Quitting Smoking

"I'm Quitting!" he announced triumphantly at the VA cessation class. 
Cheers from the audience. "I've got it all figured out."

I was overjoyed. What a relief to not smell smoke on our clothes, in the house, vehicles and on his breath.

Highlights of his experiment:

I cooked liver and onions, rice and gravy.
"You cooked too many onions."

"The chocolate milk doesn't taste as good as the other brand."

"Are you taking your meds?"
"These sweet potatoes need more juice."

"When you make tea, shake it up!

"These blueberry muffins aren't as good as the other store's."

"These peaches don't taste as good as the first ones."
Grrr! I'm married to a food critic!!! It was the fourth can. Which one was first? 

"Hospital food doesn't taste good."
"Of course not. They don't want you to stay."
A fish-eyed scowl.

"Shouldn't the meatloaf have ketchup on it?"
Apparently, every woman in the world got the perfect meatloaf recipe except me. Where was I that day?

Lentil soup with fresh veggies: "I'm not eating anymore of your psychedelic vegetables! What's the matter with purple hulled peas? Don't you want to learn to cook them? It can't be that hard." 

After the 6th month, he went back to smoking a pack a day. The food critic is gone. I suspect he can't taste anything again, but I'm not complaining.


2018 ©Red Convertible Travel Series

💗 Living Sympathy, Compassion and Kindness = Divine Love in action 💗

As we were leaving the Memphis, VA yesterday, we met a woman standing and smiling. She said she is a volunteer who welcomes veterans, thanks them for their service and tells them something that might make them feel better. God Bless her! 💓

Not long ago, I met a woman at the end of a grocery aisle. I smiled. She projected hate. We met again at the corner of another aisle. I smiled. She maintained hate. The third time we met, I smiled and so did she. 💝

Coming from the Midwest, I had no background/understanding of racism. I can't do it. Hate is debilitating, a waste of God given energy. It can make the sender physically ill. We, the people, are not that different. We all want to be loved and accepted just the way we are. Living sympathy, compassion and kindness soothes, heals and connects us. Want to do something good?  💞 Love a hater. 💟 It just might open their heart, too.

©2017 Red Convertible Travel Series

A Light-Hearted Moment at The Memphis, TN VA

In spite of complaints about the VA, Johnny and I have none. For many years, VAs across the country have been there for him. Without them, he'd have died long ago. We appreciate the staff and tell them so. They're surprised, "Nobody tells us." Some are moved to tears and mile-wide smiles. Hugs are appreciated.

My heart goes out to all who've served our country. So many have experienced war's worst. The best gift I can give them is time and attention. For a simple "Thank you." some smile, some nod, and some frown, as if to say, "Is she for real?" I recently visited with three over 90 WWII Veterans. Their minds were sharp, and their skin was smooth. They loved sharing their stories.

The Memphis VA is undergoing renovation. At a recent appointment, we had a lot of walking to do. We copped a light-weight, red wheelchair with small wheels and no restraints on the passenger. Pressing the bar to the top back allows the chair to glide. To my amazement, navigating Johnny's 170 lbs. was effortless. Release the bar and the chair stops on the spot.

We were doing well, until I had to navigate down a slight incline. All of a sudden, a huge Veteran was walking in step with 5'5" me. I thanked him for his service, looked over my shoulder, thanked the taller one behind him and those further back. I was struggling a little holding back the chair. The big soldier spoke softly, "I could be first."
"Not if I let go."

Microsoft photo
©2017 Red Convertible Travel Series

Memphis, TN VA

When the "Greetings" letter came, the recipient was expected to comply.
Did the VA take care of us after the stint of duty?
Yes, they did.
Recently, our family needed help at the Memphis, TN VA.
We were skeptical. And pleasantly surprised. They were efficient, organized, thorough, helpful, no matter what our need.
When appointments were lined up for two days, we were given a room in their Hoptel within the facility.
Our experience couldn't have been better.
Thank you Memphis, TN VA.

If you have had positive experience with a VA, please tell them.

©2014 Red Convertible Travel Series

Elvis, John Lennon and Ihop

When we were in Memphis last week, we drove past Elvis' home. His yard had multiple scenes from the Nativity, but he was no where to be found. Someone said he was probably in the bathroom.

Across the street an outdoor board quoted John Lenon: Before Elvis there was nothing.

I had a craving for an Ihop omelet full of veggies and cheese. We haven't been in a while and were surprised we could buy one and get one free. Yum! And I had crepes with Lingonberries. My Swedish ancestors would be happy. We called in and praised our server and the food.

Fast forward to late that night. John came upon a hungry, homeless Vietnam Vet in the smoking room. He started to give him his meal ticket when he remembered the omelet. Thank you Ihop. You  blessed two families. Now that's a fine way to "pay it ahead."

2014 Red Convertible Travel Series