Planning to Backpack

We (yes, that includes me) are going to back pack. Never done this before. Excited ~ worried ~ looking forward to it ~ so I am "rehearsing" or in training. Walking further in the mornings. Tomorrow I start that normal morning walk with a pack on my back. Will I make it to 30 lbs before the trip itself? I don't know. Right now I haven't even had a pack that big on my back, never mind having it loaded with all I need to spend 4 nights on the trail.

The couple we are going with are very OK with my speed and my insecurities. Dee thinks I can do it or we wouldn't be doing it ~ and he has said, if I just can't, we won't. That "permission" helps me move forward. So far, I am ok. Much more positive about it than negative ~ with that energy moving up. The story continues ~ with blessings

Civil discourse

I've mentioned civil discourse before -- and questioned where it has gone. So I am asking the question again. Why can't our political pundits, commentators, and other public folks speak civilly with one another? Why can't issues rather than personalities be discussed? Why is it necessary to call people names, make slurs about their families, decry who they are? *sigh* 

Are we All so unsure of our positions, ideologies, and opinions that we can't defend them or attack the other side based solely on the issue? 

~ maybe we will return to civil discourse at some time ~ until then, blessings ~ 

Proud grandmother

We have an original Kyle McKay! Technically I am Kyle's step-grandmother. When it comes to pride in his work and art, there is no step, no barrier, no separation. I am So Proud of him. Today he brought us an original painting of Emerald Bay, his grandpa's favorite place in the whole world. We are both So Proud ~ and pleased. Grins all around ~ blessings

Carmel-by-the-Sea

We are in Carmel for a meeting. This is a beautiful place. And I Love the ocean. It is the Womb. It is home. I prefer it when the water is warm enough for a swim. And I can stand on a blustery promontory in New England and spread my wings against the wind and be happy. So - I have enjoyed walking along the beach and being. 

This morning I share the birds with you. I have named this picture "There must be fish" - :) Enjoy. ~ blessings

Customer Service

When customer service is bad, we complain! We let folks know. And in this day of Twitter and blogs and other social networks, we can spread that word Fast. 

Do we do the same with Good service. Do we even acknowledge it personally to the person who gave it? One night I was trying to make airline reservations. I found myself connected to Rita because online wasn't working for me. I knew I was going to be a pain to Rita. So I countered her already tired and just a bit surly voice with thanks, with acknowledgments of her wisdom, with my own patience and hers. Slowly I heard her voice change. We began to laugh at my absolute befuddlement of some of this process (not a straight forward round trip obviously). Finally we had the reservations and all was well. Rita asked if there was any more she could do for me - hoping I am Sure that I would say no. Instead I asked to speak to her supervisor so I might explain how professional and wonderful she had been. 

After saying I didn't have to do that and my saying I knew that, she put him on and I offered the promised kudos. Guess what I found out? The next day, Rita would have balloons and some flowers at her desk. They all worked in a big room with cubicles and so all her colleagues would know she had been praised for her good work. I felt So Good -- and all it had taken me was a few minutes more to say Thanks to the right person. And yes, back then I touted Rita and her airline (American) to lots of friends. 

None of which cost me a thing - and actually made me feel really good. Customer service works both ways and is worth it from both sides. ~ blessings

I love this quote

E. B. White (Stuart Little, Charlotte's Web) said, "I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." 

For some reason that sentiment Really appeals. I have no reflection on it. I offer it as it was offered to me, for your own reflection and gentle amusement. ~ blessings

Delightful!

Grand-daughter (age 4) is playing with other kids - running, racing, playing. All of a sudden she Stops, pivots on her toes, and runs toward me. Turning back to her play mates she announces while still running, "I have to hug Mama Susan." And she does. The wonderful thing about hugs is that they are reciprocal. :D :D :D ~ hugs and blessings

Stratford anytime

When my daughters were in high school, we went to England. In the middle of the trip, we were in Stratford - and we loved it so much we stayed and extra day or two and just hung out. It was then we decided that every trip needed three days in Stratford in the middle of it. Go to China for three weeks - spend three days in the middle in Stratford. Go to NYC for a week - spend some time in Stratford in the middle of it. :) You get the idea. 

Well, today I have found another middle ground. Have lots and lots of family here for 2 weeks - in the middle they all go away for a day. One family has left. Another has gone to a friends' house to water ski. One couple will drift back in late tonight with all others returning tomorrow. And Dee and I will be Much More able to cope with their descent again because today has been Ours. We went out to lunch. We have napped. I have read and he has puttered and no one has pulled or patted or asked for our attention in any way. And tomorrow I will be Thrilled to welcome all those little hugs and big smiles for another 6 days!! ~ blessings