6 REASONS TO DISLIKE SPRING

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this has been the longest, darkest winter that most of us can remember. We’re longing for spring, when many will have been vaccinated and life will get back to normal. But wait a minute. The winter months aren’t all bad. Have you forgotten the problems that we face during the warm weather? Here are 6 reasons to dislike Spring:

1. Mosquito bites

In my state of Indiana, mosquito season starts in early March. This means I’ll have to slather myself with bug spray if I walk in the park. Some people, aren’t especially bothered by mosquito bites, but they can make me miserable. Mosquito bites can also be dangerous, causing serious diseases like West Nile virus. Note to self: stock up on anti-itch salve and bug spray before the season begins

2. Bee Stlngs:

Bee stings can be deadly. — Bee’s start pollinating in the Spring. If you get in their way, they will sting.

Starting in April, bees get busy pollinating. If you get in their way, you’ll get stung. Bee venom causes pain and swelling around the sting area that doesn’t stop for a couple of days. Many people are allergic to bee stings, which can cause severe immune reactions, and even death. If you get dizzy and sick, or have trouble breathing after a bee sting, call 911..

3. Tornadoes

While tornadoes can occur anytime, anywhere, they’re most apt to occur in March or April. I lived through a tornado once on April 4, and it was terrifying. First, you hear a sound like a freight train. That’s when you dive for cover in the basement or the Southwest corner of your house, or the bathroom. When it was over, and our house was spared, we saw that the tornado had zigzagged around the neighborhood, totally destroying houses at random. Luckily, no one was hurt.

4. Road Construction

Watch out for road construction in early March. — Road construction begins in early March.
Drivers and riders are often killed when someone doesn’t slow down or stop.

The season starts in March and last through November. How many times have you set out on a road trip, only to get stuck in a traffic stall due to road construction? We don’t travel much anymore, but when we did, we were prepared with urinal devices if we had to stop at an inconvenient time.

Warm weather months bring major road projects, and a lot of danger for drivers and workers. More than four out of five people killed in constructions areas are riders and drivers. A four lane road that’s reduced to two lanes increases the chances of a head on collision. Rear-end collisions can happen when a careless driver rushes into a work zone and hits someone who is stopped or obeying the reduced speed limit.

5. Yard Work

In our city, homeowners typically start mowing their lawns in early April. Some people enjoy mowing their lawns, but most don’t. If you’re one of those people who hires a lawn service, your monthly expenses are going to increase between now and late fall. And if you opt to mow your own lawn, be prepared for frequent mower breakdowns, which can be frustrating and costly.

6. Taxes

Spring is tax time. — Even if you hope for a refund, filing your tax returns can be a headache.

Even if you’re hoping for a refund, preparing a tax return is a hassle. Gathering the proper forms and documents is time consuming and nerve wracking. Many people have their taxes done by an accountant, but that doesn’t save you from assembling the necessary paperwork. Even worse, you may still owe more taxes!

And if you’re a homeowner, you’ll probably be getting a bill for your property taxes.

And so, my friends, don’t look out the window and long for Spring. Enjoy the benefits of Winter for just a little while longer.

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 1, 2021January 1, 2021

HOMELESS SLEEPING IN CAR AT LIBRARY

Thursday was New Year’s Eve. I forgot about that, and drove to the library where I had a book on hold. Noticed the parking lot was almost empty as I headed for the door. It was locked. On my way back, I observed another silver car parked nearby. How strange, I thought. Why are all the windows covered with blankets, papers, and clothes? Light bulb. I’m looking at a homeless person sleeping in their car at the library at one o’clock in the afternoon. I don’t think they had a very Merry Christmas.

I’ve observed homeless people lingering in the parks and downtown near drugstores and Dollar Stores. But seeing someone sleeping in their car was a first. I suppose the library parking lot is a safe place for that. I sat there for a few minutes, feeling utterly helpless. Obviously, the person doesn’t feel safe sleeping in their car at night. Or it may be against the law in our city. If you’re a woman, it could be dangerous after dark. But where does this person go from dusk to dawn? How do you while away the hours while sitting or driving in the darkness?

Taking a closer look, you can see that this car is in pretty decent shape. It’s not dented or rusty or dirty. I don’t pay much attention to car models and years, but it looked fairly new. Maybe this was a small business owner who suddenly went bust. Or someone who had a decent job before the pandemic hit. But suddenly, he/she is out of work. And no place to go. Maybe an only child. Or someone without a nearby family. For all I know, there may have been a couple of little kids sleeping in the back seat of that car.

Oddly, this morning as I read the various news feeds on the net, I saw that the stock market is at an all time high. Small investors, especially, are betting that we’re going to have a booming economy as soon as everyone gets vaccinated. But I’m not sure of that. According to Brookings Institute 20% of American workers have lost jobs and are lining up at food banks. Many of these jobs will not come back.

Stock market at all time high while homeless sleeping in car at library. — Homeless are sleeping in cars. . Meanwhile, the stock market is soaring.

Obviously, the pandemic has worsened the gap between rich and poor in this country. And it’s only getting worse . Highly educated people able to work from home may have piled up lots of money in their savings account. Meanwhile, the less skilled are food deprived, and living in their cars. Will the economy bounce back in time to save these people from poverty? I hope so, but it doesn’t seem very likely.

In the words of the poet, John Donne, No man is an island.

‘No Man is an Island’

No man is an island entire of itself; every man 
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; 
if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe 
is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as 
well as any manner of thy friends or of thine 
own were; any man's death diminishes me, 
because I am involved in mankind. 
And therefore never send to know for whom 
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

December 11, 2020December 11, 2020

ESCAPE WITH A FREE BOOK

Are you about at the end of your rope? This pandemic lockdown has gone on for almost 9 months. At first, it didn’t seem too bad. Working from home in pajamas. No rushing around getting the kids to school. Plenty of sleep. But now, it’s wearing thin. We have a contested presidential election that’s putting everyone on edge, regardless of who you voted for. And to make everything worse, it’s cold outside, and Christmas is coming! Hiding under the covers helps a little, but not for long. You really just want to get away from it all. How about some armchair travel to romantic, exotic Costa Rica? Starting today, you can escape by down loading a free kindle book: Take The Money, Romantic Suspense in Costa Rica.

kThis book is free on Friday, Feb 7 thru Monday, Feb. 10 — Escape with a free book, today through Friday.

Here a brief synopsis:

What would you do if you witnessed a murder and the victim gave you $60,000 just before he died? Should you keep the money or call the police? Julie Lawson has only moments to decide.

Julie goes for a drive in her boss’s new Porsche, but a joyride turns to terror when they’re rammed from behind and tumble into a ravine. Knowing he won’t survive, Kevin Dufrain urges Julie to take the money and run because, “they’ll get you, too.” She boards a night plane to the cosmopolitan city of San Jose, Costa Rica and meets mysterious businessman, Bud Jimenez, who helps her find a job at the “Memphis South,” a popular nightclub run by Texas beauty, Nellie Compton. When Julie discovers the killer has tracked her down, she heads for a beach near the Nicaraguan border.

Julie’s small plane is forced to land in a remote Indian Village where she meets the passionate and charismatic Dr. Enrique Rojas, a widower who runs a medical clinic for the impoverished natives of Costa Rica. Here, Julie thinks she’s found the secret thing she always wanted to do, but it may be too late. The killer is still on her trail and the DEA suspects her of drug trafficking. Her fragile hopes for happiness seem about to shatter. Now, Julie must lose herself to discover what’s really important in life.

Take the Money is a compelling tale full of passion and courage. It takes you from a corrupt, inbred, southern Indiana town to the mountains, beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, rainforests, and all of the fabulous natural wonders of beautiful Costa Rica.

DOWNLOAD this free kindle book today through Friday @ HTTPS://AMZN.TO/1AGDW8A

December 4, 2020December 4, 2020

LIBRARY GETS AN A FOR EFFORT

If there is one thing I could never do without, it’s the library. Libraries have always been a place of refuge and joy for me. I grew up walking to the library from the time I was eight years old. That was before a child walking by herself a few blocks from home wasn’t considered child abuse. It wasn’t just the library I loved, it was the librarians. I don’t think I’ve ever met a rude librarian. They’re unfailingly pleasant, patient, and helpful. Thank heaven, they were only closed for a short time during the pandemic. And now that they’re open, they’re doing a fantastic job of following CDC guidelines. Our library gets an A for effort from me.

Did I say they were closed? Actually, they were sort of open. You could order print books online. Then, when you got to the library, you could call inside, and they would bring the books out to your car. Is that cool, or not? And then, just to be safe, they “quarantined” the returned books for three days before letting anyone borrow them again. You can still use this service if you want to.

Library Gets A for effort during this pandeimic. They are enforcing masks. — Library gets “A” for effort. They’re enforcing mask wearing & following CDC guidelines.

When the library re opened to the public, they had removed most of the furniture and put Plexiglas barriers all over the place. No plush, comfy sofas and chairs, or wooden reading desks and chairs. All of which meant people couldn’t spend hours in the library reading newspapers and magazines, or halfway sleeping. ( Sleeping in the library was banned a few years back). They do have two or three small, metal tables and chairs. These came in handy if you need to sit a minute, which I often do, at my age.

Everyone is required to wear a mask, and it’s enforced. I don’t know how these kind, gentle librarians are able to make everyone mask up, but they do. Yesterday I saw a couple of teenagers approach the door without masks. I figured they would get away with it. But when I got inside, they were wearing the paper masks the library provides. I’d loved to have seen that transaction. If these sweet librarians can be enforcers, why can’t the people at Aldi’s and the Dollar Store do the same? I guess it’s a matter of economics. The stores don’t want to turn down any extra sales, whereas the library isn’t in it for the money.

Why do I go to the library instead of calling and ordering books? The same reason I don’t have my groceries delivered. I like to wander the aisles and see what’s there that I hadn’t thought of. But I feel 100% safer in the library than I do in the supermarket. There’s no loud talking from barefaced people. No one crowding behind you at the checkout. No clusters of people clogging the aisles for a chat. The library is quiet, subdued, and safe. Our local library gets a an A Plus for observing CDC guidelines during the pandemic.

December 2, 2020December 2, 2020

CUSTOMER SERVICE ON DOWNWARD SPIRAL

Remember when it paid to complain about poor customer service? Well, that doesn’t happen anymore. I suppose it’s because of the pandemic. We can blame pretty much everything that goes wrong on Covid-19. And some people really don’t care if you like their service or not. When the coronavirus crisis is over, I have a feeling that’s not going to change. According to a recent survey at Arizona State University, Customer Service is on a downward spiral, and consumer rage is increasing.

Customer Service is getting worse and so is consumer rage. — Customer service is on a downward spiral and consumer rage is getting worse.

For us, it started last summer with the delivery of the Indianapolis Star. We’re a two newspaper household. For over three decades, a carrier delivered both papers to our side door. But when our local paper went to five days a week, the Indy Star had to find another carrier to deliver on Tuesdays and Sundays. That carrier decided she couldn’t take a few seconds to turn in our lane, roll down her window, and toss the paper on our side porch. In spite of repeated instructions to leave it on the porch, she kept throwing it near the street. Which means that I must get dressed and walk to the end of the lane so as to have our morning paper when we wake up. Not bad in the summer, but I’m not looking forward to ice and snow.

After exchanging e mails with various customer service representatives over a four week period, nothing changed. The Indy Star representatives repeatedly assured me the paper should be delivered to our side door, but that hasn’t happened. The Indy Star is still out by the road on Tuesdays and Sundays..

I suppose it’s hard to find paper carriers in ordinary times. But with all the people out of work, and scrambling for Uber delivery jobs, you’d think the Indy Star could find someone to take a few seconds to deliver the paper to our door.

Recently, we had another bad experience with the customer service department at Lazy Boy. Although we had thought bulky recliners were kind of ugly, we finally succumbed to the urge for comfort in our old age. We didn’t buy any old recliner. Ours was a custom job with all the bells and whistles, and pale blue upholstery. When it finally arrived, the dealer gave us a phone number to call if anything went wrong.

We enjoyed that recliner for three years. Just press a button to move it back, lift the leg rest, massage your back, or provide heat. And then, one day, it went all the way backward, but wouldn’t move forward. My husband found the Lazy Boy Customer Service phone number. He had to wait 50 minutes to get an answer. They said they’d have to schedule an appointment with a repair man. That was on November 23. A week later, they called to say they couldn’t come until Jan. 7. That meant six weeks with our recliner spread out across the room on its back. Seems the service center is in Texas, and it takes them awhile to get to Indiana.

In both of the cases above, we’re at the mercy of the service provider. No one else is going to deliver the Indianapolis Star, and there is no one in town who can repair Lazy Boy recliners (we checked) . I’m afraid it’s a portent of things to come. Customer Service is on a downward spiral, and it’s only going to get worse.