I remember...

Icy roads.
Blowing snow.
Wind chills to -55.
Being trapped inside for survival.

I choose today!  See--it's all a matter of perspective!

Coots!

Sometimes, I forget how fortunate we are.  Lunch today.  Our guests?  Three amazing women.  Amazing because of what they have done.  Amazing because of who they have become.  And in some ways, amazing because of their longevity.  One was over 95.  The other two, over 80. The conversation never lagged.  Each had opinions.  Each had stories.  And each was stunningly alert to what was going on.  Don't get me wrong.  I do not, in any sense of the word, consider them old.  I marvel at the things they have to say.  Their memories far surpass mine.  Their knowledge of events (not to mention baseball) astounds me.  I truly understand the respect and honor afforded to elderly in the Asian culture.  Sometimes, I think we forget what a priceless treasure they can be.  If these three ever become old, I will report back.  As the saying goes--you have to grow old...you don't have to get old!

The checklist

On our way home yesterday, between the two of us, we created quite the daunting to do list for today.  A myriad of tasks, from mowing the yard to buying dog food loomed over us as we thankfully arose in our own house.  Funny how much difference that last prepositional phrase can make.  Between rain showers, we accomplished each and every one, along with picking and preparing beets, planning to broil tomatoes, and inviting people over for BLT's for lunch tomorrow.  Now, the sun is trying to shine, the grill is calling my name, and supper is right around the corner.  Of course, there's a list for tomorrow, but smiles all around for a job done today!

True to the title...

We are on the road.  And a darn long road it is!  I've never been overly fond of long road trips that have a specific destination and expected time.  While this is a beautiful time to traverse South Dakota (the grains, the sunflowers, the Zesto in Pierre), it is time consuming and confining.  My ADHD kicks in around 20 minutes into the trip and I am ready to be at my destination.  With technology, I do have some diversion, but one's batteries do have a habit of running out.  Oh, I know I could plug them in, but the cooler is plugged in, the GPS is plugged in, Cath's phone is plugged in...and I'm out of plugs.  So I ration myself to time spent.  It is kind of fun to have instant access to answers to such puzzling questions as "What's the difference between transfusion and infusion?" And "What IS the population of Hayes?" But soon the "Oh, how I wish we were home" willies set in and we're only in Blunt!  (For the multitudinous readers who are perusing this and are non-Dakotans,  Hayes and Blunt are metropolistic communities passed through on the route from Rapid City to Watertown!).  
The big White House on the north side of the road has a new green tin roof!
The driver in the van ahead of us is obviously Italian and carrying on a lively conversation with so,done, although we just passed him and he seemed to be alone in the car,  and we're down to only 140 miles until we are home.  If only I had ruby slippers to click...but then, I might end up in Kansas!
Okay, so ADHD hinges on insanity left unchecked.  Maybe I'll take a nap!  You?  You are loved!

One down...

One to go!  The Spearfish presentation went well.  Great questions at the end.  Food for thought.  So we hit the road on this, our 42nd wedding anniversary, and arrived in Rapid City and are currently ensconced in a delightful B & B!  As I sit here next to my bride, I realize how amazingly lucky I have been.  With her, there is no fraud, no sham, no pretense.  There is love and kindness and respect.  To find any of those in another is an amazing benefit.  To find all three in a woman you love and respect is a joy!  And while that joy is realized, perhaps a greater elation is knowing she's also my best friend!  So we grow older...maybe wiser...but we shall do it together!  And that is the greatest gift I could ever receive!

It's a fraud!

Tomorrow, we head out to do fraud training in Spearfish and Rapid City.  No, we're not teaching them how--we're teaching them how not.  The more we hear, the more we read, the more prevalent this problem seems.  And if you think it only affects the "rubes" of the world, you're wrong.  Everyone can be taken in by what they call the ether these experts deliver.  What seems plausible and possible may not be.  The end results we will leave them with are:
If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
If someone contacts you for personal information, don't give it.
If you get an e-mail from someone you don't know, don't open it.
Shred, shred, shred
Report any and all attempts to the Attorney General's office.
And don't be embarrassed if you fall for one of these schemes--don't keep it to yourself--pass it on.  We can all teach!  And you are loved!

Memories, all alone in the moonlight

Now tell me you're not humming tunes from "Cats"!  Sometimes, nostalgia waxes over me and I think back to my earlier youth.  I've had a good time aging.  I made amazing friends.  I made an amazing life choice.  I made an amazing career choice.  I've always been loved.  I've always been fed.  I've always been housed.  And as another week approaches, I can truthfully say bring it on!  It's good to have memories.  It's great to make memories!  Always amazing.  And you are loved!