Blog Hopping

is for

BLOG!

I rather like looking at blogs! There's a few I visit regularly, once or twice a week, depending; others I look at perhaps once or twice a month, as they are not as actively posting. The "blogosphere" (a term that amuses me) is a parallel world; a world in which most of my "real life" friends have no idea exists (it's equal opportunity--they don't read my blog, nor anyone else's, so I don't take it personally!). I've discovered so many good ideas, thoughtful projects and the like from total strangers who have an innate need to share, bless their little cyber hearts! Altogether, I find it inspiring...and there are days when one could use a little inspiration!

For those of us who choose to live in the middle of nowhere, such as I, blogs provide a comforting connection. Believe it or not, there are folks out there who live very much the way I do and pretty much believe in the same things I believe in: be it politics, religion, lack of religion, hobbies, literature, food, obsessions, food-obsessions, yada yada yada. I can walk down to the post office and not always get that feeling locally. (And if you've ever been a square peg in a round-holed small town, you'll know exactly how that feels!)

Ok, what I'm saying has often been said before, and far more thoughtfully and eloquently (and most likely in some kick-ass blog!), but I'm saying it now--in this one!

Have a lovely day, in both of your parallel worlds!

Ch ch ch changes.....

We were supposed to be flying to California this weekend...alas, we are not. We had purchased the tickets (well, sort of purchased them; airmiles you know) several months ago and a pile of "must not forget to take to California" stuff has been collecting on the guestroom bed ever since. (No need to worry about that, when you live in the sticks like we do, your city-slicker friends are hardly beating down your door for a visit!) The reason being my elderly, 92 year old, mother is not quite well. She's had some sort of stomach complaint and loss of appetite for a few weeks and did she tell her doctor?...no.....She figured he already knew! When asked to explain, it went something like this: "He takes blood tests all the time, wouldn't that show up in the tests?" Um, I don't think so! So we are going from there: with me as accompaniment, one doctor appointment down; later this morning she'll be chugging barium and having a CT scan, followed by another appointment next week or earlier, depending. So...that trip to California just doesn't quite fit in for now. After a few tearful phone conversations we got it all worked out: if all goes well, we'll go the first part of December. If all goes not so well, Ms. California (awesome daughter) will come here.

Here's a photo of my Mom taken in July at the Garden Party we hosted for our daughter's wedding reception.

On a side note, have you ever noticed how some people talk to elderly people? It's this sort of sing-songy linguistic rhythm, as if they're talking to a child. Underlying it all is a patronizing tone, totally disrespectful and ultimately, it keeps an invisible wall between them (which the speaker probably wants). Some of my nieces talk to my mother (their grandmother) that way--drives me crazy. I'm proud to say my daughter never, ever talks to older adults like that. She does this thing where she addresses them like they're real people! And guess which granddaughter is the odds-on favorite?! Duh!

Whatever Lola Wants....

I have a Granddog now! "Lola" is eight pounds of "beefy" Chihuahua and something bigger. Daughter is sure she's a Chiwiener, also known as a Mexican Hotdog! Lola refuses to divulge much about her past: that crazy time before she was adopted from a southern California animal shelter. Much speculation from her mistress that a doggie DNA test would be appropriate. Hmm.... don't know if I have $99 worth of curiosity?

Lola will be coming to the Midwest in January....poor little thing, she's never seen snow or experienced temps below the 60's. She's in for a rude awakening! What to do?....

Why, bundle up, of course!

Isn't this cute? I especially like the adapted sweater. Perhaps I can find something of a "North Woods" cozy theme for her. Or, would it be too cliche to cut up one of my old Mexican blankets to make a little jacket for her?! Pretty sure I have one of those hokey little sombreros somewhere around the house, too.... I'm like that.

When I showed my Mom this pattern, she laughed. My Aunt and Cousin had just been visiting, bringing with them practically a suitcase full of little baby garments they had crocheted for my Aunt's newest grandchild. Well, ok, so that's where we're at!!

Semper Fido!