I am Optimistic today

Kamál (Perfection), 13 Jamál (Beauty), 167 BE – Monday, May 10, 2010 about 12:04 PM Pacific Time

I am feeling rested and optimistic today. Normally it is one or the other, but not both at the same time. I woke up this morning feeling this way. Sometimes I wake up optimistic and the feeling does not last, but today the emotion remains.

This is a busy week because Mom has a doctor's appointment tomorrow. I have an appointment to have a heart scan on Wednesday. In addition, Mom is supposed to get her hearing aid sometime this week. She will also be picking up new glasses either this week or next week.

I turned on the cool air at the beginning of the month. The air conditioner has come on two or three times so far this month. The weather in Las Vegas is still cool and the winds are going to pick up again today. My optimistic attitude could have something to do with the weather.  I do not like extremely cold or hot temperatures, so that could have something to do with my mood.

Mother’s Day 2010

Jamál (Beauty), 12 Jamál (Beauty), 167 BE – Sunday, May 9, 2010 about 6:00 PM Pacific Time

Mom and I stayed home today and I fixed one of her favorite meals. Mom likes fried potatoes and gravy, therefore, I fried some finger potatoes with a couple of cans of chicken. After that was cooked, I made gravy using canned milk. Mom enjoyed the meal and she enjoyed talking to my brothers and sister.

All three of my sibling called Mom today and she talked with them and with a few of her grandchildren. My mother has eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. I know Mom would enjoy having all of them in town at the same time, but that is difficult to arrange. Perhaps the best thing to do would be to send Mom to visit them at different times of the year.

Mom's getting a new hearing aid next week and in about ten days she will have a new pair of glasses. The hearing aid and the glasses will make life a little easier because she will hear and see better. Mom's still going to have to use a magnifying glass to read, but then I think I may have to get a magnifying glass myself because the words in some of the magazines are so small.

Allergy Weather in Las Vegas

Istijlál (Majesty), 9 Jamál (Beauty), 166 BE – Thursday, May 6, 2010 about 12:01 PM Pacific Time

Allergy weather
Wind in the oleanders
I inhale and sneeze

The wind is blowing again today and the oleanders are in bloom. I am sneezing and I want to stay at home, but we have to go out this afternoon.

My mother is getting a hearing aid next week

‘Idál (Justice), 8 Jamál (Beauty), 166 BE – Wednesday, May 5, 2010 about 2:24 PM Pacific Time

My mother is going to get a hearing aid next week. We had her hearing checked again yesterday at a place on South Rainbow. I qualified for a large enough loan to pay for most of the hearing aid and there was enough in one of the accounts to make a down payment, which covered the rest of the money.

Once Mom get the hearing aid, we will start going back to poetry readings. Mom is goig to like hearing conversations again and talking on the telephone. The hearing aid will go in her right ear, she really needs a hearing aid in both ears, but right now we can only afford a hearing aid for one ear. I am looking forward to Mom getting her hearing aid.

I’m trying get a hearing aid for Mom

Fidál (Grace), 7 Jamál (Beauty), 166 BE – Tuesday, May 4, 2010 about 8:37 AM Pacific Time

Mom has an appointment with a different hearing aid store this afternoon. I don't know if the outcome will be any different, but I'm hoping this place my have some other ideas or know of some funding or grants to get Mom a hearing aid.

I'd like to get Mom a new hearing aid, on fitted especially for her, but that may not be possible. If we can't find a grant or qualify for funding, then I'm going to have to get Mom a reconditioned hearing aid because she needs a hearing aid.

Mom can't hear very well, so she doesn't always answer questions or respond to comments that's said. She responds to what she thinks people are saying instead of what they do say. As a result, people think her Alzheimer's is worse then what it is. A hearing aid in her right ear would help.

Actually, Mom needs two hearing aids, one for each ear. However, she can hear better with her right ear then her left ear. An over the ear hearing aid in the right ear would letter her hear what is being said and so that she can respond appropriately.

I turned the cool air on today

Kamál (Perfection), 6 Jamál (Beauty), 166 BE – Monday, May 3, 2010 about 2:07 PM Pacific Time

I turned the cool air on this morning, but the air condition has not come on all day. I set the thermostat at 79 degrees when I turned on the cool air and the temperature is about 74 degrees in Las Vegas. The air condition will not come on until the temperature in the house reaches 79 or 80 degrees.

This summer the temperature in Las Vegas will get over 100 degrees, so we will need the cool air this summer. I'm not looking forward to the power bill when temperatures rise into the triple digits, but those are the conditions you have to deal with living in Las Vegas.

I bought a Mother’s Day Card today

Jamál (Beauty), 5 Jamál (Beauty), 166 BE – Sunday, May 2, 2010 about 3:27 PM Pacific Time

I bought the card at the 99-cent only store, when I went to pick up some vegetable butter-like spread. I went to the regular grocery store this morning and bought, but I forgot to get butter. Since we're almost out and I have bagels, I decided to get some sort of buttery spread.

At the check out counter, there was a selection of giant Mothers' Day card. I bought one with pink flowers on the outside and a nice verse on the inside. I'll add my own poem to go along with the verse and give the card to Mom on Mothers' Day.

A Beautiful May Day in Las Vegas

Jalál (Glory), 4 Jamál (Beauty), 166 BE – Saturday, May 1, 2010 about 6:15 PM Pacific Time

Beautiful May Day
A gentle breeze in the trees
Birds in my front yard

The birds seem to like the new look in my front yard. There are no weeds to hinder them when the scratch in the dirt. I saw two mourning doves scratching in my front yard; I think they were looking for food. I don't know what type of insects mourning doves eat, but whatever they eat the two birds were finding something good.

Mother's Day is in May

Istiqlál (Independence), 3 Jamál (Beauty), 167 BE – Friday, April 30, 2010 about 4:30 PM Pacific Time

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 9, I'm not sure what Mom and I are going to do that day. I know she wants to have her hair cut and colored, so I think next week we'll go to the beauty parlor. Then on May 9 perhaps go somewhere to eat.

I know what I'd like to get Mom for Mother's Day. I'd like to get her a hearing aid, but that's a bit out of my price range. I can scrape the money together for the down payment, however, the problem is the rest of the money after the hearing aid arrives. We're going to have to pay for it in full, which is the problem.

A hearing aid would make life so much easier, I'll just have figure something out. I may end up getting her a reconditioned hearing aid, I didn't want to do that, but I may have no other choice. The weekend is coming up, so I'll deal with the hearing aid issue on Monday.

In Las Vegas, April is going out like a lion

Istijlál (Majesty), 2 Jamál (Beauty), 167 BE – Thursday, April 29, 2010 about 2:14 PM Pacific Time

March winds bring April

Showers that bring May flowers.

Old Saying

We had rain in January, February, and March. We had wind in March and April, the desert is blooming and the wind is blowing. March came in like a lion and went out like a lion. April is also going out like a lion.

The wind blew all night
Today the wind is blowing
White afternoon clouds

My Yardman is Back

Kamál (Perfection), 18 Jalál (Glory), 167 BE – Monday, April 26, 2010 about 10:14 AM Pacific Time

My yardman is back; he came by the house yesterday and knocked on th door. I have never been so happy to see anyone in my life. This is the first time I've seen him in over a year, so I'm glad he is back in town. Someone else did the yard last year in exchange for parking his vacation home in my yard, but the guy moved that.

I was afraid I couldn't find anyone to do the yard this year, at least not at a price I could afford. Money is still tight, so I have to keep as many expenses down as possible. I have my yardman back now, he did some work yesterday and will do the rest of the front yard Wednesday. I'm looking forward to a yard without any weeds.

I give thanks at the End of the Week

Jalál (Glory), 16 Jalál (Glory), 167 BE – Saturday, April 24, 2010 about 2:28 PM Pacific Time

I give thanks at the end of the week,
because it is the end of the week
and tomorrow a new week begins.

Saturday is a time for reflection on the preceding six days. This week it hailed in Las Vegas and hail is something that requires thanks. I come from Oklahoma and remember hailstorms that rained baseball sized stones. The hail we received in Las Vegas was about the size of a 75 MGC tablet of prescription medication. The hail was too small to do any significant damage to cars, people or animals.

I give thanks at the end of the week
for the blessings of the preceding six days
and for the blessings of the preceding months.

My mother received a Jury Summons today

Istiqlál (Independence), 15 Jalál (Glory), 167 BE – Friday, April 23, 2010 about 5:35 PM Pacific Time

My mother is 89 years old; she has early Alzheimer's, difficulty hearing, and vision problems. I am her caregiver, so I called the number on the summons. I expected to talk to an operator, which was what I did the last time I received a jury summons.

The system is now automated and very user friendly. The voice asking the questions is a pleasant male voice and the answers consist of entering numbers. Since my mother is over 70 years old, she does not have to serve. I put in the date of her birth at the proper time and pressed the pound key. It is a very logical, easy to use and simple system.

I suppose I will be the next one in the family to receive a summons. I am looking forward to going through the phone system. I have served on a jury and most trial are interesting. I guess interesting is a good word for the experience, all though educational might be a better word.

It hailed in Las Vegas on Earth Day

Istijlál (Majesty), 14 Jalál (Glory), 167 BE – Thursday, April 22, 2010 about 4:42 PM Pacific Time

Mom and I went to the Institute for the Blind to enroll her as a member and get her a pair of glasses. While we were there, it hailed. The hail wasn't very big, probably about the size of  buck shot or slightly larger. It fell from the sky like little white stones. The hail came down faster then snow, all though it was about the same color. I haven't witnessed hail in a long time, it was an interesting sight.

I think hail on Earth Day is appropriate because it reminds us about nature and the Earth. I know this sounds odd, but I enjoyed watching the hail. Of course, at the time I wasn't driving in it, so that made a difference because I could watch the hail without worrying about it or the traffic.

The First Day of Ridvan

‘Idál (Justice), 13 Jalál (Glory), 167 BE – Wednesday, April 21, 2010 about 11:51 AM Pacific Time

It is Wednesday, April 21, the First Day of Ridvan, which is the twelve-day celebration of Baha'u'llah's declaration. We celebrate Ridvan between April 21 and May 2, with the first, nineth, and twelfth days commemorated as Holy Days. This afternoon, my mother and I are attending a pot luck dinner at the Baha'i Center in Las Vegas.

My mother has Alzheimer’s disease

Fidál (Grace), 12 Jalál (Glory), 167 BE – Tuesday, April 20, 2010 about 7:02 AM Pacific Time

My mother has Alzheimer's disease, mornings and cloudy days are more difficult for her. She takes meds for the Alzheimer's, but the meds can only do so much. Mom doesn't realize she has Alzheimer's, which may or may not be a blessing for her.

At present, Mom is worried about her eyesight. She had cataract surgery a couple of weeks ago and the doctor told us she could get glasses in thirty days. Mom broke her old glasses a few weeks before the surgery and she is worried she won't get glasses before her sight is lost. Actually, Mom is convinced she won't get glasses because of the short-term memory and other symptoms of Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's is a devastating disease, which affects both the person suffering from it and the family caring for patient. I can still care for Mom, therefore she can stay in her own home; I know eventually I will have to find a place that specializes in Alzheimer's for, however, that is in the future. At this point, I need to focus on caring for Mom and myself. Please remember us in your prayers.

Another nice day in Las Vegas

Kamál (Perfection), 11 Jalál (Glory), 167 BE – Monday, April 19, 2010 about 7:25 PM Pacific Time

It's another nice day in Las Vegas. The temperatures were in the 80s without any wind until about an hour ago. I looked out the window and saw the limbs of the olive tree swaying. I like temperatures in the 80s because it isn't too hot or too cold and I don't have to have the air conditioner running. I think I'm going to have to turn it on Sunday or Monday, but that will be next week.

Tomorrow the temperatures are supposed to be in the 80s and then we're expecting a cool down. I'm not looking forward to triple digits, but I know they will arrive in the next few weeks. I'll turn the cool air on Monday and set the temperature at 79 or 80 degrees. Probably 79 because I think that is the recommendaed temperature for indoors.

We had desert first today

Jamál (Beauty), 10 Jalál (Glory), 167 BE – Sunday, April 18, 2010 about 4:56 PM Pacific Time

Mom and I went to a fundraiser this afternoon. There was food, face painting, a silent auction and all sorts of fun things to do. Before getting in line for the main course, I bought Mom and I each a chocolate cupcake, which we ate before getting in line for the main course. The main course consisted of chicken or beef kabobs with rice and salad.

Mom and I had the combo plate that contained both the beef and chicken kabobs. I ate all of mine, but Mom did not eat all of her rice so we brought it home. I am glade we had desert first because Mom could not have ate a cupcake after the meal. I think we are going to have desert first when we go out because Mom likes desert and a meal. If we get desert first Mom can have her desert and we can bring her meal home if she cannot eat everything.

Midweek reflection April 14, 2010

‘Idál (Justice), 6 Jalál (Glory), 167 BE – Wednesday, April 14, 2010 about 7:50 AM Pacific Time

Three have past
and there are three days left,
the week is half-gone:
Where did it go?

It is Wednesday, hump day and the rest of the week is down hill. I hear the trash collection trucks as they make their midweek rounds. The noise of the garbage trucks is a comforting sound; it is a pleasant sound. Trash is collected twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday, and recyclable every other week on Saturday.

The week is half-gone:
Where did it go?
Please answer my question
because I am not sure I know.

The week is half over and my browser seems to get more stuborn all the time. I do not know the problem; I do not know how to solve the problem. I have to find a solution because it is difficult working on line with a slow browser. I suspect most of the past three days slipped away while I dealt with the slow browser.

Just an ordinary Monday in Las Vegas

Kamál (Perfection), 4 Jalál (Glory), 167 BE – Monday, April 12, 2010 about 5:43 PM Pacific Time

The birds are singing.
The wind is blowing.
The clouds are moving across the sky.

I am doing my taxes
and I will mail them off on Tuesday.
I will put the form in an envelop,
then I will go to the post office,
buy a stamp
and mail the form.
I am not waiting until the last minute
because Tuesday is April 13
not April 15.

My mother had cataract surgery Thursday

Jalál (Glory), 2 Jalál (Glory), 167 BE – Saturday, April 10, 2010 about 1:35 PM Pacific Time

Mom had cataract surgery on her left eye Thursday afternoon. On Friday morning we went to the surgeon's office for an after surgery consultation. The doctor said that Mom would probably get glasses in about a month. Mom was a bit disappointed because she wanted glasses right away.

Mom and I have discussed glasses several times over the past year. Last year the doctor removed the cataract from her right eye. Last year Mom still had her old glasses, but she broke them early this year. Ever since she broke her old glasses Mom has wanted new glasses, but with the cataract surgery on her left eye, coming this year there was no getting new glasses. I just have to keep encouraging her until she gets the new glasses.

I applied to be a Census taker

‘Idál (Justice), 18 Bahá (Splendor), 167 BE – Wednesday, April 7, 2010 about 6:58 PM Pacific Time

I applied for Census work today. In 2000, I did this job and I enjoyed the experience. I also got a lot of exercise, so I applied again this year. Today I took the test and I will know my score within a week to ten days. I will call the number in ten days to get my score.

Being a Census taker is an interesting experience because I meet all sorts of people. I am out in the fresh air and I get to walk more then I normally would. Before they call me, I have to make sure I have plenty of water, so I am going to see if my portable ice chest will fit in my trunk. If it does not, then I will have to put it in the backseat of my car.

My Internet browser is slow

Kamál (Perfection), 16 Bahá (Splendor), 167 BE – Monday, April 5, 2010 about 1:01 PM Pacific Time

Suborn bullheaded persistence does not work with my browser. It is slow accessing website, the message says “waiting”, but there is never an answer because it continues to wait.

Patience does not work with my browser because it does not do anything except wait. If I press the “enter” key enough times it eventually takes me to the website, gives me an error messages or say the gate the gate has timed out. Of course, the gate timed out it took the browser long enough to get there.

Now that I have had my rant for the day, I am going to copy and past this into the blog entry and hope, I am able to post it. There is a good chance that my browsers snails pace with cause the gate or something else to time out.

I would prefer to enter the entry directly into the blog, but with my browser, acting up I am going to do the entry this way today. I am almost as frustrated with the browser as I was with a normal phone line hook-up to the Internet. I am sure the issue is my browser and not my DSL connection.

I Wore an Easter Bonnet Once

Jamál (Beauty), 15 Bahá (Splendor), 167 BE – Sunday, April 4, 2010 about sunset Pacific Time

This is a picture of me in my Easter bonnet. I am not sure of the color the dress or the bonnet. I suspect it may have been yellow or green. I think that is a toy duck in my arms so the dress and bonnet probably matched the color of the toy. The picture was taken a long time ago about Easter time.

Lost my supper on Good Friday 2010

Jalál (Glory), 14 Bahá (Splendor), 167 BE – Saturday, April 3, 2010 about 7:55 AM Pacific Time

I think the problem is the hyperacidity issues I have. I just can't figure out what I at to cause the hyperacidity to act up last night. I didn't eat anything yesterday that I haven't eaten before. I know when the issues is occurring or going to occur because I get a pain in my stomach or excessive heartburn and last night I had both.

I'm feeling better this morning. I do have some heartburn, but I think that will clear up as the day progresses and I get more to eat. I'm simply going to have to watch the foods I eat and learn to relax instead of stressing.

Happy April Fools Day

Istijlál (Majesty), 12 Bahá (Splendor), 167 BE – Thursday, April 1, 2010 about 6:26 PM Pacific Time

The sky is cloudy
Tree limbs waving in the breeze
I need a gardener

Green April Fools' Day
Beautiful afternoon clouds
The sun is setting

Good-bye March

‘Idál (Justice), 11 Bahá (Splendor), 167 BE – Wednesday, March 31, 2010 about 9:34 AM Pacific Time

Good-bye March so long
We will miss you and your wind
Partly cloudy sky

I look out my window; I watch the weeds in my front yard sway in the wind. I get up, I walk to the window, and I watch the limbs of the olive and stone pine trees wave in the wind. Last night, I lay in my bed listening to the wind; listening to March roaring like a lion.

This is the last day of March and March is going out like a lion. March also came in like a lion, so I guess this disproves the old saying, "When March comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb." The wind began to blow yesterday afternoon, it blew all night long and is still blowing today. This morning the wind is not as strong or noisy as last night, but it is still blowing. I expect the wind to continue for the rest of the day and probably into tomorrow.

March goes out roaring
Carrying litter and trash
Someone sweep the street

Today is trash collection day in my neighborhood. The trash trucks went past my house a few minutes ago. I did not roll the trashcan to the curb this morning because it was only half-full, with the wind blowing I did not want to pick up my trash if the wind blew the plastic trashcan over.

At the Beginning of a new week

Jamál (Beauty), 8 Bahá (Splendor), 167 BE – Sunday, March 28, 2010 about 6:48 PM Pacific Time

A new week begins
New hope blooms with pink flowers
A nightingale sings

A new week always brings fresh hope. The trees are leafing out and the neighbors flowers are blooming. The weeds in my yard are blooming and next week I going to have to do something about them. I'm going to have to get some gardening gloves before I start pulling weeds.

Gardening gloves protect
Sensitive hands from weed sap
And biting insects

I think I’ve solved the technical issues

Jalál (Glory), 7 Bahá (Splendor), 167 BE – Saturday, March 27, 2010 about 3:38 PM Pacific Time

I think I've solved the technical issues for the time being. My browser is still slow and sometimes it gets hung up waiting on a download, but if I click the link a couple of times I get to the website I want. I delete the cookies and the history before closing my browser. I also delete the history and cookies a couple of times while I'm working online.

I'm now typing the website addresses or copying links from e-mails into the address box. I know this is a temporary fix and that eventually I'm going to have to figure out and solve the problem, but for now this works. I have some writing and posting to catch up this weekend, so I'll deal with the technical issues when I get back from my doctor's appointment on Monday.

Mom’s Birthday Dinner

I took Mom out for her birthday dinner today. We went to Marie Calendar’s to eat. We had country-fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy and string beans. We both ate the main course and then we had pie with ice cream.

Mom's turned 89 years old on March 19, we didn't go out that day because we were going to a Naw-Ruz party on March 21. Mom enjoyed the Naw-Ruz party and the food at the party. Mom enjoyed our lunch today and she ate everything on her plate. Mom eats better when we go out to eat then when we stay home.

I'm still encounter technical issues

‘Idál (Justice), 4 Bahá (Splendor), 167 BE – Wednesday, March 24, 2010 about 1:18 PM Pacific Time

The technical issues don't prevent me from working online, at least not completely. The issues prevent me from working efficiently. I don't like to call the problem difficulties, but they are becoming irritating.

The problem is my browser, I don't think it's the Internet connection. Anyway, when I attempt to go to a website the message is "waiting for connection". In addition, it takes longer then usually to download graphics. I've found a way to work around those problems for the present, but I'm going to have to find a way to solve them.

If I can't figure out how to solve them by the first week in April, then I'm going to have to call one of the techs who make house calls to assist with this issues. I'm not looking forward to that, but I don't know any other way to solve this problem.

Technical Issues All Day

Fidál (Grace), 3 Bahá (Splendor), 167 BE – Tuesday, March 23, 2010 about 6:40 PM Pacific Time

I've confronted technical issues all day. My browser running slow and website taking several minutes to load, I'm not sure what the problem was, all though it could have been my virus detection program running a tray icon scan. I rebooted and the problem appears cleared up.

I downloaded a newer version of my virus detection program today. I think sometime after the program completed downloading and I ran the regular virus scan, I inadvertently click on the tray icon and cause it to start scan. After I rebooted that scan wasn't running any more. I'm going to have to be a little more careful about what I'm doing.

I bought the chocolate bunnies today

Kamál (Perfection), 2 Bahá (Splendor), 167 BE – Monday, March 22, 2010 about 3:01 PM Pacific Time

Every year Mom and I eat chocolate bunnies on Easter day. This is a family tradition left over from my childhood. When we were growing up, Grandma and Grandpa would fill Easter baskets for my siblings and me every year. One of the items in the basket was a chocolate Easter bunny; eating a chocolate bunny on Easter Sunday brings back fond memories of my childhood and of my grandparents.

Today I bought this year's chocolate Easter bunnies. Normally, I get hollow chocolate rabbits, but this year I bought solid dark chocolate bunnies. Last year we had white chocolate Easter bunnies, but I prefer the dark chocolate. I like the dark chocolate because that's what Grandma or Grandpa always put in our Easter baskets. Sometimes the rabbits were hollow and sometimes they were solid, but they were always dark chocolate Easter bunnies.

Happy Naw-Ruz

Jamál (Beauty), 1 Bahá (Splendor), 166 BE – Sunday, March 21, 2010 about 6:53 PM Pacific Time

Celebrate Naw-Ruz
Celebrate a New Day and
Intone a prayer

We went out today and celebrated Naw-Ruz, we ate and for desert had chocolate cheesecake. Mom enjoyed herself and she is happy this evening.

Chocolate cheesecake
And a cup of hot coffee
End of a good meal

Spring has Sprung

Jalál (Glory), 19 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 166 BE – Saturday, March 20, 2010 about 11:01 AM Pacific Time

The sun crossed the vernal equinox and spring arrived in all her glory. Despite the fact that winter is holding on tenaciously, today is the first day of spring and in a few weeks summer will arrive. There is still snow covering the Rocky Mountains, in fact the ski area on Mount Charleston is still open and people are snow skiing.

It seems a bit chilly in Las Vegas, but this is the first day of spring. The wind is blowing, which means a wind chill factor. The sun is shining and there are clouds in the sky. It is a nice day in Las Vegas, you just have to remember to put on a sweater or long sleeved shirt when you go outside.

A wind chill factor
Clouds moving across the sky
Birds sing and build nests

Excessive Wind Warnings in Las Vegas

Istiqlál (Independence), 18 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 166 BE - Friday, March 19, 2010 about 1:30 PM Pacific Time

We had excessive wind warnings in Las Vegas yesterday. The wind didn't start blowing until after we came home from the DMV, which is good because I don't like walking in the wind. We didn't walk to the DMV, but we walked from the car into the building and we had to park a long ways from the door.

The wind knocked the power out last night, it's weird setting in the house in the dark. I don't know how long the power was out, it seemed like a long time. I did find out I have to buy batteries for the flashlight and for my alarm clock. The alarm clock is electric, but it has a battery back up. I didn't put batteries in the clock when I plugged it into the electricity.

Wind blows through the trees
Limbs caress the power lines
Electricity out

I want to stay home at least one day

Istijlál (Majesty), 17 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 166 BE - Thursday, March 18, 2010 about 3:22 PM Pacific Time

Everyday this week, Mom and I have went somewhere. Today we went to the Department of Motor Vehicles to renew Mom's Nevada Identification (DMV) card. It didn't take long to renew her ID and everyone at the DMV was nice; it was a pleasant experience.

I still have laundry to do, which means going to the Laundromat. I want to stay home at least one day this week. I have several projects to catch up, but not if I'm away from the house. I want to stay home at least one day, so I think I will attempt to remain in the house.

We don't have any plans for leaving the house tomorrow, bu that doesn't mean something won't come up. I'm going to attempt to stay home tomorrow and do a little work around the house. I'm tired and I want to stay home for just one day.

Spend a day at home
Without driving anywhere
It sounds like a dream

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Idál (Justice), 16 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 166 BE - Wednesday, March 17, 2010 about 11:50 AM Pacific Time

I'm not sure I know what is meant by Happy St. Patrick's Day, except that this is the day my weird Irish sense of humor show up. On St. Patrick's Day I will laugh at odd situations, so it has to be my weird Irish sense of humor. I've celebrated St. Patrick's Day for as long as I can remember, normally by wearing something green.

St. Patrick's Day green
Is emerald green and silk
Beautiful color

I'm an American of Irish descent, so I have to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Celebrating St. Patrick's day is my way of remembering my Irish ancestors.

I need to have some yard work done

Fidál (Grace), 15 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 166 BE - Tuesday, March 16, 2010 about 6:47 PM Pacific Time

We went to Smiths' today so that I could pick up a prescription. I glanced at my front yard and realized that it is a mess. I need to have some yard work done; actually, I need to have a lot of yard work done. The thought of how much yard work I need to have done makes me tired.

I know I'm going to be the one doing it because I can't afford to hire someone to pull weeds and clean up my front yard. I don't even want to think about the backyard because I know it is worse then the front yard. I'm going to have to have both the front and backyard cleaned before the 4th of July. Perhaps I should plan on starting the yard work Saturday.

Saturday yard work
Prevents me from leaving town
I have no place to go

The Last Week of Winter

Kamál (Perfection), 14 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 166 BE - Monday, March 15, 2010 about 3:53 PM Pacific Time

It's the last week of winter, according to Equinoxes and Solstices 2000-2010 spring begins on March 20 at 1:32 PM EDT, which is the time the sun crosses the vernal equinox. Already there are green plants growing in my yard and in my next door neighbor's yard there are flowers. When I went out to pick up the morning paper, I saw purple flowers growing next door.

This year spring begins on a Saturday afternoon or in the case of Las Vegas, on a Saturday morning at 10:32 AM PDT. Spring is a time to celebrate warmer weather, new life, and green plants. All right, the green plants in my yard are weeds, even the flowering plant in my yard are weeds. Apparently, I can grow nothing except weeds in my yard.

Weeds in my yard bloom
Pink, red, white oleanders
Pollen and sneezing

I have ice cream in the freezer

Jalál (Glory), 12 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 166 BE - Saturday, March 13, 2010 about 5:19 PM Pacific Time

I have ice cream in the freezer and it's too cold to eat it today. The wind is blowing causing a wind chill factor, which makes it too cold to eat ice cream. It's amazing how a one perspective change with age. When I was a child, it never got too cold to eat ice cream.

When I was a child it could be snowing outside and I would say yes to ice cream. Now if I eat ice cream in winter, I wrap myself up in blankets while I eat ice cream. The day I bought the packages of chocolate and chocolate chip ice cream, it was warm and getting warmer. Today with the wind and the clouds it's chilly again and too cold to eat ice cream. I'm looking forward to warmer days.

Midweek reflections on March 10, 2010

It's been a long and difficulty day because Mom had a difficult morning. The afternoon is a little better, but not much. Part of the problem is the clouds hiding the sun; I've discovered that Mom has a more difficult time on a cloudy day because the lack of sunshine seems to effect her mood.

Mom has Alzheimer's so she has good days and bad days; good mornings and bad morning, etc. Mom can wake up in a good mood and her mood changes suddenly; I get no warning until she gets angry over something, the Alzheimer's meds help, but their not a cure.

I'm gong to have to talk to Mom's doctor at the next appointment. I need to know why cloudy days seem to make her mood worse. I don't understand why lack of sunshine should make Mom's mood worse and her day more difficult. This afternoon, she is in a better mood, but I'm not sure for how long. I hope that it last the rest of the day.

Mixing Apples and Oranges

‘Idál (Justice), 9 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 166 BE – Tuesday, March 9, 2010 about 6:52 PM Pacific Time

It's said don't mix apples and oranges. I mixed apple juice with orange juice this evening and it taste delicious. Of course, I made sure that both juices were cold before I poured them into a glass. It was easy, I just pour a glass half-full of apple juice and then I poured orange juice in the same glass. I had both juices in the fridge and I needed to get them out. I decided to mix them and found that I liked the taste of the juices together.

Apple and orange juice
poured cold into the same glass
a refreshing treat.

I'm having a plumber coming on Wednesday

Kamál (Perfection), 7 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 166 BE – Monday, March 8, 2010 about 2:43 PM Pacific Time

The problem is the kitchen sink, it's either the garbage disposal or the drain; I'm not sure which one is the problem. I do know I'm eventually going to have to have them back for other things. Mom enjoys the house, but she doesn't have to find the money for repairs. Actually, Mom doesn't have to worry about finances at all, she does worry about them, but Mom doesn't have to.

I'm glad the plumber isn't coming until Wednesday afternoon because I have to go to the bank and get some cash to pay the plumber. It does make washing dishes a bit of a challenge; I got the dishes washed today without using the kitchen sink or dumping water down that drain. If figuring out how to wash dishes without using the kitchen sink or the dishwasher is the biggest problem I have then the rest of my life is going to be easy.

Is it a hairless raccoon or a chupacabra?

Jamál (Beauty), 6 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 166 BE – Sunday, March 7, 2010 about 11:03 AM Pacific Time

Today's weird news story is Rescuers capture hairless raccoon. According to the story, there are those who think the animal is a chupacabra, a mythical creature that sucks the blood of goats. I find this story intriguing because I live in Las Vegas close to the Nevada Test Sight, Area 51, and the Alien highway.

People have sighted Unidentified Fly Objects (UFOs) and other weird things, but I don't remember anyone ever sighting a hairless raccoon or a chupacabra. I don't know what chupacabra looks like; however, I don't think it resembles a hairless raccoon. I do know what a raccoon looks like, I suppose a hairless raccoon would look like an ordinary raccoon except without the hair. The last raccoon I saw in the Las Vegas area was at the zoo.

My mother's birthday is March 19

Jalál (Glory), 5 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 166 BE – Saturday, March 6, 2010 about 3:09 PM Pacific Time

My mother turns 89 on March 19, 2010, I'm not sure how we're going to celebrate. I'm not sure if Mom even wants to celebrate her 89th birthday. When we discuss the subject, sometimes Mom wants to celebrate and sometimes she doesn't want to celebrate her birthday.

Mom has some medical issues, one of which is Alzheimer's disease. It's the early stages and she is taking medication, that seems to be helping. Still Mom gets upset when she forgets where she put an item and sometimes I can't figure out where she put the item. I have found some stuff she puts away in some of the oddest places, but I think that's to be expected under the circumstances.

I think celebrating Mom's birthday would do us both good, I just don't know where to celebrate it at this time. Maybe I'll take Mom some place that has nice deserts, Mom like ice cream, pie, and cake. If I take her somewhere with good deserts we can eat desert before the main course. I don't think Mom's every had desert first, so that might be a nice way to celebrate.

My next appointment is on March 12, 2010

Istiqlál (Independence), 4 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 166 BE – Friday, March 5, 2010 about 4:40 PM Pacific Time

In November of 2009, my doctor found a mass in my left breast; an appointment was made for a mammogram. Since I don't have health insurance, a local group that provides mammograms to senior woman took care of the procedure. At the time of the mammogram, an ultrasound of my left breast was preformed. After that, I made an appointment with a breast specialist.

She suggested another ultrasound, so I had a second ultrasound done and then I went back to the breast specialist. The procedure on Friday, March 12, is a different procedure because the ultrasounds revealed very little. I still don't know if the mass is benign or cancerous. This next procedure should reveal more about the mass, at least I hope it does. After the next procedure, the only thing left is a biopsy, which means sticking a needle into the mass.

At this point, there are only two things I can do; first, is to encourage other women to do a self-exam every month. If you have any questions at all about anything you find, then go to your doctor and if you don't have any health insurance, then find a medical clinic which charges a sliding fee. Second, click on The Breast Cancer Site every day. Click on the pink button because the sponsors will pay for free mammograms.

Always check your Planning Calendar

Fidál (Grace), 1 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 166 BE – Tuesday, March 2, 2010 about 5:52 PM Pacific Time

It's wise to always check your planning calendar, both in the morning and the evening. I didn't check my calendar yesterday fortunately I this morning I went to Henderson to pick up my mammogram and ultrasound results. My appointment with the beast specialist is tomorrow morning at 9:30 AM instead of 11:30.

This means I'm going to have to get going in the morning. I won't be able to get online until after I get back. That's all right, today I couldn't find anything to blog about. I think I'm worried about the appointment and what the doctor will find. I've had one mammogram and two ultrasounds, without any conclusion one way or the other. I would really like to know the prognosis.

March is a busy month

Kamál (Perfection), 4 Ayyám-I-Há (Intercalary Days), 166 BE – Monday, February March 1, 2010 about 12:47 PM Pacific Time

It's the first of March as busy and fun filled month. I have an appointment with a breast specialist on March 3 and on March 5 I have an appointment for a heart scan. Of the two appointments, the appoint with the breast specialist is the one that concerns me.

In November or December of 2009, my regular doctor found a mass in my left breast. For the past three or four months I have dealt with that. The heart scan doesn't worry me because I haven't hand any problems in that area. I don't have high blood pressure. I haven't smoked in over twenty-five years. I get some exercise, true I don't get enough exercise, but I'm working on that.

My mother's next appointment is March 31, when she is scheduled to have a cataract removed from her left eye. Mom is looking forward to that because she thinks she can see better once the cataract is removed. I am not going to state an opinion on this one way or another at this time.

On Thursday, we have to go pick up some food. In addition, I'm getting the information together for my Income Tax return, which is due on April 15. I'm not sure what day April 15 falls on this year because I'm too busy to look further ahead then a week.

What do I see from my window?

What do I see from my living room window? I see blue sky and clouds. I see the top of my garage roof. I see the wind bowing the limbs of the neighbor's trees.

This last day of February 2010 is windy, white fluffy or wisp of clouds move across the sky. The wind chill factor requires me to put on a ski jacket when I go outside. Since February is going out like a lion, does that mean March will come in like a lion?

The old saying goes, "If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb." That old saying does not mention February, the last full month of winter. The glory of March is the sun crossing vernal equinox. The beauty of March is new life, flowers and green leaves, warmer and longer days.

I look out my window and I see one of the neighbors walking her dog. She walks the dog every day. She walks him around two blocks and then returns home. She, I do not know her name; I call her the lady in the pink blouse because she always wears a pink blouse or a pink sweater. She wears a pair of dark slacks and a dark windbreaker.

Spring, winter, fall and summer she always takes the same route when she walks her large brown mixed breed dog. The dog always stops at the house on the corner to water desert plants. All right, we all know the dog does not stop to water the plants, he stops to mark his territory, but he always stops at the same house and marks the same plant.

A Long Weary Day

Jamál (Beauty), 3 Ayyám-I-Há (Intercalary Days), 166 BE – Saturday, February 27, 2010 about 7:10 PM Pacific Time

It's been a long weary day. I'm tired, but not physically tired. I think the clouds have something to do with the way I feel today. I saw a sliver of blue earlier today, but then the clouds covered it.

I went to an Ayyám-I-Há Party last night at the Baha'i Center. Mom didn't go because she wasn't feeling well. I think it was something she ate, but I haven't figured out what it was.

This morning I picked up a couple of boxes of food, while Mom remained home and slept. Mom doesn't sleep well at night so I let her sleep this morning. She felt better when she got and after eating a little breakfast.

Happy Ayyám-I-Há

I finally joined Facebook

Istiqlál (Independence), 1 Ayyám-I-Há (Intercalary Days), 166 BE – Friday, February 26, 2010 about 1:50 PM Pacific Time

I finally joined Facebook, I've thought about it a long time, but until my brother sent me an invitation I didn't join. I still have to do some work on some profile items. I put in my birthday (December 24, 1946); my hometown (Blackwell, Oklahoma); my high school (Shawnee, Oklahoma), and where I live today (Las Vegas, Nevada).

I also put in my portfolio at writing.com and my blogs on blogger. I still have a few items to put in like my favorite books, movies, and songs. I logged in both yesterday and today, I accepted some friends' inventions and became a fan of writing.com. I haven't participated in any of the games because I try to avoid most online games. I enjoy playing solitary games; therefore, sometimes I do play free online games, but not often.

Making Lemonade – Part 2

Fidál (Grace), 17 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Tuesday, February 23, 2010 about 5:05 PM Pacific Time

As I suggested in an earlier post, it seems I have an orchard of lemon trees planted in my backyard. This is figurative, of course, because my backyard isn't big enough for more then one tree. The lemon trees refer to tests and difficulties, which occur to help a person develop spiritual attributes.

My mother is 88 years old; she was born March 19, 1921 on a little farm in Oklahoma. I am 63 years old; I was born on December 24, 1946 in a hospital room in Blackwell, Oklahoma. My mother and I live in the same house in Las Vegas, Nevada. Yes, I am 63 years old and I still live with my mother.

Mom has several physical issues that require her to take daily medication. In some ways, Mom is still capable of taking care of herself. She can get in and out of the bathtub by herself, most days she fixes at least one of her own meals. Mom doesn't drive, so I take her where she needs or wants to go. In addition, she has short-term memory problems.

Recently Mom's doctor diagnosed her with mild or the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The doctor put her on a generic medication that appears to be working. There are other issues beside the Alzheimer's. I am my mother's caregiver. I never envisioned this job for myself. It has also taught me a lot about myself and has strengthened my faith in God.

On a Rainy Monday

Kamál (Perfection), 16 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Monday, February 22, 2010 about 5:42 PM Pacific Time

It rained this morning, when I went to bed about midnight last night it wasn't raining. I woke up and it was raining. We received about a half an inch of rain today. In addition to the rain the wind blew so we had a wind chill factor. It's nice to see so much rain because when spring comes the desert will bloom.

The desert around Las Vegas should be beauty. A lot of rain in January and February usually indicate a lot of flower and beautiful desert plants.

Making Lemonade – Part 1

Jamál (Beauty), 15 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Sunday, February 21, 2010 about 1:03 PM Pacific Time

Life isn't easy and I don't think it's meant to be easy because in this world we develop spiritual attributes. These spiritual attributes cloth a person's soul (spirit) when the physical body dies and the soul ascends to the next world. Each individual encounters tests and difficulties during his or her lifetime in this world. These tests and difficulties help strengthen the spiritual attributes, which go with the soul when it separates from the physical body.

Sometimes it seems instead of encountering one test or difficulty at a time a person encounters an entire orchard of them. I'm walking through one of those orchards of test and difficulties now. I suspect I have an entire orchard of lemon trees (figuratively) planted in my backyard, so the only thing I can do now is make lemonade.

Sometimes I feel it's almost too much to deal with, but I don't think God tests a person beyond his or her capabilities. I think the best way to deal with this orchard of tests and difficulties is to take one tree (one test) at a time, which explains the title of this post. Over the next few day/weeks, I'm going to be looking at some of these test and difficulties on individual basis, all of which concern conditions many people confront at present or will confront in the near future.

A bird sings on a cloudy morning

Istiqlál (Independence), 13 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Friday, February 19, 2010 about 6:41 AM Pacific Time

We humans could take lessons from the birds. This morning when I went out after the Las Vegas Review-Journal, I heard a bird singing. I'm not sure what type of bird it was because we have sever different species of song birds in my neighborhood. The bird I heard wasn't close by so it must have a nest on another street, but he was singing joyously.

There are clouds covering the blue sky this morning, but the bird was singing anyway. Despite the clouds the bird was singing. The sun momentarily shone from behind some clouds and the bird continued to sing. Even when the sun went behind clouds, the bird continued singing.

The bird didn't care if the sun shone or the sky was cloudy because he was happy and going to sing. So often we humans look at the problems surrounding us or at a cloudy sky and decide we don't have a reason to be happy, which isn't true. A person can always find a reason for happiness. All we have to do is look at the world around us and we, like that bird, will find a reason to sing.

All week the birds were singing

Istijlál (Majesty), 12 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Thursday, February 18, 2010 about 3:28 PM Pacific Time

Every time I go outside this week, I have heard birds singing. One of the birds I heard is a nightingale I cannot identify the others. They have sung all week and fluttered around through the trees. Therefore, spring must be on its way.

Yesterday, I looked over in the neighbors yard and saw purple flowers blooming. I have no idea what the flowers are called. They are dark purple and they are beautiful. In addition, the limbs of the oak tree in that yard is pale green, as if leaves are about to grow.

I am looking forward to spring. I have had about as much winter and cold as I can take. Spring in Las Vegas is always nice, however, this year we have had more rain then usual. The desert should bloom and the flower are beautiful.

Midweek reflections Wednesday, February 17

‘Idál (Justice), 11 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Wednesday, February 17, 2010 about 11:32 AM Pacific Time

The week is half over; everything is supposed to be down hill from here. It's been an interesting week. Yesterday, February 16, I had to do a second virus scan of my computer because when I accessed a website I got a message about a virus. It takes my virus scan four hours to check my machine. During that time I took a nap and started two or three poems.

On Monday, I fixed chicken and vegetable soup. I used frozen corn, green beans, and sweet potatoes. The chicken I used was a roasting hen, which I took out of the freezer last week. I let the hen thaw in the refrigerator and on Sunday began cutting it up.

Sunday I fixed the legs with macaroni and then fixed the chicken and vegetable soup on Monday. I used garlic and onions in addition to a couple of other spices. I'm in the process of using the spices I have before buying any fresh spices.

I also started cleaning out the garage so that I can put my car inside at night. Spring is coming and we're going to have more birds then in the winter. The birds next in the trees I have in the front yard, so I don't want to leave the car outside at night.

Nice weather in Las Vegas

Fidál (Grace), 10 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Tuesday, February 16, 2010 about 11:26 AM Pacific Time

The daytime temperatures in Las Vegas are in the 70s without rain. The nighttime temperatures are in the 40s, so it gets a bit chilly in the evenings and in the mornings, but a sweater or long sleeved shirt keeps the chill away.

Nice weather today
No clouds are promising rain
The sky is hazy

A hazy blue sky is normal in Las Vegas in the 21st century. I would like to see a real blue sky, like those I remember from my childhood. However, I don't think that will happen for a while, after all I live in a city and people drive cars.

I need a new body lotion

I'm going to have to read ingredients on the labels. I bought a body lotion, I thought I could use; however, I'm allergic to it. I gave the bottle to my mother, now Mom has two different types of body lotion she can choose between. I still need body lotion myself, preferably one that doesn't break me out.

I have dry skin. I need to use a body lotion of some type. The problem is I have sensitive skin and must be extremely careful about the type I use. I guess the only thing to do is go to the more expensive brands, but even some of those cause a rash; at least with me. I'm almost afraid to by any type of body lotion because I don't want to spend any more money on something I can't use.

Café Mocha with marshmallows

Kamál (Perfection), 9 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Monday, February 15, 2010 about 12:09 PM Pacific Time

All right, I admit that café mocha with marshmallows is a bit unusual. The explanation is actually simple. I make café mocha using hot chocolate mix and the last time I bought the box of hot chocolate mix it had the little marshmallows. Since that is the type of mix I have in the house that is the way I make café mocha.

When I bought the hot chocolate mix I didn't read the ingredients on the box. The only think I looked at was the price. That particular brand of hot chocolate mix cost less the other brands on display. I do read ingredients on some items, but when it comes to hot chocolate mix I usually by the cheapest box I can find because most of the time I mix the hot chocolate with coffee.

Happy Valentines’ Day

Jamál (Beauty), 8 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Sunday, February 14, 2010 about 12:50 PM Pacific Time

A Valentines' wish
For a heart shaped box of candy
Mints and chocolate

I don't have a heart shaped box containing mints and chocolate. I have a small box of chocolate covered mints by my computer, in the fridge, I have a chunk of bitter-sweet cooking chocolate, and on the kitchen counter I have some envelops of hot chocolate mix.

Happy Valentines' Day

Valentines’ Day Approaches

Jalál (Glory), 7 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Saturday, February 13, 2010 about 4:15 PM Pacific Time

Childhood memories
of Valentines' Day in school
chocolate cupcakes

I remember celebrating Valentines' Day in grade school. We made mailboxes and everyone in the class gave each other Valentines' card. Someone brought chocolate cupcakes decorated with pink and red hearts; with the cupcakes, we drink milk.

Monday is the observance Presidents’ Day

Istijlál (Majesty), 6 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Thursday, February 11, 2010 about 4:02 PM Pacific Time

Monday, February 15, is the observance of Presidents' Day. This means that a number of businesses will be closed celebrating Presidents' Day. It also means there probably won't be any mail delivery, the exception of course is e-mail and that arrives in my boxes every day.

There are numerous Presidents' Day sales, plus there are Valentines' Day sales, since Valentines' Day is Sunday, February 14. There are a lot of sales going on in Las Vegas this week, not that I can take advantage of them, but it's nice to know they are occurring because it means the economy is on the upswing.

Since most businesses are closed Monday, to celebrate Presidents' Day, that is a three-day weekend. It's a four day weekend if you happen to work in a government office that's closed on Friday. Just think a four-day holiday an exotic location or just four days out of town in an unexotic location. I would be happy with a day out of town and a picnic basket.

I still don’t know the prognosis

‘Idál (Justice), 4 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Wednesday, February 10, 2010 about 9:34 AM Pacific Time

I had another ultrasound of my left breast yesterday, but I still don't know the diagnosis. It's possible the mass is benign, but it's also possible that it's malignant. I haven't gotten another appointment with the breast specialist yet.

There is another test that the doctor I saw yesterday wants done. I'll have that test and then probably a biopsied. After that, I don't know what will happen. The outcome of this situation is in God's hands. I can't spend the rest of the day, the week, or the month worrying; I'm just going to get on with my life and leave everything in God's hands.

I have most of my day planned, I'm going to take two or three prayer breaks and say the Long Healing Prayer. Today I have writing to finish, I have to go to the grocery store for cat food and bread, and I have to submit a poem to a writing contest. I think the secret to not worrying is prayer and work (in that order).

I'm feeling rushed this morning

Fidál (Grace), 3 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Tuesday, February 9, 2010 about 11:04 AM Pacific Time

I'm feeling rushed. I'm feeling anxious. I don't know why I'm feeling this way because the appointment for the ultrasound of my left breast isn't until this afternoon. I think part of the issue is the appointment or rather lack of appointment with the breast specialist.

The specialist moved her office and I have to make another appointment. I called three times and haven't heard anything back about the new appointment. I would really like to know if the mass in my left breast is something to worry about or nothing to worry about; I just want to find out

I'm going to put everything in God's hands and get on with my day. I still have several piece of writing to complete today. I just need to relax and stop worrying about the issue. I have other business to complete this week, which means driving all over Las Vegas.

Blue Monday in Las Vegas

Kamál (Perfection), 2 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Monday, February 8, 2010 about 6:28 AM Pacific Time

It's another blue Monday in Las Vegas. All though, this morning when I look out my living room window I see gray clouds, however, blue is the color associated with Monday. I'm not blue this morning, in fact, I'm in a optimistic mood today. I woke up in this mood and, despite the gray clouds I see, the mood is holding.

Monday's color is
Blue and outside my window
I see gray rain clouds

It looks like rain, I don't know how it feels outside because I haven't been out yet. I'm going to go pick up the paper in a few minutes. Then I'll know how cold it feels, I know the temperature; however, lately I've found that I perceive the temperature colder then stated on my desktop.

I think my sense of temperature has more to do with age and health then anything else. I'm 63 years old and in fair health. I could be healthier and then again I could be in worse health then I am. I'm thankful I'm in fair health. I'm thankful for a lot of things, which I'm not going to list today.

More rain in the Las Vegas valley

Jamál (Beauty), 1 Mulk (Dominion), 166 BE – Sunday, February 7, 2010 about 10:42 AM Pacific Time

It rained again yesterday and left a puddle of water in dry driveway. Eventually the puddle will dry up, I hope. It isn't that I don't like the rain, I enjoy it as long as I don't have to drive in it. I didn't drive in it yesterday, we stayed home last night.

It was raining when I planned to leave the house, so before I went out I called the gentleman I take to feast. He didn't go to feast and after watching the rain, I decided not to go myself. I stayed home and said prayers. I also wrote poetry about the rain.

Today it's cloudy or at least mostly cloudy. I saw blue sky this morning when I looked out my living room window. The only thing I see now is clouds, so I expect the rest of the day is going to be cloudy. I don't know if it's going to rain today, I'll just wait and see.

More rain in Las Vegas

It rained this evening in Las Vegas. In January, we had more rain then in all 2009, so it looks as if 2010 is going to be a wet year. All this rain should make spring beautiful, but before spring comes we'll have a lot of snow on the mountains.

Rain in the valley
And snow in the mountains
A beautiful spring

I saw Snow on the Mountains this morning

Istijlál (Majesty), 17 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Thursday, February 4, 2010 about 4:23 PM Pacific Time

Mom and I went out this morning; as usual, I caught a red light on the corner of Oakey BLVD. and Maryland Parkway. While I was waiting for the light to change, I looked west toward the mountains and saw a dusting of snow covering them. This isn't surprising since it rained in the Las Vegas valley in January, this time of year rain in the valley usually means snow in the mountains.

I liked looking at the snow. In fact, I like looking at the snow much better then I like driving or playing in the snow. When I was a child I enjoyed playing in the snow, but now it's much nicer to be inside where it's warm and watch it snow. It's also nice to watch kids play in the snow, but I'd rather be indoors looking out at the snow.

The only time I see snow is when I look at the mountains and they're covered with snow. We haven't had snow in my Las Vegas neighborhood in several years. If I want to see snow close, I have to drive to the lodge on Mount Charleston. I don't think I'll plan that trip this year, but maybe next year.

Another six weeks of winter

‘Idál (Justice), 16 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Wednesday, February 3, 2010 about 10:43 AM Pacific Time

According to Punxsutawney Phil, a Ground Hog in Punxsutawney, Pa., spring is about six weeks away. We aren't going to have an early spring this year because Mr. Phil saw his shadow on Candlemas (February 2). It's a German tradition that early springs only come when a Ground Hog or other hibernating animal don't see their shadows on February 2.

Mr. Phil saw his shadow because he lives in Punxsutawney and not Las Vegas. If he lived in Las Vegas, he wouldn't have seen his shadow yesterday. Tuesday, February 2, was a cloudy day in Las Vegas. Shadows were rare or non-existent yesterday.

Las Vegas has hibernating animals, such as desert tortoises. Tortoises haven't came out of hibernation yet. They don't come out until it gets a little warmer and they are ready to mate. I don't think desert tortoises bother looking at their shadows because they would rather look for mates.

Now I have to put up with another six weeks of winter and chilly mornings. On the bright side the days are getting longer, which means more sunshine. More sunshine always heats the daytime temperatures and makes people happier. I've found that sunshine always affects people's moods for the better. Longer days also mean I can turn the heat off and the air conditioner off for a week or two.

February looks like another cloudy month

In January, Las Vegas received more rain then in all of 2009. February looks like another cloudy month. I don't know if rain is predicted, the weather report I receive in my e-mail box didn't say anything about rain. The last couple of day there were high thin clouds covering the sky. These aren't the type of clouds that usually bring rain to Las Vegas, they just hide the sun and the blue sky.

Today is Ground Hog Day and I'm sure he didn't see his shadow. I haven't witnessed any patches of blue sky showing through the cloud cover. Of course, there aren't a lot of Ground Hogs in Las Vegas. We have desert turtles here, but I don't think Ground Hogs live in the area. This is a desert, despite the fact the we've had a lot of rain in the past few weeks; it's still a desert.

The flora and fauna in Las Vegas consist mostly of desert or mountain plants and animals. Any other types are transplants from other parts of the country. It takes a lot of work and water to keep non-native plants alive, the only exception to that is weeds. Weeds will grow anywhere in the country without difficulty.

Evening in Las Vegas

Fidál (Grace), 15 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Monday, February 1, 2010 about 5:47 PM Pacific Time

It's after sunset on Monday, February 1. Mom and I spent the afternoon in her eye doctor's office. The doctor evaluated her for cataract surgery on her left eye and scheduled the surgery for March 31, almost a month away.

Setting in a doctor's office all afternoon is tiring. I'm not sure how Mom feels about the surgery because we didn't discuss it when we came home. Instead of discussing the surgery, we ate dinner and Mom went to bed. Rather then fix anything here, we stopped at Port 'o Subs and bought one of the 2 ft. specials, which is enough for us to have two meals.

We ate half the sandwich tonight and saved the other half for breakfast in the morning. Tomorrow I have an appointment at 3:00 PM for an ultrasound of my left breast. My life is beginning to sound dull; I need to do something else besides go to doctors' appointments.

Reviewing January 2010

Jalál (Glory), 12 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Saturday, January 30, 2010 about 2:24 PM Pacific Time

I know today isn't the last day of January, but I have to go to the laundromat tomorrow so I'm going to review January today. Las Vegas had more rain in January 2010 then in all 2009, as a result my car is clean on the outside. It rained so much in January that it washed all the dirt off my car, now the only thing I have left to do is clean the inside.

Numerous other interesting thins that happened during January. Last night was the Night of the Wolf Moon, the first full moon of the year. I went outside and looked up at the beautiful moon as it shown brightly through thin high clouds. I also saw Mars to the left of the moon.

In January, my mother's meds went up $3.00, the security payment down $3.00 and no they don't even out because Mom takes more then one prescription. Fortunately, my medication didn't go up, but now my mother pays more for her medication then I pay for mine. This is an interesting phenomenon because Mom has health insurance and I don't. My mother now pays $6.00 for her medication and I still pay $4.00 for mine.

On Wednesday, January 27, I renewed my car tag. After I got the smog test, I went to the DMV and used on of their kiosk, which accept debit cards, to renew my tag. It may be a little more difficult next year because on January 28, the DMV started asking for proof of insurance when you renew your tag. I have proof of insurance, but I didn't take it in with me on the 27th because it wasn't necessary.

A Beautiful Late Winter day in Las Vegas

Istiqlál (Independence), 11 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Friday, January 29, 2010 about 8:11 AM Pacific Time

A beautiful late
Winter day in Las Vegas
A nightingale sings

I know spring is on the way because I heard a nightingale this morning. I'm sure the bird I heard was a nightingale. I didn't see it because I think it was setting in the neighbors oak tree. The morning is chilly, with a few clouds in the sky. It's a beautiful day, the sun is shining and the birds are singing.

Life is good today
I heard a nightingale sing
A good beginning

A Busy Thankful Thursday

Istijlál (Majesty), 10 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE Thursday, January 28, 2010 about 7:11 AM Pacific Time

This morning I generated a longer disclosure policy for Poet 999's Thoughts about Writing and Other Stuff and made it a blog entry. This is the second time in two days I've worked on the disclosure policy for that blog.

Yesterday, I rewrote the description of the blog so that a short version of the disclosure policy in in the description. I may end up placing the disclosure policy on a separate page of the blog, but for today I'm leaving it the way I've posted the policy.

I made an entry in Writing My Spiritual Journey journal. I'm also working on my gratitude journal entry. So far this morning, I've found four things to be thankful today. One of those gratitude items, of course, was coffee. Coffee is always one of the entries in my gratitude journal.

I still have to go to the store this morning and put the date sticker on my tag. I got the sticker yesterday, but it was raining so I decided to wait until this morning to put it on the tag.

It finally stopped raining

It stopped raining after I came home. I didn't encounter any flooded streets, but I did see a few overflowing drains. I think the problem in those cases concerned trash clogging the sewer entrances. People throw trash out the windows of their cars never thinking that the stuff they throw into the street clogs the drains and cause the streets to flood.

Most of the problems with overflowing drains occur in the right lanes close to the curbs. Still it can cause problems especially if a car's breaks get wet. I heard some odd noises from my car when I put the breaks on a couple of times, but the breaks worked. I'll have to all my mechanic and asked him what he thinks.

Even when it rains
Las Vegas is beautiful
No one stops driving

Raining again in Las Vegas

‘Idál (Justice), 9 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Wednesday, January 27, 2010 about 8:45 AM Pacific Time

So far, in January, it's rained more in Las Vegas then in all 2009. It's raining again today, a cold winter rain is falling across most of the city. According to the weather report, which arrived this morning in my e-mail box, it's supposed to clear sometime today.

I have business to transact today and it's still raining. I'm going to have to drive in the rain because it doesn't look like it's clearing up anytime soon. I only have three or four places to go today; it's going to take me all day to get everything accomplished.

No use griping because I couldn't do anything before my check came in. The money was deposited in my account this morning, so I'm going to have to do everything except the laundry today. I can put the laundry off until Thursday or Friday.

A Variable Day in Las Vegas

Fidál (Grace), 8 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Tuesday, January 26, 2010 about 10:35 AM Pacific Time

The bright blue cloudless day is turning into a dull gray cloudy day. The temperature outside the house is approximately 45 degrees, while the temperature in the house is 72 degrees. It isn't cold in the house, but I feel cold. I may have to go find a long sleeved shirt to put under the sweatshirt I'm wearing.

White clouds hide blue sky
Temperatures chill my blood and
I wish for summer

I have leftovers in the slow cooker heating so that we can have hot soup this afternoon. I hope the soup warms me up. I'm getting tired of winter and cold weather. We may not get as cold in Las Vegas as other cities in America, but it seems cold to me. I'm looking forward to spring and summer, to warmer weather.

Fresh ground coffee in the morning

Kamál (Perfection), 7 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Monday, January 25, 2010 about 2:45 PM Pacific Time

I ran out of coffee yesterday; therefore, I had to open the 12 oz. bag of Guatemala Mayan Lake Coffee beans this morning. I opened the bag and used my new coffee grinder to grind enough beans for two percolators of coffee. Mom and I drank I one 12-cup percolator of coffee, so I made another this afternoon. I still have two-thirds of the beans left in the bag and this will give me enough coffee for the next two or three days.

I did not notice that these were organically grown beans when I bought them. At the time I bought the coffee, the important information was the type of beans and that they were dark roast. My priorities concerning coffee beans have nothing to do with them being organically grown. I look at the name of the beans and the roast. When I buy coffee beans, I pick beans that appear exotic.

I prefer whole bean coffee; however, price usually dictates that I buy regular ground coffee. I buy the whole bean coffee as a backup for when I run out of coffee before a check arrives. This way I never run out of coffee.

Another storm is headed for Las Vegas

Jamál (Beauty), 6 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Sunday, January 24, 2010 about 4:19 PM Pacific Time

According to the weather report, which I receive in my e-mail box several times a day, another storm is headed toward Las Vegas. According to the e-mail, we can expect rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. The meteorologist says it won't be the same "intensity" as that we received last week. I hope not because I have business to transact on Wednesday and I don't relish driving in the rain. Unfortunately, I have no choice because I have to get the business accomplished on Wednesday.

I don't suppose that little poem we always said as children when we wanted to go out and play, but couldn't because it was raining too hard will help. I think the poem went something like this:

"Rain, rain go away

come again some other day

little [child puts first name here] wants to play."

That poem didn't help when I said it as a child because it didn't stop the rain anyway. I'm just going to have to deal with the rain on Wednesday. Before I leave my driveway, I'll say a prayer of protection. I'll also plan my route, if I work it right I may be able to get all my business done in one or two locations. I'll do only what is necessary on Wednesday and leave anything else until Thursday or Friday.

I made Jell-O Salad this morning

Jalál (Glory), 5 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Saturday, January 23, 2010 about 9:14 AM Pacific Time

I had two boxes of Jell-O (Strawberry and Black Cherry) and two cans of mixed fruit in the cupboard. I made hot water in the drip coffee maker and then mixed the boxes of Jell-O together. Next I opened both cans of fruit and put them in the dish of Jell-O. I am now waiting for it to set.

I don't think I put too much liquid, but I'm not going to worry about it. When I make this specific salad my problem is not enough liquid. I measure as best I can with the equipment I have. The only measuring instrument I can find is the glass cup that holds four cups.

Medication cost have doubled

Istiqlál (Independence), 4 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Friday, January 22, 2010 about 9:17 AM Pacific Time

It's a New Year and medication cost have double, at least in our house. Mom has two prescriptions waiting at the pharmacy, but we only have enough in the bank accounts for one. I called the pharmacy to inquire about the waiting prescriptions and get the price. Between our two bank accounts there is enough to pay for one prescription.

Today I will go to the pharmacy and get the Galantamine. At this point, that is the most important of the two because she is complete out of those tablets. The other prescription, which is Spironolactone, she has two tablet left. That takes care of Saturday and Sunday, however, since my check does not arrive until Wednesday, there is a problem.

I have some aluminum cans in my trunk I can sell, but that will not bring enough for the prescription. I am putting the situation into God's hands because at this point I cannot find a solution by myself.

Lima Bean soup is on the menu today

Istijlál (Majesty), 3 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Thursday, January 21, 2010 about 8:43 AM Pacific Time

It's rainy and cold. All right, probably not as cold as it feels to me, it's still soup weather. I'm making Lima bean soup so far the recipe is eight cups of water, 1 package frozen Lima beans, three cloves of garlic cut into small pieces and 1 small onion diced. After the Lima beans are done, I'm adding 2 cans of carrots, 1 can of dices tomatoes, and 1 can of sliced potatoes.

I'm doing a lot of cooking from scratch. I know that opening a can of veggies isn't the traditional definition of "scratch cooking", but it's cooking from scratch for me. I use what I have in the house, especially when it's raining because I don't like to drive in the rain like it is this morning.

A Foggy Morning in Las Vegas

‘Idál (Justice), 2 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Wednesday, January 20, 2010 about 9:50 AM Pacific Time

I woke up to fog this morning. We don't get a lot of fog in Las Vegas, but there was predawn fog this morning. When I rolled the trashcan to the curb, I walked through a light fog. The fog wasn't so thick that I couldn't see what I was doing or where I was going. It was enough to conceal the sharp edges of roofs.

It rained last night

Fidál (Grace), 1 Sultán (Sovereignty), 166 BE – Tuesday, January 19, 2010 about 10:41 AM Pacific Time

Last night cold rain fell
and when it touched my bare hands
sent chills up my spine.

I don't enjoy late winter rain because it's so cold. When rain touches my bare hands in wintertime I get chills. There are three more winter storms headed for Las Vegas, which means a week of rain and cold in the valley. The storms will bring snow to the mountains.

I haven't visited the mountains in several years. I probably won't visit them any time soon, especially if it's snowing up there. I don't have chains for my tires and that's what a person needs to drive up to the mountains in winter.

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Kamál (Perfection), 19 Sharaf (Honor), 166 BE – Monday, January 18, 2010 about 7:14 AM Pacific Time

Today is the observance of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Today is a national holiday. On every national holiday the neighbor's on the corner across the street fly the American flag. Normally, I look out my living room window and see the flag waving in their yard. This morning, when I went out to get my newspaper, I saw them put the flag up.

It was an inspiring sight to see my neighbors put their flag up before the left for the day. All day the flag will be their, giving inspiration to anyone walking or driving by the house. All day the American flag will give inspiration to the neighbors, just as Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired a generation of Americans to work for equality.

A Winter Storm Watch in Las Vegas

Jamál (Beauty), 18 Sharaf (Honor), 166 BE – Sunday, January 17, 2010 about 1:41 PM Pacific Time

A winter storm watch in the mountains is forecasts beginning Monday morning and ending Tuesday morning. In addition, the valley will get rain this week. It's the fault of El Nino and the jet stream. I'm looking forward to watching the rain, but I'm not looking forward to driving in the rain.

I have two appointments next week, one is on Wednesday for a heart scan and the other is on Friday for an ultrasound of my left breast. I'm not sure there is anything to worry about in either case, but at my age they are necessary.

At the end of the week in Las Vegas

Jalál (Glory), 17 Sharaf (Honor), 166 BE – Saturday, January 16, 2010 about 1:05 PM Pacific Time

It's the end of the week, there is a cloud cover and I have soup in the slow cooker. I've decided to have leftovers this weekend because I had two bowl in the refrigerator and two in the freezer. I used the leftovers in the fridge to make the soup today. Tomorrow I will use one of the bowls in the freezer for soup.

I'm tired of the clouds. I'm tired of winter. I'm tired of being cold. All right, it isn't as cold in Las Vegas as in some parts of the country, but I'm still cold. I get this feeling every year in mid January and when I feel this way the only thing that warms me up is soup. That's why I'm having soup this weekend.

The soup is good, but it still needs something. I think I'll go to the store this afternoon to buy bread and crackers. I think the crackers are what the soup needs; soup just isn't soup without crackers. This belief comes from my childhood, when my grandmother made soup, she served crackers with the soup.

I have a remote control for my alarm system

Istiqlál (Independence), 16 Sharaf (Honor), 166 BE – Friday, January 15, 2010 about 3:37 PM Pacific Time

The remote arrived yesterday; I called the company today and programmed the remote to my system. I got the remote because it makes it easier to turn the system on when I leave the house. I can use the remote to turn the system on and off from the car or my front stoop. I would encourage anyone who has an alarm system to get a remote control to turn the system on or off when the leaving or returning home.

It's more convenient to turn the system on or off from the car then getting everyone out of the house and then going back in to turn the alarm on. True one pays for convenience, but the cost of the remote is minimal compared to the going back into the house to turn the system on.

2010 the End of a Decade

Istijlál (Majesty), 15 Sharaf (Honor), 166 BE – Thursday, January 14, 2010 about 11:14 AM Pacific Time

The year 2010, is the end of the first decade of the Twenty-First Century. I know this is only January and the year has just begun, but when December rolls around all of us will wonder where the year and the decade went. On December 31, 2010, we will watch the ball descend in Time Square and ask ourselves, what happened to the last ten years.

Another New Year
time is a ball descending
lighting the decade.

So help make this year special. Make 2010 the year you do something for someone else. Give a special gift to your beloved on Valentine's Day (February 14). On the first day of spring, which I believe falls on March 20 this year, plant a tree or do something else the planet. Make 2010 a special year for someone else.

I miss summer

‘Idál (Justice), 14 Sharaf (Honor), 166 BE – Wednesday, January 13, 2010 about 3:44 PM Pacific Time

I miss summertime
the long hot days pass slowly
into the short nights.

The morning was cloudy and this afternoon the clouds have returned. I'm chilly, I can't put on enough cloths to keep me warm. There is no snow in the Las Vegas valley, I don't know about Mount Charleston because I didn't look at the mountain when I rolled my trashcan to the curb this morning.

As I get older
winter temperatures become
colder chillier.

I remember winter in Oklahoma; it didn't seem as cold then. Of course, I was a child and children don't notice the cold as much. Perhaps it's because I'm older that winter temperatures seem colder. I don't think the temperatures here in Las Vegas are colder then they were in Oklahoma, we don't get as much snow in the winter, still I notice the temperature more.

Scheduling a virus check

Jamál (Beauty), 11 Sharaf (Honor), 166 BE – Sunday, January 10, 2010 about 9:25 AM Pacific Time

I scheduled my virus scan to run at 10:00 AM this morning. I figured to get at least two hours of work accomplished before the scan executed. This morning's interruptions prevented accomplishing two hours work. I'm lucky to get an hour of uninterrupted work any more, but there isn't anything I can do about the interruptions. The circumstances are such that they will continue and probably increase.

The virus scan takes about four hours to run. I figured on doing housework while the scan ran and then get back to working online. I will get some housework done, but it won't be uninterrupted and it won't be four hours of housework. I'll accomplish what I can today and tomorrow do some more.

Fortunately, I don't have any appointments this week. I have to pick up some prescriptions for my mother and me. I'll call those prescriptions in today and pick them up tomorrow afternoon. After that, I have to get the car smogged so I can get the tag when my check hits the bank on January 27. The tag is due on the 27th, I hate waiting that long to do it, but I'll be lucky to scrape the money together for a smog check. Life is becoming extremely interesting and I could use a vacation.

Spanish rice is on the menu today

Jalál (Glory), 10 Sharaf (Honor), 166 BE – Saturday, January 09, 2010 about 10:43 AM Pacific Time

Grandma Newland made Spanish rice. Grandma's recipe was a little different then the recipe I use. Grandma made it with rice, ground beef, and tomato sauce. I make my recipe with rice, salsa seasoning, ground beef, and Salsa Verde (green salsa).

I cook the rice first by mixing the salsa seasoning in the water with a little vegetable oil. After the rice is done, then I cook the ground beef. The last thing I do is mix the rice and ground beef together with the Salsa Verde. You let that heat for a few minutes and the Spanish rice is ready to eat.

On a cloudy Friday Afternoon

Istiqlál (Independence), 9 Sharaf (Honor), 166 BE – Friday, January 08, 2010 about 3:50 PM Pacific Time

On a cloudy Friday afternoon in Las Vegas,
I remember watching
Elvis Aaron Presley on the Ed Sullivan Show.

On January 8, 2010
Elvis Presley's 75th birthday,
I remember going to the movies
and watching Elvis perform.

On a cloudy afternoon,
I remember falling in love
with the King,
I remember that every girl I knew
was in love with Elvis,
we were all in love with the King.

Life is interesting. I remember seeing Elvis on T.V. I remember seeing him on the movie screen. I smile at these memories because they are pleasant. I enjoy the memories of Elvis. Now on a cloudy Friday afternoon in Las Vegas, I sit at my computer and remember Elvis Presley.

Midweek sunset in Las Vegas

‘Idál (Justice), 7 Sharaf (Honor), 166 BE – Wednesday, January 06, 2010 about Sunset Pacific Time

I am sitting at my computer looking out my living room window. The setting sun transformed the hazy clouds into pastel fire. The day is ending and the western sky is burning bright with the beauty of evening.

Sunset is a spiritual time of day because it is time to reflect on the days events. It is time to bring myself to account. It is time to answer the hard questions. It is time to take a deep breath and say thank you for getting safely through the day.

Evening's burning joy
remembering some one's smile
whispering thank you.

Today my mother and I picked up four bags of food, two bags for each of us. We brought them home and I helped unpack them. I took out the peanut butter and my mother smiled. Mom likes peanut butter sandwiches. I like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Five days into the New Year of 2010

Fidál (Grace), 6 Sharaf (Honor), 166 BE – Tuesday, January 05, 2010 about 3:30 PM Pacific Time

Five days into twenty-ten and the sun sets a little later each day. In Las Vegas, the temperatures are in the forties and fifties. I have a new electric can opener in the house, so I do not have to use a manual can opener any more. I have a new corded telephone on order and expect it to arrive in ten to fifteen business days.

I went to see the breast specialist yesterday, I am waiting for someone to call me back about an ultrasound appointment. I will wait until tomorrow to call about again about the appointment. In the meantime, I have work here at home to keep my mind occupied. If I keep my mind busy then I do not worry.

My doctor’s appointment is today

Kamál (Perfection), 5 Sharaf (Honor), 166 BE – Monday, January 04, 2010 about 9:21 AM Pacific Time

My appointment with the breast specialist is at 12:30 PM today. I am concerned about the lump in my breast, but I cannot do anything about it until after I see the specialist. The specialist may want more tests or something else done.

Clouds in a blue sky
the sun shines on my garage:
Is the lump benign?

Three Days into 2010

Three days into 2010 and I still haven't decided what to write in the "Dear Me" contest on writing.com. I'm supposed to write a letter to myself about my writing goals for 2010. One of the goals concerns word count, which I'm considering setting at 2,000 words a day. I think that will push me without getting frustrated if I don't make it everyday.

New Year and new goals
2010 and a fresh start
push myself each day

A New Year and a New Decade

Istiqlál (Independence), 2 Sharaf (Honor), 166 BE – Friday, January 01, 2010 about 1:10 PM Pacific Time

It's a New Year and a New Decade, all though I suspect technically the New Decade begins in 2011. However, I'm not going to argue about technicalities because there is enough arguing going on in the world.

A New Year is always filled with potential. New Year's Day is a good day to start resolutions because it gives a person a change for a new beginning. Everyone wants the New Year to be better then the old years, so they make resolutions.

Resolutions are great, but we have to remember that the resolutions are only as good as the effort made to achieve them. Resolutions are just goals stated at the beginning of a New Year. After the goals are stated then the work begins. Making the resolutions, the goals, a reality in one's life takes effort and determination.