Thursday, February 26, 2009

Michelle's Sleeveless Dress

My first reaction to seeing Michelle Obama in her sleeveless dresses was, "Oh, I remember when I could wear a sleeveless dress"...and that's how the image of public figures is filtered by our own experiences. The first time I realized that I had lost that well toned look was when I saw a photo of myself at an event when I was the chair of the dinner. I was about 50. Much to my shock I saw this flabby upper arm. I reacted by going on an immediate diet and attending two more classes a week at our local Y. But it didn't help. The damage was done. Now, with the help of Yoga and weights I've restored a little of the muscle to that part of my body, but it'll never look like Michelle's.

Why shouldn't she wear a dignified sleeveless dress like the one she wore to the President's Congressional speech? And, what would make Republicans yearn for the Barbara Bush look (dowdy) or the Mrs. Reagan look (uptight and emaciated). I guess Democratic women come under fire (remember the criticism of Hillary's hair?)because they stand for all uppity, independent women. Well, get used to it folks. There's two little girls growing up in the White House who are likely to have their own unique sense of style.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

How Do I Feel About Motorcycles?


So now both my daughter and son-in-law are proud owners of bikes. Of course, unlike others around these parts, they've suited up in super duper safe outfits and helmets. I know my son in law is very happy to have his sweetie engaged in his favorite activity. I can't complain about danger since not one offspring of mine has cautioned me about scuba diving. But I do have a little nagging concern about the "others" on the road. Stay safe dear ones and be as happy as you look in this photo (see woman on the left) which I stole from my son in law's blog.

Under the Sea


Next time you walk on a beautiful beach consider the world beneath your feet. Here's one of the beautiful coral formations I saw on my scuba dives off Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Returned from the Deep...

...75 feet below the surface of the Caribbean Sea that is at the fabulous dive site of Desecheo island in Rincon Puerto Rico. If you are a diver you must visit and dive with Taino Divers. They know every inch of the island's dive sites. It makes one realize that when you visit a place near the water you are only seeing half the world. Beneath you are vast forests of coral, wonderful fish and larger animals and small creatures that creep, navigate and flow under the sea. I'm determined to learn more about the growth and specialization of coral. Hopefully I'll have some photos from a fellow diver to add to this blog.

Many returning snow birds were in Rincon. All lost the bulk of their retirement savings but carried through on their plans and came to Rincon again. It's a great community and I especially enjoyed the book club discussion made up of Puerto Rican and Mainland folks...Ferre's "Eccentric Neighborhoods".

Before we left our daughter gave us "A Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin ... wonderful reading about Lincoln and his cabinet of political opponents. It gives us good perspective on both current politics and the media of Lincoln's time and how it relates to the way politics are reported today.

Hope people are still reading this blog after more than a month's hiatus. I enjoy the comments and the emails.