It was a long drive from Jacksonville, Florida to my hometown way down in the Southwest corner of Florida. When we got home from our winding trip, my husband and were glad to unpack and settle in.
It was only 5 days but it always seems like more. We shuffled through the pile of mail, fed the cat (he had been taken care of by a very nice woman while we away) and unpacked.
Traveling is fun. On this trip, we mixed business with pleasure hooking up with a relative and an old friend and finally making our way to a Writer's Conference. We took in a few sites and I got an opportunity to connect with a lovely writing community while meeting with some agents. While I was busy working, my husband explored the old part of St. Augustine and spent time reading and enjoying northern Florida and its wonderful southern atmosphere.
We were both tired last night but now we're able to start again, renewed and glad we made new contacts and visited with old friends. We now can close our eyes and remember the beauty of another part of our wonderful state.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Oh What Fun It Is To Ride
Oh What Fun It Is To Ride
Today my hubby and I are off on a road trip. My darling has the week off, a well deserved break from his busy medical practice.
Unlike the Leave It To Beaver Days of my youth, we won’t be packing up the station wagon with a picnic lunch, and we won’t be traveling on two-laned roads. We’ll hop on the Interstate heading north to Jacksonville, I’m attending a writer’s conference there. We’ll stop for lunch along the way, it’s easy these days with a plethera of food choices within easy reach of exits.
On the way, we’ll stop to see a relative of mine who winters over in a town not far from our destination and catch up on family gossip and grab a few hugs in the process. We’ll also stop to see a friend of my husbands, a collegue we haven’t seen in several years. So a mini vacation becomes part of the business trip, a delightful mix of fun and work.
It’s nice to change the routine and though this will be part work for me, it’s also part adventure and I’m looking forward to meeting people and seeing a few new sights and taking a deep breath and enjoying.
I won’t be blogging again until Monday so I wish each and everyone of you a good week and a great weekend.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Today my hubby and I are off on a road trip. My darling has the week off, a well deserved break from his busy medical practice.
Unlike the Leave It To Beaver Days of my youth, we won’t be packing up the station wagon with a picnic lunch, and we won’t be traveling on two-laned roads. We’ll hop on the Interstate heading north to Jacksonville, I’m attending a writer’s conference there. We’ll stop for lunch along the way, it’s easy these days with a plethera of food choices within easy reach of exits.
On the way, we’ll stop to see a relative of mine who winters over in a town not far from our destination and catch up on family gossip and grab a few hugs in the process. We’ll also stop to see a friend of my husbands, a collegue we haven’t seen in several years. So a mini vacation becomes part of the business trip, a delightful mix of fun and work.
It’s nice to change the routine and though this will be part work for me, it’s also part adventure and I’m looking forward to meeting people and seeing a few new sights and taking a deep breath and enjoying.
I won’t be blogging again until Monday so I wish each and everyone of you a good week and a great weekend.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Let The Wild Animals Roam
Wild Animals Category: Blogging
It amuses me when I read articles about people upset about the wild animals residing here in SW Florida. I think people move here without giving any thought to our semi tropical environment and how different it is from their former northern home.
We have beautiful tropical birds, eagles, seabirds, panthers, coyotes, a host of insects, and of course the giant alligators.
All of these creatures lived here before humans did and they have a right to be here undisturbed. In fact we are invading their territories, not vice versa.
I think we all need to recognize what creatures live around us no matter where we reside. When we choose to live in a place that is inhabited by exotic creatures we have to learn to respect them and allow them to live peacefully and unobtrusively. It can be done. It just takes a little education and a little less fear.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
It amuses me when I read articles about people upset about the wild animals residing here in SW Florida. I think people move here without giving any thought to our semi tropical environment and how different it is from their former northern home.
We have beautiful tropical birds, eagles, seabirds, panthers, coyotes, a host of insects, and of course the giant alligators.
All of these creatures lived here before humans did and they have a right to be here undisturbed. In fact we are invading their territories, not vice versa.
I think we all need to recognize what creatures live around us no matter where we reside. When we choose to live in a place that is inhabited by exotic creatures we have to learn to respect them and allow them to live peacefully and unobtrusively. It can be done. It just takes a little education and a little less fear.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Monday, March 24, 2008
Keep Talking
What makes a long lasting happy marriage. In our local paper, there’s been several articles about how to keep a marriage enduring and happy. Out of the long lists of do this, do that one theme has emerged and I wanted to ask my husband his opinion.
So the other day as the sun streaked through our windows welcoming the day, I looked up from my newspaper article and said "Honey, what would you say is the one thing that keeps a marriage going?"
He looked over and sipped some coffee and said, "That’s easy, just keep talking to each other."
I smiled. I believe my husband is so right. From the moment we met, we seemed to have a lot to say to one another and the communication flowed easily, each of us taking the time to really listen and hear what the other was saying. When we didn’t get it, we said so and gave the other partner the chance to clarify or say it in a different way.
There are times when we’re so red faced mad, we can’t speak or know the words will come too hard, like throwing stones and we clam up but when the anger passes, and it always does, we’re able to express what it was that made us defiant and angry in the hopes that it wouldn’t happen again.
But most of the time, we are able to talk through our issues about in laws, children, money, and where to spend vacations, all with kindness and the kind of give and take that makes our marriage a delightful one.
It’s not easy to get two people to stay together for a lifetime but a lifetime of joy and good communication can make the years float by way too fast and that’s all we can wish for.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
So the other day as the sun streaked through our windows welcoming the day, I looked up from my newspaper article and said "Honey, what would you say is the one thing that keeps a marriage going?"
He looked over and sipped some coffee and said, "That’s easy, just keep talking to each other."
I smiled. I believe my husband is so right. From the moment we met, we seemed to have a lot to say to one another and the communication flowed easily, each of us taking the time to really listen and hear what the other was saying. When we didn’t get it, we said so and gave the other partner the chance to clarify or say it in a different way.
There are times when we’re so red faced mad, we can’t speak or know the words will come too hard, like throwing stones and we clam up but when the anger passes, and it always does, we’re able to express what it was that made us defiant and angry in the hopes that it wouldn’t happen again.
But most of the time, we are able to talk through our issues about in laws, children, money, and where to spend vacations, all with kindness and the kind of give and take that makes our marriage a delightful one.
It’s not easy to get two people to stay together for a lifetime but a lifetime of joy and good communication can make the years float by way too fast and that’s all we can wish for.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Friday, March 21, 2008
It Takes A Little Faith
As I go about my business and lately I’ve been very busy caring for my 94 year old mother-in-law and a son who is ill, it occured to me how much we have to take on faith. Constantly we have to trust in medicine and doctors and caregivers and believe in a person’s ability to heal. We also have to remind ourselves that the world will go on no matter how tough things get and we have to believe in oursleves as well.
It’s not easy to sit back and have faith but during this Easter season, I’m doing exactly that and trying to have a better understanding of what we can and cannot control. A life lesson that we all can learn.
My very best to all of you and I wish you a very Happy Easter.
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
It’s not easy to sit back and have faith but during this Easter season, I’m doing exactly that and trying to have a better understanding of what we can and cannot control. A life lesson that we all can learn.
My very best to all of you and I wish you a very Happy Easter.
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Experience the Spectrum
How To Deal With It All
I read an article this morning about emotions and how we can make even negative emotions work for us.
I find the concept interesting because I come from a long line of strong women. My great grand mother seemed to marry men who died young but in her day with medicine not being what it is today, it wasn’t uncommon. She forged ahead often putting aside her needs to work and carry on and take care of her family. My grandmother lost her husband when she was only 45. She too still had children at home and found herself back in the workplace with very few skills but she did it. My mother was more fortunate but that notion, that one has to be tough and put their own emotions aside, was instilled in her and in me as well.
Experiencing emotions doesn’t make one a weak person I’ve learned. Even negative emotions like fear and anger can be a learning experience if you allow it be. What can you do with that anger? Lash out or do some inner soul searching to find what’s at the root of it and then settle it. Same with fear or hate or sadness.
Postive emotions are always a wonderful. When we are filled with joy and love and happiness, it’s easy to see the world as a bright and colorful place and that ’s the way it should be. Life is full of ups and downs, we need to experience the spectrum.
Emotions are powerful and often rooted deep within our psyches so like all changes, we have to make an effort to get past the instinctive and onto the root of the matter, we are all intelligent human beings with more than the ability to do this.
As we approach Easter and spring, a time for renewal, let us think about ourselves and let those emotions work for you in whatever way we can to enrich our lives and make us all a little happier.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
I read an article this morning about emotions and how we can make even negative emotions work for us.
I find the concept interesting because I come from a long line of strong women. My great grand mother seemed to marry men who died young but in her day with medicine not being what it is today, it wasn’t uncommon. She forged ahead often putting aside her needs to work and carry on and take care of her family. My grandmother lost her husband when she was only 45. She too still had children at home and found herself back in the workplace with very few skills but she did it. My mother was more fortunate but that notion, that one has to be tough and put their own emotions aside, was instilled in her and in me as well.
Experiencing emotions doesn’t make one a weak person I’ve learned. Even negative emotions like fear and anger can be a learning experience if you allow it be. What can you do with that anger? Lash out or do some inner soul searching to find what’s at the root of it and then settle it. Same with fear or hate or sadness.
Postive emotions are always a wonderful. When we are filled with joy and love and happiness, it’s easy to see the world as a bright and colorful place and that ’s the way it should be. Life is full of ups and downs, we need to experience the spectrum.
Emotions are powerful and often rooted deep within our psyches so like all changes, we have to make an effort to get past the instinctive and onto the root of the matter, we are all intelligent human beings with more than the ability to do this.
As we approach Easter and spring, a time for renewal, let us think about ourselves and let those emotions work for you in whatever way we can to enrich our lives and make us all a little happier.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Busy Days
I haven’t blogged lately and I apologize to those who look for my daily blog. I have been dealing with my 94 year old mother in law and my son who is ill right now.
I’ve written before about how our generation gets pulled in multiple directions and over these past few days I have felt like a sandwhich caught between two people who need me right now with barely time to do the things I need to do.
It’s hard sometimes to have a life and help others. I try to be patient, I know my son will get better, he’s under good care. My mother in law is old and it's simply a matter of her not being to care for herself as she used to. We are in the process of hiring a nurse to help her further. Thank goodness my father in law had the foresite to purchase a good insurance policy.
We all get sick, we all grow old, we will all need help at some points in our lives. It’s wonderful to think that there’s someone out there, a spouse, a family member or hired help who will be there for us. And when the times comes, it's nice to think that we will be receptive to their help and kindness, making the caregivers job that much easier.
I wish you all a Happy Easter and a Happy Spring and I will write when I can.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
I’ve written before about how our generation gets pulled in multiple directions and over these past few days I have felt like a sandwhich caught between two people who need me right now with barely time to do the things I need to do.
It’s hard sometimes to have a life and help others. I try to be patient, I know my son will get better, he’s under good care. My mother in law is old and it's simply a matter of her not being to care for herself as she used to. We are in the process of hiring a nurse to help her further. Thank goodness my father in law had the foresite to purchase a good insurance policy.
We all get sick, we all grow old, we will all need help at some points in our lives. It’s wonderful to think that there’s someone out there, a spouse, a family member or hired help who will be there for us. And when the times comes, it's nice to think that we will be receptive to their help and kindness, making the caregivers job that much easier.
I wish you all a Happy Easter and a Happy Spring and I will write when I can.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Ol Friends
My blog is late today because I went to meet an old friend who is in town for a few days. I hadn't seen her in a couple of years, it was good to catch up.
Like most friends who live away from one another, we keep in touch via email, Christmas cards, birthdays and whenever we happen to be in each other's hometowns.
We met in graduate school, I won't tell you how long ago that was and it was one of those friendships that developed out of mutual interests, working together on projects and an understanding of how hard it was to return to school after raising children.
We had a great time chatting about family. She, like me, is dealing with aged parents, kids who haven't quite found their way and when if ever to reitre. She recently became a grandmother so we chatted about grandparenting, I just love hearing how other people handle that since I do not yet have any grandchildren.
Time certainly flew faster than we both would have liked, but she had other commitments and so did I. We bid each goodby and made a promise to meet again in July when I'll be visiting near her home.
It's wonderful to have friends close and far, they bring so much to our lives, where would we be without them?
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Like most friends who live away from one another, we keep in touch via email, Christmas cards, birthdays and whenever we happen to be in each other's hometowns.
We met in graduate school, I won't tell you how long ago that was and it was one of those friendships that developed out of mutual interests, working together on projects and an understanding of how hard it was to return to school after raising children.
We had a great time chatting about family. She, like me, is dealing with aged parents, kids who haven't quite found their way and when if ever to reitre. She recently became a grandmother so we chatted about grandparenting, I just love hearing how other people handle that since I do not yet have any grandchildren.
Time certainly flew faster than we both would have liked, but she had other commitments and so did I. We bid each goodby and made a promise to meet again in July when I'll be visiting near her home.
It's wonderful to have friends close and far, they bring so much to our lives, where would we be without them?
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Fiscal Responsibility
I am following the news on the housing crisis, a very complicated issue. It's affected our ecomony greatly, many are unemployed, some have lost their homes, others find themselves with payments they can't afford.
How did we get there? Was it an overbelief in what each of us is capable of? Or did the great American dream seduce us to the point of no return?
I remember when I purchased my first car way back in the early 1970's. My father helped me fill out the paperwork. It was a second hand volkswagon bug, very popular in those days. I was struggling with the loan requirements, my father checking and rechecking my application. When I finally finished I looked at Dad and said, "This is a lot of bull!"
"Why do you say that?" he asked
"Because, I know what I'm doing. I can afford this. Why don't they just give me the money?"
"You have to remember that you are a stranger to the bank," he told me. "You are asking them to use their money to help you out. If you can't pay them back for whatever reason then they'll have to take your car and sell it and they'll probably lose out. It also puts other people at risk," he continued. "If too many people come up short on their payments then everyone suffers because there isn't enough money to go around to cover all the bad debts."
I went on to purchase my little VW bug, made all the payments on time and finished my business degree. While sitting in ecomonics class, I learned about interest rates, banking, and lending. One of the my professors use to constantly say, "there is never any excuse for irresponsible lending or borrowing." I think all the theories and calculations couldn't have summed up the system better.
I don't know how the housing crisis will turn out. There have been suggestions tha a tax should be levied so that money can become available to help those who can't meet their obligations. I'm never opposed to helping another person, I give generously to charities all the time. But is this a responsible solution to this problem?
Wouldn't it be nice if we all learned a small lesson from this crisis and realized that the concept of personal responsibility applies to each and everyone of us.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
How did we get there? Was it an overbelief in what each of us is capable of? Or did the great American dream seduce us to the point of no return?
I remember when I purchased my first car way back in the early 1970's. My father helped me fill out the paperwork. It was a second hand volkswagon bug, very popular in those days. I was struggling with the loan requirements, my father checking and rechecking my application. When I finally finished I looked at Dad and said, "This is a lot of bull!"
"Why do you say that?" he asked
"Because, I know what I'm doing. I can afford this. Why don't they just give me the money?"
"You have to remember that you are a stranger to the bank," he told me. "You are asking them to use their money to help you out. If you can't pay them back for whatever reason then they'll have to take your car and sell it and they'll probably lose out. It also puts other people at risk," he continued. "If too many people come up short on their payments then everyone suffers because there isn't enough money to go around to cover all the bad debts."
I went on to purchase my little VW bug, made all the payments on time and finished my business degree. While sitting in ecomonics class, I learned about interest rates, banking, and lending. One of the my professors use to constantly say, "there is never any excuse for irresponsible lending or borrowing." I think all the theories and calculations couldn't have summed up the system better.
I don't know how the housing crisis will turn out. There have been suggestions tha a tax should be levied so that money can become available to help those who can't meet their obligations. I'm never opposed to helping another person, I give generously to charities all the time. But is this a responsible solution to this problem?
Wouldn't it be nice if we all learned a small lesson from this crisis and realized that the concept of personal responsibility applies to each and everyone of us.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Where The Wild Things Roam
I read about a panther today. Here in Southwest Florida panthers were once almost extinct. Now with a new breeding program and public awareness their numbers are starting to increase.
The panther I read about was a two year old male. He didn't have a collar so he wasn't one of the panthers being tracked. A panther needs quite a large territory and often encroachs on populated areas.
When they are sighted or become a nusance they are transported to rural areas but often they wonder back. They are cats after all, and all cats are finicky and territorial.
The animal I read about died as the result of an auto accident. A witness said it was hit by one car and when it tried to cross the road to get to saftey, the poor thing was limping and couldn't make it before it was hit by a second car. A number of people phoned 911 and the local sheriff's office but by the time someone arrived, it was too late.
We are only given so many resources on this earth. Each one is precious. I'm a little sad today that we lost one of them.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
The panther I read about was a two year old male. He didn't have a collar so he wasn't one of the panthers being tracked. A panther needs quite a large territory and often encroachs on populated areas.
When they are sighted or become a nusance they are transported to rural areas but often they wonder back. They are cats after all, and all cats are finicky and territorial.
The animal I read about died as the result of an auto accident. A witness said it was hit by one car and when it tried to cross the road to get to saftey, the poor thing was limping and couldn't make it before it was hit by a second car. A number of people phoned 911 and the local sheriff's office but by the time someone arrived, it was too late.
We are only given so many resources on this earth. Each one is precious. I'm a little sad today that we lost one of them.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Monday, March 10, 2008
Convincing
I read with interst this morning an article on how to negotiate with your aging parents. Knowing how I read with interst this morning an article on how to negotiate with your aging parents. Knowing how my 95 year old mother in law is in need of more help, I enjoyed the pointers.
This afternoon, I will visit her and try to talk her into having a nurse come a few hours everyday. As the article mentioned, I'm not going to impose my will against hers that won't work. I'll remind her how hard she's worked all her life and how she deserves a littlle pampering. Now what woman wouldn't resist that.
I hope she goes for it. At 95, she's in need to help her with things that she's just too frail to do anymore and though she'll probably refuse at first, I'll remind her that a little company perks up one's life.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
This afternoon, I will visit her and try to talk her into having a nurse come a few hours everyday. As the article mentioned, I'm not going to impose my will against hers that won't work. I'll remind her how hard she's worked all her life and how she deserves a littlle pampering. Now what woman wouldn't resist that.
I hope she goes for it. At 95, she's in need to help her with things that she's just too frail to do anymore and though she'll probably refuse at first, I'll remind her that a little company perks up one's life.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Friday, March 7, 2008
Am I Really Old
I read an article yesterday about life's transitions, you know one of those this is what you can expect to feel like at certain ages type of things. I looked the article over and was aghast finding myself now fitting into the 55 to 70 age group, labeled as old age. When did that happen?
I don't think of myself as old. We hear constantly how today's 50 is the new 30, 60 is the new 40, etc. I'm grateful to be healthy, with no major problems in my life. All in all I'm happy and fortunate.
Yet we have to face the inevitable. No matter what we may think, we are aging and though you might envision yourself as 30 or 40, we're all still 50 and 60 and not immortal.
I'm vowing as of today to take each day as it comes. To make the most of my days and enjoy what I love doing best. Learning new things, chatting with friends, visiting family, taking a few peaceful moments to myself. Because that's the best part of life just living for what makes us happy.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
I don't think of myself as old. We hear constantly how today's 50 is the new 30, 60 is the new 40, etc. I'm grateful to be healthy, with no major problems in my life. All in all I'm happy and fortunate.
Yet we have to face the inevitable. No matter what we may think, we are aging and though you might envision yourself as 30 or 40, we're all still 50 and 60 and not immortal.
I'm vowing as of today to take each day as it comes. To make the most of my days and enjoy what I love doing best. Learning new things, chatting with friends, visiting family, taking a few peaceful moments to myself. Because that's the best part of life just living for what makes us happy.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Thursday, March 6, 2008
A little advice
I've read the articles and listened to the news. Our economy is definitely feeling some bumps right now. But what does that mean to us, the everyday average person who needs to go about their business.
I listened with interest to a report on Good Morning America, this morning. Below are some helpful tips.
1. Stop spending and start saving. - Always good advice no matter what the ecomony is doing. I save my change, it's amazing how quickly a few quarters turns into $100.00.
2. Eat more meals at home. - I love to eat out but let's face it, do we need to go out as often as we do? Cooking at home not only saves money but it saves calories as well.
3. Do you really need that coffee at Starbucks? - Sometimes it's the little things that add up. $2.50 here for a snack, $4.00 there for a cup of coffee and pretty soon, you've spent the $100.00 in a month, you might have saved.
4. Do you really need it? - There are times when we really want something and there are times when we really need something. Know the difference. Delayed gratification can save you hundreds of dollars.
It's not easy to go foreward when times are tough. We don't want to stop and think about what we spend, we'd all love to have unlimited resources. Since that's not the case for most of us, use what you have wisely and learn how to enjoy the free things in life. Like a smile and a hug, and a few kind words. Ultimately they will bring you more joy.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
I listened with interest to a report on Good Morning America, this morning. Below are some helpful tips.
1. Stop spending and start saving. - Always good advice no matter what the ecomony is doing. I save my change, it's amazing how quickly a few quarters turns into $100.00.
2. Eat more meals at home. - I love to eat out but let's face it, do we need to go out as often as we do? Cooking at home not only saves money but it saves calories as well.
3. Do you really need that coffee at Starbucks? - Sometimes it's the little things that add up. $2.50 here for a snack, $4.00 there for a cup of coffee and pretty soon, you've spent the $100.00 in a month, you might have saved.
4. Do you really need it? - There are times when we really want something and there are times when we really need something. Know the difference. Delayed gratification can save you hundreds of dollars.
It's not easy to go foreward when times are tough. We don't want to stop and think about what we spend, we'd all love to have unlimited resources. Since that's not the case for most of us, use what you have wisely and learn how to enjoy the free things in life. Like a smile and a hug, and a few kind words. Ultimately they will bring you more joy.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Talk about the Yesterdays
I met a wonderful man yesterday at a talk and booksigning. It was at a library about 25 miles from where I live. Usually events like that attract people of all ages but I was amazed when this elderly gentleman ambled in with a walker. After the talk and signing, I was curious about him so I sat and chatted with him for a few minutes.
He told me he was retired from working his whole life in the National Archives. He also gave me a bit of his family history, how his mother, a Russian Jew from Odessa came to this country just before World War I began. He told me about the time he served in the military, blaming himself for his bad vision that he was born with and not being shipped oversees in World War II. Instead he served out his time in an induction center in NewPort News Virginia, not very far from his hometown. He now spends his time reading military history, traveling and enjoying the Florida Sunshine. I found our 15 minute discussion delightful.
I don't think any of us wants to grow old. We stare in the mirror and hope tomorrow those lines and wrinkles we see will go away. I also think sometimes we avoid talking with the elderly, thinking they won't have much to offer us. I learned yesterday from this very polite and well read man that elderly people can pass along a little bit of the yesterdays that we were not able to experience and what better reason than that to strike up a conversation!.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
He told me he was retired from working his whole life in the National Archives. He also gave me a bit of his family history, how his mother, a Russian Jew from Odessa came to this country just before World War I began. He told me about the time he served in the military, blaming himself for his bad vision that he was born with and not being shipped oversees in World War II. Instead he served out his time in an induction center in NewPort News Virginia, not very far from his hometown. He now spends his time reading military history, traveling and enjoying the Florida Sunshine. I found our 15 minute discussion delightful.
I don't think any of us wants to grow old. We stare in the mirror and hope tomorrow those lines and wrinkles we see will go away. I also think sometimes we avoid talking with the elderly, thinking they won't have much to offer us. I learned yesterday from this very polite and well read man that elderly people can pass along a little bit of the yesterdays that we were not able to experience and what better reason than that to strike up a conversation!.
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Coffee the best Cure!
Okay gang, I just read an article about sleep and how deprived we all are. Did anyone catch the news this morning? There was a great pictures of several guards at a Nuclear Power Plant fast asleep on the job. Unfortunately by the time the story broke, these young men found themselves unemployed.
I feel fortunate that I work from home and my office is just off my bedroom. I can see my nice comfy bed from here. I must admit it's tempting but I have my own little perscription for staying awake during working hours, caffeine.
I've been a coffee addict for some time, just love the stuff particularly all the fancy brands, Jamaica Blue Mountain is fast becoming one of my favorites. I bought a bag right off the donkey when I visited Jamaica recently. Delicious stuff.
I drink coffee all day long. When someone asks me why I'm so productive, I point to my well-used coffee machine and say it takes all the credit!
So my advice for ending sleep deprevation at least during waking hours is to drink more coffee. Now I know some will argue that it isn't healthy, that it gives them the jitters, increases the blood pressure, and a list of other negatives that have been associated with it.
But I ignore these unhealthy attributes and drink away, knowing it keeps me from nodding off. What more can you ask of a hot comforting drink!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
I feel fortunate that I work from home and my office is just off my bedroom. I can see my nice comfy bed from here. I must admit it's tempting but I have my own little perscription for staying awake during working hours, caffeine.
I've been a coffee addict for some time, just love the stuff particularly all the fancy brands, Jamaica Blue Mountain is fast becoming one of my favorites. I bought a bag right off the donkey when I visited Jamaica recently. Delicious stuff.
I drink coffee all day long. When someone asks me why I'm so productive, I point to my well-used coffee machine and say it takes all the credit!
So my advice for ending sleep deprevation at least during waking hours is to drink more coffee. Now I know some will argue that it isn't healthy, that it gives them the jitters, increases the blood pressure, and a list of other negatives that have been associated with it.
But I ignore these unhealthy attributes and drink away, knowing it keeps me from nodding off. What more can you ask of a hot comforting drink!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Monday, March 3, 2008
Good Food
I'm a foodie, love all kinds of food, particularly something new and different, and constantly run a battle between eating and keeping my weight in check.
So when some Swiss friends invited us for dinner on Friday night, I jumped at the opportunity knowing I wasn't in for the usual fare.
We arrived to have some nice appetizers, cheese filled phyllo cups which were a bit different from the usual Quiche and olives stuffed with blue cheese. Delicious. We enjoyef s glass of white wine while catching up. We haven't seen them in a while. After some time, we were seated at her table, beautifully set.
We were told that she had prepared a casual meal, something akin to the American Pizza night. We started with dish of air dried beef and alongside she had a delicious asperagus salad, nicely seasoned with olive oil and chopped onion. The main course was Raclette. One uses a special machine to melt cheese on something that looks like a mini shovel and then you put it over potatoes or bread. We tried both, mouth watering for certain.
For dessert, she served a wonderful orange ice cream with orange slices and small crispy cookies that tasted a bit like ginger snaps. Marvelous.
I can still taste my friends wonderful food and though I'm going to have to spend the week scrimping on calories to make sure my pants still fit. It was woth every bite!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
So when some Swiss friends invited us for dinner on Friday night, I jumped at the opportunity knowing I wasn't in for the usual fare.
We arrived to have some nice appetizers, cheese filled phyllo cups which were a bit different from the usual Quiche and olives stuffed with blue cheese. Delicious. We enjoyef s glass of white wine while catching up. We haven't seen them in a while. After some time, we were seated at her table, beautifully set.
We were told that she had prepared a casual meal, something akin to the American Pizza night. We started with dish of air dried beef and alongside she had a delicious asperagus salad, nicely seasoned with olive oil and chopped onion. The main course was Raclette. One uses a special machine to melt cheese on something that looks like a mini shovel and then you put it over potatoes or bread. We tried both, mouth watering for certain.
For dessert, she served a wonderful orange ice cream with orange slices and small crispy cookies that tasted a bit like ginger snaps. Marvelous.
I can still taste my friends wonderful food and though I'm going to have to spend the week scrimping on calories to make sure my pants still fit. It was woth every bite!
Best
Linda Bilodeau
www.lindabilodeau.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
