Politics

I commented on Facebook the other day wondering what McCain was afraid of while making plans to ditch the first Debate. Today I noticed that after FOX carries the Presidential Debate it will be followed by "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?"

Widower-hood

As I sat in Church last Sunday I noticed two of our retired clergy sitting together. Hugh has just recently lost his wife, and Paul was widowed 3-4 years ago when Mary Lou died. She had been wheel chair bound for some time. Mary Huntley died soon after planned surgery which resulted in a massive blood clot to the brain. She never recovered, and was dead within a week. Ahead in front of me was A layman, younger than myself, whose wife died after a long battle with cancer. Today I went to the College to attend an Art Exhibit of current teachers work. There was some pretty nice work n display. One of my colleagues, now retired, was also there. Bob Morrison's wife died from a massive clot which lodged in her brain just over a year ago. I had not seen Bob since that time so it was good to have a chance to talk with him. He also expressed that it was "good" to have a chance to talk. He commented that he was still adjusting. He though early of selling the "big" house they were living in, but the children all said "no". "Where would we stay?" I, of course, know that feeling. I want to always be available to house any of the children who are able to come for a visit, and with Pete living with me taking care of things is no problem.

I guess that what started all this in the realization that it is not always the husband who dies first. And just like Bob, we soon come to the realization of how much the wife has been doing and we were not quite aware. And in recent weeks I have thought often of how often I was on the road - out of town - and Betty was left to raise the kids, and take care of things. Now I wonder if I did not miss the most rewarding part of being in a family.

Are you grown up?

In cleaning out some files today I came across the following from my ancient file for a course in Healthy Personality at Rocky Mountain College. I labeled the course that instead of "Mental Hygiene." This list is based on "Ten Marks of A Disciple" by The Rev. Rod Romney, an American Baptist Pastor who served in Seattle many years ago. I don't know if he still lives or not. I label it "Ten Marks of Maturity:

1. A loss of interest in judging the self.
2. A loss of interest in judging others.
3. A loss of interest in conflict in any form.
4. A loss of interest. More seriously, a loss of ability to worry.
5. An unmistakable tendency to enjoy each moment.
6. Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation and thanksgiving.
7. Tendency to think a and act spontaneously and lovingly rather
than from fears based on past experiences.
8. Contented feeling of being connected to all of life.
9. Increased ability to let things happen rather than trying to make
them happen.
10. Increased susceptibility to love extended by others, as well as the
the uncontrollable urge to extend love in all directions.

Phillippa follow-up

Got this from a niece the other day and since things are kinda slow I've given it some thought.

1. Where is your cell phone? ……………… No phone
2. Your significant other?……………………. She’s gone
3. Your hair? …………………………………….. shaved off
4. Your mother? ……………………………… died 1946
5. Your brother?………………………………… two living
6. Your favorite thing?……………………. eat well
7. Your dream last night?…………………. had none
8. Your favorite drink? ……………………….cold pepsi
9. Your dream?………………………….. live longer
10. The room you’re in?………………. living room
11. Your ex?…………………no such
12. Your fear?……………………………………..no more
13. Where do you want to be in 5 years?………….right here
14. Where were you last night?……………at home
15. What you’re not?……………………………very young
16. Muffins?…………………………………… home made
17. One of your wish list items?…………..Great Grandchildren
18. Where you grew up?…………………… Huntington, WV
19. The last thing you did?………………. Computer Search
20. What are you wearing?………………… blue jeans
21. Your TV?……………………………………not on
22. Your pets?…………………………………. have none!
23. Your computer? ………………………… use regularly
24. Your life?……………………………………..old guy
25. Your mood?………………………………pretty relaxed
26. Missing someone?…………………My Harriet
27. Your car?……………………………………Honda Accord
28. Something you’re not wearing?………………my shoes
29. Favorite Store?……………………………. Costco market
30. Your summer?…………………………….. all done
31. Like someone?……………………………my family
32. Your favorite color?…………………….. Kelly Green
33. Last time you laughed?…………………this morning
34. Last time you cried?………………….August 2006
35. You are with?……………………….. son Pete
35. Who will re-post this?……………………hopefully someone!
 

Housekeeping

Early in the week I called Pro-Steam to get my carpet cleaned. Thursday at 8 o'clock o.k? Fine. Then I called Pro-tech about servicing the furnace. Thursday at 8:30 o.k.? Fine. So last night I was awake off and on to make sure that I was dressed, pilled, and had breakfast before 8 a.m. The carpet guy came about 7:45 and worked diligently with his assistant, and they were on their way by 8:30. About 8:25 the furnace guy called and was running a bit late. Good! One truck out of the way before the next one shows up. I was really surprised to get them both here so quickly, but according to the carpet guy, people are putting a lot of this sort of stuff off. He was truly glad to get the job.

The furnace guy tells me that there is a small amount of CO2. Not to worry, but I have budgeted for a new furnace next year. I was thinking yesterday about a 2009 budget. This year the big expense has been hearing aids. At least my income should not be much different from this year. Social Security should increase due to inflation, and my Equities retirement will decrease due to market forces. Annuities and Bond income will remain constant. I've increased amounts for Utilities, groceries, auto expense, Medicare, Medical Insurance, etc. It looks as if I'll survive.

Time marches on. Today people are remembering 9/11. Every day I remember 12/3.

Family Gathering

I've been writing on Facebook about Sour-dough waffles for breakfast. Saturday mornings brother John's family along with Pete and me have been having late morning breakfast. We call it "Farmer's Market" because the 9:30 time gives those who wish time to get to the local Farmer's Market before hand. John and Jean are the usual hosts, but this last Saturday Pete and I did it. I have a sour-dough starter I got in Jackson Hole, WY in the early 1960's. From this I make waffles on occasion, and sour-dough wheat bread. Both are very good. The picture above shows this past week's gathering with the one of little hair being brother John - my twin. And I have less hair. Clockwise around the table are Jean, Lisa, Pete, Mark and Rosanna. Lisa is not often with us since she lives in Red Lodge. It was good to have her. Dennis could not be with us as he was visiting his mother in Cody, WY. She is not well, and is in our prayers. Of course, in addition all the human types we had Rosanna's two large dogs. They are very well behaved, and love human contact: that is "scratching".