Rest in Peace David Godrey

On December 30, 2016 By dancingpalmtreesIn Christmas, David Godfrey, Death, Uncategorized10 Comments

Earlier this week I got word that another one of my co-workers was found dead in his apartment on or around Christmas day. The Christmas holidays bring on more deaths than any other season of the year. That’s one major reason I loathe the Christmas time. David had apparently been deceased for a while.

Lately quite a few single people I know have died alone in their apartments. Single people are expendable. Yes he did have family. I will say no more about that.

Dying alone is quite common especially for single people. I just hope he went quickly and did not suffer. Once again he was only in his 50s. David was a good guy, a wonderful co-worker and a nice person. When I started at the museum David went out of his way to welcome me and make me feel comfortable. David was always cheerful, upbeat with a smile even when his life was not going so well.

As always the good people die young and the evil ones not only remain but prosper.

As a single person I shudder to think that one day this might happen to me also. But as my parents used to say, “Tomorrow is not promised to you.”

God speed David. Your suffering has ended and now you are with the Lord.

Posing with Macy’s Holiday Windows

On December 23, 2016 By dancingpalmtreesIn Macy's Herald Square, Stephen, Stephen Vincent Palmer, Uncategorized3 Comments

Macy’s Holiday Windows Theme for Christmas 2016; Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus.

CHRISTMAS WRITING PROMPT #13: HOW LATE DO YOU LEAVE YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING?

On December 22, 2016December 22, 2016 By dancingpalmtreesIn Christmas, CHRISTMAS WRITING PROMPT #13: HOW LATE DO YOU LEAVE YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING?, Stephen, Stephen Vincent Palmer4 Comments

https://ourrandomview.wordpress.com/2016/12/19/christmas-writing-prompt-13-how-late-do-you-leave-your-christmas-shopping/

CHRISTMAS WRITING PROMPT #13: HOW LATE DO YOU LEAVE YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING?

Today’s writing prompt is…

writing-prompt-xmas-special-13-how-late-do-you-leave-your-xmas-shopping

Long ago and far away when I had more people to shop for I always made a habit of getting all or at least 99% of my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving. I never understood people who wait until the last minute. That’s not me. I don’t like crowds and believe me the department stores in New York City and the surrounding suburban Malls are crowded with people who are last minute shoppers. It is like the plague of locusts converging and fighting over toys, clothes, household items etc…. Crazy!!

In this day and age of Internet Web Access Cyber Shopping is the way to go. Now as my family has considerably shrunk and I only have my brother Stephen to shop for I can find 98% of his gifts online. I tend to go with quality and trusted online stores like Land’s End. Of course now we are both in our mid-50s so Stephen likes clothes not toys. However he appreciates fun items also. As a full-time working Woman I can order Stephen’s gifts and have them sent straight to his QCP Group Home Residence.

These last few years have been economically challenging for me but through hard work, long hours of overtime, personal sacrifice and frugal shopping I have been able to pretty much ensure that Stephen gets some gifts for Christmas. I don’t care if I have to eat Ramen Noodles for two months I’m more than happy to make changes in my lifestyle or give up things I want so Stephen can have. Stephen Vincent Palmer is the Greatest Autism Guy in the Whole Wide World!!

Here are a few photos of past Christmastimes!!!

stephen-with-penn-station-christmas-tree

Workplace Holiday Party

On December 22, 2016December 22, 2016 By dancingpalmtreesIn CHRISTMAS WRITING PROMPT #12: FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY, Uncategorized, Workplace Holiday Party, WPIX Yule Log, Yule Log8 Comments

https://ourrandomview.wordpress.com/2016/12/16/christmas-writing-prompt-12-favourite-christmas-memory/

CHRISTMAS WRITING PROMPT #12: FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY

Yesterday my workplace had a Holiday Party. Even though I was on duty I was able to make it upstairs and partake of some of the food and drink plus socialize with my co-workers. A great time was had by all. The first photo is when everything was being set-up by the time I returned during my second break for the evening the table was loaded down with food. Everybody brought something. I contributed some cookies. Since we have such a diverse staff there were culinary treats from all cultures and traditions.

Yule Log Memories

There was a video of a Yule Log which I uploaded to YouTube. Hope you are able to view my video. You can hear the chatter of my co-workers plus I added some music. Weird overlap. The burning Yule Log brought back memories because years ago on Channel 11 WPIX every Christmas they played the Yule Log in the fireplace with various Christmas songs being played. My mother used to sit in the dark with our Christmas Tree Lights twinkling away just looking at the burning but never consumed Yule Log. I guess she needed time to think.

Or maybe she was recalling Long past Christmases of her youth back in the 1930s and 40s.

Much like me her daughter.

This is the Original old time WPIX Yule Log which is much better than my video. All you Native New Yorkers will remember this!

WPIX Yule Log

CHRISTMAS WRITING PROMPT #14: WRITE A LETTER TO SANTA

On December 21, 2016 By dancingpalmtreesIn Christmas, CHRISTMAS WRITING PROMPT #14: WRITE A LETTER TO SANTA, Edward G. Palmer, Edward Gordon Palmer, Edward Palmer, Mable Elizabeth Palmer, Mable Palmer, Stephen, Stephen Vincent Palmer, Uncategorized17 Comments

https://ourrandomview.wordpress.com/2016/12/20/christmas-writing-prompt-14-write-a-letter-to-santa/

CHRISTMAS WRITING PROMPT #14: WRITE A LETTER TO SANTA

Dear Santa,

#1 On my Christmas Wish List ~~ My health. Remember that mini stroke I had back in November 2008. You know the one that took a good deal of the vision in my left eye. Please reverse the effects of the stroke. Heal my back and my digestive system. I’m exhausted nearly all the time and suffer from stomach problems which makes it every difficult to do anything with my brother Stephen. Eventually because of my health I will cede most of that to his Group Home Residence and his Day Treatment Center. Yes Reverse the effects of aging. I’m spending all kinds of money that I don’t have on treatments to keep the pain and tiredness at bay with little success.

Finances

I need money. Most of the time I’m barely getting by. I look at the balance in my checking account today and there is no money for Christmas. In fact my decision is whether to celebrate Christmas or to pay my rent. Santa you know which one will win unless you come through with a whole lotta cash and be quick about it. Christmas meal will most likely be canned food, PB&J, and whatever is affordable at the local bodega. Oh yes there is the Halal food truck near my job. Cheap and tasty meals.

Explain to me why Christmas does not come to the working class or the poor. Also I’m gonna need between $3K & $4K to find a safe affordable place to live or I’m be homeless this time next year. I know you don’t visit folks in the Homeless Shelters so bring me an affordable apartment in a safe neighborhood near the subway!! I have been working Double Shifts meaning 16 hour days with little or no sleep. Fix this now!!

My Brother Stephen

I Love my brother Stephen dearly but as time goes along between my health and my lack of money I realize I won’t be able to spend as much time with him as I want unless you fix requests #1 and #2. Realistically I can’t do the things I used to do. Every month simple tasks get harder and harder. However I’m glad Stephen is in a Residence because the day is coming when my health will give out and I won’t be able to be there for him. Tell me why Life is one continuous Struggle?!