Author: Valerie Halla

Those 70ish girls…Mother’s Day Way by Valerie Halla

Valerie Halla

I was talking with a friend recently about how our children can be so different. She has two daughters. The oldest turned out to be a true joy. So the oldest married well and has several homes plus comes to help her Mother often. The other adult child is the opposite and has a drinking problem plus the older sister supports her. My friend thought maybe without realizing it, she gave the oldest one more attention and the second one was just coming along so closely in age that it wasn’t a big deal. Another baby? We’ve done this before.

I asked how she was so fortunate to have her oldest daughter be so kind, helpful and financially well off (her husband is a successful dentist). She said, “Well, I had the best mother, as an example. Plus, I was given a good education.” Coincidentally she’s the youngest of two daughters also but she turned out to be a responsible and caring person. I then mentioned that my mother also was the best and influenced me a great deal. I agreed that having a caring supportive mother guide you through your early years is important.

Mothers show us the way through examples, talking to us, cooking certain foods, sharing their stories, interacting with relatives, and a myriad of other ways. Which brings us to Mothers Day. My kids ask what I want for this special holiday. I’m of the belief that every day is Mothers Day. It should be. I’ve been lucky all through life, knowing fantastic grandmothers, aunts, cousins and friends who are mothers and set good examples for me.

Mother’s Day! What should we do? But then I am torn between thinking should I ask to be taken out for lunch or dinner or should we just eat at home, barbecue or fix a fancy meal? Gifts? Please, don’t spend your hard earned money on gifts. I don’t need anything. (Hmm, a new Lexus sounds perfect!)

Maybe you’re feeling the same. Mother’s Day can be a bit stressful and frenetic with your kids being extra nice because it’s required on Mother’s Day. I’m just going to sit back and enjoy the day. All 3 of my adult kids can’t be here, they live far away, but one of our sons will drive here and spend the weekend. The other two will call. So just having them give me some of their time is the best gift. We gave them a gift also by showing them the way. Sure, we weren’t perfect moms, but we tried and learned as we went through motherhood. It’s not just one day out of the year. Your job as a mother never ends. Have a wonderful Mom’s Day and even if you’re not a Mom, remember yours.

My Mom is the tallest one with her 3 sisters on the farm. Don’t know gal in ruffle bonnet.

Me with grandson and Ninny dog.

My Mom with me taken above SANDERSONS Store in Murdo.

My three wonderful kids with family dog, Chase.

Those 70ish girls…Coronation ruination

Valerie Halla1 Comment

MG: Hi Lav! Are you all ready to fly across the pond to attend King Charles the III’s coronation?

LAV: I’m really nervous (Lav will write her own story outlining all the trouble she is having preparing for the biggest event of her life, so far.)

MG: Oh pshaw, Lav. We’ve been across the pond a million times. That’s why Windy and Airy are still on the payroll. We’ve been waiting our whole lives for this. I’m going to hang up right now and call them to make sure they remembered to gas up the plane. Last time we flew across the pond, we had to land on a ship because we ran out of gas? That admiral guy was kind of upset when we came out of nowhere. You’d think he’d never seen a nose-dive before.

What time does the invitation say we have to be there?

Windy Berg and Airy Heart landed us safely on the unsuspecting ship

LAV: What invitation? I thought you had the invitation.

Been checking my mailbox

No invitations in here!

LAV: I think the Coronation was yesterday but I was eating tacos at a Cinco de Mayo celebration. I’m not even ready to go to England! What the Royal heck would I wear? Don’t you have to dress up in robes and sashes and wear crowns, MG?

NINNY DOG: And aren’t those Royal Corgis pretty yappy and uppity?

Windy just called to tell us that Prince Harry wanted to hook a ride across the pond with us because our carbon footprint is so small. We hardly emit any carbon unless the airplane backfires…

Get Around in a Healthy Way by LAV

Valerie Halla4 Comments

You know it’s time to drop those pandemic pounds and start getting around without huffing and puffing. Start slowly by exercising a bit more and eating good stuff. Eat half if you can, of your normal portions. That way you won’t feel like you’re missing out on your favorite foods, yet you’ll be cutting down on calories. Portion sizes and calories go hand in hand and we often think we should eat like we’re still 25 but we do not need as much sustenance nor calories in our 40’s, 50’s and on and on in years. Lav recently consulted a nutritionist. They are professionals with great advice and meal plans. Choose one who will follow through and stick with you to monitor how you progress.

Lav was trying to lose weight on her own. Later, she found out that a nutrition expert is the best way. Let’s check in on her.

Monkeys eat bananas. Have you ever seen an overweight monkey?

It’s easier getting around when you carry less weight, but pink ones are quite stylish.

I’m going for a walk now. That’s another great way to stay healthy. If you can’t get outside, just do an indoor walk. Keep moving and grooving!

Those 70ish girls – Poetry Schmoetry by Valerie Halla

Valerie Halla2 Comments

My cousin, MG, is a great wife, mom, grandmother, writer, blogger…geeze, auto correct wrote “booger”…and a camper, and when younger, a runner. But a talent that amazes me and shocks me is that she is also a poet. She writes lots…gobs…of touchingly funny, witty and lovely poetry. Honest.

If you have never ever read her poetry, I suggest you purchase one of her books of poetry. It will blow you off…uh…away. One I personally like is titled: A Whimsical Day. How many people use the word “whimsical”? Maybe 6? It does have a musical ring to it. Sounds better than A Musical Day. I’ll give her that. Bet you can find many poems in Rhymes For All Times that you will like. How does she do it? It all works and even better- her poetry rhymes! You will be caught up in her story, even His Story, her journey through life, her emotional experiences.

As I said earlier, she was once a dedicated runner. She ran marathons. She ran in competitions. She ran for fun. She looked super thin and fit. AND when we met last year in Rapid City for the All School Reunion later in Murdo, she looked like a svelte, fit and healthy youngish ex-runner. In short, MG looked great. How can she be a poet on top of all that? It’s not fair.

Some people just have loads of genes in their cards that make them successful. MG was dealt a good hand. Every bet she placed paid off. Almost. So I guess you’ve gathered that I am jealous of all her accomplishments. Who wouldn’t be? No, I am not jealous. Much. But we should all try to be more like her. I’m starting today. Pretend it’s yesterday. Yesterday was Mary Day. No, sorry, May Day.

Lastly, I have decided to gather my wits, whatever is left of them, and try a poem. I am dedicating this to my cousin, Queen MG, with due respect and regard for her work.

THE TRY IT DIET By Val

My cousin inspired me. You might know her name, MG.

My old plan was bombed and blown apart … kinda like Napoleon Bonaparte

Eating was my Waterloo, bet you’ve been there, too.

I’m trying to lose weight and right out the gate, I tried a new diet! You might wanna try it.

You just eat the same and you’re not to blame.

Hey, believe me it won’t sting, so here’s the truthful good thing:

Just eat one half of everything.

Boom.

Slice it down the middle.

I’ll take half.

I bet she’ll eat all that and more.

Some of MG’s interesting books. (Btw: she did not paint that artwork on the wall, I think.)

Those 70ish girls…Breakfast With the Lovers

Valerie Halla

Yesterday I attended an invitation only “Bow wow and Meow” Breakfast at a lovely hotel banquet room. It was for donors and volunteers. I drove along the beautiful Pacific Ocean for about 40 minutes in slow traffic, but I made it on time. After checking in with the SPCA workers, I entered a huge room with 32 tables set for 10 people each, white table cloths were laid out with glasses of orange juice, ice water, and plates, mugs and silverware set atop tables in an unusual manner: fork and knife aside a sparkling white plate, then another fork and knife laid across the top edge of the plate on the table. There was a large serving plate with pastries and another plate with sliced honeydew melon, fresh pineapple, and strawberries. Thermal type coffee pots were brought out also. I randomly chose this table with the board member’s name set up on a card in the center of the table. Her name was Joan and I didn’t know any of the nine people at my table but Joan took care of that almost from the beginning. I felt at home with fellow animal lovers and immediately started to relax.

Joan greeted me and made me feel comfortable and happy. She got me a name card and a server to send hot tea since I’m not a coffee drinker. She was a gem. Everyone started chatting about their admiration for what the SPCA does and how they themselves help either with donations or volunteering. One lady wore a beautiful beige and pink sweater set with stitching of dogs and dog paraphernalia all over it. She even had a necklace with a dog pendant and earrings to match. The other lady next to me talked about the four dogs she and her husband adopted from the SPCA. She explained their breeds and how she’s trained them and loves them. Another lady loves horses and another birds. They asked me about my dog, Ninny, and would I adopt any cats or more dogs but I said my husband wouldn’t approve that. (I often use him as an excuse for not doing things) We had fun together. We were all in love…with animals.

Can you spend time with me? I’m a good dog.

Huh, what? Yeah, I will be your buddy.

Where are you going? Throw the ball. I’m ready.

I’m ready to go! Can I be your friend forever?

The one nice older gentleman sitting next to me left for a minute and the handsome president of the SPCA sat down there to chat with the beige dog-decorated sweater gal. When the nice gentleman returned, he said, “I leave for one minute and you 9 ladies don’t even save my seat for me!” He said it in a funny way and was smiling. The president laughed and got up apologizing.

After we ate for a while and watched the large screens showing animals, rescue teams, and SPCA volunteers and employees over the years, the board president got up to speak and introduced the man who had taken the chair next to mine. He was the President and CEO for the entire SPCA and gave a great speech. We hadn’t had the Bow wow Breakfast since 2019 and now some people wanted it called the Bow wow and Meow Breakfast so he agreed. However, he would not let anyone add on The Whinny, Squeak, Tweet or Chirp Bow wow and Meow Breakfast. This got a big laugh.

He asked people to stand who have donated for 5 years then 10 years, 25 years and so on. Next he had volunteers stand and I proudly stood up. Then he had a rescue and animal officer who handles animals in danger or abused animals get up and speak. This young man told about horrendous rescues during the winter storms and after the levee broke on the nearby river, his team, police officers and National Guardsmen went out to rescue people’s animals. They had to use high water vehicles and sometimes wade through waist deep water to find scared and hungry animals. He said one rescue that stuck out in his memory was an older lady who had evacuated and whose house was flooded, calling to ask if the SPCA could find and save her older blind dog and her parrot, who were her only companions. They did end up rescuing her pets and many others.

I had one of my best days at this breakfast hearing stories about 250 animals rescued during the floods and how many pet owners relied on this great organization to save their beloved animals. Lastly, adorable pets were brought up onstage to our oohs and ahhhs! We all loved this part the best, especially seeing little puppies. (Please adopt when you can.)

I also ate quiche and home fries. It was all delicious. It was fun to be there with over 300 lovers of animals and share the love.

Love to eat breakfast with lovers.

It’s not just about bow wow. It’s about me. Meow.

How do you like my puppy eyes?

Those 70ish girls…It’s the Little Things

Valerie Halla

I have been thinking about what makes me happy or at the least, content, as I whiz through my 70’s and it’s simply put, simple. It’s little things in life. You would think that as we age we would want or have big houses, fancy cars, lots of clothing and jewelry galore, shoes and on and on- which is fine, -but for me I am celebrating little moments or feelings. Like the other day, I got a new mattress pad cover. I washed it, dried it a long time and took off the old, shredded, matted, dull mattress pad and threw it in the trash. Good riddance scumbag. I ecstatically shook out the new, fluffy, clean bright white one and gently put it on our queen sized mattress. It looked fabulous. Welcome, lovely, soft pretty new cover. I just left it all day, tucked neatly around the corners of the mattress, lying there perfectly spread out in it’s perfection. I didn’t put any sheets or quilts onto the bed which would cover this new glorious item. I left it like that all day and enjoyed walking into the bedroom seeing it. I stared at it. What a focal point. I was happy. Why hadn’t I replaced the crummy old mattress pad cover sooner? It was all so simple yet had taken me years to replace and all for $31.99. Simple.

There are many examples of times I have felt joy over just a quick fleeting moment of something easy and peaceful and beautiful. Here’s a picture of something that a friend gave me as a gift about two years ago, however, I tucked them into a drawer and forgot about them.

HAPPY SOCKS

New, pink and purple and black feet hugging sports socks. Ahhh, comfy.

I was so happy to find a clean new pair of socks tucked under other clothes in my drawer. Who cares about the colors! Actually the zappy colors make me even happier. I texted my friend a thank you for the socks even though she had given them to me a couple years ago and I had forgotten about them. Doesn’t seem like much, but those socks made me smile as did my feet, if feet can smile.

But you say that these examples are materialistic. That is true. Even better in 70ish life, there are moments when one tiny thing happens and it brings pure joy and contentment. Like just hearing our grandson giggle is a fabulous picker upper, immediately immersing us in pure joy or seeing him concentrate while playing with his toy trucks and cars is another shared feeling of happiness. He is a clean slate of innocence and discovery. You can’t buy happiness given to grandparents from a little child. Simple yet joyful.

During our awful winter storms here in California and with rain coming in buckets, I kept seeing these ducks swimming out in the fields where we live in a farming community. I would drive by the flooded fields on the local highway and smile broadly as I saw the four or five wild fowl swimming around where normally onions or garlic or peppers were planted. I have always loved ducks and am a big fan of all birds. We raised chickens and baby chicks and ducks when our kids were little. So you can imagine my surprise when each time I drove by, observing these ducks, they would always be in the center of the flooded flat field. Then later I’d notice they were always in the same position. Then as the traffic slowed, I could see they weren’t moving. Could it be these beautiful creatures weren’t real? Could they be someone’s whacky joke? Were they decoys? No quacks coming from them. Yup. But you know, it didn’t matter to me. The ducks, real or wooden, had brought me real happiness. I’m at that age where even fake stuff can be uplifting not upsetting. Swim on, sweet featherless decoy duckies, and do your best to keep me looking out for you, because you make me smile. Thanks, ducks, for a bright spot in my dull days driving by. Ahhh, the 70ish life.

We’re real and feeling just ducky

Those 70ish girls…Lemon Squares Are Delicious by Lav

Valerie Halla2 Comments

Step two is making the filling which you pour on top of the warm crust then bake for another 25-30 minutes at 300 degrees. You will need theses ingredients:

This is what they look like when finished except sometimes people sample the lemon squares immediately even though they’re burning hot. Someone took a few just as the photographer was setting up this shot. We will he searching for the culprit, but first we’ll taste test the lemon squares.

Grate the lemon skin and add to that:

2 eggs , beaten, 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Pour that mixture onto the baked crust and bake it at 300 degrees for 25-30 minutes

Lav is pouring the filling onto the baked crust but she has the order a bit mixed up. Who would put this last after you’ve already seen the baked lemon squares?! Don’t ask.

If you can follow this simple recipe that Lav has complicated for you, you deserve a big lemon square.

Those 70ish Girls…Lav Bakes

Valerie Halla2 Comments

LAV BAKES

We have all heard the saying, WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS. Lav can identify with that phrase, because a few days ago her generous neighbor brought her a large basket of organic lemons fresh off the tree. This is what Lav did with a couple of the juicy lemons.

Another popular edition straight from the dishwasher!

Lemon Squares: Step 1 the crust.

Another crusty thing.

Those 70ish Girls…Lav bakes

Valerie Halla

LAV BAKES

We have all heard the saying, WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS. Lav can identify with that phrase, because a few days ago her generous neighbor brought her a large basket of organic lemons fresh off the tree. This is what Lav did with a couple of the juicy lemons.

Another popular edition straight from the dishwasher!

Lemon Squares: Step 1 the crust.

Another crusty thing.

Pat the crust down and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes

Next pour the filling on top of crust while it’s hot.

Bake at 300 degrees for about 25/30 minutes.

Delicious with or without powdered sugar sprinkled on top.

(Do not add the green leaves from the lemon. And do not eat them. I don’t know why but just listen to Lav, although she puts the pictures of the ingredients last after it’s too late to get started.)

Filling has lemon zest from 1 lemon, two eggs, 1 cup sugar, 2tablespoons flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and 2 tablespoons lemon juice – mix well and pour over crust. This is step 2 but you’d never know it.

Those 70ish girls…Down on the Floor With Gimme by Valerie Halla

Valerie Halla

All it takes for a lil’ toddler guy to be happy is racing a few toy trucks, trains and cars, joyfully pushing them around on the hardwood floors at home for hours on end. Gimme, recently changed from “Grammy,” got up and down multiple times today from the floor after being told by my grandson, “Sit, Gimme!”

“Ready go, Gimme!”

“Train”

Being 70ish makes it tough getting up and down but I found scooting around on the hardwood floors is pretty fun and much faster than getting up and down onto the floor each time.

“Peet car, aye plane, tow truck, train!”

They’re all out there and you gotta push them as fast and accurately as possible. If they don’t go straight and they flip over, spin out or crash, you retrieve them until they all are lined up and you’re ready to try again. It’s so simple. That’s the beauty of it. A Toddler’s innocent, joyous love of playing a game and interacting with Gimme,who is all in 100%, is all that matters. What you do is push toy cars, trucks and trains across the shiny floor, back and forth, over and over. It’s not boring to us. The sky’s the limit. We’re retired and free as a bird flying into some last sunsets, but flying just the same with weaker wings into these precious days and great memories. Our Toddler grandson has a clean slate of a life and loves this fresh new world open to any and all possibilities. He knows how to have fun, giggling and chuckling it up over this new game with simple non-rules. His fun is our fun. It’s contagious.