Facebook is Alive and Well

We have a growing number of friends and family joining us on Facebook and we are having a blast. So far, it is the best Social Media source for keeping in touch with family. I love most everything about the site, including the photos, all of the old friends and new that I am connecting with, the ease with which I can communicate with family, and did I mention photos?

I have photos of my grandson, my brother and his family and my sister all have their photos, and it is an easy way to see how each person has changed. We all live in different US states, and don't get to see each other all that often. Having such an easy availability of photos and the ability to comment is great.

If you haven't checked out Facebook as yet, why not give it a try. After all, you may connect with an old high school or college friend, relative you haven't heard from in quite a while, or meet new friends who have similar interests as you.

If you are reading this, go ahead and friend me. I would be glad to get to know you. If you do stop in there, please let me know what you think of the site.

Take care and have a great weekend.

A True Sign of Spring

Since my late 30's (sounds so long ago, doesn't it?), I have worn my hair fairly short. Imagine my surprise that for the last number of months I have been wearing an increasingly long ponytail. I told my daughter and sister I was finally in style.

There were several reasons for the longer hair. One was the pictures taken when my older daughter and her family visited over New Years 2008. Granted, I also had the flu while they were here, but my pictures were terrible - I blamed it on the short hair. Several weeks later my hairdresser trimmed my hair, and that was it.

The next time I got my haircut was yesterday. Let me explain.

About the time I was thinking about getting my hair trimmed last year, I found out my hairdresser was going through a terrible medical crisis. I thought about going somewhere else, but since I work at home and don't have a great need of looking tip-top at all times, I let it go - er grow.

Short Beginnings

First, I had a little tiny ponytail that actually resembled a little pig tail sticking out the back of my head. But then, wow, it kept getting longer. My hair is thick and grows fast, so before I knew it, I actually had a real ponytail. My hair ended up reaching below my shoulder blades.

Yesterday, my daughter's youngest sister came over to cut her hair. Deb kept asking me if I wanted mine cut too and I finally gave in to a short trim. When Sarah asked how much I wanted trimmed, I said just a half-inch or so.

Well, we were talking about vitamin D and how it helps with SAD with which I have struggled. Suddenly, the weight of my hair was pressing down on me and the girls were questioning did I really want it long. I decided to get it cut short.

Sarah gently asked, "So, how much do you want cut off?"

I said, "All of it!"

Questioning my sanity, we went through the question and answer period several times with my daughter, Deb, chiming in that she thought my decision would make a big difference in how I felt. As Sarah cut away all that long thick hair, my eyes started to well up in tears. Next thing I knew, tears were rolling down my cheeks.

Happy Endings

By the time everything was said and done, I had hair shorter than I have had in a very long time. However, Sarah did such a great job that it looks good on me and I feel a ton lighter. I feel like a heavy load was lifted off my shoulders.

Today I keep reaching back to tighten the ponytail or just run my fingers through my hair, and alas, there isn't any there. But it sure feels good. I have absolutely no regrets in getting all that heavy hair cut off.

I also realized this morning that, until last year, getting my hair cut short was always the first sign of spring.

Watch out, winter, your days are numbered!

What is your first sign of spring? Do you have a spring ritual in preparation of the big occasion? It is just us northeners who notice spring this much?

For a short, cute, related story from yesterday's haircutting session, check out this link.

Healthy Living Coming Soon to Elder Care Cafe

Tomorrow morning at the Elder Care Cafe, a post will announce the upcoming 2009 healthy living initiative. The initiative will include regular posts highlighting living a healthy lifestyle - body, soul, and spirit. A newsletter sent directly to your email box is in the development stage and will kick-off in 2009. Yet to be determined is the frequency of the newsletter - never daily, but may arrive weekly or monthly.

I'm excited about the upgrade Elder Care Cafe has received lately. It was a much needed refreshing and repairing of the site, and now it is ready to enter the new year in style.

If you have any questions or topic suggestions, feel free to leave a comment on the site.

Elder Care Cafe is geared towards the elderly and those who care for them, but any baby boomer or senior citizen will find interesting articles.

We at the Elder Care Cafe, both on the 'net and here on blogger, are looking forward to a fun, healthy, and prosperous new year.

How about you? What are your plans for the new year? Do your plans include living healthy?

Piggy Banks and Savings Books

When I was growing up in the mid-fifties, Mom saved several kinds of stamps that we pasted into a book. When the books were filled and she had enough to redeem the item she was saving for, off we went to the big city. Whether she was saving green stamps, gold stamps, or any other stamps of the times, the trip to store were always exciting.

We also received money for birthdays and Christmas. Sometimes only a dollar or two, other times as much as five, ten or even twenty dollars. We always trekked to the bank with our cash and placed it in our savings account. We each had our own savings book, and kept accurate account of the deposit and total. Long after the account was closed, likely used for college, the bank book remained as a reminder of those days.

Now that we are in a recession, with some pundits predicting a depression, those memories of saving money and stamps are reminders that saving money is a smart, practical practice. Even bringing back the piggy bank - yes, we each had one of those too - or the change jar my dad still keeps on his dresser, are ways to have spare cash around the house when you have a need.

As you tuck away a few dollars here and there, it is surprising how often you accumulate more than you expect.

Another savings trick my mother used was to place any extra money in a separate savings account. In fact, she kept a "secret" savings account from my dad, who was more likely to spend than would Mom. When she saved enough to purchase what she wanted, she took pleasure in her trip to the appropriate store. One of her greatest thrills was the china cabinet that she purchased from loose change and extra money she made from baking and decorating cakes.

For some reason the items people purchase after they have scrimped and saved, seem to have a greater value than those they can instantly buy with a credit card. Mom did have her season of using credit cards, but her most cherished memories came from the save-up-ahead-of-time approach.

Do you have a favorite treasure in your house that you purchased by saving ahead of time? What are you saving for now?

Photo by A Sattler at Creative Commons at Flickr

Dumb Little Man No Dummy - What We Can Learn From the Great Depression

Do you know how I know Dumb Little Man is no dummy? The two main reasons why I believe Jay White is no dummy:

1. His website is full of practical information regarding tips that will "save you money, increase your productivity, or simply keep you sane" according to his website blurb.

2. He utilizes great guest writers.

Not only did I want to send a shout-out to Jay and Dumb Little Man, but I also wanted to comment on a guest article by Mike Koehler, a multimedia journalist in Oklahoma City. Mike wrote an article titled Seven Good Lessons From the Great Depression that I think is important for people to read.

During these difficult economic times, it is helpful to delve into the wisdom of those who have gone before. And who better to pull from than our parents and grandparents who experienced the Great Depression. I have often heard stories of what my dad and his parents and grandparents endured during that time. A couple of things I personally learned were:

1. Take each day as it comes. I have had struggles in my life and learned that what the Bible says about each day is sufficient unto itself is true. Concentrate on each day and what you can do to see it through. When you keep your main focus on each day, you are better able to work out your problems and struggles. Looking too far ahead could be too much of a challenge when times are difficult.

That does not mean you shouldn't plan ahead, but don't dwell on the negative by believing that whatever you are going through will never end. Keep up your spirits by focusing on a step at a time during the day you are in. Tomorrow will bring its own set of challenges, and blessings.

2. Know that this too shall pass. No matter what is going on in your life, it will pass. The Great Depression did come to an end. The recession we are currently experiencing will someday end. Some say in one year, others predict it will take two years, but the reality is - America will pull itself out of this recent downturn and will rise again. How do I know? Take a look back at history!

3. Going back to the basics may not be fun, but it is necessary in order to recover financially, physically, spiritually, or in any other area of one's life.

For years we have heard talk of inflated prices, the inflated housing market, inflated this and inflated that. Well, what was rising so high, by the laws of the universe, had to come down. That's just the way it is. As the economy hits bottom, it will begin to rise again. It never hurts to go back to the basics of good financial management, stop excessive spending and high-end living, and start living a more practical lifestyle. How many young families with their 2.5, or less, children really needed the huge mega-square-footage houses they thought they had to have?

Almost 80 years ago, the Great Depression hit. It was a horrible time for most people, and hopefully we will never sink to that level of living again. But, during this recession there are a number of steps we can take in our personal lives to help the economy get back on track.

Studying the past mistakes of others is a good step in the right direction. Utilizing the knowledge and practical tips from bloggers and writers such as Jay White and Mike Koehler, and applying those ideas to our lives, will enhance our daily walk and help us through these distressing times.

What do you think? Do you have a blog or author that has provided you with tips or inspiration? You are welcome to share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section. We would love to hear from you.

Recession? What Recession?

So-called experts have denied for some time what most of us already knew - we are in a recession. Yesterday it was announced that not only are we in a recession, but we have been for a year. Do the so-called experts really think Americans are that dense? The experts have told Americans for months that we were just experiencing an economic slow-down, only to now announce the recession is a year-old.

An interesting side-note from trend watchers is that as the economy heads downwards, there are a few areas that are on the rise. Apparently, one of the main indicators of a failing economy is the rise in sales of that old much-maligned favorite, SPAM. According to the New York Times, workers at Hormel Foods Corporation are racking up overtime hours as they work seven days a week to keep up with the demand.

Sales of other inexpensive foods that are on the rise include macaroni and cheese, Jello-O, Kool-Aid, pancake mixes and instant potatoes. So are vitamins and beer. What about the old college student favorite Ramon noodles?

Christmas dinner is going to take on a whole different look this year for many people.

Other upward trends include increase in military recruitment, shared living spaces, garage sale season expansion as people scramble for money, and people signing up for college classes to gain knowledge for possible career change or advancement. Another trend is that cigarette sales are up, despite the high cost of cigarettes these days. Sources say that the increase in cigarette sales is probably due to stress-related issues.

How has the recession affected your family? What are you doing to cut costs?

Michigan in the Chill Zone

As of this post, from iGoogle, the current temperature in mid-Michigan is 26 deg F at 6:00 a.m. Since it is supposed to reach 40 today, I eagerly await the heat wave.

Have a great Thanksgiving, and may your favorite meal satisfy, your favorite team win, and your favorite store have all the bargains you can ever hope to find.

Only in America can we find such a fabulous day as we celebrate our heritage, and our love for turkey and stuffing. :>)

What is your favorite aspect of Thanksgiving Day? How will you spend the day?

NY Times Article Highlights Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

Bronner's in Frankenmuth, MI was highlighted in a New York Times article published yesterday. Excuse Me, Where's Thanksgiving? focused on the year-round Christmas wonderland visited by thousands throughout the year.

Years ago, my family regularly visited Bronner's for their excellent family-style chicken dinners. More recently, I spent the weekend, several years in a row, with friends. We visited various stores and enjoyed the ambiance of Frankenmuth.

It is great to see Michigan on the world news map in a positive way.

Have you visited Bronner's? Did you try the world famous chicken dinners?

Photo from Public Domain on Wikimedia Commons.

Pick a Pooch for Obama's Girls

When President-elect Barack Obama brought his daughters onto the platform Tuesday night, during his acceptance speech, he noted they would get the puppy he had promised at the beginning of his campaign. The Detroit Free Press discusses their pooch poll on Freep.com. Click on the link to read this wonderful article.

Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, are the cutest young ladies, and it will be a joy to watch them grow over the next four years.

So, what do you think? What kind of puppy should the Obama family pick?

The Ailing Teal-Mobile

This photo is actually of the original teal van that Mom and Dad drove for several years. My sister bought one just like it, and that is the one I currently own.

According to the note my mother wrote on the back of the photo, the van was new and I believe the year was 1997. I know my van is a 1997.

Mom and I were on a trip to the U.P., visiting her cousin Sharon who lives along the Lake Huron shoreline. She and her husband have a beautiful house on the lake, along with several cottages on their property they reserve for visiting family and friends.

This cabin was right on the edge of the channel, just a couple of feet from the water. The channel ran into Lake Huron from Cedarville, MI. It had two bedrooms, with a large window in the living room and one in the dining room. We ate our meals at the dining room table while watching the swans glide along the water.

It had to happen sooner than later

The Teal-mobile is ailing, probably on it's last legs. Although I was hoping the van would make it through the winter, it is on the blink, and it appears to be the starter. At eleven-years-old, and almost 150,000 miles, what do we do? Repair or buy?

Dad has a much easier time getting in and out of a van, while I would like to have a smaller car, such as a Chevy Cavalier. I really wanted to keep the van going as long as Dad was around, but now we are faced with quite a dilemma. With his health care costs rising dramatically, an additional car expense is not welcome. Decision time!

Anyway, the Teal-mobile has traveled many miles throughout the years. She has seen much of the United States and has enjoyed every minute. Whether out west, down south, to the north or to the east, many wonderful sight-seeing memories will remain.

What was your favorite vehicle through the years? Did you travel together? If so, where did you go and what wonderful sights did you see?

In the Oops Department - Obama Version

Both candidates have had their Oops moments (Sarah Palin, anyone?), but now it's Obama's turn.

Apparently Barack Obama accidentally outed his 66-year-old aunt who was illegally living in the U.S. Despite an immigration judge denying her request for asylum from Kenya and who instructed her to leave the country four years ago, she has been living in public housing in Boston.

OOPS!

According to the Associated Press article, "Obama said Saturday he didn't know his aunt was living in the United States illegally and believes that laws covering the situation should be followed."

We have all done it at one time or another - but, most of us don't do our Oops! kind of things as publicly as the candidates.

What was your biggest Oops! moment? Care to share?

High-end Lodging Now Less

Hoover Dam Photo by M Sue Monroe c. 2004

According to a USA Today article, now is a good time to visit high-end luxury lodges. All across the country, from California to Virginia and many states in between, top-tier hotels and spas are slashing prices.

For example, the Bellagio in Las Vegas, "which commands $300 and up nightly in busy times, just announced rooms for an amazing $149 this fall, even at Thanksgiving. The Fairmont chain has slashed rates, to $155 in pricey D.C. and Chicago — nearly $40 off the same time last year. Some luxe London hotels are price-cutting. (The May Fair's rooms now start at about $250, down from $290 last year.)"

Do you hear that MSM? My sister loves to travel and we joke about her high-end rooming needs vs my penchant for base accommodations. After all, who really needs a jacuzzi in their room?

Several years ago, over Thanksgiving break, MSM and I flew to Las Vegas, rented a cool car, visited Hoover Dam, and then drove south along the Colorado River, staying in Lake Havasu City, driving on over to Palm Springs, Oceanside (playing in the Pacific Ocean), overnight in Encinitas, then back to Vegas for a night before flying home. We compromised on the hotel arrangements, staying in moderately-priced but nice hotels.

Now living several states west of me, she is not that far from Vegas.

Hey Sis, I know a great place to spend Thanksgiving! Call the Bellagio!

Will you take advantage of this good news? Where will you go? Ideally, where would you like to stay? Check it out while the prices are great and let us know about your trip.

People Dressing Pets - Mean on Halloween?

© Gingergirl | Dreamstime.com

Over the years, a number of people have clothed their pets. Are there any statistics out there indicating the number of people who partake of such strange behavior?

Anyway, now that Halloween is quickly approaching, the number of clothed pets will increase as well. The question is, are people who clothe their pets mean, or are they just desiring to be seen?

Whose idea was it, in the first place, to put clothes on animals? Is there any logical reason to do so? Emphasis on logical!

It's not that I hate pets - I just don't feel the need or desire to have them in my home. My daughters love their cats, and that's okay. But I never had the desire to keep animals in my house, especially because I was always on the go and decided I probably would not be a good "Mom" anyway.

Click on the title to read an article in today's USA Today about this very subject.

What do you think? Should people dress their pets? Is it mean or is it adorable?

Winter Fireplace Safety

Because most home fires occur during December, January, and February, it is imperative that people are aware of home fireplace safety.

The following article was recently published on Associated Content.

Winter Fireplace Safety

If you know anyone who uses a fireplace, please be sure they read this important article.

Winter Space Heater Safety

My article about space heater safety was recently published on Associated Content. If you use a space heater, or know someone who does, check out this very important article by clicking on this link.

Protect Your Family This Winter: Space Heater Safety

Don't let your family become just another statistic, when you can easily prevent losing everything.

If you have additional tips for home heating safety you would like to share, please leave them in the comments. Thank you and have a safe and happy winter season.

Happy Birthday Eldest Daughter!

Birthdays are great milestones along the pathway of life. Today is my eldest daughters birthday. She is a great gal with a love of life, great mind, and sense of humor. She is also a loving and caring daughter, granddaughter, sister, mother, nurse, and companion.



If you know her or see her today, please wish her a Happy Birthday!

Our Annual Ox-Roast Fest

Dad and I spent last Friday and Saturday lunchtime at the Webberville Ox-Roast. The ox-roast began in 1947 (the year a certain someone was born) and has continued to this day.

When I was growing up, my grandparents, who lived in Webberville, would join us every year. At that time, a whole block was utilized with many carnival rides, pony rides, craft sales, tractor pull contest, parade, etc. I remember the numerous rides my brother and I rode, the oxburgers we ate, and the many relatives we saw.

We still saw a few extended family members this year, but the venue was much smaller. In fact, this time there were no rides because of a cancellation by the company that was to provide them. There were surprisingly few people at lunch, but the food was delicious.

As the ox-roast has grown older, so have the rest of us. Most of my family members are gone now, or have moved away. Times have certainly changed, with fewer people attending local functions such as this.

It is sad, in a way, but understandable. Our world was much smaller then, and the family unit was tighter. We didn't have the Disney Worlds and theme parks competing with small town venues. The crowd this weekend were mostly 50's and up.

I'm not sure how much longer they will continue, but I do know, if we are anywhere in the area, we will be there.

Hurricane Ike: Good News, Bad News

As Hurricane Ike slammed into the Houston area, I could not help but be thankful the Corpus Christi area did not take a direct hit. My Texas family members rode out the storm in San Antonio, and will probably head home as soon as possible so my daughter can report to the hospital where she works.

Due to high winds and waves, they may still have received damage to their home, which is located on an island not far from Corpus. I am praying all is well, with little or no damage.

Hurricane Ike was the largest seen in a long time and will affect many millions as it continues to travel onshore, and in the days ahead affect the weather patterns as far north as Detroit and northeast to the Atlantic. It amazes me that a hurricane hitting Texas can affect weather in Detroit and New York, but that is the nature of the weather currents.

I hope few people lost their lives, and the power is restored as swiftly as possible. After our bout with six power outages last year, I understand how frustrating it is when there is no power in the home.

I am sure the hurricane will affect many for days and weeks to come. But for today, I'm just thankful that my family is safe.

New Storm, New Concerns

Looks like Ike is headed through the Gulf of Mexico towards the coast of Texas. Depending on where it lands, my family may or may not take a direct hit. They are on an island off the coast of Corpus Christi. We will follow the Hurricane as it gathers speed and heads toward the coast.

Storms are always worrisome because they are unpredictable. Especially those that twist like hurricanes and tornados. Let's just pray that when it reaches the coast, the wind would have died down as much as possible for a soft hit, and the people would follow the evacuation orders. The officials know what they are doing and people need to take heed during these dangerous times.

No furniture or possession is worth risking your life. Common sense and early reaction has saved many lives in the past. I hope people take heed and go to a safe place.

Have you been involved in a major storm lately? What did you do to prepare?

Kudos To My Sister

I wanted to send kudos to my sister, Marilyn Sue Monroe, today.

She has written an article about our mother, Emily Monroe. It's posted in two parts, today and tomorrow, on Potpourri's sister-blog, Elder Care Cafe.

Susie took care of Mom for about the last six or seven years of her life. Mom was diagnosed with TIA dementia around 1995, and entered a nursing home in April 2003. She died June 13, 2004, on Susie's birthday and Mom and Dad's 58th wedding anniversary.

We all miss her very much as she was the hub of the family. I think you know what I'm talking about - most families have that one person who keeps everyone and everything together.

Since Mom died, we have mostly gone our separate ways. Holidays are different - much quieter. Vacations aren't the same - many of us, at different times, traveled with Mom and Dad around the United States. The level of activity around the family home as dramatically dropped.

But, all in all, Susie is the one who stepped up to the plate when Mom needed someone the most. Her poignant stories are well worth the read and I hope you check them out.

I am certain, someday, we will read...the rest of the story.

Also worth exploring are her beautiful photographs on Red Bubble. Have a look and leave a message encouraging her to upload more pictures of her travels.

Who is or was the hub of your family? If they are no longer with you, how has life changed for your family?