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This and That

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by

Margaret

Yesterday was John’s last day of volunteer work doing taxes and in spite of all the calendars he keeps on his phone and iPad, he showed up an hour earlier than he was supposed to. I only have a paper calendar (The Alaska Mountain Men “The odds are good, but the goods are odd”) which I look at most days. I admit that I also set up reminders on Alexa sometimes but as a general rule, I depend most on the calendar right in front of me on the refrigerator. While he was waiting though, John did some of his ChatGPT tomfoolery with photos of himself and of me. I’m torn because he has such fun with it, yet I’m not a fan of AI. I am a fan of John, however!

Screenshot

Chat GPT gave me the face from my 40s, thicker and longer hair (my Facebook profile picture) and perfect teeth. I had to mention to John that I’d taken that photo right after a haircut and style; it never (or rarely) looked as good afterward. I remember fighting constantly with the layers, using my curling iron as a straightener. I’ve learned over the years that my hair does whatever it wants and it’s the boss of me. I let it have its way these days which means a shorter and easier style!

Here’s another view of some tulips as well as my lilies coming up, the Stargazer to the far right. Due to rain and colder weather, the tulips aren’t blooming as fast as I would prefer!

Every spring my Japanese lace leaf maple looks like a dead stick, then in the next moment, it’s starting to leaf out. I’m trying to figure out what to plant in this new flower bed. It needs color, doesn’t it?

My little Ian is a happy guy and incredibly cute, in this grandma’s opinion. If you need cheering up, just watch this a few thousand times like I have. 🙂

Do you know what this is? I’ll give you a few clues: I’ve renewed my passport (expires in March 2027), I’ve checked on cat condos at my vet, I’ve looked at flights and a hotel for one night, and I’ve had several conversations with a potential travel partner who has, after reflection and some agonizing, said yes.

Being women of a certain age, we’ll load up on travel insurance since good health or family situations can change in an instant as both of us know too well.

But our plans for now include a trip to Ireland in August!

Comments

44 responses to “This and That”

  1. Pipe Tobacco Avatar
    Pipe Tobacco

    Yeah! I am glad you chose to go on the trip! I think it will be wonderful for you!!!!!

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I still have reservations but then, why wouldn’t I? It’s a big trip and decision. My major sticking point was, if my friend couldn’t go with me, would I be willing to go alone? I would need to think hard about that scenario. I reminded myself of this: If not now, when? Will there be a better/perfect time? I’m getting older and with that often comes mobility and health issues.

      Reply
  2. Doug M Avatar
    Doug M

    That’s such a nice photo of you at the top, I’d let AI do whatever it wanted if it could do the real me instead of an image! Maybe someday… :^) Margaret, that video of Ian is about the sweetest thing I’ve seen this week. I loved his laugh! And holy smokes, that’s wonderful news about this August! Keeping my fingers crossed everything works out but you’ve always had good luck with your travels, so I’m excited for you guys!

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I had decided several days ago to take the trip, but my friend needed a while to decide, talk to her partner and think about it. I went to Scotland by myself on a Rick Steves tour and although I loved the country and the tour, I sometimes felt like a 5th wheel. Most of the people were in couples. Some were friendlier than others, but they didn’t always want me tagging along–which I completely understood. It made for some lonely times though. Don’t you just LOVE Ian’s giggle? Makes me so happy.

      Reply
    2. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      Don’t forget that AI made me look quite glamorous and 30 years younger. Not really how I look now! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    Margaret, what an amazing photo of you. You are beautiful and so photogenic.
    I am glad that you decided to go on the trip. I wish you all the best.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      Thanks, Linda but that’s definitely a glamorized and artificially (AI) generated image of me. It does resemble me somewhat although it’s not realistic for a nearly 70 year old–LOL. I’m still nervous about details which isn’t stopping me from moving ahead.

      Reply
  4. Maureen Avatar
    Maureen

    For some reason I see yellows and reds in the bed with your Japanese maple. I’m glad you are going to Ireland! I was thinking the same thing – if not now, when will be better? Thanks for the adorable clip of baby laughter – nothing quite as nice as that!

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I think something dramatic in color to go with that lace leaf maple? I tend toward oranges, purples and multi-colored flowers so we’ll see what strikes my fancy in a month or so. It feels terrifying yet also great to have made a decision and to be able to make plans. Flights though, ugh. There’s a non-stop from Seattle to Dublin but not to Shannon. We’ll have to stop in Heathrow.

      Reply
  5. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    I am happy for you and your plan to go to Ireland. August should be great weather for this trip.
    Ian is a very happy baby and his laugh and giggle is infectious. I watched the video a few times and laughed along with him. So cute.
    Plantings with your Japanese lace leaf maple should be dwarf. If you choose an Asian theme, a couple dwarf, low growing shrubs would be nice along with a stone pagoda. The lace leaf maple should be the centerpiece and everything else complements the tree.
    The nice thing about dwarf shrubs is that they hug the ground and prevent weeds. You can also add some well-placed flowers among the shrubs.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I’m glad that Ireland isn’t a hot place because that would be miserable. We’re not used to high temperatures here! I’ll take a couple jackets and a variety of shirts plus a couple coordinating pants. Shoes are always tricky! I definitely need low-lying plants because that lace leaf maple has been trimmed a lot. It’s usually MUCH bigger. I’m thinking of annuals for the time being. I can experiment with colors and distribution without being tied down to anything permanent.

      Reply
  6. JT Twissel Avatar
    JT Twissel

    Bravo! I hate making decisions but it feels so good once I’ve decided. Flower bed looks fine as it is but then I like minimal!

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I will undoubtedly put some annuals in there but will take time to figure out what kind of permanent plants I might want. The issue is that I don’t keep that lace leaf maple as trimmed as that most of the time. It grows fast! I’m relatively happy with my decision although now all the planning and true commitment start–like plane tickets. Eek!

      Reply
  7. Pixie Avatar
    Pixie

    I am so jealous. I hope you have a wonderful time in Ireland!

    That lace leaf maple is so beautiful. Sadly I can’t grow one here, but I can admire yours.

    As I type, it’s snowing. Sigh.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I’m not allowing myself to get too excited yet since it doesn’t feel real.😳 August is a long ways away. It’s been snowing here too, or at least a wintry mix. Hail and mixed rain and some snow even. Merry Christmas? 🎄

      Reply
      1. Pixie Avatar
        Pixie

        I forgot to tell you how much I like your hairstyle in that first photo.

      2. Margaret Avatar
        Margaret

        Well, it was similar to my actual haircut at the time, but heavily AIed. John used my Facebook profile picture which, as you can see. isn’t quite the same. 🙂

  8. AC Avatar
    AC

    I wonder if calendars are a male/female thing. My calendar is Google, but Sue’s is paper.

    Is the ‘our’ for Ireland for and John or your daughters? Or should I mmob?

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I’m a very visual person and for whatever reason, phones and computers are not quite visual enough for me. My daughters asked John to accompany me on the Ireland trip first, but he didn’t want to go. It’s not his kind of travel. So, I’m going with a close friend.

      Reply
  9. Jay Avatar
    Jay

    Ian – thank you for sharing his laughter.
    Ireland – yeah
    Planting – I initially pictured some small green shrubs with dainty flowers towards the back, and flowers front. I do like the idea of annuals but also like the idea of not replanting every year. Given my recent luck with bulbs I would be planting every year anyway.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I like the idea of some permanent anchor plants and then adding a few annuals. But that lace leaf maple gets BIG when it’s not trimmed. I couldn’t get him to giggle that much when I saw him yesterday although I did get a few chuckles. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Wakinguponthewrongsideof Avatar
    Wakinguponthewrongsideof

    I’m about to renew my passport which also expires March 2027

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I’ve read that some countries are leery of letting people in if their passports expire within 6 months and mine would be close. It was easy to renew it on-line and it’s arriving in a couple weeks. My new passport photo is hideous, of course. When I smile without teeth, I look devious!

      Reply
      1. Wakinguponthewrongsideof Avatar
        Wakinguponthewrongsideof

        yes. my daughter’s friend was denied entry into london even though she had six months left

    2. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      Wow, I’m glad to know that! I can only imagine paying thousands of dollars for a trip and then not being allowed in the country. 😫

      Reply
      1. Wakinguponthewrongsideof Avatar
        Wakinguponthewrongsideof

        I know

  11. Betty Renfroe Avatar
    Betty Renfroe

    The baby is a perfect joy.

    Ireland will be an adventure.

    I feel like you about ai. A little leery of the entire thing. I have enough sense not to put my face on Jesus.

    I envious of all your hair. I’m getting bald in front. 👎

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      He is a sweet baby although still a terrible sleeper! I’m hoping that the Ireland plans and trip go smoothly. I’m very leery of AI although John enjoys playing around with it. My hair is thick but not like that AI photo.

      Reply
  12. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    Bravo! I’m glad you’re going!

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      It feels overwhelming right now but I’ll manage. 😳

      Reply
  13. Ed Avatar
    Ed

    I think I was 16 when I finally convinced my mom to let me go to a hair dresser in town to cut my hair short, like 1/2″ at most everywhere. When I got home, my mom said well for that amount of money, I can do that and she did. Then I went through a period of years where I did it myself with using a wall mirror and a handheld mirror in the hand not holding the clippers. For the last quarter century my wife has done it. There isn’t as much of it anymore but it will likely never grow out again as long as I’m on this side of ground level.

    We have it easy compared to women in this department because nobody really judges my hair, at least verbally to my face.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      My balding brother shaves his head and feels good about having no hair. I like having thick hair; it distracts from my wrinkles. LOL I think we women are our own harshest critics. I’ve had people compliment my hair when I thought it looked like absolute crap!

      Reply
  14. Marie Avatar
    Marie

    That’s an adorable video. I’m glad you’re going to Ireland! That must be a power adaptor. Your new borders on your garden areas is really nice.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I keep re-watching the video and smile along with him every time. Yes, it’s an adaptor although not a converter. Most electrical gadgets now can adapt to the different current but the plugs in various countries are very different. I’m a little worried about my ancient curling iron though. Thank you, I like my new flower beds too although I’ll be spending lots of time keeping them weeded.

      Reply
  15. Luftmentsch Avatar
    Luftmentsch

    Hooray for the Ireland trip!

    My hair is just frizz, and vaguely feminine (or Jewfro).

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I’m alternately excited and overwhelmed. I don’t believe in bucket lists, but if I did, a trip to Ireland would be at the top. I’m not very Irish, much more Scottish, but I’m still very interested in the country. My hair frizzes terribly in the rain, especially my bangs. (fringe?) I think it’s because I have some natural curl/wave to my hair.

      Reply
  16. Matt Shifley Avatar
    Matt Shifley

    I am so thrilled to hear the news about Ireland! That ‘If not now, when?’ mindset is exactly the right way to look at it. Having a travel partner makes all the difference, especially when you want to avoid that ‘fifth wheel’ feeling. It sounds like a dream trip! Also, that Ian giggle is infectious—definitely the best way to start a Wednesday. Can’t wait to hear more about your travel prep!

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      It’s very exciting yet now I feel like I need to make flight arrangements ASAP and that’s a lot of commitment. But I suspect that plane fares are going to go up rather than down. Baby giggles are infectious, aren’t they?

      Reply
  17. ceci Avatar
    ceci

    How about lavender, purple and a sharp yellow green for under your red maple? Trying to remember the little ground cover I have that is the perfect chartreuse color, it will no doubt come to me at midnight.

    The grand baby pictures are so cheering, thank you.

    Ceci

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I do love all purples, especially the dark
      ones. Babies are so irresistible!

      Reply
  18. Anne Bennett Avatar
    Anne Bennett

    Your new beds look fantastic. I meant to tell you when I was at your house last month. I like fiddling around with photoshop tools, too.

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      Thanks, Anne! I won’t have them planted by our next Book Club meeting because I usually wait until early to mid May. Especially now– since it snowed and hailed yesterday! 😳

      Reply
  19. J Avatar
    J

    Oh, I’m so glad that you’ll be going to Ireland with your friend! That sounds AMAZING. So much better to go with someone who wants to go rather than someone who doesn’t. That’s how I got to go to France in 2022…my cousin really wanted to go, her partner did not, so I went. It was a GREAT trip, we called it our No Regrets Tour. That’s not a copywrite, if you want to use it. 😉

    I am on a board for a small foundation, and I completely forgot our meeting on Monday. I didn’t put it on ANY of my calendars. Not my paper one on the fridge, not my paper one at my desk, not my outlook for work, not my phone. So it’s no shock that I forgot. The president of the board texted me in the morning, checking that I was OK. Oops! And I’m the secretary, I was supposed to be taking minutes!

    Reply
    1. Margaret Avatar
      Margaret

      I’m happy to but nervous. I haven’t traveled abroad since 2019. I’m feeling much older and a bit less capable! Although it would have been great to have John along, I don’t think he would have enjoyed himself out of his comfort zone. So, it’s best to have a friend along who does enjoy traveling and different places and cultures. I’ve forgotten a couple coffee dates because I haven’t looked at my calendar like I should have or didn’t know what day/date it was. It’s an issue with us retirees! 🙂

      Reply

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