When my friend’s mother, Betty fell about a year ago and no one was able to get to her without breaking down the door, my friend and her sister decided to not only have keys made for their mom’s place, but also to enroll their mom in a “Help! I’ve fallen and can’t get up” service so that she could summon help if needed. Of course, the mom did not want this extra attention and figured that things were fine as they were, but the daughters won out.
One daughter got married in December and the newlyweds left on a long-awaited honeymoon this past week. Grandma Betty was delegated to take care of the bride’s cat, Socks. Socks is a very social cat and acclimated easily to her new temporary home.
On Tuesday, Betty awoke in the middle of the night to three paramedics standing over her. She was a little taken aback, what was going on?
The dispatcher relayed the story: When the help call came in, she could hear only meowing that got louder and louder. No human sounds, just cat sounds.
It turned out that Socks had hit the alarm on the bracelet while Betty was asleep and was holding a conversation with the dispatcher. It was later revealed that Socks had in fact summoned the service three times previously, but it was during Betty’s waking hours and Betty assured the dispatcher that she was all right, that the cat had “accidentally” triggered the alarm.
Socks must have become lonely in the night…..
Friday, March 15, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Reading in the new age
I love to read - I love everything about reading from the feel of the book, the paper, the typeface and I even like bookmarks. I heard all the buzz about electronic reading devices - how it's so great not to have to lug a book around; there is the dictionary feature built in so you can look up a word right then and there. And I even heard from a librarian about how much she loved her new Kindle.
So, when my son was going Christmas shopping this year, he called and said that his girlfriend really likes to read books and he was thinking of getting her a Kindle. He asked my opinion.
"Well, I really like to read books too and I would not like a Kindle."
He responded, "Well, too bad. That's what I got you. Get with the times, Ma."
One of the reasons I did not want a Kindle or a Nook was that you had to buy books when the devices first came out. I am a library patron; I buy one or two books a year for myself and I will buy books as gifts. But I would rather wait weeks for a bestseller rather than shelling out $20+ for a book that I will read only once.
When libraries introduced electronic books to patrons, I was a bit intrigued and relaxed a bit in my opinion of Kindles and Nooks. When I opened my Christmas present, surprise surprise, I got a Nook. I was further intrigued and loved the spiffy purple cover for it. I looked at the instructions on the library website for Media on Demand, and thought I had better go to the library to get a demo.
I went to La Grange Park Library and up to the reference desk, where all the librarians are more than willing to help you set up and get going. And it takes all of five minutes to get up to speed. I downloaded a book - a Lee Child Jack Reacher adventure and I was on my way.
And though I am not ready to pitch my bookmarks, I have to admit - I LOVE my Nook.....and this from a staunch non-believer.
So, when my son was going Christmas shopping this year, he called and said that his girlfriend really likes to read books and he was thinking of getting her a Kindle. He asked my opinion.
"Well, I really like to read books too and I would not like a Kindle."
He responded, "Well, too bad. That's what I got you. Get with the times, Ma."
One of the reasons I did not want a Kindle or a Nook was that you had to buy books when the devices first came out. I am a library patron; I buy one or two books a year for myself and I will buy books as gifts. But I would rather wait weeks for a bestseller rather than shelling out $20+ for a book that I will read only once.
When libraries introduced electronic books to patrons, I was a bit intrigued and relaxed a bit in my opinion of Kindles and Nooks. When I opened my Christmas present, surprise surprise, I got a Nook. I was further intrigued and loved the spiffy purple cover for it. I looked at the instructions on the library website for Media on Demand, and thought I had better go to the library to get a demo.
I went to La Grange Park Library and up to the reference desk, where all the librarians are more than willing to help you set up and get going. And it takes all of five minutes to get up to speed. I downloaded a book - a Lee Child Jack Reacher adventure and I was on my way.
And though I am not ready to pitch my bookmarks, I have to admit - I LOVE my Nook.....and this from a staunch non-believer.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Tasty Trivia
Looking for something fun to do in these dark, long evenings? Try your skill at the La Grange Park Library’s inaugural trivia night, “Tasty Trivia,” to be held this coming Saturday, November 10. The event will raise funds needed to update the Children’s Department Activity Room.
US99 radio’s Drew Walker will test your knowledge of food, books and movies with food and more as the master of ceremonies at the library’s first Trivia Night fundraiser. Just $15 in advance ($20 at the door) gets you in the game. Teams of up to eight people are welcome, but you don’t have to be on a team to play.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., games begin at 7:00 p.m. Desserts and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, or BYOB.
“We’re going to provide you with food for thought,” said Susan Fagan, fundraising committee chair. “We are looking forward to bringing the community together for a fun evening and a great cause.”
Come join the smorgasbord of fun!
US99 radio’s Drew Walker will test your knowledge of food, books and movies with food and more as the master of ceremonies at the library’s first Trivia Night fundraiser. Just $15 in advance ($20 at the door) gets you in the game. Teams of up to eight people are welcome, but you don’t have to be on a team to play.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., games begin at 7:00 p.m. Desserts and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, or BYOB.
“We’re going to provide you with food for thought,” said Susan Fagan, fundraising committee chair. “We are looking forward to bringing the community together for a fun evening and a great cause.”
Come join the smorgasbord of fun!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Wildlife in La Grange Park
When I walked outside the other day with my dog, Mitch for his afternoon walk, I heard rustling in our front tree. It is a large Norway maple, 30 years old with lots of branches and tons of leaves. Squirrels abound in our yard, especially at this time of year, when they are digging up my tulip bulbs for their winter meals. I figured it was a couple of squirrels on a chase down the tree.
Suddenly, I saw something fall from the tree, as if it were pitched at a great speed. It landed with a big thunk on the sidewalk. It sounded like a hammer had hit the deck. It was a baby squirrel, lying there, twitching. I figured he was a goner.
When we returned from our walk, I glanced at the baby and saw that its eyes were open, but the animal still was not moving. I told my husband, brave soul that I am, if I have a choice, I will ask someone else to cart away carnage. He went out with a dustpan and a broom.
When he approached the little guy, he was on all fours, a bit groggy, but definitely alive. He poked the baby animal with a broom and the poor thing started squeaking. Within a couple of moments, the mom squirrel dashed down the tree, grabbed her baby in her mouth and scaled back up to the nest.
As we were discussing this strange occurrence on our front porch, a parental squirrel was in our tree next to the house, chittering away. We figured she was thanking us.
Suddenly, I saw something fall from the tree, as if it were pitched at a great speed. It landed with a big thunk on the sidewalk. It sounded like a hammer had hit the deck. It was a baby squirrel, lying there, twitching. I figured he was a goner.
When we returned from our walk, I glanced at the baby and saw that its eyes were open, but the animal still was not moving. I told my husband, brave soul that I am, if I have a choice, I will ask someone else to cart away carnage. He went out with a dustpan and a broom.
When he approached the little guy, he was on all fours, a bit groggy, but definitely alive. He poked the baby animal with a broom and the poor thing started squeaking. Within a couple of moments, the mom squirrel dashed down the tree, grabbed her baby in her mouth and scaled back up to the nest.
As we were discussing this strange occurrence on our front porch, a parental squirrel was in our tree next to the house, chittering away. We figured she was thanking us.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Springtime in Fall
Last week as I was walking down my driveway, I caught a glimpse of purple on my aged lilac bush. In recent years, autumn clematis has crawled up the lilac and graced the top with lovely white flowers and the unique fragrance of fall. But purple? I thought it was one of my unruly morning glories that made its way up the bush.
I looked closer: it was a lilac! This bush is probably 60 or 70 years old and I have lived in my house adoring these lilacs for 34 years – adoring them in the spring. But the fall? Never.
I even cut one and brought it in the house so I could capture the delicious aroma. It was a small flower and there were just a few on the bush; certainly not the prolific flowering that is typical around Mother’s Day.
But this past spring, by Mother’s Day, the lilacs were already spent, having bloomed in mid March when we were “unseasonably warm.” March to September = 6 months.
Wonder what Spring 2013 will bring?
I looked closer: it was a lilac! This bush is probably 60 or 70 years old and I have lived in my house adoring these lilacs for 34 years – adoring them in the spring. But the fall? Never.
I even cut one and brought it in the house so I could capture the delicious aroma. It was a small flower and there were just a few on the bush; certainly not the prolific flowering that is typical around Mother’s Day.
But this past spring, by Mother’s Day, the lilacs were already spent, having bloomed in mid March when we were “unseasonably warm.” March to September = 6 months.
Wonder what Spring 2013 will bring?
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Uh-oh
I own a mailing service, Alpha Omega. I am continually at the La Grange post office where I drop mail, pick up mail trays and conduct any other business to do with mail. The deadline for turning in bulk mail is 3:00 p.m., so I am usually barreling down the street at about 2:49, hoping to catch the light at Kensington and Ogden Avenue.
Since the carriers mill around the dock till about 9:00 a.m., I have made it a habit to stay out of there until at least 9:30. So, it was unusual for me to be running to the post office at 8:00 a.m. to get some mail trays.
I was on Ashland, heading north. I stopped at the stop sign, glanced both ways, thought to myself, "Nah, I don't want to go up to La Grange Road, I have an opening, I am going to jump across Ogden."
Even though I am at that corner thousands of times a month, I have never really read - or at least it didn't register - the sign that indicates there is right turn only allowed at certain times of the day, 8:00 a.m. being within the time restraint.
As I glanced in my rear view, of course I saw a police car behind me, flashing his lights.
Uh-oh.
He calmly walked to my door and said, "I was hoping you were going to turn right. Right turn only is allowed at that intersection at this time of day."
He then asked for my license. In my trips where I just 'buzz' to the post office, I routinely leave the house without my purse.
Oh-oh.
"I don't have my license with me. I just ran out to get some mail trays, blah, blah."
"Hm," he says. "Can I see your insurance card?"
That I did have and proudly handed it over.
He said, "Just a moment." He went back to his car with the flashing lights.
He once again approached the driver's side and asked when my birthday was. I told him. He wrote it on his hand and once again walked back to his car.
When he came up to my car again, he had bad news.
"You have two moving violations: one for not adhering to the right turn restriction and the other for driving without your license. That carries a penalty of your having to come to the station with me and posting a $120 bond."
Oh, great, I think. How can you post a bond when you don't have your purse? Instead of speaking those thoughts out loud, I simply nod.
He then says, "I don't usually do this, but we have the same birthday, so I am going to let you go."
"WOW, thanks, I say - and we celebrate with ....."
"Michael Jordan," he says. So, I know he was telling the truth.
I was on Ashland, heading north. I stopped at the stop sign, glanced both ways, thought to myself, "Nah, I don't want to go up to La Grange Road, I have an opening, I am going to jump across Ogden."
Even though I am at that corner thousands of times a month, I have never really read - or at least it didn't register - the sign that indicates there is right turn only allowed at certain times of the day, 8:00 a.m. being within the time restraint.
As I glanced in my rear view, of course I saw a police car behind me, flashing his lights.
Uh-oh.
He calmly walked to my door and said, "I was hoping you were going to turn right. Right turn only is allowed at that intersection at this time of day."
He then asked for my license. In my trips where I just 'buzz' to the post office, I routinely leave the house without my purse.
Oh-oh.
"I don't have my license with me. I just ran out to get some mail trays, blah, blah."
"Hm," he says. "Can I see your insurance card?"
That I did have and proudly handed it over.
He said, "Just a moment." He went back to his car with the flashing lights.
He once again approached the driver's side and asked when my birthday was. I told him. He wrote it on his hand and once again walked back to his car.
When he came up to my car again, he had bad news.
"You have two moving violations: one for not adhering to the right turn restriction and the other for driving without your license. That carries a penalty of your having to come to the station with me and posting a $120 bond."
Oh, great, I think. How can you post a bond when you don't have your purse? Instead of speaking those thoughts out loud, I simply nod.
He then says, "I don't usually do this, but we have the same birthday, so I am going to let you go."
"WOW, thanks, I say - and we celebrate with ....."
"Michael Jordan," he says. So, I know he was telling the truth.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Ain't Grandparenting Grand?
Going through the pregnancy with my daughter was fun; we had a shower at home with many relatives and close friends. I called her every day to see how she was feeling - an unusual occurrence as sometimes days would go by without our speaking, but not while she was pregnant. After the diagnostic ultrasound, we knew that the baby was going to be a girl. I wasn't sure if my daughter was going to tell the masses, but she did leave a flowering pink plant on our porch with a balloon stating that she was in fact expecting a girl.
Wow, a girl. We secretly referred to her as 'Baby Lulu.' Names were tossed around, but I kept telling the mommy-to-be that even though she may have picked her all-time favorite name for her new baby daughter, she may well change her mind once she gazed upon that little face.
Charlotte Mae was born on September 13, 2011. Beautiful, of course.
Everything I heard about how wonderful being a grandmom is is true...tenfold, one hundred fold. I am very lucky in that I get to see Charlotte (and my daughter!) a few times a week and I never, no matter how busy I am, pass up a chance to be with that little baby. She is the light of my life, the heart of my heart. I have hundreds of pictures of her on my phone and I am of course perfectly willing to show anyone who will look at them.
I heard something that most closely describes how I feel about being a grandparent. I was talking to a woman who was awaiting the birth of her first grandchild and she was asking me how I felt. I tried to get my feelings into words and she nodded and said, "That's what everyone says." But what she told me was the best definition I have heard thus far:
"..having a grandchild is like falling in love the first time. It is the first thing you think about in the morning and the last thing you think about at night."
I hope I see you today, Baby!
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