Category Archives: Editorial

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We Have Light

Posted on November 21, 2016 | Leave a comment

I’ve only gotten a tabletop tree for the past few years, to use our ornaments. Much is missing including tree lights and many ornaments that must be in storage.

My husband has always been here to bring home the small tree. This year I lost the lights so got two clamps and spotlights from above and below. He is away at work so wants to make sure I’m not burning the place down!

We’ve some cool items. A Texas snowman with a lasso. White deer in an apron, standing with a tray of cookies. Santa in a Scottish kilt with bagpipes and his other as a thistle, the national flower of Scotland, for our cherished time there.

I’ve a copper pot and a whisk from the old days, and tagboard ornaments kids gave to me after a holiday play I coordinated as a fund-raiser years ago. There are two wooden planes from a nearby air museum, and the two wooden stockings I bought us two months after we met.

There is a recycled glass star from the eco-center down our old street, and a mitten from there, handmade for the dog, that I’m missing. The dog Zoe does have a few ornaments and we also have a fake teeny mouse in bed under a blanket in a half walnut shell from a dear elderly friend for which mice ornaments are a passion.

I did it all myself. Even the lighting solutions. Husband said to go buy lights. No, I’m not taking 100 ornaments off now. I already had to clean up enough pine needles for one day.

Leaving Wednesday for Thanksgiving, I look forward to seeing family. When my dog and husband return we will have a few days with which to look forward to sharing time and meals and walks together. Perhaps even a Star Wars marathon! He saw this when he was a kid, it took meeting him to introduce me. I like it, but he knows every line and the differences between original and remake.

I wish you a happy Thanksgiving. I know it’s all about tradition but I try to do something new every once in a while. Have a happy! Dee

 

 

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Posted in Editorial, Scotland

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The Fog Comes on Little Cat Feet

Posted on November 20, 2016 | Leave a comment

Carl Sandburg, about Chicago. I wrote an illustrated paper on it at age 8 for Mrs. T. Thinking I got an A++.

Now this fog is messing with my family. Cancer shows up, sneaks up. Unlike Mr. Sandburg I would not attribute it to a cat. Often cats are mascots in nursing homes and I have loved them over the years. My two talked and were not very stealthy. One taught himself to jump over the sofa and retrieve crumpled post-it notes! He also knocked my keys down from the counter, playing hockey with them. Anything but quiet. The older one never let me get in the last word until I held him in my arms and he was gone at age 13.

My mother died of cancer eight years ago. My father now has two kinds of cancer. His dear companion has another after surviving a different one years ago. I wish to ask when does it end? Not with death.

It ends when we finally have a cure for cancer. I’ll get it. My in-laws and husband will get it. When is enough?

I believe the organizations who raise money for diseases make the most money for themselves. Cancer is cancer, whether it be breast, prostate or whatever. Fighting among themselves for money is doing a disservice to all. Get rid of cancer, no matter what celebrity has a certain type that is popular for donors as of this moment.

Angry at the medical profession and scientists who depend on grants for specific cancers I am skeptical, however optimistic that someone will see the light. Dee

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Posted in Editorial, telling the truth

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A Sense of Purpose

Posted on November 10, 2016 | Leave a comment

No-one ever had to tell me about it, it was instilled, perhaps it was in the water. Parents tried to change my direction many times but there was a sense of purpose.

Today my husband is at work elsewhere and our dog is staying with a local family. I’m on my own and have my packing list but need to pack. I’ve a 5:30 alarm.

For years I was used to being alone (with two cats and a dog) but now, I am not used to it anymore. 5:30 in the morning will come soon enough to pack and get on the road to see family, and my husband will be there in the evening, for the weekend.

Sadly he left very early on the 7th of November and will not return until December. I’ll get to see him twice in other locations but Zoe will not. Yes, she will over Thanksgiving but that’s another story and location.

I am retired from a profession I could do, but not with changing locations. The life we live gives us two days a week together, that gives our small family (us and Zoe) time to catch up.

There are three pages of Zoe instructions for our trip and her adventure. No questions or phone calls as yet. I know she’s OK. I didn’t cry when I dropped her off and that’s a good sign. She just said “hey Mom, gotta go, things to do, people and dogs to meet.” Bye, my little one. Be good.

My purpose can include volunteerism, not for lack of trying. The major society governing therapy dogs will not allow Zoe into a hospital because she eats frozen raw food. She’s almost 13 years old and I will not change her diet for a hospice therapy dog program when it is the only food she would eat after trying everything when she was a pup who needed her hips removed and had to grow her own from cartilage.

Now this is my life, keeping it for the benefit of my husband and our dog and, of course, our families. Thanks to my Dad for telling me I could be anything I wanted to be. I’m now an old, retired wife and dog-mom. Dee

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Posted in Editorial, Zoe

She’s Gone

Posted on November 10, 2016 | Leave a comment

Not in a bad way. I delivered her bed, food and things to the kind lady who is taking care of Zoe this weekend. Her new bud PeJo met her at the door.

After we loaded Zoe’s bag and bed into her car I walked her 10′ from the front door and wanted to say goodbye. I fluffed her fur and gave her a kiss on her forehead and she was like a little kid going to school, albeit an elderly one.

“Mom, bye, see ya in a few days. I’ve got to go, dogs to meet, people to see. I’m a busy gal!” That’s my girl. No wonder they call her a mascot around the neighborhood. Everyone knows her name.

Guess what? I didn’t cry, I would have after I turned around leaving her at a kennel. I know she is in good hands this long weekend where adventures abound. Now I just have to make my list and pack, just as I did for Zoe. She was so excited that I was placing her food and treats and bags in a bag, as she hates to see us pack and always thinks we’re moving.

Oh, I hope my alarm goes off at 5:30 in the morning. It would be good if I actually made my flight. Cheers! No computer this weekend. Family time. Dee

ps When I arrive to pick up Zoe, if she’s happy to see me/us, it’s great. If she is desperate and whining to see us (kennel) I feel horrible.

 

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Posted in Editorial, Zoe

Losing

Posted on November 10, 2016 | Leave a comment

Today I lose my dog for days while I honor other commitments. My husband is gone every week, a loss, but will meet me tomorrow. I hate being completely alone. On one end it’s good because our dog Zoe won’t have to see me pack, she hates that I would ever leave her but she’ll be with a good family and happy to see me again.

We’re visiting family with serious health issues. I don’t know how it will go but we’ll go moment to moment, and do what we need to do. I love my family, Dee

 

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Posted in Editorial

It’s Over

Posted on November 8, 2016 | 1 comment

Luckily there is no more to be said by candidates Clinton and Trump, listed alphabetically.

In 1971, there was an infamous ad made that is still at the top of my list. It was Coca-Cola’s “I’d like to buy the world a Coke.” Inspirational.

Another favorite is Mean Joe Greene’s tossing a Coke Classic to a kid in the players’ tunnel, saying “hey kid, catch.” I’ve nothing to do with the company or their ad agency but these ads stick in my mind as positive reinforcements and I must disclose that I did love Tab and now have an occasional Diet Coke. When I was in politics we had early morning committee meetings and I didn’t drink coffee. I learned to put my DC in a mug I brought from home. They thought it was coffee….

In about an hour I’m about to walk to our local polling place and cast my vote. No, I will not tell you how I am going to vote. I can tell you that our nation needs a leader.

This election season, being in government (retired) for years, I’ve learned a few things. I hate negative ads, as they demean the candidate who makes them, not the one they accuse. Calling an opponent fat or dumpy does not instill confidence in a voter who wants leadership.

It also calls into question whether either candidate, if elected, can unite us, the people, in a civil manner after such vitriol and tell us again, what was their plan for us, the voters and people who depend on them to defend our interests in health care and social security and world peace. In my mind when they started attacking each other they forgot about us.

I’m so glad it’s over and I just need to place the “I’ve Voted” sticker on my jacket to remind other folks walking, jogging, taking care of their dogs, shopping at the grocery store, to do so as well. I don’t care for whom they vote, just that they do. Young people, get out there! This is your future and you’re the most apathetic generation to date. Vote!

This election season has been particularly harmful for me. I had a tumor that was benign and have been fighting our health insurance company. My father and his companion both have cancer and I’m flying out there this week to help take care of them.

I do not need nor wish to see negative campaign ads. The nation wants to know your ideas, not schoolyard slams. These ads demean the Office of the President of the United States of America.

For the past 18 months, not only do I not watch the ads, I don’t watch the news. I scan through newspapers on paper and online but I will not be bombarded by television that is so negative it turns my stomach.

Here’s one solution. Netflix is only about $10 per month. Amazon Prime is under $100 per year and you get free two-day shipping. When you settle in for the evening before what I call the “last chance” dog walk, choose a documentary, any film genre and watch without ads.

Let’s let them fight each other and judge on merit. That is what I will do this morning. Then I’ll take the dog for an interview to see if she can stay in town this weekend while I deal with cancer on the upbeat. To leadership and unity. As President Truman said, the buck stops here. Dee

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Posted in Editorial, politics

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Catholic School

Posted on November 7, 2016 | Leave a comment

This is college. Homework one night was for the entire class to see a documentary rumored about something concerning hookers and the love canal.

Of course students were asking why we were assigned, in a history class, in a Catholic college, to see such a film. Of course they secretly wanted to see it.

I lived in the area (not the immediate area) at the time and was well aware of the Hooker Chemical Company’s illegal disposal and covering and lies and deception regarding hazardous waste. As I was underage I only heard it on the news or newspapers and certainly was not working for them nor did my family have anything to do with that industry.

The planned community near Niagara Falls, NY was sited on landfill that held the toxic waste. After covering it over, Hooker sold it to the school district for $1, to build School 99. People died. I believe it is still a Superfund site.

I probably told a few friends before the class assignment. Everyone else thought it would be a lurid film that would not be shown in that place. I wanted them to see it, without knowing what it was about, so they could know what these people were going through.

The news around Buffalo was saturated with this story, perhaps still the largest environmental disaster in US history. Sadly, Dee

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Posted in Editorial, Education, religion

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Making Hay

Posted on November 7, 2016 | Leave a comment

This past weekend my husband and I began watching the new Netflix series, The Crown, about Elizabeth II.

He was interested and enjoyed it. After one episode, he mentioned an error. The royal stables were shown and in them there were large hay bales.

He said that first, small bales are usually used for horses, also that in the 1930’s they wouldn’t have used large bales. Why? Because to move a large bale one needs a front-end loader and they weren’t invented yet.

I believe him. His father has had a dairy for many years, and for the past decade or so a cattle ranch. He grows and cuts his own hay and prefers round bales. Whenever we visit I see him go out with the front-end loader with a round bale (when they’re wrapped in white plastic for outdoor storage they’re called marshmallows). That is something I would not have known.

For pointing out the film’s error, I congratulated him on having a good eye. I look at the film and evolving characters and how they dress according to maturity and status. One thing that’s bugging me is that ER wears one, two or three strands of pearls. Why? I only have one strand. Is there a significance to this?

Hay bales are one benefit of being married to a rancher’s son. Oh, he used to ride a cow, as a child, named Free. He has fond memories of that. He doesn’t have fond memories of playing in the hay barn (I love that hay barn) because owls in the rafters, and their owlets, would attack and poop on their heads! Cheers! Dee

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Posted in Editorial, Ranching

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Choices

Posted on November 2, 2016 | Leave a comment

Our dog Zoe is not welcome where we’re going. I’ve yet to find a place to take her where I can visit.

She is quite old and very spry for her age. She can even scare a squirrel, but will never catch one. She sleeps on our bed and two of her own, has not been in a crate in at least ten years although she has three. She doesn’t chew our shoes or pee on the carpet.

Even if she is sound asleep on our bed at four in the morning and I get up, she gets up and follows me, as I am food wench and morning walker.

I may or may not have choices. No way she gets a cage and fenced run. She needs her pack and her pack will not be here for a few days. I said she’s getting old. I’m driving 1,500 miles with her for Thanksgiving to meet my husband and his family. She cleans the floor from our three-day cooking marathon. Ooh, she dropped a couple of crumbs!

Open facility may be an option with time-outs for her for sleep. I’d rather she be in a home with a family and perhaps other dogs/cats for companionship.

Yes, our vet gave me recommendations for lodging. My seal of approval is that she doesn’t jump up on me while picking up, and just walks out to my car. If she is not desperate to see us, she had a good time and wants to come home but enjoyed her stay.

Do you know how difficult that situation is to find? She has to go through interviews this week. She has passed temperament tests in five cities but must go through another. She passed in a local establishment but they lied to me twice about keeping her in a cage. She is too old and, my brother said shortly after she was born, “needy” for that. She wants her pack. We are her pack.

I’ve worked with dogs and cats much of my life, as a volunteer in shelters and spay/neuter clinics. I am interviewing them more than they are interviewing me. My first dog raised my second cat for a year, same bed. Dogs used to come and call on Mick and he’d wrestle with our neighbor’s dogs or they’d run away from home to see him through the window and I’d get a call. Is he there? Hold on. Yep. I’ll keep him ’til you get here.

A lot of places demand training. Zoe knows what to do from Pup 101, even hand signals from me, and sometimes chooses not to do what is asked of her. I want this old girl cared for and given time to sleep, as she does not do so with other dogs. She forgets to sleep, eliminate, even drink water. She’s grandma, taking care of everyone else.

I’m going away for a long weekend and give this much attention to the old girl who left our bed and is a few feet away from me on one of her beds that gives her a view that will not allow me to go anywhere without her knowledge. All hail the herders. Dee

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Posted in Editorial, Family, pets, Zoe

Scent Memories?

Posted on October 31, 2016 | Leave a comment

Lemon oil and meatballs. Oil from the new/old desk and spaghetti and meatballs, which my husband wanted to eat last night. No, we did not cook meatballs in lemon oil, there are competing scents from nourishing my husband, and the same for furniture. These nuns had great stuff!

I’m up already but he has to get up at 5:30 to get to the airport to go away on business again. I take the dog out and make him breakfast before he takes a car to the airport in about an hour.

Zoe loves “routine.” She also loves that there are no suitcases involved, only a hefty backpack with two laptops and sundry items. I may pad in cleaner tissues for his glasses. Right now I’ve three minutes to do some dishes.

Sounds like it’s raining out there. Zoe, our dear old dog, hates being involuntarily wet. Oh, the desk is so pretty. I can’t get you a photo until the sun rises. It may not today but I’m not good with the iPhone and its new OS. Perhaps my camera can get it. What beautiful wood it is. Cheers! Dee

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Posted in Editorial