Coffee Break # 89 The End of 2012

There is a very small rescue in Newtown that is offering play time with foster kittens and a stuffed animal for children over 4.

I grew up and still live in the neighborhood that was on the edge of Byberry State Hospital. Quite a few of the patients walked our streets and went to the corner deli for cigarettes, we were friends with many of them. Now as we are adults and remember, lots were young people that now I know were not "crazy'' just mentally challenged with parents that couldn't "handle" them. 45 years ago Aspergers and Autism weren't even heard of. So sad, some were turned out on the streets when it closed, they had no family left. Many I'm sure could have been self reliable adults with some help. When I think back we were never afraid, it seemed natural to us that they were around. I often think of some and wonder what ever became of them.

And there were horror stories of patient mistreatment or lack of care in hospitals.. I learned a little about that when I read ''The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks''.

The Waterbury paper published some of the obits today....as difficult as it was, I read everyone of them....I wanted to know these children, not just as a number.....James followed his Dad around, & was a math nut, Charlotte loved animals, wanted to be a vet, Jessica loved horseback riding, Jack played many sports, (Victor Cruz wore his name on his football shoes yesterday), Chase completed his first triathalon....they were amazing children, we need to never forget what happened to them. There was another article in today's paper about Region 6 where my grandkids are.....now, to check out a child, your name has to be on a clipboard, & you must show an ID......also, another lockdown in Ridgefield...close to Newtown ...where someone armed was reported to be at the train station.....

I heard about Ridgefield cause I have a friend from hs that lives there but is currently in Switzerland(for 2 years, hubby was transferred there) her kids would have been in the elementary school there

There will be lots of alarms in the coming days as everyone is on edge.

You gotta be kidding. One of the worst.

http://www.spectator.co.uk/the-week/leading-article/8789981/glad-tidings/

Not one of my best years....

Cannot believe the WH press secy exploited the killings as reason to tax the 'rich'. Can you stoop any lower??

Keeps getting weirder. Read that the killer was a vegan because he did not want animals hurt.

Normally I bake, buy and donate to the local charities @ Christmas but this year I am doing something a little different. Instead of picking six tags ( 6 because I have 6 G-Kids who are spoiled already ) off the giving tree I am putting the money towards a family hit by hurricane Sandy. I will still bake some goodies and buy 5 blankets for the new homeless shelter in my home town, but the bulk of the money will go to a family who lost pretty much everything.
So...whats everyone else up to?

This message was edited Dec 18, 2012 6:18 AM

Instead of doing secret Santa at work, I chose a nursing home resident to buy for,
I made a meal and delivered it to my coworker who will be out of work 2 months caring for her husband who fell off the roof, I might repeat this
Donated to hurricane Sandy victims
And contributed to a needy family with 3 small children.
I made 13 dozen cookies for work yesterday, have been doing that for years, but I think this will be my last year, our church delivers cookies to nursing homes, I'll probably do that instead.

When I contribute I often give up a pedicure and donate the cost. Even if I could still afford to get one, it means more to go without a luxury to give to someone in need.

My charity went to the FoodLink.This organization helps all year round.

Exactly Deb! I bet the folks love those cookies, always better when they are made with love.
Each one of my G-Kids get everything they want so I buy six gifts they would like and give to kids who might never have gotten anything. I let the kids know what im doing and allow them to toss idea's and/or go shopping with me. It makes them feel good and they get to see how fortunate they are. My Dad took me, and taught me this very valuable lesson, I took my kids and now my kids and myself are teaching the G-Kids. I hope they pass this tradition down to their children and G-children. ^_^

This message was edited Dec 18, 2012 7:04 AM

I forgot food link. I do that at Wegmans checkout.

Nice that you can do it at the check out.
Dunkin’ Donuts locations in New England are asking you to donate $1.00 to recognize the children of military families living in your community. You receive a coupon for a free medium or hot coffee when you do so, I bet i've donated @ least $25 already. ^_^

Wegmans starts the campaign in October.Tops SuperMarkets have just had their drive.
I am not usually very mobile so the check out donation works for me.
I believe thre are kids who dont need as much charity as they receive at holidays but everyone needs a good meal.

I know this sounds mean but years ago I worked in a clinic that chose stars from a tree and bought gifts for that child,usually listed as boy or girl and their ages.
My job was to deliver the office toys to a war memorial where they would be distributed from.
I was amazed to see shelves of toys and bikes and electric games and cameras that my kids would never have thought of getting.
I was a single mom at the time.
It would be like seeing I=Pads and such now days.
Pixie,your lessons surely will be passed on.

More public information about dealing the the violence at Sandy Hook:

Access the APA homepage at http://www.apa.org; the tribute content is posted at: http://www.apa.org/school-shooting.aspx. This landing page brings the reader to tailored information throughout the APA website, including the consumer information Psychology Help Center.

Just a change of pace.:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=467518911283

Cute Jo! re-posting it it for you. :)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=467518911283

It didnt work? Thanks for the help.
I am still with only 1 hand.Wed the bandages come off.I cant wait.

Cute. I didn't know cats had such boyish voices.

Its so hard to do a narrative like that..

I had to turn off the news,just cant take anymore.
I turned on Public radio heard limerick.When did we become so cynical?
http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php?date=2012%2F12%2F18%3Frefid%3D0&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+writersalmanac+%28APM%3A+Garrison+Keillor%27s+The+Writer%27s+Almanac+RSS+Feed%29

Cats were excellent!
Thought the Dallas limerick was clever and the others just stupid.

This message was edited Dec 18, 2012 8:57 AM

Today is a milestone in this surgery journey.I can use the mouse with right hand.

YAY for right hand mouse. That cat video was hilarious!

Progress is progress.
Clever guys narrative

Yes....great news, Jo! I filled a stocking for a child who attends Camp Hope, my pastor is one of the counselors.....the kids come from the big cities in CT....And donate extra to the food pantry at this time of year.....

Quick power request.. Today was the day my nephew left us a few years ago.. Please send some DG love to my sister and niece

Certainly Allison!

Will do Allison


My great niece was born today 7lbs 2oz Emily May

Congratulations, Jen. Will send group love and prayers, Allison.

Welcome, Emily May!! I like your tradition, pixie.

I'm not a cat person but that was funny

Our condolences for their loss and yours at this time of year, onewish, hoping the passing anniversaries ease the pain but remind of happy times

I texted my sister.. she wouldn't answer the phone when I called.. she is hurting.. wish I could go to Ohio

Prayers being sent for your sister and niece, Allison

Glad you can use your right hand some, Jo

So sorry Allison, prayers and comfort being sent to you and your family.

I hope you & your family find comfort, Allison......Jen, how wonderful to have a new baby in the family.....