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Wednesday 4 November 2020

How To Stay Humble

Hello, friends.

It's the day after US voting day, with final results still to be determined, and I know that many people around the world are biting their nails in solidarity with our American friends.

So I thought a diversion - even a small one - might be welcome.

Last Saturday it was that time of the year - the time when we set our clocks back an hour so that we can finally catch up on the hour of sleep we lost last spring when we set them ahead.

Hold that thought for a minute.

It's been awhile since I've mentioned my mom, but you may remember that she is ninety years old now and having increasing problems with her memory. 

Hold that thought, too. 

My mom has resisted getting a flu shot for many years now. She always says she should get one, but when I offer to take her she backs out. But this year, with covid-19 on the go, she finally agreed to let me make an appointment for her and even agreed to let me drive her there.

Now we have three thoughts lined up. Here's how they connect.

On Monday, I called my mom a few hours prior to her appointment, to remind her of the scheduled time. I also asked if she had managed to get her clocks turned back on the weekend.

No, she said. Did the time change?

Yes, I said. Yes it did. What time is on your clock right now, Mom?

It's ... let's see ... um ... it's one o'clock ... she said.

Okay then, I said (reading our kitchen clock); your clocks are still on the old time, Mom. It's actually 12 noon right now. So I'll pick you up in an hour and a half for your appointment, and if you want help setting any of your clocks I can do that too.

After a few more repetitions of what time it was and when I'd be picking her up, we ended our call.

Her flu shot went very smoothly, and I took her home and set all her clocks by my watch. Feeling like I had done my good deed for the day, I said good-bye and drove off to do some errands.

... And realized, to my horror, that I hadn't actually changed my watch to the proper time. (I don't wear it around the house, and I hadn't gone out since the time change.)

I did my errands while I contemplated the nature of memory, and good intentions, and bad follow-through, and then I returned to my mom's house where I had to admit my stupidity and set all her clocks - which she had originally set to the proper time and I had "fixed" - to the correct time.

Talk about humble pie. I was stuffed with it. Whew. Couldn't manage another bite. Because it's not all that tasty.

The only good thing is that she won't remember it by the next time I talk to her.

But I will.

Sigh.

We now return you to your regular programming. Good luck with those election results, America.

In case you're still not ready for that, here are some animals in sweaters. Enjoy.

 


 

 
 

 


 


 


 


 



 Have a good day, people :)

66 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Oops. Big oops. And I have been guilty of more than a few of them myself.
Still waiting anxiously with our American friends.
And thank you for the animals in sweaters - though they are making me feel hotter than I like.

dinthebeast said...

Everything I use to tell time with is supposed to reset automatically. Supposed to...
My little old dumb phone has been nothing more than a timepiece with my old contacts in it for a year now, but one night while using it as a flashlight to get to the bathroom, I dropped it and the battery fell out.
When I got it put back together, the date had reset to January 1 and somehow the time was 7 hours and 17 minutes slow.
So now it's 6 hours and 17 minutes slow.
My computer and my brand new phone both handled the change with aplomb, but my brand new phone doesn't get reception here in this downstairs room, so I have to Fed Ex it back and they are sending me one that will make calls over wifi, which will work fine here.
The election doesn't seem to be quite what we had hoped it would be so far, but that's how we were reacting to the previous election at first, and as the votes were counted it just kept getting better and better until it turned out to have been a historic victory.
So I'm trying to just chill and be patient, as this time, because of covid, the lag time should be even more pronounced.
I hope you and your husband are doing well, and it was good to hear from you again.

-Doug in Sugar Pine

Cherie said...

Jenny love, You have just made me chuckle... and oh blimey we could all do with more things to laugh about. Hope things are all well with you. x

Anonymous said...

That's so funny about the clocks. What a helpful daughter, not.

Marie Smith said...

Oh my. I’ve been there, having to undo things I “fixed.” May as well have a laugh about it and go on.

Bonnie said...

How funny, I love it! That is exactly something that I would have done. It was an easy mistake to make since you had not worn your watch recently. You are a very loving and helpful daughter! Thank you for a laugh when we really need one! This waiting is hard!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Oh, that is a good story, Jenny. We get frustrated at ourselves sometimes for things we do but later on they become good stories. My foibles, which are many, have become part of family lore and live forever, being told over and over at my expense. I love it because a good story is worth anything
I never changed the time in my car last spring because, with Covid, I drove it so seldom, that it didn’t seem worth the trouble. Last Sunday it became the right time.

River said...

Nice to see a post from you, I hope things are going well.
For the first time ever, I turned my clocks the wrong way this spring and only noticed the next day when I turned on the TV for my favourite morning show and I'd missed it.
The sweaters are all cute, but the animals must be very docile to put up with the putting on process.

Joanne Noragon said...

That squirrel looks mighty smug.

Red said...

Sometimes there's just too much going on at the same time.

Diane Henders said...

Oh, SNAP! It might have felt embarrassing at the time, but you really did do your good deed for the day - it's the thought that counts. And your mom was probably pleased to see you again, so overall it was a win. Or win-ish, anyway. ;-)

The sweatered critters are cute, but I can't imagine having that much time on my hands... not only to knit the sweaters, but also to stuff the animals into them!

Charlotte (MotherOwl) said...

Agreeing with Diane Henders ... on both accounts. Hoping all is still better with hubby.
Good wishes from Denmark.

Steve Reed said...

Ha! That's actually a pretty funny story, about your mom's clocks. Although I'm sure it didn't seem funny at the time.

I'd like to be amused by the animals in sweaters, but you know they're just hating it. Animals don't want to wear a sweater. They have their own sweaters. (This is what I tell Dave when he suggests buying a sweater for Olga.)

Infidel753 said...

I wish they would stop doing these idiotic clock changes altogether. For the USA, Congress was supposed to vote on that at some point, but I guess they were too busy repealing safety regulations and stuffing the Supreme Court with religious nuts.

If you're not sure, look at the little time display at the bottom right corner of your computer screen. The computers always know.

Mary said...

Don't you just love it when you think you have worked out something so carefully for someone else and then...poof...your illusion of competence is shattered. Been there. Done that. Laughed...but later, after I got over the chagrin. :)

e said...

My clock has paws...

Martha said...

You got her to her appointment, so that cancels out the clocks incident! :) Thanks for the smile. And I hope you are doing well.

jenny_o said...

Oops sums it up nicely :)
I imagine a sweater is the last thing you want to think about right now ...

jenny_o said...

One hour fast or slow isn't hard to live with, but six or seven hours and 17 minutes is a bit trickier! I hope your new phone arrives quickly and works well.
The election results are still hung up like a computer without enough memory ... it's excruciating to see Biden so close but not know the final outcome yet.

jenny_o said...

Thanks, Cherie - I'm glad you could laugh with me about it :)

jenny_o said...

It's good to be reminded of our impending senility once in a while, innit?

jenny_o said...

Exactly :D

jenny_o said...

So, so hard, isn't it? My heart speeds up every time I check the news. I do hope there is good news soon. Thanks for your kind words, Bonnie.

jenny_o said...

I love a good story, too, Arleen, and it never bothers me if I'm the one who precipitates it. You're a lady after my own heart :)
Procrastination works sometimes, right? lol

jenny_o said...

Thank you, River.
Time - clock time - doesn't mean much to me, so I really have to concentrate to estimate what time of day it is. I think I'm not busy enough, maybe :)
None of those animals look distressed, so I'm hoping they didn't mind and it was just long enough for a quick picture. Except the baby goat and llama - I know they actually are put in sweaters to keep them warm enough depending on the weather when they are born. And other animals, like horses, often have winter blankets here because they are short-haired and our weather can just get too cold in winter.

jenny_o said...

Doesn't he, though? I wonder what he's thinking. And I hate to even say this, but I wonder if he's alive or if he's been to the taxidermist??

jenny_o said...

You got it, Red. That's what always happens when I'm with Mom because she talks constantly, often asking the same questions again and again, and I can't think!

jenny_o said...

I found it funny, even at the time, Diane, so it wasn't as bad as some other things I've done :D
Like you and some other commenters, I do worry about animals being dressed up, but I'm hoping most of it's temporary, just for the photo. Although other animals need the sweaters (see my answer to River, above) which I'm sure you know, having lived in the west in very cold weather!

jenny_o said...

Thank you, Charlotte. He's still doing about the same, which includes pain-free, and eating better, so I'll take that as a positive thing :)

jenny_o said...

It actually did seem funny to me at the time; it was more the part about facing my mother to admit it that bothered me. I think I may be getting somewhat patronizing toward her memory lapses ... and the tables were suddenly turned :)
Some animals don't mind wearing something to keep them warm. As I mentioned to River (above), baby goats are routinely put in sweaters or t-shirts when they're born if the weather is cool (which it often is). That might be a result of raising goats in places other than where they would naturally be warm enough when born, or it may be that more babies died from exposure before someone thought to give them a hand. And horses here are routinely put out to get exercise in the winter with thick blankets on. It's too cold not to, and their own coats are too thin.

jenny_o said...

Yep, my computer and even my basic flip phone always know :) I didn't think to check my phone because my watch was right there on my wrist, but that turned out badly :)
I wish they'd stop the time changes too. Study after study has shown an increase in traffic accidents in the spring when we lose an hour. My mother was a teacher and she said the kids took at least a week to adjust to the change.

jenny_o said...

Yes, you got it, Mary :D

jenny_o said...

HA HA HA!! Excellent answer, e :D

jenny_o said...

Thank you, Martha - and you as well. I'm not sure if the books are balanced, but it made me smile to myself anyhow :)

Susan said...

I hope I can return the laugh with this. Years ago I worked at a recreational lake and park. I had cause to reprimand our young landscapers for taking out the safety boat for joy rides. The very next day I asked one of the young men to watch the office while I took a bathroom break. 10 minutes later I returned to an empty office and looking out the window saw the young man on the dock casting off. I flew down there and shouted. "I've had it with you boys! why, why, would you take out the boat after all I said yesterday" he nervously pointed across the lake where two people sat on an upturned canoe, waving at us. "to rescue them" he replied. I managed a prim "get on with it then" Of course by then there was an audience. All ended happily and I've laughed about it many times since. Hugs to you and all the others in this world who have had similar moments.

messymimi said...

Oh, well, at least she has a daughter who loves her enough to do all of these things for her.

jenny_o said...

HAHAHA! I love this story, Susan! Thanks for telling it, in solidarity with all us other folks :D

jenny_o said...

Well, that's a kind thought, Mimi - lol - Thanks for that.

baili said...

not so tasty but still fruitful :)))

yes at least she has a loving ,caring daughter who thinks about her and want to provide some comfort and ease despite of all her business :) and this i s i love about you Most!!!!!!!!!!!!!

living in a far away land from your country even we all are waiting for results with good hopes :)
hope all is going good with your hubby my dear friend !
i absolutely loved these images ,sooo CUTE :)))
never saw these beauties wrapped up within such pretty sweaters :)
sending you tons of positivity ,much love and hugs!
you are in my thoughts and prayers!

crafty cat corner said...

I really detest changing the clocks. It puts all of the animals out. The fox is waiting an extra hour and the cats are pestering early for their late night treats. I leave the one in my bedroom on the old time, just to be cranky, lol
Briony
x

Mr. Shife said...

Hello jenny_o. I was so glad to read some updates from you. Good to hear that things are going well for your hubby. Very happy to hear that. We are still waiting for those election results but looks like you know who is going to get a giant helping of humble pie. Unfortunately, he is not going to be very humble about his loss nor will his cult of lunatics. Take care and continued good thoughts to you and your family.

jenny_o said...

"not so tasty but still fruitful :)" - oh how I love this wonderful description, baili! It's so true. It taught me something, that's for sure.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and kindness, my dear friend :)

jenny_o said...

HAHAHA! I love it, Briony. I'd do that except I would be confused ALL the time - lol

jenny_o said...

And by now we know for sure that "you know who" has truly lost. It is such a huge relief to once again look forward to a presidential president! Thanks for those good thoughts; I appreciate them.

Mike said...

I can never keep the time change in my mind the day of the change. I was at my computer and noticed the computer said 1:15AM. I looked at the clock on the wall and it said 2:15. I was like, OH yeah, time change. Then I got up and changed ... I'm counting, hold on, ... 8 clocks.

Yorkshire Pudding said...

It's usually a healthy thing to poke fun at ourselves and admit our mistakes. What's with all this clock changing anyway? It is as ridiculous as it always was... in my incredibly humble opinion!

Diane Stringam Tolley said...

Hahahaha! Great story, Jenny! Sorry to laugh at you but...hahahahaha!
I had to actually change to a different watch because the one I usually wear wouldn't change. I think that's an omen...

SpikesBestMate said...

Jenny, both your clocks tale and your photos made me smile - thank you for brightening my day! It's great to see that you can now see the bright side of things again and I hope your situation is improving all round. Best wishes.

LL Cool Joe said...

Haha okay that is a bit embarrassing. Giving your mom all that advice and help only to have not changed your own watch to the correct time. Sorry, but I had to laugh. :D

jenny_o said...

Thank goodness for computers, eh? :)
We have a lot of clocks, too. My husband usually does all the changing for me, except my watch and my car. Hence my confusion.

jenny_o said...

Your INCREDIBLY humble opinion is right, in my newly-humble opinion :)

jenny_o said...

You're not laughing AT me, you're laughing WITH me, Diane, because I was laughing too (still am) - lol

That watch of yours is either an omen or it's broken :)

jenny_o said...

Thanks, SBM - as things settle down here, my mood has, too. I'm glad you enjoyed the post!

jenny_o said...

Me too, Joey - me too :)
It was a rueful laugh, but still a laugh. lol

37paddington said...

Oh well, you had the most noble of intentions! I hope you and your dear husband are doing well.

Mr. Shife said...

Anytime, my friend. Take care.

Betsy said...

Oh my gosh! Animals in sweaters! And luckily, I'm guessing your mom doesn't have a rigorous schedule these days. I liked the part where we were holding all of the thoughts at once. I could do it! Like a circus monkey! :-). I'm glad you're well. I don't check in on my blogging friends much but it is good to read your post. We made it past the election. We will survive, as Gloria Gaynor says. xo

Debby said...

There was that time my efficient husband set the clocks back and I hadn't realized he did it. I mentally subtracted another hour...

jenny_o said...

The road to heck is paved with good intentions, so they say :)
Thanks, 37p - we are okay.

jenny_o said...

You're right, Betsy - Mom does not have much on her calendar these days, so no harm done :)
I'm glad you weren't overburdened by those three thoughts, lol
We WILL survive, yes!

jenny_o said...

Oh no!! That makes me feel better, though :D

Chickens Consigliere said...

Hi PD, hope you're doing well and hopefully, you both got a good laugh out of it. I know I did-) My favorite day of the year is the day we turn the clocks back because I feel like the universe gave me an extra hour. Conversely, I'm not a big fan of the day it steals it back the next spring. Along those same lines. the longest day of the year leaves me a little sad because I know the days are going to start getting shorter and the shortest day of the year give me hope that summer will come again soon enough. Also, that squirrel is so cute!

jenny_o said...

Yeah, the shortening days remind me of landmark birthdays - the worst part is the lead up to them; once they arrive, we can begin to look ahead again. Maybe that's a weird analogy. lol

I don't know how amused my mom was but I had a good laugh at myself!

Vagabonde said...

I came to your blog from Starting Over, Accepting Changes. Your clock story is funny and I can see how it would happen. During the time change I had to drive from Nashville to Atlanta to vote. Atlanta is one hour ahead of Nashville. Then when I called my daughter in Pittsburgh to see the PA results I just could not remember what time it was there. I used to collect old clocks (they are still in the Georgia house) and I hated having to change the time on at least 26 clocks! Those little critter photos are sweet.

jenny_o said...

Thanks for dropping in, Vagabonde. The time zones would really complicate the time change - or vice versa! 26 clocks is a LOT ...

Geo. said...

Wonderful and moving post, 0_Jenny, and photos! Although there's something ironic about the lamb in what looks to be a wool sweater.