Twins at 4 months

Twins at 4 months
Originally uploaded by arlal.

Urban Legends

I'm surprised that Judy got caught up in the gas wars scam. Here is the website to check out before you send the group email. I like the list but am amazed to know how brave Anna Marie is to make this type of correction.

Ron and Dorena have written to ask for attendance confirmation for Memorial Day. I guess if there are too many, Gayle will look into getting another cabin somewhere nearby. I've also heard that Jeff is concerned because we are not sending any messages regarding Memorial Day. Maybe some of us don't want to be reminded.

Anyway we need attendance totals so if anyone is not planning on being at Chiwawa Lodge for the holiday you could let Ron and Dorena know now. Also if you have any comments, questions, or woo hoos about the upcoming holiday send them to the group. Just check out the urban legends before you send anything too hysterical.

Betty and Alberta's Great-Grandsons

Last week I had a sort of play date for my mom's great-grandson, Lucas and my aunt's great-grandson, Taylor. The day was going along well until after nap time when both got in a wagon to be pulled five blocks to a soccer field. We were all happy and jolly on the ride there. Both had a good time climbing on the play equipment and kicking balls. When it was time to head for home they both protested getting in the wagon. I pulled it while both dawdled along behind me. I knew I wouldn't get home for an hour at the pace we were so I offered ice cream to anyone who would get in the wagon. Lucas fell for the bribe but Taylor stayed steadfast and refused to get in. We crawled along for another block when I finally got a grip and forced Taylor's rigid, screaming body into the wagon. He tried to fall out but I won the seat belt struggle and we headed home at breakneck speed. Taylor even laughed most of the way. I am blaming Charlie for this incident because I mentioned the wagon in the morning but it wasn't until evening that Charlie explained that Taylor hates wagons.

My mom and I attended Taylor's second birthday along with his grandparents and about 20 others. We were happy to see some relatives and especially Brice, who is looking very fit these days. On Sunday Ken, Mary Jane, Betty and Brice visited Harbor Crest where my mom lives and declared it perfect. Well maybe not perfect but my mom is happy there so that makes it perfect.

My friend Sally and I go to exercise class several times a week and have for the past 15 years or so. This young thing came up to me last week and said seeing us exercise was so inspirational for her and she hopes when she gets to be our age she can still exercise. I hated that remark. How old am I? I guess I don't see the wrinkles but they're there.

Tuesday was a Lind Ladies Cookies Day and even though I missed the past two months I received my official Lind Ladies tote bag with my name inscribed. I don't know when I've gotten a better gift. I think this means they can't kick me out now but maybe I will do something awful that could merit that.

This week has also been household repair time. I have a new frost free faucet installed and a new control for my refrigerator-just what I always wanted. Next the house is being painted and the lawn aerated. I think it has to stop raining first however.

Wamba Peace?

I keep looking for the peace that Judy found in Wamba but so far it hasn’t come along here for me. I was reminded of this just last week when I met a Sudanese family who had arrived here within the past two years through the First Presbyterian refugee program. Two of us conducted a home interview to determine their need for a new home. Part of the criteria for a home through Habitat is present substandard housing. It was most difficult to get the family to criticize or complain about the apartment they have now even though it was very small for a family of six and extremely hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

Though both parents work and make more money that they could ever imagine the largest problem is their assimilation into the culture here. The children have never had school and yet here they are thrust into our public school system at their age level with no English language skills and no common past experiences. The younger children can make the change more readily than the teenagers. Often the transition is never made successfully and the teens succumb to gang type groups that will accept them. Anyway my visit made a special impression that reminded me to be grateful.

My mom reminds me of things these days also. I’ve learned many things from her during the past 65 years and even now she continues to spread her wisdom. She is very conscious of wasting anything and when I used a napkin to wipe a coffee spill from the counter she scolded me for being so extravagant. I suddenly realized she was right so I’m trying to do better. I’ve always hated the fact that she cuts note paper from sections of bigger sheets and saves those to write on. Then I read where this CEO of IKEA who is worth 30 billion insists on writing on both sides of a sheet of paper before throwing it away. I want to simplify my life and help the environment so I may have to give this some thought.

My student teacher guys are also keeping me on my toes and teaching me many new things. I’ve been big on lots of positive reinforcement especially for special education students and there is a long list of these words such as good job, star work, good answer, and wonderful. Now the guys use these words when they see a correct paper-you’re the man, two thumbs up, party time, awesome. These words would only work coming from a 23 year old college student and not from an ancient lady teacher but the negative “chill” might work when students need to quiet down.

Taylor is visiting me today and tomorrow. He’s a busy guy but a good napper so I can play on the computer. His Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Taylor will be among the invitees to his Second Birthday Party on Saturday where Taylor will be the man.