The Windshield is Clear

About six months ago, a rock flew up from the wheel of a large truck in front of me on the highway, popped on my windshield right in front of my left eye, and within days a crack began moving across the window. Driving was made difficult, as I had to scrunch down to see under the crack, or sit up very tall to see over it.

Last week the crack had traveled 2/3 of the way across the windshield. I called every auto window replacement company within a hundred mile radius for quotes. I carry liability insurance on the car but even if I still had full coverage I would have had to pay the deductible. Then I saw a comment on a site I frequent that is a local online garage sale site. The commenter was expressing appreciation for the great work replacing her windshield. I called that company for a quote. Not only was the quote almost a hundred dollars less than all the others, he comes to the customer. I made an appointment and Monday morning the window man came here to my apartment, replaced my windshield, and was on his way within an hour and a half.

Now I hop into my little red car and don't have to scrunch down to see out the window.

It is the little things in life I am appreciating.

Taking Shortcuts

Is it a trait of the younger generations, or have we as a people always looked for ways to find easier methods? Attempting to open my mind to taking shortcuts has mostly made me decide that taking a shorter path is not the wisest choice for me.

When I see ads such as this

and ads about making thousands of dollars a month, or other supposedly easy, quick ways to lose weight or make money or accelerated learning, it does make me stop and think. I don't watch television, but I can only imagine all the ads on TV that are enticing to many people. I get enough of them sent to me from well wishers in emails.

It seems to me that the faster the results, the more impatient people become. Fast Lane. Fast food. Instant gratification. Terms I hear but pay little attention to, reasoning that they don't apply to my life right now. Believing that a brisker manner would mean quicker service, thus more "time" for the individual, is a big con. Like the ads.

Senior Apartments

There are 16 apartments, eight in each building. I live in one of the buildings. Yes, I am a senior. Happy to be there finally, old enough to have gained some wisdom along the way, and young enough to have fun being retired. Most of my adult life I worked and wanted to be in a position to not have to work. Each of us can tend a garden under our windows. I planted a few flowers and plants under my window but just did not have a heart for gardening this year. This coming spring will be my time to get the soil under my nails and enjoy planting flower seeds and tending a small garden. I bought a sun hat for gardening. And gardening gloves. And knee pads. I am ready for spring! Oh yeah, this is only summer and there are two more seasons until spring. Well, I am planning for the future.

So much has happened since moving to this town one year and ten months ago. The first year here I would take my camera and walk around town, snapping pictures of anything that looked interesting. These apartments looked interesting, so I took these photos of them in my first year here, never knowing anything about the apartments or that I would soon be living here.

In the three months I have lived here, a new roof was installed, a new brick planter put up around the flag pole in front, and various smaller improvements to the outside.

This now feels like home.

A Train In A Yard

This wooden train is in the front yard of a house in town.

We Went To The Races

The next town is even smaller than the town I am living in now. There was a celebration in the smaller town today, the town was celebrating its 125th birthday.

One of the activities was a racetrack for lawn mower races.

Lots of people turned out to watch this unusual sport.

Here are a few pictures.

Ha, Men, What Do You Think?

Yes or No, men?

Yes or No or maybe, women?

What? The women have an extra choice? 

Table Setting

Growing up learning correct table settings, at home and in school, has not been of much use in my casual lifestyle. Many parties and get togethers were held at my place, wherever I was living at the time, but most of them were buffet style. Guests serving themselves frees the hostess to enjoy the event, as well as setting a mood for relaxation.

In comparison, my older daughter chooses large formal sit down meals, with occasional more casual parties. She knows the proper etiquette for the grander venues, so I am sure this graphic is not needed at her home.

My growing up years were spent in sparse circumstances, so the occasion of my first formal dinner is etched in my mind. My fiance was the younger brother of a man who was married to the daughter of the president of a platinum company. She grew up used to special holiday dinners and formal celebrations unlike any I had ever seen. My first Christmas holiday celebration with the entire family was for me somewhat disarming. The huge table was set with crystal salt bowls at each place setting, and more forks and knives and spoons than I knew anything about. So I followed the lead of my seat mates and tried to blend in to the formal setting, including a finger bowl. Fortunately I was dressed appropriately with my very best clothes. I was so nervous throughout the lengthy meal, I don't remember what we ate, just that there were so many courses and large amounts of food, compared to my lifestyle. I do remember the dessert. The final course. Holiday Pudding. The maid brought in a flaming dish and everyone clapped. I was the only one who did not know there would be a silver charm hidden in one of the pieces, and I enjoyed the whole ceremony of Christmas Holiday Pudding.