Today is our 37th wedding anniversary, and tomorrow we fly to Hawaii for a week. What a treat! Even though it seems to take great effort to get everything arranged, and I'm tired from packing, doing errands and running around, it will be worth it when I'm on the plane. Ironically, it's absolutely beautiful here, no-jacket weather. So I'm leaving paradise for paradise. Oh, well. There I won't be haunted by a to-do list and dust balls and ungroomed dogs. I won't worry about the laundry or groceries or what to wear. I'll wear the few things I brought, and the heck with it.
My foster granddaughter and I watched Pete's Dragon today, and I hadn't seen it since my kids were small. It seemed terrible. I must have been awfully desperate to have a distraction as a mom back then. I like Helen Reddy, but everyone else is overacting and embarassing themselves. It seems to drag on and on. We fast forwarded to the end, we were so bored. At five, my granddaughter is a movie critic, just like me.
I'll need to read my book to wipe out the silly film from my brain. By tomorrow, I'll be singing Iz's songs and Elvis' Blue Hawaii, and embracing a new form of bad lyrics. Island magic, here I come.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Old Age Day by Day March 30, 2011
My husband and I watched an old movie - Lake Placid - about a crocodile in a lake in Maine. A 30 foot croc. It's incredibly silly, with Oliver Platt, Bridget Fonda, Bill Pullman, Brendan Gleeson and Betty White. There is a cow hanging from a helicopter and a great surprise attack and heads being bitten off. We had just seen 5 pretty big crocs at the zoo, and their jaws are a whole lot scarier than a sharks'. The plot was just remotely plausible. I'm not sure what appeals to me about the film, but the lake is well captured, so much so that I can smell it's fishiness when I watch.
I guess I think such films help process much scarier real life threats, or at least let the mind tiptoe up to earthquake or fire or a mountain lion in the back yard. The major characters in this film escape death, but you know that wouldn't happen. The first time I saw Deep Blue Sea and the shark grabbed Samuel L. Jackson I screamed. Major stars aren't supposed to get eaten. They tricked us. In that film the good guys don't get saved, except for two. Would I have the brains to go under water and hide? Nope. I'd be eaten as a snack right away, while I was panicing and flailling around. Know thy own cowardice.
But the truth is worse. People are lost or saved mostly randomly. Out of luck or the luck is with you. Good guys get taken, the bad survive. There is no justice. Life lets you dog paddle, then pulls you in eventually - or sooner.
I guess I think such films help process much scarier real life threats, or at least let the mind tiptoe up to earthquake or fire or a mountain lion in the back yard. The major characters in this film escape death, but you know that wouldn't happen. The first time I saw Deep Blue Sea and the shark grabbed Samuel L. Jackson I screamed. Major stars aren't supposed to get eaten. They tricked us. In that film the good guys don't get saved, except for two. Would I have the brains to go under water and hide? Nope. I'd be eaten as a snack right away, while I was panicing and flailling around. Know thy own cowardice.
But the truth is worse. People are lost or saved mostly randomly. Out of luck or the luck is with you. Good guys get taken, the bad survive. There is no justice. Life lets you dog paddle, then pulls you in eventually - or sooner.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Old Age Day by Day March 29, 2011
Ah, another day of sun. It feels so good. And I am basking in the memory of our granddaughter, and all the funny, adorable things she said and did. She had admired my nightgown with the flowers on it, and yesterday I found one for her, and will send it off today. My daughter said she cried for me yesterday afternoon, and that made me want to cry, too. I miss her.
How nice it would be to live down the street from her, and have easy visits. But luckily, I get more of that everyday naturalness with my foster granddaughter. A couple of weeks ago there was a talent show at her school, where she's a kindergartener, and she was doing a hula dance with a group of little girls a foot taller. She was so cute, with her hand shading her eyes looking for mommy in the audience. There was also a little girl who did the hula hoop while reciting the alphabet backwards, two magicians whose tricks were impossible to see, a girl band, an adorable girl in fluffy pink who a sang every note off key, and a drummer who had an endless set, and every time we thought he'd ended and starting clapping, he carried on. I thought the proverbial hook was going to have to be used. During the entire show, kids were talking, running around, camera flashes were going off, the microphone was acting up, and generally chaos reigned. I was exhausted afterward, but grinning ear to ear.
The world of children is delightful, and my advanced age allows me to indulge in all the sentimentality I wish. It's not the first time for me, it's the last time. And I treasure it more for that reason.
How nice it would be to live down the street from her, and have easy visits. But luckily, I get more of that everyday naturalness with my foster granddaughter. A couple of weeks ago there was a talent show at her school, where she's a kindergartener, and she was doing a hula dance with a group of little girls a foot taller. She was so cute, with her hand shading her eyes looking for mommy in the audience. There was also a little girl who did the hula hoop while reciting the alphabet backwards, two magicians whose tricks were impossible to see, a girl band, an adorable girl in fluffy pink who a sang every note off key, and a drummer who had an endless set, and every time we thought he'd ended and starting clapping, he carried on. I thought the proverbial hook was going to have to be used. During the entire show, kids were talking, running around, camera flashes were going off, the microphone was acting up, and generally chaos reigned. I was exhausted afterward, but grinning ear to ear.
The world of children is delightful, and my advanced age allows me to indulge in all the sentimentality I wish. It's not the first time for me, it's the last time. And I treasure it more for that reason.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Old Age Day by Day March 28, 2011
We waved goodbye to our granddaughter yesterday around 11 am and then packed up the toys, books, puzzles etc and washed the sheets and generally made the house back into a abode for adults after having it arranged as a preschool. It was a delightful week, and she was quite a trooper. She is infinitely entertainable, and so imaginative. She was Amelia Bedelia, and I was Mrs. Lane. She had a pet shop and we were the customers, she was on a boat (our walkway in the back yard) and we were her sailors (even the dogs). Seeing the world through her eyes is the biggest treat possible. Our dogs are despondent, without her presence.
Now I am answering email, doing laundry and preparing for a trip that is for just us old folks. My husband and I are going to Hawaii for a week, so I'm hunting up sandals and shorts and swimsuits. Of course, this week the rain has stopped. It's sunny and I wish we could have had some of this with our granddaughter, but still, Hawaii is a whole other dimension, rain or shine. It will be very relaxing, and yet, and yet, I wish we could take our granddaughter, because her delight would surpass anything we will conjure up on our own.
Now I am answering email, doing laundry and preparing for a trip that is for just us old folks. My husband and I are going to Hawaii for a week, so I'm hunting up sandals and shorts and swimsuits. Of course, this week the rain has stopped. It's sunny and I wish we could have had some of this with our granddaughter, but still, Hawaii is a whole other dimension, rain or shine. It will be very relaxing, and yet, and yet, I wish we could take our granddaughter, because her delight would surpass anything we will conjure up on our own.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Old Age Day by Day March 18, 2011
Tomorrow my granddaughter comes for a week visit while her parents take a trip. This is a big step, and we hope we entertain her and keep her happy. She's such a sunny little girl that I imagine it will all go well. I am touched that my daughter has such trust in me. I know, also, it is difficult to be away, even when you need the break. That connection is so strong, and it never is severed. I experience such delight in my granddaughter that I am feeling that the biggest treat is coming my way.
I am going to make a doll pillow this morning - after all, these things are important. I bought a new cloth doll with yarn hair and a yellow print dress. I know they aren't in fashion, but she looks like a child, not a teenager ready for sex. So much of what is in toy stores is frightening. And many dolls wet, drink, dance and do other things that remind me of old Twilight Zone episodes. Scary!
I like dolls that look like children, with childrens bodies, and wear play clothes not prom dresses. I do not like glitter, neon pink hair and plastic jewelry. My foster granddaughter has somehow been exposed to these "cool" brands and begs for them if she sees them. We had an argument yesterday over a sliver thread sweater she wanted, and then a "Moxie girl" sweatshirt. She didn't really know what a Moxie girl was but she had heard older girls talking about them. We went out of the store with drawing pads. At the next store she picked out a party dress, but at least it was a child's dress, with no hints of prepubescence or seduction. I got it for her, though it's only useful for birthday parties. At least it was made of beautiful, big red and pink flowers, and I wanted to reward her good taste. Also, it was used, so the price was right.
The culture is so much more powerful than my own taste, but as I explained to my foster granddaughter, if it's my money, it has to be something I like as well. She's five, but she heard me. She's one smart cookie.
I am going to make a doll pillow this morning - after all, these things are important. I bought a new cloth doll with yarn hair and a yellow print dress. I know they aren't in fashion, but she looks like a child, not a teenager ready for sex. So much of what is in toy stores is frightening. And many dolls wet, drink, dance and do other things that remind me of old Twilight Zone episodes. Scary!
I like dolls that look like children, with childrens bodies, and wear play clothes not prom dresses. I do not like glitter, neon pink hair and plastic jewelry. My foster granddaughter has somehow been exposed to these "cool" brands and begs for them if she sees them. We had an argument yesterday over a sliver thread sweater she wanted, and then a "Moxie girl" sweatshirt. She didn't really know what a Moxie girl was but she had heard older girls talking about them. We went out of the store with drawing pads. At the next store she picked out a party dress, but at least it was a child's dress, with no hints of prepubescence or seduction. I got it for her, though it's only useful for birthday parties. At least it was made of beautiful, big red and pink flowers, and I wanted to reward her good taste. Also, it was used, so the price was right.
The culture is so much more powerful than my own taste, but as I explained to my foster granddaughter, if it's my money, it has to be something I like as well. She's five, but she heard me. She's one smart cookie.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Old Age Day by Day March 17, 2011
Top o' the mornin to ye! Yes, I have a green sweater on right now. It's lime green, but close enough. There is an extra poignancy about today, as Ireland is really struggling right now, and I've written about the horses and devastation of the people. Luckily, my relatives are employed and secure, but it's been a blow to everyone there, especially after a few boom years where Ireland seemed to really get on it's feet. As for the green beer and pinching, I'm skipping it. But once we were in Manhattan on this day, and the enormous parade of people with green faces, hair and the leprechauns and red beards and general silliness was so delightful I realized how fun the event can be. And then there is that fiddle music and the dancing. Not so much going on here. Try Cinco de Mayo. It works better in my neck of the woods.
I'm praying today is the day the electricity gets hooked up at the nuclear reactors in Japan, and they can cool down the core before a catastrophe occurs. Everyone everywhere is holding their breath, hoping the suffering of the Japanese won't be further heightened by a meltdown. My husband and I spent many years fighting against nuclear power plants, and now, just thinking about plants on the beach in our state sends shivers up my spine. It may be generally safe, it may be cost efficient, but when there is an accident, the costs are too high.
I'm praying today is the day the electricity gets hooked up at the nuclear reactors in Japan, and they can cool down the core before a catastrophe occurs. Everyone everywhere is holding their breath, hoping the suffering of the Japanese won't be further heightened by a meltdown. My husband and I spent many years fighting against nuclear power plants, and now, just thinking about plants on the beach in our state sends shivers up my spine. It may be generally safe, it may be cost efficient, but when there is an accident, the costs are too high.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Old Age Day by Day March 16, 2011
Another rainy day. I plan to take myself out for Indian food at lunch, with one of my McCarry novels, and also buy plants for a fountain we cleaned up in the sunroom over the weekend. The sound is sometimes soothing and often makes me need to pea, so it must be turned on judiciously. The sunroom is no longer the jungle room, at least until everything grows back, drops off or dies. It is a rule in our house. All orchids and bonzais die, usually immediately, upon seeing who their new caretakers are. Now I have nothing but hearty philodendrons, a huge fig, and succulents. Those succulents can take a lot of abuse, which is why we have many, many pots of Christmas cacti. Outside, we stick to azaleas, camillias, and those tough iris that can withstand being snacked upon by labs.
We once had a beautiful back yard, with a pond, stream and baby tears. That was before the twins, as the vet likes to call them. Now we have bare ground, a lot of muddy balls and bushes that can withstand the impact of a body slamming 75 pound dog. There are rocks and wooden pathways and trees. They have not taken to tree climbing so far.
The male dog is now relaxing in my black leather chair, spreading the mud evenly over all surfaces. The female, slightly grumpy, as usual, is lying on the walkway getting damp enough to destroy the rug in the kitchen when we go back inside. And they wonder why they get locked in the kitchen when we're gone.
We once had a beautiful back yard, with a pond, stream and baby tears. That was before the twins, as the vet likes to call them. Now we have bare ground, a lot of muddy balls and bushes that can withstand the impact of a body slamming 75 pound dog. There are rocks and wooden pathways and trees. They have not taken to tree climbing so far.
The male dog is now relaxing in my black leather chair, spreading the mud evenly over all surfaces. The female, slightly grumpy, as usual, is lying on the walkway getting damp enough to destroy the rug in the kitchen when we go back inside. And they wonder why they get locked in the kitchen when we're gone.
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