Blessings to Count

3 of my most favorite Blessings

When one goes through a major life change and the routines of life have been mixed up, flip- flopped and sometimes become unrecognizable there is a wonderful thing that occurs to bring us back to earth.  It is what happens when we count our blessings and not dwell on what we don't have.  Sometimes the very things we lack, brings us to a broader understanding of those things and talents that we DO possess thereby allowing us to open our eyes to what is in front of us and with us in our lives.

When my husband and I recently moved out of state as "Empty Nestor's", this concept of recognizing our Blessings became very apparent as we have been meeting new neighbors, friends and favorite folks that help in the community (I found a new hairstylist that I trust, every woman knows the importance of that) When you first meet someone, usually they start with your employment status and then also ask about family.  We have 3 wonderful sons that live in separate very exciting locations, although they all live quite far from us. No grandchildren yet.  I am frequently asked that question. I don't mind that question, but I sometimes I am a tad envious of the joys that I hear about grandchildren.  Perhaps someday for us, perhaps not. What I focus on now is the beautiful blessings and joys I share with both my immediate family, extended family and my friends. The fact that my boys live so far away is distressing and I really miss them, but the silver lining is the fact that we have really fun places to go visit: Sunny San Diego, Breathtaking Alaska landscapes and the anchor of Americana culture: Dallas Texas. (I might add that Dallas has some of the best BBQ around!) We have had the wonderful fortune of visiting all of these locales and always look forward to seeing our boys again and "seeing the sights".

So another topic that comes up when you first meet people, is "Oh...so what do you do?" Or sometimes people just assume that since my husband retired, I am retired. Not the case. I believe my husband is enjoying his retirement so far, and we have had so many adventures together...and the Good Lord willing, many more.  Yet, it is frustrating sometimes for me because I am not ready to "retire".  I worked part-time for years and can now focus on my writing more. That is a good feeling. I recently accepted a part-time writing position so I hope I can do that and keep blogging.  Time will tell. But in the vein of this particular blog, I do count my blessings that I am able to continue with my writing, blogging and photography. When we first moved, we had a terrible time getting our internet to work, how can I be a blogger without internet!! GHEEZ and #!*?!*#*#!: HOLY COW...don't even get me started on that.  That is a whole other topic for a different day.  Nevertheless, we got it fixed (knock on wood). So again, I count my Blessings and I truly appreciate my Husband's patience and wisdom with computer troubles.  He frequently declares the adage of a wise man; "Happy Wife, Happy Life."

I also have had some frustration finding a writing group that is a good match.  There are as many different types of groups as there are writing styles. **Sigh** Time will tell, but again I count my blessings because I am afforded the opportunity to learn more about my new community. Again count those blessings.

Another blessing about our new community that really makes us feel truly blessed, is we found a new church to call our new church home. We really feel welcome there and it has been a wonderful way to learn about the community, worship and meet new folks who are rapidly becoming our church family. Again, count those blessings.

I have heard that if you have trouble sleeping...instead of counting sheep, count your blessings and you'll soon go fast asleep.  So what are the blessings in your life? Do Tell...Trust me it feels good to count them.

Part 3: Moving Saga, We Survived!

So I am happy to report that we survived the move and I am typing happily in my new office. Still surrounded by unpacked boxes, but the essentials are here: an internet connection, a working coffee pot and a place to rest my head at the end of the day. *Sigh* So very good to be home.

So this is the last I plan on writing about moving.  Yes, it was stressful...but perhaps not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  One thing I did learn is that everyone has as many different concerns and stresses about moving as there are different families. I happen to be little obsessed about the welfare of my cats ( I have 3), but it all worked out.  I learned to be flexible in that respect.  I had a plan to shut them in a particular room...but that plan must have been revised at least 4 or 5 times.  It all worked out and we managed to retain all 3 cats...no one escaped. Whew.

 Another concept that can be incredibly helpful is the idea of "re-purposing" items in your new home.  An end table is not always just an end table, or relegated to a certain room. Therein lies the dilemma where you put things and as by Husband and I are finding out...sometimes things just "gotta go".  Finding charitable organizations in your new area is helpful, perhaps someone else can make use of what does not work out in your new home.

The physical process of moving was not as bad as I envisioned.  Yes, it does take a toll on one...it is hard work.  However, what is harder is the emotional aspect.  I am so incredibly excited to embark on adventures in my new area, but I sometimes feel a pang of emptiness when I think of the friends that I won't be seeing on a regular basis.  We are a 6 hour drive apart, not too far...but far enough that we won't be meeting for lunch dates every other week.  I will meet new friends here, but my old friends are golden.  When I was in Girl Scouts, we sang a rather clique song, but it still rings true:

"Make New Friends, but keep the Old...

One is Silver and the other Gold."

So I look forward to new writing adventures...anyone have any moving "war stories" to share?

Top Ten ways to Manage the Stress of a Move

Moving, either across town or across the country, is an incredibly stress-full life circumstance.  Pulling up stakes and moving is not only physically demanding but usually involves several emotional factors as well. When in the midst of it all the absolute most important thing to remember is there will be stress, no matter how great an organizer and champion planner you may be....it is inevitable.  Knowing that and accepting that is half the battle.  How one chooses to deal with that stress can help make your move an exciting life change and not a burden. I am probably about average with the amount of times I have moved in my lifetime.  If you count all the moves when I was young and my Dad was transferred, all the moves back and forth during my college days, I have moved approximately 22 times. If you are from a Military family, that number is probably easily doubled. I imagine that every time you move you get more proficient at it, which helps make it less stressful, but nevertheless some pointers can be helpful.  So here is my list of  Top Ten ways to Manage the Stress of a Move.  Much of it from my own experience, and several ideas from a great book I found: "Right Size...Right Now! The 8-Week Plan to organize, Declutter, and Make any Move Stress-Free." by Regina Leeds

STRESS FREE MOVING... TOP TEN TIPS:

1.  Most important item: Self-Care. Be gentle with yourself & remember that things won't get done if you become ill. Take the time to do something special for yourself during all the chaos. The rejuvenating wonder of a mani/pedi is fantastic.
2. When getting your house "Market Ready"- try to view it thru the eyes of the buyer. Look at houses on-line and see how they are "staged". Streamlined is so important and what you perceive as memories is perceived as clutter by others.  Don't take it personally, just look thru the buyers eyes.
3. The Power of the List: jot things down! With all the things to remember when moving and selling property, don't trust your brain to remember everything.  Keep several on-going "to do" lists around the house and be sure to jot things down when you think of them. Nothing is quite so satisfying as checking things OFF the list. Also for long term, keep a list of business's, magazine subscriptions, etc that you need to notify of your new address.
4. Packing Supplies...oodles of them available! Have boxes, bins, packing tape and old newspapers readily available.  You never know when inspiration will hit & you feel like packing at that very moment! The best source for boxes is the grocery store (egg boxes are awesome!) and the liquor store. Plastic store bought bins are best for long term storage of items. If you do contract with a moving company, they almost always will have supplies of boxes and wardrobes available to you.
5.  Pace Yourself. Take it one room or one "project" at a time, if you are looking at the whole house it can easily be overwhelming.
6. Don't forget your local charities.  That old desk may be a God send for someone else. Keep in mind that certain charities are looking only for certain items like clothing and small household goods, whereas others might be seeking used furniture.  So plan to diversify the distribution of your charitable donations. And of course, be sure to save those receipts for tax time (oh, ugh...it comes around every year.)
7. Moving Company quotes.  Even though you may not have a closing/moving date, don't hesitate to get several quotes from moving companies ahead of time. Generally they will hold that quote for up to 6 months depending on the time of year: "prime" moving time or not.
8. Listen to the wisdom of your realtor: they know the ins and outs of negotiations and can look at the house without the emotional bias. If you are selling your home yourself without a realtor, then listen to the wisdom of those who have done it themselves. I, myself, heartily recommend a realtor....in addition to marketing and selling your home, they know all the legal requirements to help you sail thru closing without losing your sanity.
9. Keep a Routine. With all the craziness of your life during this transition time, try to keep at least a few things as part of a routine. Include everyday tasks, hobbies or routines that you can squeeze in to your day just for a little peace of mind. A brisk walk around the block can really clear the mind.  For me, it is my writing...so here I am at the keyboard.
10. Remember that wherever you end up, a house is just a building...it is the people and experiences within those walls that make it a home.

 So this is "Part 2" on the stress of moving.  As of this writing, we are still in the process of selling and moving.  Initially I thought this would not be written and published until the entire process is complete.  Yet, I have learned so much on this journey I felt compelled to write about it now.  Who knows..perhaps a third installment will be forth coming. Dear Readers out there, wish our family luck as we move forward to new adventures on our move....whenever that may be. Time will tell.

Under the Knife? Seeking solutions for Arthritic knee pain...

The options available for eliminating the debilitating effects of arthritis these days makes one's head spin.  It starts simple, maybe just a heating pad and a tube of Aspercreme but then it can progress to more serious solutions including injections, medications and surgery.  I myself, ended up with the surgical option 1 1/2  years ago and have not regretted my choice. However, now my other knee is giving me "trouble" with a torn meniscus, a Baker's cyst and the ever-present arthritis.  I'm not really relishing the idea of having another surgery, but nervous that I don't want to wait too long before any damage becomes irreparable.

That being said, I just attended a really interesting seminar to think about future solutions for my non-surgical knee.  The information was presented by Progressive Health & Rehabilitation (you can find their site at: chicagoregenerativemedicine.com
The information presented and the questions brought up made me realize several things.  First of all, my first hand experience with surgical and non-surgical options for arthritis is just the tip of the iceberg.  As with so many medical and pharmaceutical discoveries, the landscape is constantly changing. Yet, I can't emphasize enough, what might be good and the "best thing" for one person, might be a disaster for someone else. Not only do you have to trust your doctor, but you have to trust your instincts and do what is best for you.  You have to do your homework, that is just why I attended the seminar today.  Really informative, but it made me realize I have more research to do.  Some the things brought up today sure provided food for thought.

One of the most important things I learned today is that the degenerative effects of arthritis, just like cancer, can be classified into stages.  There are 4 stages of progression with osteoarthritis: 1) swelling and minor discomfort, 2) wearing down and diminishing of the cartilage 3) beginning of bone on bone stage 4) actual fusion of the joint, whereas it is no longer able to move.  Learning which stage you are in is so very important in terms of which treatment is appropriate for you.  The  discussion at the seminar was about the options of several types of  medicinal shots and their effectiveness.  They explained that they achieved an 87% success rate if given during the 2nd or 3rd stage.  Here's the thing that makes me take a second look at those statistics: they may be successful, but for how long?

Lindsay Wagner as The Bionic Woman

When I had my total knee replacement, I did consider gel injections instead. I was told they have a "healing" rate of any where from 6 months to possibly 2 years.  Total Knee Replacements generally last 10 years and sometimes up to 15 years. Hmmmm.... let me weigh that one....6 months or 10 years pain free? I chose total knee replacement. It wasn't easy and required rehab and 8 weeks physical therapy, but it was worth it. After my surgery my sons teased me that with my artificial knee I now had become "The Bionic Woman". Cool.  Now I can run faster and jump higher, and my days of fighting the evil in the world have just begun. Move over Lindsey Wagner.
     Another thing that was really an eye-opener for me, was the discussion regarding over-use of cortisone shots.  Yes, they do provide immediate and wonderful relief, but they also have the effect of diminishing the synovial fluid in your joints which is the body's natural lubricant.  Cortisone helps to reduce pain by reducing inflammation.  In this process, the synovial fluid is also reduced. This is why cortisone shots can cause more harm than good.  They are a quick fix, but not a long term solution.
     The medications they were discussing include Hyalgan and Genvisc 850.  They are both injected into the knee as a series of 5 shots: once a week for 5 weeks.  They have been approved for this use by the FDA since 1997. This particular office uses an imaging technique to pin point the exact location for the injection to be the most effective.  With the imaging technique, the medication has proven to be 99% effective.  Very good odds I would say, I do not doubt for a minute that these injections are very helpful for eliminating pain and restoring flexibility.  However, I just am disappointed in the time frames they are giving (or not giving) about how long the relief lasts.  A gentleman in the audience, brought up this issue of how long the shots last? I was thinking the same thing.  The presenter, said..."Yes, we will get back to that..." He never did.
     An additional therapy they discussed is stem cell injections.  They have had success with these, but more research needs to be done. Additionally, until the manufacturing has been fine tuned, the cost is pretty prohibitive for most patients: approximately $4,000 per shot. Out of my budget for sure, and I can't help but wonder if insurance companies would cover that, or what percentage they would cover?  Hmmm...more food for thought.   I think some of these medications and therapies are very valuable, that is why I am looking into many different options.  I really don't think I am anywhere close to needing surgery, but it is good to know what is out there.  Always good to be an informed patient.
     I am not really sure what the future holds for knee #2, but it is truly amazing what has progressed within orthopedic medicine and the advances that have helped patients like myself in treating arthritis.  For more updates and the latest info., check out the Arthritis Foundation at: http://www.arthritis.org/
   

The over-looked & underated Stress: Moving

Packing...Painting....Packing even more..Selling...Moving.  It is a very stressful experience for  individuals, marriages and families.  It really should be considered as a premium stressful life situation. Yet according to most psychiatrists it is pretty low on the scale of stressors. Of course it depends on the individual, but I am here to say, never underestimate the incredible emotional energy that a move takes.

Photo from: pchmovers.com

 According to the Holmes and Rahe stress scale,  a scale for factors to determine levels of stress of life events, moving falls way down on the list at #28, out of 43 factors selected for level of stress.  Granted, this scale of stress factors was originally compiled in 1967, but has been tested and validated since then. Most of the top ten reasons, a reasonable person would agree with, include: death of a spouse, divorce, loss of job. Yet, it surprises me that moving is not weighted more heavily.  Perhaps I am just one of those persons that doesn't deal with a major life change. Nevertheless, I bet I am not alone in feeling this way.  Keeping your sanity in the midst of a move is a challenge...maybe that's why I write about it.

 I have experienced the death of a parent, a divorce, several depressive episodes, post-partum depression and several moves in my lifetime...but I still think one of the highest level of stress comes from moving. Of course it depends upon the individuals, but the impact that a move places on people can be so stressful for a multitude of reasons.

First, there is deciding where you are moving to.  Now if this has been decided by your employer, then that decision has already been simplified. Once the decision has been made to go where the job is, that hurdle has been cleared. In my case, my husband and I chose to move after he retired, so the world is an "open book"...we are free to chose wherever we would like.   It's not that we haven't tried to make a decision....Good Lord, we have been visiting places and doing research on the topic for at least 5 years.  Happily, we found an area in Wisconsin that we really like and is what we are looking for.  Not an exact house, but an area that we like. Of course it is the proverbial "we"....it is a challenge to find a place, a community and a house we both will be happy with.

Then of course, comes the selling of our house and all the prep work to get it "market ready".  All those interesting colors we picked over the years-now reverted to "re-sell" white. (technically "Linen white"...a soft lovely color)  Kind of sad sometimes.  I remember when we painted my kitchen a pretty pumpkin orange color.  My oldest son said, "Gee , Mom-that's great , but what do you do after Halloween?"  Funny.  So we work, clean, paint and pack. Also the elimination of what realtors call "clutter" is sometimes an emotional and monumental task.  I am not a "hoarder" by any means, but some items I have are memories, not just a tangible thing.  While cleaning out my desk I came across my Grandmother's diaries that were willed to me by her because I am a writer. She thought I could create something interesting from within the pages of her life experiences. Thinking that her diaries have sat in my desk for almost 27 years overwhelmed me with grief and the guilt that I have not created something to honor her memory. She died soon after I gave birth to the great-grand son that she never held in her arms.  Looking through her diaries, I cried out of grief and also the memories that came flooding back from my own depression.  I am so sorry Grandma....but I know somehow I know she would understand.  My life in the next 27 years (and beyond) will probably be vastly different and that book may get written yet. A revelation such as this allows you to purge the things in your life that are no longer important and you realize the things in your life that you need to hang on to--both physically and emotionally.

So as I start this process, I am learning specific ways to handle the stress of a move.  I hope to instill that knowledge, Dear Readers, in my next blog: "Top Ten ways to Manage the Stress of a Move".
That is if I can find time to write in between packing and traveling to go house hunting. This may be stressful but in the same token...very exciting! Wish us luck.

Election: 2016--Can't we Agree to Disagree?

I usually shy away from writing about politics, but this current election year "takes the cake". This is NOT a blog post about a specific candidate, but more about the whole process. Holy Cow I have seen so much mud slinging, accusations and digging up dirt that it is hard to decipher the issues before us that truly should be at the forefront of this campaign.

(Cartoon:by Daryl Cagle in The Mercury News)

As I write these words I can't help but wonder : why do I  hesitate to write them and why so many people say: "Oh, I don't discuss politics."  Lately, it has sadly come to a point in this country that the adult discussion of issues that face our country frequently turns divisive and down right ugly.  It saddens me that sometimes it is that way. This country is based upon and proud of our right to free speech, but with that comes respect to different opinions. Theoretically, isn't that why the two party system exists in the first place? To establish a give and take of ideas and come up with solutions that work for the whole of society?  Additionally, of course, the system of "checks and balances" has it's rightly place. Instead we seem to have created a system that divides the country instead of unifying it.

My Mom, a woman who has voted in her fair share of elections, actively keeps abreast of the issues. Recently, she has become disheartened by the fact that we can't seem to discuss issues from a non-partisan viewpoint. The Republican and Democratic viewpoints of partisan politics serve to divide us, tear us apart and make it nearly impossible to get anything done. She advises that when you come across a person that is dead set in their opinions, don't push it.  Chances are you won't be able to change their viewpoint by way of a heated debate. Just walk away and say have a good day. However, if in a discussion you meet someone who says, "I don't know that much about that...can you tell me more?" Let the conversations begin. Good advice Mom


Just this morning I heard on the news of some demonstrators on Michigan Ave. in Chicago, outside Trump Tower,  picketing against Donald Trump's treatment of women.  The "Pro" Trump team joined the "discussion" and police were called to the scene.  Luckily no one was hurt, but it was shocking to me that the language and behavior was so disturbing that WGN Chicago news waited until things settled down before they covered they story. (hats off to you WGN, good call) The graphic language and choice of words used by the protesters was claimed by them to be in the same vein of how Donald Trump treats and speaks to women. Granted, he does not have a good track record on that. Well....even so, do two wrongs make a right? I personally would not lower my standards, or the way I speak,  just to make a point.  Has it seriously become that nasty that even the television news media have decided to back off. Wow.

With respect to the current election, and as I grapple to make an informed choice for our next President, it seems like a crap shoot.  Akin to betting on a horse race: close your eyes, hope for the best and it will soon be over. In that respect, I can really relate to Marge Simpson. Our family is an adamant follower of The Simpsons. So much truth and joy can be found by those little cartoon characters. Simple and naive, yes, but Marge said it best:"Can't I just bet that all the horses will have a fun time?"

We are a long way from considering the 2016 election "fun", but my hope is that we can at least try to treat our fellow Americans with civility, even if we don't see eye to eye.  It is hard road to travel, but this process would be easier and it would not be such a bitter pill to swallow every four years.

There are no easy solutions, but I think a very good start is within your own town and within your own circle of friends, family, co-workers.  Try to listen respectfully to each other and it certainly is OK to disagree in a civil manner with each other. Didn't your mother teach you that?.... mine did.

There's more to Fall than Pumpkin Spice Lattes?

Don't get me wrong...I love Pumpkin Spice Lattes: a wonderful seasonal treat.  I am just saying to think outside the box (or beyond the Golden arches, as the case may be) and get out there and experience the joy of what Fall has to offer. Buy a real pumpkin, feed the birds, rake some leaves, go on a hike. (even if it is just around the block or so....)

Today was the first day in quite awhile that I actually had to put a cardigan on to help fight the goosebumps on my arms.  It's a beautiful Fall day with sun and quite a breeze, but it has a distinct chill in the air. When I was younger and knew that Fall meant the anguish over the end of summer playtime and back to the books, Fall had a certain sadness to it.  Yet, the older I get the more I appreciate the beauty of Fall's colors and the fascination with the changing of the seasons.  Every year, the trees do this magical transformation. Thinking about things I remember that are traditional Fall memories...I think of the opening stanza of this poem:

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock,

And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin’ turkey-cock,

And the clackin’ of the guineys, and the cluckin’ of the hens,

And the rooster’s hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;

O, it’s then’s the times a feller is a-feelin’ at his best,

With the risin’ sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,

As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock.

 (By James Whitcomb Riley)

    I think at one time or other I memorized this poem, to me it has such a delightful description of Fall.  Even though it has a distinct rural flair to it, and I have been a city (or suburban) girl all my life, I still love the Fall visualization of frost on the pumpkins.

Now in Illinois we are quite some time away from "the frost is on the punkin" but leaves are beginning to change and the critters are making preparations. The squirrels in our yard are digging alot more holes than usual, and sometimes in the most annoying places! Last year they chewed holes in my decorative pumpkins on the front porch. The audacity! This year I got wiser and rubbed down my pumpkins with peppermint oil...I heard it works to deter lots of critters! Time will tell.  If nothing else, I have the sweetest smelling pumpkins on the block, for what it's worth.

So back to fall colors, living in the Midwest we have a bounty of colors available throughout the area and frequently right in our own back-yard.  Around our town the Zinnias and Mums are also in full bloom.  You always see these gorgeous Zinnias near a major intersection in my town.  It makes waiting for the stop light to change that much more enjoyable. Of course Mums of all colors are available at almost every store: even shopping for groceries you are greeted at the door with a flurry of color.

Fall is always a great time for a weekend getaway to enjoy the bounty of Fall. I recently returned from northern Wisconsin, where the colors are getting a jump on the season.  Of course depending on where you live, the "peak" colors appear at all different times of the Fall spectrum.  Since I was just in Wisconsin, I found a really cool site for checking out Fall foliage in that area: http://www.travelwisconsin.com/fall-color-report#     I would imagine several state tourism states have similar information on their own sites; depending on which state you will be visiting.  Time to get out and enjoy Fall....and snap a few pics of the stunning colors while sipping that latte.           ENJOY!

Wine....A delightful little Hobby.

Hobby? Wine is a hobby?  Of course the making of wine is a hobby, that is a well known fact, but I am talking about the consumption of wine. Now there's a fun hobby. As I write these words, I am not sure how to categorize this blog as Well-being/Mental Health or Health & Fitness.  With the remarkable attributes of wine, I dare say that I think I will call it both.  Of course most medical experts today have agreed that moderate amounts of red wine is good for the heart.  And a relaxing glass of wine can do wonders to calm one's nerves.  Good for physical health and mental health-Hooray! Or should I say cheers!

I have been drinking wine (and beer) since I was about 14 years old. (Shhh..don't tell my Mom, but like most Moms she has eyes in the back of her head and....well, she knows) In any case, do those wine drinkers out there remember Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill Wine?  How about MD 20/20-otherwise known as Mogen David? **Sigh** brings back memories but know I don't know how I drank that stuff. Yuck. Sickly sweet.  I guess our tastes change and "mature".  Some prefer sweet wines as adults that is true, but I myself prefer a nice smooth Cabernet.  Whites however, I lean towards the sweeter side-nothing like a good Pinot Grigio.

My wine drinking "hobby" has provided the fodder for numerous conversations among my circle of girlfriends.  It allows a whole spectrum of shared interest that goes the gambit from the sharing of favorite wines to the beauty of the fancy glasses that we drink them from.  Ask my close friends about my special "fishie" etched glass that after a few glasses starts to resemble something other than a fish. Use you imagination. I have another girlfriend who pursues wine making as a hobby as well as drinking it.  She and her husband have created some wonderful vintages.  I always like being on the receiving end of that hobby!

In any case, I learned an amazing amount of information about wine working in a liquor store summers during my college student days.  When you are stocking out wine it's fun to start reading a few labels and you can start to understand the complex world of wine. I have found that it can be as complex, or as simple as you want it to be.  The main thing that I believe is to drink that you enjoy and not drink something because it "should" be wonderful. My Mom has the greatest little refrigerator magnet that say it all: "Life is too short to drink bad Wine."  So when I was at the liquor store I had a mentor of sorts who filled me in on several things about wine and how they are classified.  He was a really knowledgeable guy and worked hard, but I do recall that he probably needed a better deodorant. (Whew....unloading a truck with him was a treat! ) Anyway, I digress...he did have a good working knowledge of wine. Let me share just a few tid-bits, that I learned from Mike and things I have picked up along the way.  Just little things that make the world of wine a little less confusing (and/or intimidating).


Here's a little primer on wine classifications and to understand the different types:

• Wine is generally classified in two different ways: by the types of grape used and where the grapes are grown. For example, Pinot Grigio is a type of grape, but Burgundy is a region in France. Sometimes confusing, because there is Burgundy that comes from California...just originally named after the wine from France.
• Basically 3 types of Wine: Red, White and Rose' , with alot of variation on those three. The type of grape determines the color, but it is kind of interesting that Rose' or "blush" wines are made by removing the skins early in the fermentation process, hence the lighter color.
•  What food with what wine? The general rule is fish, poultry,pork and light salads with White wine, red meats and pasta with Red wine. This is generally a good rule to follow because it helps to enhance the flavor of the food instead of fighting it.  Again, rules are made to be broken (in certain situations) and you need to go with what you feel like.
  

Don't get me started on Glassware.  I personally shun the rules that say you must drink Red out of a certain glass and White out of another.  I like beautifully etched glass, painted novelty glasses, and the $1.50 stemware from Walmart. I will say, however, it is nice to drink wine out of a clear glass so you can easily admire the color and bouquet without distraction.  There is a purpose, however, for drinking champagne and other bubbly wines from the tall "flutes"glasses. Not just to appear "fancy", but it actually does allow the effervescence to disperse slower.  If you serve champagne in a standard bowl shaped wine glass, the bubbles will evaporate too quickly and the wine will go flat in a matter of minutes.

 Besides, the taller flutes make for a nicer display of all those little bubbles you hold in your hand.  In this photo, you can see how the champagne flute on the far left, makes a lovely display for the little bubbles.  Gives you something to look at while you sip.  And sip you should, not only is it uncouth to chug champagne, with all those little bubbles you can get the worst of the worst hangovers. Trust me. Even worse than that MD 20/20 we drank as teenagers.

So if you partake in the nectar of the God's, learn a little about your favorites, read more labels and by all means ENJOY!

"Drink wine, and you will sleep well. Sleep, and you will not sin, Avoid sin, and you will be saved. Ergo, drink wine and be saved."  Medieval German proverb

To Your Health!  Cheers!

Baby Powder linked to Cancer??

So soft and gentle for both women and babies. I have used it for years and it always seemed so "pure and gentle", never a skin irritant in sight. 

Photo: The Kansas City Star,2/25/2016

What a shock to find out recently that is has been linked to ovarian cancer and law suits against Johnson & Johnson are becoming increasingly more prevalent.
My ears perked up when I first heard about this because I have used baby powder since I was a teenager. Especially during the summer months when skin can get so clammy and sticky.  I never thought for a minute that it could be harmful. After all it is marketed to be used on the soft, sensitive skin of babies. For crying out loud...one would think it would be safe for adults.

Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral made up of magnesium, silicon and oxygen.  Since talc is mined, problems have occurred because in its natural state, talc can contain asbestos. The good news is that according to the American Cancer Society "All talcum products used in homes in the United States have been asbestos -free since the 1970's ." Well, good news, but what about consumer use prior to that time?  Several of the lawsuits that have been filed are by older women that contracted ovarian cancer from use of the product for "decades". Of course it is a terrible tragedy when someone contracts cancer, but establishing an exact connection is problematic. In examining the lawsuits, there is a correlation with frequency of use and methods of use.  It has been suggested that direct application to the genital area may cause particles to travel into the body and ultimately cause ovarian cancer.  The possibility of problems are there, I don't deny that. Yet, could many future problems (i.e. development of cancer) be remedied by Johnson & Johnson by instructing consumers about misuse, overuse of the product and the inherent dangers of such.  I know any consumer product does not want to label itself as dangerous, but if it would help to keep consumers educated and healthy. In turn it would help alleviate the marketing nightmare that this must be for that company. To really restore consumer confidence, I think they have to admit that there may be a link and help consumers take steps to avoid problems. I believe an educated consumer is more likely to use a product if they know risks and how to properly use a product.

So legally, two major decisions regarding this issue have been brought to light.  In February of 2016, a Missouri jury ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay  $72 million for a cancer death linked to "decades of use" of their talcum powder.  Then a second lawsuit in May of 2016, a woman was awarded $55 million for contracting ovarian cancer allegedly linked to use of talcum powder. According to recent news reports, Johnson & Johnson plans to appeal the second lawsuit from May.  Johnson & Johnson is reportedly facing more than 1,2000 suits related to talcum powder usage.


Another type of cancer that has been suggested to be linked to talc is lung cancer. This particular link to talc is even less common than the ovarian cancer link. Some studies of talc miners show an increased risk of lung cancers, but in that particular profession they are exposed to many different types of minerals that could be even more toxic than talc. Again, it is hard to make the connection.

1965 Ad

 Johnson & Johnson introduced their baby powder in 1894 and marketing it as made of 99.8% talc.  Originally marketed for baby care, it eventually become commonly used by adults, as evidence by this ad. I remember starting to use Johnson & Johnson's Baby powder as a teenager. It was so light and fragrance free, it never conflicted with my cologne. Also helped to keep skin dry and prevent rashes. So I will continue to try to be an informed consumer and make the best choices for my good health.

I am really not much of a gambler, but I think on this one the odds are in my favor.  I am going to continue to use Johnson's Baby Powder, albeit perhaps a little more sparingly. As with so many things in life moderation is the key. Be informed and be safe.  JES

A Writer's Lament

All I feel is darkness in my soul and knurled branches twisting and causing pain.  I write and write but no one reads the words I have written, they bleed on the page and are lost and absorbed  into oblivion .  I speak and no one really hears me and responds. Perhaps what I have to say is not worth saying….I am lost.

 I have hopes and dreams…hopes that keep me going and help me to rise in the morning each day.  Hope helps me cling to this crazy life and helps me to put one foot in front of the other.  I need a way of pulling myself from despair. I used to think it was my writing, but I guess now I have my doubts……I feel like no one really cares to read my work.

Lord….help me find my way…..

When Chuches close their doors~the changing landscape of religion in America.

I guess it is no secret, and certainly nothing new in the last few decades, but the face of American religion has changed. The whole concept of what we believe as "church" needs to change to keep pace with changing cultural expectations and needs.  The churches that don't change, sadly sometimes suffer the fate of having to close their doors.

(Photo:http://secondchairleadership.com)

I write these words on the page, with a heavy heart, as I am trying to better understand and come to grips with these changes because my own church recently made the decision to close it's doors. So it is really hitting home with me. Living in the same community for over 25 years, my husband and I have seen two of the churches we attended close their doors.  In making light of the situation, my husband jokes that churches shouldn't let us through the doors...we are bad luck. "Quick close the doors! Here come the Smith's."  Humor frequently helps to lighten the load, and I am glad that we can laugh about our losses.  Yet, the empty feelings do come back.  Our boys were baptized in church #1, then confirmed in church #2.  So many memories of Youth retreats, Easter egg hunts and one of my favorites: the candlelight services on Christmas Eve. And I know Hubby and I will remember all those Chili Cook-offs and the jokes that followed about eating too many beans (groan...eye-roll) Yet time marches on and I know somehow we will find a new church home....but it will be "different" and sometimes change is hard. The process is not done without grieving as we move forward to what the future may bring. Change is  hard but can open the door to new possibilities. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus once wisely said "The only thing that is constant is change."

I take heart in looking at the bigger picture about religion in America. We are still a "spiritual" nation, 96% of all Americans are somehow linked or affiliated with some type of religion and/or spirituality. The agnostics (those who admit to being agnostic, at least) number only 2 % and the atheists weighing in at 2%.  That leaves me wondering what the other 96% are thinking and how they pursue and enhance their spiritual life.  Even if they don't choose a specific church and attend services in the traditional Sunday morning gathering venue, people often view themselves as a part of a "community" of faith. People tend to be drawn to the strength and comfort that can be found in being together with like-minded people. Frequently this gathering of people together for support is facilitated within a church. Additionally, most of the churches provide not only comfort and support to their own members, but reach beyond their doors to help both the local community and globally.

What has changed is how we practice or demonstrate  our faith. "Going to church" does not necessarily mean what it used to. It is not necessarily bound by the constraints of the Sunday morning service and certainly the services themselves vary by theological content, music and the whole style of the service.  In this world we live in, bombarded by images, music and information at an alarming pace, it is no wonder churches struggle to keep pace with it all.  The medium may change, but the foundations of the message remain the same.  In his blog on Christianity Today, Karl Vaters talks about how church services have changed so drastically in recent years, but in talking with some of his fellow church goers he brings comfort with the message that "...changes are on the surface. The methods and styles are different but the gospel message is the same. "

This brings me a certain amount of comfort,  but I have always found change to be hard.  And there is something to be said about the joys and comfort found in tradition! Think of  Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof singing about: "Tradition!" I look to the future, I have to, but I find comfort in the traditions of the past when my heart sings: "Blest be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love.  The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above." (Traditional hymn: Blessed be the Tie that Binds)

I do not know what the future will be bring, for today my heart grieves the closing of our little church.  I only wish the best for those who have crossed our threshold and know that whatever path our members may take, they will find comfort knowing that God walks with us on each and every path.

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 199:105   NIV

Can I like Meghan Trainor and still be a Feminist?

Pop music, looking sexy and feminism: can all those cultural schools of thought be together in the same room and still get along? It's a question I ask myself and it's a question that deserves to considered.

Recently I developed an appreciation for the fun, danceable music of Meghan Trainor. This year she won the Grammy for best new artist. (You go Girl!) Her lyrics and music are upbeat and sassy and I was compelled to buy one of her CDs. Most of her songs are empowering to women with a modern day slant encouraging women to be independent and defiant of societal constraints.  Her "All about the Bass" extols the virtues of positive body images for women: "I ain't no size two....You know I won't be no stick figure, silicone Barbie doll. So if that's what you're into, then go 'head and move along." Love it. Thanks Meghan, it is great having that affirmation because I don't think I have been a size two since I was about 10 years old...if even then.

Meghan Trainor: Dear Future Husband

But, on that same CD she seems to be reverting to a 1950's housewife with "Dear future husband". Perhaps it is a little nostalgic and actually poking fun at stereotypes, but nevertheless sometimes it give me reason to pause. Here's just a snippet of the song:

Dear future husband
Here's a few things you need to know
If you want to be my one and only all my life
(Awwwww)
Take me on a date
I deserve it babe
And don't forget the flowers
Every anniversary
Cause if you treat me right
I'll be the perfect wife
Buyin groceries, buy, buying what you need

Source: http://www.directlyrics.com/meghan-trainor-dear-future-husband-lyrics.html

I know the song is tongue in cheek and meant to be all in fun, but sometimes it stirs up old feelings and the age-old battle of the sexes. Sometimes it is no wonder that men are perplexed on exactly how women want to be treated.  From a woman's viewpoint, I myself am conflicted on relationship issues, but I do know certain things I do expect and hope for. Like equal opportunities for both men and women in the workplace and shared responsibilities on the domestic front. There exists that double standard that women are either sexy or intelligent but they certainly can't be both in the same person.

My first real exposure to the societal outcry to this conflicting standard and feminist ideologies in general was in a college classroom.  I took a class entitled: Feminist Theory and really learned so much from the class, but there was an element that made me quite uncomfortable: I liked Men ( and still do!).  The majority of the women in the class identified themselves as "radical, lesbian feminist".  It was a shame that I almost felt apologetic that I was heterosexual and I had many men that I considered good friends.  Yet this was in the early 1980's and I believe feminism has evolved in leaps and bounds. You can like men and still be a feminist. You can be Gay or Straight and be a feminist. And Yes, you can shave your legs and still be a feminist. Those old ideas of what it means to be a feminist have hopefully disappeared, and the basic belief that men and women should have equal opportunities is the defining factor of a feminist. I guess it saddens me when people categorize the concept of being a feminist and lose sight of the original premise of feminisim in the first place. Kate Nash said it well:

 e husband
Here's a few things you need to know
If you want to be my one and only all my life
(Awwwww)
Take me on a date
I deserve it babe
And don't forget the flowers
Every anniversary
Cause if you treat me right
I'll be the perfect wife
Buyin groceries, buy, buying what you need

Source: http://www.directlyrics.com/meghan-trainor-dear-future-husband-lyrics.html

Happy Tai Chi Day!

Happy Tai Chi Day everyone! Not exactly a Hallmark holiday, but worthy of note. The last Saturday in April has been designated International Tai Chi Day: a day to practice the art and gain a better understanding of this practice originating with the Chinese. I did my part today by attending my Tai Chi class.  I signed up this spring, my first time, and I really enjoy the class. My instructor, Ken, explained that the day was chosen as an international celebration. Today it is celebrated in more than 80 countries. The day was established in 1999 to also educate more people on the health benefits of Tai Chi and raise awareness of the increasing use of traditional Chinese medicine.

 Even though I am still a novice, I know that it really helps in so many aspects: both physically and emotionally.  It helps my coordination, balance and concentration. It looks easy, but just try coordinating your arms and legs to move in the way they are supposed to move in the correct sequence.  It is really a workout for the brain as well. Yet, in addition to a "work-out" for your brain, at the same time it can bring centering, peace and a great sense of well-being.  The visualization techniques that are used with the physical poses are so beneficial in creating the movements. One of my favorite visualizations is; "the Crane spreads his wings..." I am just a middle-aged, fat white lady.....but that visualization really speaks to me and helps me to feel at least a little more graceful.

Tai Chi is graceful and methodical, but sometimes in class it is evident that it stems from the Martial Arts and several defensive movements can be seen in the routines.

I told my son David that when I am in Tai Chi class, it gives me a whole new appreciation for the Kill Bill movie and makes me want to watch the movie again in slow motion to see the detailed movements.  If you're not familiar with Kill Bill, it is a Quentin Tarantino movie, that like many of his movies, has quite a bit of "stylized" violence. Yes, sometimes I have to shut my eyes...a little too violent for me. However the choreography of the Martial Arts sequences are mesmerizing.  Tai Chi itself is a methodical, centering practice that really helps balance & coordination, but since it stems from the Martial Arts, some of the moves are defensive in nature. So sometimes in class, maybe I am not visualizing the "Crane spreading her wings"...but maybe there is just a bit of Uma Thurman in me...look out Lucy Liu!

Many local park programs have Tai Chi classes available. I found mine at the Mundelein Park District:mundeleinparks.org