Sometimes, A Little Patience Is Called For

September 24, 2018

Good morning.  I'm really late getting started today, but I've been watching for the new mail delivery person to show up.  I can't see the front door from the room my desktop PC is in.  I've been looking on line for a wireless camera to put outside my door.  I want one that has a monitor that can be put on the wall indoors.  So far, I'm not finding anything in my price range.

Today is a Fall day, cool temps, gray sky, tiny breeze.  Not a good day for sitting out.  However, I have lots to keep me busy indoors.  I cleaned out a cluttery space and vacuumed, and I put all the stuff that was cluttering that space onto my sofa.  Now I have to go through all that stuff and hopefully get rid of most of it. 

Yesterday afternoon I spent time on this old PC trying to make some quick pages.  I did manage to make two of them, but it took quite a while.  A lot of my keyboard keys are cranky with a mind of their own.  Lots of times, the space bar does not work so I end up with lots of words all attached to each other.  Some keys don't print when you touch them.  I have to go back and touch them again.  Actually, it's probably a good match for me.  I can be ornery too.

The headline on today's newspaper (Patriot Ledger) reads:  "Disability advocates: Red Line shuttles are insufficient."  Shuttle buses have replaced service in a certain area through October 21 to allow for work at two of their stations.

The complaint is that some one (or more) was refused service by one of the shuttle buses because it couldn't accommodate her.  Instead she had to phone for an accessible van to come pick her up.  The MBTA buses can carry two wheelchairs at once, while the contracted buses may or may not be able to handle one wheelchair.  Another person complains that if there is more than one wheelchair or a baby stroller, it takes forever.

The MBTA has even been successfully sued by several people with disabilities, demanding accessibility improvements across the system.  Folks, this is all well and good, and I sympathize with anyone with a disability (I also have disabilities) but there are many companies that run accessible vans specifically for folks with wheelchairs and other disabilities.  Regular commuters cannot use these vans.  Further more, this is only a temporary situation.  The trains will be up and running in just a few weeks.

Myself, I would think these vans would be the best and most comfortable way of travel for folks with wheel chairs and walkers.  They pick you up and take you right to your destination.  I take my walker with me lots of times.  But, first I have to take it out of the trunk, unfold it and put my basket on it before I can use it. 

When I leave for home, I do it all in reverse.  When I get home, I park near my porch steps so I can hold on the railing going up to my porch.  When I can no longer drive, I will call an accessible van.  (even though the bus stops right in front of my yard)

This is not a rant.  It's just my thoughts on this whole situation.  I am all for making life easier and more comfortable for anyone with disabilities, but in a temporary situation like this I'm wondering why so many are making such a fuss, considering there is a much better alternative available.

There was another article that caught my eye, but I'll save it for another day.  I'm having to stop and re-type two and three times (sometimes more) with every sentence that I type.  This keyboard is doing me in!

One of my favorite magazines is the Reader's Digest.  In one section of this latest issue there was a wonderful little story.  I copied it so that I could share it here.  I have to agree that this was (and is) awesome advice.  If you need help, ask for it.  Even the grumpiest teachers want you to succeed.  Have a little patience with yourself.  Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day.

Of course, there is also a lot of humor sprinkled throughout the magazine.  Here's one little tidbit that I thought I'd share.

This weekend I'm going to the Paris Cabaret with Deanne and a friend.  That is the opening night of the musical Gypsy.  Our Jazzy will be playing Louise (Gypsy).   This week is going to fly by because I'm really excited about going.  I'll be going again when Audrey comes up for a week.  (from Virginia.  She's never seen one of Jazzy's performances, so this will be a special treat.

Now I'm off to do a bit of blog reading and watch for the mail person.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

p.s.  Thank you Angelica for way to make Fried Green Tomatoes.  That's exactly what I had in mind for my little crop of green tomatoes.