July 26th, 2010
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. ~ Mark Twain
Balloons. Cards. Calls. Cake. E-mails. Flowers. A sweet celebration of my birthday!
My husband and I took advantage of the slightly cooler weather on Thursday to ride our bikes north on the Paint Creek Trail to Adams Road. Nine miles to enjoy the wildflowers, the birds, the changes in the river and the deer watching us. We also stopped at the new café in the Paint Creek Cider Mill for a fruit smoothie!
Granddaughter spent two days with us early in the week and we all enjoyed a paddle boat ride at Stony Creek Metro Park. I had the back seat and was able to totally relax and watch the water, the birds and the tops of the trees swaying with the wind.
My family understands that silence is a gift to me. They give me the space to enjoy my time outside without requiring me to hear. A smile is worth a million words. Although my brother Michael called and left a singing voice mail that was lovely!
Happy Birthday to me… life is grand!
Tags: adventure, Bike Ride, Birthday, Brothers, communication, fun, Granddaughter, hard of hearing, hearing loss, Husband, Paint Creek Trail, weather
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July 19th, 2010
The Flint Public Library featured the 30th Annual Michigan Storytellers Festival July 16-17, 2010. The schedule was packed with outstanding storytellers. Unfortunately, my hearing loss only allowed me to attend one of the activities. It is exhausting for me to process voices so I reviewed the listings and made a choice before heading north to Flint from Rochester Hills.
My husband and I attended an exceptional two hour workshop “Turning Points! An Explorative Personal Narrative Model for Story Telling and Story Writing” provided by Jenifer Straus. Ouch - the noise in the room actually hurt when we broke into small groups - story tellers make a lot of noise and my hearing aids amplified the sound!
Nonetheless, we were glad to have made the trip. Jenifer used her voice, dazzling body language, handouts and visual aids to share her information. If you have the opportunity to attend one of her workshops be sure to sign up!
We would have loved to listen to all of the story tellers, but it is not physically possible for me. Luckily, my husband is always willing to accommodate my disability even when it is inconvenient for him.
Please do not skip an event that looks interesting because you will not be able to hear everything. It is possible to have fun and learn even when hearing is hard!
Tags: adventure, communication, fun, hard of hearing, hearing loss, Husband, Michigan, Reading
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July 12th, 2010
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~ John F. Kennedy
The Paint Creek Trail was the first Rail-to-Trail in the State of Michigan. The trail was converted from the former Penn Central Railroad and runs 8.9 miles from Rochester to the Village of Lake Orion.
Luckily for us, the trail is literally next door. When the leaves are full, we are unable to see the trail, but we can see it when the trees are bare. We, of course, walk the trail daily with our two dogs, but we also have our old bikes for special treats.
Friday night was a perfect evening for a ride. The terrible heat had broken and the rain during the night on Thursday had washed all of the dust off the leaves. We left around five-thirty and missed the heavy traffic of walkers, runners and riders while we enjoyed a three mile round trip to the Paint Creek Cider Mill.
I do not ride alone since I am unable to hear anyone behind me. Actually it is also a challenge when I am walking, but I stay to the side and so far have been safe. When I am riding and I have to pass the walkers, it is very scary when fast riders come up behind me.
My husband and I only ride when the traffic is light. We have signals to help me. For example, if someone is too close and my husband is behind me, he shouts BIKE so I am aware of the need to be extra careful.
Last week we enjoyed a seven plus mile round trip, but that was in the morning when we were fresher. Our plan is at least one bike ride each week with the goal of traveling all the way to Lake Orion before Labor Day!
We do have to sneak out of the house so the good dogs do not realize we are going without them. They are not amused and are waiting and watching at the window when we return!
Tags: adventure, Bike Ride, communication, dogs, hard of hearing, hearing loss, Husband, Michigan, Paint Creek Trail, walk, weather
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July 5th, 2010
It was a splendid summer morning and it seemed as if nothing could go wrong.~ John Cheever
My husband and I have been visiting the Oakland County Independence Oaks park for many years to take advantage of all of the wonderful activities available. When our dogs were younger we were able to enjoy the 2.3-mile Lakeshore Loop that takes you around the 68-acre Crooked Lake. Unfortunately, our dogs can no longer handle the trail, so we do not head out I-75 to the Sashabaw Road exit from Rochester Hills near as often these days.
However, to celebrate the holiday, we decided to visit the park bright and early Friday morning without the good dogs (and yes, we felt guilty leaving them at home)! We rented a two seat pedal boat to leisurely tour the lake. Although the temperature was perfect, I brought along our large golf umbrella to protect us from the sun.
Our seats on the boat gave us a beautiful view of the park. We could see people through the leaves (my husband could also hear them, but not me) who were walking the Lakeshore Loop. There were water lilies, with bright yellow centers, and great blue skimmers (dragonflies).
We left our watches in the car and returned to shore only when we were ready for our picnic! The park also has modern restroom facilities, which is good, since I really do not want to rough it too much! A perfect summer morning!
Tags: adventure, dogs, Dragonflies, hard of hearing, Husband, Independence Oaks, Late-deafened, Pedal Boats, walk, weather
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June 28th, 2010
Serendipity. The Rochester Hills Public Library’s automatic system had left me a voice mail about a book that was being held for me. I had not planned on a library stop when I was out running errands, but decided a quick detour was needed.
Oh boy! I arrived in the middle of the Annual Ice Cream Social where the volunteers were handing out scoops of vanilla ice cream with sprinkles. Babies. Toddlers. Preteens. Moms. Dads. Grandmas. Grandpas. Luckily for me, you didn’t have to have a child with you to enjoy your own cone!
The little boy behind me in line was confused when the first volunteer handed him an empty cone. He didn’t realize that you moved to the next person for your ice cream scoop. The look on his face was priceless. He was much happier when he realized how the program worked!
I was delighted. A book that I have been anticipating tucked under my arm, an ice cream cone with sprinkles in my hand and happy people all around me. What a lovely unexpected surprise. Life is good!
Tags: adventure, Ice cream social, Rochester Hills Library, Vanilla ice cream
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June 21st, 2010
Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. ~Henry James
My lists have lists! I love to make plans. Normally, I have a big picture plan for the year, along with detailed quarterly goals. I love to highlight the tasks on my lists as I complete them.
This year is very different. My younger brother’s unexpected death last November made me question most everything in my life. Rather than accomplish goals on a quarterly list, my objective was to make it through the day.
When winter arrived December 21, 2009, I decided to have a seasonal plan. The thought of the next year was unbearable, but I could make a list of what was important for just one season. The idea was so helpful to me to stay in the moment and have small pockets of happiness.
Spring was as sad as winter, but my seasonal plan made life a smidgeon easier. Today is the first day of summer and I have added have fun to the list. This morning I took a walk along the Paint Creek Trail to enjoy the flowers and the early morning freshness.
My two good dogs were alarmed when I took off alone, but I returned after my private time to take them for their walk so all is well.
I have a folder full of newspaper clippings about local summer time activities and plan to enjoy one or two each week. My husband thinks scheduling fun is a wonderful idea!
What fun activities do you have planned for your summer afternoons?
Tags: adventure, boomer women, Brothers, dogs, fun, Husband, Mourn, Rescued dogs, walk, weather
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June 7th, 2010
“The idea that no one is perfect is a view most commonly held by people with no grandchildren.” ~Doug Larson
A rite of passage for many children, and a chance to shine in front of family, is the annual dance recital.
We were in the front row Saturday for Granddaughter’s special event. Our daughter-in-law understands my need to sit close to the stage and secured two wonderful tickets.
My hearing loss makes the music sound like noise. Very loud noise. However, if I am able to sit close enough to see the faces of the performers, I am able to enjoy the entertainment. I love the front row!
Dozens of happy children in bright costumes. The youngest dancers are the sweetest with their attempts to remember their routines. The older students look as if they are ready for Broadway!
It is not necessary to understand the music. I do not allow my hearing loss to interfere with sharing important life experiences with family. While I enjoy all of the numbers, I am only able to see our girl when she is on stage. Considering that the finale included forty children, that is rather remarkable.
Grandpa provides flowers after the show, while I offer feedback. She was perfect!
Tags: adventure, communication, Family celebrations, family visits, Granddaughter, hard of hearing, hearing loss
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May 13th, 2010
In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future. ~ Alex Haley
We traveled to Sunny Fields Botanical Park in Emmett Michigan to celebrate Mother’s Day and to attend a lilac festival. The park has more than 300 varieties of lilacs with colors ranging from white to deep purple. The park is heavenly. Although it was a forty-five mile ride, my husband graciously made the trip since he knows I love lilacs.
My grandmother had an enormous lilac bush outside her row of three kitchen windows and every spring when the lilacs bloom, I am transported to that special place of love. I was born and raised in Youngstown Ohio where most everyone had lilacs in their yard, but Grandma’s were best!
When I am walking along the Paint Creek Trail, I have to stop multiple times to smell the lilacs. My two dogs cannot figure out what it is that I am doing since they believe good smells are on the ground not up in the air!
It was not necessary to hear to enjoy the park full of lilacs, crabapples, daffodils and other bulb flowers. My husband and I meandered for over an hour enjoying the sights and smells. Unfortunately, the dogs were not welcome so they had to stay home.
Spring is bittersweet this year because my brother is gone. Last May I visited with my family in Denver, where they also have an abundance of lilacs. Lilacs have family memories tied with ribbons to brighten our days, and sometimes break our hearts.
Tags: adventure, Brothers, communication, dogs, Family celebrations, family visits, fun, hard of hearing, hearing loss, Husband, Lilac, walk
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April 26th, 2010
”Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.” Edward de Bono
My goal this season is to schedule weekly creative adventures. The Rochester Hills Public Library offered a Romance Readers Romp to meet two successful romance authors and participate in a group discussion. Normally, I would not have signed up for this event, however, I am stepping out of my customary routine so I registered.
First, I am not a romance reader, and second, group discussions are frequently impossible for me because of my need to speech read.
I need to recognize that the world will not end if I do not hear everyone’s contribution. Some people are easier to understand and others are impossible. It is good self-care to accept the adventure and have fun!
Although I already announced that I am not a romance reader, I am going to check the library for a work of each of the authors and enjoy their words!
This was actually my second author event in ten days! Everyone’s Reading is a community wide reading program sponsored by Metro Detroit public libraries in Oakland and Wayne counties. This year’s selection was Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow.
Scott Turow spoke about his life and experience writing Presumed Innocent at the Millennium Centre in Southfield. I had already read his book years ago when it was released and again this year for my book discussion group.
Reading is what I love and it is a creative adventure to meet the authors!
Tags: Rochester Hills Public Library
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April 11th, 2010
Jazz will endure just as long people hear it through their feet instead of their brains. John Philip Sousa
Interestingly, I am able to hear and enjoy music despite my profound hearing loss. My husband and I attended a toe-tapping, knee-slapping, head-nodding concert held at Oakland Community College Friday evening. The venue was perfect for enjoying Alvin Waddles’ Fats Waller Review.
We had wonderful seats that allowed me to read faces and hands as the four musicians created music on the piano, drums, bass and saxophone. Unfortunately, recorded music is sometimes difficult for me, but live music speaks to my soul. I wanted to jump up and dance!
Although the Auburn Hills Campus of Oakland Community College is close to home, and the concerts are reasonably priced (actually they are very inexpensive), this is the first time we have attended one of the Performing Arts Department programs.
This season I am following the suggestion of author Julia Cameron to schedule weekly creative excursions. I am watching the local newspaper for new adventures for me alone, or with my husband, and with our granddaughter when she visits. It is amazing the number of events that are available in our community.
Life is good even when hearing is hard!
Tags: adventure, communication, family visits, Granddaughter, hard of hearing, Husband
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