This is my latest painted sketch.
_____________________
Today was emotional, stressful, but ultimately we prevailed!
It was emotional because we visited my husband, Harvey, at the nursing home this morning. He ate the pineapple pie and drank the grape drink Brian brought for him, but didn’t say a word. We thought it was going to be a complete bust of a visit.
We showed him pictures and told him about what was happening in our lives, trying to include him. He nodded or shook his head, but otherwise wasn’t responsive. We weren’t sure that anything was getting through to him. Some questions we asked were totally ignored.
Just as we were leaving, he said, “Love you, Babe.” I lost it. He hasn’t said that since his stroke 9 months ago. I ran back in and hugged him again, thanking him for saying that. Totally unexpected, absolutely appreciated. I was tearful the whole way home.
_____________________________
It was stressful because the new lock on my door was really hard for me to open and close. It’s a nice lock, a sturdy one, well made and fancy, but the arthritis in my hands, particularly my thumbs, was triggered each time I tried to open or close my door. It was just too much for me.
Brian came in to my place when we got back from visiting Harvey, screwdriver set in hand. He worked for over an hour on it. He would take it apart, it would work, then when it was put back together, it got tight again. He finally called the locksmith back for help.
Happily we only had to wait a little while for him to come over. He and Brian worked together. Brian was able to demonstrate the problem. The locksmith was able to see with his own eyes where the problem lay. He had to work on it another hour, but finally got it to work really, really well.
Best of all, when “I” tested it, we could all see that it was perfect. No English on his side, no Thai on my side, but we communicated that we were both really happy he had made it work so well. Best of all, he refused payment for today’s travel and work. So we prevailed to the satisfaction of all.
________________________
Half the afternoon is gone now and I’m exhausted. I think I’m going to try to relax and take a nap in celebration.
I hope that you are having a great day.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Photography and Art Gallery – @u42.co
@armandsarlangue.bsky.social
Katriona – @katsyg.bsky.social
Filed under Awe-Inspiring Photography
My son’s birthday is today. I gave him this card I painted. I got a HUGE smile, TWO nice ‘thank you’s’ and TWO big hugs…. 🤗
____________________
Yesterday was a wonderful day
My housekeeper left these flowers for me, PLUS a spotlessly clean place. I’m so lucky to have her.
________________________
I gave my favorite server at the cafe a Christmas card a week or so ago. He came back to my table later to ask if I had painted the card. When I said, “yes,” he clutched the card to his chest and gave me the sweetest smile I think I have ever seen. Yesterday he brought me a gift –
He actually wrote me a note inside the card IN ENGLISH! He was very worried that he had made a mistake. It said, “I wish you good health and happy forever Auntie. Merry Christmas.” and he added a very small heart.
The pouch has a stuffed bear face on the front and a keychain. It was inside the sweet Christmas box. Inside the box was –
Thai people are very into stickers of all kinds, in fact that’s the main thing they do for Valentine’s Day, for example. I put two of the stickers on my sketchbook, since I bring that to the cafe every Friday. I put sketching supplies inside the pouch and will bring that next Friday. I attached the stuffed Christmas tree to the keychain on the pouch. Isn’t this amazing! 🤗
____________________
One of the building cleaning ladies ‘thanked’ me for her card by bringing a dessert filled stick of bamboo to my door soon after. This is a traditional dessert for Thai people, made of rice, coconut milk, and various flavorings to make a really tasty treat. Brian and I had a great time devouring it.
__________________
I’m going to make thank you cards for both of these kind people. I never expected anything in return for the cards I made. This just shows you what a wonderful place Thailand is!!!
_______________________
At about noon, the locksmith is supposed to come back to my place to install my new lock. It was too large for the hole in my door and he didn’t have the tools to make the hole larger, so hopefully today I’ll have my new lock! Brian will be able to get into my place, if needed, and vice versa, with the new locks. It’s a nice security addition. PLUS, I can quit using the lock in the doorknob that is very cranky at times! 🔑
______________________
Edge Early Learning
I’m hoping to spend a good amount of time in my art alcove today. I want to sketch the thank you cards and I want to start painted a backlog of sketches I’ve done in my sketchbook.
______________________
MAKE this a wonderful day!
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Jim Wheaton
Yesterday I told you that I didn’t feel ‘alone’ because I carry my memories with me. I’ve continued to remember my dad since I wrote that post.
My dad had an infectious laugh. He was an amazing storyteller.
He told one story of he and his friends (all dads, some granddads, NONE of whom had any experience at all) going ‘camping’ one weekend in Arkansas. They decided they would float down part of the Arkansas River in flat-bottomed boats, pick a spot along the river to camp overnight, cook dinner and breakfast over a fire, and then pack leisurely to hike back to their cars.
They stopped at the boat rental place. The renter asked if they had floated before. They hadn’t, but assured the man they wouldn’t have any problems. He made SURE they understood that the river was a little rough this time of year and that it was really important they wear life jackets.
They left their cars, packed up two flat-bottomed boats with their gear, and proceeded to get into the boats and embark. No one had experience in getting into boats, much less floating down the river, so immediately one of the boats dumped over with one of the men trying to climb in. They managed to grab all the gear that went into the water, got into the boats and headed off, their big adventure under way.
The group that was in the first boat lost patience with those in the second boat, so went ahead at their own speed. The big problem with this was that they had all the beer in their boat and so the men in the 2nd boat had nothing at all to drink. The sun was beating down and everyone got super hot quickly.
The 2nd boat caught up with the first, yelling about the beer. They proceeded to divide it up, all drinking until they didn’t care how hot it was.
To make a long story shorter, they couldn’t start a fire because they forgot matches and no one had a clue how to start a fire otherwise. They ended up having some crackers and the rest of the beer for dinner.
They got the bright idea of digging “butt” holes in the ground to make their sleeping more comfortable. All worked like crazy, using whatever they could find to dig with, trying out the hole to make sure it finally ‘fit’ their butts. They got into their sleeping bags, exhausted and hungry, but more than a little high. One of the men started cursing. When the others asked what his problem was, he yelled, “I sleep on my stomach!”
The next morning, still hungry, they were all up before the sun. They were wandering around trying to take care of business, get things together, when one of the men started cursing. He had been trying to brush his teeth – using his tube of Unguentine instead of toothpaste.
With no breakfast, they called the rental place to come get them instead of trying to hike all the way back to their cars, agreeing that this was the first and last camping trip.
Besides painting great mental pictures with his words as he related the story, my dad relived the tale as he spoke. He would break up, laughing helplessly, over and over, almost unable to go on, tears streaming down his face. It almost didn’t matter what he was saying, everyone around him laughed because HE laughed, totally caught up in the story.
He had several stories that we begged him to tell over and over, just to share his joy and fun.
I can see his face in front of me now, trying to catch his breath while attempting to go on with the story. It took me quite a while to ‘remember him laughing’ after he died, but I replay his stories in my mind and heart NOW, remembering how much he loved life and loved to laugh. I have wonderful memories of him to carry with me forever. He’s with me.
Filed under Family
Indian Hills Community Signs- Vince, the Sign Guy
Vince
Filed under Funny Signs - Humor
@dailybunnies.bsky.social
_______________________
Tenor
I went to the gym, ate breakfast, then went for a terrific massage this morning. Ahhhhhhh!
Be Secure Locksmith
A locksmith came to add new locks to Brian’s and my doors – ones that use the same key – for security and to bypass the keyed doorknob on mine that is a pain. He got the lock installed in Brian’s, but needs to come back tomorrow to do mine, after he discovered he’ll have to modify the hole to make it larger before he can install mine. I’m happy that (1) my swollen door has been planed and repainted, and (2) that tomorrow the lock will be one that locks and unlocks my door easily. It’ll bring peace of mind that Brian will be able to get in here, should an emergency occur. 🔑 Being able to use the doorknob to simply open and close the door will be so good!
________________________
Soon we’ll go to the cafe to get out of Khun Nong’s way while she cleans my place. I have my sketchbook and supplies, my Kindle, and my sweatshirt ready to go. I’m looking forward to doing some sketching, and then I’m starting Book 3 of ‘The Lost Bride” trilogy by Nora Roberts, “The Seven Rings.”
I’m hoping to get ‘my’ favorite seating place by the front window where I can watch the amazing traffic go by. There are two official lanes in both directions, with vehicles steering around each other when the opportunity occurs (or they can MAKE one occur), plus a gazillion motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles who have brought weaving in and out between vehicles on both sides to an art form, plus the pedestrians walking up and down the street on both sides, or trying to cross the street. Good luck! 🤞
__________________________
This is ‘my’ chair. We have passed it a couple of times in our travels, and I love it more every time I see it. I can just picture it in one corner between my dining and living areas. It would look absolutely GREAT. The fact that it will take me winning the lottery in order to buy it, and then pay to have it delivered to my place are annoying ‘details.’ When we passed it recently, there was a white cat asleep on the cushion! As I looked at it, assuming it was a stuffed animal, it opened one gorgeous blue eye and yawned and stretched. I. WANT. THIS. CHAIR!!!!
_____________________________
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
(A famous line from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner)
@photolust.bsky.social
“Water is the driving force of all nature.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci
@damienshields.bsky.social
“The man who never alters his opinions is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.” ~William Blake
@mamady.bsky.social
“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” ~Karen Blixen
@imagesbyjonevan.bsky.social
“Truth will rise above falsehood as oil above water.” ~Miguel de Cervantes
Daves Photos – @davesadventures.bsky.social
“You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.” ~Rabindranath Tagore
Filed under Uncategorized
“Important Animal Images” – Hidreley – BoredPanda.com
Filed under Amazing Animals
Indian Hills Community Center Signs – Vince, the Sign Guy
Filed under Funny Signs - Humor, punny
Shop with Sherry – Pinterest
________________
“Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.”
― L.M. Montgomery, The Story Girl
This was my father, Jim Wheaton.
My brother and I were raised by two ‘only children.’ My dad was embarrassed to show emotion, having learned early that he needed to protect himself from people getting too close and possibly hurting him. (He fell off a horse when he was 3, permanently damaging his left arm, making it almost useless, and the cause of relentless cruel taunting from other kids.) He defended himself by developing an incredible sense of humor.
He learned to look at a situation as if he were watching a movie. He made himself see the humor in the situation, learned not to take himself too seriously. He learned to make the other children laugh. They learned to look past his disability and accept him because he was so much fun to be around.
He passed this sense of humor and attitude on to us. I learned to appreciate the stories he would tell, the jokes, the puns, the sarcasm he used regularly, the snide comments. Humor became a survival skill that I have used throughout my life. If I can see the humor in the situation, I can deal with it.
He ran a one-man advertising agency in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where I grew up. He used his humor in his work, creating ads that made people not only remember and try products of his clients, but earned him a following as an entertaining guy – a celebrity of sorts – on the radio. He billed himself as the “second worst radio voice” (the first being a florist who just read her own words in a scratchy voice as an ad.) He won numerous awards from the local advertising organization, winning an Addy Award for lifetime achievement in advertising.
When I was making a final presentation in my class for a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist, my theme was skills to build intelligent judgment of advertising claims. I asked my dad to be my featured speaker. I finished my talk presenting my dad, as Jim Wheaton, Advertising man, and the room went nuts, wanting to hear the man behind the ads. He finished his presentation by saying something about the joy of being asked to speak, and “how proud he was of his daughter, Linda Lewis.” The place erupted. They had no idea we were related. I couldn’t speak. This was the first time he had ever said he was proud of me. I knew he LOVED me, but this was a moment that still makes me tear up as I type.
When my dad died, he wrote on a napkin, “Remember me laughing.” It was a long time before I could, but I do. Even though I’m living by myself now in Thailand, a country strange and fascinating to me, I am not alone. I can FEEL him looking down at me, particularly when I’m sticking my neck out – feeling uncomfortable – reminding me he’s proud.
I remember him. I honor him. I brought him here with me in my mind and in my heart. I’ll never feel alone.
Filed under memories
Tina Ann – Grateful
____________________
We went to visit my husband at the nursing home this morning. As visits go, this was a pretty good one. He seems to be comfortable, and was happy to see us. He made sense most of the time, except didn’t remember that we were in Chiang Mai, and thought the trip here was still ahead of us. He was confused about a lot of things, but not upset. He seemed interested in what we were telling him and liked looking a pictures on our phones.
He pulled out his nasal tube three times yesterday and his hands were in hard plastic ‘bags’ to keep him from pulling it out again. We tried to explain to him that if he eats and drinks enough without choking, they probably will be able to remove the tube. It’s heartbreaking that he will probably never be able to ‘come home,’ barring a miracle, but I’m very grateful that we found a place who calls him, “Pa,” and his nurse thinks the fact he is stubborn is an endearing quirk.
_____________________
KinderCare
I’m back to painting the sketches in my sketchbook and having a great time. I’m carrying the Christmas cards I painted so that I can give them out as I see people. The rest will be given when we will go to a party hosted by the family who ‘adopted’ Harvey and me as honorary grandparents. We keep showing Harvey pics of their son and daughter, but he probably won’t see them in person. By the end of the year, I may fill up this first sketchbook. I think I’m making some progress in trying to learn to draw what I see better. I have a lot of fun trying, and I have a 2nd book to start when this one is finished.
________________________
My dolphins jigsaw puzzle may be more of a challenge than I can handle. I’m making extremely slow progress on it. The change of my chair to one that rolls around, though, is great. I can now roll up to one side or the other and see better what I’m trying to do. Brian is happy I’m slow because each time I finish a puzzle, he takes a picture of it and orders a print made of it on glass that I put on my ‘statement’ shelf in my living area. He teases me, griping about the cost of the glass prints. I have two so far…. 😛
__________________________
Today is ‘old lady yoga stretches’ day. I did my mile walk on the treadmill at the gym this morning, and will spend a good long time (30-45 minutes) with the yoga stretches. I’m adding a couple of new moves to my practice, as Brian has suggested some things that concentrate on my core more. I will also do the Internet balance exercises and may dance a bit, if I don’t run out of time…
Pngtree
I’m finally within about 5 pounds or so of my weight loss goal. I hit a new low this morning (hoooooraaaaaaay!!!!!!) I will see where I am and how I’m feeling with the loss of 5 more pounds and then decide if I want to go for 5 more. I want to be to the place I can maintain my eating, being able to splurge at times without guilt, enjoy getting some jeans that fit (I’ve taken in the waist of the ones I’m wearing three times now), and concentrate on my exercising – working on flexibility, balance and core strength, as well as trying to build up my arm strength.
_________________________
Make this a happy day!
Filed under Uncategorized
Temu
Temu
Woven Rugs
I love these rugs. It’s hard, however, to decide how to decorate your home (assuming you have spendable income so you can buy what you love.) If you buy a rug like this, it will need to be the centerpiece of your room, with all the other things being solid colors to keep the focus on the rug.
I fall in love with a rug, or a wall hanging or art, and so want the rest of the room to kind of ‘fade away’ keeping the focus on the ‘statement’ piece. I drool a lot, dreaming of what I would like to be surrounded with. Since my income is modest, a lot of these ‘decisions’ are in my head or heart only…
Filed under Decorating Ideas
I’m having trouble getting much done lately.
I pre-ordered the 3rd book in “The Lost Bride” trilogy by Nora Roberts after having read the first two. I had waited for the 3rd for what seemed like a long time (was actually about 6 months) when I finally got it!
I immediately started re-reading the first book in the trilogy – “Inheritance.” Had trouble putting it down even though I had read it before. I love the characters and the whole premise of inheriting a haunted house from a family a young woman didn’t know she had, moving to a new part of the country, starting a business and more.
I’m now re-reading book 2, “The Mirror.” I really would like to know these characters – strong, talented, smart young women who have decided to live in the mansion together and tackle the problem of one of the ghosts. The new men in their lives add wonderful flavor and interest.
The third book in the trilogy is called, “The Seven Rings.” I can’t wait to dive into it and discover how this ends.
Filed under Book - Movie - TV Reviews
“Important Animal Images” – Hidreley – BoredPanda.com
Filed under Amazing Animals
Nanea Hoffman – Sweatpants and Coffee, LLC. – “Distracted”
I vacillate between reading the news, reading just the headlines, or not reading the news at all. I feel the same about social media platforms. When all this is too grim, filled with too much bad stuff, hate, and stupidity, I take a break from it all.
Priorites in my life –
These things remind me not to get “distracted,” as Nanea Hoffman says so well, by all the stuff going wrong.
I’m lucky to have many wonderful priorities in my life that make each day worth living. I can make the world go away “when the world is too much with us,” as said by William Wordsworth, the English poet.
I think it’s a definite survival skill to make a go-to “sanity” list for ourselves and encourage people we care about to do the same, reminding ourselves of all the wonderful things we could be doing rather than stressing out over things we usually can’t control anyway.
Filed under Encouragement
Important Animal Images by Hidreley – BoredPanda.com
Filed under Amazing Animals
@dtl.bsky.social
“Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn’t people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them?” – Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy
Jamie Scott – @jcsctoan.bsky.social
“The sound of birds stops the noise in my mind.” – Carly Simon
@debmaluk.bsky.social
“As far as our noblest hardwood forests are concerned, the animals, especially squirrels and jays, are our greatest and almost only benefactors. It is to them that we owe this gift. It is not in vain that the squirrels live in or about every forest tree, or hollow log, and every wall and heap of stones.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
@annaquent.bsky.social
“Let me tell you, if you have never seen an agitated squirrel you have seen very little, nor have you heard much, because the sound of an angry squirrel is not to be forgotten.” ~ Joe R. Lansdale
Filed under Awe-Inspiring Photography
@WholesomeMeme.bsky.social
____________________
After getting back from the gym, our day had a bit of a scary start –
I was waiting for Brian to text me to join him for breakfast. All of a sudden someone was trying to get into my place! I was worried it was someone drunk who was at my door by mistake. I yelled ‘who is it?’ and it was BRIAN.
He had texted me on our usual phone app, but I had not answered and had not appeared as usual. He got worried and came to my door. He discovered the extra key he thought worked on my door DIDN’T. I knew he thought I had done something to my phone that caused the problem.
We had breakfast and then he looked at both our phones. I’m kind of doofus and was afraid I had it set wrong somehow. It turned out that the problem is in the APP, not ME! It wasn’t sending audible signals as it always does. Brian is trying to figure out the problem and see if he can get it fixed. Meanwhile, I will get a VISUAL signal if I’m at the computer, or I can check manually about the time he usually texts for one reason or another and get a message that way. I hope it gets fixed quickly, as we rely on it.
It is on the maintenance guy’s list to change the locks on Brian’s door and mine, and they will have the same key, so at least we will be able to get in and out of each other’s doors, if needed.
________________________
We are having a quiet day today. Brian will work at home until he has to get out of Khun Nong’s way when she comes to clean his place. He’ll work at the cafe and then bring dinner here.
I’m planning to finish blog posts, and then puzzle, paint, and read. 🙂🧩🎨📖
Have a happy day.
Filed under Uncategorized
Aj d’Wit – 18 August 2025 – (Audrey) – @audjde.bsky.social
Filed under Blog Repost - Wonderful Posts
These images are collected and presented by Hidreley on BoredPanda.com
I really never thought I would describe a bat as “Cute,” but this one proved me wrong.
I love the curmudgeonly look on the man’s face, offset by the tennis balls on his cane, the handful of happy balloons, and the smile on his dog’s face.
Adoration personified.
Awwww. Nuff said.
Filed under Amazing Animals
I did 3 more Christmas cards, just in case. I have one more person on my list I haven’t found yet. The rest are for people I SHOULD have listed, but didn’t or who might be at a Christmas gathering of some kind.
_____________________
I’m enjoying the ‘great window opening’ at my place this afternoon. It’s 82 degrees and slightly overcast today. It’s a wonderful day for opening up, airing out, and enjoying the beautiful weather. The cross breeze is really energizing and I’m loving it!
_______________________
I got a haircut this morning, so I’m looking less like a dandelion-gone-to-seed than I was. This man does a good job. He’s getting the fact that I only want to quickly wash it in the shower each morning after my workout and blow it dry. No rollers, no styling, no gels, no spray. Just clean hair that looks like someone had a plan.
_____________________
We’re having some trouble getting around the past couple of days. There is no holiday as such happening now. The tourist season is in full swing, but it has been since around the first of November. I’m not sure what’s going on, but we’re having to build in more time to get where we’re going, since we have to wait longer than usual to get a GRAB.
______________________
The visit to Harvey yesterday was pretty good. He seemed to like the picture I painted for him. I was going to replace his birthday picture with the Christmas picture, but his nurse insisted I just add the Christmas picture to the wall. She indicated that I could cover the whole wall with pictures in time if I wanted to. Is she a wonderful person, or what!
____________________________
I hope that you’re having a fun day wherever you are, that you’re safe from ugly weather, and that you’re surrounded by those you love.
Filed under Uncategorized
Catherine Rayner – Substack – @catherinerayner on Substack – catherinerayner.co.uk
“Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.” – Groucho Marx
Spud – Megan Elizabeth – Artist – @MeganArtUK on X – megan-art.com
“My fashion philosophy is, if you’re not covered in dog hair, your life is empty.” – Elayne Boosler
Peter Hogarth – @peterhogarthartist.bsky.social
“No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does.” – Christopher Morley
Filed under drawings
Garry Cleveland Myers, illustrated most recently by Leslie Harrington, Highlights for Children Magazine.
“Goofus and Gallant is an American children’s comic strip appearing monthly in Highlights for Children. The comic contrasts the actions of the eponymous characters, presenting Gallant’s actions as right and good and Goofus’s as wrong and bad.” ~ Wikipedia
My son, Brian, labeled me “Goofus” this morning, when I opened his door to leave, running the door into my shoe for the gazillionth time. This has been a long standing joke, where we keep a tally of how many days I have gone WITHOUT hitting my foot. I was back to zero this morning when he labeled me.
Goofus does everything wrong and is the typical mischievious boy. Gallant is what we used to call, “Goody Two Shoes” – doing everything he should do and more, making everyone else look bad.
I told Harvey this morning that Brian was insulting his mother. Brian immediately defended himself, saying he wasn’t insulting me – he was merely chiding me for not paying close enough attention in my apparent war with his door…
I’ve referred to it now a couple of times and call myself, “Doofus” rather than “Goofus,” thinking that is really the more apt description. I’ll get Brian back, though, so he may be wondering how I’ll do it –
Filed under Funny Signs - Humor
We are going to visit Harvey at the nursing home this morning. Brian is taking some grape drink and a pineapple pie (Harvey’s current favorites) and I’m taking the Christmas picture above. I’ll replace his birthday picture with this one.
I also painted this sketch yesterday. I’m really enjoying the new chair Brian got for me. It’s really comfortable. I scoot around a lot, reach for things, move things around as I sketch and paint, then refine the sketches. The chair is wonderfully comfortable and makes my time in my alcove even more enjoyable!
_________________________
My jigsaw puzzle is coming along slowly. I’m having a good time working on it when I can make the time. I especially love being able to leave it out ready to work on, rather than having it ‘bother’ anyone to have the ‘mess.’
I’m also delighted that I’m safer and much more comfortable since I moved the old art alcove chair to be my puzzle chair and we got rid of the older wooden one. I can actually roll around two the two sides of the puzzle now. It makes it easier to see that I don’t have the piece I need and say a couple of bad words… 😜
____________________
Garry Cleveland Myers – Leslie Harrington, Illustrator – Highlights Magazine “Goofus and Gallant.”
Brian has dubbed me “Goofus” of the “Goofus and Gallant” cartoon series that appears in Highlights Magazine for Children. I had never heard of it and so looked it up this morning. I’ll explain more in another post. Suffice to say that I’m loving this part of my relationship with our son. He insults ME and I tease and tickle HIM. We have so much fun
____
Filed under Uncategorized
December 5th Jade was born and our family was complete. (You can see Harvey holding her while I feed Brian.)
Two months later I came home from a night class at the community college to find all the lights on at my house and my in-laws’ car in the driveway. I entered to find my in-laws on the couch, saying, “She’s gone.” I ran to the nursery to find the room empty. Harvey wasn’t there, either. In shock, I sank onto the couch, numb. My inlaws said Jade had died and Harvey was at the police station. Brian, then 2, came into the living room dragging Jade’s blanket. He took it to the trash can, threw it in, and said, “Broken.”
My in-laws, trying to do something to help, told me they had gathered up everything of Jade’s and put it away. Harvey was at the police station answering questions. They told me Harvey said she was crying. He did everything he knew how to do to get her to settle down for the night. The next time he checked, she was gone. Jade had been taken by the police to the coroner’s office. As I walked around, there was nothing of her left anywhere. It was like she was a figment of my imagination. I knew I was going crazy.
The acronym is SIDS. (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). I hear it and I fall apart. Jade was perfect. She had just gone for her two month check up and vaccinations the day before. How could my daughter be ‘perfect’ one day and die of SIDS the next, according to the coroner’s report, still seemingly perfect? Our pediatrician actually came to the house and cried with us.
Both Harvey and I seriously considered suicide. Harvey was afraid I would hold him responsible for her death. The pain was so great we couldn’t breathe, much less take in food, drink, or be even reasonable parents to Brian. We were all hurting so badly it seemed there was no other way to make the pain stop. Finally we quit feeling sorry for ourselves and kept living because we had to help each other through it and raise Brian.
Jade would have been 45 today. What kind of a woman would she be? I’ve speculated a lot about that over the years. I HOPE she would be kind and generous, like our Brian. I HOPE we would be close to her, as we are with Brian. Most of all, I HOPE she would have had a happy life, feel fulfilled as a person, found things she loved to do, found people she cherished, maybe had children…
When this happened I felt a cannon ball had been shot through my body at short range. That pain never leaves. As I have seen in others who have also suffered a great loss, we learn to live anyway. Somewhere deep inside of all of us is a part that hopefully doesn’t give up – that rises up and becomes stronger, helping you do what you have to do, what you need to do, and hopefully – finally – what you WANT to do again.
Each year I research the latest in regard to SIDS. They don’t know much more about it today than they did when Jade died. At THAT time the experts said it was important for the baby to sleep on their stomach to prevent choking from throwing up. Now they suggest the baby sleep on their back. There was the question about whether the vaccinations had some link to SIDS. They say not, though I have trouble believing that. A study in Australia links SIDS to serotonin abnormalities in the brain. No one really knows much – and how hideous is that.
I can’t hold a young baby without crying. I can’t go to a funeral without falling apart and becoming the center of attention. It hurts when someone asks about my children. When I tell them about Brian, they ask, “Is he the only child you have?” Well – NO. There is Jade. I am afraid when I see young babies or pregnant women. I keep my mouth firmly shut because the odds are against women or their babies having any problems. I no longer attend funerals. Our minister said, “Jade was born, lived a little while, and died.” I can still feel her in my arms. I hope we meet again in the future.
Filed under Family
“The best way to get in the festive spirit in Chiang Mai is, without a doubt, by visiting one of the malls. Chiang Mai has several large malls, and during December, they go to town on seasonal lights and decorations. Chiang Mai’s malls are some of the best shopping destinations in the country, containing a vast range of Western and local shops. For example, you can find almost all the same things at a Western mall, so they are an excellent destination for Christmas shopping. Here is a rundown of the Chiang Mai malls most worth visiting.
Maya Mall is one of Chiang Mai’s best destinations for shopping and dining, located on the intersection of Huay Kaew Road and Nimman. In terms of decorations, it probably takes the prize for the best in the city! The huge Christmas tree in front of the mall, as well as the lights and decorations, make for a great picture opportunity. Sometimes, they even have fake snow. As you enjoy a spot of shopping, you’ll hear all the Christmas hits being played throughout the mall, but if you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a Christmas carol session performed by a local choir. Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center is open daily from 10 am-10 pm and can be reached easily on a bike or in a taxi.
In the competition for the biggest Christmas tree in Chiang Mai, Central Festival Mall might just be the winner. Although a bit out of the center, this mall is still easy to reach – and very worth a visit! It’s the biggest mall in the city, and is located about 15 minutes northeast of the old city. Like Maya Mall, it contains the big brand names, but you’ll find even more of them here. In addition to this, its food court and supermarket at the basement level are much bigger than the dining area at Maya, with even more choice.
Another mall worth mentioning is the Central Airport Plaza Mall, due to its truly unique atmosphere. It boasts a massive Christmas tree in the center of the mall, and has a great Christmas shopping atmosphere – you can even find Christmas elves here!
It is one of the older malls in Chiang Mai, and contains a mixture of some high end shops along with plenty of smaller and more thrifty stores. If a pair of jeans or a sweater for under ten bucks sounds good to you, this is the place to go.
Central Airport Plaza Mall definitely feels more authentic than some of the more modern malls and has a unique Thai touch, especially within the traditional food and craft market on the ground floor.” ~ PM Tours
Filed under Wonderful Things about Thailand
_______________
•Some of my friends exercise every day. Meanwhile I am watching a show I don’t like because the remote fell on the floor.
.For those of you that don’t want Alexa or Siri listening in on your conversation, they are making a male version…it doesn’t listen to anything.
•I just got a present labeled, ‘From Mom and Dad’, and I know darn well Dad has no idea what’s inside.
•Someone said, “Nothing rhymes with orange.” I said, “No, it doesn’t.”
•There’s a fine line between a numerator and a denominator. Only a fraction of people will find this funny.
•Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.
•I have many hidden talents. I just wish I could remember where I hid them.
•My idea of a Super Bowl is a toilet that cleans itself.
•Apparently exercise helps you with decision-making. It’s true. I went for a run this morning and decided I’m never going again.
Filed under Funny Signs - Humor
These wonderful images were given to us by Vicky – “Mood Lift: Achieved” – BoredPanda.com
Filed under Amazing Animals
Avera Health
_______________
I have had a really special day.
I went for my massage. My therapist was back and I received a fabulous massage. I gave her the Christmas card I painted for her. She smiled and seemed very happy. The other massage lady was busy with a client, so I’ll check back later to see if I can give her her card then.
After my massage I went out to the garage of the building and gave the garage attendant his card. He seemed quite surprised and had tears in his eyes as we bowed to each other. I then found the lady who brings us chairs when we have to wait a while for a GRAB ride. She is also one of the housekeepers in the condo building. She took one look at her card and hugged me!
About half an hour my doorbell rang. The nice lady was there, handing me a roll of bamboo full of something I gathered was something to eat. We smiled, bowed and hugged each other again. 🙏🏻
I texted Brian and he came to my place. He thought it was some kind of a Thai desert. We ate it and found it to be wonderful. It had rice, coconut and something else – sweet and delicious. Brian looked it up and sent me this YouTube video of what is called, “Bamboo Sticky Rice” –
She speaks no English, and I speak no Thai, but we had a beautiful exchange nonetheless. I will thank her for her beautiful gift the next time I see her. 🙏🏻
We will leave to go to the cafe soon to get out of Khun Nong’s (my housekeeper’s) way while she cleans my place. I’ll take my sketchbook, drawing supplies, my Kindle, and my sweatshirt. I will give a Christmas card to one of the servers there.
So my day has been a happy one, of thank you’s, Christmas cards, happy smiles, hugs, and more. What a beautiful place this is!
Filed under Wonderful Things about Thailand
creativeartworksblog 