Getting Ready For A Date

 

This morning I felt excited. I took extra care in what I would wear and the feeling I had was as if I was going out on a first date. Waiting for that time when we spot each other and wonder if we will like each other. Curiosity mixed with joy!

After fifteen months I had not been to an actual mass due to the pandemic of Covid 19. I had watched the mass on my laptop, sometimes in my pajamas, and enjoyed it but today was the day that the dispensation ended and I would need to enter the church for mass. We had been instructed, by our pastor, to wear a mask when moving around, like entering the church, receiving communion, or leaving the church. Two sections had been reserved for those not feeling safe without a mask or if they had not yet been vaccinated.

Everything felt different as I parked the car and entered the church. It was strange listening, being present and seeing real life people. The church was decorated in red and white and the music sounded better than on my laptop. Today was the Feast of the Holy Spirit and I thought it was an appropriate time to have people return physically to mass.

Yes, my date made me feel welcome. Receiving the body of Christ after a long absence, made me feel good. Sometimes I do not feel worthy but then I remember something I read:  The Eucharist is not a prize for the perfect, but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.  (cf.Amoris Laetitia footnote 351) 

A perk of being physically at mass is seeing and hugging friends. Greeting the pastor and just being among other people who believe like you do, gives one a peaceful and happy feeling. 

"Our defense against fear,

is the Holy Spirit."

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila

Virtual Commencement

 When my granddaughter sent me the link to her commencement from San Francisco State University I expected to see her in her cap and gown marching up to receive her diploma. When I heard 8,500 students were graduating I knew this would not be a normal graduation like I have attended in the past! Watching virtually I learned many facts about the school and was impressed to see alumni of SFSU have received 47 Emmys, 22 Pulitzer Prizes, 16 Oscars, and 12 Tony awards. A cute alligator named Alli Gator is their mascot. On May 22, 2021 City Hall will be lit up with purple and gold lights. The President, the Chancellor, the President of Student Council, and other speakers gave wonderful, uplifting, encouraging, and complimentary advice to the graduating class. I enjoyed hearing, "Don't be afraid to fail, give back, your education can never be taken from you, this graduating class was resilient and tomorrow will be better because you will lead us!" Other speakers mentioned how difficult this past year had been with the pandemic and how students had to adapt to virtual learning! How proud I am of my granddaughter who managed to finish and get her Bachelor of Arts degree!

The names of all the graduates scrolled on the screen, but too fast, making it difficult to get a photo of her name.  The picture I found for my blog was within the virtual information and I copied it!

Some trivia I found interesting about past graduates: The first graduating class was in 1901; teachers and alums have discovered over 500 planets; Johnny Mathis had a chance to go to the Olympics as a high jumper but chose his music career instead; the water bed was invented by a student; and the artist who designed the Garden of Remembrance (dedicated to the 19 students who were taken out of class and sent to an internment camp) also attended school here. I enjoyed watching the virtual commencement and seeing my granddaughter's name whiz by among many other names! One chapter in her life has ended and a brand new chapter is beginning for her!

A friend was able to capture my granddaughter's name as it sped by and sent it to me!

"There are far, far better things ahead 

than any we leave behind."

C.S. Lewis

A Miracle At Mass

 I attended a funeral mass on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. It is a large church and I sat about mid-way to the altar. When the Polish priest stepped to the altar and spoke to the congregation I could not understand him because he had a deep accent. Along with his accent, the sound system did not carry his words to where I was sitting. I had no idea what he said but guessed as he crossed his arms over his chest he was letting us know who could or could not receive communion.

The rosary led by a Deacon was easy to understand. When the mass began I could not understand or hear the Deacon, the priest, the Cantor or the young man giving a Eulogy of his father. I know I may be in need of hearing aids but my hearing is still able to pickup some words though nothing was reaching me in that church. Suddenly, I felt as if I was under water, everything went silent. Not a creak, a cough or sound made me feel as if I had entered a silent world. I thought it was strange at how silent the church became and then I heard the consecration. Every word was clear and loud. "This is my body." was said over the host and "This is the cup of my blood," was said over the wine. I heard those words clearly and then the world returned to normal. I could hear people moving, shuffling, mumbled words from the altar, and a few clearing of throats.  That sad thing is that I could not understand anything of what was being said on the altar. I am sure it was a beautiful mass and how I wished I could have followed the prayers and comments. Later I heard that toward the front of the church it is easier to hear and people seating toward the front had no problems hearing. Live and learn is a great saying!

Yet, I know a miracle happened at that mass and I know God wanted me to hear the words of the most important part of the mass! 

"Every Consecrated Host

is made to burn itself up

with love in a human heart."

St. John Vianney

I Love You

 Why is it so difficult to say "I Love you?" It seems to be more difficult for people that are between the ages of 70 and 90? I tend to think it is because growing up our families never said those three words. Today, at lunch, we discussed those three words that we can say to our children but not to close friends. I always thought those words should be for the man you married and the words were not to be tossed loosely around. Yet, in this day and age it seems like everyone uses those three words.  Hugging seems to come easier so today when we were saying goodbye and hugging each other we also said, "I Love You," and then we laughed in an embarrassed sort of way. The interesting thing is that I did feel loved as we celebrated my birthday with Mexican food and Margaritas! I received neat birthday cards, a tiny cactus magnet, a gift certificate and we each received a colorful dish towel. 

My four friends and I enjoy discussing many subjects including books, controlling people, credit cards, family, feminism, scams, food, relationships, Amazon Prime, memory loss and other subjects that I am having trouble remembering! What a wonderful afternoon as we enjoyed my birthday and being with each other! After about fifteen years I had a Margarita and it tasted as good as I remember!

****************************

The following day the Baker's Dozen group from Spirit of Christ Catholic Community met at Spice China in Louisville, Colorado. It was a long drive but well worth it because the Chinese restaurant has a great variety of tasty dishes. Desserts were presented in a beautiful display and the Tiramisu, Fried Caramel Ice Cream and Chocolate Ecstasy cake were our favorites! Ten people sang Happy Birthday to me and Marsha since we both have May birthdays and it was fun celebrating again. We did not blow the candle out because of Covid but just put the flame out by rubbing it on the side of the dish.

"Just remember,

once you are over the hill

you begin to pick up speed!"

Charles Schulz

*********************************************

May 20, 2021 arrived and today is my actual birthday. I got up this morning knowing that I would be a year older and thinking how happy I was to be able to celebrate one more year.  I got on my lap top and spent time responding to the many Facebook and text greetings. My phone kept ringing and I talked to family and friends as they wished me a happy birthday. Later, I met four friends at the Grandview Tavern in Old Town Arvada for a birthday lunch. We met around 11:30 a,m. and had fun eating, talking and then I opened my gifts. What a surprise receiving unexpected and wonderful presents. Gluten and sugar free cupcakes were bought by my good friend, Happy Birthday was sung and pictures were taken.

Everyone enjoyed their hamburgers and loved the flavorful fancy burgers. (I had eaten one before at this restaurant and thought it was the best burger I had ever eaten.) Everyone was happy but not as happy I was celebrating my 83rd birthday! After lunch we walked to Penzey's spice shop to order some turmeric and ginger for the lady that had purchased the cupcakes. After she ordered the two small jars, the manager said that the computers were down so he was giving her a gift of the spices. Now that was a pleasant surprise! My thought was that Karma was at work and she was getting repaid for her unselfish giving of the cupcakes!

It was a wonderful day as I received many texts, e-mails, physical cards, and phone calls wishing me a happy day. Even the weather cooperated because it was a warm eighty one degrees. I thought about those three word and even though no one said them, I certainly felt loved by my family and friends!

"Count your age by friends,

not years. Count your life

by smiles, not tears."

John Lennon

I thought I had ended my birthday blog but a visitor showed up with a card and gift. Later, a friend was driving by and stopped to say hello and had no idea it was my birthday. I told her that she was the icing on my birthday cake because it was so nice seeing her and chatting about what has been going on in our lives! Because of Covid it had been over a year that we had seen each other! At six p.m. I watched an interview of an attorney friend who is an author as he talked about his latest book, Angels in the Wind. Could I have asked for a better day, I don't think so!

"Spread love everywhere you go. 

Let no one ever come to you 

without leaving happier."

Mother Teresa

Missing My Friend

 It has been four months that my friend was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and I miss talking with her. I call her every once in a while but our conversations are not how they used to be in the past, yet it is still nice to hear her voice. Usually she has something on her mind and repeats whatever is bothering her. Her daughter asked me to try and guide her Mom to subjects about what she and I used to do. One day she was going on about the death of a friend and told me the story over and over again.  Trying to distract her from her morbid thoughts I reminded her about when we worked and after leaving the office we would go to a place called La Bola for some huge Margaritas. Her response surprised me when she said, "Erlinda, what has that got to do with what I am telling you about the death of my friend?" Her response sounded so normal that it made me wonder about the minds of patients suffering from Alzheimer's

For Mother's Day I called her and wished her a good day and she wished me the same. It was so normal and it made me feel good.  Of course, the rest of our conversation was a bit disjointed! Her birthday is coming up on May 18th and she will be eighty-three years old. I am right behind her because my birthday is on May 20th and sometimes we would celebrate our birthdays together. Covid put a stop to celebrating last year and I am hoping this year, since we both have our shots, we can meet for lunch. 

Getting no response to my text suggesting lunch, I called her daughter who is her care taker. She explained that lunch would not work since my friend can not be left alone and needs constant supervision. I decided to sent her a birthday card with my picture to help her remember our friendship. She has been my friend for forty-four years and our laughter, stories, and remembrances are slowly disappearing..

 This disease seems to be progressing very fast and it is difficult to understand how some memories are erased from a person's mind. I pray that she will have peace in her life and also that her caregiver can take care of her for awhile longer. And then they move into the next chapter facing them!

"A little bit of me will also be lost

when a friend suffers from Alzheimer's.

Secrets we have shared will disappear,

 and no one in this world

will really know the real me like she did!"

E. Moscoso

This is what I wrote in her card:

May 16, 2021

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear friend Louise:

Since you are now two days older than I am, I thought it would be a great time to wish you a blessed and happy birthday! We have been friends for over forty years and I give thanks to God for our friendship. I have so many memories of us hanging together, working together, listening to Jerome and his sax, going out for drinks at La Bola after work, meeting for lunch so many times, sharing our most inner thoughts, hanging out, traveling together, celebrations, and chatting on the phone! My life has been enriched having you as my friend.

Enjoy your special day and know that I love you and wish you peace and happiness as you celebrate one more year. You and I are similar in many ways and I think that is why we became such good friends.

Your "best" friend,

Erlinda

The Saga Continues

 Yesterday I received a call from my friend who is suffering with Alzheimer's. In the past I knew it was a disease of memory lapses but now I am finding out it is much more than that. She called and when I answered she asked who I was talking to because she heard what sounded like my voice. I told her I was not speaking to anyone and hadn't spoken to anyone all morning. I asked her how she was doing and she said, "Well, I still have all my things." 

"What things?" I asked. She said, "I was in the hospital last night!" I asked, "Why?" She replied,  "You  know what, I have to eat breakfast and get my brain in order." I told her we could talk later and I thought that she was not having a good day.

Her daughter called me and we talked for while about her mom. She told me that they tricked her into going to the doctor because she was hallucinating and they fooled her by telling her that Christine had a doctor's appointment and asked her if she wanted to go for a ride. Gave her medication for a mild inflammation of UTI. Laura told me that she is afraid of her mom and what she is capable of doing. Gave me names of UTube videos on Alzheimer and told me she has ordered a book also for people caring for patients.* Asked me to tell her mom that I no longer drive so that she will accept their taking away her keys and telling her not to drive anymore. She told me about the younger sister who by her behavior can cause my friend more problems. Laura finds it difficult to work and also to worry about what her mother is doing. Told me that at 4 in the morning she was cleaning out the pantry and that she had found the food expired but when Laura looked there were only a few that had expired. On seeing the worms in the carpet she called a counselor and was told to spray and tell her mom, "see, I've sprayed and the worms are gone." There also no worms in the hambone though they did toss them away because it was such a gross picture! While we were talking Laura received a text from her mom about she was going to call the police and we hung up. What a hard situation dealing with someone and you never know if she will be in a together mood or a terrible one!

January 30, 2021 my friend called me. Asked if I had ever hear of a medicine that begins with Sch and possibly quill. She was given the small pill and it knocked her out and Laura had to put her to bed. She mentioned that firemen came to the house and they stayed and talked with her while Laura went to buy her medication that had been prescribed by the doctor. One good looking one with blue eyes asked her questions like where she went to school, where did her husband go to school and she said, "We both went to Manual."

 "She wants my car, but she's not going to get it because I called my son and told him I was giving him my car. Since I can no longer drive I am giving my car to my son."  She told me she is getting to dislike her daughter. Told me that Laura is the leader and  has a strict face not nice like a nurse would have. Called her Nurse Crachett from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. I am amazed how normal she sounds and how she remembers the movie. Said that Christine babysits and sits on her big fat ass on the porch. "I am mad," was her comment. "The asshole downstairs took my car away." She told me how she has to lock her door and bought some gadget to put on the door knob so the door can not be opened and they cost about $4.99.

Most of the conversation was normal, just like old times. Repeated that she can no longer drive and gave the car to her son because she has never given him anything and she told him to come get it out of the garage.  "I guess since I will not be driving I will sit on my porch and watch people walk by or see the kids roller skating. If I need something I will have Laura pick it up for me or order from a grocery store." Then she said, "I've got to go, have things to do so I'll talk to you later. I said, "Well have a good day." I hope she does have a nice day.

At ten tonight I received a text:   None maybe it'll show tomorrow (referring to a picture I sent her earlier). Tired got home awhile ago. We went to dinner with family from Olathe where my sister lives Goodnight...didn't see any photo come in.  A smiling emoji ended her comment. I copied a picture taken yesterday of her niece with my friend. Reading a text where she sounds so normal makes me feel better about my friend's situation! I hope knowing that she has a large family who loves her will help slow down her dementia.

*36 Hour Day

............................................................................................................................................................

Monday, February 1, 2021 I texted my friend and she responded with "Who is this?" She then wrote my phone number and I wrote, "Your old buddy Erlinda." She did not respond. Leaves me wondering if she is having a really bad day or is busy and can not respond.

*Teepa Snow, Positive Approach

Rambling Phone Calls

Sunday Night, January 24, 2021

 I received a text, which I did not read, and then about five minutes later I received another text. I was dozing off and did not get my phone to see who was texting me around 10:35 p.m. When my phone rang, I decided to see who could be texting and calling. It was my friend who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She talked until 11:50 p.m. and I listened because I know of her illness. Below is paraphrasing the long texts she sent me. 

Threw hambone out because of worms crawling out of it. Every thing I find she goes crazy. She got on her knees and scratched with her fingernails and said there were no worms. She is a lady that is against me. I threw away the hambones and beans after I wrapped it up. I had never seen worms like that boil out of a hambone, you know and it's what I was doing was cleaning off the headboard so that we can have the headboard an then once I saw that I said I am not eating those beans are in a juice of the headphones so I threw out the beans in the garbage disposal. So now I saw all these somebody sent to me but that made me think of this is that Bernie was walking into his house one night last summer and then there was another small time all the moths were out right this moth flew straight into his ear like it knew that was its home. So Bernie had to sleep it without more than his ear all night long and the next morning his son I got up early and  took him to the hospital and they took out the moth with a long utensil, you know a medical utensil and Bernice at Rolla Oregon leave him there or take him out or what because he's not supposed to be there. Couldn't believe that Bernie left Martin is there all night I wouldn't of been enough to do that. Would you?

My response was, "I guess not." Another text came through.

The beans down the garbage disposal I don't keep those beans if the worms are in the hambone them there that bomb the worms are in the hambone is the first I've seen and I have been cooking beans all my life and I had a few balls I've never seen worms coming out of a hambone. It's the very first time, I've been cooking beans all my life and I have a few I've never seen worms come out of a hambone never. If my mother was alive don't know what she would say because they still people buy she may be those thigs were not yet now that I see the pictures of them people sentiment. Erlinda I saw on the first one I saw these little things here in my rug they were clusters of them the settings were moving like they were alive and hey were moving to eat another one another shedding so I started watching. I told my daughter because she didn't she wasn't paying attention she was watching a movie downstairs and I said well I'm going to go eat because she's going to blame me that I eat food in my room or something you know but I want an eight I'm going to go get half a banana I got me some credit when I get crackers with butter I think in the eye made me a plate but I don't need the right thread Ronald been doing the very best soon as I saw I put water in them and they were boiling soon as I saw those worms at Robles beans the jews (juice) went down the garbage and then I wrapped up the beans and threw them in the garbage.

Erlinda this is what they took it and let me call you. Are you still up? Let me talk to you tomorrow cause I got to tell you everything I don't know I don't know what's happening but they are making those rugs out of all of the worms or something and I thought it as so nice to work on South Carpet laugh out loud I thought it was really nice to work on self-confidence I am digging out one right now Erlinda the white ones are on the bottom like the eggs and dark ones are on the top to see this rug here it's different colors of a gray light gray beige each day they do look like worms and I had Laura became irritated with me and she said, "the doctor Mom, the doctor said I'll stop it stop saying that those are worms right now" and she's the doctor she said something is wrong with you I said something is wrong with everybody. Erlinda let me call you on the phone.

She called me at 10:40 and told me that the Dr. found something near her brain but she should just live out her days....she asked me what I though he meant and that his comment could be interpreted two ways. One would be she would die soon and to let her live her life without any operations and the other was that she had an extra brain. She told me about her son telling her he also wanted an extra brain and that they had laughed. She spoke of many things, some things made sense but others didn't and I just listened. Around ten til midnight she said that she had been talking a lot and that Bernie tells her "we have talked for a long time, maybe you should get some sleep." We hung up. The next morning I texted her to see how she was doing and she said she would call me back and I have not heard from her. I worry about her and wish there was someway to keep her lucid though with Alzheimer's there is no going back!

January 27, 2021

After speaking with my friend today I felt good because she sounded like how I remember her. She said she still remembers some of the skills she learned at Legal Aid and said, "I'm getting my brain ready to talk with you." She told me how she is strong and shoveled a path in the snow yesterday. "My Lord God and my Creator will keep me strong." She wanted to go to a bank on Mineral Road and her daughter insisted she would go with her and they went in her Mercedes. Said that her daughter is giving her a hard time and Christine wants to talk for her. She again told me that three doctors examined her and told her there is nothing wrong with her. She was told, you look good and nothing was found in the body scan though they did see something near her brain but because of her age they will not operate and she should live her life. She said she sang "Let it Be." today. Christine is getting combative and bossy. "She thinks that because she was able to take over her mother-in-law's affairs who suffered with Alzheimer's that she can take over and boss me around." I told her that her daughters' love her and they would never do anything to hurt her. She agreed yet said "But I am not sure about Christine."

She again told me she is strong. Cleaned out the pantry and found 25 or more expired cans that belong to Laura. She suspects she must get them somewhere other than KS since she did not recognize any of the labels. I said maybe she could donate them to a food bank and my friend said, "Yeah, Laura's food bank." That made us laugh. She again told me about what the doctors told her about not operating because of her age and I asked, "Did they say that the spot would affect your memory?" She did not answer but went on to tell me how she did laundry, blankets. She sounded normal to me. She seemed sensible and together. She has a fear that her daughters' are planning something but she still has her skills from working at Legal Aid so she would defend her self. She really sounded normal today as she listened and answered.

I felt better today after talking with her because it was like talking to my friend like we used to talk! She always had a sense of humor so sometimes I do not know if she is kidding or serious.

And I am sure this saga will continue......

My Disappearing Friend

 

We met in the late 70's and became good friends. She knows my every secret and I believe I know hers. We both have gone through similar tragic happenings like losing a son. She has always been there if I need a shoulder to cry on and likewise I am here for her. Our birthdays are two days apart and many times we have celebrated together.

Around Thanksgiving I called her to wish her a good day. We spoke briefly and two days later she called and asked if I had gone to California for thanksgiving. She said, "I feel bad we have not talked." I mentioned we had spoken on Thanksgiving and she said, "We did?" She then told me that her brain goes on delay and she had so much going on that it must have slipped her mind. I mentioned this to my daughter and told her I thought there was something wrong with my friend.

My friend has a way of withdrawing and I will not hear from her for months making me wonder what I could have done or said to upset her. Then one day I will hear from her and we continue as if we had just talked the day before! I guess that is what friendship is all about. This past week, she has called me twice and each time we talked for over an hour. She does most of the talking and I listen. She said, "Remember when you used to tell me I was a good listener, well now you are the good listener."

I noticed that both days she rambled on about the same things. She is telling me one thing that will remind her of something else and then she begins telling me that story until she picks another word and goes on to tell me another remembrance. I have to remind her of the original reason she called me. And it begins all over again. She will tell me, "Gosh, I am all over the place, aren't I?"

Yesterday one of her daughters called me. She said, "I notice you and my Mom have been on the phone a lot lately and if you noticed, she is suffering with mid to late Alzheimer." Of course I was shocked. "The doctor asked that we take away her car keys and for her not to drive anymore. Medication he has prescribed she will not take." My friend tells her daughters she is not going to put unknown pills in her mouth because there is nothing wrong with her!

Last evening my prayers were for her family because everyone is suffering. I hurt for my friend because she is in the state of confusion and does not know who to trust. I notice there is some paranoia with her wondering what her daughters are planning. She fears they want her out of the house. Not knowing anything about Alzheimer's I talked to a friend who went through a lot with her husband. She recommended getting a book: Learning to Speak Alzheimer's by Joanne Koenig Coste. I ordered it and am finding out different ideas on how to help someone who is getting Alzheimer's. Today when my friend text me and I couldn't make heads or tails of what she was saying, I did not respond but lead her down a different path by asking her about her original question she might have asked before the warbled message.

I had no idea that lighting, color schemes, interior set up of rooms, hallways, kitchen, bathroom, furniture and wall hangings, etc. can give a patient a more relaxed, anxious free, or happier environment. As I continue to read and learn, I will be able to communicate with my friend and not get upset if she repeats things!

Today when she called, we had a good visit;  it was almost normal! The doctor told her daughters to take away her car keys but my friend is not aware of this fact. She still talks about being able to drive and running errands. She is in denial and does not accept the diagnosis and as I think about it, I would be doing the same thing if I was told I had Alzheimer's!

I have been praying for my friend and her family because they have a tough road ahead of them. I will continue communicating with my friend for as long as we are able. Covid 19 has stopped our meeting together but she and I will always be friends even though she may not remember!

From the book Learning to Speak Alzheimer's:

"Take away my license,

but don't steal my independence.

I will let you drive,

but let me tell you

where I want to go."

Written in January, 2021 but did not publish until May 13, 2021.

Forty-Seven Years Without My Mother

Today is Mother's Day and my thoughts are with my Mother who is in the arms of our Lord. She was more of a friend than a mother. How we laughed about silly things. How we talked every single day. How we shared secrets. How I enjoyed hanging out with her, especially after my children were born. How I remember her little sayings:  Dime con quien andas y te dire quien eres. La tierra que entra a tu cuerpo es mejor que la tierra que sale de tu boca. Una boca cerrada no entra mosca. Lo barato sale caro. Mas vale tarde que nunca. No hay mal que por bien no venga. Ojos que no ven, corazon que no siente. Panza llena, corazon contento. And so on! 

Even though we never said "I love you," I knew she loved me. She thought I was perfect and always complimented me by telling me how pretty I looked, how she liked how I walked, how smart I was, how easily I got along with people, how she liked my thick hair, how she liked the hazel color of my eyes, how she liked my smile. She told me to always be kind to people, love God, do unto others as you want them to do to you, offer everything to God, 

I saw how she visited her family in Kersey, Colorado, in Albuquerque, New Mexico and those that lived in Weld County. The only reason I remember many of them is because I was always with her as she visited. Maybe because she was orphaned at three years old she felt that staying in touch with family was important. I also try to stay in touch with family and friends even if it is only on Facebook!

We traveled together and shopped together. Our tastes were different but we accepted each other's likes and dislikes. Once we got kicked out of Carlsbad Caverns because we could not stop giggling. In church we used to get to laughing and had to get up and leave because we could not control our laughter. One look and we knew what the other was thinking.

She was unselfish and thought about other's happiness before her own. Every weekend we went to the mountains on a picnic and as far as I remember we had fun. Years later she told me she hated those mountain trips but went along because she knew my father enjoyed them. I recall her slicing a pie in four sections for each of us to get 1/4 but if  my brother asked for more, she sliced her quarter in half to share it between my brother and me.

Growing up I was not impressed with her cooking; beans, potatoes, green or red chili, and homemade tortillas. Now, I'd give anything to be able to prepare something as tasty.

My Mother has been gone almost half of my life, yet I miss her every day. How I loved to see her dress up and out of her apron. She seemed so tall and strong and I thought she would be around forever. I can still remember a dress with tiny lavender flowers.

Happy Mother's Day to my Mother in heaven!

"God could not be everywhere,

and therefore he made Mothers."

Rudyard Kipling

Cinco de Mayo

Today is the 5th of May and I am getting ready to go to a friend's house to meet some friends and have some sort of a celebration. Even though this day is not celebrated in Mexico, it has become a traditional holiday here in the United States. The menu, I have been told will be Pozole, guacamole, chips and a dessert. I am in charge of dessert and I intend to surprise them!

We all arrived with our goodies around 4:30 p.m. and began snacking on a green chili salsa with chips. It always amazes me how much we can talk about so many subjects! Around 6:30 we entered the kitchen to sit at the table already set and with a large lazy Susan with diced Mexican cheese, onions, peppers. avocado, cilantro, and radishes. The pozole was served hot after simmering with meat, tomato, onion, corn (both homily and yellow corn), chili flakes to make a delicious pozole-soup. Flour tortillas and sour cream for those that wanted them were also on the table. After filling up on the Pozole, we were served cold, sweet watermelon. I then brought out the Mexican Fried Ice Cream that I had prepared for the climax of our dinner!

In the background, we listened to a CD of Cantina Classics, a variety of Mexican songs. Of course, I was the only one who understood the lyrics! We had a photo shoot where everyone got to wear the huge and heavy sombrero! What more can I say other than I had a wonderful evening eating good food and being with friends. My thanks for all who made this happen and especially to our hostess who makes us feel at home. When we are at her home, the saying of Mi Casa es Su Casa is true!

"It is Cinco De Mayo, Amigo!

This is the time to loosen up

and indulge in happy and fun

times with family and friends.

Enjoy the wonderful day to the fullest!"

From the Internet

A Beautiful Spring Wedding

We began hearing about the upcoming wedding of my friend's son months ago. She kept us informed about the marriage plans, picking out the right color dress for the mother of the groom, and some of the stressful moments in planning a wedding. We virtually saw the dress she ended up buying and we all liked it! She kept us up to date on the bride's mother who had been diagnosed with cancer and everyone wondered if she would make it for the wedding. Finally, a date was set and in the last week of April, the parents of the groom left for Arizona to be there for the April 29th, 2021, wedding.

This morning I was able to see the wedding from beginning to end at the beautiful Ocotillo golf course in Chandler, Az. Flowers seemed to be all over and rivaled the Bride's large bouquet. I watched as five couples walked down the green sloping landscape beginning with father and groom. Men in dark blue, groom in grey,  women in lavender or pink and a doggie with a bow tie.  I was happy to see the bride's Mom in a motorized scooter looking very healthy and happy.

Watching the groom's face as he peeked back to see his bride said it all. What a sweet smile as he watched her approach him. From then on they held hands. A nice touch was when a yellow rose was given to each Mother. The service went well with each saying their vows to each other. I had never met the young man and found him to be handsome, dimpled, and with a sense of humor. When he pulled out a long piece of paper that listed his faults and how he would change we all laughed because it would have taken hours for him to go through the long list. He later clarified his actions by saying the long sheet was blank and he had done it to get a laugh. The bride was beautiful in a white strapless dress with layer after layer of white flimsy ruffles. A granddaughter of a friend had exclaimed, "She looks like a princess!" when she saw the couple dancing, 

An interesting feature which I had never seen before were two glasses of wine and each drank and poured it into a larger glass to represent the joining of the two. In a Catholic ceremony a large candle is lit by the two and also represents the joining of the two families. My friend's daughter who flew in from Hawaii sang a poignant song to the bride and groom. After they were pronounced man and wife and they kissed, the whole bridal party exited dancing to It Feels So Good. My friend walked out with her tall grandson and and her daughter walked out with her father.

I felt as if I had attended the wedding. The videographer did an excellent job showing the viewers exactly what was happening. A beautiful wedding with beautiful people!

"The best thing to hold 

onto in life is each other."

Audrey Hepburn

An Unusual Movie

Navillera (Like a Butterfly) is an unusual movie because there are no naked bodies, no love making, no smoking, no drinking, no guns, no cuss words and no extreme violence.  Yet, the movie is interesting and covers subjects like family relations, ballet dancing, rivalries among young people, sports, boss and employer problems and Alzheimer. It has acts of kindness, caring for others, humor and loving actions, as well as enough tension to keep the viewer wanting to know what will happen next.

A seventy year old man decides he want to learn ballet, a dream he has had since childhood. A young ballerino is given the job to teach him and is not happy. The elderly man has a loving wife who tends to boss him around. They have three children and a granddaughter and all of them seem to be floundering in their lives. The ballerino's father, a coach, has been in prison for being physically abusive to his soccer team. There is anger between the young soccer players and upsetting scenes between employers and workers.

Watching the many episodes and not knowing what will happen kept my interest. I enjoyed the series and loved the ending. I cried through many parts of the emotional and frustrating acts, but I would recommend this story! It was such a relief to see a movie with no superficial actions used in order to sell a movie. This was just a down to earth story with no need for sensationalism!

In trying to find out what the title of the story meant I looked it up on the Internet. This Korean story was originally a popular webtoon type of story that developed into real characters. 

"I don't care if I lose to reality.

I want to give it a shot a least."

Deok-Chul (Mr. Sim)