Inside my house, I have caught lizards, bees, wasps, even snakes and a bat. I took them all outside to freedom. However, my compassion does not extend to cockroaches (or children!) Whenever I spot one in my home my reaction is the same as if it was a burglar. -- I want it DEAD and out of here!
As I opened my front door early one morning, 2 small cockroaches rushed inside! I was barefoot. Not having time to reach for the spray or fly-swatter, I slapped them both dead with my hand. -- Hands are easier to clean than feet.
Usually, when dealing with roaches, I prefer a fly-swatter. Insecticide has toxic fumes! --My house is closed shut nearly half the year due to air-conditioning. I don't want that poison in my lungs! Also spray takes too long to kill them. The roaches flail and flop around like a ham Hollywood actor in a death scene. Worse, they prefer going behind my oven or washing machine to go belly-up, someplace where I can't retrieve and properly dispose of the body. This becomes embarrassing when I'm forced to call a repairman.
One had the nerve to imply that if I was a better housekeeper, I wouldn't have bugs!
My mother and step-mother were both immaculate housekeepers, yet we still had cockroaches, along with all the other creatures. My father refused to pay an exterminator because they were not an every day pest. I agree. Besides, this is Florida! Our state bird is the cockroach, or it should be. And we have giant ones, too!
A few decades back, a national pest control company held a contest. The biggest cockroach carcass would win! Anyone who has grown up in this state knows how to give themself a winning edge. But it involves cheating! -- Just catch a roach, put it in a jar, poke holes in the top, toss in a cookie piece and a soggy bread crust. Before long, you'll have a home-grown monster!
Of course I'd go them one better. I'd add a dampened vitamin pill. I know I could have easily won! -- Unfortunately, I learned of this contest too late.
When I was a child, a visiting Aunt claimed to have seen a monster cockroach in our guesthouse. It kept her awake all night! "The creature was the size of a lemon!" she exclaimed.
"Oh that's nothing," I replied. "We found one under the sink the size of a banana!" My mother shot me a dirty look. She'd deal with me later. But my aunt bought it! That was fun!
In our former home, my father often doused our kitchen with pesticide before we retired for the night. The fumes spread throughout the entire house. This made me gag! I never could get it across that he was shortening our lives! -- He probably didn't care!
I rarely get out of bed to snack, (almost never) however one night long ago, I just couldn't get that turkey pasta salad out of my head. Half-asleep I switched on the light. Glaring at me from the middle of the refrigerator was a behemoth! I reached for the can of pesticide on the counter and sprayed dead-on! This leviathan flew directly at me, landing in my hair! I jumped wildly, shaking and twisting my body doing the most bizarre dance you could ever imagine. The bug clung tight! Eventually, it dropped onto the floor and raced under the counter.
Cockroaches survived the cataclysm that obliterated the dinosaurs. They could survive a nuclear blast and gamma rays as well! These bugs will inherit the earth. (No doubt in my mind!) Long after humankind has destroyed itself, its bones turned to ash and blowing in the polluted air. The roach will evolve. Eons from now, as the sun dims and the earth cools, swarms of roaches will be climbing into their spaceships searching for other planets to infest.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
ZOMBIE FEVER
While cleaning out a drawer, I found a copy of a letter I typed to a TV station when I was 15. I requested they show BLOOD ON SATAN'S CLAW for the Saturday afternoon movie. After all these decades, I still love my horror flicks! Only these days my heart has been mostly consumed by zombies. Those walking, flesh-eating abominations excite me as nothing else!
Upon the Vero Beach premiere, I went to see WORLD WAR Z in 3-D. WOW!!! I didn't want it to end. I could have sat thru that film for 3 days straight! -- I don't care spit for Brad Pitt, but zombies get my heart pumping!
The dead ones certainly have gotten physically stronger and more spry since George Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. -- I still don't understand why no one can smell them coming. They look like they stink to high heaven!
I learned recently that WORLD WAR Z will be a trilogy. I just hope they don't keep us waiting too long!
ALSO I discovered that what we saw was not the original ending. The initial one was far darker and changed at the last minute. In that version, the plane lands safely in Russia, voracious zombies and chaos breaks loose all over again. Weak and sickly people are quickly executed. The Brad Pitt character is held against his will and coerced into becoming a zombie wilderness fighter. Meanwhile his wife has been forced to prostitute herself for food. Eventually, she becomes the sex toy of the helicopter pilot in an earlier scene. As the Russian winter sets in, the Pitt character discovers that COLD kills zombies! -- I would have enjoyed that version equally as much, if not more! So it's a bit darker, for crying out loud! This is a zombie flick! It comes with the territory.
A zombie apocalypse is indeed a possibility, according to an article I read. NO, the dead will NOT rise! A virus in the frontal lobe of the brain could transform live humans into murderous, crazed cannibals. -- I recall seeing a movie based on this premise. I believe it was titled, 28 DAYS LATER and the sequel, 28 WEEKS LATER. Perhaps there's another sequel in the works titled, 28 MONTHS LATER! Will anyone be left alive after 28 years???
Should this occur, to keep starvation at bay, we are encouraged to head for the Cat Food aisle of the supermarket. Because all others will be jammed with desperate people quickly depleting the shelves.
Personally, I've always thought those little cans of Fancy Feast sounded tasty. -- Have you seen the commercials? Sea Bass & Shrimp in a delicate broth, Cheddar Grilled Chicken & Cheese Feast in gravy; yummy, yummy, yum, yum! In my next life, I hope I return as a cat!
When I was 58, I dated a man who looked like a zombie. (He could have passed as the Crypt Keeper, too.) The guy was almost 20 years older. When a friend and I attended the Halloween Zombie Formal, I commented that if my ex-boyfriend was there, he wouldn't need a costume.
"But you love zombies!" she exclaimed.
"Only on film," I replied, "not pawing my body!"
I love movies where exciting things happen, with, or without zombies.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris, & Jean Claude Van Damme are NOT my favorite action stars, neither is Jonathan Statham, nor the Pitt. No one can kick butt, zombie, or other, like Milla Jovovich! She looks spectacular doing it, too! The indestructible Alice from RESIDENT EVIL rules!
Zombies are hot now. And I've got the fever!
Upon the Vero Beach premiere, I went to see WORLD WAR Z in 3-D. WOW!!! I didn't want it to end. I could have sat thru that film for 3 days straight! -- I don't care spit for Brad Pitt, but zombies get my heart pumping!
The dead ones certainly have gotten physically stronger and more spry since George Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. -- I still don't understand why no one can smell them coming. They look like they stink to high heaven!
I learned recently that WORLD WAR Z will be a trilogy. I just hope they don't keep us waiting too long!
ALSO I discovered that what we saw was not the original ending. The initial one was far darker and changed at the last minute. In that version, the plane lands safely in Russia, voracious zombies and chaos breaks loose all over again. Weak and sickly people are quickly executed. The Brad Pitt character is held against his will and coerced into becoming a zombie wilderness fighter. Meanwhile his wife has been forced to prostitute herself for food. Eventually, she becomes the sex toy of the helicopter pilot in an earlier scene. As the Russian winter sets in, the Pitt character discovers that COLD kills zombies! -- I would have enjoyed that version equally as much, if not more! So it's a bit darker, for crying out loud! This is a zombie flick! It comes with the territory.
A zombie apocalypse is indeed a possibility, according to an article I read. NO, the dead will NOT rise! A virus in the frontal lobe of the brain could transform live humans into murderous, crazed cannibals. -- I recall seeing a movie based on this premise. I believe it was titled, 28 DAYS LATER and the sequel, 28 WEEKS LATER. Perhaps there's another sequel in the works titled, 28 MONTHS LATER! Will anyone be left alive after 28 years???
Should this occur, to keep starvation at bay, we are encouraged to head for the Cat Food aisle of the supermarket. Because all others will be jammed with desperate people quickly depleting the shelves.
Personally, I've always thought those little cans of Fancy Feast sounded tasty. -- Have you seen the commercials? Sea Bass & Shrimp in a delicate broth, Cheddar Grilled Chicken & Cheese Feast in gravy; yummy, yummy, yum, yum! In my next life, I hope I return as a cat!
When I was 58, I dated a man who looked like a zombie. (He could have passed as the Crypt Keeper, too.) The guy was almost 20 years older. When a friend and I attended the Halloween Zombie Formal, I commented that if my ex-boyfriend was there, he wouldn't need a costume.
"But you love zombies!" she exclaimed.
"Only on film," I replied, "not pawing my body!"
I love movies where exciting things happen, with, or without zombies.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris, & Jean Claude Van Damme are NOT my favorite action stars, neither is Jonathan Statham, nor the Pitt. No one can kick butt, zombie, or other, like Milla Jovovich! She looks spectacular doing it, too! The indestructible Alice from RESIDENT EVIL rules!
Zombies are hot now. And I've got the fever!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
MEMORIES OF THE 4TH
The only time I ever miss my former home is on the 4th of July. The St. Lucie River was a mile wide behind our house, plus we had a 150 ft dock. We enjoyed a V.I.P. view of the fireworks from the end of our pier. Not only could we see the ones from the Roosevelt Bridge a short distance away, but those directly across the river in Rio as well. The night was always a spectacular one! -- It more than topped the Christmas boat parade!
Here, I have to settle for neighbor's illegal fireworks. (There are plenty!) They start going off around 6:00 P.M. and often last until about 3:00 A.M. keeping me awake! Actually they start the week before and end the week after. -- This is one reason I don't want anymore pets. My dog & cat were terrified to go outside. This particular holiday undid a lot of painstaking housebreaking!
A few years back, when the 4th fell on a Saturday, a heavy storm hit the night before. Lightning struck my AT&T box! I was left without a computer, TV, or phone for the entire weekend! Because of the holiday, no one could come out to repair before late Sunday.
Early Saturday A.M., I walked next door to use a neighbor's phone to report it. My neighbor insisted they already knew. "It's probably on a master-board, somewhere," she said.... In other words, turn around and go away.
I told her I wanted to make sure! Good thing I did, there was NO master-board!
At least my lair had electricity! Also there was plenty of reading material to enjoy. Plus the fridge had all of my favorite summer treats to eat. The daytime hours were relatively quiet and serene. Later it sounded like World War IV! Despite everything, I enjoyed the holiday.
Sunday, around 4:00 P.M., the repairman came. He brought my AT&T box inside to show me. It was completely fried! "It's a miracle your house didn't catch fire!" he pointed out. -- Lightning did cause a fire in a neighborhood home in the recent past. The house had to be leveled and rebuilt. Whew!
He replaced the box and soon everything was up and running. The repairman was half out the door when my phone rang. It was my friend, Pat in N. Florida. She thought I was dead! She had been phoning constantly, even during the wee A.M. hours!
"I couldn't even get your answering machine, just a busy signal!" she exclaimed. (My phone was DEAD on this end!) Pat complained to the operator, who told her my line was just busy!!!
Unless there's another issue, I plan to fully enjoy the 4th! I'll have my veggie dogs, potato salad, chips, & pink lemonade for a kitchen table picnic over-looking my back yard. I might also play some patriotic music. My home has huge picture windows, including a high one on the cathedral ceiling. From my recliner, I can watch a movie with one eye, while enjoying the neighborhood fireworks with the other.
Here, I have to settle for neighbor's illegal fireworks. (There are plenty!) They start going off around 6:00 P.M. and often last until about 3:00 A.M. keeping me awake! Actually they start the week before and end the week after. -- This is one reason I don't want anymore pets. My dog & cat were terrified to go outside. This particular holiday undid a lot of painstaking housebreaking!
A few years back, when the 4th fell on a Saturday, a heavy storm hit the night before. Lightning struck my AT&T box! I was left without a computer, TV, or phone for the entire weekend! Because of the holiday, no one could come out to repair before late Sunday.
Early Saturday A.M., I walked next door to use a neighbor's phone to report it. My neighbor insisted they already knew. "It's probably on a master-board, somewhere," she said.... In other words, turn around and go away.
I told her I wanted to make sure! Good thing I did, there was NO master-board!
At least my lair had electricity! Also there was plenty of reading material to enjoy. Plus the fridge had all of my favorite summer treats to eat. The daytime hours were relatively quiet and serene. Later it sounded like World War IV! Despite everything, I enjoyed the holiday.
Sunday, around 4:00 P.M., the repairman came. He brought my AT&T box inside to show me. It was completely fried! "It's a miracle your house didn't catch fire!" he pointed out. -- Lightning did cause a fire in a neighborhood home in the recent past. The house had to be leveled and rebuilt. Whew!
He replaced the box and soon everything was up and running. The repairman was half out the door when my phone rang. It was my friend, Pat in N. Florida. She thought I was dead! She had been phoning constantly, even during the wee A.M. hours!
"I couldn't even get your answering machine, just a busy signal!" she exclaimed. (My phone was DEAD on this end!) Pat complained to the operator, who told her my line was just busy!!!
Unless there's another issue, I plan to fully enjoy the 4th! I'll have my veggie dogs, potato salad, chips, & pink lemonade for a kitchen table picnic over-looking my back yard. I might also play some patriotic music. My home has huge picture windows, including a high one on the cathedral ceiling. From my recliner, I can watch a movie with one eye, while enjoying the neighborhood fireworks with the other.
Monday, June 24, 2013
NO EX-HIPPIE, HERE
Many who glance over my Facebook page mistakenly believe I'm some sort of former Hippie. I do support affordable (not free) health care for all, gay rights, abortion, environmental protection and other so-called liberal causes. However, I am only liberal by Vero Beach standards. Here, if you don't blindly follow the Tea Party you're labeled one!
Back in the day, I was the antithesis of a Hippie. I had murder in my heart for too many people to ever be the peace and love type! I still live to watch horror flicks. Long before Goth teens existed, I was one.
The Hippie movement was at its peak as I started Junior College. I couldn't relate to them or the other kids. I hate rock music! Jeans & T-shirts just look sloppy to me. I love dramatic attire! I wore dark lipstick and nail polish when others were going natural. The supernatural look rules my life! I had no desire to resemble my peers, nor did I want to acquire their sleazy habits.
They say if you remember the 60's you weren't really there. Well I remember them in painful detail. -- I WAS MORE THERE THAN ANY DRUGGIE! Besides, if they think it was that wonderful, why don't they want to remember it!
As a life long non-drinker, you had better believe I take a dim view of that! I'm against anything that impairs judgement. If you indulge, stay away from me on the highway! In fact, stay the hell away from me period!
In their heyday, my parents drank to fit in with their social circle. I remember a drunken acquaintance throwing himself at my mother in front of his wife. I was filled with disgust! I knew I was never going to fly with that crowd, either.
From an early age, I realized I was destined to be a misfit and a freak my entire life. But that's OK with me. I am always good to myself because others are not.
Around age 22, an older friend talked me into trying a grasshopper at an upscale restaurant. It made me so nauseous, I couldn't eat an expensive dinner I otherwise would have enjoyed.
"That drink will taste better next time," she assured me. I told her there wasn't going to be a next time!
As far as I'm concerned, alcohol has no other use than flavoring foods or treating snake bites. My good times are savored, my treasured memories are vivid. Plus I never awaken with a hangover.
If you enjoy your life, why are alcohol or drugs necessary? And if you require them to be happy or get thru life, well that's just pathetic. I think it all boils down to a herd mentality. I call it the monkey see, monkey do syndrome.
Everyone today seems so afraid of being perceived as judgmental. -- Whenever you fail to act negatively to unacceptable behavior, you are condoning it!
Once upon a time, my life sucked on an epic scale. I thought of suicide every day, multiple times. However, I never used alcohol or drugs as an escape. I'm damn proud of that! It only makes problems more severe. My brother is a prime example. After he turned to alcohol, it only exacerbated his mental issues. As a result, his freedom is gone.
Despite the vast age difference between us, we are not dissimilar in many ways. Everything could have been different.
Back in the day, I was the antithesis of a Hippie. I had murder in my heart for too many people to ever be the peace and love type! I still live to watch horror flicks. Long before Goth teens existed, I was one.
The Hippie movement was at its peak as I started Junior College. I couldn't relate to them or the other kids. I hate rock music! Jeans & T-shirts just look sloppy to me. I love dramatic attire! I wore dark lipstick and nail polish when others were going natural. The supernatural look rules my life! I had no desire to resemble my peers, nor did I want to acquire their sleazy habits.
They say if you remember the 60's you weren't really there. Well I remember them in painful detail. -- I WAS MORE THERE THAN ANY DRUGGIE! Besides, if they think it was that wonderful, why don't they want to remember it!
As a life long non-drinker, you had better believe I take a dim view of that! I'm against anything that impairs judgement. If you indulge, stay away from me on the highway! In fact, stay the hell away from me period!
In their heyday, my parents drank to fit in with their social circle. I remember a drunken acquaintance throwing himself at my mother in front of his wife. I was filled with disgust! I knew I was never going to fly with that crowd, either.
From an early age, I realized I was destined to be a misfit and a freak my entire life. But that's OK with me. I am always good to myself because others are not.
Around age 22, an older friend talked me into trying a grasshopper at an upscale restaurant. It made me so nauseous, I couldn't eat an expensive dinner I otherwise would have enjoyed.
"That drink will taste better next time," she assured me. I told her there wasn't going to be a next time!
As far as I'm concerned, alcohol has no other use than flavoring foods or treating snake bites. My good times are savored, my treasured memories are vivid. Plus I never awaken with a hangover.
If you enjoy your life, why are alcohol or drugs necessary? And if you require them to be happy or get thru life, well that's just pathetic. I think it all boils down to a herd mentality. I call it the monkey see, monkey do syndrome.
Everyone today seems so afraid of being perceived as judgmental. -- Whenever you fail to act negatively to unacceptable behavior, you are condoning it!
Once upon a time, my life sucked on an epic scale. I thought of suicide every day, multiple times. However, I never used alcohol or drugs as an escape. I'm damn proud of that! It only makes problems more severe. My brother is a prime example. After he turned to alcohol, it only exacerbated his mental issues. As a result, his freedom is gone.
Despite the vast age difference between us, we are not dissimilar in many ways. Everything could have been different.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
THE HERE, AND HOW! :-))
For all of those reading this who are not old fogies, "AND HOW!" was an expression of extreme delight when I was growing up. In a recent blog, I stated that my bliss is defined not by what I lack, but what I have.
Well someone commented, "Careful of laying bliss at the doorstep of what you have, as what you have quickly turns into what you had."
Oh good grief! Everything in life is temporary, anyway!
When I was a child, my father bragged there weren't 5 other men in town who pulled in his salary. Everything we owned was high-end. The year I turned 14 it was over. My Dad's boss was keeping 2 sets of books. My father was blindsided! Everything collapsed, our lifestyle was gone, never to return!
I've had the floor pulled out from under me more than once.
The man who made that comment could have a stroke tomorrow, or next year. He may end up dependent on someone else to feed him and wipe his behind for the rest of his life! Who knows what's around the corner.
If you are happily married and love your spouse, I've got news for you. At some point, one of you is going to die! It's not a matter of if, but when.
The point is to savor your bliss while you have it!!!
Due to the high cost of gasoline, groceries, & everything else, I'm back to being a shut-in again. I'm currently co-authoring a book, while researching another. Unless I'm meeting friends for lunch or attending a business networking event, I rarely go anyplace.
However, I do enjoy my home, or as I call it, my woman's lair. To me, it is filled with joy in abundance! My life may seem dull to others, but to me it feels like Heaven.
Years ago, my group therapist told of a man who escaped a war-torn, third world country and got a job here sweeping floors. He said every day felt like paradise compared to the conditions under which he used to exist. I can understand.
I'd be lying if I said the future doesn't scare me. Inflation is only going to get worse. I can't afford health insurance, now. And thanks to the Republican Party and their Tea Potty scumbags, I'll probably never have it. I'm one serious illness or injury from living on the street!
So I won't be calling 911 should I feel a heart attack or stroke coming on. Better to be a cobweb-covered cadaver in a recliner, my choice.
Several Christmas's ago, as I was strolling thru the Mall, my spirit was soaring. Despite the holiday season, it was uncrowded. I treated myself to a movie and a meal at TGIF. I wandered about listening to holiday music, enjoying the festive atmosphere. Everything seemed so perfect, I just wanted to die at that moment! I wanted THAT to be my last earthly memory, before anything could ruin it....Of course I didn't die.
No one is ever ready to be elderly, especially when you factor in deteriorating health. They say it's better than the alternative, but how can you be sure? The afterlife is supposed to be wonderful! Most of the people who died and returned swear by it.
Since my parents drop in from time-to-time, I know they're not in Hell. Nor do I feel I am going there.
At this writing, I'm 62 years old. My mother died at 72. I don't know how much time I have left. But I'm aware it's growing short.
I used to finish books that I just couldn't seem to get into, or movies that were boring, in the hope they'd grab me at some point. Now if I can't get into a book after a few chapters, or a movie after the first 20 minutes, I toss or delete and move onto something else. Nor do I squander time with people whose company I seldom enjoy. Time has become too precious to waste on such things.
Well someone commented, "Careful of laying bliss at the doorstep of what you have, as what you have quickly turns into what you had."
Oh good grief! Everything in life is temporary, anyway!
When I was a child, my father bragged there weren't 5 other men in town who pulled in his salary. Everything we owned was high-end. The year I turned 14 it was over. My Dad's boss was keeping 2 sets of books. My father was blindsided! Everything collapsed, our lifestyle was gone, never to return!
I've had the floor pulled out from under me more than once.
The man who made that comment could have a stroke tomorrow, or next year. He may end up dependent on someone else to feed him and wipe his behind for the rest of his life! Who knows what's around the corner.
If you are happily married and love your spouse, I've got news for you. At some point, one of you is going to die! It's not a matter of if, but when.
The point is to savor your bliss while you have it!!!
Due to the high cost of gasoline, groceries, & everything else, I'm back to being a shut-in again. I'm currently co-authoring a book, while researching another. Unless I'm meeting friends for lunch or attending a business networking event, I rarely go anyplace.
However, I do enjoy my home, or as I call it, my woman's lair. To me, it is filled with joy in abundance! My life may seem dull to others, but to me it feels like Heaven.
Years ago, my group therapist told of a man who escaped a war-torn, third world country and got a job here sweeping floors. He said every day felt like paradise compared to the conditions under which he used to exist. I can understand.
I'd be lying if I said the future doesn't scare me. Inflation is only going to get worse. I can't afford health insurance, now. And thanks to the Republican Party and their Tea Potty scumbags, I'll probably never have it. I'm one serious illness or injury from living on the street!
So I won't be calling 911 should I feel a heart attack or stroke coming on. Better to be a cobweb-covered cadaver in a recliner, my choice.
Several Christmas's ago, as I was strolling thru the Mall, my spirit was soaring. Despite the holiday season, it was uncrowded. I treated myself to a movie and a meal at TGIF. I wandered about listening to holiday music, enjoying the festive atmosphere. Everything seemed so perfect, I just wanted to die at that moment! I wanted THAT to be my last earthly memory, before anything could ruin it....Of course I didn't die.
No one is ever ready to be elderly, especially when you factor in deteriorating health. They say it's better than the alternative, but how can you be sure? The afterlife is supposed to be wonderful! Most of the people who died and returned swear by it.
Since my parents drop in from time-to-time, I know they're not in Hell. Nor do I feel I am going there.
At this writing, I'm 62 years old. My mother died at 72. I don't know how much time I have left. But I'm aware it's growing short.
I used to finish books that I just couldn't seem to get into, or movies that were boring, in the hope they'd grab me at some point. Now if I can't get into a book after a few chapters, or a movie after the first 20 minutes, I toss or delete and move onto something else. Nor do I squander time with people whose company I seldom enjoy. Time has become too precious to waste on such things.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
MY CHAIR ON THE DREAMLAND EXPRESS
Not long ago, I saw a poster on Facebook that read: SHE RAN AWAY IN SLEEP AND DREAMED OF PARADISE.
I often teased my father about falling asleep during the evening. "You should go straight to bed after dark," I told him. "Because you sleep thru most of our TV shows." (I couldn't imagine myself ever doing this!) He replied that he slept better in his recliner than in bed. It was all a matter of age, one day I would understand.
Well they don't call it the change-of-life for nothing! Now it's a challenge for me to stay awake in the evenings. Also Dad was right about the recliner, it is much better for sleeping than a bed, certainly far more comfortable. Plus I don't have all those crazy, disturbing dreams in my chair. My sleep is far more serene.
In my 30's, I took a couple of courses in hypnosis. As a result, I experienced dreams in full color and 3D. They felt like actual experiences until I woke up. I can still do that today by using the same technique. However now that I'm old, I'm less interested in adventure and more into peaceful sleep.
I've never been the type that likes going out at night, unless it's something really special. I prefer daytime events.
Gertrude, my former neighbor, went directly to bed after the evening news. Around midnight, she'd get up to watch old movies on TCM until 4:00 AM. Then she would return to bed and sleep until 7:00 AM.
Unless I have a migraine, I'd never go to bed while it's still light outside. I prefer my TV viewing, as well as napping in darkness. However, this time of year it stays light way too long! I keep a baseball cap next to my chair. When I slip it down over my face it's like an off-switch as well as a shade.
I absolutely love my DVR! I record everything rather than watch by appointment as in the old days. When I feel a nap coming on, I just exit to a classical music station, turn the volume low, or mute. Often, it's just a 10 or 15 minute catnap, but sometimes I sleep for an hour or more. Once, around 8:00 PM, I closed my eyes and didn't awaken until 11:30 PM. -- An hour past my bedtime! I went upstairs to bed and slept soundly until morning.
I can foresee a time when I won't bother going upstairs to bed at all!
To be honest, I don't like this direction my life has taken. Because, I'm aware I don't have all that much time left on this planet. I want to be fully here, awake and alert, even if I'm just watching an old movie on TV. I used to enjoy reading in the evening. But I can't do that anymore. I become too sleepy too fast.
Of course the thought has occurred, that one future day, I'm going to get up and look back at my lifeless cadaver in that chair. -- Many older people vow never to die slumped over in a recliner! Personally, I think that's the ideal way to go. If I'm lucky, I'll die in the recliner. Believe me, there are plenty of worse options.
Most likely, the mailman will eventually discover my body, rather than a neighbor. But it won't be my problem. I don't intend to haunt my house. Unless my dead relatives cause me more grief, I plan to be worlds away on the far side of Heaven.
I often teased my father about falling asleep during the evening. "You should go straight to bed after dark," I told him. "Because you sleep thru most of our TV shows." (I couldn't imagine myself ever doing this!) He replied that he slept better in his recliner than in bed. It was all a matter of age, one day I would understand.
Well they don't call it the change-of-life for nothing! Now it's a challenge for me to stay awake in the evenings. Also Dad was right about the recliner, it is much better for sleeping than a bed, certainly far more comfortable. Plus I don't have all those crazy, disturbing dreams in my chair. My sleep is far more serene.
In my 30's, I took a couple of courses in hypnosis. As a result, I experienced dreams in full color and 3D. They felt like actual experiences until I woke up. I can still do that today by using the same technique. However now that I'm old, I'm less interested in adventure and more into peaceful sleep.
I've never been the type that likes going out at night, unless it's something really special. I prefer daytime events.
Gertrude, my former neighbor, went directly to bed after the evening news. Around midnight, she'd get up to watch old movies on TCM until 4:00 AM. Then she would return to bed and sleep until 7:00 AM.
Unless I have a migraine, I'd never go to bed while it's still light outside. I prefer my TV viewing, as well as napping in darkness. However, this time of year it stays light way too long! I keep a baseball cap next to my chair. When I slip it down over my face it's like an off-switch as well as a shade.
I absolutely love my DVR! I record everything rather than watch by appointment as in the old days. When I feel a nap coming on, I just exit to a classical music station, turn the volume low, or mute. Often, it's just a 10 or 15 minute catnap, but sometimes I sleep for an hour or more. Once, around 8:00 PM, I closed my eyes and didn't awaken until 11:30 PM. -- An hour past my bedtime! I went upstairs to bed and slept soundly until morning.
I can foresee a time when I won't bother going upstairs to bed at all!
To be honest, I don't like this direction my life has taken. Because, I'm aware I don't have all that much time left on this planet. I want to be fully here, awake and alert, even if I'm just watching an old movie on TV. I used to enjoy reading in the evening. But I can't do that anymore. I become too sleepy too fast.
Of course the thought has occurred, that one future day, I'm going to get up and look back at my lifeless cadaver in that chair. -- Many older people vow never to die slumped over in a recliner! Personally, I think that's the ideal way to go. If I'm lucky, I'll die in the recliner. Believe me, there are plenty of worse options.
Most likely, the mailman will eventually discover my body, rather than a neighbor. But it won't be my problem. I don't intend to haunt my house. Unless my dead relatives cause me more grief, I plan to be worlds away on the far side of Heaven.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
GONE TO WEED & SEED
Recently, the FPL trimming crew descended on my property like a horde of Barbarians ravaging and ruining the back of my yard. They did far more than just trim. Foliage I needed for privacy was cut away. Now I can view the neighborhood behind me and they can see me.
I filed a complaint, but was assured everything would grow back. Yeah, but I may be dead first! Plus I just spent a lot of money on landscaping. Probably I'll just throw seeds back there along with a bag of fertilizer.
They left untouched a high branch that nearly reaches a power line! I didn't even notice until recently. My yard man pointed it out. He is going to remove it when he trims the rest of my trees.
I don't want to have a lawn the neighborhood gossips about. I need more than just mow & go. Over the years I've hired many different crews. Usually, they do a wonderful job for the first 6 months. After that, I don't know what happens, they slack off dramatically! Plus they want extra for weeding. -- If you can even find one willing to do it!
One lawn guy haughtily told me, "First and foremost, I don't pull weeds for anybody." -- To my mind, that's like hiring a Dentist who refuses to fill cavities. I told him I felt he was the wrong person for me. "I feel likewise about you." He sniffed.
My current yard man is the best. My lawn is still full of weeds, but at least they are kept neatly cut.
"I tend my own lawn," my friend Margaret once told me. "After my divorce, I couldn't afford anyone else. Actually it's much easier than housework! Men have the better deal."
However, I happen to be extremely fair-complexioned with a modicum of tolerance for sunshine or heat. Plus it's just not my area of expertise. I'm more into flower arranging.
When I moved here, there were a lot more trees. After all the hurricanes, not so many. Several tall pine trees that I loved had to be chopped. Neighbors said they were dead and a threat to my home in a storm.
I would have preferred to do something more creative. Perhaps leave them 4 or 5 feet and find a chainsaw artist to shape them into gnomes. But it wasn't a service I could find in the yellow pages or the local newspaper.
Also I am limited by my wallet. If not, there's a really big fantasy I would fulfill. Looking thru a TOSCANO catalog, I found the garden statue of my dreams, a Jurassic-size Velociraptor with realistic color and texture! Wow!!! I have the perfect spot for it, too. I'd place it in the front yard, right under my giant oak tree.
Unfortunately, it cost $2,250. and the freight alone is almost $50.! The price is too prohibitive for a single woman on a fixed income. Plus it would create problems.
For one thing it would be a magnet for neighborhood children. Likely, they would injure themselves climbing all over it. Naturally, the parents would sue me! -- A NO TRESPASSING sign would mean nothing!
It goes back to what Margaret was telling me when I was learning to drive. "Whatever you do," she warned, "don't hit children! Even if you're not to blame, they'll make it your fault!"
I told her, "I PREFER to hit children. As far as I'm concerned, there's too many around and I'd like to snuff a few out. -- They're dirty and they make way too much noise!"
Not to forget, I live in Hurricane Alley! And I hear we're in for another active year. I'd have to pay someone to help lug the thing in and out of my garage every time a storm threatens. Ugh! So it's probably for the best I don't have it.
Better to go to BIG LOTS and buy a little fairy statuette for my weedy yard.
I filed a complaint, but was assured everything would grow back. Yeah, but I may be dead first! Plus I just spent a lot of money on landscaping. Probably I'll just throw seeds back there along with a bag of fertilizer.
They left untouched a high branch that nearly reaches a power line! I didn't even notice until recently. My yard man pointed it out. He is going to remove it when he trims the rest of my trees.
I don't want to have a lawn the neighborhood gossips about. I need more than just mow & go. Over the years I've hired many different crews. Usually, they do a wonderful job for the first 6 months. After that, I don't know what happens, they slack off dramatically! Plus they want extra for weeding. -- If you can even find one willing to do it!
One lawn guy haughtily told me, "First and foremost, I don't pull weeds for anybody." -- To my mind, that's like hiring a Dentist who refuses to fill cavities. I told him I felt he was the wrong person for me. "I feel likewise about you." He sniffed.
My current yard man is the best. My lawn is still full of weeds, but at least they are kept neatly cut.
"I tend my own lawn," my friend Margaret once told me. "After my divorce, I couldn't afford anyone else. Actually it's much easier than housework! Men have the better deal."
However, I happen to be extremely fair-complexioned with a modicum of tolerance for sunshine or heat. Plus it's just not my area of expertise. I'm more into flower arranging.
When I moved here, there were a lot more trees. After all the hurricanes, not so many. Several tall pine trees that I loved had to be chopped. Neighbors said they were dead and a threat to my home in a storm.
I would have preferred to do something more creative. Perhaps leave them 4 or 5 feet and find a chainsaw artist to shape them into gnomes. But it wasn't a service I could find in the yellow pages or the local newspaper.
Also I am limited by my wallet. If not, there's a really big fantasy I would fulfill. Looking thru a TOSCANO catalog, I found the garden statue of my dreams, a Jurassic-size Velociraptor with realistic color and texture! Wow!!! I have the perfect spot for it, too. I'd place it in the front yard, right under my giant oak tree.
Unfortunately, it cost $2,250. and the freight alone is almost $50.! The price is too prohibitive for a single woman on a fixed income. Plus it would create problems.
For one thing it would be a magnet for neighborhood children. Likely, they would injure themselves climbing all over it. Naturally, the parents would sue me! -- A NO TRESPASSING sign would mean nothing!
It goes back to what Margaret was telling me when I was learning to drive. "Whatever you do," she warned, "don't hit children! Even if you're not to blame, they'll make it your fault!"
I told her, "I PREFER to hit children. As far as I'm concerned, there's too many around and I'd like to snuff a few out. -- They're dirty and they make way too much noise!"
Not to forget, I live in Hurricane Alley! And I hear we're in for another active year. I'd have to pay someone to help lug the thing in and out of my garage every time a storm threatens. Ugh! So it's probably for the best I don't have it.
Better to go to BIG LOTS and buy a little fairy statuette for my weedy yard.
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