Zat's All, Folks!

The end is here

It has to be

We finish with

the letter Z

It's never first

It's always last

It's cache of words

is not so vast

Still, Z is a love of mine

Our son hears it all the time

I'm so glad that Z is free

For, his name is Zachary

Zach at 6 months

Zach today with his lovely bride

Thanks to everyone who popped into the ballpark this month.  Writers need readers; otherwise we'd just be sitting at the computer getting wider saddlebags for nothing. Of all the blogs in blogswarts, you paused to visit this one. And I'm grateful.  I pray it was worth your time.  Join me in the dugout anytime!

Y I Watch Dancing with the Stars

PHOTO SOURCE

Yes, I'm cheating. "Why I watch dancing with the stars" would be grammatically correct, but who are we kidding here?  By "Y" day in the a-z challenge, anything goes. I'm being creative.

Aside from the trashy costumes most female dancers wear on DWTS, I like the show. (I appreciate the gowns that are more modest and elegant, but maybe that's just me.) Here's Y:

1. I like the back stories of each celebrity. Hearing their struggles reminds me that their lives are not all glitz and glamor. 

2. I admire the courage of the stars who really step out of their comfort zone to do the show: the NFL players, the 70 year olds, the comedians with no sense of rhythm.

3. I like that the stars who are dumped still say the experience was wonderful, they learned a lot, and they're grateful to their professional partner.

4. I love Disney night, when everyone dances to a Disney song. The choreography and costumes that night are magical.

5.  I like that the judges tell the truth. They really are looking for the stars to learn how to dance, and they're constructively critical when they need to be.

6.  I love that the stars really want that tacky mirror ball trophy. They're like little kids at a t-ball game.

7. I love that disabled stars are invited to participate. They bring me to tears every time.

8. I love that overweight stars are invited to participate. Dance and movement are not limited to the athletic and thin.

9. I love that all the teams root for each other.

10. I love that former DWTS stars are often in the audience of current shows.

There are some life lessons exhibited in this show, and that's what keeps me watching. Check it out. Monday nights on ABC.

X-tra Special Sock

A while ago, I spent the weekend with my daughter.  We watched four movies, made cookies, ate crab roll-ups, and laughed a lot.  She also worked on a little crochet quilt for a friend.

As she was rooting through her yarn, she tossed me this, and said, "Oh, here's a sock I made for you."

Well, I have to admit, I'd never seen a sock like this before.  I slipped it on.

Thought maybe I had it on wrong, so I turned it around.

Nope.  I didn't know what the safety pin was for, but the sock was warm and cozy.

"Is there another one?" I asked.  Socks usually came in pairs.

"No," my girl said.  "I used too big a yarn and the thing just got too long, so I stopped.  It's more like a leg warmer, without toes.  I didn't make another one, because I clearly don't know what I'm doing."

Well, then I got the giggles.  I love the yarn and the softness, and if I just wear it low and fold down the long flap thing, it's really quite comfortable.

Except for the safety pin.  And the no-toes thing.  "If you just finish off some toes, I can wear another bootie with it," I said.  "I really like it."

"I'm not doing anything else with it," she said.  "It didn't turn out right, and it's goofy.  It looks like a cast."

I turned it around, trying to position the thing so my foot was covered.  I really do like it, and I love that she made it. 

Hmmm....I could not see how to get the foot covered and have it stay on.  "If I sew up this flap, it will be snug and stay up.  If it just had some toes..."

"You can add some toes, if you want," my girl suggested.

"I don't know how to crochet," I replied.

"I guess I don't either," she said.  "I can make squares and put 'em in a line.  I can make blankets, but not socks."

I came home with my toeless, leg warmer, cast-size sock and used the safety pin (which I now realize is crucial) to pin the rolled-down flap over the exposed toes.

Paired with another knitted bootie I have, it works.  Kind of.

There's still a bit of toe poking out at the tip, but you can't have everything.

W is for Wills

My husband and I updated our wills recently.  I get why people put off doing this stuff.  I was in tears in our attorney's office.

Most of the process is boring and time-consuming.  Then you get to the part where you have to create a terrible scenario - you're dying, and do you want your loved ones to feed you, or not?  Do you want to keep living if you are in a coma?  If you don't want to live in that state, who has to decide to pull the plug?

I might have been more detached through this process if I was not a caretaker for my parents, who are almost 92 and 95.  The fact is that my heart is presented with these kinds of scenarios daily.  My folks are relatively fine at the moment, but their physical deaths are likely to be sooner than I'm ready for.  Most of my time is occupied with aging/declining/dementia issues, and I have more sad moments than I care to admit.

As I was debating these painful issues for myself, my parents and my love for them was right at the surface.  Our attorney is very kind and offered me some chocolate when I began to tear up.  He has a little plate of miniature candy bars right next to the coffee and tea assortments. 

I admonish all of you to get these documents in place.  They're not really for you, but for those you love who will be left behind when you are going, or gone.  Think about them and how hard these decisions will be if you do not give them some written, legal guidance. 

And make sure your attorney has some chocolate.

V is for a Friend of Dr. Seuss

SOURCE

Dear Verna.  She tries so hard. After all these years, she's not any better.

But I still love her.

USEFUL IDEAS (with a hair dryer)

I learn so many things during the A-Z blogging challenge.  Stuff about germs and crafts and how few words start with Q.  One cool thing I discovered this time around was this:

USES for a HAIR DRYER - almost 50 of them!

Jillee from ONE GOOD THING posted this recently, and I thought it was great.  My favorite uses are drying your toothbrush before packing it for travel, and softening plastic eye glasses for making a few adjustments yourself.

Here's another cool idea - coil up a too-long cord.

Neat, huh?

Check out the site and see what tip is your favorite.

This A-Z post was brought to you by the letter U and Jillee from ONE GOOD THING.

TEAPOT!

T is for teapot.  Here are a few facts about mine.

1.  It was a free gift from something my husband ordered.  He doesn't remember what.

2.  I don't really have any other facts.  I'm just out of ideas for the letter T, and my brain is fuzzy from the a-z challenge, and isn't a picture worth a thousand words?  So, feel free to come up with your own words on this one.

3.  Yes, this is a dud of a post, but every year during the a-z, I have at least one.  I think this is it, don't you?

(Tomorrow, Uncle Ubs' Underwear....)

S is for Seedy

On my pathway to better health, I've discovered a seedy snack that is easy to make and is a perfect grab-on-the-go treat. If you appreciate the nutritional value of seeds, these are for you.

SEEDY SNACKS

1 C. unsweetened shredded coconut
1. C. pumpkin seeds
1 C. sunflower seeds
1/2 C. dried cranberries
1/2 C. raisins
optional: 3 T. chocolate chips or cacao nibs

1/2 C. sunflower butter (in health food stores)
1/2 C. agave nectar (coconut nectar can also be used)
pinch of sea salt (if using salted seeds, omit salt.)

In large bowl, stir first six ingredients together.  In separate bowl, whisk together sunflower butter and nectar and salt. Pour mixture over seed mixture and fold to evenly distribute ingredients.  Batter will be sticky.  Refrigerate mixture for two hours.

Roll dough into balls and stack between layers of waxed paper.  Store in refrigerator. 

Recipe adapted from Terry Walters.

RUTABAGA!

If you visit the Ballpark off and on, you probably know I overhauled my diet recently.  I'm embracing more veggies and organic food.  It's one of the adventures I talk about here in the dugout.

One of the more interesting veggies I've discovered is the rutabaga.  Before I began eating better, I only knew the humble rutabaga from "The Number 10" song on Sesame Street. (If you've never seen that charming video, you can view that HERE.)

I had to learn what to do with rutabagas, so I found this video, which is great: RUTABAGA 101.  If you're trying to adopt a healthier diet, rutabagas might find their way into your kitchen. 

                                                       SOURCE

If I could just get them to dance like they do in "The Number 10," song, they'd be my favorite vegetable.

Q - Quinoa!

I discovered quinoa this year when I was told I shouldn't eat wheat, oats, pasta, dairy, chocolate, or anything else that I've been eating for 40 years.  Quinoa is good for me, as are walnuts and cinnamon.

So I combined them into a wonderful breakfast cereal (I've had to dump processed, boxed cereals as well.)

Simmer quinoa according to the directions on the package (typically 1 C. to 2 C. ratio of quinoa to liquid.)  I use almond milk for the liquid because it's full of protein.

While the quinoa is simmering (covered), sprinkle in 1 t. of cinnamon, or however much you like. You can also add nutmeg if you'd like.  When all the liquid is absorbed, the quinoa is done - this usually takes about 15 min.

Scoop the quinoa into a bowl and drizzle in a bit of real maple syrup, a tab of butter, and some chopped walnuts, or sunflower seeds (or whatever nut you like.)  Add berries for added deliciousness.

Scarf it up while it's warm.  This is my new favorite breakfast.

Ode to the Letter O

When I think of the letter 'O', this little song comes to mind.  If you've heard it before, you'll enjoy it again.  If you're not familiar with it...prepare yourself for a treat.

Click on the link below for a short song you'll be humming all week: Would You Like to Buy an 'O'? presented by Ernie and the Sneaky Stranger.

SOURCE

THE BEST 'O' SONG EVER

Nonagenarians

The word nonagenarian refers to someone who is in their 90's.

I didn't know that. The word is interesting to me, because it breaks down to non-age-arian, which looks like the person is no longer aging, or has no age.

This certainly fits my dad, who is almost 92 and believes he stopped aging at 25.  He attempts to defy the aging process with every doctor visit.  He believes the next pill will turn back time.  Even though his body is winding down with Parkinson's and heart issues, his spirit is 25.  He is the eternal optimist when it comes to living.  He will never permanently leave his wheel chair, but his New Year's resolution was to return to walking unassisted.

My mom will be 95 in July.  She is more realistic about her physical limitations, but insists her mind is as sharp as a tack, and if anyone is confused about anything, it's going to be you.  She has been diagnosed with dementia, but don't tell her that.

My folks, Jane and Klinedale

I guess by the time you hit the age of 90, you are entitled to believe what you want, regardless of the facts.  That's one of the perks of being a nonagenarian.  

M is for Married at First Sight

There is a reality show called Married at First Sight. It sounds wacky, but it's quite interesting.

Three couples were chosen by relationship experts to marry upon their first meeting.  The couples agreed, of course.  All wanted to marry and were having no luck in the dating world on their own.

The challenge was to stay married for at least six weeks; they were free to divorce at that point, if desired.  Only one couple divorced after the six weeks.  The show follows the other two couples through their first year.

http://dailytwocents.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/married-at-first-sight-couples.jpg

Turns out, after some initial issues, these two couples from the first season have begun to love each other and are committed to being married for life. (The show just started its second season with three new couples.)

The idea is reflective of  arranged marriages from long ago.  Which doesn't seem like such a bad idea with the way so many relationships go these days.  Sometimes others who know us well can be more objective about what we really need.

You might not care for reality TV, but if you do, this show sure beats Honey Boo Boo.

L is for Limerick

Halfway through the April A-Z challenge.  Time for a LIMERICK! 

The A-to-Z is a work out

Letters are what it's about

I think and opine,

and then drink some wine

The finish is sometimes in doubt 

"I'll finish!" I cry every day

It's midnight when I hit the hay
The writing, the reading

                                    A frenzy it's feeding 
                                    I so look forward to May.

The Superfluous K

I think the letter K has a bit of an ego.  It starts many great words like kite and kitty and kale.

But, then...it butts in where it's not needed and leads words like knee, knife, knob, knit and knoll.  Doesn't that seem a bit pushy?  Nee, nife, nob, nit and noll would still be legible without the K.  The K only looks correct because we learned to spell these words with the K in place.  But, really...who allowed the K to head up the line like that?

I think people who are learning English as a second language must find the superfluous K to be the most problematic letter to deal with.  Sometimes you hear it; sometimes you don't.  There's no rhyme or reason to why it leads some N-sounding words and does not lead not others.

Like knever.  Or kno.  Although it does lead know.  See how squirrelly this is?

Let me know if you agree with me.  Or knot.

Ice Pack (homemade)

I is for Ice Pack.  I discovered a way to make an inexpensive, reusable ice pack last year.  Put 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and 2 cups of water into a Ziplock bag.  Use a quart-size bag, or gallon-size, depending on what size ice pack you want.

Freeze the bag overnight. Next day, it's ready to use.

Alcohol doesn't freeze, so the bag will always be malleable.  It will lay over a bony ankle, curve over a slopey shoulder, or lay flat over a sore back. When the ice pack becomes too soft, or warm, simply place it back in the freezer.

Cool, huh?

Hallelujah (what is this song about anyway?)

If you pay attention to music at all, you're probably familiar with Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.  It's a beautiful, majestic score that many artists have recorded in the past few years.

Recently, I found a YouTube video of the song and checked the lyrics, because they were never clear in any recording I heard.

I have to say, they're a bit goofy.  They start out with David writing a song for the Lord, then flip to his peeping on Bathsheba.  She ties him to a chair and cuts his hair.  Wasn't it Sampson who had his hair chopped off?

Then, suddenly there's a love story gone bad (I think.)  There's a provocative reference to sex (I think) and then we're back to wondering if God exists.  Love is described as a broken Hallelujah. Which makes no sense, because traditionally, hallelujah is a word of praise.

Maybe it's just me, but I think I'll just stick with the melody.

What do you think?  Here's the link: HALLELUJAH

Germy Things

G is for Germs.  In my a-z blog hopping this week, I ran across this from Kimberly at A Mom's Point of View.

The top 10 germiest places:

1. Remote Controls (I don't even want to think about it.)
2. Grocery Carts (use those wipes at the entrance!)
3. Toilet (no surprise here)
4. Door Knobs (just imagine)
5. Refrigerator Handles (I often find peanut butter on mine.)
6. Counter Tops
7. Light Switches
8. Water Fountains (don't think I'll drink from these again)
9. Doctor Office Pens (ACK!)
10. Restaurant Pens (Ewww...how many times I've signed off on the check with the restaurant pen!)

I think of the TV character Adrian Monk, who was obsessive/compulsive about germs, and I'm thinking the guy was not such a kook after all.

You've been warned.

This post was brought to you the letter G, the number 10, and Clorox.

 

Fireproof

I watched a 7-year old movie last night called Fireproof.  It's about a fireman and his failing marriage and how he fights with God before turning to God to find a solution.

http://silverscreenspiritual.blogspot.com/2015/01/fireproof.html

It stars Kirk Cameron (who does a good job) as Caleb and some other unknown actors from Georgia. The co-stars are not exceptional in their acting abilities, but the storyline is good, and the movie realistically portrays how marriages can get off track.

Caleb's dad gives him a book called The Love Dare that slowly changes Caleb's heart and helps restore his marriage.

Because of the success of the movie, The Love Dare was published for the general public. It's an amazing little book full of daily challenges for anyone who is struggling to love someone with no motive but to learn to love the way God loves.

Marriage can be difficult, but this book can help anyone fireproof their relationship. Check it out.

E is for Eleven Things

E is for the number Eleven.

Eleven things I like about the A-Z Blogging Challenge:





1. It's in April, which is not too busy for me, as opposed to May, when the long birthday season starts in our family.

2. We have Sundays off.  So we can catch up on missed episodes of Downton Abbey, or scramble to write the next six posts.

3.  It exposes us to writers of all kinds all over the world.

4.  It cranks my brain every year trying to come up with an 'X' word and a 'Q' word.

5. The sign-up link is easy-peasy.

6.  I've made some real friends through the A-Z Challenge, folks I've stayed connected to since my first year.

7.  One some days, when I can't think of anything good to write, I can write crap, and it still counts.

8.  I get to display a fun badge on my blog for a month, letting readers know, yes, I have joined this crazy circus once again.

9. There are many topics for the letter "S."  This is always an easy post for me.

10.  Having blogs categorized by topics/themes really helps me sort through the maze. 

11. Every year, when the Challenge ends, I'm pooped and think I won't sign up next year.  But, then I do.

 I like that.