Black Friday?

Happy Black Friday! When has it ever been called that before? Why is it called that? Perhaps it is the day that ensures that the store winds up in the black? Whatever.

Naomi and I wandered over to Herberger's and managed to buy some stuff at ridiculously low prices. We just got under the wire as the sale ended at 12 noon. We were there at 11:30. The line I was in to pay for my two sweatshirts and two vests was stationary for a long time. The person at the head of the line was trying to apply for a credit card and had been refused, and continued to protest. Finally a manager came and took him away to consult and freed up the charge machine. Three people had already left the line, and there were still seven ahead of me! However, I finally made it through in time!

Yup. I'll be stylin' at the gym, girls. Aren't you thrilled?

I bought a small turkey this year. Just white meat. I always make stuffing (dressing for those of you who prefer that) but this year there was no place to put the stuffing. We three had a very modest meal: Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn - and pumpkin pie with real whipped cream. It was yummy, but I must admit we did miss cranberries and sweet potato stuff with marshmallows. and rolls.

Many years ago our family had a 28 pound turkey that someone had given to us. Mom and Dad invited all the relatives and made a feast, but it snowed something fierce so no one could make it. We ate turkey left overs clear into the new year. I mean - twenty-eight pounds! However, if you have to have leftovers, turkey is great.

Hope you had a fine Thanksgiving! Lots to feel thankful for. Take care.

OK, already

Yup, I know. A blog once in awhile is good. Once you've started you have to keep on. . . . Unless you just decide to quit. I don't want to quit, though, so here goes:

I was born during the great depression. Now that we are in the middle of what might topple over into another severe economic disaster, I think of all the things that have happened during my life time.

Take typewriters. When I was in highschool my father insisted I take a summer course at the Madison Business College to learn typing and shorthand. I was a star in the shorthand and did well in the typing. Two weeks after the course was over I couldn't read a shorthand note I had left for myself! Learning something too quickly doesn't necessarily stick. The typing is something I am still using now, however, to write this blog. And Pop was right, typing is a valuable skill.

When I went to college I fainted with joy when they came out with a type of paper called "corrasable bond." You could erase a typed image from the paper and leave no evidence of it. What a boon. I once typed six papers in six nights after lights out in the dorm. I had to hold a flashlight between my right ear and shoulder to do so. I had a terrible sore shoulder and crick in the neck at the end of that endeavor, but I passed all my courses with flying colors.

And then came the electric typewriter. Now with the computer life is a breeze. Just keep fiddling with the image on the screen until it is just right and then print out as many copies as you wish. Wow.

My next blog will take up some other advance or regression in my lifetime. I'm sure you are all waiting with bated breath. While you wait, take care.

I'm still here - sort of

I had avoided buying "My Sister's Keeper" because of its subject matter. When it came up to be read in Book Club I had no choice but to wade in. What a tour de force. Jodi Picoult is a gifted writer. There are multiple characters, and she stars them as the narrator in alternating chapters. She has done it in a way that doesn't confuse. That in itself is miraculous. But the story itself is utterly fascinating.

Kate is born and thrives until she is about four years old. It is discovered she has a disease that is fatal unless she can find a matching blood donor. Her older brother is not a match. So her parents find out that if they can have a "correct" baby, the umblilical cord can be harvested to save her life. With scientific help they "engineer" a child that is a perfect match for Kate. That embryo is implanted and then born, and the placenta and umblilical cord are saved and are used. Anna is the child who saves her sister Kate.

The story as played out is absolutely enthralling.

Well, it's true I am still here. Whether I am still kickin' remains to be seen. Take care.

After the Fall

I spent most of my time in Virginia watching the HGtv channel. If I ever want to freshen up my house, I now know all of the tricks. The only trouble is that they all cost money. Right now all of us seem to be feeling the money crunch.

I counted the ABCs of my fall... Abrasions, Bruises, and Cuts and Contusions. As well as I could tell there were between 18 and 20 major ones. I just let my body take care of the healing and I am feeling remarkably fine now.

The trip home was relatively uneventful. No escalators in evidence, for one thing. I did lose a Tommy Helfiger black velvet jacket, however. Now I won't have to feel bad when I wear something that collects my shedding white hair in abundance. I will stick to either multi-colored or light colored clothes! Adjustment is always the name of the game.

We have been home for two days and I have not managed to get my mind in gear. What with the change of time and the trip from the east coast, we have lost two hours. oofta. George is busy doing endless things, and I have been just trying to get my mind going again. I have not even unpacked my bag. Two days, and I haven't unpacked yet. I mean, really. Get with the program.

Take care.