Tag Archives: friends

Never A Dull Moment Around Here

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Never A Dull Moment Around Here

Last night I did something I hadn’t done in over 20 years. I played board games with kids in my Bible Study group. I say “kids” because they’re all in their 20s except for one other and myself. The one other is my friend Clairesse who is 31. We first met a few years ago when we were renting rooms in a house in Dryden. We went to church together, went out to eat together and sought out garage sales and estate sales. Clairesse attended a youth group at a local church and then a few of them broke off to start a smaller Bible Study group. When I was here last summer, she told the others about her friend Karen. They encouraged her to bring me to group. So I came. They welcomed me warmly and I was hooked. It’s exciting to see kids that age in a Bible Study……and also very accepting of a woman in her 70s. Some of us even kept in touch while I was away in Mexico over the winter.

Now back to the board games. Last night the group met at Treasure Trove. This is a store with hundreds of different board games. You can buy them, or you can come and play them. And play them we did. We played King of Tokyo and Escalating Quickly and more than 2 hours flew by and the store was closing. I have to tell you, this group keeps me young. I can’t wait to see what we will do the next time we get together. However I did draw the line when we met at Walla Walla Point Park. While they chased around a frisbee, I was quite content to take videos of them.

Wednesday was a Cashmere day. I volunteered at a church, toured the new library and then took in the music and food trucks at the farmers market. And yes, I visited my tree.

I was out for coffee this morning at Pybus in Wenatchee. My friend had an interesting story to tell. She was in a research group years ago for GLP-1 injections. At the time she was thrilled with her weight loss. But now she regrets ever doing it. In order to maintain that weight loss, you can’t discontinue using the drug. The weight just comes right back and then some. And then there are all the side effects and the potential damage to every vital organ in your body. Despite all the warnings, people are only too eager to lose weight this way. The drug companies and the medical system are the real winners here, not the patients.

On a happier note, I went to my book club meeting yesterday. We meet at a bookstore in Wenatchee which has a meeting space for us where we can enjoy our pot luck lunch as well as discuss books. The last book we read was a rather dry historical fiction, but the next book appears to be more interesting.

Sunday night is another Gladsong concert. I can’t believe a month has gone by since the last one.

July is off to a good start. Hope yours is too.

Birthdays

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Birthdays

A few months ago my friend Joanne had her 79th birthday. She commented to me that she was now celebrating her 80th year. A few days ago I turned 74. And she reminded me that I was now celebrating my 75th year.

The celebrations actually began two days before my actual birthday. A friend took me out for lunch that day. And my life group celebrated members with May birthdays, where I helped blow out candles on a cake with three others. And then the day before my birthday my granddaughter surprised me with a video call.

And then there was the actual day. I went to a movie with a friend in the afternoon and then went out for dinner with other friends that night.

I’ve celebrated birthdays in several places in the last few years; Culiacan, Mazatlan, Tlaquepaque, Aguascalientes, Leavenworth and East Wenatchee to name only a few. But the most memorable ones were the days when my kids were young and we were all together. These are far more memorable than my own birthdays as a child.

So what else have I been doing since I’m back? Mostly spending time with friends I haven’t seen in seven months. And I’m back volunteering. Then there’s writers group and book club. I’m back at church and I also attended a Memorial Day service. It goes without saying that I’ve been enjoying the warm weather here after freezing in Winnipeg for a month.

This weekend is going to be more of a musical one. But more about that in my next post.

Have a great weekend!

Still in Winnipeg

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Still in Winnipeg

May 8. Still here. It’s been 3 weeks and I accomplished my goal of publishing a book. A bonus was seeing my son and visiting with friends. A minus was the cold weather along with flurries.

This morning my brother came over and I was able to share some of the 2000 photos I scanned a couple of years ago. Thank you external hard drives!

Yesterday I went to a luncheon with 30 plus other women. Years ago when I taught water aerobics at the YMCA we used to go out for coffee after. They now have monthly luncheons and I’m actually in Winnipeg and was able to attend. I haven’t seen most of these women since I left in 2010, so it was nice to get together. And of course there were several new faces too.

Last night Donna and I went to a concert by the St. James Divisional Youth Choir. Students ranged in age from elementary to high school. It was delightful! Some really powerful voices in this group.

The rest of my time here is going to be a blur of goodbyes until I fly to Seattle on Tuesday. I’m especially looking forward to seeing my son on Mother’s Day.

Once I get back to Washington, I’ll write a post about the book I just published.

It’s About Time!

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It’s About Time!

Okay. I’ve had more than a two week break from posting. Time to write again.

I’ve been in Winnipeg for over a week. Bus trip to Puerto Vallarta went smoothly; missed the farmers’ blockades. And my WestJet flight actually went and was a direct flight as promised. No snow on the ground when we landed. But the following morning there was snow on the ground and it was cold. But I’m tough. Off I went to the hairdresser on Friday so I could feel human again.

The highlight of my visit has been seeing my son. An accountant, he is up to his eyeballs in work until April 30th. I did not expect to see him until sometime in May. However my amazing friend Donna insisted that we stop by his office anyways. His firm moved since I was last in Winnipeg. Their new offices were a mere 3 blocks away from the hairdresser. But it was after 5 and the elevator and stairwells were locked off. I was disappointed, but as usual when life throws me curve balls, I shrug it off and deal with it.

On Monday Donna was moving me from her place to my friend Rita’s. We made a detour to Kyle’s office. And I got to see him!!!! He gave me a tour of the new offices which occupy the entire third floor of the building. I was most impressed with the size and the numerous windows in his own personal office. Did I feel guilty about disturbing him at work? Nope! I haven’t seen him in 2 years. And I have to add that I love him and am so incredibly proud of him.

It’s now Friday and I’m pet sitting. Rita is in Toronto this weekend visiting her kids. As I look out the window at the gloomy sky, I wonder if the snow will return this weekend as forecasted. The temperature has already plummeted. 75 yesterday and only 48 today.

Time for some herbal tea. If I were still in Mexico I’d be drinking Suerox.

Digital Creator

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Digital Creator

I recently accepted a friend request on Facebook from someone who I know personally as a retired teacher and a writer of science-fiction. Upon scrolling through his bio and posts, I encountered the term “digital creator.” As I’m not entirely familiar with that expression I decided to do some investigating.

A digital creator writes their own posts. A digital creator doesn’t just share posts that others have written. A digital creator produces original content. This can be in the form of writing, photos or videos. Live events also fall into this category.

A digital creator encourages followers to interact and engage in conversation rather than just react with a like or other emoji. Of course the content must be meaningful and have substance for that to happen. And it certainly does on my new friend’s newsfeed. Comments on posts are interesting and informative and well worth reading.

As my friends all know, I don’t usually scroll on Facebook. I post links to my blog and occasionally tag people in photos. I also check out a couple of writers’ groups I belong to. I do not consider myself to be a digital creator.

While I seldom scroll on Facebook, I just may make an exception and follow my new friend on Facebook. You see, normally I don’t follow people on Facebook. I have close to 600 friends on Facebook and I refuse to waste valuable time scrolling through all their posts. If it’s something important, send me a private message. Those I do check regularly.

A writer walks into a bar. The bartender asks, “Have you written your 1000 words today? You told me not to sell you a drink until you hit your word count goal for the day.” A writer walks out of a bar.

Happy Humpday!

Last Post From Washington in 2025

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Last Post From Washington in 2025

I love fall. It’s my favorite season. The trees are in all their glory. The snow glistens high up on the mountaintops. But it’s also bittersweet as my time here has once again come to an end for this year. Washington is such a beautiful state. Every time I return I am in awe of the beauty; the views that most Washingtonians take for granted.

The past few days have been a blur of goodbyes with friends as well as last lunches and dinners together. Thursday was my last Life Group for a while. Yesterday was one last movie at Gateway. And this morning was one last church service here in East Wenatchee.

This afternoon the sun is shining brightly outside although the temperature has dropped. I have a Lifetime movie on in the background while I pack. But at the moment I’m taking a break to write this post.

I received a message from my daughter in Canada. She is into Powerlifting and tomorrow she is off to Panama to compete in the Internationals. Very exciting! I hope to watch her online as I’ve done before. Maybe someday I’ll get to watch her in person.

I fly out of Pangborn on Tuesday. Three flights and a bus trip and I’ll be home in Aguascalientes.

But the packing cubes are calling. My next post will be from Mexico.

Saludos!

Countdown

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Countdown

Only twelve days left. Why do the days go by so quickly? The past five months in Washington have been a blur of friends, volunteer work, writers group, book club and writing. I didn’t even get to Canada.

On Monday I went to Leavenworth for one last appointment at Shears. Ann and I went out for brunch and a lovely drive through Tumwater Canyon and Plain where the leaves are already in their autumn glory. Everywhere else, the leaves are just beginning to turn. Fall is late this year.

On Tuesday Linda and I went out for lunch and then to Office Depot. I was delighted to find a mouse pad, not an easy feat around here. Probably should have been more organized and ordered one on Amazon before.

On Wednesday Joanne and I volunteered at the Essentials Table at the Community Church in Cashmere. Then we stopped at the Sure To Rise Bakery. Last visit for me for a while to the Cashmere Library. Downloaded and printed out my piece for writers group next week. Farewell hugs to librarians Lisa and Ashley. And yes we did stop to visit my tree and I took pics. Then it was off to East Wenatchee for a delicious dinner at Olive Garden.

Today is Thursday. I spent the morning going through my closet. Clothes are easy. It’s those darn documents that are so tedious. And I’m leaving tons of those behind in a suitcase. Way too heavy to lug down to Mexico. Warmer clothes too. No use for a Columbia ski jacket or a pair of Sorrels down there.

I’m almost finished reading the book for book club. I will write out my comments and email them to the group as I’ll be back in Mexico when it’s time for the next meeting. Then I’ll be back to reading the books on Libby or Hoopla until I return to Washington next year.

Time for a snack. Yummy watermelon. Then I’ll be off to small group for dinner and Bible study.

Have a great evening!

Thursday Musings

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Thursday Musings

The other day I was talking to a friend about how our lives have changed since Covid. While I don’t hide inside, I don’t over program myself the way I once did. One activity goes on my calendar a day. Then whatever happens…well, it happens.

Today is August 7th and the activity on the calendar was book club. We met at a park near the Pybus Market in Wenatchee and had a lovely picnic. We had a beautiful view of the river and the boat launch which added to our enjoyment.

But the day was far from over. After a delicious lunch and lively discussion of books, Joanne and I were off to Cashmere. We volunteer at the library for kids’ events. Today was the party for the end of summer reading program. I helped the kids make party poppers. They then went to another area where they got to play games with their party poppers. There were also other tables with more crafts for the kids to make.

After the party, we wandered over to the Methodist church for a community dinner. I met new people and even invited one of them to attend the next meeting of our writers group in Wenatchee.

Last stop was Bath and Body Works at the mall in East Wenatchee. I love my Champagne Toast! It has replaced my all-time favorite of Warm Vanilla Sugar.

It’s after seven and I’m finally home. And it’s reflection time.

On August 7th, 1992 I lovingly held Kelsey in my arms when he took his last breath. He’d led a happy and healthy life until then. Although it’s been years, I still think of him often. And I imagine him surrounded by other furry playmates up in doggie heaven.

You’re Never There

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You’re Never There

I disagree. I can’t say I’m never there, but I definitely can say that I’m seldom there. And just where is there? Why, it’s Facebook of course!

Just why am I seldom there? Because life is to be lived. That means up front and personal. That means interacting with other people. It doesn’t mean staring at a screen on my phone or on my laptop all day. That isn’t living.

Basically, I share my WordPress blog on Facebook. I belong to three writers groups on Facebook which I don’t always check out as often as I would like to. I’ve learned a lot about writing and publishing from these groups. As I’ve said many times before, send me a private message if you want me to be aware of something important going on in your life. With hundreds of friends on Facebook, I don’t have time to waste scrolling and sifting through far too many shared posts every day to find the ones that may truly be worth reading.

Occasionally I read posts on Facebook from a group called If You Grew Up In Winnipeg. There are two types of people who post here…those who still live there and haven’t experienced life outside of Winnipeg and those that have escaped Winnipeg when they have discovered the adventures that can be found elsewhere. However I must admit that I do find some of the photos quite interesting.

I had a stimulating conversation with a friend in Winnipeg last night. We’re both divorced, have adult children and grandchildren. We both concluded that our lives have not turned out the way we envisioned them years ago. But we do find our lives challenging as well as fulfilling.

And I wholeheartedly continue to embrace this philosophy…………………. First Coffee, Now What?

And you?

I’m Back!

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I’m Back!

A bus trip and three flights and I’m back in Washington. Everything went off scheduled. I got my usual three questions at Immigration: Where are you going? What is the purpose of your trip? How long will you be in the USA? I downloaded the I94 onto my phone and I’m good for 180.

I left Aguascalientes last Thursday at 8 am and arrived in Wenatchee at 1:30 pm on Friday. Joanne picked me up and brought me home where I collapsed into bed. My suitcase stayed out in the garage until Saturday. Of course I didn’t start unpacking it until Tuesday. My closet and drawers have more than enough clothes, and my toiletries were all waiting for me in my bathroom.

Joyce and I went out for lunch on Saturday and on Sunday I went back to church. Monday was a killer. I left the house with Christina just after 8 am. I went into Cashmere to visit my tree and have coffee at Weeds. Then on to Leavenworth to Shears for a much needed haircut and highlights. Charleen and I went to the golf club for lunch after. Then back to Wenatchee to do some shopping. I love Bath and Body Works!

Tuesday I stayed home to unpack and do laundry. Wednesday I went to the Senior Center for lunch and then back to Cashmere to volunteer at an essentials bank with Joanne.

This morning I was at Soul Sisters at church. I’m at home now and have finally booted up my laptop for the first time since I’m back. But this will be a short post as I still have a lot of organizing to do in my room. I’m determined to at least return my suitcase to its place in the closet.