Chronicles of Nana

In a few weeks my grandaughter “Munchkin”, her Mom and Nana will be flying off to the Magic Kingdom once again. This time it will be truly magical. Seeing Disneyland for the very first time is like finding heaven on earth..well, that’s pretty close if you are eight years old!

THE FIRST VISIT…

 I was about that age when I first experienced Disneyland…and I have been there many times since. My children were raised with an annual trip to the Magic Kingdom for many years. Now, I will be able to see and experience the hyper-thrills given to my grandchildren as they rush through the gates where time stands still. The kids range in age from 14 to 5. I am anxious to see how their goodly parents divide themselves between space mountain and mad teacups!

AN APPROPRIATE GUIDE…

My caboose child has been a Disney brat for years. She even worked at the local Mall in the Disney store. She, of course, has indoctrinated my munchkin grandaughter in all things Disney. The munchkin has also been to the Magic Kingdom in Orlando…the last family adventure before her Daddy passed away. She is well versed into all things Disney and even collects the pins and trades them with park employees. She and her Mom will be the perfect guides for our first time visitors. I plan to tag along and make it all memorable by taking lots of photographs. But I especially anticipate being the one to watch what joy is …if I don’t ride an attraction and just scoot about on my scooter and snap pictures…..I will be happy.

My last few visits have been more as a spectator than participate anyway. I have watched many a parent rant at their kid” for Pete’s sake..smile, we’re in the happiest place on earth!!”

TIPS..TIPS..TIPS…

Here are some tips that can make the stay within the park more memorable and sane. …

1. Don’t over dress..California casual all the way. Lots of visitors have had to buy sweatshirts in the park for the nightime chill. Be prepared …or pay the price.

2. Planning on a one day visit? Plan to be there at park’s opening time and staying until closing to maximize the cost factor.

3. Souveniers are expensive…have the kids mow alot of lawns and babysitting so they can purchase their own goodies.

4. Food is costly as well, so leave the park and go to McDonalds or Taco Bell. Or prepare a lunch in an ice chest and eat up in the parking lot.

5. Once entering the park go to the fast pass stations and pick a time for the most popular attractions so you do not have to wait a long time in line.

6. If you are a “first time” visitor or celebrating a birthday, go to city hall and receive a free button. These buttons identify you as special and cast members will go out of their way to make you feel good.

7. If your family splits up to head toward separate desired attractions always pick a spot and time to meet up. Carrying a few cell phones could help in this regard.

8. When leaving the park for whatever reason except going home, always have your hand stamped. If you hold an annual pass this is not necessary.

9. When purchasing items to take home…wait until you are ready to leave and purchased them then. Caution..there will be crowded stores. No one wants to carry these items around all day! However, there are lockers available too.

10. Make note of parade times and special events..oft times one must be in the area early in order to get a good view.

11. Food can be found through out the park but one might want to consider eating at off meal times to eliminate the crowds. Do not buy more than your family can eat..oft times the kids just need enough to keep them running. Liquids are important and one pays for all that is available in the park, even water that you can carry. Water fountains are usually around the restroom stations.

12. There are a few “sit down” restaurants but reservations are usually required.

13. There are stroller and scooter rentals available within the park. However, when you leave one must walk. For those who have limited walking compacity consider renting a scooter from a local agency and have it waiting at your hotel upon your arrival. Provided your occommodations are close to the park this arrangement can work out well.

14. Many people carry in backpacks that can hold diapers, water and snacks. Avoid taking in a purse, unless it be a fanny pack or can be securely attached to the body.

15. The water attractions will get you wet…prepare to dry off in the sun or pack an extra t-shirt in the carry-in.

16. Wear comfortable shoes…lots of walking.

17. In California Adventure one can get samples of freshly made bread and tortillas in the cannery row area. If you have a birthday button you will receive a dozen fresh tortillas for stopping by and it is free.

18. On most attractions disabled visitors have faster access to the rides..follow the directions posted or ask a cast member.

19. Mickey and friends are available through out the park to take pictures with your family. Be mindful that they have  a limited time to spend with each family. Be courteous and move on when done.

20. Take time to visit Downtown Disney where there are several restaurants, merchandise shops and vendor wagons to explore.

One of my recent visits to the Magic Kingdom brought me a moment of great satisfaction. It was closing time and as we filtered out of the park into Downtown Disney, my munchkin grandaughter who was standing upon my scooter for a free ride, feel asleep. As we worked our way back to the hotel many passerbys noted the sleeping beauty and smiled….my comment was “Nana won this one!”

And sleeping beauty was very content….

It sounds like the road to the democratic convention may be a rocky one and an old fashioned horse race…Just a matter of who slimes who and how often. It surely has had an explosive start with the Obama pastor debacle. There has been a great deal of discussion cncerning Pastor Wright and his tainted views of America. For a preacher man he harbors a goodly amount of hate. I would much rather see him package his negative energy in building up the Kingdom rather than bite the hand that feeds him… regardless he spews forth venom that can demoralize any kind of collective unity and love among all peoples.

TEACH BY EXAMPLE…

There is no doubt that his religious position has seen much good in the black community of Chicago… and more power to those who can rise above his venom and preform goodly act of random kindness to each other. I, however, do question the separatist attitude that exists that can only divide rather than to bring together.

As a regular church goer myself, I have never heard such negative or treasonable remarks from the pulput concerning America. On the contrary, we are a country of laws and as a congregation we are admonished to walk the line and become active in the governmental process as a matter of honor and duty. This is from a church that during the 1830-19oo period withstood some of the worst prejudice and persecution ever exhibited on American soil.

EARNING RESPECT….

Granted, working within the system takes dedication and time…waiting out the prejudices of a uninformed ignorant public takes plenty of time. Patience wears thin and murmuring can become rampant. But, with most discriminate elements of society honor and example should play a prominent role in inititating change and turning the hearts of those sucked down with hate.

ABOVE ALL…HONOR

Grandad’s parent taught school at the Japanese Relocation Camp in Topaz, Utah during WWII. Grandad spent his first 2 years of life at this camp among the displaced Japanese Americans who were gathered up and put away because of fear and prejudice. These people, above all else, exhibited great family honor during the worst of times. This was a time that did not make America shine…it was wrought with great fear and misconceptions. This period in American history is not talked about much…but it happened and will be forever imprinted upon the Japanese Americans who lived it and for generations beyond.

Utmost in Grandad’s mind is the honor the Japanese Americans displayed during this difficult time and the war efforts they put forth by sending their young men to fight for America in WWII. From this experience they have garnered our deepest respect…

MOVE ON….

Those who harbor the generations of resentment with the black American experience should get over it and move on. Frankly, life is hard for us all unless one is born into wealth. Then, again, I have never met a rich man that I would rather be…troubles come to all those who live life! It’s what you make it even in the worst of times….

MORE QUESTIONS, THAN ANSWERS…

It will be interesting to see how Obama will play his walk to the White House. He has Billery/Hillary to contend with who have been raised to play politics the old way. Will Obama stay his course…or will he cave and play dirty? Will he walk his talk? Will he get beyond Reverend Wright and explain himself…who is HE? How liberal is he willing to become? What does he really stand for? I want answers…

Reverend Wright’s rhetoric scares me  and Obama appears to be in the amen corner….I want a President engaged with humanity but also loyal and concerned  for all the citizens that have to support him. He must be decisive when necessary and benevolent and compassionate the next. Above all he must be a leader oft times standing alone among those of  differing views.

Ain’t an easy job and I for one do not aspire to it….makes one wonder why someone would…

Think about that…..real hard!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDAD!!!

No retirement in sight…must feel good to be so needed….

Hang in there!

            Now that I have fallen on my sword for all the world to read…let’s move on.

There’s no trusting the weather reports or the calendar this year..in one week we will have gone from St. Patrick’s Day to Easter. Grandad’s birthday is Thursday and I remember that that’s all we celebrated during that week. So where is Spring..? Somewhere in April I guess….who knows…..

THE CLOUDS PART….

Regardless, the clouds have parted and the beautiful spring blue sky has awakened  to bring forth the latter-blooming daffodils in my front yard. Until recently my yard has had 4 feet of snow just lying there crusty and hard. I can now see last year’s withered flowers in their pots…waiting to be refreshed and brought forth.

AS THE WIND BLOWS….

Weather is unpredictable where I live….I remember this old California Nana planting spring flowers in March only to have them crusted with snow in April. So getting spring fever in March is not a good thing because April is sure to be snowy,wet and raining here. Luckily we have a covered deck off from the house so we can pretend springtime with premature barbeques now and then.

I suppose, as with the nation politically, we are ready for change. When we lived in California it was a perpetual springtime all year round with just an occasional rainstorm or freak downpour. I never owned or wore a coat while living in California. People where I reside now push the envelop and start wearing shorts in the middle of winter and just slap on a coat and flip flops to take the cold’s edge off…go figure!

SPRING FEVER BIG TIME…

And now spring fever has hit because the golfers are out putting the greens still filled with patches of snow. I have even seen a few hang gliders diving through the low clouds to catch a wind….can you tell I live in a recreational state? Fridays at noon, winter, fall, spring and summer, the locals hit the highways to go play. Campers, RV’s. snowmobiles, skis, boats, ATVs, horse trailers and grandma all packed up for fun. During the winter everyone heads south..during the summer the roads are clogged with tourists et al…going every which way for the good life.

GROSS ECONOMY….

It will be interesting to see the impact of the economy this year. With gas prices edging ever higher we shall see who are willing and can afford the prices of the liquid gold. Because of the oil crisis everything, and I mean everything, has risen in price…food ( just how many ways can one fix hamburger), comodities ( no new car this year) to medical care (guess I”ll live with that cavity one more year.)

The good life is getting more expensive and as the American dollar devaluates european travel has become nearly impossible. We ought to see alot more foreign visitors spending their euros here in America these next few years. Travel for us will remain within the borders of the United States this year. We have a senior trip to plan for a graduating high school grandson. Luckily for us we have some very good friends in Hawaii who have graciously accepted our invitation to join them for a week or so. This will be a first for us…to have friends at a vacation destination who can help fill our days with fun and companionship. We are grateful for their hospitality…

We have a few Disney maniacs living with us so I suspect a trip or several to the Magic Kingdon will be in the offering through out the remainder of the year. Otherwise, we will take day trips to the local mountains and canyons and hit a favorite fishing hole somewhere.

We are blessed to still have these fun opportunities and regardless of what people say concerning America these days we are fortunate to live here and get these experiences no matter how scaled down they become.

May we all hang tough during hard times….

Today was a down day…totally sucked big time. I try hard not to post during my low times because who wants to hear about a bummed day. But then, to be perfectly honest these kind of days do happen now and then and perhaps it is time I put some honest reality into this blog…

NO LONGER FREE…

As a bonafided senior citizen now, I am feeling my freedoms slipping way. My body is getting even for the years of abuse it has had to take. Although there is nothing readily apparent that is going wrong the old bod just isn’t working as it used to and is complaining more than I care to admit. My mobility has become restricted, so much so that I feel confined and unable to do all that needs to be done, but worse, what I want to do….

FACING REALITY….

Facing the reality of aging and accepting its limitations has really hit me hard. Not only do I hurt most of the time but my thoughts become depressing and become one more thing to bring me down.  I live in a household of over achievers consequently I get very little understanding and sympathy. It does me no good to seek it. I have lived with that for some time now..so I have become much more sympathetic to the elderly whose bodies start to crumble but their brains are alive and keenly aware of their insensitive surroundings…

A WELL TRAVELED ROAD…

My youngest daughter is a recent widow…I walk the overbearing road she must now travel. I see how with every step forward there is 2 steps back. She so much misses her mate. I am afraid these feelings will stay with her and resurface continually in the future. Today…I related to her sorrow in a strange way…

WHERE IS MOM..?

My Mother  passed away over 40 years ago. Time does help heal…time does dim the pain… but today it all came back to me in a rush of loneliness and regret. Today, I needed my Mom big time! Through the years as one matures and lives life there is not only an acceptance of what is ,but when the heart yearns for the unconditional love of a parent even an old Nana can sink to her knees in dispair…

CONFUSION…

Getting to my age, there is usually no one to relate or talk to…one is left with thoughts that bounce about the brain in disjointed confusion. How is it possible that a 60 something person can miss her Mom long gone for over 40 years..?

Well….. it happens…

and there it is!

My…my…ain’t politics filled with enuendo and everyday crap..? Sexual scandals have been around since the world first turned but one would think with eons of past falls from grace that the human genders would realize the public microscope is dangling down upon them. It is just a matter of time when it all become very public..talked about…and chewed on until the tastes go bad!

SPITZER SPLATTERS…

Former New York  governor Spitzer is now calling for forgiveness and once again a national public figure is caught with his pants down and pulling his innocent family down with him. It is the innocent ones who suffer the most…being pushed into public scrutiny brings a mighty burden to carry. Spitzer, for whatever nefarious reasons, is the ultimate selfish man. More power to the wife and daughters should they choose to stick by him. But, I question whether he is worth the effort….

THE FOREVER DOUBLE STANDARD….

Sure, there exists a double standard..but how stupid can someone be to choose a job in public service and expect such sexual plays not to be eventually exposed. There exists a media just waiting to pounce on such a sandalous story and they’ll go to any length to expose it all. So, now we have the democrats once again exposing themselves in public. I laugh at the posturing..the back tracking…and the false indignation that is now coming forth…

WHO’S NEXT…?

Poor sucker…Spitzer just happened to be the one caught for now….who’s next? If nothing more this scandal might help other sexually driven participates to tie a knot in it!!

The real story here is a blind man is now governor of New York and that Hillary has loss a super delegate who is now soarly needed to keep her in the political race…

Wonder if Bill has a comment on this one…?

After the tragic death of our dear son-in-law and now that winter is fading and the tulips are sprouting…I am feeling a new normal setting in and I welcome it wholeheartedly. Life is filled with all sorts of twists and turns and when something totally unexpected comes alone and lingers, it is good to catch your breath and find the new normal.

THE UNCERTAIN….

So, as the war of American politics get heated and nefarious twists and mysterious events to find our next nation’s leader occur…it is soothing to melt into the crowd and shift ones thoughts to the natural, normal stuff. Stuff like spring, flowers, and the warmth of the sunshine.

2008 has, so far, been a blistering, numbing few months that have shaken the very fiber of our souls.  We have come to grips with reality, soarly unaware to the details that need to be attended to after the loss of a loved one. For the last 10 weeks we have had to attend to the details…not being able to come up for air, it seems.

WINTER BREAK….

We took a needed break last weekend and ventured to Los Angeles to the fantasyland of the Magic Kingdom. We spent 3 days escaping the trials that await us at home. It is good to do this occasionally… sort of clear the head time. I scooted about the park enjoying the warm California breeze and sunshine. I was in no hurry since I have been there- done that many times. I enjoyed the spark of wonder and enthusiasm of my grandaughter who has been there several times but has never been bored by going back. I enjoyed watching her Mom for the first time in many weeks relax and find joy in her daughter. Regardless of expense, it was a good thing.

Our son will be taking his children to Disneyland in April. His children will be seeing the park for the first time. Grandad and I hope to be there to take in their wonder…it will be a choice experience.

MIRACLES HAPPEN…

Today, I was told I am a new Nana..so much better than an old one!! Our newest grandaughter little Amelia came into our lives with renewed hope for a brighter future ahead….I am grateful and humbled for the good things that come in life…

Saying goodbye is painful but saying hello brings joy!!