Panda Picks-Seniors Work on the Net!

We seniors, altho still learning so many skills , are not idiots when it comes to all this new technology. We are just on the learning curve. So let’s learn a new tech  word to defend ourselves.

When you seek support and you have it explained to you that it was an ID-10-T issue be aware that you are being snurkered.  So wise up and read that code again. .. IDIOT.

Remind the technologist that you were wise enough to choose them as the source of professional help and congratulate them that they still have employment.  Without wise people like us who seek their assistance they would be unemployed.

Another bit of advise.  When told to “click on any key“, be aware that there is no  key on your keyboard labeled “Any Key”.  They are telling you to choose a  key and click on it.  There now you won’t hear “took care of that Id-10-T issue”.

Seniors like to reminisce about past experiences in our lives.  We like to look at old pictures, brochures, letters and postcards which remind us of vacations. 

Inauguration Day 2009 was a special day of remembering and reflecting on a most wonderful experience I had in  Washington D.C. May 2007.  I spent 3 weeks in D C as a volunteer at a guest house  as a volunteer doing cooking, gardening and cleaning. This had it benefits as visiting the nations capitol for a couple of days as a tourist would be quite expensive let alone staying for 3 weeks.  Each day, after finishing tasks, I loaded up my fanny pack with water, camera,  cell phone, sunglasses,  business card of  the house (served as my ID), a  D C map as well as some quick snacks. Putting on my best walking shoes I took off on daily adventures as a tourist.

For 69 cents I could buy a ticket to use anytime during my excursion including the return trip.  So for that small price I could travel to  the government buildings, zoo, museums, mall, and monuments usually walking upon bus arrival in the mall/ capitol area.   Because of the extended time in Washington D.C. I was able to spend lengthy times at any point of interest even returning to the same locations  more than once to soak in more information.  I could sit and walk  in  gardens with no concern for time.  The volunteer position included room and board as well as providing companion volunteers who knew of great places not to be missed.  Several times, I even went with house guests adding to the camaraderie. At evening tea time we shared our adventures so I kept finding more places to visit.

The volunteer experience was great because I could be a tourist with or without companions, and  people  at the guest house to report to if I had  problems.  Expense wise, this was a life saver.  I could never have afforded 3 weeks in Washington and take note, visitors can visit most places of interest for free which is great for retirees. 

Tues. Jan 22, 2009, Inauguration Day  was a day of reflection for me as  watched the proceedings on T.V. I remembered warm late afternoons and early evenings walking along Pennsylania Ave in D. C.  I was  able to recognize the buildings and understood the turns the parade was taking.  I remembered sitting on benches to rest and reflecting on all the presidents that had traveled down that road.  The capitol dome was ever present in view as I walked up and down this most famous Ave.  Of course being a baby boomer I envisioned the tradegies played out on Pennsylvia Ave where mourners gathered to say a final farewell. I could enjoy the  slim crowd of weary tourists as the day was coming to an end. 

I could have turned off the heat yesterday, put on my winter coat, opened the doors and windows to  feel like I was there to witness this part of this  historic day.   Perhaps I will return to Washington some day and now add a new memory of Pennsylvania Ave.  Yes, I wish I had been there but I think I saw more in the comfort of my living room.   

Now Pesident Obama asks us to get involved.  Perhaps I will find somewhere interesting to give of my time whether here at home or by traveling to another location.  It might be an obcure place or it could be a place like Washing D.C.  where I can re-live memories for days and years to come.

Panda picked reminiscing about volunteer experiences to remind us that we create valuable memories while doing service to mankind.  As Obama said “….there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task”. 

We baby boomers have as retirees, time to give, talents to share, memories to make.  Where would you like to serve? What part can you play in the call to serve our nation and its people as a volunteer?

Panda Lady

We seniors find e-mails to be the easiest and most fun part of being on line and using the internet. We send notes to each other like pen pals including those famous Soccer Mom humorous and inspirational e-mails. We soon learned not to open “attachments” to protect our PC. Those typing skills we learned in high school on clunky typewriters were put to use in a way we never dreamed they would be used. The keys had different names than we were used to but we soon learned how to use them; enter, alt. esc. control etc. We had to learn them while my grandchildren used all the buttons with ease and they haven’t even sat through high school typing class. Best of all was the way one could correct, move ahead, erase, cut and paste and no restrictions on how many copies we could send. Wow multiple e-mails could be sent and no carbon paper needed. And need I mention spell check.

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We had to learn a new vocabulary: spam, e-mail, files. signature lines, etc. We built our e-mail list and made files. Not easy tasks but we so enjoyed the new communication system that we typed away, forwarded e-mails, and collected addresses. The computer became a prominent fixture as we used it like the telephone, receiving and answering messages. It was like a super toy allowing us to talk to grandchildren in far off towns, connecting us to people across the world we had never met. Sending and receiving humors u-tubes made us the masters of humor to enlighten each others lives.

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Sun. Jan. 11, 2009 an interesting story appeared in my local hometown newspaper, The Lima News. A story printed there shared how local resident, Marilyn Williams used e-mail to collaborate in the writing of a book.. She told how her mother had dreamed of being a published author but it never happened.  Barbara Bailey Caspersen, Marilyn’s sister took the idea and joined forces with her sister to create a book “No Time for Tears” (The story of Anna). Barbara felt she was being helped along by her mother, but needed some assistance from her sister..

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Of course the two ladies could talk on the phone and at times met to discuss the script.  With Williams in Lima, Ohio and sister Barbara Bailey Caspersen of Hamilton Ontario, Canada discussions could take place but it was the opportunity to send e-mails where they could share ideas on the script that allowed for instant feedback on the project.. It took two years to finish.  The option of using e-mails was a solution that worked out so well that another book “Moving Mountains” has been completed and Williams thinks it will be available by June.

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From our 50th high school reunion this past summer, the class of ’58 connected in this unique manner. During those 50 years we only met in person 3 times and rarely communicated with our fellow classmates. Now, just for fun, we can chat about the old days and brag about happenings in our lives. We can inform each other of crises and share prayers of concern.  E-mail gave us this opportunity to connect and become re-acquainted.
Panda Picked e-mails as one of the neat reasons we seniors like to be on-line.  Ideas are shared as when we wrote letters but the instant feedback allows for a flow of communications in such a way that we can carry on a conversation. E-mails add to our lives because they are fun and informative, and ever so easy to add to our daily routine when we master their use.
How do you use e-mails?

Panda Lady

Panda Lady

We Seniors like to  catch up with the late night humor by going on  line.  This humor is important to us as we know that humor helps us deal with what we find hopeless.

 

 

5. Charge daily rent on ALL unoccupied seats in the the House of Reps. and Senate.

6. Americans should buy only American made Pork Barrels

Note: Chinese made Pork Barrels do not exist at Walmart

7. Sell land and all rights to the Berring Strait Bridge/Tunnel to the Russians.                                               After all they gave us a good deal when we bought Alaska from them.

We should insist that there be a McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Texas Roadhouse  on the Alaskan side.

Panda Lady

 

 

 

Now that Thanksgiving, Christmas,  and New Year’s Day aka “The Holidays” have passed we seniors need to consider the cost as it pertains to how much stuff did we bring into the house.  Now please understand I am trying to keep a sense of humor and do not wish to offend people who have a serious disorder as it relates to hoarding, being a pack rat, or being a messy person.  It just came to my mind that “The Holidays” are just perfect for hoarders.

I would certainly be in error if I didn’t point out that we have lots of bows and wrapping paper to add to our collection hidden somewhere.  Until we find that box, the new bows and wrappings can put in another box.

Best of all the holidays mean we can indulge in all the foods and drinks of the season.  Woopee, more snacking to feed our depression as we look at the overwhelming mess accumulating. All those t.v. shows and magazine featurers of skinny people having a great party only make us want to eat some more as we drownd in the clutter.

Just when you thought I was finished, I think it wise to point out that the neighbors have thrown out some mighty fine things.  They can be fixed and certainly someone can use them.  And wow, just look at the cardboard boxes at the curb side.  They would be great for packing and storing all the great stuff just added to our household.

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Panda picked the subject of hoaders at the holidays because it ALL seems to get out of hand during “The Holidays”. ……Not enough time, obligations we can’t keep, too many activities, too much expense and most of all just too much with which to deal.  Again I hope my light hearted attitude toward the subject has not offended.  Panda Lady just wants you to know you are not alone and there is a solution. 

For more understanding on disposaphobia visit Mayo Clinic site.  The subject of hoarders came to me after reading an article in the newspaper about hoarders being put on probation.  Yes, the problem is a danger to their safety.  I recently came across a book “It’s all Too Much” by Peter Walsh  star of TLC series “Clean Sweep” and began reading to help me understand the article.  Everyone can find a little of themselves in the book and hopefully we never get to the level of the pictures listed in the opening paragraph.

Panda Lady

Resources by Marla Cilley, The fly lady and Pam Young

Age is an issue of mind over matter.  If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. 

                                                                                    ~Mark Twain

What is your impression of this quote?  It seems those who age with grace and style are those who follow Mark Twain’s advice.  Enjoy this season of your life.

Panda picked this quote to remind us to not dwell on what we no longer have but appreciate what we have to enjoy in our senior years.

Panda Lady

So here are two snacks to solve that desire for a “little” bit of chocolate. The cake was sent to me  as an e-mail, the other I found when I searched for a good fugde receipe on line. Now I can limit the servings but wow I can have them made in minutes.

                                   F u d g e  for  O n e 

In a 1 Qt. measuring cup/ or a bowl mix together:

1/3 c. sugar,   1 heaping T. Cocoa,  1T. plus 2t. milk  Microwave for 1 min.  Stir down  the sides and microwave for 40 sec. more. Watch as it will bubble quite high.

Add 1 scant T. butter, and 1/2 t. vanilla.  I added a heaping spoonful of peanut butter. Beat til thick. This really is not for one person, so be prepared to share some of your fudge.

+ + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

                       C h o c o l a t e   C a k e   aka (5min. choc. cake)

Butter the inside of large coffee mug.  Stir together:  4 T. flour, 4 T. white sugar, 2 T. cocoa.

Stir together:  1 egg, 3 T. milk, 3 T. oil,  Stir liquids into the flour mixture til smooth. Add 3 T. choc chips (optional) and a splash of vanilla.

Microwave 3 min.  Don’t panic the cake rises above the top of the mug.  ( I had to add a few more  sec. til done on top).  Tip out on a plate.  I cut in half to make 2 servings, as it really is  cake for two. Some frosting or whip cream  makes a perfect snack or dessert.

Panda Picked these two chocolate recipes to satisfy our love of chocolate while making the servings small for one or two.  Cooking for One can be fun and challenging.  Cooking for Two can be creative and healthy. Cooking the amount you need takes planning.

Panda Lady

I have fond memoiries of singing Christmas Carols in church as a child and throughout all my adult life. I remember Christmas caroling through the years, and listening to Christmas Eve services from Kings College, UK via  the radio.  So let’s have a little fun and see if you can name these Christmas Carols.

1.  ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQURSTU

2.  On my list, I only desire my foremost dual incisors

3.  The smog less witching hour has arrived

4.  Exuberating to this orb

5.  288 Yuletide hours

6.  Sir Lancelot with laryngitis

7.  Leave and do an elevated broadcast

8.  That small hamlet south of the Holy City

9.  Listen, the winged heavenly messengers are proclaiming tunefully

10.  Mom’s mother was the victim of a “hit-and-run” by Santa’s sleigh

11.  I spied my maternal parent face-against-face with Father Christmas

12.  Whose offspring

–author unknown                                                       

Did we stump you?   Here’s the answers

1.  The first Noel (no ‘L’)

2.  All I want for Christmas is My 2 Front Teeth

3.  It came Upon a Midnight Clear

4.  Joy to the World

5.  The Twelve Days of Christmas

6.  Silent Night

7.  Go Tell It on the Mountain

8.  O Little Town of Blethlehem

9.  Hark The Herald Angels Sing

10.  Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer

11.  I  Saw Mama Kissin’ Santa Claus

12.  What Child is This?

Panda picked this opportunity to have a little fun and test your memory of Christmas Carols. If you need Carols for any occassion, just consult Amazon for assistance.

Mary Hofstetter AKA The Panda Lady

Get Out of My Way

 We seniors might enjoy shopping but Black Friday is NOT the day to be walking through the malls for exercise.  I for one never wanted to battle the bargain hunters.  Even the parking lot is cause for concern as the shoppers get in a hurry and bang into cars, leave the carts sitting where I can hit them.  So here’s a great solution, just go on line.  We seniors know how to use our computers to our advantage.  We can do comparison shopping, yell at the dog, cut up our cards when we hit the limit and keep our car from getting dings in the mall shopping lot.

So Panda Lady says:  ”Don’t spend Black Friday jostling for bargains and parking spots. Instead, visit Amazon.com for Black Friday specials and great deals all week long from the convenience (and comfort) of your keyboard. Visit every day as new bargains will be posted now, YES NOW through  Dec. 4.Make yourself a cup of coffee, park here, and have a happy carefree shopping day. 

Mary Hofstetter AKA The Panda Lady

A Panda goes out to eat at the neighborhood eatery. He orders his meal and patiently waits.After he completes his delicious meal, he jumps up and pulls out a gun.  He proceeds to tear up the establishment by shooting up the wall fixtures.

As he left, the owner said “What are you doing tearing up my restaurant”.        

“It’s only natural ” replied the panda, “I am a Giant Panda who eats, shoots and leaves” 

Panda Picked this joke to make you laugh.  Laughter is good medicine.

Mary Hofstetter AKA The Panda Lady