Happy Anniversary!

to me - and to Mr. Kenju.*

Today we reach 47 years of wedded bliss  -  ROFLMAO - well, maybe not bliss all those years - but we are still together. It hasn't been easy for either of us, but we are proud of that record, especially since so few achieve it.

* check out the link above - and here's another one.

My Blogiversary

I can't believe I missed it. 

January 16th, 2005 was the first time I wrote a blog post  on my first blog....Just Ask Judy....So, as I enter my sixth year of blogging, I thank those of you who stop here daily (or at all) and I  want to especially thank those of you who stay around long enough to leave a comment. You do realize, don't you, that comments and feedback to a blogger are like standing ovations and reviews to a Broadway star???

Like everyone else who blogs for a long time, I am constantly amazed by the people with whom I have become friends (both in person and on the web). Not all of you are axe murderers (as my younger daughter predicted) and some of you are incredibly smart, talented, compassionate and funny! I consider myself very lucky to have discovered such a good group of people, who daily make me laugh, cry, ponder and agree with your pronouncements. I wish we could do it in person.

Flora and Fauna + # 46

We, or rather the lantanas, were visited by this beauty recently. He really likes lantana blossoms - he visited every single floret on every cluster of two separate plants and then went onto the purple petunias. He didn't seem to mind my hovering over him either. I took 7 or 8 photos, but this was the best one. Click to embiggen.

When the gardenias bloomed this spring, they were glorious and the aroma was overwhelming. I counted over 65 blooms open at one time - and then it got super hot and that was the last of that. At present, my large bush is covered in brown, withered blooms. I will be pruning them off soon; saying goodbye to a short season and
hoping for more next year!












Far left and right; a pair seen recently in the side yard. The one on the left must have been a male. Shortly after I took this photo, he stomped his feet and the one on the right ran far enough away to be out of my line of vision. It has been a while since I have seen them around here and I really miss them when they don't come around.

*****

Today is our forty-sixth anniversary. Read all about it. It's a miracle we made it this far!

The Weather, a Party and a Rant

Check out this site and you'll always know your weather!!

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When you enter your draft file and see nothing ready to flesh out and post, do you panic a little? I do - and just did. Since yesterday's post was #1200, I guess I can find something to tell you; having been so prolific over the last three years. I think it is referred to as 'verbal diarrhea!'

At the Flower Shuttle last Tuesday, an acquaintance offered to pick me up for a party for our local florist wholesale's fifth anniversary. There was good food, live music, beautiful flowers (of course) and discounts!! I love discounts. I didn't need to buy much - but I got to choose a small envelope from a container of many to see what my discount was. Only 5%, but that's better than nothing, right? I said that "most likely, all of the envelopes said 5%", and while the clerk laughed, I don't think he appreciated the joke.

Some of the food was compliments of the Angus Barn, a restaurant I've told you about before. They have a signature cheese served in a crock that is so good you'll find yourself eating nothing else. There was a tray of crudite, one of fruit, chicken tenders, shrimp and good sauces for all. The dessert table included pecan pie - my very favorite! It's too bad I forgot my camera - yet again.

When Teri pulled up in front of the party place, I laid my sunglasses on the dashboard of her car, because they were too large to fit into my small purse. You know the rest, don't you? When we left the party, it was dark and I didn't remember my sunglasses. Remarkably, they stayed in one place on the dashboard, so neither of us thought about them. Teri let me off at home and about ten minutes later, I happened to see a car stopped at our mailbox. I didn't think too much about it, since some small business owners will put advertising on the mailbox post at night. About thirty minutes later, Teri called and said it was she who was at the mailbox - depositing my forgotten sunglasses. I felt badly that I had forced her to backtrack; especially in an area with which she is not so familiar. The next time, I will be careful to place my sunglasses in such a way that they can't be missed. It isn't like me to forget things like that and I hate to be inconsiderate. Are you forgetful?

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Some of you may have noticed fewer comments from me. There are two reasons for that. My computer is slowing, and sometimes the comment boxes don't open (or open too slowly) and I get impatient waiting for them. The other thing is that after I write my comment, I have to click on "post" as many as five times before it "takes" and posts the comment. I suppose I need to clear the cache again, and run ad-ware and spy-ware programs. That's getting to be an every week thing around here. Bah.

FIVE QUICK YEARS + Our Accident





Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

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When I first started blogging, on January 16, 2005, I had no idea it was possible to become famous by writing a blog. And after five years here, I am not famous by any means of measurement, nor is that my hope. I started my first blog, Just Ask Judy, to be a place where prospective brides and their mothers could come for advice about flowers and commiseration over wedding planning from someone who had nothing to gain from it. I soon realized that no brides or mothers were finding my little spot on the web, so I began to post about anything that popped into my head - and here we are five years later.What have I learned? That a feeling of close community can be easily built with regular posting/reading/commenting. That I had no idea how much awareness of and deep feelings of compassion, zest and reverence for life, simple friendship and gratitude would be possible with a group of people whom I have never met (although I have been privileged to meet some) and most likely, won't.

Thanks to those of you who read here daily, and to those who happened here by accident. You have given me more pleasure and friendship than many whom I see regularly in my real life. I hope we will always be friends.

***

And speaking of accidents, we had one on Thursday. We were on our way to the health club and stopped at a red light about 1.5 miles from our home. I glanced into the rear view mirror just in time to see a Jeep barreling down the road coming straight toward us. When he hit us, I thought for sure we'd be knocked into the path of oncoming, left-turning traffic, but luckily, there was enough room that didn't happen. I called 911 and was told that a state trooper would be with us shortly. 'Shortly' turned into an hour. The trooper said there wasn't enough damage to file a report, but my head was (and still is) hurting, as well as my back, so we thought a report would help to cover any future trips to the doctor or chiropractor. It may be only stress, but I want to be sure it isn't more.

The young man who hit us was, of course, very apologetic. He was also extremely polite, for which I was grateful. Trouble was, he asked us to lie to the trooper about who was driving, and fully admitted that he has not had a valid driver's license since he was 18 (he is now 34). He is also on probation for driving without a license. I am hopeful that this will be a good learning experience for him.

Addendum: Apparently I have given the impression that we might have lied to the state trooper. We did not, of course. I felt sorry for the young man, but I wasn't going to jeopardize myself by lying for him. He wouldn't learn anything from that (and may not anyway).

A Bird, an Anniversary and a Brand New Year

I glanced out a bedroom window recently and saw this cardinal perched on the pool cover. The camera was downstairs in the kitchen, and I doubted that the cardinal would remain there until I got the camera, but wonder of wonders - he did. It was a cold, blustery day and he kept picking at something on the cover - probably a piece of acorn. I took the photo through two panes of not very clean glass, from 30 feet away, so I was surprised at how red he looked in spite of it; rather nice against the blue background.

He reminded me that I've not yet bought birdseed, but I will. I want to insure that he and his mate hang around here for a long time. They've been living in my forsythia for about five years now.

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The first anniversary of anything is worth noting, but it is especially nice to note this one: Mr. and Mrs. Biff Spiffy (or Tiff and Biff) as they are known here in blogland, were married exactly one year ago today. I know because I was privileged to be there and see it with my own eyes!

Happy Anniversary to one of my favorite couples!

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We haven't gone out to celebrate on New Year's Eve for a long time, probably since 1994, which is the last time we went to First Night in downtown Raleigh. Cold weather is the problem. If First Night was held on a warm summer evening I'd be there with bells on! The last time we went, it was so cold that my feet were completely numb, despite wearing boots and wool socks. Having fun is not worth going through that! I can have almost as much fun at home these days, sitting in my recliner or here, in front of the computer.

I didn't watch Ryan Secrest or Dick Clark this year, and it's just as well. Reading on Facebook how poor Dick is in such bad shape, I am glad I didn't see it. Watching him last year was a downer and I didn't need to add to that picture in my head and make it worse. So, I watched the new year roll over on the clock right here at the computer, and saw the ball drop in NYC and the acorn drop here in Raleigh. I guess it's official now, but it felt like any other midnight to me.

Not Much to See Here, Folks....

Blogger won't let me load photos tonight, and I have nothing exciting to tell you - so I guess this will be a short post.

While going through my reading list this week, I've noticed three bloggers who have decided to either cease posting altogether or are going on hiatus. I hope that no more of you decide to do that. What on earth would I do with my time? Seriously, I know I need to spend less time on the computer, but every time I contemplate that I get the creeping willies, like I used to do when I smoked and thought about giving up cigarettes. It only made me smoke more.

I have reached a total (as of today) on this blog of 994 posts and on the old one, Just Ask Judy, I had 1,017. That's a total of 2,011. Hmmm....maybe that's when I'm supposed to stop - 2011. Oh, good!! - I have at least another year to blog. You'd think I'd be all talked out by now, wouldn't you? No such luck (mr. kenju would say.)

Today's a special day for our family: My son and his bride tied the knot 20 years ago today. That's a milestone that we're all proud of and hope they will continue down the aisle together for many, many more years. They have two lovely, talented daughters, two feisty chihuahuas and a truly psycho sun conure named Sammy, who hates me with a passion. He's the only animal I wasn't ever able to connect with, and his only saving grace is that he also hates my dil's mother, so I don't feel so bad. lol

We spoke on the phone today with the couple who stood up for us at our wedding, and we reminisced about the last time we were all together, at our son's wedding. I have not seen her since then - although he was here about 10 years ago for a short visit. How time flies. It's just another example of why you shouldn't put anything off till later. You just never know when it might become impossible to do anything about it.


(Well, I guess it wasn't so short after all.)

Be-Switched!! +

For a year or so, mr. kenju has complained about having to pay the bill for my A*&T land line telephone, the one we've had for 27 years with the same number. He has a land line too, through the cable company, and it is hooked to the service for our computer and televisions. We also have cell phones.

I had to agree that it was an unnecessary expense, but since I still have my business (even though I am almost retired), I just couldn't get rid of that number, since everyone who has ever known me either personally or through my business has it. When cell phone companies started announcing that you could get rid of your land line, but keep the same old home phone number by transferring it to your cell phone, it seemed tailor-made for us.

Our daughter was leery; thinking that we wouldn't have enough minutes - we'd run over - and it would cost a fortune. So when we went to make the change, we upped the number of minutes we share and had the old home number transferred to my cell phone.

So far, it's been fine. I put away all the old land line phones in the house - all seven of them. Every time I pass by a table or wall where a phone used to be, I momentarily wonder where it is - and then I remember......lol.

But there is a definite downside. I have to keep the phone with me at all times (daughter's orders) and if the clothing I'm wearing that day does not have pockets, it can be a chore to make sure it is within reach. I've taken to choosing items with pockets and eschewing those without. Since there are not many things in my closet I can wear now, it's getting to be a problem! Do they make arm bands with cell phone pockets?

I have a phone holster, but it isn't always convenient to have the phone strapped to my waist. And then there's another situation developing; this morning my phone rang and it was mr. kenju, who was upstairs. He said he'd found a way to overcome the problem of no intercom system in this house - by calling me. I had to remind him that every call used our minutes, unless he uses his cell phone to call me. Since his cell phone is usually on the bathroom counter being charged, I don't hold out much hope for that. I guess we will eventually work out all the kinks. Have you made the switch?


P.S. Today is our 45th anniversary. It is hard to believe that we have been married that long and that in just 5 short years, we will reach our golden anniversary. It has been quite a life; some bad and mostly good and I wouldn't trade it for anything - especially mr. kenju, our three children and their children. They make life worth living.

January 16, 2005 ~ The Beginning

HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY TO ME!! I cannot believe it has been four years since I started my first blog - just ask judy - and almost two years since this one was born. I can't imagine having enough to say to keep it going this long, but I seem to find things to post even when my brain has gone mushy (which is happening more often, as you've probably noticed.) That is, in part, thanks to my email buddies, who keep me supplied with funny or interesting stuff that I can pass on to you.

I am still marveling over the friendships I have made here and how much your support and comments mean to me. Reading your blogs and seeing your photos is a large part of my life now, and I can't imagine doing without them. Thanks for being you. Long may we bloggers live!!


And speaking of bloggers, mr. kenju and I went to Pinehurst today, to meet two blogger friends: Ginnie of Goldendaze and Bud of Paradise is Pinehurst. Both of them worked for TV networks in NY and DC, and have fascinating tales to tell. Bud doesn't post often enough to suit me, nor does Ginnie, but they follow their own pace and that is fine. Mr. kenju thought they were "an item", but according to Ginnie, they are just friends We had a very nice luncheon at The Holly Inn, a lovely place just off the main drag in downtown Pinehurst. I recommend it whether you are there for golf - or just passing through. It seemed as though we all felt an immediate connection (as bloggers often do - kindred spirits, you know) and we enjoyed several hours of good conversation and stories, getting to know each other. I left hoping we could do it again, and I can't think of a better way to have ushered in the start of the 5th year of kenju on the web!

Photos will be posted tomorrow.

Fifty Years ?

Note: this is not the couple I am writing about below! It is one of a group of mr. kenju's family photos that we recently got. I will be posting some of them from time to time.

On Saturday night we attended a fiftieth anniversary party. Although we only have six years to go, I'm not sure we will make it that long, considering our relationship here of late. The stroke aftermath is the hardest thing I've ever had to get through, and before it gets resolved (if ever), I may be arrested for murder in the first degree. Or - I could be murdered. It remains to be seen. It's a good thing we don't own a gun. I think if we DO make it to 50 years, I don't want a big party. I'd rather go on a cruise or visit some place I've never been before.

The couple who have been married 50 years tied the knot in Morocco. He was in the Navy and she was over there teaching English. They displayed many photos from their early days together, as well as a CD playing constantly on a TV monitor showing photos from the whole 50 years. They have 4 children and about 19 grandchildren now, so you can imagine the volume of pictures. It was fun to see the ones of their children when they were young, since I have only known them as adults.

The husband got up to tell the story of their meeting, which involved his having eaten "tainted" turkey and fish roe, leading to lower abdominal trouble in a movie theater bathroom with no toilet paper. I thought she was going to bean him with the microphone for telling that.....LOL.

Later, their son asked everyone in the crowd who had been married 50 years to stand up, and I was surprised to see at least 15 couples rise. That must be a first in this day and age, when couples staying together that long is the exception rather than the rule. There were about 150 people in attendance, so that was a good percentage.

We don't know these people really well; our younger daughter has been good friends with one of their daughters for at least 30 years, and I have done some Christmas decorating work for them in the past. We were surprised and pleased to have been invited.

While we were at my mother's birthday party last weekend, and after we found out that my newly-found cousins were all living on the coast of NC, Miss kenju mentioned to them that she had been in that area just the week before, visiting the same people who had the anniversary party. They have a house at the beach. My cousins didn't know this man, but they know his brother. That brother was at the anniversary party, and I spoke to him, mentioning my cousins. He was sort of interested in that coincidence and said that just the day before he had mentioned to his brother that he needed to call (my cousin) to ask how many bales of hay he wanted to buy for his horses. I continue to be amazed at the synchronicity of it all.

I almost attended the University of Cincinnati; I had an uncle living in Cincinnati (father's brother). After college, I moved to Norfolk, VA; I had an uncle (also father's brother) in Norfolk at the time. One of the cousins lived here in Raleigh and went to NCSU and UNC. My birth parent's two adopted children lived in Raleigh for about ten years. None of us knew about each other - or the whereabouts of any others while this was going on. Miss kenju told someone the other day it was like something you see on Oprah. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.....LOL

All I Wanna' Do Is.......

Maybe it's the heat, but it seems that all I want to do lately is sleep and eat (and blog). I went to bed Friday night about 1am and slept until 8am, and took a nap Saturday afternoon that lasted 4 hours! I was appalled when I woke up and looked at the clock! It was time to start dinner. I had all sorts of plans for cleaning the house, but they fell through. It could be I need a little caffeine to jolt me awake.

The temperature has hovered around 95-100* for the last 4-5 days, with some days having high humidity and others not so bad in that respect. I used to be able to not only survive the heat, but thrive in it - but no more. Apparently when you reach a certain age, your thermostat decides it cannot be controlled anymore. At least that is my experience with it. How about you?

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In less than 3 weeks, I will meet many of the people in my birth family. I cannot tell you how surreal it makes me feel. My birth mother is being given a surprise birthday party and my family and I are invited. Only Mr. kenju and Miss kenju will accompany me; we are told there will be some of my birth father's siblings and their children - my cousins - there. I have met my birth mother, and one of her adopted children, but no one else in the family. I am not sure how nervous I will be, but if the way I feel now is any indication, I will shake, rattle and roll. I don't know if they are aware I will be there, but I hope that some of them will bring photos of my father when he was young. I have only seen one of him, and it was too dark to make out much detail. Can you imagine how strange this is? To be meeting family members at this age is really odd. I am at once excited - and scared. Wish me well.

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Wednesday is our 44th anniversary. I had no idea when we married that it would last this long, and there have been many days when that was not a sure thing - but we have persevered through thin and thick and thin again - and I really think we'll make it to 50 years, if we live long enough.

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The vagaries of the internet and this practice of blogging we find ourselves in can bring good surprises - and welcome ones - to our inboxes. I got a very nice email from a woman named Jessica, who had found my blog while searching for information on a brass doorknob in the shape of a hand. I happened to have it on my blog recently (it came to me in an email, as it did to her). She stayed to read a while and sent a nice email with links to things she thought I might enjoy. Indeed I did! She has introduced me to this artist/woodworker, who makes the most interesting works of art - which also happen to be useful. His name is John Cederquist, and you should go*gle him and see his fabulous works. I had to skip around a bit to several links, as none of them seemed to have more than one photo.

Another thing she sent was the link to this photo of an amazing arch of books in Paris. And her own flickr photos are wonderful, especially her quilts. Enjoy!