Why I hate Winter

I hated it as a child, I hated it as a teenager, I hated it as a teacher, I hated it as a parent, and now as a senior I hate Winter more than ever! The fact that I have always lived in the same city, in Southern Ontario, Canada, is probably a huge contributing factor to my negative attitude.

When I was young, my long-suffering mother would dress me up in leggings, boots, snow jacket, hat, hood and mittens so I could go out and play in the snow. Ten minutes later, she'd reverse the process because my mitts were wet, my hands were freezing, my socks were soggy and my boots were stuffed with the cold white stuff. Besides, there was nothing to do out there.

Undaunted, she signed me up for skating lessons at the "Winter Club", at the local arena.. I soon discovered that ice skating was not among my limited list of talents. Now I had skinned knees, bruises and a sore posterior to add to the long list of winter miseries.

The teen years were no improvement, only now I had to dress myself. Trudging off to high school through a raging blizzard, like Nanook of the North, loaded down with books was not my idea of fun. Indulging in any outdoor winter sports would have seemed like an undeserved punishment.

It's no wonder I did well at school. Sitting in a warm house doing Homework seemed the best of all available choices during the Winter months.

Eventually I became a teacher, spending most of my career in the early grades. Then, guess what? It was payback time. I had twenty-odd little souls to manoeuvre in and out of winter clothing eight times a day from November through March. Sometimes parents would come early to pick up their child and they'd help with some of the others. I could have kissed them, but I was afraid I'd scare them away and they wouldn't come back and help again.

To add to the fun, the children were bussed to the arena for weekly skating sessions during January and February. These took the place of the usual Physical Education lessons. Every young Canadian would naturally love the activity, and have a natural proclivity for moving gracefully around the ice-covered surface on skates, right? Wrong!

The teachers were expected to be on the ice with the children, in case there was an accident. Most of them were, gliding along on their skates giving pointers to the odd child who was having problems.

Then there was me. I didn't dare risk trying to skate; I'd learned my lesson in that area years ago. I shuffled along in my winter boots, which covered two pair of socks on my cold, numb feet and I prayed for this torturous period in Purgatory to pass quickly.

My first marriage lasted ten years before my husband left for greener pastures leaving me with four children under eleven to raise. The three boys should have been encouraged to join hockey teams, like their friends. But, besides the prohibitive financial considerations, the practices took place at five A.M. and I just couldn't face dragging us all out in the cold at that unholy hour, standing around in a frozen arena for two hours and then teaching all day. Selfish, you think? Lazy? Maybe, but I just couldn't handle it at the time.

To be honest, there were a lot of winter sports and activities they missed out because of my hatred of the coldest season.

Now, I'm a senior, retired and happily married for thirty-five to my second husband, but there's one thing that hasn't changed. I still hate winter. As I write, I'm wearing two pair of woolly socks under my shoes, a fluffy jacket, and heavy jeans. The house is 72 degrees F.

You may be asking, if I won the lottery, would I move to a warmer climate? No, not at this stage of my life. My children, my grandchildren and my family are all near me here. Being retired, I don't usually have to go outside on the worst days, and I've become quite good at cocooning. You might say that Old Man Winter and I have reached a state of respectful coexistence.

Besides I may have the last laugh yet. On days when I go to the window to see the snow blowing around and hear the wind howling, I whisper a message to him under my breath and smile an evil smile: " Have fun while you can - GLOBAL WARMING is proceeding ahead of schedule"!

Ten reasons to throw a party

Parties are fun. Since humans are social creatures, most of us enjoy getting together with people with whom we share friendship, bloodlines, or common interests. Parties are opportunities to mingle, visit and catch up on the news in a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere. Here are ten occasions which offer splendid excuses for an individual or a group of people, to suggest and/or arrange a party:

 1. Birthday

 When someone dear has survived and enriched the lives of those around him or her for another year, it is surely cause for a celebration. The very young and the very old are often especially honored.

2. Christmas

Christians celebrate Jesus' birthday on December 25th. each year. As the Magi brought gifts to the Baby, families and friends exchange gifts to celebrate the day. Santa Claus has evolved into the symbol of Christmas for the very young. Families gather to feast and enjoy each other's company.

3. New Year's Eve

Hurray! We've all survived another year and January 1st. signals an opportunity to begin anew. Many folks resolve to make changes which will improve their lives. Often friends will gather to raise a glass or two to toast the departing and incoming years.  

4. Halloween

"All Hallow's Eve" or "Halloween", has evolved from the celebration of the Christian holyday: "All Saints Day", observed on November 1st. Costumed children collect candy from door to door in the neighborhood; costumed grownups party later in the evening, participating in dancing and merrymaking to keep the evil spirits away.

 5. Thanksgiving

This family holiday, observed in the United States on a Sunday near the end of November ushers in the Christmas season. People give thanks for the recent harvest and other blessings received during the past year. Family groups gather from far and near to share the traditional turkey dinner.

6. Bridal Shower/ Stag Party

 Young people, preparing to be married, celebrate with their friends. The bride, the guest of honor, receives a shower of gifts and good wishes from her girlfriends. The prospective groom gathers with his buddies to mark his final days of carefree bachelorhood.

 7. Wedding

What could be more joyful than a wedding reception?  A young couple have developed enough faith in each other and the future, to pledge love and faithfulness until death do them part. A new family has been formed! Friends, relatives and the entire community have reason to celebrate.

 8. Anniversary

 Today, when almost half of marriages end in divorce, every anniversary should be cause for celebration. Maintaining a successful marriage takes effort and when two people achieve  another year of wedded bliss, they deserve a party. The longer the marriage, the more joyous the celebration should be. The fiftieth anniversary should be a real blowout!

 9. Independence Day

 The United States celebrates Independence Day on July 4th. Canada has Canada Day on July 1st. These beautiful, warm summer days are perfect for citizens of both countries to celebrate their joy and gratitude for living in free, democratic societies.

 10. Family Reunion

 Sadly, many families only gather for funerals and weddings, when the mood and the time limits are not conductive to relaxed visiting and in-depth conversations. This situation can be remedied by an annual or biennial family reunion. This can be arranged as an outdoor event in summer weather, with all guests contributing to a grand potluck dinner.

 These are only a few occasions which may prompt individuals or groups to give a party. Actually, there are hundreds of reasons a creative person could come up with: an un-birthday party, a celebration of Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter, a pre- or post- holiday party, to welcome a new pet, job, or the completion of a remodelng project. The list is endless. Try to plan a  get together soon; after all, parties are fun!

Grandpa J.

My grandpa was the town drunk. You could ask anyone who lived in his small Northern Ontario village in the nineteen forties; everyone knew him, and just about everyone liked him too. He was a happy drunk, and, drunk or sober, he could tell stories that would make anyone within hearing distance roar with laughter.

I only saw him for a few weeks every summer when we made our annual trip to the cottage. While there, we often came into town so Mother could visit her parents, and five siblings. I loved visiting at Grandma's because there were always lots of cousins running in and out, and the grown-ups were always so busy talking that they didn't pay much attention to us kids. We had some grand adventures!

If Grandpa tried to sneak away during these visits, Grandma (old hawk-eye that she was) would holler at all of the grandkids around, " Go follow your grandfather and make sure he doesn't go into the hotel!" Then the fun began. Grandpa would totter down the main street, whistling, hands in the pockets of his saggy black pants, pretending he didn't hear the giggling troupe behind him, as we ran from one telephone pole to the next, trying to hide.

After two blocks the hotel came into view. Beside it there was the General Store and next to that, the ice cream parlor. Suddenly Grandpa would halt in his tracks and muse aloud, "I wonder if anyone around here would like an ice cream cone." Of course, he was quickly surrounded by a cluster of grandchildren to whom that sounded like a great idea! Grandpa would pull out a handful of nickels and we'd be off for treats. Of course when we came back, he'd have disappeared. The saloon had won another round. During all the summers we spent up north, the game nor its outcome, never varied. The only one who didn't enjoy it was Grandma.

We used to think that she was mean. We often heard her nagging and scolding him. With the limited understanding of the young, he seemed to be the victim and she his tormentor. He seemed such a harmless, happy old soul and he only wanted to be left alone. We were unquestionably on Grandpa's side of the never-ending struggle against the Demon Whiskey.

Looking back through adult eyes, I think it was probably a classic example of the old situation: " She nagged because he drank, and he drank because she nagged." What a sad life they must have shared for many years. I'm glad I didn't have the maturity to view the reality of their day-to-day existence and their marriage.

As things are, my sister, my cousins and I are left with a priceless legacy of memories of happy summers up north, and humorous anecdotes of visits with Grandma and Grandpa. They make us roar with laughter just as heartily as if Grandpa himself were telling them!

Haiku: Deer

Proud doe, newborn fawn
Nestled in the underbrush.
Oh hunter, pass by!

Prevent ear infections in your Bassett Hound

One of the distinctive features of a Basset Hound are his long, velvety ears. They help give him that appealing, mournful expression. However, although they are cute, those floppy ears have a negative side- they prevent air circulation and cause moisture retention within the dog's ear canal. The resulting warm, damp environment is ideal for the development of bacterial or yeast infections.

Keeping the dog's ears dry and clean is important. Routine ear cleaning for a Basset Hound is a preventive measure meant to keep those large, silky ears healthy.

Regular cleaning should be done two or three times a week. Assemble the necessary materials beforehand. You will need: cotton balls, cotton swabs, an ear-cleaning solution for dogs and a damp wash cloth.

Ear-cleaning solution may be purchased from your veterinarian or from a pet supply store. As an alternative, a mixture of half-and-half white vinegar and sterile water may be used. Both should be at room temperature when beginning the cleaning routine.

Proceed as follows:

(a) Wipe down the ear with a damp wash cloth or moistened towelette.

(b) Moisten a cotton ball and clean the crevices around the outer portion of the ear. A swab may be used to clean inside the wrinkles. Do NOT use the swab to probe down inside the ear. You may cause pain or actual damage.

(c) Gently pour enough solution into the ear to fill the canal.

(d) Hold the dog's ear up to prevent the solution from running out. Massage the base of the ear, on the outside, for 15-20 seconds, to enable the solution to loosen the normal dirt and wax build-up.

(e) The Basset Hound will naturally shake his head after a few seconds. This action will help dislodge any internal debris.

(f) Dry as much of the ear as you can reach with a cotton ball, but don't push the cotton down into the ear canal.

(g) Repeat the procedure with the other ear.

Sometimes, an infection will develop inside the dog's ear even when it has been well cared for. Left untreated, ear infections can lead to serious problems. Since your pet cannot tell you when his ear is painful or itchy, you must be alert for the following signs of discomfort:

* Frequent scratching or rubbing of one or both ears

* Shaking his head

* Tilting his head to one side

* Soreness around the ear area.

Additional signs which indicate a yeast infection in particular, are an unpleasant odor and a brown discharge noticeable inside the dog's ear.

When any or all of these symptoms appear, it is time for a visit to the veterinarian. Besides an infection, the problem might be an allergy, or a serious build-up of wax. Only the vet is qualified to accurately assess and treat these problems.

Your Basset Hound will give you many years of affection, pleasure and companionship. As the owner, it is your responsibility is to provide your dog with love, food, shelter, and veterinary care. With this breed in particular, ear care is an important component of a routine health-care regimen.

How to gain self-confidence

The Oxford English Dictionary defines confidence as "a positive feeling gained from a belief in your own ability to do things well", and "faith in someone or something" For most of us, confidence in self develops slowly. It is acquired as we experience repeated successes in a certain area. For example, after I have prepared dinner for many different guests over a period of months, and received enthusiastic compliments on my culinary skill, I begin to have confidence in my ability as a cook.

Developing confidence requires that our efforts be affirmed by other people, or at least one other person. If my husband likes my coffee, and often tells me so, I gain confidence in my ability to make a cup of coffee that he will always appreciate. If the large staff which comprise my department at work, frequently compliment the coffee I make, and compare it favorably to the brew at the neighborhood coffee shop, my confidence will grow by leaps and bounds. The more votes of confidence we receive on our ability in a certain area, the greater our confidence becomes.

It is important for every child to develop confidence in his ability in at least one area. Many children who are not outstanding in academics, will have another talent, such as artistic ability or sports competency. Wherever his aptitude lies, his knowledge of its existence is an important factor in the overall growth of a healthy character. When he has episodes of disappointment or failure, as we all do, he will think, "Well, I may not be much good at Math., but our team wouldn't have won the trophy, without me!"

You will also have confidence in other people. If your dentist repairs your teeth, and gives you a sparkling smile, over a period of years, you gain confidence in his skill and will confidently recommend him to friends and family. Many of these trusting relationships will develop during one's lifetime: with the doctor, hairdresser, clergy person, and others who give consistently satisfactory service. It is important to verbally acknowledge their skill and express appreciation, so that their self-confidence may grow and they will perform even more efficiently.

We also develop confidence in products or things which have given consistently good service over a period of time. For example, at this time when foreign-made toys have been found to be actually dangerous to children, how many parents have taken time to write a brief note of appreciation to American or Canadian toy-makers who have produced safe and durable playthings for years? If these manufacturers receive enough votes of confidence, they will show their appreciation by ensuring that our children have safe, reasonably-priced toys for years to come.

Self-confidence, then, is a valuable commodity. It gives us the assurance to continue to do what we do well, and thus enrich the lives of the people around us and society in general. Self-confidence develops as others express confidence in us.

In our turn, we are obligated to express the confidence we feel in others, including the manufacturers of quality products, so that their self-confidence may grow. In this way, a circle of success is established. A society consisting of reliable, self-confident individuals who interact favorably with one another, can only be advantageous for all of us.

You're never too old to write

You can become too old to do lots of things: get pregnant, dance the limbo, be an astronaut, or swim the English Channel, but, as long as you can carry on an intelligent conversation, you will never be too old to write. You may need a secretary to do the actual pencil pushing or typing, but the thoughts, the ideas, the conclusions drawn should be your very own.

In fact, it can be argued that the older the writer, the better and more insightful the literary material will be. The mature person has had many opportunities to experience, to observe, to compare the similarities and differences among people. Through a lifetime of participating in dialogue, they have become skilled at drawing accurate oral descriptions of personalities, surroundings and situations.

The older the author, the more conflicts or difficulties he has experienced himself, and the more often he has watched others struggle to overcome the rough spots in life. He has seen how challenging situations have been resolved. He has reflected on the outcomes. Were they satisfactory? Were the solutions arrived at effective or only partially so? What questions remain to be answered?

The older writer probably has at least a dozen plots for engrossing novels tucked away in his mind. All he need do is choose one, arrange the events in sequential order, change the names and locations to protect the innocent ( and himself from lawsuits), and flesh out the story with interesting details and graphic descriptive passages. There you have the ingredients for a best-seller, maybe even a series of novels, as you follow one of more characters through a series of dramatic life events.

For those who choose to write non-fiction, an older writer again has many advantages. He has years of experience in a profession or trade, the details of which may be interesting to others. He has participated in hobbies, volunteer activities, a particular religious group, fraternal orders, all of which arouse curiosity in some circles. Merely by living years in a particular country, participating in a culture, in a particular time period, provides the older writer a plethora of choices for his literary efforts.

I only started writing after retirement. I'm enjoying it immensely, especially since I've joined several online writing communities. I don't think I could have tackled writing in my younger years. I was too busy, I didn't have time to plan, to reflect, to make connections or corrections as I do now.

I hope the time never comes when I'm too old to write. If it does, I hope those around me will keep it a secret. Personally, I have no plans to stop at all; I'm just getting warmed up!