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Thought I'd take a few minutes and actually write a bit. While it seems like forever since I have had time to write I realize it really is about taking the time, making the time - well, just DOING IT!
Nothing too earth-shattering. As most of you know, my time at IMAGE finally came to an end and I had a brief period where I was at home most of the time. Then circumstances arose which led Bruce to introduce me to the Children's paraphernalia representative business where he works part-time (Larry Lucas Inc.) and I started helping them out for shows and then a full-time position opened and, well, I dove in and have been going pretty much non-stop ever since. That was a year ago and I have to say that, while time-consuming, I really enjoy what I do and the challenge of "cleaning up" some things that hadn't been worked on. In addition, I've been able to explore computer programs a bit more in order to take what I had to work with and make it more usable.
Home has actually been even more enjoyable this year with more gardening and co-operative weather making it very beautiful and rewarding. Bruce and I seem to have found a nice rhythm of working together and getting things done, enjoying our "family" time and our life together. Our family shrunk a little as we had to say goodbye to our oldest little girl, Blanche, who developed a kidney problem that prevented her from getting nourishment to her body. But we enjoyed her to the end and she enjoyed herself, too. The house feels a bit emptier without her but the other 3 still keep us busy and "make" us go on walks at least once a day, although they prefer twice. Brandi still hasn't learned that there is an end to her leash and runs after whatever she can.
I am healthy other than learning I have sleep apnea and still get exasperated that when I do just about any exertion I have trouble breathing and get dizzy. Every test has come out fine so apparently nothing serious is wrong. Recently I noticed it might be related to position, brought on by bending over or bending down and not if I'm sitting down; i.e., it's not the work I'm doing but the position I'm in when doing it. So I'm working on that.
And I think I'll end this for now. Perhaps I'll get back on track with this and some other things I've put off, so you might hear some more from me.
Jon
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Passover is here (or will be at sundown). Although it is a dreary, rainy day in NY and has been cold (for us) since we got here, we've been having a good time. Can't believe how big the grand-nephews have become. Having the computer with me has been a great source of entertainment for the kids, and it is amazing to see how proficient they all are on it. We took Noah one day while we went on errands and had a good time with him, then that night we took Aaron and Bailey to the Islander's Hockey game. Of course they had to explain to Bruce and me what was going on and it was a good experience for us and we all had a lot of fun. Aaron "used" to be the big hockey player of the family, but he's moving on to other things now.
Cindy, their mother, is ready to kill me for putting the kids up to things or talking about things we're not allowed to talk about (can't say "dumb" in school, do Bruce and I kiss...all kinds of interesting questions). Noah and I got to play an "April Fools" gag on his mom when we met them for breakfast and Noah was a great actor, complete with props (we put water on his face and he went into the restaurant "crying" and whimpered to Cindy that "Jon hit me", which won me this glare of "what could the explanation possibly be?", and he held the joke just long enough before shouting "April Fools" - this turned Cindy's glare into a death gaze on me).
Ran to the cemetary to Bruce's parent's sites, then a little nap, then out to an all-you-can-eat meat place with Melody and Larry and caught up on what's going on in their life, and lot's of tidbits about their granddog - a little pug. Today we're preparing for our first Passover meal after a lot of play wth the kids again. We might even sneak in a movie if all goes well.
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How did 2 weeks go by without my getting back to my blog? Most has been good. Right now, April 14, I'm working at the Merchandise Mart with Bruce for the show going on this weekend. Got to see "Meet the Robinsons" in 3D with the kids before we left NY. Lots of fun.
Blanche has had more work-ups at a specialist since we returned. We should know by Monday if she has Cushings Disease and what to do about it. Looks like her thyroid level is finally normal. She's doing well, though, and the worst part for her has been having a couple of NPO days before going in for bloodwork. But she survived.
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I thought we could use some images of Spring. These are from our home and are the reason we enjoy it so much here, especially this time of year. Almost makes the lawsuit worth it (NO!! Would have been just fine to have had it been a totally wonderful experience, but we at least get to ENJOY THE BEAUTY!).
Returned from Tucson after a wonderful time, had a brief week at home and decided to go down to Florida as Bruce's step-mother (Elaine) was released from Rehab (no, she's not an alcoholic - she fell and broke her hip and has been on the mend) last week and we wanted to see how she was doing, see what we could do, etc. Lynette watched the house and the dogs for us and we drove down as we decided to do some HOA required work on both her house and Bruce's place that his aunt lives in, which is close to Elaine's (she's Aunt Elaine - yes it's sometimes confusing). We didn't stay with Elaine this time as she has a full time aide to help her as she adjusts to being home again.
Elaine is doing well and getting around with a walker. She looks healthy but her circulation is terrible. Couldn't believe how blue/purple her feet get. We went out one night for dinner with Bruce's friends Michael and Abbe. She's a nurse and knows a doctor who might be able to help with this so we'll help her get that set up. It was good to get to visit and even to help out with things that needed to be done: new shower hose, more portable telephones so she can keep one with her, etc. Plus the main thing: we powerwashed the sidewalk and driveway and painted them the new approved color.
We both estimated one gallon of paint to do the job. 6 gallons later we finally finished. But we worked well together as a team and are pleased with the results. Then we went to his house and powerwashed his aunt's sidewalk, drive and patio. No painting needed. Got a lot of various things done, and the next day surprised her with some flowers which were needed in one area of the yard. She's a happy lady right now.
 
I know these trees don't show up will be you'll see in a moment why we love them so much. The pictures just don't do them justice, and the blooms won't last long, but they are stunning when you see them.
We're home for a week then off to NYC family for Passover.
The dogs are fine and we're glad to be back. It will be a busy week but a good one.
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300 - You've got to be kidding! Number 1? Not once audiences get ahold of it, I think. We saw it and it just wasn't put together well at all, in our opinion. At most it is "OK". And our first "blockbuster" of the year? So many better moviews have already been out.
Looking forward to "The Italian", a Russian movie, I think. And there is a French film coming out that I hope I see the previews for again because it looks great and I can't find it anywhere. I remember it is one word in English and "will be easy for me to remember"...for about 5 seconds, it seems.
"Iraq in Fragments" is well done but very slow and very depressing for many reasons. Unfortunately went when tired so I missed much of the middle. If you want to get upset all over again about Iraq and our involvement, go see it.
"Premonition" makes you think and when Elaine, Bruce and I went to see it we were all dead tired, so we were afraid we'd doze off. No chance. Not a perfect movie but certainly very good and it kept you thinking and guessing the entire time. Can't wait to see it again so we can try to figure out what we "missed".
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Still in Tucson. Had to spend 1-1/2 hours on phone with Verizon to finally get computer to connect to internet - fortunately was a nice rep and so was I, so the time glided by.
It still catches me how quiet it is here. I don't think of it being noisy in Atlanta but the difference is amazing. It's partly being in the foothills, partly because it is a smaller city. Out walking you rarely run into anyone else. Traffic seems non-existant. Joan-Anne has created such a bird sanctuary that you have them and their noises around all the time, especially when it is feeding time. The rabbits also come visit.
Although we've been "busy" (for my pace), I've still found time to finish a 3rd book. Now I'm on to one by Ellen Burstyn, whom I've always liked for some reason. I hope she's a good writer. The last book, a mystery set in Atlanta by Karin Slaughter (I think), wasn't that well written and I kept getting jolts of discomfort when reading.
Rosi, one of the new cats, won't let me sleep in yet I can't figure out what she wants. And Bruce says the dogs are letting him sleep in whereas they awaken me. Maybe it is my snoring that is bothering them so they are getting back at me!
Today should be another quiet day, capped with a nice evening with Murray and Joyce at their home. I think Bernice is joining us, too. The other night met another new person to me - Mohr, who is getting his doctorate at UA and is from Uganda. Interesting conversation. He house/pet sits for Joan-Anne.
It is time to watch the sun rise.
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OK - for the first time my internet really seems to be working! Still having a great time. Can't remember when I've laughed so hard. I hurt so much today when Karma, Joan-Anne and I were laughing that I was almost begging them to call 911. Shared laughs with Joyce on the phone today and Bernice when she stopped by early this morning, too. For a "relaxing" time this has certainly been busy. Yet was able to get in some sun and reading and now computing, plus some cleaning and organizing on a very small scale. Bruce needs to be here to organize everything. He's got such a knack for that.
Have I shared the best of the trip yet? I don't think so or, if I have, it's worth repeating. I talked about my inability to lose weight and that I always think I'm going to start my diet tomorrow, but tomorrow never comes. Joan-Anne pointed out that it was better to start it tomorrow than to never start it at all. It's my new mantra.
Madeleine Albright's book "The Mighty and the Almighty" is turning into a very interesting read. Learning a lot about various religions.
All in all a pleasant time.
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Arrived Tucson last night - late for me (and Joan-Anne, although she got in a nap ahead of time) - but our tiredness vanished as we caught up a bit, solved some of the world's ills (although no one wants to listen), I re-acquainted with the 2 cats and dog, plus 2 new cats (a friend died and the daughter's solution as to what to do with the 3 cats and dog was to put them all to sleep - let me go on notice that if anyone harms by animals after I'm dead I'll haunt you, and I won't be on Paxil!).
For some reason most of the time my internet connection doesn't seem to be working: perhaps the universe is trying to give me, or it, a rest. Before I left Atlanta I snuck to the library and got plenty of reading material. Joan-Anne has scheduled massages for both of us, here in her home, to take place in about a half hour.
The birds are out and about, the sky is blue, and all is at peace. I'll pause while I wait for my massage.
And it's a new day. Massage was wonderful and seemed to set the rest of the day for peace and calm. Finished my book. Visited with Joan-Anne, got a lot of sun, walked Chi, the dog. Then Bernice picked us up and we ate at a Thai restaurant, then off to the Opera (Beauty and the Beast) with more friends (Murray and Joyce), coffee afterward and catching up with each other, then home for immediate sleep.
A full yet relaxing day. How nice.
Now if I could only figure out why I have to constantly log off and back on to the internet in order to accomplish anything on the web. Most frustrating!
The winds are powerful this morning and the air is filled with wondrous "Whoops!" and groans, plus many tinkling sounds from the many wind chimes Joan-Anne has placed all around. The two new cats seem to have adopted me.
I can't wait to go outside. The sun is now up and it looks to be another glorious day.
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Uhhh - if I didn't "know" better I'd say I've been hiding again! Sigh! So easy to retreat, although in fairness to me I really have been busy with the foundation as application deadline was the 15th and I've been busy scanning, printing, collating and delivering. Tis done!
Taken in a lot of movies - some very mediocre ones, some good - and started some early shopping for a TV. We finally got a lien on the property of our landscaper which is being sold at the end of March so we should have that settlement at that time. Now we're after the legal fees we incurred to collect the settlement (an additional $15,000 so far, with another $5-10K expected - is it too late for me to become a lawyer?) so we'll see if we get that. It is almost DONE and we cannot wait to not have to think of it any more.
Bruce is frightening me, though, with talk of updating the main bathroom and kitchen. The sad thing is that if he gets it started, I will jump right in with my two cents and then the project will somehow expand.
One of our friends got us out to the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce last night. It was good to be out and meet a few new people, plus run into some old friends. Got to spend some time catching up with a close friend, too, so that was great. Plus we were out after dark!
Meanwhile my thoughts keep gravitating to medical care and dog care - areas that hold an interest for me in which I might be able to make a difference. I get a bit sidetracked by politics, too (Jimmy Carter and Madeleine Albright were together at the Carter Center this week - I wanted to go yet didn't even call to find out the details: again, why not?) - so things are shaping up but I'm not quite ready to pounce yet.
Started doing some research for another friend to evaluate the value of privately held art pieces. A few dead ends there but Bruce had some ideas that I'm going to follow through on and see where it gets me. And am having a small fight with my computer which HP is attempting to help me with. I will get that completed next week, unless they work over the weekend.
Time for a dog walk. Hope all is well with you. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Blanche seems to be back to normal, i.e. food disappears very rapidly again. The troop is anxiously awaiting a walk with Bruce and me as I write so this will probably be short...so short that the walk won out and now it is Friday and so much to talk about!
Bruce and I shopped at noon for food for what I thought was 3 or 4 people because that's all I had tracked who were coming to the house for the moveon.org arranged showing of "The Ground Truth". Upon further research I discovered it was really closer to 20 people so we spent the afternoon re-arranging the house so people could see the TV, get to food, see the easel with "talking points" - plus for a few weeks we're without anyone helping to clean the house (Marta is off in Colombia at her home there, which is beautiful and in the mountains), so we also cleaned up some as our dogs tend to drop one or two hairs throughout the week.
The evening went very well. Interesting people - some friends and neighbors but mostly strangers getting together for a common cause. The film was excellent and was all about the troops and how often our government doesn't support them once they've done their job. Some was about the job, too, and how they're trained. It makes me wonder how we could ever hold them accountable for the horrors that some do that are outside "normal war" when they're asked to live and think outside anything we would consider normal all the time.
It also went well with the entry this week of Al Franken in the Senatorial race to represent Minnesota. On his radio show he has for years talked of the deplorable way we have put people in harms way without proper equipment as well as not caring for them when they come back to the states, and how much is hidden from us (or is it that we just don't want to see?) in regards to amputees, disfiguring, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the lack of treatment for the vets.
On a tangentially related subject, which I'll explain later, I heard a blurb on NPR this morning about Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner Ed McGaffigan, Jr. who is nearing the end of his fight with cancer at age 58. Any way, he said something about speaking up on "the failure" of our nuclear waste disposal program and how he felt that now that his life was ending it was important to speak up about things like this. Last night we all talked about how easy it is to stay comfortable and not voice our opinions and objections, and had we done so 4 years ago we might not be in the mess we are in today.
Well, McGaffigan's comment caused me to ruminate about what if we all knew we were to die in 6 months - what would we do, say, etc.? As I was getting lost in those thoughts the report on the radio mentioned "a government official" criticized him for speaking out about the program, but once he learned McGaffigan was ill he apologized.
Is it just me or is that crazy? First, that one has to be dying to tell the truth, although that's common and it is easy to justify, especially to ourself. Second that if someone is sick you're not allowed to disagree with him - or is it that you really don't disagree but it's your job to do so, and so you feel guilty doing it if you find out the person is ill?
One of our Georgia representatives, Charlie Norwood, just died and I was reading about him in the paper. I swear that before he died I rarely read anything "good" about him in the paper (our AJC is somewhat liberal so I tend to agree most of the time). Now that he's dead you'd think he was a saint. Now, neither is right, and what has become of us as a society that either someone has to be all good or all bad rather than the blend we all are?
I better put this to rest. Hope you enjoyed it and if you have some comments feel free to post them.
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Quite a weekend - I don't feel comfortable unloading it all here, but let's just say it was full of emotion and rough decisions. As often is the case, everything seems to have worked out well. The surprise (or is this really just what one should expect?), as I was escaping in a movie - "Hannible Rising", surprisingly - part of the answer to an impasse came to me.
Monday saw a return of Blanche, who has weathered the worst and the doctor is happy. She's on her thyroid pills and antibiotics. When she's awake she seems peppier than before. Unfortunately, she is only awake for about 2 hours a day! How did she get to adopt this schedule? And she doesn't eat all of her food - this from the dog who can't use a self-feeder because she wouldn't stop until it was empty. But it's good to have her home. Our first walk yesterday was a riot - you'd have thought we all forgot how to do it. I spent so much time untangling leashes, and of course we ran into every dog in the neighborhood so the excitement was overwhelming.
Got around to sending out invites to the political event this Thursday. In the comments you'll see a reminder to honor the troops. That's an "Of course!", and it is interesting, based on a film a friend made last year "Sir! Yes, Sir" (I think) and subsequent conversations with people, that there are different memories of how servicemen were treated by the public during and after Vietnam. It's a shame if we can't separate the troops from our politics, I believe. And the whole question of sending more troops - to me it is much more a question of tactics than anything else. Before the war my biggest concern was whether doing this was going to achieve what we wanted. Same with the further increase. And I have to say it bothers me when all we in the U.S. talk about is what's happening to our troops. At this point I feel we owe something to the people of Iraq, too. Yet I don't see an answer yet. Hopefully someone does and can act upon it. Right now, though, it certainly doesn't seem that our government sees the answer.
We are again being spoiled with Spring-like weather so I'm going to go out and enjoy a bit of it. Come on, Blanche. Wake up!
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