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Do you still have grandparents? Mine have all passed away many years ago. I miss them. They were great for giving advice, learning new things, visiting, having a conversation with and sharing secrets.

It was my grandmother on my father's side of the family who taught me to crochet at an early age. She also allowed me to play her electric organ even though I didn't know how.

My grandfather would take me to his garden just outside the kitchen door in the back yard and we would pick some tomatoes. Then we brought them inside and sprinkled salt on them and ate them just the way nature intended. They also had a mulberry tree in the front yard and those berries were better than the blackberries that you find growing wild or in the stores nowadays.

My grandparents knew how to square dance and would go on the weekends every chance they could. They wore country western outfits and I thought how different they looked dressed in those clothes compared to what they usually wore.

My grandmother was a beautician. She had a beauty shop built on the side of their house just off the bedroom. I loved to visit her while she worked. She would always introduce me to her customers and talk about what I had been doing, my grades, etc. I loved to spin around in those chairs and raise the lift up and down. There was always the smell of chemicals in the air, but I got used to it after awhile.

At Christmas time, I could always count on getting some rose scented lotion or hand cream, some perfume, and socks or other clothes from her. It seemed old-fashioned at the time, but I loved it because she gave it to me.

One of my favorite things to look at was her salt & pepper collection. She had two barrister bookcases with glass in the front, and she kept all of her shakers in those two cabinets in the living room. The salt & pepper shakers were teeny tiny ceramic things usually in the shape of animals or little people.

A fascinating thing about their house was a mural that had been painted on the wall from the bottom of the stairs extending all the way up to the top of the steps. I couldn't tell you what it looked like because it was so long ago and when you're a child, you don't pay attention to those things.

My grandparents lived long enough to celebrate their golden anniversary and a few years past that. They were my best friends and I loved them dearly. Their sage advice was comforting and helpful. The knowledge that they possessed is a treasure truly missed.

No shortage of love about, for sure. But the song, "You always hurt the one you love" seems prophetic for many dads. Picked up the two at university for Easter break, and Goddess forbid, asked if it was OK to briefly stop at the MC shoppe to get a part for the vintage touring Wing. Eyes, all 4, screwed up to the ceiling, clutching i Phones. "We just want to get home to the critters, Popsi, dearest". So, ever a glutten for pain, I ask if they"d like to come in with me to see the shiny new road machines. "C'mon Dad, and have to be around all those grubby googling fat old bikers?" Third voodoo doll pin....to the heart. "Well, you are both so nice and beautidul, a father, especially if he's proud and a bit of a show off, likes to be seen with you". Giggles all the way home. Am I missing something? Aa.

Life isn't fair. Throughout different stages of our lives, something is going to happen that we didn't count on, weren't expecting, and no one told us about.

I feel angry when it happens. Especially when it takes me by surprise and catches me off-guard. Some things make me sad or even cry.

How many of these things have you felt or suffered?

Who knew that your parents would get divorced? That your sister would be given up for adoption? My brother died of an Aids related disease. I thought that my grandparents would live forever. I loved their stories and the way that they always loved me and gave great advice.

Did you know that your heart would get broken over one kiss? The one kid at school that you had a crush on, could make you feel like dying? How about how embarrassed you were when the kids in your class made fun of you?

Why didn't someone tell me that my marriage wouldn't last no matter how hard I tried to keep it together? That we have no control over what the other person decides? How about those with children? Who knew that the government could find ways to take them from you?

And death, one of the most cruel things that could happen to anyone. Why is it so painful for some who have to endure years of suffering, and yet others die peacefully in the night? Why do little babies die after only a few seconds of being born? Did someone tell you about that when you got pregnant and were so happy to be having a child?

No one ever told me that strangers could take away your virginity, steal your identity, rob you of all of your possessions, drive drunk and kill someone that you knew and loved. I could be homeless despite working my entire life, or that I would be forced to apply for food stamps so that I didn't go hungry.

No one said that the things you watch on tv actually happen in real life. I didn't know that one day I could come home and there would be no home due to a fire, flood, or a default on the mortgage. Maybe your family left without saying goodbye. Perhaps you didn't know what bad food was supposed to look like and you ate it and got sick. No one tells you what a stranger looks like, and you aren't supposed to talk to them, but everyday you say hi to one or more whenever you go to the store with your parents.

I don't think we will ever know all of the things that we should know to keep us safe, healthy, alive and informed. All we can do is try to adjust, read, and keep alert. Do our best not to take anything or anyone for granted.

My oldest daughter is down from Oregon. She and the family spent the week visiting relatives and stuff. The kids were in Spring break and so was her husband. He is one if the chairs in the Pharmacology Dept. Last night was Dad's turn.

Me and my twins went to visit them and to have some dinner. Her son is quite an athlete and excels in basketball. Gramps (me) used to spend alot of time playing and shooting hoops with him as a young boy. Shooting hoops became our passion so now when he's down shooting hoops is a must! And last night was no exception.

e went to the park and my son took his son along with us and my new grandson got totally excited with the basketball. Hmmmm! It appears there's a new basketball player on the horizon.

I went to a church event today and when I got home my son had bought his son a basketball just big enough for him (He's 1 yr and about 7 months old). I was so happy when I saw my little grandson playing with the basketball trying to dribble it.

As I sat at the computer I heard them dribbling the ball. It made my heart swell with happiness. and I got a few tears in my eyes. You see, when my son was his age he didn't let me hold him and when I trIed to get him interested in sports he would pull away from me. And now here he is. He's close to his son and they were outside dribbling the new basketball.

Dribble ... dribble ... dribble!

A tear came to my eye and a lump gathered in my throat as I remembered how my son shunned me and here he was now with his son. No, I'm not hurt or mad. I'm very happy!

I finally did it. I picked up a load and was running back to the yard with it to take care of some personal paperwork so to speak. And as soon as I get within 5 miles a coolant hose blows up on the back of the engine and spewed coolant all over the place including the windshield of an Arizona State trooper who surprisingly took it in good stride and helped me find the exact place it blew up. He went through my logs and my paperwork and gave me a clean inspection to turn in and get paid on since they pay for those. But most of all he spoke to me about my life. I let him know everything because unlike some peoy, honesty does go a long way in life. He realized how pained I was talking about it but just let me talk. Man, that trooper is an angel in disguise. He let me finish and didn't tell me some messed up anything. Just clasped me in the shoulder and said it'll be ok. All I really needed. Just for someone to tell me it'll be ok. I hope life is going to be ok. Because to be honest, I don't think I can take another hit. I don't want to get another text or call about the ex. I've dealt with enough games about her. I'm sorry life isn't what it was supposed to be. But she wanted it ended and I gave her that. So why the games. Why the drama. And why did a brand new hose explode off the back of the motor? Geeze I just had it replaced while I was down the last 2 days. Man. Oh well. Maybe it's a sign I need to slow down and relax a little bit more. Just a little bit longer.

I'm living my dream. I retired from my job of 20 years in Orlando in April to move to Tampa just 2 miles from my folks. I wanted to be a helping hand but before the accident they didn't need me too much, now they do.

Mom fell last week at a doctor's office during a stress test. She was sent to hospital by ambulance ($$). Turns out she dislocated her should which they had to pop back in, a giant hemotoma the size of a grapefruit on her hip and a huge gash on her leg.

I'm upset that someone didn't assist an 82 yr old woman with Parkinson's off the x-ray chair and into the other room they were sending her. Without assistance she fell and has been in horrible agony since. I contacted the most advertsied "slip & fall" attorney, Morgan & Morgan only to find out they don't want the case. I called the FL State Bar for another referral and will deal with that Monday. Mom may not want to sue because she is afraid she won't be able to see her beloved doctor.

As luck would have it my 28 yr old nephew, their grandson is staying with the folks temporarily so between the both of us it's good.

However after 9 days of hardly any sleep I have brain fog and have come home to spend one night in my own bed. With Dad's wandering mind, the challenges are interesting in what he does and doesn't remember but he is still good at barking orders. I'm still bad at getting frustrated instead of just agreeing and letting it go.

Since I'm so blessed to still have my folks. I tried hard to get from Orlando to Tampa but was more loyal to my job. Luckily my bossed pushed the issue of me retiring and let me go slowly by taking duties away over the last two years. I made it to Tampa 8 months ago and as hard as this job is, caring for one's parents, I'm still thankful to have them.

I'm not the best care taker because I'm clueless but I'm open to new experiences. Wish me luck.

Just talked to my 3rd son, after work today.
I felt that pain, as am supposed helped them in every difficulties they are going through. He was worried last week, as he hadn't received any message that he was qualified for a scholarship exam, as he said it's very important for him. Last Monday he got a message for a positive response. The Exam will be this 21st of October. He had no time to review due to hectic schedules. Being the journalists in school,the editor of the school newspaper. Represent the school journalism competition. He already gave up some of the co curricular activities even his passion in music, as a band and bugle corp's leader as I told him so, as academics is more important .
A lot of projects to submit ..I felt like..it broke my heart..I could not help him with his tasks .
Now he is worried how he could make the scholarship exam , he did not reviewed at all.
The only thing I could help him is to give that courage...stock knowledge is always there and don't worry too much just do your best, and TRUST HIM.
I suggested him to sleep in a hotel on Friday and Saturday for him to relax and will not be late on the exam as our home would take an hour due to traffic and thought he could do some reading.
But Saturday is the awarding and recognition day, he must be there too. Hahhhhh, I could not imagine how busy he is.
But my eldest son, has always that magic in comforting me, "Don't worry mama, everything will be all right."..
Those who believed in God, who reads this blog of mine, may I ask your kind prayer, so for my son not to experience that mental black out during the exam.
I thank you all in advance..

My friend's mom flew in from Napal last week with a big luggage bag full only of native spices (most of them easily obtainable at any American International type supermarket, but of course those are inferior to the ones she buys back home, even when the labels are the same). She had only the clothes she was wearing and a few changes of under garment. This like totally pi ss ed my friend off because on her last visit my friend had bought her mom over $2,000 of clothes and shoes which her mom brought home to Nepal with her.

My friend asked her mom, where are the clothes I bought you? Her mom's reply infuriated her. Oh, your brother's wife and your older sister liked them so I gave them to them. They sold most of it for good prices in the market.

So yesterday my friend came by my place with her mom and after I got in her car we headed to the city. Even though it was Sunday several of the 2nd hand clothing stores were open. My friend learned her lesson. No more buying mom's clothes at Macy's. We found clothes in good condition her mom was okay with.

Later, feeling sorry and guilty we headed to the mall and JC Penny's. We found a pair of sandals which her mom liked ($99.99) and bought them for her. The reasoning is the women in Nepal may not like used shoes. By now my friend was down about $800 and mom had decent winter and spring clothing ensembles. Hopefully enough selection to last her to August when she flies home.

We hit the food court and had a decent lunch, then off to the Walmart supermarket for some groceries.

After that because it was still about 65F and sunny we returned to my home and I put some chairs on my deck for them. Then, because the lesson was overdue, I broke out my old side by side 12 gauge and some ear muffs. My friend is scared of shotguns because she has seen many YouTube videos of women shooting them falling on their a ss. Clearly made by men who dis liked their girl friends. Ignoring her reluctance and playing the bad step father I dragged her over and taught her how to swap barrels, how to open and load unload it, how the 2 trigger system works (her first time with something with 2 triggers), how to hold it, how to stand (some repositioning of her stance and posture was done by me, until it was correct), then I selected some targets for her and gave her some 12 gauge rounds. She loaded them then fired. With a big smile she then asked me for more shells which I provided. <A few years ago I did someone a favor and her dad was so grateful he gave me over 1,000 12 gauge cartridges still boxed as a way of saying thank you.> She ran through about 8 shells in the short 'stage coach' configuration then swapped the barrels to the hunting configuration, then did another 6 shots. Meanwhile her mom watched and beamed. Afterwards she broke the gun open and handed it back, telling me it wasn't nearly as bad as she had thought and that she got this. (Step) Father's pride. :)



We chatted awhile with her interpreting for her mom (who speaks only Nepali) as my Nepali is still poor, too poor to understand it fully when spoken quickly. Unfortunately at her home her doggie was waiting for someone to return to take her for a walk, so my friend had to leave unless she wanted a mess on her carpet which she didn't.

After they departed I fed my own 2 Flerkens, cleaned the shotgun barrels, then watched Walking Dead and went to sleep.

I just reported a fire on my four plus acres grass and it was windy and by time I was done it was close to my truck on my paved drive behind my home one of my canines was in the truck with me the other I hoped was inside as I started to call for it very glad as it came running out I left the doors open by time I drove to the front it was spreading fast as a first responder met me moments later and ten minutes later Mn DNR helicopter was in a field across the road from my rural property hooking up a bucket they use then 3-4 reg fire trucks and other trucks with trailers of personal atv's of all sorts and them a semi trailer with a hugebbull dozer oh their was a fire fighting air plane also but they let the helicopter do its job it wasn't needed the pine trees I thought were a goner mine almost Twp acres of and the floor 6inches of dried pine needles in the end it took a few hours only lost a few trees out of hundreds and my outhouse burnt to a crisp and my septic drain field damaged the property is mostly black from the fire and my pets are restricted to there huge fenced in run till the rains of spring wash the property sure would be a mess to have black paw prints everywhere .so thanks to four fire Dept's and all the responders it didn't end so

I'll start by telling you that I was adopted shortly after birth. In 2005 I was found by my birth family and reunited with 5 sisters and 2 brothers.

That being said this is not what this blog is about. This is about 2 other sisters reuniting for the first time since birth, and what makes this reunion so special is they are identical twins.

From the Today Show : "Separated at birth 33 years ago, identical twin sisters Amanda Dunford and Katey Bennett recently learned of each other’s existence through a genetic testing service. Live on Megyn Kelly TODAY, they meet face to face for the first time. Amanda tells Megyn that when she and Katey first spoke via FaceTime, “I felt like I was talking to myself the whole time … it was very surreal.”"