Category: Happiness

No comments

Women of a Certain Age-Culinary Edition

  By , , , ,

Women of a Certain Age-Culinary Edition

Women of a Certain Age – Culinary Edition

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

  1. If you watch “The Food That Built America” on the History Channel and shout “I bought that!” during the show, you might just be a woman of a certain age.
  2. If you call Lean Cuisine or Healthy Choice TV dinners…
  3. If you know what a Jawbreaker is…
  4. If you were unaware that many of the foods you have eaten in the past are GMO…
  5. If you ever ate a Pop Tart without frosting…
  6. If you remember when each of the new M&M colors came out…
  7. If you remember the red dye no. 2 scare…
  8. If you ate fruit off the tree without washing it…
  9. If you refer to a microwave as a microwave oven…
  10. If you ever had Jiffy Pop…
  11. If you remember who helped with the Shake’n’Bake Chicken…
  12. If you still fry chicken…
  13. If you had fish sticks on Fridays…when you were a kid
  14. If you think drinking milk with fish is dangerous…
  15. If you ever drank milk straight from the cow…
  16. If you drank from the garden hose…
  17. If you agree milk comes from a cow or a goat, not a nut…
  18. If you know who Famous Amos is…
  19. If you know Tab was a soft drink…
  20. If you drank Tang because the astronauts did…
  21. If you ever had caramels with white cream layer stripes…
  22. If you ever ate a Sky Bar…
  23. If you have heard of Willy Wonka Oompas candy…
  24. If you recall the Banquet chicken commercial with the hot chicken…
  25. If you recall the commercial with the stuck to the box pizza…
  26. If you ever drank Diet Rite cola…
  27. If you know what “Schweppervesent” means…
  28. If you remember Swanson Dinners and still eat their potpies..
  29. If you recall when Pringles were new fangled…
  30. If you know who Mrs. Fields is…
  31. If you think Dolly Madison snack cakes are named after Dolley Madison…
  32. If you know who quipped “good cracker”…
  33. If you know what tuna had their mascot looking for “good taste”…
  34. If you had a Charlie Tuna mug…
  35. If you have a Pillsbury Doughboy doll and poke its tummy…
  36. If you ever had the Goober Grape jelly and peanut butter combo in a jar…
  37. If you ever opened a can of pork and beans and had to search for the tiny piece of pork…
  38. If you remember the “Hostess is wholesome” commercials…
  39. If you know who the Jolly Green Giant is…
  40. If you know what’s “mmm mmm good”…
  41. If you know what choosy moms choose…
  42. If you recall the commercial with the chocolate bar bumping into the peanut butter…
  43. If your baloney has a first and last name…
  44. If you ever ate a fried baloney sandwich…
  45. If you ever ate butter on saltines…
  46. If you ever had turkey or tuna croquettes…
  47. If you made meatloaf on Mondays…
  48. If you ever ate ham loaf…
  49. If you ever had a hot beef sandwich with gravy fries…
  50. If you ever had lunch at the restaurant in Woolworth’s, you might just be a woman of a certain age…
No comments

30 Ways To Celebrate Memorial Day

  By , ,

30 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

 

30 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

By Cate Rees-Hessel & Wes Hessel

 

We Remember and Honor…

Let’s honor our veterans that have given their lives in service of our country, making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. God bless those who serve… 

  1. Attend a mass or service on Memorial Day – light a candle for a military member that has passed away. What better way to honor our fallen service members? Remember that our military were never suckers or losers – stand up to “The Donald” and supporters on social media.
  2. Send a card or gift to a military person; those on active duty would love some home baked treats – older veterans may welcome a visit or card.
  3. Let those who serve or have served know you care, and appreciate their sacrifices…
  4. Widows, widowers, and children of fallen soldiers might enjoy a present, also – a batch of cookies or a bouquet of flowers.
  5. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, so let’s decorate. Honor the graves of service members with flags or flowers – I put patriotic decor in our living room window and on our patio.
  6. Red, white, and blue bunting, banners, and decor are great ways to get in the holiday spirit. Doors, patios, balconies, walls, and windows can all be decorated. I leave my patriotic decor up through Flag Day, July 4th, and Patriot’s Day; don’t forget a patriotic wreath for your front door.
  7. POW and MIA bracelets may be a thing of the past but a nice patriotic pair of earrings or necklace are pretty ways of honoring the holiday. I also have red, white, and blue pins, and bracelets.
  8. Veterans in nursing facilities might like a visit – make a new friend. Leave off books or magazines at assisted living center. In addition to patriotic events there will be loads of other activities.
  9. Patriotic films can be found online, on streaming services, and at your local libraries. Hallmark channel has great ones

Taking nothing from our troops, Memorial Day also ushers in Summer and all the fun things that come with the sunshine…

  1. Picnics and barbecues are always a lot of fun. Try new delicious recipes with less red meat (who can afford it anyway???!!!), such as grilling fruits and veggies. Keep food safe from warm temperatures, keep it iced or cooled until time to eat. Fresh salads and cold sandwiches are always a treat. If you have any doubt about your food’s safety, then throw it out.
  2. Parades, as well as outdoor concerts and films at City parks are often free and great activities for the whole family to enjoy. Check your local library or municipality website for ideas. In our neck of the woods we have boat races, carnivals, a downtown parade, a Brewfest, and fireworks, with all proceeds donated to local youth and children’s programs.
  3. Many pools and water parks open Memorial Day weekend. Use a safe sunscreen (ones containing only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are the best) and enjoy some fun water play. Remember SPF lip balm, also. It’s fun to hit the beach, but check conditions and bacteria levels locally before swimming – do the same for lakes.
  4. Do not swim alone. Install a weather app on your phone for quick updates on air quality, temperatures, and storm warnings. Bring a bottle of water and a beach towel along, and a snack to keep up your energy.
  5. Pay attention to boating safety if you decide to hit the water this weekend. Keep keys on a floating chain, at least enough life preservers on for everyone in the boat, and a well charged cell phone in a waterproof case with you at all times. Be extra cautious in choppy water.
  6. If it rains, an indoor picnic is just as much fun. Indoor grills are a great way to bring the outdoors inside – salads and summer food are just as yummy indoors.
  7. Check ingredients before allowing pets any of the celebratory fare. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and chocolate are some of the foods toxic to our furry friends. While you’re thinking of your furbabies, take your canine to a nearby dog park for Memorial Day.
  8. Remember summer is a short season, so patriotic items are usually inexpensive. Some stores will put them on sale after Memorial Day, so you can stock up for the 4th – I buy my patriotic plates and napkins right after the Memorial holiday weekend
  9. Take a walk in the park, or a leisurely bike ride – summer is finally here. Some cities have free or minimal fee bike rentals available. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
  10. Use the long weekend to clean out your garage. basement or attic. Power wash your deck or patio, and don’t forget the outdoor furniture; mow the lawn, trim bushes and hedges. It’s time to get everything season ready…
  11. It’s a great weekend to wash the car or the dog…the cat, however, might have other ideas.
  12. Start a vegetable and flower garden – fresh vegetables and fruit you grow yourself are nutritious, taste great, and rewarding. And who does not love the look and fragrance of beautiful flowers? This is also a great way to help protect the environment and your family.
  13. Don’t forget the insect repellent – check websites like the CDC and Consumer Reports about the safety of the various active chemicals; I still like the Skin So Soft products by Avon, myself. Be careful and do your research. In fact, insects are in a dangerous decline and you may find this is the first year in memory that you don’t need insect repellent.
  14. If you have allergies to bug bites, food or the like, carry your EpiPen, and your inhaler if your asthmatic. Hotter temperatures can cause worse reactions. I carry my Epi everywhere…
  15. Stay hydrated – water is important in avoiding heat exhaustion and heat stroke; Evian is my favorite.
  16. Sunburn cream can be kept in the refrigerator for a nice cooling effect. Lipsticks, lip balms, and eye pencils are less likely to melt if kept cold, as well. Toners are more refreshing when chilled, too. And don’t forget to keep your skin hydrated…
  17. I am addicted to indoor plumbing, so camping does not work for me, but if you are inclined to enjoy nature this way, keep safety first and foremost. Know where you are – carry physical maps and a compass. Most cell phones go out of range even when a little far from civilization. Have provisions such as hand sanitizer, wipes, extra socks, antibiotic, and burn ointment and Band-Aids with you, as well as acetaminophen and water. You might want to carry a pocket size Lysol for those outhouses. Keep a cooler with ice for anything perishable to avoid dehydration and food poisoning. Nothing can ruin a trip more than an unprepared and unexpected injury or illness. S’mores are great, but bring clean metal sticks to use over the campfire. Respect nature by cleaning up your camp site. Consider a tree hanging shower pack. Personally, I feel a nice camper with a kitchen and bathroom inside at a camp site or a cabin on the campground is a bit more my way of roughing it. Cabins have indoor plumbing facilities; guess I am a hotel kind of girl. I must have indoor plumbing, to be honest…
  18. If you are traveling for Memorial Day, make sure your gas tank is full – carry a tire gauge, jumper cables, and Fix-A-Flat or the equivalent, as well as coolant and water in your trunk. Have transmission and brake fluid on hand also. Check your vehicle’s oil before you, or get it changed. Make sure your battery is well charged. Check your car’s safety before you hit the road. Better safe than sorry, is my motto. Keep your motor club and insurance cards handy, too, like in your glove box.
  19. Many restaurants have outdoor patios to dine al fresco – search the Internet for money saving coupons and offers. Have dinner on your own patio to save even more money…
  20. Festival season has begun – wear your comfortable shoes and carry a light jacket for weather fluctuations. A bag chair or other portable seating is a must. Check policies before bringing a cooler. Many venues might require that you carry clear purses or tote bags – leave anything that might be problematic at home or locked in your car, out of sight. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and keep cash and credit/debit cards on your person. And carry a charged portable charger with you.
  21. Enjoy your loved ones, include your furbabies, but make sure pets are permitted at your outdoor events. Check local leash laws, and bring a travel water bowl for Rover or Fluffy, when attending events close to home. When traveling with animals, pack a small favorite toy, disposable litter pan (for cats), and baggies of food. Furry friends likely won’t need clothes in warm temperatures but a cute neckerchief never hurts. Remember, if you are warm in your skin, imagine how hot they must be in fur – keep pets hydrated and cool. Bring a cold wet washcloth in a bag or container; antibacterial wipes are also good to keep on hand.

As President Biden said in his Memorial Day remarks when he was in office. “We haven’t always lived up to it, but we’ve never walked away from it. And today, standing together to honor those Americans who dared all and gave all for our nation, we can say clearly: We never will.” Yes this Memorial Day 2026, we long for a real president again. I miss Presidents Biden and Obama. We could have had Kamala and Walz – this weekend I wear pearls for my President Harris. Hope we have good weather despite global warming. Stay safe and happy start of summer, everyone….

26 Things to Make You Smile

  By , , , ,

26 Things to Make You Smile

26 Things to Make You Smile

By D.S. Mitchell

I am back at the computer after taking a week off . Before I started this blog, I worried that I wouldn’t have enough to scream about, but I’m finding that I could probably do a dozen posts a day related to the insanity of Donald Trump. Like Megyn Kelly said recently, “send grandpa back to the nursing home.” But I thought, before I start my rant on the collapse of the progressive agenda and possibly our democracy, I wanted to deliver at least two or three posts that are positive and uplifting.

So, here are twenty-six things that make me smile and hopefully you, too:

1.) Touching toes in the sand
2.) Sunsets over shimmering water
3.) Wraparound sunglasses
4.) The Science channel
5.) Kite flying contests
6.) The Muppets
7.) Astronauts

8.) Blowing the wrapper off the straw
9.) Winning at Scrabble
10.) A dog’s cold nose on your hand
11.) Barhopping
12.)  Old jeans that fit just right
13.) A lover’s voice
14.) The clatter of skis being loaded
15.) The rumble of a train as it passes
16.) Walking in the rain
17.) The imagination of a six year old
18.) Margaritas at midnight

19.) Finishing the Sunday crossword without cheating
20.) Volunteering for a special cause
21.) The smell of a new car
22.) Roller skating, with helmet and knee pads, of course
23.) My first grade teacher, Miss Gill
24.) A good book
25.) Daddy’s wisdom

26.) The firing of AG Pam Bondi

I know this small Friday distraction did little to take your mind off the continuing chaos at the Trump White House, the Iran War, the price of gas and groceries, even attacks against the first American born pope; but hopefully it gave you a couple minutes respite; and that’s a good thing. Have a gem of a day.

No Kings. Stand up to the billionaires.

26 Affirmations For 2026

  By , , , , , , , , , ,

26 Affirmations For 2026

26 Affirmations For 2026

Editor: Positive affirmations are important to us as human beings. Repeating positive statements allows the brain to reprogram our subconsciousness. Additionally, repeating positive statements aloud allows us to create a clearer and more powerful image of who we are. Positive self-talk challenges the doubt and negative thoughts that bombard us daily with empowering messages that lower stress levels, decrease worry, fear, and anxiety. Affirming our self worth builds and reinforces feelings of happiness, optimism and harmony with our world. When coupled with meditation affirmations create a powerful tool that can  aid us in dealing with the challenges that face us everyday of our lives. In some cases, the individual will invoke a greater power, as does Cate in her piece, or some will use a mirror and trust the power of their own inner self.

By Cate Rees-Hessel

      

  1. I affirm to be kind and treat others with respect, even when we agree to disagree – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  2. I affirm to practice self care and self love – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  3. I affirm to stand firm in my beliefs, even if they appear to not be popular – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  4. I affirm to respect animals and the environment – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  5. I affirm to laugh more – laughter can be the best medicine; I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  6. I affirm to get fresh air and exercise – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  7. I affirm to set boundaries and not be afraid to say no when I need to – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  8. I affirm to not give my permission to be made to feel inferior (thank you, Eleanor Roosevelt) – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  9. I affirm to stay well informed regarding the world around us – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  10. I affirm to choose my faith over my fear – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  11. I affirm to eat my fruit and veggies; nutrition is important – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  12. I affirm to occasionally indulge – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  13. I affirm to a have spa day often – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  14. I affirm to have a mental health day often – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  15. I affirm to rid myself of toxic relationships – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  16. I affirm to stand up for myself and not be bullied – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  17. I affirm to take care of my health and well being – mentally, emotionally, and physically; I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  18. I affirm to be impeccably groomed and well dressed – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  19. I affirm to put others above myself when they have needs I can meet – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  20. I affirm to have fun – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  21. I affirm to try something new with an open mind – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  22. I affirm to dance with abandon even if somebody is watching – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  23. I affirm to be me in every way – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  24. I affirm to purr like a cat when I feel happy – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  25. I affirm to be the person my pets, my BFF’s, my siblings, and my spouse think that I am – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.
  26. I affirm to be the person God knows I am – I am a beautiful human being created in the likeness of God, and I will stand firm and strong while appreciating me.

Lots of Reasons to Smile

  By , , , , , ,

A Whole List of Reasons to Smile

A Whole Lot of Reasons to Smile

By D.S. Mitchell

 

It’s Raining 

It’s Sunday afternoon in fabulous Grants Pass, Oregon.  The rain has been relentless for the last 48 hours. Lilly the dog, is sprawled out on the back deck. Its covered. While she’s entertaining herself chewing on her favorite tennis ball a few rain resistant ducks are playing in the lake. Frustrated with the endless deluge I flip through the cable news shows. I’m a regular Sunday viewer of Meet The Press and Fareed Zakaria’s GPS. I wanted a nice peaceful weekend, my morning coffee along with the political news shows, a game of cribbage in the afternoon, an 8 pm movie with a friend to finish the day. Well, that whole plan is shot. Mostly due to the inclement weather. But, even if the weather didn’t suck Trump is doing more saber rattling in the direction of Venezuela, keeping everyone on edge.

Spoiled Child Drama

Trump is like a spoiled child demanding every moment of his mother’s attention. I do not intend to go off on a rant. I promise, but, it does make you think, his mom took him off the nipple to soon. Despite, Trumps narcissism and his constant attention seeking I think we need to get your mind, and my mine, off the American Tragedy playing out in front of our eyes.  So, my favorite distraction of the week, my Sunday version of a day-off, is imagining the simple things in life…those things that bring a quiet smile to the corners of your mouth.

Lots of Reasons to Smile:

1.) A Hummingbird at the garden feeder 2.) A day with no chores to do 3.) Left over spaghetti or cold pizza for breakfast. Yum Yum  4.) A chocolate “fix”  5.) The Nite Owl bar, Helena, MT  6.) A new mattress 7.)  A bedroom with a window seat  7.) A scarecrow dressed in Daddy’s old coveralls and straw hat  8.) Short grocery lines,  9.) A fresh bouquet of flowers  10.) Homemade Lemonade  11.) 1940’s Film Noir  12.) Watching young swallows learn the art of flight  13.) Painting the front door a bright vivid color  14.) Working a potter’s wheel  15.) Spontaneous hugs  16.) Forgetting the punch line of a joke  17.)  Libraries and librarians 18.) Using the dog to do left over clean up  19.) Fireworks  20.) Running boards on tall trucks  21.) The soft sound of a paddle cutting the water  22.) The patter of children’s feet  on hardwood floors  23.) Crater Lake, Oregon  24.) Clean as you go  25.) Gingerbread loaded with melted butter  26.) Forming a Foundation to help fund a cause  27.) Talking with intelligence instead of just blowing smoke  28.) River barges  29.) Crisp and juicy apples  30.) Doing a good job  31.) Rich, delicate French pastry  32.) Floating homes  33.) Listening to the sounds of the night  34.) A secret crush  35.) Spontaneous kisses  36.) Writing  37.) Fresh homemade bread  39.) The aroma of Honeysuckle and Daphne  40.) Cloth napkins with napkin rings  41.) The American flag  42.) Lettuce fresh from the garden  43.) My car after  the car wash  44.) Fessing up to an eff ‘up  45.) Honey Baked Ham  46.) A great painting found at a Thrift Store.  47.) Refreshing an old dresser with a coat of paint  48.) First ski run of the day  49.) Old English Sheepdogs  50.) Koala bears  51.) Rearranging the furniture for a party  52.) A banana split for two  53.) Travel magazines  54.) Swim meets  55.) Swans on Black Lake, Ilwaco, WA  56.) Wind across a field of wheat  57.) Twinkies  58.) New shoes  59.) Echoes  60.) The Olympics  61.) Mt. Vernon, VA  62.) Cheetahs in the wild 63.) Warm dry socks  64.) Mutts  65.) Sundance catalogues  66.) Buy one and get one free  67.) Making lists  68.)  Pinto ponies   69.) Sneakers without socks  70.) Unicorns and rainbows  71.) Picnic tables  72.) Owning an island  73.) Walking the railroad tracks  74.) Habitat For Humanity  75.) A team of horses  76.) Weeping Willow trees  77.) 3-D movies  78.) Political comics  79.) Lawn parties  80.) Laughing babies  81.) Getting a makeover  82.) Up with the dawn  83.) Weathered shutters on shingled beach cottages  84.) Hopscotch  85.) Night snowmobiling  86.) Hit that high note  87.) Playing Frisbee with the dog  88.) Blanket tents in the backyard  89.) Club sandwiches  90.) Being on time  91.) Woodstock  92.) Snoopy  93.) Earth Day  94.) Catching a man’s eye  95.) Dream catchers  96.) Dogs  97.) Revolving doors  98.) Retirement  99.) Winning a race  100.) Puget Island, WA.

Keep smiling. Don’t let the chaos of the Trump administration steal your joy.

Join the New Resistance

 

Women of a Certain Age-“Old School” Edition

  By , , , , , , , , ,

Women of a Certain Age – “Old School” Edition

Women of a Certain Age – “Old School” Edition

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

  1. If your call math “arithmetic”, you might be a woman of a certain age.
  2. If you call mathematics new math…
  3. If you ever carried books in a strap…
  4. If your back to school wardrobe included Peter Pan collars and plaid…
  5. If sleepovers during the school year meant popcorn and a Frankie Avalon movie on network TV…
  6. If you had a Friday night party with a record player and bottles of Coke…
  7. If your birthday during the school year meant homemade cupcakes for the class…
  8. If you ever took a peanut butter fluff sandwich in your Scooby Doo lunch box…
  9. If you owned a Howdy Doody lunch pail…
  10. If you watched a happy tooth film strip…
  11. If you know what a film strip is…
  12. If you had a gym uniform that was a short jumpsuit in a shade of blue…
  13. If you wore white Keds with pom-pom socks (mine were pink)…
  14. If your cheerleading uniform didn’t expose your belly button…
  15. If Friday night football games were followed up at the malt shop…
  16. If you went on high school dates at the drive-in…
  17. If you know what activity was done in a rumble seat…
  18. If you participated in said activity in a rumble seat…
  19. If you participated in the same activity at the drive in…
  20. If you know what a rumble seat is…
  21. If you had a back-to-school Lilt perm, courtesy of your older sister or cousin…
  22. If you drove to school in a 1967 Mustang…
  23. If you know what a bobby soxer is…
  24. If you ever owned bobby socks…
  25. If you read Tiger Beat in the girls room at school…
  26. If students today read about your era in history books…
  27. If you carried mad money on dates during your high school or college years…
  28. If your sorority sisters wore pink foam rollers and half slips…
  29. If you ever wore pink foam rollers or half slips…
  30. If you know what a half slip is…

Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2026!

12 Days of Christmas Gone Rogue

  By , , , , , , ,

12 Days of Christmas-Gone Rogue

 

12 Days of Christmas-Gone Rogue

 

By Cate Rees-Hessel

1. On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree…

What a cute little birdie and I do love fruit… Apparently, my dear true love forgot I have a cat. That little bird sure can fly fast when being chased by a feline. I had a devil of a time getting him down from where he landed on the chandelier. Then the little dickens ate the biggest pear off the tree, the one I was saving to make a tart. I put the tree and its occupant on my patio. Perhaps a basket of fruit from Harry and David with a partridge figurine from Wayfair would have been a more appropriate present…

  1. On the second day of Christmas my love gave to me, two turtle doves…

It appears my love is quite the birds enthusiast, but these “peaceful” little creatures have a mean streak. They attacked the poor partridge when I placed them on the patio. The feathers are flying here today.  The veterinary bill is being sent to my darling gift giver. How can one re-gift feathered creatures?

  1. More foul – hens! Three of them, and not for Christmas dinner, either. Three French Hens, complete with a tariff bill I had to pay before they were shipped, arrived today. I don’t have a hen house, and my patio is getting crowded…
  2. The man with whom I share some affection sure is a bird lover. Today I received four squawking, er, I mean calling birds. These birds certainly need their own cell phones. My patio is beginning to look a lot like an aviary. Has this man not heard of Zales? My dear seems to forget I work from home…
  3. Finally, my true love sent jewelry – five lovely stackable gold rings. Maybe a diamond bracelet or earrings is in my future, in place of our winged friends…
  4. More feathered friends. Six geese-a-laying eggs all over my carpet. Perhaps my love is hinting he would like to come over for an omelet. I know eggs prices have soared, but this is a bit overkill…
  5. Enough with the birds already – my boyfriend sent seven more avians. Apparently my condo association has a rule about seven swans-a-swimming in the community jacuzzi. Who knew such a codicil existed? Perhaps my next gift will be a consultation with an attorney, and I will be seeking the services of a realtor in the new year. This has been a challenging week, thanks to my guy. I sincerely hope he doesn’t acquire a fondness for rodents…
  6. Well, at least no more birds. The gentlemen with whom a bit of affection is shared sent me eight maids carrying empty milk jugs, since I don’t have a cow. Perhaps tomorrow’s gift will involve bovine. I do love me some fat free milk but really, a grocery gift card would be much more appropriate here. These alleged maids did a terrible job with the kitchen and bathroom; they did nothing for my egg stained rug, either…
  7. Now there is a ballet going on in my living room. Nine ladies are dancing their hearts out here – I had to move the furniture out of the way. I am sending them and the maids to a motel for the night. My friend with benefits is getting an invoice for the Uber and accompanying accommodations…
  8. My friend without benefits has now sent ten lords-a-leaping. These men in tights already knocked over a table, broke a floor lamp, and scared my dog, who was already quite traumatized from all the birds and women that keep arriving. Another trip to the veterinary clinic…
  9. More noise in the form of eleven pipers piping in my dining room; my acquaintance really needs to choose gifts more wisely. Has this dude never heard of Sephora or Macy’s? I am amazed at what one can purchase on eBay or Amazon…
  10. Even more noise for my frenzy – a dozen drummers to give me a raging migraine. I flew the coup and filed a restraining order against lunatic “true love”.

 

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone – hope my gift of laughter made you smile this holiday season…

 

The Results Are In

  By , , , , ,

Results Report

Results Report 

 

By D.S. Mitchell

I’m not sure when I decided to do it; I think it was about 6 weeks ago; maybe more like a month ago. Anyway, none of that is really important, what is important was the response I got.

I sat down and made a list of 25 old friends that I never wanted to lose contact with; some I hadn’t reached out to in several years. Shame on me, but like with most things I can give you a page long list of reasons why I let that happen. So, rather than bore you with all that nonsense, I’ll tell you what I did.

First of all, I have an entire filing cabinet drawer filled with beautiful greeting cards; Sympathy, Get Well Soon, Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, Merry Christmas, Thinking of You, and Blank, of course. When you donate, frequently you will be given socks, scarfs, back packs, flashlights, address labels and every form of greeting card ever needed or designed. All-in-all, pretty awesome.

So, I think you can put two and two together and see what’s coming. I took that list of ’25 friends I never wanted to lose contact with’ and grabbed a handful of Thinking of You cards and wrote all of these amazing people a short note telling them each how much I appreciated knowing them and expressed my intent to do a better job of keeping in contact, updating my contact information and asking the same of them. Next, I went to the post office and for less than $20.00 I sent all those precious people a loving and caring handwritten note.

I’m not sure what response I expected; or if I even thought about potential responses, I just did it, comfortable with what ever happened. The phone didn’t ring and there was no written response to my cards…for at least two weeks, then as if the celestial dam broke my mail box was filled with a deluge of responses, each with its unique and beautiful sentiment followed with directions to websites, new phone numbers, updated emails and physical addresses as well.

I counted 18 hand written responses,  and 1 returned ‘d/t no forwarding address on file,’ and five phone calls! Amazing, 100% if you discount the 1 returned d/t no forwarding address. Four of the calls were happy with multiple promises to keep in contact. The 5th caller, the older sister of one of ‘my never want to lose contact with friends,’ a person well-known and loved by me, called to tell me that she was taking care of her sister’s mail and social contacts since her younger sister was no longer able to self care due to advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Heart breaking news, made doubly painful because her husband is also a victim of the disease. Connie, said she would keep me in the loop as to Alice’s health, which gave me some comfort.

From what started as one of those things I just had to do; became a thing I was so thankful I did.  Hearing those warm, familiar voices on the phone, touching the paper their fingers had touched, in those handwritten notes and cards, OMG… thank you dear friends for sharing your love, kindness and mercy. I can’t ever imagine what I did to deserve such kindness and love.

Thank you all, and keep in touch with your friends. You’ll be glad you did.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

 

What I am Thankful for this Thanksgiving

  By , , , , , ,

What I am Thankful for This Thanksgiving

What I am Thankful for This Thanksgiving

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

Our nation is in crisis, but I am still thankful to God for the following this day:

 

  1. My loved ones: spouse, family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and furbabies.
  2. I am thankful for all the progressives at every level fighting against the dictator who thinks he is a king.
  3. I am thankful for the fact I never voted for him – I couldn’t live with that on my conscience.
  4. I am thankful for the arts in every form.
  5. I am thankful for children’s laughter – may we protect these innocent ones from harm.
  6. I am thankful that LBGTQ rights are still protected for now, because I love people in that community, including family and close friends.
  7. I am thankful our right to free speech is still present and we can speak our mind for now.
  8. I am thankful for the opportunity to make people laugh.
  9. I am thankful that the government shutdown is over and people can buy food to fill Thanksgiving tables, but my heart breaks that healthcare premiums will pay the price.
  10. I am thankful we can still worship in the faith we desire, and pray that God’s truth may finally break through the racist hate that is not what Christianity should stand for.
  11. I am thankful for freedom – the freedom our military has fought for and protects.
  12. I am thankful for a democracy – may our nation never be robbed of this.
  13. I am thankful for the 25th Amendment – may it be put to good use very soon.
  14. I am thankful for the right to vote – may we use this wisely.
  15. I am thankful for the power of the press, and may I never abuse that privilege.
  16. I am thankful for the power of words that we must use wisely.
  17. I am thankful for all those standing against ICE – just like the first Thanksgiving when native Americans and pilgrims shared a meal together in peace.
  18. I am thankful pumpkin spice season is nearly over.
  19. I am thankful to not have to eat turkey spam from a can.
  20. I am thankful for each of you reading this.

Continue reading