Got myself an iPhone 4...

Well I've joined the ranks of iPhone users.  A little behind the times, but...

I had no particular need to upgrade for the longest time because I haven't been working, wasn't driving much and didn't feel the need to keep up.  But these days I'm on the move a little bit more so, here I am feelin' all cool and hip owning an iPhone 4!  Huh uh...

Because I own an iPad, I chose an iPhone and as Miss J suggested, "There is less of a learning curve." so, it made sense.  There is definitely less of a "learning curve" but, trust me when I say, the smaller, more compact size is not for us "oldsters". 

It appears my fingers are just a tiny bit clumsy and the eyesight a wee bit faded so...well...

my texting can be just a minuscule off the mark.  In my attempts to hit the right keys my clumsy, fat fingers feel guided to hit the letter beside, above, below the correct one.  So, "Hi" becomes Ho or No or Go or "For Pete's sake!!"

I also, discovered my clumsy, fat fingers want to hit send whenever I mean to hit backspace soooo...

just about any idiotic thing could be sent down the pike to be forever memorialized as "that hilarious, nonsensical text" from Ma!  Added bonus...

The iPhone has turned me into a first rate comedian!!  Who knew??

Still, all in all it's kinda neat to surf the net so flawlessly.  My old phone (from 19-aught-3) attempted to surf the web but, after at least a five minute wait trying to load anything, it was utterly discouraging and (in my mind) useless.  I could look things up faster by going to the library!

I still need to explore my new phone further, but I'd say...

I'm really going to employ it! 

I mean enjoy it!  ( maybe I should check out if iPhone 4 has voice text!)

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Toodle Loo! 

Coffee, Coffee, everywhere....

I use to drink a lot of coffee.  I mean a lot...

a bunch...

heaps...

oodles...

all day...all evening.  Heck, I even ran my own coffee shop called "The Java Joint", which is another story for another day.  But, as I've gotten older, I've noticed my consumption of my favorite beverage has gone downhill.

Why?  Oh why??  It's one of those "thingies" that hit you over 50!  I remember when my sister started declining coffee because "it bothered her".  Right...  I thought she was just being a wuss!  It seems these days I've joined the ranks of wussdom (is there such a word?) too!  Oh me. oh my!

What is next??? 

I'll tell you what is next...

First your coffee intake declines, then you start drinking more H20, then you start going to bed at a reasonable hour, then "sleeping in" is 7 AM, then bran buds start tasting yummy, then...

Oh horrors! 

You begin an exercise program even if you've never, ever exercised a day in your adult life!

And ALL because we can't handle coffee anymore?? 

Or perhaps, we're getting a wee bit wiser??  Mmmm...

Still, I haven't entirely given up my favorite beverage...I just drink 2 or 3 cups per day versus 10 or 15

And...

plu...eeze shoot me if I EVER drink decaff!!  Yuck! Icky! Blah!  Give me the real deal or give me nut...ting!

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Ta Ta!  See ya over at Timmie's!! 

What If....

What If God... What if, God couldn't take the time to bless us today Because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday ? What if, God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today ? What if, We never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain ? What if, God took away the Bible tomorrow because we wouldn't read it today ? What if, God took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger ? What if, God didn't send His only begotten son Because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin ? What if, The door of the church was closed because we didn't open the door of our heart ? What if, God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others ? What if, God wouldn't hear us today because we didn't listen to Him yesterday ? What if, God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service ? What If... Anonymous

Teaching kids to play...Really??

There is advertising out these days aimed at children & parents that goes something like this; "Bring back play".  Huh?  Bring back play?

Whatja talkin' about?

Where did play go?  Did someone steal it or was it misplaced?  Good grief, I always thought kids just instinctively played.  Guess not??

So "Participaction" has a web site dedicated to bringing back play for kids.  It lists various games with instructions and there is even a place where you can add a game.  Nice idea except...

We shouldn't need such a web site!!!

What has this world come to when we, as parents and grandparents, can't remember and teach the games from our youth to our children??  "Participaction" has even designed the site in easy to read and follow rules so, our children can look these games up themselves.  So, where are we in all this?

Working?

Doing our own thing?

Ignoring our responsibility?

Oh, I know, we're just so BUSY!

Yuppers!  Perhaps this explains the need for this web site.  Am I being too quick to judge?  Maybe.  After all, in my generation our parents threw a ball our way, told us to get outside and play...and don't return until the street lights went on...

We learned to play.  We made up games.  We had to learn to discuss, negotiate, listen, cooperate and yes, sometimes even fight, but we played!  So...

even if today's parents can't or won't participate in their children's play...turn off the TV and video games, throw them a ball and tell them to get outside and play!  But...

maybe skip the order about the street lights...

Gardening with Granny...

My two youngest grandchildren have hit an age where they can help this ol' Granny plant a garden.  Well...they are only four and five so, maybe not quite big enough, but what the heck...I can use any help I get!

I haven't been able to garden for awhile due to a back injury, but since having surgery last summer, I feel like getting my hands dirty and my spirit refreshed.  What better way than gardening with two little munchkins? 

I have 911 on speed dial just in case I get stuck planting carrots or somethin'... Huh huh!

Hubby prepared a small garden area for us so, before we tackle this project, I'm in planning mode.  Ahhh yes, I do remember step one, plan before you plant.  Well, maybe step one would really be preparing the ground, but since I didn't do this part...well...

Step one; plan before you plant!  I bought a loverly assortment of seeds such as carrots, lettuce, green onions, etc.  There was a moment where I wished there were seeds for candy bars; you know, for the kids and all...  Just sayin'...

I have strategized, organised, schemed and dreamed of the most beautiful garden ever, imagining a bountiful harvest of fresh veggies and fall harvest.  Yes, indeedy!

  The I remembered who my little helpers will be??

 Whatja think?  Perhaps, the garden will look more like this...

Just sayin'...

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Everything that slows us down and forces patience,

everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help.

Gardening is an instrument of grace.
May Sarton

What this Old Broad Knows for Sure aka Wednesday's Wisdom...

I was watching the news Monday night when the news anchor summed up all the happenings over the Victoria Day long weekend. Too many lost their life's and this made my heart ache for them and their loved ones.  I was praying for a fatality-free May Long, but it was not to be.

I know for sure that after a long, cold winter folks are antsy to get out camping and PAR...TY!  Queen Vic's weekend marks the beginning of the lazy days of summer and...some people go NUTS!

Too much sun and fun...too little sleep...too many cheerful beverages...  This generates a lethal storm for far too many deadly accidents. 

I wish...the natives wouldn't be so restless and take it easy and there was a way to convince the foolish that they are not immortal...

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One more thing...

Aside from the news reporting on the partying and reckless behavior, a park ranger was also, interviewed.  He spoke about the exorbitant amount of garbage left behind in certain campgrounds.
Now I won't name names or point fingers, but...

This really irks me! 

How hard is it for a group to clean up after themselves?  Wouldn'tja think a mature adult would see it has normal and natural to clear the campsite of any debris?  Apparently not...

The less mature adults find it so difficult that there is currently an educational campaign in place where park rangers are required to instruct these groups about their obligation to clean up.

WHADJA TALKIN' ABOUT?? 

Is it a bunch five year old children out camping?  Do we really need to remind an adult that they are required to leave the campsite as they found it?

COME ON! 

If this is truly the case, then I know for sure we live among many grown IDIOTS!

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Dah!

Rain, Rain Go Away...

Come again another day.  No, Siree!  My version would go something like this...

Rain, rain can't you stay
Come again another day!

I love rain. 

I love the wonderful, fresh smell as it comes wafting through an open window.  I love the pitter patter sounds, especially when going to sleep.  I love how a refreshing rain will clean and brighten everything.  I love how the grass seems greener, the flowers more intense and the garden appears to grow before your very eyes.

I love rain.

I love baking on a rainy day or better, curling up with a good book.  I love the smell of freshly cut grass during a rainstorm.  And the best, the very best is a good old-fashioned thunderstorm, with big booms and amazing flashes of lightening!   Oh, the glory!

Yes, indeedy!  I love rain.  However...

As much has rain is delicious, we must have sun, too.  I definitely love a moderate, sunny day where it isn't overly hot and there is a light breeze in the air.  I love to rise early, when the air is fresh and crisp to watch an early, morning sunrise aglow with vibrant colors.  There is great pleasure in gardening or reading in the warmth of a temperate day.

Yes, indeedy!  I love a warm day.  However...

I despise extreme heat! 

I know all you sun-worshipers out there don't get it and are not affected ( at least, you say not) by extreme heat, but...

ARE YOU NUTS!!  There...I said it!  Who really likes extreme heat?? 

When I'm sweating out buckets just sitting in one place or having to lick a salt block to remain hydrated, it's too hot!

When the air is so stifling I could stir it, it's too hot!

When fans in every room are working double time and making zero to no difference, it's too hot!

When kids cook eggs with success on the sidewalk, it's too hot!

When these same kids holler to bring on the bacon (and the bagels), it's too hot!

When I can see heat waves coming off the brown, crispy lawn, it's too hot!

When I can heat a frozen dinner without a microwave, it's too hot!

And do you want to know the worst...the absolute worst??

When after having not slept decently for 3 nights, waking hourly to change dripping pj's, hiding daily in the basement with 4 fans blasting directly on me, while constantly sucking on ice chips (when not licking salt blocks); I call one of my sun worshiping, "Oh, the hotter, the better" buddies and find out...

they have spent the last 3 freakin' days, not in the inferno, but in AIR CONDITIONING!  Well...

suffice it to say...I am missing one buddy and am the proud, new owner of air conditioning!

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Ta Ta!

Oh Me, Oh My, I'm Addicted...

I'm hooked...obsessed...fanatical...

hopelessly addicted and...

I have Miss J, oldest daughter, to thank for it!

She spent 3 years trying to convince me, trying to tempt me. I was firm... I held my ground...  I told her I had enough "other" stuff sucking up my time that I simply didn't need another thing to get fixated on. 

But, she was relentless and shrewd enticing me into the pull of her vice.  So...

During the "Spring Hiatus" this year, in a particular moment of weakness, when there was nothing on but, reruns she finally wore me down.  After 3 seasons of valiantly resisting the lure...

I finally gave in.  Curses...

I bought the first season of "Walking Dead" and now that I've watched these handful of episodes I've begun hopelessly and helplessly sneaking upstairs whenever Hubby is watching the hockey play-offs so, I can hunker down in the dark, in front of my computer monitor and watch season 2.

Ahhhh!!!  Someone plu...eeze save me from the UNDEAD!  I can hardly wait to see what is going to happen next.  I'm neglecting essential tasks like....

personal hygiene...

I haven't said more than "hi", "bye" to my husband in over a week!

There has to be a cure for this addiction!  And I fear, really fear that I will never be restored from this affliction!

I am doomed...

To be Busy or not to Be...

I've recently read a few blog posts regarding the trendy use (and excuse) of the word "busy".  It got me to thinking about the subject so, I tink I must put my two or three cents in.

There isn't really anything intrinsically wrong with the word "busy".  It's just a word.  Nothing more or less...

bus·y

/ˈbizē/

Adjective Having a great deal to do.

Verb Keep occupied: "she busied herself with her new home". Being busy or being productive should be synonymous, but today's trend is to use "busy" either as a badge of honour or an excuse or both.  Conversations go something like this...  "Heh, how are you?  I haven't seen ya for ages!"   "Oh, you know how it goes...crazy busy!"   "Yeah, what have you been up to?"   "My goodness, between work, home, school, sports and my family well... I'm just running around like crazy!"  "You know...busy, busy, busy..." "I was hoping you could help me out next month at the church bizarre, whadya say?" "Oh...I don't know...I'm just so crazy busy." "We could sure use your help..." "Well, I'd love to...I really would, but I just can't commit.  You know how it is?  I'm just soooo busy...crazy busy!"  "Yadda, yadda, yakety-yak!" Sound familiar?  Maybe just a wee, little bit?  Maybe even from yourself?  Hmmmm.... We need...must...have to...quit using being "busy"  as an excuse and some kinda emblem of our own importance.  People have been busy for eons.  As my blogger friend put it, "It's called LIFE!"  People have had work, family, school, sports, whatever since forever...so quit using this as an excuse not to get together with friends, calling an ailing buddy, volunteering for your community, spending time with your kids, spending time with God...  The conversation should go like this... "Heh, how are you? Haven't seen ya in ages!" "Same here, it is so good to see you!"  "Do you have time for coffee right now?" "I sure do!  In fact, there is something I wanted to ask you... but you must be sooo crazy busy?" "Nah, just the usual stuff...nothing so important that can't wait.  You know how it goes?" "Great!  Let's go grab a coffee and catch up."  "Yadda, yadda, yakety-yak!" Nuff said...

Dc. Oz, A Quack...

I've mulled this over for awhile and I finally decided that I just have to go there...

Whadja think?  Is Dc. Oz a quack or what?  I think before Oprah and her flunkies got hold of him and filled him with visions of starlight and rainbows, he was probably a fairly regular cardiac surgeon doing all he could to save life's.  But now...

Well, I think it's all about TV ratings and buckeroos, moola, coin, loot...

The show constantly focuses on women's issues which I get that the largest viewing audience would be us ladies, but must it focus sooooo much on losing weight and diet?  And what about all the info on supplements plus, consuming this or that or the other thing that are ALL critical to our good health?  STOP THE MADNESS!!

I'd have to sell my first and second born in order to bankroll all the extras it will take to be healthy and live longer not to mention, take four hours daily just swallowing all the vitamins!  Okay, okay!  I know I'm being facetious, but honestly, Dc. Oz needs to cut down on these type of shows.  I getting totally confusticated!!!

And are women only focused on being thin?  Well, maybe...  That would be a whole another blog...

To be fair, he does have intermittent shows dealing with other issues and maybe, I'm just unlucky enough to always tune into the diet shows (Heh, maybe it's a hint from beyond? Uhmmm....).  

And I do remember at one time rather enjoying Dc. Oz, but lately well...  Maybe it's just me or maybe I'm slow, but who could plow through the maze of information?  Not I, that's for sure...

How many supplements can one person take?  How can you even begin to figure out what you should take for your health?  What diet would be best or healthiest?  What exercise routine would be most effective? 

I live in the real world with real time, money and resource constraints.  I simply can't begin to sort it all out so, I just don't try anymore.  I'm not a TV exec so, I don't know all the ins and outs of keeping a show in the high ratings, but surely something could be done??  Or maybe...

The Dc. Oz Show is running out of gas and it's time to park it...

I'd love to know my reader's take on this topic.  Let me know if you can relate to me or if you think I'm completely wacky...  I can take it...

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Toodle Loo!

Back in the Saddle Again...

I want to thank everyone who responded with such kind and understanding comments to my previous blog entry.  I do apologise for it being so...

dismal...
depressing...
drab...
dreary...

and darn right gloomy, but I'd had a series of very painful days and some disheartening news and was just in the zone for an old-fashioned pity party.  It sucks...but it happens...

However, all my awesome blog readers have this ole Granny feelin' better and back to (almost) normal.  Yes indeedy!  Thanks again for hangin' in and I do hope I didn't scare anyone off.

Plu...eeze, don't leave me!! 

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Now on to happier thoughts...

Such as coffee!  I use to be a real coffee aficionado...okay, okay... a real coffee addict!  In fact, Timmy's, Starbucks & I were quite the threesome.  Huh huh...but, alas not so much anymore.  I'd like to say it's because I've joined the ever-popular health trend and now frequent the organic juice bars, but 'tis not true.  Much to my earnest dismay, I just can't tolerate the dedication I once had to the java bean.

Nope...can't do it!  Just another drawback to getting older.  I regrettably find too much caffeine will...

• keep me awake while doing housework (or sex)
• upset my stomach for eating cookies & ice cream
• cause the hair on my chin to grow coarser (just kiddin' about the hair growing coarser!)
• caused me to shrink and grow fatter (not kiddin'!)

However, I will not!  Refuse!  Snub and Reject the entire idea of consuming decaf!  Nope, if God intended coffee to be caffeine free, he would have created it!  So, I limit myself to one or two delicious full-bodied, caffeine-loaded cuppas per day and...

just forego housework...

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One more thingie...

Although I'm a day late, I want to wish all you Mommas out there in blog land a wonderful coming year and hope many blessings come your way!  As for myself...well, my loverly family created the most unusual and thoughtful way to show their love and entertain my funny bone this Mother's Day.

They built me a super sized, outdoor scrabble board!  Miss J came up with this unique idea after seeing a giant-sized game on pinterest.  Honestly, the letter squares must measure 4 or 5 inches wide and the board (made from ceramic tiles) about 4 feet square.  It will fit on my verandah where I and whoever I can con into it can play a rousing game of outdoor scrabble.  What could be more exciting?  Except maybe accompanying it with a hot cuppa a java...hm mm!

It should become quite the conversational piece as I do believe, I'm the only one in town with such a distinctive gift.  Thanks family!! Love ya more!

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Toodle Loo! 

Just ONE more thing...

Have you ever had so many crappy things happen over and over and over again that you just don't want to care anymore?  Like...

bring it on!  Pour it all out right here, right now and get it over with so...

life can return to good again.  That's how it's been for us over the past four years.  Yes, you heard me right; it's been four loooong years!  Every time we dare to believe things are getting better, more bad !%@* happens!  More and more and more...will it ever end?

I should be working now, not disabled.

Hubby should be retired now, not working.

I should be healing nicely from back surgery, not facing another surgery.

We...should...be...happy...

but all I can say, is that we just keep gritting our teeth, trying to get through and praying another thing doesn't go wrong.  This is no way to live.  We've had plenty of our share of tough times in 36 years together, but NEVER did any of them last four years with scarcely a break.  It might have been easier to deal with when we were younger...maybe.

Where is my faith in all this?  I wonder...

I wonder...why? 
I wonder...when it will end?
I wonder...how much pain I can endure?
I wonder...where is God?  Does He hear my prayers?  Or care about my tears? 

Those of you who may be "super" Christians or have never experienced such difficulties can criticize my questioning and seemingly lack of faith, but walk a mile...

I wish I could.  But I can't walk a block!!

It is because of my faith (doubting or not) that I can lift my head up, yet again, and face another pain-filled day.  It is my dubious faith that helps me face an uncertain and daunting future.  It is my faith that keeps me going. but...

I wish it were strong enough that I could be content in my circumstances.  I wish I could count it all joy when we experience hardship.  I wish I could rejoice in my suffering, but...

I'm not and I don't...

I want to enjoy my life without always fighting pain.  I want to feel secure again.  I want to laugh...genuinely belly-laugh again.  I want to play with my grandchildren, go camping, try kayaking, go fishing, attend birthday parties and holiday functions and...

LIVE LIFE and truly, truly enjoy it!  Again.

I am so worn out...

Matthew 11:28

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."