I was eleven and lived in a small town in southwest Iowa. I knew just about everyone in town either as a friend or was related to them in some way so I never had much fear when I had to walk home from school or the library.
This was during the early 1950's when we didn't have computers or cell phones. I often went to the library to do reference work for my homework so there was nothing unusual about my being at the library late one mid October evening.
My mother always told me to watch the time so that I could leave at dusk and be home before dark but that particular evening, I was engrossed in my studies and the thing is I don't even remember what I was studying at the time.
I just know that I looked out the window and realized it was dark so I put the encyclopedia back in its place and gathered up my notebook. I told the librarian that I was finished and leaving to go home. Since she was my mother's cousin she asked if my dad would be picking me up and I told her that I was going to walk home and that my parents knew I would be walking.
In my little town, it wasn't unusual so no one thought of anything causing danger or anyone who might be out there to harm a child.
I remember it was chilly and I pulled my jacket around me crossing my arms to hold my notebook in front of me. I looked up the street and decided it looked to dark so headed east towards the Boulevard. That meant that I would be going two blocks along the north side of the square in front of a couple empty buildings, the fire station and a gas station and the block where the high school sat.
When I reached the corner where I would turn north to walk on the sidewalk along the Boulevard, it would be another six blocks to the corner of my street but there were street lights so I quickened my pace and started out.
I hadn't gone to far when I felt I was being watched. I turned to look behind me and thought I saw a shadow duck behind a tree but then I didn't see anything. There was a breeze and the tree limbs swayed causing the light from the street light to dance on the sidewalk and yards. I could hear the rustling of the leaves as they were blown about and as I continued on, a fear began to form in my stomach. I quickened my step even more and again I could feel a presence and when I looked, I knew I was right. There was someone following me. I was almost at a run, with the fear spreading up into my chest.
My heart was beating so hard and fast that it echoed in my ears and my breathing was labored even though I tried to keep it even. I kept going, not wanting to stop in case whoever was behind me would catch me. I would look over my shoulder and once I saw the outline of a man which made my fear heighten even more. I looked around for a house that I might go to if I needed help but they were dark. Where was everyone?
I reached the end of the Boulevard and where I would turn to go down my street. It was two blocks to my house but there were no street lights so I began to run. I ran as fast as I could on the graveled road hoping my footing would be good and that I wouldn't fall. I never turned around to see if the figure was still behind me as I ran to the house and ran inside.
Panting, as I was out of breath, my mother asked, "Did you run all the way home? I thought I told you to start before it got dark."
I was able to catch my breath long enough to say, "Someone was falling me."
My parents looked at one another and my dad asked, "Who was it?"
"I don't know but I saw him. He followed me up the Boulevard and kept ducking behind a tree but once I saw him."
My dad went out side to look up the street and didn't see anyone until he started to turn to come back to the house and a glimpse of a figure at the corner of our street near the Boulevard caught his attention. He got into his pickup and started up the street.
I was inside with my mother and younger brother and my mother wondered where he was going. I think she was concerned now that I wasn't imagining things and someone really was out there. She watched out the window as we waited for my dad to come back.
He was gone several minutes and when he returned and came inside I heard him tell my mother, "It was Penny. I took him home and told him not to do it again."
I knew who Penny was. My brother along with the other children in town had been warned to keep away from Penny. We weren't told why only that we were not to talk to him or go around him and to cross the street if we had too.
My mind was racing. I might have been caught by Penny and the horrible thoughts that came to my mind was that he might have had a knife and cut my throat or stabbed me in the back. I was more frightened then than I was knowing someone was after me.
I was still shaken and was getting a lecture from both of my parents for staying late at the library and then walking home after dark. My mother said she would have a talk with her cousin so the next time she would call my dad to come get me.
"But I didn't know. I told her I could walk home," I told them. "I didn't know it was Penny or I would have gone to a house and got help."
My parents looked at one another and then to me. My dad in his even quiet voice told me, "Penny wouldn't hurt you but it is just best you stay away from him."
"But why? If he won't hurt me." He always looked like a lonely man as he walked the streets of our town. I noticed the adults always said hello to him but no one really ever talked to him.
My dad told me, "Penny has a slow mind. He isn't like ordinary people. It isn't his fault and he wouldn't hurt you but just the same, it is better that you don't go around him. He doesn't understand that being nice and friendly is just being polite and he might want you to go somewhere with him, not to hurt you but just to have company and then we might not know where you were. Do you understand?"
I was beginning to understand but I didn't know why they hadn't told me before. If he wouldn't hurt us, then what harm would there be in saying hello or passing him on the street. I guess my parents at the time didn't think I could distinguish the difference of being polite and speaking from being to friendly but I learned a lesson that night.
I never stayed after dark at the library and if I did, I allowed my mother's cousin to call my dad to come pick me up. I also learned that sometimes children understand more about a danger or suspected danger if they are told the truth and not be kept in the dark and only imagine what it could be.
I think my parents learned a lesson as well. They talked to my brother and I more after that, explaining things and why people did the things they did or acted the way they did. Such as the town drunk. We knew he acted funny but were told he was sick.
But I have never forgotten that one late October evening as I walked home in the dark and the kind of fear that springs up within us and pumps the adrenalin to the highest level. The mind works overtime thinking of the danger that is about to strike while it is sorting out what can be done to prevent it. The heart works hard and the lungs expand in and out at a rapid pace. And when it is all over, the ever present memory last forever.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Halloween
Halloween should be called "Fun Day". What original started as a celtic holiday, Samuin, (pronounced sow-an or sow-in), which mean roughly "summer's end". It was also regarded as the Celtic New Year. Halloween has evolved into a fun loving, playful holiday.
While the ancient celts thought it was a time allowing the "spirits" (both harmless and harmful) to pass through from this world to the Otherworld. They thought if they disguised themselves in a costume of a harmful spirit, they could avoid harm.
It was also a time for harvest as they gathered their food for winter and often times they would gather in groups with a large bonfire and used as part of the ritual.
Halloween deriving from the name of All-Hallows Even (evening) is the night before All Hallows Day which honors the saints. In ancient times, turnips were hollowed out to use as candles and it was in North America, that the pumpkin began to be used for lighting as it was in abundant supply. Hence, the jack-o-lantern.
Ever wonder why the jack-o-lantern is called that. It goes back to the ancient times when a man by the name of Stingy Jack was a mean and cruel man who played tricks on his neighbors and decided he was going to trick the devil by having him climb a tree and surrounding it with crosses. Jack continued playing his devilish games and when he died, he was not allowed to enter Heaven and since he had struck up a deal with the devil after the tree incident, he was not allowed to enter Hell. He was destined to roam the earth and used the carved out turnip as his light to find his way in the darkness. When the pumpkin replaced the turnip, it was called the jack-o-lantern from the original Jack o' the lantern.
The colors of Black and Orange are the traditional colors as they represent the "darkness of night," and the "light of the bonfire, autum leaves and the jack-o-lanterns." The traditional ghosts, witches, vampires, werewolves, demons, bats and black cats were part of the mythical celebrations, and continue today along with haunted houses, graveyards and scary monsters.
Movies become thrillers to scare us, along with ghost stories told around bonfires. Trick or treating began in the Middle Ages when the "practice of souling", poor people would go door to door receiving food for prayers to be said on All Souls Day.
In today's celebration, it is one where adults as well as children celebrate. Wearing costumes to work or parties, they enjoy the holiday as much as the children who look forward to that special costume and getting a lot of candy. It is a "Fun Day" celebration and all vestage of the original holiday has been lost through the years.
I can still remember as a child when I went trick or treating. I lived in a small town and at the time, it was a safe time so I was allowed to go with my brother or friends without supervision as I got older and my parents knew that I could find my way home. Don't laugh, many children had to have help. I knew just about everyone in town and we all knew which houses had the best treats.
Our first stop was at the Tyler's. They ran the Coca Cola Distributing in town and everyone got a 5 cent coke, (that was the days when they came in bottles), that we were required to drink there as they had a deposit on the bottle so we weren't allowed to take them with us. We also received a 5 cent Hershey candy bar and at that time it was the full size bar. Then we would go to the next house where they had the Meadow Gold Ice Cream Plant and we would get a small container of ice cream. Again we would eat it there as it would melt before we could get it home. We knew that the people who ran the Dime Store would give out bags of candy and the principal of the school would give out a package of gum (the kind with 5 sticks and we could choose Spearamint, Doublemint, Juicy Fruit or my favorite, Black Jack.), we also knew where we would get the candied applies all wrapped so they would be okay until we got home, the popcorn balls and so many other goodies.
So we might have to sing a song or do a little dance step, we knew we were going to be rewarded with something good. We would return home with a sack full of goodies that my mother would put away only allowing us to choose a goody each day for a week later. I think they also enjoyed some of our loot too.
As I turned 12 I wasn't allowed to dress up and go door to door for treats, I was allowed to go to the local movie theater and watch such horror shows as Frankenstein, The Werewolf and The Mummy. I guess you could say they were mild to some of the horror movies out today, but I can tell you at the time, they were plenty scary for us.
I had a few years that I missed out on the trick or treating but as my younger sister began to go, both my brother and I got to share in the loot she brought home and it was fun being able to get out and see her have so much fun.
In my teens, I would host a Halloween party or go to one and natually thought I was a grown up. It wasn't until I was a mother and able to dress my daughter up to take her trick or treating, that the holiday was really fun again and later when I had two daughters that would go out. I helped with their school parties and we made it a special time for them.
Halloween may only come once a year, just as the 4th of July or Christmas, but it is one holiday that is everyone looks forward too. There is something magical about getting dressed up and going out into the dark night with other ghouls and jack-o-lanterns staring at you from a door step. It has become more commercialized during the last few years but the main idea is still there allowing us to pretend one night that we are devils or witches, skeltons or mummies to scare and be scared and just have fun.
Happy Halloween!!
While the ancient celts thought it was a time allowing the "spirits" (both harmless and harmful) to pass through from this world to the Otherworld. They thought if they disguised themselves in a costume of a harmful spirit, they could avoid harm.
It was also a time for harvest as they gathered their food for winter and often times they would gather in groups with a large bonfire and used as part of the ritual.
Halloween deriving from the name of All-Hallows Even (evening) is the night before All Hallows Day which honors the saints. In ancient times, turnips were hollowed out to use as candles and it was in North America, that the pumpkin began to be used for lighting as it was in abundant supply. Hence, the jack-o-lantern.
Ever wonder why the jack-o-lantern is called that. It goes back to the ancient times when a man by the name of Stingy Jack was a mean and cruel man who played tricks on his neighbors and decided he was going to trick the devil by having him climb a tree and surrounding it with crosses. Jack continued playing his devilish games and when he died, he was not allowed to enter Heaven and since he had struck up a deal with the devil after the tree incident, he was not allowed to enter Hell. He was destined to roam the earth and used the carved out turnip as his light to find his way in the darkness. When the pumpkin replaced the turnip, it was called the jack-o-lantern from the original Jack o' the lantern.
The colors of Black and Orange are the traditional colors as they represent the "darkness of night," and the "light of the bonfire, autum leaves and the jack-o-lanterns." The traditional ghosts, witches, vampires, werewolves, demons, bats and black cats were part of the mythical celebrations, and continue today along with haunted houses, graveyards and scary monsters.
Movies become thrillers to scare us, along with ghost stories told around bonfires. Trick or treating began in the Middle Ages when the "practice of souling", poor people would go door to door receiving food for prayers to be said on All Souls Day.
In today's celebration, it is one where adults as well as children celebrate. Wearing costumes to work or parties, they enjoy the holiday as much as the children who look forward to that special costume and getting a lot of candy. It is a "Fun Day" celebration and all vestage of the original holiday has been lost through the years.
I can still remember as a child when I went trick or treating. I lived in a small town and at the time, it was a safe time so I was allowed to go with my brother or friends without supervision as I got older and my parents knew that I could find my way home. Don't laugh, many children had to have help. I knew just about everyone in town and we all knew which houses had the best treats.
Our first stop was at the Tyler's. They ran the Coca Cola Distributing in town and everyone got a 5 cent coke, (that was the days when they came in bottles), that we were required to drink there as they had a deposit on the bottle so we weren't allowed to take them with us. We also received a 5 cent Hershey candy bar and at that time it was the full size bar. Then we would go to the next house where they had the Meadow Gold Ice Cream Plant and we would get a small container of ice cream. Again we would eat it there as it would melt before we could get it home. We knew that the people who ran the Dime Store would give out bags of candy and the principal of the school would give out a package of gum (the kind with 5 sticks and we could choose Spearamint, Doublemint, Juicy Fruit or my favorite, Black Jack.), we also knew where we would get the candied applies all wrapped so they would be okay until we got home, the popcorn balls and so many other goodies.
So we might have to sing a song or do a little dance step, we knew we were going to be rewarded with something good. We would return home with a sack full of goodies that my mother would put away only allowing us to choose a goody each day for a week later. I think they also enjoyed some of our loot too.
As I turned 12 I wasn't allowed to dress up and go door to door for treats, I was allowed to go to the local movie theater and watch such horror shows as Frankenstein, The Werewolf and The Mummy. I guess you could say they were mild to some of the horror movies out today, but I can tell you at the time, they were plenty scary for us.
I had a few years that I missed out on the trick or treating but as my younger sister began to go, both my brother and I got to share in the loot she brought home and it was fun being able to get out and see her have so much fun.
In my teens, I would host a Halloween party or go to one and natually thought I was a grown up. It wasn't until I was a mother and able to dress my daughter up to take her trick or treating, that the holiday was really fun again and later when I had two daughters that would go out. I helped with their school parties and we made it a special time for them.
Halloween may only come once a year, just as the 4th of July or Christmas, but it is one holiday that is everyone looks forward too. There is something magical about getting dressed up and going out into the dark night with other ghouls and jack-o-lanterns staring at you from a door step. It has become more commercialized during the last few years but the main idea is still there allowing us to pretend one night that we are devils or witches, skeltons or mummies to scare and be scared and just have fun.
Happy Halloween!!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Sunshine
Why is it that when the sun shines, everything looks better. The bright yellow ball in the sky seems to be able to lift our spirits and make the world seem right.
This past Monday was a gorgeous sunny day with the bluest sky, cloudless and little if no breeze. A perfect day to be out and enjoying the outdoors and I was. It was one of those perfect Fall days when just a hint of color on the trees even seemed brighter and the contrast with the blue sky made them spectacular.
Then yesterday was dark, gloomy, cool and a gentle rain fell off and on. The type of day when you want to cuddle up inside with a nice warm blanket and a good book or be able to watch a good movie. For me, it gave me an opportunity to do some writing.
Just as I've been negligent in keeping up this blog, I've let my writing slide too. I had other projects I was working on but now it is time to get back to what I love to do and that is to write. I've got so many stories running around in my head but can only work on one at a time. I discovered that the hard way. I had two going and soon they almost became one, so now I make my little notes and only work on one at a time.
I keep putting off the rest of the editing on the short stories but I'm sure I'm going to have more rainy days ahead and will get it done so I can put them together and publish my short stories. I've got a couple that I want to finish and add to the collection. It will be my gift to my family.
Today started gloomy but midday the sun began breaking through the clouds and is sunny and warm and another blue sky but there are a few soft white clouds floating around. But I had to get out and it was so nice to see and feel the sun.
Living here at the lake it is always a pleasant drive when I have to drive into town and cross over the lake. For some reason, when the sun is shining, the lake glistens and the banks always remind me of photographs of far off shores. With the houses along the shoreline and beaches, it is like a postcard and never a tiresome sight.
Of course, with the busy highway, it is hard to take the time to really enjoy the views as the driver, but I still managed to get a couple of glimpses.
I know we can't have sunshine in our lives all the time, but I think I'm going to think sunshine even on the gloomiest of days as my spirits soar and I feel the warmth and comfort of the sunshine. It not only brightens up the outside, but inside as well. If we can keep that sunshine with us, our days will always be bright.
This past Monday was a gorgeous sunny day with the bluest sky, cloudless and little if no breeze. A perfect day to be out and enjoying the outdoors and I was. It was one of those perfect Fall days when just a hint of color on the trees even seemed brighter and the contrast with the blue sky made them spectacular.
Then yesterday was dark, gloomy, cool and a gentle rain fell off and on. The type of day when you want to cuddle up inside with a nice warm blanket and a good book or be able to watch a good movie. For me, it gave me an opportunity to do some writing.
Just as I've been negligent in keeping up this blog, I've let my writing slide too. I had other projects I was working on but now it is time to get back to what I love to do and that is to write. I've got so many stories running around in my head but can only work on one at a time. I discovered that the hard way. I had two going and soon they almost became one, so now I make my little notes and only work on one at a time.
I keep putting off the rest of the editing on the short stories but I'm sure I'm going to have more rainy days ahead and will get it done so I can put them together and publish my short stories. I've got a couple that I want to finish and add to the collection. It will be my gift to my family.
Today started gloomy but midday the sun began breaking through the clouds and is sunny and warm and another blue sky but there are a few soft white clouds floating around. But I had to get out and it was so nice to see and feel the sun.
Living here at the lake it is always a pleasant drive when I have to drive into town and cross over the lake. For some reason, when the sun is shining, the lake glistens and the banks always remind me of photographs of far off shores. With the houses along the shoreline and beaches, it is like a postcard and never a tiresome sight.
Of course, with the busy highway, it is hard to take the time to really enjoy the views as the driver, but I still managed to get a couple of glimpses.
I know we can't have sunshine in our lives all the time, but I think I'm going to think sunshine even on the gloomiest of days as my spirits soar and I feel the warmth and comfort of the sunshine. It not only brightens up the outside, but inside as well. If we can keep that sunshine with us, our days will always be bright.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Some Days Are Better Than Others
It is true, most days are good days but some are just better than others. However, today was not one of those better days for me. It wasn't even a good day.
First, it would have been my husband's 70th birthday. I looked at his picture this morning and wished him a Happy Birthday just the same. This afternoon I drove up to the cemetery to talk with him. I wanted to wish him Happy Birthday there plus let him know several of our family, friends and many of our internet friends all sent wishes as well.
The day started off beautifully as the sun rose over the trees sending tentacles of light through the branches extending across the yard until it was high enough to bath the yard in full light, making the dew covered grass shine as sparkling diamonds. The blue sky went from a light to a deep color and I knew it was going to be a good day.
I had a doctor's appointment and knew the spirit of my husband would be there as I got test results and if he was, I'm sure he was as surprised and shocked as I was. But I do think he was with me, long enough to see to it that I made it back home to recollect myself and my thoughts from the news I'd received.
My day had turned dark, not truly dark as the sun shone down and the sky was cloudless and a bright clear blue, but it was dark to me.
The doctor told me that I have COPD, with compressed diaphragms, meaning they can't make the lungs work as they should. And in addition, they were fibroid. This is a condition usually caused by work related causes, dust, toxic fumes or chemicals, coal miners and such. But it can also appear for no reason or might have been brought on by asthma, which it seems I might have had for years and was undiagnosed as they knew of the chronic bronchitis and allergies. It makes no difference now how it came to be, it happened and now I will go see a Pulmologist for a confirmation and treatment options.
The options will be few and there is no cure. Basically I will use an inhaler until I have to go on oxygen and as the condition worsens, it will eventually lead to a respirator. It won't happen over night but will get steadily worse so I know what is coming and I made a decision that when that time comes, I will refuse the respirator.
I do not want to be a burden on my daughter or grandson and I can't ask them to give up their lives to take care of me. I've always believed that when God decides to bring me home I will go. Living on a machine is only delaying that and I will not ask God to wait for me either.
The oddest thing of all is that I have been a smoker for over 50 years and it has nothing to do with what I'm suffering from now. It didn't cause it and will not make it worse or hasten it. However, I am going to have to quit due to the Chronic Bronchitis I have as smoking does irritate that. The x-rays show my lungs as clear and there is no indication of Emphysema at all. I think I could have handled that easier than what I heard today but even then it would have been hard.
The bright light in all of this is that I am an optimist and I think positive. Even when I think everything is caving in around me, I still am able to see that light at the end of the tunnel and know that in time, it will work out. Just as this will. I don't know when or how long, but I plan to take each day and make it special and live it to the fullest.
I was feeling pretty down as I made my trip to the cemetery but after talking to my beloved, I found a peace and the rest of my day looked bright again. I know he was there with me, supporting me and just letting me know that it will be all right.
I've got the support of my family and as I told my oldest daughter, "I'm a tough old bird and it is going to take a lot to get me down."
So tomorrow will surely be a better day.
First, it would have been my husband's 70th birthday. I looked at his picture this morning and wished him a Happy Birthday just the same. This afternoon I drove up to the cemetery to talk with him. I wanted to wish him Happy Birthday there plus let him know several of our family, friends and many of our internet friends all sent wishes as well.
The day started off beautifully as the sun rose over the trees sending tentacles of light through the branches extending across the yard until it was high enough to bath the yard in full light, making the dew covered grass shine as sparkling diamonds. The blue sky went from a light to a deep color and I knew it was going to be a good day.
I had a doctor's appointment and knew the spirit of my husband would be there as I got test results and if he was, I'm sure he was as surprised and shocked as I was. But I do think he was with me, long enough to see to it that I made it back home to recollect myself and my thoughts from the news I'd received.
My day had turned dark, not truly dark as the sun shone down and the sky was cloudless and a bright clear blue, but it was dark to me.
The doctor told me that I have COPD, with compressed diaphragms, meaning they can't make the lungs work as they should. And in addition, they were fibroid. This is a condition usually caused by work related causes, dust, toxic fumes or chemicals, coal miners and such. But it can also appear for no reason or might have been brought on by asthma, which it seems I might have had for years and was undiagnosed as they knew of the chronic bronchitis and allergies. It makes no difference now how it came to be, it happened and now I will go see a Pulmologist for a confirmation and treatment options.
The options will be few and there is no cure. Basically I will use an inhaler until I have to go on oxygen and as the condition worsens, it will eventually lead to a respirator. It won't happen over night but will get steadily worse so I know what is coming and I made a decision that when that time comes, I will refuse the respirator.
I do not want to be a burden on my daughter or grandson and I can't ask them to give up their lives to take care of me. I've always believed that when God decides to bring me home I will go. Living on a machine is only delaying that and I will not ask God to wait for me either.
The oddest thing of all is that I have been a smoker for over 50 years and it has nothing to do with what I'm suffering from now. It didn't cause it and will not make it worse or hasten it. However, I am going to have to quit due to the Chronic Bronchitis I have as smoking does irritate that. The x-rays show my lungs as clear and there is no indication of Emphysema at all. I think I could have handled that easier than what I heard today but even then it would have been hard.
The bright light in all of this is that I am an optimist and I think positive. Even when I think everything is caving in around me, I still am able to see that light at the end of the tunnel and know that in time, it will work out. Just as this will. I don't know when or how long, but I plan to take each day and make it special and live it to the fullest.
I was feeling pretty down as I made my trip to the cemetery but after talking to my beloved, I found a peace and the rest of my day looked bright again. I know he was there with me, supporting me and just letting me know that it will be all right.
I've got the support of my family and as I told my oldest daughter, "I'm a tough old bird and it is going to take a lot to get me down."
So tomorrow will surely be a better day.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Neighbors
Neighbors. You either love them or hate them. I'm very fortunate that I have some very good neighbors. When my husband and I retired here at the lake, we moved back into the same area we had lived in before and what a surprise to find that a neighbor across the street and up one house was our neighbor when we lived here before. A lot of our old neighbors are still here and of course are friends too. It was like coming home when we moved here.
Since then we have met many more of our neighbors and one couple in particular have become very close. When my husband was with us, the four of us met at least once a week for an evening of good visiting and laughs and of course a few drinks. We called it our Happy Hour.
We had other good neighbors who became friends as well, but Spike and Betty held a special place for us. The four of us just seemed to hit it off with similiar likes but also a few dislikes which led to interesting discussions but for some reason, we knew when to draw the line and never a cross word was said amongst us. That to me is a good sign of friendship. We agreed to disagree and moved on without any feeling of resentment.
Then when my husband became ill, again our neighbors had a good word or just check in and when he passed away, I had a house full of neighbors and friends here with me and my daughter. They were there for me for weeks afterwards and still are here for me.
It is so nice to go outside and wave or say hello or just chat with a neighbor who is passing by or if I happen to go by their house. We all seem to find the time to speak and see how the other is doing. It is a caring neighborhood and almost a rarity in today's world.
We all look out for each other, letting someone know when we are going to be gone or just in general keeping an eye on each other's places. Of course, living here at the lake which is a popular vacation and weekend retreat, we have a lot of what we call "part timers" or "weekenders." Again, most are friendly but there is always a few who aren't as friendly or helpful but they soon learn after a while, that this is a close knit community and that we all care about each other.
We are getting more permanent residents and try to welcome them and include them when we can. We avoid the cliques as much as possible and for those few who insist on being isolated, we do not ignore them but remain friendly and let them know that we care for them as well. All in all, I think I have some of the best neighbors anywhere.
This morning when I returned from an early morning doctor's appointment, I noticed one of my neighbor's was having a garage sale. I stopped, not really needing anything but more to visit with them and look around too. While there, another neighbor couple came and soon we were all catching up on the latest news.
We have a family camaraderie amongst us as we all know about our families and ask how they are doing or listen as we hear about the newest addition to the family or an achievement from a child or grandchild. We are there for each other when someone is ill or has suffered a loss.
Yes, I am blessed and fortunate that I have such wonderful neighbors and especially my two best friends, Spike and Betty who are there always just as I will be there for them.
Since then we have met many more of our neighbors and one couple in particular have become very close. When my husband was with us, the four of us met at least once a week for an evening of good visiting and laughs and of course a few drinks. We called it our Happy Hour.
We had other good neighbors who became friends as well, but Spike and Betty held a special place for us. The four of us just seemed to hit it off with similiar likes but also a few dislikes which led to interesting discussions but for some reason, we knew when to draw the line and never a cross word was said amongst us. That to me is a good sign of friendship. We agreed to disagree and moved on without any feeling of resentment.
Then when my husband became ill, again our neighbors had a good word or just check in and when he passed away, I had a house full of neighbors and friends here with me and my daughter. They were there for me for weeks afterwards and still are here for me.
It is so nice to go outside and wave or say hello or just chat with a neighbor who is passing by or if I happen to go by their house. We all seem to find the time to speak and see how the other is doing. It is a caring neighborhood and almost a rarity in today's world.
We all look out for each other, letting someone know when we are going to be gone or just in general keeping an eye on each other's places. Of course, living here at the lake which is a popular vacation and weekend retreat, we have a lot of what we call "part timers" or "weekenders." Again, most are friendly but there is always a few who aren't as friendly or helpful but they soon learn after a while, that this is a close knit community and that we all care about each other.
We are getting more permanent residents and try to welcome them and include them when we can. We avoid the cliques as much as possible and for those few who insist on being isolated, we do not ignore them but remain friendly and let them know that we care for them as well. All in all, I think I have some of the best neighbors anywhere.
This morning when I returned from an early morning doctor's appointment, I noticed one of my neighbor's was having a garage sale. I stopped, not really needing anything but more to visit with them and look around too. While there, another neighbor couple came and soon we were all catching up on the latest news.
We have a family camaraderie amongst us as we all know about our families and ask how they are doing or listen as we hear about the newest addition to the family or an achievement from a child or grandchild. We are there for each other when someone is ill or has suffered a loss.
Yes, I am blessed and fortunate that I have such wonderful neighbors and especially my two best friends, Spike and Betty who are there always just as I will be there for them.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The First Frost
Yesterday morning when I woke up, the sun was barely in the horizon and as it slowly made its way upward, I noticed the white haze on my car parked outside. Yes, sure enough, we had our first frost. More of a heavy dew/frost combination but at 36 degrees it was doing its damage to items in the air, such as cars and fences. However, it didn't last long as the sun made its wayward appearance and even with the chill in the air, its warming power soon made haste of the haze covering everything.
It has been a chilly two days, bringing out the flannels at night with a heavier quilt on the bed. The furnace has been clicking off and on even on its low setting so the chill is taken out of the house but isn't providing a lot of warmth. The long sleeves, sweaters and even the sweats have been brought out of their summer hibernation to be put forward for dress. Soon it will be time to retire the short sleeves, shorts and summer tees.
I walked around the yard yesterday checking for signs of damage from this cold spell. The potted plants close to the house had enough protection that they weren't harmed, but it will soon be time to either take them inside to a safe place or let them succumb to the cold and be replaced. Some of them have been with me for over two years as I work each winter to keep them going. I'm not sure I am up to it this year and may let them go and buy all new next year.
The outlying gardens were burned up with the excessive heat and drought we had so there was nothing for the frost to take away this time. But with the frost, comes the falling of sap and just maybe what leaves are left on the trees will give us some hue of color although I'm not really expecting much. The heat took its toll on them as well and many are already showing the brown of winter and have been losing their leaves steadily.
There is something else about the first frost. It seems to bring a clarity and crispness to the air. The sky seems bluer and the air seems fresher. Perhaps it is just the chill that makes it seem that way but I do think it affects the atmosphere as with the summer sky, there was not this crispness as if it were all new and ready to start a new life.
Fall is the end of the summer, a death of warmth and summer flowers, swimming, vacations, a time of fun and yet it is also alive with its own color, a degree of warmth mixed with just enough chill to make it comfortable. The falling leaves crunch under foot until raked into large piles and then the smell as they burn into ash. It is the smell of Fall and signals that the dead season will soon be upon us.
October, known for the harvest is a one of a kind month. We can have gorgeous days with warmth reminding us of the summer, or we can have the cool days that lets us know that winter is right around the corner waiting for us to stay inside with the warmth of a fireplace and the smell of cookies and pies baking in the oven.
Our frost came early this year and makes me wonder what is coming later. I don't like the frost as I don't like the cold that comes after. I would like to have perfect weather but I have no control over that. Mother Nature is in charge as always and it will be her decision on what the days to come will be like. She can be as gentle as a lamb with perfect sunny warm days or she can wreck havoc with gray skies, downpours and storms and then she can also give us the silence of winter as the ground lies white with snow and the cold is so crisp that when walking, you can hear the crunch beneath your feet.
So here I sit knowing the first frost has come and gone and there will be many more, each one a little more and lasting a little longer but it is part of life and part of the seasons of life. I will look out my window upon the dormancy that arrives with fall and hope and wish for the warm days of spring to return. They will when it is time. Until then, I will learn to adjust to the change and bundle up or snuggle under the warm covers a little longer.
It has been a chilly two days, bringing out the flannels at night with a heavier quilt on the bed. The furnace has been clicking off and on even on its low setting so the chill is taken out of the house but isn't providing a lot of warmth. The long sleeves, sweaters and even the sweats have been brought out of their summer hibernation to be put forward for dress. Soon it will be time to retire the short sleeves, shorts and summer tees.
I walked around the yard yesterday checking for signs of damage from this cold spell. The potted plants close to the house had enough protection that they weren't harmed, but it will soon be time to either take them inside to a safe place or let them succumb to the cold and be replaced. Some of them have been with me for over two years as I work each winter to keep them going. I'm not sure I am up to it this year and may let them go and buy all new next year.
The outlying gardens were burned up with the excessive heat and drought we had so there was nothing for the frost to take away this time. But with the frost, comes the falling of sap and just maybe what leaves are left on the trees will give us some hue of color although I'm not really expecting much. The heat took its toll on them as well and many are already showing the brown of winter and have been losing their leaves steadily.
There is something else about the first frost. It seems to bring a clarity and crispness to the air. The sky seems bluer and the air seems fresher. Perhaps it is just the chill that makes it seem that way but I do think it affects the atmosphere as with the summer sky, there was not this crispness as if it were all new and ready to start a new life.
Fall is the end of the summer, a death of warmth and summer flowers, swimming, vacations, a time of fun and yet it is also alive with its own color, a degree of warmth mixed with just enough chill to make it comfortable. The falling leaves crunch under foot until raked into large piles and then the smell as they burn into ash. It is the smell of Fall and signals that the dead season will soon be upon us.
October, known for the harvest is a one of a kind month. We can have gorgeous days with warmth reminding us of the summer, or we can have the cool days that lets us know that winter is right around the corner waiting for us to stay inside with the warmth of a fireplace and the smell of cookies and pies baking in the oven.
Our frost came early this year and makes me wonder what is coming later. I don't like the frost as I don't like the cold that comes after. I would like to have perfect weather but I have no control over that. Mother Nature is in charge as always and it will be her decision on what the days to come will be like. She can be as gentle as a lamb with perfect sunny warm days or she can wreck havoc with gray skies, downpours and storms and then she can also give us the silence of winter as the ground lies white with snow and the cold is so crisp that when walking, you can hear the crunch beneath your feet.
So here I sit knowing the first frost has come and gone and there will be many more, each one a little more and lasting a little longer but it is part of life and part of the seasons of life. I will look out my window upon the dormancy that arrives with fall and hope and wish for the warm days of spring to return. They will when it is time. Until then, I will learn to adjust to the change and bundle up or snuggle under the warm covers a little longer.
Friday, October 1, 2010
The First Place
I think everyone remembers the first place they had that was all theirs, not the home of the parents or a friend, but their very own place. It might be a small apartment or a small house, but it was all ours and we could fix it up the way we wanted and we could do what we wanted.
My grandson has just rented his first place. It is a nice small two bedroom home that is roomy enough for him and very nice. He is so happy with it and already has plans for where he will be putting his sofa, when he gets one, the TV and will have one room just for his computer equipment.
His mother and I have been gathering things that he will need to start up housekeeping, towels, plates, glasses, pans, utensils and a whole slew of other things we happened to think about. His dad has contributed a few things like a microwave and a bedroom suite.
They went to the store tonight to buy groceries and a staples such as foil, spices, baggies and little things we don't really think about but are needed if a person is to live there.
Of course, he had to have some housewarming gifts for his new home. I got him a penny candy jar to use as a cookie jar and filled it with one of his favorite cookies. I found a cute little Fall floral arrangement he can put on his table. For now he will use a card table but will have a real table soon. I also got him a Fall wreath to hang on his front door. His mother gave him some hand soap and a candle and then presented him with a new home welcome kit. A loaf of bread so there would be no hunger, a box of salt so that there would always be seasoning and a bottle of wine so there would always be joy.
He was quite pleased and as they fixed a pizza in his oven, we put down shelf paper in his shelves and began to unpack some of the sacks of things they had bought while we visited and he told us what he wanted to do.
It brought back so many memories of the first place my husband and I had. Neither one of us had a place of our own until we got married. He was in the service and we were a long way from home but rented a small apartment that was a studio apartment. The Murphy bed was in the living room but it was a nice place and we were thrilled with it. But our first stop was to a Woolworth's where we bought pans and other little things we needed plus a stop at a grocery store to stock up on food. Then it was unpacking the car that had brought us 1500 miles from our families. I had bought dishes, silverware and we had towels and sheets and little knick knacks plus all of our clothes. It didn't take long and we were settled into our new place. We found a used furniture store and bought a console TV for $20 which was a lot of money in 1962 but it was nice and it worked. The apartment was furnished so we didn't have to buy furniture.
It also brought back some memories of when my oldest daughter moved out on her own and all the little things we bought for her to help her start up her housekeeping. She lived with friends which helped on the rent part and the only time she ever had an apartment by herself, she only stayed two months because she had mice and refused to stay there. I can't say that I blame her but they could have been contained but it was too much and she moved back home until she found another place.
My youngest moved out to live with a school friend and they worked and went to college but were fortunate to have a house that belonged to her family to rent at a low rate. They had most of the furniture from her room mate's family and between them they managed to get what they needed to get started.
That seems like so many years ago and yet it hasn't been. But now, my almost 20 year old grandson is moving out on his own. He has gone from that small youngsters running around laughing and showing us his toys to the young man who was interested in computers and began following his dream and now is a very bright mature young man with a good job and is starting a new venture in his life, having his own home.
I'm so proud of him for the young man he has grown in to and I look forward to many visits to his home and I'm sure he'll have something new to show me each time. And the fun of being able to find little things for him and his new home is just beginning.
My grandson has just rented his first place. It is a nice small two bedroom home that is roomy enough for him and very nice. He is so happy with it and already has plans for where he will be putting his sofa, when he gets one, the TV and will have one room just for his computer equipment.
His mother and I have been gathering things that he will need to start up housekeeping, towels, plates, glasses, pans, utensils and a whole slew of other things we happened to think about. His dad has contributed a few things like a microwave and a bedroom suite.
They went to the store tonight to buy groceries and a staples such as foil, spices, baggies and little things we don't really think about but are needed if a person is to live there.
Of course, he had to have some housewarming gifts for his new home. I got him a penny candy jar to use as a cookie jar and filled it with one of his favorite cookies. I found a cute little Fall floral arrangement he can put on his table. For now he will use a card table but will have a real table soon. I also got him a Fall wreath to hang on his front door. His mother gave him some hand soap and a candle and then presented him with a new home welcome kit. A loaf of bread so there would be no hunger, a box of salt so that there would always be seasoning and a bottle of wine so there would always be joy.
He was quite pleased and as they fixed a pizza in his oven, we put down shelf paper in his shelves and began to unpack some of the sacks of things they had bought while we visited and he told us what he wanted to do.
It brought back so many memories of the first place my husband and I had. Neither one of us had a place of our own until we got married. He was in the service and we were a long way from home but rented a small apartment that was a studio apartment. The Murphy bed was in the living room but it was a nice place and we were thrilled with it. But our first stop was to a Woolworth's where we bought pans and other little things we needed plus a stop at a grocery store to stock up on food. Then it was unpacking the car that had brought us 1500 miles from our families. I had bought dishes, silverware and we had towels and sheets and little knick knacks plus all of our clothes. It didn't take long and we were settled into our new place. We found a used furniture store and bought a console TV for $20 which was a lot of money in 1962 but it was nice and it worked. The apartment was furnished so we didn't have to buy furniture.
It also brought back some memories of when my oldest daughter moved out on her own and all the little things we bought for her to help her start up her housekeeping. She lived with friends which helped on the rent part and the only time she ever had an apartment by herself, she only stayed two months because she had mice and refused to stay there. I can't say that I blame her but they could have been contained but it was too much and she moved back home until she found another place.
My youngest moved out to live with a school friend and they worked and went to college but were fortunate to have a house that belonged to her family to rent at a low rate. They had most of the furniture from her room mate's family and between them they managed to get what they needed to get started.
That seems like so many years ago and yet it hasn't been. But now, my almost 20 year old grandson is moving out on his own. He has gone from that small youngsters running around laughing and showing us his toys to the young man who was interested in computers and began following his dream and now is a very bright mature young man with a good job and is starting a new venture in his life, having his own home.
I'm so proud of him for the young man he has grown in to and I look forward to many visits to his home and I'm sure he'll have something new to show me each time. And the fun of being able to find little things for him and his new home is just beginning.
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