Random Acts of "Kindness"

Posts tagged ‘weather’

LUNCHEON

We used to see each other every week day. But it has been twenty years since the company we worked for closed. We no longer see each other regularly but we have remained friends. I ‘m the youngest of our group and usually the driver. The years have not been kind to my friends. One has battled cancer and walks with a walker. She recently celebrated her 88th birthday. Her daughter lives with her and her son is near by. She needs oxygen. The other, just two years younger, has Parkinson’s and severe arthritis and has moved into a senior housing complex.

This summer has been extremely busy for me — I’m gone more often than I’m home. Plans were made for the three of us to get together. The day was beautiful — blue skies, warm temperature. I would drive. No problem! Until I reached my friend’s house and saw a wheelchair sitting by the trunk of her car. I learned her ability to walk long distances has decreased and she needed the wheel chair. Her son showed me how to work her portable oxygen tank and how to set up her wheel chair. EXCEPT IT WAS TOO HEAVY FOR ME. I COULD NOT LIFT IT! Thankfully her son put it into the trunk for me. I prayed someone would be available to get it out.

The senior complex was a distance from my friend’s house but after wandering a little bit we found it. Ask and you shall receive — I found someone to get the wheelchair out of the car. Not only did Bill remove the chair from her trunk, he knew how to attach the leg supports and helped my friend out of the car along with her oxygen tank. ( I thanked him for his help and mentioned that he shared the same name as my father.)

SURPRISE — my other friend was in a wheel chair too. We were eating outside in a restaurant on the ground floor. Both of my friends needed to be transported downstairs. And one by one, I pushed. I also learned where the bathroom was and took my older friend twice. Since it is a senior complex, the bathroom was spacious enough for a wheelchair. Maneuvering it and her oxygen tank took a bit of doing but I was up to the challenge. Opening the door to the outside patio was also a challenge but I found people to help.

I was asked if I would take the resident up to her second floor apartment. Her apartment was lovely, very spacious. My older friend enjoyed her cup of coffee while I was gone. The lighter wheelchair was easier to push but it had trouble going over the threshold. When I returned to the ground floor, I learned the heavier wheel chair went over the threshold with no problems. And thankfully, Bill was available to collapse the wheelchair and put it back into the trunk.

Lunch was lovely — the food delicious and the company delightful. And a bonus. Our resident friend is Jewish and the day of our luncheon was the eve of Rosh Hashanah — Happy New year.

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JAPANESE GARDEN

I don’t know where my love of flowers and gardens comes from. My mother’s mother always had a garden with flowers and vegetables. Many of my aunts on my father’s side always had lovely flowers blooming in their yards. I inherited their love of flowers and when I learned of the Japanese Garden in Rockford, Illinois I knew I wanted to go. A short announcement on a television program brought it to my attention. There is something about the sound of falling water mixing with the stones and trees in a Japanese Garden that sets it apart from other types. We planned to go on Thursday until I saw the weather forecast. Just for fun — I was going to wear a kimono type dress that I bought in Oahu.  Thursday’s temperature was forecast to be 94 and humid. We left very early on Tuesday morning, the temperature was already 73 degrees heading for 92. I wore a tank top and shorts. I’ll leave the kimono for another time.

We were at the garden by 10:30. We received a map detailing the various statues and buildings on the site. The garden is divided into two parts — the first is ancient Japan, with bamboo chairs and buildings, the second is modern — metal chairs, umbrellas for shade. Luckily there were many shaded areas and plenty of benches and other resting places. A light breeze was blowing as were made our way around. A few clouds passed by providing more shade. When I looked the garden up on the internet, their website had many lovely pictures of the garden which I thought were taken in May when azaleas were in bloom. I was very happy to see many flowering plants in various places in July. I loved the rocks — I saw a laughing face in one when we started our tour.

We heard the tall waterfall by the tea house before we saw it. I tried to meditate in a shelter near the waterfall but meditation has never been my strong suite.  It is no longer possible to climb to the top bridge by the waterfall because of insurance. Sitting on a rock in the middle of the pond were 8 yellow and brown bundles, little ducklings snuggled together while their mother swam near by. A lovely gift. I wondered if they were meditating.

The map referenced a raccoon husband and wife. Although I looked for statues and rocks I had not seen the pair. While my husband rested, I retraced my steps without any luck. Luckily a workman was nearby who knew where they were hiding — and hiding they were. The wife sculpture was next to a bench, the husband behind the leaves of a tree.

I would liked to have spent more time in the garden but the temperature was already rising. I learned that it is also very pretty in the Fall when the leaves are changing. We will have to go back. Maybe then I will wear my kimono.

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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!

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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.

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HOME AGAIN

Fair warning. I try to keep my rambles around 500 words but this one is a bit longer.

The last time we visited Hawaii , the trade winds were also on vacation and it was very hot. I packed for hot, not cool temperatures. SURPRISE — the trade winds were on vacation, the surf was flat and the sky was cloudy, and the temperature was on the cooler side. But you see, I have friends in high places that take care of me. Saturday, our first night, my camera stopped working. I took the battery out, wiped it off and replaced it. The camera worked but when my husband phoned and I told him about my camera, he strongly suggested I get a new one. I thought we would visit Costco on the rainy Sunday and check out cameras. Lost, wandering the streets via car we found China Town and the Ala Moana Mall. I was told there was a Foodland Grocery store in the Mall and I wanted a couple of items. Huge Mall, many high end, expensive stores. As we were leaving, I noticed a sign that the Sears store was closing — 50% off. An hour later, I had cool weather clothes — a new sweater, long slacks, a terry cloth hooded jacket and a long sleeve shirt — all at an amazing price. Thank You! We found the food store too, it was tiny but I got a couple of things.

Monday, another cooler, rainy day. We headed for the International Market. I won’t bore you with my purchases, let’s just say I’m learning how to bargain. A Post office is located in the Market. I bought stamps and mailed my post cards. Monday evening we chatted with a couple from Canada that drove the whole island in 2 days. They didn’t see any sea turtles on the North Shore, even though they stopped at four beaches but they found a shrimp truck that served delicious food.

Tuesday — sunny skies, we headed for the North Shore, hoping to see turtles. My son pulled into a tiny parking place off of a small beach. When we climbed down to the shore, a sea turtle slowly made his way up from the water. He was expected — two turtle watchers were on guard to make sure he was safe. I learned that Brutus came on shore to rest and warm up. Once he stayed 50 hours. One of the watchers shared stories with us, including how they knew his sex and name. THANK YOU!

While on the North Shore we visited Waimea Valley. Before leaving for Hawaii, I looked at my Hawaiian cookbooks. I decided that I only wanted to buy a new one if it had nutritional information and the recipes were on the lighter side. Even though I looked at the Mall and the Market, I didn’t see any cookbooks. At the store at the Valley I found what I was looking for. Thank You!

A shuttle is available to take visitors up to the water fall which is 3/4 of a mile up the trail but my son wanted to walk. It wasn’t too hot — since my energy had increased a bit, I thought I could walk it too. Right place, right time — as we headed up the trail, a tour just began. Needless to say, we joined the group. The guide told us she was known as the “bird whistler” when I asked if she knew the identity of the bird that was calling. An ancient village was located on the site — she was very knowledgeable about the culture of her people. Sadly, the tour ended at the end of the village and we still had a long way to go. The waterfall was smaller than I expected, the pool of water at the base was 30 feet deep, but we didn’t bring our bathing suits and now it was hot. I took the shuttle back down.

We didn’t find the famous shrimp truck but found another along the highway. On the North Shore I found a real supermarket. I wanted apple cider vinegar. I didn’t bring some from home and my tummy was acting up but I was able to restrain myself and only buy a couple of items. I kept reminding myself of all I had purchased on Sunday and how many days we had left. We got stuck in rush hour traffic on the way back to our hotel. Abandoning the highway, we got lost again and found Costco. Which was extremely crowded, but we also found Quiznos — sandwiches for a late night supper.

I call Wednesday  TEACHERS DAY. I gave the attendant at the small store in our hotel information on compression stockings, since I was wearing mine and he noticed. My son shared computer information with the owner of a store at the International Market whose computer was down.

Thankfully, I was able to go in the hot tub and the pool. My son went for afternoon walks without me and saw sea turtles feeding. Our last day — I went for an afternoon walk with him and saw turtles too. On the walk, my cell phone rang. It was a friend who was inviting my husband for dinner. I have no idea how I got included in their conversation. Neither phoned me.

Traffic was horrible on the drive to the airport. Luckily we had plenty of time but we had to find a gas station. My son turned off onto a side street which also had horrible traffic. He drove through the parking lot of a library and I saw a gas station a short distance away. Hawaii is supposed to have the worst traffic in the Nation. I believe it — our pilot and airplane personnel were late for take off — stuck in traffic.

Did I have “help” on this trip. Let’s see —  Lost — but found  — sale on clothes I needed; meet and greet a turtle; find a cookbook; join a guided tour; enough energy for most of the walks; saw sea turtles feeding; an interesting phone call; on time at the airport; — and I only mentioned the highlights, leaving out all the interesting people we talked to and meals I enjoyed. One last thought — I took over 500 photos, no more problems with my camera. Did I say Thank You?  –DAILY!

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PRESSURES OFF

I’ve tried, and I will continue to try. I’m NOT GIVING UP — but there is no way I’m going to lose the weight before we fly. My BODY LOVES ME just the way I am. Pressures off.

I wanted to increase my energy levels — I’m not at the former level yet but then again, I’m not fifty anymore either. My expectations are high, I have something to strive for. But I’m not upset with the reality.

The forecast promised sunny skies, temperatures in the 60’s. Too nice to stay inside. My husband and I wandered to Morton’s Arboretum.  When we entered the gate, I asked if any places were closed because of the recent rains. I learned that the park had been closed for FOUR days, the underpass was under ELEVEN FEET of water. Many places were still boggy, which meant watching your step when walking off path. Like the Botanic Garden, many daffodils were ladies in waiting, but some of their neighbors were excited to show off.  The difference in access to sunshine was noticeable. I found gentle hills and today my thighs aren’t yelling. I don’t think I’m ready for mountains, but I won’t need a nap after walking a mile or being up for two hours. PROGRESS.

Still preparing, I haven’t packed yet. Still adding stuff to the pile when I think of something. I could make a list and I still might. Watching the piles grow, I’ll have to do some serious cutting. Just how many purses do I need to take? How many pairs of shoes?

Shoes — I’m finally able to wear gym shoes again. PROGRESS! When we were at the Wisconsin Dells, I was unable to walk some of the terrain because of my shoes. I found a pair of new gym shoes that I bought before I had issues with my feet. Not only do they fit, but I’ve walked two miles in them just to break them in. They are definitely going.

We are hoping to go to Turtle Bay on the North shore of Oahu. I tried to do some advance planning on the computer which generated challenges of its own. I learned that the park on the North Shore is now run by the Audubon society. I’m expecting the terrain to be anything but flat. My son is thinking about climbing Diamond Head again. I have made some progress but I don’t think I’m up to the climb and I know my knees wouldn’t do the crawl through the tunnel. I’m realistic — some things aren’t going to change.

“My friends in high places” are excited. I KNOW they are going with us, or will drop in when we are there. I won’t need to be locked out on the patio. I’m sure “they” will have other surprises in mind.

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TURNING THE PAGE

New day, new month — for a short time, warmer weather. A snow storm is predicted for the North, I’m glad we don’t live up there. I’m writing this before we fly, but I will publish it while we are gone. Looking at my schedule, I realized that it wouldn’t hurt to write a few rambles in advance. From experience, I know it will take me a few days, or weeks to catch up. Hopefully not months.

It is hard to pack for 80 degrees when the temperature is 40. I get cold easily, and I don’t want to weigh down the luggage with cold weather gear. God took pity on me and gave us a couple of 80 degree days. It should come as no surprise when I write that I LOVE to be OUTSIDE when it is warm. I must take after my mother. My dad was very content to be INSIDE. In his later years, he walked to church or to the store but he wasn’t a person to go on picnics or to the beach.

Mother’s Day is approaching. I’ve heard that my mother liked pansies. I have been ignoring the opportunity to BUY flowering baskets or other plants. After all, I’m not going to be home — who will water them? I have to admit that I gave in yesterday. My younger grandchildren will be at our house while I am gone. At the store picking up more supplies, I noticed the price of the hanging baskets had been reduced. I’ll admit that they weren’t beautiful, but considering the price, three came home with me — pansies, begonias and geraniums. They tolerate cooler temperatures. Since they weren’t beautiful, I’m taking a chance that they will survive without me. I LIKE hanging baskets — the colors of the flowers greet my eyes when I’m coming and going. I don’t have to get down on my knees to take care of them.

Trips are over so quickly, but a lot of the fun is in the planning. I was at Costco yesterday, processing the film from my camera. By now you know I take A LOT of photo’s. I wanted the camera to be ready for Hawaii. Imagine my surprise when photo’s I had deleted from Botanical Garden were still on the camera. The memory card said that it contained NO PICTURES.  IT LIED. I deleted the pictures again, placed the card in the machine and surprise — all 580 were still there. This would never do. Repeating the sequence a few more times with the same results, I was frustrated! The person working in photo’s called for someone to help me. Thankfully, he knew how to reformat the card. My plans for today have changed. I PLANNED to stay home, get ready for the trip. INSTEAD I’m going out with my camera to play — we have another beautiful day,  flowers are in bloom, so are some of the trees. I’m sure I will have a few opportunities to take a couple of photos. I want to make sure that my camera is ready for the trip too!

I looked over my CD’s, writing down the names of the ones I have. I refreshed my memory as to the Hawaiian cookbooks I have. I thought I had two, SURPRISE, another was hiding next to them on the shelf. I’ve already found a new recipe to try when I come home. Maybe this time I won’t come home with a new book but I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities to shop. And I’m sure I will have PLENTY OF “HELP.”

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WANDERING AT THE ZOO

It was a beautiful day — sunny, blue skies, warmer temperatures, but cooler near the Lake. Perfect day to wander. Both my husband and I had been having issues with our camera. His camera didn’t want to zoom. Mine didn’t want to delete its pictures.

We had already visited Brookfield zoo, but Lincoln Park is much smaller. Not as much walking, or so I thought. When we arrived home, my pedometer had registered more steps than our Brookfield wandering.

Outside the zoo proper is the Alfred Caldwell Lilly Pond, a Japanese style water garden complete with  a rocky edged pond and a Japanese style tea house. It was built many years ago, fell into disrepair  and thankfully recently restored. The path isn’t smooth, limestone rocks were used to allow bubbling streams of water to cascade from the hill top and ledges were created in the hill. It holds many memories for me — my two cousins and I visited many times in our youth. We tried to catch fish using sticks and string — NO BAIT — I  guess that’s why we didn’t catch anything. Thinking back, we might have tried pieces of bread. I have taken my own grandchildren there.

The gate to the area was open when we approached.  At the top of a rocky shelf, a young girl had a hula hoop and was exercising to music on her radio. A female goose had decided to take a nap on the path. I disturbed her slumber, suggesting she move to a more comfortable area. She didn’t agree, tucking her head back into her wing, resuming her nap.

I miss the elephants. Neither of our zoos have them any more. They are social animals and take too much room for the small zoo. Brookfield moved theirs to another zoo when their older one died soon after its birthday. Plans were made to expand the elephant habitat, but the falling economy interfered.

A polar bear is swimming in his pool. I didn’t read the information so I don’t know if there is only one. That is another spot that I always visit. This one has a big red ball that he likes to push up into the air. Trying to catch that exercise on camera was interesting. I was not successful but luckily my husband was. I like to see the places we wander to through my husbands eyes.

As we wandered past the African wild dogs, we heard the song Kumbya — guitar and voice coming from a woman sitting on the ground. I thought her choice of song was most appropriate for our approach.

We stopped to visit the gorilla house. The gorillas were taking a nap — the chimpanzees, after enjoying their outside habitat, seven played follow the leader, descending to their private space below.

As we left the zoo, we passed the African Wild dogs again. They were still sleeping but a couple of zoo rangers were standing there to answer questions. One of the young ladies shared information about the zoos interaction with Zimbabwe, in Africa. Personnel from the organization to which the zoo belongs are inoculating the wild dogs and the domestic dogs against rabies. This has allowed not only the people to be healthier, but also the African Wild dogs and the lions.  I was glad that we stopped to chat.

Walking down the path next to the North Pond, I saw a bench and sat down to give my feet a much needed break. My husband was watching fishing casting lessons on the pier. I noticed a small white dog’s head on the path below my perch. When my husband walked by, I got up to join him. I was surprised, the small white dog wasn’t small at all, he was large. Part poodle, part golden retriever, he always lays down to keep from scaring the smaller dogs.

Many people don’t recognize the personalities that birds and animals have. I have learned that they all provide interest to my life if I take the time to notice.

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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.

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GROUSING AND GRUMBLING

My weight is up — I have added exercise and two 10 minute walks to my day — the second walk after dinner.  I’m not expecting miracles but it would be nice if my weight remained constant, not increasing. My diet HAS NOT increased. I have not been enjoying candy, ice cream and soda. Just a little grousing  — and  so I met the morning.

Continuing on with my grumbling — I mentioned that if I was going to write a thought ramble this morning — I needed some inspiration. My “friends in high places” are often ready to help — often hidden.

Song Of Songs 8:4 — “do not arouse, do not stir up love, before its time.” Words from my daily calendar: “Thinkers do not accept the inevitable, they turn their efforts toward changing it.” Further encouragement — “Be real. Express yourself.”

Okay — I’m stubborn, I have not given up! Yesterday I was so tired I fell asleep watching Idol. I will continue to exercise, eat healthy and try to increase my energy.

The weather in Chicago this week has been rainy, cooler temperature, gray skies, damp. My body parts are reacting to the conditions. But the weather hasn’t stopped me. Grabbing my umbrella, I walked to the post office yesterday. I have been pestered to meditate. But the meditation — sitting quietly, closed eyes has not brought forth anything. Walking, on the other hand, I received an idea that solved my supper dilemma. Often I have received ideas while I’m outside — walking.

My daughter phoned from Florida before we left for China Town where I planned to renew our supply of tea. When she mentioned a pain in her elbow, I told her about a ointment that I use from there. Although the father at the herbal store speaks some English, his son is fluent in English. I was happy to see the son when I arrived. Not only did I get the ointment, he also provided bubble wrap and a box for shipping.

Supposedly Spring is here which means the camping season is beginning and a trip to Hawaii is on the horizon. I have begun to prepare for both. Summer clothes found — the first bin held my long dresses.

Buying food for the camper — yesterday at Whole Foods, I bought the LAST bottle of a herb that I take. Prescriptions have been renewed.

Returning home, a car pulling out of a parking space noticed I was driving past and stopped. Collision avoided — I hadn’t noticed the lights on the other car.

Walking down the steps, my foot slipped, but the I regained my balance before I fell.

Hidden — “My friends” often “help.” I don’t always notice.

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