. Some came rather easy to me and others proved to stretch my patience beyond what I was willing to tolerate.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I didn't throw those away. They're in a pile marked "try later when you grow up."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Right now I'm working on a Bob Dylan song - "Don't Think Twice." That's going well. There was a chord change in it that my fingers didn't like so I just decided to leave it out. Much better. I didn't realize I could do that when I first started. I felt I had to include every single chord come "hell or high water."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm more comfortable now.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The other song I recently fell in love with is the Beatles tune "When I'm 64." Timing was an issue with this one but I think I'm finally over that hump.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then I started paying attention to the lyrics. My favorite part of the song is:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Every summer we can rent a cottage in the Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear. We shall scrimp and save. Grandchildren on your knee, <span style="color: red;">Vera, Chuck and Dave.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I started wondering who came up with the names. Was it John or Paul? Were the names picked at random? Poetically <span style="color: red;">Dave</span> was a gimme because it had to rhyme with <i>save</i>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But <span style="color: red;">Vera and Chuck</span>. An aunt, a cousin, the boy next door, a favorite waiter or waitress? Or random because it fit the song?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One wonders, doesn't one? </span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-933236898785520682022-08-28T16:45:00.001-04:002022-08-28T16:45:42.461-04:00Reading Diversion<p> <span style="font-size: large;">I love to read. I wasn't always a reader. My parents were, that's for sure. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I wasn't interested - at all. Remember when you <u>had</u> to read a book in school? And then <u>write a book report</u>???</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I remember as a teen when I found out about those abridged things that you <i>thought</i> you could use to fake your way through the whole book.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What were they called? Was it Cliff Notes or something like that?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, that was me. All the way.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then I got married and soon afterward my new husband left for basic training in the Coast Guard.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I don't remember the first book I picked up in his absence but it was "love at first read."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've been at it ever since.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've read many genres but the last 20 years or so I've been looking for murder on every page.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Set in current times and in this country. Hardly ever varied from that narrow scope.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Recently I decided enough of that and started looking for just a plain old good story. Still preferring a current setting and happening in this country.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The first two picks were enjoyable and by authors that were known to me but the one I finished yesterday was a new guy. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It swept me away. I was totally engrossed and couldn't wait to pick it back up when I was called away by laundry or kitchen stuff. Yuck.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was the kind of story you can actually visualize. Most of it took place on Ocracoke Island which I visited many years ago with Petey and my sister, Lisa, so that made it extra easier to "see" as I read along.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I loved the characters and really enjoyed watching their relationships develop.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then it got emotional. I teared up a few times which was annoying because I had to keep blinking and dabbing in order to continue reading.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was so wrung out when I came to the end yesterday afternoon I had to take a nap. My eyes really hate crying. They don't have the stamina they used to have. I was a mess.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was going to send the author an email but when I looked him up, his site didn't have a "contact me" on it. So I decided I'd check out his other books even though I knew I'd have to have some recuperation time before I tackled him again.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well . . . . <u>he wrote "The Notebook."</u> Nicholas Sparks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I never read that book and refused to see the movie because I know myself well enough to know I wouldn't survive the story.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Lesson learned.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'll continue on in this vein for who knows how long and try to avoid the tear-jerkers.<br /><br /> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-61064783545844924662022-06-30T07:53:00.001-04:002022-06-30T07:53:40.300-04:00Ever Changing Labels<p> <span style="font-size: large;">I've been thinking again. I know, scary, eh?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've been thinking about labels and how they came about and how they've changed over the years.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When I first started working as a Sign Language interpreter the category was called "Hearing Impaired." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I never thought a thing about it. We shortened it all the time as HI.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully many years later the Deaf community stepped up (because someone finally asked them, probably) and made it known that they were either Deaf or Hard of Hearing. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thinking about that time led me to wonder of who comes up with these labels? That HI category I can tell you definitely came from hearing people. They also redefined the TTY (telephone for the Deaf) which is easy to read on someone's lips to TDD which is <i>impossible</i> to read. They also made a play for ASL, trying to bastardize the language into something that <u>they</u> thought was better - Signed Exact English. Yuck!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I could go on and on and on but let's keep going.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Native American, Native, Indian. I don't know many people in that group but when I asked a friend of mine which he preferred he said "Indian." He would also tell you, readily, which tribe he was from.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">African American vs Black. I hear both identities used all the time. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm old so I go back to a time when "negro" and "colored" were used and worse. I remember when people started using Black, I wasn't sure if that was ok or not.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Asian, Asian American, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, etc. It gets confusing. I just finished a long back and forth text with my nieces who were both born in China.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Asia" covers a lot of territory. For some people using that label is fine and then if asked, further definition (usually by other Asians, my niece <span style="color: red;">Sara</span> says) is made. My niece <span style="color: #2b00fe;">Emma</span> said she's ok with Asian or Chinese but doesn't care for Asian American.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My friend <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Jim Koseki</span>, as a proud veteran of the US military, defines himself as Japanese American.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hispanic covers a lot of territory too, just like Asian. I chatted with my neighbor, <span style="color: #ff00fe;">Gasper</span>, yesterday. He's second generation Mexican. Until just this minute, I forgot about Latin/Latino so now I'll throw that into the mix. It seems like those broad titles kind of robs a person of their proud heritage. I also wondered why people from Mexico speak "Spanish." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Germans speak German. Thai people speak Thai, etc. Why do Mexicans speak Spanish? Seems like another way of robbing them of their heritage.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Getting back to <span style="color: #ffa400;">Gasper</span> - he says he's Mexican. No fancy titles.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, just to "stir the pot" a bit - all of the labels mentioned above belong to people of color. Except the Deaf people who blend in until they start signing. Then they stand out a bit.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My husband, <span style="color: red;">Peter</span>, is Sicilian. He's 100% Sicilian and proud of it. He'll also answer to "Italian" but will eventually let you know about the difference.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm a white <i>older</i> lady. You can't tell by looking at me that I'm half Scottish and half German. It rarely comes up in conversation unless I'm at a Celtic festival like I was last weekend or an October fest in the fall.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So where am I going with this? What am I trying to say?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">People are proud of their heritage and their family history. They shouldn't feel pushed into a category if they don't want to be pushed though. They shouldn't be marginalized or chastised but we don't have the greatest track record for that in this country - as do many other countries in this world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So where am I going? I don't know. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Just sittin' here in The Red House - thinking. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-5865633764775536662022-06-15T11:42:00.002-04:002022-06-15T11:42:44.614-04:00Diplomacy in the salon<p> <span style="font-size: large;">First off, when I say "salon" I'm referring to what we used to call the "beauty parlor."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It sounds weird now when I hear myself say it out loud but salon sounds a bit pretentious. I think it's my age. Old habits, ya know.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I've thought a lot about the stylists (hair dressers - another oldie name tag) and how they handle their clients.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Back up a minute for a little history. When I moved back to Michigan in 1978 I had to find someone to cut my hair. I was extremely fortunate right at the get-go although, for the life of me, I can't remember her name. I can see her face but no name is coming to me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">She was wonderful and then got married and started having babies.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then I found Irene Gates. She was great and then decided to leave the profession and put more time into her art. She's a wonderful artist. Check her out on FB.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I think I experimented a bit before I found Sue Cole in downtown Allegan. I even followed her when she switched locations.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">She retired/changed things up a bit but I stayed in her chair and the lady, Michelle Rutledge, next to that chair moved over and I've been with her ever since. Even followed her to her new location.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hey, ya find someone you trust and also like <u>a lot</u>, you follow.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You also keep coming back. Now that we live in Holland I've changed doctors but not "stylists." Back to Allegan monthly.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now, back to the title of this blog. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I remember being told by "someone" (I won't name names) that often times when customers bring in a picture of a hairstyle, what they really want is to look like the super model in the picture. Not so much the hairstyle. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">How do they handle that situation? How do they find the words to say "honey, that ain't never gonna happen?" </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When they've had a longtime customer sporting the same style for decades, do they kindly suggest something new? Like from this century or wait to be asked?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What about color? "As we age" (don't you hate that expression) dark colors are not as flattering as they were when we were 21. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Another sticky situation. Suggest something softer or take the big leap and mention returning to the natural color - even if it's white??? Egad!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Do stylists critique every head that walks by? I know they do because <i>someone</i> I trust and love told me so.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I remember a handful of years ago I was complaining to Michelle about the back of my hair doing some kinda flippy thing and she said "Ellen, you know you have a lot of natural wave in your hair. What do you think about <i>embracing</i> it?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Remember how I said I trust her? Well, we moved on to a new frontier and I haven't looked back. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I don't know if I could be as diplomatic as most stylists are. I <u>know</u> I couldn't. I'd feel it would be my civic duty to talk that woman out of her beehive (look it up if you're so young you've never see that word before) or convince the fellow in my chair that mullets ARE OVER!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Stylists have your best interests at heart. They know hair. Don't be afraid to say "Hey, I want to change things up a bit. What do you suggest?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">See you next week, Michelle!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-71565029171704552022-05-12T18:39:00.003-04:002022-05-12T18:39:33.493-04:00Three Little Words<p> <span style="font-size: large;">If you're 65 years old or older, you will easily relate to this blog.<br />If you're under that ripe old age, it could serve as a heads up.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So with Medicare you get one free general exam per year (listen to your lungs, take your BP, etc) - nothing really in depth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A blood screening will be ordered for the usual and that's pretty much it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Not so quick there buster. Here come the questions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Have you fallen in the last several weeks?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Do you find sorting your meds difficult?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And many more little reminders of just how old you are now.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They're livable.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then . . . come the three words that you have to repeat and will be asked later in the question and answer period to repeat them again.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I flunked this phase of "fun" the first time it happened. Sure wish I'd had a heads up. That's why I'm here today helping you young 'uns out.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I went in with a strategy this time. All prepped and ready to go.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I heard the words and created a picture in the air of each one and gave them all the same color.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I kept looking at that "picture" and repeating the words (in my head; I didn't want to appear crazy) and passed with flying colors.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Whew.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Don't ask me what the words were. Yes, I still know them but just in case they're used in all the doctors' offices all over the country you're going to have to work out your own strategy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm a nice older lady but not <u>that</u> nice.</span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-22926219365869849392022-02-26T08:13:00.000-05:002022-02-26T08:13:07.788-05:00Breaking utensil tradition<p> <span style="font-size: large;">I'm pretty good at knowing which utensil to use and where to place it on the table. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Let us not forget that I had a whole year (well, really just 9 months) at Stephens College in Columbia, MO.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have gotten a little loose gear since those days but I graduated from paper napkins to cloth napkins a while back so whatever I lost in the foo-foo table setting, I made up for with those coolio napkins.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So back to utensil choices.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Petey and I eat and enjoy salads. Sometimes they're sitting along side the dinner plate and sometimes they're in a big bowl because they're the main dish.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As enjoyable as they are I find myself frustrated when the ingredients fall off my fork. It's not too bad if they land back into the bowl or on the table but often times I find croutons in my lap or on the floor.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Often.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What's easier - scooping salad up with your fork or stabbing every last bit with your fork? Some things don't pierce well.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For a while now after a fair amount of grumbling while picking items off the floor/lap I've mentioned to Petey that I should probably use a spoon for salad consumption.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The soup spoon - not that other little thing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, I gave it a go the other night and . . . score!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was the big salad with all kinds of goodies in it and I enjoyed every last soup spoonful. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I turned to Amazon to check out the sporks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Nope. Not gonna do that. They looked too much like an elementary school cafeteria.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'll stick with my big girl spoon and try to look like that <br />"Stephens Susie" from the 60s.</span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-26843943288147258822022-02-05T13:00:00.000-05:002022-02-05T13:00:20.186-05:00I appreciate the differences<p> <span style="font-size: large;">I loved our Allegan house. It had history and character. I appreciated its age and personality.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When we decided to move we knew our new house would be very, very different and it is. Boy, howdy, is it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My "I love this about my new house list" is in no way to mean that I didn't like the fact that the features on the list weren't in Allegan and that's why we left. No. We left because it was time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We have light! I mean direct light. That light comes flying through all our windows (at different times of the day, of course) because we don't have big trees around our house. I miss those old giants but I'm <u>in love</u> with the sunshine.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">No stairs here at the Red House. No more dragging the vacuum up and down steps. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Two bathrooms!!! OMG!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">An attached garage. Every single time we drive down our street and hit the opener and watch the door go up, we smile. Don't have to dash through the rain anymore.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There's this new machine that washes your dishes. Have you heard of it? It does a really nice job too. I thought with just the two of us I wouldn't use it very often. Turns out . . . not. I love it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Oh and the biggy - CLOSETS! With lights inside!!!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And OUTLETS! And LIGHT SWITCHES!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We're only 22 miles from that old house and, yes, I drive by it every time I come into town for my monthly haircut.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm so happy that the young couple in it appreciate her. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-52778139808301319942022-01-03T17:11:00.000-05:002022-01-03T17:11:03.885-05:00Let's Talk "Nap"<p> <span style="font-size: large;">So there's a wide range when it comes to naps. They start almost right out of the shoot, don't they? Your mom is counting on you napping as an infant so she can get something done during the day - like washing the dishes, preparing dinner or . . . taking a nap herself. I remember someone telling me "when he naps, you nap." Sage advice.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Remember "nap time" in kindergarten? We all had our little rugs and caught a few winks during the half day session. Jeez, we were only there for half a day and we needed a nap?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Or did the teacher need a mental health break?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When we visited our grandparents we always took an afternoon nap with them. Wonder how old they were at the time? I know they were retired so maybe late 60s?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I love naps. Most of my naps (since retirement) are not so much out of necessity but just simply because I can. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I can go anywhere from a quick "cat nap" to what I call "the coma nap." The one where you can feel yourself trying to wake up but can not. My eyelids feel like they are glued shut and try as I might, I can't open up those peepers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What is up with that?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've also had extremely realistic dreams while napping. I remember once I could have sworn Peter was standing right next to me, bending down to see if I was <i>really</i> asleep. I could <u>feel</u> his breath on my cheek. When I finally woke up he wasn't even in the house!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever taken a car nap? They're outstanding. I've taken them at the lakeshore, in a busy downtown parking lot and in my own driveway. They are particularly special in the spring when it's still too chilly to sit outside but in the car with the windows rolled up and the sun shining in? - boy howdy!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Timing can be crucial. Too early in the day and you might need a second which just makes you lazy. Too late in the afternoon is really going to mess up the good night's sleep you have planned.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Naps.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Where do you stand?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-82663418607845843302021-12-27T13:05:00.000-05:002021-12-27T13:05:36.024-05:00The Holidays of 2021<p> <span style="font-size: large;">So on the whole the holidays of '21 were way better than '20.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Definitely more open with a huge dose of holly and jolly.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thanksgiving has never been a biggie for me. That's a good thing because this year was a bit of a struggle. I waited too long to make a reservation at a lovely restaurant downtown so we ended up putting steaks on the grill. There was pie involved too so that softened the blow.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas Eve was spent at our favorite local joint, Hops 84 East. Never a disappointment. I took some of my bracelets along and gave two away to people sitting near us and one to our server. Feeling all Mrs.Clausey.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas morning started off with a Wifi issue which meant we were both on the floor in front of the modem and wifi thing stretching and reaching along with several other contortions. That was followed by a really painful lower back which had me walking around like that grumpy witch in Hansel and Gretel. Nothing that a handful of Ibuprofen couldn't take care of.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then we were off to our second family, The Dutkiewiczes. They have been kind to us over the years. Taking pity on us poor lonely old orphans. The meal and all the goodies before and after were out of this world. Jeremy and Gerah along with Niko and Kyra really put on the feed bag. And we ate and laughed a lot.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As we sat down I could feel an ocular migraine coming on. Oh, poop! Fortunately it wasn't the usual. More of a light weight one so I just ignored it and kept the fork moving.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then as we were nearing the end of that scrumptious meal one of my crowns decided it had had enough and left my mouth. So happy I didn't swallow it. My new dentist is hopefully going to work his magic this afternoon and my tooth will return to the living shortly.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We don't have any specific plans for NYE. We'll probably go back to our favorite restaurant for dinner and be home and in our jammies by 9 - at the latest - and hit the hay around 11p. We haven't actually seen any kind of ball drop in more years than I can count.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I can't say I'm sorry to see 2021 go because we got a lot accomplished during the year. When I say "we" I mean Petey who painted the bedroom and bath among other jobs around the house that I probably didn't help with either. We finally got to hear and see quite a bit of live music and eat in some great restaurants. We also saw friends and family that we had been missing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So I hope that 2022 is good to us all and normal living will take shape in the not too distant future.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Stay well. Stay safe and happy, happy 2022!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-77338119328867194812021-12-18T09:20:00.000-05:002021-12-18T09:20:41.475-05:00Remembering early tech days<p> <span style="font-size: large;">The year was 1996. Our son, Michael, was doing a semester in England and we knew the long distance calls were going to be expensive.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We heard about this email thing and thought we should give that a shot. First step was to buy a computer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have to back up just a wee bit because I was introduced to computers when I was working at Saugatuck High School so that had to be late 80s, early 90s. I brought a computer home during summer break determined to figure out how to use the dang thing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I never got past turning it on.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Fast forward to '96. My best friend, Sue Lange, already had a computer so I told her when she'd learned everything about how to use that machine, she could teach me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I don't remember how that tutorial went but I guess ok because we were soon owners of a brand, spankin' new, computer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That was back in the dial-up days. Remember that annoying sound?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Remember how incredibly slow it was?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">By then I was working at L.E.White Middle School in Allegan.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I picked up little tips along the way which led me slowly into the internet world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I remember well the day I heard one of the teachers talking about a particular web site and he said "yeah, I just bookmarked it."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bookmark???</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then came "copy/paste." That one tripped me up for an embarrassingly long time. Now I feel like the "copy and paste queen." I wonder if there's a crown that goes along with that title?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Then social media hit. What was the one before Facebook? Was it My Space? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Last spring my niece, Sara, got me hooked on Instagram. Now I'm one of the cool kids.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When Skype was invented it was like a gift from <i>beyond</i>. When your only child takes flight and lives on a different continent your life line is Skype.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now it's Zoom. Talk about a gift. The workshops I used to attend in person to gather CEUs for my interpreters license turned into webinars thanks to Mr.Covid. Weekly services from our temple came to us via YouTube first and then Zoom.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of YouTube. What a teaching tool. Anything you need to know is there. As a novice ukulele player I have learned a ton from various musicians on YouTube.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Can't forget the cell phone. Petey and I had Tracfones for a very long time. Now we're iphone geeks and Petey even has an Apple watch???<br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Life is moving at warp speed and our old legs are moving as fast as they can.</span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-62064270323817659872021-12-03T07:36:00.000-05:002021-12-03T07:36:24.153-05:00Happy Holidays<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Well, it's been quite a year, hasn't it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2021 started with Peter and I both being vaccinated. He also had a side order of "falling on the ice downtown" which resulted in very, very bruised ribs. I serenaded him with my new ukulele.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We opted out of FL and decided it was safer to stay in our cozy new home in our cozy new home town and actually didn't mind the MI winter - too much.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Early March brought our first fully vaccinated friends to our house for an afternoon visit. We were so excited and so were they that we chatted for 4 hours straight.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">April dished up more dinners with friends and a new customer for my bracelets - Lake Effect Gallery in downtown Holland.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">May was fun. We had our first overnight guests. We were beyond excited to have our niece, Stephanie, her husband, Jeff and their two daughters, Sara and Emma, visit. We showcased MI for them: Mackinac Island, Traverse City, Saugatuck and Holland. They were impressed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">June got the outdoor music scene started. We were starved for live entertainment. There was plenty right here in Holland but we also traveled to Allegan, Fennville, Saugatuck and Grand Haven. It was wonderful.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We had our own 4th of July parade here at Hidden Creek. All the golf carts were decorated and flags were flying. Very festive.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">August was a continuation of the two previous months: food, music and art.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My sister, Stacey, was our second overnight visitor in September. The 3 of us drove up to Newaygo to visit our cousin, Barb and her husband, Steve.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Peter became a gym rat in October and is loving it. It's less than a mile from our home so he has his workouts in one direction and the golf course 3 miles in the opposite direction. He's smilin'.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Another highlight for October was our trip out east. We finally got to see where my sisters (Stacey and Lisa) live! Chestertown, MD is beautiful and Heron Point (their residence community) is amazing. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Next trip out we'll stay longer - so much to see. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">We left Chestertown and drove up to Bethlehem, PA to visit Stef and Jeff and our nephew Mike and his wife Michelle came up from Philadelphia and joined us for a very nice dinner.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This year November has a more festive feel; much better than last year. Craft shows, special shopping days downtown, music and a parade ramped up the holiday season.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TECwBhFCu54/YaQIbMUmtFI/AAAAAAAAVLM/83_aQSNMqJw9bph94bep4aP_iJ6ikBRhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/3BF83BBC-635A-40BF-BD63-21E6702C0248.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TECwBhFCu54/YaQIbMUmtFI/AAAAAAAAVLM/83_aQSNMqJw9bph94bep4aP_iJ6ikBRhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3BF83BBC-635A-40BF-BD63-21E6702C0248.jpg" width="256" /></a></div> A beautiful dock out to the Chester River at Heron Point.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WuiqZ93uPJ0/YaQIbKwTTzI/AAAAAAAAVLI/CuB91WrROIYfWZ4GDMuZbh9UNgdqia1ewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/B7DE4311-59A1-4BCC-9934-B3BF44CB25D6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WuiqZ93uPJ0/YaQIbKwTTzI/AAAAAAAAVLI/CuB91WrROIYfWZ4GDMuZbh9UNgdqia1ewCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/B7DE4311-59A1-4BCC-9934-B3BF44CB25D6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I bought a ukulele last January to fight the virus blues. I'm really enjoying it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2X8r4-ZMv5U/YaQIbVRgMBI/AAAAAAAAVLQ/N1TP6XpngRwH5GsHhaC0ur_8n5hn6MTigCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2X8r4-ZMv5U/YaQIbVRgMBI/AAAAAAAAVLQ/N1TP6XpngRwH5GsHhaC0ur_8n5hn6MTigCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3142.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Tulip Time in Holland this year was outstanding.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-osgO6mWmjU4/YaQIb80dHJI/AAAAAAAAVLU/fQkxUzIdsio9spRzL7pr0LVhuo9IEouzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3221%2528Edited%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="2048" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-osgO6mWmjU4/YaQIb80dHJI/AAAAAAAAVLU/fQkxUzIdsio9spRzL7pr0LVhuo9IEouzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3221%2528Edited%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The top of Mt.Baldy in Saugatuck with the Pattersons.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhnScLI70E4/YaQIdGK3kWI/AAAAAAAAVLc/ZaDMkgOZQ8YV1-scHkOZQorWvAIhYuKlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1136/IMG_3439.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhnScLI70E4/YaQIdGK3kWI/AAAAAAAAVLc/ZaDMkgOZQ8YV1-scHkOZQorWvAIhYuKlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3439.PNG" width="180" /></a></div> Outdoor music with our friends Nathan and Robert.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfnWLdGMXIQ/YaQIczj4G4I/AAAAAAAAVLY/ADZ2rK2FM9kDdskwNuLWbCYFHh2PF5B7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3595.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfnWLdGMXIQ/YaQIczj4G4I/AAAAAAAAVLY/ADZ2rK2FM9kDdskwNuLWbCYFHh2PF5B7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3595.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Hanging at Ottawa Beach with Stacey.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azOfNVtihAw/YaQIdTPe0oI/AAAAAAAAVLg/g5OjbhbCRZ0y0DsdkA8RKWtPkKuDRDlfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azOfNVtihAw/YaQIdTPe0oI/AAAAAAAAVLg/g5OjbhbCRZ0y0DsdkA8RKWtPkKuDRDlfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3706.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> A shot of Big Red in the distance from the top of Mt.Pisgah.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_e9oZ_glIa4/YaQIdvYEV5I/AAAAAAAAVLk/FYnZJU924NErSwtkF7KS5ISXilV_MGFtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3838%2528Edited%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1319" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_e9oZ_glIa4/YaQIdvYEV5I/AAAAAAAAVLk/FYnZJU924NErSwtkF7KS5ISXilV_MGFtwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3838%2528Edited%2529.jpg" width="206" /></a></div> On the dock with Stacey and Lisa at Heron Point.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9J8t-mbrGV8/YaQIeXiTaCI/AAAAAAAAVLo/CnbKmJzaIjQ7hdor2Ed5H-CXk0rsZCg-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3872.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9J8t-mbrGV8/YaQIeXiTaCI/AAAAAAAAVLo/CnbKmJzaIjQ7hdor2Ed5H-CXk0rsZCg-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3872.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> The dock at Heron Point on the Chester River.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U96Gbjd6B5U/YaQIepXCw_I/AAAAAAAAVLw/TmKBlXTMGzUqfm__aK3ahctXGYX-VnHTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U96Gbjd6B5U/YaQIepXCw_I/AAAAAAAAVLw/TmKBlXTMGzUqfm__aK3ahctXGYX-VnHTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3943.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Our niece Stef with her brother Mike.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NF3rEbsAkOk/YakJG1jl5VI/AAAAAAAAVMU/HGW6heaZpQoZkG0Ru8U1QTi_p_dXlvS_ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2762/B17CC0FC-DD87-4E01-A4CB-02ACC5A54295.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2762" data-original-width="1138" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NF3rEbsAkOk/YakJG1jl5VI/AAAAAAAAVMU/HGW6heaZpQoZkG0Ru8U1QTi_p_dXlvS_ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/B17CC0FC-DD87-4E01-A4CB-02ACC5A54295.jpeg" width="132" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p></div></div></div>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086370502417959569.post-46440309621953742272021-10-30T09:17:00.000-04:002021-10-30T09:17:00.896-04:00What are they talking about???<p><span style="font-size: large;">New ideas, new technology, etc. needs new terms, labels, definitions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not talking about all that stuff - particularly the techy stuff. I'm running as fast as I can (which isn't fast anymore) trying to stay current but I find myself turning to the "greats" often. By "greats" I mean my great nieces and nephews for help.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks, kids.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">No, I'm talking about old stuff that <i>someone</i> has decided to slap a new name on. It's confusing for us <i>older people.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm a Sign Language interpreter. Many of you already know that. I have attended many, many workshops and seminars over the years. Recently they've been remote which has been fantastic because I need my yearly 20 hrs of continuing ed to maintain my credentials.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A little background: I started working as an interpreter in the late 80s <u>without</u> credentials. I hadn't taken any classes and had absolutely no training. Why did anyone hire me? Because, back then, nobody knew anything about anything. Pretty much.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Soon after I was hired at Saugatuck High School as an educational interpreter the state of MI started hosting workshops to help interpreters achieve the new testing level they needed to work in the field.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I learned a <b>ton</b> at those workshops and there were a lot of new labels and skill descriptions that almost made my head explode. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After many years working for different school systems and after attending many, many workshops I remember, distinctly, sitting along side one of my bestie 'terps, turning to her and saying "what the heck are they talking about?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After that particular skill was demonstrated we both turned to each other and did the "nod and ohhhh" thing. It was something we'd been doing for ages but now had a new name.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I get it and at some level I appreciate that the "job" was finally becoming a "profession" and was getting some respect. But it's been a challenge for an older 'terp like me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm sure this is the case for many people working in different areas. I remember hearing teachers talk about "new concepts" often. Remember Chicago math? A lot of those concepts seemed cyclical. Same stuff with a new name. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Looks like someone's been working on their PhD." That phrase echoed down the halls of more than one school I worked in.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Can an old dog learn new tricks? Yes but slower and maybe not the <i>entire</i> trick.</span></p>Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07788611634245384436noreply@blogger.com0