Insignificance of "things" in Life

On September 9, 2007, there was a fire at Highland Park Golf Course, in Auburn, New York. I have been a member of this course for about 15 years now. Of course, it was a shock when I first heard of the fire, but I think that was disbelief that a fire could get out of hand when it was a busy golf day and people were around who could call 911 in a timely manner. Unfortunately there were some issues, like problems getting water out of the fire hydrant, that increased the chances of this fire getting way out of control. Many people stood there in disbelief and were crying. The initial shock of the memories one had there, is upsetting. But then one realizes that it is only a building and the memories one had were of the people; the many friends one meets throughout the years as a member. Then you can put this event into perspective of what it really is. The building was just a "thing" of insignificance compared to the friendships and memories with those we met. So one realizes it is time to move ahead and plan for the future, especially when we know we can not change the past! We were very lucky to have a Board of Directors who did just that. They came to the fire, cried and then met that night to plan for the future.
During this time of transition, many other people in the community have offered Highland their services, such as dining facilities or campers used as temporary a Pro Shop. The Highland members have pulled together to help keep their club up and running in anyway they could.
So we move on planning the future and making more memories, but they will be in a new building. No one can take the old memories away from us. So, there is no need for sadness, it only keeps us from working our best to plan the future.

Life's most fearful moments......

Yesterday was a day to test my strength, not physically but emotionally. It was a day that my dad needed me to be with him through his fear of possible death. Someone to hold him and say that it would be ok and that he is loved.
My dad is 80 years old (81 in August), and has had many surgeries in the past two years, such as back, two hips, bypass and valve of the heart and two carotid artery surgeries. His second carotid artery surgery was this past Wednesday. All seemed fine after surgery but during his planned one-night stay, his blood pressure dropped and he went into A-fib(irregular heart rhythm). They gave him lots of fluids and medicines and he did very well. In fact, he still thinks that the machine was faulty and he really had no problems. He can not figure out why they were waking him through the night. The nurse told him the machine was brand new, and in fact they just got it the day before. My dad's comment to her was that he had bought light bulbs that did not work. We all know that is the truth. But in deed he was having a problem. They let him come home Friday, just two days after surgery. Saturday I spoke to him in the morning and he claimed to be very tired. I thought that would be understandable with just having surgery. But by the afternoon, he was having labored breathing and his blood pressure was 200/ 90 or so. Not good. By 2:30 in the afternoon, I told him I wanted to call 911 and get help. He did not argue with me (I was ready for it though). He said as the ambulance drove away he thought it was the last time he would see his home. The people of the ambulance service were wonderful to him. He was brought to the hospital and they gave him medicines and tests. Tests were all fine. With the medicines, the fluids came out of his body that were causing his breathing difficulties and with that his blood pressure came down. When I left him, (they decided to monitor him during the night) he was comfortable and relaxed again.
I watched my dad today, go from scared for his life to making plans for when he gets out. He told me, he has lots to do and he is not ready to join my mom yet. I was so happy for him and for me.
It is so hard to watch a parent go through these challenges in life. Life truly is a journey and my job as my father's child, is to help him get through these tough years. To be patient and caring and to hold his hand when needed, as he held me through all my younger years.
My dad has always been the strong one, caring for everyone, and he hates being a burden. It is difficult at times for me to balance giving him freedom and caring. Thank God for cell phones so I can know he can call when he needs me, but is free to carry on his life without me checking in on him every moment. Love is caring but love is also knowing when to back off and let them do their own thing.

Food is more than a necessity!!

Ok, so I learned right at birth that I loved food! I was born into an Italian-American family and that could have been the reason, but there was another. I was born a twin, weighing only about 3 lbs and my sister weighing about 5 lbs. My parents, I am sure, were quite worried about me, especially in those days (early 1950's). So they fed me every hour to make sure I would gain some weight. Yes, every hour!!!! So I liked that idea and even today, I feel every hour I should be putting something in my mouth. Needless to say, food is something that has meant being with Mom, being with friends, being with family, and love. Today, I love having my family over to eat and talk and we all talk as much as we eat!!!! One of my families favorites dinners in pasta and shrimp. It's a dish that fits in with all my families' food likes, dislikes and fads. It works with my son Chris' dislike of tomatoes and tomato products and my daughter's new life as a vegetarian (she will eat fish and sometimes chicken). My oldest son, Brandon and my father will eat just about anything you put on a plate for them. My husband is not thrilled with this meal, since he would rather eat meat and potatoes any day, but he likes to have the kids get-together. Anyway, I thought I would share my recipe for Shrimp and pasta, and also find out your thoughts on family favorites.
Shrimp and Pasta
You need:
1lb angel hair pasta -but thin spaghetti will do
16oz. of frozen, peeled and de-veined cooked shrimp
Olive oil
Butter- 1/2 stick
Lemon juice
parsley
salt/pepper
Take shrimp out of freezer and put in colander and run cold water over it and let it thaw for a little while (maybe an 1/2 hour)
Fill large pan with water for pasta. Add a little salt to the water. Let it come to a boil.

First, put some olive oil in a large fry pan. I just drizzle enough to cover bottom, but not deep.( I am guessing 1/4 cup).
Next, take at least 5 cloves of garlic, peel and cook in oil till brown and then remove the cloves. DO NOT LET THE CLOVES BURN OR YOUR OIL WILL NOT TASTE GOOD!
Once, you remove cloves, add your shrimp, lemon juice (about 2 TBS), Butter-1/2 stick, salt, pepper and parsley(sprinkled here and there).
Let that cook on low till shrimp is hot...shouldn't take too long.

While that is cooking, put the pasta in the boiling water to cook.

Drain pasta when done, add shrimp and all the juices and sprinkle with Romano cheese.
NOTE; If there is not much juice with pasta, you can add more lemon juice or oil
Be careful adding shrimp to hot oil since shrimp can be slightly frozen and has water on it .... IT WILL SPLATTER AND CAN BURN! So be careful!!!
TIP! Roll shrimp in paper towel or clean towel to remove most of the moisture and avoid the splatter.

Beginnings of Learning.....

I am on a journey of continuous learning, but when did this all start? The ideas or beliefs I learned many, many years ago, have changed as I have matured. So this blog is an assortment of thoughts and ideas from the past that have remained the same and some that have been changed forever!