MUSINGS----

Some of our long-standing friends came over from Arkadelphia this noon, and we all went to a really nice place to eat. (I had a chicken sandwich on cranberry bread that couldn't have been better) One went to the Oberammergau, and the other went down the half of the Rhine they didn't do last hear. They don't understand that we've "done that and been there", and like our own projects here in the cottage.

Have a cover almost done for the Colerean Program Book. It celebrates 70 year's of the club's existence. I hear many complaints that both men's clubs and women's are just barely hanging on. People don't want to meet in their homes, nor do they want to serve as officers. I'm guessing that these clubs no longer fill needs in the lives of people who at one time needed them as a way to be a part of the community. Colereans are limited to 20 members at a time, but have had only 15 for a long time. We have TV which sometimes can develop programs most of us could not, and we have computers that keep us in contact with the world and out friends.

I've made about 20 covers for the Colerean Club and I'm thinking this may be the last. I am thinking that I would rather be in the kitchen band here in the village! ---------Marian

I'll blog later---people from Arkadelphia are coming and we all are going out to lunch, so thus, I'll "blog" later----Marian

ARKADELPHIA TRIP

We're on our way to Arkadelphia for the previously mentioned "social life". I'll get a perm and be beautiful, we'll have lunch and be happy with Mary Ella, then back to my dentist, and to healing with my doctor, Mike. I was lucky at the dentist yesterday in that I only have to have one root canal instead of two. Awfully dull info for you today, but won't it be grand when the day is over? YOU have some fun---Marian

OUR WEDDING

There was a story about Chelsea Clinton's coming wedding in the paper, and it reminded me of Bob's and my wedding, forty years ago next month. I remember that the preacher said something about "the young -----pause---in heart" couple. Then as we were leaving, Bob's grandson yelled out ""Grandpa"---. Bob and I went off to play a couple of days of golf, and came back to pick up Ann, Walter and a couple of their friends for the second half of our honeymoon, only to have this action mentioned in the story of our wedding in the paper as "and the GROUP returned from their honeymoon----", literally true, but funny anyway. Yes, forty years ago. Hope Chelsea and her new husband will be as happy as we have been--------Remember your big day? Take care, Marian

SUNDAY

Sunday Papers are wonderful. It takes a long time to read them whether the news is exciting or not. We always read, hoping that it is. I read the editorials I like, the book page, and the front section. In addition, Bob always reads the funny paper; I don't except for Family Circus and Trudeau. Sunday morning is a wonderful morning.

Meals are easily fixed--no big deal for us, and we always have a book to fill in the unused time.

Of course, by afternoon, one begins to think about the schedule for the next week. And next week, we have a great social life lined up: a bunch of doctor's appointments, which is usually the social life of a retiree. But we do enjoy and like our doctors----

Happy Sunday, Marian

WEEKENDS

Here it is a weekend again---probably the most significant time of the week. I taught school most of my professional life, and my weekends were so eagerly awaited. Was it because of "no work"? No, because I had to clean house and do my planning for the next week's teaching . I really and truly enjoyed teaching and my students,but still counted the days until Friday was over. But the point of this is that having been retired for 30 years, that old feeling about weekends hangs on. Even when every two days is a weekend after retirement, the feeling of joy for the real Saturday and Sunday hangs on. I still look forward to the end of the week Now explain that! However, it's probably a universal feeling, don't you think? Enjoy, Marian

Ann left for vacation this morning, so I have no one to correct my blogger mistakes. I meant "raise", not rise-----Yuk

EXERCISE & A GOOD BOOK

Bob and I have started an exercise regimen, and have been at it for 3 days now. It's the kind of tape where we in our 90's work with a chair--sit and rise our legs , one at a time , 15 times, and even stand on our toes 15 times. Many more such movements are designed to stretch every muscle. I find I haven't stretched a few of mine in a long time. We lasted about 25 minutes today before "falling out". The tape uses weights for some of the movements, and we are going to get some IF we hold out and exercise at least 5 more times. I'm sure each of us KNOWS that this is helpful, and really necessary to some future comfort in navigating. BUT they are SOOOO boring!!!!

Am reading at THE EDITH WHARTON READER, a book of excerpts from all her writings. The people in the late 1800's had such different manners and standards than do we, that I find what I'm reading is fascinating. Money counts more, or maybe I just don't recognize how much it counts in the early 2000's. Any way, it's good reading for a 90 degree weather day when one has all the daily chores done. My advice? Chose a sedentary activity today-----Marian

Bulletin

Bob's rug cleaning method was VERY successful!!! Marian

RUG SPOTS

We came over here to retire, but it seems that there is just as much to do here as there was there. Example: there's a big spot on the rug right in the middle of the living room, It looks as if it is shoe dirt, and coffee spills. Well, I got some advice about what to use to clean it with, and was all prepared this morning to do it. BUT I realized that directions called for wiping up the cleaner with a towel---but if I GOT DOWN ON THE FLOOR TO DO THAT, I COULD NEVER GET UP! WOW! But Robert has come up with a possible solution; tie a towel around the broom, and wipe it up that way. Will it work? Expect further bulletins.

I also have to make cookies today, and do a washing. Retirement? Well, maybe I don't have to vacuumn or wash windows here-----so I say to you, don't work hard today: pace yourself. Marian

PILLS

I'm sick of taking pills. Take some when I get up; take some before breakfast; take some at noon, and then again at night before bedtime. I'm sick of it. But I know, I have to think of the alternative, and I do, but I'm still sick of it. Which brings up the fact that have you ever noticed that all (I've seen no exception yet) ninety year olds talk about their pills within two minutes of every conversation one has with them? Me included. It will have to be judged the favorite conversation piece for us. Discusting, isn't it.

Well that's my gripe for today. Go vent some gripes and you'll probably have a good day. Marian

THE OBESITY PROBLEM

I know a solution to the Nation's concern about obesity. Did you see in the Gazette this morning that some British artist scattered 60 pianos across New York including Times Square so that amateur musicians could play their favorite tunes? Well, why not just drop treadmills generously all across the country to help people get their exercise? Wouldn't that be an aid in dealing with the obesity problem? Don't ask me about money: it seems we can find it when we really want it. Well, think about it----

Now off to make bread----Marian

ONE OF "THOSE DAYS"

We got to Ark, Ark on time for Bob's doctor appointment, and then I started to drive to my neighbor's house---but got stopped for driving 40 miles an hour in a 20 mile zone. He gave me a "drive more carefully, little lady" ticket. Then my neighbor had overslept, so our visiting time was much shorter before I had to pick up Bob again. I still was late for that, but he left without seeing the doctor as he'd already waited an hour. When we got back to Hot Springs,we stopped at the dining room for our noon dinner, and I dropped my salad plate full of fruit on the floor. I'm staying home the rest of the day---something in the atmosphere is making this a dangerous day for me!!

This is the first day of summer, and the temp outside is 95 degrees. I should make bread, but I'm afraid that I'd leave out the yeast or something. Wonder if that strange golf tourney yesterday had anything to do with all of this--------Be careful today. Marian

LATE TODAY

BLOG WILL BE LATE TODAY: JUST HAVE 55 MINUTES TO GET TO ARKADELPHA. SO, PLEASE BEAR WITH ME----MARIAN

VISITORS, AND FATHER'S DAY

Father's Day, and some wonderful memories of my Father! Also good friends are here for the weekend, and we've had GREAT talk, good subjects, a mixture of optimism and pessimism, fun being together, a great golf game to keep an eye on, and a very HOT day. Marilyn and I have been friends for more than 40 years, and have been in touch with each other that entire time.

Marilyn is more of a pessimist than I am, but she knows more, and keeps up on more. Even so, we are on the same side of almost every thing that has come up. And YOU KNOW WHAT SIDE THAT IS!. Bob and Joe are on that side too.

Short blog today so there will be more time for talk----Are you thinking about your Father? Marian

CROSSWORD PUZZLES , ANOTHER SALT SOLUTION & PENCILS

Well today I ate cereal for breakfast--no salt. The only thing I can think of that might have been positive is that I didn't have to wash the skillet when I did the dishes.

We, Bob and I, are crossword puzzles doers. We have three in our papers each morning: two in the Gazette, and one in the Hot Springs paper , which, incidentally, is the easiest of the three. I start them, and when I'm through struggling, I give them to Bob who then can finish them in what seems like two seconds. Bob's smarter than I am---at least I'll admit it when it comes to cross word puzzles. Oh yes, and at spelling too.

My best luck with these puzzles comes when I use a sharp pencil that writes very black. The one I like best is an electronic scorer made by Berol. BUT they no longer make them. I had a package of them on hand at that time, thank heaven, but have given several away as Christmas presents. I made a mistake and brought the one and only stub end that was all Janet had left of one I gave her, home from Kansas with me. She noticed right away, and wants it back. I have one that is an inch longer that I'll send her---the inch being an apology for taking her precious crossword pencil!

OPTIMISTIC?

I showed signs of optimism yesterday. I let Bob get me a beautiful new winter suit for my birthday. Now I ask you, if getting clothing for a season five months away when you are 91 going on 92 isn't optimistic, I really don't know what is. But Robert, I do thank you, and can hardly wait to wear it.

Traci told me to get Mrs. Dash to try instead of Salt which I crave. Well, years ago I DID try it, but I've matured since then, and will put it on our grocery list so I can try again. I'll try harder----

The good book I'm reading now is WENCH by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. My neighbor loaned it to me.

Hope you find a joyful activity today------Marian

GOOD AND BAD

Yesterday was a real mixture of good and bad: weather good, but hot; wonderful friend and some of her family came to visit, but house a mess as we were trying to get straightened up from our trip; hair fixed by nice lady, but not like Joan fixes it; good food but nobody sent me info about how to eat salt without eating it; had a good visit with my neighbor, but Bob and I each lost all six games of solitaire ----well, that's the way the day went: good and bad. Today has started out well, but all the flowers on our outdoor patio and front stoop died while we were gone, and we'll have to start over on those parts of our house. BUT I have a good book and NOTHING that I have to do!!! The "good" to you, and no "bad"---Marian

SALT

I'm not supposed to eat salt, and it's almost a fate worse than death. I've cut myself down to no salt except on my egg-on-toast breakfast. Just can't do it. So we've been trying substitutes. There are two Morton salt subs: a real substitute that is bitter to my taste, and a half salt that is OK if I use double the amount. But out in Kansas on a visit to a new Amish Community my daughter bought some salt for me that they said was much less dangerous. Ann looked it up and found that it comes from very deep seas, and is good because it doesn't have the flotsam & jetsom in it found higher in the oceans. Well, I just want to report that I have to use double of it also in order to get any taste on my egg. Does anyone know a solution of how I can eat salt without eating salt? It just might save my life--I KNOW it will save my sanity! Waiting to hear---Marian

1ST DAY BACK HOME

We're home from Kansas, but far from settled in! It was a beautiful trip home, but an amazing amount of traffic. Give us a day or two, and perhaps, maybe, better be, hope so, might be back to normal, if living at 1925 Malvern is ever normal! We saw 9 different relatives which included Janet's and my daughters, and had several family phone calls. This is the blog for today; maybe we'll be back in shape in the morning! (not a promise) (but what's back in shape?) Rest a little today, Marian

Day 2--After a perfect breakfast, after a nice morning of more coffee and talk,we went to PIE DAY! The lady at the bakery fixes pie every Thursday for anyone who wants to come and visit over fresh pie and more coffee. Today it was peach pie. Then we went to the gift shop that we like here in Oswego--bought them out---well, almost. Christmas shopping. Then a couple of hours later we went to the farmer's market run by the Amish. Two pies, 20 new potatoes, two loaves of bread, some cinniman bars, and Lasagna, and even a pint of buttermilk for Bob. Now the girls are going swimming, and the rest of us HOPE for a nap. It's movie night===don't you wish you were here? Marian

NIGHT ONE-----STORM

Here we are in Oswego with the family----the trip out couldn't have been nicer--beautiful trees and scenery! BUT BUT BUT during the night, there was a terrible lightning storm: very strong claps, the worst and closest that one doesn't want to hear, but then it all was followed by lost power, and 15 minutes of sheet lightning the likes of which I HAVE NEVER seen before. I thought something was on fire!!! It's day time, and now I'm sitting here wondering what will be next! But we're glad we are here======Marian

TIME OUT FOR KANSAS

This was Ann's birthday, and altho we forgot to call her early this morning as is our usual early birthday greeting, Bob has a cake to celebrate it when we all get to Kansas--anyway, Annie, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

We are ready to go--it will be interesting to see what we have forgotten when we get there: we always do, but it usually isn't life threatening---anyway, have a good week and we will do the same. Marian

READY TO GO

Well, the papers are read, the crosswords PARTIALLY done, (Bob has to finish them) and the bread to take to Kansas Tuesday is about to be put in the oven. I've avoided the dishes so far, but know that has to come next. Wish we could put our stuff in the car, and just start driving now--I always hate the last few days before a trip-----I'm always ready days early, and those last few are so useless. I'm told that I can still make some blog comments from out there while we are gone, so don't turn me off----Take care of yourselves, and we will do the same. Marian

A REPORT ON THUR. FRI AND SAT----

SATURDAY: I still don't have the right way to get to my blog after the computer changed itself all around the other night (I will not repeat my language as I've hunted for it since then, but hope you could read my last explanation, and are ready to start reading again----) Anyway went to the dentist on Thursday, and was told that all I needed were two root canals---which is MUCH better than I expected, but will have that to look forward to after we get back Friday we went to the doctor, and to get a hair cut. Now all we have to do is pack, and to say the least, I'm excited. PLUS, I get to drive the new car half way! Should be home on Tuesday, June 14th.

In the meantime, enjoy life-----Marian

RESULTS OF THE DENTIST TRIP, AND COMPUTER TROUBLE

We went to the dentist, and the two teeth I though might have to be pulled, don't have to be pulled, he just thinks I should have two root canals!!! Bob just had to have a cleaning. We stopped and got REAL hamburgers on the way home. But I couldn't get the blog to come up, and am still not sure how I did it this time. So, dear readers, if there's nothing here for you to read in the next day or two, take a vacation and start hunting for it again after we get back from Kansas, June l6. Keep me in mind, please---I love writing it, but need readers----Marian

DENTIST DAY

Bob and I have serious dental work to be done today. Need I say more? Please keep your fingers crossed for us, and keep at least one moment of silence ------Thanks, Marian

ANN, TACT, GORES----

Bob says he feels lethargic; I feel sentimental; he doesn't know why, and I'm thinking about Ann as today I need to send her some recognition if she is to get it on her birthday. She was a big baby, BORN with tact as one of her talents. Example: when Walt and I were playing social solitaire on the floor, and when she woke up from her nap, did she walk all thru our game? No, she always went around it. That's tact!

The announcement that the Gore's are separating makes me very sad. I have always admired the Gore family, and have been very impressed with his work to help the country understand and deal with the environment. Whatever their reasons are, I trust them to be doing the right thing, but I'm very sorry. Another fine example just "bit the dust"! But the best to both---

Go give your "other half" a hug, and have a good day----Marian

WATERMELON

Memorial Weekend is now over, and the regular use of our days falls back in place. Have to complain about a loud air conditioner, get things ready for Jim (who is coming today) to iron, write at least two letters, make appointments at the dentist. Im not complaining--I call it "just planning."

We had a "picnic"---well all the menu reflected "picnic" ---for dinner in the dinning room yesterday. Choice of hamburgers or weennies with all the trimmings that they demand, potato salad and french fries, and best of all, watermelon! Living like we do here, it's hard to realize the season, and we didn't know watermelon was out there ready to eat.

So my advice for the day is GO GET AND ENJOY SOME OF THE WONDERFUL FRUIT! Marian