The Cab Ride

August 8, 2016

Good morning.  Today's post will be a bit different.  A couple days ago I received an email that really moved me, and I thought I would share it here with you. 

THE CAB  RIDE  (author unknown)

I arrived at the address that had telephoned for a cab and honked the horn.  After waiting a few minutes I honked again.  Since this was going to be the last ride of my shift, I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.

"Just a minute" answered a frail, elderly voice.  I could hear something being dragged across the floor.  After a long pause, the door opened.  A small woman in her 90's stood before me.  She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, looked like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase.  The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years.  All the furniture was covered with sheets.  There were no clocks on the walls, no knick knacks or utensils on the counters.  In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

"Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said.  I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.  She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.  She kept thanking me for my kindness.  "it's nothing" I told her.  "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated."  "Oh, you're such a good boy" she said.

When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?"  "It's not the shortest way" I answered quickly.  "Oh, I don't mind" she said.  "I'm in no hurry.  I'm on my way to a hospice."

I looked in the rear-view mirror.  Her eyes were glistening.  "I don't have any family left" she continued in a soft voice.  "The doctor says I don't have very long."  I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.  "What route would you like me to take?" I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city.  She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.  We drove through the neighborhoods where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds.

She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that once had been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.  Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.  As the first hint of the sun was cresting the horizon, she suddenly said, "I'm tired.  Let's go now."

We drove in silence to the address she had given me.  It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.  Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up.  They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.  They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door.  The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.  "How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse.  "Nothing," I answered.  "You have to make a living," she said.  "There are other passengers," I responded.  Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.  She held onto me tightly.  "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said.  "Thank you."

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.  Behind me, a door shut.  It was the sound of the closing of a life.  For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk.  What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?  What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? 

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.  We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.  But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.....

At the bottom of this great story was a request to forward this  ---- I deleted that request because if you have read to this point, you won't have to be asked to pass it a long.  You just will.  Thank you, my friend. 

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.
*****************************************

I thanked my friend for passing this story along to me.  As I read it, I thought of how my grandchildren, Kevin and Jazzy treated my Aunt Lucy when we went shopping the other day.  They did not grumble because she was old and slow, they chatted and laughed with her, held her arm when she walked, and helped her look for things she might want at the craft store.  When we took Lucy home, the kids carried her bundles into the house, while helping her in to the house too.

Need I say how proud I am of those kids? (and my daughter and son in law who raised them?)  I know they'll be good to me like that when I am old too.  (they already are)

So, to my friend, thank you again.  Big hugs, Edna B.

A Pleasant Saturday Afternoon

August 7, 2016

Good morning.  It's almost daybreak, but I've been up for about an hour.  I figured as long as I wasn't sleeping, I may as well get up and do a few things while it is cool.  Right now I have a pot of pasta cooking.  This will make a tasty supper later in the day.  The last time I made sauce, I made extra and froze it.  Later, that will be very tasty on the pasta.

Yesterday, I went to watch Jazzy perform in Annie Jr.  Jazzy played Grace Farrell, Oliver Warbucks' secretary.  It was a delightful show, and I enjoyed it very much.  This is the only shot I was able to get during the show.  They requested no photos be taken.  (Because of the flash, but I did not use flash)  Jazzy is on the left, then Annie, then Mr. Warbucks.

Here's a photo collage of Jazzy from inside the program.  Needless to say, we are all very proud of our Jasmine.

Later in the afternoon, we were expecting some thunder storms to come through so Pogo and I got comfy on the porch to cool off and watch the storm.  Did I say storm?  I suppose someone somewhere got it, but we only got some clouds, a few breezes and a handful of raindrops.  It lasted all of almost one whole minute. 

Here's a photo of the pretty silky flowers that I bought to dress up my little porch area.  They are such happy colors.

Yesterday, I got a call from my friend Beth (from Texas).  She is in the hospital, and hopefully will be allowed to go home later today or tomorrow.  Get well soon Beth. 

While I was on the phone with Beth, I noticed a hummingbird flying around my little porch, looking for food.  So, after I got home from the play, I went to Ocean State Job Lot and bought a new hummingbird feeder.  While Joe put up a hanger to hang the new feeder from, I made up a bottle of sugar water to fill the feeder.  Now I'm hoping that these beautiful little birds will be back.

Now I need to get back to the kitchen and check on my pasta.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Really Fun Day With Aunt Lucy

August 5, 2016

Good morning.  It's a gorgeous sunny day here in New England.  It's going to get quite a bit warmer in just a couple hours, but right now it's just lovely.  I guess the temps are going to stay in the 80's to low 90's for at least the next week.  I sure do hope that Mother Nature has a little rain in store for us too.

Yesterday was such a fun day.  Kevin, Jazzy, Pogo and I picked up Aunt Lucy and headed out to do a bit of fun craft shopping.  Aunt Lucy was in charge of giving directions to Kevin (who was driving), but she was having so much fun chatting with Jazzy that she kept forgetting to tell Kevin which direction to go. 

She kept Kevin and I laughing all the way.  I think we took every back road, and drove along the Eastern shore line (which was simply beautiful) before arriving in the destination town to do some shopping.  We went to Michael's Craft Store to check out the yarn department.  Naturally, I found some that I simply had to have.  How pretty are these?  Cherrycola and Rosewood.

 

Aunt Lucy found some craft wire and another frame for her wreaths.  Next we went into the Dollar Store, where I picked up a few more "word find" puzzle books, and Aunt Lucy got some spring water.  Afterwards, we stopped at McDonalds, then found a nice shady spot to park and eat our lunch.  Before heading home, we stopped at CVS because Aunt Lucy wanted some eggs.  She was so amazed that you could actually buy eggs at a pharmacy.  (Where has she lived all my life?)  All in all, we had a fun day.

 

Now, to get back to my wicked day in Hell, Wednesday.  It started out pretty good.  My internet was working fine, and I read some of my emails before I got too busy.  After lunch I decided to read the rest of my emails, only to find that the program was not working because my internet was not working.  No biggie.  I'll just call the cable company and get the internet straightened out.

 

Groan, groan!!  Several hours later (all the while on the phone), after tech people changed my password several times, all that was accomplished was that the internet was working, just not my email program.  Needless to say, I was beyond frustrated.  I had photos of paperwork that I had to email out and now I couldn't.

 

I did everything I could think of to restore my email program, but it just wasn't going to happen.  Once the cable techs starting fiddling with my password, that shut down my email.  I don't know how to get into the workings of the email program to fix things so I put in a "I'm desperate" call to Wayne.  (he doesn't do house calls anymore because his job takes most of his time now) 

 

He said he would see if he could help, but he was leaving today to go on a mini vacation.  There's a program on my laptop (that Wayne put there) that allows him to remotely go into my laptop to fix things.  Last evening, he did this and Bless him, he got my email fixed and working.  What in the world would I do without Wayne?

 

Yesterday afternoon, I took some photos of my Rose Of Sharon bush.  It's starting to get tall now and is simply beautiful.  I would really love to plant another one of these this year. 

 

 

I also took a photo of my little porch from a different angle, this time from the back and side.  I'm thinking I'll look for some panels to put up for the winter to keep the snow and ice out of the porch.

Today I'm waiting for a phone call from the police to set up an interview for my firearms license.  Wish me luck.  I also have to call Cliff to find out if he is coming by today to finish painting the front porch area. 

Now I need to get dressed and wash a few dishes.  So, till Sunday, Y'all have a fantabulous weekend.

Hugs, Edna B.

Just A Quickie Post Today

August 4, 2016

Good morning.  This will have to be a very short post because I don't have much time to get dressed and ready to leave.  Kevin, Jazzy, Pogo and I are going to pick up Aunt Lucy and take her craft store hopping. 

Yesterday was a day from hell.  Alas, that story will have to wait until tomorrow.  I do have an update on Pogo.  His itch has not completely gone, but he spends a little less time scratching.  Each day we make a tiny bit of progress.  This is good.

I did not sleep well during the night because of all the stuff from my yukky day running around in my mind.  By the time my brain decided to give in and go to sleep, it was almost daybreak.  I'm sure tonight will be much better. 

This morning I realized that I forgot to post a new quick page for you yesterday, so I have it for you today. 

Here is your download link:
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Now I  really must be getting dressed.  I still have to go outside and move a few things around in my car to make room for everyone.  (Pogo's car seat, stroller, etc.)  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Up To My Neck In Solar Homework

August 3, 2016

Good morning.  Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day!  Remember that song?  This morning is sunny and cool so far, although the temps will climb to the low 80's later.  It's a gorgeous morning to have a little porch to sit out on.  And that's what Pogo and I are going to do when I finish typing this post.

Well, yesterday, a representative from one solar company was here to present me with figures and to show me how much I could save on my electricity bill.  To be honest, I was not all that impressed.  Yes, there was a savings, but just a small one. 

The rep explained how the solar energy generated would only have an affect on 25% of my total electric bill.  That's nice, but what about the rest of the bill?  Plus, the government rebates for the expense involved is only applicable to persons who pay a large amount of federal taxes.  Ownership of the panels is outrageously expensive, so the only option a regular homeowner would have is leasing.  This would not be so bad if the savings seemed adequate. 

Today someone from a different company is coming by to have a look at my roofs and maybe give me some new figures.  Something like this requires a lot of homework. 

Cliff should be here shortly to start scraping some more paint.  I may have mislead you about the painting.  I'm not having the whole house painted, just the area and trim around the front porch, and the exterior house walls that are inside my little porch.  Depending on how it looks, I'll think about more paint later. 

This weekend, Jazzy will be performing in Annie Jr.  To be honest, I've never gone to see Annie, so this will all be new to me.  Here's one of the posters for this production.  Jazzy is in the bottom left corner photo.

I also have a new photo of baby Aurora to share.  She is just the cutest, happiest little girl.

Today I have no special plans.  I'm sure I can find some mischief to get into.  Of course, if all else fails, there's always housework.  (Did I say that?  groan, groan!)

Now I'm going to get a nice cold bottle of water and Pogo and I are going to sit out on the porch for a while.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Do You Know What You Are Feeding Your Doggie?

August 2, 2016

Good morning.  It's rather gray outside and we have a good chance of getting some rain today.  Well, at least that's what the weather man says.  I won't hold my breath waiting for the rain, but it would be nice to have some. 

Yesterday Cliff (Eddie's friend) came by to do a bit of work, and he started with scraping the peeling paint on the house near the front entrance.  He's going to be re-painting the whole front porch area and the portion of the house exterior inside my new porch.  (as long as it doesn't rain, of course)  If the rain really happens, we may have to postpone today's work until tomorrow.  We'll see.

In the afternoon, I gave Pogo another whole body rub down with the Aloe Vera Gel.  I think it's helping because last night he made it through the whole night with hardly any scratching.  Oh, what a relief this was! 

Last evening, I picked up my crocheting again and put a couple rows on the scarlet afghan, but it is still too warm to be working on it.  Actually, it is the humidity that makes it uncomfortable.  However, I have plenty of time to get it finished before the holidays get here. 

I'm thinking that today I might like to get started sorting out everything in the gift drawer and the big gift tote.  I need to make a list of what I already have so that I know what I still need to get/make.  I also need to go through all my clothes and get rid of any that I haven't been wearing.  Gosh, there's just too much stuff here.  I need to get rid of a lot of it.

Today I have a list (that I found on the web) of pet foods for you to be careful with.  It lists many brands that are made in China and have been in question and linked to pet illnesses and deaths, and suggests that you throw these brands out.  You may want to check these for yourself. 

Waggin Train, Canyon Creek Ranch, Dogswell, Hartz, Snausages, Booda Bones, Aspen Pet, Milos Kitchen, American Kennel Club, Dingos, Beefeaters, Cadet, Sargents, Ever Pet (Dollar General), Home Pet 360, Walgreens Simple (new brand), The Kingdoms Pets, Benufuk (not a misspelling), Beggin Strips, Pupperoni, Canine Carryout, Bill Jack, Milkbone Dentastyx, Milkbone Brushing chew, and all Beneful Brand line. 

I looked these up on Snopes, and could only find Ever Pet Dog Food, Beneful, Menu Foods, and Canine Carry Outs listed as being harmful or causing pet deaths.  So do check out any brand that you are using before giving it to your doggie.

Here's something else that I found on the web and wanted to share with you.  Aren't these just the cutest little kittens? 

Today I have an appointment with someone from a solar energy company.  I'm checking with three different companies to see if this is something that I need or can afford for the house.  It is supposed to help reduce my electric bill drastically, but I need to do my research before making any decisions.

Now it's time for me to dress and get started on this wonderful new day.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Ah, What Fun We Had!

August 1, 2016

Good morning.  Today is another lovely day like yesterday.  Temps in the seventies with a little breeze.  Yesterday, however, brought us a tiny bit of wet drizzle.  I would say rain, but it was very light and spotty.  Either way, it was wet and we appreciated it.

Have you noticed that we've already flown through July, and now we have a new month, August.  Time seems to be flying by too quickly.  Here's the August page from my calendar.

Well, yesterday was a great day for daughter Deanne and I.  We went to our Basic NRA Pistol Class, and had a good time.  We learned a lot, including which eye was our predominant one.  This was new to me, and quite interesting.  Later in the class, we all went to the shooting range at a local sportsmen's club. 

Deanne and I were picked to go first, and I have to say we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  We have never handled or fired a handgun before, and we both did very well.  The two guns we used were a 22 and a glock.   I did very well with the 22, and Deanne did very well with the glock.  Here's my target paper from the 22.  I'm still smiling!!!

 

I think I'll call the instructor to see about signing up for more practice shooting for the both of us.  I would like to be able to get all my shots near or on the bull's eye, and I'd like to be a lot better and more comfortable with the glock.  Besides, target shooting is a fun sport.

 

Last evening I found the neatest tee shirt on the web.  Rather appropriate for the day, I thought. haha.

 

 

DIL Janet came over for a while yesterday to keep Pogo company while I was out.  This, of course, made Pogo very happy.  I am so proud of my little guy.  This was an all day class, and he did not have any "accidents." 

 

Let me tell you a bit about how he is doing.  He still itches a lot, but he gets long periods of rest and sleep without any scratching.  And, for the last few days, I've been giving him doggie food for breakfast and at least one snack, and he is eating it!!!!!

 

Yesterday, the big bottle of Aloe Vera Gel (that I ordered for him) arrived, and last night I slathered his whole body with it.  I'm hoping this helps to clear all the marks on his skin, and makes some of the itchies go away.  Plus, it feels really nice on my skin!

 

Today, Pogo and I have to go to Town Hall to pay more taxes ( it seems there are always taxes due) and then we'll probably head on over to Home Depot to buy a yard broom and some exterior paint for the house.  Busy, busy, busy.

 

Well, that's my news for today.  Now I need to get dressed so that we can get started on our errands.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

 

Hugs, Edna B.