Like so many of you out there, I am so tired of winter that I have started spring cleaning and planning what to do when that first fancy robin does finally appear on the fence in search of some fresh worm plucking territory. Naturally, over such a long session of snow and cold, we have likely got just a little lazy and out-of-shape, but once that ice and snow disappears, we will thankfully be able to dash outside and begin our much anticipated ‘spring fling’ at whichever pace we may wish. Right now during the longer days, we can bide our time by transforming the garage from the shovelling to the dirt digging mode and may finally take down the 2013 Christmas decorations, while the lady of the house will most definitely start to clean and rearrange every room in the house, and then will decide what must be sacrificed for the first garage sale, like it or not.
Of course, throughout the frigid season, there were those who faithfully worked out in the gym or took part in various sports, while the really brave souls would dawn three layers of clothing and rove about in the brisk and frosty air. For those of us who are seniors, we likely found many ways to shut down the TV, move off the couch, and were able to mix, move, and mingle with others, often to the moods of our favourite tunes. In this new generation of today, there are many wild and wonderful ways to exercise, including sassy videos for all age groups, yoga, Wei, and all sorts of nifty gadgets that shake off the pounds and stretch the muscles among friends or in the comfort and privacy of our own homes.
Even though we may have to detour around the snow piles and puddles I promise you that it won’t be long before we see the joggers, bikers, skate boarders, and moms and dads with buggies and dogs out and about enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Please watch out for them out there, drive carefully, and try not to splash. Probably the easiest exercise for everyone is walking, whether outside with nature or inside with sweats and sneakers. Some of the outside spring sports that will eventually emerge along with the welcome invasion of the green grass and gophers will be tennis, baseball, fastball, slow-pitch, golf, fishing, street hockey, and what-ever else we may wish during this wet and balmy season when our wives will also eventually tell us to go fly a kite. Of course, there will also be many unique and special events that will appear with the flowers in the spring, so watch the paper and check your calendar, lay out your favourite warm weather wardrobe, then get out and enjoy yourself at the speed and activity of your choice with family and friends.
How children perceive their grandparents
● Grandma was in the bathroom putting on her make-up, all under the watchful eyes of her young grand-daughter as she has done so many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, “But grandma, you forget to kiss the toilet paper goodbye.”
● My young grandson called the other day to wish me a Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and when I told him, 71, he was very quiet for a moment, and then asked, “Did you start all the way back at 1?”
● When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, “I’m not sure.” The sharp little duffer came right back with, “Look in your underwear Grandpa, mine says I’m 4 to 6.”
● Our Grandpas are the smartest men on earth. They teach us many good things, but unfortunately we don’t get to see them enough to try and get as smart as they are.
● After putting her grandchildren to bed, the grandmother changed into her old slacks and droopy blouse and then proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious her patience finally grew thin, so she threw a towel around her head, stormed into their room, and put them back to bed with some stern warnings. As she left the room she heard the three-year old say with a trembling voice, ‘Who was THAT?’, then the little angels went right to sleep, without another peep.
● My grandparents are funny. When they bend over they creak and you hear all kinds of strange sounds, and then they blame the dog.
● No matter what our age we must always be prepared for what comes out of the mouth of babes, and then just go ahead and laugh along with everyone else in the room.
● Newest sign at the Canadian border. Welcome to Canada.....We don’t care who you marry as long as you both watch hockey.”
Have a great week, all of you.
HAMMERTIME