Random Acts of "Kindness"

Posts tagged ‘dogs’

BOTANICAL GARDEN FALL 23

Even though I have a membership, I had only visited the GARDEN one time this year, blooming of the crab apple trees. Easy to explain since I’ve spent many weeks in the country. The weather forecast was for sunny skies, warmer than usual. I decided that it would be good for me to go. Since I have come home, I’ve tried to reclaim our home. I’ve made some progress but more needs to be done. And I decided it could wait.

I planned to leave at 10, after the rush hour traffic. Robin hadn’t eaten her dinner on Monday and she was pesty. I decided to feed her before I left. She was HUNGRY. She ate almost all of it without any fussing. Traffic was still heavy. I knew that the forecast of 80 degree weather would bring crowds to the GARDEN and I was right. Thankfully I now have a handicapped placard that would allow me to park closer if I found a spot. THANKFULLY I DID.

I thought I had planned for the day. I had; I wore a hat that had a string to keep it from blowing off my head. I had a case with my membership card and a credit card so I could get food. I had a bottle of water and a couple of cough drops. I had a vest that I could carry everything in and not take my purse. I had my cane. I DID NOT HAVE FOOD OR PAIN PILLS.

Thankfully my knees were behaving but I decided to sit down every 30 minutes and rest for at least 10. ENJOY THE DAY. I thought I would visit the Old English Garden and the Japanese Garden. I only took a half bottle of water, planning to refill it. It would be lighter. I have to admit that I sat down more than I used to. And of course, when I sat down, I would drink my water.

I reached the rose garden when I decided to refill my bottle. Roses were still blooming. The fountains had already been turned off. One was filled with mums. The great lawn was empty of flowering plants. The GARDEN was preparing for Winter Lights and cold weather. The Bonsa was packed and the greenhouses were closed. An 80 degree day at the end of October had not been expected.

As I walked over to fill my water bottle, I saw a beautiful tree in its Fall colors that called my name. It was in a part of the GARDEN that I hadn’t visited in a few years. I always ended my visit by going down the wilderness path but since my knees have been acting up, I haven’t gone there. TODAY WAS THE DAY!

Over the years, I have sat down on the benches near the path, admiring the crab apple trees. Today I was able to direct two gentlemen to the bells. I was sitting by the path they should take to get to the bridge. One of the gentlemen mentioned he was suffering from neuropathy, and I mentioned Terry’s Naturally Herbal Feet and Nerves that has been of such benefit to me. I was tempted to walk the path, all the way to the end but I noticed the time. Leaving late, sitting and enjoying the day, the time sped by. I DID NOT WANT TO BE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I walked a short way, took a few photos and remembered the many times I have enjoyed the path with my husband and daughter. GOOD MEMORIES

I didn’t have a map with me, but I thought I could return a different way. Thankfully the GARDEN has many benches for sitting and I wandered toward the exit. I was surprised to see crocus in bloom. They are a spring flower but there they were. Since I have spent so many years wandering the GARDEN, I didn’t have much trouble. I would have LOVED to stop and get something to eat but I didn’t want to get stuck in traffic. IT WAS A LOVELY DAY! I paid attention to the traffic and headed for the streets before it jammed up. I stopped for hot dog buns for dinner. I wanted to EAT, NOT COOK.

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CLOSING TRAILER 2023

I thought I had learned a lesson last year when I hoped to leave before noon and ended staying until three. I realized last year that I didn’t have the energy I used to have, and things took longer. This year I made a plan. I thought I had things under control. I WAS WRONG!

My son came out over the weekend and easily did all the things that were on my list for him. He loaded up his car with the bags I had packed. I decided that instead of leaving on Monday, I would wait until Tuesday. Take advantage of the beautiful weather one more day and drive home without needing to wear my coat. I neglected to inform the person who was going to winterize my trailer that I was staying another day.

I took Robin with me to the lauder mat to wash clothes. Since I had bags everywhere, she knew something was up. I didn’t want here to think that I had left without her. While we were gone, my trailer was winterized. WATER SHUT OFF. I thought something was different when we returned. I didn’t remember closing the curtain on the door. I was right. A note told me that the trailer was winterized. My oil furnace was unplugged. The trailer furnace was shut off.

Thankfully I didn’t have many dishes to wash. A friend suggested we go out to eat and I had agreed. I had been without running water many times over the years. I knew how to deal with it. I just had the food to pack — freezer and frig. Batteries to take out, things to turn off, or unplug. I had my list.

I hadn’t planned on my knees yelling and my back doing the same. I had to rest more than I planned. Even though I had the vacuuming done, I still had to defrost the frig. It had frozen again after I defrosted it. No problem if I had hot water. Microwave gave me a cup of hot water. I DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH WATER IN THE TRAILER TO FLUSH THE TOILET. I had to get a pail of water from the outside pump. EASY WHEN I WAS YOUNG. NOT SO EASY NOW. BUT I DID IT. I had antifreeze available to pour into the toilet once it flushed.

FINALLY got the bags loaded into the car. It was already after two. I needed gas for the car and decided that I would get gas on property. It was a shorter walk. I could toss out the remaining bag of garbage on the way. When I was getting gas, I remembered that I hadn’t unplugged the microwave. The gas station is close to our trailer, driving back wasn’t a problem. THE TIME ON THE MICROWAVE WAS 3:00. OOPS! I HAD NOT UNPLUGGED THE MICROWAVE. Thankfully I remembered. One year the microwave had run FOREVER. I did not want that to happen again.

Finally leaving at 3:30. I would be home during rush hour. I changed my plan — once in the city, I would take the streets. Rewarded — driving on a street close to home I totally enjoyed the Halloween decorations — skeletons, dragons — OH MY! I wished I could take some photos.

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DUET

Early Friday morning, the Tornado Alert woke me at 1:45 AM. Storm coming — 2:15 the alarm sounded again, Severe Storm. My rain gauge measured 1 1/2″. The temperature continued to climb. HOTEST DAY OF THE YEAR predicted. Heat warnings — remember to stay hydrated, stay out of the sun, and wear loose clothes. I planned to go to water exercise, but I was moving too slowly.

I turned the air conditioner on. I stayed inside once the temperature reached 80. I had a book to read, I still had black bean salad. I DID NOT NEED TO COOK. I don’t know how high the temperature went but STRONG STORMS were predicted.

My granddaughter was attending a Bible camp to the North. My son-in-law and grandson were driving up from the South. I was concerned and said a prayer for their safety.

Earlier in the morning, when I was sitting on the deck, I noticed two of the baby robins had fledged. One remained in the nest. Early in the afternoon I watched the last baby robin hopping on the deck. It hid from my dog behind a bin. My Robin was very interested. Early in the evening it had flown.

Our television reception was very dicey, but Friday night Channel 6 came in clearly. They preempted regular programing to report on the approaching storm. IT DID NOT LOOK GOOD. The possibility of a tornado was forming. Hail and winds of 100 MPH reported, coming from the North. I was concerned for my granddaughter. When I’m stressed, I PRAY. I DID!

The storm came through about 10:00 PM. Winds blowing, crashing of stuff. My son-in-law was just arriving. He was driving through the small town when the wind pushed his truck. I was happy they arrived, were safe and I was inside. The electric went off but before it did, my TV channel changed to 56.1 LAKEVIEW PBS. The channel I watch at HOME. Electric came back on, but tv coverage was affected. I turned the tv off and the air conditioner, but I left the fan on.

Robin woke me at 2:00 AM. It was quiet outside, the storm had passed. My green plastic chair had been blown across the deck. Plants were knocked down. Since the robin’s had fledged, I could turn on the porch light. And I did, straightening up. The solar lights in the Garden were on.

Saturday morning, I noticed more damage from the storm. TWO TREES WERE DOWN. The maple we had planted in 2015 after the tornado had taken out nine trees, And the ornamental pear we had planted for my husband. SAD!

One inch of rain was measured in the rain gauge. I called Above Ground for help removing the trees. They came that morning. They removed both trees and pulled out the stump from the pear leaving a deep hole. I called another person for help filling the hole. Not expecting him to come over on Saturday, I used curtain rods to mark the hole so no one would fall in.

Still early, still cool, Steve came by with four bags of dirt. He pulled a mess of weeds between the stairs and the trailer. He found a small oak tree growing there which he transplanted to the new dirt filled hole. Curtain rods provided support. The new baby helped the sadness. My grandson removed another robin’s nest.

News reported two tornados in the storm. Our campground had 14 locations with blocked roadways, 164 lots with downed trees. July ended with a bang. I’m tired of planting trees to have storms take them out. The baby oak is an exception. It has the leaf that has withstood oak wilt. I will enjoy watching it grow. I plan to plant tall grass and a couple of bushes.

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DISCOVERY

We have had smoke in the air from the fires in Canada. I haven’t noticed a problem breathing but I wondered if the smoke wasn’t affecting my body. My knees and fingers are experiencing problems. I wondered if the poor air quality is causing the issues.

Monday, I did not feel well. I made chicken noodle soup on Friday, more noodles spilled into the soup than I planned. I froze three pkgs and put the remainder in the frig. After I finished the soup in the frig, I raided the freezer.

Sitting outside, taking it easy, I watched 5 bunnies run in a line past me. A butterfly hovered around my head. It stayed long enough for me to talk to it. The hummingbirds visited the feeder and the petunias many times. In the evening the bunnies were back, running in a straight line. I watched a group of deer cross the road, headed to the corn field. It was an unusual day. The air quality seemed better.

Tuesday, I had energy. I was determined to do something. I pulled out the step stool and investigated a corner cabinet. I’m shrinking and so are my arms. The top shelf had something hidden in the back. I couldn’t reach it. Thankfully a fly swatter was on the sink. I used it to retrieve a large 2 qtr. plastic pitcher with a smaller one inside. I was going to leave it on the shelf where I could reach it. But then I realized I wouldn’t be able to get it down without a stool.

Since I had the stool, I cleaned off the top of the refrigerator. It had not been touched since my husband passed. It was LOADED with MICE droppings. Also loaded with cardboard tubes used to keep the frig doors open during the winter. I found a bunch of notes written many years ago. I DID NOT LOOK AT THEM. Bunching the mess up, I dropped it into the sink to be dealt with later. I was able to reach disinfectant kept in the sink cabinet. After putting stuff back, I continued with the small shelf in the corner cabinet. I found plastic storage bins with no tops. I planned to recycle them but plans hanged when with the help of the fly swatter I FOUND THE TOPS. Since I like to cook, they would be helpful in storing leftovers. I seldom make a one serving meal.

I decided I had done enough work for the day. Gathering up the trash, I threw it into a bag. I didn’t tie the bag because I had more stuff outside that I wanted to add to it. Tossing the bag down the stairs, a piece of paper escaped. It was a lovely note from Tom telling me he had gone fishing. Before dropping off the garbage bag, I searched for more notes. Most of them detailed life, shopping, church, etc. I found one in which Tom was taking our Lab, Mabel, to the lake.

I THINK TOM WANTED THE NOTES FOUND. THAT IS WHY ONE ESCAPED.

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CELEBRATING ANOTHER YEAR

I wish I remembered the year I started writing these thought rambles. I think it was in May that I was enticed to write. My youngest daughter told me about Word Press and that it was free. The name I picked for the blog was open. The name was accepted and ready or not I began. Now if you have read many of my thought rambles, you can understand that I really don’t think it was my decision. I was led to share the happenings of my life with others. My life becomes more interesting than I want it to when I haven’t written.

I realize that I’m extremely fortunate to have “help” from the other side. We all have a purpose in our life and evidently mine is to share that there is existence after death. I can’t comment on it further because I have no personal knowledge of the other side. I’m very happy to know of its existence and have the “help” of my team.

I don’t know the makeup of my team. Just guessing I would say that it is made up of my mother and brother who have probably been involved in my life since their passing. Joined 25 years ago by my father and recently by my husband. My mother and brother kept their involvement quiet. I didn’t really know that I was receiving “help” from the other side until my father got Alzheimer’s disease. Looking back at that time I was able to detect “help.” Thankfully my father let me know when he passed that he was fine. My father has helped me with many aspects of my life including writing. My husband has improved on this. He “helps” me with my phone and the television. Since my father didn’t mess with those things I know when my husband is around. And I am EXTREMEMLY happy with his involvement EXCEPT when I’m prevented from doing something I want to do.

I was also given the gift of seeing a deceased dog run through our house the night she was put down. I don’t know if she is on my team but I know that there are a few paws that are. After one of our dogs passed, many dogs that I didn’t know that I was their best friend. I have to credit Cuyler for that.

I’m also sure that friends and relatives of mine “help” out from time to time. I might actually be asking for their “help” when I have a project that isn’t going well.

My sharing my experiences before was possibly helpful. I’m hoping that because of the deaths caused by Covid 19, my thought rambles might help more who were unable to be by their loved ones side when they passed.

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CORONA 19 BREAK

Our daughter had reservations to go to Mexico for Spring Break. The big question: Should they Go? They decided that the area where they were going was free from the virus. They had their plane reservations. I understood their concern, their questions. I do what I always do — I bombarded heaven with prayers for a safe trip and return.

I was extremely happy that I had stocked up on fresh food when I went to the store last week. I’m no longer young — I’m at an age when the virus is more dangerous. When I replaced my driver’s license, I stopped at the Senior Center to tell them I would be skipping art for the next two weeks because of the dogs. While I was there, I learned that the Center would be closed because of the virus. That night a friend phoned to tell me their assisted living dwelling was on lock down.

Crowds gathered to celebrate St. Patrick’s day at the bars. Our mayor announced all bars and restaurants would be closed. Food could be order for take out and delivered. Both zoos in our area closed. Our state held its primary election on Tuesday but thankfully I voted early. The Botanic Garden announced they would be closed until April 30. Woodhaven was open — but there was no way I was going out with three dogs and an open yard. Department stores were the next to announce closing. I listened to the news — concerned that my family would be able to leave Mexico and return home.

Wednesday I phoned to see if our neighborhood Chinese restaurant was open. I was VERY HAPPY to learn I could place an order. Since we live close by, my son went to pick it up.

Woodhaven announced that it was closing all comfort stations. Gas could be pumped using a credit card for payment. Access to the store was restricted. Main gate was open and security would continue to patrol the grounds.

The best thing that happened that week was the birth of my great grand son on Friday. The second best thing was I learned that my daughter’s family was in LA. They would be flying home on Saturday. They planned to stay overnight to celebrate my grandson’s birthday. They didn’t know that they would be sequestered in their rooms.

All churches are closed. Our Cardinal celebrated mass at the cathedral. “We are like the blind man. Can’t see what is coming. Have to trust in God.”

Luna and Tessa were MISSED. My daughter planned to drive to Chicago with her kids to get them. She didn’t want me to take a chance on the drive. They stayed by the garage and I stayed on the porch. Their dogs had been enjoying our bed. I didn’t have the heart to make them get off. As a parting gift, on Monday, I WOKE to be pinned by a black Lab washing my face. Laying straddled over my body.

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ANGEL TREE

It is the middle of February and our Christmas tree is still taking center stage. Well — not exactly our Christmas tree. Most of the lights and ornaments were retired at the end of January. I planned to take the whole tree down. But just as it often happens to my plans, things changed.

First I went shopping and met a woman who has kept her Christmas tree up, decorated for 10 years since her husband passed. First — she LOVES her tree. Second — she LOVES the ornaments that are on the tree. Third — her tree is twelve feet tall, and old and she is afraid that if they take it down they will NEVER be able to get it back up again.

I shared the idea with my children. THEY WERE NOT IMPRESSED! But one of my daughters suggested I make it into a Valentine tree. Of course, she was only joking. BUT the longer I thought about the idea, the more I thought about turning the tree into an angel tree. My husband’s birthday is in February. The anniversary of my father’s passing is an February AND my father’s birthday is also in February.

Over the years I have been given many angels. Soon after I wrote TO PAP WITH LOVE, I had a dream in which I was a pilot on a Blue Angel plane. I didn’t tell any of my children about the dream but that Christmas I received three sets of angels. One set of three are about 4″ angels playing a long flute. The second set of three look like icicles playing instruments. The third set is angel wings.

When I was young I bought a small set of six angels playing instruments. The year after I received the three sets of angels there is what I refer to as an angel skirmish. When I placed an angel on the tree they fell off. Over and over again. I’ve was NOT HONORING my older angels. Placing the new ones on first. I’ve learned my lesson, THAT NO LONGER HAPPENS.

Over the years I have added to my angel collection — four dogs and one cat. I have not gone back in time to add angels for all of our pets that have passed. At times I have added an angel to remember a friend that passed. I bought a motorcycle for my husband this year.

I won’t bore you with a list of all the angels that are on our tree. I don’t know if I found them all but I just counted 16 more. We added red and white miniature lights. Seven red roses are spaced in various places.

A friend suggested I do a tree with masks for the celebration in New Orleans. Leprechauns for St Patrick’s day. Eggs for Easter. Firecrackers and flags for Independence day. All great ideas but I think the tree will come down after my father’s birthday.

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BEFUDDLED AGAIN

I admitted that I finally realized that I walk to a different drummer. Over the last 25 years, since my father passed, I learned that I have crossed a bridge — I DON’T WANT TO GO BACK. Remembering when I was young, I wanted to be normal. The scars from the fire were very prominent and I had a hard time making friends. I don’t know if I ever was normal, I know I’m not now. AND I’M EXTREMEMLY GRATEFUL.

Over the last 25 years, I have received “help” from “my friends in high places.” I have become better at acknowledging their “help.” The second book I wrote JOURNEY WITH ME contains 29 stories of the lessons I’d learned. I have been writing this blog for over 5 years. Well over 400 thought rambles, each describing a “new” experience.

Why am I going on and on about this? Good question. This time I have an answer. January 6, Epiphany,
“Little Christmas” I planned to meet my youngest daughter at the airport to transfer her dogs who had kept us company for a week. I phoned the airline, actually spoke to a person because the computer could not find the flight. Disconnecting from the call, I checked to make sure the cell phone had kept the phone number. A message crossed the screen: “Jesus calling. I am Your Lord! Trust me. ” There were a few more words to finish the sentence but they disappeared quickly and I COULD NOT FIND THEM AGAIN. “AMAZED. BEWILDERED. DUMBFOUNDED.” There are no words to express my feelings. HOW? WHY? WHAT?

To say that it made an impression on me is an understatement. Since my husband joined my team at the end of October, my life has become even more interesting. Evidently he learned that I REALLY need “their help.” And he is up to the job. As much as I’m trying to be strong, I’m floundering.

Yesterday, I discovered a black and white cutout of a picture of my husband and our dog resting on his chest, on top of a purse. ?? Where did it come from? I was happy to find it.

Today from a stack of CD’s, I randomly picked “Alone In IZ World.” Brought back good memories. My first trip to Hawaii and Kawai was with my husband. We went to Pearl Harbor. His oldest brother was on one of the ships, thankfully surviving the attack. At 4:00 AM a rooster woke me to greet the sun. My husband got sea sick sitting in a restaurant watching the waves. I discovered IZ’s world. His songs have greeted me each time I have returned to Hawaii. The album contains “Over The Rainbow.” It also contains “In this Life I was Loved By you.” Popcorn tears! The album ends with IZ’s reflection on how important oxygen is to life and his embarrassment in connection to the tank.

THANK YOU!

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LITTLE BY LITTLE

Celebrating the first holidays without the man of the house has been difficult. I will acknowledge that I am extremely LUCKY. I know I have “friends in high places” that “help” me with my life. I also know that my husband has joined the team. He “helped” me with my Christmas shopping. The present I found for my son was right on target. My son was VERY HAPPY when he saw the charger that works not only with electronic equipment, it also starts a car.

Before Christmas I traveled to our daughter’s house in Central Illinois. I took Robin with me. She cried when we stopped at the first rest stop. It was finally open after being closed for over a year for remodeling. I don’t know if she was tired of riding in the car, really had to go or hoping we would find “her man.” I stopped in to use the facilities and talked to the woman in charge. She had a major problem and I didn’t know how to help her. Her sister had lived with her for many years and recently passed. She had a blood clot in her lungs and was on a high rate of oxygen. She died without a will, insurance or having added her sister to her bank account. Her sister was responsible for paying the bills without the resources to do so. I suggested she try to get help from the minister at her church or the elected officials in her town. I was EXTREMELY glad that I wasn’t in her shoes.

As is my practice I stopped at Wal-Mart . While I was waiting in line to pay for my purchases, a veteran wearing a Desert Storm hat got behind me. As is also my practice — I started talking to him — I thanked him for his service and must have mentioned that my husband had recently passed over. He shared that he lost his wife eight years ago. “You know she is with you”, I replied. “Yes”, he replied. “She turns off the television regularly on me”. I really hoped “my team” hadn’t overheard that. When we returned home, I was watching the public station in Indiana. John Legend was soon talking on the program (??) Without my help the television changed to a regular channel, a program awarding individuals for their world wide service. I told the story to a friend of mine and she replied “You know who was ALWAYS changing the channels for you.” And she was right. My husband often watched more than one program at a time. “Thanks, honey.”

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RECOGNIZING SPIRIT

RECOGNIZING SPIRIT

Loss is a hard feeling to deal with. Especially when the person who has crossed over is very close to your heart. I am EXTREMEMLY LUCKY. When my father passed over more than twenty years ago, he sent me a message that he remembered me. I was alert enough at that time to recognize it. And that has made all the difference. Now I’ll admit that my mother has probably been active in my life for many years. But she was skilled in her activities. My father is skilled too, BUT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO HIM THAT HE LET ME KNOW HE WAS FINE.

I wrote once that I’ve crossed a bridge. Over the years I have received many lessons from my “spirit team.” I have detailed many of those experiences in my book JOURNEY WITH ME. In fact I was reminded of the book recently when I sent an e-mail to my family, giving them homework — to read a chapter a day or a week –to remind them how spirit interacts with our lives. Their grief was very visible.

Thankfully my husband also sent me a message after he passed. Thankfully he is often with me at home and when I am out and about. I recently crossed paths with a gentleman who is 102. He was shopping at the store, not using a cane or a motorized cart. He wants to live to be 105. That same day I met a woman who is taking care of her handicapped husband. They watched a movie together and he laughed. He thanked her. He was glad that he could still laugh. We talked for a short while. During the conversation she told me she saw her deceased father sitting in the back of a car. I saw the spirit of a dog who had recently passed run through our house but I don’t normally see things. I don’t “see” things when I meditate either. My daughter confirmed that I’m not visual.

I like to have presents under the tree for my family for Christmas. They don’t need to be large or expensive, just a little surprise. I wanted a present for our son. Nothing called his name when I was looking for a gift. He had already announced that neither of us needed anything. And he is right! That doesn’t solve my problem! Until my husband went shopping with me and I found the perfect present. It would have been perfect for my husband if he was still alive. Hopefully it will be perfect for my son.

When my husband was alive, shopping was NOT his favorite activity. Especially when I wanted to visit many stores. I don’t know if his feeling for shopping has changed but I love RECOGNIZING HIS HELP.

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