Just Because

Carla made cookies for the family "just because." I was telling Maura the other day that sometimes you do a kindness for someone else "just because" not expecting anything in return. Those are the best kinds of kindnesses.
We've been keeping up with John...trying not to be a bother, but I worry about him as he's all alone. It seems he's been accepting any invitation that comes his way. I'm glad. He certainly has enough time to brood.
Today I resigned from the board at the Buchanan Log House "just because" I've not been a very good board member. It's always been my policy not to join any organization unless I could fully participate. That's not been the case with the BLH for the past few months. In my defense I confess to being a little disconcerted during J's last illness. Even though we were far apart in distance, we were close in mind and spirit. I am still feeling a void in my heart.
Speaking of friends with problems...our old neighbor across the road has lung cancer and he's getting the standard treatment of chemo and radiation. His wife is about worn out. I've been sending supper over a couple of times a week. She says he has no appitite. I think that is the norm for this theraphy. I told her we didn't want to intrude, but she knew where we lived and not to be shy about asking for help. They have one child and she lives in Canada.
Maura, Joan and I went to the Lobster for lunch on Labor Day...Dad went golfing...Ed went to work. We had the best looking waiter...I'm talking movie star handsome. He's probably waiting to be discovered or maybe he's a student. Whatever. Maura was eyeing him up and when he left she said he was good looking. I agreed and then she said...sighing...he's to old for me and too young for you, Grandma. Then she looked at her mom and said...he's too young for you too, Mom. I told her you are never too young or too old to appreciate beauty. We gave him a big tip.
This week I gave 12 baby afgans to Caring Choices and 3 baby afgans to the Elizabeth ministry at church. Also...sent along a dozen hats to Sara Cannon (that's Minnie Pearl to those who don't know) Cancer center. And gave a dozen hats to Glenn Brown for Gilda's Place. I'm out of stock. I'll have to get those needles busy.
This weekend...tomorrow Dad and I are going to see Wicked....the true story of the wicked witch of the west. It is supposed to be wonderful. Sunday...we are going to the state fair. I think that's about all the togetherness Dad can stand. I'm going to make the most of it.
Can you believe...It's mid September already...9/11...ranks up there with Dec. 7, 1941. Next week I start my art classes...I'm ready. I've missed those students...but if you'll reread the top of this missive, you'll see that I probably wouldn't have been so hot at that job this summer.
The Quinn family is getting ready to visit New Jersey...to see Ed's mom and family and then they will stop in Pgh to see Karen and family. That's next month.
I'm typed out. If you have read to the end of this rambling...good for you. You didn't quit when the quitting was good. Love to all...

Verrrrrry Interesting

Every day you should learn something new or try something new. I'm pretty much into the learn something new category as I'm not a very adventureous person. So, here goes some new and interesting things I've learned recently.
First I learned that siblings treat their friends much nicer (read kinder and more courteously) than they do their brothers or sisters. Why? Because if you aren't nice to your friends...they won't associate with you anymore. Bs and Ss are stuck with each other till they all leave the nest. Also...along these lines....Siblings fight about 10 minutes out of every hour. The tv doctor didn't say how this was related to gender relationships...that is brother on brother or brother and sister. . etc. He said how well adults got along with siblings as children predicts how close their relationships would be as adults. Hmmmm.
Then I learned that there are companies who are dealing with internet addictions. This is not just in this country, but also worldwide. If a person is on the internet 8 hours a day....they may have a problem. I don't know how this relates to persons who do their jobs via computer. The rule may not apply then. Also in China..some internet addictees have been treated with shock therapy! I do know that people convicted of internet fraud..hacking, identity theft, etc...as part of their sentences are not permitted to use computers for a period of time.
Then I learned that Medicare will not pay for pap tests if the woman hasn't had any problems in t two years. This is for patients 65. I found this out when I visited my doctor for my annual gynie this past week. I said I'll pay for it. I'm sure I'll get a big bill for this. This seems a little counterproductive. Isn't the function of these tests to find a problem while it is small? The reason I said, "Do it, anyway." is because I have a friend just diagnosed with uterine cancer because they found it on a pap test.
My doctor is very nervous about the talk about health care reform. I tell her we know what she thinks about socialized medicine...she's from Canada. If she could make any money there, she'd still be there. I don't think that we really know what the proposals are..many voices heard and I'm not sure that all of them know what they are talking about. Well, on that, we shall see what we shall see.
Lastly...if you are one of those fortunate people who don't get bitten by mosquitos...it may be that you secrete a hormone that bugs don't like. It seems scientists are trying to identify and manufacture this hormone for the mass market. It isn't going to be otc for a couple of years. I don't know why they tell us this stuff so far ahead of the game.
And that's all I have recently learned. Till next time.....