Random Acts of "Kindness"

Posts tagged ‘Creative’

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Our youngest daughter offered us the opportunity to use her  time share points at the Wisconsin Dells — 10 nights but in three different rooms or locations. Sounded great to us. Trip planned.

When we arrive at our destination, I always search for the Catholic church and a supper market, which can be a Wal-Mart.  Arriving in town, I learned the location of the church before we even checked into our first room. Since I knew we were changing rooms, I only brought frozen chili for one night.

For the cook of the family, a vacation is an opportunity to eat out. I have cooked daily for more years than I want to count. In case you are new to my writing, I am sodium restricted. We stopped at an Arby’s on the way to the Dell’s and I quickly learned that it would be better for not only my health but our pocket book if I cooked. The sandwich that I ate, was so salty my leg swelled.

The only trouble with changing rooms and locations is that we had to check out at 10:00AM and not check in until 4:00. I was concerned that fresh food would spoil even if it was in a cooler. Thankfully, the time share worked with us.

I discovered a lovely grocery town in the Dells that had meat that WAS NOT sodium enhanced for flavor. The prices were reasonable. The meat was excellent. We learned the location of the Wal-Mart.

The major attractions in the Dells closed two weeks before. Neither my husband nor I were interested in the water parks or theme parks. He is from Maryland, a country boy at heart, stuck in the city, We investigated the State Parks in the area. We bought a year pass for the parks, even though it was late September, and got our money’s worth. The colors were beautiful.

On my birthday, the weather service warned of a cold front moving in, preceded by rain. The rain was supposed to arrive in early afternoon. We got up and out, early that day to beat the weather. In late morning, we were on a trail in Rocky Arbor State Park. It was closest to the Dells. We thought the trail was the most beautiful of the ones that we had walked. Dark clouds passed over about 11:00 but then the sun came out. The temperature remained in the 60’s until night fall. Happy Birthday to me.

At Devil’s State Park, I asked a group of hikers about the trails. Although many heads of hair were grey, they wore hiking boots. They mentioned they had been on the trails for 4 hours. When they saw the shoes I was wearing, they suggested I walk the paved trail by the lake. I listened.

We planned to go out for dinner for my birthday. Two places that we thought of were closed. The day before my birthday, we stopped at a family restaurant for lunch, which had a buffet. The waitress could only suggest the salad bar. I was HUNGRY, but everything I tasted was too salty! We wandered the strip asking questions that evening. At the House Of Embers, I asked a young man working outside if the fish was battered, which would mean high in sodium. He couldn’t answer my question but he fetched the owner. I have to admit, I was impressed. I learned that meals were cooked to order, fish NOT BREADED. I ordered wall eye, it was delicious. Our waitress recognized us when we arrived. Someone told her we were coming.

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THANKS

 
Recently I wrote how I think it is important to thank God, the Supreme being under whatever name you address Him or Her for the many blessings of life and help given. I also thank “my friends in high places” on a very regular basis.  This time I would like to thank you, the people who read my thought rambles. Some have written to let me know they were helpful and for this I am extremely grateful. Each and every day has its own challenges, I’m glad that I am NEVER ALONE. Many times I’m not aware that I’m not wandering solo. Then there is the rest of the time.

I would answer each comment personally except for two challenges. The first is that I haven’t figured out how to do it. The second, probably should be the first. This is the first time I have been on line since some time in September. I know that we are retired, supposedly we have a lot of free time. The reality of the situation is that we are not home that often and I HAVE NOT updated our cell phones, computers or other electrical means to be able to keep in constant connection. PLUS — I have “help” from my “friends in high places.” Recently, our youngest daughter gifted us with a vacation in the Wisconsin Dells. We left on a Wednesday. Thursday, I noticed I didn’t have my cell phone. Although my husband called the number repeatedly, we didn’t find it. I  couldn’t recall using the phone at all on Wednesday. I finally assumed I had left it at our Camper. Thankfully this proved to be correct. I found it right were I had left it before leaving for the trip. I guess it wasn’t supposed to go.

I will do a thought ramble on our fall vacation. Hopefully before we take off again which will be this week.

Just one thought before I close and cook supper.  Before we left for our trip, I was at Save a Lot, a grocery store in the town near our camper. I watched in amazement as a man chose a ham, and a chicken and a number of pizza’s and added it to his overflowing cart. At the check out line he graciously allowed me to go ahead of him. By now, you are probably aware of the fact that I talk to whoever is around.

I mentioned that he was probably buying food for a month to the person behind me. WRONG! It was one weeks supply. I have no idea the total of his bill. One comment led to another. I learned that he was feeding four children and two adults. Then I learned that two children were not his and often spent the night. He didn’t know what they would eat or if they would eat at all if he didn’t feed them. I had to acknowledge that he was a positive influence in theses children’s lives.  Because of his care, they had safe shelter and might make it through childhood.  RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME!. I think so. Everyone needs a pat on the back

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SURPRISE

We had planned to go out to the country. Do you want to make God laugh? Tell Him/Her your plans! My husband was dizzy on Friday, I thought he might have been dehydrated but wasn’t sure. Needless to say, our plans changed. Since we were in town, I decided to send a card to our grandson who is facing his own challenges.

As I walked down our alley to mail the card, I saw a three story, plastic dollhouse that was in excellent condition. Just slightly dirty. I carried it into the back yard and called my husband. I asked him to use the water hose to a good advantage.

Words do not describe the happiness that find has brought me. Doors open, some furniture is built in. Hopefully our three year old granddaughter will enjoy it also. I know she doesn’t have one. I also know we could not have bought one and Christmas is coming.

Of course, what is a dollhouse without furniture?  I have purchased two rooms of furniture at Wal-Mart and will try to restrain myself from adding to the collection.

Just a little help from my friends. Right place, right time to get a marvelous present for our granddaughter. “Our friends” must have thought so too.

Thank You!

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RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME

The premise of my writing is to show that we have “friends in high places” that are involved in our life. Therefore, for the most part I don’t write about the joys, problems or challenges in my life unless they seem to be interacting with the other side. Often, my life is ordinary. Then there is the rest of it.

My father enjoyed helping other people. My mother might have shared the same feeling. Since she passed over when I was four, I really can’t speak from experience. I have been told that I’m like her in many ways.
Over the past few years I’ve realized that she is often with me, for which I’m extremely grateful.

So, okay, where is this going? Do I have a point? Yes, I really do. When I enrolled in a Creative Writing class, our teacher mentioned that once we became aware of synchronicities, they would occur more often. Depending on my actions during the day, it might be a quiet day or more interesting.

Recently it was a shopping day. One of my favorite stores is Costco. I feel I receive good value for my money and I enjoy interacting with many of the employees. Costco DOES NOT provide bags for your purchases but they will place them into boxes for easier handling. Sometimes those boxes can be extremely heavy. The weight of the box and the deepness of the shopping cart can make it difficult to get the loaded box out of the cart.  Walking through the parking lot, I passed a woman who had such a problem and was able to extend an extra hand.

That same day, at another store, I noticed a gentleman that seemed to be searching for something with a degree of anxiety. When I asked if he was looking for the bathroom, I was able to direct him to the proper place.

Friday, I took our last pug, Lexie , out for a bathroom break. I call her our energizer pug and someday I will write a thought ramble about her. For now let me say that she is 14 years plus, half blind and with hearing loss. Since she walks with a fishtail gate, and stops to rest often, she wanders without a leash. Friday, I took her out in front of the house for her bathroom break. We live on a busy street. A car pulled over to the side, they lowered the window and a woman asked for directions. She was trying to get to the South side of Chicago and the directions she received from her hotel had her confused. I had to take a break to retrieve a wandering dog,  but luckily I was able to help her.

We have lived in our neighborhood for many years and I still don’t know the streets. But when I was young and took the bus, I learned the major streets on the North side.  Right Place, Right Time! Always makes my day!

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OOPS

Just because I have friends in high places and am aware of it, doesn’t mean that life is easy, without problems.

Yesterday, I went down into the basement to get something from our upright freezer. I saw liquid on the floor by the freezer. IT IS NEVER A GOOD THING WHEN YOU SEE LIQUID ON THE FLOOR BY THE FREEZER.

My worst fears were confirmed when I realized the door was not properly closed. I had no one to blame but myself. The freezer is so full that I am the only one that braves the interior, so therefore, I didn’t make sure the door was closed.  It was all my fault.

Looking at the contents, I knew that many things needed to be tossed. Most of the individual servings on the freezer door had defrosted as well as things on some of the shelves. I salvaged what I could and changed my mind about supper. Changed my mind about Sunday’s supper as well and tossed everything that was defrosted. Four bags full.

As I cleared the shelves, I noticed ice crystals every where. It gave me hope that it was my stupidity, not a malfunction of the freezer. I wanted to try a tray of ice cubes to see if they would freeze. Making a space for the tray to lay flat was its own challenge. I really didn’t want to leave more hot air in then was already there.

Thankfully, one hour later, ice crystals had formed on the top of the ice cube tray. The freezer was working. I have to admit, that most of the food that was defrosted probably was no longer part of my diet.

Today was a day to cook, and refreeze the salvaged food.

Yesterday, I was looking for a card for my grandson who is away at college and having a rough time. Many cards, but nothing fit. A card with birds caught my eye as I walked down an aisle. Closer inspection revealed that it was just what I was looking for –the message — continue to try, having faith in God. THANKS! I knew someone was helping. I also knew I needed it.

I wish I could say that the trials of August have ended. Sometimes I jump into something with both feet instead of taking my time. I’m not sure what I did, maybe it was a combination of trying new things and the 90 plus temperatures. Whatever the cause, I’m still dealing with the after effects.

Hoping to solve the problem, I’ve stopped my supplements, and given up caffeinated beverages. One of my daughter’s suggested drinking 64 oz of water a day. I’m hoping to flush out my system. I don’t know when my hot flashes and night sweats ended. I’m not excited that they are back. I wonder if it has to do with the aligning of all the planets. Magnetic energy. December is how many months away?

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Is Someone Trying To Tell Me Something

I will admit that I’m stubborn. I have had an open wound on my left leg since March and have not gone to the doctor. I knew it was coming. I watched a small black dot slowly rise to the surface and when it became an open wound, I wasn’t surprised. I tried to keep it small, eat healthy, etc. but it continued to grow. Stress and other things of normal life prevented me from going to the doctor until it became so large I was embarrassed.

Each time I determined that if it hadn’t started healing by such and such a date, I was going to the doctor. Something else always happened to delay the making of an appointment.

Then it began to heal, and I was very thankful. But I had not learned the lesson yet, whatever the lesson is. I think it has to do with making sure that I have myself on the list, taking care of my needs as well as the needs of others. Often I’m at the store, buying food my family needs and forget that I have to have different items since I’m sodium restricted. When I’m back at home, and ready to cook dinner, I discover most of the stuff that I can eat is still in the store.

Now it is August. My left leg rebelled or decided to self destruct. On the fifth, I hit my leg with the vacuum cleaner. On the 9th, a porch folding chair fell on my left toes. On the 15th, I banged my left foot on our dog’s gate.  Which brings me to the 19th, a can of luncheon meat, fell off the shelf, onto my left foot. Not done yet, in the store,, a box of mushrooms, fell onto my left shin.

I was getting the message. Leg WAS NOT happy.

I wear compression socks because of poor circulation. My left leg was itching, so I scratched it with abandon, over the stockings. I was very surprised to see a blister on my leg, followed in two days by another one. The stocking acted as a scouring pad and scoured my leg.

I cover the open sores on my leg with gauze pads, held in place by paper tape. I was not happy as the area covered by this protection grew in size. So far, I haven’t found shin guards.

A friend told me about a treatment with castor oil and a heating pad which has done her leg some good. By now, I was desperate enough to try it. As I write, five days into the treatment, the blisters seem to be healing. The scratches up and down the leg are either healing or gone. Hopefully soon the larger sore will begin to heal again.

I’M KEEPING MYSELF ON THE LIST. Right now, anyway.

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MESSAGES

I love music — all kinds — and plays — especially musicals. Monday morning I was alerted to a live performance in the Loop by Broadway in Chicago which was free. The main attraction was to be a puppet, the horse from War Horse.

Monday was a beautiful day. After too many days in the 90’s, temperature was forecast to be in the low 80’s. My husband and I took advantage of the cooler weather and toured Botanical gardens. The last time I was in the Garden was May — life and the hot summer intervened.  A family of swans traveled the lagoon. One parent in front, the other at the end, with three youngsters in the middle.

I’m sure it comes as no surprise when I mention that I talk to all animals, domestic and wild, including birds, butterflies and fish. I saw a single swan resting on a rock. Every few minutes, he needed to groom himself. I wanted a more dignified picture. I have to admit that I encouraged him to pose for a picture and he did.

Wandering on, I wanted to tour two more gardens. They both showed the effects of a hot summer. A woman shared that the garden looked much better that day, a month ago it was worse. A group of people with cameras caught my attention. I wondered what they were taking pictures of. I soon learned. A red tailed hawk rested on a branch of a tree, enjoying a snack. Did I talk to the hawk? Silly question, of course I did.

That evening, I journeyed downtown for the music. I was amazed at the realism of the horse puppet. Not only did it sound like a real horse, it moved like one. The music was good too.

That was going to be the end of this ramble. Until Friday. In the country, my husband and I wandered to a distant town for breakfast. We made it in time for the breakfast specials, biscuits and gravy for my husband. I don’t really like breakfast food. I chose a catfish fillet sandwich with clam chowder. I think I’ve mentioned that I’m sodium restricted. I knew that my choices were not the best, but thought the cooler temperature might let me fudge a bit. I only ate half of the clam chowder, then asked that it be removed.

My Floridian daughter phoned while I was waiting for my sandwich. When we were in Florida, she helped me watch my sodium intake. When I mentioned my food choice, she remarked that the breading had a lot of salt.  She was right. I had to remove at least half of the crunch. I mentioned her phone call to our waitress,
She said I must be on my daughter’s radar screen.

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TRAVELING WITH ANGELS

I have received “help” from the other side for years. But I was not aware of it. My mother and brother passed over when I was four. I’ll credit my mother as the primary force but I have no real information to back it up. I thought I lead a rather normal life until my father passed over and shared the secret. Looking back, I remember when I was in the country, driving on a lonely back road when my tire went flat. From nowhere, a young man pulled up in a truck and stopped to help. He had no trouble jacking up my car, and getting the tire off and the spare on. Luckily it had air. The young man wouldn’t take any money for his assistance and remarked he was a member of a race crew when I complimented him on his ability to change the tire so quickly.

Another night, driving out to our camper alone in the winter, the road turned to black ice and I lost control of the car, ending up in a ditch. Another man in a truck stopped to help, borrowed a chain from a nearby farm house and pulled me out.

I’m sure other things happened when I was traveling while my father was still alive. These two stick out in my memory. When my father’s memory deteriorated from Alzheimer’s disease, there where many instances when I received help and even became more or less aware of it. Learning sometimes comes slowly.

The past week I attended the wake of my son’s ex-mother-in-law. We live on the North side of Chicago. The wake was at 193rd street and Wolf Road. Far on the south side. I took the expressways to the funeral home but at 2:30, traffic was already a challenge. There was no way I wanted to take the expressways back home.

Since we live on the North side, I’m able to wander with some confidence on streets or expressways depending on the trip. I was lost on the South side. So I asked for help. Luckily there was a person who was knowledgeable and offered advice on an alternate. When I mentioned my planned route home, the husband of the deceased expressed concern for some of the neighborhoods I would be traveling through. “That’s alright,” I remarked. “I travel with angels.” And thankfully, I do. I was amazed at the words that had come out of my mouth. I just don’t always remember. Which is why I’m sharing with you.

At the funeral, I searched for the person and thanked him. It had been a pleasant drive, through the forest preserves, stress free,  — about 2 hours — but it wasn’t bumper to bumper traffic.

Short postscript: I shared this story with my middle daughter. She was concerned that I had received a warning and did not pay attention. In my defense I wish to mention that I’m not extremely brave, I don’t depend on my friends in high places to keep me from harm . I try to use common sense to the best of my abilities and am thankful for their assistance when challenges occur.

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ROSES

So, how do I begin? Good question, no answer. I know I have written about roses before. I have written about the many times that roses have appeared in my life. I’m remembering  the unexplained rose, not the gift that comes in a bouquet from my husband or the beautiful flowers growing in gardens during the summer. Rather, I’m thinking about the unexplained rose —  the fragrance of a rose garden at Queen of Heaven cemetery in 1991.The scent announced the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The rose that appeared on our mailbox in June the year my father passed. I thought it was a fresh rose, picked from a neighbors bush, — nope — a silk rose. Anonymous gift. Then, the white rose that I received at the Renaissance Faire  from Sir Walter Raleigh the week before my husband’s second cancer surgery.

This year, Mother’s Day week shopping in Dixon, Il., I discovered a beautiful long dress on sale that reminded me of a rose. Even though it was a purchase, I’m counting it among the roses. A) There were no other dresses like it. B) It FIT!

A new rose has just been added to the list. Our grandchildren came from Florida for a visit. Many of our family gathered on a hot Saturday at the Renaissance Faire to celebrate its 25th anniversary.  Rain was predicted, as well as hot temperatures but we only had one day available. Another hot, 95 degree day this summer. The Floridians were used to this heat, in fact, they thought it wasn’t hot at all. We thought they were nuts. But I digress.

Clouds gathered, a short misting decreased the temperature and the sun came out again. Thankfully we didn’t have a STORM which has occurred too often this summer.

I heard music, heralding the procession of the queen and her court. The sound called me.  As I stood there, a gentlemen dressed in all his finery, handed me five pink roses. And was quickly gone.

What a lovely surprise! I was reminded of the pink earrings that fell a couple of weeks ago, pink — the color of love. THANK YOU!

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GIFTS

Do you think all gifts come in boxes or are wrapped with beautiful paper and tied with a bow?

Once upon a time, I might have thought that was how gifts were given. I have since learned that those types of gifts are only a very small part of the presents we receive. I have already mentioned the trouble I had printing a chapter from To Pap, With Love. I thought the problem was in the description of the party, it took a long time before I learned that we had received a present — the storm clouds moved on and we had a beautiful day.

Our grandchildren are visiting from Florida. Temperature in the city was forecast to reach 100 degrees — not the time to visit the zoo — air conditioned space was preferred. I have a senior membership at the Field Museum, but that would allow only two adults to enter. We received a gift that day, we had tickets available for Genghis Khan which enabled both of our grandchildren to enter. Our grandson had read about his life and was very interested in seeing the exhibit.

This is not the first time that our membership : aquarium, museum or zoo, has allowed our grandchildren to enter at no additional cost to us. I always say “Thank You!”

Talking about museums, my grandchildren mentioned they would like to visit the Museum of Science and Industry. I DON’T HAVE a membership there. I remembered that the Library has passes available for the various museums. Each time I have tried to borrow one, none has been available. That didn’t stop me from phoning. I learned one was on hand, the Librarian suggested I run over. Temperature at 105, no — running was not an option. I planned to walk until I saw a darkened sky. A short rain shower cooled the temperature for a few minutes. “THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!”

We DO NOT have central air conditioning in our house. It is over a hundred years old and would require too much money to have it installed. We have gradually added a couple of window units, one per floor, to keep the temperature liveable.

Fourth of July, temperature 101, 105 forecast for Thursday. A transformer on our block quit working at 7:00 PM. At 5:30 AM I heard a hum in one of our bedrooms, electric was back on. I said “THANK YOU”!

I was worried about our remaining pug — Lexie is fourteen, deaf and partially blind. The two footed occupants of our house could go to a store, the museum or the mall.  What would we do for Lexie? She would not be able to handle the heat. Thankfully the electric was back on.

Often something happens which alerts us to a bigger problem. Water on the floor, unexplained noise in the car — little things that point to a possible problem if we are alert. Even though they are inconveniences, slivers or blisters at the time, they have saved us from damage. Last year, our car needed ball joints that was discovered during a  routine checkup before a trip. Recently the car needed stabilizer links.  Noise brought the problem to our attention.

Last but not least lets not forget the many people: friends, neighbors, doctors, mechanics, store clerks and complete strangers that are often there when we need them.

Just some of the gifts that are given to us on a regular basis.  Do you notice? Do you say “Thanks!”

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