Monday, January 24, 2011

Hearts and Flowers

OK, no flowers, but I've been doing a little crafting in anticipation of Valentine's Day decorating.
 

 I've been  making some clay hearts, playing with paper hearts, bought Valentine M & M's to put in a jar (these aren't going to last long!), and found a cute kitchen towel at Target. Maybe I'll have found and/or made more Valentine related stuff and actually begin putting things together in a way that satisfies me.  I keep finding creative ideas all  over the blogosphere!

I saw this at Peg's Sister Sal--makes you think...


Let's put our senior citizens in jail & our criminals
 in nursing homes..


This would correct two things in one motion:
  • Seniors would have access to showers, hobbies and walks.
  • They would receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheel chairs, etc.
  • They would receive money instead of having to pay it out.
  • They would have constant video monitoring, so they would be helped instantly if they fell or needed assistance.
  • Bedding would be washed twice a week and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them.
  • A guard would check on them every 20 minutes.
  • All meals and snacks would be brought to them 
  • They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose. 
  • They would have access to a library, weight/fitness room, spiritual counseling, a pool and education...and free admission to in-house concerts by nationally recognized entertainment artists. 
  • Simple clothing - i.e.., shoes, slippers, pj's - and legal aid would be free, upon request. 
  • There would be private, secure rooms provided for all with an outdoor exercise yard complete with gardens. 
  • Each senior would have a computer, a  T.V., phone and radio in their room at no cost. 
  • They would receive daily phone calls. 
  • There would be a board of directors to hear any complaints and the ACLU would fight for their rights and protection. 
  • The guards would have a code of conduct to be strictly adhered to, with attorneys available, at no charge to protect the seniors and their families from abuse or neglect. 


As for the criminals : 

  • They would receive cold food. 
  • They would be left alone and unsupervised. 
  • They would receive showers once a week. 
  • They would live in tiny rooms, for which they would have to pay $5,000 per month. 
  • They would have no hope of ever getting out.

12 comments:

  1. Oh my, I dislike how true that is. Sad, sad.

    I just adore your blog. Thank you for sharing your talents.

    from North Bossier,
    Wendy

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  2. Wendy - Thanks! Another Bossier resident, are you? I don't think I've ever had a comment from anyone else in Bossier!

    Since I've had some experience with nursing homes in the last few years, the statements carried home more than a little truth. Fortunately, we were able to have sitters for my father, but the comparison gave me several things to ponder.

    Thanks for taking the time to comment!

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  3. Your great Valentine's day stuff reminds me I need to get busy!

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  4. I'm feeling the need to counter the blandness of post-Christmas decorating. Maybe we all need a little cheer as an antidote to winter blahs!

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  5. Being a Senior Citizen, myself, and also for years and years was a caretaker of both my folks, because I didn't want them put in a nursing home...the post regarding Seniors vs. criminals really touched home...thanks for posting such a Wise list!

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  6. DivineFabrics - A shame, isn't it, that our elderly must pay for minimal care in so many cases. The comparison may not be totally accurate, but the differences in care leave something to be desired. Thanks for your comment based on personal experience as a caretaker. It can be an exhausting and sometimes heart-breaking job when caring for beloved parents.

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  7. I'm going to copy & paste that on Facebook because it is so true, and so sad.

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  8. Deborah - Makes you wonder about our priorities, doesn't it?

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  9. Yes, I am here in the Bossier cold! I have been 'stalking' you on your blog for a few years. lol My car was totalled (near the steeple) by the same tornado that damaged your home.

    My grandmother was in a nursing home with Alzheimers. It was not a good experience for her or our family. Do you have the Alz Assoc Quilt book from the traveling quilt show that visited here a couple of years ago during the Revel? It is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

    I am curious as to what you do with all of the goodies that you create. Do you sell any? I was in business for ten years selling items that I made and enjoyed it! Stay warm! Tonight is going to be a doozy!

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  10. Wendy - Oh, dear, near the fallen steeple! That was a dangerous place to be!

    My grandmother, an aunt, and my father all had Alzheimer's. Laddie was in a wonderful place, The Cottage at the Glen, for about 6 months. He had sitters there, too, but it was for Assisted Living for AD patients, and it was great. After he had the stroke, it was a nursing home with sitters. All the difference in the world between the two.

    I don't have the book, but I sure wish I'd visited the Revel that year. Many, many online friends make quilts for these shows, but I never have. For some reason, I just make donations.

    No, I don't sell anything, but sometimes I think about it. What kind of things did you make and sell?

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  11. I sewed curtains, pillows and of course, those tapestry purses and I embroidered all sorts of things. I made little satin, steel-framed bridal purses and even made some purses out of boxes that looked like wedding cakes. I also designed, published and maintained a few websites. I had a booth at Connie Hines for a while too. It was enjoyable but I missed working with people.

    Enjoy this nice weekend we have coming up! I'm looking forward to it! No more cabin fever. : )

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  12. Wendy, how funny! I used to set up at the Hines flea market years ago when I sold antiques! It was such a long time ago, but I enjoyed it.

    No web sites still active?

    I'm looking forward to the warm weekend, too!

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Good to hear from you!