Well, I did it again, as I have for the last 10 years. I have requested a tax extension from the IRS. In 2000 when my son and three friends needed money to start a hedge fund, I gave him a few thousand dollars to invest in the fund. The fund did very well and I happily made a very good return on my investment.
However, every year on March 31st, the day before the tax-filing deadline, my son’s company had still not sent me the Schedule K for me to complete my taxes. Actually, I didn’t care. I simply filed a tax 4868 form for an extension so that I could wait until October 15th to send my tax return to the government. In 2007, I withdrew my money from the fund and thus no longer needed to file my taxes late. Nevertheless, I have become accustomed to postponing my taxes and so, I just continue to file late every year.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
PARA TRANSIT
Woohoo !!! I received my notification today that the local but company approved my application for temporary use of their bus service for the handicapped and elderly. Ordinarily I would not qualify for the service, even though I am elderly and have a disability, as I drive my own car. But in March I will have cataract surgery on my eyes and the doctor told me I could not drive myself to the surgery. The medication I will receive during the surgery will make me very drowsy and therefore, someone else must pick me up and take me home.
In addition, as I need another appointment the following day for a check-up and will have a patch on my eye I will again need someone to drive me to the doctor’s office. And two weeks later I will have the same surgery and same appointments again for my other eye. That means I will be making eight trips to the clinic and need to ask eight friends to assist me.
Several of my dear friends have already offered to drive me, but I hate to impose on people. So a few weeks ago, I contacted the para transit office to request their service. I could use a cab but the bus only charges a few dollars. As I was filling out the application, I wondered if they would approve my request. And so, I was pleased today to receive the good news.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
In addition, as I need another appointment the following day for a check-up and will have a patch on my eye I will again need someone to drive me to the doctor’s office. And two weeks later I will have the same surgery and same appointments again for my other eye. That means I will be making eight trips to the clinic and need to ask eight friends to assist me.
Several of my dear friends have already offered to drive me, but I hate to impose on people. So a few weeks ago, I contacted the para transit office to request their service. I could use a cab but the bus only charges a few dollars. As I was filling out the application, I wondered if they would approve my request. And so, I was pleased today to receive the good news.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
LUNCH
It seems that many of my retired friends spend a good deal of time meeting for lunch. After all, it’s a pastime many ladies enjoy. Although I also like going out for lunch and have the time to do so since I retired, I rarely do. However, in the last 11 days I’ve had lunch with nine different friends on five different days.
The lunch to celebrate my birthday with three neighbors is an annual tradition that we share for each of our birthdays. Another lunch was to spend a little time together with a friend before she leaves on a three-month stay in Florida. But there was really no special occasion for the additional lunch dates. By mere chance I just happened to chat on the phone with the women in the last couple of weeks and we simply decided to get together. The three other women are people whose company I very much enjoy, but seldom have a chance to see them. And so I was glad we met for lunch.
Needless to say we lingered over lunch for a couple hours, happily conversing and enjoying the good food. Often when I eat in a restaurant, I carry part of my meal home. But, I’m afraid that during the leisure lunches, I kept munching on the food in front of me until I had eaten it all. Oh well, good thing I live alone. I certainly wasn’t hungry at dinner time and so it wasn’t until after 8:00 that I finally had a small bite to eat.
www.FunnyPhotosContest.com. Submit CUTE or FUNNY photos and tell friends to vote. $2,000 in prizes. No entry fee.
The lunch to celebrate my birthday with three neighbors is an annual tradition that we share for each of our birthdays. Another lunch was to spend a little time together with a friend before she leaves on a three-month stay in Florida. But there was really no special occasion for the additional lunch dates. By mere chance I just happened to chat on the phone with the women in the last couple of weeks and we simply decided to get together. The three other women are people whose company I very much enjoy, but seldom have a chance to see them. And so I was glad we met for lunch.
Needless to say we lingered over lunch for a couple hours, happily conversing and enjoying the good food. Often when I eat in a restaurant, I carry part of my meal home. But, I’m afraid that during the leisure lunches, I kept munching on the food in front of me until I had eaten it all. Oh well, good thing I live alone. I certainly wasn’t hungry at dinner time and so it wasn’t until after 8:00 that I finally had a small bite to eat.
www.FunnyPhotosContest.com. Submit CUTE or FUNNY photos and tell friends to vote. $2,000 in prizes. No entry fee.
Monday, January 25, 2010
MY BIRTHDAY
Today is my 69th birthday and it is probably one of the best birthdays I’ve had in a long time. It started yesterday when a few neighbors and I went out to lunch to celebrate my birthday. Then first thing this morning, my neighbor Barb called with birthday wishes and we had a nice long chat. In addition, my grandson Jared called, two other friends, Arlene and Shelly whom I’ve known for over 40 years called, and my cousin Shirley and my college roommate, Anne, who lives in Texas also called. And it’s only 3:00. I may receive a couple more phone calls as well.
Furthermore, I had several surprises when I turned on my computer. I received several birthday wishes on Facebook, one from my friend Shelly’s daughter and another from Annie, a friend of my son’s who I met only once about 14 years ago. Two high school friends also sent me email messages, Judy who was my best friend and Linda, who also is celebrating her birthday today. And most surprising of all, I received a pleasant and surprising happy birthday wish from my sister, whom I haven’t heard from in almost two months.
And besides phone calls and emails, I also received cards on Saturday from my friend, Shelly, and my daughter’s mother-in-law. Furthermore, the mailman hasn’t delivered today’s mail yet and I’m guessing I may also receive cards in today’s mail.
And if all of these thoughtful remembrances were not enough, my grandson gave me a fabulous compliment. My daughter and grandson stopped by today to wish me a Happy Birthday. As I am so excited about being 69, I told them I think it is amazing / fantastic that I've lived so many years. And my dear grandson said, "You look like you're 28!!!" He's 14 and I thought to myself wow, what a charmer he is going to be. Until after they left and I remembered when I was in high school, 28-30 seemed realllllllllllllly OLD.....
One other incident added some fun to my birthday. I was listening to a call-in radio show and the host was asking his listeners what they thought of computer dating or what experiences they have had with it. Unfortunately, no one was calling and he had to just “ramble on”. Poor guy I thought, I should help him out with a personal experience. After all, I’ve never met him, but he is the judge for my caption contest and a really nice guy. I told him that a few years ago, I met two people who discovered each other playing bridge on an Internet website that reaches people all over the world. They eventually made plans to meet and are now married.
My birthday has been really great. I’m feeling warm and cared about and truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I will cherish today’s birthday for a long time.
www.FunnyPhotosContest.com. Submit CUTE or FUNNY photos and tell friends to vote. $2,000 in prizes. No entry fee.
Furthermore, I had several surprises when I turned on my computer. I received several birthday wishes on Facebook, one from my friend Shelly’s daughter and another from Annie, a friend of my son’s who I met only once about 14 years ago. Two high school friends also sent me email messages, Judy who was my best friend and Linda, who also is celebrating her birthday today. And most surprising of all, I received a pleasant and surprising happy birthday wish from my sister, whom I haven’t heard from in almost two months.
And besides phone calls and emails, I also received cards on Saturday from my friend, Shelly, and my daughter’s mother-in-law. Furthermore, the mailman hasn’t delivered today’s mail yet and I’m guessing I may also receive cards in today’s mail.
And if all of these thoughtful remembrances were not enough, my grandson gave me a fabulous compliment. My daughter and grandson stopped by today to wish me a Happy Birthday. As I am so excited about being 69, I told them I think it is amazing / fantastic that I've lived so many years. And my dear grandson said, "You look like you're 28!!!" He's 14 and I thought to myself wow, what a charmer he is going to be. Until after they left and I remembered when I was in high school, 28-30 seemed realllllllllllllly OLD.....
One other incident added some fun to my birthday. I was listening to a call-in radio show and the host was asking his listeners what they thought of computer dating or what experiences they have had with it. Unfortunately, no one was calling and he had to just “ramble on”. Poor guy I thought, I should help him out with a personal experience. After all, I’ve never met him, but he is the judge for my caption contest and a really nice guy. I told him that a few years ago, I met two people who discovered each other playing bridge on an Internet website that reaches people all over the world. They eventually made plans to meet and are now married.
My birthday has been really great. I’m feeling warm and cared about and truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I will cherish today’s birthday for a long time.
www.FunnyPhotosContest.com. Submit CUTE or FUNNY photos and tell friends to vote. $2,000 in prizes. No entry fee.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
HEALTH CLUB MEMBERS
It happened again – just like clockwork. Every year, by January 25th, my birthday, the people with the best intentions of their New Year’s resolution’s start falling away. With a new membership that they either buy for themselves or receive as a Christmas gift , they vow to start exercising regularly. And with determination to get in shape, lose weight, or improve their health, they flock to the health club in droves on January 1st. Thus, during that first week of the New Year, the health club is over crowded with these new athletes.
Those of us who exercise regularly feel the inconvenience of too many people in the locker rooms, swimming in the pool, and waiting for a turn on the many machines. But, we take it in stride for we know that, just like clockwork, as each day passes more and more of them drop away. Sure enough, by the end of January, we have the health club back to ourselves – until next January 1st when the occurrence will repeat itself.
www.FunnyPhotosContest.com. Submit CUTE or FUNNY photos and tell friends to vote. $2,000 in prizes. No entry fee.
Those of us who exercise regularly feel the inconvenience of too many people in the locker rooms, swimming in the pool, and waiting for a turn on the many machines. But, we take it in stride for we know that, just like clockwork, as each day passes more and more of them drop away. Sure enough, by the end of January, we have the health club back to ourselves – until next January 1st when the occurrence will repeat itself.
www.FunnyPhotosContest.com. Submit CUTE or FUNNY photos and tell friends to vote. $2,000 in prizes. No entry fee.
Friday, January 22, 2010
ANOTHER ACQUAINTANCE
It happened again. Another acquaintance I haven’t seen for a long time popped up in my life today. As I walked into my health club a man, I last saw about 15 years ago, stopped me and with a questioning tone mentioned my name. I looked at him for a split second and then immediately recognized him. In the past, we had several mutual friends and attended many of the same social events until he moved out of town. But now he was back and a member of the same health club.
To further expand on the coincidence, earlier in the day I had lunch with one of our mutual friends and I had even asked about his former wife. Life is certainly strange, he was on his way out when we met, but had he left the club even five or ten minutes before, our paths would not have crossed. Since I am superstitious, I can’t help but wonder if this is some kind of omen. In the last 6 months I have run into 3 special people I hadn’t seen for many years.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
To further expand on the coincidence, earlier in the day I had lunch with one of our mutual friends and I had even asked about his former wife. Life is certainly strange, he was on his way out when we met, but had he left the club even five or ten minutes before, our paths would not have crossed. Since I am superstitious, I can’t help but wonder if this is some kind of omen. In the last 6 months I have run into 3 special people I hadn’t seen for many years.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
HANDYMAN
I finally found a fantastic handyman who charges reasonable rates. What a blessing! And I knew from the first job he did for me that he was great. During the 30 years that I have lived in my condominium, I have had water in the basement every single year. It never failed. Water filled my basement after every rainfall. Although, I hired many people to try and take care of the problem, not one of them did. But Ray discovered the problem right away and fixed it easily for a reasonable fee. So you can imagine my delight last year, when my basement remained completely dry for the entire summer. Ray is my hero.
But there is one problem. Ray is so good at his job that he is always busy and often doesn’t have time to schedule the work I need at the time I need it done. About six weeks ago, I asked if he could paint the inside of my front door and he said he would get back to me. Well, I finally called him this morning. Ray I said, “I’m having a condo meeting at my house one month from today. Do you think you might have time to paint my door?” “I’ll need to check my calendar,” he replied, “Could you please call me this evening?”
Thus, I dialed his number about 7:00 and to my chagrin, no one answered. But to my surprise, after I hung up the receiver, my phone immediately rang. It was Ray. His cell phone had been in his pocket and he couldn’t get to it fast enough. And then I had a second surprise. Ray can paint my door next week. Woohoo. It’s my luck day.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
But there is one problem. Ray is so good at his job that he is always busy and often doesn’t have time to schedule the work I need at the time I need it done. About six weeks ago, I asked if he could paint the inside of my front door and he said he would get back to me. Well, I finally called him this morning. Ray I said, “I’m having a condo meeting at my house one month from today. Do you think you might have time to paint my door?” “I’ll need to check my calendar,” he replied, “Could you please call me this evening?”
Thus, I dialed his number about 7:00 and to my chagrin, no one answered. But to my surprise, after I hung up the receiver, my phone immediately rang. It was Ray. His cell phone had been in his pocket and he couldn’t get to it fast enough. And then I had a second surprise. Ray can paint my door next week. Woohoo. It’s my luck day.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS
Perhaps, I should make more doctor appointments. Today for the second time, I had the delightful surprise of running in to an acquaintance I have not seen for several years. Not long ago, as I sat in the reception room waiting to see the eye doctor, Gloria a woman who had moved out of town in 1992, walked out from the elevator. How thrilling to see her again. We immediately started chatting as if no time had passed and we made arrangements to have lunch the following week.
Well it happened again today. Just as I was leaving the dentist’s office, Susan walked in. Although we had been friendly about 10 years ago, our busy lives caused us to drift apart. But the minute we spotted each other, we each broke into huge smiles and greeted each other with a warm hug. Of course, we quickly tried catching up on past events and decided we must definitely get together for lunch soon.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Well it happened again today. Just as I was leaving the dentist’s office, Susan walked in. Although we had been friendly about 10 years ago, our busy lives caused us to drift apart. But the minute we spotted each other, we each broke into huge smiles and greeted each other with a warm hug. Of course, we quickly tried catching up on past events and decided we must definitely get together for lunch soon.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
SKYPE
Although my son, Rick, and daughter-in-law, Jen live in Chicago and I live in Wisconsin, modern technology makes it possible to view my new granddaughter often on my computer. When Rick contacts me on his computer, via www.skype.com, we can chat while at the same time I can watch six-week-old Lily. It’s as if my computer is a television screen and I can see everything. I feel like I am right in the room with them. I love it.
Usually when we end the call, Rick closes skype.com and I return to my work on the computer. But recently, he forgot to close the skype window and I could continue to watch Lily and listen to Rick and Jen’s conversation. They didn’t realize I could hear them and I didn’t say anything. I felt guilty “eaves-dropping” on them for another 20 minutes or so, but couldn’t resist.
Later I told a friend and she warned me, “You might not want to do that again, as who knows, you might hear something you would rather not hear.” She’s absolutely right and I hope I can resist any future temptation.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Usually when we end the call, Rick closes skype.com and I return to my work on the computer. But recently, he forgot to close the skype window and I could continue to watch Lily and listen to Rick and Jen’s conversation. They didn’t realize I could hear them and I didn’t say anything. I felt guilty “eaves-dropping” on them for another 20 minutes or so, but couldn’t resist.
Later I told a friend and she warned me, “You might not want to do that again, as who knows, you might hear something you would rather not hear.” She’s absolutely right and I hope I can resist any future temptation.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
INSURANCE COMPANIES
I know I should consider myself lucky. After all, an insurance company administers my Medicare Part D prescription drug plan and pays the major share of my medication costs, thus saving me a lot of money. Nevertheless, I can’t help feeling angry and frustrated.
It makes me extremely angry that wealthy insurance CEO’s and their staff feel entitled to huge six and seven figure salaries and bonuses while the average American has to pay outrageous premiums for his/her health insurance. As far as I’m concerned it is completely unacceptable, that there are people paying more than $1000 a month for their health insurance policies so that the CEO’s can enjoy their cushy lifestyle. In addition, others with pre-existing conditions cannot obtain insurance at all. How outrageous!!! The insurance companies have plenty of money and could easily insure these unfortunate people instead of greedily living off the fees they collect. And I am immensely frustrated that the insurance companies have so much power in Washington D.C. over our Senators and Congressman that they can continue this abuse. We are at their mercy.
Meantime, I have to tell you, these insurance companies are idiots. Medicare Part D recipients can switch their policies to another insurance company every year during November and December. And since insurance companies change their rates and policies every year, many seniors find themselves scrambling to find the most economical policy they can and then switching companies. Thus, I registered with a new company early in December and was told they would send me a packet of monthly coupons to use for paying my monthly fee. Fine I thought, except the first payment was due on January 1st, but they didn’t mail me the coupons until Dec. 31st. What were they thinking !!!!!
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
It makes me extremely angry that wealthy insurance CEO’s and their staff feel entitled to huge six and seven figure salaries and bonuses while the average American has to pay outrageous premiums for his/her health insurance. As far as I’m concerned it is completely unacceptable, that there are people paying more than $1000 a month for their health insurance policies so that the CEO’s can enjoy their cushy lifestyle. In addition, others with pre-existing conditions cannot obtain insurance at all. How outrageous!!! The insurance companies have plenty of money and could easily insure these unfortunate people instead of greedily living off the fees they collect. And I am immensely frustrated that the insurance companies have so much power in Washington D.C. over our Senators and Congressman that they can continue this abuse. We are at their mercy.
Meantime, I have to tell you, these insurance companies are idiots. Medicare Part D recipients can switch their policies to another insurance company every year during November and December. And since insurance companies change their rates and policies every year, many seniors find themselves scrambling to find the most economical policy they can and then switching companies. Thus, I registered with a new company early in December and was told they would send me a packet of monthly coupons to use for paying my monthly fee. Fine I thought, except the first payment was due on January 1st, but they didn’t mail me the coupons until Dec. 31st. What were they thinking !!!!!
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Friday, January 15, 2010
GLAUCOMA SCARE
Since I developed glaucoma, my physician has ordered a visual field exam for me every year. I stare at a screen and every time a light flashes to the left, right, top, or bottom of the screen, I click a button to demonstrate that I saw the light. However, this past December when I completed the test I felt sure that I failed the exam. I only saw the light flash a few times. Whereas in the past, I remember that I clicked the button often. As a result, I feared that my glaucoma had worsened and I would require surgery. Since my doctor was out of town, I would not learn my fate until the following week.
In the meantime, I received a letter from the clinic, a few days after the test, announcing a seminar and support group for patients with glaucoma. Oh no, I thought, for sure I needed surgery and they had invited me to meet with others who had the same eye disease. But, I decided to call the clinic to find out for sure why they had sent me the letter. I can’t tell you how relieved I was when they told me they had sent the letter, announcing this special meeting, to ALL their glaucoma patients. They had not sent it just those who needed surgery as I had mistakenly thought. What a load off my mind.
But the best news arrived when I finally met with my doctor and she told me, my glaucoma was well under control. Yet she did surprise me when she said I needed cataract surgery. Guess my intuition about surgery was not far off! And over the next few days, as I told my friends about the upcoming cataract surgery, they have all said with much reassurance, “Not to worry. You will be so pleased at how much your vision will improve.”
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
In the meantime, I received a letter from the clinic, a few days after the test, announcing a seminar and support group for patients with glaucoma. Oh no, I thought, for sure I needed surgery and they had invited me to meet with others who had the same eye disease. But, I decided to call the clinic to find out for sure why they had sent me the letter. I can’t tell you how relieved I was when they told me they had sent the letter, announcing this special meeting, to ALL their glaucoma patients. They had not sent it just those who needed surgery as I had mistakenly thought. What a load off my mind.
But the best news arrived when I finally met with my doctor and she told me, my glaucoma was well under control. Yet she did surprise me when she said I needed cataract surgery. Guess my intuition about surgery was not far off! And over the next few days, as I told my friends about the upcoming cataract surgery, they have all said with much reassurance, “Not to worry. You will be so pleased at how much your vision will improve.”
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
EYE GLASSES
I have worn reading glasses since the mid 70’s and over the years, as my prescriptions changed, I have purchased several different pairs of glasses. In addition, I never had any trouble with any of the glasses I wore. Thus, you can probably understand my frustration when my current pair of glasses needed repair two times in only one month.
A few weeks ago, one of the lenses just popped right out of the frame when I picked them up from my desk. I took the lens and frame back to the store where I bought them and within 15 minutes the staff politely fixed my glasses and didn’t charge me anything. However, yesterday the same thing happened again. One of the lenses popped out as I took off my glasses. Back I went to get them fixed. However, this time, eight other people were in line before me and I had to wait 35 minutes. I was not a happy camper.
When the technician told me she could fix my glasses, I told her I did not want this to happen again and felt that she should exchange my glasses for a new pair. But she assured me that this time she would affix the screw with a special sealant so that the lenses would be secure. I looked at her suspiciously, but she assured me, “If you are not happy with the repair I will give you new glasses at no cost.” And then she added, “This way you can take the glasses right home with you instead of waiting a few days for a new pair.” As a result, I did agree. But, I surely hope she is right.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
A few weeks ago, one of the lenses just popped right out of the frame when I picked them up from my desk. I took the lens and frame back to the store where I bought them and within 15 minutes the staff politely fixed my glasses and didn’t charge me anything. However, yesterday the same thing happened again. One of the lenses popped out as I took off my glasses. Back I went to get them fixed. However, this time, eight other people were in line before me and I had to wait 35 minutes. I was not a happy camper.
When the technician told me she could fix my glasses, I told her I did not want this to happen again and felt that she should exchange my glasses for a new pair. But she assured me that this time she would affix the screw with a special sealant so that the lenses would be secure. I looked at her suspiciously, but she assured me, “If you are not happy with the repair I will give you new glasses at no cost.” And then she added, “This way you can take the glasses right home with you instead of waiting a few days for a new pair.” As a result, I did agree. But, I surely hope she is right.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
GET WELL GIFT
Recently, an out-of-town friend told me she would be having minor surgery in a couple of weeks. When we finished our conversation, I began trying to think of a get-well gift that I could send her. Since my family usually just sends gift certificates or money, I have never been good at selecting gifts for others. Thus, I didn’t have any idea of what to buy for my friend.
I thought of perhaps sending some flowers or a plant to the hospital. But I’m sure the last thing she would want was extra “stuff” to drag home from the hospital. Then, it occurred to me to buy her a book. But I really don’t know what kind of books she enjoys and I could run the risk of sending her a book she has already read. She might enjoy a gift certificate for a good dinner from a nearby restaurant. But who would pick it up or deliver it to her?
Luckily a few days later as I was driving to Chicago to visit my son - Rick, daughter-in-law – Jen, and my new grandchild – Lily, an idea suddenly struck me. Last Mother’s Day, Rick and Jen had sent me a lovely and delicious edible fruit bouquet. When I opened the door for the delivery-man and saw the bouquet, I took a deep breath, thinking of flowers, to smell the lovely fragrance. But what I smelled was pineapples, canteloupe, strawberries, and grapes. How perfect I thought when I remembered what a delightful surprise it was and how yummy the chocolate covered strawberries were.
I’m sure my friend will enjoy the gift as much as I had. And best of all, I did a google search and can easily send it to her from the Internet.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
I thought of perhaps sending some flowers or a plant to the hospital. But I’m sure the last thing she would want was extra “stuff” to drag home from the hospital. Then, it occurred to me to buy her a book. But I really don’t know what kind of books she enjoys and I could run the risk of sending her a book she has already read. She might enjoy a gift certificate for a good dinner from a nearby restaurant. But who would pick it up or deliver it to her?
Luckily a few days later as I was driving to Chicago to visit my son - Rick, daughter-in-law – Jen, and my new grandchild – Lily, an idea suddenly struck me. Last Mother’s Day, Rick and Jen had sent me a lovely and delicious edible fruit bouquet. When I opened the door for the delivery-man and saw the bouquet, I took a deep breath, thinking of flowers, to smell the lovely fragrance. But what I smelled was pineapples, canteloupe, strawberries, and grapes. How perfect I thought when I remembered what a delightful surprise it was and how yummy the chocolate covered strawberries were.
I’m sure my friend will enjoy the gift as much as I had. And best of all, I did a google search and can easily send it to her from the Internet.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Monday, January 11, 2010
MY GROWN CHILDREN
My children are in their 40’s and I feel sad that they have never had a close relationship. But in December my son, Rick – 42, and my daughter-in-law, Jen - 35, had their first child. And I think things may change.
Because my daughter, Cathy-44, and my son-in-law, James-47, have two children, they have lots of experience and good advice for Rick and Jen. When Jen was pregnant, Cathy told them they must read, “On Becoming Baby-wise.” Cathy said her first child cried all the time and was such a difficult baby. But she read “the” book before her second was born and it made all the difference in the world.
Of course, how often do people listen to the advice they receive? And so when Lily was born on Dec. 8, 2009 she cried a lot and Rick and Jen did not know what to do. But it did my heart good when a few weeks later, I received an email from my son, “I read the book last night, put Lily on a schedule and it’s great.” I immediately called my daughter to tell her the good news. “Well yeahhhhhhh,” she said, “I told them to read the book !!!” Actually she said, Rick called her the previous day. He had been so frustrated, that he started reading the book on Saturday at midnight and now he had lots more questions.
No one would deny that babies make huge changes in our lives and I am hoping that maybe one of those changes will bring my son and daughter closer together.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Because my daughter, Cathy-44, and my son-in-law, James-47, have two children, they have lots of experience and good advice for Rick and Jen. When Jen was pregnant, Cathy told them they must read, “On Becoming Baby-wise.” Cathy said her first child cried all the time and was such a difficult baby. But she read “the” book before her second was born and it made all the difference in the world.
Of course, how often do people listen to the advice they receive? And so when Lily was born on Dec. 8, 2009 she cried a lot and Rick and Jen did not know what to do. But it did my heart good when a few weeks later, I received an email from my son, “I read the book last night, put Lily on a schedule and it’s great.” I immediately called my daughter to tell her the good news. “Well yeahhhhhhh,” she said, “I told them to read the book !!!” Actually she said, Rick called her the previous day. He had been so frustrated, that he started reading the book on Saturday at midnight and now he had lots more questions.
No one would deny that babies make huge changes in our lives and I am hoping that maybe one of those changes will bring my son and daughter closer together.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
TRASH COLLECTION
I can’t imagine what they were thinking. The City has hired a new company to collect the weekly trash that homeowners place on the curb. Because the new company uses special trucks with an electronic arm, homeowners needed new special trash carts that will fit into the electronic arm. And so during the last week of December, the trash company delivered new carts to every homeowner. So far, so good. But the homeowners will now have to follow new rules to comply with the company’s procedures. And so, the new trash pick-up company delivered an instruction booklet to every owner in the city.
Well here’s the problem. When the trash removal company delivered the trash carts, they placed the instruction booklet INSIDE the cart that is about 4 feet high with a cover on top. Unfortunately, the booklets fell to the bottom of the cart. And when the homeowners rolled their carts into their garages, it never occurred to them to open the cart and look inside. Why would they? They had no idea there was a booklet inside the cart at the very bottom. The company should have just mailed the instructions separately?
As a result, when the new company began their first trash pick-up on Jan 2nd, 2010 there was mass confusion. What were they thinking?
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Well here’s the problem. When the trash removal company delivered the trash carts, they placed the instruction booklet INSIDE the cart that is about 4 feet high with a cover on top. Unfortunately, the booklets fell to the bottom of the cart. And when the homeowners rolled their carts into their garages, it never occurred to them to open the cart and look inside. Why would they? They had no idea there was a booklet inside the cart at the very bottom. The company should have just mailed the instructions separately?
As a result, when the new company began their first trash pick-up on Jan 2nd, 2010 there was mass confusion. What were they thinking?
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Monday, January 4, 2010
OXI-FRESH
A year ago, when my son-in-law started a new business, Oxi-Fresh, I told him I wanted to be his first customer and he could “practice” cleaning carpets on mine. Well let me say, when he finished I was thrilled. My ten-year-old carpet looked GREAT. In fact, a week later when one of my neighbors stopped by, she asked if I had purchased a new carpet !!!
Over the years, I have always had my carpet cleaned every few years. So I’ve had lots of experience with many different companies. But without a doubt, my son-in-law did the best job of them all. In addition, he uses a product that is environmentally friendly – no harmful chemicals – and since he only had to spray the carpet with a small amount of water, it was dry within an hour and one-half. In addition, I have a bottle of his spot remover that is also GREAT. This morning I got a big spot on my carpet. But, all I had to do was moisten the spot with the remover. Then I waited about 15-20 minutes, blotted up the spot, moistened it with water, and blotted it dry. Lo and behold … it looked good as new again.
You can imagine I tell all my friends about my son-in-law’s great business.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Over the years, I have always had my carpet cleaned every few years. So I’ve had lots of experience with many different companies. But without a doubt, my son-in-law did the best job of them all. In addition, he uses a product that is environmentally friendly – no harmful chemicals – and since he only had to spray the carpet with a small amount of water, it was dry within an hour and one-half. In addition, I have a bottle of his spot remover that is also GREAT. This morning I got a big spot on my carpet. But, all I had to do was moisten the spot with the remover. Then I waited about 15-20 minutes, blotted up the spot, moistened it with water, and blotted it dry. Lo and behold … it looked good as new again.
You can imagine I tell all my friends about my son-in-law’s great business.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
MY REAL ESTATE BUSINESS
During the 70’s I sold real estate for several years, before I returned to graduate school to earn a master’s degree and change careers. And though I never planned to sell houses again, I decided to pay the annual dues and take the required continuing education classes to maintain my real estate license. People wondered why I would waste my time and money. But the answer was simple. When friends or family asked me to suggest a real estate agent they could hire to sell their house, I would earn a referral fee from the agent for giving him or her the recommendation. When the house sold I would collect about $1,000 to $2,000 … not bad for a couple of phone calls.
Now that I’m retired, I have decided to turn this into a little business. Instead of waiting for acquaintances to call me, I now send an email to the homeowners who are trying to sell their homes on www.craigslist.org. I wish them good luck, and tell them, if they later decide to use a real estate company, and they don’t personally know a good realtor I will recommend one to them at no cost. So far it hasn’t worked, but I’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Now that I’m retired, I have decided to turn this into a little business. Instead of waiting for acquaintances to call me, I now send an email to the homeowners who are trying to sell their homes on www.craigslist.org. I wish them good luck, and tell them, if they later decide to use a real estate company, and they don’t personally know a good realtor I will recommend one to them at no cost. So far it hasn’t worked, but I’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
By Hannah --www.FunnyPhotosContest.com a photo contest for cute or funny photos and photo captions.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
MY GRANDAUGHTER
On Dec. 8th, my daughter-in-law, Jen, gave birth to an 8.5 pound 21 inch baby girl, Lily, and my son, Rick and Jen are two very delighted and happy parents. As I live 150 miles away from them and snowy weather has made traveling difficult, it wasn’t until today that I could visit them.
It was so wonderful to see and hold Lily. Since I haven't held a new baby for 14 years (when my first grandchild, Jacob, was a baby) I totally forgot how. But I loved every minute she was in my arms. By the time I see her again, she'll probably be sitting and holding her head steady so it will be all together different. Although she could hardly stay awake, (she has her days and nights mixed up) I'm glad that at least a couple times she opened her eyes wide and I could see what a beautiful baby she is – now don’t I sound just like a typical grandma??? Of course, I am so very delighted to have another new grandchild. But I am even more thrilled for the new happiness in my son and daughter-in-law’s life.
In a couple months when Lily is past the crying stage and the weather is nicer I hope we can meet more often in Milwaukee or Lake Geneva (a half way point between where we both live) so that I can be part of her life. When I was little, my paternal grandfather lived in Chicago and I don’t think I saw him much as I have no memory of him.
www.FunnyPhotosContest.com Submit CUTE or FUNNY photos and tell friends to vote for them. No entry fee.
It was so wonderful to see and hold Lily. Since I haven't held a new baby for 14 years (when my first grandchild, Jacob, was a baby) I totally forgot how. But I loved every minute she was in my arms. By the time I see her again, she'll probably be sitting and holding her head steady so it will be all together different. Although she could hardly stay awake, (she has her days and nights mixed up) I'm glad that at least a couple times she opened her eyes wide and I could see what a beautiful baby she is – now don’t I sound just like a typical grandma??? Of course, I am so very delighted to have another new grandchild. But I am even more thrilled for the new happiness in my son and daughter-in-law’s life.
In a couple months when Lily is past the crying stage and the weather is nicer I hope we can meet more often in Milwaukee or Lake Geneva (a half way point between where we both live) so that I can be part of her life. When I was little, my paternal grandfather lived in Chicago and I don’t think I saw him much as I have no memory of him.
www.FunnyPhotosContest.com Submit CUTE or FUNNY photos and tell friends to vote for them. No entry fee.
Friday, January 1, 2010
SLOW COMPUTER
They say, “If you have a computer, you have problems.” Not only can I verify this statement, I can further add that you have a lot of frustration as well. In September, my computer began working very, very slowly. I would click on a menu that normally opened in a second or to, but found I now had to wait a half a minute or so. Certainly this problem is not the end of the world, but it irritated me. At first I thought I had a virus, but discovered I needed more memory. And so, I purchased additional memory and thankfully the computer performed much better again. It was great!!
But three months have passed and my computer has slowed again. And I am not a happy camper. It is driving me crazy not knowing what’s causing the problem. I’m reluctant to take it in for repairs as it is such a hassle and I really can’t be without my computer. I probably should just buy a new one. However, my laptop is only 4 years old and should last for at least another year. Obviously, I don’t really want to buy a new one right now. In the meantime, since I can’t decide what to do, I’ll just have to live with the problem. Grrrrrrrr…….
www.FunnyPhotosContest.com Submit CUTE or FUNNY photos and tell friends to vote for them. No entry fee.
But three months have passed and my computer has slowed again. And I am not a happy camper. It is driving me crazy not knowing what’s causing the problem. I’m reluctant to take it in for repairs as it is such a hassle and I really can’t be without my computer. I probably should just buy a new one. However, my laptop is only 4 years old and should last for at least another year. Obviously, I don’t really want to buy a new one right now. In the meantime, since I can’t decide what to do, I’ll just have to live with the problem. Grrrrrrrr…….
www.FunnyPhotosContest.com Submit CUTE or FUNNY photos and tell friends to vote for them. No entry fee.
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