Faced with the daunting task of sending out the annual cards? They are wonderful to receive but as you grow older, it is more difficult to keep the custom going. Personally, I have always sent a large number of cards and received a large number as well. It is great to get the latest family photos but the best is hearing what you have been doing this last year.
I welcome the newsletters. So I am taking a cue from my friends who now use this way to up-date me on their families and activities.
The holiday stationery available fits almost any category you may choose. If typing on Word or a typeweriter is somewhat taxing, ask one of the grandchildren or a young friend to get your message onto a blank page.
Pop it into your printer or take it to your local stationey store where they will print it for you at a reasonable rate. The only addressing is the envelope and printing is nice for this. It is a warm greeting to send or receive.
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Ho Ho Ho
Wondering what to get Grandma or Grandpa for a little gift?
How about a new bedside clock? Not a small size. Must be large enough that numerals on the face are easily read. Be sure the alarm is also easy to adjust. It's amazing how these small things are just what we need replacing and what a joy to have one simple to use.
Larger faces on a watch are just as important. That is in case you are looking for either a pocket or wrist watch. It would be a happy gift.
Just remember - no "stuff". We still have enough of that to clear away.
How about a new bedside clock? Not a small size. Must be large enough that numerals on the face are easily read. Be sure the alarm is also easy to adjust. It's amazing how these small things are just what we need replacing and what a joy to have one simple to use.
Larger faces on a watch are just as important. That is in case you are looking for either a pocket or wrist watch. It would be a happy gift.
Just remember - no "stuff". We still have enough of that to clear away.
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Idea For A Lifetime
A few days ago I read an article in our local daily that resonated with me for its wisdom, common sense, and living life to the fullest. That's a lot to be said for a newspaper in this day and age. It was about creating a personal safety net in this changing world of ours.
It is based on the book, Personal Safety Nets: Getting Ready for Life's Inevitable Changes and Challenges
, written by life coach John Gibson and Judy Pigott, an educator and philanthropist. The book will help each of us to set up a network of people and resources that provide peace of mind for the rest of our lives.
Cecelia Goodnow of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer is to be commended on the article.
Relta
Check out my book:The Independent Elderly: Tips for Caring Friends & Family
It is based on the book, Personal Safety Nets: Getting Ready for Life's Inevitable Changes and Challenges
, written by life coach John Gibson and Judy Pigott, an educator and philanthropist. The book will help each of us to set up a network of people and resources that provide peace of mind for the rest of our lives.
Cecelia Goodnow of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer is to be commended on the article.
Relta
Check out my book:The Independent Elderly: Tips for Caring Friends & Family
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Those Gift Cards
Cheers for the person who thought of the gift cards!
As you grow older, there is less and less you want for gifts. You already have a lot of stuff. Many times you have no place to display a gift. Your wardrobe has changed and you are the only one who knows exactly what you want or need to wear - and we're not telling unless you ask.
A GIFT CARD - What an idea! It could be to a neighborhood restaurant for morning coffee or lunch or even Sunday breakfast. It could be for a play or musical event. How about a baseball game or two? Or the local market? Try the Post Office. See how long the list grows?
The cards are available for most any service so you can't go wrong.
And what a relief for all concerned.
As you grow older, there is less and less you want for gifts. You already have a lot of stuff. Many times you have no place to display a gift. Your wardrobe has changed and you are the only one who knows exactly what you want or need to wear - and we're not telling unless you ask.
A GIFT CARD - What an idea! It could be to a neighborhood restaurant for morning coffee or lunch or even Sunday breakfast. It could be for a play or musical event. How about a baseball game or two? Or the local market? Try the Post Office. See how long the list grows?
The cards are available for most any service so you can't go wrong.
And what a relief for all concerned.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Never Leave Home Without . . . .
The way the world is going these days is a constant reminder that each of us is responsible for our own safety net. Consider how many accidents, or falls on the street, that you hear about on a daily basis. Many create a problem, especially if medical care is required, or a death occurs, since nothing is found on the accident victim to identify them or whom to call in just such an emergncy.
Here are some simple reminders how you can help yourself and those who are trying to help you when some emergency arises:
(1) Always carry an identification card with your address and who is to be notified
concerning the emergency. Include your doctor.
(2) Have a list of medications, both prescription and supplements, since these can
help the medics or doctors in assisting you without harm.
(3) It may also be helpful to note a preferred hospital or medical center.
(4) If you have a cell phone, always carry when you leave home. If you should fall
when out for a stroll in the neighborhood and no one comes to your aid, you can
call for help. Most phones have a 911 connection.
(5) Remember your glasses, the keys, and a bottle of water!
Don't leave home without these essentials!
Here are some simple reminders how you can help yourself and those who are trying to help you when some emergency arises:
(1) Always carry an identification card with your address and who is to be notified
concerning the emergency. Include your doctor.
(2) Have a list of medications, both prescription and supplements, since these can
help the medics or doctors in assisting you without harm.
(3) It may also be helpful to note a preferred hospital or medical center.
(4) If you have a cell phone, always carry when you leave home. If you should fall
when out for a stroll in the neighborhood and no one comes to your aid, you can
call for help. Most phones have a 911 connection.
(5) Remember your glasses, the keys, and a bottle of water!
Don't leave home without these essentials!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Getting In and Out of a Car
It's not as simple as it sounds. It can lead to falling, perhaps injuries. And it all relates to parking.
Passenger cars are the most dangerous. So here is a bit of advice. When parking a car, site it far enough from the curb so that feet can be placed firmly on the street. Stepping up onto the curb is not difficult. This easy tip lets the passenger enter or exit a car with dignity and health intact.
When the vehicle is a SUV, truck, or other larger car, the process is reversed. Pull completely to the curb so the passenger can step down onto the curb. It is a good idea when these vehicles are the mode of transportation to take along a sturdy step stool. It will be safer to get aboard.
Some cities and states have laws on their books that require a car must be no more than 12 inches from the curb when parking. This is about right except for those who wear exceptionally large shoe sizes. But if the stay is only long enough to deliver a passenger, you are probably safe in using a little more space. It is really only when the car is parked for a longer length of time that you are disobeying the law.<
Passenger cars are the most dangerous. So here is a bit of advice. When parking a car, site it far enough from the curb so that feet can be placed firmly on the street. Stepping up onto the curb is not difficult. This easy tip lets the passenger enter or exit a car with dignity and health intact.
When the vehicle is a SUV, truck, or other larger car, the process is reversed. Pull completely to the curb so the passenger can step down onto the curb. It is a good idea when these vehicles are the mode of transportation to take along a sturdy step stool. It will be safer to get aboard.
Some cities and states have laws on their books that require a car must be no more than 12 inches from the curb when parking. This is about right except for those who wear exceptionally large shoe sizes. But if the stay is only long enough to deliver a passenger, you are probably safe in using a little more space. It is really only when the car is parked for a longer length of time that you are disobeying the law.<
Monday, October 20, 2008
Holding Hands
It's the memories - and the losses - that haunt us as we grow older.
One of the things I miss the most is taking a walk with my husband. We always held hands as we wandered the neighborhood on an evening stroll. We met up with people on the other side of the block or down the street, stopping to chat, still holding hands. Friends noticed, sometimes teasing, sometime envying us.
Even now, after 26 years alone, when a couple passes by, swinging hands, I am tempted to catch up with them, take the gentleman's free hand, and continue the walk, holding hands.
I wonder what they would do.
One of the things I miss the most is taking a walk with my husband. We always held hands as we wandered the neighborhood on an evening stroll. We met up with people on the other side of the block or down the street, stopping to chat, still holding hands. Friends noticed, sometimes teasing, sometime envying us.
Even now, after 26 years alone, when a couple passes by, swinging hands, I am tempted to catch up with them, take the gentleman's free hand, and continue the walk, holding hands.
I wonder what they would do.
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