swan-naked raku-kierstincrowley.tumblr.com – I’m unsure of the spelling of Kierstin (Kiersten?) and I am unable to find the source again, but I think this piece is wonderful.
We will leave soon. My husband has a haircut, and then we’ll drive to Ft. Smith to sign our tax forms. Whenever we go to there, he wants to drive the Vette. His driving, while probably more competent than mine, has always scared my hair off – since in any given situation – he puts on the gas when I would put on the brakes. Now we’re “mature” (read older-than-dirt) and you can add another layer of tension to my trip.
If we get back in one piece, I’ll write more later.
We’ve been out since all afternoon running errands. The biggest thing we did was to iPhone 13 SEs. My husband wanted to go in and check it out because of an ad he saw on his computer. Usually we don’t qualify for one reason or another, and it was the same this time. The offer was for people on cell phone plans who basically had iphone 8’s or newer. We didn’t qualify because we’re on a cell phone plan as the basic house phone which has several stations all over the house.
We priced just getting new phones rather since we didn’t qualify for the trade-in’s or special deals and it was only a dollar or two more per month than the ‘deal.’ The biggest cost was the sales tax today plus the ‘upgrade fee’ for any changes on your plan. We decided to bite the bullet and get the new phones.
The lady who helped us was really nice and very patient with us. She got us the best deal she could, upgraded the new phone that needed it, transferred our data, etc.
My husband has been fuming for half an hour or so that ‘someone’ was talking to him through the phone and wouldn’t stop. It was some kind of verification message. Instead of listening to it, he just wanted it to stop. We played with all the settings having to do with sounds, notifications, etc., thought we had it turned off and then she would start talking again. He finally listened and found out the lady wanted him to verify that he wanted a Google for business or not. He couldn’t find the keypad, so I helped him with that. He hit “one” for “NO! NO! A THOUSAND TIMES NO!” and she miraculously stopped. HOORAY!!!!!
We didn’t get any paperwork with the phone, so will go online and see what general things we can find. The one thing I tried to look up talked about a button on the left side of the phone that you moved the switch so the orange showed. I couldn’t find any button like that, so gave up. I’ll study my phone more later.
My technical ineptness is rearing its ugly head again. If all else fails this evening, we’ll go back to the nice lady and see if she can get our phones to be on vibration and silent mode.
I’m probably the last person on the planet to find “reaction videos”, but I discovered them by accident this weekend. I’ve been watching a bunch of these, particularly the reactions to Iam Tongi on American Idol singing James Blunt’s “Monsters.”
The song was new to me. Iam Tongi was new to me. After watching several of the reaction videos, I found James Blunt singing his original song and was blown away again.
The song is describing the feelings of James Blunt on having to say goodbye to his dad. I did further research, and his dad GOT a kidney transplant and seems to be doing fine now, thank goodness.
Reaction videos are a whole industry of which I was unaware. People have YouTube channels where they react to music videos and other things. I almost never subscribe to things online, but I did subscribe to the one to which I’m linking above.
This man is real. He is compassionate. He wants to know all he can in the few minutes of the video about the person to whom he’s listening and takes extra steps to hear more, see more, so it’s a real moment for him AND for the people listening to him. I actually requested that he react to a singer I think is phenomenal. He actually ANSWERED my request this morning, saying he would put it on his list. I was impressed and will look for more from him.
“I didn’t get old on purpose, it just happened. If you’re lucky, it could happen to you.” ~ Andy Rooney
I’m feeling old this morning, mainly because I couldn’t care less about who wins the Academy Awards tonight. I’ve only seen one of the movies up for best movie of the year. I guess that alone shows the world has gone on without me. The thing is, it doesn’t bother me. :0)
I read that the ‘gift bag’ each person who attends the awards tonight is worth around $123,000. I guess it’s cynical to think about what could be done in the world if each recipient said, “Please send money equivalent to the gifts to people in the United States who really need it right now.” The cost of the show and the clothes, etc. could be sent, too, and just the list of the winners published.
I saw an audition by Iam Tongi on American Idol that has really reverberated all through me. Iam is from Hawaii and lost his dad, who sang with him and encouraged his love for music, two months ago. He sang, “Monsters” by James Blunt.
The song is completely amazing. I had never heard the song before and didn’t know James Blunt.
Lyrics
Oh, before they turn off all the lights I won’t read you your wrongs or your rights The time has gone I’ll tell you goodnight, close the door Tell you I love you once more The time has gone So here it is
I’m not your son, you’re not my father We’re just two grown men saying goodbye No need to forgive, no need to forget I know your mistakes and you know mine And while you’re sleeping I’ll try to make you proud So, daddy, won’t you just close your eyes? Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn To chase the monsters away
Oh, well, I’ll read a story to you Only difference is this one is true The time has gone I folded your clothes on the chair I hope you sleep well, don’t be scared The time has gone So here it is
I’m not your son, you’re not my father We’re just two grown men saying goodbye No need to forgive, no need to forget I know your mistakes and you know mine And while you’re sleeping I’ll try to make you proud So, daddy, won’t you just close your eyes? Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn To chase the monsters away
Sleep a lifetime Yes, and breathe a last word You can feel my hand on your own I will be the last one So I’ll leave a light on Let there be no darkness, in your heart
But I’m not your son, you’re not my father We’re just two grown men saying goodbye No need to forgive, no need to forget I know your mistakes and you know mine And while you’re sleeping I’ll try to make you proud So, daddy, won’t you just close your eyes? Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn To chase the monsters away
This is James Blunt, who wrote the song, singing to his dad.
This is 18 year old Iam Tongi singing the song for his audition on American Idol.
I’m completely blown away. I’ve been watching “reactions” to Tongi’s audition, with people just overflowing. The audition has boosted the views of James Blunt and his original video, plus captured the hearts of people everywhere. Absolutely amazing.
The forecast here is for showers this morning and storms this evening – cloudy in-between.
freixenet.com
As I sit here, happily typing on my computer, warm, dry, with coffee beside me, I DO realize how fortunate I am to be able to quietly gripe that my weather isn’t ‘pretty’ today.
2Unstoppable
My friend Marsha and I are happily encouraging each other to get off our duffs and exercise, each putting another star on our individual calendars. Marsha bought a pedaler she can use inside and is also trying to walk to the post office when the weather permits. She is encouraging me to at least do my session of yoga each afternoon, if not also to try an exercise video, do some time on my elliptical trainer in the garage, or get out and work in the yard. It’s nice to be able to compare notes with a good friend, knowing that we’ll each be stronger, more flexible, and healthier together.
The Mercury News
I heard there was yet another bill in Congress to do away with Daylight Savings Time. I couldn’t be more in favor of this. It is my understanding that we started this in order to “help the farmers. ” I think farmers and ranchers are strong, independent people who don’t need everyone to change their clocks . They get up when they feel they need to in order to do what needs to be done each day. If I’m wrong, I would really appreciate it if someone would set me straight so that I can stop resenting it twice a year.
We’re just home from Lunch Bunch and errands. Lunch Bunch was just Kay, Bud, my husband, and me, but WOW – was it special!
Kay and Bud got me these gorgeous flowers. I took two pictures so you can get an idea of the variety of gorgeous blooms.
Kay and Bud also bought our lunch!
Our wonderful waitress/friend, Mikey, and the “Pizza Barn Gang” got me a card, this Vanilla Sugar candle, and the CUTE ladybug below.
I’m thrilled, but feel a bit guilty. I’m not this special, and this whole week or so of celebrations has been over the top.
I even got to chat with our son this morning before he headed to bed. He is 13 hours ahead of us, and so his day is over as ours begins.
You can see how lucky I am in relatives and friends who reached out with good wishes, cards, emails, texts, presents, and food, with lots of smiles and hugs. It just means the world to me.
I’ve had a really nice birthday celebration, and am now ready to put thoughts of how old I am away for another year. Most of the time I don’t even think of it. The main thing is annoyance if I have trouble getting out of my recliner. :0)
We have Lunch Bunch today. I’m hoping we have a full contingent. I haven’t heard from anyone, and usually that means that everyone is planning to come. It will be good to see some much-loved faces, laugh, and share a meal.
There is not much going on here today otherwise. We have some errands to run after Lunch Bunch, but then a quiet day after with lots of sunshine.
I’m going to try to pay attention as we do our errands to see if the places in town are starting to stock spring plants. I’m itching to get our garden started, though it’s a bit early.
“Seventy six trombones led the big parade, With a hundred & ten cornets close at hand. They were followed by rows and rows, Of the finest virtuosos, The cream of every famous band.” – from “The Music Man.”
Promo.com
Right this minute, being 76 feels sleep-deprived. For some reason, I had bad dreams last night and ended up reading for an extra couple of hours from 2-4. Then, when I went back up to bed, our dog was barking. I tried to ignore it. When I couldn’t any longer, I went downstairs to speak to the dog. She was out in the garage, instead of in the utility room! I let her in and the cat rushed in with her. I went to bed and then the cat was meowing loudly beside the bed. My husband and I again discussed that if he lets the dog out in the middle of the night, he is supposed to get her back IN before coming back to bed. I’m afraid this is falling on deaf ears…
GIFDB.com
Otherwise, being 76 feels good. Several of my friends and relatives left messages on my phone or wrote emails this morning, so I feel special. I’m hoping to speak to our son on chat in a few minutes.
“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” — George Bernard Shaw
No special plans for the day – just feeling very lucky to be alive, persnickety, full of plans for the future, with never enough time or energy to do all I would like to do. Even the fact that it’s supposed to rain much of the day today can’t dampen my spirits.
“As long as I am breathing, in my eyes, I am just beginning.”— Criss Jami
Shout-outs to Sandi and Cathy for sending me actual birthday cards. I love all forms of reaching out, because people are making you feel special, but I have to say an actual card in the mail remains one of my favorites.
Another shout-out to my good friend, Marsha, who means the world to me. I received a box in the mail today containing several beautiful pairs of earrings she made. I keep changing which pair is my favorite – all different colors, stones, and styles – and can’t wait to show them off!
There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.~ Sophia Loren
I hope you’re feeling happy and energized this morning. The rain washed our area clean overnight and it’s overcast now. More rain tonight and all day tomorrow, but it’s NOT raining now, NOT snowing now, NOT icing now, and there are NOT any flying hairballs, so absolutely no complaints. :0)
I’m feeling very lucky that we are retired and not having to report to work someplace on a regular basis. Neither of us sleeps ‘regularly,’ as we used to. We catch cat naps to try to get enough rest, simply falling asleep in our chairs, even when we’re trying not to. My husband’s sleep cycle is really wonky lately. He was up this morning at around 3 and was reading, waiting for me to get up. I went to get more coffee awhile ago and he was asleep in his chair with his tablet in his lap. Later he gave in and put his towel over his eyes, his chair stretched out.
Yesterday when we came back from running errands, we noticed our spring-like our yard looked. The daffodils are blooming their heads off all around the yard – some in the ground and others dotted around in planters. Then we have redbuds in bloom, the tulip tree, the forsythia, etc. Makes for a really nice ‘welcome home.’
Today is beautiful. Lots of sun and warm temperatures. It’s already 60 degrees. Can you believe it?
We’ll go see if our trash can has been emptied soon, get our mail, scoot to get some groceries, and then tie the trash can back up to the pole beside the driveway when we get back. That’s it for errands today. I’m hoping we can get the mailbox decoration changed.
My husband took the new/used computer out to the shop yesterday, thinking he had it working. It’s acting wonky, though, so he is back at it today.
A day to be outside, drinking in all the sunshine. Enjoy your Tuesday.
Today is supposed to be an absolutely beautiful day, sunny with a high of about 80 this afternoon. I’m ignoring the fact that Tues – Thursday will be really rainy, with our area to receive about 3 inches of rain. I’ll make a point of walking around outside today, looking at my pretty perennial plants that are turning their faces to the sun, drinking in the weather, oblivious to what is to come.
It’s too early yet to uncover my square foot garden (earlier photo above). I’m really pleased that our idea to put weed barrier, cut to size, into the planting boxes, seems to have worked well. The carefully placed bricks held the barriers in place, and hopefully, I’ll just need to uncover the Mel’s Mix in the boxes, hook up the irrigation hoses, and be ready to plant! :0)
Yesterday my husband asked me for help on his computer. He wasn’t receiving a code and was completely frustrated. It turned out that he was looking for it in his email when he should have been looking at his phone. I had to start over in order to fix it, then showed him where to look next time. Later I helped him again when he couldn’t access his email. Then, later, when we were watching 60 Minutes, he tried to explain ‘quantum computing’ to me, but couldn’t dumb it down enough for me to understand. Hahahahahaahah.
creativeartworksblog 