Random Acts of "Kindness"

Posts tagged ‘Angels’

WORRIED

Okay, I’ll admit it. I was concerned. The fuse that governs our bathroom lights and porch light at the camper was out AGAIN. Lately, it seemed that every time we arrived at the camper, the fuse had blown. Now it was out again. I asked my husband to look at it. He isn’t a licensed electrician but he knows enough about electric to solve some of our problems. He cleaned the fan behind the light in the ceiling. At my suggestion, he also grouted the outside outlet and light.

I was hoping that the problem was fixed. Lights came on with the flick of a switch for a few days, then, sadly the fuse blew again. I was currently reading a murder mystery in which an electrician was electrocuted, the book was delivered the day we were leaving for the camper. I’m sure reading that didn’t help my state of mind. Concerned that the problem with the fuse might cause a fire, I phoned John — he has the experience to fix most of the problems that we encounter. He didn’t answer his phone, so I left a message on his voice mail.

SURPRISE — it wasn’t a half hour later, John’s truck pulled into our driveway. He was in a dead zone at the camper and heard my message when his cell phone had service again. I explained our problem, and my husband told him what actions he had taken. Using various meters, John checked the circuits. The cause of the problem didn’t surface. While they were inside checking, I was outside. I also noticed an outdoor electrical extension plugged into the outlet outside the camper. The cover of the outlet was up. That might be the cause of our problems.

I learned that our electrical problem wouldn’t cause a fire. Once the fuse blew, no electric was flowing, it was safe. There were two options for repair, but neither seemed to be necessary. One was to pull the outside outlet and check the wiring. The second was to replace the fuse box, which would be expensive. We decided to wait and see if the problem came back.

Our youngest daughter was coming out to the camper with a couple of friends. We were going home, leaving the camper for them. We left notes, explaining how to turn the electric back on in the bathroom. Many fires have been caused by electrical problems — I was relieved to learn that our electric was safe. THANK YOU!

Our daughter didn’t have any problems with the electric during the weekend. THANK YOU!

Category:

Uncategorized

Tagged with:

CROW CONVENTION

The weather forecast warned of temperatures in the 90’s, high humidity and a triple digit heat index. We were at the camper with our grandchildren who provided plenty of activity, leaving no energy to spare for formal exercise. But they had  gone home. I had not been able to do formal exercise for a few days. Although I have lost weight on the Fast Metabolism diet, I still have a LONG WAY to go. I had planned to take a week or two off of the plan but my husband suggested that I stay the course.  “Your doing good, why stop now?” And I had to admit that he was right.

I also have to admit that except for a few wrinkles —  no potatoes or wine for example, I have adjusted my eating to follow the guidelines. Exercise is part of the plan. I planned to exercise after our grandkids went home but you see I have “friends in high places” who are concerned for my well fare. It was VERY EARLY in the morning, 5:00 to be exact when the crows woke me from a sound sleep. I had NO intention of getting up, except the racket outside didn’t allow me to go back to sleep. I don’t know how many crows had gathered. There were many voices, each with his own opinion which was stated LOUDLY. A few times, they tried to out caw each other, getting their points across. Many years ago, I read that black birds are a symbol of the Divine. Whether they are or not, they succeeded in getting me up. The temperature was already 75 degrees.

The eating plan requires breakfast within a half hour of waking. I had my breakfast and changed into exercise clothes. We don’t have air conditioning in our camper. The trailer itself has a unit but it doesn’t cool off our whole area so we use ceiling fans. By the time I finished with the exercise I was drenched, and the outside temperature had already risen a degree or two.  I will admit that I was happy I got an early start but I have put in my request to be able to sleep until 6:00.

Category:

Uncategorized

Tagged with:

GRASPING AT STRAWS

I wanted to write a couple of thought rambles before we went to the camper. But I had brain freeze –no ideas — so I asked “my friends in high places” for help. I suggested that if they wanted me to write, they needed to give me some ideas. No sooner said than done.

Before I went shopping, I stopped at the post office to mail a DVD to my Floridian daughter.  I’m on the last week of my 28 day eating plan and remembered that today’s snack was fruit. I thought of watermelon. When I mentioned that fact to the woman at the post office, she asked a couple of questions about the food plan I was following. I was happy to share — since this is the first time in many years when I have actually lost weight, not just in my little finger but in my belly.

At the grocery store, watermelon in hand, I shared the food plan information with the clerk who checked me out. By now you know that I talk to the people in the stores that I see on a regular basis and share bits and pieces of my life when appropriate.

Walking home, I saw a man picking berries off of a tree. I thought it was a mulberry tree but I was wrong.  I don’t know the name of the tree. The man showed me how to determine which berry was ripe. The fruit was tasty. I was intrigued by his accent. He was from London, and said we were having London weather — gray skies, damp conditions. When he first arrived, he couldn’t find any wellies. Wellies? I think they are rubber rain boots. Now they are available here.  Since my son is interested in visiting London, I learned that May is a good time to go, the flowers are in bloom.

Reaching home, I remembered that I had forgotten to buy more of the staples for my food plan. More shopping!

One of my stops was Whole Foods. A sampling station was set up with a salad dressing on the table. I was curious — no one was around. Before leaving the store, the person doing the demonstration had arrived. I was able to sample the dressing on greens. I was her first customer. She knew the ingredients in the dressing . They were allowed on my food plan. The dressing not only tasted good, it was low in sodium. It was mine!

On the way home, I stopped at a bead store. It was the first time it was open on a Monday. I needed earring stops for my hook earrings.  I almost lost a new earring at the camper. Mission accomplished.

Just yesterday, having lunch with a friend she told me that it was Senior day at Walgreen’s, that meant a discount. We stopped for shaving cream and I looked at Olay Regenerist Lotion 50 SPF. Not only was it on sale, I also got a senior discount. Saved more than $6. I like saving money on things I need.

Thanks to “my friends in high places” I had material to write about — since these happenings are normal in my life — to remember, I took notes.  I also had a VERY INTERESTING DAY!

Category:

Uncategorized

Tagged with:

TRUST THE PROCESS

Haylie Pomroy, in her book, The Fast Metabolism Diet, writes that the reader should trust the process. Give up the alcohol, the dairy, the caffine, the potatoes, the sugar and allow the body to recover. I’m almost through with the first week and I have to admit, I’M EXTREMELY HAPPY with my weight loss. As I write this, we are at our camper were I do not have access to a scale, but before leaving, our scale at home showed a weight loss of anywhere from three to five pounds. That was two days ago. I’m not sure of the exact amount because when we arrived home from our youngest daughter’s, the pizza and gyros had raised my sodium levels, therefore my weight.

I have been trying for more years than I care to count to lose weight. I eat a healthy diet and exercise. Boosting my exercise didn’t work nor did limiting the food I ate. The SCALE DID NOT MOVE DOWN, just up! Having the weight melt off with no extremes on my part is a gift. To which I say THANK YOU!
I will admit that healing the sore on my left leg held priority. I didn’t go to extremes, limiting food or tough exercise — I did not feel the burn. I’m not feeling the burn now either. The amount of recommended exercise is low: Cardiac – one of the first two days, strength training – one of the second two, and either yoga, massage or a walk on one of the last three.

I told my family that I would give the first week a serious try. I will admit that I have had a cup or two of coffee a couple of days, and a small piece of Italian bread. Other than that, I have followed the eating plan. I miss my chocolate and an occasional cookie. I’m sticking to it for another week or the rest of the 28 days. Who knows, I might continue on until I reach my desired weight. I have no idea at this point what it is. As we were heading for the camper, I noticed that a fashion outlet mall is being built. I mentioned to my husband that I just might have to go shopping there — to replace my wardrobe. For the first time in a long time. I’M EXCITED. I can trust that it will happen as long as I FOLLOW THE PROCESS!

Enough about the process, except I must admit that I see hands working behind the scene to help me find the right food, especially that which is already hidden in our freezer. Eating breakfast 30 minutes after waking is tough, especially preparing the food. Especially since the food changes every few days. That is where I’m getting in trouble the most. I bought a whole watermelon thinking the fruit was legal and our grandchildren would be at the camper to help me eat it. Well, the food is only legal on the first two days and my grandchildren are not coming out. Best laid plans of mice and men —–.

I planned to go swimming in the pool — it rained, more is predicted for each day we are out here. I planted geraniums — they looked lovely, returning to the camper, I saw nubs. ?? Then I saw the reason for the nubs — Momma deer and her twins ran through the park across the street. I guess my flowers were a tasty treat, and just the right size, down on the ground. I’m planting more flowers, I also bought a bottle of deer fence, it is supposed to keep the plants intact and growing. I just need the rain to STOP!

Category:

Uncategorized

Tagged with:

DISCONNECTED

It is a very good thing that I get “help” from my friends in high places. My father had Alzheimer’s disease and my brain is not as dependable as it used to be. Words that I know  — are missing when I need them. Very Frustrating! Or I write down the simile for the word. It is a good thing there is spell check but it doesn’t always help. My automatic pilot kicks in regularly. I don’t mind except when I have forgotten what I am doing or where I am going.  One of my new phrases, used too often is “Why am I here?” I noticed this morning that I’m speeding through SPRING. I’ve lost a week. I thought my husbands doctor’s appointment was Tuesday, nope — its a week from Tuesday. Overtired? Overstressed? Overweight? All of the above.

Yesterday. I spent over half an hour looking for a recipe I found when we came home from Hawaii for Mahi Mahi. I have MANY recipe books. I was NOT successful. I verbally reprimanded myself for not writing down the source of the recipe. Looking at the back of a notebook later, I found my note on the recipe I had been looking for. I was reminded to “Detach From the Drama.” Shopping later in the day, a friend enjoyed my search and find story. It gave her a laugh.

I must have left my compass at home. Heading home,  I made an unplanned stop at Whole Foods. I remembered more supplies that I needed as I walked the store — they have many items that are low sodium. As I was leaving, I decided to make another stop, to get corn flake crumbs for baked catfish. Almost home, I realized I missed the store. Where did it go?  I realized that I should have made a right turn and drove South instead of making a left to go North. The store was were it was supposed to be. At the camper, I was surprised when a store I normally frequent was leveled, a new store is promised for the Spring of this year. Construction has not started yet.

Last night, I decided to share two recipes with my daughters. The computer did not give me their e-mail addresses when I typed their names and I DID NOT REMEMBER their e-mail addresses. I was told my address book was empty. I WAS IN TROUBLE. I shut off the computer and started again. LUCKILY, this time the computer had their addresses plus the rest of the addresses in my address book. I have to admit that as I typed the ingredients, I changed my mind, and decided to do something different.

Trying once again to lose weight — it is up since Hawaii — I decided to make kale and white beans. This time I bought packaged kale since it was prewashed. Last time I bought a bunch of kale that I didn’t rinse enough and ate grit. I needed three cups for the recipe. I looked at the label — 2 cup serving, less than I needed.  I just didn’t realize that there were five servings in the package. Oops!

It was extremely cold, and windy yesterday. Branches were down all over our neighborhood. I noticed this morning that a lovely pear tree is gone — blown over in the wind? Gale winds caused thirteen foot waves to  hit the shores. When we were at the camper, I was surprised that Lake Michigan affects weather so far away. Our camper is over 100 miles from the city but the lake effect is mentioned regularly in the weather reports.

This morning, I was advised “To Find the Blessing In Your Current Situation.” I’m looking! I went for a walk — that is when I noticed the pear tree, and thought of this title. I thought writing would help me find the blessings.

Category:

Uncategorized

Tagged with:

WHERE AM I?

My son and I were only home from Hawaii for a day when he and my husband went out to the camper to tear down a room addition on the lot next to ours. Luckily the man who camped behind us was available to help with the work. It turned out to be an extremely tiring job. It took all week and they filled three bins with lumber. They wouldn’t let me help, so I became the errand person. We learned that the lumber company in the neighboring town not only made blades for the chain saw but sharpened them too. I made many trips into town. On one of the trips, I found an angel statue holding a puppy in the store. I have many dog friends in high places. I will admit that I didn’t examine the statue. As I tried to pick the angel up, a stronger, older woman came by to help me. Not only did she carry it to the counter but she took it out to my car and safely stowed it in the trunk. When we placed it in my serenity garden, I was surprised to see the angel was a young boy, in overalls. I thought of my brother whose birthday is in May. He passed away with my mother in the fire when he was almost two.

I stayed in Chicago for a couple of days to get caught up and then I toured Botanical Garden in the city before heading for the camper. I love the crab apple trees and was afraid they would no longer be in bloom when I returned to the city. Sadly most of the trees were only beginning to bloom but I found a couple that where in sheltered, warmer spots.  I was surprised when I arrived at the camper to see our apple tree in bloom, also our crab apple tree, and azaleas bush. Our tiny lilac bush was also in blossom. Raking leaves, I noticed a Dutchman’s breeches in bloom. I didn’t remember planting it. Whether it came along as a guest with another purchased plant or volunteered to be in our garden, I don’t know.

A small old car show was held in a neighboring town on Saturday. Our son left for the city and both my husband and I were tired but we went anyway. It was a good thing that the car show was small but there was a good variety of cars, trucks and motorcycles.  My husband talked to an older couple — he was 86, his wife 89 — who had a 1950 Chevrolet. Stopping in a small store, my husband bought an angel pendant for me.

I decided to go to Mass on Saturday, so we could sleep in on Sunday. I was surprised when it was the feast of Pentecost. I was doubly surprised when I realized the tee shirt I was wearing was from Great America — red — words “light my fire”. Pentecost is represented as tongues of fire (the Holy Spirit) descending on the apostles and disciples in the locked room.

When we were at the camper, I bought a copy of the weekly woman’s magazine and was reminded of a tea I drank last summer that seemed to give me energy. When we arrived back home, I put a pot on the stove and made a new batch of tea.

Maybe my writing will reflect the events as they happen, maybe the writing will be delayed. I’m expecting my life to be busy. Either way, I hope my rambles help you become aware.

Category:

Uncategorized

Tagged with:

EXCITEMENT IS BREWING

Less than two weeks before we fly and “my friends in high places” are HELPING! Excitement is in the air. Yesterday, shopping at Target I stooped to pick up a pair of reading glasses on the floor. As I put them back on the stand I noticed that they were on sale. I have to admit that a pair came home with me, as a backup for my prescription glasses in Hawaii. Too many times I have taken my spare glasses out of my purse and reached for them while shopping, only to find them missing in action. It must have been a glasses day — I also found a pair of Magnivision SunReaders 100% UVA-UVB. I’m not sure either of the non-prescription glasses are strong enough, but they are going.

Yesterday, I read that color is power — advised to select a color you don’t normally wear and introduce that into your wardrobe — it changes your energy field. No surprise, looking for a hat to take with me, I found  a bright pink LEATHER purse on sale. Pink is the color of love — a predominate color in my vacation wardrobe, but not one I normally wear. I also found an airy, collapsible, white hat, trimmed in pink.

At Tuesday night’s dinner, I loved a tomato, cucumber salad. It was so flavorful I had to push the serving dish out of my reach. I had asked to look at their menu and received a take out menu instead. The writing was so small that my glasses and the dim light did not allow me to read it. Pulling the menu out Saturday night, I found the salad I enjoyed — Shepherd’s salad.  The internet is a marvelous tool. I’m not very experienced but I was able to find a recipe for it.  I was slightly surprised when I learned the name for this Sunday at church is SHEPHERD’S SUNDAY.

I planned to go to the Botanic Garden today. I have not been there since the fall, the weather hasn’t been inviting. I know that daffodil’s are in bloom, and possibly tulips. Since today is blue skies, temperature in the 40’s, I thought a walk in the Garden would be delightful. I’m curious what my body will say about the trip.  At Mass, I asked a friend if she knew how the recent rain affected the Garden. She suggested that I look at their website. I am SO GLAD that I did. I learned the Antiques & Garden Show is this weekend. A few years ago, I wandered there on this weekend and had to park in a lot off property. They had a shuttle to take people back and forth. To say the garden was crowded is an understatement. Hopefully the weather will be warmer tomorrow with blue skies. I’ll wander then.

April 22, 2013- – Earth Day — blue skies, a perfect day to wander the Botanic Garden. Our cool spring has delayed the blooms. The hills that normally are covered in daffodils are waiting. The workers are taking down the tents from the weekend’s show. The East side of the Garden showed few effects of last weeks storms. Sadly, the West side didn’t fair as well. Many bridges were underwater, paths closed. I was curious, I wanted to know if I would be able to walk the garden as I had in the past. Thankfully, I had the energy, even if the walk was longer because of the detours.

This makes the 52nd thought ramble I’ve written since I began in May of last year. I didn’t think I have that much to say. Evidently “my friends” don’t agree and thankfully they “HELP!” I hope some of the stories I’ve shared and my thought rambles have been helpful to you.

Category:

Uncategorized

Tagged with:

SHARE YOUR STORY

I have trouble thinking of the title for my thought rambles. This morning while washing clothes I thought of this title. I thought it was meant as a nudge for you — to share your stories with your friends. Often I have shared a story of mine, which in turn gave the person I was talking to the courage to share one of theirs. But then again, was the title a nudge for me?

The countdown to Hawaii continues. Last week, Woman’s World magazine had a few headlines on their cover which encouraged me to buy it: “Gina Neely grilled her way 20lbs slimmer,” “Reverse Alzheimer’s”. I didn’t have hope for the reverse Alzheimer’s title but I had to read  it. Losing 20 pounds,  another pipe dream. But I’m a dreamer. I was surprised that the magazine also featured Oahu as their get-away.

We were out in the country, opening our camper for the season. Saturday I walked to the closest lake which is about a mile away. And my body strongly suggested I return home. Bit tired when I arrived. I remembered that a few years ago I was able to walk  3 miles and still be ready for more. Times have changed! Sunday, I tried again.  This time I walked about half way behind the lake when my big toe began protesting. Reaching our camper I was glad I turned back. This Tuesday, back in the city, sun beckoned me outside. I was able to walk to a distant main road, turning around, I was half way home when whatever energy I had — LEFT. Reaching home, my pedometer read 2.33 miles. PROGRESS!

This morning I was grousing about my weight, it loves me and IS NOT LEAVING! Then I remembered a lovely dinner I attended on Tuesday night — Mediterranean flavors, — seven bountiful appetizers , 3 entrees and a lovely desert platter. The evening was sponsored by a local hospital, the program on vitamins and nutrition. I totally enjoyed my share of the food!

Tuesday night, I learned a friend is celebrating her 70th birthday soon. I knew just the present to give her. Our youngest granddaughter painted a picture when she was 2 and 1/2. In the painting I saw an angel. Of course I shared my photo of the painting with friends. For a few years my friend has requested a copy of the photo. It would be a perfect present if I could find the disk. FINDING — the quest began. I would not be exaggerating if I said I take a lot of photos, putting them on a disk for safe keeping. (I also make hard copies of the ones I really like. Technology is changing too quickly)  I easily have 12 disks covering a year but probably it is much more than that. Long story short — with the “help” of my friends, I found the disk and was able to enlarge the photo.

Did I mention that the countdown to Hawaii has begun. Wednesday, I was reaching for a can on my filing cabinet. It fell out of my hands onto the floor. Retrieving the contents, I found a bag with brochures from our last trip to Hawaii, including a map and a brochure from a hidden restaurant that we enjoyed. I mentioned the find to our son. He laughed and asked if the can had been nudged. Just a little “HELP”.

Please Share YOUR STORIES with others, they might also help you to see the “help” in your life.

Category:

Uncategorized

Tagged with:

COMPROMISED

I’m not sure compromised was the word the doctor used describing my legs when he strongly suggested that I give myself shots before flying to Hawaii. I know it was a “c” word — the word didn’t stick. Compromised will have to do. I said I always take an aspirin before flying, he replied that was a glass of water compared to a strong highball. He won, I will give myself a shot before getting on the plane, and another shot 24 hours later, and another 24 hours later and repeat the process coming home. The shot is a strong blood thinner — I really don’t need to get a blood clot. I will get up and walk down the aisles, it is an eight hour flight.  I will make sure that I stay hydrated. I will be a good girl and wear my compression stockings. I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER ULCER!! Walking on the beach, going in the water, I’m ready.

Even if I lost weight, which sadly isn’t happening — the veins in my legs have gone through the war and they won’t return to their youthful vigor.  Taking stock — my energy level is rising. I don’t need a nap mid morning, sometimes I can make it through the whole afternoon. We won’t discuss how early I’m falling asleep at night though, and of course, by now you know that “my friends” thought better at 4:00 AM.  (Now they aren’t restricted by time.) I still haven’t convinced them that I DO NOT.

I told my doctor that I wasn’t able to meditate during the 21 day challenge with Deepak and Oprah. He replied that I ‘m too stubborn. He only met me in January and he already knows.

And I will use that stubbornness to my advantage. I will continue to exercise, try to eat healthy and continue to try to lose weight.  Maybe, just maybe, my weight will decrease. And I’m confident “my friends” will continue “to Help” when needed.

When I wrote To Pap With Love, and Journey with Me, I had “help from my friends”. Sentences would disappear and other interesting things occurred when what I wrote didn’t measure up. Evidently they didn’t like what I just wrote. Four paragraphs gone! I was detailing the events of the last four days, my younger grandchildren were in town. I “saved” the writing. The save didn’t work so I cancelled it and the whole added paragraphs disappeared.

Much of my life is meant to be private and I guess that includes the last four days. Rather than try to rewrite, I’ll just say that I had enough energy to wander through the Peggy Norbert Nature Museum, the Shedd aquarium and Garfield conservatory. I have a sore foot because I wore new shoes, but I was able to do it. PROGRESS!

THANK YOU LORD!

Category:

Uncategorized

Tagged with:

HI MOM

I was congested in my throat and chest. I will admit that I didn’t think I should go to the Mind, Body, Spirit Expo on March 2, 2013 at Northlake. It was cold outside, and it was often chilly in the meeting rooms. I will also admit that I always totally enjoy the Expo and wasn’t happy that I thought I shouldn’t go. Since I have realized that I walk to a different drummer, I am very comfortable there. I was going to stay home,  be an adult and pay attention to my health. My friend’s in high places didn’t agree. They thought I should go. The message came through very loud and clear. First thing in the morning, I opened the bible to a passage from Jeremiah: “like the anguish of a mother with her first child.” I listed my reasoning for staying home.  I was reminded that life is a creative process with many possibilities. I was told to TRUST and TAKE BACK MY POWER. I was also told to surrender to the Divine. The messages all had the same theme — and I got the message. I also got the last parking space at the Expo.

I have to admit that I was glad that I went. A few years ago, I attended a workshop at the Expo where the presenter told me that my mother was there, she is often with me when I wash clothes. And I have to admit that I am grateful for her presence. Since she passed when I was four, I don’t know her. Since her passing was so tragic, my family didn’t speak of her. I don’t know her stories but I have been told that I am like her in many ways.

During the day, I was reminded of my mother four to five times.  I don’t remember all of the occasions. Our middle daughter has had two nicknames. Her name is unique since I made it up when I was a Freshman in High School to honor my brother, who also passed. This woman not only had my daughter’s nickname, but her husband’s name was Terrence — my brother’s name. Later  in the afternoon, someone told me that my mother was with me.

When I’m at the Expo, I try to be more alert to information that I need, but also anything that would be helpful to my children. Sometimes they can take advantage of it, at other times, it isn’t possible. I met a doctor who might be able to help the spasms in my middle daughter’s back. He is from India and only in the States for a limited time. Sadly, her schedule doesn’t permit her to meet with him.

Although my oldest daughter was at the Expo, we often attend separate presentations. I went to a workshop presented by an artist and received ideas that would be helpful to both my daughter and I. It’s time to find my paints!

I planned to attend a two hour workshop to end the day. The temperature of the room was so cool, I went to get my coat. I watched as they set up the room for the presentation and realized the speaker was an author.  I listened to her opening music and knew it was time to leave.

Returning to the lobby, I saw a woman from my neighborhood and asked if she needed a ride home. Her driver was from the south side and was happy to be able to go home.  The driver works in the Palmer House, a building that my youngest daughter wants to use in her story.  She actually knows the person that my daughter needs to speak to.

Thanks Mom!

Category:

Uncategorized

Tagged with:

Tag Cloud