Category Archives: Uncategorized

Jul10

It Finally Rained Last Night

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It Finally Rained Last Night

Finally some relief from the heat and the fire risk. Thunderstorm overnight. Of course now the sun has come out again and the temperature is sure to soar. Summer in Washington.

On the nightstand. Finished reading Too Much And Never Enough and almost finished The Reckoning. Both excellent reads from Mary Trump.

I watch ME TV occasionally. This morning I was watching an old Perry Mason, the days when attorneys defended the innocent and didn’t spend their time finding loopholes to get the guilty off. Quite refreshing. And then there are the old Leave It To Beaver shows. Life was more wholesome and more simple back then.

We went to see The Little Mermaid on the weekend. Very different from the original animated Disney version. But the music is beautiful and the coral reefs and other scenery were also spectacular. Not sure if I’d want my five year old granddaughter to see this one though. For now I think the old animated version might be the way to go.

Last part of my travel reservations is done. Booked the shuttle from Wenatchee to Sea-Tac. Three weeks from today I’ll be on my way.

I’ve been struggling with the perfect tenses on Duolingo. I wish I wasn’t such a grammar freak. Mexicans don’t have good grammar so I don’t know why I work at it so much. Probably because I used to teach English grammar. And I’m afraid even that is lacking now because I’m not in the classroom anymore.

Time to do some writing – editing my novel and working on a piece for my writers group.

Have a marvelous Monday!

Jul4

Happy Fourth!

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Happy Fourth!

Fourth of July. Independence Day. And I have memories of this day going back decades. When I lived in Winnipeg we’d often drive down to Grand Forks or Fargo to see the fireworks. Back in 2011 I was in Minneapolis with Carole. We went to a band concert out at Lake Minnetonka and watched the fireworks. We also went to a parade in St. Louis Park. When I lived in Leavenworth I’d walk downtown and watch the kids enjoying Kinderfest. But here in East Wenatchee I’m having a lazy day so far. Supposedly fireworks are prohibited in Douglas County, but I’m sure they’ll light up the sky tonight anyways. Washingtonians are like that.

Actually there’s another reason why I’m having a lazy day today. I’m still drained from yesterday. I finally booked my flights to Winnipeg and that is an ordeal I always dread. It may be easy to get to Mexico from Sea-Tac but it sure isn’t easy getting to Winnipeg. I lucked out. I’m actually going to do this within 24 hours. I leave Wenatchee at 7 am and get into Winnipeg at 1:39 am the next day. One shuttle to Sea-Tac and two flights. Drawback is I have to go through Customs in Vancouver, an airport I detest. And I’m also flying Air Canada, an airline I’m not fond of. But Alaska still doesn’t fly to Winnipeg.

But this year I’m determined to get back to Winnipeg although I was there last summer. I have an opportunity to be with both of my kids together for the first time in eight years and I can’t pass that up. As an added bonus my granddaughter will be there too. Somehow when you’re in your seventies and you don’t live in the same country as your kids, it feels a lot different than when you were in your fifties and did that. So when I heard that my daughter was flying in from Kelowna, I knew I had to make this trip. It might be the last time we’re all together again. I’m far from being a pessimist but I look at things very differently than I did when I was younger. And if my kids are reading this and rolling their eyes, there’s no need to panic. I’m not dying of any terminal illness that I know of. I’m just looking forward to us all being together.

On a very different note, we went to see the new Indiana Jones movie on the weekend. I loved it! Okay, the storyline was a little weak and predictable. But the special effects and the stunts were amazing! For a couple of hours there I was totally engrossed and forgot all about the hassle of booking flights and shuttles. I encourage everyone to go and see this movie. You won’t be disappointed. Indiana Jones also brought back memories of seeing a live show at MGM in Orlando decades ago when my kids were little. And I wonder if they remember it.

Happy Fourth of July!

Jun30

Friday June 30

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Friday June 30

In another lifetime I’d be taking my kids to pick up report cards and then we’d be off to Chuck E Cheese. Why does it seem like just yesterday when it was decades ago?

I had a Bible study on Zoom this morning. Then I edited the piece for my next writers group meeting. A productive morning. One more thing on the agenda and I need to stop procrastinating. I’ve been looking at flights to Winnipeg and the times and connections are awful. It’s easy to get to Mexico from Sea-Tac but not to Canada, especially not Winnipeg.

It’s a holiday weekend. Canada Day tomorrow. July 4th here on Tuesday so sadly no Tai Chi. It’s hard keeping track of what’s open and what’s closed. But fireworks are definitely on for Tuesday, as long as there are no more fires close by again. There have been a few already although it’s early in the season.

Yesterday I did my recertification as a SAIL instructor. Hard to believe I’m in my seventh year teaching. I subbed again in Leavenworth for two weeks. Although it’s not a big class it’s still my favorite class. Three of the ladies have been in my class for six years. They live in Mountain Meadows now but are still very active.

I was just outside with the munchkins and it is hot out there. They weren’t interested in staying out there very long. They were quite content to come back in and crash on their doggie beds in the air-conditioned house.

Who’s going to see the new Indiana Jones movie? I plan on doing that.

Happy Holiday Weekend! Stay hydrated and stay safe!

Jun24

Saturday Sentiments

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Saturday Sentiments

I just spent the morning taking photos off my phone and backing them up to two of my three external hard drives. The third one I left in Washington when I returned to Mexico last fall and it hasn’t resurfaced yet. While I enjoy taking photos, I despise the tedious task of organizing them into folders afterwards and backing them up. Alexa, why can’t I train you to do that?

It’s been quite a week. The main headline this week was all about the implosion of the Titan. A horrible tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with people who lost loved ones this week. Another terrible accident claimed the lives of sixteen seniors in Manitoba and nine still remain in hospital in serious condition.

Yay Washington State! It’s official. We have the highest gas prices in the nation!

I had a busy week. Two trips to Leavenworth to teach SAIL. Tai Chi classes and writers’ group. My characters have been quite animated so I’ve been doing a fair amount of writing this week as well. I’ve also had to do some medical research related to my book.

I’m halfway to my 180 so I’m starting to think about traveling. Canada is on my mind once again this summer before I return to Mexico in the fall.

Happy Birthday Kelsey. I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow.

Jun19

A Tough Week

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A Tough Week

“And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days.” James Russell Lowell.

June stopped being my favorite month of the year decades ago. And this week is one of my least favorite of all.

June 17th. Ten years ago on that date I had my second knee surgery.

June 18th. Eleven years ago on that date I had my first knee surgery.

Of course Sunday was also Father’s Day. My dad died back in 1977 so it hasn’t been a day to celebrate for me in a long time.

Today is June 19th. On this day back in 1996 my mom died. And on June 21st we buried her.

Nope. Definitely not a great week. But I do try to look at more positive things, like going to Tai Chi classes and going to writers group. Those will be my highlights this week.

Last night Linda told me she’d reserved tickets for us for Leavenworth Summer Theater. That’s also a positive for this week. Joyce and I went for a lovely walk on the Apple Loop Trail again over the weekend, so that was another positive.

There’s always a silver lining in every cloud. You just have to look for it, although sometimes it’s harder to find than other times.

Have a great week out there!

Jun15

Why Did I Do That

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Why Did I Do That

I was sitting at the mall the other day and had a few minutes before my ride arrived. Why not? I’ll scroll through Facebook. I haven’t done that in a while. It didn’t take long before I remembered why I seldom do this. There are only twenty-four hours in a day and scrolling through Facebook is just too much of a timewaster. I prefer to interact with people in person, a far better option that merely reading post after post of mostly useless information.

Don’t people have anything better to do than to share a gazillion posts a day? Or to throw pity parties? Or to tell the world what they ate for lunch or dinner? And then there are the pics they post! Sometimes I honestly hope they get photoshopped and shared with the world on porn sites. And stop whining about politics, religion or how crazy our world is.

Instead of hiding away and living your life on social media, get with the program. There are real people out there who you could be talking to and spending time with. Go for a walk together. Go out for coffee. Go shopping. Do something worthwhile with that valuable time in your life.

What’s the best place in the house to hide from ghosts? The living room. Thank you Alexa. Even that corny joke is more intelligent than what some people post on Facebook.

Jun12

Apple Loop and Gladsong

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Apple Loop and Gladsong

I am not a hiker. I do not own a pair of hiking boots or poles. I prefer to do my walking on paved surfaces rather than on trails of unstable terrain. I was absolutely delighted to discover the Apple Loop right here in East Wenatchee where the surface is paved. Of course there are still other creatures to watch out for, such as rattlesnakes, but this is a 10 mile trail that is on both sides of the Columbia River near Wenatchee.

The day was partially cloudy and a cooler one as Joyce and I arrived on Saturday. Truthfully we hoped it wasn’t going to rain. The trail is well marked, including caution advisories about getting stranded on the gravel bars should the water suddenly surge. No. We did not do the full ten miles. But we are determined to return and explore more of this trail.

Last night the venue was Christ Center in Cashmere. My friend Charlene invited me to a concert by Gladsong. The name chosen for this choir is most appropriate. All members were definitely glad to be up there singing. And could they ever sing! I had expected to hear mainly Christian hymns and was quite surprised to hear their renditions of other tunes popularized by Queen and Chicago.

This is only the second year that Gladsong have been performing and they are spectacular. The funds they raise at their concert go towards charitable organizations. They recently performed in support of Ukrainian refugees and their next upcoming concert is at Ohme gardens. Last night the proceeds went to ministries at the church.

Those were two of the highlights of my weekend. How was yours?

Jun7

I Highly Recommend

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I Highly Recommend

One of my favorite things to do when I’m up here in the summer is to go to the theater and watch movies in English. When I’m in Mexico my focus is on improving my Spanish, so I don’t tend to watch movies in English.

Last weekend we went to see Book Club The Next Chapter. I loved it! This movie was hilarious and even better than the first one. Three days later and I’m still laughing. Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen were in their prime in this movie. All the other characters were very well-cast too. The music was fabulous and the scenery was spectacular. This is a must see for this summer.

Another movie we saw was Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. Author Judy Blume even had a cameo in this movie. Blume has been writing children’s’ books since 1959 and the adaptation of this one to film was exceptionally well done. This is a great movie for children and adults alike. Be sure to check out this one.

The Little Mermaid is another movie I’d like to take in this summer. I’ve heard a great deal of controversy about this one so I’m curious to see what all the fuss is about. The storyline and the music were amazing in the original film back in 1989.

I highly recommend taking in a movie, especially if you live in a climate like East Wenatchee where temperatures are soaring into the high 80s and low 90s. The air-conditioned theaters are more than welcoming.

May31

Time For A Change

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Time For A Change

For the longest time I’ve been posting twice a week, Sunday and Wednesday. I write about whatever happens to come to mind at the time. I’ve decided to change it up for a while. There will be one post a week for sure and the day will vary. If you’re a follower of my blog you’ll be notified in the usual way. If you’re not a follower, I’ll still be sharing to Facebook so you’ll see the announcement there.

I’m much busier here in Washington than I am in Mexico. I’m finding it hard to devote the time I want to the book I’m writing so I have to cut back somewhere. Giving up fitness classes or Tai Chi is not an option. My health is a priority at this stage of the game.

My social life is busier here as well. I have more friends, many of whom have become family to me over the years. I’m in year eight now in Washington. Yes we do go to fitness classes and Tai Chi together, but there are also activities like Leavenworth Summer Theater that I enjoy.

It also looks like a trip to Canada is in order again this summer. I’m hoping to actually be with both of my kids at the same time, something we haven’t done in almost eight years. And of course I’m looking forward to seeing my granddaughter. I enjoy the video calls but what I really want is to hug her and hold her in my arms.

Last week I was out at Lake Chelan for the day. The weather was wild. Windy and rainy when I arrived. Then in a matter of minutes it cleared up and was sunny. The museum is always interesting and they revamped it over the winter. A video about apples was added and some of the displays were changed around.

Fire season has begun. We had a Level 1 warning over the weekend over a 250 acre brush fire out near the airport, about a ten minute drive from where I live. Thankfully it was brought under control quickly. We could really use some rain here but there doesn’t seem to be any in the forecast.

I’m headed into Leavenworth today. That’s where my hair stylist is. Yes, I know there are hair stylists here in East Wenatchee. And I’m reluctant to change that. I discovered Shears during Covid and Lisa knows my hair well although I’m only up here six months of the year.

Jurassic Quest is coming to Wenatchee and I’m contemplating checking it out. The movies were all pretty great and I’ve seen them in English and in Spanish. Now to see those dinosaur up close. I remember a ride at Disney where we were surrounded by dinosaurs. That was back in the 80s and I’m sure the special effects are greatly enhanced now.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

May27

Memorial Day

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Memorial Day

In the USA, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May in remembrance of those who lost their lives while in the U.S. Military. Quite frankly, I expected people to swarm the cemeteries but that just doesn’t seem to be the case. Most people don’t work and it’s a popular day for barbecues and parades. I decided that it’s time to learn more about the history of Memorial Day.

The first public ceremony held to honor soldiers killed in battle was back in 431 B.C. This took place in Greece after the Peloponnesian War.

One of the first Memorial Day events held in the USA was back in 1865 in Charleston, South Carolina. The Civil War was over and newly freed slaves had good reason to celebrate.

The original name was Decoration Day as soldiers’ graves were decorated with American flags and flowers. Those honored were soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

Union General John A. Logan called for May 30, 1868 to be an official day of remembrance. It didn’t signify the date of any particular battle but was to honor those who died in all wars.

In 1950 Congress passed a resolution asking the President to issue a proclamation that Americans should observe Memorial Day as a day for prayer of permanent peace.

In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May and provided a three day weekend for federal employees. However it did not become an official federal holiday until 1971.

In 2000 President Bill Clinton signed the National Moment of Remembrance Act. At 3 pm on Memorial Day Americans were asked to observe a moment of silence.

Flags are displayed at half-staff until noon. The flag is then raised to full-staff.

Another tradition is that the President place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a site honoring all who died fighting for their country. The President also delivers a speech.

That’s today’s American History lesson.

Have A Great Sunday!