Sandy J. Hartwick's Blog, page 5
October 4, 2020
Internet Scammers
Photo courtesy of cottonbro
Internet Scammers
Today an internet scammer contacted me via Messenger. This person was pretending to be one of my cousins. I was suspicious to begin with, because this cousin has never contacted me on Messenger. But I wasn’t sure at first.
Scammer: How are you doing today
Me: Good, how are you?
Scammer: I’m doing pretty cool and also I have a vital information for you??
First red flag “doing pretty cool” ? Second red flag poor grammar and question marks at the end of a statement. I let the person go on.
Scammer: I’m just wondering if you have heard about the ongoing federal government covid-19 compensation program?
A few weeks back, when I was slightly more gullible a different cousin had contacted me with this same spiel. I figured out after a little research, that he had been hacked.
The scammer goes on, blah, blah, blah. In the meantime, I let my cousin know that she had been hacked.
Me: Nice try, I had another friend try to give me this deal a couple of weeks ago. I’m on to you.
The scammer continued on for two long paragraphs finishing with , “I was so happy when I got the money my doorstep it going to be a great blessing for you as well.
Again the poor grammar, missing words, etc.
Me: Do you mean the money you get from scamming people?
Scammer: No, I got it deliver to me by the Federal Government.
I decided to try a different tact.
Me: Well, let’s talk about Jesus first okay? J., I know you love Jesus and would love to talk about him for hours.
The gall of this one, check it out!
Scammer: Yes, the lord is our strength and I keep believing in him And I know he will do and undo. May the Lord be with you and your family in Jesus Name Amen. (followed by praying hands!)
Me: How was church today? Who did you get to sit next to?
Finally, crickets! It is unfortunate that we have to always be on guard against these people. Why don’t they go out and get a real job and stop stealing our time?
October 3, 2020
Mango Avocado Salad with Lemon Dressing
Today, a recipe, because I have been painting all day and hey, we all need to eat more fruits and veggies. This salad is another one of those flexible recipes. I have made it with regular salad mix or spinach, used a whole avocado or half (the same with the mango) and once added fresh raspberries too–it was delish. Use it as a guideline and make it work for you. It is so simple that I hesitate calling it a recipe, but it’s a keeper for me and maybe for you too.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh spinach
1 avocado
1 mango
2 Tbsp finely diced purple onion
Place the spinach on a large plate or in a large bowl. Peel and dice up the mango and avocado and place across the spinach. Sprinkle with the purple onion and serve with lemon dressing. Serves 1-2.
Lemon Dressing
2/3 cups avocado oil or oil of your choice
juice from one lemon
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Mix well and serve.
Photo courtesy of Wimber Candro
October 2, 2020
Kindness is Free
Kindness is contagious and spreads much faster than Covid-19.
Kindness is Free
I once read somewhere that people don’t care how much you know, but how kind you are. This is true for me. I gravitate to those who exude kindness. And honestly, how many enjoy the company of a jerk? It is surprising to me how many people are quite happy being jerks though, especially on the internet, where they say things to others that they would never say in person.
Today, I was feeling a bit down. (I know, I know, I can hear you saying, “What about the attitude of gratitude in your previous blog Sandy? Walk that talk girl!” I try, but some days…)
We had to go to town to buy paint for the never-ending bathroom remodel and run some other errands. I was looking at the Flex-Seal display in the paint department thinking about yet another project, when a woman with gorgeous red locks walked by and said, “What lovely hair!”
It slowly registered that she was talking to me. I said thank you and smiled although I was wearing the obligatory mask. She said something else, like “beautiful”, but I don’t remember, because I was thinking about how earlier I had been looking in the mirror wishing I could see my hairdresser.
My hair has grown out at least two inches and my sexy grays are showing! My hairdresser is in Reno and I have not been able to get down there, because of the endless remodel and being at the beck and call of contractors who are scarce as long T-Rex arms and darn you have to be home when they have a damn minute to fit you in.
I managed to tell her that her hair was so pretty, which it was and then she disappeared into the depths of the store. We were outside loading our purchases before I realized that I had complimented two other people and let one person in line in front of me since the time of her kind words.
Kindness is contagious and spreads much faster than Covid-19. Kindness is free friends. Please get out there and infect as many as you can. And dear lady with the amazing red hair God bless you and thank you for making my day.
October 1, 2020
The Lavender Tool Box
The Lavender Tool Box
Some years ago, we found a functional and quite lavender toolbox complete with lavender tools at one of the big hardware stores.
“Look dear,” I laughed, “I can have my own set of tools and I will never have to worry about you or the boys taking them!”
He thought it was a good idea too. Yesterday, I went to get my screwdriver which is super-handy; its bit is reversible to Phillips or standard. It wasn’t there. Grrrr. I looked in all of the usual places, the junk drawer, the ongoing, bath remodel chaos room and finally my husband’s tool area in the garage. Nada.
It turns out lavender is no repellent to men that need a tool, especially when they don’t feel like walking out to the garage or shop. Over the years, not only has my husband used all of the lavender tools more often than me, he has filled the lavender toolbox with all kinds of junk tools, some of which I have no clue as to their purpose.
If you know of a way of keeping your tools to yourself that actually works, please let me know.
September 30, 2020
The Black Stallion
When we were first married, my husband managed a ranch near the Jackson Mountains about an hour drive from Winnemucca, Nevada. It was a dream situation for us, setting up our first household together and working outdoors.
One day we set out to look for stray cattle. We were riding horses that one of the ranch owners had borrowed from a neighboring ranch (this is a story I shall share later). We rode up into the canyon looking for cattle. The cows seemed to be hiding, because we couldn’t find them. It was steep country and the horses had a workout. We were about ready to head for home after one more mountain. . . it’s always one more mountain.
As we reached the crest we spotted wild horses. A black stallion and his band, consisting of one mare and a yearling. The moment the stallion saw us he galloped at top speed down his mountain and up ours to meet us. He was the prettiest mustang I had ever seen with a long black mane, a sweeping tail and a star on his forehead. I instantly thought of the book Fury that I had read as a child. He came fairly close, about twenty feet. He wasn’t too troubled by the presence of humans, but once he could smell our horses (geldings) he reared several times and snorted, shaking his head. I can imagine his frustration at racing up and down mountains to meet such a disappointing offering. Once he decided there was nothing there for him, he raced away and back to his tiny band.
It was surreal to be so close to such a beautiful wild horse. I was surprised at his boldness, because I thought he would run when he saw people and then as he got closer I had worried that he might charge us. It is an experience I will always remember.
Photo by pixabay.com
September 29, 2020
An Attitude of Gratitude
An Attitude of Gratitude
I have talked about gratitude before, but I believe it is important to our well being and our health; it deserves some repeating. Two days ago, although it was a Sunday was a busy day filled with a giant to-do list and a look at the calendar made me tired. We are still in the middle of a major bathroom remodel that has our house dusty and disheveled and we are expecting two sets of company next week. I am thrilled for the company, but I wish my home could look a bit better for their visit.
Though I had many things that I should be doing, I went out to my neglected garden and gathered Sweet Peas and Cosmos. Then I found an envelope and harvested parsley seeds for next year’s garden. Finally, I brought a large colander and picked tomatoes. The afternoon sun was on my back, honeybees were visiting the blossoms and it was the first clear day (no forest fire smoke) we have had in some time. My dog and two of the cats helped me with my work (supervising and begging for attention). I was feeling more relaxed.
In the back of my mind my to-do list was nagging me, but I ignored it. The dog and I headed out to the back road for a walk. I stopped by the orchard and picked a pocketful of tiny, purple plums. It was a perfect early-autumn day, with a light breeze. I walked along eating plums and began to think grateful thoughts. Clear skies. Delicious fruit from our own trees. A peaceful walk to soothe my mind. Green fields. The bubbling sound of water in the ditch beside me. And so on.
I do have much to be grateful for and please don’t think I am bragging. Things have been much worse. But that is when grateful thinking is most important. There are few situations where we cannot find something to be grateful for–sometimes it will be the things we take for granted, our vision or hot water, but there is usually something…
Half the battle is being aware of our thoughts and reminding ourselves of what is truly important. Catching the negative thinking and remembering that there are blessings all around us.
September 28, 2020
My Crazy-Gypsy Blood
Photo courtesy of Markus Spiske freeforcommercialuse.net
“Early in their marriage, they had an intense argument where my mom threw a spoon at dad. He ducked and the spoon stuck in the wall.”
My Crazy-Gypsy Blood
I can’t prove it, but I believe I have some Gypsy blood or at least some genes from an ancient knife-throwing ancestor. Also, some genes for a hot temper.
Mom and Dad argued sometimes, as most couples do. Early in their marriage, they had an intense argument where my mom threw a spoon at dad. He ducked and the spoon stuck in the wall.
Another memorable clash happened when I was in high school. We were gathered for dinner and my father asked for the salad dressing, shook it up, put it on his greens, took a bite and said, “This salad dressing tastes like ship!” Only he didn’t say ship.
My mom who was shaking the dressing to apply to her own greens, glared at my dad and after a moment of hesitation, cast the entire contents on my dad’s face, dressing his beard well.
My sister and I froze, mortified, and watched dad for his reaction. I think he was stunned, vinegar and oil dripping down his beard onto the table. Then he started laughing and we all busted up.
From then on he said, “Make sure you don’t say anything about the salad dressing.”
September 27, 2020
The Thanksgiving Cruise Part Two
Photo courtesy of Dylan Ferreira
dylanferreira.com
The Thanksgiving Cruise Part Two
I took Dramamine the whole time, because I’m one of those people that can get sick in a hammock. It had been smooth sailing the whole cruise, but now it was time to head home. The captain must have dropped into high gear; the sea was rough. I sat in the lowest part of the ship trying to not be sick. As the day went on, it was rougher. Soon even the crew could be seen dashing for the restrooms. White napkins were dropped over incidents. Sometimes you would meet other passengers walking down the hallway and they would say, “No, you don’t want to go that way!”
That night I could see giant waves out the window. I was so sick that the thought of the ship going down with my whole family didn’t mean a whole lot if it meant I would be out of my misery. When we arrived home the next day, there were few who could boast of not being sick.
That night ruined me for cruises. Never again. My children, who at the time claimed it was boring and awful, now remember it as a fun vacation and as time has passed, they have regaled me with stories of how they and their cousins entertained themselves when we were not around. They were part of the reason for everything on that ship being so sticky. Someone in the group got the bright idea of running their soft serve ice cream along the banister everywhere they went. And this is why tigers eat their young.
September 26, 2020
The Thanksgiving Cruise Part 1
In 2005, my sister talked the whole family into going on a cruise to Mexico for Thanksgiving. Ports of call included Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas.
Getting there was half the fun. I had bought the kids a book about the sound effects a person can make and Tyler had perfected his baby Elizabeth cry. As we were about to take off on our connecting flight Tyler tried it out on the approaching stewardess. She smiled and leaned in close, “I’m not going to have to strangle you am I?”
The cruise had about 2,000 passengers and 800 of these were kids. Everything was overcrowded and sticky. Want to sit in the sun by the pool? Good luck, every lounge was taken and there were splashing kids everywhere.
The ports of call were the highlights of the cruise. In Mazatlan, I remember the crazy bus ride into town (I think this was my dad’s favorite part of the whole trip) we all held on for dear life and were so grateful to arrive unscathed at our destination. My kids were shocked at the houses that many people lived in and realized that we were living well compared to many in our world. I also remember the pollution and how bad it was in Mazatlan.
Puerta Vallarta was beautiful. Rex and the boys went zip-lining and Mom and I went shopping. There was a sea of beggars. As we headed back to the ship worn out from fending off and giving to so many beggars I walked past a woman with two children. I thought about going back to give her something, but I didn’t. This memory has haunted me ever since and I wish I could change my decision.
Cabo San Lucas struck me as the wealthiest of the ports. Yachts and condos were everywhere. The plan for this port was a snorkeling adventure.
Just before the excursion, Rex and I were at the highest point of the cruise ship looking down into the ocean and saw a massive hammerhead shark swimming alongside the ship. We went anyway and were glad we didn’t see any large sea life.
To be continued…
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Klepacki
stephanieklepacki.com
September 25, 2020
Best Store Ever
Photo courtesy of Ashim D’Silva
Best Store Ever
There is a Chinese saying, “A man that cannot smile must not open a shop.”
We’ve all been there, where the proprietor glares at you, ignores you or worse yet, is rude to you. Sometimes the employees exhibit such behavior and I wonder if the owner knows. In these crazy times when it is so easy to order online, such businesses will not be around for long.
But I want to tell you about a different place, the best store ever in fact! This gem is a tack store located in Jerome, ID.
The Shoe & Tack Shop is run by the nicest people. I know they are crazy-busy, you can tell by the stacks of shoe and saddle repair orders, but they always have time to stop what they are working on to help you and converse a bit. I have been in this store many times and the friendliness and courtesy is above and beyond.
After our first visit to the store my husband and I thought about what else we could buy or bring in to be repaired, because we enjoyed the proprietors so much and wanted to support them. How many businesses have you visited where you left wondering when you could visit again and what you might purchase to support the place? It’s my pleasure to recommend this store; it is chock full of tack, jewelry, boots, clothing and much more. Did I mention they are excellent at shoe and saddle repair? Check it out.
