Lavender Memories

Lavender, I chase the fields.  I'd be happy to lay down on my final day and leave the earth right in the middle of a lavender field.  That seems so poetic, and better than other ways to go.  There is not much that is more perfect to me (besides people)......than precious lavender -- well sea turtles.
I need to find more fields in my travels.  When I made it to the premier fields in Provence it was so moving.  I had to stand there and say to myself, "I'm really here."  I do have occasions when the realization that I am some place where I had only dreamed about just can overwhelm me.  (Eiffel Tower, snorkeling with sea turtles first time, 


My first discovery of lavender was in 1980 in Black Mountain, North Carolina.  I was spending 7 weeks in that area and went into a little gift shop.  They had a cute purple bottle from France that I opened and it was lavender.  That was love.  I bought it and when it was gone I searched to see where I could get it and it was not made anymore.  From that time on I've always had lavender scent and wear it almost daily.  I do find that the scents are very different and out of 10 bottles I will only like one.  I'm picky about it, must smell so real.  It is an odd scent too, sort of medicinal and not all people enjoy it.  I also love to eat lavender cookies and lavender ice cream is out of this world delish.

Beautiful flowers and colors, do you know there are over 450 varities of lavender.  Surprising.  Here is a nice site about lavender if you want more info:  https://www.uslavender.org

I wish everyone overwhelming experiences that take your breath away, something you can savor and keep in your heart throughout your life.  I'd love you to comment on your special places or memories if you care to.

Hope you enjoy my fields and memories.  

Emmet, Idaho 7/2010

My friend Cathy and I drove out to Emmet to see the small lavender farm.  It was very pretty and always a nice drive into the country.  City famous for its Cherry Fesitval.

Cathy among the lavender and bees.

Drying lavender

John and I made a trip over to Sequim, Washington from Idaho in 2010 for the Lavender Festival.  Met up with my dear friend, Colleen, and spent a wonderful day together visiting several lavender farms, eating lavender ice cream and drinking lavender lemonade.

Colleen and I met in 7th grade and were best friends through life. 

 I lost my dear friend to cancer in 2016.

Keeping busy best I can 7/16/2020

I guess in so many ways I'm really lucky. I have friends who are so organized that they are having a hard time finding something to fix, organize or work on. I can safely say that I'm prepared for this to continue for quite a long time and I might still have stuff to do. Wish I could get up every day and attack projects, but then again then maybe I'd run out. So I am safe for quite a while.

I tried to take a little walk today. Sun block, sunglasses, big hat, sunproof shirt.............and I think I may have walked about 15 minutes. It was around 95F and humidity was 50%. May have to go walk in the indoor mall.

Spanish is almost over, so glad I took it since I had time and it has kept me occupied. I wasn't going to take Spanish II, but considering I learned what I did in 10 weeks, the next semester will be the same amount of work, but in 16 weeks. So I should do fine. I can't believe I'm going to move to Spanish II. Probably still could not carry on a decent conversation for more than a minute, but it just takes time.

Slowly getting my pictures and things up on the walls in my front room/office. A bit more to go but it is nice to see progress.

Glad this month is half way over. I don't like July. Most medical emergencies for John were in July and he passed away in July..............so go away.

Doesn't look like Covid-19 is lessening, actually increasing here in Florida and we have some full hospitals. Makes me wonder when we can travel again. Oh well, can't rush it. As my dear friend Cheryl says, "It is what it is" and my motto of "patience is a virtue" is running thin. I personally know of three people who have gotten sick, but none of the three required hospitalization -- just long recovery periods. I'm so glad they got through it OK.

I guess that's about it from me. I've got so much to look forward to so I'm staying positive. Hugs to you all out there. I know we all could use some real ones, but guess virtual ones will have to suffice. I'll never take a hug for granted again.

Had this for 5 years, finally got it hung up.

6 month process to get this hung up.

Got this hung up. I think I love maps.

Take care out there.....................

Semi Isolation Continues 6/2/2020

6/2/ - 6/18/2020

Interesting watching the country of Colombia since I had signed up for their Embassy alerts when I was going to travel there in March. So glad I didn't go. Folks 70 and above can barely get out. The government is guarding them like jewels which is good.

America is having riots and looting in places due to a questionable death of an Black* man in Minneapolis. There is extra emotion due to people having been locked up because of the virus so anything can cause flareups..........and I think this is the beginning. I am anticipating a "long, hot, summer". I hope I'm wrong. I lived in LA when we had the Watts Riots and we had the National Guard walking around my city (1965) and saw them with their rifles. What a weird feeling that was.

President Trump (6/1/2020):

In a Rose Garden address, President Donald Trump issued an order to mobilize all military resources "effective immediately" to break up any riots stemming from protests over the death of George Floyd.

Trump threatened governors with military intervention if they do not take his "strongly recommended" advice to deploy National Guard troops to "dominate the streets."

La loca vida.................here's Colombia

Location: Colombia

Event: Expected Demonstration at the U.S. Embassy

The U.S. Embassy has received reports of a planned demonstration tomorrow at 3 p.m. in front of the U.S. Embassy. Colombian National Police expect 50-100 demonstrators for a “Platon Por La Vida, La Paz, y Contra La Guerra” (Protest for Life, Peace, and Against War).

The Embassy will continue to review the protest and provide updates as necessary.

Ebola raising its head in Africa in the Congo.

Seems like everything is hitting at once, everywhere.

Cities are opening up more and loosening tight controls regarding isolation. Asking for "social distancing" and .... asking people to please wear a mask if you want.  (I cannot and will not forgive Trump for not wearing a mask)  So time will tell if this works well. My friend sent me a great article about "fatigue" with people tiring of masks and control. Some people don't think this is real, I do. I won't be at my state capitol with my gun.

Since I started this (6/2/20 and today is 6/13/20) looks like lots of looting in Manhattan with the rioters hitting all the high end areas, and I mean high end stores. Hope the owners had all the diamonds and good stuff out and had anticipated this. I think protests are fine, but not violence and looting, burning.

Anyway, I'm into my own world now. I'm working on my Spanish 3 hours a day. I figured I had time so why waste it. Meeting friends for occasional walks, park visits Zoom calls that are so fun. I've held a few Zoom Trivia Games with friends and Whine & Wine. Just trying to keep life entertaining and interesting. I am also on a very, very strict eating plan and have lost 10 pounds....that's the 10 I gained since the virus. So back to square one. So far I've been perfecto and hope to continue for several months without losing my mind and going crazy with some ______________ that I am dreaming about. My goal when I lose is to try to not go crazy but to continue eating healthy. The goal is health. I'm sure I will have an occasional croissant (I can be sure of this). But hopefully I can keep my weight down once I go to all the hard work to lose it. Time will tell. I've lost hundreds of pounds over the years just to gain them back. Let's hope I'm a little smarter now.

Largo Preserve - 10 minutes from my house

June 17, 2020

So that is the end of this saga. I'm hoping things will simmer down, that people will come to the table and talk over issues, find solutions. I hope protests got the attention of our leaders and changes can be made seriously so everyone has fair opportunities, treatment. I could go on and on, but not going to do it. Most of us know what is right and that is what we should do. I'm a huge fan of the Golden Rule and if we could live by that it would be a super great world.

So as we move forth we hope for better days, more love and kindness and solving problems through peaceful methods.

And on a positive note, I've survived this time because of my wonderful friends. Being able to meet while distancing. Parks, visits, crafts, walking and being out in nature. Florida is nature in your own backyard and there is always something to do. I have sure saved a ton of money by not eating out in restaurants, and I'm healthier too.

Looking to our future, new adventures and friends. I just hope I've learned to take the pace a little slower. We'll see, there is no guarantee.

Honeymoon Island

Osprey Trail June 3, 2020

Sue and I spent several days during this

time doing crafts, a real life saver. So much fun.

And the good saying from the 60's, I get by with a little help from my friends. They have been crucial during this. Thanks to all of you who met up, walked with me or took me for a walk, Zoomed, FB'd, What's Upped, called, sent a card. A hard world with no hugs, but I made it. I'm going to be a hug-a-holic when this is over.

..........and I leave with "why can't we all just get along" and one more favorite:

This jumps around but I guess life has been that way so I'm not going to fix all this...................

*African American/Black, people are divided on which is appropriate. I choose to use Black. This can be decided or some grammatical rule made some day I hope. Even had to look up whether to capitalize "B" or not - consensus is yes.

This Crazy World - Virus Time 5/10/2020 Opinion

Seems like the world is now a bit crazier than usual and I'm feeling a bit discouraged.  I'd like to leave and find a perfect place somewhere, but I don't think there is one.  This isolation (thank goodness not total) is harder than I would have imagined.

The political divisions that were bad before are now amplified ten fold.  It is disgusting, just disgusting.  There is barely  respect toward people on opposing sides.  There are conspiracy theories, no real news but the right or left slants (more than vague slants) and opinions as opposed to news.  Theories that are so questionable that I can't believe people can even contemplate them.  

Knowledge about the virus.  I'm afraid they are going to come up with some questionable vaccine.  Something needed now, but I worry about looking back in ten years and saying, Oops, we just didn't know it would have that effect.  Seems everyone is an expert but no one knows anything.  Lots of people who don't think it is serious and take it lightly.  Now, some say let's open up and others want to stay locked in due to fear.   

I can't believe that a security guard, father of six children, was shot to death, over a face mask.  We're seeing so much civil unrest, distrust of the government and "people standing their ground toting their guns on the front steps of state capitals.  I'm a gun owner and have a concealed weapons permit, but I think to do protesting packing your guns is wrong to the core and certainly gives the Brady bunch "ammo." Ridiculous and so dangerous.

Who's in charge, the President, the governors, anyone? This whole thing has been poorly handled and just that in itself is scary.  Seems people who disagree with the official line are fired, many are dying from the virus (medical personnel who had no appropriate PPE)  and then of course there are the doctors in Russia who somehow are mysteriously "falling out of windows" when they have something anti-establishment to say.  Blatant!!!!!!!

How could we possibly have our medical people (any/all) working without proper protection?

How could we possibly have have ANY grocery clerks, who make lower wages, risk their lives so that we could have food in our shopping carts and having been without any protection for so long!!!!!!!!  These folks came in each day and risked their lives  I just could not understand that for over a month I went into my store and they had no masks, gloves, or shield.  This is really front line to me and they had taken no oath.  Be sure and thank them.  I've told them they are heroes which is what I believe.  

Too much TV.  I have never in my life watched so much TV, too much TV.  I ask myself can I watch another show?  Yes, some stupid shows, some good series and some documentaries.  Actually, I am greatful to have this for entertainment.  I just watched a documentary about Human Trafficking that really got me so worked up, it always does.  How can this world have people who can traffic young people, young children, for sex.  How can this be a world where we traffic people for sex, domestic labor, factory and restaurant labor.  

Money and power.  It is said that love of money is the root of all evil. All wrongdoing can be traced to an excessive attachment to material wealth. This saying comes from the writings of the Apostle Paul. It is sometimes shortened to “Money is the root of all evil.”  Not even looking at this as a Biblical saying, but as a human feeling, what happens to people to cause them to use and exploit others.

I'm disheartened, sad, disgusted.  I wish i could pick up the world and shake it.  I want us to be kind, thoughtful, care about others.  The Golden Rule literally could work and without any other laws on the books if we could apply this.  It is so simple:  "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  It is simple and if we could live by this all laws would truly not be necessary.  We would be kind, trust others, deal fairly, do the right thing.  But when greed, power and the need to be in charge steps in, along with gross amounts of money that can be made, the Golden Rule just won't work.

Mostly at this moment I'm sad.  Discouraged.  I don't know if it is good to feel this way once in awhile, but it doesn't feel good.  Man's inhumanity to man.

I  suppose I could go on and list every ailment and problem we face, but I guess in the end we can only deal with so much.  We can't help everyone, solve every problem.

One ailment to add is the effect that drugs have had on this country and many others.  We all learn that drugs are bad -- right?  We all learned this through parents, schools and saw many movies that never show drugs as glamorous.  How in the world can peer pressure or escapism cause us to play around with these potent killers.  So many kids in foster care due to the drug epidemic and we can only hope they can make it without too many scars.  Grandparents by the millions raising their grandchildren because the parents are unfit.  Recent statistics show there are approximately 3 Million grandparents in this position.

The long term effects of drug use, socially, monetarily and criminally are taking a massive toll.  It isn't just today and how we are dealing with it, but our future generations.  At times this does seem hopeless.  I supposed if there is a demand it will be fulfilled. How can we need this relief from drugs when we do have more than most people would have ever imagined.  Drugs are in every nook, not just the poor and downtrodden, but in all classes and professions. 

Abuse, prisons bursting at the seams (and drugs in the prisons!!!!), gangs who kids turn too to get a feeling of support and belonging, bullying, health issues such as obesity, sugar diabetes, homelessness.  The list goes on and on.  Wish there were easy answers to all of this.

I will turn 70 tomorrow and it is interesting looking back over my life.  I've seen many changes -- great ones, and many horrible ones.  I hope that I have done some good and I've done some bad.  I want to spend the rest of my time trying to understand what I can do for good.  I used to joke with John and say "If I was Queen of the World" I would.......and we'd laugh.  I could share some of my most radical ideas with him and luckily he agreed.  It would be a big job that's for sure.

So I suppose we all take our little parts, each day we choose what we will do, how we will do it.  I think that if you can't do good by taking an action, volunteering, giving, really helping in some way, that people can at least be kind.  As I always say, it doesn't cost you one single penny.  A kind word in this chaotic world can make a real difference in someone's life.  A smile, a compliment, free, easy.  Care about your fellow human being.

In sum, I want to say writing this all down has made me feel better but that would not be the truth.  I actually feel worse as my mind goes to all the problems, and this list is limited.  Will the world become a better place, and I am talking about the world not just America.  We must consider the world, just like the virus did, a global pandemic.  Can you even imagine it?  I want to see a kindness pandemic.

The Earth was able to enjoy our global lockdown.  Animals came back to areas, both land and ocean, they hadn't been in a long time, the Earth took a breathe and it was nice to see a photo of Los Angeles that you could clearly see without the layer of smog.

I used to work in downtown Los Angeles.  Just a few

weeks made this difference, amazing.  Driving into L.A.

from Las Vegas from the mountains I felt zone where

SCUBA gear was needed.  This is so amazing to see.

Didn't "sum" above, but I will here.  I hope we can come out of this realizing how much we need people, how much we missed people, touch and hugs.  I sure missed hugs.  Work to heal Mother Earth.  Please do what you can and be nice.  Don't litter.  Find something you care about and try to make this a better place to live.

Sunrise - Paris

Sunset - Nantes

and between the two I will be nice.


Being nice is as cheap as breathing...........
             Gena Cameron

Here's a cute song:  Be Nice:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3oZQw1f7TY