Till Death Do US Part

 Mating Season!  As I age, I contemplate way too many weird things.  Like finding a mate for instance.... We see so many TV programs that have just that as their premise.  It doesn't seem that the process used to be so manipulative.  Although, my new found interest in period series set from the 1500s through the 1900s, shows exactly that manipulation. You were promised (betrothed) practically from birth.  Eeeeewww!  Marriages were arranged and actually carried out from age 12 into their teens.  I can't even imagine... a 12 year old barely knows how to brush their teeth properly much less any marital task....and that brings me to another point.... If it's a task, you're with the wrong mate. 

Fast forward to the 1900s....which is sadly my time period. I remember recently seeing a handbook on how to be the perfect wife in the 40s.  Pretty sure I would have been either jailed or banished if I had married in the 40's.  Although, I assume I acquired many of my skills, or lack thereof, by watching my elder relatives....most of whom I surmised really didn't care for each...at all.  I realize there were few PDAs (public displays of affection) in the early 1900s but the only proof of any affection were the offspring....and I'm not sure the parents liked them either....

Then it was the 60s and 70s...everybody loved everybody then.  It was the Age of Aquarius. That, btw, was our Senior Graduation song! Marriage became less important but mating was still high, and I use the term lightly, on many people's lists.  Most men loved most women and vice versa.....maybe it was because it was so hard to tell the difference.  Birth control was a thing, if you remembered to take it, and if not, well you either walked the halls with a big belly, were sent away to deliver or just became a single parent.  It was the age of nobody really caring what you did.

Fast forward 50 or 60 years...yikes!  We have the Bachelorette, The Bachelor, 90 Day Fiance', Married at First Sight, Sister Wives...etc.. WTH.  Interesting...ok not that interesting.  We must remember that this generation only knows what they've seen (or lived) and their requirements (if they have any at all) are often far different than other generations.  Women want men who are handsome, employed, will let them have a mind of their own and are well endowed....not necessarily in that order. Men want someone who will wash their clothes, cook their meals, birth their children all while earning a comparable salary...oh, and large boobs!  Through family experiences, salary seems to trump most of the listed female qualities.  

Mating legalities..... there appear to be few. If you're not happy with your choice in a mate, dump them, divorce them or bury them... Three interesting choices.  My answer to the entire fiasco is "DO NOT MARRY. I'm pretty sure Holy Matrimony is less than holy these days and the institution of marriage is just that...an institution.  Who needs a piece of paper to love (and live) with someone?  Who needs to say in sickness and health or for better or worse or even till death do us part...Nobody!!!  It's too expensive to get in and it's too expensive to get out!  Now you may think I sound pessimistically against love....not at all but I am intellectually against hypocrisy.  I also have always been one to steer my own ship. I have been fortunate but not naive. Life is short!!  If you're not entirely happy, your partner most likely isn't either.  If your heart says you love a woman and you ARE a woman, go for it and vice versa.  If your heart says, move on, move on!  Spark is important but but sparks are seldom forever. If your fire continues to burn, you're a lucky soul. If not, build another fire or get a blanket. You're dead for a much longer time than you're married.... Use your head and heart in unison and remember nothing lasts forever..............unless it does♥

2021.... that's odd!

 Pretty sure that 2021 is going to be another extremely ODD year......odd in so many ways.  We all are turning an odd number; 5, 69, 71, 15, 43...That's odd as they total an odd number too. It's odd (sort of) that school is from home and it's odd that that is becoming accepted as normal! It's odd that wearing a mask EVERYWHERE is now normal... Catalogs and ads offer masks to match your outfits...WTF.  It's odd that you can catch (or spread) Covid standing next to a restaurant table but not sitting at the table.  You can also spread the virus at church but not so much at Wal-Mart....I try to avoid both places...Sorry God but I pray at home....a long, sad, evening prayer that includes and asks for help for way too many people.  It's odd that at nearly 70, I continue to oversee the safety and well-being of children (and adults!)  My recliner time, reading time and quiet time have been shortened rather than lengthened.   That's odd!  It's odd that I now enjoy period movies and series that depict history and at the very same time I count the hours until a football game appears on my screen......both are relatively violent at times and quite entertaining.  It's odd that I'm losing interest in soap operas as my own life is often more drama filled and slightly more entertaining. It's odd that the cold doesn't bother me but ice terrifies me, staying home makes me happy and travel unnerves me and the news disappoints me while game shows entertain me...... Maybe I have a bit of a spelling problem (just kidding) and things really aren't all that ODD...I'm just OLD.  Regardless, I think we're in for 12 more months of life continuing to be an oddity.  I have decided to just sit back and go with the flow.  After all, you have to be ODD to be number one...... right Dr. Seuss?

Hindsight

 Whew, we made it...I had my doubts at times.  Unfortunately, things are pretty much exactly the same as they were 4 days ago.  Just like being a teen on the night before your 18th birthday and automatically being an adult the next morning...Nope......or wearing your mask into the restaurant so you won't be at risk but you're fine the minute you sit down at the table....Nope.....or putting students in the classroom puts them at risk but it's fine for staff and faculty to report.....Nope....I have no answers so it appears fruitless for me to question anything anymore.

I guess I'll focus on the things I can manage.  I'll pay my taxes with the $1200 I received from the government.....Not sure where the other $3800 will come from but I'll use the money I already paid tax on to pay my taxes....WTF!  

I did manage to take the Christmas decorations down in the house and on the porch.  Each year I swear I'll be more organized and meticulous on how I label and pack them away....maybe next year:-/

I was successful with my Fantasy Football this past season.  I won last year and I WON THIS YEAR TOO. See, it wasn't a fluke even though I drafted with my heart for a couple players (Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs (Bills players) rather than my head.  All my choices were pretty reliable and helped me squeak through for several weeks.  Already looking forward to next fall and a new season.  Go Buffalo in the next couple of weeks!!!!!!!

Hoping we can all stay healthy throughout the winter. Jeff is still doctoring and we're hoping for an improvement. Lee is planning on heading south for a couple of trap tournaments. That's MY vacation!! Bailee is continuing to flourish in her studies.....in her bedroom. That's definitely a day-to-day scenario. I would hate to be a school administrator!!!

Not sure what my next project will be..... I need something occupy this aging brain.  Maybe I'll finish my book about JimBob and maybe come up with some new creative yard decor to keep him looking fresh!

As always, I'll be looking forward to my time here at EIEIO during any season. This is my happy place and I'm thankful to be here every day!  Hindsight is a good thing if it make foresight better....As a friend recently imparted....Knowledge speaks....but wisdom listens.. She rocks....literally!!!!♥

What a difference.........

 What a difference a day makes.... the sun is trying valiantly to pop through the clouds and with it seems to come a bit of peace and a literal breath of fresh air.  Starting next week, we'll add a minute of daylight at the end of the day and starting on the 21st (the proverbial shortest day of the year) and I will argue that as of late...I've had some REALLY long days, the mornings will be brighter earlier too.  I guess it really is the little things that we hang on to as we age.

A few blessings still abound.  B is still in school a couple days a week and her grades are remarkable.  She's either a great student or she has extraordinary educators....or maybe both. Jett is spending weekends with us and he is definitely a ray of sunshine the second he walks through the door.  Football is still going strong and most places are still open for business here and in neighboring towns. Tonight I'm looking forward to my first Christmas outing with some gals... Next week a couple more all culminating with the breakfast crew's holiday breakfast..... Last but not least will be our Christmas here with just our immediate family on Christmas day.  Christmas breakfast and Prime rib dinner are on tap for us... We pretty much eat all day and enjoy our blessings.  We're playing with the hand we've been dealt in so many areas but we're making the best of the game.  As long as we're all together, we're winners!

Well, the sun made it out...time to feed the birds and gather supplies to decorate gingerbread houses tomorrow all topped off with a visit from Santa tomorrow night... Who's excited?🖐

 Finally, a moment to sit and reflect.  It's a cold, upstate, New York morning only 2 weeks from the "real" start of winter.  Presents are wrapped and under the trees, decorations are hanging, Christmas cards are in the mail and out-of-town packages have been shipped. Basically, I'm ready......but something's amiss:-(........  the joy!  I've always had the joy and none of the preparations ever seemed like work.  I have a few friend's lunches over the holidays which I anticipate eagerly.  One group has felt the need to postpone due to Covid (understandably) and another trio for dinner is down to a duet.  Another dinner will be close by and our Breakfast Crew is still a go..... These are some of my favorite gatherings and I will fight tooth and nail to make sure they happen. I hate masks but if that's what it takes, I'm in and they're on!  I still have questions about why my germs don't exist at the table but may be death sentences when I stand up and walk to my car. Someday, I may understand but for now, I'll do my part and continue to bitch about our Governor and hope that the lingering effects don't show up in the health, education and well being of....well nearly everyone I know.....young and old.

Life in my house is so far from anything I ever thought my 60's, the holidays or the golden years would be.   I always envisioned my feet up in my recliner, a book in my hand or a football game on the telly. A bloody mary or a diet Pepsi would be near by and something very......chocolate.  It would take me one morning to do a week's laundry, supper would be anything from pot roast to cereal to nothing and I'd look forward to visits from my kids and grandkids.....♥    Now, don't get me wrong, I am living this new live to the best of my limited capacities.  I can make sure homework is completed, meds are taken, teeth are brushed and hands are washed more often. I can play cards, lose to everyone at Monopoly, prod conversation at the dinner table and wish that screen time was a thing of the past (as I hide my phone on my lap and watch the stock market, my fantasy football and who had what for supper!!)

I can and will do this!!! Everyone's need for me will make sure that I do.  I will find my joy again in keeping those who I love healthy, happy, educated and sane.  I am fortunate to have many caring friends (who may be family or even closer) that I can call on to give me a much needed "atta girl" and a few extra prayers to boot.  You know who you are!

I will try and share here as often as I can.. I'm hoping winter brings me a few more hours of "me time!" and a few more opportunities to enjoy my limited vices...

I have had the need to make this blog private so my readers are few but a few friends are way better than a gaggle of gossipers!!! Till next time...Take care and don't lose YOUR joy!!!!

A Great Anniversary

 What a difference a year makes. Bailee returned to us one year ago today. After a horrible 3 week stay in the south, an eye-opening relocation, a reality check of monumental proportions and a 13 hour car ride to sanity, she was literally dropped in our driveway to regain a life of love and stability... Who knew?

  Who new that today she would be sitting in her comfy bedroom, synchronously (my most new, unfavorite word) pursuing her education.  Two days in person classes and two days online ALL DAY!!!! She was so excited to get back to her classes in the building but that novelty wore off as the halls became nearly silent. They're literally masked in unfamiliarity! No smiles, little chatter, no hallways lined with posters announcing school elections, upcoming social events or amazing artwork created by the talented students.  Stale air, fogged glasses, overloaded backpacks (lockers can only be used for coats and then left open...) and now your teacher who was happy to have face to face contact with at least half of his/her students is juggling 1/2 in their seats and 1/2 on their screens.

  I try to be supportive of the bizarre steps that are being taken but the inconsistency has become a huge distraction. Families worked hard to put their back to school houses in order and make their personal logistics work.  Six weeks later, it all changed.  Fortunately, our household can be flexible...many cannot. I take huge exception to being told how to arrange my home.... acceptable backgrounds, no snacking, appropriate school attire (at home), limiting household noise during classes...which by the way is 9:02 - 3:20 on synchronous days (Tuesday and Friday!)  

  My last bitch for this post is the Honors and Advanced programs. Bailee take Honors Global History, Honors ELA English), advanced math (Geometry) and advanced Science (Earth Science!)  First let me say..WAY TO GO Bailee!!!  I am so proud of your intelligence and commitment! Now to my disagreement.  Because these course are harder, faster and loaded with more content, they're adding TEN points to each average...WTH..... Bailee is pulling mid to high 90s in all but one of these courses...there are no grades above 100.....I think the addition of these extra points is a disservice to those kids who are already achieving 90s. We should be teaching these kids that you get what you earn! I understand it's an incentive to take tougher courses but ten points is a bit excessive...unless of course you're slacking with the idea that "Hey, I get a 10 point push at the end of the marking period so why not!"  Would I want to be an educator or administrator these days?... Absolutely not but these extremes push past even the abnormal new normal that we're swimming in.

  I'm really just whining as we're doing what we must and surviving and others have it tougher. Maybe I'm just posting for posterity when years down the road someone will read this and realize we couldn't make this stuff up...  Maybe it's just this new generation walking 5 miles to school, uphill in the snow with bread bags in their boots!  We'll see!

  

Another month.....fretting!

 I cannot believe that I'm only rambling every month or so...at least on "paper!"  I really don't have more to do it just seems to take me longer to do it!  I am on target for my Christmas chores.  I do have Jim Bob ready for fall and Halloween and I still manage to keep the dishes washed, the laundry done and occasionally dust (when the sun makes it absolutely necessary.) I do seem to spend an inordinate amount of time fretting.  I never used to do that and I'm hoping it's just an old age thing but I also have a bit more responsibility than some folks my age.....not complaining.....well just a little!

On the other hand, I find joy in so many little things!  The other day I found the heavy duty gift boxes I have been searching for....remember the old Chappells' store yellow boxes? The ones we ended up packing away Christmas things in while throwing away the flimsy ones that flattened when you breathed on them! I was at my local Dollar store and there they were.....only $3.50 and the shelves were loaded. The ones I had found online were nearly $11..for ONE!!!  My father would roll over if he knew I even bought boxes! Joy remained with me that morning as I turned into the next aisle and VOILA..there was Lysol. I have not been able to find it since March and we literally inhale it here.. (not always purposely!)  I am now able to rid the door handles, faucets, cupboard knobs, appliance handles, remotes and keyboards of any little germ who thought he had a chance in here. It's not like drinking Clorox, Donald but pretty damn close. ( I knew you were being facetious.) More joy radiates as I just look out the window at the landscape and its beauty! My grandkids now "oo and ah" with me as we drive down the roadways... one in true appreciation, the other in vociferous sarcasm...(guess which one is the teenager!) Another obvious joy for me is football.  I love everything about it (except kneeling of course!)  My Buffalo Bills are bringing me immense joy, Tom Brady not being able to keep track of downs brings a kind of euphoria I haven't felt in years (story for another day) and Sundays watching from my recliner for 12 hours uninterrupted is a comfort I only enjoy during the season! As I said, it's the little things!

The days are getting shorter, I get sleepy earlier, a bit of irregular routine is in place (if the school would stick to one plan) and Hallmark movies are right around the corner. Fretting has its place and I know that it most likely will solve nothing. Old age does bring some wisdom! As the saying goes, I must accept the things I cannot change, change the things I can and find the wisdom to know the difference. I can do it!!!