On Feb 2nd, Jimmy the ground hog saw his shadow and Wisconsinites resigned themselves to another six weeks of winter. However, the mood improved on Mar 21st, the first day of spring when the temperatures had risen and we looked forward to spring. Unfortunately our good luck did not last. Last night, Mar 28th, we received two inches of snow. What a bummer!
The weather seldom bothers me as I know that the bad never lasts long. Nevertheless, the snow last night and the prediction of two more snowfalls later this week, did dampen my spirit. And so, you can imagine my delight when I woke up this morning, saw the sun shining, and bits of grass peeking out beneath the snow. Later that morning, even larger patches of grass started to appear, and as I sit here typing on my computer, I can look out my window to see more grass than snow. Hallelujah! I should have remembered it wouldn’t last long and by tomorrow, spring will return.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
SUDOKU
Well it took me four months, but I finally completed the Sudoku puzzle I started in November. And what a “thrill of success” I felt when I finished it. No doubt you might wonder, “How does it take someone such a long time to solve just one puzzle?” Let me explain. To begin with, although my Sudoku skill only ranks as average, I don’t attempt the “average” Sudoku puzzles. In fact, I work on the very hardest, as I only subscribe to the Sunday newspaper which contains the most difficult puzzle of the whole week.
As a result, I make a lot of mistakes. Furthermore, because I am a very persistent person I refuse to start a new puzzle until I successfully complete the one I’m working on -- without looking at the answer. That being the case, I constantly have to start over and over until I get it right. And finally, I usually don’t spend much time on the puzzles. More often than not, I only work on the copy I keep in my purse while waiting in the doctor’s office, etc. Thus, it always take me quite a while to complete a single Sudoku puzzle. But this is the very first time it has taken me as long as four months.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
As a result, I make a lot of mistakes. Furthermore, because I am a very persistent person I refuse to start a new puzzle until I successfully complete the one I’m working on -- without looking at the answer. That being the case, I constantly have to start over and over until I get it right. And finally, I usually don’t spend much time on the puzzles. More often than not, I only work on the copy I keep in my purse while waiting in the doctor’s office, etc. Thus, it always take me quite a while to complete a single Sudoku puzzle. But this is the very first time it has taken me as long as four months.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
THE GOVERNMENT’S BIG BUSINESS
Don’t let it be said that our government doesn’t know how to run big business. If marketing is any indication, they certainly can market as well as the best of them. I received a phone call today, as I often have in the past, to make a contribution to the campaign of our U.S. Senator. But today’s call was unique as the election for the senator does not occur for another year and a half.
In my opinion our U.S. Senator does a great job and has an excellent reputation in Washington. Thus, I gladly support him by making regular contributions. And so I immediately said, “Yes, I will be glad to donate $25.” But the clever and well-experienced telephone solicitor responded, “Thank you, we appreciate your donation. He then went on to say, “Since the election is not for another 20 months, would you consider donating $10 a month for the next 20 months?’ I quickly calculated the total of $200, politely refused, and repeated I would send $25.”
I must admit however, his technique impressed me. He didn’t request a contribution of $200 knowing many people would immediately balk at that figure. Instead, he asked for a much smaller $10 amount and I will bet that many people, without thinking twice, will say yes.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
In my opinion our U.S. Senator does a great job and has an excellent reputation in Washington. Thus, I gladly support him by making regular contributions. And so I immediately said, “Yes, I will be glad to donate $25.” But the clever and well-experienced telephone solicitor responded, “Thank you, we appreciate your donation. He then went on to say, “Since the election is not for another 20 months, would you consider donating $10 a month for the next 20 months?’ I quickly calculated the total of $200, politely refused, and repeated I would send $25.”
I must admit however, his technique impressed me. He didn’t request a contribution of $200 knowing many people would immediately balk at that figure. Instead, he asked for a much smaller $10 amount and I will bet that many people, without thinking twice, will say yes.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
RAINY DAY
I hate going to the grocery store on a rainy day. And wouldn’t you know it. It’s raining today and I have to go to the grocery store. I only shop for food every couple of weeks because it is such a hassle. And so when I do shop, I stock up on frozen foods and canned goods that will last. But, now I’m low on several staples – milk, bread, juice, etc. Thus, I have no choice but to do my shopping this afternoon.
So why does the rain bother me? Very simple. When I walk out of the store, I can’t push the cart filled to the top with groceries and hold my umbrella at the same time. Such a dilemma. Actually, I should consider myself lucky if this is the worst problem I have all day. Meantime, since I will wear my winter jacket, I can just pull up the hood and I won’t get too wet anyway.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
So why does the rain bother me? Very simple. When I walk out of the store, I can’t push the cart filled to the top with groceries and hold my umbrella at the same time. Such a dilemma. Actually, I should consider myself lucky if this is the worst problem I have all day. Meantime, since I will wear my winter jacket, I can just pull up the hood and I won’t get too wet anyway.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Monday, March 23, 2009
MY BASEMENT
I am so excited. I can hardly believe that after 30 years, someone might finally prevent water from flooding my basement whenever it rains. It’s not that I haven’t tried. I’ve contacted numerous handymen, builders, contractors, etc. I’ve even paid a few to fix the problem, only to have wasted my money.
But today, a handyman whom a friend recommended, looked over my property, assessed the problem, and presented me with a solution that makes sense. He showed me where the water seeped into my basement and explained that all he would need to do was buy a 10 pound bag of cement and seal up the opening. Sure sounds good to me. In addition, because he has built and repaired houses for years as his father did, he obviously has the experience to know what he’s talking about !!!
Well, here’s hoping. And I won’t have long to find out if he can solve my problem. It’s almost April and spring rains are right around the corner.
By Hannah - www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
But today, a handyman whom a friend recommended, looked over my property, assessed the problem, and presented me with a solution that makes sense. He showed me where the water seeped into my basement and explained that all he would need to do was buy a 10 pound bag of cement and seal up the opening. Sure sounds good to me. In addition, because he has built and repaired houses for years as his father did, he obviously has the experience to know what he’s talking about !!!
Well, here’s hoping. And I won’t have long to find out if he can solve my problem. It’s almost April and spring rains are right around the corner.
By Hannah - www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
J. MITCHARD’S NOVEL
Recently a friend told me, I must read Jacquelyn Mitchard’s latest novel, Breakdown Lane. “What’s it about,” I asked? “Just read it,” she replied and refused to say any more. But a couple days later she called and said, “I better give you a hint or it just might be too much of a shock.”
Yes I was surprised. As I read the novel I could hardly believe how much the heroine and I had in common. We both married Jewish men, moved to Sheboygan, WI, their hometowns, and gave birth to a son and daughters. In addition, we both wrote newspaper advice columns, her husband was a lawyer and mine had gone to law school, and our awful husbands left us for other women. Well that’s quite a lot of similarities for me to share with a fictitious character. But on top of all that, we both have Multiple Sclerosis. And if that’s not enough, the author and I live fairly near each other. She lives in Oregon and I live in Middleton, two cities very close to Madison, WI. We’ve never met and so I find it absolutely incredible that she should write a story so much like my own.
By Hannah - www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Yes I was surprised. As I read the novel I could hardly believe how much the heroine and I had in common. We both married Jewish men, moved to Sheboygan, WI, their hometowns, and gave birth to a son and daughters. In addition, we both wrote newspaper advice columns, her husband was a lawyer and mine had gone to law school, and our awful husbands left us for other women. Well that’s quite a lot of similarities for me to share with a fictitious character. But on top of all that, we both have Multiple Sclerosis. And if that’s not enough, the author and I live fairly near each other. She lives in Oregon and I live in Middleton, two cities very close to Madison, WI. We’ve never met and so I find it absolutely incredible that she should write a story so much like my own.
By Hannah - www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Friday, March 20, 2009
THE STOCK MARKET.
My son admonished me when I told him I check the stock market numerous times everyday. But it’s fun to watch the Dow Jones activity on www.finances.yahoo.com. Throughout the day as the market goes up or down the chart changes making it possible to view the most current results. And so when I have my computer turned on I view the website once or twice an hour.
“Mom” he said, “if people like you would stop obsessing about the stock market the economy would improve.” Since he works for an investment company in Chicago, I respect his advice. But frankly, I don’t think of myself as obsessing. There is no doubt that the stock market will certainly rise again at some point. My son and I both know that. But the question is simply when. And so for me it’s like a game. I keep looking at the website wondering if this will be the time it goes up.
Nevertheless, I told my son, “Rick, you don’t really want me to stop watching the stock market. After all, I can be your barometer. When it begins a healthy upswing, I will let you know that I have stopped viewing www.finances.yahoo.com. And you will have a heads-up that the market has started improving !!”
By Hannah - www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
“Mom” he said, “if people like you would stop obsessing about the stock market the economy would improve.” Since he works for an investment company in Chicago, I respect his advice. But frankly, I don’t think of myself as obsessing. There is no doubt that the stock market will certainly rise again at some point. My son and I both know that. But the question is simply when. And so for me it’s like a game. I keep looking at the website wondering if this will be the time it goes up.
Nevertheless, I told my son, “Rick, you don’t really want me to stop watching the stock market. After all, I can be your barometer. When it begins a healthy upswing, I will let you know that I have stopped viewing www.finances.yahoo.com. And you will have a heads-up that the market has started improving !!”
By Hannah - www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
A.I.G.
Why hasn’t the public revolted? Why isn’t there more outrage? Why aren’t students demonstrating like they did against Viet Nam in the 70’s and the Union Demonstrators in the 19th century? And where are the “Unabombers” and Timothy McVeighs of today? There’s no question that Americans are extremely furious that some despicable employees of A.I.G. have taken millions of dollars in bonuses. They should never have received bonuses from the money that American taxpayers gave to bail out their failing A.I.G. company. So tell me please, why aren’t Americans rallying against these crooks like they have in years past?
Most all of us know people who have lost their jobs. In fact, both a husband and wife I know have both lost their jobs. These people are having a hard time buying food, paying their bills, and making ends meet. Yet there are hundreds of A.I.G. employees who each received a million dollars or more bonus. One employee even received $4,000,000. I can’t believe how unfair and unbelievable it is.
I do believe that people should be rewarded for a job well down. But such outrageous amounts are unacceptable and something should be done!
By Hannah - www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Most all of us know people who have lost their jobs. In fact, both a husband and wife I know have both lost their jobs. These people are having a hard time buying food, paying their bills, and making ends meet. Yet there are hundreds of A.I.G. employees who each received a million dollars or more bonus. One employee even received $4,000,000. I can’t believe how unfair and unbelievable it is.
I do believe that people should be rewarded for a job well down. But such outrageous amounts are unacceptable and something should be done!
By Hannah - www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
SPORTS
When I was growing up, I hated gym class and sports. Although, I can’t say whether I hated sports because I was not good at them, or whether I was not good at them because I hated them. Either way I disliked all forms of physical activity. I remember well that when my classmates picked their teams for basketball, soccer, etc, they always picked me last. And when I taught fourth grade after graduating from college, I’ll never forget that when my students asked me to play baseball with them, I struck out. You can imagine how embarrassed I felt. No wonder I enjoyed anything other than sports.
And so it amazes me that as a senior citizen I now belong to a health club and swim regularly. However, I must admit, it was not by choice that I began an exercise regimen. When a doctor diagnosed my condition as M.S., I knew that maintaining my health would depend on keeping as physically fit as possible.
Nevertheless, I still don’t enjoy exercising, but this past week I realized how important it is. During the month of February, my sciatica flared up and I could not swim. So, when I finally went back to the health club three days ago to start swimming again, I became completely exhausted after swimming only half way down the pool. I felt very discouraged of course, but dragged myself back to the club again today. And I am thrilled to say that I am once again starting to regain my endurance.
By Hannah, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
And so it amazes me that as a senior citizen I now belong to a health club and swim regularly. However, I must admit, it was not by choice that I began an exercise regimen. When a doctor diagnosed my condition as M.S., I knew that maintaining my health would depend on keeping as physically fit as possible.
Nevertheless, I still don’t enjoy exercising, but this past week I realized how important it is. During the month of February, my sciatica flared up and I could not swim. So, when I finally went back to the health club three days ago to start swimming again, I became completely exhausted after swimming only half way down the pool. I felt very discouraged of course, but dragged myself back to the club again today. And I am thrilled to say that I am once again starting to regain my endurance.
By Hannah, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
It’s Saint Patrick’s Day and even though I am not Irish, I will certainly enjoy celebrating it with all the other millions of people around the world who, like me, are not Irish. In fact, I will enjoy an excellent corned beef and cabbage dinner at an excellent restaurant. And I won’t even spend a penny, as every year the health club I belong to rewards its members with a wonderful party on St. Patrick’s Day.
The first year I joined the club, I almost did not attend the party. I assumed only young single people would show up at the restaurant. Since I’m a senior citizen, I felt I wouldn’t really fit in. But my Mother always loved corned beef and cabbage, so I decided to go to the party and take her. To our great surprise, we were not the only old folks at the gathering. In fact, when we sat down at a long banquet table to eat dinner, my 88 year old Mother was not the oldest diner. Two other ladies, aged 90 and 92 out did her and many other senior citizens surrounded us.
By Hannah, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions
The first year I joined the club, I almost did not attend the party. I assumed only young single people would show up at the restaurant. Since I’m a senior citizen, I felt I wouldn’t really fit in. But my Mother always loved corned beef and cabbage, so I decided to go to the party and take her. To our great surprise, we were not the only old folks at the gathering. In fact, when we sat down at a long banquet table to eat dinner, my 88 year old Mother was not the oldest diner. Two other ladies, aged 90 and 92 out did her and many other senior citizens surrounded us.
By Hannah, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions
Monday, March 16, 2009
OUT OF SHAPE
I started swimming in April, 1985, almost 24 years ago. I immediately became a dedicated swimmer, and went to the health club faithfully three times a week for three years. But then for maintenance reasons, the club closed the pool and I did not swim for three weeks. Unfortunately, once I broke the habit, I had a hard time regaining it.
Even though I didn’t swim as regularly as I previously had, I did continue to swim at least once or twice and sometimes even three times every week until this past February when I developed sciatica. When I tried swimming a sharp pain shot down my leg. And so, I had to wait for six weeks until the sciatic went away. Yesterday, I reluctantly climbed into the pool and started to swim, fearing that it would hurt. But luckily I felt no pain and I began my previous swimming routine.
I had heard a long time ago that when you stop exercising, it takes only three days to start losing muscle mass and endurance. Well guess what? I experienced it first hand. I barely swam half way down the pool and I began huffing and puffing and wondering if I would make it to the other end. I did, but quickly realized I was back to square one and now I would have to start all over.
by Hannah, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions
Even though I didn’t swim as regularly as I previously had, I did continue to swim at least once or twice and sometimes even three times every week until this past February when I developed sciatica. When I tried swimming a sharp pain shot down my leg. And so, I had to wait for six weeks until the sciatic went away. Yesterday, I reluctantly climbed into the pool and started to swim, fearing that it would hurt. But luckily I felt no pain and I began my previous swimming routine.
I had heard a long time ago that when you stop exercising, it takes only three days to start losing muscle mass and endurance. Well guess what? I experienced it first hand. I barely swam half way down the pool and I began huffing and puffing and wondering if I would make it to the other end. I did, but quickly realized I was back to square one and now I would have to start all over.
by Hannah, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions
Thursday, March 12, 2009
RING
When my Aunt Rose died in 1967 (with no childen), she willed her 2-carat diamond ring to my Mom who wore it everyday until her death in 2009. But before my Father died, my Mom and Dad had stipulated in their will, that the ring would go to my daughter, instead of either my sister (who has no children) or me. They decided that would be the most fair and the ring would remain in the family as an heirloom.
My daughter of course was very thrilled to receive the ring and was anxious to begin wearing it everyday. However, because the ring is almost 40 years old, she took it to a jeweler to make sure the setting was secure. In talking with the jeweler, he suggested she put the diamond in a new setting to look more modern. Furthermore, she decided to change the setting from white to yellow gold. Because my daughter has several pieces of gold jewelry she no longer wears, she traded them in and is paying almost nothing for her beautiful new ring.
By Hannah, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions
My daughter of course was very thrilled to receive the ring and was anxious to begin wearing it everyday. However, because the ring is almost 40 years old, she took it to a jeweler to make sure the setting was secure. In talking with the jeweler, he suggested she put the diamond in a new setting to look more modern. Furthermore, she decided to change the setting from white to yellow gold. Because my daughter has several pieces of gold jewelry she no longer wears, she traded them in and is paying almost nothing for her beautiful new ring.
By Hannah, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions
Saturday, March 7, 2009
REPUBLICANS vs DEMOCRATS
When I was growing up, all of my family were Democrats - my Mom, Dad, sister and I. But my Mom and Dad have passed away and now I am the only one. My daughter, her husband, my son, his wife, and my sister are all Republicans. My son/wife earn a huge salary, my daughter/husband own two businesses and a several properties, and my sister wishes she were rich. They think Republicans will protect their wealth where as the Democrats will rob them of it. Thus they vote for Republicans. On the other hand, I live comfortably and material things aren’t important to me. I am grateful to live in this great country and don’t mind paying my taxes to pay for this privilege.
When my Republican family tout the wasteful spending of Democrats to take care of the poor, I think to myself, what about all the money wasted on an unnecessary Iraq war and what about all unfair perks the lobbyist obtain for their rich supporters? But, I will never discuss politics with my family. They are entitled to their opinions and so am I. So I stick to topics about my grandchildren, movies, good books and www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions
When my Republican family tout the wasteful spending of Democrats to take care of the poor, I think to myself, what about all the money wasted on an unnecessary Iraq war and what about all unfair perks the lobbyist obtain for their rich supporters? But, I will never discuss politics with my family. They are entitled to their opinions and so am I. So I stick to topics about my grandchildren, movies, good books and www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions
Thursday, March 5, 2009
HANDY-MAN
As they say, “I lucked out” when I found an excellent handy-man. He is a perfectionist and all the work he has done for me is great. Recently, when he installed grab bars in my bathtub, I showed him exactly where I wanted the bars placed in my upstairs bathroom. With that I went downstairs to work on my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
But when he completed the work he sheepishly said to me, “I’m awfully sorry, but I accidentally placed the horizontal bar a little higher than you specified. I think you might like it but if not, I’ll came back and fix it.” The next morning, when I took my shower, I had hoped it would be o.k. Unfortunately it was not. Although I knew he would take care of the problem and do a good job, I cringed thinking about the holes that would now appear on the wall.
Thus, you can imagine my complete surprise when Bill filled the holes so well that I can barely see any remnants of them. It took him five extra trips to my house to fix it and I was impressed at his thoroughness and his concern for making sure it was a job well done.
But when he completed the work he sheepishly said to me, “I’m awfully sorry, but I accidentally placed the horizontal bar a little higher than you specified. I think you might like it but if not, I’ll came back and fix it.” The next morning, when I took my shower, I had hoped it would be o.k. Unfortunately it was not. Although I knew he would take care of the problem and do a good job, I cringed thinking about the holes that would now appear on the wall.
Thus, you can imagine my complete surprise when Bill filled the holes so well that I can barely see any remnants of them. It took him five extra trips to my house to fix it and I was impressed at his thoroughness and his concern for making sure it was a job well done.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
SAD DAY
On Monday, Feb. 23rd, my 91-year old Mom died. She was fine just two weeks earlier, but a hospital-stay infection led to her death. Early Sunday morning, Feb. 8th, a doctor successfully removed a blood clot from her arm and when I spoke with her that day she was fine. On Monday, the doctor successfully inserted a stint in her arm. And again, when I spoke with her that day she was fine. But when she awoke on Tuesday morning her condition had taken a 360 degree turn for the worse. She developed a bladder infection and a blood infection which exacerbated her congestive heart failure. It was too much for her system and she passed away. I was stunned and heartbroken to lose her.
Both my Mom and I grew up and lived in Madison, WI all our lives. For 40 years, we enjoyed playing duplicate bridge together once or twice a week. And when my grandchildren (and her great grandchildren) were born we babysat for them once a week. She even helped me with my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions. And so my Mom and I were very close. But my Mom and sister moved to Henderson, NV a year ago. I promised we would speak on the phone every day and I would visit her twice each year, on Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving, which I did in 2008. I am so grateful that I was able to spend that special time with her. In addition, during the two weeks she was in the hospital, we spoke every day and on several occasions told each other we loved one another.
Although, I grieve that she is gone it is what she wanted. Since the day my Father died 13 years ago, she told me often that she didn’t want to live anymore. Furthermore, it was not pleasant living with my sister who has a terrible temper and would pick fights with my Mom almost daily. In addition, a couple months before she died she even said, “I wish that just one day, Marcia wouldn’t pick a fight. Maybe I should just take all my pills and be done with it.” It is so sad that she is gone. But in my heart I want to believe that she is finally with my Dad again in heaven. At the very least, her body was flown back to Madison, WI and she is buried beside my father and so once again … she is next to him.
Both my Mom and I grew up and lived in Madison, WI all our lives. For 40 years, we enjoyed playing duplicate bridge together once or twice a week. And when my grandchildren (and her great grandchildren) were born we babysat for them once a week. She even helped me with my website, www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions. And so my Mom and I were very close. But my Mom and sister moved to Henderson, NV a year ago. I promised we would speak on the phone every day and I would visit her twice each year, on Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving, which I did in 2008. I am so grateful that I was able to spend that special time with her. In addition, during the two weeks she was in the hospital, we spoke every day and on several occasions told each other we loved one another.
Although, I grieve that she is gone it is what she wanted. Since the day my Father died 13 years ago, she told me often that she didn’t want to live anymore. Furthermore, it was not pleasant living with my sister who has a terrible temper and would pick fights with my Mom almost daily. In addition, a couple months before she died she even said, “I wish that just one day, Marcia wouldn’t pick a fight. Maybe I should just take all my pills and be done with it.” It is so sad that she is gone. But in my heart I want to believe that she is finally with my Dad again in heaven. At the very least, her body was flown back to Madison, WI and she is buried beside my father and so once again … she is next to him.
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