Yeah, that is not gonna happen this year in Central Texas on Christmas Day. Probably competing with the folks in Australia for high temps today. Their summer, our early winter. My Hubby was remembering early this morning when he first arrived in Texas the Christmas of 1960. He had left his army assignment in South Dakota by way of his home in Southwest Missouri. There was snow in the ground in South Dakota, none in Missouri and 78 degrees in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. He remembered being in shock at the temperature when he reported for duty at the missile base outside Dallas. We are that warm again today. For sure, no snow.
We started the Christmas morning a little differently this morning. Up at 6 AM to prepare a dish to be taken to a women's shelter. As we really only needed to be up by 8 we would up having time to exchange our gifts and eat the quiche breakfast. The Waldorf salad was prepared, proper dress and we headed for the little church that would be delivering the food. We have not become attached to a church since our move but I am ready to commit to this little congregation. It seems a good fit as it is a Reconciling Ministries church. Any who, we met the small group of ladies that would be taking the food. After introductions, some chit chat and a prayer followed by a photo op the group headed into Austin and the women's shelter. Hubs and I headed to our little home. A call and the plans changed to drop in on our little family as they were opening gifts with the DIL's daughter and father. A cup of coffee and a cookie later, we left as they were ready for their breakfast.
After the short visit we drove by the home of a couple of Ham Radio operators just to view their antennae. Now isn't that something that is pretty specific, antennae envy. There was no visiting or saying hi just a drive by siting of towers topped by lengths of pipes that are tuned to receive signals. Not a single one was decorated for Christmas or anything! Just weathered aluminum, fiberglass, coax wire and nuts and bolts. Great beauty in the eyes of the radio crowd! After 50 years one learns to be excited by such things.
We were having to use the air conditioner in the car as the temperature mixed with the high humidity was uncomfortable. Hubby commented on the temperature and spent some time figuring out that first Christmas day he came to Texas back in 1960. Then it hit him that 56 years have passed since then. Next we realized an engagement ring was placed on my finger 50 years ago in just a week. His next comment, "Dang, I'm old." Yes, and it beats the option. And that option reared its head 9 2/3 years ago, April 20, 2007, in the form of a massive pulmonary embolism, a lung infarction and ruptured lung. Let's just say we are choosing to celebrate life and not worry about the temperatures and lack of snow.
Merry Christmas!!!
Janice
Livin' the life and having some laughs along the way.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Friday, December 23, 2016
Happy Christmas
A crashing disk on my main computer is leaving me with only my tablet to do posts. The tablet and google tend to not get along very well. That makes posting more of a challenge than I want to deal with this time of year. Such a first world issue. I do miss being able to journal about simple experiences of the season.
Our only child and his girlfriend have been on a vacation in Mexico. Hubby and I have been on dog duty as well as a few days of granddaughter support. I mean a 16 year old hardly is in need of care. She needed transport mainly. No rattlesnakes to eliminate as earlier this fall. Well, there has to be Round Rock Donuts still warm delivered by Grandpa. That gets him smothered in hugs which puts a huge smile on his face.
Speaking of hugs and smiles there was a bit of that in the parking garage. As I was completing my 7500 steps by walking to the top of the garage and back down I came across a couple of young ladies attempting to jump start a dead car. They could not get their cables to work. I said I could not help but would call my hero Hubby that loves helping young ladies. So a call to the apartment brought my big Teddy Bear to the rescue. I left before he arrived as Granddaughter was waiting for transportation. I told the ladies that Hubby would be big, 6' 2" and 300 lbs big but a real teddy bear.
The next morning Hubby joined me at Son's home and recounted the adventure. The set of cables were broken. As husband keeps a back up battery charger at the ready for his hobby of ham radio, he was able to use it to start the car. He, also, told the young lady to have her battery checked as one cell appeared to be damaged. He was then showered with hugs from the young ladies. Yep, he smiled just telling me about it.
Fast forward to last evening as I returned to our apartment to get our mail. The same young lady was getting her mail. She was still thanking me for the help. Told me to make sure I told Teddy Bear that she had the battery repaired. I noted our apartment number in case she ever needed help again. Her response was, "Now I know where to bring a Christmas gift". Not necessary as the hugs and smiles are all old folks need for a Happy Christmas.
Peace and Love to all during the upcoming Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year holidays.
Janice aka Petra Domina (the rock lady)
Our only child and his girlfriend have been on a vacation in Mexico. Hubby and I have been on dog duty as well as a few days of granddaughter support. I mean a 16 year old hardly is in need of care. She needed transport mainly. No rattlesnakes to eliminate as earlier this fall. Well, there has to be Round Rock Donuts still warm delivered by Grandpa. That gets him smothered in hugs which puts a huge smile on his face.
Speaking of hugs and smiles there was a bit of that in the parking garage. As I was completing my 7500 steps by walking to the top of the garage and back down I came across a couple of young ladies attempting to jump start a dead car. They could not get their cables to work. I said I could not help but would call my hero Hubby that loves helping young ladies. So a call to the apartment brought my big Teddy Bear to the rescue. I left before he arrived as Granddaughter was waiting for transportation. I told the ladies that Hubby would be big, 6' 2" and 300 lbs big but a real teddy bear.
The next morning Hubby joined me at Son's home and recounted the adventure. The set of cables were broken. As husband keeps a back up battery charger at the ready for his hobby of ham radio, he was able to use it to start the car. He, also, told the young lady to have her battery checked as one cell appeared to be damaged. He was then showered with hugs from the young ladies. Yep, he smiled just telling me about it.
Fast forward to last evening as I returned to our apartment to get our mail. The same young lady was getting her mail. She was still thanking me for the help. Told me to make sure I told Teddy Bear that she had the battery repaired. I noted our apartment number in case she ever needed help again. Her response was, "Now I know where to bring a Christmas gift". Not necessary as the hugs and smiles are all old folks need for a Happy Christmas.
Peace and Love to all during the upcoming Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year holidays.
Janice aka Petra Domina (the rock lady)
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Hair!
After two solid years of no haircuts today, Dec. 14, was finally the day. The hair was long enough to be cut and donated to Locks of Love. I did not tell Hubby a word as I left for a 6 month followup with a doctor. "Very healthy" was the words used by the doctor. As I left he commented on my hair. Yes, that fluffy stuff that now extended to the bottom of my shoulder blades. Little did he know it was not long to be attached to my head. Next stop was a haircut.
Arriving at the hair salon, a quick measurement confirmed the hair met the 11.5 inch requirement for cutting. Yeah!!!! I had not made an appointment so the wait would be about 45 minutes. No problem as there were numerous shops within walking distance. With Christmas being only 12 days away, there were a few little filler gifts to get for the grands, son and DIL. Forty minutes later I deposited the gift purchases in the car and returned to the salon.
The young lady was concerned that she would have to cut so close to my neckline to get the full length. I assured her I knew what that meant and I was ready for the no hair on my neck style. So after looking at photos to assure her it was what I was comfortable with, the prep and cutting began. With a rubber band binding the hair together, she began cutting through the roughly inch thick ponytail. And it was gone. Around 30 minutes of cutting, thinning and shaping I emerged feeling lighter and cooler. Cooler as in not overheated.
Really weird how the longer the hair grew the darker the ends were. Had the red of my youth out at the ends mixed with the grey of course.
Arriving at the hair salon, a quick measurement confirmed the hair met the 11.5 inch requirement for cutting. Yeah!!!! I had not made an appointment so the wait would be about 45 minutes. No problem as there were numerous shops within walking distance. With Christmas being only 12 days away, there were a few little filler gifts to get for the grands, son and DIL. Forty minutes later I deposited the gift purchases in the car and returned to the salon.
The young lady was concerned that she would have to cut so close to my neckline to get the full length. I assured her I knew what that meant and I was ready for the no hair on my neck style. So after looking at photos to assure her it was what I was comfortable with, the prep and cutting began. With a rubber band binding the hair together, she began cutting through the roughly inch thick ponytail. And it was gone. Around 30 minutes of cutting, thinning and shaping I emerged feeling lighter and cooler. Cooler as in not overheated.
This is what it looked like 2 years ago before the No Cut began:
So here you have before:
And now the after:
And a day later after sleeping on the new style:
#lovinthenewlength
And so is Hubby!
Monday, December 12, 2016
Gifts
Today's devotional was about using the gifts or talents that each human possesses. These gifts can range from artistic capabilities to public speaking to the myriad of human endeavors. The words did as intended, I began thinking how I am using my talents. Living in the United States on earth, this time of year the world is full of holidays. In a nation that has been predominately Christian, Christmas is an obsession at this time of year. There are all sorts of reasons for the obsession that indeed overflows into households that have no faith. Households that are agnostic and atheist. Christmas is now big business as attested to by the Black Friday sales. Many companies know that the bottom line goes from red to a glowing black as a result of the sale of goods and services during this time of year. Just a fact, not a condemnation.
Gifting is so different than in decades and centuries in the past. For about 2 decades, from 1975 to 1993, we lived next door to two sisters who were retired school teachers, Sis and Hazel. Salt of the earth ladies. One sister was born around 1895 with the younger sister and twin brother born around 1905. Neither sister had married and were living in their childhood home with the now widowed twin brother. The sisters helped rear the brother's small daughter after the untimely death of his wife. Eventually I was introduced to the daughter's family and be came fast friends with the whole group.
During some of the last years we lived next to the Gardner sisters we would take them some freshly baked Christmas breads a day or so before Christmas. We would be invited in for a visit. Often we would have thought up a question to ask the sisters to hear some of their stories. We would sit mesmerized listening to them tell stories of their early years of teaching. One year our question was what was Christmas like as a teacher. They shared the story of their Christmas tradition during the lean years of the Depression and WWII years.
Sis and Hazel would order a crate of oranges, apples, unshelled nuts and ribbon candy. They would then give a 'poke bag' containing one each of the fruit and candy plus a handful nuts. Sis noted the sack of goodies were for many of the students their only gifts to mark the season. In return some students would give a 'teacher gift' of a handkerchief. The sisters put the dozens of handkerchiefs together into bedspreads. They had to show us the beautiful spreads before we left that one evening. It was obvious the gifts they gave and received were true gifts of love. As surely was the hearing of the story of their giving to the children.
December is, also, the month of my birth. I receive gifts from my husband and son. More than I need but truly enjoyed and appreciated. Then time is spent gathering gifts for sisters, husband, son and his family. A couple of friends and I still exchange gifts. These are times of plenty in our family group. A gift of an orange, apple, nuts and some candy would seem somehow out of place. There are still those who would welcome a 'poke sack' filled with such simple items. Pretty sure it is those poor and suffering for whom this season should be the focus of giving. And yet ..... I sit wondering about how I should use my talents ....
Gifting is so different than in decades and centuries in the past. For about 2 decades, from 1975 to 1993, we lived next door to two sisters who were retired school teachers, Sis and Hazel. Salt of the earth ladies. One sister was born around 1895 with the younger sister and twin brother born around 1905. Neither sister had married and were living in their childhood home with the now widowed twin brother. The sisters helped rear the brother's small daughter after the untimely death of his wife. Eventually I was introduced to the daughter's family and be came fast friends with the whole group.
During some of the last years we lived next to the Gardner sisters we would take them some freshly baked Christmas breads a day or so before Christmas. We would be invited in for a visit. Often we would have thought up a question to ask the sisters to hear some of their stories. We would sit mesmerized listening to them tell stories of their early years of teaching. One year our question was what was Christmas like as a teacher. They shared the story of their Christmas tradition during the lean years of the Depression and WWII years.
Sis and Hazel would order a crate of oranges, apples, unshelled nuts and ribbon candy. They would then give a 'poke bag' containing one each of the fruit and candy plus a handful nuts. Sis noted the sack of goodies were for many of the students their only gifts to mark the season. In return some students would give a 'teacher gift' of a handkerchief. The sisters put the dozens of handkerchiefs together into bedspreads. They had to show us the beautiful spreads before we left that one evening. It was obvious the gifts they gave and received were true gifts of love. As surely was the hearing of the story of their giving to the children.
December is, also, the month of my birth. I receive gifts from my husband and son. More than I need but truly enjoyed and appreciated. Then time is spent gathering gifts for sisters, husband, son and his family. A couple of friends and I still exchange gifts. These are times of plenty in our family group. A gift of an orange, apple, nuts and some candy would seem somehow out of place. There are still those who would welcome a 'poke sack' filled with such simple items. Pretty sure it is those poor and suffering for whom this season should be the focus of giving. And yet ..... I sit wondering about how I should use my talents ....
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Seven Oh
Well, it has happened. I am elderly. Today I turned into a 70 year old, old woman. Sagging jaw line, sagging bust line, sagging arms and lots of other things. My ears and nose have grown larger cause cartilage keeps growing on those parts of the body. Unfortunately, that same cartilage is being eaten away in all the joints of the body. Or is the cartilage just migrating?
There is no recollection in my mind of my birth, thank goodness. My mother on the other hand remembered it till almost the end of her days. She was convinced by the family doctor to give birth in the hospital for the first time. My two older sisters were born at home. With Sis#2 the same doctor had to spend the night as the creeks were out of banks and he could not get home. Mom began hemorrhaging immediately after my birth. Doc Mantooth said, "Now, Mary, see why it was important to be in a hospital?"
For many decades most babies in the US were born in hospitals. The pendulum has swung back some in the last 15 years with more women choosing home births with midwives. Not for me, thank you. I preferred the reduced pain of the epidural during the birth of our only child! To each their own!
Naturally much more than just birthing practices have changed since my birth in December of 1946. Polio vaccine was developed with my generation being the first to benefit. The rolls of church, family, men, women, schools and government have seen significant changes both in my nation and around the world. The world has become so tiny with the internet connections it boggles my seventy years old brain.
Last night our son, his family and some of their friends treated me to dinner, flowers and gifts. Spa time for me. Later a pottery and wine painting night with our DIL and a friend can be enjoyed. Hints that maybe what I paint might go to the son's family as he would like that. Smile, wink, hint! The food was good but just sitting and visiting with the family was the very best part. Seeing smiling grandchildren and then all the hugs and kisses, well, it just does not get any better.
Peace to all,
Janice who is now 70, seventy, seven oh (which could be spelled ouch and be very accurate).
There is no recollection in my mind of my birth, thank goodness. My mother on the other hand remembered it till almost the end of her days. She was convinced by the family doctor to give birth in the hospital for the first time. My two older sisters were born at home. With Sis#2 the same doctor had to spend the night as the creeks were out of banks and he could not get home. Mom began hemorrhaging immediately after my birth. Doc Mantooth said, "Now, Mary, see why it was important to be in a hospital?"
For many decades most babies in the US were born in hospitals. The pendulum has swung back some in the last 15 years with more women choosing home births with midwives. Not for me, thank you. I preferred the reduced pain of the epidural during the birth of our only child! To each their own!
Naturally much more than just birthing practices have changed since my birth in December of 1946. Polio vaccine was developed with my generation being the first to benefit. The rolls of church, family, men, women, schools and government have seen significant changes both in my nation and around the world. The world has become so tiny with the internet connections it boggles my seventy years old brain.
Last night our son, his family and some of their friends treated me to dinner, flowers and gifts. Spa time for me. Later a pottery and wine painting night with our DIL and a friend can be enjoyed. Hints that maybe what I paint might go to the son's family as he would like that. Smile, wink, hint! The food was good but just sitting and visiting with the family was the very best part. Seeing smiling grandchildren and then all the hugs and kisses, well, it just does not get any better.
Peace to all,
Janice who is now 70, seventy, seven oh (which could be spelled ouch and be very accurate).
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Almost
So for some reason the festive mood has been lacking in my soul. Been working on it, though. After a fun few days with family for Thanksgiving, spirits are coming up to an almost ready to pull a few things out to decorate. Been watching Christmas movies on Netflix to put myself to go to sleep at night. That combination seems to be helping. Now to get the body to cooperate.
Christmas gift ideas were bumped around during the Thanksgiving holiday in Dallas. After we returned home my not so nimble fingers did their thing. Now all but about five gifts are on the way to our home. Now just to get the body in gear with the spirits moving around us all. I even pulled one box I could reach down and had a look in side. Angels and wiseman.
Watching the Rockefeller tree lighting program is fun, too. Though singing in the rain might be more appropriate than let it snow. I still need to get the Hubby on board with all this lower level of excitement. Cause this man is one low level of excitement about Christmas. Now contacts with folks in another state or country on his radio, that is something about which he gets excited! And that is one of the things I love most about him. But... someone still has to help me reach the high boxes.
The other thing that is part of the aging is looking and accepting reality. Less mobile limbs can be more prone to fall from a ladder. How much decoration is really needed to get a feeling of celebration. A celebration of the birth of a child that brought a radical message to the children of Israel. That message spilled over into the world of the Gentiles. Then the believers worked to spread the word by what ever means necessary. Yep, co opted every single tradition found along the way.
Now to commemorate the birth the US Christians insist on trees in every mall. Appropriate greeting of Merry Christmas. Special cups at Starbucks. Lights everywhere and as many gifts under trees as our maxed out credit cards can buy. There are, also, the drives for food, gifts, clothing and other things to help those less fortunate. That last sentence is probably the most important thing to remember. Not just probably. It is the message brought by that little baby boy. As well as so many other prophets, persons of thoughts and sages through eternity. If the world would all just listen, accept and act.
One organization certainly works toward this goal, Habitat for Humanity. I think that's all I want for Christmas. a donation to Habitat. Cause folks need a home.
Peace and love to all,
Janice
http://kxan.com/2016/11/29/two-ethiopian-refugee-families-get-the-gift-of-a-new-home/
Christmas gift ideas were bumped around during the Thanksgiving holiday in Dallas. After we returned home my not so nimble fingers did their thing. Now all but about five gifts are on the way to our home. Now just to get the body in gear with the spirits moving around us all. I even pulled one box I could reach down and had a look in side. Angels and wiseman.
Watching the Rockefeller tree lighting program is fun, too. Though singing in the rain might be more appropriate than let it snow. I still need to get the Hubby on board with all this lower level of excitement. Cause this man is one low level of excitement about Christmas. Now contacts with folks in another state or country on his radio, that is something about which he gets excited! And that is one of the things I love most about him. But... someone still has to help me reach the high boxes.
The other thing that is part of the aging is looking and accepting reality. Less mobile limbs can be more prone to fall from a ladder. How much decoration is really needed to get a feeling of celebration. A celebration of the birth of a child that brought a radical message to the children of Israel. That message spilled over into the world of the Gentiles. Then the believers worked to spread the word by what ever means necessary. Yep, co opted every single tradition found along the way.
Now to commemorate the birth the US Christians insist on trees in every mall. Appropriate greeting of Merry Christmas. Special cups at Starbucks. Lights everywhere and as many gifts under trees as our maxed out credit cards can buy. There are, also, the drives for food, gifts, clothing and other things to help those less fortunate. That last sentence is probably the most important thing to remember. Not just probably. It is the message brought by that little baby boy. As well as so many other prophets, persons of thoughts and sages through eternity. If the world would all just listen, accept and act.
One organization certainly works toward this goal, Habitat for Humanity. I think that's all I want for Christmas. a donation to Habitat. Cause folks need a home.
Peace and love to all,
Janice
http://kxan.com/2016/11/29/two-ethiopian-refugee-families-get-the-gift-of-a-new-home/
Monday, November 28, 2016
Days of Thanks
Life brings challenges in relationships with family members. For some folks these challenges rear their ugly countenances at family gatherings during holidays. I am fortunate to have a family that manages to avoid these confrontations. Maybe we just sit on our feelings or do we not really have them does not matter to me. This past week proved to be pretty much the same.
My part of the family arrived at my sister's home while she was away at her oldest's home for thanksgiving. Next evening Sis and her husband arrived and had dinner waiting on them. I had spent the day making 7 pies, 3 dozen cookies and 2 batches of hot roll dough. Son had prepared the evening meal for all of us. That meal was the beginning of 3 days where food was the main feature ..... that is how Thanksgiving rolls. At least one to two days of preparation, the day and at least one day to two days following of leftovers.
Every other year our Thanksgiving feast is followed the next day by a bonfire. BIL stacks the tree branches that fall into his yard in a pile. It is enough wood to have a fire that burns most of the day and into the evening. A hot dog roast followed by smores is the fare for the evening meal. Or leftovers if you do not want hot dogs. This year Hubby had smoked a pork tenderloin. The loin covered with homemade barbecue sauce added an alternative to the turkey and ham.
By the time we left on Sunday morning, there was little more than some ham and turkey left to freeze. None of the 2 dozen sweet rolls, nor 6 dozen dinner rolls. One pumpkin pie was uncut along with 2 pieces of apple pie was all that was left of the 7 pies I made. Sister had brought one pecan pie (no left over) and an apple strudel ( half left). Amazing just how much food 3 teen boys can put away and still be thin as a stick!
There was much for which to be thankful other than the bounty of food. Time spent with great grand niece and nephews, playing basketball with grandsons, sharing long held secrets about our youthful antics with my sister, and spending a weekend with little political talk. Laughing with and at grandchildren antics. Watching a soccer match in which bonus granddaughter was a player rounded out the family activities we had the joy of sharing.
We drove by the home we had build as young marrieds in 1967. We met the current owner who still loves the house as much as we did when we lived there. Hugged the same neighbor that built the house next door. Billie had taught me how to make coconut pies. I still use the same recipe. Even had time to put Christmas flowers on my folks' graves. Yes, much for which to give thanks.
Peace to all as we now move to the upcoming series of holidays. May they be filled with joy for each of you.
Janice
My part of the family arrived at my sister's home while she was away at her oldest's home for thanksgiving. Next evening Sis and her husband arrived and had dinner waiting on them. I had spent the day making 7 pies, 3 dozen cookies and 2 batches of hot roll dough. Son had prepared the evening meal for all of us. That meal was the beginning of 3 days where food was the main feature ..... that is how Thanksgiving rolls. At least one to two days of preparation, the day and at least one day to two days following of leftovers.
Every other year our Thanksgiving feast is followed the next day by a bonfire. BIL stacks the tree branches that fall into his yard in a pile. It is enough wood to have a fire that burns most of the day and into the evening. A hot dog roast followed by smores is the fare for the evening meal. Or leftovers if you do not want hot dogs. This year Hubby had smoked a pork tenderloin. The loin covered with homemade barbecue sauce added an alternative to the turkey and ham.
By the time we left on Sunday morning, there was little more than some ham and turkey left to freeze. None of the 2 dozen sweet rolls, nor 6 dozen dinner rolls. One pumpkin pie was uncut along with 2 pieces of apple pie was all that was left of the 7 pies I made. Sister had brought one pecan pie (no left over) and an apple strudel ( half left). Amazing just how much food 3 teen boys can put away and still be thin as a stick!
There was much for which to be thankful other than the bounty of food. Time spent with great grand niece and nephews, playing basketball with grandsons, sharing long held secrets about our youthful antics with my sister, and spending a weekend with little political talk. Laughing with and at grandchildren antics. Watching a soccer match in which bonus granddaughter was a player rounded out the family activities we had the joy of sharing.
We drove by the home we had build as young marrieds in 1967. We met the current owner who still loves the house as much as we did when we lived there. Hugged the same neighbor that built the house next door. Billie had taught me how to make coconut pies. I still use the same recipe. Even had time to put Christmas flowers on my folks' graves. Yes, much for which to give thanks.
Peace to all as we now move to the upcoming series of holidays. May they be filled with joy for each of you.
Janice
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Teeth, Eyes and Holidays
Well, the holidays are upon us here in the States. Thanksgiving is being a stretch this year as I am just not in the mood for the holidays. Traveling to my sister's house can be a lot of fun. Not feeling it this year. Just. Not. Feeling. It. This. Year. Nothing about my sister or the company. Just. Not. Feeling. It. Cooking for kids that are picky is another challenge. I'll make rolls and cinnamon rolls. They will eat those. And that is about all. Ham. Pumpkin pie. I may buy ready made crusts this year. That means a little less time standing.....
Then Christmas is staring us in the face. Christmas gifts for people that already have more than is needed for existence. At least one grandson gave me an idea of what he wants. A pair of Chubbies shorts. Okay. Now I need to know color and style. Somehow that takes all the fun out of surprising someone with a gift. . . . I miss the surprises in life.
Hubby is very pleased with his cataract surgery results. I seldom see him in glasses now. The second eye will be taken care in December. Then his eyes will be better than new! However...... he was just chewing on some food last week and a tooth cap fell off. Fell off into his mouth. He visited the dentist. With dental insurance, a bridge which is the cheapest option other than just pulling what is left of the tooth is more than the total of the eye surgeries. And repairing the badly chipped windshield.
Maybe things are just sort of piling on right now is why there is no excitement for the holidays. But I do not think so. I have felt this coming for some time. Just too much effort for such a short time. A day or two to put up decorations that will stay up maybe 4 weeks. I met a lady in the parking garage Saturday evening. She was struggling with packages. She was preparing to help her mother decorate for Christmas. The mother can no longer do it for herself but sort of demands her daughter do it. I said, "And when you finish it isn't right, not the way it once was done." The lady's eyes lite up and she replied, "Exactly".
Some of us old folks (me) get cranky. We want to be young and we attempt to regain that youth by doing or having someone do it for us the way it was when we were young. I watched it with my aging relatives and now with my contemporaries. I do not want to spend what is left of my life attempting to be something I no longer am, young. Or attempt to mold others to do the things I never accomplished.
Well, nothing like a little blogging to clear the mind and soul.
Later Gators. Have a great Thanksgiving.
Then Christmas is staring us in the face. Christmas gifts for people that already have more than is needed for existence. At least one grandson gave me an idea of what he wants. A pair of Chubbies shorts. Okay. Now I need to know color and style. Somehow that takes all the fun out of surprising someone with a gift. . . . I miss the surprises in life.
Hubby is very pleased with his cataract surgery results. I seldom see him in glasses now. The second eye will be taken care in December. Then his eyes will be better than new! However...... he was just chewing on some food last week and a tooth cap fell off. Fell off into his mouth. He visited the dentist. With dental insurance, a bridge which is the cheapest option other than just pulling what is left of the tooth is more than the total of the eye surgeries. And repairing the badly chipped windshield.
Maybe things are just sort of piling on right now is why there is no excitement for the holidays. But I do not think so. I have felt this coming for some time. Just too much effort for such a short time. A day or two to put up decorations that will stay up maybe 4 weeks. I met a lady in the parking garage Saturday evening. She was struggling with packages. She was preparing to help her mother decorate for Christmas. The mother can no longer do it for herself but sort of demands her daughter do it. I said, "And when you finish it isn't right, not the way it once was done." The lady's eyes lite up and she replied, "Exactly".
Some of us old folks (me) get cranky. We want to be young and we attempt to regain that youth by doing or having someone do it for us the way it was when we were young. I watched it with my aging relatives and now with my contemporaries. I do not want to spend what is left of my life attempting to be something I no longer am, young. Or attempt to mold others to do the things I never accomplished.
Well, nothing like a little blogging to clear the mind and soul.
Later Gators. Have a great Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 18, 2016
I Was Doing Fine and Then
If you come to this blog, you already know I am a person that believes that all are created equal. Not all are treated equal nor have an equal opportunity. I check on facebook to see about a young boy named Rowan who is in the fight of his life for his life. Click here to read of his plight. His mother makes posts when she can as to what is happening with him as he fights. His is a heart rending yet hopeful saga.
With facebook I check on family members spread across the US. A cousin with an aggressive form of colon cancer diagnosed this week. My three sisters usually check in so I know their status. Nieces, nephews and their extended families which includes five children one year or less in age. Sweet faces posted of those little cherubs. Friends that live hundreds and some thousands of miles away can be touched through facebook.
Unfortunately the political posts just do not seem to be stopping because of the general atmosphere in the US. The protest marches are lessening. Now we have teens shouting, 'build the wall' and carrying Trump/Pence signs at women's volleyball tournaments. Their 'white' school was playing a predominately Latino school. My nephew who is a minister posted the incident. He noted the school should be banned from the remainder of the tournament as an example. His post and opinion set off a firestorm of comments. Not the least of which contained the thought that the athletes need to just not be such wussies. Only the language became disgusting so I noted the language was unacceptable on a public post.
Another few posts had my comments adding to the whole, nasty mess. I finally just 'clicked' away from facebook. I opened my email and there was the monthly newsletter for the Honorable Senator Ted Cruz. Now I am all worked up again. He is gloating over how the US is going to get rid of all the horrid things the President Obama forced upon the Citizens of Texas. One of which was about guns which he stated as 'the right to bear arms and protect our homes'. Really. Guns being limited in Texas. NOT! Texans can open carry in college classrooms. Texans can carry assault rifles to BLM marches. Openly carry..... Kindergarten teachers are allowed to carry in classrooms if they choose. Really.
Cruz spoke of how we had God given rights as his opening and then he rejoices in eliminating Obamacare and every other thing that I feel has helped marginalized people. "I had the opportunity to reflect on the need to restore our Constitution and the rule of law," wrote Cruz. The icing came for me when he spoke of the late Judge Scalia. Yes, he dared to speak of that seat that has not been allowed to be filled by President Obama. You know that part of the Constitution that says a president submits to Congress a name and the Congress then acts upon the submission? Submission was done and Congress refused, yes, refused to even take the name up on committee. So much for the Constitution and rule of law, Sen. Cruz. More like the laws that you choose to obey or enforce to suit the desires of the alt right, Tea Party and every other far right group in the USA.
Dear Lord, help me be peaceful enough to go to sleep..... and heal sweet Rowan.
Janice
With facebook I check on family members spread across the US. A cousin with an aggressive form of colon cancer diagnosed this week. My three sisters usually check in so I know their status. Nieces, nephews and their extended families which includes five children one year or less in age. Sweet faces posted of those little cherubs. Friends that live hundreds and some thousands of miles away can be touched through facebook.
Unfortunately the political posts just do not seem to be stopping because of the general atmosphere in the US. The protest marches are lessening. Now we have teens shouting, 'build the wall' and carrying Trump/Pence signs at women's volleyball tournaments. Their 'white' school was playing a predominately Latino school. My nephew who is a minister posted the incident. He noted the school should be banned from the remainder of the tournament as an example. His post and opinion set off a firestorm of comments. Not the least of which contained the thought that the athletes need to just not be such wussies. Only the language became disgusting so I noted the language was unacceptable on a public post.
Another few posts had my comments adding to the whole, nasty mess. I finally just 'clicked' away from facebook. I opened my email and there was the monthly newsletter for the Honorable Senator Ted Cruz. Now I am all worked up again. He is gloating over how the US is going to get rid of all the horrid things the President Obama forced upon the Citizens of Texas. One of which was about guns which he stated as 'the right to bear arms and protect our homes'. Really. Guns being limited in Texas. NOT! Texans can open carry in college classrooms. Texans can carry assault rifles to BLM marches. Openly carry..... Kindergarten teachers are allowed to carry in classrooms if they choose. Really.
Cruz spoke of how we had God given rights as his opening and then he rejoices in eliminating Obamacare and every other thing that I feel has helped marginalized people. "I had the opportunity to reflect on the need to restore our Constitution and the rule of law," wrote Cruz. The icing came for me when he spoke of the late Judge Scalia. Yes, he dared to speak of that seat that has not been allowed to be filled by President Obama. You know that part of the Constitution that says a president submits to Congress a name and the Congress then acts upon the submission? Submission was done and Congress refused, yes, refused to even take the name up on committee. So much for the Constitution and rule of law, Sen. Cruz. More like the laws that you choose to obey or enforce to suit the desires of the alt right, Tea Party and every other far right group in the USA.
Dear Lord, help me be peaceful enough to go to sleep..... and heal sweet Rowan.
Janice
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Funky or Funk!
Not sure if I am in a funk or feeling funky. Let me see what the definitions are and maybe that will help me decide.
Funky 1. I do not dance a lot anymore, pretty much not at all. In my youth I could frug, bop, twist, shimmy, belly dance, stroll, pretty much any pop dance that came along. I tend to listen to coffeehouse type music or oldies these days. My hubby listens to music all over the spectrum. I do not listen to music while walking as I find the need to hear the surrounding noises. Noises such as approaching vehicles. Yeah, not much funky music going on around this body this week. Maybe this is the problem.
Funky 2. Ok, I am eighteen, yes one eight, days away from 70 years of age. That is definitely squarely in elderly territory. I still wear shorts cause it is hot in Texas. It is edging toward 90 degrees today. I tend to dress less than funky. A lot less than stylish, way below funky. More like Nothing binding a n y w h e r e. So unless funky means showing cellulite, varicose veins, no bra, or knee replacement scars this meaning most assuredly does not fit.
Funky 3. Well, I shower on a regular basis and do laundry. I do not like to wear clothing multiple times without cleaning. Thereby avoiding smelling funky. Just do not stand to closely if I have just returned from walking 6200 steps in one hour. Funky would be a nice description of the air immediately surrounding me. I no longer smoke so that does not apply. I do have the old age propensity for an inability to contain flatulents. So while that does apply, that still does not really describe the feeling I have.
Funk 1. This may be getting closer to the real emotions that are surrounding me. My last mentor aunt's passing, my oldest sister's aging and missing the beauty of the colors of fall. Not to mention the obvious political climate in the US. Seeing a person such as Bannon being an adviser to the president elect is so like having a Himmler in Our White House..... Deportations, walls, hate crimes.
Which brings me to
Funk 2. Yes, it is there amid the 'giving our President Elect Trump a chance' to do something. A deeply seated fear of the hatred that has been loosed in the halls of power of these United States. The Timothy McVeigh's being validated to do their will with our United States and Our government. Half of the voters are in a sort of mourning and fear. Panic has gripped many of the folks that are not straight, white men. Gays, trans, feminists, immigrants of all kinds whether legal or not!!! You know, any one not a straight, white man or woman hanging on the arm of a straight, white man with a string of children behind them.
Funk 3. Today's devotional spoke of remaining silent when being in the presence of mourners. As stated above a great number of our nation's population are mourners indeed. Some are expressing the sadness and fear by joining in protests. Others like me are members of the old guard. The ones that know this is not necessarily the time for protests. That makes us appear as cry babies and playing into the hands of the bullies. The protests will not stop President Elect Trump from being inaugurated. But the feet can be held to the fire as we have done before with Nixon, Reagan and W. Clinton. As Suffragettes did. As NOW did. We may not have gotten an equal rights amendment but walls were broken down in my lifetime. The glass ceiling has a pretty good crack in it....... And, God willing, there is 2020.
Funk 4 and 5. Will I be a coward and be silent out of fear of reprimands? Will we folks from another time remain silent as the middle of the road Germans did as the Nazis took over their nation? We must take a bit of time just for evaluation. To get together a plan. All the while signing every petition to request a denial of approval of men such as Bannon in our government.
So, for the time being, stay cool and say a prayer for the US. A few more of these posts and I will be out of this bloody funk!
Peace Out!
Janice
funk·y1
Funky 2. Ok, I am eighteen, yes one eight, days away from 70 years of age. That is definitely squarely in elderly territory. I still wear shorts cause it is hot in Texas. It is edging toward 90 degrees today. I tend to dress less than funky. A lot less than stylish, way below funky. More like Nothing binding a n y w h e r e. So unless funky means showing cellulite, varicose veins, no bra, or knee replacement scars this meaning most assuredly does not fit.
Funky 3. Well, I shower on a regular basis and do laundry. I do not like to wear clothing multiple times without cleaning. Thereby avoiding smelling funky. Just do not stand to closely if I have just returned from walking 6200 steps in one hour. Funky would be a nice description of the air immediately surrounding me. I no longer smoke so that does not apply. I do have the old age propensity for an inability to contain flatulents. So while that does apply, that still does not really describe the feeling I have.
funk1
fəNGk/
informal
noun
- 1.NORTH AMERICANa state of depression."I sat absorbed in my own blue funk"
synonyms: a (state of) depression, a bad mood, a low, the dumps, the doldrums, a blue funk
"he was in a funk because his wife ran out on him" - 2.BRITISHdateda coward.
verb
BRITISH
- 1.avoid (a task or thing) out of fear."I could have seen him this morning but I funked it"
synonyms: a (state of) depression, a bad mood, a low, the dumps, the doldrums, a blue funk
"he was in a funk because his wife ran out on him"
Funk 1. This may be getting closer to the real emotions that are surrounding me. My last mentor aunt's passing, my oldest sister's aging and missing the beauty of the colors of fall. Not to mention the obvious political climate in the US. Seeing a person such as Bannon being an adviser to the president elect is so like having a Himmler in Our White House..... Deportations, walls, hate crimes.
Which brings me to
Funk 2. Yes, it is there amid the 'giving our President Elect Trump a chance' to do something. A deeply seated fear of the hatred that has been loosed in the halls of power of these United States. The Timothy McVeigh's being validated to do their will with our United States and Our government. Half of the voters are in a sort of mourning and fear. Panic has gripped many of the folks that are not straight, white men. Gays, trans, feminists, immigrants of all kinds whether legal or not!!! You know, any one not a straight, white man or woman hanging on the arm of a straight, white man with a string of children behind them.
Funk 3. Today's devotional spoke of remaining silent when being in the presence of mourners. As stated above a great number of our nation's population are mourners indeed. Some are expressing the sadness and fear by joining in protests. Others like me are members of the old guard. The ones that know this is not necessarily the time for protests. That makes us appear as cry babies and playing into the hands of the bullies. The protests will not stop President Elect Trump from being inaugurated. But the feet can be held to the fire as we have done before with Nixon, Reagan and W. Clinton. As Suffragettes did. As NOW did. We may not have gotten an equal rights amendment but walls were broken down in my lifetime. The glass ceiling has a pretty good crack in it....... And, God willing, there is 2020.Funk 4 and 5. Will I be a coward and be silent out of fear of reprimands? Will we folks from another time remain silent as the middle of the road Germans did as the Nazis took over their nation? We must take a bit of time just for evaluation. To get together a plan. All the while signing every petition to request a denial of approval of men such as Bannon in our government.
So, for the time being, stay cool and say a prayer for the US. A few more of these posts and I will be out of this bloody funk!
Peace Out!
Janice
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Tuesday After Cataract
Monday, yesterday, Hubby had a cataract removed from his left eye. Today, we returned to the doctor's office. She declared he was doing just great! We are now working toward a second surgery for the right eye after our US Thanksgiving. Hubby had cabin fever this afternoon so he went to the INR check by himself. From there he stopped to visit another ham operator.
Tonight we are just watching the run of the schedule on CBS. NCIS, Bull and NCIS New Orleans. Pretty laid back which feels good after a lot of running around for the last 10 days. And the lack of political crap is restful, too. Well, there is still plenty of political, like who the President Elect is choosing for his inner circle. I can sign a petition for now. Gotta figure out what else I can do.
The super moon was out last night as I was walking the parking garage. A young lady in what appeared to be a cheerleader outfit was on the top floor stair landing. A fine camera was attached to a tripod. Photo after photo was being taken. I chose to just enjoy the beauty without the camera to obstruct the view.
Guess I will say good evening. Need to go get a few of those steps in as I did little else today. Ya'll have a good night.
Peace out.
Janice
Tonight we are just watching the run of the schedule on CBS. NCIS, Bull and NCIS New Orleans. Pretty laid back which feels good after a lot of running around for the last 10 days. And the lack of political crap is restful, too. Well, there is still plenty of political, like who the President Elect is choosing for his inner circle. I can sign a petition for now. Gotta figure out what else I can do.
The super moon was out last night as I was walking the parking garage. A young lady in what appeared to be a cheerleader outfit was on the top floor stair landing. A fine camera was attached to a tripod. Photo after photo was being taken. I chose to just enjoy the beauty without the camera to obstruct the view.
Guess I will say good evening. Need to go get a few of those steps in as I did little else today. Ya'll have a good night.
Peace out.
Janice
Sunday, November 13, 2016
The Last
There always is a last one. The last cookie. The last piece of cake. The last of the bargain priced items. Seldom is there an unlimited supply. Unfortunately this is true of families, too. Both maternal and paternal siblings and spouses are dead on my husband's side of the family. My Mom along with her 8 siblings and all but one spouse are gone.
My Dad who was the oldest of four children had three sisters. The first of Dad's sisters, Amelia, was always called Sis. Aunt Sissy died in 2012 in her 96 th year of life. Dad's second sister, Tommie Morine, died in infancy being only two months old when the great influenza pandemic of 1918 took her. Billie Frances was Daddy's baby sister being about 15 years younger than Daddy. She died last week at the age of 87. That was it, the last of Ed Rogers' kids.
It was not the last of PawPaw Rogers' legacy nor of the three children that survived into their 80's and 90's. At the memorial service on Saturday, there was row after row of grandchildren and their children and their children's children. That did not even count the ones along the West Coast from California to Washington state that could not attend. Nor the ones scattered across Oklahoma and Texas. There are over 100 of us now.
My sisters and I were asked to tell some of the stories about the fun times we had with Aunt Billie. It was not hard to search for material. What was hard was sharing the best of them. Aunt Billie was a divorced, single Mom in the early 1950's. That carried a stigma in the Bible Belt south. She never let it hold her back. She worked her way up from being a secretary to being an Executive assistant to the likes of Clint Murchison Jr., the founder of the Dallas Cowboys. She worked in the halls of power in the 1960's and 1970's Dallas, TX.
After her second marriage to A. G. she became a civil servant. They moved to the Greenville area and again Aunt Billie moved up the ranks. Her bosses were not the captains of industry now but the Commanders and Colonels of the Air Force. She felt great pride as she worked in this highly secret job. Always respected by the men and women with whom she worked. Ms. Billie was her moniker for 30 years. One day a young colonel came to her desk with a request. "Granny Billie" is how he greeted her. "That very day I turned in my resignation" she later recounted to me. Yep, the young Colonel got an earfull from some of the other folks that held Ms. Billie in such high regard.
In the last two years as Aunt Billie's mind became less reliable it was some of those same Colonels and Commanders that came frequently to check on her. They brought groceries. They gifted a Life Alert bracelet and the monthly fee paid for Ms. Billie. They even visited when she was in the nursing home in her last weeks of life. Just as she had served them, they served her.
Aunt Billie was the aunt that saw me as an emerging adult. She showed me great amounts of trust. She was my mentor as a professional woman. I aspired to be Aunt Billie. But more that all that she loved me. And I still love her. May her soul rest in Eternal Peace.
My Dad who was the oldest of four children had three sisters. The first of Dad's sisters, Amelia, was always called Sis. Aunt Sissy died in 2012 in her 96 th year of life. Dad's second sister, Tommie Morine, died in infancy being only two months old when the great influenza pandemic of 1918 took her. Billie Frances was Daddy's baby sister being about 15 years younger than Daddy. She died last week at the age of 87. That was it, the last of Ed Rogers' kids.
It was not the last of PawPaw Rogers' legacy nor of the three children that survived into their 80's and 90's. At the memorial service on Saturday, there was row after row of grandchildren and their children and their children's children. That did not even count the ones along the West Coast from California to Washington state that could not attend. Nor the ones scattered across Oklahoma and Texas. There are over 100 of us now.
My sisters and I were asked to tell some of the stories about the fun times we had with Aunt Billie. It was not hard to search for material. What was hard was sharing the best of them. Aunt Billie was a divorced, single Mom in the early 1950's. That carried a stigma in the Bible Belt south. She never let it hold her back. She worked her way up from being a secretary to being an Executive assistant to the likes of Clint Murchison Jr., the founder of the Dallas Cowboys. She worked in the halls of power in the 1960's and 1970's Dallas, TX.
After her second marriage to A. G. she became a civil servant. They moved to the Greenville area and again Aunt Billie moved up the ranks. Her bosses were not the captains of industry now but the Commanders and Colonels of the Air Force. She felt great pride as she worked in this highly secret job. Always respected by the men and women with whom she worked. Ms. Billie was her moniker for 30 years. One day a young colonel came to her desk with a request. "Granny Billie" is how he greeted her. "That very day I turned in my resignation" she later recounted to me. Yep, the young Colonel got an earfull from some of the other folks that held Ms. Billie in such high regard.
In the last two years as Aunt Billie's mind became less reliable it was some of those same Colonels and Commanders that came frequently to check on her. They brought groceries. They gifted a Life Alert bracelet and the monthly fee paid for Ms. Billie. They even visited when she was in the nursing home in her last weeks of life. Just as she had served them, they served her.
Aunt Billie was the aunt that saw me as an emerging adult. She showed me great amounts of trust. She was my mentor as a professional woman. I aspired to be Aunt Billie. But more that all that she loved me. And I still love her. May her soul rest in Eternal Peace.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
The Morning After
The majority of persons that vote in the United States have elected Donald Trump to be the next President. I penned the following a few weeks back after yet another 'friend' basically called me an idiot for my political views.
| things
I've been called on facebook because I am and always have been a liberal
Christian: |
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| We
each have the right to our opinions.
We each currently have the right to express them in open formats. As persons of faith or morals, the name
calling and judgement from anyone seems to lack a basic respect of
others. Now most of these words were
not directed at just me but liberals in general. Here I am, this is my face, the face of a
liberal. You know me well enough to
call me friend and I, likewise, say the same of you. Do I represent my faith in such a way that
you consider me the embodiment of the devil incarnate? Surely for the sake of our nation we can
disagree without being disagreeable. |
It appears that with the election of Mr. Trump as the president, name calling is now a very acceptable thing to do. I was raised if you could not say something nice you need say nothing at all.
Yep, that is my silence you just heard.
Go in Peace,
Janice
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Fall in Texas
Texas climate for the most part is hot. While the mild winter weather makes the southern part of the state attractive for 'snow birds' it can be boring. The leaves on the trees outside our patio are just looking less green. No bright reds, oranges and yellows as we had in my adopted state of Missouri. Nope, the leaves just look tired. Some are falling making small piles in the entry way but no color.
Younger Sister has just returned from a trip into the Northeastern US. There where sugar maples, red maples, sycamores, black tupelo, sumac, etc. mixed with evergreens painting a vibrant landscape. We saw that beauty in 2005. Here are a few photos from that trip.
In 2012 after a busy year of remodeling and a knee replacement for each of us, we took a self guided wine tour in Southwest Missouri. We stopped for these fall scenes.
In 2013 we moved from Missouri to Texas. We spent the day before Halloween watching the movers load the moving van. Then during the night Hubby's mom was sent to the hospital. Hubby went to the hospital and I went to the house to get the last of the items loaded. We met for the closing and he told me his mom was not going to make it this time.
We spent the night in the hospital at her bedside. About 8 AM I turned to take this photo. When I turned back to her bed, she was gone.
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| Cape Cod, Oct. 19, 2005 |
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| Cranberry harvesting, Cape Cod, Oct. 20, 2005 |
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| Beaver Lake, Maine, October 25, 2005 |
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| Maine sea coast, October 25, 2005 |
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| October 12, 2012, Southwest Missouri countryside |
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| 10/12/2012, Missouri |
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| final backyard photo, Oct. 31, 2013 |
We spent the night in the hospital at her bedside. About 8 AM I turned to take this photo. When I turned back to her bed, she was gone.
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| November 1, 2013, autumn colors from 8th floor, Springfield, MO. |
Five days later we headed for the different life in Texas. We passed through northern Arkansas where the colors were just at the edge of brilliance.
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| Following Hubby's Jeep as we head for Texas, Nov. 7, 2013 |
For a comparison of the October and November fall colors the following are shots from the roof of the parking garage at our apartment complex. Can you find any color other than green?
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| Round Rock, TX, October 21, 2016 |
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| Here are a few colored berries, 10-21-2016 |
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| Yes, that is a sunbather in a bikini, 10-21-2016. |
Today, 11-5-2016, has been cloudy with intermittent showers. The tree across the street is losing its leaves. The color is just a dull green as they fall. The oak leaves at the top of the picture are beginning to turn brown at the edges. This photo was shot from my easy chair. The bougainvillea is still in bloom. Temperature was in the low 70 F. Fall in Texas......
Thanks for stopping by for a chat! You Statesiders roll those clocks back an hour!
Peace out!
Janice
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