I have an adventure every time I drive out of this park. Today I had to get some cat food and Pepsi and Milk and had a birthday GC for Meijer, so I headed into Brighton.
I was in the right lane, going about 48 in a 50mph speed zone and out from the Community Bible Church comes an old guy in his car. I had to not only brake quickly, but had to stand on them for a minute because, after he got on the road, he continued on at 35mph--down a mile to turn off into the 2/42 church.
I figured God must be his co-pilot because I almost sent that old guy to the Beulah Land Hotel!!
Did my thing at Meijer and then stood in line 25 minutes at the check-out. Even with 452 thousand Self Check-out lanes, which were all being used, there are some old people like me that like to go through the regular check-out lane.
The lady behind me and I conversed on how we keep saying we are never coming back to this store to shop, but..............she usually shops at Kroger, she was only at Meijer because her favorite ice cream was on sale. She told me that she just returned from driving up north for the weekend. Her daughter didn't want her too, but she did. The town she visited is about 250 miles from here. The lady is 87!
I was there, instead of the Howell Meijer because I had to go to the Meijer gas station and the Howell Meijer doesn't have one. That poor kid at the gas station, busy time of day and he's working all alone and had a line that went clear back to the coolers!
Too bad they can't keep their employees at that store--guess it might be bad management? NEVER AGAIN!!!
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It has been nice and cool here. Daily temps in the mid 60's, nighttime temps in the 50's. I admit, I turned on the furnace this morning to take the chill off.
I woke up to the sound of a riding lawn mower. I thought it was my lawn mowing guy Don, but it was my nutzy-cuckoo neighbor who lives behind me. I looked out and saw her going round and round, dressed in a T-shirt and shorts.
A couple of minutes later, my lawn mowing guy showed up. He had on a sweatshirt!
I looked at the outside temperature. It was 59 degrees! She never has been the brightest bulb in the package!
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I was feeling a bit pitified this morning. Tears were very close to the surface--which is nutz because I never cry!
Karen hasn't called me since they got back home from their trip last Wednesday. No birthday card from her either, which has got to be the first time in my life.
Yeah--she's busy. Apparently there is not 15 minutes in her day to call her Mom.
My kids have a text group thingie on their phone. When one of them wants to text, they hit one button, type in the text and it automatically goes to everyone in that group. Kind of like a group e-mail.
I do not have a cell phone, so I am not in the group. I miss out on all the news. I have often asked if it is family news, could the "textor" just send me an e-mail. "Oh sure, Mom." Never happens.
When I hear one of them say, "I got your text and laughed 'til I cried," or something like that, I feel pretty left out.
It gets pretty lonely here and feeling left out of the family doings, was the reason I felt pitified. BUT--there is nothing I can do about it, I guess.
Perhaps I should start a campaign of my own. Make a note on my calendar and call Karen one week and Pam the next and send Jennifer an e-mail the next and include my sister in there with a phone call or a visit every couple of weeks.
I think your plan in the last paragraph is one you should carry out. The phone lines run in both directions, meaning why should they always have to be the ones to call first?
ReplyDeleteI'll tell you, texting is NICE and keeps families in contact easier and more often. The three most important people in my life and I text all the time. This week my niece was in Ireland and we were going back and forth about genealogy while she was in their immigration museum. People can ask a quick question knowing they won't get trapped into a long, drawn out conversation like you would on the phone. You don't even have to type your text, you just say it to the phone.
I didn't know Kroger was still in existence! The only place I ever use a credit card is at the Meijer gas station. So much easier than going inside, especially in the winter and you get that five cent discount per gallon.
Maybe you should give them all a quick call, just about nothing really, then a short talk and a goodbye! Why not try it!
ReplyDeleteWhy do they always have to call you??? The phone just does work both ways. You should listen to Jean. Her advice is always right on.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you Judy- I want my daughter to call ME. I know she's busy, but guess what?? I'm her Mama and I get lonesome.. And I don't like to call/text her, I never know when I'm interrupting something. They know they have a Mama.. THEY SHOULD CALL US!!
ReplyDeleteIt seems every time I DO call, they are in the midst of something, no matter what time of day or evening it is.
DeleteYes ma'am... same with me!
DeleteI have an elderly friend who refuses to get a smart phone and who refuses to be onFacebook, and then complains that people don't stay in touch. You have to use the technology
DeleteCan't afford a cell phone or else I would have had one years ago.
DeleteJudy, I wish you had a cell phone to take with you when you're out and about. I keep seeing one advertised for people who just want one in an emergency; I think it's like 20.00/month. I'd feel better about you if you did. I don't like texting all that much and it takes me a long time to send one. LOL
DeleteIsn't it amazing to just have conversation with real live human. The other day I was at a gathering and someone made a statement...wonder how many people in United States at this very moment is having a live conversation...Coffee is on
ReplyDeleteI stay in contact with my kids and my niece through texting. It only takes a few minutes and it keeps us in touch. Sometimes my niece even text before she calls to ask if I'm busy or have time to talk. Of course, I'm retired so I always have time. :) They are so busy with work and kids and life. I definitely think your idea of calling them is a very good one.
ReplyDeleteNo texting in this cottage either. Not that kind of phone, just cannot learn another something with all that is now happening.
ReplyDeleteHope I am not headed for more antibiotics.
Take care of yourself, we have a lot in common.
87 and drove 250 miles... Yikes, wish I knew her personally. What a role model. :-))))
ReplyDeleteYour last paragraph sounds like it's worth a try. Let us know, how it goes. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained," or so they say.
Luna Crone
And... no texting here, either. we simply do not have those smart phones or whatever they are.
ReplyDeleteand yes, everyone texts.
I think that's a good idea. Maybe they'll get the hint and start e-mailing on a regular basis with family news.
ReplyDeleteMy mom is on my family plan so it doesn't cost her a lot to have a cell phone. Could you see if one of your kids can add you to their plan and what it would cost? Maybe it would be reasonable and you could get the texts?
ReplyDeleteMels
That's a GREAT idea! You can do the calling - it's in your control, so you can call when you like and it's convenient for you, and leave a message if they aren't available. Some days I think I'm calling my mom, and then it's 9:30 and I haven't done it. BUt if she calls me I always call her back :-)
ReplyDeletethey should get you a cell phone and one of them put you on their plan. we take care of chuck's mom, my brother takes care of my mom. there is no reason, no excuse for you not having a cell phone - if for no other reason than safety!!!!
ReplyDeleteif they get you a smart phone, now cheaper than a flip phone, you just have to press the microphone and talk, then send to send a text.
i talk to/check on my mom every day. it isn't always something i want to do but she is 83 and i just think it is the right thing to do!!!!
I think your campaign idea is a good one. You should do it. Our family are pretty active texters, both group and individual. It took me a while to warm to the practice, but now I'm sold on it. So much better than a phone call, which is intrusive and (to me) occasionally feels awkward. I have a talent for always calling at the wrong time.
ReplyDeleteI'm forever saying I'll "never" shop at one store or another. I always go back. Although, I was so frosted at Kroger a few weeks ago, I really may never go back there. Such rudeness. Perhaps I should make the incident into a blog post. I know everyone can relate.
As to people pulling out in front of you and/or riding your bumper in traffic? Happens every time I'm on the road. I live in fear.
xoxo