Tis a Mystery - A Quick One

 I was getting ready for work early this morning and was brushing my teeth. I was in a good mood and happened to look down at the sink as I brushed. And today was the first time I noticed this: there are five toothbrushes and five tubes of toothpaste on the top of the sink. However, there are only three of us...

This struck me as odd. There were two toothbrushes in the toothbrush holder, and three toothbrushes in open containers that they had come in. There were three kinds of Crest toothpaste: 3D White, Pro-Health and Crest Kids (no littles in the house); one tube of Listerine toothpaste and one Dental Care tube. So besides us: who else was brushing their teeth???

I cracked open the door and the two puppy heads were there wagging their tails at me. I closed the door again. No, it couldn't be...

Well of course it wasn't the dogs! But why in the world were there so many toothbrushes and so much toothpaste? How many teeth do we have? Kitty, who seems to be the one of us with the most sense, probably only uses one toothbrush. I only use one toothbrush. But would Brie use three toothbrushes? And for what? I use the Listerine toothpaste, Kitty uses the Dental Care religiously, so does that mean Brie is using three different kinds of Crest toothpaste: one for each toothbrush? Tis a mystery.

So when we're all home later, hopefully I'll get to the bottom of this. In the meantime, in a reusable bag I found two more tubes of toothpaste before I went to work. Looks like I'll be adding Ultra Brite and Pronamel to the rotation! So between all of the toothpaste and toothbrushes: we should have the cleanest teeth in town 😄

For Ramona

 My favorite radio show of all time is Bob and Sheri. They were based out of Charlotte, NC and were a hoot. Through their show, I got to know Max Sweeten, one of the engineers who has the kindest heart of anyone I know; and the People's Movie Critic Lamar Richardson who is hilarious and a devout Christian. But that isn't what this post is about.

As I listened, and then started following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, I noticed other radio people that would sometimes like the same things I liked, or would like something I posted and we began following each other. One of these people was a radio personality named Ramona Holloway.

I've never met Ramona, yet I feel as though I know her. A couple of years ago I saw she was doing a FB live called "The Recovery Room" and she did it every Monday. So I started watching and learned a lot about her. Her premise was, "We're all recovering from SOMETHING right now so I'll be sharing helpful and hopeful stories with a sick world just trying to get well." I believe she started it around covid time and after her mother, Wheezy (Louise), was diagnosed with dementia.

Knowing that I was in a similar situation, I became fascinated with Recovery Room and Ramona in particular. I loved how close she was to her mother, who had lived with her for years. I loved the videos she shared of Wheezy, and I couldn't believe how much she reminded me of Marie in a way. These videos were very entertaining, but never disrespectful or exploitative. And it wasn't always sunshine and roses. They showed in real life what it's like caring for someone with dementia: the good and the bad. It's the same whether you're a celebrity (like her) or a regular person (like me).

Ramona shared how upset she was when her mom remembered the dog (Henri) but not her. She knew it was the disease but that really hurts. Marie would tell stories about her children when they were young, but she never remembered me in those stories. When she had to go to a nursing home and I would call her: she would forget it was me in the middle of the conversation. So whatever name she would call me by: I would answer to. So I knew Ramona's pain.

I remember how torn up Ramona was when she knew she couldn't provide at-home care for Wheezy anymore; and she had to go to a nursing home. I was just as upset. Wheezy wanted to stay home with her daughter, but you know when you can no longer provide the care they need. That can be excruciating. Although Marie drove me bonkers sometimes, when she wasn't at the house anymore, I really missed her and felt guilty for not being Superwoman.

Wheezy went to a very nice facility and the videos continued. Ramona created an all-ages inclusive fundraiser called #FamilyDancePartyCLT to support local charities and teach the next generation about philanthropy. I saw a clip this year of Wheezy dancing at this event and I loved it!

Alas, that clip was deceiving. A couple of weeks ago I saw something on social regarding Wheezy's death. I gasped and couldn't believe it. How had I missed it? I immediately reached out to Ramona and she confirmed that Wheezy had died in April of 2021. I was heartbroken and sent a lovely note to Ramona. 

Why would the death of a stranger hit me so hard? Because through Ramona, I got to know her and her mom, like they were actually a part of my family. I got to see the love and sacrifice of an only child, doing what a child needs to do in later life: take care of the parent that raised and took care of them. I learned a lot through watching their lives unfold.

Someday I fully intend to visit Charlotte, North Carolina to meet my favorite radio people. Ramona is first on my list. I want to thank her for sharing Wheezy with all of us, for the love and care she provided to her mom and for never being too busy or too famous to respond to me.

Here they are with Henri. R.I.P Wheezy. You were certainly loved.

Pass the Cigars!

Going through some files on my computer, I came across the following, which I never posted. It's about my beautiful Luna, and her adopted brother Binky. I know there were a couple of previous stories, but this one was the most interesting. So from somewhere around...2000, here we go!

As time wore on, Luna and Binky continued with their little hijinks. These included hiding our jewelry (she would knock it on the floor and they would bat it into a plastic bag) and lying right in front of my bedroom door so when I opened it in the morning, they would be the first things I’d trip over on my way to the bathroom.

Binky outgrew his name as he got older, but Luna continued to be a lightweight. When it came time for them to get spayed and neutered, we made Binky’s appointment but Luna didn’t weigh enough to have the procedure. This wasn’t an issue, as Binky, to put it mildly, never did seem to be the brain trust of his litter. But of course we loved him anyway.

The day before Binky’s appointment, I received a frantic phone call at work from Brie. “Mom, something’s wrong with Luna!”

“Oh no! What happened to my Tootie-girl?!”

“I’m not sure but I think she hurt her back or her legs. She’s crawling around on the floor, dragging her hind-end and she’s yowling!”

Another one of Luna’s nicknames was mute-cat, because she never meowed or anything. So this was highly suspicious behavior.

Suddenly, the light bulb went on. “Oh no! She’s in heat! Get her and put her in the bathroom; don’t let Binky get near her!”

“Okay mom.”

All we needed was for Binky, in his myopic clumsiness, to attempt to put his big body on top of my little Loony-patootie. But he hadn’t exhibited any type of behavior even reminiscent of birds and bees knowledge. So I knew I wasn’t going to be the surrogate grandmother to a litter of kittens. The next day Binky got snipped, and we figured we’d gotten it done just in time!

And lo and behold, Luna finally started to put on a little weight so we could schedule her appointment with the vet. I would pick her up and notice she was getting heavier, and I asked her, “Luna, are you finally getting your womanly figure, my tootie-tootie-tootie?” She would purr and rub her furry little head against mine, because wouldn’t you if I called you my tootie-tootie-tootie?

A few weeks later, Schmoop-dog and I went out to dinner. Afterwards, we stopped off at my parents’ house to visit for a few minutes. “Have you called home?” Marie asked me. “No, why?” “I really think you should.”

I dialed my house and Brie answered the phone. “Mom! Luna had kittens!”

I can honestly say that is the first time my legs gave out under me and I plopped into a chair. “What? How could that be?”

“Apparently Binky wasn’t as slow as we thought. He must have gotten to her before I realized she was in heat.”

When I got home, there was Luna with 3 tiny kittens. Brie said, "We heard Luna yowl a bit earlier, and Kitty told me she had a kitten. I told Kitty there was no kitten: she probably saw a bug. Then I figured if a bug was as big as a kitten, we were in trouble. So I went in the kitchen and lo and behold: by that time there were two!"

"Well, and now there are three!" I looked at mama Luna, who stared back at me. "Isn't this something?" Then Luna let out another yowl and a fourth one popped out! I wasn't expecting that at all! Thanks for saving one for me Luna.

So Luna hadn’t been getting her womanly figure, she had been growing four kittens in her tummy. Can you tell Biology wasn’t my best subject in school? Or Brie's best subject either, ha ha. And you know I wanted to keep all of those kittens, but common sense won out and we just kept the little orange and white tiger, Charlie. But maybe someday I'll have a cat again. Maybe...

The Little Things Make it Worthwhile

 If there was one thing that I wasn't in the mood for yesterday, it was to leave work in Queensbury, drive to South Glens Falls to my brother's, drive back to Queensbury to do his grocery shopping, drive back to South Glens Falls to drop it off, and then drive home. Yet that's exactly what I did.

Now that I no longer live in South Glens Falls, I don't want to have to go back there. But Keith doesn't drive, and he had the Market 32 circular so he had picked out exactly what he wanted and needed me to get it for him. Ugh! I had tried to get him to just tell me what he wanted and I would pick it up and cut down on driving (gas is $4.99) but that's not how he operates. However, he did say that if I wanted a steak or anything, he would buy it for me. Okay then!

At least I knew it would be a quick trip. He only wanted three sets of items, so it wasn't that bad. Started out in the meat section. Success! They only had 2 of his 3 items, but i still counted that as a win. On to the cheese section. Hmm...not as successful as they only had the store brand, and not the name brand that was in the circular. But I cut my losses by getting 1 of the store brand for him to try. Then on to the seafood section!

I didn't need any assistance as I was just looking for pre-packaged seafood salad. I noticed the guy behind the counter and thought he looked familiar. He finished with his customer and then said, "Do you need any help with anything?" I took a good look at him and realized  he was one of the students I used to help when I worked in Financial Aid. "Paul!" I said,  "it's so good to see you! How are you?"

"I'm doing pretty good." He added shyly, "I actually graduated."

"You did? That's amazing!" I exclaimed. "I'm so proud of you! So what's next for you?"

"Well, I was thinking about going to SUNY Empire."

"And what would you take?"

"Independent Studies to work towards a Human Resources degree. Don't know how I'll do but I'd like to try."

"Paul, I have the utmost confidence in you. If that's your dream, go for it and I think you just might surprise yourself."

And then he said, "Thank you Rita, for all of your help over the years. You were always very nice to me."

"Well why wouldn't I be? Thank you for saying that Paul; it made my day and I was glad to help. I know I'll be seeing you around. Take care."

"Bye Rita."

And that's why God had me run that particular errand for my brother: so I could run into this particular adult student and share in his accomplishment. Paul had struggled, but he never gave up and graduated! I really was proud of him and I hope he gets that HR degree and a great job in the future. Although there's nothing wrong with working the seafood counter at Market 32!

So then I wasn't so mad at my brother. And in honor of this revelation: I went to the bakery and bought a dark chocolate fudge cake, on him. Thanks Keith! 

It's always the little things that you don't see coming, that can totally change your attitude and make something tedious into something worthwhile. For that I am grateful 😊 Fudge cake helps too!

Rita Dot Com by Amy T

I can't even take credit for this one. Let's call it a Friday Flashback, because my friend Amy T. (remember her? Inspiration for Irrational Fears - The Musical) actually wrote this years ago. We were sitting at work one day, bemoaning the fact of the dearth of men in our demographic. Then lo and behold: she found one online. Fast forward: they ended up getting married and still are to this day.

Since she was so lucky, she said I should also try online dating. NOPE: been there, done that and burned the internet down. She laughed and said it was time for me to try again.  I said there was no way and it took up too much time and brain power to complete the profile. She said she'd do it! So I let her, and here it is. Grab a cup of coffee (or a cocktail!) and settle in for this post!

 "The best part of being my age, truly, is that I am happy with myself.  I’m proud of the things I have accomplished, satisfied with my life and know that there is a great difference between being alone and being lonely; I am not lonely by any means.   I am looking for someone who just wants to enjoy Act II of life, for all the wonderful things that are in store.   I feel that chemistry and honesty are the most important qualities in building a relationship of any kind so I will share the key elements of my life and in turn will share the expectations I have in the kind of person I am seeking.  All the little things in-between we can find out in person if the chemistry is right. 

I have a strong faith in God and am very active in my church; my ideal man doesn’t need to attend church every weekend by my side but will have to believe in God and pride himself as one who walks in Faith.  I am an accomplished romance writer and poet and have several books that can be purchased from the Amazon store.  I could also share with you my blog as it would also be a way to get to know me better.  Perhaps we can talk about that one night over dinner; I’m always looking for inspiration for my work.  

I am drug and disease free and limit my drinking to a toast or two a year; in fact I hold several advanced designations in Toastmasters International.  I love music of all (okay…MOST) genres but jazz in particular.  I was a club DJ when I was only 17; and I even DJ’ed for a local radio station for 12 years!  Some of my favorite things to do are to travel, dine out, read books, and let me tell you, I make a mean batch of dark chocolate fudge brownies!  My homemade lasagna also gets rave reviews!  Since honesty is a priority in my life, I am open about the fact that currently my adult daughters live with me; but they work and have their own lives.  My oldest moved back from the West Coast and is taking some time to rebuild her life; my youngest daughter is currently looking for the ideal living situation for herself.  Both daughters are self-governing and I don’t interfere too much with them, nor they with me.  Instead, I have a small dog and two cats who own ME; yet I am far from being a crazy cat lady. 

I know there is no such thing as perfect, but let’s agree on the fact that we all deserve to be happy and can accomplish that by being honest about our needs.  Chemistry is huge, so if there is a mutual interest I’d prefer to meet briefly for coffee or an appetizer and see where it goes.  Spending a lot of time texting or on the phone tends to drag out the first meet-up and we’ve both spent time building expectations that may fall short if the attraction is non-existent in person; seems fair to both of us, right? 

I’ve told you about me.  This is what I need from you and sorry, no exceptions; haters need not comment, for it is what it is.

I’ll make it very clear that I am not here for hook-ups but there are plenty of girls who are.  Best of luck!

My special someone cannot smoke, must work, live independently and have his own transportation; I can guarantee the same from my end, so that is only fair.

I have a great smile, so when I make you smile, I want to see all of your well-kept teeth

I am not interested in being someone’s secret girlfriend

I limit my game playing to Bejeweled Blitz, not with people’s heads or hearts.  Playa’s need not apply

I am open to dating people of other races and/or relatively different age groups but will make clear that I am NOT interested in any little boys who approach me with the line, “I have never had a black woman before” because quite frankly, you're not having this one either. 

Lastly, thank you for reading my profile.  We are all here because we are all looking to find that someone to love and to love us.  I wish you all the best of luck in finding the woman of your dreams."

Didn't she do an awesome job??? She pegged me pretty well. Yet I never posted it. I wasn't looking to meet strangers on the internet. Ever hear of the Craigslist Killer? You have no idea of what you might get. But I sure did get a kick out of reading it. Thanks Amy! I wish we still worked together; because who knows what other genius ideas you could hatch for me?! 😉

Have a great weekend! And as always: feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me. I want to know who you are!