Neighbor Care

If I pay attention, I find out new facts on a regular basis.  Today, I listened to two women who know more about senior residential living than I do.  They told me about a couple of safety strategies employed by the medical care services at some senior condo residences. These aren't assisted care places, but residential homes/condos for active seniors.  If a resident is assumed to be at home, and not on vacation or something like that, and:
If the toilet of  a resident does not flush for an entire day, a health aide visits the residence to check on the senior citizen.
If a certain pre-selected meal time comes, and the senior is not in the dining hall,  a health aide visits  the residence to check on the senior citizen.
Interesting. I never thought about these particular safety measures, but they do make sense.  It makes me think of the long ago days when people in a community looked out for the welfare of each other without a second thought. Does the following sound familiar to anyone?
Anybody seen old Miss Clara today? She's usually sitting on the front porch by now. Son, go on over to her house and check on her; see if she's okay.
Take care,
Sylvia

Mom and Sis

Every day that God sends us is a blessing, but some days have an extra cherry on top.
Today, I had lunch with my lovely, hard-charging, but big-hearted sister. Lunch was not fancy, but it was rich in quality. After that, my sister and I went to visit our Mother. When we arrived, she was in the kitchen icing one of her famous coconut-pineapple cakes. A chicken was roasting in the oven, so you can imagine the wonderful aromas in the house. My sister had to return to work, so I stayed and watched General Hospital with Mom. We chatted during the commercials and during the show.  Mom, as usual, fussed at the characters named Sonny, Carly, and Sam.  I chuckled,as usual, and agreed with her. Today, we both sided with the character named Jason. After the show, I kissed Mom and returned home to do my work.  I may have to work a little later this evening to make up for the 2 hours I spent with my Mom and my sister, but that time today was well spent.
Smiles and good wishes,
Sylvia

Haggling

I am not good at haggling, the verbal art of getting the lowest price or getting extra perks because the business wants to keep the customer satisfied.  That way, the business keeps the customer.  I have heard that for  some companies, it costs more to get new customers than to keep existing ones, especially customers who've been with the company for a long period of time.  I have a friend who is great at this; she asks for the supervisor right away, mentions that some other cable provider, or auto dealer, or department store, or service department with another company,  has offered her a deal. She usually gets what she wants.  I also have a brother who excels at this. I listen to his haggling strategies with awe.  Neither of these two are unscrupulous; they just pleasantly ask and tell the truth about what has been offered them elsewhere. It seems that the company/business representatives won't volunteer these bargains, but if a customer asks for them, they may get a positive response. I have to practice this art so I can get better at it, because I enjoy a good bargain. Don't you?
Smiles,
Sylvia

Before and After

In many print ads or television ads for cosmetic, skin care, hair care, and weight loss product advertising, there is a  similar strategy employed: the Before and After picture.  In the Before picture, the model does not smile, and wears a  sad, confused, or angry facial expression.  The After picture shows the model with a million dollar smile and I suspect, some makeup enhancement.  Look at yourself in the mirror.  At first, don't smile; look sad.  Aww...Next, smile your best, include your lovely teeth.  Do you notice that your eyes brighten with your smile and that your cheeks lift?
In the weight loss ads, the model often seems to wear clothes that are a size too small in the Before picture, but have the correct fit in the After picture.
In the hair care ads, the model appears to have just gotten her head out of the bed in the Before picture.  No wonder she looks so great in the After picture.  Have you ever checked out your bed head in the morning? Mine looks like the Before picture.
I'm just saying...
Smiles,
Sylvia

Devotion

I just read a news article that reported on a new trend.  In the last 15 years, twice as many men are caring for their ailing wives. The article cites a couple in their late eighties; the wife has Alzheimer's disease.  When she was diagnosed, she began to train her husband to do the household tasks she regularly performed: washing dishes, doing the laundry, shopping for groceries, cooking, housecleaning, and other necessary maintenance tasks.  He willingly learned and is now her main caretaker. What stood out in the article was the husband's gentle care of and devotion for his wife.  He made reference to the fact that she took care of him for more than 60 years, and he's thankful for the ability to take care of her now.  He said his generation meant the in sickness and in health vow they made when they got married. It's something to think about.
Take care,
Sylvia

Keep At It

I am at my computer. I have completed my daily writing assignment instead of browsing in a store for which I have post-holiday discount coupons.  I am blessed with many helper/encouragers.  Most of the ladies at the gym or members of the church I attend have read my first novel or are aware I'm a writer. They know I'm working on the second book, so at least one person each gym session  or church gathering asks, So, Sylvia, how's the next book coming along?  Are you working hard on it?  I can't wait to read it. Did you do your writing today?
Today, it was Annette with these questions, so although I had a mind to play hookey at the store after I left the gym, I am at my computer.  I have done my novel writing assignment for this day.
I am thankful for those who encourage me to keep at it.
You probably have some of those people in your life, too.
Sylvia

Jeans Audition

I'm pretty certain that I'm not the only woman who periodically does a search for the perfect-fitting pair of jeans.  Jeans that fit perfectly while you're in your twenties often do not fit so well when you're in your thirties or forties, or beyond. As a result, the quest for the perfect jeans fit begins, probably about every few years. There are more choices now than there were years ago.  Now, jeans have spandex, lycra, and other fabrics besides the denim.  Also, a woman can choose jeans that are straight leg, boot cut, skinny, low rise, bell bottom, jeggings, and other styles.
Today, I held an audition for a new pair of boot cut jeans that are made by a popular designer, and although I'm not totally into brand names, these jeans passed the audition.  They fit well in the waist, the knees, and in the seat.  I was able to bend down without fear of cutting off my circulation. They made me look slimmer and taller.  They were a little pricey, but worth it.  I plan to put aside some money so I can soon purchase another pair.
Smiles,
Sylvia

GIT Monday

Today is what I call a Get It Together Monday.  For the past few days, I've been what we used to call rippin' and runnin' : a two day getaway with beloved spouse, tax session with  my accountant, preparation and distribution of party invites for a precious parent,  the preteen girls' Sunday School class, worship, valuable time with family, and so on, and so on...
So, on this Get It Together Monday, I gave thanks, unpacked my travel suitcase, cleared the clutter off the chair in my workroom, cleared 100 emails and my closet floor.  I even found a pair of cool sandals I'd forgotten about!  Then, I sat still for still for a while and breathed before I started my outside-the-house tasks.
Is this your GIT Monday also?
Smiles,
Sylvia

Company

I sometimes like to have company over at the house for a meal or a meeting.  The only thing is, I feel the need to prepare for company.  I was raised that certain things have to be tidied up before one invites guests to the home.  For example, items should be cleaned and dusted.  I have no problem with the clean part.  However, one might find some dust somewhere in my house, so they should not come over with the intent to do a white glove test. There are two tasks I perform if I know company's coming:  I check the powder room to make sure it's presentable.  I remove the family-comfy throws from the two chairs in the sun room.  These print throws are fine for protecting the pastel chairs from our family's spills, but when company arrives, they get folded and put away.
What is one task you always complete before your company arrives?
Smiles,
Sylvia