Older Folks and Vaping Back Porch - Part 2

[Uncle Willie]

I want to take a minute and say thanks for all of the posts regarding yesterdays playlist Tribute to a few that have left us since 2000 .. to me, anyway, there represents a good portion of the "Songtrack of Our Lives" .. many of us equate a particular song or artist to a time or event we've lived thru .. they say that smell is the strongest sense, when we smell fresh biscuits baking, or an apple pie, or chicken frying, or whatever it is, it can take us back to childhood or to a relationship, and bring up good memories of Family and times gone by .. I believe music has the same power .. songs that helped us get thru a tough time, songs that remind us of a by gone era, songs that we sang along joyously and freely ... it does not matter the genre, it's the connection ..

The Holidays are always a tough time for me for many reasons, so, in advance, I warn you that I don't want to bring a downer on for anyone and I sincerely hope each and every one of you, my friends here, have the best Holiday season you could hope for, and that Santa brings you what you're heart truly desires .. but this may get a little raw, so be warned ..

Yesterday, as I reflected over the "list" I compiled, I began drifting toward my own mortality since, for me anyway, once you reach a certain age, it's not uncommon when prompted by a list of those that have gone before .. My Dad, a robust man all thru his life, would declare "No life support for me, no nursing home, I don't want to exist in a World where I have to have someone else care for me like I was a baby" .. yet, as he began to approach the end, cryed, clung, fought, demanded and insisted on every possible life extending method available .. and, shamefully, I resented him for it long after he passed .. This was not the Father I knew .. I wanted to remember him for what he used to be .. the Man that he was .. I carried that with me and swore I would never, ever, go out that way .. It took me many years to come to grips with this ..

So what's that got to do with music .. ?? My Dad was a closet musician, he strummed an old Gibson F-Hole acoustic and sang in a soft voice, almost seeming to be afraid someone might hear him, even though he was actually pretty good .. but hear him I did, and when I listen now to some of those old songs, especially around the Holiday time, the good memories come back in a flood .. pushing aside that resentment .. after I was grown and on my own, on a rare visit home, he handed me that old Gibson and said "Play me something" .. just him and I in the house, I took it and played a Hank Williams song, "I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry" .. he looked at me and said "You've got the passion and the feeling, son" .. Father and Son Relationships were different back in those days .. more manly, if that makes any sense .. so words of encouragement such as these, at least in my case, were rare ..

I'm rambling here, I know, and I feel a little bit like I really don't have the right to step on all of your Holiday cheer .. but, honestly, that's not what I'm trying to do, at least I hope .. what I am doing is saying, treasure the good, especially this time of year when you make new memories .. encourage those kids and Grandkids to spread their wings and fly in the direction their hearts take them ..

And pardon a Relic from a By Gone Age if this is in any way depressing for you, since it's really not the Relics intent .. and thank all of you for putting up with me for another year ..

 

[Uncle Willie]

 

[Uncle Willie]

To all of you .. and all yet to come .. and those that have come and gone .. Happy Holidays and many More ..

 

[Semiretired]

Willie, you are encroaching on anyone. I would have to say that you are saying what a lot of others are feeling, but just cannot come out in the open with it.

 

[MattB101]

I want to take a minute and say thanks for all of the posts regarding yesterdays playlist Tribute to a few that have left us since 2000 .. to me, anyway, there represents a good portion of the "Songtrack of Our Lives" .. many of us equate a particular song or artist to a time or event we've lived thru .. they say that smell is the strongest sense, when we smell fresh biscuits baking, or an apple pie, or chicken frying, or whatever it is, it can take us back to childhood or to a relationship, and bring up good memories of Family and times gone by .. I believe music has the same power .. songs that helped us get thru a tough time, songs that remind us of a by gone era, songs that we sang along joyously and freely ... it does not matter the genre, it's the connection ..

The Holidays are always a tough time for me for many reasons, so, in advance, I warn you that I don't want to bring a downer on for anyone and I sincerely hope each and every one of you, my friends here, have the best Holiday season you could hope for, and that Santa brings you what you're heart truly desires .. but this may get a little raw, so be warned ..

Yesterday, as I reflected over the "list" I compiled, I began drifting toward my own mortality since, for me anyway, once you reach a certain age, it's not uncommon when prompted by a list of those that have gone before .. My Dad, a robust man all thru his life, would declare "No life support for me, no nursing home, I don't want to exist in a World where I have to have someone else care for me like I was a baby" .. yet, as he began to approach the end, cryed, clung, fought, demanded and insisted on every possible life extending method available .. and, shamefully, I resented him for it long after he passed .. This was not the Father I knew .. I wanted to remember him for what he used to be .. the Man that he was .. I carried that with me and swore I would never, ever, go out that way .. It took me many years to come to grips with this ..

So what's that got to do with music .. ?? My Dad was a closet musician, he strummed an old Gibson F-Hole acoustic and sang in a soft voice, almost seeming to be afraid someone might hear him, even though he was actually pretty good .. but hear him I did, and when I listen now to some of those old songs, especially around the Holiday time, the good memories come back in a flood .. pushing aside that resentment .. after I was grown and on my own, on a rare visit home, he handed me that old Gibson and said "Play me something" .. just him and I in the house, I took it and played a Hank Williams song, "I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry" .. he looked at me and said "You've got the passion and the feeling, son" .. Father and Son Relationships were different back in those days .. more manly, if that makes any sense .. so words of encouragement such as these, at least in my case, were rare ..

I'm rambling here, I know, and I feel a little bit like I really don't have the right to step on all of your Holiday cheer .. but, honestly, that's not what I'm trying to do, at least I hope .. what I am doing is saying, treasure the good, especially this time of year when you make new memories .. encourage those kids and Grandkids to spread their wings and fly in the direction their hearts take them ..

And pardon a Relic from a By Gone Age if this is in any way depressing for you, since it's really not the Relics intent .. and thank all of you for putting up with me for another year ..

You are hardly a relic my friend. Sounds a lot like my dad. He had wanted to join the Navy right before WW2 but, believe it or not, was 20lbs overweight and they wouldn't take him. When I went in it was probably one of the proudest moments of his life. The proudest of mine was the look in his eyes when I made CPO. Those are the times I try to remember and try to push those not so good memories near the end of his life to the background. Not to forget but, not to dwell on them. I loved him very much and I am sure that he loved me.

 

[Iffy]

Willie,

That's some sweet soul speak!

Our melancholy grows as we grow older. We have so many experiences that we can't remember them all, even if we try. But then, maybe a sight, a sound or an aroma will trigger a chain reaction of memories that had long been awaiting for us all the while.

Thank you!

 

[Uncle Willie]

You are hardly a relic my friend. Sounds a lot like my dad. He had wanted to join the Navy right before WW2 but, believe it or not, was 20lbs overweight and they wouldn't take him. When I went in it was probably one of the proudest moments of his life. The proudest of mine was the look in his eyes when I made CPO. Those are the times I try to remember and try to push those not so good memories near the end of his life to the background. Not to forget but, not to dwell on them. I loved him very much and I am sure that he loved me.

Willie,

That's some sweet soul speak!

Our melancholy grows as we grow older. We have so many experiences that we can't remember them all, even if we try. But then, maybe a sight, a sound or an aroma will trigger a chain reaction of memories that had long been awaiting for us all the while.

Thank you!

Johnny, Yes .. it's funny you should say that, since when Matt posted, I suddenly remembered me standing on the tarmac shipping off to 'Nam and my Dad very firmly shaking my hand and offering up a salute .. I had not thought of that in probably 40 or more years ..

 

[mattiem]

I know I don't post often but I wanted to take a moment to say "I love each and every one of y'all". Thank you all for helping to brighten my days with all the love I feel from this wonderful group of caring folks.

We have all lived long enough to see so many changes. Some good. So many, not so good. In the end our memories of both the good and the bad in our life makes us what we are today. If not for an occasional sorrow I don't think we would cherish the joy as much. To me, if the joy outweighs the sorrow then life is good. My life is good.

Wishing you each and every one a Very Merry Christmas
and a Joyful New Year ​

 

[therussellv]

Do not go gentle into that good night
Old age should burn and rage at close of day
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild man who caught and sang the sun in flight
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on that sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

-Dylan Thomas

 

[ncpatches]

Well, took me 15 pages to get caught up. WHEW!

Thank you UW for the notice of Joe Cocker's passing. Always one of my favorites. Saw him in concert in Charleston SC back in the late 70's. Somebody said he looked like he was having a seizure, ain't that the truth!?!? Definitely spasmodic. But a great show!

I managed to get in and out of Walmart ALIVE today! Thankfully, I only had to go to the pharmacy to pick up meds, the place was a madhouse! Picked up everything else I needed at other stores. Got elected to bake pecan and pumpkin pies and make my Jack Daniel's Candied Yams to take to son's house for Christmas, so I know what I'll be doing tomorrow. Good day to cook, supposed to have thunderstorms all day here.

If I'm not back before then, wishing everyone a very, Merry Christmas! Much love to all!

Debbie

 

[misswish1]

I think you have all spoken the words that some of us feel, but can't put together. Thank you for that. I hope you all have and make good memories this Christmas. Love your loved ones, give and receive hugs and kisses and pats on the back. Eat too much. Laugh a lot, maybe cry a little. Come here with your ups and downs and share.

 

[ncpatches]

I think you have all spoken the words that some of us feel, but can't put together. Thank you for that. I hope you all have and make good memories this Christmas. Love your loved ones, give and receive hugs and kisses and pats on the back. Eat too much. Laugh a lot, maybe cry a little. Come here with your ups and downs and share.

Some of us aren't near as eloquent. Agree with Misswish, we've all felt it at some time or another and some of us have a hard time dealing with holidays. Ya'll are the best.

 

[clnire]

Being a newbie here, albeit I fit in with the demographics, I just want to say thank you to a wonderful group of people. Holidays are not always easy, missing loved ones and reminiscing of the past. I see the camaraderie of this group, and the Front Porch; the memories shared, the feelings shared, the raw emotions shared. I have some of my own, but for now I will just say Thank You, and wish you all the Merriest of Christmases and a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year. I will be lurking....

 

[Semiretired]

Thank You, and wish you all the Merriest of Christmases and a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year. I will be lurking....

Now, do not tell me you are going back to lurking - nope not allowed - we like Un-Lurkers and want to keep them that way - especially the ones that know how to join in and you have already show that you know how so you are stuck with us...

 

[DancingHeretik]

Thank you!

I want to take a minute and say thanks for all of the posts regarding yesterdays playlist Tribute to a few that have left us since 2000 .. to me, anyway, there represents a good portion of the "Songtrack of Our Lives" .. many of us equate a particular song or artist to a time or event we've lived thru .. they say that smell is the strongest sense, when we smell fresh biscuits baking, or an apple pie, or chicken frying, or whatever it is, it can take us back to childhood or to a relationship, and bring up good memories of Family and times gone by .. I believe music has the same power .. songs that helped us get thru a tough time, songs that remind us of a by gone era, songs that we sang along joyously and freely ... it does not matter the genre, it's the connection ..

The Holidays are always a tough time for me for many reasons, so, in advance, I warn you that I don't want to bring a downer on for anyone and I sincerely hope each and every one of you, my friends here, have the best Holiday season you could hope for, and that Santa brings you what you're heart truly desires .. but this may get a little raw, so be warned ..

Yesterday, as I reflected over the "list" I compiled, I began drifting toward my own mortality since, for me anyway, once you reach a certain age, it's not uncommon when prompted by a list of those that have gone before .. My Dad, a robust man all thru his life, would declare "No life support for me, no nursing home, I don't want to exist in a World where I have to have someone else care for me like I was a baby" .. yet, as he began to approach the end, cryed, clung, fought, demanded and insisted on every possible life extending method available .. and, shamefully, I resented him for it long after he passed .. This was not the Father I knew .. I wanted to remember him for what he used to be .. the Man that he was .. I carried that with me and swore I would never, ever, go out that way .. It took me many years to come to grips with this ..

So what's that got to do with music .. ?? My Dad was a closet musician, he strummed an old Gibson F-Hole acoustic and sang in a soft voice, almost seeming to be afraid someone might hear him, even though he was actually pretty good .. but hear him I did, and when I listen now to some of those old songs, especially around the Holiday time, the good memories come back in a flood .. pushing aside that resentment .. after I was grown and on my own, on a rare visit home, he handed me that old Gibson and said "Play me something" .. just him and I in the house, I took it and played a Hank Williams song, "I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry" .. he looked at me and said "You've got the passion and the feeling, son" .. Father and Son Relationships were different back in those days .. more manly, if that makes any sense .. so words of encouragement such as these, at least in my case, were rare ..

I'm rambling here, I know, and I feel a little bit like I really don't have the right to step on all of your Holiday cheer .. but, honestly, that's not what I'm trying to do, at least I hope .. what I am doing is saying, treasure the good, especially this time of year when you make new memories .. encourage those kids and Grandkids to spread their wings and fly in the direction their hearts take them ..

And pardon a Relic from a By Gone Age if this is in any way depressing for you, since it's really not the Relics intent .. and thank all of you for putting up with me for another year ..

Willie, you are encroaching on anyone. I would have to say that you are saying what a lot of others are feeling, but just cannot come out in the open with it.

Or, simply don't have the words to express.

You made me cry, both with the music and with the words. And, that's a good thing. I rarely cry in sadness (not unless it's extreme). I most often cry when something touches my heart in a good way. Like coming across an old LP and touching it. The sweet memories come flooding back. Or watching tv and seeing when they surprise families with a surprise Xmas visit from their fathers/husbands coming home from the war.

And, it always sneaks up on me. I never expect to cry about happy things. I should know better by now! Being caught off guard just makes it hit harder, in a very good way. Beauty, love, joy, inspiration . . . those are the things that make me cry.

One reason I don't talk religion to people is that I love to ask them about what they believe, about what inpires them. To see the best of what they believe in and ignore any difference, to see the goodness in their hearts.

I really needed the reminder to focus on the good memories of my mother, father, and grandmother. Thank you for that.

I managed to get in and out of Walmart ALIVE today!

If I'm not back before then, wishing everyone a very, Merry Christmas! Much love to all!

Debbie

I lucked out last night. After work, I called my daughter to see if she wanted me to pick anything up while I was at the store. By the time she answered, I had talked myself out of going (as usual). Luckily she was at the store! So, instead she picked up the few things I needed. Yes!

This is going to be a very quiet Christmas for me. My daughter may be home with me, not sure yet. But, no kids. They're with their dad for Xmas this year. So, very quiet. Lots of time to think and reminisce.

 

[tater66]

well I just have to say (because I'm feeling pretty full of myself) I finished Christmas shopping and DIDN'T SET FOOT IN A STORE!!

not a big deal for some, but as I get older I have less and less tolerance for crowds and stupidity (which seem to go hand in hand). So, this is a big deal for me ;-)

Seriously, I'm glad to have stumbled upon such a great group of folks!

God Bless

 

[ncpatches]

well I just have to say (because I'm feeling pretty full of myself) I finished Christmas shopping and DIDN'T SET FOOT IN A STORE!!

not a big deal for some, but as I get older I have less and less tolerance for crowds and stupidity (which seem to go hand in hand). So, this is a big deal for me ;-)

Seriously, I'm glad to have stumbled upon such a great group of folks!

God Bless

I was done Christmas shopping a month ago. Son called me Friday, telling me what he wanted me to bring/make for Christmas dinner, which is the only reason I went out. That and had to get prescription refills.
I can so relate! I have no patience any more it seems. I'm so glad I no longer work retail! Not working the last 2 Black Fridays, didn't hurt my feelings at all!

OH! I got my vapeversary present to myself, today! My new black Vamo and tank came and it looks great with the porcelain black and white Panda Bear drip tip I'd been saving for just the right rig. I'm a happy vaper!

It also helps that I've been back on the Prozac for a couple weeks now, takes that long to kick in for me. Been off for a good year, handling it on my own. But lately, I just wasn't able to kick it and decided I would rather take the Prozac than spend days in bed crying. Don't know why I keep trying to NOT take it, I take other stuff that I will be on the rest of my life, but with an antidepressant, I just keep hoping I can deal. I guess I need to come to terms with the fact that it may also be a maintenance med, like the other medications I'm on for diabetes, Graves, osteoporosis, etc. Maybe I see it as weakness instead of illness. Who knows? Nonetheless, I'm starting to feel better.

 

[Janet H]

Almost forgot - less than 39 hours till old Nick's visit - hope everyone is ready...

Today we went to Babies R Us to buy a Christmas outfit for Miles. We actually found a little elf one which is perfect because he looks just like a little elf, especially when his eyes are open. How did our kids survive without all that safety equipment? Did you know you can’t put the baby to bed with anything at all in the crib? No blankets, no bumpers, no toys - nothing. And today you have to put the baby in a carseat that costs several hundred dollars and face the kid backwards so you can’t see it while you’re driving. Oh, I forgot, you can install a mirror on the back seat so you can see the kid in your rear view mirror. AND you have to wake the baby up every 2 hours to feed it. Mike and I are going to be watching Miles 2 days a week so we have to make an appointment to get booster shots… I think my head is going to explode. But first I’m going to do all of the above because it’s what his parents want. I’m very excited because they’re coming here for Christmas dinner after all. Thought Mike and I were going to spend the day alone.

I love the Acura commercial with the little widget in the box that pops out and builds into a car when placed in the driveway. "... and that's how Santa get it into his sleigh, son." Really cool animation. As a graphic designer I appreciate good artwork when I see it. Doree gripes when I admire commercials, she thinks watching them is a huge waste of time. I, on the other hand, appreciate the talent and work that goes into them.

I critique the commercials too! Started doing it when the kids were little to make them think about what they were watching and enjoyed deciding how effective they were. I like that one too Matt. Kind of goes along with me telling the kids that they couldn't have EVERYTHING they wanted for Christmas because we had to pay Santa for the toys. He can't make all that stuff for all the kids in the world for free you know...

 

[3mg Meniere]

I take other stuff that I will be on the rest of my life, but with an antidepressant, I just keep hoping I can deal. I guess I need to come to terms with the fact that it may also be a maintenance med, like the other medications I'm on for diabetes, Graves, osteoporosis, etc. Maybe I see it as weakness instead of illness. Who knows? Nonetheless, I'm starting to feel better.

I have been told that I will need to be on antidepressants for the rest of my life, due to chronically stressful situations, and one really nasty antidepressant that I should have been taken off of. I am OK with that. Physical illness is a contributor to depression, and to consider physical illness without examining emotional reaction should be considered malpractice.

 

[DancingHeretik]

well I just have to say (because I'm feeling pretty full of myself) I finished Christmas shopping and DIDN'T SET FOOT IN A STORE!!

not a big deal for some, but as I get older I have less and less tolerance for crowds and stupidity (which seem to go hand in hand). So, this is a big deal for me ;-)

Seriously, I'm glad to have stumbled upon such a great group of folks!

God Bless

I'm impressed! No stores? That's wonderful!

I have been known to just leave my basket wherever it happens to sit and walk right out of a store, more than once. Crowds p*** me off!

And, I absolutely agree about this great group of folks! I've been on all the Old Folks threads. But, it took me a very long time to consider myself truly part of the group. (I'm a tad shy and tend to make the worst assumptions of what people think of me or my posts.) But, here I am, among family!

OH! I got my vapeversary present to myself, today! My new black Vamo and tank came and it looks great with the porcelain black and white Panda Bear drip tip I'd been saving for just the right rig. I'm a happy vaper!

Very nice! Congratulations!

It also helps that I've been back on the Prozac for a couple weeks now, takes that long to kick in for me. Been off for a good year, handling it on my own. But lately, I just wasn't able to kick it and decided I would rather take the Prozac than spend days in bed crying. Don't know why I keep trying to NOT take it, I take other stuff that I will be on the rest of my life, but with an antidepressant, I just keep hoping I can deal. I guess I need to come to terms with the fact that it may also be a maintenance med, like the other medications I'm on for diabetes, Graves, osteoporosis, etc. Maybe I see it as weakness instead of illness. Who knows? Nonetheless, I'm starting to feel better.

You're not alone. A lot of us insist on trying positive thinking type stuff and are determined that it's just the way we think. But, it really seems to be more about chemistry than anything else. Negative thoughts alone don't have as much impact unless the chemistry magnifies it (or even causes it). Even something as simple as lack of sleep can warp the way I think and feel.