Chronicles of Nana

As age speeds upon me I find that there are frequent times that I actually have thoughts bounce into my head that can be termed borderline “wisdom.” I always felt like the wisdom of age always landed upon the previous generation and when it finally fell to me I would approach life with a senior stupor of thought..

TIME TO THINK…

However, I have spend the last year somewhat confined physically which has had me watching QVC or Fox News where I will zone out and think of thoughts that can be quite profound. Now, I cannot expound upon these trickles of wisdom to my five year old grandaughter. She is too busy creating wonderful things out of my computer paper and using all my remaining tape, glue sticks and staples… she makes great tongue depresser paper dolls!! She mult-tasks from watching “Little Bill” to finding “My Little Pet Shop” on my computer to crafting with all my dinimishing supplies…

So, these trickles of wisdom that sometime register in my mind are left unsaid. My audience is no more…. my children are all grown and my grandchildren are scattered. I am left with these words of wisdom just circling the room. I am trying to learn to “ponder.”

LET’S PONDER UPON IT….

Ponder is a good word meaning to “think of” and “study.” I can ponder, after all, I do have the time. I can ponder doing the laundry, making the bed, and walking to and fro. My walking has slowed alot these days so I can manage a few more thoughts now and then.

DECISIONS NOW…

Since I have a graduating grandson and several other grandchildren at turning points in their lives right now, I am left to think how easy it is for them to quickly make life changing decisions. Do they even consider the consequences of those decisions? Consequences that can nag, haunt and torment them for the rest of their lives. Consequences that color the decisions of the future. Circumstances that leave lasting impressions that one takes to the grave even….

WHAT HAVE YOU MADE OF YOUR LIFE?…

“As the world turns” has presented a time in history where there has never been so many distractions that can get someone off course. Today, with more leisure time usually spent unwisely, more self centered technical toys, more unnecessary chemically induced episodes, and more self gratificating activities…people are coming to more than the cross roads in life.It reminds me of a pinball machine where the silver steely ball is bantered about the score board running willy nilly to whatever lies in it’s path…

lIFE’S REVIEW….

It is not until senioritis sets in that time slows down enough for one to think about the decisions already made….already done…consequences already in cement. Remorsefully one can now see what was decided, what the lasting consequenes have been and no way of changing the course of time to make corrections. What is left is the pitiful “I”m sorry.” An inadequate pronouncement of life spent!

The old saying ”had I known then, what I know now” is a sorry excuse for screwing up life!

One is left in deep repentance…

Forgiveness is mandatory!

…..and appreciated!

No one let the fishing gods know that winter has long gone and summertime is pushing the envelope!! burrrrr…..!! We traveled to the Lake on Memorial Day and tried our hand at fishing in inclimate weather. It rained, snowed and dipped below 30…my tush never got warm….

COUNTING THE DOLLARS SPENT…

The trip up the mountain was rather uneventful except when we realized the gas gauge was ever closely edging to empty! But what the hay…we were off to enjoy ourselves and catch some trout. Believe me, we were not alone!! The Lake was surrounded by trailors, RVs, campers and tents. The cabins were all booked up and it seems everyone was determined to have a grand time…even if hell froze over… and it did!!

We rented a “rustic” cabin close to the Lake. It was a shade above the lean tool shacks we used to rent many moons ago. The lodge was still sitting about the Lakeside…a place greatly remember by my daughters as they would roller skate about the big lodge ballroom when they were much younger. This time, it was they who inquired about the skates and the office desk person said…”Oh, is that why there is a closet full of skates over there!” Go figure…the traditions has disappeared!

THE ONLY WAY TO FISH…

My daughter rented a pontoon boat that seats 9…however, in between snow flurries it was determined that Nana could not stand the test of roughin’ it and was confined to the cabin dog sitting the pets. I was disappointed..I remember sitting freezing in the old green row boats half way across the Lake as a storm came in and landed a full fledged thunderstorm overhead. Plastic garage bags made great rain coats…and I would be mumbling unheard of sentences that I normally do not utter under normal circumstances….let’s just say if you crossed my fishing line I was not very kind!

So, Grandad, his two daughters and grandaughter braved the elements and eventually brought back 3 good sized fish. They also came home dead tired, chapped faced and cloud burnt!!

THE ART OF FISHING…

Now, we have not been fishing in decades..there is a fine art to enjoying the whole experience. It comes back to you in time. It’s good to know there is still fish in that old Lake. There are also alot of jack rabbits hopping about and deer who like to come out at night and test ones ability to stay on the road. We have to learn to second guess the acommodations that exists there. Apparently “rustic” means no dishes, pans and utensils….

We wondered down the mountain and headed to the Wallyworld for the needed necessities…so, judging by what we spent, the gas and rentals those 3 fish must have been golden trout indeed!

We now have the start to a grub box once again. I have been promised a returned visit during the summer because I did not get on the Lake at all this time around.

Man, I am living with a bunch of guard dogs and fun police..they have forgotten the old times when Nana could out fish and swear with the best of them. Next time is my turn……

Watch out Walter, I am aiming to get ya!!

The season’s almost finale of American Idol happened last night. Were you among the millions glued to the TV set? I am not into “Idol” worship but last night’s episode was electric and probably totally overdone. Having said that.. I bought into it completely….

UNFAIR COMPARISON….

Previously I have stated to pit David Cook against David Archuleta is like morphing apples and turnip greens! Both entertainers ( and they are that) have their own unique sounds and talents. Fox news called the event the “rocker versas the choir boy!”

As an old Nana it is probably grossly apparent which contestant I have been rooting for and silently hoping will run away with the top prize. But, don’t get me wrong I am of the rock and roll generation and can groove to the noise with the best of them. After all, I did accompany my teenage daughter’s to the Fleetwood Mac concert long ago and sat high in the nose bleed section and smelled the happy gas!!!

REALLY COOKIN’….

David Cook has earned his place with all the rockers who come and go. He is cool with a unique sound. He is current and has the grunge look of today. For his catagory of talent he places right up there with the best. Put a few years behind him and good representation he ought to have the staying power to last awhile. He is a winner and his future is as bright as he wants it to shine.

TEEN DREAM…

David Archuleta is a teeny boppers dream. He is also an ole Nana’s idea of awesome talent mixed with innocent wide eyed trust for a fabulous future…he projects hope! He has been given a beautiful gift….and he has been raised and trained to share it with the world. I have felt his age might be a detrament to his performances especially compared to the others he was competing with. Of all the contestants I feel he has shone and has gained the greatest stage presences and has transended age or at least turned his youth into a positive.

THE FUTURE…

Once the excitement and fame deminishes somewhat what will really matter is the trusted management team who will surely surround him. I do not blame his parents for their forthright concerns and over protectiveness…after all the grandma in me wishes that he get his last year of high school and that perfect prom date. I am not too sure the powers that be will give him that treasured opportunity. Fame and fortune demands a heavy price and sacrifice…..

EXPLOITATION AND THE BOTTOM LINE….

I would say the the promoters and producers of American Idol tend to go over the top with hype and publicity. Had I watched from season to season perhaps I would be better equipped to give an honest, exacting opinion. However, these two Davids have become a comodity…a product to exploit and parade about in the guise of the bottom line….money.

I can only hope they get their fair share of it  and that they can hold unto their intrigity and honor in the process…let your faith keep you both grounded…

Good luck!!

Today Grandad and I took an old friend in for a badly needed makeover…my ‘91 Honda finally came home to stay after many, many years away. She held together through thick and thin. Once she claimed the crowded highways of California as her domain but  the last several years she has been basking in the hot, hot desert sun….

GETTING OLD SUCKS….

Poor thing, her cobalt blue exterior although not rusted out has accumulated alot of oxcidation and crusty barnacles!! Lacking a hubcap and one door strip and a driver’s side door handle that is hanging by a thread…she needs an old Nana’s loving care.If she were to callapse right now, I would not blame her. She has racked up 191,000 miles plus….just like me….

TWILIGHT TIME….

It is appropriate that we met once again. One gimpy ole Nana and the never say die ‘91. It is fate that we share our twilight years together in quiet “get around town” peace.

If only a loyal car could talk….it would say “I have served my purpose well…pushed around a younger Nana for a few years, took one daughter to college, started off her other daughter in her marriage, took a grandaughter to work for few few years and got a grandson to high school when in a pinch!”

So, here we are together again…dear ole friend! Two old has-beens, lumpy and dented and we sure have seen better days! But, as dear friends do..they keep going like the energizer bunny and now my old mechanical wonder is at Maaco for cosmetic surgery!

Soon….it will be the ole Nana and the sparkling new vintage wheels..

Oh…how I wish it was sooo easy for a “me” makeover..

Life is just not fair!!

The thing about politics is that it creeps into every aspect of daily life and raises its ugly head into our own homes upon occasion…

ENTERTAINMENT POLITICS…

This week’s American Idol is a classic example of politics  and manipulation run amouk….Now, I realize the rating game rules but using the primise that the audience chooses the winning contestants is a bit of a stretch. I mean, where is there an honest system that can count an accurate vote? Give me a break..look at the debacle of the last American elections.

That being said..if one has a fan base the quivalent of a presidential candidate there would not be much of a contest. At least with American Idol you know that there is some measure of talent involved and that  the winners know they have something to do with the results whether it be good looks, personality or vocals. Perhaps we should required our elected officials to start singing for their money!…

WHO CALLS THE SHOTS?…

But, sincerely folks.. just how up and up is American Idol anyway. Each program is staged to elicit a response from the viewing public. We are being calculatingly manipulated with every song choice and privot mark on the stage. Entertainment professionals and corporate sponsorships always look to the bottom line…..money.

I am fairly sure AI producers and comrads get their pound of flesh out of the winning contestants for months, perhaps years after they have been crowned top dog. A signed contract goes a long way to pay for the privilege.

SHOW ME THE TALENT…

However, it still bothers me that the powers that be (producers/judges) have so much say in the performance aspects of the contestants. As the tension mounts from week to week, careful leaks of information  have come forth concerning song choices, stage parents , and personal perferences and opinions  that are bound to influence the end results..

So, this coming week has David verses David….perhaps meant to be or not…surprise!!! Two different personalities, two different beings in range of talent and choices of style, vocals and frankly, age. 

 This morning Fox News called the showdown between the two Davids as the rocker verses the choir boy…duh! Honestly I admire them both…there is no comparison..

In my book they are both winners…I wish them success and a future filled with excitement and satisfaction….

Hype can be tripe!!

May day and there has been snow flurries on and off all day!! I sat in the dentist chair watching the snow flakes fall UP…which was a novel way to see it snow. Normal these days seem to be the unusual….

LIFE MARCHES ON….

Here we are preparing for the long, hot summer with 34 degrees outside. Usually we are setting out the tomato plants, filling up the flower pots, turning on the sprinklers and giving the lawn mower the ouerhaul… This year we have made plans to have a patio cover installed and a swing set delivered for the backyard.

DOG BITES MUTT…

My companion pet Mandy got too frisky this week and got herself pulled through the fence by the mutt eating german shepards next door. After all the screaming and as the comotion ebbed we determined to install a chicken wire barrier along the back fenceas soon as possible. Mandy is a ten pound ball of fluff with no sense in her head. She takes herself over to the fence and gladly invites the dogs to come after her. After an expensive trip to the vet she will recover with a puncture wound on her side and a split laceration on her right foot. It needed stitches!  No, she is not worth much but means the world to me….I am not good at saying goodbye to pets either….

SOMETHING NEW…

We have seem the purchase of two new cars this month. In the driveway are two mini coopers, one Mickey Mouse red and black and the other vibrant blue and black. My grandson was so excited he could hardly contain himself. Grandad and I have a bet when the first traffic ticket arrives..

PLAYING IN THE SUN….

We are planning the graduation trip to Hawaii…sun, papayas, mopeds and dolphins… our five year old grandaughter has been hooked up with a visit to play with the dolphins while we are there. Frankly I am looking forward to the cool breezes, mahi-mahi and sweet flowers. We are very grateful we can do this this year after such a tragic beginning. It will be nice to see something new through the eyes of the young…

WHAT WILL TOMORROW BRING?

Judging by the state of the world , I am not sure if we will have these kinds of opportunities in the future. I, like most everyone, am very concerned about the economy that impacts every avenue of our lives. It seems what little we can squirrel away gets spent and used up on just the necessities of living.

However, life marches on..the trees are turning all shades of green and flowers are beginning to bud. The grey clouds part and the sun gleams against the granite mountains.

Hope is in the air….

After returning from a fantasy flight to Disneyland I am left with the awesome part of reality that seems to slap you in the face at the most inopportune times. I am taken to realize that we just spent several hours celebrating at the Mouse House with all his furry friends. Just walking through the main gates cost 100 dollars and as I gazed at each participate they all gladly paid the price and walked about with large smiles on their faces. Such is the magic of the Magic Kingdom. Reality can suck so much that we spend the cost and energy to be lulled away in  a place that comes with thrill rides, sawdust tasting snacks and long lines of frantic visitors wanting to get their money’s worth…..

SUCCEEDING….

This magic place must succeed in satisfying the escape desires of most the people who go there. For over 50 years it has enchanted the children and pacified their parents. But, what about the realities of life that await us back home upon our return.? I not only had a mound of dirty laundry but the same ole’ housework to do! Problems left at home still exist and the real ways of the world seem to rest heavier on the shoulders. Perhaps it is my age..it’s just hard to get my groove back!

SCHEDULES…

Never schedule a dentist appointment a day after returning from Disneyland…..Mine turned into a gastly root canal that descovered every nerve in my body!! I have been suffering in disbelief now for 3 days..and I am sick of eating soup! My son and family took the long way home so they could take the kids to see their grandparents. After a full week of travel and disjointed schedules they have crawled home dog tired. My caboose daughter and her daughter accompanied me on our Disney adventure and she came home to a house full of garage sale items that need to be sorted, cleaned and priced.

STARTING OVER….

This recent widow has been dreading this part of starting a new life. She is left with picking up all the pieces after losing her dear husband. Their sweet little home has become just a house filled with sweet memories that she just can not bare to face one more time. She can’t cling to the past so she is getting rid of most that once was….a daunting task for one so young.We have helped her go through her things and it has been hard on all of us. One walks through years of memories, even when just going through old bills….

THIS TO, SHALL PASS…

It is springtime….I know it will one day come. The daffadils are trying hard to push up the hard ground and make their faces known. The crispy freezer burnt grass is trying to find it’s new green. The trees have budded and the birds are flying about confused with the existing weather. One day it will be 60 and getting warmer, the next it will be 35 and threathening snow…

POSITIVE THOUGHTS…

We look for a personal up swing for the rest of 2008. We have already had 2 funerals so we challenge the remainder of the year to be more up lifting. Our caboose daughter has traded her 2 family cars in for a sporty Mini Cooper which she says she likes too much. She has had that car now 2 weeks and hasn’t used a half a tank of gas yet!! Our grandson graduates from high school in a matter of weeks and he will be headed to college in a new car as well. ( it’s a Mini Cooper also!)

The family ( which includes 3 separate families now)  is looking forward to spending a week in Hawaii this summer. Some how I feel we all will definitely be ready for the adventure of seeing new things and old friends. We look forward to the marriage of a grandaughter as well.If we don’t attempt to plan for some fun times..life has a way of taking those moments away with the realities of just living day to day…we can get mired in all the gunk!

When times get rough sometimes all we have are our memories…so it’s time to make those memories happen now!!!

Last Night I watched American Idol gives back…be aware this is the first season I have fully been involved with this talent/reality show that interacts with the viewing public. I question the validity of the voting system of such a program but, none the less, it has captured the attention of a world wide audience…

A CAPTIVE AUDIENCE….

My daughters have involved themselves (and my 5 year old grandaughter) into the weekly performances since this show hit the airwaves. It was not until I heard their cackling, laughter and loud critical comments that my interest peeked and I gave into to it’s audience appeal…so, this season I have joined them and just being able to interact with my children has made this an A+ experience for me.

Yet again, There is another houshold down the mountain where my son, wife and seven children make it a family affair to watch this program as a family gathering event. I have the smallest grand children who will lend their opinion concerning the performances…”Oh..she is toast!” or “He’s dead meat now!” I applaud most things that bring family together!!

GIVING BACK….

So last night was my first time to experience the ‘Give Back” program for American Idol. Although I enjoy the charitable aspects of the show and the sincere desire to help alleviate the hardships of the poor worldwide, I am abit pessimistic as to how the money raised at these events really get dispursed to those in need. Bottom line is that with all televised telethons one  does question the percentage of what is raised actually going the most in need. There are those who must administer these funds and there is undoubtedly “middleman” agencies or persons involved that must be compensated. I”d like to see how these funds are dispursed…sorry I have a critical eye…

That being said…I will concede that the momentum of concern and willingness of the viewing public and sponsors to open their wallets is still a good thing. I was glad to see segments concerning the poverty within our own states and the exposure of the lack of opportunity for the children who are so in need here in America. We  always witness the terrible conditions of children world wide and it is right that we offer our help to them all. But, to allow hunger and poverty to remain here in our own country is not a shining example of “caring for our own.” There is more that needs to be done….

Frankly, I champion the religious tradition of tithing. I appreciate churches and organizations who make giving back a daily occurance. When disasters happen these people and their funds and supplies are always there with hands on help. I believe there needs to be more personal involvement than just writing a check. I admire those who go to the site of tragedy and lend a helping hand and can get down and dirty to serve.

SERVICE FROM THE HEART….

And that is my point…service. All people everywhere can make it a personal duty to do something good for someone everyday. To make this a private commitment would make sleeping at night more peaceful and satisfying. There are those who dedicate their lives to serving others but if we, busy as we are, would just extend the effort of kindness once a day perhaps the true meaning of happiness would bring a peaceful heart…

Now, back to American Idol…who is getting shot down tonight..?

Like fine wine..I am aging and never before have I felt more the distance between the generations than I do now.!! Finally making it to senior citizenhood has allowed me to explore the wonderful world of social security..frankly, I don’t feel very secure… Medicare is now available but I just do not seem to want to go there. I have heard too many horror stories!!

THE GENERATION GAP….

However, I did not expect the generation between myself and my children to so dramatically hit me as it has this last year. For one, I have accumulated a few aches and pains. Damned if the knees just don’t hold up the body like they should!! And the eyes begin to get fuzzy and make reading the newspaper a major chore…so, with the prodding from my family I did the corrective eye repair. I had a traumatic reaction to the surgery and am now trying to maintain my balance because my other eye needs corrective measures too.

NO PLACE TO GO….

It has been a year since that surgery and I have yet to be behind the wheel of a car. Now logic tells me that 15 months ago my eyesight must have been pretty bad. With corrective repair it is reasonable to assume that I can see much better….I can!!However, my children have voiced concern about my ability to drive a car and won’t let it go. I mean I was blind before and now I am just half blind..sooo what’s the big deal????

Consequently I have spent the last year confined to the house…and I am just about to the breaking point. I love my house, I appreciate my computer perch and I adore the beautiful mountain views. But give me some air and wide open spaces, I want to fly again!!

I realize I have some limitations but give me a break kids!! I can certainly take myself to the grocery store!….alone!!

COMPLAINING KNEES….

I have had knee. hip and leg troubles for years…I have learned to live with it and manage the pain. Granted I walk like Chester in Gunsmoke (remember that?) or maybe it’s Walter Brennen..no matter. I have found that a cane helps me maintain balance and lessens the intensity of pain when I use it. I have heard all the positive stories about knee replacement and I have also heard my doctor say that a severe case of arthritis can hurt just as bad. I am thinking in all examined scenarios it’s still going to hurt or at least be a big pain in my @@!!** …..

I have decided that confinement is meant for those who go to jail or need intervenious feedings…and I am not  there yet.  Give your old Ma a break…act your age if you must  but let me act mine pleeeeeese….

Geez…gag me with a spoon!

We’ve had a few funerals lately but my grave ain’t dug yet…..

This weekend has been a time when time has stood still for me. I feel as if I have been placed in suspended animation just dangling for the other foot to drop!….

PASSAGES…..

My husband loaded up his van with relatives to head to Southern California to attend the funeral of one of his Uncles who passed away last Sunday. I could not go because I am hobbling along on one leg because the other one is complaining big time. Even with the help of a cane, it does not make traveling something I want to do. Seems like the family only gets together nowadays  at funerals…

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER….

My daughters spent Saturday night at a Rick Springfield concert….yeah, he is still around and driving females crazy!! Once again my daughters got a great “up close and personal “shot at an idol they have had since they were teenagers watching the soap opera “General Hospital.” It was one of those “let your hair down” events that will give them plenty of laughs in the future. Some things never change….

SAME OLE….

As for me, I stayed home and watched my grandaughter. We “played” all over my room. Five year olds tend to flit from one thing to another…what can I say, she is a multi-tasker…! I was doing laundry all weekend and the dog threw up twice. By the time Sunday bedtime came around I was more than ready for Monday. And what did Monday morning bring?…three inches of snow!! I guess it was just one of those weekends!!

CARS AND CARS…

We have been playing “ring around the automobiles” lately. My daughter has sold her late husband’s  Land Rover and is in negotiations on the purchase of a new car for herself. My grandson will be getting his graduation present early so he can go to the prom in a new car! Both these two have purchased mini Coopers… in the meantime I anticipate the return of my old ‘91 Honda, coming home to me after many years in the hands of children and grandchildren. As most good cars, our Hondas seem to stay in the family and handed about to needy relatives. These cars are worth more to us than as “trade ins”.

So, here I am in senior citizen limbo…bum leg, old car and the forever thankless dirty clothes…

Where is the justice in that?…

At least I can eat now …my tooth crown is back in place…once again!

So life goes on……….