Bridget Jones!

by sssmahh303, posted in Reviews

Mary Ann

Every year at Christmas when I am wrapping presents or addressing Christmas cards, I watch my favorite Christmas movies – The Holiday, Love Actually, and Bridget Jones’ Diary.  I know the stories by heart, so I really don’t miss anything if I must leave the room for more wrapping paper or ribbon.  It is kind of my mental comfort food.  I look forward to this little tradition of mine each year.  It is like visiting old friends, and Bridget Jones is one of my best friends.   

I loved the Bridget books by Helen Fielding, and when they made the transition into movies, Renee Zellweger became the real Bridget.  It is hard to believe those movies are 25 years old.  So, when the new movie, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, recently debuted, I questioned whether an aging Bridget could capture our hearts in the same way she did when she was a younger woman, especially if Colin Firth was not her leading man. Who could forget that passionate kiss at the end of the first movie.  I had a little crush on the dashing Englishman in all the movies.  Renee Zellweger did indeed take on middle age with the Bridget’s signature vulnerability and sassy grit.  Her perky little walk has not changed in the span of the four movies.  

In Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Bridget is a widow and is coming out of her depression about losing her beloved Mark Darcy.  She now has two children, a boy who is like Mark named Billy, and a daughter, Hazel, who is a mini-Bridget.  Bridget, of course, parents like Bridget lives life. Not much upsets her, and the kids seem well-adjusted because they are loved deeply by their mother.  So what, if the children have wrinkled clothes for school or that breakfast is a total chaos. Everything in the end works out.  

Bridget does find love in this film, but the journey to that love, of course, has its challenges.  She becomes a cougar with a summer of love with a young man, Roxter, who helps her come alive again. Returning character Daniel Cleaver played by Hugh Grant remains the charming cad that he is.  He is one of Bridget’s babysitters and teaches Billy how to make cocktails.  Bridget goes back to work, gets a nanny, and finds herself once again.  There is more to her love journey, and that is for you to discovery.

In all the four movies, Bridget’s joy de vie is always there.  Her bubbly laugh is infectious, and people envy that. Men find it attractive.  I loved seeing her happily jumping on the bed with her children.  The children will never remember the chaos but will remember bouncing on the bed and her sweet goodnights to them. At the end of the movie, watch for Billy’s jumper – a sweet memory.  

We end with this question – will there be a Bridget Jones in Assisting Living?  I think we would still see again her perky steps as she wheels her walker down the hall.  Daniel Cleaver would probably be the Don Juan of the retirement community.  We will just have to wait to see if this will happen! 

Road Trip Tips

by Cynthia, posted in Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Kevin Kelly is a creative who co-founded the magazine WIRED in 1993. He is the author of several publications and has researched “Cool Tools” for more than twenty years.  Having traveled extensively, he has listed what he has learned over years of travel. I wanted to share the link to his tips, but I have quite a few of my own.

50 Years of Travel Tips

When I retired, barely into my 60s, I had planned to travel extensively, also. Maybe not at the level of Mr. Kelly, but I could not wait until I was free to roam with no obligations.  While that didn’t work out for me (within months I was caring for my aging mother), I was still able to take a few vacations.  Several countries are on my bucket list, but there is nothing like a good road trip.

Now that I am in my 70s and the aches and pains have kicked in, I find I must adjust my former way of hopping into the car and heading out. Recently my cousin (with whom I have traveled for a couple of decades) and I planned a trip to the Redwood Forest.  As the time to leave drew near, we agreed that a shorter trip was in order.  Driving five or six hours a day is the longest we felt we could handle. I do most of the driving (which I enjoy) but I can no longer see well enough at night to feel safe in unfamiliar territory.  Plus, it’s nice to start finding a hotel / motel before dark.

When on a road trip, we plan an “ultimate destination” and some potential sight-seeing adventures, but not much more. A true road trip allows one to experience Americana. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a sign indicating an historic site, a point of interest, or a “world famous” or “world biggest” something.  With no specific destination required for the day, an unplanned turn has yielded some of the most interesting and enjoyable experiences.

Getting off the interstates and traveling state highways allows us to drive through small towns and villages we would otherwise never know existed. Much as our mothers knew no strangers, we will talk to anyone in a local restaurant.  We meet the nicest people, most of whom have fantastic suggestions about things to see “up the road.” These provide opportunities to get out and stretch our legs, taking short – or sometimes not so short – walks to the monument. Riding for too long is not great for circulation, so these side-jaunts counter the long periods in the car.

We have found packing cubes make one-night layovers easier.  As more mature women who are out for a couple of weeks or more, lugging large suitcases in and out of the car every morning and night is not fun. I pack each cube with a complete outfit, including footwear, so all I have to do is grab a cube. A small, rolling bag* contains toiletries, flip flops (I don’t walk on hotel floors barefooted!), and sleepwear, along with technology and chargers, is the only suitcase I take in. When we reach a destination at which we want to stay multiple nights, we take the big suitcases in, repack our cubes, and we are set for the next hop.

Traveling in the car does present a challenge here and there. Weather apps on the phones set to roam will provide alerts if adverse conditions are expected.  Another necessity is to assume you will have car trouble, even though you have had the automobile serviced prior to leaving. I keep two flannel blankets, a first-aid kit, a road emergency kit, and snow scrapers in the trunk at all times. My AAA membership card, Senior Lifetime National Parks membership name tag, insurance card and registration, along with a small amount of cash are always in the car, too. I have a set of corrective sunglasses, regular glasses, and now reading glasses in the side pocket.

Purple has a nice little cushion that rides along for road trips, to add extra cushioning. Even in the summer, I use the seat heater … and crank up the air conditioning, to keep my muscles relaxed while driving.

Another must for road trips is the snack box and a slew of water bottles. I have yet to take home an empty snack box. However, a few “dinners” have been created from the goodies we bring along.   Non-perishable items such as dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars provide quick energy and a nice “hold over” until a restaurant of interest is found.  Starkist has a nice little tuna-on-the-go kit. Oloves has individually wrapped, flavored olives for healthy snacks. While we stay away from sugary snacks, Kodiac has individually wrapped Bear Bites – graham cracker bears in chocolate and honey – which offer a sweet treat when needed.  And anything that can’t be frozen may be packed for the first couple of days of the trip – a pasta salad full of veggies, tabouli, muffins, fruit cups, etc. No reason to waste food!

Finally, even though I have GPS in my car, and my cousin and I both have smart phones with GPS, I take an atlas and regional road maps. Sometimes, you want to get off major highways and explore. Good old-fashioned maps are helpful for getting the bigger picture and sometimes for navigating streets and roads.

The only other things that needs to be considered for a road trip, is whether you can travel enjoyably with the other person. But that’s for another missive.  Meanwhile, enjoy the ride!

*PS I have duplicates of everything I use daily and small versions of “emergency” needs such as scissors, nail files, pain relievers, etc. My “toiletry” bag is always packed, ready to go in a moment’s notice!

The Creek

by sssmahh303, posted in Friends and Family

Mary Ann

When our parents build our childhood home, they purchased a lot that had a small creek along the one boundary.  It was about two feet wide and six to twelve inches deep as it meandered towards the Susquehanna River.  

The property had an interesting history before we claimed it as our home.  Early in its history, an Indian tribe had a village there.  We would find arrowheads and other artifacts when we were tilling the ground to plant.  In the early part of the 20th century, the property was an ostrich farm – the feathers were used for ladies’ hats of the time.  Mid-century, the land was used as a nursery. The creek remained central in all chapters of the land, and it was for our family as well.

When my brother, Timmy, and I were young, we were constantly in the creek.  We would build dams; catch crawfish, baby fish, or frogs; and one year, we discovered freshwater muscles.   The muscle shells had mother-of-pearl interiors.  We were sure we could make jewelry out of the shell and become rich. Childhood dreams!

Alongside the creek, we would build barns for imaginary horses and jumps for them to leap.  It was endless days of summer fun.  In any season, we were playing in or by the creek.  On snowy days, we would cross a wooden plank that bridged the creek allowing us to get to the ice-skating ponds.  Often, we would slip and fall in the creek’s really cold water.   Our mother was always thawing us out as we dressed again to go outside and do it all over again.  

 One summer, the creek dried up, and all the baby fish were in small puddles thrashing around to stay alive.  I caught a snake having dinner on the trapped fish.  I went for a shovel to end it days, and it was gone by the time I returned.  I had to save the fish so the snakes would not eat them all.  I got a bucket and filled it with water and put the baby fish in it.  I had to carry the fish to a big pond about two or three football fields away from our house.    I remember that the walk to the pond was so hard because the bucket was heavy with water and my hand hurt as the handle dug into my palms.  I had to stop often to rest.  Then fight the weeds to get to the pond.  When I got there, it was such relief to dump the bucket into the water and save the fish.  I made about three or four trips that day saving those babies.

We saw the water snakes as the enemy of the creek. This was before we understood the balance of nature. Eating the baby fish was just doing a snake’s job.  However, I would don my father’s waiters and grab a shovel.  Then it was off with their heads.  We cleared the snakes from the creek. I cannot believe I did that.  I have had several snake encounters over the years – another blog one day.  I keep thinking that it is all karma for me taking their lives, and it should equal out soon – I hope.

As we grew, the creek became less important, but an event happened that changed it all for my family.  There was a big oak tree that grew at the corner of our property near the creek, and by the tree there was a big metal tube that was used as a bridge for the farmer to traverse to plow the fields behind our house.  Stones surrounded the tube keeping it in place.  The tree had a Tarzan rope swing that we would play on.  All fun!  However, my brother, would climb the tree and throw his coat down and then lie at the bottom of the tree and say help me, I fell.  He thought it was so funny.  Timmy was a tease. 

Then, one day as I was feeding our dogs at the coop – the dog kennel – near the creek, I looked up and down came Timmy’s gold hooded jacket trimmed in fake black fur, and this time, he was in it.  He fell about 15 feet, hit the metal tube, and bounced on the stones into the creek.  My mother was watching from the kitchen window and flew out of the house to get Timmy.  She got him out of the creek.  He was unconscious.  She rushed to the car with a neighbor to take him to the emergency room.  I stood there in the swirl that was happening.  Off they went, and I was scared wondering about Timmy. 

Hours later my mother returned.  My father was with her.  I overheard words like fractured skull, concussion, and maybe he could die.  With the morning, Timmy gained consciousness and escaped the worst possibilities.  He did have a bad concussion.  He would have to be careful about any future head injury because it could be fatal for him.   I think his thick winter coat saved the worst of the fall.  The creek was not the same after that.  Some of it was our age, and some of it was the memory of the fall.

In years to come, my own children played in the creek when they came home to visit their grandparents in the summers.  It held the same magic for them.  Then years after that the creek became Terry’s Creek named after a neighbor’s child.  He, too, was in the creek all the time as we were as children.  It is a wonderful playground for children allowing their imaginations to grow, and each new generation of children claimed it as their own.

When my parents downsized and sold the family home, I went to take pictures of the house and of course, the creek. I collect stones from the creek for my parents, my brother, my children, and me.  I made them each a photo album to remember our family time there and a stone to remember the creek.  It was a nice closure to many years of memories.  Now, I do believe the creek actually runs through our hearts and souls and is a part of who we are.  Did you have a creek or a pond in your youth that still flows through you?

Accept and Adapt

by sssmahh303, posted in Wellness

Mary Ann

Ever since Covid, my friend Lisa and I have done a non-fiction book club. I have mentioned this in the past.  It has been a wonderful experience reading challenging books and then discussing them.  Some books have been exceptional, and others were duds.  However, we found certain themes immerging, and then came up with our own theory about how to cope with aging.  

As one ages, there is a decline.  Every day you wake up to a new ache or pain that wasn’t there yesterday.  You know you are older, yet it is still a surprise.   Sometimes you just want to hide under the covers and stay in bed all day.  However, you get up, take a deep breath and face the world.  You must decide how you are going to handle the new challenge.

We all know that you need to get a good night’s sleep, eat nutritional meals, exercise, be social, and keep your mind active.  This is something that we can control.  See you doctor for checkups and get your various tests and shots.  Again, you have control here, but much of your health is not in your control.  

Lisa and I gleaned from our readings that accepting and adapting may be a two-step plan to handle many of our aging challenges.  This is not really anything new, but we are using it to help us make sense about growing older.  With acceptance, you may have to give yourself time to mourn the way things used to be.  It is not easy giving up the ability to do something.  It is a loss.  Take your time to heal.  Then you must figure out how to adapt to your new reality.  For example, you may have developed a mobility issue and can’t travel or at least like you used to travel. It is hard to give up something you love to do. This is the time you speak up for yourself and research a condition or aliment and partner with your doctor. It may be getting a prescription for physical therapy to gain strength.  However, you must put in the work to improve.  Then you may have to adapt by using a wheelchair at the airport or use a cane or walker to get around places. Sometimes you must swallow your pride to make things happen.  Tons of people are traveling with all kinds of conditions and do so with a little help. 

Gratitude for what we can still do has also helped us cope with the changes.  Sometimes we must remind one another about this when we are whining about an ailment.  We are hanging in there, and that is not bad as aging people.  That is our silver shimmering!  You need to appreciate your body and care for it during all the different stages of your life.  The change is going to happen anyway. 

This is not a perfect cure for getting older, but it has helped us manage aging.  Often, we will discuss alternatives if suddenly one of us wakes up with stiff knees. What are the steps in gaining some control again?  These two techniques have made a difference in our lives.  We hope that they may make a difference in yours.  Accept and Adapt!  Then say a little prayer of thanks! 

Juicing

by Cynthia, posted in Taking Care of Business

I am on another kick. Juicing. My medical massage therapist shared a beet and lime juice she made and I was immediately hooked. And the timing was right. The previous week my grandson reminded me that we made apple juice and orange juice when he was young. I was surprised that he remembered that from so long ago, when we would have sleepovers at Oohma’s while his mom and dad had an evening off.

Having spent quite a lot of time researching juicers, I settled on an inexpensive, cold press version. I decided that I would buy a less pricey one to ensure I would actually use it.  In one of the videos I watched about “which kind of juicer is the best” the author suggested the best one is the one you will use. Ah! Common sense.

I had forgotten the vast amount of fruit and vegetables it takes to make a glass of juice. I made an approximately 6-8 ounce glass of citrus juice using two very large oranges, three large lemons, and about an inch of fresh ginger. It was delicious. Refreshing.  And a lot of work for a single glass of 100 percent juice. For citrus, you have to remove the outer “shell”, although it is okay to leave the pith as it is separated during the pressing process.

I made a beet and carrot juice with ginger which used three beets, two carrots, and an inch of ginger. I think I got about four ounces of juice!

The apple juice was easier. I still had to cut the four apples into small enough wedges to fit through the hole in the top.  One of my criteria for selecting a juicer was a large hole, but I failed to ensure the final selection had one. Mine did not. Sigh.

Another criteria was ease of clean up. Mine is relatively easy to clean. The only challenge is getting all of the “waste” out of the rubber-sealed extractor. The juicer comes with a tool which is necessary to clean that orifice. All-in-all, it is not too hard. It’s the price I have to pay to ensure I am getting a healthy juice – one that I know exactly what ingredients are included.

So I am thinking I’m doing something great for myself. I started researching Mediterranean diet (for real, not the Americanized version) and learned juice is not part of that cuisine. Other than olive oil, which is the juice from olives. But this discussion is for another time.

If you are willing to take the time and you enjoy juice, I recommend making the juice yourself. Less sugar, no additives, and big flavors. Cheers!

The DOSE Effect

by Cynthia, posted in Reviews

For the most part I have been reading fiction, but recently I was intrigued to learn of the book, The DOSE Effect by TJ Power.  The DOSE Effect provides a practical approach to learning about the four major brain chemicals that affect our daily living.: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. If you are interested in the science of how these chemicals that we hear about frequently affect our lives and how we can harness the benefits of these chemicals, this is the book for you. Written in an easy-to-read and understandable format, The DOSE Effect is surprisingly enjoyable.

TJ Power is a neuroscientist who lectures and trains individuals and organizations on mental health issues. He has conducted extensive research focused on brain chemicals. He has the ability to share this information in a relatable and usable manner.

I first learned of TJ Power when I heard him speak at a virtual conference which was attended by more than 10,000 people. [That alone was amazing to me.]  Mr. Power is half my age and teaching me through his book how the brain reacts to the rise and fall of these four primary chemicals. Of course most of us senior citizens have heard of these chemicals, yet TJ Power presents them in a fun and practical manner.

Admittedly, it was an adjustment reading this book due to the format and writing style. Yet as I progressed through the book, I discovered the information was easy to “take in.”  Some examples Power first uses will likely appeal to a younger audience. I pondered ways I could translate the science and strategies he shared into meaningful exercises for a 70-something reader. Focusing more on the science, which he describes in common terms, I enjoyed learning how I might use the chemicals in my brain more effectively.

Dopamine. Dopamine is the chemical that relates to motivation. It makes hard work feel good and controls the pleasure-pain balance. The main causes of low dopamine are sugar; alcohol, drugs, and smoking/vaping; pornography; social media; gambling; and online shopping. With low levels of dopamine one feels demotivated, distracted, and depressed. The opposite is true of high levels which make us motivated, determined, and excited. One can boost his/her level of dopamine by entering flow state (concentration), discipline, phone fasting, utilizing cold water, and identifying and following one’s own pursuits. Basically, an individual is in control of his/her own motivation.

Oxytocin. Oxytocin is increased with good-quality, in-person social connection along with positive, grateful, internal self-talk. When oxytocin levels are low one may experience loneliness and isolation. One will lack self-confidence. Basically, relationships with oneself and with others are required to increase oxytocin in our brains. We can boost our oxytocin by touch (hug someone!), gratitude (what are you thankful for today?), a social life and contributing (volunteerism and putting others ahead of self whether helping friends and family, performing high-quality work or creating a team environment, engaging in charitable work, or simply smiling at a stranger). We can promote our oxytocin by getting off our phones, listening actively to others, sharing compliments, make eye contact and physical contact, and asking good questions that show others you are interested. Remember to celebrate yourself, even if you are achieving through “baby steps.”

Serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical not only in the brain. Ninety percent of serotonin is created in your gut. Remember the “you are what you eat” adage? Gut health is a vital component of high serotonin levels. Serotonin affects mood and energy. If you are anxious and tired, your serotonin may be low. Serotonin can be boosted by time spent in nature, soaking up the sun, taking care of your gut health, getting plenty of quality sleep, and learning underthinking. Many of us tend to over think – going first to the “worst-case scenario” and believing that helps make the reality easier to take. To combat this, breathing exercises will help slow your heart rate and focus your thoughts. Deep sleep also increases serotonin while impacting memory, attention span, learning efficiency, emotional processing, and even metabolism.

Endorphins. Endorphins are released as we engage in physical exertion. They naturally de-stress the brain and body. Being sedentary, chronically stressed, and lacking joy cause low endorphins. We all know about the value of exercise and movement. And we are beginning to become more aware of the value of laughter. These increase endorphins along with heat, music and stretching.  Soaking in a tub of warm water at the end of a stressful day while listening to soothing music is a great way to allow endorphins to flow.

These four brain chemicals can be increased and utilized for improved health and happiness.  TJ Power has presented the science of our brain chemicals in fun and practical terms.  Even we “old timers” can modify our behavior in simple ways to improve or brain function – at least using dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins.

Treasures

by sssmahh303, posted in Lifestyle

Mary Ann

It is that time of year when you must begin thinking about graduation gifts or wedding gifts!  I have a simple and meaningful gift that I have given on numerous times over the years.  It just takes some thought about the person you are giving the gift to for whatever the occasion.  I called the gift – Treasures I Wish for You!

It all started one Christmas when I was looking for favors to grace the Christmas table.  I happened to be in Pier 1– remember Pier 1?  What a great store to escape and see all the pretty things and great ideas for holiday decorating.  I wish the stores would come back. Another victim of Covid.  I digress. 

 I found little brightly colored satin boxes that were shaped like treasure chests and others were star shaped.  I ended up buying several of each and thought I would fill that them with representational things that I wished for the recipient.  For example, I would use a penny to wish them wealth, an apple for health, a happy face button for happiness, and so on.   Everyone enjoyed their treasures. 

I then began to make Treasure Boxes for graduations, birthdays, and weddings.  It is a personal expression of love.  I would buy little boxes when I found them.  Sometimes I bought unfinished boxes at Michaels and stained them. Other times, I would buy bone, metal, or finished wooden boxes to give. What is funny is the boys loved these little treasures and what they represented just as much as the girls did – a surprise! 

Now, you may wonder where you get the treasures.  It can be as simple as a penny, or you can search for just the right the items at stores or online.  Stores like Michaels or other craft stores have miniatures sections, scrapbook materials, and doll house accessories. Look at novelty buttons – lots of cute treasures.  Dollar Tree also offer tiny items that be in their craft sections or wedding materials.  You can go on the Internet to find treasures.  Ganz has adorable miniature items to represent a large range of interests. If you want to upscale the gift, the Ganz charms and special boxes can create a classy gift, truly unique! 

I am providing you with a list of what the treasures represent, and you can mix and match for your needs.  I type a list and start the list off with – Treasures I Wish For You, _Name_. Then I list the treasures, and I end with – Dream, imagine, and believe in yourself! Live each day to the fullest. Life is a treasure!  Keeping adding to your box with the passing years.  Fill it to the brim! Once you make a list and fill the treasure box, roll the list up and tie it with a ribbon placing it in the box.

-Ideas for your Treasure Boxes-

A Heart – I wish you love.  Love your family, your friends, your country, your life, yourself

A Penny – I wish you wealth. If given much, share it.

An Apple – I wish you health. Eat right, exercise, and drink lots of water!

A Pocket Angel – to protect you

A Dove – There is always HOPE!

A Snowflake – You are unique, one of a kind!  Be yourself.

A Cross – Trust the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5) or have faith in something larger than you.

A Little Book – I wish you knowledge. Be a life-long learner.

A Little Gift – Be a gift to the world.

A GEM – Always Go the Extra Mile!

A Mirror – Take time to reflect. It is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

A Suitcase, Passport, or other travel items– Travel! The world is BIG and there for you to explore.

A Butterfly – Change is Good.  It makes you grow.

A Shamrock – Good Luck! When opportunity crosses preparation, it is luck.  Be prepared.

A Die – Risk! Take a chance! You won’t know unless your try.

A Shoe (for a young lady) – Be Sassy and wear Stilettos!!

A Basketball, a Football, Baseball, etc. – Always be a team player

A Star – Let your light shine through – Sparkle!

A Ballet Slipper – Stay on your toes. Twirl in endless wonder of the world. Leap for joy!

A Dog or Cat – Keep animals and nature in your life – they restore your soul.

A cupcake, golf ball, or other items that represent a hobby – Do things you love.

A phone – Stay in touch with friends and family.  Call your Mom!!

A Flag – Love your country

Magnifying Glass – Keep exploring and creating.

For Weddings – write treasures to both. An example – Snowflake – appreciate the uniqueness of each other.

A Wine Bottle (adults) – Remember to celebrate the big and little joys of life.

Ideas for the Treasure Boxes are endless.  Your own  creativity is your only limit.  Make a memorable, unique gift for your upcoming graduations, birthdays, and weddings.  It will be a treasured gift for years to come.

May Day

by Cynthia, posted in Friends and Family

When I was a girl at home, my mother and I would make May Day baskets. We would fold construction paper into cones and glue or staple them to retain their shape. Then we would affix paper handles. Sometimes we would draw pictures or write words on the “baskets”.

Once we had made enough for mom’s friends and local family members, we would pick flowers and greenery from the yard, trim it to size, and stuff the baskets full of flora and fauna.

It was always exciting to create these lovingly made baskets, but the real intrigue was when we would drive to someone’s house just outside of view from the front, sneak up to the front door, and hang a basket on the doorknob before ringing the doorbell and running back to the car.

I remember one time I left one on the door of a friend whose mother I knew would be home. My friend’s father was a very stern disciplinarian and although he was considered a leader in our hometown community, I thought of him as mean and possibly dangerous. In reality, he probably was a normal man-of-the-house, but he lacked the love and empathy I saw in my own father. I thought the May Day basket would be a blessing to my friend.  Her mother remembered that one gesture for years and commented to my mother well after I grew up and left home.

Historically, May Day has various memories. Considered a pagan holiday by some, it was a celebration of Beltane – honoring the return of spring, rebirth of fertility and life – as it falls halfway between the Spring equinox and summer solstice.  In some traditions, washing one’s face with the morning dew on May 1 would bring beautiful skin and good luck. In Hawaii, the date is known as Lei Day in which they celebrate the aloha spirit and the giving of the flower.  My mother recalled dancing around a May pole at her Catholic girls’ school.

May Day also is associated with the Haymarket affair of 1886 in which worker’s went on strike in an attempt to demand an eight-hour workday. May 1st was designated as International Worker’s Day and is celebrated in approximately 160 countries around the globe. The United States does not celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1, as we have Labor Day later in the year.

Mayday is also an internationally recognized distress term that is used by pilots and maritime vessels to request emergency assistance. The term was coined in 1920 by Frederick Stanley Mockford, a radio officer at Crydon Airport in London. Mayday is the phonetic equivalent of the French phrase m’aider, which means help me.

For me, May Day is simply a nod to the flowers beginning to peak through the defrosting ground, welcoming the sun and brightening our days. It is a day full of happy memories from childhood. Thus, dear readers, I send you virtual baskets of flowers on your electronic doorstep and wish you a lovely spring day.

Lost

by sssmahh303, posted in Wellness

Mary Ann

Did you watch the TV show, Lost?  I did, and at first, I thought it was going to be an exciting show about people surviving a plane crash on an isolated unknown island somewhere in the world.  I like fictional survival shows because they challenges the human spirit asking us what we would do under similar conditions.  In 2010 when it began, I was ready. 

Lost then got lost for 6 seasons, and stupid me watched every one of the episodes waiting to find out why, and I mean, why did they survive and to what end.  In the final episode while awaiting the answer to the program existence, you still didn’t know.  You were left with more questions.  I wasted 121 hours on 121 episodes and still don’t really know the meaning of it all.  I patiently waited episode after episode for answers that never came.  I then decided I would never do this again.  

Now, I give TV shows 1 or 2 episode, 3 at a max before I let it go.  Movies get about a half an hour then I am out of there.  This hold true for books as well.  If I start a book and I am not enjoying it, it is on the way to Good Will.  I used to be a must-finish-the-book, must-finish-the-TV-series, and must-finish-a-movie person.  Now, as a recovering must-finish person, I have freed myself.  I guess I used to be a little OCD.  Now, I am using my time in better ways.  Frankly, at our age, time is priceless.  

So, I am writing this blog to free you too.  You don’t have to finish a book or a TV  show or a movie.  No one is keeping score.  You will not get a notice from somebody admonishing you for your behavior.  Imagine, if that happened.  We would get reading tickets like parking tickets, or overdue notices for not finishing a Netflix series.  By the way, I am trying to figure out how to drop my continue-watching-list on Netflix.  I am sure there is a way, so I need to You Tube it for help.  

However, I do have a confession.  I started to watch Severance on Apple+ TV, and I don’t really know what is going on.  Critics praise the show, friends loved it, and I am totally lost – again!  The second season has premiered, and I don’t think I will be watching it again.  So, all of you who are enjoying it – great.  It is not for me. I love great storytelling.  I just don’t want to get lost again.  Life is too short!! 

Buzz Feed

by sssmahh303, posted in Taking Care of Business

Mary Ann

Sometimes when I watch those TV commercials about garden hoses or miraculous skin creams, I begin to believe that there is a fountain of youth, and the garden hose will shrink to fit in the palm of my hand.  Sometimes I buy the product.  I have become my parents and believe everything I see on TV.  That is a little scary!  Somethings are duds, and somethings are small miracles for three easy payments of $29.95. 

 I like to see new, innovative products so how do you know that it is more than just snake oil? You can follow influencers.  Read reviews. It seems anymore that everyone has an opinion on everything.  I also follow Buzz Feed lists which you will find on your phone news.

Buzz Feeds posts are lists of everything.  The articles can be 40 Great Dog Breeds for Seniors or 29 Things That’ll Compensate for Your Tendency to Overpack and on and on.  There is more information that you ever needed to know about a subject. However, it can be mindless fun to scroll away your valuable time and find products that you didn’t know you needed.  

Though, I must say that I love the Buzz Feeds that gives you gift ideas for certain people for certain holidays or a list of the newest kitchen gadgets.  I find myself scrolling through them and taking screen shots.  The screen shots give me a little time to decide if I really need to have the newest garlic press.  I just delete if I really don’t want or need something.  I am being glib about the garlic press, because I have found the most remarkable products from Buzz Feed’s suggestions.  Who knew that I needed them?  It has saved me a lot of time searching for a particular item.  It also has given me great ideas for gifts.  

In preparing this blog, I explored the BuzzFeed.com website.  They have several categories that include Quizzes, Shopping, Arcades, Celebrity, and Trending News (that had good reviews on accuracy.)  The shopping sections has all those articles on the best of whatever you might want to buy.   This makes finding the right gift so much easier.  Then, of course, you go to Amazon to buy it – most of what is featured can be purchased on the big A. 

I find myself going down the rabbit hole on all the lists, but it is a safe and fun way to explore a bit of the Internet.  There probably is a Buzz Feed list of 40 things to explore on the Internet.  I think I need to go find it.