My Week

Monday I went to my senior balance class and then went to Regency Care.  I happened to visit someone I know, Tip, from our AMVETS post.  It also happened to be his birthday.  Usually I don't take photos on therapy dog visits but I knew him and had permission to share with our post members.  It was dark in the room so I used the flash and that reflective leash really looks like a scratched photo.  While there, another visitor came with a birthday card and cake to share.

 

without  the flash

I also gave Geno who draws pictures a statue of the Virgin Mary that he had requested on our last visit.  I found a beautiful statue with a flower container behind at a thrift store.  It was very dirty and I had a lot of cleaning to do because it held flowers in with something gummy.  He really enjoyed it.  I dedicated my Monday morning visit as "Works of Mercy" for my oldest sister who was undergoing surgery in California at about the same time.

Tuesday I missed my exercise class because I slept in after a broken night's sleep.  Simple slow day with a visit at Reflections Memory Care in the afternoon.  I learned that the Illinois state commander of Amvets will be at our post meeting on Feb 8 and got the word out.

Wednesday I took Sophie over to Bubbles of Fun for her 6-week grooming and made it to double exercise day.  I struck up a cute conversation with the 2 ladies at the groomers about pekingese dogs.  I explained that I had spaniels before and Sophie was my chance rescue (more like a calling) when I went to the pound expected a larger dog than what I lost.  You would think that with all the dogs they see, they would be a little numb to the breeds but they talked about the pekingese and how different they are because of these dogs converse with people.  I said that all the traits they were mentioning, I've been experiencing.  The exercise class was our regular senior exercises at 8:15 followed by Zumba light at 9:15.   For me it was extra light with this back problem.   I don't want to make any sudden moves that will pinch a nerve.  I only side step rather than do a grapevine but I still got in a little cardio and that was accomplished. Besides, our instructor, Patty, is so much fun and really cares about us. She brought us healthy treats at Christmas and when she was on vacation she brought us some ethnic candy.  Just during the cool down, I got the call that Sophie was ready to be picked up.  I brought her home and went out shopping at the Goodwill. Seems I can't fit in a lot of my 6P jeans and need 8P now.  Despite diet and exercise, I've been told to eat 3 meals and I sit more with back pain as a result in a larger size.  Yikes.  I picked up a custom embroidered golf shirt with our Catholic War Veterans logo on it that I ordered.  I got the call while at the Goodwill and that was good timing since I was on that side of the town.  I stopped by Lowes and picked up some grass seed for a big bare spot where the trailer was moved when the tree was cut down last fall.  I should sell the trailer.  I don't have the strength to lift it onto the hitch anyway.  In the evening I went to the Interveterans Council meeting and new officers were sworn in.

Thursday the weather temperature dropped after a pleasant week that included a record breaking 60 degrees on Saturday. We got a little of that Wisconsin cold from their big snow storm.
Well I had a 3 class session this morning at Powerworks. Sr Yoga, TRX, Yoga 101 I moved slow but got some mobility back. So much that last Thursday's tears of pain were tears of joy. Although now that I'm home, I'm sore from putting weight on my hips walking Sophie. BTW, I smelled the first Sophie farts.

Friday I went to Jefferson Barracks for my VA hearing appointment.  I stopped by Ben's discount store which was a little like a cross between Ben Franklin and Joanne's.   I got some mats for my steps on my new sun room that are about dogs.  I wanted to stop by an antique store that was suggested on facebook for some Victorian jewelry but I didn't find one that clicked or else I missed some.   I was fascinated by this piece but it wasn't for me.

It had a really long hair chain that would have gone to my knees and  a lovely clasp with $165 price tag.
I checked n early to make sure I knew where I was supposed to go.  I then asked the clerk at the VA where a good place to eat was.  She said the next exit off the interstate.  So I did but then I found a cute little hole in the wall called Zito's Deli.  No matter how many times I asked to pronounce this, I can't say it.  Something like a fry bread.  Don't worry, the peppers and onions are behind the wrapper.

Maybe you can pronounce Raznjici off this menu.

I guess we'll have pulled chicken for lunch Sunday. I got some home made buns while in St Louis made by Zito's mom. They gave them to me free because I was a good customer. I brought the rest home for dinner and Sophie got a little of the fatty end cuts.  I look at it this way, the alternative was stupid vending machines.

Saturday evening I went to the Robert Burns dinner sponsored by the St Andrews Society. My summary was that there were NO UNHAPPY PEOPLE PRESENT!  I came prepared with one exception.  Since it was my first Robert Burns, I would wear my military medals like I saw on another man.  There's a portrait of Bobby Burns on the table behind me which was a rotating gift.  The person that receives it must bring it back next year.

Our table was decorated with Scottish Thistle.

 Fun of all was the entertainment by the band playing traditional songs and the little ones that danced along.

 The little (obviously adopted boy) danced better than the older boy here:

Then the kids performed the unicorn song.  When I hung my coat before going in, I noticed that I nearly stepped on some swords on the floor.  Later I learned that they would be used in a dance.

The address to a haggis ceremony.  Well if that video doesn't upload to my blog, you can also see it public on Facebook here:  https://www.facebook.com/rose.connolly/videos/o.1250858771660971/10210375989868845/

So I did know one other person there besides Miranda who invited me.  I recognized Deacon Larry Smith from the cathedral.  He is treasurer for the St Andrews Society. 

Sunday I fixed pulled chicken for Sean and myself and we watched London Has Fallen. 

We lost a member of our Catholic War Veterans post this week.  I put out the notice.  We will do our ceremonial walk through on Thursday.

 

http://www.staabfuneralhomes.com/obituary/robert-john-francis-wolf/

 

My Week

I saw a friend say on facebook that the eagles were on the river so I looked at my calendar and saw the only day to go was Tuesday.  Very spontaneous.  Although I don't have a fancy camera other than my cell phone, I also realize you "had to be there" to appreciate scenery.  Besides, there are many others that have beautiful photos.  This is a picture of a young eagle who's white feathers have not yet come in.

I drove through historic Louisiana, Missouri.  I like the old houses but many were in bad repair.  They did have nice murals but do paintings make up for the poor maintenance?

 This was the murals of the 1850s ferry on the boat club.  Notice the ice chunks in the river.  There was an ice storm just 4 days earlier and I saw many freshly broken limbs on trees along the road.

 The bridge between Missouri and Illinois is narrow.

 This is the house to the left of the guard rail above.

 Louisiana early Mississippi River port know for the Delicious apples developed here and grown throughout the world was settled 1817 when John Bryson pre-empted land near the confluence of the river and Noix Creek.  A year later, Samuel Caldwell and Joel Saw from Kentucky founded the town on land bought from Bryson.
The Pioneer Stark cabin was moved here from nearby hills restored and opened as a museum 1952 to nor Horticulturist James Hart Stark who built the cabin.  The orchard he planed 1816 with grated scions considered the first of the grafted apple trees west of the Alleghenies has become known under his descendant as one of the oldest and largest commercial nurseries int he world.   Here are carried on many of Luther Burbank's experiments.  The Stark nursery granted first patent granted a fruit 1934.  Settlers were in the general vicinity of Louisiana as early as 1810 and some 2 miles south the D.A.R. monument marks the site of Buffalo Fort where 25 families took refuge during the war of 1812

 Log Cabin.

 Welcome to Illinois
In 1673 the areas of the Mississippi and Illinois  were explored by Frenchmen Louis Joliet and Father Jaques Marquette.  Their voyages resulted in French claims on the area until 1763 when by tready of Paris France ceded the land to Great Briton. During the Revolution the Illinois territory was won for the Commonwealth of Virginia by George Rogers Clark and his army. In 1784 it became part of the Northwest Territory and on Dec 3 1818, Illinois entered the union as the 21st state.  US Route 54 enters Illinois East of Louisiana, MO and stretches Northeast towards Pittsfield.  The route in Illinois was as the 33d Division Memorial Highway on Memorial Day 1963. .  The designation the WW1 Division organized in 1917 from the Illinois National Guard units..  The division played an important role in the Muese-Argone offensive.In WWII it was used in the Pacific in Philippines.  Route 54 ends its 16 mile journey in Illinois 4 miles west of Pittsfield where it meets US Route 36.  Pittsfield is the county seat of Pike County.  John Nicolay author of a 10 volume biography of Abraham Lincoln began his career in Pittsfield.He met John Hay there and formed a life long friendship.  Hay collaborated on the biography and went on to a fruitful career as a diplomat.  He was ambassador to Great Briton and secretary of  state 1898 -1905.

I stopped for lunch at Boatel and there were 2 eagles there too.

Wednesday, Alan dropped off his dog, Hank, while he heads out to DC for inauguration. I'm teaching him the "leave it" command that I had to perform for Therapy Dog.  You see, Hank is a counter top snatcher. I'm making progress with the floor but when I say "no" or "leave it" to a temptation on the counter-top, it's gone behind my back

Here is his selfie with hat and scarf

Wednesday evening I went to the quarterly Veterans Assistance Commission meeting.  I got voted in as secretary replacing John Haines who had done it for 64 years in various capacities I believe they said.

Thursday I made an appointment with doctor Sheedy.  I've put this pain off long enough.  In order that I not forget what details to tell, I came with a prepared, written statement:

Dear Dr Sheedy

I’ve been having lumbar pain and groin for a long time that usually comes on in the cold weather.    I know this because my weekly blog history shows I’ve complained in the past and facebook has look-back memories.  My annual appointment usually is in the summer when it subsides a little and you noted this in my record.

This December got cold early.  I worked harder at the gym for my lumbar and core at Powerworks.  You see, I’m motivated and pay out of pocket because I’m not yet Medicare eligible. I have to snicker at the others in the “Silver Sneakers” whose gym membership is paid by insurance and they worried when Health Alliance changed from direct to indirect payments.  I pay out of pocket and want my money’s worth.  I had a 1 hour massage there in December when they had Christmas special with $5 off.

Lex was surprised to see me in tears because I was like a prize student in her senior core group and among the few in the yoga class. She asked if it happened during yoga and I was in so much pain that I could only nod.  I have trouble doing the grapevine walk in our senior balance and zumba.  She’s witnessed my flexibility compared to the others up until now and when I did have lower back pain, I could usually grin and bear it.

I’ve gone to 9 of 10 visits to Dr Taylor on Mon-Wed- Fri since Dec 30 after being frustrated with isolated exercises to the core and hips.  I believe it was $360 for 10 visits for the uninsured. He said I had the loudest scream of 2016 on my first visit.   Subsequent visits have been lighter.  He says I’m standing straighter but I don’t feel any better.   Since then, others have told me he’s not a good chiropractor.  I was given exercises with my ball and it’s not like I hadn’t been working that area already.  I did learn to do sit-ups on my ball with my little Sophie on my lap reminding me of those mother and baby exercises. He recommended my 2 meals a day back to 3.   I asked on Wed if he thought I should go see Dr Sheedy and he said no because he’ll just give you pills.  Friends have told me to got to see Dr Sullivan and get a deep tissue massage from Christy Schmidt but I wanted to see you before I expend more money on this.

Wednesday afternoon I was waiting in a checkout and almost wanted to sit on the floor (not a first time either). I can waddle side to side but standing still is an effort.

I have been taking gummy vitamins and calcium.  T-Relief (for arthritis) and Aleve (generic).  I wear an ice pack in the morning and take an Epsom bath at night.   Prescriptions include Ranitidine and Pravastatin.

From what I read on sciatica, I understand that it can start with hip pain and pinch a nerve and eventually the toes.  I’m feeling this in not just the groin but the back of the legs.

I have gotten a mechanical bed in September to help with my back pain.  I have to roll on my side and carefully get up putting the weight on my hips.  You can picture the rest.

So you can see, how I saved this appointment as a desperate cry for help because I don’t like going to the doctor.

So now I get to see a specialist on Feb 9.  The pain pills were a success on the bed in the morning for the roll out but not a miracle.  I learned on Friday that I have some disc slippage and arthritis as viewed on the Xray. 
In the evening I helped with dishes at the fish fry.  A lady at the American Legion Fish Fry mentioned that my problem mine could be a delay result of my pelvic fracture in 09. I never put 2 and 2 together. She told me same happened to her after a car accident and she's had problems and walks with a cane.

Friday I helped with the clean up of wreaths at Camp Butler.  Unlike last year, this year was pleasant.  Last year was cold and wreaths were frozen to the ground in snow.  Ya know, it's even nicer to find names of veterans whose name rings a bell and now I know the location of the grave. Also very interesting to see love left by family and friends on the grave. One just had a birthday the day before and the grave was decorated like a birthday party.
In the evening I helped with the fish fry at the American Legion.  I don't like to take orders because of my hearing and the acoustics of that room so I said I'd help with clean up so I'm assigned dishes.  Well that was before I realized how bad standing will be with my back problem.

Sunday I went to the Lincoln Monument Association's annual meeting.  I presented my summer program "Distant Memories" since many came far and those that didn't were usually working our booth selling merchandise. I had to move a hook over since I'm getting fatter with this immobility.  In preparation I re-watched my video for the Lincoln Tomb and realized my name is in the credits since I'm a board member.  They all enjoyed the program and I got a card and a check.
I came home just in time to see the boys.  Sean was just finishing his laundry and Alan picked up his dog to go back to Peoria after his trip to the Inauguration.  

In the evening I went to the Chesapeake Seafood House for the 114th Regiment's Commander's Banquet that was postponed last week because of weather.  I showed others how to use the selfie timer so that you can step back.  There's a choice of 3 or 10 seconds.

 I bought this book by the guest speaker on Stephen Douglas.  You see, people come to take tours because of Lincoln but if you were roaming the streets in the 1850s, Douglas was the popular man.

other photos of the event.  Here is Robin West:

 Here is Gloria's debut in her new dress made by Emily Bencomo.

 Here's Bob Chestnut,the charter member of the regiment since reactivated by the governor.

 Marguritte and Anthony who's been on the staff of Chesapeake Seafood house for over 14 years.

Gloria, myself and Mariylin.

 Our guest speaker Reg Ankrom

 Stephanie and Lisa.

All
I'm in the process of putting together an outfit for the Robert Burns dinner later this month.  Need a few more alterations.  He's Scottish you know.

I had to let the waist out but that means another tuck to line up the split skirt's plaid lines. It says size 10 on the label but it's the older sizing system. Also the cuffs are too long.  Now for a hat and better blouse.  I'll be ready though. This hat is on the way.

All for now.  Have a nice week.

My Week

You may recall from last week that I had trouble hearing my hair dryer that was on overnight since I don't dry my hair with hearing aids on.  Well my sister suggested I get a hairdryer that automatically shuts off and I happened to have an Amazon card from my other sister.  My son installed the wall mount like they have in hotels.  Yea!

Monday I took Sophie to the Regency Home at 10:30 and then at 1PM to St John's Hospice.  We had some smiles and a family member inquired about getting into the TDI program.  We can always use more therapy dogs so we don't spread ourselves too thin.  Besides, some of the senior dogs are getting ready to retire.  In the evening I went to dance practice with the Springfield International Folk Dancers.  Although I'm more interested in the gentile dancing, they like to add other ethnic dances. 

Wednesday the pain in my lumbar/hips was so bad that postponed my chiropractor visit till the afternoon.  I was in tears from pinched nerves at the hip-thigh bone joint.  I went back to the chiropractor after a rest.  In the evening we had birthday cake for Sean at our AMVETS meeting.  The Chatham Cafe donated the German Chocolate cake for the celebration of loyal customers.  I brought candles.

Thursday the workers came and installed the ceiling fan in my sun room.  Now for the linoleum, trim and gutters and we're done.  Progress was slow since they started in November.  Weather and other construction jobs got in the way.  Now it is a muddy mess.

In the evening I went to a meeting of the Catholic War Veterans. 

Friday I had my long awaited VA hearing appointment at Jefferson Barracks (105 miles away).  I got up early and got ready to leave at 7AM.  Then I checked the weather.  The ice storm was bad in St Louis although it didn't seem like it here.  I called and rescheduled for Jan 29.  Then I did a little pre-storm shopping.  I had to get the milk, bread and wine you know.  I put a tarp over my car like the neighbor did.  Well then I waited and waited.  The ice that was supposed to hit in the afternoon didn't come.  I went to bed and it still the road was clear as a bell.  However, in the morning it was thick.
Saturday morning the ice was on the ground.

I salted my driveway with the remainder of my bag that I've had for years.  The temperature was in the 30s so it didn't last all day.

I tried to walk Sophie via the crisp grass.  I got across Park Ave which is a main road but walking on the grass 3 houses down I turned around. Grass is OK to walk on but the damn driveways get in the way. The gully was wet and slushy and I walked in that with my snow boots.  It cleared up as the day went on. Later, I went to go to St John's Hospice at 2pm to see another Therapy Dog in action.  Linda and Milly the Beagle arrived in a pet stroller.  She didn't wear her TDI badge.  Just the hospital volunteer Samaritan badge. Milly didn't were her TDI ID tag on her collar nor had the TDI neck scarf.  Linda said she didn't care to use the signature sheet for the visits which makes me wonder.  Some of the rooms on the wing that had recently closed had a sign on the door saying "occupied".  That's for staff that had to stay the night for the ice storm.
There was supposed to be a second round of freezing rain the following night so I covered my car with a tarp again.  However it didn't happen.  

Sunday's sermon was about St John the Baptist.  How many of us will openly say that we hope our replacement at work does a better job than I did?  Well that's what John said about One coming that is greater than I.  Father also mentioned the difference between envy and jealousy.  The main difference between envy and jealousy is that envy is the emotion of coveting what someone else has, while jealousy is the emotion related to fear that something you have will be taken away by someone else.
 http://www.diffen.com/difference/Envy_vs_Jealousy
After Mass there was a pancake and sausage breakfast.  When my son came over, we had chicken and dumplings.  He liked it and I gave him some to take with him.

My Week

Got up Monday morning and had a feeling something was wrong when I was in the bathroom. My hair dryer was on all night in a drawer and I couldn't hear it without my hearing aids. I would never dry my hair with hearing aids on and usually go to bed after that. The top of the sink was hot and many cosmetics and hair brushes melted. 

Monday evening I went to an American Legion meeting.
We haven't had a budget in the State of Illinois for over a year and a half, but the idiots in Springfield can pass a law that allows people to spear catfish with a pitchfork! A new law that took effect today.

Tuesday I needed a few things and found a sale on tennis shoes just at a time when mine were squeaking that pre-sole-depparture.

Wednesday I visited the chiropractor after exercise.  He pushed on my hips and then set me in a chair with some stimulating electrodes.  I had lunch at County Market. Then I returned the spread to Sean and let his dog out.  I was a little late winterizing the lawn but I thought I had more time and that the construction would be done.
I got a velvet coat there for reenacting on Wed night. 1/2 off so 2.50. I had an egg and cheese croisant there on Wed after exercise with another "Rosemary" from our Sr Exercise group. She and I are short. She has 2 little dogs: Sammy and Sophie.

My Comcast bill went from $97 to 103.  I guess they warned me because I pulled my last bill out of the files.  I have high speed internet and basic cable without frills.  I called and they gave me a few more channels and took some away that I don't use.  I can also save $5 if I pay online.  I never did this because I don't trust Comcast.

Thursday I went to my senior Yoga class but there was no instructor.  This was one of those back-to-back senior class days so I stayed for the senior TRX.  After that was Yoga 101 and I stayed for that.  

A couple from my church that were at my presentation at the senior pot luck in Sep, had to have his wife live at Reflections. I promised him my allegiance to HIPA protection. We had a nice visit today.  I was excited to see that Reflections was featured in a local magazine called "Healthy Cells" that is free where you can pick up at stores in those little racks.  The online version is here:
http://www.healthycellsmagazine.com/articles/reflections-where-compassion-meets-care
That's the activity director on the front cover that signs my sheet for my Therapy Dog Int visits.

Saturday I went to St Louis for the 1767 Ball.


Here's how I dressed.  There's a little static on my tassel because it was soooo cold.  I did find a velvet cape on Wednesday at the Goodwill for $2.66 as a nice coverup.

 The stairway in the Old Courthouse

 The paintings on the ceiling of the dome were really the focus but to prove I was there. 

On the dance floor

On at least two occasions, I caught myself interpreting to those that stumbled by the Old Courthouse and wanted to know what was happening.  I explained briefly what the occasion was and handed them the program.

The winner that got the bean (this photo was from another event later in the evening at Prairie De Rocher)

(More photos 12th Afternoon Ball 2017)

There's a related video about the founding of St Louis:
http://www.pbs.org/video/2365177578/

Sunday I went to my parish Mass at 8AM.  We were requested to wear our Christmas sweater and afterward there was coffee and donuts and a vote for the Christmas Sweater.  My sweater that I bought on sale after Christmas won $25.  I paid $6 for the sweater but the lights on the sweater didn't work and according to REX Battery it needed soldering as well as new batteries.

Afterward I went to the Cathedral for the Catholic War Veterans memorial Mass.  There were only 3 of us and one family member in our reserved pew.  Joan said that the service seemed even more Christmas-like than the Christmas service was.  It focused on the Maggi and although we know there were three gifts, it doesn't mention the number of Kings presenting them except that they came from the East.  

Cold mornings and I have to wear an ice pack on my lumbar region when I get up.

My Week ~ New Year's Edition

Well of course I have a life membership in the American Legion but I can get my card online.  Here's to 2017.

Tuesday afternoon I went to a retirement party for 2 former coworkers.  Best wishes to Debbie and Fred!
Deb followed a tradition that I started by listing all her bosses during her tenure at the State of Illinois.  I wanted to clear up a rumor that when I did read my list, it was Alan that said he calculated "X" amount of months before he gets a turnover.  I did not say he wouldn't be there long.  He did.  He was gone in less than a year.  Here's a flash back to my retirement.
http://ivetret.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-week_16.html

The foreman and I discussed the floor and paint for the sunroom.  I asked about the ceiling fan and he said no larger than 48".  I took Sophie with me to Lowes.  They allow well behaved dogs and I get a veteran discount.  I picked out a 44" LED ceiling fan for $89 (after the discount) and I won't have to change a light bulb because of the LED.  It's like this.
http://www.bonanza.com/listings/423507852?utm_source=nextag&utm_medium=cpa&utm_campaign=product_feed
I just wasn't sure on the drop pole length.

Wednesday I had my dental cleaning.  I was told to toss out my Colgate MaxFresh Intense. I'm having a reaction with my gums. I've even been alternating with Arm and Hammer toothpaste which she said I should keep.  I stopped by the Salvation Army and found a lovely maroon dress coat.  I get lots of compliments on my green coat but the lining has been patched a number of times.

Thursday I got ready to go to St Louis for a hearing test through the VA but while getting ready in the bath, I got a call that my audiologist had called in sick and I needed to be rescheduled.  Initially I had an appointment at John Cochran Hospital but the appointment was changed to Jefferson Barracks because of doctor availability.  Rescheduled for the 13th of January.

Friday I followed through on a thought.  I went to the chiropractor adjacent to Powerworks where I exercise.  I had never visited a Chiropractor because it's not covered by TRICARE. Pain in the lumbar is more than Advil and exercise will fix. I had my first of 10 visits with Dr Taylor. He explained the spine stuff and then had me lay on the table on my side. I had my eyes closed so I have no idea what he did to my hip but I screamed and asked if they heard it out in the lobby. He said I had the best scream of the year. Then he had me roll over on my other side and said it won't be as bad. That was true despite my preparation for another scream. It all happened so fast. Then I laid on a massaging table for awhile, paid my bill ,and we'll see how the weekend goes.  I noticed a similar complaint in my 2013 blog.  I didn't feel much better yet but there are more visits to come.

Later I took Sophie out in the back yard and found the fence down.  I sent this photo to my neighbor who was in MO at the time.  The connection portion that adjoins my house is not that great either.  The neighbor was out of town but fixed it on Sunday.

I made this Healing Broth and it tasted awful.  I'd rather eat rice.  It got tossed.

New Year's eve I spent with bubbly by the fireplace watching "The Crown".  In bed by 11PM.

Sunday I was a Eucharistic Minister. I can't believe I went to church and forgot my hearing aids.  I couldn't hear the greeter as I entered the church.  Well, I don't need them at home alone.  I turned around to get them and got back before the opening song.  It is the Solemnity of Mary. "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19
The alter was decorated with white poinsettias with blue ribbons for Christmas.  

 Here is the memorial plant that I donated with a photo of Frank.

 This is the creche that was all made after the fourth Sunday of Advent out of Styrofoam that was melted, painted and cut to look like a village.  It's encased in a display with a plastic window.  This photo doesn't do it justice.

I set up my Google home device that Sean gave me for Christmas.  Set up was easy but the learning curve is beginning.  So far I can ask it the weather and time.

I blessed my home for the new year with chalk as I said a prayer:
 “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” which means “May Christ bless this house”
http://contemplativecottage.com/2016/01/05/the-epiphany-blessing-20cmb16/


RESOLUTIONS FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR
No one will ever get out of this world alive.
Resolve therefore to maintain a reasonable sense of values.

Take care of yourself. Good health is everyone’s major source of wealth. Without it, happiness is almost impossible.
Resolve to be cheerful and helpful. People will repay you in kind.
Avoid angry, abrasive persons. They are generally vengeful.
Avoid zealots. They are generally humorless.
Resolve to listen more and to talk less. No one ever learns anything by talking.
Be wary of giving advice. Wise men don’t need it, fools won’t heed it.
Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving  tolerant with the weak and wrong. Sometime in life you will have been all of these.
Do not equate money with success. There are many successful money-makers who are miserable failures as human beings. What counts most about success is how a person achieves it.
http://www.threesources.com/archives/005058.html