Companionship & Creativity

Sweetie was 68 Wednesday. We celebrated with a Sweet Potato pie brought by my friend visiting from Flint. We spent the rest of the day talking about various issues, people we know and goals/dreams we have and munching on veggies and dip. Very relaxing.

That evening she and I went to a fused glass class that's relaxing and affordable. With the cost beginning at $5 for a sun catcher or $12 for as many jewelry pieces you fit on a 4x4 inch tile; to $45 for a 12 inch bowl, there's opportunity for all. At my previous visit I fit 7 pieces on a tile. Combined with the beads and jewelry findings I already have, I'll create one pair of earrings, two pins and four necklaces. If I sell all of them, I expect to make $125 in profit. Fine by me!

Thursday my friend read the first two chapters of her book to our weekly writing group and we critiqued it. Today the three of us are sitting in our pajamas with our computers and coffee just enjoying the day.

Tomorrow we go to a fall festival/art show held in a beautiful park along a river. Neither Sweetie or my friend have ever seen the place which has a covered bridge and beautiful trails along the river. I'll take lots of photos to capture the memory and perhaps one day do an oil painting of the river.

Then, surprise, surprise, Wednesday evening we sat here talking about inland lakes, old camps and bonfires. Sweetie, the man who's so intent on moving to Florida, says: "If we found an old camp on a river or lake, I'd be there in a heartbeat,"

Really?

A few minutes later my friend says: "I have friends who moved up near Oscoda and wish they'd done it years ago. Her remark reminded me of Presque Isle, north of Alpena. My father was career Coast Guard and we lived on Middle Island when I was born, then moved to the Presque Isle station when I was three. Grand Lake and Long Lake are in this area and I told them of my visit there the year before my mother died in 1997. Her parents had both owned property on Grand Lake which covers 5,662 acres and has 19 islands. To make a long story short, we were all online looking at waterfront properties and I found the cabin my maternal grandmother used to own as well as the acreage grandpa had. The more I talked about the area & the more Sweetie looked at maps, fishing reports, events (think wooden boat show) and nature preserves, the more interested he got. The upshot is, next month we're taking a color tour to where my life began!

Waterfront property in Michigan's Lower Peninsula is less expensive on the east side the further north you go. Forget the west side. It's over developed and expensive.

So, once again, time will tell. In the meantime, we're sure enjoying my friend's visit and adjusting ourselves to these cooler temps.

Take care, Treesong

"I'm bored"

I hear that so much, especially online. Leaves me wondering how people can continue to live a "boring" life surrounded by so much.

Never, in human history, have so many people had so much. Aside from food, shelter, clothing and a few other items, most people in this world do have access to much more. Despite the financial perils of this era, most people are surrounded by plenty.

Maybe you're one who's lost your home or your job but I'd be willing to bet you still have a lot - or you're living with someone who does.

And yet, every day, people are bored. Especially the young.

I think the problem is bored people have too much stuff. They're surrounded by cell phones, televisions, computers, videos, advertisements, fast food and a sea of counterparts who haven't a clue about what to do with all their time.

They're devoid of imagination and programmed to look outside themselves for answers to any nagging question or issue.

Their behavior has degenerated to ceaseless attempts to prop up their insecurity and frustrations. These navel gazers have lost empathy and respect for their elders, the ill or handicapped. They have obvious disdain for the lowly janitor who cleans the messes they've made while being pseudo stars or VIPs. Imitating success is where it's at. Working for success is blah.

Sitting in a quiet room alone is to be avoided at all cost. Doing nothing is fine as long as they're surrounded by expensive techno toys, drugs, alcohol and other like minded kids wasting away because life isn't interesting enough.

Keeping busy, partying or mimicing the current craze is all they know. And getting old is a far off reality that few believe will ever catch up with them.

Like a young, drunk man told us recently: "If I ever get like you people I'll shoot myself."

More likely, one of his "home boys" will shoot him. It's happened several times this year. Yet, while they claim to grieve their friends, they continue the behaviors that helped bring them to that point.

A friend said we shouldn't expect anything different. They've been raised by people who bury their troubles in drugs and booze and had little time for their children.

Each generation has its "misfits" but today that designation seems to fit more people. Is it any wonder?

We Just Couldn't Do It

Today we were supposed to put down Lady, our 10 year old mutt.

Many months ago she lost the use of her hind legs. Indications of the impending loss began while we lived in the Upper Peninsula. She'd trip often, fall going up steps, and favor one rear leg over another. At first, Sweetie assumed it was the ceramic tile floors. As time went on we noticed similar behavior outside, we took her to a vet. "A little arthritis," was his diagnosis.

Eventually she started dragging one rear leg. Then both. Sweetie grew impatient with her and kept trying to get her to stand. He can be a tough old bugger at times. I'd tell him that Lady couldn't help herself, the muscle was obviously deteriorating, not the bones.

A few months ago we took her to the vet here and the prognosis was grim. Her left hip had totally deteriorated. When manipulated it sounded like stones crushing. Her backside has become boney and her paws curl under. Yet, the vet said she could live a long time "as long as you two are willing to care for her."

Lady's care has increased as time goes on. Thank God we have old stained carpet in the living room. I lift her by her hips and she'll walk wherever she wants or is directed to. Every few hours I walk her out the door to pee. Bowel movements are anther matter. Little by little she seems to have lost the realization that she's got to poop. For the last week I've laid blue pads beneath her.

Aside from her physical ailments, she's the same loving, faithful dog we've always known. She follows Sweetie everywhere pulling her back legs behind her. She has a recliner identical to his and sits there with one eye on him and an end table between them.

At night she follows us to the bedroom where her blanket is folded at the foot of the bed. After we've petted and talked to her she lays down to sleep. If Sweetie is in the bathroom too long she goes looking for him. When he goes outside he either takes her with him or he tells her to "take care of momma" while he's gone.

When we both leave we repeat the same routine. As we pull in the drive we hear her yelping for us. The sound continues until we hug her and tell her how glad we are to be home.

During supper, she eats her dog food mixed with chopped chicken liver and she and Sweetie share an oatmeal cookie.

Perhaps we were just so exhausted last week or the humidity had worn us down. Whatever it was, we to put her down when she'd finished her bag of food.

Obviously, we just couldn't do it. Today we're so relieved we can't get enough of her company.

Are You a Giver or Taker?

A friend nearby has experienced illness, family death and her husband's layoff in the past 90 days.

She and her family are great people; helpful, courageous and always helping out. The trials that come with living have hit them hard lately and now others are stepping up to help them.

They home school their four children; grow a garden and volunteer for several events. She does seamstress work to bring in extra money. His unemployment benefits were delayed over a "clerical error," and their youngest child requires lots of medications and a strict diet.

They're frugal people by nature but even they are now experiencing shortages and discovering where their prepping holes are. For the first time ever she went to the local food pantry. There was little available there due to a funding cut and low donations. We have a lot of preps so I filled boxes with food and dropped them off. The next weekend at the community wide yard sales she offered me free cinnamon rolls. I accepted, then dropped off more groceries.

I'd planned a gallery tour, dinner and fused glass class for a group of young people. She said her daughter would be unable to attend. I said, "Oh, her spot is already paid for." Of course her daughter was excited. Her mom had tears in her eyes.

"I have to tell you, out of everyone we know around here, you've been the most generous," she said. "It's strange because so many think you're so broke. Maybe you are, but you still give."

You bet we do! Contrary to the rumor mill - started by a former "friend," we're not broke. We're frugal.

Unless you are homeless; without a dime to your name; and have not ONE possession, you can give to others. I believe that with every fiber of my being. I've lived it. And there is no excuse for not giving to others. NONE.

Forgot the List & My Memory Kicked In!

Today was errand day and once again I left the homestead without my list.
Never even thought of the list until my fourth stop which was checking on my elderly friend. Left her home without making a list. Miracles of miracles, I got everything and thought of other things we needed and came home feeling like I'd had a successful brain transplant!

Proudly unpacked everything; fed the dog; cleaned the cat litter box; read the mail; folded clean clothes & put them away; picked tomatoes and started supper.

Sweetie comes in the door and says: "How much did my meds cost this time?"

"Meds? What meds?" I asked.

Then it was his turn. "Oh, oh. Guess I forgot to tell you I needed three refills."

At least he didn't insist he HAD told me and accused me of forgetting!

Some Real Deals Out There

Says a realtor in Florida - and the rest of the country.

Thinking Sweetie wants to return to Florida & live on a boat, I started researching online. Thinking I may as well expand the search to land, I looked at real estate. He said, "well, we can dream, so look for a place on a canal with access to the Gulf."

I told him anyone can dream but let's not lose sight of the fact that we live within a budget, yadda, yadda, yadda.

"You never know what you might find," was his response.

What I found is a calamity showing nationwide.

I've learned prices are cheaper, the lots larger and conspicuous consumption is less evident the further north you go.

Despite all the financial plight, there are still people who think their piece of the Florida lifestyle is worth top dollar. Being surrounded by empty, foreclosed homes or occupied homes underwater hasn't fazed them or they're praying some sucker with deep pockets saves them.

I've learned that realtors have left the profession in droves and some, like a woman I talked to, have invested in foreclosures for rental property. No surprise there.

And then, one day I emailed a realtor with a few questions. An "associate" in the realtor's office responded. She answered my questions and asked: "When will you be here to look...?"

"Not anytime soon," I said. "Just looking now because we'd like to live on a boat but my partner suggested checking out small homes on land."

She seemed a bit deflated but responded cordially: "Anything I can help you with when you're REALLY ready to make a move here, please contact me."

Here's where the conversation gets interesting. I said within the last three years we'd moved twice: from Lower Michigan to the U.P. and back downstate to yet another location.

"Where in the U.P?" was her response.

Told her where & a short time later realized I was talking to a cousin's daughter! Guess that would be a second or third cousin. She gave me her private mail and since then the "reality" of the market is all I've heard.

Among her remarks:

"If you don't have your heart set on a specific house, you can really pick up bargains. Just closed on a place listed for $800,500 that sold for $423,600."

Told her those numbers needed to knock off a couple zeros to be realistic for us. She wrote back: "Oh, that's no problem. Another month of so and there will be huge price reductions again. My advice is find something you're interested in, better yet 4-5 places and write offers that state, 'this is my only offer'."

She claims to have seen it work time and time again.

I asked how she was weathering her profession just now & she said: "I'm still one of the fortunate ones. My husband is a retired military & we've always lived within our means. I only work to get out of the house once in awhile."

So I suggested she send listings that she knew full well we could pick up for pennies on the dollar. "Now I must be dreaming," I said. "But time will tell."

Haven't heard back yet but that's okay. I'm trying to live one day at a time anyway.

Money in My Pocket

The next three days is community wide yard sales in the nearby twin towns we live near. People have been cleaning closets and emptying attics for a few weeks, hoping to make some extra money. Many here are unemployed, some under employed, some retired but watching their investments dwindle. There are more yard sales this year than ever before according to many I talked with today. Thing is, compared to last year, this first day has seen little traffic.

No surprise there when more people are holding yard sales instead of shopping them. Our local historical society has a sale too & once again I donated a few items to it. We did NOT hold a yard sale. Sweetie hasn't bothered to haul anything out of the pole barn and the items I had collected from the house, I either donated to the historical society or placed in a friend's sale.

I volunteered a couple hours at the library sale and bought a denim dress and bed pillow for $1.00. Also stopped at the local food pantry with a donation then came home with a pie tin containing 12 cinnamon rolls made by a friend. They were a gift for bringing her daughter to an art gallery tour and fused glass class yesterday.

Instead of shopping today I did more donating and visiting. And everywhere I stopped I heard similar remarks: "It's getting tougher." "We hope to make enough this week to keep our cell phone turned on." I asked if they had a land line. "No, they're not convenient."

Guess that depends on how one's life is structured.

When I returned home I had a couple emails. One asked: "Would you explain to me how someone like you with so little money is always giving and not complaining about having bills?"

I know this person quite well and we've talked in the past about stocking a pantry; keeping an emergency kit on hand and stashing a few cases of drinking water. Maybe I'm tired today. I am in pain due to the RA which doesn't flares up in humidity. So I had little to say. After reading her question to Sweetie and staring at the computer screen awhile all I could say was, "We're willing to go without things. Social entertainment that requires purchasing a ticket is off the radar for us. We usually grow a garden but this year only managed basil, green peppers and tomatoes."

Awhile later she emailed again. "How do you afford eating steak then?"
I sighed and said: "Refer to my previous answer."

When we first moved here people felt sorry for us because we had such a small income, drove older vehicles and lived in a mobile home. Some still feel the same way but for the most part they're snobs who need to prop their egos up with shiny cars, large homes and monthly payments.

The people who've dared to get to know us marvel at our thriftiness and ingenuity. Some joke that if they "were as cheap as" us, they'd eat steak too. By the way, the New York strip was on sale for $2.49#. We bough four slabs & had it cut into 56 steaks!

Despite the continued downturn people still don't get it. Adjust your habits & expectations and do more for yourself and you'll have more on less money. Simple plan but hard to follow for many.

An Example of How Diversity Impacts a Culture

I often reflect on my childhood because it's a clear example of how diversity impacts a community.

My father was career Coast Guard so we moved often. This exposured us to a variety of people, landscapes, perspectives and architecture - among other things.

No matter where we lived, my parents immersed themselves in the local history because as children each had lived in a large city. Mom in Flint and Dad in Detroit. Until there were adults neither had much experience with rural areas, travel or other professions. Mom always claimed that mixing with other nationalities had given them their inquisitiveness.

When they married my mother dove into her "seafaring life" by exploring U.S. Coast Guard stations, history and shorelines. Whenever an opportunity arose for Dad to transfer she was all for it.

We lived in the country most of the time where street lights didn't illuminate the "wilds?" We walked gravel roads where homes were set a half mile back from the road and traffic was a big event. We had "party line" phone service and went to town shopping at most twice a month. We were "newcomers" who didn't share the predominant ethnicity or religion. Several times my father was stationed on islands awhile we lived on the mainland. Most lighthouses are are desolate points and our neighbors were fellow enlistees who came from other states or cities we'd never heard of. No wonder the armed services encouraged enlistees to "See the world." We had it next door!

At age five, my parents settle in the Upper Peninsula where, once again we were the outsiders. My father was the only man who didn't farm, work in the mines, teach school or drive a logging truck. He was also the only one gone from home for six weeks at a time and home for two weeks.

We weren't raised as Finnish Apostolic Lutherans. We were French and Norwegian and until my teen years had never attended church. There were a couple Catholic families around & my parents got to know them because my mother's entire family was Catholic - except her. During that era the two religious camps didn't mix much. Today, it's more blended.

My mother worked while others stayed home. My mom explored back roads, collected antiques while the locals scoffed at "that old junk." My mom had the audacity to make dandelion wine! Imagine the surprise when a neighbor stopped by to ask if we'd like to buy 10 acres and discovered us playing cards. A few weeks later there was another couple playing poker with my folks. It was our first realization that some of these people had strayed from the status quo but kept quiet about it.

For nearly 20 years mom was pretty much an outcast until a few neighbors newer than us stopped to chat while she was at our mailbox. Two professors had moved into the area from outside Michigan drawn by the beauty, safety and bounty of the area. Over the years others followed suit and the former tight knit mostly Finnish enclave has been transformed. Like most of America, the generations born since we first arrived are more diverse, friendlier and interesting.

I recall being in the sixth grade and giving a speech on "What I Did on Summer Vacation." It made the other kids uncomfortable. Most had never left the county let alone the state & I had lived in Texas while my father was in some heathen island called Yap. My classmates giggled, sneered and pretty much disrupted my speech. Today I know their actions were borne of insecurity and fear of the unknown. By my teen years the hippies had discovered our area and once again the old and new mixed. With hippies reviving run down farms; wearing long skirts; having home births; cooking on wood stoves and baking bread, the locals relaxed their guard some. Orchards produced fruit, the tax roll increased, the school needed expansion and by golly, most of these newcomers could actually fix things!

Another type of newcomer was the college educated, world traveler who hosted friends form India, China and Africa and drove foreign cars. In time, they too were at least tolerated. Soon native retirees saw an opportunity to sell their places for what was then considered a "ridiculous price."

Diversity, so long feared and misunderstood, was actually good for an area. Though most of the old guard has passed on, their descendants have either remained and flourished by adapting to the needs/whims of their neighbors. Others have moved to areas where their religious/cultural influence is stronger only to discover that change is in the air there too.

The neighborhood dynamics over the past 40 years is a good example of what's occurred nearly everywhere. And how could it not with the rise of technology; population increasing and resources depleting? Today, those Apostolic families often have two parents working and plenty of their own children in college. And "God forbid," some would say, people are marrying outside their clan.

Already Missing Our Place

Our visitors from Flint are already "homesick" for our place.
After two nights of not sleeping because her hubby was restless, they both need a knock out pill and things MIGHT look better.

I suggested she spend more time in the community pool or they visit a park a couple times a week. Anyone holed up in a small city apartment has got to feel caged.

Meanwhile, after more than a week of feeling like a new man, Sweetie's oxygen level dropped & he's back on oxygen. It's cooler here this morning & he's anxious to work outside but I cautioned against it.

In the interim, Fox TV keeps him occupied. I pay little attention to it but did here Alan Simpson speak - one of the few who has wisdom and guts enough to speak truthfully. Too bad the administration and Congress didn't heed his committee's advice.

They Don't Want To Leave

A reminder of how fortunate we are is our friends visiting from Flint. Once again, they don't want to go home.

Sweetie had some bullets that work in our friend's pistol. The friend says he feels "at least a bit safer knowing I can shoot the next person who tried coming through the window." They live in a ground floor apartment.

They have a huge dog and themselves squeezed into 500 square feet. They're in view of the expressway and they have no choice in who they're neighbors are or boundaries like a fenced yard or acreage.

They don't eat as well as we do and have no place for their dog to be let loose. This is their third trip here in less than two months & their dog now begins whining and jumping around BEFORE they ever turn down the road to our place.

Today they had to pick up a couple medical items from our local hospital because they'd run short on something for his IV pic line. She returned praising the hospital's courteous, quick service and ease of parking. We joked that they're welcome to stay here when we go to Florida...

Yup, there's always someone else who has greater challenges than we do.

New Vitality

The shot Sweetie received at the pulmonologist has given him a new spring in his step. The antibiotic pills and two other meds seem to be working wonders too.

Of course, being the stubborn man that he is, he seems to think that his new state of health from wonder working medicine means he can smoke MORE.

There is not a cast iron fry pan big enough to make a dent in his thick skull.

Pulmonology Visit

It amazes me how simple diagnostic procedures are not thought of along the process of trying to unravel complicated conditions. And maybe, ignoring the simple, complicates the problem!

As in: Sweetie has COPD & emphazema. Yet it's taken a a PA, a physician, a cardiologist and finally a pulmonologist to LOOK DOWN his throat and say: "You've got an infection!"

An infection that likely has been ongoing for months!

Then he's giving a sputum sample tomorrow; having more blood tests and a sleep study.

And, he has three more meds.

So on we go.

A Yearning

Well...how do I say this?

My dearly beloved Sweetie has talked me into moving - once again!

Not to worry though. We have no funds to do it yet. No firm plans as to exactly where - in FLORIDA - and not great health (just to keep things interesting).

He has always wanted to return to the Sunshine State. He lived there for years, operating his own shrimp boat out of the Hudson area. He loves the Gulf, the climate, the waterways, the memories.

I've been to Florida twice. Once with an ex to Tampa and Sarasota. Burnt my legs by spending too much time walking on asphalt. Got trapped on a dock by a gator. Had a snake in the bathroom. Not a real good first impression for this Northerner.

My second trip was 6-7 years ago for a conference in Ft. Lauderdale where we stayed in a luxury hotel on the beach. Give me a few million and I wouldn't have returned. No worries. Room service. Beautiful weather. Fine dining. Swimming, shopping, golf, spa....

Of course now, I wouldn't stay in that place if you gave me a week free. I was a corporate ladder chaser then. Am a bookworm, artist and all around relaxed (lazy?) retiree who stays in her house dress or shorts and a T-shirt most days.

So....I got this crazy idea.

Why don't we set a goal of buying a houseboat or live aboard motor yacht? It didn't take either of us long to realize it might be the ideal thing for two wanderlusts who're used to living in mobile homes.

Have no idea if this will happen but I can say this: every time I've had an intention; a desire for change; I've immersed myself in dreaming, thinking, planning, investigating and somehow, someway, through a strange yet marvelous turn of events, it has come to pass.

So, if anyone knows of a small houseboat/yacht in great shape but really cheap, let me know. We'd like to spend time on rivers from Steinhatchee, Yankeetown, Crystal River and Tampa to Port St. Lucie.

Skin Cancer Free!

We made another trip to Lansing today for Sweetie to see the dermatologist.

For the first time in five years he is entirely skin cancer free! And he has the scars to prove it! Over 70 spots on his face, neck, ears and a dozen on his arms and back. Multiple incisions and layers removed and a few "diggings" are now over.

Sweetie has a face with character and a smile that stops people in their tracks. And we're so thankful!

Oppressive Heat

We're fortunate to have air conditioning and two ceiling fans to keep us comfy in this oppressive heat wave. 86 degrees when we woke up; 92 now. Heat index is near 100 and, according to the weather man, we haven't experienced the worse of the forecast.

I feel for people without air conditioning.

But, knowing this weather was on our way, we checked a few essential supplies. Bottled water in case we lose power and can't use our well. Gasoline for the generator so our a/c, and refrigeration operate. We have a huge oxygen tank capable of operating without power for Sweetie should the need arise.

Last week we bought mulch for our tomato and pepper plants & it's paid off handsomely. I've watered them every 2-3 days and, coupled with the heat, the plants are producing well.

Fortunately, we have only ONE medical appointment this week but it's in Lansing. With that in mind, we've filled the gas tank; have a cooler stocked with drinks & food ready to go; checked engine fluids and four gallons of water are stashed in the trunk.

Called my elderly friend to check on her and she's doing well thus far. We had installed our spare air conditioner in her home a few weeks ago. She said the scanner is full of heat stroke victims; people complaining of dizziness and chest pains and children and pets left in vehicles. Some people never learn.

Should the electric grid go down this is going to spell tragedy for many.

Almost On the River

The guys tweaked a few things on the boat today; gabbed about previous fishing trips; and came onside to rest. Forty-five minutes later the temp had gone up by 12 degrees and the humidity returned after two days of breezes and cooler temps.

One suggested they should check the tackle boxes. Off to the pole barn they went. Have an hour later they're back inside, sweating and wearing long faces.

"You must have misplaced my tackle boxes," Sweetie says.

"No, I didn't. They're on the left hand side of the garage, near the front door under some of your junk."

They look at one another and say in unison: "We've looked all over that garage."

You do know how this story ends, right?

After supper I went opened the back door, stood on the steps and looked straight at the tackle boxes.

Brought them inside and sat them on Sweetie's lap.

"They were BENEATH everything you had moved while looking for them."

Then we made a trip to Walmart to buy licenses. Another hilarious event that I may share later.

Tomorrow's the big day. My girlfriend and I pray they have a safe, successful trip on the river. We'll take pictures to prove it actually happened.

Until then, have a great evening.

Water Bound Again

Sweetie just couldn't resist. I'm hoping he's be inspired to take better care of himself so he can enjoy it several times this year.

We stopped by a friend's on our way home from picking up the boat, he remarked: "My cousin just sold this same model, about the same age for $2400 with trailer."

We paid $850 CASH.

As Independence Day Approaches

I've been reminded several times this week of how dependent, disrespectful and unmotivated our society is.

Since Monday:

New acquaintances received a 14 day notice to vacate their home from his step son - after moving into the place six months ago at the stepson's urging so it wouldn't be foreclosed. Their last house payment was THREE days late (no late charge incurred at the bank) and the couple had maintained the place spotlessly. The son's rich girlfriend suggested they occupy the house because it's larger than her condo. So a 40-something couple with two girls ages 6 & 13 may be homeless by July 11th. Reasonable rentals are in short supply here and they have no down payment to buy a place.

My former step daughter's son was released from jail after serving 18 months for larceny, assault and fleeing police. He's on a tether and banned from entering either of our twin communities. Last night he broke into his grandfather's home; stole money, food, keys to the ATV and ran the machine into the river. When apprehended he spit at the cops and cursed his parents. His mother, crying, asked what his problem was. "None of you ever cared whether I had a car, a nice house or money when I was in high school." No thought of working during high school; helping out at home; saving money or treating anyone with respect. It's all about HIM.

Meanwhile, my GM retiree acquaintances, told the local barber I'm in dire need of money. NOT true. But the barber, who helps all sorts of folks, handed me a stack of her business cards. "Here, write your name on the back of each & pass them out to your friends. For every one that's redeemed, I'll give you $10." Obviously a nice offer from a person who genuinely cares but it's the GM retirees who need money! Instead of examining their spending habits, they got jealous of my painting for haircut barter deal at the barber's. Their solution was to spread a rumor and try to embarrass me.

My father returned home after his "Secret Trip" and visited my sister-in-law. He claimed he'd "hitched a ride" with my daughter - who brought her youngest to a music camp in Mid-Michigan. When sister-in-law asked if he'd gone anywhere else he lied. "No, just stopped in for coffee with Sheila." In fact, he was an hour north of us for three days, then went to E. Lansing for lunch with a cousin and visited her husband in the nursing home. This is the father who lived with us in the U.P. The father who calls once a month and says he's not well enough to travel and complains that everyone there ignores him. Sweetie is so pissed he screens our calls & says not to answer if my father calls here.

Stopped at my elderly friend's to pick up her grocery list and repair her screen window. She lives in a mobile home park of about 60 homes. The ONE time I did not lock the car, someone helped themselves to the bag of bananas, lettuce, tomatoes and a library book. In broad daylight.

Our local food pantry is begging for donations and volunteers. One man we know of got a box of groceries from them; took them to his druggie daughter and traded dope for food. The reason we know is we were across the hall donating a recliner to an elderly man. The druggie daughter came to his door and offered to give us groceries for money at which the old man screamed at her. "You're not getting money here to buy your crap!"

After this week, I'd like to hibernate for six months. Wonder how much worse the world will be by December.

Whew!

Think I've recovered from prepping for Island Fest. It was great to meet people I only know online. Didn't sell a whole lot but their comments were great and my inventory will be moved to the booth I rent downtown.

We have a nice breeze here today which makes it easier for Sweetie to breathe. He's been a better patient this past week since the doc told him if he didn't want to follow orders there was no point in seeing him. His son may or may not come to visit him because his truck isn't running well and he's broke as usual.

My father and daughter made a trip downstate to visit a few people but not us. So be it.

Our friends in Flint who visited earlier this month want to return at the end of July during the local Fair. Seeing as both she and I are the caretakers of our men, we're hoping they're both well enough for a visit.

Today, we pick up paperwork for Sweetie's appointment with the cardiologist. Not only does his heart rate skyrocket when he exerts any energy, it spirals downward when he struggles to breathe while wearing oxygen.

Well, time to scoot. Plenty more I could rattle on about but an out of breath man needs my attention as does the crippled dog.

We're Still Here

Just busy with the regular round of doctor appointments, running errands and working on the siding.

Have a booth at a festival this weekend & have no idea what to expect. The space was free and it will give me a little exposure but I haven't set my sights on making lots of money.

I may have Sweetie convinced to come out of hibernation and take the golf cart to the event so he can putz around; look at the river and maybe recognize a few people.

Tomorrow we'll finish the south side of our exterior renovation. It's been a long process but together we've got it done. Three more sides to go...

High winds and rain here today and tomorrow followed by cooler temps. We welcome a break from the stifling humidity. It's hell on Sweetie's breathing, even with oxygen. the pepper plants have little baby peppers and the tomato plants are about a week behind. I have 12 basil plants to separate and two Russian sage plants to transplant. That's the extent of this year's gardening.

We've lived so long on our preps that we've developed deep holes which need to be replenished soon. When I get the energy.

Will post pictures this weekend. Take care, Treesong

Replenishing Mind, Body & Soul

Sometimes we get so wound up in issues, dramas, diversions, work loads, illnesses, or just plain senseless chatter that we eventually burn out.

I've come close these last couple weeks. Between caring for my elderly friend's needs; a constant round of doctor appointments; organizing the art exhibit; a couple meetings every week and the daily chores of maintaining a home I sat here the other night and realized: I need a break.

Tomorrow is ME time. Yes, I have to pick up some things for my friend. Yes, I have to make a stop at the hardware store, the grocery, the pharmacy and the bank. but I will also savor a lunch with a friend; visit an art gallery and resale shop and take a walk in a park - rain or not. I already have the binoculars, rain gear and umbrella in the car.

Keeping oneself balanced is a daily challenge. And, when you neglect it for too long, there is a price to pay.

A hot cup of herbal tea; a foot soak & pedicure and an afternoon nap on a rainy day helped. but a few hours outside soaking in fresh air and sunshine after a leisurely lunch and artistic entertainment are the best medicine.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Have nearly completed arranging out second art exhibit & a few new artists have taken advantage of the opportunity.

Here is a sampling.

Some People's Actions - or Lack Thereof - Are Outright Neglect

My elderly friend got saddled with two wild grandkids again today - ages 6 and 9. Expletives, wrecklesness and outright defiance come out of their mouths faster than and auctioneer's babble.

I called her this afternoon to check on her - as I do every day - sometimes 3-4 times a day. The sound of her voice told me she was in trouble.

Neighborhood brats had been banking on her mobile home, sending her dog into a frenzy while she struggled to breathe in the 96 degree heat. Three grandkids and one granddaughter's boyfriend had all promised to stop by and install a used air conditioner in her living room window. No one showed.

I loaded our spare air conditioner and tools in the car & off we went. It was 99 degrees inside her home! The hoodlums disapeared down the street & we got installation job done while she cried and ranted about her family's navel gazing.

After a cool drink I hooked her hose up and sprayed her rooftop. The heat was so intense today the air looked like a desert haze.

Other than hanging the new art exhibit and driving to our friend's home, we stayed inside eating watermelon and drinking lots of liquids. For weeks we've had flooding and electrical storms. Now the heat and humidity is killing people. Awhile ago police were searching for an elderly man in the woods to the north of us. He'd "gone off the deep end," grabbed his shotgun and left his cool home for the humidity and mosquitoes of tangled underbrush and rough terrain. Not likely to be a good outcome.

Half an hour ago I called my elderly friend. The monster grandkids are gone; her living room has three broken knicknacks; her dog is cowering beneath her bed and she's told their step dad not to bring them to her house tomorrow. He was told the same thing last night but chose to ignore her request and dropped the kids at the curb today.

Personnally, I would have locked my doors and called Protective Services. We offered to pick her up tomorrow so she could spend the afternoon here. She'll "think about it."

The situation really pisses me off. The woman has bend butt over backwards for her entire family for years but in her elderly years they can't be bothered with her needs.

Enough of a rant. I say anymore I'll be bitching out loud as I type.

Thank God we're still of sound mind and somewhat sound bodies. The least we can do is help her.

An Oxygenated Life

Today Sweetie qualified for oxygen part time. The medical supply people should arrive tomorrow once they receive the order from his doctor.

He's been instructed to walk/exercise while on oxygen because it increases his stamina which decreases his need for oxygen.

I'm hoping he follows this advice because his current quality of life sucks, to put it bluntly. I've become the full time caretaker the last couple days: helping him dress/undress, putting his sock/shoes on so he doesn't have to bend over; driving, lifting, carrying, and taking all phone calls because he's out of breath after a few words.

We have friends staying with us this weekend from Flint - the hell hole they hope to move out of soon. Both are on disability and, like me, she's the caretaker of her husband who has all the same ailments as Sweetie. Ought to be interesting as we tour the area, attend a classic car show, picnic and sit and gab while the guys get to know one another. She and I haven't seen one another in about 10 years so we have lots of catching up to do.

The peonies are in bloom along our south side and I've yet to plant the sage and basil plants a new friend gave me. Maybe my visiting girlfriend will enjoy getting her hands dirty this weekend. In her old neighborhood 10 years ago, she was known for her green thumb, having turned a gravel strewn lot into a lucious jungle of vegetables, herbs and flowers.

Well, time to take Lady outside. Enjoy your weekend, Treesong

Appointment Overload

We've had appointments 3-4 days a week since I last posted. Between Sweetie's dermatology appointments and surgeries and his medical tests it seems we never stop sitting in waiting rooms. Now the bills are arriving too. Same old story: just as we get ahead and have a cushion there's another "due by" envelope in the mail.

In the midst of it all the rain comes and goes. The lawn dries out long enough to be mowed once a week. The flowers along our south side are nearly all in bloom as are the four lilac bushes and azelea tree.

A path has been cleared in our pole barn where all of Sweetie's John Deere equipment once stood: two riding mowers, rototiller, snow blower, cab and assorted parts. It was great to see a 4x4 truck pulling a trailer pull in the yard and haul it away.

We've spread the word about the rest of Sweetie's collection. A few more lookers and phone calls since and some of it will be gone next week.

Due to his declining health, Sweetie has decided to let go of nearly everything. A man on oxygen with limited mobility and stamina has no use for most of what he owns. He bought a riding mower with a few attachments with some of his proceeds. It's a good decision because I can operate all of it easily.

Our next art exhibit is being publicized now so I've been busy finishing some landscape quilts that have sat for six years. Meanwhile I taught myself how to crochet granny squares and will use left over yarn scraps to make an afghan.

We've invited my elderly woman friend over for a Memorial Day cookout. She's bringing the deviled eggs; we're supplying the rest. Her family is preoccupied as usual.

Well, time to fix supper. Have a great weekend everyone.

Progress!

The roof is complete. The installers were conscientious and picked up the area when the job was complete.

We are very satisfied with their work and thankful we were able to pay cash for the job.

The Roofers Have Arrived

And Sweetie could not resist standing outside giving them instructions then climbing the ladder until one of the men had the sense to stand behind him in case he fell.

I was just waking up after going to sleep at 4 a.m. (what happens when I nap in the evening) and heard men talking in the living room. They had walked him inside and were asking if there was someone they could call.

Once I was upright, I walked into the living room, thanked the men and practically sat on Sweetie. He received a stern warning followed by a kiss. The sounds of men working and material either coming off the mobile home or screw guns attaching stuff is driving him mad. He wants so much to be in the center of it all.

"This is what life will be like now that you're unable to do anything," I told him a minute ago. "If you don't like it you need to follow the doctor's advice."

I know it's hard for him to quit smoking but it's equally hard to watch him die and stress both of us further while doing it!

As you can see from the photo, the old siding remains and to the far right is a peek at the pink insulation around the kitchen window. Six 4x8 sheets of insulation board cover the exterior beyond the window.

Doc Visit

After doctor visit the suspicion is Sweetie has congestive heart failure. Lab tests and chest xray results should be back tomorrow.

Doctor said medications could treat CHF but - smoking will have to cease. Sweetie was resistant but doctor told him: "There's little point in seeking treatment if you continue to smoke."

He then went on to explain that Sweetie will likely be put on oxygen and, with some medication, will feel better and be able to regain some activity. "However, if you think you'll remove oxygen to smoke you're wasting every one's time."

Walking from the doc's office to the lab/xray area required three rests.

On leaving the hospital he stopped to buy tobacco.

Tomorrow the roofers are due here to install the insulated metal roof.

I put all tools and insulation/siding materials in the pole barn today. We have no funds to hire someone to finish the job.

Tomorrow I cancel my optometrist appointment and his dermatology surgery, both scheduled for Friday.

He is so weak now that he cannot walk 10 feet without holding onto something. He has begun talking about future plans with the preface: "If I'm here..."

Tonight, while he's sleeping, I hope somehow his unconscious self begins to change.

Meanwhile, it's hour by hour.

Doctor, Doctor

My surgery consult today determined I will not have gallbladder surgery.

On the other hand, Sweetie has finally consented to see a physician tomorrow. Since buying an oxygen meter Friday the record of his oxygen and heart rate readings has convinced him he's in dangerous territory.

Today, he got out of his recliner; walked to the coffee pot; poured his coffee & returned to the recliner. Total distance about 20 feet. Readings BEFORE doing so were oxygen 94, heart rate 84. Readings AFTER movement were oxygen 92, heart rate 118.

The oxygen sensor readings have convinced us he has a heart problem that takes precedent over the breathing problem - though they are connected. I am hoping this is a wake up call and that tomorrow will be the beginning of him heading doctor's advice.

Another Project in Progress

Today we removed 18" feet of aluminum siding from the south side of our home; checked the wiring, signs of any infestations and insulation and found no problems! Four panels of 1/2" polystyrene insulation board were nailed to the exterior. T-1-11 primed siding - bought at auction for a savings of $545 - will finish the job.

Notice the metal flashing turned back above the insulation board. In mobile homes, this is attached to the header PRIOR to the roofing; which explains why most exterior remodels retain the 4-6" metal flashing/siding & tuck the new siding beneath it.

Once we strip the entire home of its aluminum siding we'll continue the process pictured above. Along the way we have 6 more windows to install and must remove and re-install our new entry/storm door. ALL of this must be completed within the month so professionals can install our insulated metal roof.

Our new gas furnace was installed Sunday by our neighbor so Sweetie will be extra warm this winter. Our propane wall furnace will remain as a back up for heating when the electric goes out.

THEN, we rebuild the deck; gravel the drive & expand our west side parking area; haul scrap and maybe sit a spell in July. Gardening, lawn mowing, a field to brush hog, and extra curricular activities will fill out our days. But, they're good days and more and more we're reminded of that!

Take care everyone! Treesong

Art Exhibit

For your viewing pleasure: art created by people from ages 5-58 and only one (me) has ever exhibited any art.

City Views

Nothing like a trip to the city (Lansing, MI) to re-affirm our appreciation of the country and our nearby small town.

Instead of taking the expressway, we took a leisurely drive down Grand River Avenue. Along the way we admired gardens, a few fishing boats, a windmill for sale and the slower speed limit. Why drive 70-75 when 50-55 got us there in time and saved a little gas ($4.29/Gal)?

We were so early for Sweetie's dermatology appointment that we stopped in at Goodwill first. Huge selection of nearly everything but I bought two items - both for resale at my booth in a local gift store. My little 99 cent purchases have been selling for 4-6 times what I paid so no complaints here.

Today I'll be at the local library accepting submissions for our art exhibit. The response hasn't been what I would have liked so we'll display at three local businesses instead of five. I've learned there's lots of truth to the adage around here: "People are slow to warm up to change but quick to take bets on when you'll fail."

But, 6-8 people have stuck with the program and broadened their horizons so it's worth it to me. A few stragglers come and go and are welcomed and encouraged when they show up. When I announced I was taking time off due to health issues and a remodeling project the stragglers were the ones asking when we'd meet again. Last night, the mother of one of them called to ask if we would "ever meet again" because her daughter really needed it. Just goes to show you never know the true impact of things until its existence is threatened.

Going to be a busy day so I'd best get started. Treesong

Sales, Projects and Adjustments

I listed out boat on Craigslist Friday night. Last night someone called about it and will stop by to see it today. Would love to see someone else make use of it as it has become a storage spot for fence posts and a house for stray cats. Sweetie will never again take it out on the water as it's a deep lake boat and we're surrounded by rivers.
Of course, he has his eye on a 14' metal flat bottom boat.

I've removed the sod from 30 square feet of ground along the south side of our home and double dug the area. Have another 30 square feet to go so I can plant peppers, onions and tomatoes. The physical exercise has about sidelined me but if it takes me a week, so be it.

Flooding between the twin communities we live next to has covered an island, several corn fields and may have gone over the road today. We're up hill from the location but haven't escaped the moisture. A pond has developed between our home and the neighbors to the south and the corn field to the north trapped a deer for half an hour before it broke through the muck and retreated back toward the wooded rise where two companions waited.

Meanwhile, we're entertained by ducks on the "pond" that intersects our five acres. The elderly neighbor said he's never seen the "wet spot" flood for so long or cover so much area in all his 45 years here. No wonder the local weather man says April 2011 is the wettest on record.

Tomorrow we drive to Lansing for another dermatology appointment and a little shopping - and a reminder of how people crowd themselves into small patches of land amidst a landscape of neon signs, drive through menu lanes and five land roads. A supposed land of plenty with every imaginable opportunity to part yourself from your money - while people stand on street corners with signs offering to work for food.

Interesting, Varied Day Here

We've had the motor home up for sale and today we were flooded with calls about it. Had lowered the price the evening before and here we sit, a few dollars in our pockets and space in the driveway. The couple who bought it are homeless. Will live in it in a campground owned by his folks. Come winter I don't know what their plans are.

The doctor called today with my ultrasound results. Have a huge stone caught in my bile duct. Has caused inflamation of my liver and intestine. Meet with the surgeon next week unless he has an opening for a consult earlier.

We're under a tornado watch. Sirens have been going off for an hour, with hail to the north of us. The northern skies darken and the tree tops swirl. Then dead silence. Then it begins again. I'm not bothered by it much because what can I do? Crawl in a ditch? Hide in a shower? The school is supposed to be a shelter but a neighbor called and said the place is locked up solid. I figure if it's my time, so be it.

I do get a bit spooked when darkness falls. But, again, nothing we can do but wait it out.

I see Donald Trump's not happy about Charles Krauthammer comparing Trump to Al Sharpton. What's the problem? Their both showmen. Ones' just richer than the other. And both have silly hair.

Take care everyone. Treesong.

Health Update

Had blood work yesterday and ultrasound today. The technician sure has a firm hand and every time she pressed down I yelped. Doc had ordered ultrasound of gallbladder, liver, kidney, spleen in hopes of getting "an overall picture." I sure hope something is discovered because I feel like I'm bruised.

We planted 24 blue spruce yesterday because the rain had finally quit. Driveway's a mud hole again; no point in mopping floors and we're both aching from the dampness and cold.

Have our motor home up for sale. Several lookers and calls but no greenbacks have come our way yet. We were high bidder in an online repo auction and came home with 26 4x8 sheets of T-1-11 primed siding. There were six extra sheets in the two bundles so that's even more of a savings!

I should know by Wednesday what my ultrasound results are. In the meantime, I'm eating and drinking lots of apple juice. The pain has lessened but the bloating remains. Also discovered what gall stones look like but either there are more in me or something else is going on.

Oh well, one day at a time.

Have a nice weekend everyone and thanks for your suggestions and concern. Treesong

Life Ain't Peachy Right Now

I am one of millions of uninsured people in the U.S. and now find myself in need of gallbladder surgery.

It's been a rough week of being sick, no energy, not being able to eat anything other than herbal tea and trying to find a doctor who will then enlist a surgeon and put me on the operating table.

As my stools are now white, my skin developing a pale yellow color and my strength ebbing I may just arrive at ER and start screaming.

My diagnosis is actually based on a visit with a clinic PA who felt my abdomen, listened to bowel sounds, took my vitals and my medical history. "I'm 99.9% confident you need your gall bladder removed. However, we need blood work and an ultra sound to confirm this," he said.

I agreed and said, "Then let's get started."

"Well, I'll have to find you a doctor in the hospital willing to take your case and hook you up with another person who will help you figure out how to pay for this," he said.

That was this morning.

Meanwhile, the swelling continues, I'm weaker and the pain has lessened. No wonder! I don't have any nourishment in me!

Tomorrow I call the clinic to see where "we're at."

It's not a matter of not being able to pay for it. It's the fact that the monthly payments probably don't satisfy the hospital, etc. I understand that. I really do. So, I'll deteriorate a bit more until my liver and pancreas are affected.

Remodeling Lessons

After owning/remodeling eight homes, there are lessons I should have learned by now. My excuse is, hope springs eternal and I have a short memory!

A couple weeks ago we bought five more windows, the largest being 5' wide by 4' high. It took us two days to install and now we actually sit at our kitchen table and enjoy the view! That's progress - which also brings adjustments!

My visions of herb filled pots sitting on the windowsill hasn't materialized and Kitty Kitty protects the area as though she had kittens stashed nearby. Of the few objects I have on the windowsill, at least one is knocked over every morning.

We ran out of steam before finishing the interior wall but our dinner guests yesterday didn't mind and neither does Kitty Kitty.

As the photos show, the old small window gave little light, was in the wrong location thanks to our earlier remodeling, and blocked our view of the yard.

The lesson revisited from this experience is: every remodeling project reveals new challenges or requirements. Now we need either an awning, a roof over the deck or room darkening blinds. Temps broke a 71 year record here yesterday and were it not for the wind, we would have been cooked!

Oh well, we're still making progress!

The View From Here

At times I'm so disgusted with waste, ignorance, neglect and apathy that I want to scream from the mountain tops: "Wake Up! Wake Up! Look around you; inside you; beside you! Question. Contemplate. Dare to explore. For your sake; for every one's sake. Wake Up."

As if knocked over by a whisper, I'm reminded the majority of our world is led by the same action. Only the words are different.

Charlatans with quick solutions designed to coddle a captive audience and maintain the status quo provide all manner of options to attain their example of "the good life."

In reality their philosophy perpetuates waste, fraud, duplicity, poverty, ignorance and the wealth of a few at the expense of many.

The status quo's example is easily followed due to its prominence in every aspect of our lives. Access to its promises appears easily duplicated and its constant infusion of pseudo variety and options holds our attention.

Multi-media displays, flashy pronouncements and conspicuous consumption capture an audience dependent on increasing doses of the same.

Meanwhile, alternative lifestyles are demonized by the majority. Weirdo, survivalist, terrorist, outcast, reject, loner and other descriptions serve to repel inquiring minds while insuring the mainstream survival.

Those who've woke up enough to realize their lives are empty, their aspirations futile and their lives aren't truly their own, risk everything by changing. Therein lies the greatest threat.

Dare to abstain and you're denigrated, ignored, abandoned, excluded, ostracized.

Rejection from your peers is painful but so is ignoring your awakened conscience.

Personally, I think the status quo is so well ingrained in most of the world that there's little point in actively fighting it.

The better path is to step off the treadmill, create your own life - which you are wholly capable of - and influence people by your example.

On the rare occasion someone asks "how" or "why" of our lifestyle and principles, I provide simple, clear responses. Provide too many details and their eyes eventually glaze over. A calm, contented countenance eventually gets noticed. Those who've grown weary of incessant noise, distraction and racing on a treadmill to oblivion will find their way to your door.

When someone "gets it" my hope in humanity is rekindled.

Along this same vein, here are a few ways we "live" a rich, rewarding life.

1. Give of your time, talent and resources. It does come back to you.

2. Lead by example.

3. Accept others where they are instead of overtly trying to change or convert them.

4. Buying something new is seldom the solution to anything.

5. An abundance of most things complicates life.

6. Reuse, recycle and re-purpose your resources.

7. Learn new skills.

8. Vary routines and you'll discover what you've been missing.

9. Laugh and love every day.

10. Smile at strangers and enemies. All of you will be changed by this.

My tip for the day is...

Wash your hair in diluted baking soda. It's effective, allergy free and inexpensive.

Art Exhibit

Thought some of you would enjoy viewing some of the art work created in our art group.









The first two photos are a recent mini scrap quilt I did for my youngest granddaughter and the last oil painting I did in the late 90's.

I See It All Around Me

People struggling to hang on to a long dead American Dream; to an image they believe is safe and secure; and to adults shuffling bills in order to maintain an appearance of normalcy.

People ignore the obvious by burying their fears in alcohol, drugs, petty theft, domestic violence, chronic pain, depression and other forms of self abuse.

Their expectations - honed by years of consumptive conditioning - are far removed from the reality they continue to resist.

And corporate America is only too happy to oblige. The "deals" keep coming; the advertisements continue to entice and ignorant people believe they "need" frivolous imported junk as opposed to the basics: (real) food; (adequate) shelter; responsible, frugal use of utilities; dependable transportation - not motorized, multitasking wonder machines that cost a year's wage or more and are obsolete by the next model year.

If people can't cope with what's happening now, the future is indeed bleak.

Iced In & Doing Something With Nothing

Ice storm hit here overnight.
One inch or more over everything.

Ventured outside between power outages to check things. Large tree down on road south of us but someone had cleared part of it away. Lots of broken branches in the yard and our vehicles are impenetrable. The previous day I had shoveled openings in the muddy ruts so the water would flow downhill. That did the trick but two hours later - as we're waiting for things to dry a bit - the sleet and freezing rain began.

Heard from a friend about a electrical line that came down within four feet of her car as she was scraping ice. This was followed by a fireball and a nearby tree crashing to the ground between their home and her husband's vehicle. Neighbors called 911 reporting that they heard sounds like a cannon being shot.

Meanwhile, we've lazed around today. Took a nap, read a book, made a pineapple upside down cake and washed a quilt - how hung across an eight foot rod in our heated back shed.

I've been asked to speak to a home schooling co-op group in late April about recycling, cost saving strategies and my experiences in the early days of homeschooling 32 years ago. Ought to be interesting as these folks can't fathom being investigated by Social Services or threatened with loss of a job because I home schooled.

My art program that many thought would never among to anything is sailing along to the point where we're no longer accepting any more mural locations for this year and about to outgrow our meeting space at the library. The plan is to do murals on location whenever possible and otherwise meet in various parks, weather permitting.

And, of course, at a community meeting last night, before the ice storm, I was introduced as the newcomer who's "made an impact" on the community while having no building, no money, no bank account and no board of directors.

When asked how I managed to do that, I said: "By not letting anything hold me back."

New Wheels

We've had a good week and welcomed warmer weather by walking around our yard picking up sticks and giving Lady a little exercise.

Finally unloaded the last of Sweetie's stuff from the back of his truck today!!! Yesterday he removed the truck topper and tried to scrape the driveway muck. It's in better shape by the garage but a total loss near the road. Thankfully, we have parking space to the south of the driveway entrance. However, this means using the front entrance which has four steps up to the deck. A makeshift ramp on one side gave me and Lady easier access.

An email to local friends gained me a FREE nearly new Nova walker with four wheels, a seat, basket, brakes and a great paint job. At tomorrow's art class, while others make collages and paint, I'll jazz up my walker.

Once we got it home, I realized how much I've been sitting in order to avoid falling. Though I have another ancient walker, it was a two wheel model with no other features. I was always letting to of it to carry something and often the inevitable happened: down I went with broken stuff and/or fluid on the floor.

The MS flare ups have increased while my energy level has decreased. And, as much as I've resisted using a walker it's been a blessing to have SAFE mobility.

That's all for now folks.

Treesong

Progress On the Art Front

Wednesday we had a brainstorming session for the art group. Great group of dedicated people and fantastic moderator. By end of the thee hour session we had a new name, mission statement and agreement to meet 24 hours later to assign tasks and questions raised the previous day.

Today, at Drop In For Art, our free art class held at the library, three of our members were present so we discussed more ideas.

We've decided to remain non-hierarchical, have no officers or recorded minutes and not organize as a business or non-profit.

Our mission is to bring art to the people to enhance our communities. The five of us have gelled to the point where we open our emails to discover we've all had the same thoughts within a few seconds.

We're going to construct a series of community murals and already have our first location. A call for donations of acrylic exterior paints has gone out. We'll provide the 4x8 foot primed plywood surface and invite community members to help paint the mural. This method has the advantage of making the murals transportable and sitting one on saw horses makes them easy for all ages and abilities to paint on them. One perosn has volunteered his garage wall as mural material.

Two small festivals are held here each year and we're going to be a part of them too.

I've also been invited to attend a joint community meeting aimed at fostering community pride, business and recreational space for the communities.

Seems a few people have decided art may be an idea worth trying.

Two people have decided quiet publicly that my ideas are crazy. They've removed flyers, told people not to listen to the "nutty artist" and made a few crank phone calls. So be it.

I think there's been enough positive response, especially from the children, that their objections will be drowned out.

Preserving Our Sanity

Have you ever noticed how easily we're led off track; wound up by other people's actions or become involved when you should run in the opposite direction?

We've had our share of turds hitting the fan the last couple weeks: the roof and two new windows are leaking; the stove door fell off; the land contract holder didn't pay the insurance; the garage door hit me in the shoulder; crank calls at 3 a.m. and I slipped down three steps.

Things got worse when the "people problems" began. Sweetie's son made his usual choices and complains about the results. The library board had four openings and a small town mudslinging campaign added the spouses of two former board members and a child molester to the board. That ought to make for local fireworks! A neighbor drove home intoxicated and took out one tree and our mailbox. We fixed the box and last night he spun donuts, lost control and came to a stop in our lilac bush.

I should have realized some people never learn much while others, like us, have short memories. By yesterday we were so exhausted we slept most to the day, ate little and refused to answer the phone.

After showering at 6 p.m. and sat in our chairs staring into space. When the cat jumped on my lap I snapped to attention and called my father. He sounded great; said he had no need for a home health aide and insisted he's seldom left alone where he lives. Okay, I thought. No point in arguing. Just say goodbye and keep my peace.

Less than two hours later the phone rang. My sister-in-law said, "He's up to his old tricks again."

Now he's worried about managing his meds; claimed the house will be cold and said he is alone most of the time. This version is closer to the truth.

My sister-in-law said she'd stop by every other day to check his meds and arrange for a visiting aide. Before he could respond she said, "It's not too late for you to go to assisted living." (where he had previously applied until my ex changed the plans).

My father laughed uncontrollably; said she and I worry needlessly about him, and get others upset when there's "nothing to worry about."

The kicker was: "This has been fun watching you two go crazy! Gotchya!"

She hung up and I don't blame her.

Yes, he needed medical attention. Yes, we're concerned for his well being. But game playing and hurting people intentionally because he thinks it's funny is unacceptable. Once again, we'll forgive his bad behavior, but be on guard against future assaults on our peace and self worth.

Tonight he's home at my daughter's boyfriend's, snug in his bed, I assume. I don't even have the energy to be pissed, which is just as well. In a day or so I'll send him a card and that' that.

Meanwhile, every appliance we have can quit; more windows can leak and it can rain for 40 days and nights. None of it matters because we're of one mind, heart and soul and thankful to occupy our little corner of the world.

Sleep well people. You may very well need your energy!

Even The Troops Are Waking Up

I Was Not Informed

My sister-in-law, who is not supposed to associate with me, called our home today to tell us my father has been hospitalized with the flu and pneumonia.

She only knew because her husband emailed her - after being incognito for five weeks.

I called Dad at the hospital and talked to him awhile, then called the nurse's station and asked to have my name and phone number added to "the list" of family members to be notified of any changes in his condition, etc.

Two sisters, my three children and two teenage granddaughters are on "my list."

The first words out of Dad's lips when I called where: "I wondered if you would ever call me."

Frankly, certain people's well being is not threatened at this time because I'm 10-1/2 hours south of them. But, a day of reckoning will arrive and I pity their hind ends then.

BTW, he laid in bed for three days, coughing, refusing to eat or drink and none of them did a thing. It was an elderly neighbor friend who stopped by to play cribbage who brought him into ER.

Bastards.

FYI

Thanks to those of you who've commented on my efforts to bring the arts to our twin communities here in Lower Michigan.

To those of you who've asked: I have not taken up the church on their offer of space because the church actually meets in their annex for three services on Sunday, two church groups occupy it another two days and then all funerals, luncheons and some weddings are held there as well.

The actual sanctuary was built in the mid 1800's and has no plumbling.

I hesitate to plan activities at the annex and then have to cancel due to unforeseen events such as funerals. In the past two weeks there have been three in the annex followed by luncheons.


On March 9th we're holding a brainstorming session at the library and this week more flyers/posters will be distributed. I've asked the newspaper to do a story on our efforts so we'll see what develops.

Thanks, Treesong

A People Who Lack Vision...

are certain to wallow in self pity, depression, hopelessness and inertia.

Our twin communities here are a great example. When the Chrysler plant closed in the mid 70's the towns began to die. The high school shuttered its doors and was eventually demolished. The kids were bused to a arger town and subjected to slurs, judgments and being lost in a crowd. To this day they're often referred to as River Rats. It's a crying shame and it shows everywhere.

There are few people with vision or hope and enough domestic violence, alcoholism, drugs and robbery to cover every block in each village.

Thankfully, there are people who yearn for change and hope - though not necessarily Obama. There is talent here and dreams and, of course, critics.

I love the critics because they give me an opportunity to influence people.

For example, while posting a notice at the local restaurant about "Drop In For Art" (meets every Saturday at the library) an old timer said, "Why bother with art when the people need jobs?"

Of course he was mumbling under his breath the way most people with little vision and less courage do. Being me, I took his remark as an opportunity to introduce myself.

"Hello, I overheard your comment about art and wondered if you'd care to tell the kids at the library what you think. How about stopping by Saturday?"

He flustered, got a little antsy and turned a little red. "Well, what's putting scraps of garbage together going to teach them?"

"Not to throw out the useable with the rancid."

"Rancid" was a bit above his grasp of the English language so his buddy interpreted: "Rancid is the smelly, rotten stuff."

Then the critic says: "Well one or two paintings or pictures on a wall is enough. What's the point of the rest of it?"

I cut to the chase: "Broadly speaking, art is all around us, all the time. It's not limited to paintings or photographs. Art played a role in the car you drive, the style of house you live in, the clothes you wear, the furniture and and appliances you have." He chuckled a bit and I kept talking. "Art determined the choice of wall covering and booths and dinnerware right here in front of you. In fact, art played a role in why you choose to eat here and not next door." At this last remark four heads around the tabled nodded in agreement.

Mr. Critic considered for a moment and said, "Well..."

"Well," I said, "consider what I've said the next time you choose one color, style, model or material over another. And please, please, stop by the library where the next generation is making those same choices now - choices that may very well affect the kind of person they become."

I stood up, extended my hand and said, "Have a nice day."

Tomorrow I'm returning to that restaurant and ask the owner to display the kids' artwork and for permission to put a collection jar at the register.

Double Attendance

I'm exhausted. I'm excited. I'm encouraged. I'm thankful.

We had twice the attendance today at Drop In For Art at the library. An extra table had been set up so all the donated supplied that I brought today were placed there. Donations are going well but I have lots of duplicates and find I need some specifics. So I've put out a call for certain items.

The kids are asking for specific classes so I told them to go home and ask their friends and family to donate them. Next week I'll distribute more flyers and ask a few business owners to help me out for the sake of local kids.

Meanwhile three people have offered to teach an adult art class: dream catchers, silk scarf painting and wire wrapped jewelry.

Things are looking well but I know that within a month or less we'll need more space. Maybe someone will be inspired to provide a larger space. Miracles do happen.

Meanwhile, I'm going to curl up on the sofa and relax. Have a great weekend everyone.

We Had a Blast!

Three children and four adults met at the library Saturday to create collages from recyclables.

We ran out of time. We had way more donations than we needed. We had a blast talking and laughing and creating and inspiring.

And, we decided to continue this adventure. Actually, they decided. I was already determined to.

For the next five Saturdays we'll meet from noon to 3 p.m. (instead of 1 hour) at the library for "Drop In For Art." Still working with donated materials, we'll focus on the following themes: Crowns/Hats/Halos, Bag or Box It, Embellish It, Paper Mache and Anything Goes. I'll have an example at each class for inspiration but after that the sky's the limit.

An email is circulating now asking for more donations - including asking people to NOT donate to Goodwill but save it for a yard sale this summer to raise money for the group.

Sweetie says he'll clear a spot in the pole barn to accept donations. Our library has a huge green space where we can hold the sale and they'll publicize the yard sale and art classes too.

March 9th we have a 3-hour brain storming session at the library moderated by a friend who is CEO of a local non-profit.

Onward and upward. Thanks everyone for being such great listeners.