spotted in the 'eartlands

it looks like them dinky cellphone battery life support networks have arrived on our fair shores. yes!

staycation surprises

for an eleventh hour trip we've certainly had some nice unplanned outcomes.

the most serendipitous being the successful installation (finally) of the VEP tag. unexpectedly and most efficiently.

the side trip to the outlet mall counts too. pleasant interlude from the sudden shower and most productive from a retail therapy viewpoint.

and certainly the impulse extension at a different hotel, just because. 

being of a certain age and being semi-retired have benefits.

(almost) staycating

on the one hand there are bucket lists stars in the eyes and loftily aspirational plans. like the camino de santiago or the green fields of ireland or the west lakes.

on the other hand there is a quick drive across the causeway for a couple days away from the madding crowd. add in the rain and clouds we are having and it feels like a colder season too, only without the layers. just as good for the soul.

if you live to 100 - rhee kun hoo (2014)

restrained self-deprecating down-to-earth and quite devastatingly wise. i may not fully agree with his philosophy of life and fate but that in no way detracts from his incisiveness and charm.

he writes about his life his children his wife his work his days.

of his children, he says that it is more important to live fully as good examples than to try to ace the parenting act that we are amateurs at in any case.

of his wife, he writes a tender paean to the woman who threw in her lot with him and stuck by him through debt imprisonment and more. of one mind, of one heart. about whom else could i ever say that?

of his work, he has poured himself fully and he talks about the satisfaction of doing hard work well, rather than about work-life-balance.

of his days, he says that life is a story you should read till the very last page. how unexpected from an 87-year-old! that is to say, i unabashedly pronounce this a SMASHING READ.

in awe, really

i have started reading the english bible aloud! the 87-year-old woman reports. i look up the words i don't understand and i check their pronunciation. but i skipped the so-and-so begetting so-and-so bits. i am amazed not least because english is her second language.

i made this for you, my 80-year-old patient says. i figured out how to crochet it from youtube videos.

the 93-year-old gentleman hobbles his bent frame into the room. how have you been? i ask. oh he is busy supervising the help at home, his daughter says as he gives me his impishly toothy grin.

when i am your age, i tell them, i want to be like you. on high heels.

taking stock

A has arrived safely and is thriving. HOM's trips have been taken and he is home. his mom's house move is done with, as are the utilities the furniture purchases the TV set-up the roster and much more. O has had her home trip and we have learnt to do housework again. my key tasks are over, namely the three exams. as is my formal life of being employed. the various bodily challenges continue unabated.

the year is exhilaratingly thrillingly and finally winding down. bring it on, thanksgiving!

daisies

O brings these pretty ladies home.

pressing question: do we remove the plastic casing or do we leave it on?