Thursday, April 28, 2016

Thursday-10:15am

Good Morning, All!
Another cloudy, chilly day--but look at the grass!
They actually came to mow and trim for the first time yesterday.
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While I was sitting in the small recliner to take these pictures Miss Karma started begging for a foot pet. 
She only lets me (and on rare occasions, Dagan) give her foot pets. 
I can even scratch her neck. 
Well, Leah and I were planning to go to the second Craft Night here in the community room on Monday.  That afternoon the new calendar was tucked into my door and come to find out there is not one craft night listed for May, but there are three afternoons.
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Long backstory:
The lady who does the calendar and is trying to start up these various activities has been trying evenings and afternoons for various activities.  There are now Movie Nights and Afternoon Movies, Game Nights and Afternoon Games, etc.  She wants to see if more people would come to an afternoon group or an evening group--which makes sense.  
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Two weeks before when Leah and I went to that first Craft Night (and the only craft group event before she made up the new calendar) I told you how we were the only people who actually showed up to craft.  Other people hung around and chatted and it sounded like some people were interested in bringing needlework.  The calendar lady sat at our table with us for most of the evening as others came and went--and the couple playing cribbage that set up at the next table chimed in now and then.  I mentioned how it takes time to get an activity going, but we'd try to be there.  (Assuming she was sticking to Monday nights because she only had the two Monday night craft groups in April, right?) 
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Because of people who came by to see what we were doing--and a couple of them sat down with us for a while--the calendar lady heard me 2-3 times introduce Leah and tell people how Monday nights were perfect because that was the night Leah and I usually got together for crafts anyways.  Calendar lady mentioned that she might throw in an afternoon, too...a couple of times.  (Afterwards I realized that it was every time I mentioned Monday nights being perfect for Leah and I to come.)  I responded every time with saying that Leah couldn't make it in the afternoons, but I probably could. 
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Leah was certainly not intrusive.  She's a soft-spoken, quiet lady who worked away all evening, but would take the time to explain and chat with anyone who asked her questions.  And she and I chatted a bit telling them about us making Christmas cards together, etc.  I'm the louder, more vocal one--LOL!  
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So, when I looked at the new May calendar and saw there was not one single craft night (nothing whatsoever on Monday nights for the first time, for that matter) but three afternoon craft groups...when we had only had the one single first ever craft group meeting that Leah and I were the only ones who came to craft and there seemed to be some interest and we indicated that we would be there...well, what would you think?  
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I took it as a passive aggressive way to say they didn't want Leah to come.  Age prejudice, if you ask me.  And here it was Leah who was the first one to bring up doing a make-and-take on our way back to the apartment that night.
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  Their loss. 
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So, I got ahold of Leah right away and told her about the new calendar.  I didn't want to go down there that night at all.  For one thing there apparently wasn't going to be a Monday Craft Night here, anyways...and I was much too annoyed to be around calendar lady.  So I told Leah she could take her time and not rush to come early--just come at the regular time and we'd stay here like usual.  So we had a good time creasing and folding cardstock.  Filled that black box and only have that small stack left to fold.  So we've got a lot of card bases for Christmas and birthday cards prepped. 
Will I go to the afternoon craft group get-togethers?  
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I'll have to play it by ear.  Right now, I have absolutely no desire whatsoever.  You don't mess with snub people I love.  I do not like passive aggressive baloney.  If they don't like non-residents coming to things--just say so.  Well, I guess they did.  Indirectly.
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Honestly, this is why my entire life I have had trouble getting along with a lot of women--LOL!  My girlfriends over the years were always open and direct.  Basically--"what you see is what you get" type of people--or they knew they could be with me, at least.  ;)  They had to be--to tolerate me and for me to trust them as a person, you know?  We didn't have to agree on everything or think exactly alike or have the same interests, but we just accepted each other and didn't judge.  I was never good at all that game-playing, nice-to-your-face-but-stab-you-in-the-back games.  Awk!  Can't stand any of it.  My tolerance level for such nonsense has lowered the older I get. 
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     Not that I won't remain distantly polite bumping into anyone and everyone in the hallways (even calendar lady), but it is possible I might not be socializing here at all or very, very little.  Even the movies (calendar lady is mostly in charge) are Disney, very GP (she's made it very clear that "they" don't want anyone bringing movies that have sex, bad language, or violence), or actual "Christian" movies.  Well, I know I do live in a very conservative part of the country...but come on!  Not that I didn't like The Apple Dumpling Gang, but I'd rather stay home and watch Netflix--LOL!  
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I don't have much in common with the people who have showed up for activities so far.  I have not run across anyone yet who I would ever think of inviting over for coffee.  If there are any open-minded, straightforward, tree-hugging hippies here...they are probably staying close to home, too--ROFL!!
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It's no skin off my nose, as they say.  I have been perfectly content totally by myself for over eleven years just seeing Dagan & Leah (and now Ian!) and Caroline when she comes to clean or bring groceries.  Socially--I have had all of you in blogland--several of which have become pen pals!  All my friends I write to who knew me for years before I moved up here to the FM area.  And these days any stress physically adds to my pain level.  Don't want it or need it.  
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Let's just say that I am not feeling as "social"--LOL!  I will not want to jump in with both feet again like I did with the craft group.  If anything, it will be toe in the water from now on.  Odds are, if I ever do go in the afternoon for crafts I won't even bring anything with me when I go check it out...just like the other people did that first night craft group.  Such is life in the senior apartments, eh?
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But Miss Karma and I are just fine.  Leah and Ian came by on Tuesday for a visit and I was so happy to see our little chatterbox that I never even got a picture!  He talks all the time now (even if half the time we don't know what he is saying--LOL!).  We did puzzles, read books, painted with water, and had a nature show about Antartica on while we visited.  (Gramma had been watching it before they came over.)  
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Just wanted to let you know why Leah and I didn't attend the second craft night here and why I might possibly even pass on going to the afternoon craft groups in May.  I shall be reminding myself not to judge.  They can do whatever they want.  They do not need me, either--LOL!  And they can't help but be who they are, as well. 
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Besides that little snag...I am feeling better and better.  Doing what I can to try to build up my immune system so I don't catch the next thing going around.  (Maybe another reason to not be social--ROFL!)  Had Leah pick me up some D3, B complex, and fish oil to take along with my multiple vitamins.  They're Costco brand so not top of the line, but better than nothing, I figure.  I also have a case of gatorade to build up my electrolytes--and bananas for potassium since I got so dehydrated.  I was still feeling weak and lightheaded.  Feeling stronger and a bit more grounded since Leah brought the bananas and gatorade.  She picked up some frozen fruit mix for me, too...so I can make smoothies.  Whoohoo!!
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Well, you knew you'd hear about my adventures at the old folks home.  Now you know the latest.  ;)  It's almost the weekend.  Now that I devoured Damages on Netflix streaming, I am watching something light--Property Brothers.  I just rented The H8ful Eight.  Just as expected from Quentin Tarantino--dark with dark-dark humor--and bloody--with twists.  Recently watched The Lady In The Van, too--based on a true story.   Maggie Smith blew me away!  Since we last spoke, I've seen the Canadian geese, the jackrabbits late in the day, and tons of small birds...but no grouse.  I still LOVE it here.  (The old lady shenanigans don't spoil anything for me.)  And Baby Phil loves it here, too!
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Do you remember Phil from the old place that I had to give away because he got so large and out of control--LOL!  Baby Phil has really started to take off since we moved here where he gets more light.   
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And since Karma has picked her favorite chair spot to sleep (she never would sit on the other recliner over here for some reason) she seems much more settled in here.
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So have a great weekend!!  We might hit the low 60s this weekend--whoohoo!!  I am off to make a smoothie.  :):)
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 "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept and celebrate those differences."
Audre Lorde

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

What lush green grass! And Karma is looking fine.

Blogoratti said...

What heartwarming thoughts, warm greetings to you and best wishes!

Janie Junebug said...

The Apple Dumpling Gang? You're not preschoolers. The Calendar Lady situation might change after a while. You know we had a big bump in our road last night, but it's already solved. Calendar Lady might disappear before you know it. I don't mean that in a Sopranos way. I think she'll need to change or move on when she sees that people don't come to the gatherings. She should have been grateful that you and Leah were there. I need to email the yard service. My grass is getting long. I even have some grass growing in the backyard.

Love,
Janie

Intense Guy said...

Leah is such a sweetheart I can't imagine anyone not wanting her around for some crafting.

Very much their loss - I hope this thing doesn't completely sour you on your neighbors - most of them probably don't have any idea what happened.

DJan said...

So nice to hear from you and know you and Karma are doing well. Love the sock massage pictures, BTW. And who know what the future holds for you and your neighbors? I'm hoping those other old hippies will somehow find you at some point. :-)

TexWisGirl said...

i really want to see h8tful 8. :) sorry about the 'dis' at the apt complex.

GrandmaG said...

Crazy, sometimes I feel life is decades of high school. I get you being fine with just family and Caroline. I've never had tons of friends, mainly because, for the most part, people drive me crazy - LOL! I'm looking forward to The Lady in The Van. Love Maggie Smith! So happy to hear you're doing better :)

Barbara Sheehan said...

Wow so much going on in your life! Ian is as cute as can be. You are living in a new home? I'm sorry to hear that you have been sick and hope you recover very soon. I already tried to comment once so hopefully it will work this time. Here's my email. DestinyAZ1111@yahoo.com

Far Side of Fifty said...

Those gals are really missing out. It is their loss. I would ask her point blank why they don't have nights not days? Then I would go to the day one...don't let them (her) win. I would make a big deal out of Leah mentioning a make and take..but she is at work and cannot come during the day...tsk tsk...take that the old biddies anyway.
I know you are okay without having friends there...but still...people like Calendar Lady drive me nuts:(

Divers and Sundry said...

It sounds like high school cliques, and who needs that. If they don't want non-residents, then -as you said- they should just say so. I'm not sure it sounds like an emotionally safe environment. Your wait-and-see position will let you see what's really going on.

What beautiful green! Peaceful view :)

Krisha said...

Hi Rita....and Karma,
I must say your calendar lady isn't very smart. If you schedule a "craft" night most people will show up expecting to do an organized craft. If non-residents are not allowed it should be stated ON THE CALENDAR! I would stay home too!!
I'm glad to hear your starting to feel better and that Karma is feeling so much more at home in the new apartment. Love the view from you patio doors.....most people are experiencing an other taste of winter with snow! Even here is CA we are getting thunderstorms and rain...which we still need. Temperatures are up and down like a bouncing ball! LOL!
I haven't been regular with blog posts.....been crazy busy with other things...but have enjoyed catching up with some of the blogs I follow while having my coffee this morning.
Have a great weekend.....I think YOU should be the calendar lady!!!!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

It's too bad about craft night. You might ask Calendar Lady why there are no craft nights. Sometimes confronting the issue helps before the bad feelings fester. OR, do something even worse and send her a home made card saying you can't make her afternoon craft events. Surely there's a way to do this without having to use the US mail. I've seen places that have little boxes outside the doors for residents to leave messages to each other. maybe yours has that, too.

Karma looks good and wow on the grass. I've already mowed twice this year and it needs it again due to all the rain. Have a super weekend!

Anonymous said...

Life is short--do whatever makes YOU happy!!

Anonymous said...

well the craft night seems like a bust. too bad. Some people don't get it. Even if it isn't a slight against Leah, the woman doesn't understand how to build up interest in a group. I hope she did this because others were interested in having an afternoon group and not because of Leah. If they don't want you to bring a guest they need to say so. Just tell it like it is. I have a hard time fitting in too. Not quite as much of a hippie as the youngsters these days, not the rich guys who want to act like they are hippies. I'm just me. A tree hugging, open minded woman with some special things about me.
I'm so glad you and Karma still like it there.

Carol said...

So glad to hear you are doing better. I wouldn't worry too much about the craft night schedule changing. It's probably just them trying to find a time that is more convenient for the most people to show up. Next month it may be at night again... ya just never know. We've mowed 3 times already and it desperately needs it again. Always hard to keep up with it this time of year and then it slows down has the heat and dryer weather shows up :)

andi filante said...

OMG you sound just like me and my relationships with women over the years! Probably why I have so few friends! Ha! But I'm very happy you're feeling better and that Karma accepts your foot rubs. ;)

-andi

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

I like craft I am just no good at it, things never turn out how I hoped they would also I can remember when we had our dog DC he loved me rubbing my foot over his belly preferred it to using my hand strange dog.

Serena Lewis said...

Karma obviously loves her foot massages. hehe

You would think that calendar lady would have left at least one Monday craft night on the calendar and just added a couple of craft afternoons. I'm inclined to agree with your thoughts on this. Some older folks can be very particular about 'who' is 'allowed' to be involved in their activities. You and Leah would have been so handy in helping others learn new crafts but 'calendar lady' seems to have resented it....their loss. It should have been noted on the calendar that activities were for residents only. If the opportunity arises, I would suggest asking her why she didn't include Monday nights when she knew that was the only time suitable for you and Leah. I can't stand the childish game playing either. You don't need the stress.

No movies with bad language, sex, or violence doesn't leave a lot of options nowadays.

Bradley and I enjoyed The Lady in the Van movie too. Based on a true story.

Great to see Baby Phil enjoys the new place too. :)

Have a beautiful week, my friend. xo









Victoria said...

HI kindred! aw, that adorable Karma...and so lovely you gave her a foot pet! she is gorgeous! Love the red doors in the backdrop.
Do whatever feels right to you! I hear ya, I truly enjoy simple-genuine-hearted-kind-non-drama people! when yo find them, it is awesome, but when they are hard to find, I'd rather be on my own!
Have a wonderful day!
V