Awkward Family Photos

This past weekend, I got together for family photos with my siblings and their spouses.  It was not a serious photo shoot, so we were able to be silly and show our "personalities".   I can't remember when I actually ever enjoyed taking pictures but this was a great time.  As we poked fun of each other, we recalled some of the awkward pictures of our childhood.  Even when the photographer asked us to be "serious" we would burst out laughing.  It was a great day for memory making.  How things have changed...we didn't have to wait for proofs or place our orders.  Now we can critique ourselves as we choose the ones that are our personal best....I'm guessing we will all pick different shots but I know we will laugh as we go!

Fair weather friend

Yesterday the weatherman was predicting snow...yes, on September 10th.   It was cold, cloudy and even drizzling, but I was certain he was wrong.  I remembered how my twin sister insisted that there really was "NO" real winter weather in Rapid City when she was encouraging me to leave the south and move home.   Well, I have determined that I am a negative conduit to the weather powers that be....there has not been a mild winter since I moved here.   This one is no exception, since we have had several inches of snow today--the cold, wet, chill you to the bone kind of snow.   Only thing that warmed me up this morning as I drove to work were the warm tears rolling down my cheeks (and perhaps the hot tea/spice brandy I had when I returned home).  I seriously considered retiring early and moving south, but refilled my Prozac instead.   I will find my electric lap blanket this weekend!

Just my luck

I was recently prescribed "compression" stockings by my primary care doc...what an experience.  Who knew you had to be fitted and measured for something so simple.  (Although they were $55 per stocking--which is more than I pay for a pair of shoes).  When the lady at the front desk told me that Jerry would be helping me I had no idea that meant "up close and personal".   Unfortunately Jerry turned out to be about 55 yrs old, 50 pounds overweight with low hanging pants, an untucked shirt, and sweating profusely.    Nothing to get too excited about as he measured my height and my thigh.   The first time I wore the expensive new hose, I determined that Jerry needs a new job.  Not only are they the color of my deceased great-grandmother's elastic topped stockings they are definitely the wrong size.   They are so long I must either roll them down at the top or risk getting them wet when I do my "bathroom business".    Guess I would feel worse if a new pair of shoes fit that poorly!

Hearing aides?

I just ran to Target to pick up a couple things--didn't even need a cart.  The teenage girl at the express check out was pleasant and friendly--such a soft voice and quick in her conversation.  Before she rang up my first purchase, she said something and looked at me for a response.  I wasn't sure that there was a problem so I just looked back, at which point she repeated her question.  Now I heard, but not sure I understood asked her "I'm sorry, what?"   Then she asked me again whether I wished to have a gift receipt for the little blender I was buying.   I explained that it was indeed for me and no receipt was necessary.  After scanning my next three items, she asked me another question, and I asked "WHAT?".  Did I have a red card?   WHAT is a red card?  She politely explained and although I didn't hear everything she said, I noticed that the screen on the counter had a picture of the Target charge card (red, ohhh).   I politely declined and paid for my purchases.  


Since I couldn't hear her, I am not sure whether she said thank you,  have a nice day  or "old people--probably going home to take out the dentures and use your blender to mash up you food,  --just get a hearing aide already".   I'm relieved they no longer ask whether you want paper or plastic, or I might still be there!

There is NO such thing as aging Gracefully!!

I have made many changes over the past months....and in the process I have gained a new perspective on life.    I always anticipated that my life would be "short"--after all, I have taken many risks over the years, found myself in  many unsavory (and sometimes illegal) situations and have a family history of heart problems.  My dad used to say that every day after 57 was a gift.   I share  those sentiments!


Well, although I remain (and will always will be) 39; the clock is ticking.  This year was not a milestone birthday year; BUT, I have made every effort to reconnect with the many friends I have made over the years moving from SD to ND to IA to KS to MO to OK and back to SD.   In addition, I have clocked many hours with my family from my aging mother to my youngest great-nephew.   Wow, I am blessed!  Of course, my experiences have made for many "stories", "memories" and "lessons". 


When my friend Melani suggests that if I am going to lie about my age, I should at least make it believable, I just shake my head.  When the 70 yr old guy at the car dealership tells me I am probably his son's age  (a bit passed 39), I smile and agree!  I am not demented, I just refuse to   accept the numbers.  So I am determined to find humor in this process of aging without adding to the number!!


Example:  Kohls sends a $10 gift certificate for one's birthday month.....rather than buy a new bra, sexy underwear or even a sparkly necklace--this year, I used the certificate toward my FIRST pair of support hose.....wonder how they will look with my mini-skirt!


My poor arthritic hands had a terrible time putting them on for the first time--tight fit!  (not sure when I heard that last??)

Long, cold winter

I have not shared my experiences for sometime.   Mostly, I think, because I seem to have become a boring person.  I still learn lessons generally as a result of something I didn't adequately consider.  (For instance, having the trunk door come down on my head when loading my new car--saw stars).  Over the past few weeks I have wondered when exactly I became a dud....but hopefully it will change when the sun shines, the snow melts and the shovel is put away forever!!

Good times...Good Friends

My former sister-in-law (and dear friend) Karen comes to Deadwood over the January holiday weekend with her husband and about another 20 people from their small rural community.   For the past several years, they have invited me to join them for a day or two.  These people are such fun people and this year was no exception.  I actually can't always keep up with  them--last year I was the one who missed my chair and nearly lost my lunch on the trolley back to the hotel.  I promised myself I would not have another Saturday night like that.  So this year I paced myself on Saturday.   Somehow I forgot that less on Sunday as we watched football games and spent their last night their laughing, drinking and telling stories.  Monday morning Karen and Jeff packed up their belongings, cleaned out the refrigerator, showered and took out the trash.  Although we shared a room, I heard nothing until everyone came back in to tell me goodbye--they had a 5 hr drive.  I did well to pull myself up to bid them farewell....only with this group am I the lightweight!!  Even with practice I  just can't keep up......

Happy New Year!

Some time last month, I made the decision to sell my house.  Met with the realtor and made a commitment to put it on the market in March.  (which means I will still have to scoop snow the rest of this winter)  It is a relief to know I won't be worrying about yardwork, appliance malfunction, etc in the years ahead.  If my memory continues to fade, I may have to put it on the market sooner or risk property damage.   Last night, I put water on to boil before adding shrimp.   When I remembered, the pan had boiled dry and was well on its way to a major meltdown.  Perhaps I should stick to liquid meals on the weekends!