All posts by Bonnie Anderson

There’s an App for That

Buying a new appliance? How about a new car? Well, there’s an app for that.

We have recently done both of these things and I’ve discovered that the simple life is over. They may bill all these new-fangled things attached to modern appliances as time-saving or efficient, but I’m not sure.

I’m not complaining about new features on cars or appliances – these are great. But can anyone explain to me why I would want to access my washing machine remotely? It’s not like I have a robot to put the clothes in and fold them at the end. I don’t understand and have decided not to download the app out of spite. It works quite well when I walk into the laundry room and push the buttons. It’s so satisfying, too. I feel like Jane Jetson.

photo credit: nypost.com

If I thought the computerized laundry centers were challenging my computer-resistant mind, I was taken to a higher level when we shopped for a new car. The computerized cars of today have taken Bob completely out of the car-repair business. He used to be able to fix anything on our cars. He even fixed our transmission once, but those days are gone the way of dial-up internet.

When we talked to a Toyota salesman, who was likely 30 years younger than me, and he waxed poetic about the app for the car we were considering, I questioned myself briefly before I blurted out that I didn’t want to start my car with my phone. He looked at me like I had two heads.

He went on, “It’s free for the first three months, then only $90 a year after that.” I may have blanked out at this point, or I could be misremembering the numbers, because I can’t keep a number other than my phone number and address any more, but you get the point. I think it takes a lot of audacity to ask for what is basically a subscription to add to the convenience of using a phone to operate a vehicle that costs way upwards of $30,000 and comes with a key fob as part of the package.

“Why would I want the convenience of the phone in my purse when I already had the convenience of a key fob in the same location?” I asked.

He didn’t get my point, perhaps because he doesn’t carry a purse, but I’m sure he thinks I didn’t understand him either. He was excited to leave his keys at home so he wouldn’t ever lose them and running the car totally from his phone was really cool to him. I thought that anybody who couldn’t keep his keys in place has no business owning a car like this, but I kept that thought to myself, which only happened by great restraint on my part. Finally, I told him how old I am and hoped he would drop the discussion.

It was when I revealed my age to make a point that I (and maybe I’m speaking for my generation) might not like that add-on, and he should save his breath in trying to sell it that I realized how stubborn I am, but he kept going on about it. Apparently, it was a battle of the stubborn but I think I won because we left without a Toyota or an app.

I will say that it is fun to watch Bob as I maneuver these discussions. Since this car will be primarily driven by me, I lead the discussion and Bob joined in to fill in the blanks and ask questions which I would not have considered. Bob did add, “You will never need to figure out how she feels about anything.”

At the Hyundai dealership I liked our young salesman so much I wanted to adopt him. He understood that I didn’t want an app and was so respectful that I almost bought a car to make him happy, but even though the car that I was looking at was a Kona, which makes me think of Hawaii, I had to admit that it wasn’t right for me.

My first thought had been to buy another Ford Escape. I loved my 2014 Escape, and I’m sure I would have been happy with one, except they haven’t changed anything on them in the last eleven years. I didn’t want to fork out that kind of dough and not realize I was in a new car. Maybe next time, Ford.

We ended up with a Kia Sportage. I wouldn’t even have thought of Kia except we had one for our rental car in Hawaii and I really liked the dashboard. It is like nothing I have seen before, and the rest of the car is not too shabby either.

The sky changes as the sun goes down.

The respectful and not-too-pushy salesman even had the right tactic to make me put the app on my phone, not that I’ll ever use it. It’s free with Kia, so take that Toyota.

The Test Drive: Remember when you used to get in a car, any car, place your foot on the brake and turn a key in the ignition? Well, that’s over. Remember when the front seat passenger was like a co-pilot who would yell at you if you were wandering out of the lane or if you missed the fact that the car ahead of you had pulled away? That’s over, too. My Sportage has push-button ignition (I know that’s not new), lane corrective technology to literally keep you in line, and a chime if the car in front of you has pulled away from the traffic light. Since bringing the car home, I have discovered that the steering wheel will rumble if there is danger nearby. I don’t even need to keep my foot on the brake when stopped anymore. It’s all a little disconcerting to learn all this while driving. Next time I test drive a vehicle, I’ll be sure to drive recklessly with the salesperson in the backseat so that all the safety features will have time to show off.

Technology is amazing and there must be happy engineers all over the car industry trying to figure out what else they can add to the driving experience. My advice, if you are over sixty and haven’t bought a new car in the last decade or so, go get one now while you still have the ability to adapt to all that is new. It will blow your mind.

Case in point: One young lady of about 17 years who showed us a Kia was chatting from the backseat about electric vehicles. She said, “I sold an EV to a man who was 71, and I was so scared that he wouldn’t be able to figure out how to use it. I spent a lot of time with him going over all the features.”

My 71-year-old husband and I glanced at each other, feeling like we just had a compliment even if she didn’t know she gave one. Of course, we had the good sense not to push it with an EV vehicle for me. Even though I’m sure there is an app out there that would walk me through using one, we all know I wouldn’t use it.

2 Comments
by Bonnie Anderson on April 10, 2025  •  Permalink
Posted in Stuff I Go Through
Tagged , , , , , ,

Posted by Bonnie Anderson on April 10, 2025

https://lifeonthelighterside.com/2025/04/10/theres-an-app-for-that/

A Word Misheard

I woke up this morning thinking about Torchy’s Tacos. I love their tacos, and they are so ample that one is all I need. Well, one and some queso. You have to try their queso. Plus, the tacos have cute names like Tipsy Chick, Trailer Park Trashy, and The Hogfather. But, this is not what I want on my mind before my first cup of coffee.

Bob had already gone to play pickleball when I awoke this morning. This gave me plenty of time to refocus. He is a morning person. My best time of day is to be determined. We are zeroing in on 10 am until 2 pm, but it can fluctuate or not really happen at all. I’m a low energy person, but I will rally for Torchy’s Tacos.

By the time Bob came home from pickleball, I had managed to put Torchy’s far from my mind. We sat down to talk, and I wanted to share a revelation that I had about my need to cut down on caffeine, which seems strange because that is one of the things that energizes me. So, I started to inform him with an opening of, “Okay, so…”

Bob replied, “Queso?”

And that’s how we ended up at Torchy’s for lunch. It’s like it was meant to be, and the queso, as always, was amazing.

2 Comments
by Bonnie Anderson on April 3, 2025  •  Permalink
Posted in marriage, Stuff I Go Through
Tagged , ,

Posted by Bonnie Anderson on April 3, 2025

https://lifeonthelighterside.com/2025/04/03/a-word-misheard/

The Little White Car of My Dreams

My favorite book series that I have ever read is The No. One Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. This charming series features a traditionally built lady who lives in Botswana. She is ready to begin life over and starts a detective agency. Mma Ramotswe has no credentials for being a detective, but she is wise and kind and helpful. Those three qualities along with her hiring of a quirky woman who boasts 97 percent on her graduation tests from a secretarial school, are all that is needed for this agency to take root.

From the very first book, the love of these characters and their home in Botswana also took root in me. Mma Ramotswe lives a quiet life, and she is endearing and traditional of all things Botswana. She drives a little white van, which she loves dearly and which her mechanic husband manages to hold together in response to her repeated protests when he suggests she buy a new vehicle. I just finished the 25th book in the series, and that little white van is still going.

I drive a little white car – not a van but an SUV. I remember back in 2014 when Bob suggested that it was time to look for a new car for me. At that time, I drove a 2002 white Ford Explorer. I loved that car because it had a third row, and I had space to corral grandchildren in it. Alas, he talked me into upgrading it to a 2014 Ford Escape.

This car had so many new features. It even would parallel park on its own (pretty much – I had to pull up near the parking spot correctly and man the brake). It also had heated seats, which was a new thing for me that I even took advantage of down here in Florida. The best feature was the ability to remotely start the car so the air conditioning could engage before we opened the door on a hot day and not be knocked over by the heat whooshing out the doors. I loved this car and never looked back on my former Ford.

When Bob and I recently began a conversation about upgrading my car, I was all in. Actually, it was my idea. We have several family members that would love a good used car that’s lived in a garage and was driven by a grandmother. That’s good marketing, but I had my sights on our 19-year-old granddaughter who wants to go back to college. Sometimes God lays out a direction so clearly. I love it when that happens.

I’ll cut through the details here. Ella is now the owner of my sweet ride, and I am driving something that is altogether different from my first car – a 1974 Toyota Celica. If I had thought about this car back then, I could have written sci-fi books. It is that different. My standard-shift Toyota didn’t even have AC as a standard feature. My new Kia Sportage has air-conditioned seats. And that’s not evening mentioning all the cameras around it. It’s like having paparazzi monitoring my every move. Honestly, it’s a little intimidating, but I’ll adjust.

The night before my Escape went to Ella, I was a little anxious and didn’t sleep well. It took me a minute to figure out that I was sad to say goodbye to my faithful Ford. When I finally figured that out, my first thought was – that’s ridiculous. My next thought – but not unexpected.

Goodbye, old friend.

The first night that the car was in Ella’s possession, I dreamt about Ella driving my little white car and hitting a deer. Oh dear! What’s wrong with me? Emotional about a car? As it turns out, yes.

Then I thought about Mma Ramotswe. I know in the future there will be a book written about her having to replace her little white van. When I read that book, I know that I will understand her inner turmoil and the sadness of losing a four-cylinder friend. There will be no judgement from me, and I will shed a tear with her as she sends it off into the sunset.

Leave a comment
by Bonnie Anderson on March 27, 2025  •  Permalink
Posted in Family, Florida Living, grandchildren, Stuff I Go Through
Tagged , , , , ,

Posted by Bonnie Anderson on March 27, 2025

https://lifeonthelighterside.com/2025/03/27/the-little-white-car-of-my-dreams/

A Day of Romance?

Valentine’s Day. These are words that challenge me. Bob and I don’t make a big deal over the day, but we do recognize it. You don’t stay happily married for almost 50 years by ignoring the day designated especially for romantic love.

Most years we try to pull away to have time for ourselves. That’s challenging. A lot of married folks our age can simply stay home and celebrate together, but we do not live alone, so that can be awkward. I don’t like to go to crowded restaurants on that day either. We go out to dinner frequently, so it’s not that unique, though I love to go out to dinner, so it’s not a bad choice. Any excuse not to cook it great by me.

This year we decided to go to one of our favorite places – the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. This is my birding happy place. The views are expanses of blue and shades of green, which are enhanced by the lovely sounds of birdsong. The drive can take as little as two hours, but it usually takes us closer to three as we stop and take a walk along Lake Apopka and pull over at multiple places to pause and bird watch. It’s relaxing. At least it usually is.

For Valentine’s Day we packed a picnic lunch before we headed to the drive. We had never done that before, so we thought it would be special. We also made reservations for a movie later that night. Captain America: Brave New World would not qualify as a rom/com, but we enjoy the franchise, so why not! Because we didn’t know how long we’d be on the drive, we decided to wing it when it came to dinner. We knew restaurants would be packed, so we’d just let it play out.

The opening road on the drive this time of year is always packed with alligators, ducks, coots, and gallinules. Lake Apopka is a prime migratory spot, so we knew we’d have lots to see. I have a trusty bird guide to help identify the ducks. There are so many species! Every year I say I’m going to brush up on my duck knowledge, but by the end of migration season, I’m still weak as a duckling in my identification skills. It was a good thing I have a birding guide. It would have been an even better thing if I had taken it off the dining room table and put it in the car.

The drive in was lovely. We even spotted a couple of Wilson’s Snipes with their extremely long bill, so if you want to trick someone into going on a snipe hunt, this is not the place.

At the end of the road, we walked along the lake trying to spot alligators. We hadn’t seen a single one all the way in and that is strange. I reminded myself that they don’t take them in at night as I pictured Florida cowboys herding them into pens. Nope, that isn’t the way it works. Finally, I spotted a big daddy lurking by the shore with another gator swimming in the current passing him by.

We returned to our car and encountered a road closure that forced all the vehicles to take the same road – the road along the lakeshore, our least favorite way to go. That is when the tides turned. You don’t see as much on that part of the drive, and there is only one pull-out to bird watch. We were out for a relaxing day, so we figured this was a mere bump in the dirt road. We didn’t care. Until we did.

The speed limit along the drive is about 10 mph. It’s a bumpy, dirt road, and it’s made for watching wildlife from your vehicle, so that’s about right. The car leading the pack along the lakeshore that day must have been new or totally self-absorbed or possibly fascinated by the lack of wildlife that day (it was the worst day for bird watching we have ever experienced there) or maybe cruel and sadistic. I don’t know, but I do know that he drove 2-3 mph the entire way. By halfway down this long, boring road, there were at least 25 vehicles behind him, each with a driver ready to strangle somebody. When we approached the pull-out, I was hopeful that he would do just that and let us pass. Nope.

I should point out that there is no passing. On one side of the road is a drop-off to a canal and swamp area. The other side is Lake Apopka. It was brutal, and I think at one point a turtle passed us by. As we approached the sharp right turn of the road, there was another opportunity for this driver to pull over and let our growing line of cars pass. Nope again.

By now the car behind us was getting antsy. He pulled up close to our rear bumper on the driver’s side, signaling that he wanted to pass. He kept on us like a heron after a snake. Then he decided to honk his horn. I know he was desperate. We all were! But seriously! We were at least ten cars from the beginning of the line. Perhaps he wanted to start a procession of honking to alert the driver at the start.

At long last we reached the picnic area. Once again there were few birds to be seen, but we could tell they had been there by the splattering of bird poop on the tables. Ambiance at its best for a bird watcher? Uh, no, but we made do. From our perch on the poopified picnic table, we had the opportunity to people watch as another long parade of cars was inching along the road towards us at a snail’s pace. One oblivious driver got out of his truck, not 15 feet from the parking area, to view a baby gator. This blocked the entire road full of unhappy birders. As another man got out of his truck to approach the clueless gator gawker, Bob and I decided to skedaddle and get ahead of whatever wildlife was about to be on display. (Reminder: It’s illegal to feed alligators, especially to feed them people.)

At the end of the drive, we discovered that we would have plenty of time to go to a relaxing dinner before the movie, except we didn’t have reservations. We got in the car around 5:00 to get a jump on the Valentine crowd, but we made the mistake of choosing Longhorn Steak House, which is a favorite of the over sixty crowd, so they were packed. Five in the evening is regular dinnertime for them, so down the road we went.

I called Miller’s Ale House and they said it was only a ten minute wait and we should come ahead, no need to leave our name. When we got there, it was a twenty minute wait and the receptionist said we should have called ahead and left our name. We looked at each other and shrugged it off. Twenty minutes wasn’t going to be a problem. That is until it turned into 45 minutes, and we still had names ahead of us. Captain American was getting closer and closer, but we really needed Doctor Who or some other time traveler to help us achieve our plan.

Well, Chipotle had no line at all. Go figure! We weren’t too disappointed because we do eat out often, but it was kind of amusing that the place where we could enjoy a meal alone together was fast food. The rest of the world was waiting at Miller’s Ale House and Longhorn.

Buying tickets to go to the movies is so great now. You don’t have to wait in line or worry about your seat selection. You can get that empty seat buffer between you and the next group. It’s easily done on your smartphone. We settled in with plenty of time.

Minutes before the show started, a young man with a big tray full of food plopped down right beside me in our buffer zone. I should mention that the theater was only about a third full. I thought maybe he was joining the group to his right, but no, he was there to watch the movie with me.

It didn’t take but a minute to surmise that this young man with the welcoming smile and friendly manner had some special needs and that he was a huge Marvel fan. He was so excited that when the movie began, he clapped and informed me that Captain America is not Steve Rogers anymore, but it’s now Sam Wilson who was the Falcon. He didn’t want me to miss a thing. He chatted right up to the start of the movie, and I wondered if he was going to disturb anyone, but he kept his voice low while informing me of who was who each time a new character appeared. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I was familiar with the storylines. It was a privilege to watch the movie with this fellow, and I have to say a highlight of a very weird Valentine’s Day. Of course, Bob was there, but my new friend kept his voice low enough that even Bob was unaware of his comments. I’m glad he chose the buffer seat next to me.

Hope your Valentine’s Day was memorable, too.

2 Comments
by Bonnie Anderson on March 20, 2025  •  Permalink
Posted in Birding, Florida Living, Holidays, marriage, People that I Meet
Tagged , , , , , ,

Posted by Bonnie Anderson on March 20, 2025

https://lifeonthelighterside.com/2025/03/20/a-day-of-romance/

Aloha, Jet Lag

The jet lag from our Hawaii trip has passed. They say to recover from a trip, it takes a day for every time zone, so in this case, that’s five days. I always double that because my typical posture in life is lag. It’s been over two weeks now, so I’m back to normal – just my regular, daily lag.

My current issue is that I haven’t gotten over not being in Hawaii. That’s different from failing to get over any other trip or struggling to adjust to regular, day-to-day life. Hawaii gets a hold on me and won’t let go. Part of it is the island pace. I was made for island pace – nice and slow and whatever pace you like works. Perfect for me. So, it’s going to take a while.

To prolong my issue, I’m constantly faced with reminders about Hawaii, including a separate section in my closet which is devoted to t-shirts from Hawaii. The oldest is a Crazy Shirt (Crazy Cat shirt at the time of purchase 25 years ago on our first trip there, so it’s considered vintage). I also have a ballcap with the state fish stitched on it, including the spelled-out name, humuhumunukunukuapua`a. It wraps around the cap and is a conversation starter here on the mainland. It’s a big name for a little trigger fish.

My Facebook account still thinks I’m there and is constantly suggesting I take a snorkel tour off the Napali Coast or go pick pineapples. Speaking of pineapples, I have become a pineapple snob. Our tour of Kauai Sugarloaf Pineapple Farm was eye-opening. These are the best pineapples I have ever eaten and now I’m ruined for any others. You can even eat the core! They are more addicting than M&Ms, and that’s saying something.

We planted, picked, and partook of pineapples at Kauai Sugarloaf Pineapple Farm.

Wailua Falls pictures show up on my Facebook more than pictures of my grandchildren! I’m also becoming obsessed if not addicted to Kauai Coffee, at least it appears so by my feed. I have no idea what my friends and family are up to because my feed is laced with surfers. It’s insane watching them hang ten at Pe’ahi Jaws Surf Break. I know what Jaws is because, you know, I’m obsessed with Hawaii. By the way, don’t go surfing there. I think it’s safe to assume that anyone reading my blog should not be attempting 60-foot waves.

After an intense session of surfing, it’s time to relax and watch sunrise over Kauai, or sunset. I’d keep expounding, but it looks like it’s time to take a hike in the Waimea Canyon. Or maybe a nap. Either is good.

But this goes deeper. I’ve been so consumed with Hawaii that now Facebook thinks I live there. Hawaii News Now just informed me that all public schools in Maui will be closed until Friday due to severe weather. I may or may not have a problem. But, whatever, dude.

Aloha and mahalo for reading.

Leave a comment
by Bonnie Anderson on February 6, 2025  •  Permalink
Posted in Hawaii, Stuff I Go Through, Travel
Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Bonnie Anderson on February 6, 2025

https://lifeonthelighterside.com/2025/02/06/aloha-jet-lag/

Another First

E-biking! I explained to the woman at Hele on Kauai Bike Rentals (and Boutique) that I had never ridden an electric bike. That seemed fine, but the pre-rental briefing included the question – so, you’re avid bikers?

Avid seemed to be a big word but I do know how to ride. She was satisfied but warned me that these bikes would be heavier than what I was used to.

Surprisingly that wasn’t a big issue for me, just a small one whenever I started up from stop. I adapted fine except when it was time to ride through the tunnel of trees. For some reason that was disorienting to me, but Bob went through fine. Of course.

Before our trek, we dropped our daughter and her family off at a trailhead for Donkey Beach. This is our effort to find them along the way.

Why is there always a hill?

Eventually we found them. The surf was too high for their planned snorkeling but there was plenty to explore and enjoy among the rocks.

Two hours along the Kapaa Bike Path was about perfect for me to sit on a bike as my body can only last as long as my posterior can endure even with frequent stops to take in amazing views.

I would do this again in a second. Especially after Bob explained the throttle. I was perfectly fine pedaling along enjoying the assist the bike offered even while wondering why Bob pedaled so much less than I did.

Let me tell you, the throttle was a game changer – no pedaling necessary. I was hooked.

Until next time, aloha!

Leave a comment
by Bonnie Anderson on January 8, 2025  •  Permalink
Posted in Hawaii, Stuff I Go Through, Travel
Tagged , , ,

Posted by Bonnie Anderson on January 8, 2025

https://lifeonthelighterside.com/2025/01/08/another-first/

The Hawaiian Road Less Traveled

Today was a day of rest, but that didn’t mean we stayed in our condo. A little exploring was in order. We are in Princeville on the north side of Kauai, which is the wetter side of the island. Most of our activity has taken an hour’s drive to the Lihue area. Today we set out to find a quiet beach within 15 minutes of us.

Anini Beach was a mere 13 minutes away. We turned off the main road and meandered down towards the beach with lush foliage giving way to beach views. Mostly we watched the road though.

The potholes had potholes.

This was possibly the worst road I’ve ever been on. What an adventure! It was worth compromising the suspension of our rental car because we found a lovely, quiet beach with very few people.

The lifeguard stand was unattended.

After our walk we grabbed lunch with a rooster. It’s what you do in Kauai where there are five chickens for every person. They’re everywhere and, just like in Peter Pan, they gotta crow.

Wednesday is art and musical festival day.

Soulgood Family
Nene – the state bird of Hawaii

We’re feeling that island vibe. Aloha.

Leave a comment
by Bonnie Anderson on January 2, 2025  •  Permalink
Posted in Travel
Tagged , , , ,

Posted by Bonnie Anderson on January 2, 2025

https://lifeonthelighterside.com/2025/01/02/the-hawaiian-road-less-traveled/

Aloha

Because I have visited Hawaii several times, people assume I know how long it takes to get there from Orlando. The answer to that question requires that I remember a number, so it’s usually allusive to me. Bob is numbers and I am words, so that’s his department.

But, Saturday early in the darkness of morning, we once again began a trip to Hawaii. That means I should still remember how long it took. We awoke at 3:30 for our 4:00 am pickup. Since Saturday was touted to be the busiest airport day of the holiday season, we did not check luggage but managed to stuff everything into our carry-ons and personal items. Quite a feat, if I do say so myself.

We took off at 7:00 am for our connection at Phoenix, ultimately landing in Kauai at 4:00 pm, which would be 9:00 pm Eastern time. I figured 14 hours, but I ran my answer past the engineer.

I’ll spare you the eye rolling and questioning my mental acuity looks that Bob gives me when I ask such things, but he did say that I was correct.

If you add the two hours at the airport before our flight and the lines to get a rental car plus the hour drive to our resort in Princeville, the number swells to almost 18 hours from one tropical paradise to the other. No wonder we’re tired.

This is my fifth time making this trek and I can say it’s worth it, even though it’s been raining on and off ever since we got here. The greens are greener and the blues bluer. The fog is prettier. The birds sing louder. The aloha spirit is alive and well.

Our first event the next day was whale watching. I will say the whales weren’t whalier, if that can be considered a word. They were wilier and would barely make their presence known. The Captain J’s Kauai Offshore Adventures tour guide called their behavior “spout and out.” He said the whales are recently back from gorging themselves in Alaska so they are too fat to breach. They have repopulation on their mind and I suppose that will burn some blubber and allow them to use their powerful tail fin to propel themselves upward. I guess we would need to come back in February or March to see that, but probably not.

We did see one fin and had many “there she blows” moments so it was successful. Plus the Captain J’s crew was great. It was a fun day with no rain while on the ocean.

From the boat we spotted Spouting Horn doing its thing, so we ventured over there on land for a view from the other side. It’s a blowhole formed by wave erosion. The waves crash in the rocks and spout out the blowhole with a cool hollow whistling sound. If you position yourself just right for a selfie, it can look like you’re spouting.

There are chickens everywhere here. The gorgeous roosters wake up hours before the sun rises and at this writing I still find it charming.

Tree Tunnel is spectacular and was not on the agenda, but it was a lovely bonus on the way to Costco.

Everything in Hawaii is much more expensive than on the mainland. This would include prices at Walmart. But when you arrive at Costco, you are able to get that Costco goodness for the same cost that you get it in Orlando. Plus, they have installed fancy-schmancy new bathroom stall availability lights. Way to go, Costco. Nobody is going to bust in on you and say aloha while you’re taking care of business. Impressive.

Aloha!

Leave a comment
by Bonnie Anderson on December 31, 2024  •  Permalink
Posted in Costco, Travel
Tagged , , , , ,

Posted by Bonnie Anderson on December 31, 2024

https://lifeonthelighterside.com/2024/12/31/aloha/

Bonnie and Kim Go to Yosemite (Part 2 of 2)

Part of the fun of being in a national park is the people you meet. I think being surrounded by all that beauty and feeling small in the enormity of creation brings out the best in people.

During our 3.5 days in Yosemite, we met an adorable family from Germany. Actually, I met so many Germans that I wondered who was left over there. This particular family captured my heart as they consisted of parents approaching my age and four sons who appeared to be in their twenties.

The young men were having a blast climbing on everything. They had beautiful walking sticks which were scavenged from the forest floor. I noticed one of the guys with his slung over his shoulder. When I questioned his unusual way of using a walking stick on this mostly uphill trail, he began using it in normal fashion and said that it was much more helpful that way. This began a conversation that continued on and off as we hiked the 1.9 miles of Washburn Trail toward Mariposa Grove.

Washburn Trail is purported to be a moderate hike. It is mostly uphill and this Florida girl knew she was no longer at sea level. The elevation was 7500 feet, which made it more necessary than usual to take a break to breathe. The German family was also taking breaks (I’m sure for the sake of the parents). This enabled our ongoing conversation.

As we were admiring their walking sticks, one fellow offered proudly that his brother was the finder of walking sticks. After hesitating for effect, he added, and wasps. His outstretched hand revealed the swelling resultant from encountering the wasps. Kim offered first aid, which was declined. She said she was sure she would be in tears with that kind of swelling.

The young man’s response was simple, “We don’t cry in Germany.” And then they all climbed up a big bolder and posed for pictures for their mama. How I missed my own sons as I watched this sweet group.

We also met the Simon Says guy. Steve Max is a professional Simon Says caller who has frequented pre-game shows of teams including the Orlando Magic. He was camera shy, but I googled him and discovered he is as real as bigfoot Half Dome.

We never saw any bears on this trip, but there were signs everywhere to warn of their presence. I spoke to another group of German women who asked if I had seen any bears and I admitted I had not. At least not since I was home in Florida where they do frequent my backyard. This blew their minds as they confessed to knowledge of alligators in Florida but not bears. I shared my backyard video and from the looks on their faces I am sure that they will never come to Florida for fear of our wildlife. I assured them that Interstate 4 is far more dangerous than any animal they might encounter.

My backyard visitor here in the Orlando suburbs.

In Mariposa Grove we met a three-generation Amish family who were camping just outside the park in BLM (Bureau of Land Management) territory. I was unaware of this cost-free option, but when they informed of us the rigors of BLM camping, I could see why I never came across it on a google search. There are no electrical hook-ups, no showers, no potties – just land. This group told us of bringing in their own water and latrine system. Every one of the children had their hair done nicely and they were dressed so cute. They were super polite and friendly. The only thing that gave away the lack of easy access to water was their dirty feet. Makes sense. Dirty feet mean lots of outdoor fun.

Another thing of note to be found in Yosemite is the plague. I don’t think it is of Biblical proportion, but there are signs warning people to stay away from wildlife – especially cute wildlife like chipmunks and ground squirrels, whose fleas can carry the disease. Just one more reason to give animals a wide berth.

One of the strangest things which I encountered in the park and something I think my grandchildren would struggle to identify, even with a smart phone, was in the Glacier Point area. This was a relic of the twentieth century. Conjecture would say it’s there because of poor internet availability. At least you could dial 911, though that may need to be made clearer for coming generations.

By this point of the trip, I was half crazed with trying to identify landmarks, birds, and trees with my iPhone. I so wanted it to get things right. My phone did not offer any explanation as to what this was. It did not even say it was Half Dome, which was a pleasant surprise.

Along the lines of “Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints,” I had to wonder who was trying to abscond with the heavy picnic tables scattered throughout the park. Is this kind of deterrent really necessary?

One thing we did take that I’ll share with you as long as you promise not to report us, is rocks. Full disclosure, there may have been a few pinecones, too. I think they have enough and more seem to be falling all the time, but Kim is obsessed with rocks and that rubbed off on me. As I was flying this trip, I did not have the luxury of collecting a lot of rocks, but while we were down at the edge of a stream, I found the prettiest little rock with pink and blue through it. I showed it to Kim and said there must be a be another one around here somewhere. Maybe it chipped off a bigger rock. The excitement was building for this one-of-a-kind rock. Then, as I rubbed it with my fingers to get dirt off, it became rubbery and I realized I had found a piece of chewed up gum.

I did not bring this sappy pinecone home.

How can I sum up my Yosemite experience? In one word – WOW! Kim and I kept coming back to this simple word as all adjectives had been used and overused to describe the beauty around us. I will share some of my favorite pictures with you and when you think, WOW, remember that a picture can only capture a small portion of how majestic and beautiful this park truly is.

Also, a big thank you to my sweet husband for making it possible for me to join my friend in his favorite park. If he ever has the opportunity to visit Yellowstone without me, I’ll have to remember how gracious he was.

If you’d like to read about Kim’s adventure, she is on Instagram #following_helen

6 Comments
by Bonnie Anderson on November 8, 2024  •  Permalink
Posted in Animals, Friendship, National Parks, People that I Meet, Travel
Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted by Bonnie Anderson on November 8, 2024

https://lifeonthelighterside.com/2024/11/08/bonnie-and-kim-go-to-yosemite-part-2-of-2/

Fun at the Polling Place 

Why is the place which we vote called the polling place? There are so many polls being taken to see who has the edge before we vote. That makes calling the voting place a polling place confusing to me. According to Webster’s Dictionary, a poll can either be the process by which we vote or a head. Score a point for the confusing versatility of the English language. If I had overseen the compilation of a dictionary, I would not have touched that assignment with a ten-foot poll, I mean pole. Essentially, the origins of the word polling place came from getting a head count for an election.

Now that we’ve learned something, it’s time to go to the polling place and vote. Although it is not on the ballot, fun has my vote. Smiling at people and joking with them while thanking them for serving at the polling place also has my vote. You can learn a lot about a person by how they respond to a joke.

Scene:

It’s early voting time, and Bob and I approach the polling place, a former Party City which now welcomes all parties, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike, into their location. Two people wait to greet us and direct us into the building. Before entering, we need to deposit my mom’s and sister’s mail-in ballots in the monitored collection box. They are examined for signatures, and Bob and I are given the once-over in what I assume is their effort to see if we are padding the ballot box.

One of the workers is a man close to our age. He’s jovial and hands us Just Voted stickers to take home. The other worker is a woman who seems friendly enough. I am a little out of step here, so I affix a sticker onto my shirt, proclaiming to all that I just voted. Only I didn’t.

That was questioned at the table which we stopped at once inside the building. I was helped by a woman around my age. (I guess we have more time on our hands than a lot of people.) She looked at my sticker and said inquisitively, “You voted?”

“Oh, no,” I responded and went on to explain to her that I guess my sister wasn’t getting a sticker after all. The records verified that I indeed had not yet voted.

She then made a comment to the tune of Florida isn’t like California. Immediately she looked embarrassed, but I assured her that a little joke at the expense of one of our united fifty was okay with me, especially if it was California. Her guffaw was safe with me. She seemed relieved.

I know this is a serious election. They all are. Have you noticed that almost every presidential election people say is the most important one of our lives and the state of the republic hangs in balance? I guess I’ve voted a few times now, because that line has gotten old, even if it is true.

I do believe it is an important election, mainly because the sides are so starkly opposite each other, and I fear a truly united United States is impossible. I do believe that we can try harder not to hate each other though, especially since it may be that half the country is going to be disappointed and sad (hopefully not angry) next week.

But I digress. After painstakingly filling in all the bubbles, I proceeded to the last usher in my journey. She tells me to place one ballot at a time of our two-page ballots into the machine. After I do, she hands me a sticker and looks confused.

Just at that moment, when I decline the sticker, anonymous California joker comes over to explain and join me in some more banter. I tell them both that my sister won’t be getting a sticker this year. You must be present to win. California girl and I laugh and high five. The other woman smiles politely.

As we leave, we pass the first two poll workers. I tell them that I’ll see them tomorrow when we can do this all over again. The man chuckles. The woman tells me that I’ll be going to jail.

My conclusion – there are two kinds of people in this world, and I have no idea if they are Democrats or Republicans, but I like the ones who laugh at my jokes.

Leave a comment
by Bonnie Anderson on November 1, 2024  •  Permalink
Posted in Current Events, People that I Meet, Stuff I Go Through
Tagged , , , , , ,

Posted by Bonnie Anderson on November 1, 2024

https://lifeonthelighterside.com/2024/11/01/fun-at-the-polling-place/

« Older Posts
Newer Posts »