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Happy Sunday to All of my friends, on and off our Social Networks... I've been playing in different places the last couple of weeks, most activities didn't involve my computer. I've been having so much fun celebrating a "significant" birthday... and I'm already looking forward to the next one. I have received a pile of greeting cards (most are not on paper), and haven't seen a scrap of wrapping paper or plastic ribbon. So what was happening... how did I celebate? Firstly, I'm so thankful to have this birthday. My mother passed away when she was 64 years old and I thought she was an old lady. I hope that doesn't make my "as old as dirt". I'm thankful for every day that I'm here, sharing it with my dear husband of almost six decades, our adult children and their precious families, and a crowd of friends. I loved the flowers that arrived home ... he still buys roses! The phone calls were special... many long distance calls, as well as from neighbors. Long-time friends treated me to a trip to the mountains, and a quiet lunch in a small town near us. I was even able to celebrate our birthdays (only 10 days apart) together with a friend that I met over 60 years ago. We haven't always lived within travelling distances, but have celebrated as often as we could. Of course, I feel it necessary to remind her that she is 10 days older than I am!!!! Time constraints and work scheduled didn't quite fit with several family members, but we were able to celebrate Thanksgiving and my birthday with a wonderful home-cooked meal. Of course, we missed those who were not able to join us, but that doesn't mean we don't look forward to any opportunity to be together, no matter the date on the calendar. The internet has given the opportunity to connect with family, no matter where they are located, and develop friendships with many who I may never meet in person. I consider that to be a special gift.
Tags: Family Friendship Birthday Friends
It is the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend in our area, and we had a delightful early dinner with family to accommodate working hours of family members. I've been reminded of a Thanksgiving Challenge that was given to me many years ago. It was the spring of 1975, filled with many happy expectations and unplanned and unpleasant events. My mother succumed to her rapid developing illnes before her 65th birthday, and my husband was hospitalized because of a propane explosion at our new home under construction on our acreage. On one occasion, when sitting with my husband in the hospital, our pastor came for a visit. In our conversation, he suggested that I could make a list of all the things that happened that month which I was thankful for. I didn't take the suggestion seriously and thought that he had no idea of what we were going through. I tried to dismiss the suggestion but it kept coming back to my mind. I had time to write something down when hubby was resting ... it would help pass the time. To this day, I can still recall most of what was in that list. So much more happens in our lives that we don't even think to be thankful for... it just happens! Here is most of my list: - My mother suffered intensely, even in the short number of weeks in the hospital, and she was relieved of that pain in the quiet hours, knowing that she was loved by her family.
- It was early April; spring had arrived and the snow was gone. However, the day of the accident, a blanket of snow had arrived early in the day, and my hubby had wet snow to roll in when his clothes were on fire. A much better alternative than rolling in dead grass and dirt.
- Carpet installers were still working, several hours after quitting time, and they were able to transport hubby to hospital. At that time, there were no cell phones and no neighbors living in the community.
- A working colleague was also building a house near us, and he happened to stop by just as workers were leaving for the hospital. The colleague knew how to contact me and pick up our children from their new school.
- An older couple living in a community many miles from us, dropped by one evening with a box of homemade cookies, especially for our children's lunch boxes, intended to substitute the cookies that I didn't have time to make. They declined my invitation to come in, just wanted to make sure I was home safely. That is an unexpected kindness.
- We were scheduled to move into our new house a week after the accident, and our rental home needed to be vacated. A group of ladies announced that they would be at my place to pack up our belonging while I continued to be at the hospital. When they were done, friends with trucks came and moved our belongings to our new home... and they helped to unpack and set up our new home. One lady even brough a picnic lunch for all the workers.
- My father moved in with me and our children to help until hubby was discharged from the hospital.
- It was estimated that hubby would be in hospital at least three months, but his healing was so dramatic (didn't even require skin grafting on second and third degree burns), and was discharged home in three weeks.
Both hubby and I have always been very independent people, with an attitude of "Thank you very much, but we can do it ourselves!". This whole experience taught us the value of friends, the personal need of believing in a Higher Power, our Creator and Heavenly Father, and the peace of heart and mind that is available to us. We have said many times, we have been so thankful for that whole experience, and if needed, we would go though it all again. It changed our perspective in many things. Thanksgiving is not only one day a year, and can be celebrated every day. A great reminder!
Tags: Thanksgiving Appreciate Friendship
When was the last time that you had a real good, noisy “belly” laugh? For the ladies, that may be a bit of a stretch, so call it something else. Call it uncontrolled laughter, that keeps sneaking back to your head, and then starts all over again. We had a bunch of them at the 55th Class Reunion of my nursing class. Old 'nursing' stories are still funny... if we have the nerve to tell them to our 'non-nursing' friends. I love to have fun, help put a smile on someone’s face, and at times, just be silly! There are a few things on my page where my “personality” has leaked out. But I must ask, “Who thinks that the entertainmnet of today is better than “the good old days”? There were 'comics' in our much younger days who didn’t have to say anything, and we would laugh. Their facial expressions were priceless. Some that come to mind are Tim Conway, Red Skelton, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, and Lily Tomlin. I remember standing with school friends at the window of the local lumber yard to watch Lucy on the TV set in the window (we never had a TV in our home), and even without sound, we were often in hysterics. After I was married, there were programs that my husband and I rarely missed; Carol Burnett Show, Ed Sullivan Show, and the now “politically incorrect” All In The Family, were just a few. Now, it seems almost manditory that comedy routines have to include ‘four-letter’ words (aka ‘bathroom words’) to be considered funny. Give me a break! I just celebrated my 80th year on this planet. To me, that doesn’t seem like such a long time; time goes so quickly. It’s our 56+ year old son and our 24-year-old granddaughter who remind me that I’m still “not over the Hill” but getting close to it. My dear mother passed away in her 65th year and I thought she was an old lady! Now, what does that make me? No need to e-mail your answer to me!!!! Some time ago, I read a couple of books by Phil Callaway, who grew up in the town where I had my first job as a registered nurse. I heard him speak at a special event at the church we attended, and I loved his sense of humour. Even though he did plant some wonderful thoughts in his presentation, he was able to do it in such a way, that made it easy to remember for a long time. The first book I read was, “Who Put The Skunk In The Trunk? Learning to Laugh When Life Stinks”. I also read the revised version, entitled “Laughing Matters”. One more is “Who Put My Life on Fast-Forward? How to slow Down & Start Living Again”. If I could find those books now, I think they would be good reading, considering the present state of our world. They may be available on Amazon. His books are filled with “Wrinkle Busters”, and if any of my readers have a few wrinkles, I close with several samples... Classified ad: “An unexpected vacancy for a knife-thrower’s assistant:
Rehersals start immediately.”
.......... Newspaper ad: “Extremely independent male, 17 years old,
Needs to rent room. Call his mother as ....”
.......... Advertisement: “Try our cough syrup,
You will never get any better.”
.......... Child to mother after school,
“Our new teacher taught us all about fossils.
Before she came to class, I didn’t know what a fossil looked like.”
.......... *Updated
Tags: Laughter Friendship
I'm still finding boxes of 'stuff' that I've forgotten that I still have. I have to admit that I have been distracted quite often, when started to sift through a discovered box. When the family tells me that I never throw anything out, I think they are right at least part of the time. One box was very heavy... no wonder it hasn't been moved in years. It is filled with newspapers and magazines. The Star Weekly was known for the photos included in their stories, and I have the issue in honor of Winston Churchill, at the time of his death. I have a copy of a British magazine, with photos of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. There are newspapers with headlines of John Kennedy's assassination, the release of the Iranian hostages, the shooting of Ronald Reagan, and the crash of Apollo 13. Then there are early issues of PEOPLE magazine, about 10 year-end issues, a special edition on Michael Jackson, the wedding of Charles & Diana's Wedding... I could go on and on. I am now being told by several friends that I shouldn't throw them out now because there would be 'collectors' who would pay for some of those special event issues. Today, I sifted through three boxes of postcards that I bought at a Estate Sale about twenty years ago. Sometimes the circumstances surrounding the purchase are even more interesting than the item itself. I did know about postcards because we would often send them back home when travelling, or receive some from friends who were doing the same. The shoe boxes were filled with what looked like very old cards. The sale was about to close and I was just occupying a few minutes while waiting for my hubby to finish what he was doing. Unexpectedly, one of the ladies who were running the sale came up behind me and asked if I was a card collector. I'm a collector but not of postcards, but she started to tell me about the collection. The owner of the collection was a veteran of WW I, and collected cards from various locations in Britain and Europe. There were many cards that were 'sepia' toned, some were hand-colored, and several books of cards separated by sheets of onion skin paper. His card collection continued after he left the military, and there are cards from many different countries, some with messages sent to family and friends, some with postage stamps and date stamps. 
There was even a series of photos printed on ordinary paper, with handwriting to say that the pictures were of the camp where he was stationed, taking muskaetry instructions. The camp was Apple Pie Camp in Longmoor, England. The date stamp on it is June 23, 1917, and has 'OPENED BY CENSOR' stickers on it (must be military security at the time). Then I read the handwritten mailing address on it, and it was my mother's hometown in Alberta, and I still have relatives living there. That got my attention! The surname was slightly familiar to me, but there is no way that I would spend $75.00 on a bunch of postcards. The lady said that they are accepting offers but I had little cash with me. I had $11.00 in my wallet, and she said she would take it. Being that I was doing some 'consignment' selling on Ebay at the time, I thought I would probably get a buyer for the collection. Obviously that didn't happen because I thought it might be a great incentive for our grandson to have a hobby. However, what did happen was the sale of one card that gave me about five times the amount that I paid for the whole collection. It was a vintage sepia photo of Banff Springs Hotel, taken in the late 1890s, when it was about a quarter size of what it is today. It is located about 80 km. from where we now live. In my growing up years, it was a 'must see' place in Banff when our family travelled there for a special holiday. Someone thought the postcard was a very rare photo. I don't think that our grandson would be interested now, but I'll ask him. He may surprise me! By the way, these three girls are from the Belle Johnson Collection at the Massillon Museum in Massillon, Ohio. A great postcard!
Tags: Postcards Veteran Sepia Photos
I thought I would have my computer back home by now, but not quite. The new battery that was installed lasted about 12 minutes!!!!! The company has to get their supplier to send another one... hopefully one that will work longer. I was in the city yesterday to enjoy a "Birthday Celebration" with three other ladies. It was a "had my birthday", "having my birthday", and "going to have my birthday"! It was a lot of fun to enjoy a LONG lunch in a great restaurant. By the time I got back home, I was ready for a nap. Today was occupied with things that didn't get done the day before. I have decided to share something that I created almost 8 years ago, containing some of my first Blogs that I posted on NOTH, and a lot of other things. If you find one posting entitled "How Can You Tell If It's Real", it is a personal talk that I shared at a number of Women's Club meetings. I have almost forgotten that I did some public speaking. There may be a few links that don't work, and if I can figure out how to fix them, I'll be working on it as soon as I can. If you think that some of my Blogs are long... this one will take several visits to get through it. Are you wondering why I had this project? I was trying to learn how to create a website. There were several occasions coming that would enjoy a website to share all sorts of files... two family reunions, my nursing class 50th year reunion, ... and just 'because'! I have always been interested in learning new things on my computer, so I tried. This is my own website that I thought was lost a long time ago. Click here to visit my website ... Notes from Mona's Valley
Tags: Webs Old Blogs Learning
I don't know about you, but I'm getting so tired of political rancor in all of our countries, and the information, varified or speculated, about the virus, the economy, the society, the rights of everyone, and whatever else the media thinks is important. Thank goodness there are spots on the internet where we can read and celebrate with people who think "outside of the box" and show kindness and empathy in unexpected ways. The sacrifice and service from the medical profession, the police and firefighters, the teachers, and the farmers, is beyond my comprehension, even during the fault-finding and bitterness that has crept in when we haven't been watching. On a personal note, what can I do in a positive way, to express what is important to me, and still be an encourager, a helper, and a friend to those who 'cross my path'... in the neighborhood, in town, or on the Internet? I'm classed as 'old', even though I don't want to admit it, and some may think I'm almost as old as dirt! We have neighbors, but it's too far for me to walk to their house. Participating in a casual conversation when wearing masks is a challenge for those of us who have a hearing problem. We love to have guests in our home, but that has been curtailed, and a meal in a restaurant is not always possible. The one tool that I still have is my computer, and I am so thankful for that technology. I got my first computer in 1983, and the advancement in my lifetime as been phenominal. I can write letters and don't have to drive to the mailbox or lick a stamp. I can enjoy photos that I took more than 60 years ago which bring back a flood of memories. Even though reading is becoming more of a challenge, I still do what I can. Most of my reading is on my computer and not in printed books. I can enjoy some 'Armchair Travel' videos that take me to places in the world that I will never see in person. I've learned graphic design, word processing, and dictation transcribing, and I can still type with eight fingers and two thumbs. I love words... I talk a lot, I'm a Blogger, called 'Talking Fingers', and love to keep learning 'stuff'. I have been learning photo restoration, and contribute in a group on 'the other' social network. It is a fun group who invite others to post vintage photos that have been damaged or faded over time, with the only request that 'please' and 'thank you' be expressed to each artist. The gratitude expressed is payment enough; we're not professionals, but are learners. There are occasions where the best effort is still criticized, with an attitude that they know everything, but it seems to us that the guidelines were never read, or they just want to be 'cranky'. No problem... there are many great people who will take their place. I love to help wherever I can, and still enjoy being a Staff Helper here on NOTH. It is my joy to receive delightful messages from people who have learned something new that they can use here and wherever else they spend their computer time. There are times that I will even offer some help when I'm not asked, but for the most part, it can create an opportunity for a chat and a 'thank you'. Questions are always welcome, and if I don't have the answer, I will help to find someone who does have the answer. That's the kind of community that has been developed here on The Hill, and I will continue as long as I can to support the owners and promote this viral social network. I'm still not bored!
Tags: Computer Repairs Learning Helping Courtesy
It has been quite a week… and it seems that my computer took control of much of my time. Not really, but knowing that I’m always anxious to learn (or ‘relearn’) something on my computer, this was a new experience. I’ve been hooked on computer technology since the early 1980s. To describe my present computer, which I purchased almost two years ago,it will help to understand the event. It is a 15" HP computer that is a tablet with a full keyboard that is attached with magnets; my preference now that my office has changed size from a full basement suite, to my favorite chair near the large window where I can enjoy the view of our 'green valley’. This week, when I checked my messages and emails first thing in the morning, I noticed that the computer screen had come out of the frame at the left lower area and it seemed somewhat warped. Why? I called the company who sold the computer to me and described the situation. I was told to turn off the computer and not use it until I could bring it in to them. When they had a look at it, it took about 30 seconds to figure out the problem... the battery had heated, expanded, and pushed out the screen. I was fortunate that I had reported it quickly because there didn't seem to be any damage to the screen. When he told me what would have contributed to this problem, I was amazed and was not aware of the danger. I had always kept my computer plugged in to the power source, and just had it "sleep" when I wasn't using it. Apparently, because the operating hardware is all in the tablet, and should be plugged in only until it is fully charged, and reconnect when notified that it needs to be recharged. I don't remember ever hearing that before, and I'm thinking there may be others who would be interested because a 'laptop' is not always the kind that was first introduced to the retail market. This information may be helpful to you and/or your friends too.
Tags: Computer Repairs Learning
The experience that I had today confirmed that I’ve been having too much spare time with my computer, while sitting in my favorite chair near my favorite window. There are so many things that I enjoy with my computer, and I love to learn new things. I’ve renewed my interest in restoring vintage photographs, but the software that I used many years ago was not made for Windows 10, so I’ve been trying all sorts of software, especially the ones that are “affordable” for me. I’ve had time to do a lot of reading about computers and photographs, and trying to organize the hundreds of photographs and graphics that I have on my computer and tablet. All of this activity seemed to have made my computer run much slower. I also received several “error” messages that there were files missing or unavailable that were necessary for the smooth operation of a software. It was time for me to have my computer serviced by my favorite service company… Cloudeight Direct Computer Care. If that sounds familiar, they are the people who own and started NotOverTheHill (NOTH). I didn’t have to pack up my computer and drive to the city to have it serviced. I made an appointment for service online, and when we were connected, I could watch them work, ask questions, and receive calm and patient answers. The charge for this service is much less than what I would have been charged in the city. A simple ‘thank you’ seems so inadequate for the expertise, the reliability, and their ethical approach in business. I was first introduced to this company in 2008, when I joined NOTH. I have been a Staff Member at the startup, and am still a Staff Helper on this, my favorite social network. I have subscribed to their FREE Cloudeight InfoAve Daily and Weekly newsletters that provide a computer education that is easy to understand, especially for those of us who are more ‘senior’ who are trying to ‘catch up’ with the technology of this generation. If you haven’t read these newsletters, I highly recommend them to you. Check out this link! If I have ‘tweaked’ your interest but have more questions, send me a private message and I will try to answer or find someone who knows more than I do. For those who have registered to be a member of NOTH, learning the guidelines from the owners are intended to create a smoothly operating “community” for the enjoyment of all of us.
Speaking personally, NOTH seems like a site providing us the opportunity of meeting new ‘pen pals’! Friendships can develop even though we may never meet in person.
With all the reading that I’ve been doing this past few weeks, I have been tempted to revert back to ‘the way things were’ before the global endemic has tried to stop us in our tracks. There was always some place that I wanted to go, someone to visit, do some travelling, go shopping, etc. The media tells us to ‘carry on’ and follow the rules, don’t worry, we’ll get through this, or they tell us that it’s going to get worse, no matter what we do. I don’t want to hear the news these days; who are we supposed to believe. One posting that sticks in my mind is this question… ‘Do you consider the present global situation to be a ‘Time Out’, intended to give us time to re-assess our life’s journey? I haven’t thought much about ‘time- outs’ since our family are all adults. In my generation, I don’t remember any time-outs, but I do remember the occasional trip to the shed, to receive a dose of corporal punishment. It was never a nice experience, but it left an indelible impression on my memory. I remember hearing that a swift strapping on the bottom created enough heat to travel up my spine to my head, and melt the wax in my ears so that I would be able to hear and understand the rules for my behavior. In short, it would give an “attitude adjustment”! It certainly wasn’t like a ‘time-out’, especially if I would be sent to my room. There were lots of fun things that I could do to pass the time until the ‘time-out’ came to an end. I'm wondering if our current experiences are a ‘time-out’ from the God Who created us. Is there a purpose to the experiences that we all have encountered? Am I personally learning anything that is helpful, and am I being reminded of something that I should have remembered? I’ve certainly had the time to do some serious thinking. Here are a few things on my list… it doesn’t mean that I’m successful in everything, but it brings them to mind.
· Be positive; complaining doesn’t help!
· Be thankful for everything; a written list makes a great reminder!
· Be cautious; don’t believe everything that you hear. Find out for yourself!
· Be useful; there is always something to do. Clean a closet, bake a cake, cut the grass and pull some weeds.
· Be content; life … ‘it is, what it is!’ Stop looking over the fence!
· Be kind and thoughtful; smile at those you meet, phone a friend, write a letter, send an e-mail or a text.
· Be helpful; even when you haven’t been asked to help.
· Be creative; don’t be afraid to try something you haven’t done before.
· Be calm; it’s easier said than done… but keep trying!
· Be prayerful; sincere prayer can be very strong and helpful, personally and for others. I don’t have to go to church to worship and pray.
Remember…”God IS Love!” It doesn’t say “God HAS Love!” There is a big difference in those two statements!
Tags: Personal Life Experience Question Positive Content
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