Recently I posted a quote: " I enjoy those random memories that pop up at no particular time that makes me smile. I love those of my early childhood when I was in awe of the world around me. It was a time of being a child, testing, learning and growing. When I posted the quote about random memories I immediately saw a picture in my mind of my best friend Dorothy and I learning how to cook. It made me smile.
One day we decided to make donuts. We got out the "Joy Of Cooking". cookbook, It was the cooking bible of the times. Carefully we read the list of ingredients, in fact we read it twice. As I read the amount for each ingredient Dorothy measured and placed them into big mixing bowl. The big bowl of batter was ready. I read the instructions :Drop in a deep kettle.
I dropped the batter in a tea-kettle that always sat on the cook stove. We cooked the batter for the specified time. What? the batter came spewing out the spout ! This is when it happened. I did not read the complete sentence. It said in a deep kettle of fat. On a recent visit Dorothy and I had a big laugh over the cooking experience.We certainly enjoyed our visit over a nice home cooked meal .Yes, we both turned out to be good cooks. I still have a cook book on my shelf named "Joy Of Cooking". Even though it is not the first edition I had, I find some of the old information on canning, pickling, and cooking all kinds of food are in it. Using it reminds me, how to keep valuables and how to lock some up in your heart and move on. And, after posted this random memory, I will start recording my random memories as they occur for my daughter for her to enjoy and smile.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
See It Through
I have written about "Don't Isolate Our Seniors for about six months now. Through a long stay in a rehabilitation hospital fighting to walk again I found many lonely seniors. I also discover how much better they were when involved in activities. I am talking about the seniors who live alone and don't drive. I am talking about the ones in a senior care facility who has no visitors. I am talking about a senior family member or a next door neighbor.
It occurred to me that through the very technologies that help isolate the seniors could be used to reach them. One of the first items I thought of was an audio book club for facilities and the home.
Through research and discussions with the Mt Juliet Senior Activity Center Executive Director we discovered there was an interest right there in the Center. A planning meeting was held on February 8th,2013. And, I am proud to say On February 28th the first book club meeting will take place.
My efforts have been research, providing materials, and finding was to raise money to support the club. The Senior Center has a policy that no one will be turned away because they couldn't afford to participate. To get the fund started I have offered to donate $1.00 for each box of note cards I sell from my shop, From My Brush.
To make it fun, I will be making membership certificates, book marks, and
providing a notebook to hold book club information. It is a dream come true. One that makes me realize it is the kind acts we can do each day that makes a better place for all of us. Whether it is in your home, your neighbors home, or a senior facility make reading books available through new technologies
It occurred to me that through the very technologies that help isolate the seniors could be used to reach them. One of the first items I thought of was an audio book club for facilities and the home.
Through research and discussions with the Mt Juliet Senior Activity Center Executive Director we discovered there was an interest right there in the Center. A planning meeting was held on February 8th,2013. And, I am proud to say On February 28th the first book club meeting will take place.
My efforts have been research, providing materials, and finding was to raise money to support the club. The Senior Center has a policy that no one will be turned away because they couldn't afford to participate. To get the fund started I have offered to donate $1.00 for each box of note cards I sell from my shop, From My Brush.
To make it fun, I will be making membership certificates, book marks, and
providing a notebook to hold book club information. It is a dream come true. One that makes me realize it is the kind acts we can do each day that makes a better place for all of us. Whether it is in your home, your neighbors home, or a senior facility make reading books available through new technologies
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Senior Isolation Awarenss
Do you know how it feels to be isolated and lonely? Are you aware of senior friends and neighbors who don't get out of the house much. Ones that you can reach out to and invite for a walk, or invite for coffee, and even invite to a Bunco party or card game?
I became aware of seniors who were starved for friendships when I had to spend four and one-half months in a rehab hospital facing the possibility of not walking again. My daughter lived two states away and flew in every two weeks for the weekends to see me and take care of my house.I knew I had a lot to face, keep up my spirit, work with a vision of walking again. It was here I began to see isolated seniors. My roommate had no visitors and often cried when I left the room for therapy or dining. Weekends were the worst because the activities director and the physical therapists did not work weekends.It was then I decided to push my wheel chair around and visit. I had to learn to maneuver the wheel chair because I couldn't put my foot down. My left leg was extended straight out in front of me by a leg apparatus attached to the wheelchair and my steel surgical boot made me look like a military tank.
Visiting gave me something to do and along with several hours a day in therapy kept me busy. By reaching out to others it gave me strength and a positive attitude and made the days go by quickly. It was during that time I
began to list what types of service programs would benefit residents in senior facilities. Musical programs topped the list. Providing equipment to download music and play to a group, or downloading talking books. Be creative with new technologies.
I became aware of seniors who were starved for friendships when I had to spend four and one-half months in a rehab hospital facing the possibility of not walking again. My daughter lived two states away and flew in every two weeks for the weekends to see me and take care of my house.I knew I had a lot to face, keep up my spirit, work with a vision of walking again. It was here I began to see isolated seniors. My roommate had no visitors and often cried when I left the room for therapy or dining. Weekends were the worst because the activities director and the physical therapists did not work weekends.It was then I decided to push my wheel chair around and visit. I had to learn to maneuver the wheel chair because I couldn't put my foot down. My left leg was extended straight out in front of me by a leg apparatus attached to the wheelchair and my steel surgical boot made me look like a military tank.
Visiting gave me something to do and along with several hours a day in therapy kept me busy. By reaching out to others it gave me strength and a positive attitude and made the days go by quickly. It was during that time I
began to list what types of service programs would benefit residents in senior facilities. Musical programs topped the list. Providing equipment to download music and play to a group, or downloading talking books. Be creative with new technologies.
Monday, December 17, 2012
If The Old Walls Could Talk
I am often reminded of an old quote when I think of my childhood home: "A house is built with boards and beams. A home is built with love an dreams". Ah, the memories are flowing as I think of home especially at Christmas time. If the old walls could talk what would they say?
It would tell you about a family of ten who found their home a safe haven- a place to call home and share their daily experiences. It would talk about that never-ending dining room table that comfortably seated 12 people. They would picture through words a mother's endless love for her family. She made the simplest dishes a gourmet delight.
When I was small families made their own decorations for the tree. Paper chain, strands of popcorn and cranberries graced the tree. The one thing modern we had were white electric candles my mother placed in each window. She saved her Green stamps and she got them each year until she had enough for each window, The house looked so special.
Two days before Christmas each child was given a brown paper grocery bag and some crayons. We sat at that big long table and drew elaborate Christmas designs on them and signed them. Christmas Eve night eight chairs were lined up according to age knowing we would have an apple, an orange, a candy cane. and a handful of nuts in the bag. On the chair would be one special Santa Gift. We had our tree gifts on Christmas Eve so that we would have Christmas morning for Santa. Each person earned money to buy a present for one another. My five brothers sold mistletoe and the three girls did chores for the neighbors like sweeping and doing dishes. We also made gifts in school for our parents.
My father was a carpenter. We thought that was special because Jesus was a carpenter. He made our toys. He made our crib that we all took turns sleeping in. Doll cradles, doll houses, wheel barrels, and wooden scooters were a delight at Christmas. He carved the needle that knitted the net which caught the fish and shrimp for Christmas Eve dinner.
My Mother stayed at home keeping busy with all of us. Keeping house, washing clothes, and always busy doing Mother things. She started two days before Christmas making fruitcakes, pies and a special Christmas coconut cake. The old walls would talk about the wonderful smells of food cooking.
They would talk about a mother who shared music, art, education, love, and laughter. They would talk about those big beautiful laughing brown eyes of mother Katie.
It has a familiar ring to it. The Walton's you say. No, it was the Edwards family sharing their bountiful and happy times at Christmas.
It would tell you about a family of ten who found their home a safe haven- a place to call home and share their daily experiences. It would talk about that never-ending dining room table that comfortably seated 12 people. They would picture through words a mother's endless love for her family. She made the simplest dishes a gourmet delight.
When I was small families made their own decorations for the tree. Paper chain, strands of popcorn and cranberries graced the tree. The one thing modern we had were white electric candles my mother placed in each window. She saved her Green stamps and she got them each year until she had enough for each window, The house looked so special.
Two days before Christmas each child was given a brown paper grocery bag and some crayons. We sat at that big long table and drew elaborate Christmas designs on them and signed them. Christmas Eve night eight chairs were lined up according to age knowing we would have an apple, an orange, a candy cane. and a handful of nuts in the bag. On the chair would be one special Santa Gift. We had our tree gifts on Christmas Eve so that we would have Christmas morning for Santa. Each person earned money to buy a present for one another. My five brothers sold mistletoe and the three girls did chores for the neighbors like sweeping and doing dishes. We also made gifts in school for our parents.
My father was a carpenter. We thought that was special because Jesus was a carpenter. He made our toys. He made our crib that we all took turns sleeping in. Doll cradles, doll houses, wheel barrels, and wooden scooters were a delight at Christmas. He carved the needle that knitted the net which caught the fish and shrimp for Christmas Eve dinner.
My Mother stayed at home keeping busy with all of us. Keeping house, washing clothes, and always busy doing Mother things. She started two days before Christmas making fruitcakes, pies and a special Christmas coconut cake. The old walls would talk about the wonderful smells of food cooking.
They would talk about a mother who shared music, art, education, love, and laughter. They would talk about those big beautiful laughing brown eyes of mother Katie.
It has a familiar ring to it. The Walton's you say. No, it was the Edwards family sharing their bountiful and happy times at Christmas.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
My Brand-Old Sayings part II
In the past I have talked about my reason behind using old sayings on social media. The reason is they are colorful expressions. They are two the point and say so much in such a few words. I find them amusing and they just make a fit with my twitter name, GrandmaOnDeck. It is my brand. I want to spread smiles and wisdom through these old sayings. I have heard them from my parents and grandparents. Many of them I wasn't sure what they meant. As I grew older I began to learn their meanings. In my first Old Saying Blog I had several old sayings interpretations.
In Part II these are few continuations:
19. My mother taught me ESP
"Put your sweater on. Don't you know it is cold outside.
20. My Mother taught me Humor.
" When that lawnmower cuts off your toes don't come running to me.
21. My Mother taught me How To Become An Adult.
" If you don't eat your vegetables you will never grow up".
22. My mother taught me Genetics.
" You are just like your father"
23. My mother taught me about my Roots.
"Shut the door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?
24. My mother taught me Wisdom
" When you get to be my age you will understand.
25. My mother taught me justice.
" One day you will have kids, and I hope they will turn out just like you.
My collection of old sayings are handwritten in 5 composition books. I will continue to collect and quote them. They are my Brand for GrandmaOnDeck
In Part II these are few continuations:
19. My mother taught me ESP
"Put your sweater on. Don't you know it is cold outside.
20. My Mother taught me Humor.
" When that lawnmower cuts off your toes don't come running to me.
21. My Mother taught me How To Become An Adult.
" If you don't eat your vegetables you will never grow up".
22. My mother taught me Genetics.
" You are just like your father"
23. My mother taught me about my Roots.
"Shut the door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?
24. My mother taught me Wisdom
" When you get to be my age you will understand.
25. My mother taught me justice.
" One day you will have kids, and I hope they will turn out just like you.
My collection of old sayings are handwritten in 5 composition books. I will continue to collect and quote them. They are my Brand for GrandmaOnDeck
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Share Christmas Season With A Senior
Christmas is a happy time to share good tidings and happiness. And, I am reminded that there are Seniors home alone that don't get out much. How can we reach them? Is is a family member or one of your neighbors in this situation? How do you reach the Isolated Seniors.
First thing that came to mind, is send them a Christmas card to let them know you care. You don't have to put yourself in senior shoes to appreciate hand written cards. It is a great feeling. Let your children make cards and delivered them to a senior facility. If at all possible let them meet some of the seniors they made cards for.
Stuff Christmas stockings for seniors . This too can be a great lesson to teach kids the gift of giving. At church or school collect items for the stockings the kids put in each stocking. Let adults collect the names and place a name on each stocking.
Take a senior to see Christmas lights. It is likely most of the seniors do not drive at night and it would be a wonderful event for them. Perhaps take a senior to hear the Christmas music and pageants at your church. Music has no language barrier.
It is also nice to invite them to coffee or tea. Letting them share your hospitality and your baking. It is sure to bring back memories of their youth
at Christmas time. If they can't come take it to them.
Create a music group to entertain seniors at Senior Centers or facilities. Also a touring dance group. Maybe a clown group to brighten their day.
What a diffrence it would make if " Each One Reached One" Don.t Isolate Our Seniors
First thing that came to mind, is send them a Christmas card to let them know you care. You don't have to put yourself in senior shoes to appreciate hand written cards. It is a great feeling. Let your children make cards and delivered them to a senior facility. If at all possible let them meet some of the seniors they made cards for.
Stuff Christmas stockings for seniors . This too can be a great lesson to teach kids the gift of giving. At church or school collect items for the stockings the kids put in each stocking. Let adults collect the names and place a name on each stocking.
Take a senior to see Christmas lights. It is likely most of the seniors do not drive at night and it would be a wonderful event for them. Perhaps take a senior to hear the Christmas music and pageants at your church. Music has no language barrier.
It is also nice to invite them to coffee or tea. Letting them share your hospitality and your baking. It is sure to bring back memories of their youth
at Christmas time. If they can't come take it to them.
Create a music group to entertain seniors at Senior Centers or facilities. Also a touring dance group. Maybe a clown group to brighten their day.
What a diffrence it would make if " Each One Reached One" Don.t Isolate Our Seniors
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Why I Do Social Media
It never occurred to me that my social media activity would create a little stir when filling out doctors information sheets or any other necessary papers with my personal information. "Well now, Mrs. Wilson do you have a cell phone? Do you have an email address?" Looking at my head of white hair and saying surprisingly: "You do"! Who would ever guess that I would be on Twitter, Face book, PinIntrest, Blogger, Linkedin, Bufferapp. And, oh yes, don't let me forget my little shop on ETSY.
Why do I participate in the social media at the age of 80? Let me tell you why.
It keeps me from being isolated from the rest of the world. I spend a lot of my time at home. Being retired and not out in the business world helps to age a person quickly. I totally dislike the expression "couch potato". Their is an old saying :"Growing old is inevitable, growing up is an option"
Exercising the brain is just as important as exercising your body.Social media is helping me keep up with new technologies. It gives the needed message therapy for the brain. It is a place where I can use my own pace to particpate with out punching a time clock. I. can choose my subjects and be as devirsed I want to be.
It is a great experience to find so many like minded people. Many are willing to share tips. hints, motivation, inspiration and the beat goes on. It is a time to learn without the distractions of a rushing, swirling world...a world trying to find what to do with the time they worked so hard to save.
Social Media has been a Twitter 101 for me. Not only have I learned the technical terms, I have learned many other subjects. What are they? Social Media Etiquette is one. Marketing is a great topic and I found my own branding by using my vintage age with old sayings. As folks would say, I am full of it! And, just like in real college, I keep up with my favorite sport of Pro Fastpitch Softball by using twitter and facebook connections and
college softball events. I am learning a lot about spirituality through the twitter chats. Writing and self-expression has also been a social media 101
for me. Many of writers and bloggers have shown me the way and I am most grateful.
Because I have discovered the importance of the new technologies I have found we can keep our Seniors from being isolated with the help of new technologies. How you say? Why not put a computer with facebook in a recreation room where folks in assisted living connect with their families.
Many people in nursing homes and long term rehabs could do the same.
Audio books is another example. The equipment is easy to buy and easy to use. Many libraries have then to borrow. Assisted living residents might enjoy a talking book club. This would also be good for some to volunteer to lead the book club.There are many more ways I am sure but this is my start list. As I go forward toward social media research I will continue to promote :" Don't Isolate Our Seniors" By advancing my social media to Twitter 201.
Why do I participate in the social media at the age of 80? Let me tell you why.
It keeps me from being isolated from the rest of the world. I spend a lot of my time at home. Being retired and not out in the business world helps to age a person quickly. I totally dislike the expression "couch potato". Their is an old saying :"Growing old is inevitable, growing up is an option"
Exercising the brain is just as important as exercising your body.Social media is helping me keep up with new technologies. It gives the needed message therapy for the brain. It is a place where I can use my own pace to particpate with out punching a time clock. I. can choose my subjects and be as devirsed I want to be.
It is a great experience to find so many like minded people. Many are willing to share tips. hints, motivation, inspiration and the beat goes on. It is a time to learn without the distractions of a rushing, swirling world...a world trying to find what to do with the time they worked so hard to save.
Social Media has been a Twitter 101 for me. Not only have I learned the technical terms, I have learned many other subjects. What are they? Social Media Etiquette is one. Marketing is a great topic and I found my own branding by using my vintage age with old sayings. As folks would say, I am full of it! And, just like in real college, I keep up with my favorite sport of Pro Fastpitch Softball by using twitter and facebook connections and
college softball events. I am learning a lot about spirituality through the twitter chats. Writing and self-expression has also been a social media 101
for me. Many of writers and bloggers have shown me the way and I am most grateful.
Because I have discovered the importance of the new technologies I have found we can keep our Seniors from being isolated with the help of new technologies. How you say? Why not put a computer with facebook in a recreation room where folks in assisted living connect with their families.
Many people in nursing homes and long term rehabs could do the same.
Audio books is another example. The equipment is easy to buy and easy to use. Many libraries have then to borrow. Assisted living residents might enjoy a talking book club. This would also be good for some to volunteer to lead the book club.There are many more ways I am sure but this is my start list. As I go forward toward social media research I will continue to promote :" Don't Isolate Our Seniors" By advancing my social media to Twitter 201.
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