A Word from God’s Waiting Room

A TRIP TO THE GARDEN

Wednesday was a beautiful day for a trip to the Missouri Botanical Gardens.  We boarded the bus about 9:30 and paid our $7 fee to enter about a quarter to eleven.  I inquired about a wheel-chair rental for Virginia but was told the organization did not rent them but would check one out to me for free!   Because the Garden is rather massive in size, we took the Tram tour which had a guide to point our interesting areas, plants, sculptures, and a brief background on the founder.  We deboarded the Tram at the Shaw’s (founder) House which had been moved to the Gardens in accordance with his will. 

Because there was not a handicapped accessible entry to the home, Virginia I took a tour of a herb garden, a garden maze, the burial site of the founder, a rose garden, an iris garden (not in bloom now), a water lilly pond, the Japanese garden, tulip garden,  hosta garden and too many others to remember.  There were plants from all over the world; the trees were majestic in their colors, shapes and sizes.  Added to our enjoyment were about 40 Niki sculptures throughout the garden.  They were very colorful; they generated about as much conversation among our group as the beauty of the gardens. 

It was a great trip. However, we should have taken this trip several years ago when we could have walked at our leisure without tiring ourselves.  Following our departure from the Gardens our bus took us to the Sweet Tomatoes buffet.  Now, if you couldn’t find salad fixings to your liking there, you probably aren’t into salads–wow, what a selection of ingredients.  And, there must have been 8-10 choices of soups, several of breads, cookie, brownies.  We’d not turn down another trip to that place. 

We got back to God’s Waiting Room rather tired.  I didn’t really want to take Helena out for some fresh air, but I couldn’t turn her down.  While I was gone, Virginia took a nap.  We slept well last night.  We’re doing o.k. We enjoy your phone visits and an occasional comment to a blog entry.  God is good and when we think about His goodness, waiting becomes more bearable.  We look forward to seeing Linda and friends this weekend.  Our love and blessings.

A GOOD READ

Virginia and I spend quite a bit of time reading while here in God’s Waiting Room.  We enjoy reading books (about 18-20 per year), magazines, newspapers and, of course, our Bibles.  Since Lewis retired, his reading changed from professional/technical material to both fiction and non-fiction books.  Currently he is reading three (not at one time, mind you): The World War II Memorial, The Grotts/Seybold Family Heritage–Early Illinois Pioneers [Lewis' early ancesters], and The Ultimate Battle [the battle for Okinawa where Lewis served in WWII].  Virgnia is reading Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture at present. 

Reading helps to spend our waiting time.  It also opens new vistas, shows us the experiences of others and we gain the joy of discovering the solutions to a mystery; also the trials, triumphs and happy endings.  A few years ago, after having read about people going back home, we felt should take such a trip while we were still able to make the 1,200 mile round trip.  We felt we needed to say “good-bye.”  Back to Oklahoma we went.  We viewed our parents and grandparent’s grave stones.  We visited places where we were born, gone to school, where we had lived and where Larry, Sherrill and Mark were born.  Some of those houses in which we began our lives together and began our family, no longer existed or were in a poor state of repair.  Of course, it was the best we could afford at the time, but as we revisited our beginnings, the houses were nothing more than shacks.

Have you every lived in a shack?  Ever been on a hike and came up on a shack rather unexpectedly?  Perhaps, you went in, fought the cob webs, stumbled over a bent-up coffee pot or a broken dish, or noticed an an old chair with only three legs.  I have, quite an experience.

A couple of weeks ago, Linda gave us a ‘page-turner,’ entitled, The Shack.  The picture on the front cover reminded me of shacks of our experience.  But, that’s not what’s important, it was what laid between the covers. We thought the book was not only a compelling but inspirational read.  We found in the main character a different perspective of God’s love, his judgment, his forgiveness and the Trinity. 

Should you obtain a copy for your reading pleasure and feel a bit strange when the author (William P. Young) refers to God as Papa–well, that’s not a big stretch from Father, is it?  We recommend it and you can buy it for less than ten bucks.

God is good, He is always good.  We are doing o.k. here in God’s Waiting Room.  Love and best wishes to all.

BRICK WALLS

You’ve probably heard someone say, “I feel like I’m butting my head against a brick wall.”  Anyway, I’ve heard it many times, and the context of the conversation is almost always about encountering a difficulty or an insurmountable object, an obstacle.  I’ve bumped against several brick walls, in my life some rather thick, some quite high–all are tough.

I finished reading Randy Pausch’s book, THE LAST LECTURE, recently.  In it, the author has a chapter entitled, Romancing the Brick Wall.  The chapter title got my attention because I never thought about romancing an inanimate object.  Randy said “The brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough.”  Somehow in all my years of living did I ever perceive a brick wall as being there to stop me from wanting to achieve something badly enough.  To me, they were brick walls–plain and simple.  Passing a French Language proficiency exam or a statistic course represented a brick wall to me.  Yes, I did pass them, but I just viewed them as hurdles or mountains I’d have to climb for the prize I coveted.  But, this is not about me, its about brick walls.

Randy’s had encountered many brick walls and had gotten through them, but the most formidable one he faced was getting a date with his future wife.  Here was a thirty-seven year old bachelor who found the woman of his dreams with a brick wall between them.  I won’t tell you the whole story in case you haven’t read the book, but I do want to share with you the last sentences of that chapter, “Brick walls are there for a reason.  They give us a chance to show how badly we want something.” 

You know, when you recognize that brick walls you face are there for a reason, you can think about them differently.  Perhaps they are there to teach us something; to help us grow or to help us sharpen our persistence in accomplishing our goals.  Beginning today, I will try to look at the next brick wall I face as a positive–not a negative. 

By the way, I thought Randy’s book was inspirational; I recommend it.

83 is a good number

Why 83?  For one thing, I just celebrated my 83rd birthday.  Boy, we had a great party.  In fact, the celebration went on and on.  Well, o.k., for three days of getting brought uptodate, reminescing of past times, of great food–just being together. . 

There are a lot of good things about reaching your 83rd.  First, you get visits from your children and your grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  It is always good to have family with you on your birthday.  Second, you get lots of cards, not only from family members, but from friends of many years.  Some of the cards allude to your age, your health, your good qualities; some are funny, one or two from good friends who know you would not be offended,  border on vulgarity. There was one I wouldn’t dare open and read while sitting in the church sanctuary–I’d have to burst out laughing.  Third, people don’t expect much from you.  Fourth, people are quick to forgive you for not remembering their names or similar facts.  Fifth, you glow when your Bible Study Class members sings the “Happy Birthday” song to you.  Sixth, you feel good about yourself when people tell you, “You don’t look to be 83.”   

At this milestone, you know you’ve outlived a whole host of people, so one becomes thankful to God for good genes, good health, a loving  wife, and good children and grandchildren who didn’t contribute to your thinning gray hair.  My difficulty in rising from a chair reminds me that 83 is good, but also that the climb won’t get easier.  So, a great big THANK YOU to you family members and friends for making No. 83 so special.  Of course, I’m looking forward to No. 84, maybe more.

PEACHES WENT PEACH PICKING!

We weren’t totally surprised when our bus pulled up to Building 2 to see the Peach Lady coming.  She sat across the isle on the bus during the ride to Belleville, IL and the peach orchard, and she sat across the table from us at lunch.  Virginia had a good grip on her cane; the Peach Lady didn’t attempt any moves on Lewis.  She was decked out in peachy attire and was friendly as usual. 

Apparently, this is a very good year for the Illinois peach crop.  At the orchard site, one could board a wagon (pulled by a tractor) to the orchard and could get out and fill his/her basket(s).  We might have tried that, but thoughts of climbing on ladders and walking over uneven ground led to a different option.  We opted to go the Country Store, where we purchased a small container of beautiful fruit.  At the Garden Center, we saw quite a wide variety of blooming flowers, vases, etc.  Later at lunch, Virginia had a burger and fries and I had a chicken sandwich.  The servings were so large, we had to ask for a box, so we’ll get two meals–not so uncommon today, as restaurants invariably serve more than either of us can consume at one setting. 

Because the Activity Director and J R (our driver) were following Mapquest directions, we saw more of East Saint Louis than we really cared for.  However, the scenery there made us feel good about where we lived. J R waved to his “cousins.”  Unfortunately, J R had too many back seat drivers giving him advice about what street to take and when to make a turn.  It took us about 1 1/2 hours to our destination but only about 50 minutes to return.  We were both tired upon arrival at God’s Waiting Room. Virginia’s sister, Pat, called for their monthly phone visit.  Afterwards, we propped our feet up; Virginia took a nap. 

We’re doing o.k.  Virginia seemed to enjoy the trip and the association with others.  We look forward to our visit with son and daughter-in-law,  Mark and Denise, this weekend.  We are anxious to show them our facilities here. God is good, He is good always.  Love to you and yours.

MARGARET

As in most communities, there are interesting people–people who make an impression on others.  We have interesting people in God’s Waiting Room.  Let me tell you about Margaret.

The first time we met, I was in the Laundry Room doing the weekly task.  Margaret and her son came in with a basket of clothes (just clothes, no soap–one is expected to provide that commodity).  As I had both washing machines operating, I explained the Sign-up procedures. As she had just moved here, I surmised that no one had included this in her orientation.  She then asked her son when she could do her laundry.  He then explained what she needed to do and entered her apartment number on the sign-up sheet.  Margaret smiled and asked her son when she could wash her clothes!    A week later, Margaret and a resident-friend (helper) came to wash just as I was finishing and about ready to leave.  I overheard Margaret ask if she could put her clothes in the same machine as her friend’s.  The friend told Margaret she would show her how to use the machines (the directions are clearly posted on each machine).  On Monday, I heard Margaret say her son would be bringing her laundry to her later that day.

Margaret always has a smile on her face.  Every Monday afternoon, she comes to The Scoop with her dollar bill folded many times for her Butter Pecan fix.  A week ago, she came for her treat and wanted to know if she had left her cane there.  That same afternoon, the Housekeeper and the Director of Activities came in to inquire about Margaret and her cane.  Of course, I could identify with that.  Virginia and I have, on several occasions, looked in every nook and cranny of this three room apartment for her cane.  Oh, by the way, someone found Margaret’s cane in one of our lounges and returned it to her. 

Last Wednesday, a pianist came to perform for us.  Margaret sat on the front row and with a smile that would light up the room.  As one might expect, the pianist played tunes mostly from the 40′s and 50′s.  When he played In the Mood, Night Train and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy from Company B, Margaret was smiling, clapping, her feet was keeping time with the music and I thought to myself, she’s going to grab her cane, get up out of her chair and start dancing. any minute. 

Yes, we have interesting people here in God’s Waiting Room.  To some, I might be one of them but then, you’ll probably not have an opportunity to know what they might think.  We’d love to hear from you–especially those who lurk but don’t comment.    Our love to you.   In HIM.  L & V

WHERE’S MY CAMERA?

Building 1 is one of three here at Parkside for Independent Living.   It is the one we live in.  Each building has a name as well as a number.  The name of our building is DEERFIELD.  I was under the impression that someone (probably Marketing personnel) thought it was a good idea for the buildings to have names: they were so they named–Deerfield, Oakview, Meadow Rose.  I really wonder about Oakview and Meadow Rose because residents in those buildings do not have views of oak trees or rose bushes.  That’s why I think Marketing Personnel did the naming.  They just think that way.  Deerfield is another matter.

This morning I exited our building to wait for a van ride to a barber shop.  To my amazement, a small fawn was resting beneath a tree in my full view.  Why do such photo ops occur when your camera is not available?  I thought about the camera capability of my cell phone so I tried it–to no avail.  The image on my phone was so blurry, I could not discern what the desired object was. That shouldn’t surprise me as I’ve never gotten a good pic on that thing.

Well, now I know something about the origin of the name of our building.  We can see deer on occasion.  But, you know, I don’t think this present marketing staff had a thing to do with its name.  The building preceeded them by several years and that’s a fact. 

From God’s Waiting Room, you only have to open your eyes to see all sorts of things–moving van, cars, people, and once in a while a deer, another of God’s creatures.  God is good, He is always good.  We, too are good.  Love you much.

THE NIGHT THE TV WENT BLANK

As you think on the above title of this post, you might think some sinister person cut the power line, it was time for some quiet meditation or the old folks got tired of re-runs of re-runs and wanted some peace and quite while catching up on their reading or petting their cats.  But.

It was a stormy-weather day; sheets of rain streamed almost straight down, virtually hiding our view to the northwest.  (Our two windows open only to the northwest.)  The rain let up and it appeared the weather front had headed for St. Louis and the Cardinal Stadium.  Not quiet.  Darker clouds began to head our way; rumblings of thunder could be heard, then the skies began to light up with lightning spikes; the thunder became louder.  Another front was upon us.  Suddenly, a loud blast of thunder and a sharp and very bright bolt of lightning shook us out of our lazy chairs; probably lasting no more than 15 to 20 seconds, if that long.  The cats were restless.  Something was not quite right.  Had our beloved 32-inch, high deft set been destroyed? It was blank?  What should we  do?

As most people would do, Virginia pushed the Power-On button.  Pushed it again, then pushed several other buttons–sometimes two at a time.  Nothing.  Our sniffing did not detect melting electrical wires.  Then we heard our computer re-boot.  She pushed more buttons.  I tried the connected entertainment system, no problem; worked beautifully.  The smaller TV in our bedroom worked without difficulty.  We wondered, would we be forced to watch the news, Dr. Phil, Oprah, re-runs on our smaller TV set in the bedroom?

At this point, it seemed logical to make a search for the Owner’s Manual.  Usually one can find a Trouble Shooting section located near the back.  To our disgust, we found it but it was written in French!  We thumbed through pages closer to the front to the English section and viola, there it was; it contained 15 steps.  The batteries in the remote were replaced, no help.  Then Item 13 described our system’s condition–blank screen, power button in operative and a red light was blinking.  Ah, here it was.  The suggested remedy, however, made no sense at all.  One was to use the mouse on the computer.  What?  This TV didn’t come with a mouse!  It was not connected to a computer.  That did it.

We called our favorite Tech Guy, our grandson, Andrew.  After a brief discussion, he agreed to come the next day and we’d try to find some solution to the problem.  We thought, well sure, we can wait until the next day.  Andrew is good with such problems, but we couldn’t let this problem lay still.  Panic began to set in.  Did we have an expensive entertainment box that wouldn’t perform?  The Renter’s Insurance policy was confusing regarding coverage.  Under “Coverages,” we got the impression of “YES,” but under “What is Not Covered,” one part was a No but another part was a Yes.  Wow, we sure hated to think about having to make another major purchase or resign our selves to watching TV on our 20-incher.

Now, at our age, the mind seems to work well at times and not so at other times.  But for some reason (I give God the credit for this), a light came on.  It was related to an earlier experience with a kitchen range.  After an electrical outage, we pushed buttons, consulted the “Trouble Shooting” guide and finally called a manufacturer’s representative.  Virginia needed to bake something for a church pot luck dinner.  We needed that stove to work. I’ll spare you of the frustrations of getting through the automated response system to finally be able to talk to a live, knowledgeable and willing person.  He suggested several things which we had already tried; finally, he asked us to pull the stove out far enough to unplug it from the electrical outlet.  We were to keep it unplugged for a minute and then replug it.  Eureaka,  It worked.  Well, it if worked on a stove, would it also work on a TV?  Behind the TV were about seven electrical wires, the one for the TV was finally isolated and unplugged for a minute.  With crossed fingers, it was replugged and as you might suspect, IT WORKED!  With thankful hearts of a remembered experience, we watched the news.   But before going to bed, we prepared 3 x 5 cards for each major appliance.  On each, the words: UNPLUG, 1 MINUTE, REPLUG were written.  Hopefully, you may be able to benefit from our experience.  Just remember, before you do anything regarding a problem such as we had, before panic sets in, before you call the manufacturer’s rep, try the magic procedure:  Unplug, wait a minute, replug. It worked twice for us. The next post will be shorter, I promise.

Oh, yes, Andrew, Karen and Khai came over the next day, took us out for lunch and a good visit.  What a pleasure to hear Khai say new words and eat food by himself.  All is well here in God’s Waiting Room, we’re happy.  God is good, He is good all the time.  Now, it’s your turn.  Love and blessings to all of you. 

A BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR AN OUTING

Although it was cool when we left Parkside for a trip to Grafton (IL), the sun was out and it did help us deal with cabin fever many of us had begun to develop.  For such trips, we indicate our desire by putting our names on a ‘sign-up’ sheet.  The Activity Director was relieved when a few had to cancel out. More had signed up than the bus capacity.  Yes, the bus was a bit crowded but we had a congenial group with the exception of one, sometimes downright rude, woman.  Yeah,  Dortha (the Peach/Pink lady) went but Virginia was seated between her and me–so no problem there. 

Why Grafton?  The thinking at the time the activity was given birth was that it would be much warmer and sitting on an out-side deck of a restaurant visiting or playing Bingo or just watching boats plying the river would be a nice diversion.  Furthermore, we could experience the joy once more of crossing the river on a ferry (yeah, it takes buses). Oh I have to tell you this restaurant is a part of a very large landing for many boats and it sits above a gift shop and something else.  As you can imagine a bus load of old people–some with walkers, several with canes and the remainder challenged to do many stairs.  Fortunately, the restuarant had a what was reported to be a four-person elevator–but it wasn’t.   Every time four boarded the thing, it would get stuck about half-way up!  Well, we can still think, so we figured that three was the limit.  At three per, it performed quite well (and don’t get the idea that we’re all fat–not the case). The food was good (mostly sandwiches or salads), and was reasonbly priced.  I had a B’BQ sandwich and home-made chips; Virginia chose the cheese cake.  She took a liking to my sandwich and I did the same to her dessert (we’ve been doing that for years), so we shared. 

At about 2 pm we made our way to the bus and made our way home.  As most of you can imagine, when we entered the door of our apartment, both cats seemed to say, “O.K. folks it’s time to take us outside for a walk and some sunning.”  We did. It was a beautiful day for an outing.  Life in God’s Waiting Rooms is great.  God is good–He is good all the time. 

PARTY TIME

As many of you know, we here at Parkside have a birthday party each month.  Yesterday was the day.  The attendance was down for some unknown reason, in fact only two of about twelve who had birthdays during this month was in attendance.  Birthdays I guess don’t mean as much when you are our age. Several corsages went begging and lots of cake was left over. 

There is usually outside entertainment for our listening pleasure.  But not yesterday.  So, we had to entertain ourselves.  First we were presented with sheets of paper entitled Melody Nonsense.  On it were 25 scrambled song titles.  The object was to identify the song.  Here are a couple of examples:  Minescule colorless prevarications and Span across worried H2O.  I correctly figured 15 of them out and that resulted in a bag of chocolates as a prize! Got them figured out yet?  The answers appear at the bottom of this post.  Next, we played  Music Bingo.  We’d never heard of it.  Sheets of paper with typical bingo spaces, and in each square was the printed title of a song.  Music was then played; if you recognized the song and it was printed in a square on your paper, you put a button on the square.  We got through three games before time ran out; we knew the titles of several but unfortunately those weren’t on our page.   Neither Virginia nor I could claim a prize for this one. 

So much for the fun stuff we do here in God’s Waiting Room.  We just knew you would want to hear all about this birthday party!?!  God is good and we’re doing o.k.  We always enjoy hearing from our ‘lurkers.’ Lurkers are those who read this blog but do not write a comment .

Answers:  Little White Lies and River over Troubled Water