Do Not Throw Rocks Into The Water

The National Park Service doesn't even say please do not throw rocks into the water. Just Don’t. OK?

Taking that tone makes me want to throw rocks, although normally I’m not a rock-throwing kind of person. This is why certain groups get upset over what they perceive as excessive Government regulations , I think. In a lot of ways, they don’t like that Hermione tone of voice.

We took my new wheelchair out for a spin at Jones Point Park, under the Wilson Bridge. It’s been landscaped and fixed up and is a beautiful place to view the boats on the Potomac, or launch your small boat or canoe, or have a picnic by the water. Just don’t throw rocks.

We walked all the way north from the Wilson Bridge into Old Town. Well, Mr. Hunting Creek walked, I rode like Cleopatra in my new wheelchair. It was cool, but not too cold. We saw dogs playing in the dog park, (Alexandria is a dog-loving city), kids playing in the kid-park (likewise for children) and looked at all of the pretty doorways and river views.

The view is different from a wheelchair. I blessed the Americans with Disabilities Act at every curb and street crossing. The Park and the City of Alexandria are both remarkably disability -friendly. When I wasn't disabled I appreciated the ramps on the sidewalks for stroller pushing purposes, now that I am disabled, I find that it makes walking with a cane or riding in a wheelchair just that much easier.

Now that I am disabled, I have no patience with people who complain about handicapped parking spaces. My kids don’t either,now. They make those whiners cringe like bad dogs with a chilly, “My Mother is disabled,” It’s amazing how thoughtless some people are.
I was on a call,  and before the call started a friend asked how I was doing, and I mentioned my new medication treatments. A third person asked what the therapy was for and when I said MS, she stated, “Oh My God, if that were me I’d kill myself!” I had the presence of mind to gently say, “perhaps it is fortunate that it is me instead.”
People! M.S. is not a death sentence! Therefore, do not say stupid stuff like that. When you notice that I use a cane and a wheelchair, don’t blurt out what a shame it is that I am a burden to my husband, and ask how he is “taking it.” He is taking things just fine and enjoys driving the wheelchair. I think he enjoys having complete power over what I get to see and where I get to go. And it’s a man’s dream come true for shopping purposes - I can only go where he pushes, (he is a good sport about going on thread, yarn and pattern runs).

When we came back home from our walk,  I found a late Clematis blooming in the front garden. Don’t we all appreciate late bloomers even more than the early blossoms?  Something to think about.

Match Game

Some people take matching seriously. Mr. Hunting Creek and I were cruising through Old Town Alexandria last Saturday, when I spied this car/house combo..  "Look!, Her car matches her house!"  Mr. Hunting Creek looked, then willingly drove around the block again so that I could take a picture. (Normally he doesn't approve of backtracking.) This car matches her house, the doors and shutters. Do you suppose she has that parking pace reserved? I say she, because what Red-blooded American Man, even in liberal Alexandria Virginia, would have a pink car and a matching pink house? No man I know.

I like matching, but lately tie fashion is to Not Match. It actually bothers me to see models wearing black hose and white shoes. Perish the thought! That combination will never be seen on my legs. I don't think necessarily that shoes must match purses must match belts, but I do like it when they harmonize. When I choose fabrics to go together, I like then to have something in common to talk about.I don't want my top and pants or skirt to sit together like two deaf mutes at a funeral. 
I may be too conservative here, but it is difficult to change after a life time of matching. That's why we so often see old ladies with hairstyles from their youth, frozen in time. ( I always wonder, don't those ladies have daughters? Their daughters are slacking! My daughter would march me right to her favorite hair stylist and say firmly, "Fix This.")
What do you think about modern matching, or the lack thereof? Do you mix it up? Would you wear black tights with white shoes? Discuss.