http://youtu.be/rajji_4qNvo
spend a few minutes with this 100 year old spark plug! She's amazing!
She exercises every day! She plays the harmonica! She has a terrific sense of humour!
Sunday, 17 March 2013
Friday, 15 March 2013
Seniors Healthy Living Expo
The Handi-Darts were circling like covered wagons when I arrived at the Seniors Healthy Living Expo today! The mini bus drivers were looking for places to drop off and pick up their elderly passengers. The converted arena was abuzz with the latest in gizmos, gadgets, and Geritol.
As I walked through the front door, I was told that there would be a prize draw for completed passports. Passports, being the type that you take to each booth to get stamped. I thanked the young man handing out the passport/guide books and laughingly asked if the prize would be a year's supply of Metamucil! Unfortunately, I set off before I actually heard his answer!
Motorized scooters weaved in and around those of us who were walking. At one point while leaning over to ask about some locally made clothing, I felt someone put their hand on me. I looked over my shoulder thinking I'd see someone I knew, and found it was just an old guy trying to steady himself . There weren't as many wobblers as I expected though. The throngs of mainly white haired seniors were well behaved, savvy, and quite steady on their feet.
Bus loads had come into town just to attend and there were some enthusiastic ladies who you could tell were really enjoying their day in the big city. They were picking up brochures, entering draws, and taking free samples.
So what do you find at a Seniors Expo besides Seniors? Plenty of retirement "communities" trying to woo passersby. Free pens galore with names of easy living homes, companion services, Power Of Attorney lawyers, financial services, bequeathment and bereavement companies. Fridge magnets and note pads touting geriatric advice. Peppermints and Werthers in generous supply. Bowls brimming with apples and plates laden with DADS COOKIES.
There was even a mini casino and a spin the wheel to win free swimming passes and get out of jail free cards.
I didn't stop to play. I was on a mission to find innovation at its finest, and do a little networking and contest entering along the way.
No doubt I will be getting calls and emails from enthusiastic vendors who are now privy to my info as I am now privy to their wares. I have a plastic bag full of brochures and business cards and now must separate the wheat from the chaff.
Here are some things that caught my eye:
~hand made zipper pulls. Easy to grab for arthritic hands. Makes doing up your coat much easier. I bought one of their zipper pulls for my mom but neglected to get a business card. They are donating $1 from every sale to the Arthritis Society of Canada.
~ComfiHips..."The Most Comfortable Hip Protector on the Market Today" ( I met the inventor!) www.comfihips.com
~a bra that does up in the front and has clips and velcro ... one size fits all (WOW!) and easy for arthritic hands to put on and remove.This is available from www.speciallyforyouuniforms.ca
~ International Nannies and Home Care, an affordable way for Grandma to continue living in her own home. www.internationalnannies.com
~If you care to move to Vancouver Island, there's a new All Care Residence opening soon. The Sidney All Care Residence will provide Complex Care for short or long term, they also will offer respite and Out Patient programs. www.allcarecanada.ca
There were two other "vendors" at the expo that warmed my heart completely. The ladies at the Friendship Force International table explained to me what they're all about. They belong to a unique club that has chapters in 377 communities in 56 countries. Members welcome people from all over their world into their homes for a brief stay and cultural exchange. Check them out at www.thefriendshipforce.org
Kudos also to warm and fuzzy booth number two on my quest for the best: Grandmothers For Africa. They host events and sell merchandise to help fund the awareness of the work of the Stephen Lewis Foundation in Sub Saharan Africa. www.stephenlewisfoundation.org
Personal friends Kelly and Louise were in a strategic location, near the entrance/exit doors. Louise's computer guides are a great way for older folks to get proficient on using new technology. My Parents Got An iPad and My Parents Went Mac, both sold well. We're looking forward to Louise's soon to be published "My Parents Are Great With Windows 8" www.myparentsfirst.com
After a quick hug (We're all embracing aging!) it was out the door with my bag of Seniors SWAG. It'll be a long time before I will be calling myself a senior but it was good to see what they're up to.
As I walked through the front door, I was told that there would be a prize draw for completed passports. Passports, being the type that you take to each booth to get stamped. I thanked the young man handing out the passport/guide books and laughingly asked if the prize would be a year's supply of Metamucil! Unfortunately, I set off before I actually heard his answer!
Motorized scooters weaved in and around those of us who were walking. At one point while leaning over to ask about some locally made clothing, I felt someone put their hand on me. I looked over my shoulder thinking I'd see someone I knew, and found it was just an old guy trying to steady himself . There weren't as many wobblers as I expected though. The throngs of mainly white haired seniors were well behaved, savvy, and quite steady on their feet.
Bus loads had come into town just to attend and there were some enthusiastic ladies who you could tell were really enjoying their day in the big city. They were picking up brochures, entering draws, and taking free samples.
So what do you find at a Seniors Expo besides Seniors? Plenty of retirement "communities" trying to woo passersby. Free pens galore with names of easy living homes, companion services, Power Of Attorney lawyers, financial services, bequeathment and bereavement companies. Fridge magnets and note pads touting geriatric advice. Peppermints and Werthers in generous supply. Bowls brimming with apples and plates laden with DADS COOKIES.
There was even a mini casino and a spin the wheel to win free swimming passes and get out of jail free cards.
I didn't stop to play. I was on a mission to find innovation at its finest, and do a little networking and contest entering along the way.
No doubt I will be getting calls and emails from enthusiastic vendors who are now privy to my info as I am now privy to their wares. I have a plastic bag full of brochures and business cards and now must separate the wheat from the chaff.
Here are some things that caught my eye:
~hand made zipper pulls. Easy to grab for arthritic hands. Makes doing up your coat much easier. I bought one of their zipper pulls for my mom but neglected to get a business card. They are donating $1 from every sale to the Arthritis Society of Canada.
~ComfiHips..."The Most Comfortable Hip Protector on the Market Today" ( I met the inventor!) www.comfihips.com
~a bra that does up in the front and has clips and velcro ... one size fits all (WOW!) and easy for arthritic hands to put on and remove.This is available from www.speciallyforyouuniforms.ca
~ International Nannies and Home Care, an affordable way for Grandma to continue living in her own home. www.internationalnannies.com
~If you care to move to Vancouver Island, there's a new All Care Residence opening soon. The Sidney All Care Residence will provide Complex Care for short or long term, they also will offer respite and Out Patient programs. www.allcarecanada.ca
There were two other "vendors" at the expo that warmed my heart completely. The ladies at the Friendship Force International table explained to me what they're all about. They belong to a unique club that has chapters in 377 communities in 56 countries. Members welcome people from all over their world into their homes for a brief stay and cultural exchange. Check them out at www.thefriendshipforce.org
Kudos also to warm and fuzzy booth number two on my quest for the best: Grandmothers For Africa. They host events and sell merchandise to help fund the awareness of the work of the Stephen Lewis Foundation in Sub Saharan Africa. www.stephenlewisfoundation.org
Personal friends Kelly and Louise were in a strategic location, near the entrance/exit doors. Louise's computer guides are a great way for older folks to get proficient on using new technology. My Parents Got An iPad and My Parents Went Mac, both sold well. We're looking forward to Louise's soon to be published "My Parents Are Great With Windows 8" www.myparentsfirst.com
After a quick hug (We're all embracing aging!) it was out the door with my bag of Seniors SWAG. It'll be a long time before I will be calling myself a senior but it was good to see what they're up to.
Monday, 11 March 2013
All Things Senior
March is Seniors Wellness Month. Every month we ought to think of wellness and healthy aging, whether we are young or old. I just heard an ad on the radio promoting the Seniors Expo taking place tomorrow at my local arena. I will go and check it out and let you know what is innovative, cutting edge, and possibly feisty.
In the meantime check out this recent 2 for 1 deal.
http://www.globaltvbc.com/video/double+header+funeral/video.html?v=2338142301#video
In the meantime check out this recent 2 for 1 deal.
http://www.globaltvbc.com/video/double+header+funeral/video.html?v=2338142301#video
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
The Ultimate Comfort Food
Good Ol' Mom, she has her touch on us in times of sickness and tribulation and every holiday event. Grown men get misty eyed when they speak of "Mom's home cooking." Her chicken soup cures us. The way she does her mashed potatoes inspires us.
What happens though when Mom gets dementia and is no longer able to manage her kitchen? The fear of her leaving a burner on becomes all too real. There's another fear though, if she was a good cook and has some recipes stored, you will want to make sure that those don't get thrown away.
This past weekend the newspaper had two articles that appealed to me as a Baby Boomer. One headline "Recipes helped writer cope with mom's dementia" and the other "Someone to watch over me"...with the sub text "Many childless boomers wonder who will look out for them as they age". Both journalists did a good job of explaining what our fears are and how to deal with them.
Alex Witchel has penned a book "All Gone" [A Memoir of My Mother's Dementia, With Refreshments] and chronicles caring for an aging parent which includes working her way through recipes that her mother had given her. The book is described by Diane Lade of The Miami Herald as being "part family history, part practical advice and part cookbook."
The book can be ordered from your favorite book retailer. As an alternate to having the hard copy, you can order it as an ebook as well.
Always looking for things to pass along to you, Anita Creamer of The Sacramento Bee caught my eye and delved into the plight of those who never had children, now concerned about their future and perhaps needing long term care down the road.
Food for thought: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/11/10/4975282/childless-boomers-wonder-who-will.html
My children, now embarking on their own adult lives have turned out to be better cooks than me and I look forward to the day when I can go to their place for a taste of home.
What happens though when Mom gets dementia and is no longer able to manage her kitchen? The fear of her leaving a burner on becomes all too real. There's another fear though, if she was a good cook and has some recipes stored, you will want to make sure that those don't get thrown away.
This past weekend the newspaper had two articles that appealed to me as a Baby Boomer. One headline "Recipes helped writer cope with mom's dementia" and the other "Someone to watch over me"...with the sub text "Many childless boomers wonder who will look out for them as they age". Both journalists did a good job of explaining what our fears are and how to deal with them.
Alex Witchel has penned a book "All Gone" [A Memoir of My Mother's Dementia, With Refreshments] and chronicles caring for an aging parent which includes working her way through recipes that her mother had given her. The book is described by Diane Lade of The Miami Herald as being "part family history, part practical advice and part cookbook."
The book can be ordered from your favorite book retailer. As an alternate to having the hard copy, you can order it as an ebook as well.
Always looking for things to pass along to you, Anita Creamer of The Sacramento Bee caught my eye and delved into the plight of those who never had children, now concerned about their future and perhaps needing long term care down the road.
Food for thought: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/11/10/4975282/childless-boomers-wonder-who-will.html
My children, now embarking on their own adult lives have turned out to be better cooks than me and I look forward to the day when I can go to their place for a taste of home.
Sunday, 6 January 2013
A Pure White Soul to Start the Year
In November, I went to a screening of Dexiny Productions' "Death By Joy". It's a true and candid story of a lady named Mary who upon receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, chooses to find the joy in dying. This movie is not for those who think they would have a problem watching a real person, not an actor, dying.It is for those who want a glimpse into a journey faced with courage and fortitude.
Our heroine, Mary, has a wonderful sense of humour and it shines throughout the hour and a half presentation. At one point she gets a glimpse of the colour of her soul and hopes to polish it up a bit because it appears to be like that of an old, weathered, tortoise.
That got me thinking about what colour I would like my soul to reflect. Would it be bright pink? Turquoise? Red and passionate? Saints must have pure and clear ones. Sinners, maybe black?
To preview or order a copy of Death By Joy, go to www.deathbyjoy.com
After viewing the documentary, the audience was encouraged by the film maker to express their thoughts. One lady who identified herself as a cancer clinic nurse said that she thought it was excellent and that it should be widely distributed to as many people as possible. Certainly people volunteering or working in palliative care would get a lot out of watching it. I think anyone who has had a loved one pass away would find this a bittersweet reminder of how the last days were lived and may see similarities. A cautionary note: sensitivity must be used when giving this out to a friend who has recently lost a loved one. The pain and emotion still may be a bit raw if not enough time has passed.
On a lighter note, at the beginning of December I decided I had to get a new vehicle. My 1998 van was costing too much on upkeep. I made the bold move to order a brand new KIA SOUL. It has a black interior and the exterior is a gleaming "Polar White". I am still working on shining up my real soul that is my true essence but in the meantime, it's fun making an announcement that I have a pure white SOUL!
Our heroine, Mary, has a wonderful sense of humour and it shines throughout the hour and a half presentation. At one point she gets a glimpse of the colour of her soul and hopes to polish it up a bit because it appears to be like that of an old, weathered, tortoise.
That got me thinking about what colour I would like my soul to reflect. Would it be bright pink? Turquoise? Red and passionate? Saints must have pure and clear ones. Sinners, maybe black?
To preview or order a copy of Death By Joy, go to www.deathbyjoy.com
After viewing the documentary, the audience was encouraged by the film maker to express their thoughts. One lady who identified herself as a cancer clinic nurse said that she thought it was excellent and that it should be widely distributed to as many people as possible. Certainly people volunteering or working in palliative care would get a lot out of watching it. I think anyone who has had a loved one pass away would find this a bittersweet reminder of how the last days were lived and may see similarities. A cautionary note: sensitivity must be used when giving this out to a friend who has recently lost a loved one. The pain and emotion still may be a bit raw if not enough time has passed.
On a lighter note, at the beginning of December I decided I had to get a new vehicle. My 1998 van was costing too much on upkeep. I made the bold move to order a brand new KIA SOUL. It has a black interior and the exterior is a gleaming "Polar White". I am still working on shining up my real soul that is my true essence but in the meantime, it's fun making an announcement that I have a pure white SOUL!
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Friday, 16 November 2012
Random Acts of Kindness
Whether you call it a Random Act of Kindness, Paying it Forward, Circle of Kindness or a Kindness Boomerang, it makes no difference. The terminology is one and the same for expressing a good deed often done anonymously or with little fan fare. It usually takes place between strangers. One person sees another and wants to do something kind.
There's homespun kindness too and today was an exceptionally good day for that as I found myself on the receiving end of two completely unsolicited and unexpected gifts of kindness but not from strangers. I happened to be home this afternoon when I heard a knock at my door. I opened it to find one of my neighbours with a gift of half a dozen cookies his wife had just baked.
The second surprise was opening my mailbox later in the afternoon and finding a wrapped gift from a friend I haven't seen in months! The card reads "This book reminded me of you. It is about being happy and about diversity! Both of those things make me think of YOU" and "I think you're wonderful".
Instantly, the cover of "HAPPY", which is published by Lonely Planet had me excited and its secondary title "Secrets to Happiness from the Cultures of the World" had me intrigued. As I quickly flipped through the pages I saw awesome photos and headings like "Live in the Now" and "Allow yourself to luxuriate".
You can bet I was grinning ear to ear that someone could be so sweet as to send me such a fun and thoughtful gift. After a cup of tea and a gift cookie, I started to read the foreword of gift book:
"There is a famous story about two children who set out to find a bluebird; they travel all over the world only to find it in their own backyard when they return home. The bluebird, of course, represents happiness and the moral of the story is that happiness is found when you stop looking for it..."
I'm gobsmacked. I quickly recalled my day thus far. Just this morning I met a neighbour --not the cookie gifter but a different one --for a walk, and as she and I strolled and chatted, a Steller's Jay chastised us as it flew past and perched in a nearby tree. Michele commented on how she loved his blue colouring and I agreed. It's the only kind of "blue bird" we have in this area. Anyway, Michele is not only my neighbour but has become a dear friend over the years and because yesterday was her 50th birthday I had asked her to come in for tea and sweets after our walk and as we sat together I presented her with the gift bag and the card that I had written on last night. I had selected her favorite colour of blue for the contents of the bag and the card had a bluebird on the cover with my words inside: "May the bluebird of happiness sing for you every day of your 50th year".
Cue the music from "Twighlight Zone" folks, this was an extraordinary day
There's homespun kindness too and today was an exceptionally good day for that as I found myself on the receiving end of two completely unsolicited and unexpected gifts of kindness but not from strangers. I happened to be home this afternoon when I heard a knock at my door. I opened it to find one of my neighbours with a gift of half a dozen cookies his wife had just baked.
The second surprise was opening my mailbox later in the afternoon and finding a wrapped gift from a friend I haven't seen in months! The card reads "This book reminded me of you. It is about being happy and about diversity! Both of those things make me think of YOU" and "I think you're wonderful".
Instantly, the cover of "HAPPY", which is published by Lonely Planet had me excited and its secondary title "Secrets to Happiness from the Cultures of the World" had me intrigued. As I quickly flipped through the pages I saw awesome photos and headings like "Live in the Now" and "Allow yourself to luxuriate".
You can bet I was grinning ear to ear that someone could be so sweet as to send me such a fun and thoughtful gift. After a cup of tea and a gift cookie, I started to read the foreword of gift book:
"There is a famous story about two children who set out to find a bluebird; they travel all over the world only to find it in their own backyard when they return home. The bluebird, of course, represents happiness and the moral of the story is that happiness is found when you stop looking for it..."
I'm gobsmacked. I quickly recalled my day thus far. Just this morning I met a neighbour --not the cookie gifter but a different one --for a walk, and as she and I strolled and chatted, a Steller's Jay chastised us as it flew past and perched in a nearby tree. Michele commented on how she loved his blue colouring and I agreed. It's the only kind of "blue bird" we have in this area. Anyway, Michele is not only my neighbour but has become a dear friend over the years and because yesterday was her 50th birthday I had asked her to come in for tea and sweets after our walk and as we sat together I presented her with the gift bag and the card that I had written on last night. I had selected her favorite colour of blue for the contents of the bag and the card had a bluebird on the cover with my words inside: "May the bluebird of happiness sing for you every day of your 50th year".
Cue the music from "Twighlight Zone" folks, this was an extraordinary day
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