My Family

I was looking through some old family photos and came across this one that made me very happy. We're all sitting on the couch. I'm sitting on the far left holding Daniel. Ben is next to Gretchen. Then comes Aaron and Joe who is being held by Leslie. Les passed away over 9 months ago. We were married over 39 years.

My Job

My job at the Seattle Times telemarketing center didn't work out. I wasn't able to make the required quota of daily/Sunday subscriptions each week. I needed 16 every week in order to stay. I was told last week that if I didn't make the quota, Friday was my last day. It was a great job, great hours, health care benefits, and close to my home. I wanted it to work out so I felt sad to leave.

Everyone with whom I worked was different from one another so it was interesting. Each call was a challenge. I believe in print media. I believe in newspapers. I love the Seattle Times and I'm a subscriber. I believe in newspapers with the same irrational love that I have for trains. It's in my blood. So I don't understand anyone who doesn't share the same feelings. A newspaper, a great one like the Seattle Times that has won 8 Pulitzer prizes, is a blessing to any community with the highest standard of journalism, reporting, and commentary. It is the pulse of the area. It gives you important information that everyone needs to know. I consider it essential.

The best part of working for the Seattle Times was the birthday card I received from Michael Shepard, senior vice president, business operations. It was an honor to briefly work for the Seattle Times.

THE WORST HARD TIME

I'm part of a bookclub at the library. The last selection was THE WORST HARD TIME by a Seattle author, Timothy Egan. This is an important book and won the National Book Award. It tells of the drama of the American dust bowl and how it was caused by greedy people wanting to make money by using the land inappropriately. The native grasslands of the region of the area where Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico intersect weren't meant for large scale farming. After the top soil was disturbed by farming, the winds and drought took over to destroy this region. The heartbreaking misery caused is well documented within the pages of this book.

After reading this book, I wonder what other things are being done in the name of greed and money that will destroy the land? drilling for oil, nuclear power, natural gas and oil pipeline, chemicals spewed into the air and water, etc.

My Birthday

I turned 64 on February 25th. What I wanted to do was go roller skating. I haven't been on roller skates since the early 1980's in California when I skated with my kids outside. I used to be serious about roller skating in junior high in Salem, Oregon but that was a very long time ago.

I didn't think I was going to be able to stand up because I was even having trouble standing on the carpet at first. After about an hour, I was skating around almost as fast as my son, and Amanda, his wife.

It was a wonderful day. We went to the Rusty Pelican in Wallingford for breakfast and I ordered my favorite, Garden Skillet. Then we went for a cupcake at Trophy Cupcakes and I had the chocolate cupcake with white butter cream frosting, my favorite.

I wish there were more roller skating rinks around. Roller skating is pure fun.

Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult came to the Seattle Public Library to a packed auditorium of fans who love all her books. Jodi shared with the crowd some of her research that went into LONE WOLF, which was fascinating. I’m in awe. It was an honor to meet her and to walk away with signed copies of her books. I was in the presence of greatness and everything that a writer should be. She’s articulate, clever, generous, brilliant, funny, does original research for each book, and writes about serious issues with courage.

Her newest book, BETWEEN THE LINES, that comes out in June, was written with her daughter. It sounds like it will be a big hit, not only with the young adult crowd but with all of the Jodi Picoult fans. I wouldn’t be surprised if it starts out on the top 10 bestseller list after hearing a little preview.

I am wondering if she knows Stephen King who says on her book jacket, “Picoult writes with unassuming brilliance,” and if she plays with the Rock Bottom Remainders since she is musical—SING YOU HOME.

I stood in line with two young high school students who have read every Jodi Picoult book and cry at the endings. They brought her a card.

You can see a podcast of Jodi Picoult at the library website. www.spl.org

Life in Seattle

Sometimes when I wake up in the morning, I want to sing out because I am so happy. I am close to everything.

On Monday I went to 24 Hour Fitness to use the elliptical for 60 minutes, then I used my exercise bike for 60 minutes, and I walked back and forth to work for 50 minutes. Pretty good. Yesterday I used the elliptical for 60 minutes, did 30 minutes on the exercise bike, and walked back and forth to work. I am trying to establish this as a routine to build endurance. I must add weight training, walking around Green Lake, and hydrofit in the pool. I want to start roller skating again. I'm looking at these great quad roller skates online that are around $350. First, I need to see if I can still stand up and go to a roller skating rink. I haven't skated in years. Guess I will have to pad up.

I have a telemarketing job with the Seattle Times. It's part-time. I really like it. Every call is a challenge. It is like all the cold calls I have made as a volunteer for political candidates for years, only with these cold calls, I get paid. Pretty good.

Shen Yun

Last night I went to Shen Yun with my son and daughter in law. Shen Yun is the story of China shown through the performing arts. The synchronized dance was enchanting and mesmerizing and I was in awe of the athletic display of the dancers who made it appear effortless. I loved the playful moments with the orchestra.

I didn't know that gymnastics originated from classical Chinese dance, nor did I know about Falun Dafa, the Chinese faith that believes in truth, tolerance, and compassion.

I also learned about an amazing preschool in Redmond for children ages 2 through 6 with a curriculum of "geography, culture, science, math, language, phonic, practical life, sensorial, music, dance, art, spelling, reading, botany, zoology, and Chinese." Now that is a preschool worthy of my granddaughter, Anna. I'm impressed. Scribbles Montessori at 22506 NE 102nd Place in Redmond. 425-868-0530.

Moments of Shen Yun brought me back to my visit to China in the early 90's with my husband. Les wanted to walk on the Great Wall, so we did and toured several cities.

This is why I moved to Seattle--to go to events like this. I moved to be in the midst of civilization to see the ballet, enjoy the symphony, visit the art museum, science museum, and the zoo. I came to see Broadway plays and live theater.

Seeing Shen Yun made me happy inside and it will stay with me for a long time. The arts fill your soul and nourish your spirit. It is essential and life giving.

Shen Yun Preforming Arts
McCaw Hall at Seattle Center
February 7-8, 2012

Apartment Fires

When I got up this morning, I turned on the news and learned there was an apartment fire this morning in Queen Anne in Seattle. The people who were stranded out in the cold were helped by Seattle Metro. A bus drove up and parked giving warm shelter to those who were waiting in the cold until they could go back to their apartment.

I was thinking that there should be rope ladders you could buy at Home Depot and other hardware stores so that people who live in an apartment building have an escape exit ready. Anyone living in a 3rd or 4th floor apartment could have a rope ladder that they could hang out their window or attach to their balcony for a safe exit in case of fire. This would reduce danger and reduce the risk of firemen who enter burning buildings to save someone in a 3rd or 4th floor who are trapped. I wonder if rope ladders are sold at Home Depot? I guess I will have to call and find out.

If rope ladders aren't sold for this purpose, then fire departments all over the United States could have them made and sell them for a fund raiser. I would buy one. I believe it would save lives.

I'll just bet that anyone trapped in an apartment in a fire and had to be rescued or who jumped, would say they wished they had a rope ladder at that moment.

Eucalyptus Oil

I learned this last week that when you have a cold, it is important to use eucalyptus oil. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties and it is an expectorant. Inflammation is the start of all disease so to prevent inflammation is important.

You wet a wash cloth, put one or two drops of eucalyptus oil on it, warm it in the microwave for a few seconds and breathe it in. Do this once a day to prevent a cold from developing into pneumonia or bronchitis. You find it at a health food store. I need to buy some and start doing this. I think this is a great idea. It could prevent the use of antibiotics.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic so eat plenty of garlic when you are sick and to prevent becoming sick.

Happiness

You can make the choice to be happy every day and look for the good around you. It's important to appreciate all that you have. It's important to smile, be positive, and to listen.

Dukes

Now I have a favorite new restaurant for fish and chips. It is Dukes. It was delicious. The batter was light and crispy, not heavy and soggy. The fish was in large chunks. It was cooked perfectly. The fries were even perfect. It was the best cold slaw I have ever eaten. The chowder was the best I have ever eaten too. Even the waitress was amazing. I was surprised at how great everything was because my experience at Dukes raised the bar for several areas in restaurants for me--the best fish and chips, the best cold slaw, the best waitress, the best chowder.

The waitress commented that she had tasted everything on the menu. This tells me that she cares about being the best waitress she can be. She was professional, efficient, courteous, and gave great and excellent service. She was great with my granddaughter and family.

Now when I think of fish and chips, I think of Dukes.

Seattle

I moved to Seattle and I love it here. I live close to everything. I live within walking distance to a large mall, grocery store, gym, library, restaurants, bookstore, and almost anything I could want. What could be better than this?

I hardly have to drive my car anymore. I could walk to everything or catch a bus and not even use my car at all. I'm very blessed and I'm so happy that I made the decision to move.

3.67 Acres for Sale in Alsea

I have 3.67 acres for sale that is two miles from the main street in Alsea. It's a beautiful property directly across the street from a million dollar view of a wetland, mountains, and farmland. There is a timber exemption so you can market and grow timber for a cash crop. There's about one acre that can be put into garden with nine large raised beds, fruit trees, etc.

Benton County says the land is worth more than what I owe for the property. I'm not asking for the moon. I just want to be cashed out of what I owe for the mortgage so I won't have bad credit.

There are problems with the house. It's a two bedroom with 1 1/2 bath. When I made the decision to move from Alsea, I contacted several realtors in Alsea and Corvallis. Then I had an inspection done which revealed that a major pipe was broken under the house spilling sewage. I spent $3500 to clean it up plus I pumped the septic tank. I have a portapotty outside since the plumbing is still not connected. I've spent a lot of money on projects, getting the deck taken away, mowing, etc.

Since I don't want to stay in Alsea, I need to sell. It's discouraging when I have had recommendations from four mortgage and loan officers, one real estate attorney and several realtors to just walk away. I don't want to have bad credit. The land is worth what I owe on the mortgage.

It would be fabulous to put a home on the hill overlooking the million dollar unobstructed view of the wetland. The last family who lived here was Anthony Vella who was a professor at Oregon State University. He thought it was just fine to drive back and forth to Corvallis. Is there someone out there who wants a bargain piece of property, loves to live out in the country, wants to garden, enjoys fixing things, and wants to enjoy the beauty?.....................

Seattle

I'm moving to Seattle. I have nothing keeping me in Alsea since I don't have close friends or a support system. I'm moving to opportunities to go to the symphony, Broadway plays, the Art Museum, the science center, and more activities, like a book club. I will be able to walk to the gym, instead of driving almost an hour to get there and then an hour back home again.

This photo was taken in March of 1993.
Les passed away six months ago so I'm going through photos,
a history of 39 years of marriage, and accumulation of stuff.

For the last five years, Les was very ill going from specialist at two hospitals in Oregon trying to find out what was wrong. Blood tests were taken several times a year but it wasn't discovered until October of 2010 that he had 4th stage esophageal cancer which blocked his stomach. He needed a feeding tube. Then the trips to OHSU for chemo started every two weeks. It was hard. He was in pain and it was difficult to go through without friends or a support system surrounding us. A week before he passed away, he was released from Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis after spending several days. I miss talking to Les.

Trader Joes

I love shopping at Trader Joe's. I could live close to Trader Joe's and never grocery shop anywhere else. They care about healthy food, and freshness. I can count on finding food without preservatives, chemicals, and nitrates. I went to Trader Joe's in Corvallis on Friday and bought seaweed roasted snacks, pomegranate seeds, and a bunch of other stuff.

My favorite cold cereal is Trader Joe's Organic Golden Flax Cereal with 1,000 mg of Omega 3 fatty acids, 5 whole grains, 6 grams of dietary fiber per serving. It's really good and it doesn't get soggy in milk.

Scott Gerweck

I was in the presence of genius today. I went to the Willamette Valley Symphony in Corvallis, Oregon at the Ashbrook Independent School Theatre. I heard Scott Gerweck's symphony, "At the Mountains of Madness," which was inspired by a novella written by Howard Lovecraft about a scientific expedition to the Antarctic. The complexity, the color, tone, and textures of the blending of so many different instruments was impressive. I have no doubt he will be writing scores for movies soon. I was in awe and in my heart was standing on my tippy-toes shouting bravo.

I did not realize until I heard Scott Gerweck speak before the symphony started that writing a symphony is similiar to writing a novel in that you search to find the right words, the blending of plots, bringing the characters alive with dialogue, and on and on.

It's a real treat to go to the Willamette Valley Symphony. I went last time too. Next time will be the music of Franz Schubert, Franz Josef Haydn, and Beethoven's Symphony Number 7 on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 4 p.m. at Ashbrook Independent School in Corvallis. www.willamettevalleysymphony.org

Dendreon

I had the opportunity to attend a kick ball event at Green Lake in Seattle hosted by Dendreon on Saturday, July 9th. I had a great time. My son, Benjamin Haber, invited me and I felt honored to come. I have never seen so many smart people in one place in my life. It's obvious that everyone started out as a gifted child who was great at everything, just like Ben.

Ben played on the Buttercup team. There were four teams and everyone worked at Dendreon. I liked everyone I met. They know how to have fun, joke around, and they are so nice to each other.

I want to move to Seattle. Everything is better in Seattle.

Operating Room Masks

The other day when I went to visit my husband at the hospital in Corvallis, Oregon the nurse handed me a mask to wear since I still had cold symptoms. I understand this and it is important not to spread germs. However, it is hard to wear these masks.

You are breathing in your own exhaust or carbon dioxide. This can't be good. It's not comfortable. Over a period of time, I wonder if this is healthy. Then I started to wonder about doctors who wear masks in the operating room who breathe in their own exhaust. I wonder if it hampers their judgement and efficiency over time to breathe in carbon dioxide.

When you are spraying chemicals in the garden in the backyard, some people forget to wear masks. My husband hasn't worn a mask to protect himself most of the time in the last 10 years here in Alsea spraying for blackberries and poison oak. This can't be healthy. Now I seriously wonder if this is the cause of his esophageal cancer.

There needs to be a oxygen exchange system created that covers the mouth that releases the carbon dioxide but allows you to breathe fresh oxygen.

Medical Charts

I have made medical charts for years to keep track of the medication that my husband is prescribed. I don't know how anyone would keep track of it without a chart. I use Microsoft Publisher.

In an ideal world, when a doctor prescribes medication, and the patient picks it up at the pharmacy, the patient would be handed a chart to keep track of it all.

I put all medications down on the chart and I write down everything that needs to be done in the day for his care. I put down the times the medications are given. I check off when things are done.