March 31, 2010
How to Boil Eggs
Since Easter is just a few days away, I thought I’d repeat my post on How to Hard Boil Eggs.
Ok, you have the eggs that you want to boil. Now get a small pan, not one that is too big for the amount of eggs you want to boil. Put enough water in the pan to just cover the room-temperature eggs completely. You can then put the lid on the pan and put it on the stove and bring to a boil. Just a SLOW boil for 10 minutes. Here is a picture of eggs in a slow boil. A full rolling boil is not what you want. A full rolling boil looks just like it sounds — lots of turbulence in the water and splashes.
Boiling Eggs by PDXFirefly
After slow boiling the eggs ten minutes, turn off the heat and put a lid on the pan and let them sit ( or is it set) for 5 minutes. Then you remove the lid and pour the water off and run cold water over the eggs in the pan. Repeat the running of cold water over the eggs. This is to hasten the cooling down process. Then you can put them in a bowl in the fridge to cool longer until you are ready to shell them.
You can also slow boil the eggs for 5 minutes and then let them set ( or is it sit) in a covered pan for 10 minutes.
When you go to peel them, they will be perfect! My recipe for Curried Deviled Eggs can be found by typing ‘curried’ in the search box. Yum!!
March 30, 2010
Passover & Easter
Passover began last night and Easter is right around the corner… this Sunday. This week is Holy Week for Christians around the world culminating on Good Friday and then rejoicing at the Resurrection of Our Lord on Sunday.
Just to refresh your memory, Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the first Friday after the first full moon after the Spring solstice. And it was a full moon last night and almost full tonight!!
Have a Happy Easter!
March 26, 2010
Earth Hour Saturday Night
Earth Hour is Saturday night, March 27th, 2010 at 7:30 pm local time. It doesn’t matter where you are on the globe, turn off all of your electricity for 1 hour at 7:30 pm. This will present a sort of rolling “black out” across the globe. It should be cool!!!!
For more information go to www.earthhour.org
Travel
Here are some interesting travel quotes for you today.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime. ~Mark Twain
I did not fully understand the dread term “terminal illness” until I saw Heathrow for myself. ~Dennis Potter, 1978
March 25, 2010
Bert & Ernie
The children’s TV characters Ernie and Bert from Sesame Street are named after Ernie the taxi driver and Bert the policeman in the film “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
Now we all know…..
March 24, 2010
Cheap Eyeglasses
Portland Firefly discovered an internet company that has very reasonable eyeglasses. Their prices start at $8.00 for frames. I think they have some frames for as much as $80.00, but most of the designer frames fall in the $30.00 -$60.00 price range. The lenses, of course , cost extra but they are also very reasonable.
I was able to purchase two pair of no-line bifocals with non-glare coating for a total of $100.00. That includes frames, lenses, cases, clip-ons and shipping for two pair! Do I have your attention now? What is there name, you ask? It is Zenni Optical. You order on-line, but they have an 800 phone number so you can call them with any question you might have.
Here is there web site: www.zennioptical.com Happy seeing!!!
March 23, 2010
Goodbye Cottonwood!
Our next-door neighbors have an enormous cottonwood tree in their front yard; but today it is coming down!!!
It Was a BIG Tree by PDXfirefly
This morning all of the neighbor children, Portland Firefly included, were out watching the events. When the tree trimmer would cut down a limb, the children would clap and cheer! Then more clapping and cheering as the other men fed the tree limb into the mulching machine. The children thought that it was so funny that the machine was going to have ‘tree’ for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A few minutes later the eldest girl said with a chuckle “And I bet he has some big snacks today, too!”
Man in the Tree by PDXFirefly
Portland Firefly has been in awe of the strength and fearless courage of the ‘man in the tree’ as he slowly, but surly disassembles the tree, big branch by big branch! It is fascinating to watch as he uses pulleys and ropes to secure himself and to lower the 20 foot long branches. He looks so comfortable and at home in that tree. There is no hint of fear in his body language, only the appearance of confident sureness as he moves around the huge tree like a monkey!
Sawing Away by PDXFirefly
I have accomplished less than half of the things that I wanted to do today because I have to run outside every few minutes to ‘take a look’.
Arborist & His Tools by PDXFirefly
The process is nearing completion now. There only remains the main trunk and one other branch that has the pulley attached to the top of it. The arborist (that’s what they call people who trim trees) now ‘tops’ off the main trunk in 3-4 foot long sections. He then stops working on the main trunk and lowers himself to the branch junction and climbs to the top of the adjacent 40 foot tall limb. He must be well over 70 feet above the ground. He then begins the topping process all over again on this branch. Slowly he works his way down to where it meets the main trunk.
Timber! by PDXfirefly
There is a rhythm and grace and beauty in this dance of his. He swings the heavy chainsaw up from where it hangs at his waist, then he transfer it to his left hand. He saws little bit on this side, then he repositions the saw and saws a little bit over here. Then a little bit over there. He returns the saw carefully to its position. He then manhandles the log he has just cut into off the tree, being carefull to look below him and call out “Clear!” before he pushes it off its perch.
Tim-m-b-e-e-r-r by PDXFirefly
As it falls, the neighbor children call “T-i-i-m-m-b-b-e-e-r-r-rr!” Then they giggle! They ride their scooters and bikes when the action is too slow for them, always returning to their favorite viewing spot a safe distance from the possibly hazardous action.
As a footnote I want you to know that Portland Firefly is not for the cutting down of trees. However this one needed to go. It does not belong in a neighborhood and I understand that cottonwoods are actually forbidden to be planted in the city now.
Tree by PDXFirefly
It was a messy tree. It was ruining the paint finish on my neighbors vehicles. It is messy in the spring with its seeds falling in the grass and on the driveway. Then in the summer, the ‘cotton’ from the tree looks like snow on the ground. Because there was so much, it piles up just like a snow bank in front of my door! In summer it did provide nice shade; but in the fall, there were piles and piles of leaves. This trees leaves clogged up my gutters and made my yard look unkempt. I had feared that it might fall during one of our rain storms and break through not only their roof, but mine as well. The roots are coming up out of the ground and have penetrated into the foundation of their house causing cracks in it.
And so today, we bid farewell to this old Cottonwood who stood over 100 feet tall at its tippy-top. Several people have stopped by to reclaim the wood for their own. The tree will give warmth or toys to someone this winter. The stump and roots will be ground out tomorrow.
Farewell tree…..
March 22, 2010
Participate in the 2010 Census
2010 Census Form by PDXFirefly
Be sure that you fill out your census forms correctly and return them soon. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that it will take about 10 minutes to complete, including the time for reviewing the instructions and answers. If you need help completing the form, call 1-866-872-6868 between 8:00 am and 9:00pm 7 days a week.
Why is it important to fill out this form? There are many reasons. One of them is that the census is an excellent way for people to trace their geneology and other types of historical research. Portland Firefly has learned a lot about her family from the Census of 1910 and 1920. Another reason has to do with schools and general population graphics.
The Government does not make Census information a matter of Public Record for many years — 72 years; this protects everyones privacy. The answers you give on the census form cannot be obtained by law enforcement or tax collection agencies. Your answers cannot be used in court. They cannot be obtained with a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. www.gov/2010census
If your form is illegible or you do not fill out and return your Census Form, you may receive a visit at home by a Census Bureau Worker. They will have lots of identification and will not ask you any personal or financial information. Census workers will not go inside your house — do not invite them in. Never invite a stranger into your home.
To avoid Census Fraud remember that the government will not ask you any personal, bank, or financial information. They will not send you an email. If you encounter any of these things, then you should call and report it to the Census Bureau immediately. 1-866-872-6868
Be sure to fill out your form and return it ~ It is required by law.
March 21, 2010
The First Day of Spring
Today, March 21, 2010 is the first full day of Spring. It is time to get those pansies and other cool weather loving plants out of the store and into your yard so you can really enjoy them!
This is such a beautiful time of year. A time of renewal and the promise of new life. Enjoy!!!
March 20, 2010
One Year Ago Today
One year ago today, I saw my Oncologists for the first time at 7:30 am. By 10:30 am, I was hooked up to the IV and starting to receive the Chemotherapy poison that would save my life.
This is an emotional day for me and one that will bring much reflection.
It is also the first day of spring….. A new life, a new beginning; hope and beauty transcend the dreariness of the dark days of winter solitude. A perfect metaphor for my life!
March 18, 2010
La France and the Scarf
Portland Firefly's Childhood Scarf by PDXFirefly
On my cruise, I was mostly alone and so I had the opportunity to meet many people. I would always find someone to visit with when eating breakfast in the dining room (always a table by the window with other diners). My scarf-wrapped head was a conversation starter and ice-breaker as well. My last meal on board ~ breakfast ~ was no exception and I shared a table with seven other tired travelers.
I arrived at the table alone and since I was not feeling 100%, I ordered immediately. Slowly the table filled with my table mates. After introductions, the casual chit-chat began. The woman next to me had striking hair. It was medium length, mostly dark but with beautiful white strands framing her pretty face. As I said earlier –striking and elegant! As I commented on her striking hair, we continued our hair-related conversation mentioning the fact that scarves do sometimes come off.
It was then that she confided to me that as a child of 5 or 6 she had to wear scarves to school because she had ringworm. The required treatment was to shave the person’s head and keep it covered for many months until all the infected hairs were gone and the new hair had grown out. La France’s Mother shaved her head, tied a scarf over her head and sent her to school. One day an unkind child pulled off her scarf. She was embarrassed and ran home crying where she remembers her older brother putting his arms around her and protecting her from the unkindness of childhood meanness.
She never returned to school that year or for years later. She couldn’t; it hurt too much. And so her Mother, a teacher, homeschooled her long before home-schooling was popular. Eventually she returned to a private school three years later.
I see the emotional tears of painful memories swelling up in this elegant woman as she remembers this painful childhood episode. But that is alright with Portland Firefly because she is immersed in her own painful memories. Perhaps Portland Firefly is the only other woman on the face of this earth (certainly on that cruise ship) that has shared the exact same experience as that woman.
I was amazed ~~ as a five-year old, I too had ringworm ~ in my hair ~ and I also had to wear a scarf to school for many months.
Yes, Portland Firefly also had ringworm in her hair when she was 5. And yes I remember the pain, the embarrassment, the humiliation, the confusion (were there jeers and taunting too?) when a boy in my class pulled off my scarf. Did he intend to be mean or was he just curious? Still I remember the uncertain, pained look on my teachers face . I see tears in her eyes matching my own as she sees my ugly, sparse hair and realizes what happened. I remember her moving all the other children to the other side of the bank of painting easels ~ to give me some privacy. Her clumsiness and embarrassment for me are evident as she quickly attempts to re-tie my silk scarf on my tiny sobbing head. She tries several times. It won’t stay put . I remember her asking me “Is that the way your Mommy ties it?”
This humiliated 5-year-old knows that the scarf isn’t tied correctly. Somehow I get brave and strong through my tears and courageously say ” I can do it. I know how to tie it myself.” And I tie it. But it is not as tight as my Mommy ties it every morning for an active 5-year-old. During the rest of the day, my scarf keeps slipping and I have to re-tie it many times. I do make it through the rest of the day and I return to school the next morning and every morning after that.
We both recalled how we each had acquired the ringworm ~ a highly contagious disease~ from stray cats. She was in the Midwest, I was on the West Coast. To this day, I can remember sitting on the back driveway combing the mangy kitty cat’s fur and then using the same comb to comb my bangs back out of my eyes. Not knowing the eventual consequences would probably affect me for the rest of my life.
I don’t really like cats now.
And I know how to tie scarves really well!
March 17, 2010
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
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Be sure to participate in the “wearin’ of the green” today!!!
Here’s an Irish Song:
When Irish eyes are smiling,
‘Tis like a morn in spring.
With a lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
~Author Unknown
Here’s an Irish Wish:
For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way -
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
~Author Unknown
Here is an Irish Joke:
Never iron a four-leaf clover, because you don’t want to press your luck.
And it wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without an Irish Toast!
Saint Patrick was a gentleman, who through strategy and stealth
Drove all the snakes from Ireland, here’s a drink to his health!
But not too many drinks, lest we lose ourselves and then
Forget the good Saint Patrick, and see them snakes again!
~Author Unknown
“Top of the Morning to Ye!”
March 15, 2010
The Gerson Connection
On the second night at sea, the suggested dress for dinner was ‘cruise elegant’ as it was the Captain’s Dinner. I got dressed up as did the other dinners in the Dining room.
It was necessary for me to pass by several tables on the way to our assigned dinner table. On this particular evening, as I was leaving the dining room, I passed by a table that held three generations of vacationers. Grandma & Grandpa, Mom & Dad and two curly blond-haired boys ages 4 and 7. The women were all dressed up and all the males at the table (including the littlest ones) were in their suits and ties.
The little boys were so adorable and so well-behaved that I couldn’t pass by them without saying something positive. So I did. I said ” Oh my! You look so handsome and polite eating your ice cream!” as I looked directly at the littlest member at the table. Then I noticed the older boy at the opposite end of the table and I said the same thing. Then I noticed that the men were also dressed up and I acknowledged them, too! Now it was time for the women, I couldn’t leave them out. They were a very beautiful family from the youngest to the eldest and the children were very well-behaved as they enjoyed their ice cream!
From then on we always greeted each other as I would pass by their table.
Two days later while in line at what I call ‘the concierge desk’, the man behind me started talking to me. It was the Dad, whom I didn’t immediately recognize because in his baseball cap and tee-shirt he looked much different than he did in his ‘dining room clothes’.
He asked if I had a few minutes because he felt compelled to share something with me. We started talking and then we sat down in the adjacent seating area to finish our conversation while his wife and children joined him.
He started asking me about my cancer which I was happy to tell him about. He then went on to tell me that they had started ‘juicing’ and drinking green drinks many months ago. He felt that there are numerous benefits to drinking wholesome fresh squeezed juices and wanted to share that information with me.
He then went on to tell me there is a doctor who has a cancer protocol of juicing along with other things and has had some remarkable results. The doctors name is Gerson and he realized that their waiters name is also Gerson. And what are the odds of that? And I am the only person that stopped by their table. And then here he was in line behind me … Well!!! He just felt compelled to tell me about this. “It’s as though the universe is telling me something” he said to me. And he would not have felt right not telling me about The Gerson Diet.
I was very happy to have this information passed on to me even though I had previously heard of Dr. Gerson, but I’m just not into ‘juicing’ just yet!
PS: I have started drinking ( well, trying to drink) a ‘green drink’ on a daily basis. I have to admit that I do feel energized whan I drink it, but the taste isn’t the best. Not the best and not the worst –so maybe I’ll continue with the green drink for a while anyway!
March 14, 2010
Alone on the Cruise
I mentioned that on my cruise, I planned to room with an acquaintance from high school that travels frequently. I did know that she lives alone but I did not know that she usually has her own room when she travels. I have lived with people my entire life; in college, in Flight Attendant training, in our Manhattan apartments, even sharing rooms on our layovers. And then of course while married! I enjoy the camaraderie and fun that such situations present.
She told me at the time we agreed to room together that she preferred to get up early and leave the room and just ‘do her own thing’ all day long. This did present some uncomfortable situations which we were able to resolve since we were sharing a cruise ship cabin. We would run into each other rarely on the ship, but we did eat dinner at the same table in the dining room each evening.
At dinner one evening, our waiter asked about our relationship. Her reply to him was, “We are actually two strangers.” and I had to agree with her astute assessment.
The outcome of all this is that I was essentially alone on the cruise. It was not what I had expected, but as you by now, Portland Firefly does try to make the best of every situation she is thrust into. And this cruise was to be no different.
In retrospect, this allowed me to meet many people who I probably would not have met otherwise. Added to this is the fact that I preferred to wear scarves (as they are more comfortable than a wig) and I discovered that my turbaned head was a great conversation starter! I had many memorable conversations on board ship and I met several interesting people whose stories you will be reading about here this week. I hope you enjoy them!
March 13, 2010
Spring Forward Tonight
Be sure to turn your clocks FORWARD 1 hour tonight before you go to bed.
At 2:00 am, it will become 3:00 am and we lose one hour of sleep.
I have a really cool automatic atomic clock and when the time change occurs at 2:00 am, my clock automatically updates itself and hurries the time to 3:00 am automatically! It’s really cool to watch the minutes flying by itself!! I have been up times past to observe this, but tonight I’ll be fast asleep getting my beauty sleep!
March 12, 2010
Cruise Departure
Last August, I received information that my high School Alumni were going on a cruise. I thought that it sounded like a good diversion from my rigorous chemotherapy schedule and it would give me something fun to look forward to, so I decided to go on the Cruise which was to be in February.
I called a classmate that I sat near the last few class reunions. I can get along with anyone and most people are flexible when rooming with others and since she has travelled a lot, I thought that she would be a good travelling companion for that reason. We decided to room together on the cruise.
Well, the Alumni part of the cruise was cancelled. I called my roommate and asked what she wanted to do. She said that she had not purchased the travel insurance (which I had purchased) and so she was locked into the cruise. She told me that if I cancelled she would be responsible for the entire cost of our cabin herself. I didn’t want her to have to bear that cost and decided it still could be fun, so I decided to go even if our school mates would not be there. Secretly I hoped that some of them would keep their reservations and show up on the cruise anyway, but none did that I could find.
In November, I told my Doctor about my intended trip and we worked my Chemotherapy schedule around this trip. I would have Chemo three weeks before the trip and then have chemo the day after my return. One has to do what one has to do!
I had fun deciding what clothes to take for the cruise. I checked the weather at our destination ports and packed accordingly. I had to fly to California where the cruise departed . I’d be spending the night before my flight at my Son’s and he took me to the airport for my early morning flight. I was met on the other end by a dear childhood friend and we spent the day together visiting before she dropped me off at the ships terminal. After boarding the ship I found my cabin and my roommate was already there. I had chosen to schlep my luggage myself ( I am learning to travel lighter these days ~ lighter being the operative word ~ not light) so I could unpack immediately which was really nice because I felt settled in for the week and had only been on board for less than an hour!
We made our way up to the buffet to have a snack before we sailed and we sat and visited for several hours. During that time, I saw a ferry boat leave for a local island. My Daughter and her Number One were on that Ferry boat and she called me as they passed by our ship! It was a beautiful day and soon the ship was ready to set sail. I hurried out onto our balcony to watch the departure and saw the harbor slip past us. It was my first time on a cruise ship in over 25 years and I wanted to enjoy everything about it.
March 11, 2010
Portland Renovation and Remodeling Show
The Portland Renovation and Remodeling Show runs from Friday, March 12th through Sunday, March 14th at the Portland Memorial Coliseum. $4.00 for admission and the hours are 10:00 am to 7:00 pm all three days.
Portland Renovation & Remodeling Show is the premiere event in the building and construction industry dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. This is the only national event that brings remodelers, custom builders, residential architects, and designers together.http://www.eventseye.com/fairs/f-portland-renovation-remodeling-show-11140-1.html
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“Spring” Forward Saturday
Be sure to turn your clocks forward this Saturday night. Remember “Spring Forward and Fall Back”.
So at 2:00 am (Sunday Morning) it will become 3:00 am. Yes, You will lose one hour of precious sleep. And unless you turn your clock forward before you go to sleep, you will be one hour late for church on Sunday morning.
March 10, 2010
Tim is My New Favorite Geek
A few months ago, I bought it…. A little netbook computer just so I could write while on vacations and while having Chemo. It is really cool and I love it.
And two days ago while enjoying writing on it, a message from the netbook manufacturer came on the screen. The message said that it wanted to do an update. Since it came from the computer manufacturer, I figured it had to be safe. Right?!! Wrong!!!
After several minutes a message came on the screen that said basically “whatever you do, don’t touch any key on the computer!” You better believe that I didn’t!
The next screen that came up was very confusing to me because it gave me several options from F 6, to Alt F something or other to F 2, to F 8. All of it was confusing to me and totally unlike any Microsoft update I’ve ever seen. Since I didn’t know what to do, I called the company and they put me on hold and then transferred me again to someone else.
This someone else was a young woman with a “difficult to understand” accent. She assured me that she was in Fremont, California and that English was her first language. I was not convinced. She was almost impossible to understand clearly. I called back a few minutes later and got another young woman who was minimally easier to understand. It was clear to me that she was reading the instructions to me and not really ‘hearing’ the problem that I was explaining to her. In exasperation, I requested to speak to a supervisor.
I had been on the phone now for over 26 minutes but I agreed to “wait while a supervisor came on the line.” At least 10 minutes later, a supervisor came on the line. After explaining (again) the situation, she had me retry something called the ‘hard reset’. It didn’t work the first two times and it didn’t work this time either!
She informed me that the next step would most probably cause me to lose all of my documents and files. But of course, it would be alright because I “had ‘backed up’ my files before I started the update.” I told her that ”NO. My files were not backed up. There was no message to that effect before the company initiated update came up on the screen.”
What do I do now? She informed that I need to take my computer to a ‘professional” to have them “remove the hard drive —-carefully— and then back up all of my files.”
By this time I was really upset. I informed her that I am a writer and there was no indication that my files were in jeopardy when the update message appeared on my screen. I finally gave up and hung up the phone… but Portland Firefly was not a happy camper.
Today, I stopped by the ‘professionals’ at Geek Squad. Tim was my Geek.
After I unpacked and turned on my lovely little netbook, he turned the computer toward himself to see what the screen said. He touched two keys and magically….there was the welcome screen that I was wanting to see!!! He showed me a few little keyboard shortcuts while making sure that my documents were safe. Then we ‘backed them up’ on my little flash drive.
I was amazed. It was so easy for someone who knows what they are doing. He was very kind and said that he enjoyed showing people the things that he showed me. With great sincerity and a genuine smile I thanked him, and then I told him “you are my new favorite Geek.”
Portland Firefly sincerely thanks you, Tim. I wish you lots of luck and great success in your life! You deserve it!
And I am so happy to be able to write on my little computer once more!! Now maybe I ‘ll be able to write some of my ‘cruise stories’ for you.
March 9, 2010
Sister Claudette
While living in Kansas City, I met several remarkable women. One of them is Sister Claudette, RSM. She is a Catholic Nun and is a Sister of Mercy and an extrememly talented organist.
I have always felt a kinship with this lovely woman and as happens, we lost touch of each other. I “found” her again through an email that had been sent to about 50 other people besides myself. Normally I don’t even read those long lists of names, but this time I chose to do so. And there she was…. “How many CSchiratti’s can there be?” I thought. So I emailed her and sure enough it was her!
She is approaching the end of her working career —yes, Nuns do get to retire — and we hope to maybe make a trip together somewhere. Since she was born in Italy and wants to travel back there — that would be my choice also.
She also wrote several liturgical songs and one that I have just discovered is delightful. It is titled ” Dancing, Singing, Circling” and here is a link to it.
March 8, 2010
Lip Stix Remix
Portland Firefly enjoys watching the show ‘Shark Tank’ where inventors pitch their products to the 5 multi-millionaires in the hopes that they will provide money and guidance . There are some deals that are made and one regarding lipstick caught my attention.
A young woman has developd and patented a product that enables us at home to melt and re-make our broken and partially used lipsticks into a usable product. She has named it Lip Stix Remix. You can find it on this web site: http://www.lipstixremix.com/index.html
March 7, 2010
KGW Raptor Cam 2010
The Raptor Watch has begun! March 3, the Red-Tailed Hawk laid her first egg and you can watch the ongoing antics on the KGW Audubon Society raptor webcam.
Last year the pair of Hawks laid three eggs, but only two of them hatched. It was really fun to watch them. Some of my readers would log onto the KGW Raptor Cam while they ate their lunch and watch the show!!!
The incubation lasts 28-32 days. The female does the majority of the incubating with the male providing food. After hatching the young spend 44-46 before attempting their first flights. This is the time that Portland Firefly thinks it is the most fun to watch the birds because the baby birds are so interesting!
For your free show go to : http://www.kgw.com/lifestyle/raptor-cam
March 6, 2010
Portland Saturday Market
The Portland Saturday Market opens today!!! This first weekend is Kids Corner and children will be taught how to make musical instruments out of recycled materials with a parade at 2:00pm.
2010 Market Hours
March 6 - Dec 24
SATURDAYS 10 – 5pm
SUNDAYS 11 – 4:30pm
Weekend Market
located at
SW Ankeny St + Naito Parkway
For more information go to this website: http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/
March 3, 2010
Happiness
I recently heard the happiness is the absence of anxiety in our lives.
That makes sense to me.
How can we tell if we are happy? We can make a ‘happiness journal’ and write down one thing each day that made up happy. We can also ask our child what did he/she did today that made them happy. Great conversation starter! Especially for solitary seeking teens. Be sure to share your happy minute with them, too!
If you find yourself loosing track of time while doing something, then the chance is that you enjoy it and are happy while involved in that activity.
We could all use a little more happiness in our lives! So lets figure out what makes us happy and do it!
March 2, 2010
Too Many side-effects to Write
I know…. I promised you the first of several ‘cruise stories’ today. But the Chemo generated fatigue and peripheral neuropathy are just too overwhelming and Portland Firefly is unable to write.
I promise you that I have started a couple of stories and others have been written in my mind… so you will get some stories ~~~ just not today.
