FACEBOOK ISN’T FOR POLITICS

I see Facebook has said they’re going to quit recommending political groups, and try to tamp down users’ political rhetoric. This is certainly a step in the right direction. There’s nothing more irritating than someone ranting and raving about their political views on Facebook. Do they really believe they are going to win someone over to their side who doesn’t agree with them to begin with? Facebook isn’t for politics, in my opinion.

No politics on facebook. Most of us don't want to hear someone's political rants and raves — Facebook isn’t for politics. . They’re finally trying to get the political rants off Facebook.

Facebook , for me, is simply a way to share a few family pictures and events with a small group of people. A nice way to keep in touch across the miles. How anyone could have over 1,000 so called “friends” boggles the mind. Unless maybe you’re an entertainer or politician, or your Facebook page is actually a marketing tool.

The good thing about Facebook is that you can block posts from certain people if you really don’t agree with the way they’re using it. I, for one, have no interest in seeing pictures of half nude people in provocative poses. And if someone posts several times a day, for weeks on end, it gets a little tiresome. If all of your “friends” did that, you would be spending way too much time moving through the day’s posts.

You’re always told not to discuss politics or religion at social events. Isn’t Facebook a social gathering? Kind of like a cyberspace cocktail party? A place where you’re exchanging light conversation and sharing photographs? Nothing too deep (unless there’s been a death in the family). That’s how it is in my mind. I really love hearing from people whom I seldom see. I want to know about their grandchild’s latest achievement, if somebody got married, or had a family reunion. Vacation pictures are especially welcome. I don’t have to comment, or hit the like button, unless I want to. But I usually want to.

Facebook is for fun. It’s not for politics. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned in this divided nation , it’s that politics isn’t fun.

January 27, 2021January 27, 2021

DIEHARD POINSETTIAS HANG ON AND ON

I don’t know about you, but the sight of Christmas decorations after Jan. 1 depresses me. Especially since we’ve been seeing them in the stores since Halloween. Enough already! One of the worst offenders is those plastic icicles people hang across their front porch. You’re apt to see them all summer long. Makes you wonder. Are these people Christmasphiles, or simply too lazy to take them down? But there’s one sign of Christmas that refuses to go away. Diehard poinsettias hang on and on forever.

It’s hard to let a pretty flowering plant wither and die. Unless, maybe, you have no appreciation for nature’s gifts. Sometimes, I decide to let my poinsettias die a natural death. And yet, when they begin to droop and wilt, something propels me to water them. They’re so brave and hardy. They want to please us and hang around to brighten our lives.

Walking in the mall, I noticed several offices still have flowering poinsettias perched on desktops. And yes, they’re a gloomy reminder of a holiday long past. Sooner or later, they’re going to disappear from sight. Maybe when the daffodils begin to bloom in the spring. So how do you handle the demise of your now unwanted flower/ child? I’ve been known to keep them on the deck in the summer. But they still look out of place. Usually, I harden myself to the fact that they really must go. Reluctantly, I may put them outside where they freeze to death. And then, furtively, I throw them in the trash can, the lonely leaves now withered and brown.

When Christmas rolls around again, I’m usually the first to buy a few poinsettias. They’re so beautiful. However, come spring, my fickle heart is drawn to daffodils and tulips. I wish those diehard poinsettias wouldn’t give me a guilt trip. But I know that next Christmas I’ll buy them all over again.

January 25, 2021January 25, 2021

VACCINE BYPASSES ASSISTED LIVING

In our state, octogenarians were second in line to receiving the covid-19 vaccine. Health care workers and first responders were ahead of us. The first day we were eligible, I got on the internet and made appointments. Only problem was—you had to get there on your own. Which meant that unless you could drive or have a caring relative nearby, you wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the offer. And if you’re locked down in an assisted living facility, you’re out of luck, because the vaccine bypasses those seniors. As an example, 86% of assisted living residents in the city of San Diego don’t have a date to receive the vaccine.

Vaccines Bypass Assisted Living. They're old enough to qualify, but can't get out. iving — Vaccines bypass assisted living facilities. They’re in lockdown and can’t leave. But some of them are over 90 and desperately need to be vaccinated.

Spoke with a lady in that situation who is 10 years older than I am.. She’s happy where she is, and is able to interact with the other residents on her floor at meal times. But when I asked when and how she’s getting vaccinated, she said she wasn’t sure. Said they’d been assured that someone would bring the vaccine to them “pretty soon.”

The state now reports the number of cases and deaths at individual nursing homes—but no such information is provided for the adjoining assisted living residence. At this particular facility, there have been numerous active cases and several deaths reported in the nursing home. Seems like the people who vaccinated the nursing home residents could easily have gone next door and finished the job on the octogenarians who can’t leave the facility at this time.

Nothing’s perfect, I guess. At least our state has used some common sense in scheduling appointments. It’s disheartening to see the long lines of folks in other states waiting to get their vaccines. What is wrong with these health departments? Why can’t they schedule appointments in an orderly way? It’s ridiculous to see people sleeping over night in their cars to get vaccines delivered in a first-come-first serve basis. Did the local state health departments not stop to meet and do some planning? It’s no wonder covid-19 cases are rising, and out of control in some states.

Meanwhile, will my nonagenarian friend get vaccinated anytime soon?

January 22, 2021January 23, 2021

FAKE EYELASHES DE RIGUEUR AT WHITE HOUSE?

Does anyone remember Eleanor Roosevelt, Bess Truman, or Mamie Eisenhower? Although Mamie was famous for her bangs, none of these women were known for their glamour or beauty. In modern times, Jackie Kennedy was the most glamorous occupant of the White House—that is, until Melania Trump moved in. That was one First Lady who was never seen without her make-up. You had to wonder how she and her husband would look after washing their faces. But now, after watching the 2021 presidential inauguration, I’ve concluded that fake eyelashes are de rigueur at the White House.

As the television cameras zoomed in on the ceremony, it highlighted the professional make up jobs of the ladies surrounding the president. Should women in the White House send a message that wearing fake eyelashes is desirable? The fact is, it’s risky.

Here are the dangers: Fake eyelashes can cause eye infections like conjunctivitis. This occurs when bacteria collect under the eyelash glue and on the false eyelash itself. They can also cause serious allergic reactions, and damage your natural lashes to the point where they may fall out and never grow back. Fake eyelashes may scratch or damage the cornea, if the glue thickens or falls into your eye.

Fake eyelashes de rigueur at White House? Entertainers wear them, but they have risks.

They say that politicians should lead by example. It bothers me that politicians and their wives are setting such impossible standards of beauty for American women. They’re telegraphing a mindset –that women must risk their health, and spend the time and effort it requires to look like a movie star. Did you know it takes two hours to apply false eyelashes? And they should be changed every day for infection control purposes. Are they really worth all that time and effort?

Do we elect people to public office for their looks, or for their ability? Apparently, looks have a lot to do with it. Most successful politicians are fairly good looking, although that may be a matter of opinion. I never really admired Richard Nixon’s nose or Barack Obama’s ears . On the other hand, I’ll never forget the time I saw Dwight Eisenhower in person. With his charming blue eyes and wide grin, he radiated charisma.

I’m all for attractive women occupying the White House. But the fake eyelashes need to go.

January 20, 2021January 20, 2021

DREAMING OF FREEDOM

Yesterday, I read that 44% of Americans are afraid to get the Covid-19 vaccine. It’s not surprising, when the media publishes reports of all the seniors in Norway and USA who’ve died after getting their first shot. Nevertheless, when you consider all the side effects of prolonged lockdown, it seems that we really don’t have a choice. We got our first dose last week, and now we’re dreaming of freedom.

First of all, we’re finally free from fear of catching the virus. That’s a dark cloud that’s hung over our head after every trip to the grocery store, or visit from a loved one. It’s always lurking—every time you cough or sneeze, little prickles of anxiety arise. Am I coming down with covid-19? When you wake up the next day, feeling just fine, you begin to relax. That is–until the next time, when you have a headache, or maybe get a dizzy spell(caused by anxiety). You do a pretty good job of keeping your spirits up and staying busy—but the fear is always there, ready to resurface from the depths of your subconscious mind.

As one who’s often experienced side effects after flu shots, I can totally understand the fear of vaccines. My husband is one of the lucky ones who never has any reaction. But I usually had aches and pains, along with fatigue that lasted sometimes a week. Because of that, I skipped the flu shots for several years. But when I finally came down with a very bad case of the flu, I went back to getting the shots, bracing my self for the side effects. So yes, I was worried about what would happen after receiving the covid-19 vaccine.

I did have some mild side effects. I woke up the next day feeling very groggy. My back and arm ached. But it didn’t get any worse. In fact, within 24 hours, I felt better. I slept fairly well the next few nights but had some wild dreams, and still didn’t have much energy. Today, I’m feeling like my old self.

DREAMING OF FREEDOM. After getting the vaccine, you maybe able to get your old life back.

In another month or so, We’ll get pieces of our old life back. We can go to restaurants. I will start swimming again, which should greatly ease the arthritis pain in my knees and shoulders. Some things will not change. We won’t be able to visit with out-of-town relatives until they, too, have been vaccinated. But I’m dreaming of freedom in the days that lie ahead.

January 18, 2021January 18, 2021

CELEBRATE MIRACULOUS RASPBERRIES

One of the advantages of being an octogenarian is that you appreciate what others may take for granted. When my husband I were children, any fruit for dessert came from jars stored in the basement. Women didn’t work outside the home unless they had to. However, they did plenty of work at home. Both of us remember our mothers sweating over a pressure cooker on hot summer days. Most everyone drove to the farmer’s market, and bought peaches and pears by the bushel. Consequently , any self-respecting house wife did their share of “canning”–especially during World War II. Fast forward to 2021. Our frig is sight to behold—full of colorful fresh fruits and vegetables. We’re grateful for the truck drivers who deliver them, and celebrate the miraculous raspberries available in the winter.

The highlight of our days during this pandemic has been grocery shopping. Especially during these dull winter days. The produce section of any supermarket is bound to give you a lift. Isn’t it amazing that we can still purchase so much fresh fruit? Big, juicy strawberries that come from California. Pretty pink raspberries grown in Washington & California. Pineapple from Hawaii. They say we’re “at war,” with the virus. But I can’t think of any modern war zone where you could buy fresh fruits and vegetables from all over the world, any day of the week.

The covid-19 lockdown has been long, dreary and stressful. However, compared to other plagues that have occurred through the centuries, we are blessed here in the good old USA. You can download e-books from the library. Watch television. Listen to the radio. Stream movies. . E-mail, text, and zoom your friends and family. And yes, you can have a dessert of ice cream topped with fresh raspberries and whipped topping.

Let’s celebrate miraculous winter raspberries.

January 15, 2021January 15, 2021

KIDS HELP ELDERS GET VACCINE

It was an amazing, long anticipated day– entering the clinic parking lot to finally get the Covid-19 vaccine. But as we pulled in, I noticed a car where a young guy sat behind the wheel. His appearance worried me a bit—partly shaved head, piercings and metal coming out of every orifice. While waiting for my husband to get out of the car, I saw a dark sedan pull up. As an elderly couple opened their door , the young man got out and headed their way. An alarm went off in my head. Was he going to mug them? But no, he held out his arms for them to lean on, and slowly walked them inside. It’s touching to see kids help their elders get the vaccine.

Inside, everything was highly organized and efficient. Since we had preregistered, there was no wait. But after getting vaccinated, we had to wait awhile to make sure we had no reaction. That’s when I could observe the patients coming in. This was the over 80 crowd, and at least half of them were accompanied by what appeared to be a child or grandchild. It’s safe to say that the kids were the ones who had gotten their parents or grandparents signed up.

You couldn’t just walk in to get vaccinated. You had to be in the “eligible” category (over 80) and provide your insurance card. Then, you could register for an appointment either over the phone or online. The phone lines were jammed all day long, so the best way to get an appointment was online. I’m lucky to know my way around the internet. That’s because I had a job that entailed the use of computers. Many octogenarians wouldn’t have the slightest idea. So I’m guessing the metal kid got his grandparents registered online.

kids help elders get vaccine. Hooray for these young caregivers. — Kids help elders get vaccine. It’s heartwarming to see children take care of their parents.

There were sons with fathers on canes or in wheel chairs. And daughters who brought their parents to check in. Love was in the air. Lucky, my husband and I can still navigate on our own. But It was heartwarming to see so many children taking the time to get their parents or grandparents vaccinated. Hooray for family caregivers, and kids who help their elders get the vaccine.