mother's day

 Every day is mother's day. I'm still trying to do my best to be kind and helpful regarding my mother's needs. Today was a real test. Well, every day is, really, but I thought the stars were aligned today.

The background info is that my mom is fixated on her hair. This isn't new, but she is losing her vision due to Glaucoma and Macular degeneration and can't see how she looks. She is always asking me how she looks and I tell her that she looks fine. Her hair is amazing. She has really good hair and, as long as it doesn't get wet, it holds very well. She's been wanting and trying to go to Pat's Place hair salon for some time now and has made many appointments, then been unable to keep.

After much discussion last week, we decided to try again. Mom said she wanted to try, and I thought it would work. I made the appointment with her stylist of many years, Darlene. The timing was perfect regarding her schedule. I reminded mom the day before. I called in the morning to confirm. I got there early to pick her up without pressure. She wasn't confident that she could do it. She asked if she could try walking to the car. We got to the elevator and she felt able to make it, so we went back to her condo and got ready. When the time came, she said she couldn't make it after all. She was afraid that she might fall. I told her that I would help her and that the weather was perfect. She didn't feel able to go and decided to cancle her appointment. She was diasppointed, but it was her choice. Then she started asking me how she looks. I told her that her hair always looks nice, which it does. She said she was sorry she couldn't go.

We chatted for a while about other things. Then she said, "I need to have my hair done. When is my hair appointment."

I have to stop doing this to myself. I want to please her and not upset her. I need help.

This is a memoir. My mom passed away over a year ago, but some of these situations keep going around in my head, so I decided to write them down.

 i just experiened a miracle and there's no one around to share it with!

I'm in my 85th year, my memory is problematic, and I use Adobe Suite for most of my 'creations'. I set up my Etsy store and created most of my patterns in the last century ...

My church and church 'family' are a big part of my life and I still do many creative things for them. 

My problem is that I don't do any of the things that I used to do, very often these days and - when I try, I can't remember how. I get nervous when thinking about doing something and I think that contributes to the problem. (Passwords are the bane of my existence, but that's another story.}

Today, I was trying to make a small correction to a pattern I printed in 2007. Sounds simple, doesn't it?

Well ... when I tried to open the pdf in Photoshop I got this message. "PDFL Initialization failed". I've seen this message before, but don't remember it being a big problem. Today it was. 

Photoshop wouldn't budge. InDesign opened it, but it wasn't editable and, the typed instructions looked like hieroglyphics. 

Googling it didn't help. While I was pondering where I should go next, it occurred to me that I also have Illustrator. I never learned to use it, but I've tried everything else, so why not? I launched Adobe Illustrator, opened the pattern file and 'Voila', it popped up!

It is clear and editable, and I didn't even have to erase and retype the error. I used 'find and replace', not expecting it to work, as it wasn't in the large text block, but on a pattern piece. It found the words I needed and fixed the error! 

I was in shock for a few minutes, then went to find someone to tell. I can't begin to tell you how exciting this is for me. It opens my ability to fix many typos and errors simply. I'm ecstatic!

I just hope I remember.

 As I was leaving Aldis, two women started to 'chat me up'. They were smiley and friendly, kidding around with each other and me. I walked a short distance to my car and put my groceries inside. They remained my the shopping carts. While I returned to park my shopping cart and retrieve my quarter they wandered out to the parking lot. When I approached my car, the two women were standing beside the front doors, one on each side attempting to enter. I said loudly, "This is my car!". They laughed and said "Sorry, wrong car" and walked away. I don't remember if they had groceries.

I always lock my car while returning the cart. This time, fortunately, was no exception. I have thought about this and wonder if I was 'set up', or it was an honest mistake. Your opinion?

I missed the boat on hashtags

 I missed the boat on hashtags. Oh, I know what # is. I just don't think I understand how it/they work. I'm going to fix that. It's on my to-do list for very soon. (I found this draft 12-12-21)

I have made 0 progress on this. Life got in the way. 

Recently, my dear fried and bookkeeper/CPA, Gayle, was diagnosed with Alsheimers disease. I picked up on a few 'clues' during the past year or so, but ... She's always been a little loosy-goosy, but got the job done. Eerything seemed normal and she was very sincere in assuring me that everything was being done. WRONG!

I should have paid better attention to the clues. Now I'm in a situation where the State and Feds are aggressively reminding me that report anre past-due and I don't know anything about them.

I was finally able to get together with Gayle, and to have copies of past reports she has filed. I can copy them and file before the end of the year (very close) and hold my breath. So, that's the plan. 

So far I've dealt with IL-941 and 2 related forms. I think these are Fed. Next step is to try to find out 'what I don't know'. This is scary ...

 

I copied ths from my Facebook Memories. I guess I was egotistical enough to post it in 2015. Now, I just want to save it because it please me. Why not? I have a pillow that says "It's good to be Queen."

Carolee Alt-Luppino

DeSicmgember 75, s2o01h6i5ed80  · 

Shared with Your friends

I don't usually post this kind of stuff, but this cracks me up! I took a test to see who I was in a former life... This is the result. Do you believe it?

You were a queen! Your memories reveal that you were a powerful and enchanting queen in your past life! You were seductive, romantic, strong, determined, and a true lover of the arts. You were admired by your kingdom and relentlessly pursued by the all the men (and even the ladies!) of your realm. Your beauty still shines through in this life and it's clear to all who know you that you're royalty at heart. You are irresistible and draw all of your lovers like moths to a flame. What do you think about having been a queen? Let us know, your highness!

Thoughts on my name

 I started thinking about my name today because I hired a young friend from my church to paint my kitchen. I pulled off the old wallpaper a while ago and the thought of painting it myself isn't fun anymore.

So, William is from Puerto Rico and the name Carolee isn't familiar to him. I told him to call me Carol. That brought back memories of when I was Carol Luppino because my husband shortened my name. Even my brothers started calling me Carol.

So, for the first 20 years of my life I was Carolee Alt. Then, for the next 25 or so, I was Carol Luppino, except when I was Mrs. Joseph Luppino. In the 60's married women didn't have first names. In the church membership records we were listed as Mr. Joseph Luppino and Mrs. Joseph Luppino. One of our male members was married and divorced 3 times, in the church and his wife's name naver changed.

When I was widowed, I decided to use my maiden name, so I was and am still using the name Carolee Alt Luppino. I hyphenate it when I want to be at the beginning of the alphabet. 

edit. My on-line persona is Cara, it's easier, and my phone identity, when I don't want customers to know it's me, is Charlie. My IM id, my 'inner emoticon', is a smiley face with sunglasses and one of my dear friends calls me 'Hollywood' (because of the sunglasses).

So, my friends call me Carolee, except those that I met in my married years and my brothers and SILs, who call me Carol, . My dauther calls me Mom and my sons call me Ma. I answer to all of them, but most of all, I love being called gramma.

 Another stroke of genius I didn't think of that's too good not to share. This has been one of the hottest summers on record and I find myself keeping a small bottle of water in my car. I never found this necessary before, thinking that I could make it from place to place without food and drink. Most of my stops are less than half an hour apart. However ... here's the genius part ... fill your water bottle half full and keep it in your freezer. Fill it the rest of the way when you are ready to go. You'll have cold water for much longer. No extra charge. You're welcome!

 I came across this tip and think it's really good to know. I want to share it with everyone!

Machine sewing tips you wouldn’t think of. Depending on what you use it for…if you are doing something like solid embroidery, or even a straight stitch….all metallic type threads works better if you put them in the bobbin and work upside down…because, the thread is not sawing through the needle dozens of times, so it stays strong….I realize that not everything can be sewn right side down…but when possible it’s much better….

Shopping for Mom

When I first became my mother's 'purchasing agent' we had a bit of a communication issue. I didn't know what the heck she was talking about and she was frustrated. She would say, "You know. You've bought this for me before". Trust me, I didn't know, but I'm learning...

The first one was 'sliders' which she assured me I knew. Me: You mean White Castle burgers?  Mom: NO. You know ...

Clearly, this is not a productive conversation. She finally provided a little more information and I was able to find sliders, little hamburger buns, in the bread aisle. They're pretty good. Now I buy them for myself, too.

The biggest challenge to date was when she wanted Jockey Shorts. I have to remind you here that she's 100 years old. This was a real head-scratcher. 

I asked her what she needed them for. She finally said that she wanted to sleep in them. I confused her further by asking if she wanted boxers or briefs. She said it didn't matter, so we debated the size for a bit, and I went to the store. 

I thought the plaid boxers were cute, so I bought those. When I showed them to her she was very surprised but willing to try them. Or, so she said ... She gave them back to me the next day. Not the right thing.

She said she wanted white cotton. I finally asked if she had any that I could see, so I could get the same thing. She showed me women's white cotton 'granny panties'. Problem solved...for now.

 A funny story about getting older.

I have severe dry eye. (That's not the funny part.) Because I spend so much time on my computer during the day, for business and social reasons, I limit my TV time. I have always loved to read novels and audiobooks give me much enjoyment. I listen to them at night, instead of watching TV. I love that I can 'read with my eyes closed'.

I have used up two CD players over the last 10 - 20 years. The other night, I was enjoying my latest book when my player just stopped. 

Fortunately, I keep a spare, portable CD player in my guest room. That's where I stash my little bookcase of Audio-Books that I have to own. I want my guests to be able to enjoy them, too.

So ... I retrieve my spare player and set it up to continue with my book. It has three small control buttons, which are labeled. Unfortunately, I can't read the tiny print, so, by trial and error, I found the PLAY button.

I often fall asleep while listening, so the next time I listen, I skip through the disc until I get to where I remember leaving off. Which of the three buttons to push? I tried one, which turned out to be PAUSE, so that left one button. I tried it and it worked! The book went to a chapter I hadn't heard. Great!

It took me a while to realize that I was recognizing parts of the story and others didn't seem to make sense. I gave up and went to find my magnifying glass. The 3rd button is labeled RANDOM.

I'm shopping for a new cd player.

If anyone is out there, Welcome! I haven't blogged in a long time. I got involved in Facebook and it kind of 'took over.' Visiting my blog is like meeting an old friend. So many smiles are here, and so many good memories. 

I hope to create the same feeling on my new newsletter "Carolee's Notebook'. I 'm planning to publish once a month, so we won't be taking over your mail box. 

I would love to hear from you about the items in Carolee's Notebook, and questions you may have. I would appreciate any suggestions for topics.

I've been thinking about all the different forms of social media. The first one I got involved in is this one - Creative Executions. I always enjoyed it a lot but didn't know how to grow my audience. I was putting all this energy into 3 - 5 readers and they were all personal friends.

I have been posting on Facebook, but mostly shares and now am thinking about Twitter. I would appreciate any advice anyone cares to share. My goal is to find new doll makers, My product is SewSweet Doll Patterns.for cloth doll making.

Good memories

I'm very sad because I heard that dear friend is in the last stages of cancer. This is my 3rd loss to this particular horrid disease. Friends are not replaceable and I truly miss them. Jan and I had so many great times together. She was the 'sister' that I never had. When she and her family moved in next door we found that we had so many things in common - background, interests, kids the same ages. Both our oldest were Toms, born Aug. 1961, our birthdays a week apart in the same year . . .
This is us around 1980. 

a 'sign'

Peach Lemonade, yummy!

Bob loves fruit and fruit juice! I know he's going to love this divine cooler! Let's set out the deck furniture. Spring came very early this year, like the beginning of March. We have had so many 80 degree days already, I'm a little concerned about how warm summer will be. If I'd wanted to live in Texas, I would have moved there!


I'm going to make some cute solar lanterns for the deck, too. BTW, I'm getting so many good ideas on Pinterest, including this recipe.Have you tried it?

Peach Lemonade Coolers
inspired by The Naptime Chef

2 medium sized, ripe peaches, peeled, halved and pitted
1/2 cup lemonade
1 ounce vodka of choice

Puree the peaches and lemonade in a blender until smooth. 
Pour vodka over ice in a rocks glass.  Top off with peach-lemonade puree.

Rules to Live By, a reminder to me

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. 
TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other. 
THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want. 
FOUR. When you say, 'I love you ,' mean it. 
FIVE. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.. 
SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married. 
SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight. 
EIGHT. Never laugh at any one's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much. 
NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely. 
TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling. 
ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives. 
TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly. 
THIRTEEN.  When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?' 
FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.. 
FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze. 
SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson ! 
SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions. 
EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.. 
NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. 
TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice. 
TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone. 

Paper Things and Pinterest

This picture is of paper butterflies. I think it's really neat, but it makes me think of moths.

I'm spending waaaay too much time on Pinterest! I am having fun, though, and finding all kinds of cool stuff like this.

I have been saving stuff for years in my pictures, so this is kind of an off-shoot of that.

Lucky Cooper Ring Bearer

I know I already told you about Cindy and Lon's beautiful wedding, but I just got this adorable picture of Lucky Cooper.

Vacation Adventures January 2012

We got out of Dodge just as the first snowstorm of the season was arriving. Had a little trouble deciding just when to leave but settled on Wednesday morning, with a leisurely drive to Florida planned. In conversation with Kathy on Tuesday, Bob discovered that Stefan needed a ride back to SIU. He was hoping to go back on ...Wednesday! So, Wednesday morning we loaded up the Prius with our stuff, then picked up Stefan and HIS STUFF and took off for Champaign. It was a nice ride and fun to have Stefan with us. How often do you have your grand son captive for so many hours? I was very surprised when we pulled up in front of Stefan's Frat house - it is quite impressive on the outside! (Bob's been in Frat houses before, so he wasn't fooled.) Bob and Stef carried in all his stuff, then Stefan invited me in to see the house and his room. That was very brave of him. The guys in the house seem to have a tradition of leaving things for the next resident, and they move every six month. I don't think this is an efficient plan, but no one has asked me... I advised Stef to get some big garbage bags and a shovel. The problem is that the previous kid asked him to "put all his stuff in one corner" and it filled the whole room. Bob was concerned because the big, thick mattress was basically 'V' shaped and he wondered how Stef would sleep. After cleaning the room he was probably so tired he could have slept anywhere. We left him to his work and headed South.

Stefan Salzano in from of Frat House in Champaign, Illinois 1-2012

We often find our way to the Marietta Diner when driving to Florida and it's one of my favorite stops!

Friday was a beautiful day and we found Barbara and Charles, in The Villages, of Florida right on time. It is always fun to visit with them! We had a nice dinner, ice-cream and lots of conversation. Bob loves the non-dairy ice-cream in The Villages in all its delicious fruit flavors.

Late Saturday afternoon we arrived at Lake Bryan, Diamond resort. It is a beautiful place to stay. We had a cute two room suite with large, flat screen TV's in both rooms and HBO. All the appliances were top of the line. We loved the hammocks on the beach and it is just off 'World Drive' and all the Disney property. A great place to be.

I still love the Magic Kingdom. I probably won't ever out grow it, but I do have trouble remembering not to call it DisneyWorld as that is confusing to others...(when I first went there, it was DisneyWorld, and that was all there was. Don't they know it confuses old people when they rename things? We enjoyed visiting Epcot another day and decided to save "Universal" the next trip.

The sign said 'Don't feed the wild life' but Bob didn't see it!

Driving back, we stopped at a gas station/fruit stand for a unique shopping experience. First off - we went from pump to pump, looking for one that was working - the all had plastic bags over the spouts. Finally realized that they don't sell gas any more. We had to wait to purchase our Peach Cider while Bubba chased down Sissy to help us, so he could talk to his parole officer.

Smoky Mountains - Tennessee

The weather got colder and darker as we drove North, and we met up with the snow in Champaign. Visibility was terrible, but driving wasn't too bad, just slow. We decided against asking Stefan for a place to stay, and s.l.ooo.w.l.y  proceed home.

Caterina 'Rina' Salzano, budding artist and York HS senior

I'm a bit behind in my blog posts again. So, what else is new?

Rina and Julianna Christmas 2011

Anyway, in mid December we attended an art show at York High School to view works by Bob's two talented grand daughters, Rina and Julianna (a Freshman).
The show mainly focused on Seniors work, and they each made a 2 wall display to show their work. Other pieces were scattered around. Rina received several ribbons. She is considering art school, as well as other options..

Rina with one of her prize winners.
 It is a street scene in Italy. 

The friendly pink gorilla is her's too.

Street in Italy

Grand-dad Bob taking lots of pictures

When I entered the atrium I recognized Julianna's self portrait instantly. I was just glancing around and did not know what to look for.

It is a pencil skecch and I think it's quite good. What do you think?

Julianna's self portrait 2011