That's my Grandma Esther Lochridge talking to me and Grandma Madge Eskelson next to Paul at our wedding in 1978. I loved them both very much (see previous post: Brain Power).
Sunday, January 3, 2010
My beloved Grandmothers
That's my Grandma Esther Lochridge talking to me and Grandma Madge Eskelson next to Paul at our wedding in 1978. I loved them both very much (see previous post: Brain Power).
Brain power
My daughter tells me my granddaughter spent the last couple of days with her OTHER grandparents. I gotta say I didn't care for that. Jealous? Yep. Selfish? Sure. But I think it needs to be said and even examined - for the sake of increasing my brain power.
I just read in the New York Times that our middle age brains are still developing, still building new pathways. Yay!! Recent research has come up with an odd finding, one I'm not sure I completely understand (URL to article attached). As I understand it, the idea is to build on existing pathways - not so much a renovation of pathways, but rather an addition to long-lost or forgotten pathways. Stuff you've forgotten can be accessed and even enhanced by challenging your assumptions, something called disorienting dilemma. Learning something new. Examples given: understand multiple views/perspectives, learn a new language, take a different route to work. Stop being a creature of habit - unless you're happy with a weakling brain.
Ok. Challenging assumptions. I should be happy that my granddaughter has multiple grandparents. Hmmm. I understand that grandchildren are different than children. I didn't have to share my children, but I have to share my grandchildren. My kids didn't have grandparents in their daily lives. My granddaughter lives within an hour of both sets of grandparents. Holidays have to be shared with both sets of grandparents. That's a foreign notion. Maybe I could exert my great influence and power - demand that my granddaughter be allowed only to visit me. That might not go over very well.
When I was a child, I had a good relationship with both my grandmothers. Not so much my grandfathers. My maternal grandfather died when I was about 8. I don't remember him other than when he was sick at our house, my mom made him bread soaked in warm milk, served in a bowl. My paternal grandfather was likely too busy a lot of the time to pay much attention to me. That's my assumption that I won't challenge today.
My grandma Esther Lochridge was a wonderful woman, really. Pastor's wife. She lived for her husband, Frank, and her two sons, my father Frank Jr. and uncle John, who recently died. I spent a lot of time with my Grandma L. A couple of times, I got to stay a whole 2 weeks, just me, with my grandparents. Grandma L's sister lived in the same town - Mitchell, SD - so I also got a lot of attention from Aunt Cloe as well. They made me feel special. We did a lot of every day stuff: breakfast, wash dishes, make beds, lunch, wash dishes, cook dinner, wash dishes. I don't remember TV there. I had a friend in the neighborhood and was allowed to play at her house. Of course there was church on Sunday. My grandmother was very particular about the way she kept her house. That's for sure. A place for everything and everything in its place. I loved her very much.
My grandma Madge Eskelson seemed to be the polar opposite of Grandma L. Grandma E was a teacher, married to a teacher. My grandfather also was superintendent of schools in a small South Dakota town. After WWII, he and my grandmother moved the family (including my namesake Aunt Mary) to Pierre where my grandfather spent 16 years at the then Department of Rehabilitation, the agency formed to assist soldiers. My grandparents were staunch Republicans. I know this because my Grandma E actually hit me when I told her I had registered Democrat. It hurt her more than me. My Grandma E was smart. She tutored kids in reading when she was in her 90s! She also was funny. The picture that comes to mind when I think of her is her laughing. I thought she was fun. I loved her very much.
In my office, I keep a treasured picture of my grandmothers together, cooking at my childhood house on that rare Thanksgiving we all were together.
So, what assumption am I challenging today, what's my disorienting dilemma? Sharing my granddaughter. I don't want to, but I guess as I think about it and recall my own two beloved grandmothers, it's the way it's supposed to be. For all of us.
Hey. Maybe this brain workout really does work. I challenged an assumption, visited old pathways and learned something new. I actually feel better about sharing my granddaughter. Not completely. But better. That's progress.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/03/education/edlife/03adult-t.html?em
I just read in the New York Times that our middle age brains are still developing, still building new pathways. Yay!! Recent research has come up with an odd finding, one I'm not sure I completely understand (URL to article attached). As I understand it, the idea is to build on existing pathways - not so much a renovation of pathways, but rather an addition to long-lost or forgotten pathways. Stuff you've forgotten can be accessed and even enhanced by challenging your assumptions, something called disorienting dilemma. Learning something new. Examples given: understand multiple views/perspectives, learn a new language, take a different route to work. Stop being a creature of habit - unless you're happy with a weakling brain.
Ok. Challenging assumptions. I should be happy that my granddaughter has multiple grandparents. Hmmm. I understand that grandchildren are different than children. I didn't have to share my children, but I have to share my grandchildren. My kids didn't have grandparents in their daily lives. My granddaughter lives within an hour of both sets of grandparents. Holidays have to be shared with both sets of grandparents. That's a foreign notion. Maybe I could exert my great influence and power - demand that my granddaughter be allowed only to visit me. That might not go over very well.
When I was a child, I had a good relationship with both my grandmothers. Not so much my grandfathers. My maternal grandfather died when I was about 8. I don't remember him other than when he was sick at our house, my mom made him bread soaked in warm milk, served in a bowl. My paternal grandfather was likely too busy a lot of the time to pay much attention to me. That's my assumption that I won't challenge today.
My grandma Esther Lochridge was a wonderful woman, really. Pastor's wife. She lived for her husband, Frank, and her two sons, my father Frank Jr. and uncle John, who recently died. I spent a lot of time with my Grandma L. A couple of times, I got to stay a whole 2 weeks, just me, with my grandparents. Grandma L's sister lived in the same town - Mitchell, SD - so I also got a lot of attention from Aunt Cloe as well. They made me feel special. We did a lot of every day stuff: breakfast, wash dishes, make beds, lunch, wash dishes, cook dinner, wash dishes. I don't remember TV there. I had a friend in the neighborhood and was allowed to play at her house. Of course there was church on Sunday. My grandmother was very particular about the way she kept her house. That's for sure. A place for everything and everything in its place. I loved her very much.
My grandma Madge Eskelson seemed to be the polar opposite of Grandma L. Grandma E was a teacher, married to a teacher. My grandfather also was superintendent of schools in a small South Dakota town. After WWII, he and my grandmother moved the family (including my namesake Aunt Mary) to Pierre where my grandfather spent 16 years at the then Department of Rehabilitation, the agency formed to assist soldiers. My grandparents were staunch Republicans. I know this because my Grandma E actually hit me when I told her I had registered Democrat. It hurt her more than me. My Grandma E was smart. She tutored kids in reading when she was in her 90s! She also was funny. The picture that comes to mind when I think of her is her laughing. I thought she was fun. I loved her very much.
In my office, I keep a treasured picture of my grandmothers together, cooking at my childhood house on that rare Thanksgiving we all were together.
So, what assumption am I challenging today, what's my disorienting dilemma? Sharing my granddaughter. I don't want to, but I guess as I think about it and recall my own two beloved grandmothers, it's the way it's supposed to be. For all of us.
Hey. Maybe this brain workout really does work. I challenged an assumption, visited old pathways and learned something new. I actually feel better about sharing my granddaughter. Not completely. But better. That's progress.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/03/education/edlife/03adult-t.html?em
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
We'll take it!
It's Christmas Eve Eve, 7 a.m. and the temp is 62. Just a few minutes ago it was pitch dark. Now the shape of trees and houses is emerging as the sun begins to rise. Baxter is snoring. Lucky her. I was awakened at 6 by Princess barking, then heard the source: knocking at the front door. I immediately knew it was John's lost luggage. Yay! Even at 6 in the morning, we'll take it!
John's long lost luggage has been stranded in Philadelphia for 2 days. Better the luggage than John. It's a Christmas miracle that it found it's way home. I secretly believed no way was John seeing the suitcase again. Me, of little faith. Even though I wasn't ready to get up, it's a good way to start the day.
Did I mention the temp is 62? Awesome! It is predicted to get into the 70s. But this is the last day of warm weather before the cold. We'll take that too!
Mary
John's long lost luggage has been stranded in Philadelphia for 2 days. Better the luggage than John. It's a Christmas miracle that it found it's way home. I secretly believed no way was John seeing the suitcase again. Me, of little faith. Even though I wasn't ready to get up, it's a good way to start the day.
Did I mention the temp is 62? Awesome! It is predicted to get into the 70s. But this is the last day of warm weather before the cold. We'll take that too!
Mary
Monday, December 21, 2009
O Snap
I totally forgot about this picture taken at the state fair. We were supposed to use it for the annual holiday card. Too late. Yesterday I finished all the cards, which include a picture of Addison with Santa... she is sound asleep. It's adorable. Just not as funny as this one.Survivor ended last night. We all were disappointed, especially my son-in-law Jack. He has a new idol named Russell. His idol did not win. We all were Russell fans. Natalie won instead. I can live with that because Russell came on a little strong at the end, and I think if we've learned anything from Survivor, as soon as you declare yourself the winner before the game is over, it's usually over for YOU. That happened to Russell. But, the good news is he will be back for the next edition of Survivor: Villains vs. Heroes. The 20th season. And we're still there watching. It's truly our Ed Sullivan Show. Survivor: A Rilly Big SSHHow! You have to be 50 to understand that reference.
Mary
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Happy Birthday John
Our youngest is 24 years old today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN!!
Did you know we brought you home on Christmas Eve? I remember dinner with Julie Gehm that evening. Am I making this up? Julie, I just had a flashback being at your house that Christmas 24 years ago. Help me if you are reading this.
Anyway, John, you were loved from the first. I know we kid that you were an accident (which is true), but you were and are always, always loved.
Mum
Real men get pedicures
Yesterday Paul and I got pedicures. It was not Paul's first... it was his second. Paul is not Metro sexual. He's all man. A real man. He joins more and more males getting nail treatments, hands and feet. I hold these men in high regard for their obvious healthy sense of self. They ignore those who say it's a sissy, girlie thing to do, this lovely ritual that women discovered years ago. One website, in fact, puts the practice at 4,000 years old.
From Wikipedia:
The word pedicure comes from the Latin words pedis, which means of the foot, and cura, which means care. It also means the care of the feet and toenails. A pedicure can help prevent nail diseases and nail disorders. Pedicures are not just limited to nails; usually dead skin cells on the bottom of feet are rubbed off using a rough stone called a pumice stone. Additionally, leg care below the knee became a common and now expected service included in pedicures.
See, it's good for you. It can prevent disease. It's also fun to be pampered and even more fun to do it with your partner. Sexy even. Side-by-side soaking our dirty feet in hot water, surrendering to the deep rubbing of the massage chair... (hee,hee. sorry kids).
My father, too, has gotten a pedicure in recent years. He loved it. No one can say he's not a real man. He fought in WWII with distinction, he was inducted into his college Sports Hall of Fame after lettering in FOUR sports, he produced 5 sons, he can fix anything that breaks and he has built tons and tons of stuff with his own hands. No one would ever mistake him for a sissy. Not Frank Lochridge.
And not Paul Stickney.
Mary
P.S. Above is photo of my foot taken a few months ago. It's not Paul's. He doesn't get polish. I guess you might say real men don't get toe polish, but I could be dissuaded on that...
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