Month: January 2017

Mom updates

/ fearsomebeard / 10 Comments

Mom is doing much better. Big relief. Physical therapy has worked well for her. She is much more herself.

Her birthday party was a success and she absolutely loves her new Apple Watch. She is calling everyone from her wrist. Seriously!

Fearsome Mom

Fearsome Mom

Yes, I made the cake. Kentucky Butter Cake! (You can find the recipe HERE)

After a wonderful time with mom, Fearsome and I boarded our flight to start our journey home. Due to the tumultuous weekend of policy changes by decree we figured we may see a bit of discourse along the way. San Diego International did not disappoint.

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Outside baggage claim thousands of peaceful protestors as far as the eye could see, even on the upper level drop off area. We added our cheers of support as we made our way through the crowd having to walk to the smaller domestic flight only terminal for pick up. It was an uplifting walk after a weekend of disconcerting news.

Yesterday we took another step in our support of compassionate human values. If you are so inclined you can add your support as well simply by clicking HERE.

We are glad to be home safely with our family. We pray for everyone that are separated from families/loved ones and for all those that are displaced from their home/homelands that are simply seeking safe refuge in order to live.

 

The first

/ fearsomebeard / 5 Comments

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Look for good

/ fearsomebeard / 3 Comments

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”
– Fred Rogers

Never ever loose sight that there is actually good in the world around us.

I found the above quote today in an e mail from one of our favorite charities.

Angels of Assisi is an animal rescue organization in Roanoke Virginia. Roanoke is where I grew up and where Fearsome first made an appearance on the lower portion of my face back around 1980.

Angels of Assisi just rescued 33 dogs from deplorable conditions in nearby West Virginia. All the dogs are in such bad health they don’t even have fur. They are already recovering quickly with love, care and proper food. On two different occasions of recent, the San Diego Humane society has rescued more than 70 dogs on each case from overcrowded unsanitary conditions in two different area homes. Finding pets in such conditions often leaves one wondering why and feeling discouraged that such situations occur.

As an animal lover and dog owner these stories tear me up. In every horrible situation there is good, we must look for it. The helpers, their care, their love, their hope and their dedication. Yes in life there is good. May I always look for it.

 

Mom

/ fearsomebeard / 11 Comments

Mom turns 85 this week. Mom is recovering well from the mild stroke she had back in early December. I’m flying out Tuesday to visit mom to celebrate her birthday this week. I got her a gift from my local Apple Store.

Apple Watch Sport and a Milanese loop magnetic band.

Apple Watch Sport and a Milanese loop magnetic band.

Mom lives alone. Mom occasionally falls. Mom wants to remain in the house she and dad purchased in 1957. Mom cherishes her independence. Mom needs some type of device to call for help just in case.

I’ve researched the Life Alert buttons, the call center monitors and the like. All of them scream you are old and you have to now wear this horrible looking button around your neck. Plus you must now have an ugly two way monitoring station connected to some call center in your home with a monthly fee. And, oh by the way, don’t venture out of range of this station unless someone is with you. Stay Put! Wear This House Arrest Button …FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY DAMMIT!

Enter Apple products. Mom already has an iPhone, an iPad and has WiFi in her house. If her phone is with her she is covered …such as when she leaves the house. However she doesn’t carry the iPhone with her in the house. Last summer Apple added an SOS feature to the Apple Watch OS. By giving her this new watch I will put a life alert system right on her wrist. One that she can even wear in the shower.

The Apple Watch features a new SOS alert that you can activate from the screen that will call 911 first and then start calling the contacts you have in your iPhone’s emergency contact list automatically. What if she falls and can’t activate the screen you ask? Apple’s SIRI has that covered as well. The Apple Watch responds to the “Hey Siri” command and will call 911, my brother, myself or whoever she chooses simply with her verbal command right from her wrist. Her phone doesn’t have to be with her as it will use the WiFi in her house. If she is out her phone is in her purse and she can still use the  Apple Watch as it will then call through the phone.

Was it inexpensive? No.

Was it reasonable for what it will do? Hell yes.

Was it a bargain in order to have mom wearing a stylish hip happening piece of technology on her wrist that doesn’t scream “I am old and my son makes me wear this help I’ve fallen and can’t get up button”? Big hell fucking yes!

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Knowing this information, what do I want for Christmas next year? An Apple Watch. You don’t have to be 85 to fall and not be able to get up.

Power

/ fearsomebeard / 2 Comments

When I sit at home alone I feel powerless.

When I focus only on myself I am powerless.

When I worry I reinforce being powerless.

When I give I find purpose.

When I get involved I gain power.

When I work for others outside myself I have power.

I have the power to change things for others, myself and my world for the better.

The only way to better my community, my country and my world is to act, to care and to share.

I have abilities. I have talents. I have knowledge. It’s my duty to use these assets to help my community and everyone in it for betterment. By helping out, I help not only the world at large, I help myself as well.

Be strong. Stand up. Give. Share. Love. Help. Work.