Sunday, September 25, 2011

Those old clips; some ideas same




Olivene Godfrey

Now and then I go back and read pieces I wrote years ago.  And  some of my opinions and beliefs have changed over the years.  Still, my basic philosophy has remained the same. That is the philosophy that the past is gone and the future never happened, and the important thing is what happens now. I try to savor the moment of now. What I do today is important. Not what I did yesterday, nor what I may do tomorrow. I remember the past to learn from it, not to try to re-live it.

When I was very young I placed more emphasis on the future.
Instead of savoring a moment in the present I had the feeling that something better would happen in the future.  But, there came a time when I realized, as most of us do eventually, that the future I'd dreamed of as a youngster had arrived, and I'd better make the best of it.

Now that I'm in old age with its aches and pains, I savor a joyful moment to its fullest, trying not to dwell on the future, nor of the past.

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Music has always been important to me.  And, I would have liked to be a professional musician.  But, there are songs on records that never seem to end.  I don't now if they are written that way or if the singer's arranger is responsible. What I mean is the singer continues to sing the last line of the song for what seems like about 15 minutes before coming in for the last roundup of it. Even if I like the song I'm about ready to scream by the time it ends when it has a long finale.

A bit of philosophy: "If a man does not keep peace with his companions perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.  Let him step to the music which he hears."  Henry David Thoreau

"Optimism:  A cheerful frame of mind that enables a tea kettle to sing though in hot water up to its nose." Anonymous.

See you next time.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Marigolds still blooming & Good medical report & fairly new IBS medicine promising.




By Olivene Godfrey

The pretty marigolds in a large patio container were beaten down by the tropical storm, Lee. But, they are hardy and tolerated the rains well and perked back up and are blooming again. As I write this, we're having gorgeous weather today  with bright sunshine and an autumn nip in the air.

Last week, I had an appointment with our family doctor and she gave me a copy of the recent lab work I had at the office. She told me my labs were perfect, even blood sugar.  So, I guess the low calorie Gatorade and low cal Ensure I drink each day hasn't affected my diabetes.

I've had to give up so many favorite foods and drinks  because of my diabetes or IBS. I discussed my IBS with my doctor  and told her that it controlled my life now. She gave me a prescription and samples of a medicine for IBS that has helped many IBS patients. I had tried this drug several years ago in a larger dosage which my gut couldn't tolerate.  I took the medicine twice the next day and was "totally cleaned out" by suppertime which wasn't unusual according to research son Barry did on the web.  Symptoms of IBS are usually improved within a week, according to the web info, and bowel movements may occur in one day. I hope this medicine continues to work for me.

I also got a flu shot so I am prepared for winter, I hope!
Tam, my wonderful helper, drove me to the doctor's office and went in the patient room with me to see the doctor and afterward
helped me to remember the doctor's advice.

See you next time.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Is it coincidence or divine intervention that several women friends have helped son Barry and me in this year of change for us?





By Olivene Godfrey

While it isn't officially autumn here in Georgia's high country, the mornings are chilly.  And, the recent torrential rains and strong winds that tropical storm, Lee, brought to us has sent a lot of brown tree leaves to the ground. Son Barry has had to use the leaf blower several times already. We've had such turbulent weather this year so we may have an early fall and winter.

I have an appointment with my blood doctor in a few days which I'm anxiously a' waiting.  This doctor is treating me for my kind of anemia which has no cure but can be treated with booster shots.  Since Medicare changed the guidelines for the booster shots, I've had to wait three months for a shot. It seems a shame that I, and others like, me have to be suffering from fatigue and weakness before being treated for our anemia.
Later in the week, I have an appointment with my family doctor to get the results of recent lab work. I didn't use to worry about the lab work but now something seems not to be normal almost every time. Being old isn't fun!

Each week since Tam started staying with me I have reason to ask, "Is there no end to this wonderful woman's talents?"
Last week she asked if I have a sewing box and I told her I did.  But, I can no longer sew with my arthritic hands. She had noticed the dust ruffle on one side of my bed needed mending and a pair of my pants needed a new hem. To sum it up, the next day she did these jobs plus housework.  No doubt about it she's a gem!

Our good friend, Genevelyn's beloved husband passed away recently and she is grieving for him and is being helped by her family and a host of friends. Over the years, she has done so much for us and when I thanked her she would always say that her good deeds would help her when she would need help one day.And she was right. I felt compelled to call her one recent day and she said she was a strong person but she was having a bad day.
I hope my call helped her that day.

That night, Barry and I were discussing about how Genevelyn and Tam, and my sis, Jeanette,who recommended Tam to us and some of Barry's professional women friends have helped us in this year of change we're experiencing.  Barry asked if I thought it was a coincident that these women are in our life at this important time?  I told him I thought it was divine intervention for which we're grateful.

See you next time.