We all have choices, even when we don't recognize them, and  those choices have consequences, not just for ourselves, but for others. We must assume responsibility for those consequences.
- Sheridan, B5:"Rising Star"

   When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means  the most to us, we often find that it is the one who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, has chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.
Henri Nouwen

   
New to the Game

I tried out watching football –
I was ensconsed in a chair for hours.
Even ignored dinner call,
When the team went into the showers.

Hell, I just couldn't believe my eyes –
Some gal walked right in to interview.
Well, you can just imagine my surprise –
Didn't seem to daunt the TV crew.

She barged right in and shoved her mike
Into some big naked guy's face.
Poor guy stood there kind of shy-like,
Hands covering that sensitive place.

The team milled around like she wasn't there –
Now isn't that the dangedest thing?
Two dozen men standing ballicky bare,
And her wearing a wedding ring.

Soon, the old coach had had enough,
And he told the reporter to go.
The brazen woman called his bluff,
By simply telling the old coach, "No!"

Equal rights were hers she said –
She had the same privileges as men.
Well, the coach was seeing red,
Shouting, "I'm not telling you again!"

"But, coach," she pled, "can't you even see
That this attitude isn't fair?
I've earned my journalism degree.
How about if I, too, go bare?"

And, with that, she began to undress
Right there in front of the team.
How far she got I can only guess,
For then I woke from the dream.

RJM (from old SN)

Good morning everyone, it did rain yesterday and still raining this morning. Welcome MAY with more rain. It is a warm  52 now.Still saying on local weather it will be close to 70 over the weekend.

JANE  sorry you could not make it to your Chiropractor yesterday. Glad you and Cathy turned around and went home. No doctors are open around here except for emergencies. Hope you slept as good as I did last night. I think I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

TOMEREADER  I have a hard time making up my double bed. Last time I did it alone took me all afternoon, had to keep sitting down to rest. Now I help my CNA do it, easier for both of us, no walking around back and forth.

SHIRLEY  like you I am so tired of hearing about the virus. That is about all that is on the news these days. Nothing else happening in this country or the  world.

BUBBLE  thank you for tne new May page. Love the Mother's love. so true. Great graphics and smart "words of wisdom" but New to the Game  had me laughing at the end. Thank you.

Have a good day everyone and stay safe and dry with all this rain.

 Gloria glad you have a good C N A to help you And she dose. she is a true friend. lucky you. we all need good friend's. i do not remember who is older you or me, no mater because we are too far apart to be psychical help to each other.
so all i can do is pray that she is close when you need her help and she or some one  at least is with in shouting distance when you need the help. I am 82 years young as they say last august twenty seventh, and I do not have the get up and go i used to have. but ever now and then like yesterday, i went to shop and started taking the old engine off the lawn mower. one bolt is not co operating and too much oil and gas close to use torch. i do not need another burn.my skin is thin enough now from the last one. well after day light I am going back and hope I have better luck today than i did yesterday. have a good day everyone.

Lloyd

Good morning everyone...
Cloudy this morning..we had rain most of the day yesterday. Taking garbage to the dump this morning, then pick a few groceries for my friend. Then home to sew.

Made 9 doz peanut butter cookies and put some along with cold milk in the hidey hole.

Bubble ,thank you for the new start page.. words of wisdom are priceless and I also chuckled at New To The Game.

Gloria, I think everyone is getting tired of hearing nothing but Covid-19. Makes me wonder what other news they are trying to hide.

Lloyd, put some Liquid Wrench on the bolt and let it set for a bit.

Jane, better home safe and sound than to be caught out in a flood. So far no road closures here .

Callie, hope everything is alright your way.

Better get moving..

Enjoy your day everyone.
 

Good Morning Everyfriend!  The rain has stopped and it's 52º and cloudy out right now.  It's supposed to make it to the mid 60s today and I can take that!

Right now, I have to go see to Mickie's needs.  The boinger has gone off and she's ready for breakfast and then a walk. 

I loved the offerings this morning, too, BUBBLE and I, too giggled at the football story!  I almost forgot May brings Mother's Day!

I better get off my chair and get moving!  Things to do today.  But to paraphrase PHYLLIS, they'll get done...or they won't! 

Enjoy your day Everyfriend!

Cloudy but no rain.  We had enough yesterday, I think.

I did do a LITTLE vacuuming and managed to make a couple of those annoying spiders disappear.  Where DO they come from?  Like you, Gloria, and the rest of you who mentioned it, it doesn't take much to wear me out and, besides vacuuming, making the bed is one of them.  David puts the bottom sheet on for me because I just can't manage shoving the mattress around but I do the remaining covers by just walking back and forth with a lot of resting in between.

I must make a grocery list and pick a time to go pick them up so I'll just say....

Make it a good day, Everyone.

AMY thanks but I did already done that. Just got back from shopping and got a new throttle cable for the mower. going to eat noon meal and go to shop without taking a nap.  I think i can get a pair of vice gripes on the head of the bolt and get it out. I still have a little patience left. and I appreciate the advice. have a good rest of the day.

Lloyd

back with another bit of info. Nancy favorite collier is purple or Lavender. we have lot of then growing around the house and shop yards. she has a vace full on the dining room table with a couple yellows in that bouquet. as we came home she said look at those beautiful iris's over by the shop. you can get some of them . I told her you already have a nice bunch on the dining room table. she said I know but bigger would be better,
I cant win for loosing.

Lloyd

It's been a pleasantly busy week for me.
On Monday, I did a few necessary domestic duties and arranged appointments for next week - one of which is a hair cut! 
.
On Tuesday, #1 son came over and trimmed the shrubs in the back yard. We had a nice visit afterwards. The knockout roses are beginning to pop out and the hostas are getting huge.

On Wednesday, Miss Ellen came to vacuum (no housecleaner for the past month)We visited for almost 3 hours after she was done.
 She said three of her friends who were performing on cruise ships are stuck on board.  The ships are anchored in the Bahamas but they're not allowed to dock.  She said they could dock in the USA long enough to allow passengers to leave but crew members had to stay. Other countries are managing to get their crew members home but Americans had not been allowed to leave.

Yesterday was such a lovely day that I spent a long time reading on the patio.

This morning, a neighbor and I sat in our driveways and watched a fly-over by several planes from a state Airbase.  Their route was north to south over OKC hospitals - honoring the medical workers.  None of them came directly over us but we were able to follow them for quite a distance. There were four huge cargo planes and a group of 5 jets in formation.

Now the monthly bills are whispering,  "Turn around, Callie, and Get Busy."  Oh well,  if I must...   

Wishing Everyfriend Everywhere an Enjoyable Day.

X

I know I was here several times today & thought I left a post (the mind is going). Nobody left a basket with flower like a long ago neighbor. I would take them an Easter basket with colored hard boiled eggs & candy & he would return the basket on May Day with a big blossom from the snow ball bush. He would hang it on the door, ring the bell & rush off. Was fun doing things for each other in those days.

Bubble, thank you for the graphics & funnies.... don't know if we would exist without your taking care of us. You always have such gorgeous graphics and don't know where you come up the the funnies, but you are good & worth every penny you get paid!  Seriously, you are needed and appreciated!   

It was in the 80s today, still at 86 & feels almost sticky hot. Time to start whining about summer.   

Callie, I have columbine blooming all over the yard. All pinkish except one patch by the front porch that showed up bright red & white last year. This year one plant is red but the rest has toned down to the pinkish but slightly redder than the other, in that corner. I used to have that ultramarine blue & also white.

I have some white iris blooming and some purple about ready to open, blue cornflowers & a bright yellow something??? The lily of the valley are blooming but not many and not as big as usual. I have not been watering so nothing looking as healthy as it should. Whatever wants to grow in my yard just grows... mostly weeds instead of grass. The front part by the street was a mass of wild violets like on the hill going down to the river. The couple nest door had their whole front yard killed off & replanted last year, looks beautiful but it doesn't last but a few years & the weeds from the land going down to the river move in and I'm not going to worry about keeping them out. I have a trusty little dandelion picker & pick a bag full nearly every day until I give up. Have a yard on the other side of me that you could not put one foot down without stepping on one, they don't try to spray or do anything about them. Hopeless case.  So, that's my world today.

Gloria, has Regina mentioned the flowers blooming out there?  I would love to drive through to see them one spring. Online they look amazing.  We used to go to TX during bluebonnet season & that is a sight. What is it about seeing blue flowers as far as you can see??? Not the norm for a Missouri gal. I love the natural, never want to travel & see the man made creations. 

Wishing all a peaceful sleep. Maybe we will soon get back to a more normal life. It's going on 9:00 pm and I haven't had supper yet. Cats got fed & we walked down to the river to feed the fish. Happy dreams!  Shirley

It's been a busy day around here.  Lots of walks with Mickie and people out on their porches to talk to as I go by.  Things hollering for attention inside....bills to pay, floors to sweep, recipes to try, papers to read, dust bunnies to collect....Lots of it got done but some didn't!  Tomorrow is another day!

SHIRLEY, Cindy and I did the Bluebonnet Trail one year when I was in Texas.  It was absolutely amazing!  So many flowers and we got out lots of places and walked the paths and took lots of pictures.  Maybe we'll do it one more time before I crumble up and blow away!

I'm off to Dreamland.  I wish you all a peaceful night's sleep and a happy, healthy tomorrow. And may God bless us, every one.

Thank you all, thanks Shirley, for your appreciation. I do try.
Corona restrictions is starting to tell on me plus a gastric ailment last week, so that I was not much present. But You are all managing quite well!
Soon Mothers Day and again it will be a quiet celebration I suppose. Oh well, hopefully next year we can enjoy more.
Have a great week end.

Good morning everyone, already 51 so hope it does get to 70 today. If it does I will be out on the porch most of the day.

LLOYD  glad you did not use the torch yesterday, you do not need another burn or any accident.

AMY  I heard on the TV yesterday that it will be 2 years before we conquer this virus. I sure hope that news was wrong.

JANE  hope we see some sunshine today for a change and no rain for awhile.

PHYLLIS  my CNA will be going to the market for me on Monday and I hope it is not raining. Lately every time she goes it is raining.

CALLIE  ARE MORE PLACES OPEN THERE NOW? The governor here does not want to open anything yet but yester day mentioned opening a few parks but under strict rules.

SHIRLEY  it will be some time before we see the Iris bloom here, the leaves are getting tall but that is it now. They have several differ ent colors planted in fron ot the building. The flowering bushes are starting to bloom. Like you I prefer natural and nature to man made things. Most fllowers have gone by already where my daughter is. My SIL has been taking pictures of all the different flowers and looking up the name of all of them.

JANE  getting outside and walking Mickie was more fun than chasing dust bunnies.

BUBBLE  I know I am tired of being cooped up in here. Now the manager wants no visitors. #2 son comes here every Saturday and has since I moved here. At least she has not stopped the CNA's from coming in here. They are needed by the ones who have them. Hope you are feeling better now.

Have a good day everyone and stay safe.

Good Morning everyone. Looks Like you all beat me up and at it. that is ok still love you all and like the 7,5 hours good sleep i got last night, I got the engine ready to lift off , but am going to weight for some help or rig something to hoist the old one off, i don't seam to have enough strength to pick it up straight away. have a great day as you all like it.

Lloyd

Good Morning Everyfrind!  The sun is trying peek through today and the temp is already 46º heading for a high of 69!  My kind of Spring day!  Mickie and I will enjoy the walks today!

Cathy has taken to doing her grocery shopping and mine, too, on Saturday morning.  She goes early so she's one of the first in the store.  I have to email her my list Friday night and if I think of something I forgot, I can text her and she'll add it.  She's probably there now. She was getting ready to go when we said our "good mornings" at around 7. 

BUBBLE, I'm so sorry you weren't feeling well.  I hope you're better now and that you'll be able to stay that way!

GLORIA, you're absolutely right about preferring walks with Mickie over chasing dust bunnies!  Being outside is good for both of us.

Amy, thanks for the cookies and milk in the Hidey Hole.  They sure hit the spot!

It's almost time for the boinger and breakfast so I'll wish you all a good day.  Make it your own in every way.  And don't forget to share it with all of us.

Good sunny morning everyone..

We may be in for rain later on in the day but right now it is lovely out. I had thought of starting the garden tiller but will see how the day goes. Usually it takes 3-4 pulls and off it goes, sure hope that is what will happen if I do decide to start it.

Jane you will get a chuckle out of this. Lately I have been mixing Babes pill in her food but today all the food was ate and there on the bottom of her dish sat the broken pill. Ok, get out the cheese slice, wrap up the pieces in it...she loves cheese. Chopped it for a bit then spit out the pills!! Finally after wrapping it in another cheese slice she downed . Guess today she just didn't want that pill.

Gloria, I heard that also and here in the province they are starting to open a few things but will rules to follow. I still don't understand why they deem booze and pot necessities as they were never closed ?

Better scoot..

Enjoy your day everyone ...stay safe.

The sun is shining so that makes the morning cheerful.

Missing Amy this morning.  Hope she is OK.

Next week will be all my food deliveries.  David will pick up the weekly groceries on Monday.  Papa Spud's, a "farm to fork" service, will deliver a box of fresh vegs. on Tues., and Schwan's will bring a freezer order on Thurs.  I will have no excuse to not put something on the table at meal times so I won't be able to slack off, will I?   

All is fine here.  Take care, Everyone.

AMY, that's one smart doggie you have there! 

Quick note this morning, Bubble, since I also had that "gastric upset" nearly 2 weeks ago, I am wondering if it was "our version" of the virus. I've never had anything quite like it before and still feeling effects, coffee & spicy foods don't set well. I am used to eating anything that I like without any problem so this does not feel normal to me. I keep hearing about new symptoms of the virus so I'd love to have the test for antibodies. Seems we don't have any of those tests available here. Hope you are better. I am, but left over "*itchy little ole lady" symptoms. 

Amy, love how good the pup is with that pill. These cats are just about as good at spitting out the little round salmon bones if I miss some when mashing up. I buy the cans of people salmon with skin & bones, but they can lick off those little round bones & spit back into their dishes so since I'm sure they have a value to their diet, I mash. One time I didn't & found a whole bunch, clean as a whistle laying in the bottom of each bowl!

Phyllis, we don't have anything like your farm to fork deliveries but on "normal" Sat mornings we do have a Farmer's Market to shop at. Doubt if it will be open soon, but it isn't just local, some vendors drive south to buy produce & re-sell, but still usually fresher than the stores get. This virus had changed our world!

Time spent sitting back and thinking about all those memories we made years ago.... but I am tired of being confined so will be eager to roll when we get the okay! Some of my best memories are of driving past those horse farms in Kentucky, the fields of Texas bluebonnets, dogwood & redbud blooming in fields across Missouri, mountains and lakes, Monument Valley.... I love to ride/drive and it has been a while. I even enjoy driving through the Flint Hills of Kansas, especially during the colorful sunrises or sunsets. I picture the wagon trains rolling across those flat lands and almost groan at the "gullies", the struggles to get across them. We drove along the coast highway from Washington state south into CA... gorgeous views. What were some of your favorite trips?

Good morning.  Way too early for anything exciting to mention.  I did go down to put out mail when I first got up. Still need to get some breakfast.  Hope everyone is still coping with all these restrictions.

Have a safe day.

Joy 

I used to love driving around the country side, stopping on a high promontory and watch birds soaring or the calming back and forth waves on the beach below. But not anymore.  I lost the urge and became almost sedentary.
I even lost interest in painting, knitting and even writing! Is that old age weighing me down?

Good morning everyone. Yesterday was a great day to be outside but I was the only one out there. Everyone is so afraid of getting the virus by just going outside. Being cooped up inside is not healthy either. I will not be talking with my daughter today. Their church is opening today for the first time since this thing took over the world. They have not been since my SIL had his surgery on March 1st. He is doing great and feeling like his old self again.

LLOYD  I do not have the strength to lift up a half gallon of milk anymore, I think that is horrible when I think of what I used to do.

JANE  you are lucky to have your daughter so close to shop for you. Yvette does my shopping for me but if she cannot find something on my list she calls and asks if something else would be OK and I keep telling her NO Substitutes. I wish people in here would realize the fresh air would be good for them.

AMY  first thank you for the cookies and milk. One of my favorite things, especially home made cookies. I do like dunking the cookies, yummy. Just like the places that do nails instead of something more important. Of course some cannot live without booze or pot. Yuck to both of them. One of my nieces had to wrap a pill in ham for her dog to get the pill down.

PHYLLIS  I stopped Schwans as my freezer is too small to have much in it. I do miss thier mac &  cheese though. Best I ever had.

SHIRLEY  I heard on TV that there is now tests to buy to check at home for the virus. I doubt that would not be as good as the ones that the government uses. Can you call your  doctor and ask about the test? That is what people have to do here. We have a farmers market  in walking distance but their prices are very high. There is a farm I like and my son will go there for me when they are open. The owner always asks him how I am doing. Nice that she remembers me. My favorite trips were to Ca. to visit my daughter and family but the one when they tooo Arizona was the best. I sure fell in love with that state with mountains, desert and forests and Sedona and the
Grand Canyon and other places there.

JOY  I still try to get outside for fresh air every day but with all the rain I stay inside. These restrictions are starting to get to me. Now in the lobby there is a binder with pages for everyone wo comes into the building has to sign in. Guess so that if anyone here gets the virus they can check the book and see who went to see that person.

BUBBLE I used to love going to the shore after a storm at sea and watch the big waves rolling in. It is calming. When my inlaws had their summer place on  the ocean in Maine I fell asleep at night listening to the waves. I know what it is like to lose interest in things always enjoyed before. Now all I want to do is read.

Have a good day everyone, stay safe and healthy.

Good Morning Everyfriend!  I'm sorry I wasn't around much yesterday!  I just got wrapped up in other things.  I did some weeding but it takes time.  I can't support myself on one hand and pull weeds with the other.  I tried bending over and that was ok for short periods.  Getting down on my knees was ok too for short periods and sitting on the ground worked for a while but getting up with only one arm for support was hard.  But I'm making some progress and that's what's important.

My son was over yesterday and mowed, trimmed and took all the weeds I'd pulled and all the trimmings with him.  He took my trash to his apartment house dumpster, too.

SHIRLEY, I've had some really beautiful drives in my day.  Driving west with my Girl Scouts brought many vistas to view.  The ones in Wyoming were gorgeous!  You never knew what was coming up next.  And all the drives from my house to my daughter's in Texas brought new views but one in particular was special.  There was a police block on one of the roads directing traffic off the interstate to a detour and the detour took us over some 2 lane back roads in Alabama which I would have missed without the detour. Then Cindy and I did the Bluebonnet Trail in the blooming season and that was a real treat!  I also had the joy of travelling some back roads in Washington state when I did a business trip to that area and one of the PA House Furniture dealers I visited thought I needed to see the country around his area.  He showed it to me in spades!  And I loved it.  Then another dealer over the border in Canada, not to be outdone, showed me his area.

But one that I remember well is the trip up the mountain to Hitler's Lair in Germany.  It was called The Eagle's Nest for very good reason.  The trip was up a road that circled a mountain and you could see forever!  I'm sure he and his cronies didn't appreciate that ride as much as I did!  There were lots more but not enough space to write them down.

However, some of the roads right around my home go over mountains and along rivers and creeks and have some of the best scenery in the world.  And I can still do some of those rides and I will never tire of them.  PA is a good place to live!

Right now, the temp is 54º and it's supposed to get into the mid 70s today.  Spring has Sprung!  Let's enjoy it!