OH NO–NOT BILL GATES!

Why do we assume that intellectuals and geniuses seldom give much thought to sex? Animals have sex. Even plants have sex. It’s a basic, instinctual process, requiring little or no intelligence. If not controlled, it can cause disastrous consequences like STDs and unwanted pregnancy. Therefore, many regard sex as shameful and dirty. The Catholic Church doesn’t think very highly of sex. As a result, they require celibacy in their priests. We all know how that’s worked out. Nevertheless, we still assume that brilliant and/or spiritual people have their minds on loftier pursuits. That’s why our initial reaction to the Bill and Melinda Gates divorce was, ” Oh no–not Bill Gates!” Turns out he’s more interested in sex than we imagined.

After watching a television interview with Bill and Melinda Gates about a year ago, I had the feeling things weren’t going too well in that marriage. It was all about their devotion to some worthy cause . However, I noticed Melinda kept upstaging Bill, answering questions for him, and taking up more space in the interview. Surprisingly, he seemed amused at her effort to outshine him, and made no effort to assert himself.

Now, we’ve learned that he was a friend of the notorious pedophile/billionaire Epstein, who committed suicide in prison. Bill’s biographer also revealed that in his bachelor days, he enjoyed nude pool parties with strippers. And, while married to Melinda, he hit on female journalists who interviewed him. Oh no–not Bill! Yes, it seems the super-human god-like hero we admired was just like any other horny male. Except, his money and position helped cover it up. Newspapers, politicians, and charities weren’t about to jeopardize the benefits that he sent their way.

Then, of course, we have the strange looking CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, who left his smart pretty wife for a gaudy glamor girl who bragged about the nude pictures he texted her. Let’s see. Who do we have left? Jack Dorsey of Twitter is single, and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook seems to be in a pretty solid marriage. Elon Musk , owner of Tesla, has a baby Momma, and says he has Asperger’s. You just never know. These are the men who have a major influence on our elections because they are rich, famous, and very smart. But should we really respect their opinions and allow them to shape our society?

May 10, 2021May 13, 2021

PLEASE DON’T WEEDEAT THE LILIES

Most people nearing retirement are determined to live in their own home. However, it doesn’t always work out that way if one spouse dies, gets sick, or disabled. But let’s suppose you’re lucky enough to age in place. You have the strength to shop, cook, and clean your house. And yet, maintaining a lawn is more challenging. If you are over eighty, chances are you are paying someone to do that. Unfortunately, our lawn man passed away , and we had to hire someone new this year. Beware: Just because someone owns a lawn mower, it doesn’t mean they can tell a flower from a weed. So, if you’re starting out with a new lawn service, you might say: Please don’t weedeat the lilies.

Please don't weed eat the lillies. They won't bloom if cut down too soon. — PLEASE DON’T WEEDEAT THE LILIES. A new lawn person may not be able to tell them from weeds.

Lilies are probably one of the most beautiful spring flowers, but their blooming period is short. For years, my husband and I planted bulbs along our fence in the fall. Come spring, we had a splash of colored lilies that brightened our yard and brought joy to everyone who passed by. Lilies only bloom for a short time, but they’re definitely worth waiting for.

This spring, it looked like the mild winter and spring rains were bringing us a bonanza of lilies. They were sprouting up everywhere, doubling what had come up the year before. We watched in excitement, thinking of all the beautiful blooms we were about to see. And then, along came our new lawn man with a young helper. A girl who didn’t even look sixteen. As I glanced out the window, I saw her calmly running a weed eater along the fence row, chopping down lily after lily in a matter of seconds. I raced out the door, yelling for her to stop. She seemed confused. Turns out she was the man’s daughter.. Heartbroken, I asked, “can you tell a flower from a weed?” To which she sharply replied, ‘No Ma am.”

The father was apologetic; offered to buy new lilies. But all the money in the world couldn’t restore those nineteen dead lilies, cut down before they were able to fulfill their mission on this earth. So my advice to you is this. If you’re starting out with a new lawn service, be sure to say : Please don’t weedeat the lilies.

May 7, 2021May 7, 2021

OLD DOG LEARNED 10 NEW TRICKS

No one can predict how much time we’ll spend on this earth, but there’s a general perception that everything goes downhill after 80 years. In some ways, that’s true in regard to physical capabilities. There’s arthritis, high blood pressure, and all those other physical conditions that the elderly must cope with. However, this old dog learned 10 new tricks after her 80^th birthday. Since that milestone, I have learned to:

1. Start a blog. This was like learning a whole new language. I could never have done it without the generous help of younger folks at Ivy Tech Community College and the Vigo County Public Library.

2. Make a smooth omelet. My omelets were always lumpy and falling apart. Finally, I went on You Tube and learned the secret is using a blender to whip up the eggs before pouring them on the skillet

Old Dogs Learn 10 New Tricks. You can learn to play Mahjong after 80 — Old Dogs Learn 10 New Tricks. You can play Mahjong at any age.

3. Play Mahjong. I was a bridge player since college. Years ago, I attempted to play Mahjong, but soon gave up, as it seemed too complicated. And then, three years ago, I was lucky enough to find the right teacher. I still enjoy bridge, but Mahjong is just as challenging, without the pressure of pleasing a partner. And you can play online!

4. Navigate Netflix. We started sending for Netflix CD’s several years ago. But when the pandemic hit, we kept hearing about all the Netflix series that could be streamed . It seemed way too complicated, but a Netflix customer service person walked me through all the details. Binging on a Netflix series like Bridgerton helped us through the long winter of Covid-19 isolation.. We’ll be watching less TV this spring, but I’m so glad I learned how to stream.

5. Rebloom an amaryllis bulb. Three years ago, my husband ordered a pot of amaryllis just in time for Christmas. I had never seen anything so miraculously blooming in the winter. After reading the instructions, saved the bulbs, and repotted them the next winter. It was exciting to see the leaves shooting up slowly, and 6 weeks later when the flowers bloomed again. Now I’m hooked. My basement has nearly a dozen bulbs hibernating until next winter.

6. Stop a nosebleed. My husband is prone to them because he’s on blood thinners. Usually, we called the doctor if it happened. But during the pandemic, we didn’t want to sit in a doctor’s office with other patients. We got online and found this advice: : Have the patient lean forward, not back. Take a cotton ball and soak it in liquid nasal decongestant. Put the cotton up the nostril that’s bleeding. If you have a nose pincher, use that. Otherwise, pinch with your fingers. Within 15 minutes, the bleeding has usually stopped.

Other new skills acquired were: 7) Online banking: transferring money and paying bills via the internet, 8) Practicing daily meditation using the Calm app. 9) Texting messages and sending photos on my cell phone 10) Completing jig saw puzzles.

If you dread turning 80, or have already reached that milestone, just remember: It’s never too late for old dogs to learn new tricks.

May 5, 2021May 5, 2021

GRANNY’S KINDLE ALARMS ATLANTA TSA

Remember when everyone had a Kindle ? If you were traveling, you would see people in hotels and motels sitting in the lobby reading their Kindle. On beaches, paperbacks were replaced by those little gray devices that someone had received for their birthday or Christmas. It was all the rage. However, when we stopped going south for the Winter, my Kindle was relegated to a desk drawer. Last week, I recharged it for a trip to my granddaughter’s wedding. Stuck it in my suitcase, and sailed through TSA at the Indy airport. But on the return trip from Atlanta, I was stopped by airport security and told my bag would have to be opened. Did they think an octogenarian in a wheelchair was carrying something dangerous? Turns out, Granny’s Kindle alarms Atlanta TSA.

Whew. They didn’t inspect my Kindle for suspicious reading material. Actually, I didn’t even have to remove my sandals. But I learned my lesson. Should have put my Kindle device in the tray along with my cell phone. Then I would have avoided the embarrassment of exposing the contents of my sloppily packed suitcase.

Here’s what’s happed to the Kindle: It’s gone out of style. When launched ten years ago, it seemed miraculous. You could carry hundreds of stories in that little slip of thick, black plastic. And it was pricy, at $399. In 2014, 32% of adults used a Kindle or Nook for reading e books. Currently, only 19% own an e reader. Why? Because they’re considered clunky compared to reading an e book on your I phone.

Yes, I could spend hours gripping my slippery cell phone and squinting to read a 435 page novel. But I’d much rather relax with my trusty Kindle that I can prop on my knees during a plane ride When you have arthritic fingers, bigger is definitely better. And reading a Kindle is much easier on the eyes. Amazon uses eInk technology on Kindle. This means that the screens reflect light in the same way that paper does, so that your eyes won’t get tired when reading like they do when looking at an iPhone.

At home, I prefer reading real books. I like turning pages, and the feel of a hardcover in my hands. Not sure if or when I’ll be getting on another airplane. But you never know what’s going to come up. So, I’ll store my Kindle in a drawer, available if needed. . However, since Granny’s Kindle alarms Atlanta TSA, I’ll throw it on the conveyor belt in plain sight if I ever fly again.

May 1, 2021April 27, 2021

FREE BOOK: CHASING THEIR LOSSES

The other day, I was walking by the paperback section at the supermarket. A lady I didn’t know turned to me and said, “I wish someone would write a good book.” I was tempted to tell her about my books, but due to social distancing during this pandemic, there wasn’t time. So, if you’re like this person– looking for something good to read–I’m offering a free copy of my Kindle book, “Chasing Their Losses.” for your enjoyment. If you’ve been following my blog, I think you will love it. And I hope it will take your mind off all the craziness in the world today.

This free offer is good Saturday, May 1 through Tuesday May 4. Download it at http://amzn.to/2cLBl0Y

Free Kindle Book, available on April Fool's Day — For your enjoyment during the coronavirus outbreak, I’m offering a free book: Chasing Their Losses

Why did I write Chasing Their Losses? If you’ve read my bio, you know that I was the Director of Nutrition Services at an acute care hospital in Indiana for many years. Hospitals are full of drama. There’s love, hate, sex, ambition, and just about every human emotion thrumming in the air. I always knew I wanted to write a novel set in a small town hospital, but it wasn’t until after retirement that I could distance myself from all that intensity.

Here’s a brief synopsis.

Will the haunting power of first love lead to Cara Mackenzie’s destruction? At 31, she’s back home from Miami, starting a new career as nutrition director of Sycamore Hospital. While in a blossoming romance with Dr. John Drakos, she runs into her former lover, the suave and sexy Tony Cabella. Soon, she’s drawn into a dangerous web of dirty secrets and lies.

When Tony’s stepson vanishes under her watch, Cara must fight for her life, her reputation, and her career.

The police think Dr. Drakos’ jealousy could have provided a motive for the kidnapping. But unanswered questions suggest a conspiracy. Who shot Tony when he and Cara met in secret, and why won’t he call the police?

At the heart of this novel are four damaged people: John and Cara, whose intense relationship is clouded by painful memories and fear of commitment; Tony and his second wife, Gail, who gave up everything for passion and desire, only to find disillusion and heartbreak.

As the tragic events spin out of control, the heart thumping suspense builds, with twists and turns that take you from the verdant farmland and sparkling waterfalls of Indiana to the vast, lawless sand dunes and nude beaches of Texas.

CHASING THEIR LOSSES : Free Kindle Book available on Amazon today through Tuesday @ http://amzn.to/2cLBl0Y

April 28, 2021April 28, 2021

DOG’S BARK DISTURBS WALKER’S PEACE

Our city is a walker’s paradise. Although there are numerous walking paths, we also have parks and sidewalks easily accessible just minutes from home. Walking through the park has been a life saver for me, restoring serenity during some tough times and health scares. But one thing jolts me to the core, sending shock waves through my system. I’m enjoying my reverie, when suddenly, there’s a dog barking in my ear. Literally– a few feet away–a dog barking it’s head off while hanging out a car window. I don’t know why so many people in the city think its okay to do that. All I know is that a dog’s bark disturbs a walker’s peace when it’s that close, and so unexpected.

It’s very common in nice weather to see dogs sticking their heads out of car windows. Apparently, their owners believe that’s safe. Probably, they think they’re give their dog a joy ride in the fresh air. Actually, it’s dangerous.

Dog's Bark disturbs walker's peace. The dog may be anxious and frightened. . — Dog’s Bark Disturbs Walker’s Peace. It’s dangerous if they hang their head out the window, and could cause distracted driving.

Sometimes the problem is compounded when there are two dogs in one car. One in the shotgun seat, the other in the back. Both hanging out the window and barking frantically, because they’re anxious or overly excited by the experience. You wonder what goes through the mind of the driver of that car. Do they enjoy some kind of sadistic pleasure in seeing people jump in sudden fright? Or are they so self absorbed that they think it’s cute? Like a “yes” mom watching in adoration as her spoiled kid throws a temper tantrum in the checkout lane at the supermarket.

In at least five states, it’s illegal for a dog to be in a car unrestrained, because it can cause distracted driving.

According to veterinarians, it’s not safe at all for a dog to hang it’s head out the window. Even if they enjoy the wind in their face, foreign objects like leaves, insects and rocks can strike them with great force and even damage the cornea of their eye. Also, foreign bodies can work their way into a dog’s ear or nose, causing severe inflammation. Would you encourage a child to hang their head out of a car window while you’re driving? Of course not. Why, then, let a dog’s bark disturb a walker’s peace?

April 26, 2021April 26, 2021

WEARING YOUR MASK AT HALF MAST

Things are looking up in our city. Covid-19 cases keep going down, and vaccination rate is very high. About 50% of people over 65 have received 2 shots. So naturally, we’re feeling more relaxed when out in public. What I’ve noticed the past couple of weeks is that while most everyone is still wearing their masks, they’re letting them slip down below their nose. Is wearing your mask at half mast OK?

Wearing your mask at half mask feels better but it's not okay. — Now that you’ve been vaccinated, it’s tempting to wear your mask at half mask. But it’s not okay.

I can definitely see the point. Wearing a mask that covers all your breathing apparatus is a sweaty experience. By the time you’ve spent some time at a supermarket, your face is wet when you finally get back to your car. But scientists warn us that it’s no use wearing a mask that doesn’t cover your nose, because you’re still breathing in all the polluted air around you. Also, contrary to common belief, you can still blow polluted air out your nose and infect others if you’re carrying the virus.

Unfortunately, there have been several cases of people coming down with the virus, even though they’re fully vaccinated. I read that a psychologist caught it from one of his patients and died. I suppose that’s possible in a crowded room where you can actually smell the other person’s breath. Same thing if you’re on an airplane where you’ll be in close contact for a long time.

I would feel more comfortable wearing no mask at all as opposed to one under my nose. It wouldn’t look half as silly. But I have the feeling masks are going to be in style long after we’ve reached herd immunity. Especially in the winter months, it would make sense to protect yourself from all the cold and flu viruses floating in the air. But it won’t do any good to wear your mask at half mast.