Day 8: Opportunities to Grow: Status Quo on Leap Year

I had written today's blog when it occurred to me it was Leap Year! Happy Leap Day 2012!

What better opportunity to grow than a free day!  As we know, once every four year we slide this day in to even out our calendar. I will admit to have forgotten the details, but I am happy to say I am here today.

Things around home are status quo.  No medical crisis, a trip to the school and a doctor appointment. Tomorrow we have an appointment I hate to cancel, but we are expecting, yet again, a MODERATE snow fall.  6-12 inches!  I will be in hibernation mode at that point.  We will be driving home as the snow hits, and hopefully will be in our shelter before there is too much out there.  Have I mentioned that I hate driving? I do. I hate it.  

Here is an official definition of Leap Year from Did You Know ?  

It takes the earth one day to complete one spin on its axis. The time it takes the earth to complete one trip around the sun is a year. But these units of time don’t divide evenly, resulting in our calendar year being 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and a little over 45 seconds long. Every 4 years we take those extra hours and minutes and fit it in an extra day, on February 29th, which we call Leap Day. Every fourth year thus is Leap Year. If we did not have the extra day every 4 years, in 100 years our calendar would be off by 24 days. http://didyouknow.org/leap-year/

So girls, I do remember the one rule we learned in grade school. On leap year day, February 29, a girl was allowed to ask her man to marry her. I don't know anyone who ever did that, but it was a funny tradition. We all giggled back then.

My opportunity to grow today is to keep smiling, keep forgiving, keep seeking forgiveness.  And to say thank you much more often.  Oh yes and to cook dinner at least twice this week! I did that this  week and survived.  Maybe next week I will try for three nights!

Since all is Status Quo here, I thought I would end with a song by a band with the same name.  I discovered them on spell check!   This has always been one of my favorite songs, made famous of course by the great Chuck Berry.  Do yourself a favor and listen to this song...it will make for a very Happy Leap Year 2012~

Day 7: Opportunities to Grow: Happy Birthday Lavinia Dickinson

I was reading a silly thriller yesterday, and the boy says to his uncle as they were hightailing it out of down, "If you see a crop-duster, duck!"  

That is from the Alfred Hitchcock film with Cary Grant front 1959.  It also describes my day yesterday. Not sure what opportunities to grow are lurking outside today as we head to the college, but I know we will do the best we can. 

I know today is the birthday of Emily Dickinson's sister, Lavinia. What I know of Lavinia, besides she had a slew of cats, was that she was the best sister, the best ally, the best friend any writing poet could every have.  

After Emily's death, when she found her stash of hidden booklets filled with the most unique poems at the time, she became her sisters Champion. Couldn't we all use someone like her in our life? 

I am not a cat person. Bill rescued one from the street one day, a kitten, who was tossed out of a moving car.  It made him mad and broke his heart.  He brought the kitten home, and we all lived peacefully until the kitten tried to eat the parakeets.  I guess if you know what a bird person Bill is, what happened next.  We found a home for the kitten, and the birds sang on!

Here is a photo of the two little sweeties. 

Photo by Ginger Bristow Gaitor

Just Good Friends. From the album Patience, by Peter Hammill

Some beautiful music with some very poetic language. Music is its own poetry I believe. It has its own melody and movement that we either catch or miss it completely. Thanks to a fellow blogger for the introduction to this interesting voice.

After a day requiring great patience a number of times, this melodic sound  soothed me into a peaceful state.  Between seizures, a staff person missing in action, and those who pleaded with us to trust them, no where in sight.  

Trust is a costly commodity.  And once broken, must be re-earned.  

A visit from a family member today set things into balance.  How I would have loved for him to stay. To talk of the world far away.  But he had to be traveling on his own journey. 

A visit from the nurse kept things on target for renewed health for Bill. He is his own best healer.

All the while, the music and melody soothed me. The song ends: Are we still good friends? Only you can answer that for me.

Beauty amongst a tangled mess

I saw the moon and stars highlighted on the evening news. I had to get the camera which was low on battery and then the clouds came. I had a nice shot out front, but not close enough. When I went out the back door into the woods, I saw this lovely sight and numerous stars. I had missed seeing stars and am so glad they are back in my life.  

Good night moon...


Photo by Ginger Bristow Gaitor 2-27-12

Day 6: Opportunities to Grow: uh oh!

Not another opportunity. I thought Challenges were rough.  When I decided to take on this 40 day blog during the Lent season, I knew it was truly an opportunity to grow. I just did not realize it would as difficult as it is.  I recall praying for patience one year.  Now that was one that taught me a lesson. Be careful what you ask for!

I have done much better with my patience, but now I am more careful in my requests.  I have so many areas that need improvement, and if this Lent time is an opportunity to grow, I hope I am up to the challenge.

Today I am just sitting and preparing for a busy day. Busier than usual. The sun is out and the warm weather is going to continue but we may actually get a little rain today.  I am gathering my strength from the bird song behind me, and the continuing air show of a variety of birds.  The water in the bird bath needs changed, so I had better at least do that.

I spent most of yesterday on the phone with family, and it was wonderful to talk to them all.  But health problem abound around everyone.  It was very draining.  We are having company later this afternoon, so I will get busy soon.

I looked back at a blog at the end of Fall, and I saw how lovely the woods behind me had become.  With the barrenness of leafless trees and vines, it is hard to imagine their beauty. Over the past two months, however, I have learned from these woods.  The mild, snowless winter has allowed me to appreciate the beauty of winter in New England. My ferns are beginning to come to life. More on this tomorrow if I am more energetic than this morning.

Day 5: Opportunities to Grow: The greatest lightbulb in the world

Sometimes a lightbulb goes on in our head.  SMACK...palm to forehead.  "What was I thinking?" 

Our perspective

our opinions

our perception

get tangled like vines

on aging trees

Today is a new day, another opportunity to grow, to make up for our mistakes, to look at life with more focus and clarity.

A flash snowstorm clouds the gravestones nearby

Then the greatest lightbulb in the world calls us to renew our spirits

Sunrise illuminating more than gravestones offers new hope

Photos by Ginger Bristow Gaitor, Feb 25 and 26, 2012

Day 6: Opportunities to Grow: the Secret Garden in Winter

Day 4: Opportunities to Grow: Being Grandma

My little granddaughter had her birthday not too long ago, and not being there was a sadness I only caring within me.   I love her, and we are keeping in touch by the phone. When she heard it was Grandma Ginger on the phone, I heard her say she knew it was me, and she knew she had her package at home to open.

When she did get to the phone after they reached the car from her birthday dinner, she was so happy and fun. She is such a joy to me. She is small and sweet and loves me back. What more could a grandma ask for? Maybe a hug in person. That will come as soon as it is possible.  I just want that little girl to know she made my day!

Day 3: Another opportunity to grow: Heading back to college

 

Yesterday Bill puzzled his way through this poster at a local restaurant by reading the word Joe and asked if he could borrow me for a minute. He pointed at it. "Joe Cocker."  I was so excited!  So was he.  He can sometimes read an all capital three letter word in large print.   But things are changing.  He put the whole picture together and did this on his own.  We are breaking new ground.

While Bill acknowledges Joe Cocker has a terrible voice, he still loves to listen to him and recalls one particular concert with his brother Don on a weekend to the beach. It was a bonding experience Bill has never forgotten.

He has been accepted in the speech program at the local college and they will work with him twice a week, with the goal of teaching him to read.  They need more medical information to find out how the initial TBI, strokes, seizures, hospital stays for pneumonia, with resultant lack of oxygen in his blood and to his brain, have all affected how his brain processes now.

He has been down this road before, but we are working with a very skilled Speech Pathologist who has some specific strategies she has been showing me behind the window in the observation room while he is working with the grad student.   The three of them work well together and after this initial two week testing and evaluation period, they feel they can help him.

After a few weeks of training for my work with him at home, I will probably use the hour that he is in his session to do my physical therapy, and we can both accomplish goals.  This will be a long-term project.  Lots of juggling staff hours, rethinking goals, and hopefully gaining new strengths for both.  We will continue to reinforce what he learns daily, and so far he has remembered his address, with daily drills.  

As I look at the new AARP Magazine here on my desk, I see an article on age-proofing your brain.  It is something we all need to begin to understand. The longer we live, the more brain puzzles we should be doing.  As Hercules Poirot wisely said so many years in the Agatha Christie novels, we have to keep the little gray matter working.

So we are trying to organize our life around the new two day program, and while Bill and I head back to college, in different roles, we are still doing it as a team.  

This is the song Bill asked me to post for Joe Cocker.  We watch this video together, and often he sings it to me.  It makes me smile. 

Day 2: I've Been Havin' Some Hard Travelin', Lord...I thought you knowed!

I guess we all have some hard traveling time from time to time.  But these days, our lives are all touched by the economy, the decrease in jobs, wages, downsizing, staffing, medicare cuts, high insurance costs, high gas prices.  

I often think these days of the depression of the 1930s that was such a part of the United States economy. I know it was part of the reason for the rise of Hitler in Germany, and how the people were so easily duped into believing that they were right.  

This song by Woody Guthrie speaks to me of the end of greed, reaching out to a God I hope is there, who know the hard times that Bill and I struggle through.  We are hanging in at this point. We have each other to talk with, walk with, make plans with.  But it has its cost.

So for all of us, on day 2 of Lent, I am taking my hard travelin' times to the Lord and see what he has to say back. I can use his help.  

Ash Wednesday: 40 day opportunity for growth

One of the best memories I have of my Dad was him playing the bango and the piano. This is a song he played and sang all of my youth.  I found it by accident looking for the story about the Blues Musicians at the White House last night, and President Obama singing.  I think I thought my Dad made this song up!  

A comment on the post was delightful, and perfect for the day after Mardi Gras, first day of Lent:

• Reminds me of the story where the preacher ended his sermon saying, "I'm going to get the mayor to close every bar in town, take all the whiskey and dump it in the river. Now all rise for our last hymn." To which the choirmaster said, "Our last hymn today will be "Shall We Gather at the River."
• musicmandon1

This song is a renewal of our baptism and rebirth.  So as I begin a new journey, and continue on my caregiving journey, I say bless everyone today on Ash Wednesday and on your next 40 day journey.

Lyrics:  

Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?

Refrain
Yes, we'll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God.

On the margin of the river,
Washing up its silver spray,
We will talk and worship ever,
All the happy golden day.

Refrain

Soon we'll reach the silver river,
Soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.

Refrain

Ere we reach the shining river,
Lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver,
And provide a robe and crown.

Red Berry Clothesline

Red berry clothesline

Photo by Ginger Bristow Gaitor

A New Day

Newly pruned bush

 promising sign of new life

branches are bare

but  roots are strong

Angel Flying too Close to the Ground

A farewell song to my dear friend's husband. He was kind and good,
and now he is flying above us all, free from the curse of Alzheimer's and its sadness.
His wife nursed him at home for the past five years.
"Love's the greatest healer to be found." Willie Nelson

Photo by Ginger Bristow Gaitor

Stuck in Old Lodi Again

Hard times have hit many of us lately, I am sad to say.  I knew Lodi well back in the 1970s.  We didn't live too far away, and we had to drive through there to get to the City to shop.  They use to have a petting zoo I took my toddlers to visit.   And I remember a huge ORANGE shaped fruit stand, but that may have been further up the valley.  Maybe someone out there remembers. It must have been built in the 1940s and is one of those iconic things that still exist, long past there usefulness.  (See link below music)


Here's a song to go along with the Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin:  Creedence Clearwater Revival...Stuck in old Lodi again.  Hard to believe such good wine comes from Lodi! It's nice for me to remember, I'm still a California Girl at heart!

 If you want to catch the John Fogerty acoustics perspective on his youth and the state of being stuck in Lodi, enjoy the version below.

I found a link if you want to check out the giant orange near Redding, CA built in 1946. http://scph.home.netcom.com/giant_orange/california_orange_stands.html

Sunset through barren woods

Golden rays disperse
through trees unclothed by nature
heralding the night

Photo 2-15-12 by Ginger Bristow Gaitor

Sunrise This Morning

As the sun wakes up
a ball of fire fills the sky
a skunk runs away

Photos by Ginger Bristow Gaitor

Ginger's Haiku for Today:

 Don't you just love clouds

Hanging in the sky like puffs

of cotton candy

 Today the snow fell

Covered the car in crystals

Laughing in the sun

The day filled with stress

relieved by looking upward

clouds and blue converge

Photos taken today by Ginger Bristow Gaitor

Having company for dinner

I wonder why I can't get anything done with this fellow outside my window eating berries.

After I cleaned the kitchen and got Bill up for dinner, I happened to walk by the patio again.  The red caught my eye, and I guess I am just addicted to this guy.  Bill sat and enjoyed the view for over half an hour while I tried to get some more housework done.  We both feel blessed by these daily visits.  My friend in Connecticut has four pairs in her backyard. How does she get anything done?

Photo by Ginger Bristow Gaitor

Phantom of the Opera: 10,000th performance today

The Majestic Theatre, Manhattan!  What a way to spend my birthday. I was a lot younger that night, but today is the 10,000th performance, my memories are so vivid of the marvelous performance. My first time in this theater was the summer of 1986, and I was with my two young sons watching the classic Arsenic and Old Lace, with Tony Roberts.  Not long afterward, Phantom took over this location and has never left Broadway.

Congratulations to Andrew Lloyd Webber and all of the marvelous actors and actresses who have added so much joy to our lives. It was to this song that Bill and I shared our first kiss.  A very special moment. 

SARAH BRIGHTMAN & MICHAEL BALL & MICHAEL CRAWFORD-ALL I ASK OF YOU-THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA-THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT-LYRICS TO ALL I ASK OF YOU:

No more talk of darkness,
forget these wide-eyed fears;
I'm here, nothing can harm you,
my words will warm and calm you.
Let me be your freedom,
let daylight dry your tears;
I'm here, with you, beside you,
to guard you and to guide you.

Christine (Sarah)

Say you'll love me ev'ry waking moment;
turn my head with talk of summertime.
Say you need me with you now and always;
promise me that all you say is true,
that's all I ask of you.

Raoul

Let me be your shelter,
let me be your light;
you're safe, no one will find you,
your fears are far behind you.

Christine

All I want is freedom,
a world with no more night;
and you, always beside me,
to hold me and to hide me.

Raoul

Then say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime;
let me lead you from your solitude.
Say you want me with you, here beside you,
anywhere you go, let me go too,
that's all I ask of you.

Christine

Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime.

Together

Say the word and I will follow you.
Share each day with me, each night, each morning.

Christine

Say you love me ...

Raoul

You know I do.
Together:
Love me, that's all I ask of you ...
Love me, that's all I ask of you...
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Lyrics: Charles Hart, Richard Stilgoe
Show: "The phantom of the opera" (1986).

A beautiful sunny afternoon

We have had a relaxing afternoon followed by a lovely call from family.  So tomorrow will be a new day and I thought of a song I love, by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tell Me On a Sunday. I hope you will love this version as well.  Pardon the fuzziness of the video. 

I love Michael Crawford's voice, and as the wonderful Phantom of the Opera, I think he can sing just about anything.  I first heard this song on a visit to the Mission District in San Francisco in the mid-1990s. We had been to see Phantom for the first time.  A wonderful weekend.  Then, fortunately, we saw it again on Broadway.  

I went to the Virgin Music store near our hotel and bought everything I could find and afford at the time with Michael Crawford.  We later saw a one-man-show, and I can still see him singing. There is something magical in his voice.

 

Yesterday morning and now this morning: Caregiving at its best and worst

Snow Moon at 4 a.m., waiting for snow which came over night.

Sitting by the frozen pond in 22 degrees just because we could.

Geese walking on ice at end of the pond

The Secret Garden: Let the Magic Begin

I was writing out Valentine cards for my grandchildren when I went to look for the stamps.  This little guy had been in the bird bath, washing himself in preparation for Spring.  We are all mixed up the Northeast. This has been the second mildest winter here that I recall since 2000.  That was a warm winter, too. I don't know why I remember that, except I had started a new job and it sticks in my head as a warm year.  

I am currently reading the classic tale, The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, first published in 1911.  If there was ever a tale to bring back to life a person who has been ill, and needs a kick in the pants to get outdoors, start breathing the fresh air and let nature work its magic.  This little cardinal may just be named "Our Dickon" after the Yorkshire lad who is full of magic and shares it with two children who need his healing touch.

Now we all know I am no child. But after the long year of my poor health...I hear my friend Tess saying, not again!...it is time for me to let nature work its course and start to pull me upright and let me stand and get my legs strong.  I have been trying to stand for two...both my husband and myself.  With help, we are both going to let the magic begin to make us both stronger. 

Now that I am clear, this is just a decision. No promises. Just goals, desires and dreams of magic taking hold and pulling us both toward wellness and joy.  If "Our Dickon" wants to be part of this, as he has clearly staked a claim to my patio, he can.  The flowers will be brought in soon, and we will all enjoy another Secret Garden, behind a wall, again soon.  

Haiku for the day:


Walking near a door
red feathers  splashed in water
where is my sweetheart?

Photo by Ginger Bristow Gaitor

Full Moon: Snow Moon

Sitting at my desk

the snow moon shines over me

peacefully silent

 

According to the Olde Farmer's Almanac February's full Moon is traditionally called the Full Snow Moon because usually the heaviest snows fall in February. Not so this year!

Hunting becomes very difficult, and so some Native American tribes called this the Hunger Moon.

Other Native American tribes called this Moon the "Shoulder to Shoulder Around the Fire Moon" (Wishram Native Americans), the "No Snow in the Trails Moon" (Zuni Native Americans), and the "Bone Moon" (Cherokee Native Americans). The Bone Moon meant that there was so little food that people gnawed on bones and ate bone marrow soup. 

I woke up around 3 a.m. and couldn't back to sleep, so I got up at 4, and decided to check email and Facebook. A friend had taken another incredible picture of the moon. I had no idea it was a full moon again. Where has this month gone?  As usual, managing the system and trying to figure out what the  doctor's are doing with medication levels in both of us. Another month of this will be more than either of us can handle.  We need more time for walks, and sitting, and peacefully bird watching. Or as this morning, moon gazing.

So at a little after 4, I happily donned my robe and clogs and opened the patio blind to see a beautiful golden orb. It has continued to shine into the dining room window as I sit here. A sight well worth being up to behold.  No clouds, no snow, just crisp and cold air. After I went out to snap a few shots, it was nice to view this golden orb from inside.  It is a joy to have a relaxing moment with fresh air, nature, and be part of the peaceful silence when the city is the country again. As it descends, it is getting larger and brighter.  But I am heading back in to enjoy the rest of the morning asleep if I can, happy to have not missed this snow moon.

I'll Be Seeing You...Gideon's Goodbye

 

This song has always meant so much to us. This was from the final scene Mandy Patinkin did for the television show Criminal Minds.   That moon still unites us wherever we are. 

A bit under the weather

I believe the cold outside does not add to a feeling of well being. 
Perhaps the birthday celebration was too much excitement for us. I don't think so. We were in bed before 9.  I think a bit of a bug, which might mess up my entire week, but I will get through.

My grandson lost his a front tooth today and so did my grand-niece. Now they are caught up with their cousins. The tooth fiery has had a busy week. My granddaughter has her first two coming in and looks so cute.  She and Dad attended a father-daughter dance last weekend. Those fun days when the children are young, and life is so fun for them. I am happy that they are doing well. 

My littlest granddaughter liked the remote control cars better than her brother! Her eyes and grin said that they are going to have to watch her behind the wheel!  So much fun...

And then there is my oldest grandson. He got his driver's license last week.  He mother warned the town, but we all know he will be responsible and safe.  So that is all the news from the world of grandmother, today. A bit of a different blog, but they are never far from my heart. 

Here is the Mrs. Keeping an eye on her guy!

Groundhog Day 2012: Look who's back!

I went out back to fill the bird bath with fresh water, and guess who was looking at me.  I grabbed the camera and the little bugger posed!  Happy Groundhog day.  A surprise this year...six more weeks of winter.  The surprise is the great weather we have been having. The cardinal's mate was with him today.  They are quite the bold pair...sort of like we are. 

One of those days

Today is one of those days when you just want to throw in the towel. You wake up and spill your coffee, the bathroom toilet overflows, your outfit for the day is missing.  Where are your keys? You have had them.  I am looking into finding a way to stay in touch without spedning my life sharing about living with brain injury.The doctor says I need another outlet. We have a new part time aide and she will hopefully help if we get her again, and more than one day. Looking at two part time days.  That and Bill's other people. I don't lack for people contact. Just not the right kind.

I am going to put some study into a new camera with a photo lens and hope I can manage to learn to use it well. I want to listen to some soothing music, exercise, get healthier and thinner at the same time, and try to do to make my life happier and better.  You can't take care of someone else if you can't take care of yourself.

I will keep you posted.  Here is a song to soothe us all.