What rare luck!

While in Florida, we had planned to go to Cape Canaveral.  Space and the associated technology was a big piece of Utah's 6th grade science curriculum and I had loved a trip there once before--years ago.  We were planning to go on Saturday, but a rainy, blustery day on Thursday made us switch plans so we could go to Sea World when the weather was supposed to be better.  How lucky was that?!  We took the bus tour out to the observation gantry where one can see the two main launch pads.  The space shuttle Endeavour, on the enormous Crawler, was stopped on its special road to the launch site.  I don't know why it had stopped, but we were thrilled.  We got a close up that few people ever do.  Even the guides were all abuzz.  NASA usually shuts down the observation gantry while the shuttle is on its way; it was the closest the guides had been too.

If you make the picture bigger, you can see people on the Crawler and a van parked in front.  It was soooo cool.  The second picture shows the helicopter that circled Cape Canaveral the entire time we were there.  One side was open and there was a person sitting in the doorway--keeping watch.

We also saw the rocket garden, the Saturn 5 rocket replica (so enormous), a cool presentation about our voyages to the moon, full-sized models of the shuttle and boosters, and a 3-D movie about the International Space Station (among other displays).  But, the real Endeavour, on its way to the launch pad for a trip to the ISS in mid-November really iced our cake.  Thank goodness for plan changes and bad weather. 

I e-mailed my friend who taught space science with me, and she has posted one of my pictures on her site.  She works now for the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center so she is still involved in space science education and I knew she would be jealous and excited for me.  She was.

I wasn't planning to, but....

I'm back from Florida.  I was extremely lucky and believe me, I'm looking forward to sharing what happened.  We also had fun dressing up at Disney World and I will share that too.  But first, I've got to get something off my chest.  I probably won't change anyone's mind--except maybe about me--but I think I'll feel better, so here goes.

I voted today.  Usually it is no big deal, but I think this time it really is.  I am very worried about my country.  When you think about it, America has only existed for about 230 years.  In that time we have become a world leader in every category.  Our overall standard of living is unsurpassed, while people in some countries a thousand years old still live in squalor.  The credit for this unparalleled success lies with our founding fathers and the inspiration of our Constitution, which guarantees individual freedoms and rights.  Those very principles are at risk.

I want a president who truly loves America, one who believes in the values of the Constitution and in the people he represents.  I want a president who trusts me to spend my own money.  I want a president who understands that the government is of the people, by the people, and for the people--not the other way around.  I want someone who puts his hand over his heart for the flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem.  I don't care if he has excellent public speaking skills, his history means I trust his heart to love and protect our country and defend the rights in its Constitution.

I don't want a president who thinks the Constitution needs to be changed so the government can have more control.  I don't want someone to tell me that I have to give up even more of my hard-earned money so it can be given to others who didn't want to work as hard.  I don't want a president who spent years around people cursing and denigrating the country they live in (the only country that allows that kind of speech).  I don't want a president whose oratorical skills are used to camouflage his heart and desire to change America into a country where the government becomes more powerful and individuals less so.

We are in tough economic times, partly because of greed and partly because of politics, but we'll get through it.  I think those guilty of cooking the books to make huge bonuses should be prosecuted and businesses which did stupid things should fail.  That's the law of natural consequences.  Government never seems to make things easier, more efficient, or more free from fraud.  The government doesn't have its own money, it has ours.

I wish our choices were different.  I wish the national media had made an effort to be even-handed so people knew enough about both candidates to make educated decisions.  As it is, digging for facts was time consuming but enlightening.  It comes down to basics.  What do you want for the future of this country?  I don't want more or bigger government; I believe in the power of the people.

Leaving on a jet plane, don't know...

Those were the lyrics that came to mind when I thought about this post.  Tomorrow morning I fly to Tampa, Florida, where my new GPS should guide me to meet my son and his family in Lakeland.  That's where they'll be living after June and there are business decisions to be made before then.  I'm the support staff.  I'll entertain the two kids while parents do what they need to do, but we're sneaking in fun too.  We're staying at a rental house with a pool (I'm told most Florida houses have pools), so two water-loving kids will be easy to watch--not that these two are ever difficult.  We are taking time to look at homes on the market, visit Sea World, go to the Disney World Halloween evening event, and visit the Kennedy Space Center.  I've been to Cape Canaveral once before and loved it, but that was when I was teaching and our science curriculum had lots of space study.  I still think it is a cool place.  Hubby joins us for the fun Wednesday and we both fly to Salt Lake Sunday.  Then I'll jump in the car Monday (maybe not quite "jump") and drive back home.

Talking to my other son and his family last night, my 9-year-old remembered that a year ago, to the day, we were ALL visiting the Animal Kingdom in Disney World.  Only Nathan would remember something that specific.  We're heading in their direction for Thanksgiving. 

I'm not taking my computer to Florida.  I don't think the house has Internet so I'll be quiet for a week.  I'll miss reading my favorite blogs, but I'll catch up when I get back.  I will make sure to show you how my Cruella DeVill costume turns out.  Bye bye for now.

Purses, handbags, packs, oh my!

What a fun tag.  I'm joining lots of bloggers like Lin who got the idea from Michelle who got the idea from....   Anyway, here goes.

Now there are questions to be answered.

Describe the contents.  Wallet with cash, a couple of cards and ID; other wallet with more membership and credit cards; folder with my fishing license, insurance cards, rewards cards, even a safety deposit box key; bedraggled photo holder with medical information and frequent flyer cards; lip balms of various tones; pill box; assorted keys to places; gum; a lemon juice packet; receipts; a swiss army knife; sunglasses; a calendar/address book, and usually my cell phone, but I had it out this morning to charge the battery.

What's the most important thing in your handbag?   I need my wallet and ID, and it also contains my debit card which I use all the time (no checkbook to carry).  That's also why I have receipts.

What's the most embarrassing thing?  That my pillbox just contains Beano?

What's the smallest thing in your handbag?  I found a crumpled foil from half a stick of gum.

Is there anything illegal in your handbag?  No--unless I'm boarding a plane, then the swiss army knife is gone.  Though I don't know how someone could take over a plane with that itty bitty blade.

I am in the market for a new one.  I don't like to switch purses so I tend to use one until it falls to pieces.  I try to buy smaller, but it is tough to decide what is essential to carry, especially since I travel about--I have keys to three places (Mom's too), two vehicles, and I like to have what I want when I want it.  I pare down when going on airplane journeys, but I've reconciled to the fact that I'm never going to be the wallet and keys type.  I'm just trying to keep it under 10 pounds.

Feel free to join the fun and share the insides of your handbag/purse/tote.

I'm adding another questions that occurred to me.  Is there anything in your handbag that you don't want people to know about?  There is in mine.

On the road again.

It's time to get back on the highway today.  I'm leaving my warm home and driving the 300 miles to hubby's city apartment.  I will have a few days there to give back my library books, get a hair trim and gray cover-up, get my nails done, and pick up my last refill of love/hate hormones (then later I'll have to check in with my "health provider"--notice no one says doctor anymore).  Yes, eventually I'll have to find a new hair dresser, nail tech, Optometrist, and GYN closer to home, but I haven't worried about it yet.  I'm keeping my Cardiologist (known him for 28 years), Dentist (known him for 20 years), and Dermatologist; I'll just drive up once or twice a year.  A new library is being built nearby so I have high hopes, but it will be years before it can come even close to the holdings available at the Salt Lake County Library system.  I will really miss that.

I had better get busy, I have to run a few errands, load the truck,  and make a couple of stops on my way, and I don't like driving after dark.  But, the beauty of having the freedom of retirement means that if time gets away, I can always go tomorrow instead.

To add or not to add, that is a question.

My own hormones dwindled away years ago. So, I tried to find a small, biologically similar supplement to stall the onset of what I saw as real old age.  The results are....mixed.  I found that I didn't like taking as much as the prescription called for, so I spread the dose over two, sometimes three, days.  I figured too little was safer than too much.  I wish I knew how I would feel without any at all, but I'm too chicken to find out.  Some of the side effects of being hormone-less are just darn uncomfortable. 

Now, however, what the heck is going on?  Suddenly I'm breaking out.  I didn't have acne when I was a teenager, why when I'm closing in on 60?  Lately I've been tearing up at the dumbest times: a person on a television show gets a wish or a book has a touching ending, whatever.  Do I need more hormones or less?  I'm good about vitamins, get a little exercise,  try to eat healthy foods, take good care of my skin, what's going on with me?  I'm just venting, but other than trying to drink more water I don't know what to do.  Any accumulated wisdom would be appreciated.  

One little cloud

The wind has been blowing hard all afternoon, but on my way from my mother's house to mine, there was this one, lovely little cloud, all alone.  It was turning pink as the sun was setting and I didn't know which was more dangerous:  snapping a picture through my windshield while driving on the freeway, or pulling off the road to get out and trust that no one would hit me.  As you might be able to tell, I chose the snap through the windshield.  For a while, the cloud looked like the front of the star ship Enterprise (yes, I'm an old Trekkie).   I haven't participated in SkyWatch Friday for a while and I wanted to be part of it again.

Men have it easy!

It must be so easy to be a guy.  I'm not talking about supporting families or fighting wars.  I'm talking about something much closer--getting dressed.  I was thinking about this when watching the vice-presidential candidates debate.  It was so unfair that Sarah Palin had to wear heels.  Who, exactly, made these rules?  Where is it written that for a woman to look really good she has to walk on her toes?  If men had to wear panty hose, or 3-inch spike heels, the idea would have gone bust years ago.  No, it wouldn't have even made it past the design stage.

Even pants are unfair.  A man always knows how his pants will fasten.  We, on the other hand, could have a front zipper for the right hand, or a front zipper for the left hand, or a zipper on the side (usually the left), or a zipper in the back.  It could be topped by a button, a snap, hooks and eyes, or just a zipper to the top.

Men need slacks in shades of brown, gray, or black, and shoes in black and brown. Pretty much any color shirt can be worn with any slacks.  Getting dressed is a cinch. Women have so much more to think about.  Consider the new "shape wear" (like Spanx) for women...there are always more kinds of uncomfortable underwear to make us look better.  I saw study results once that said almost all women who look in a mirror see something they don't like and want to improve.  Most men look and think they look pretty good.  I don't see any future market for men's reshaping undergarments.  Good luck getting men to wear them.

And don't let me get started on hair; my hubby runs a comb through his.  Voila.  Being a male would be so much easier; but whatever would I do with all my spare time in the mornings?

Oh how times have changed.

This article is about a year old, but you'll get the general idea.  I printed it for my class's 40th high school reunion.

Each year the staff at Beloit College in Wisconsin puts together a list to try to give the faculty a sense of the mindset of this year's incoming freshmen.  Here's the list for 2007:

The people who started college this year were born in 1988.

They are too young to remember the Challenger space shuttle blowing up.

Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

Bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic.

The CD was introduced the year before they were born.

They have always had an answering machine/voice mail.

They have always had cable.

They cannot fathom not having a remote control.

Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.

Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave.

They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.

They can't imagine what hard contacts are.

They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.

They've never heard, "Where's the beef?" "I'd walk a mile for a camel," or "de plane, boss, de plane."

They don't care who shot J.R. or even who J.R. is.

McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.

They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.

Do you feel old yet?

Offensive commercials

I have been watching too much televison without benefit of TiVo.  When you record an hour program, you can fast forward through the commercials and watch it in 40 minutes.  When I've watched my chosen recorded shows, with not much else to do during the day (I finished my last book), I've watched a little regular programming--commercials included.  Some of them aren't so bad, if they didn't run 42 times a day.  

But the ones that really frost me are ads for attorneys and law firms.  There are three types that really offend me.  First, if you are in an accident and you call this firm, you can get thousands of dollars from someone's insurance company.  It bothers me because it shows healthy, youthful people smirking happily about the thousands of dollars they received. 

The second law firm will help if you were denied Social Security Disability money,  Personally, I know about people trying to leech from Social Security for pretend "disabilities" such as flat feet, learning problems, depression, obesity, and of course the standard back pain.  Social Security was never intended to support those who refuse to help themselves.

The third commercial is for the law firm that will help you get out of debt with the IRS.  The faces on this morning's commercial talked about only having to pay a small fraction of what they owed.  Exactly who is that fair to?  I don't like my tax bill either, if I pay the legal fees will I come out ahead?

These are all part of supporting the collective attitude of entitlement.  Get the money you deserve, get your share of the pie, only a fool will pay what they owe.  And, oh yes, these law firms are only here to help you.  Yeah, right.  

Advertisments mangle language

I think that the worst offenders of language mangling are on the radio.  I've wondered if the advertisers that do radio are cheaper than companies that do television, or if I just notice the radio problems because there are no pictures to distract my thoughts. I have occasionally thought that I would like to write to someone to complain, but who?

Yesterday I heard an ad for something (I forget) that would help people "experience a little bit more out of their life."  I recorded it on my cell phone so I wouldn't forget--does it make sense to you?  Are they trying to sound...educated?  And since I don't remember what the ad was for, I am obviously going to be missing out on something.

If you want to buy a certain kind of spa you can "save thousands of dollars off."  Really?  Just what does that mean?  Someone shoved two separate sentences into one incoherent one.

AndofcourseIlovethedisclaimersafteraparticularofferhasbeenmadeIknowtheyhavetosaycertainthingsfortheunscrupulousandtheirlawyersbutdoesanyonereallybelievethatspielhaslegalstandingwhenitisalmostimpossibletoabsorbeandunderstandwhattheyareactuallysaying?

(Wow, that was hard to type.)

Halloween Dress up?

Okay, what wouldn't look ridiculous on someone 59 years old, could fit in a suitcase, and would qualify as a costume based on a Disney character?

While I'm in Florida with my son's family (watching the kids while the parents take care of business stuff), Disney World has their special Halloween activity at night.  This is several days during October when the theme parks open at night for Trick or Treaters.  Now, being me, I would have just had the kids dress up.  I would accompany them as a boring adult.  However, my daughter-in-law had other ideas.  Not only are the two kids going to be in costume, but so is she and she has talked my son into a costume too.  Now, how can grandma be the only one without a costume?  There is one more catch.  My daughter-in-law says that the costumes must be Disney characters.  That's not the park's rule, but it is her rule.

So, where does that leave me?  Malificent? (But she has a strange, large headdress, tough to pack.)  Snow White's evil stepmother?  Snow White as a grandmother?  Mom and daughter are from Alice in Wonderland.  Dad and son are from Incredibles.  Grandma?  Who know?  I'll be looking around and I'm open for suggestions.  Help.

Multi-tasking vs focus

In general, I think that women are better multi-taskers.  Teachers sometimes have to answer students' questions, plan for the next lesson, watch the time, gather materials, correct or record work, monitor potential problems, gauge general understanding, and still attend to the surprise visitor or intercom announcement.  And many do so seemingly with little effort.

Mothers of young children have much the same ability.  They carry on reasonable conversations with 3-year-olds, answer occasional homework questions of older children, prepare meals, fold clean clothes, wipe up spills, and carry fussy babies--sometimes all at once.

It is probably not true of all men, but most do not multi-task well.  I know my own dear hubby does not.  He, however, has the ability to focus on a single task, so intently that distractions do not exist.  If I ask a question or make a comment while he is working on something, I am just a small buzzing sound--irritating, but not intrusive.  Even when face-to-fact, if his mind is busy on something else, I am not getting through in any meaningful way.

There are times when I am jealous of his ability.  For instance, if I am trying to write something--a letter of complaint, a recommendation, an opinion--I need quiet solitude.  He doesn't.

Yet, if he is concentrating on something and the television news mentions an event he would be interested in, he'll miss it.  I won't.

In a way, these mental differences have helped us be successful in totally different fields.  

I'm not sure yet how the granddaughters will be at doing several things at a time (they're just 7, 4, & 3), but there is one grandson who definitely has the focusing gene.  We'll have to make sure any future wife understands how it works.

Beautiful skies

I seem to join Skywatch about every other week.  Maybe I'll be able to contribute more as the weather changes and the skies where I live get more interesting...not that they are not beautiful just being blue.  I took the above picture from around the corner a few minutes ago.  Lately, we have had the chance of a lovely, occasional thunderstorm--but probably not today.
This one was taken through the windshield (you can tell from the reflection), on the freeway, as the almost-full moon was rising and the sun was setting.  The picture really does not do it justice; it was lovely.
I took this on my way home from a walk last night.  Utah does have some stellar sunsets!

Any picture can be enlarged by a click and these were all taken by my little, go everywhere with me Canon.

Food from childhood

It took until I was in high school before I understood that all children didn't eat macaroni with tomato sauce.  I was married before I tasted macaroni and cheese.  I began to understand that all families have certain food--what should I say--preferences.  Oddly enough, some of those "preferences" stick with us.  

For instance, I love broken pieces of bread cooked into my scrambled eggs.  My mother did that to make the eggs go farther, but I do it because I like the way it tastes.

My oldest son took the macaroni with tomato sauce I passed to his childhood, and claims it is the best thing to eat with a grilled cheese sandwich.

My husband's favorite meal is a certain wild meat, cooked a certain way, with fried potatoes. It can't be done any other way, or served with rice or a baked potato--that's just the way it is.

Talking to my mother this morning, she mentioned that her father had liked to eat pears topped with mayonnaise and grated cheddar cheese.  I did catch her eating a peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwich a few weeks ago,  Perhaps the reason I haven't tried that is that we didn't ever have peanut butter when I was a kid, but I have no idea why Mom tried it.

Another food I had as a kid and still like is rice in tomato sauce.  It is even better with some meat and a little kick from peppers.  I had no idea other people left their rice plain.

What kinds of foods from childhood do you still love to eat?

Christmas in September

Do you remember being a child and so excited about the coming of Christmas you could hardly stand it?  I do.  I remember thinking that it was sooooo long from January to December, it took forever!  To make it seem closer--once we got into December--we used to count down, not by saying "there are four more days," but by saying "it's the day after the day after the day after tomorrow."  Somehow that made it seem closer.

Now, however, from January to December passes like traveling through hyperspace or at Warp 9.2 (choose your sci fi model).  I don't know where the months go in between, but they must be only a few days long.  

However, am I the only one bothered by the way so many of the retail stores handle merchandise?  I really do remember being annoyed when stores put out Christmas stuff before Thanksgiving.  Now Christmas stuff shares shelf space with Halloween!  One of the Costco stores where I shop started their Christmas displays the first of September.  Sorry, it is too difficult for me to think about Christmas trees and wrapping paper when it is 95 degrees outside.  I'm guessing that the stores do it because people buy stuff; there is no other logical reason.  Not me.  I'm holding off buying anything for Christmas until at least November 15.  Maybe I can't change it, but at least I'll feel better.

Finding a chuckle during an election

For the next two months, it could be difficult to read a newspaper or watch television (bless TiVo).  I am tired of editorials trashing presidential or vice-presidential candidates over whatever (and most seem very one-sided).   I am sick of political rhetoric and misleading ads.   In reality, Presidents or Vice-Presidents cannot change a country--our Constitution spells that out. Whichever candidate ends up winning the election will have to work with the Congress. Important (or unimportant) things only happen when enough people compromise and work together.  So grandiose ideas often disappear after January.  I so wish elected officials were required to serve only a limited term.  If campaign financing were controlled by law, and people knew the time they had, I think we would go back to the Public Service idea of government, rather than the power and wealth-building that there seems to be now.

I didn't start out writing a philosophical view, but I just finished reading the newspaper and I got a little depressed.  HOWEVER, the comics didn't let me down and I know teachers everywhere (regardless of their political persuasion) can relate to this Frazz.

Levels of Comfort

The comments to yesterday's post made me feel so much better about my driving nervousness--I'm not the only one with trepidation about maneuvering in unfamiliar surroundings.  And yet, I am much more comfortable with some of the situations that might have worried me when I was young(er).  

My hair and I have come to a truce.  It cooperates with me in a limited way, and I don't try to force it into unusual shapes.  Style?  We do the best we can with what we have.  When I was a teenager, we had a fierce competition because I needed to follow the acceptable trend.  No more.

I don't worry at all about fashion; I want to feel comfortable in my clothes.  I won't feel comfortable if I look ridiculous, and I'll be unhappy if I'm not comfy.  I don't care what the hot new colors are; I know what looks best on me.  And high heels?  Only for short periods and special occasions.  I am always amazed when I see someone shopping, walking through the airport, even wandering around the state fair in 3-inch heels.  Why aren't they cringing with every step?  

The well-being of my feet is important.  Right after I started my blog, I posted about my new MBT shoes.  I have enjoyed them so much that I ordered a pair for my son's 40th birthday (yes, I'm way too young to have a son that old).  He has some feet issues (metatarsals too long) and I'm betting he'll like them too.  

I plan to spend lots of time vertical; I need my feet and comfy clothes.

Bravery dwindles with age?

Funny thing, courage.  I'm not talking about the 'taking the hill at all costs' kind of bravery.  I'm talking about the everyday bravery: 1) trying something new in front of others, 2) speaking your mind when you know people all around disagree, 3) telling someone off (who needs to be told) even though they may react badly, 4) asking embarrassing questions of obviously busy doctors and expecting answers, and 5) driving unfamiliar cars in unfamiliar places.  You can probably think of more.

Personally, I seem to do okay for most of those, but I'm not crazy about the driving part.  Hubby always drives, I navigate (watch for signs, landmarks, etc).  I find driving in a strange place makes me anxious.  I think it happened about the time I turned 50.  Young people aren't afraid of driving anywhere--maybe I wasn't either years ago.  Now it makes me nervous.  

But, next month I fly to Florida and I have to drive to meet my son and his family.  So, after days of research and hours of pondering, I ordered a GPS.  I got one that will tell me where to turn and the name of the street.  I'll make friends with it before I go and hope it keeps me on the right road.  If not, I am very good at number three above!

Utah State Fair

In early to mid-September, Utah holds its State Fair.  I have lots of State Fair memories.  When I was a youngster (looonng time ago), the Fair was mostly about animals and produce.  There were thoroughbred races, various Riding Clubs competed in team and individual events, and there were contests for horses and riders (English style, western, Arabian) of all ages.  I competed once when I was about 11.  Because my grandparents and parents were involved with horse activities, I enjoyed the week out of school each year spent at the Fair.  I have fond memories of the grandstand that isn't there anymore, the stables, and, of course, the amusement park rides.

I still like to go to the Fair, but it has changed a lot.  There are far fewer horse-related events (and animals in general).  The place where the race track was is now a stage for whatever are the hot new bands.  You can still walk through the dairy cows, pigs, goats, rabbits, but there are not as many.  This year there is a huge area of Creative Arts dedicated to scrapbook pages.  The walkways and a couple of buildings are lined with vendors selling everything from knives that are always sharp to air-brushed tattoos, hot tubs to dried fruit.   There are shows featuring a hypnotist, tigers from India, chain saw art, reptiles, a magician, a juggling comedian, and several musical performances.  

Some evenings there are still rodeo or horse-related events, but they have to compete with the volume of the band playing just down the walk.  I guess the most obvious signs of the way the State Fair is changing with the times is the Guitar Hero competition on Thursday and the Wii bowling contest for seniors on Wednesday.  Oy vey.