I need a friend who has the same interests, so we can talk about the same things.
Like crochet. I find a new pattern, with some interesting new stitch or way of doing things and I want to share. I want to talk about it, but for those that don't crochet...boring.
The same can be said for my other creative efforts, like my art or other craft projects. For people who don't do those things, they find it hard to feign interest.
I need a friend who is as keen on the J. D. Robb series of books as I am. I absolutely love these books, how the characters have been developed over 45 books and still remain as interesting as they were in the beginning. I am fascinated, as a writer, at how the author creates a mystery/murder story for each book and at the same time shows a new side to the main groups of characters.
I also like the minor secondary characters who come and go, like the young street peddler, the computer whiz. I like the closure you get as a reader when the author brings back, for a minor role, a character from a previous book.
But I have to wonder how the author does it How does she keep track of all these people she has created. Like the baker who was kidnapped and tortured, rescued by the star character, the homicide cop. Her last words, on being rescued, were about the special cake she was going to bake, in thanks. That cake was delivered a couple of books later, and was a crucial part in helping the detective solve her current case. How did the author plan that, or make that happen? I need someone who reads these books and wants to talk about it.
And then there's Project Runway, the only reality TV show I watch. I love the creativity of this show and often design outfits in my head as I watch. This year has been particularly interesting with the emotions in the sewing room. But I don't know anyone who watches this so I could talk about it.
Maybe I need to find some chat rooms, there must be one somewhere that has "like" discussions, but I'd prefer an animated discussion over coffee.
Oh well, at least I have my son-in-law to talk to about the recent sporting events. But he's more into hockey, or golf, and I need someone who also likes tennis.
Funny, but if I got out more I might find that person of "like" interests, but if I got too social, I wouldn't have time for all those interests. Is that as confusing as I think it is? Have to go, my programs about to start. LOL
Monday, 6 November 2017
Friday, 3 November 2017
TV Guide
Do you remember the old TV Guide, the one you picked up weekly at the grocery store check out?
It had the listings for the week, interesting articles, sometimes a recipe and a crossword puzzle on the inside back cover.
I liked to read through, see what was on. I especially liked the fall issue that gave you a rundown of new and returning shows. Here it is fall, and I'm confused with the number of shows available.
With the number of channels now available, the TV Guide would be too big to be useful. Scanning the listings offered by my cable company is bad enough.
The one thing I do with the listings, is read the caption about what happens in each particular episode. You don't actually have to watch the show, to stay current, or almost current.
I have a DVR, PVR, or whatever you want to call it, and record ahead of time, save to watch later. I have a number of my favorite movies recorded, and a number that sounded good, but I've yet to watch.
I like the crime shows, NCIS, in all its locations, are my faves. So, I have episodes recorded in lump showings, not individually. When the daytime programs are not appealing, I can go to the PVR and put on 2, 3 or 4 hours of shows, and let it run.
The thing is, I don't really pay attention, as I'm usually doing some kind of craft project. It's background noise, and when I watch it's to give my eyes a rest from doing close work.
I like the reruns, the repeats, and I find it funny that sometimes, I can watch a show I've seen before and see something new. Not a surprise as I don't always wear my glasses at home, and am hit and miss with my view of the screen.
New shows, old shows and hundreds of channels and we still complain that there's nothing on.
It had the listings for the week, interesting articles, sometimes a recipe and a crossword puzzle on the inside back cover.
I liked to read through, see what was on. I especially liked the fall issue that gave you a rundown of new and returning shows. Here it is fall, and I'm confused with the number of shows available.
With the number of channels now available, the TV Guide would be too big to be useful. Scanning the listings offered by my cable company is bad enough.
The one thing I do with the listings, is read the caption about what happens in each particular episode. You don't actually have to watch the show, to stay current, or almost current.
I have a DVR, PVR, or whatever you want to call it, and record ahead of time, save to watch later. I have a number of my favorite movies recorded, and a number that sounded good, but I've yet to watch.
I like the crime shows, NCIS, in all its locations, are my faves. So, I have episodes recorded in lump showings, not individually. When the daytime programs are not appealing, I can go to the PVR and put on 2, 3 or 4 hours of shows, and let it run.
The thing is, I don't really pay attention, as I'm usually doing some kind of craft project. It's background noise, and when I watch it's to give my eyes a rest from doing close work.
I like the reruns, the repeats, and I find it funny that sometimes, I can watch a show I've seen before and see something new. Not a surprise as I don't always wear my glasses at home, and am hit and miss with my view of the screen.
New shows, old shows and hundreds of channels and we still complain that there's nothing on.
Wednesday, 1 November 2017
Velma...Good to Go
Velma, my van, is back from the spa (the garage), and with a good to go report. I know her time is limited, but like most of us good old girls, we're toughing it out.
I was afraid of a big bill, too many costly repairs, but other than the rust issue, she's working pretty good. We'll see how she makes out in the spring after a winter of snow and salt.
I joke around and say that when Velma is ready for that great big scrap yard in the sky, my driving days will also be done. But I know if it happens next year, I'm not ready to give up my independence.
I got a lecture about this in the summer from a neighbor, who had to make the drive or not drive decision. He's thirty years older than me, and though he has some health issues, his mobility is better than mine.
His car was old and rusted out and he was told that it was not safe to drive. So he faced the dilemma, to drive or not to drive. He chose drive and bought himself a little red car, a Sprite I think it is.
Like me, he doesn't go out a lot, but when he wants to go, he wants to go right that moment. If you don't drive it's the bus, so a walk to the bus stop. It can be Community Care car service, but that has to be booked 3 days ahead of time. Wheels, the bus service for the disabled is also a book ahead service. As a last resort...it's a taxi...$$$$$.
I know my kids would be there for me, a trip to the grocery store, a doctor's appointment, but what about that spur of the moment trip to Walmart or the dollar store. The sad thing is, if your friends are of the same age or condition, they are not driving either.
I take my 90 year old neighbor with me when I go shopping, as she otherwise has to book a ride. She appreciates the opportunity.
I have another friend who is at that point, that decision making point, of whether to drive or not to drive. I feel for her, for by the time that decision has to be made, there have been a number of losses that have come before.
Independence, or the loss of independence, is not an easy choice. I'm not ready to make that decision, let alone live with the negative, the loss of my freedom to go out, to do as I please, when I please. Let's hope I have time before I have to face it.
I was afraid of a big bill, too many costly repairs, but other than the rust issue, she's working pretty good. We'll see how she makes out in the spring after a winter of snow and salt.
I joke around and say that when Velma is ready for that great big scrap yard in the sky, my driving days will also be done. But I know if it happens next year, I'm not ready to give up my independence.
I got a lecture about this in the summer from a neighbor, who had to make the drive or not drive decision. He's thirty years older than me, and though he has some health issues, his mobility is better than mine.
His car was old and rusted out and he was told that it was not safe to drive. So he faced the dilemma, to drive or not to drive. He chose drive and bought himself a little red car, a Sprite I think it is.
Like me, he doesn't go out a lot, but when he wants to go, he wants to go right that moment. If you don't drive it's the bus, so a walk to the bus stop. It can be Community Care car service, but that has to be booked 3 days ahead of time. Wheels, the bus service for the disabled is also a book ahead service. As a last resort...it's a taxi...$$$$$.
I know my kids would be there for me, a trip to the grocery store, a doctor's appointment, but what about that spur of the moment trip to Walmart or the dollar store. The sad thing is, if your friends are of the same age or condition, they are not driving either.
I take my 90 year old neighbor with me when I go shopping, as she otherwise has to book a ride. She appreciates the opportunity.
I have another friend who is at that point, that decision making point, of whether to drive or not to drive. I feel for her, for by the time that decision has to be made, there have been a number of losses that have come before.
Independence, or the loss of independence, is not an easy choice. I'm not ready to make that decision, let alone live with the negative, the loss of my freedom to go out, to do as I please, when I please. Let's hope I have time before I have to face it.
Friday, 27 October 2017
Women Drivers
I took Velma (my car) to the spa for her pre-winter check up. I usually leave her there for a few days, a test for me to what it's like not to have a car. Velma may be old, and showing her age, but she's good to go for a while yet.
The spa is north of town, on a dead end country road, so there's no handy pickup service as I might have at a dealership. I got a ride out earlier this week and a free lunch.
Today I called my daughter-in-law for a ride, which worked out as she wanted to borrow the van for tomorrow. I hadn't driven her car before, hadn't driven anything but a van in almost ten years, but I figured it would be ok, as long as it was automatic.
The garage was closed at noon, but I had told them I was coming and asked they leave the key for me, and the bill.
We arrive and items were moved from the car to the van, all we needed was the key. We looked in the obvious spots, over the visor, in the cup holder, in the basket between the seats. No key. Not under the seat, under the mats, not in the glove compartment.
I figured the guys had forgotten to leave it. No problem as my daughter-in-law has the spare key. So we were good to go.
I get in her car, and looked about for the necessities. I adjust the seat, the steering wheel and the rear view mirror. Then I try and change the gear and get a spray of washer on the windshield. Oops. My car has the gear changer...the gear shift?...in the steering wheel, the car's is on the console.
Laughing, my daughter-in-law realizes what I've done and we laugh about how silly it was, but old habits die hard. I remember when I made the change the other way, was always reaching beside me used to the gear shift being on the console.
We had another laugh when she went to insert her spare key in the ignition and found my key. Who would have thought to look in the ignition? It was too funny and I laughed all the way home.
The spa is north of town, on a dead end country road, so there's no handy pickup service as I might have at a dealership. I got a ride out earlier this week and a free lunch.
Today I called my daughter-in-law for a ride, which worked out as she wanted to borrow the van for tomorrow. I hadn't driven her car before, hadn't driven anything but a van in almost ten years, but I figured it would be ok, as long as it was automatic.
The garage was closed at noon, but I had told them I was coming and asked they leave the key for me, and the bill.
We arrive and items were moved from the car to the van, all we needed was the key. We looked in the obvious spots, over the visor, in the cup holder, in the basket between the seats. No key. Not under the seat, under the mats, not in the glove compartment.
I figured the guys had forgotten to leave it. No problem as my daughter-in-law has the spare key. So we were good to go.
I get in her car, and looked about for the necessities. I adjust the seat, the steering wheel and the rear view mirror. Then I try and change the gear and get a spray of washer on the windshield. Oops. My car has the gear changer...the gear shift?...in the steering wheel, the car's is on the console.
Laughing, my daughter-in-law realizes what I've done and we laugh about how silly it was, but old habits die hard. I remember when I made the change the other way, was always reaching beside me used to the gear shift being on the console.
We had another laugh when she went to insert her spare key in the ignition and found my key. Who would have thought to look in the ignition? It was too funny and I laughed all the way home.
Wednesday, 11 October 2017
Kids Will be Kids...Not All Kids
A few weeks ago, I was sitting in my car with my son watching his daughter play soccer in an inter-school tournament. There was a group of boys, from a local school, wandering along the edge of the parking lot, eating chips and, seemingly, killing time until their next game.
My son's truck was parked two cars over, where the boys were standing. I was startled when my son jumped out of the car and hurried over to the two boys, the third quickly distancing himself from his teammates saying "I want no part of this."
"What were you doing in my truck?" my son asked. He got the usual 'kid' answer...nothing. He had seen the boys reaching in the open window of his truck, where his phone was sitting on the seat.
There was little further discussion as the boys left, but their greasy (from eating potato chips) fingerprints were all over the window and door of the truck.
We kept our eyes on the group, as they kept their eyes on us. In fact, they seemed to delight in wandering by the car, pointing at us, taunting and laughing. They got others on the team involved and we had a parade of soccer players hovering near us.
I thought this was how mob mentality worked. One person, gets others involved until a situation is out of hand.
We happened to be visited by the coach of our team, a new teacher to the school who came to introduce himself, and told him what events had transpired. We fully believed the first two boys were intending to steal something from the truck...the phone, the smokes, or maybe a deeper search for money. Their efforts were thwarted because they didn't know the driver was two cars away and not down the field at the sidelines.
This teacher drew the coach/teacher from the boys' team aside and explained the situation.
Apparently the boys had told the team that a man had spoken to them and I was glad to be a witness or the boys could have caused even more trouble.
I saw the teacher draw the boys aside and speak to them, but what was said, or what was done as a follow through, I have no idea.
When your kids play on a team, and play with other schools, away from the 'home' field, you can only hope they behave in a responsible manner, showing respect for others, respect for property. It is difficult for one teacher to be aware of each child's behavior, especially when the area is crowded with other teams moving about.
Our kids were from a small country school, and I watched, saw that they stayed together except for trips to the bathroom. These other boys, from a school in town, wandered about, not staying close to their team 'spot', a dining style tent, or cover where they had snacks and could leave their gear.
It was a blight on what was otherwise an enjoyable day, a visit with my son and granddaughter.
It was disappointing to see this kind of behavior, the dishonesty, the bully behavior. But, it said well for the school my grandchildren attend and their teacher who was willing to stand up for what was right.
My son's truck was parked two cars over, where the boys were standing. I was startled when my son jumped out of the car and hurried over to the two boys, the third quickly distancing himself from his teammates saying "I want no part of this."
"What were you doing in my truck?" my son asked. He got the usual 'kid' answer...nothing. He had seen the boys reaching in the open window of his truck, where his phone was sitting on the seat.
There was little further discussion as the boys left, but their greasy (from eating potato chips) fingerprints were all over the window and door of the truck.
We kept our eyes on the group, as they kept their eyes on us. In fact, they seemed to delight in wandering by the car, pointing at us, taunting and laughing. They got others on the team involved and we had a parade of soccer players hovering near us.
I thought this was how mob mentality worked. One person, gets others involved until a situation is out of hand.
We happened to be visited by the coach of our team, a new teacher to the school who came to introduce himself, and told him what events had transpired. We fully believed the first two boys were intending to steal something from the truck...the phone, the smokes, or maybe a deeper search for money. Their efforts were thwarted because they didn't know the driver was two cars away and not down the field at the sidelines.
This teacher drew the coach/teacher from the boys' team aside and explained the situation.
Apparently the boys had told the team that a man had spoken to them and I was glad to be a witness or the boys could have caused even more trouble.
I saw the teacher draw the boys aside and speak to them, but what was said, or what was done as a follow through, I have no idea.
When your kids play on a team, and play with other schools, away from the 'home' field, you can only hope they behave in a responsible manner, showing respect for others, respect for property. It is difficult for one teacher to be aware of each child's behavior, especially when the area is crowded with other teams moving about.
Our kids were from a small country school, and I watched, saw that they stayed together except for trips to the bathroom. These other boys, from a school in town, wandered about, not staying close to their team 'spot', a dining style tent, or cover where they had snacks and could leave their gear.
It was a blight on what was otherwise an enjoyable day, a visit with my son and granddaughter.
It was disappointing to see this kind of behavior, the dishonesty, the bully behavior. But, it said well for the school my grandchildren attend and their teacher who was willing to stand up for what was right.
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