SIDEBAR #55 - Travis Alexander forum

[Bernina]

Cleaning.........grrrr.....so I'm going to take a break!
My oil leak is NOT fixed on my truck. It goes back to the shop this week. I got back from Phoenix and noticed the front of the engine was pretty slick with oil, this morning pulled the dipstick out, cleaned it off, re-dipped, and there was absolutely no oil on it. Never heard my tappets clanking on the ride back, had my window open, the engine never over heated, pressure didn't drop....why the engine didn't seize, I just don't know?

Left here Friday at around 10:00am, could smell Phoenix when I got to Black Canyon City, usually it would hit me at New River, guess the wind was blowing North. Marc's place was home base for the weekend....and, damn, he can COOK!
He had "custody" of the "kids" for the weekend, Osa and Bullet (the pups from his previous marriage), I'd go nuts without critters and they took to me from the moment I got there. They got to go everywhere with us except a gig early Saturday morning. :shame:
Had mid day and evening thunder and dust storms, the dreaded "Haboobs"<-----seriously, it's just Arizona storms, why it has to have a name is beyond me.
Saturday morning, Marc had the sound gig in Sun City, that's about all I knew, unload the equipment, run the amps, speakers, equalizers, and hook up the mics, sound board, etc., etc, for a band, and throw some music on while they took their breaks. So, I'm officially a "Roadie"...for the 2nd time in my life, lol! We got there at 5:00 am and there was purple and white balloons, everyone was wearing purple t-shirts, young, old, what I assumed were runners and walkers, and then the big reveal:

Sun City West's 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Marc's been doing the sound for these walks for years (his mom had Alzheimer's) and I didn't have a clue. And he KNEW exactly what I needed with my dad having dementia: confront it and deal with it. It was really good for me, talking to people, listening to their journeys, very healing.
It's cool having someone who actually LISTENS to what you say, and was raised in the same community with pretty much the same values. Marc had no problem letting me pull my weight and it made me feel like a human being, an equal.
There was an older gentleman who spoke on stage, he's in the middle of his Alz journey, and he thanked me afterwards for being part of the morning's events. He said he hoped the memory of this event, and my long red hair stayed with him as long as possible, he got a kick out of my hustling around the stage like a red tornado. He was a really neat person, looked like Santa Claus.

The band was GOOD. Their music and vocals were tight, and they surprised the heck out of me when they played Prince's "Kiss", and I'm looking around watching these white boys tear it up, wondering where Prince and Sheila E were, lol! Awesome rendition of "My Girl", and a repertoire from soups to nuts, all genres.
No bike riding, wet streets and crazy drivers. Cooked, BBQ'd, played with his pups, reminisced, jumped in the pool, and watched the first 2 Star Wars movies, and boxing (I have missed watching boxing and didn't realize it)...........and he got me a cell phone!!!!!! Insane, a cell phone?!?!?! Yep, he took me practically kicking and screaming into the Verizon store, because, he wants to know I'm safe going back and forth to Phoenix......now how cool is that?

I'm still trying to figure the phone out, but I'll get it wired!

I really wanted to go down again this coming weekend, Marc has one gig with his band, another for the Alzheimer's Walk in Athem, and then 2 others for 2 other bands, but a half tank of gas is a half tank of gas and Kissy is about ready to pop. It was an excellent break from just the stress of getting the last of Don's stuff off the property, and an opportunity to smile and laugh so much my checks still hurt.

No expectations, taking it one day at a time, and just being happy. I can live with that. There's probably a lot more in store for me as this adventure unfolds and I'm ready to embrace it, good or bad.:happydance:

 

[Susza]

Oh Bernina, this are so great news - whoo, sounds wonderful. I'd love to offer you a full tank of gas or two. How could I manage this?
Keep on enjoying!

 

[zoey]

Burning you sound happy!!!!!&#55357;&#56836; which is great--we all need to locate happy!!! I'm so over black clouds with moods!! Seeking the negatives and ignore possibly finding positive things. Congratulations!!!

 

[Niner]

everyone!
Just got back from taking the Huz down for his bone marrow extraction! Day started at 7am and got home at 3pm... long day! Whew!
The Huz was in good spirits, and seems to be getting around by himself pretty good! On the way back, since he hadn't eaten all day - he wanted to stop at Taco Tree, and "see" if his taste buds were back - he couldn't really tell from the hospital food he's been eating!

1958 - Tears on My Pillow - Little Anthony & The Imperials

Yep! Got that one on my CD!

Yes, I worry about Niner, too. Hard to believe she's always so cheerful with all the BS and hardships she's dealing with!

Niner, you said before that you smoke, but what exactly are you smoking? haha!

Yes! I'm a flower child from the 60s!

Now you know why I'm cheerful with all this BS I'm dealing with... I DO have a prescription for it! I TRY not to let this get to me, ya know, take it as it comes, and HOPE for the best! I definitely HATE to worry - and - I believe that's why my thyroid is acting up again!

Wondering what mischief our Bernina is up to these days.

Either she's

or on the streets of Phoenix

LOL!

I read some of the part called The Flight

https://balzekasmuseum.org/displaced...flight#fleeing

Mostly looked at the pics and this pic struck me as very poignant. These people are leaving their homes, friends, and family with nothing but the clothes
on their back. It makes me ashamed for all the things I have (and sometimes want more of ). These people (and your parents) were very brave.

and just about it - what were you doing when you were 24, as my mother was!!??!! Yikes! Quite a different world they lived then!

and

!!

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So..I applied for food stamps "online" something my Docs have always told me I'm approved for......yeah, right, a whole $20 a month.

Well, don't feel bad - we only get $16 a month....

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Remember when all TV went off for the night? They also showed wanted posters. One was for a man nicknamed Chrome Dome because he was bald, and they played America the Beautiful and showed the flag.

I do!

Thinking of my dear mother on this day, which would have been her 95th birthday. 10-19-20. I can only hope she and my dad are together eternally

Good thoughts for you today! My mom just turned 95 too!

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Thyroid issues are NOTHING too mess around with. I had mine radiated out when I was in my early 30's and been on Synthroid every since. I get my T3-T4 levels checked every 6 months and my meds are adjusted accordingly. Please have yours check, NINER...it can cause a whole load of medical problems!!

Yes - WELCOME BACK!
Glad to had a nice trip!!
Thyroid - as soon as I saw this part of your post - I called and made an appointment with my doctor to have it checked out! :tyou: for the reminder!

Nice looking couple! :rose: to them for LONG and healthy life together!!

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Playgrounds For Seniors Improve Fitness, Reduce Isolation

"No more sitting around in the park feeding the squirrels. Playgrounds designed for seniors have caught on in Asia and Europe and are beginning to make their way across the Big Pond. The parks include low-impact exercise equipment such as elliptical machines, static bikes and body flexors and are intended to help promote balance and flexibility.

Oh I like this idea!! I'm going to send this into the City Council and see if they can't make one of our parks like that!

And THANKS! for all the links!!

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No expectations, taking it one day at a time, and just being happy. I can live with that. There's probably a lot more in store for me as this adventure unfolds and I'm ready to embrace it, good or bad. :happydance:

Glad you had a great time!! YES - Just be Happy!

That's my motto!

Okay - Think I will try and post this - of course I have ALL this on my notepad, so won't lose it! Off to read my :read:

See you all later! :seeya:

And a picture to share!

 

[GigiG]

A very sad and unfortunate story- but there are lessons to be learned, IMO:


The Lonely Death of George Bell

"Each year around 50,000 people die in New York, some alone and
unseen. Yet death even in such forlorn form can cause a surprising
amount of activity. Sometimes, along the way, a life’s secrets are revealed....

In discovering a death, you find a life story and perhaps meaning. Could anything in the map of George Bell’s existence have explained his lonely end? Possibly not. But it was true that George Bell died carrying some secrets. Secrets about how he lived and secrets about who mattered most to him. Those secrets would bring sorrow. At the same time, they would deliver rewards. Death does that. It closes doors but also opens them..."

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/n...york-city.html?_r=0&ncid=newsltushpmg00000003

RIP George Bell :candle: I will remember you.

Death plucks my ears and says, "Live - I am coming."
~Virgil

Another interesting article which I thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately, this was the last of my "free" articles for the month (happens every month). Love NY Times, but hate that paywall! Normally, I try to find actual newspapers that someone has left around the office or put in the recycling rack.

But, this was well worth it; a very good read. Thank you!

 

[GigiG]

Anyone ever eat spagetti squash? (my mother raved about it, but it didn't look appetizing to me when I was younger). I found this recipe and would like to try it:

Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese (but just what is "ghee"??? I don't want to look it up, just in case it's disgusting- :floorlaugh: I'll just omit that and use what instead???

Anyone know?):

http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Spaghetti-Squash-Mac-Cheese-32094860

Spaghetti squash is actually quite wonderful. I've been looking into new recipes for it, too. (Haven't tried either one of these yet, though):

http://healthyrecipesblogs.com/2014/02/26/spaghetti-squash-casserole/

http://www.completelydelicious.com/2015/02/twice-baked-spaghetti-squash-cheese.html

 

[Bernina]

Another interesting article which I thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately, this was the last of my "free" articles for the month (happens every month). Love NY Times, but hate that paywall! Normally, I try to find actual newspapers that someone has left around the office or put in the recycling rack.

But, this was well worth it; a very good read. Thank you!

I use 2 different email addys for the NYTs so I can stretch the "freebies", lol!
I did read that article, it was sad..........no one should die alone, but it happens all the time.

 

[ILikeToBendPages]

Bernina, you remind me of the days when I left my first marriage at the age of 45 with $50 to my name. Determined and in need of saving my sanity, it was better than staying and making myself sick. Little by little, I had plans, determination, and my dog and, ate a lot of bagels and bananas, .... we did it! I may never be rich nor have many luxuries, but what I have is worth more than the losses. I sure hope you can do as well. If there is something I can do to help or encourage you, don't hesitate to let me/us know.

Pages, what a tale of mishaps you shared. I am glad all has worked out for you. Do you know what caused the waterbed fire.... electrical?

CoffeeJ, hooray for you. The painfulness aside, what a beautiful bride. Glad you were able to be there for the wedding and now are home and can rest.

Susza, beautiful floors!

Daisymae, precious memories to you. Thinking of you with special thoughts today.

Yes, it was started when the old fashion waterbed heater turned on and a spark set the bed ruffle on fire. I made the bed ruffle and curtains to match and if you watched All in the Family towards the end when Michael and Gloria lived next door, they had the same comforter and sheet that I did. I guess the prop person shopped at Sears.

Every year before a fishing trip there would be bets made on what would/could happen. The decade of death was sad but funny. It started on dh thirtieth birthday, and every year for ten years someone/thing died. All of the family was happy when it was over. The horrible year of 2005 was the hardest and worst of them all. Something every month happened. Strokes, heart attacks deaths, and more. I wouldn't wish that on anybody.

 

[daisymae]

WOW Bernina ... your life has turned around completely in a week!! Don't jump too fast and enjoy every minute. :loveyou:

 

[ILikeToBendPages]

1969 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: I Can't Get Next to You by The Temptations.


[video=youtu;Be4x2xdZ6fo]http://youtu.be/Be4x2xdZ6fo[/video]

 

[GigiG]

I use 2 different email addys for the NYTs so I can stretch the "freebies", lol!
I did read that article, it was sad..........no one should die alone, but it happens all the time.

BBM

Not responding to your comment per se, but it did move me to want to express some personal thoughts on the subject:

Even though it seems sad, I can kind of understand choosing to do it that way. I mean, unlike Mr. Bell, my remains would be found soon enough, and my heirs would be notified in a timely manner. I feel good about that. But as to the actual "dying" part, I can sort of relate. I think I'd rather be alone. After all, that's the way I came into this world.

Speaking as an introvert, if you value your privacy, the last thing you'd want would be to be surrounded by people, no matter how dear. For me, I think it would be tremendously stressful. I think I'd be worried about them -- how they're doing, can they handle it, will it traumatize them, emotionally disable them -- that I'd lose sight of the spiritual journey that awaits me. I think my attitude would be that for once in my life, I'm going to be selfish. Again, that's just where my mind goes. And yes, I totally admit that I'm weird.

Sometimes people die suddenly. I think that must be such a blessing. But as it pertains to those who linger with debilitating illnesses, I can't fathom having all sorts of people around when I feel like crap, especially if I knew the end was near. Heck, I can't even deal with it now (as a pretty healthy person), when I have something as relatively minor as the flu.

Even if it was with my dying breath, I think I'd tell almost all of them to please go away and leave me alone. But perhaps best of all, I think all my friends and family would understand.

 

[ILikeToBendPages]

1961 - The Beatles join Gerry and the Pacemakers for a show in Liverpool, where both bands are from.




[video=youtu;08083BNaYcA]http://youtu.be/08083BNaYcA?list=RDT1hTqRJ6v3M[/video]

 

[ILikeToBendPages]

YesorNo, another good site is Hyper History and they go back to the big bang (which I think really did happen. God spoke and the heaven were created,). They also go into cosmology and astronomy.

[video=youtu;DD1ih3Q9otE]http://youtu.be/DD1ih3Q9otE[/video]

 

[ILikeToBendPages]

Not a chart topper, just music for a monday night.



[video=youtu;HB6l4i-zA_Q]http://youtu.be/HB6l4i-zA_Q[/video]

 

[ILikeToBendPages]

Oscar Pistorius has been released to house arrest. :gaah:

 

[GigiG]

A very sad and unfortunate story- but there are lessons to be learned, IMO:


The Lonely Death of George Bell

"Each year around 50,000 people die in New York, some alone and
unseen. Yet death even in such forlorn form can cause a surprising
amount of activity. Sometimes, along the way, a life’s secrets are revealed....

In discovering a death, you find a life story and perhaps meaning. Could anything in the map of George Bell’s existence have explained his lonely end? Possibly not. But it was true that George Bell died carrying some secrets. Secrets about how he lived and secrets about who mattered most to him. Those secrets would bring sorrow. At the same time, they would deliver rewards. Death does that. It closes doors but also opens them..."

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/18/n...york-city.html?_r=0&ncid=newsltushpmg00000003

RIP George Bell :candle: I will remember you.

Death plucks my ears and says, "Live - I am coming."
~Virgil

If you read this story and it moved you, please check out the comments section:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/19/n...article-on-the-death-of-george-bell.html?_r=0

 

[ILikeToBendPages]

http://youtu.be/4Ga9Bs4fzSY?list=PLMATWUx3t7L8p5y0zDb5KAE99DPajd4Yn

 

[Spellbound]

Some of us live closer to Crazy Town than we might like!

Then yesterday, in Detroit (not sure how far that is from Spellbound) a pastor fatally shot a man in the church. The pastor was alleged to have been having an affair with the victim's wife. And fathering her child.

http://www.freep.com/story/news/loc...ly-man-killed-pastor-s-unbelievable/74208220/

SBM
I am about 45 minutes from that one, GigiG. But I am within 20 miles or less of three unsolved cases that have been active in WS, one is old (missing/deceased child, Neveah Buchanan), two are still current (two young ladies murdered, one in Ypsilanti area, one in Monroe County (Julia Niswender, Chelsea Bruck). I spend most of my time at Julia's thread these days.


Niner and Bernina, I so enjoyed your long posts tonight!

 

[coffeejunkie]

Oh Bernina, this are so great news - whoo, sounds wonderful. I'd love to offer you a full tank of gas or two. How could I manage this?
Keep on enjoying!

I would also donate some gas $$ Maybe PayPal? Gas gift cards?

 

[Bernina]

BBM

Not responding to your comment per se, but it did move me to want to express some personal thoughts on the subject:

Even though it seems sad, I can kind of understand choosing to do it that way. I mean, unlike Mr. Bell, my remains would be found soon enough, and my heirs would be notified in a timely manner. I feel good about that. But as to the actual "dying" part, I can sort of relate. I think I'd rather be alone. After all, that's the way I came into this world.

Speaking as an introvert, if you value your privacy, the last thing you'd want would be to be surrounded by people, no matter how dear. For me, I think it would be tremendously stressful. I think I'd be worried about them -- how they're doing, can they handle it, will it traumatize them, emotionally disable them -- that I'd lose sight of the spiritual journey that awaits me. I think my attitude would be that for once in my life, I'm going to be selfish. Again, that's just where my mind goes. And yes, I totally admit that I'm weird.

Sometimes people die suddenly. I think that must be such a blessing. But as it pertains to those who linger with debilitating illnesses, I can't fathom having all sorts of people around when I feel like crap, especially if I knew the end was near. Heck, I can't even deal with it now (as a pretty healthy person), when I have something as relatively minor as the flu.

Even if it was with my dying breath, I think I'd tell almost all of them to please go away and leave me alone. But perhaps best of all, I think all my friends and family would understand.

*blah, forgot to take my meds when I went to bed, and got up at 2:00, urgh*

I'd like to die in my sleep or just keel over. If I felt the need to have someone around, it would be my little brother, otherwise if it was debilitating, hook me up to a morphine drip and let 'er rip.
Knowing that someone would care enough to hang around, if that's what I wanted, would be great but you never know what life has planned for me or anyone else for that matter. I haven't had anyone actually "be there" when I've been really sick or busted up, and felt I'm supposed to suck it up and just deal with it. I haven't had much happen like that in the last 11 years, but the ex couldn't handle whatever did happen. If it wasn't about him, he'd make it about him. My busted foot was a problem for him and after the first 10 days, he threw a fit and said he was tired of feeding the critters............so I got out there and did it like usual. Haven't had many people around me who actually had much empathy or genuine concern so I've just gotten accustom to it. Kind of sucks.