New Page-----New day

It's Never Too Late
leona uchitelle

Three, two, One

Oy vey. After seven months of planning and one day to go, I have a zillion things to do. The first thing is a visit to the dermatologist to remove Bob's stitches. He wants to float in the Dead Sea and stitches might not be the best thing at that time. Ouch. Then my dryer is acting up. In fact I wish it would act up instead of acting dead. That's a service call, I hope, and not a new appliance call. Then my living room looks like a doggie day school. Cricket doesn't play, but Kookie, our house guest does. In the collection of strewn toys is a few of our socks and yesterday I found a pair of my intimate garments in his nest. Dogs do this.

But I am so ready. So ready that I got ahead of myself and tried to get my boarding passes. My neighbor reminded me that it wasn't 24 hours yet. 

I feel the calling to be in Israel. I still don't know why.Maybe when I am there, walking where our history is, I will understand .There is a certain energy, a feeling that I experience just standing in the Ben Gurion airport. I think everyone feels it. The ground sends up vibes that you have to respect. It'll be good.It's never too late to get in the zone. I can feel it taking over.

It's never Too Late
leona uchitelle

Two days to go

Count down.Two days to go. I am collecting all of the papers that I think I will need. I have everything except my birth certificate and marriage license. I could take these, but I thought that was over kill. I have the names of Israeli  friends and family members of people I know . We are already booked for two Friday night dinners. I have to wear a skirt and Bob a kipah.Now I am wondering how we get back home. Do they expect us to walk. Can we be allowed to make a call to a taxi. Does a taxi even run on Shabbat. Then, I am still wrangling with which coat to bring.Do I want to bring a coat. Will a sweater and a fleece jacket work. Should Bob bring his Chicago jacket or will his Florida jacket be enough. I've checked out how to get our boarding passes and just where everything is in the Terminal. I am also prepared for the security questioning. I hope they don't single out Bob. Do I take the batteries out of my camera ? So much to think about and only two days to think in. What was I doing the months preceeding this count down. It's never too late to ask myself this question. Somebody will know the answer.

It's Never Too Late
leona uchitelle

The excitement is taking over

I just checked the weather in Jerusalem. This is important because I don't want to be left packing a winter coat if I don't need it. Looks like I don't need it. I am finished packing. Now to check on Bob's suitcase. I think that I will split up our clothes. Some of his in mine and the other way around. Then if one suitcase gets lost, we both will at least have underwear. I just got an email about a Super Ball Party that we can go to the first night we get to Jerusalem. It starts at 9 PM.If we aren't wiped out, it sounds like fun. As soon as I figure out who is playing, I'll know who to cheer for. I usually follow these games, but I seem to be distracted this year. WE did go to the book store yesterday and get Bob the largest paper back book that met his requirements. He cheated and started reading it last night. I bought a paperback cook book. I need it. THe kitchen in Jerusalem is dairy. I needed a veggie CB. Right ? I think I have thought of everything. From antacids to umbrellas. It's never too late to go over my list one more time. I am getting so excited.3 days and counting !

It's Never Too Late
leona uchitelle

Memories and family

I don't think that I am a morbid person, but I think about my late sister quite often. Especially as this adventurious trip is only days away. I just have her pop into my head . I would like to call her and just chat for a while. I wonder if our memories would be the same. Especially after a week end with Bob's three sibs and their spouses, I wonder if our memories would be the same. Bob's sibs aren't. Their place in the family heirarchy changes how they experienced the same event. Sitting around the table this week end,you heard each's interpretation of the same family event. But I am free to make up my own stories because I have no one to challenge what I think I lived. I always told people that I was at my parents wedding. This embarrassed my Mother.I had just heard the story so often,that I really felt that I was there. I wasn't. We were a small ,not close family.I'd like to remake us.My parents would be perfect, my sister and I close growing up ,instead of having this age related difference that changed when we were married and had children. I can still do this. There is no body to correct my memories. It's never too late to reinvent my life. I can smooth out all of the bumps. But I am who I am because of the bumps, so I'll keep the real memories.They weren't so bad.

It's Never Too Late
leona uchitelle

Out of my control

I don't think it is insomonia, but nervous anticipation, but I got up at 1:30 last night. My thoughts were: am I crazy to be flying 10 hours to Jerusalem with someone who is over 85, has had a heart attack, by-pass surgery,a stroke and has stitches yet to be removed from a melanoma. Am I nuts to be spending all of this money when our assets are where they are. How do I change the sheets and leave our condo in spotless condition when we leave for the airport, when I don't think I have time for a full load of laundry to dry, fold and put away. And where to go for lunch today with our last guest.Thank goodness I don't have to worry about important things when I can't manage the most basic thoughts that kept me up. Now that it is almost day light, my questions didn't get resolved, but 1. we are going and will have a great adventure. 2. Yes, it is a lot of money, but so what. 3. Just put the sheets in the clothes hamper. 4. How hard is it to find a place to eat in Venice. Not that hard. 5. Get over it and plan to take a nap this afternoon.

I feel better all ready. It's never too late to ask questions because what is, is and if it is not, I can't do anything about it. 

It's Never Too Late
leona uchitelle

How much in American dollars ?

OMG. ! Six more days until we leave.What have I forgotten to do ? I re emailed our driver and landlord. The driver replied that he hadn't forgetten that he is meeting us at the airport. He also said that we can pay in US dollars or NIS. That's new Israeli sheckels. I may need a new wallet ,so that the money fits. The size is slightly larger than our bills. I'll work on that after I get there. It'll give me a purpose to shop at the Mamilla Mall. That is a new mall that has high end stores.A little like Sarasota's University mall. I haven't yet been to this one either. Its on my "to do list".Its a little ironic that I will go to a shopping mall thousands of miles away from my home before I get to the one that is 20 miles away. I am waiting for the snow birds to leave. Probably my new neighbors in Israel are saying the same thing about me. One thing that I am reminding myself of, is that I will be a tourist, and I need to not act like a jerk when things are different. I'm at the mercy of everyone who can help me translate currency. It's been my practice to just hold out a handful of bills and say"help me". So far ,that's worked.It's never too late to keep doing this.People seem to want to help a little old lady. It makes them feel good. I like to make people feel good.

It's Never Too Late
leona uchitelle

Reading

I am reading a few books at a time. I decided that I needed to read more than cook books.This is my way of doing this. I also thought that this would be a good time to learn more about Judaism, so I asked our Rabbi for a list of beginner books. He recommended one of the Idiot books. I didn't think too much of the idea, but I downloaded it onto my Kindle. I'm surprised. It is interesting, well written, not too intellectual and it holds my interest. I was such a snob. Then I started an other book that has the longest sentences that I have ever read. It is by Amos Oz. I already like the story because of that sentence. Anyone who can write one sentence that takes up my entire Kindle page , has my attention. The third book is about the travels of man and dog .That's my bedtime reading. Relaxing, sometimes funny and does not require much mental input. Just my kind of book to read before I fall asleep.

I downloaded a bunch of books for my upcoming trip. I even did a few cookbooks so that I could look up recipes. Having a Kindle hasn't stopped our weekly trips to the library, or my buying hard books. I still like to hold a book and dog ear pages that I like, but for convenience, the KIndle is great. It's never too late to be so thankful that I know how to read.

It's Never Too Late
leona uchitelle

Good old days when you are 27 and 80 years old.

My Grandson was just here and we were reminding ourselves of different experiences that we shared. I am very proud to say that I was instrumental in doing some significent culture shock. Bacon comes to mind. He never had it anyplace but with us.And Mc Donald's. That was childhood bliss. We always stopped at a McDonald's when we were doing our yearly treck to Colorado. Clean bathrooms, playland and Big mac's. What's not to like. Only thing better was breakfast at McDonald's. Those sausage biscuit things were to dream about. Our dogs always ordered pancakes with extra syrup. No wonder our car always kept that hamburger smell. All of our memories are good. The trips to see the Cubs play. The time we had 4 adults, two dogs,all of our luggage for a month, piled into a Neon car, and two kids. Now we wonder how we did it. Today we drive a mini van that hardly ever has anyone in the back seats. And how funny it was when he was learning to speak and we had a dog named Spot. He would call out when Spot was doing something naughty "Top Pot".(Stop Spot). Now this Grandson is a married man,has  a wonderful wife, a house, a job he is good at and he loves. It's so good to have these wonderful memories.It's never too late to just laugh at the good old days. Especially when we know that they were good days.

It's Never Too Late
leona uchitelle

Pet therapy

I picked up this book at the library about an owner and his dog taking a road trip. This  book is different because they are going to be looking at the friendliest dog cities and about people who rescue and protect dogs. The human of this team is a writer for major magazines, so not too shabby in credentials. So far, I am enjoying the book. He thinks his travel companion dog, who he has had for 9 years , doesn't like him. His shrink suggests that maybe he is transfering his feelings about his mother to his dog. That hit a cord in me. Am I transfering all of this attention that I give to any dog that we have had because my mother did not show me affection? I will have to think about this. I thought that I just liked dogs. Maybe I have a more deep seated problem. See, it is always about mothers.It's never too late to add this to my list of what makes me who I am. It's a stretch, but I'll add it anyway.Our kids all have pets. What is that saying about my relationship to the kids. I better give them an extra hug when I see them, so they know that I love them.Unconditionally.

It's Never Too Late
leona uchitelle

Better now

I would like to acknowledge everyone that I know that is in chronic pain.If you get up every morning and face the day with your pain, I want to acknowledge you. I have been in your shoes for only a week, my pain was addressed and is, for the most part, ended. But to all of you who don't have this relif , I acknowledge your pain. If you ever need to talk about how you hurt, but you don't want to share it with people who don't understand, call me. Now that I have had a taste of it, I won't be indifferent to what you face. I am here.

I am almost pain free now. Just high discomfort. But since I woke up after a 10 hour nap, I have no major complaint.For me,it's let the good times roll,now.

For a short time, it felt nice to get the attention of my dentist and endodontist and their staff. I don't need that now ,but I appreciate their concern. Even if it hurts, attention feels good.

Today is business as ususal, as it should be. So, it's never too late to have had my 15 or so minutes of feeling sorry for my self, but I'm over it now. It's good to feel good. But I understand when you don't.

It's Never Too Late
leona uchitelle

Bigger than I need

I brought another collection of stuff to our Congregation for the annual rummage sale. They are having a shortage of "stuff" to sell.I am running out of things to give.  I suggested that I go to Good Will and buy a few bags of their "stuff" and bring it over to sell at our sale. I thought that this was a good solution. I may still do that. I do have a few pots that I hardly use. But I may need them some day, so I am not donating them. I don't really need them any more, but I might. They are those big pots for making chicken soup and large batches of vegetable soup. I could  and do make soup in an other pot, but you never know if you need a bigger pot. It's silly to hold on to large pots, when really I have no need for them. It's just a reminder of a large family sitting down to eat together that keeps me from letting go of these large pots. Maybe next year I'll give them up.I am lucky enough to have plenty of cabinet space, so I can hold out for a while longer. In fact, I have some empty shelves just waiting to collect more "stuff". I wish that I could say the same about our few closets. It's never too late to be conflicted about what stays and what goes. It's those pot memories that get in the way. 

It's Never Too Late
leona uchitelle

Sugar helps

I think we have eleven days left before our adventure. I have used this as en excuse to buy some new clothes, new sheeets,clean the closets,throw out items in the refrigerator that are way past the "use by date" date and organize my pots and pans drawer. It's a good feeling and I should do these things more often. What I didn't count on was a tooth ache for me and a melanoma for Bob. We'll take care of those inconveniences today and God willing, go about our way.Whoever said"it's always something" knew about life. But then on the flip side, "it's never too late" to just make the best lemonaide that you can. After all, a litttle bit of sugar helps.

It's Never Too Late
leona uchitelle

Complete Grandma happiness

I am in Grandma heaven. A grandson is here with his wife. I am trying to make up a catagory for "wife". It doesn't sound as close as I want. I am working on Grandwife. That tells the relationship and sounds more in the family.It is so wonderful to sit around the table and listen to their start of their future. The day they got married, they closed on a house. We had three kids before we could do that . And our first  and only family house cost $125,000.00 All three floors of Victorian splender. They even have a dog. We didn't get Wally until we had our fourth child. The dog and the baby came together. In fact, said baby's first words were "Wally". These Grandchildren who are around our table right now will make their own family memories. That is such a testiment to life. It's never too late for me to just bask in their happiness, youth, and expectations. It makes the world seem better,some how.

it's a go

That wasn't so bad. Reading from the Torah can now be checked off of my list. It was definitely scary. You know when you get a motza and it has ridges and burnt specs across the ridges. Well, that is how the Torah looks before your eyes adjust to the writings. But it's over, it went well and I am very pleased that I did this. I hadn't realized that at 80, I almost have free range to do whatever I want to do. It's like the thought that I can wear purple ,if I want to. I don't. I might try red. I don't think that I have ever worn red. I don't gravitate to colors. I go for the muted shades. That is why I can't shop with certain friends. They wear brighter colors then I am comfortable with and when they are helping me sort through the racks, they choose things that they would wear. I learned this when I was looking for a dress to wear to a grandchild's wedding.

Now that I am taking action to be a free spirit because I am officially an older woman,I will take advantage of it and do something . I just don't know what the something is right now. It's never too late to get a card to pass go. I'm going. 

It's Never Too Late
leona uchitelle

Will the tooth fairy come

I thought that tooth aches happen in slap stick movies. But that is not true. Bob had a tooth extracted and my tooth started to hurt. I told myself that it was sympathy pain for his discomfort. Not so. It is my very own ache. We have an old rule that we use to tell the kids. Only one person can be sick at a time. None of this business with four kids having measles at the same time. Give me break and spread it out. That way ,the sick child can have 100% of my attention. It didn't always work that way, but it was good for a laugh when a kid got sick. But how to explain that I got a tooth ache ,on the same side of my mouth ,just as Bob was healing from his tooth problem ? And to find that my dentist is away for a few days. Not fair. But I am tough, pills are available for relief and I can manage for a few days. Rather now than on the flight to Israel. It's never too late to chew on the other side and wait four hours for another pill. I can do this.

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Latest comments

01.12 | 14:15

Safe travels. See you soon. sally

04.07 | 12:10

I read the last page first too. It’s a family curse.

22.05 | 12:38

so glad youre here mom!

29.08 | 17:45

Don't quite know how this got to me but it was on the top line of my computer (not in email) But I really enjoyed it. I truly admire you.