Inside the Mind of Isadora

Tag Archives: #fall


by 14 Comments

Cafe Chat – Chivalry Lost

Welcome … grab a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or herb tea. 
Now, sit in a comfy chair and let’s chat.

What is chivalry?

Answer: it’s the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, especially courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak.©dictionary

Readiness to help the weak is no more. Let me unveil the tale.

Several weeks ago, while waiting for a table on the patio of one of my favorite Italian restaurants, hubby and I sat chatting and feeling free that the mask mandates were lifting. It was a pleasant evening to be outdoors. You can order drinks, but there is no outdoor service. Mama’s is a popular restaurant with delicious food. There’s a crowd. Everyone is chatting, laughing, and enjoying the wonderful feeling of being able to be out and about. 

The wait is short, our names are called, and off we go to meet the hostess. 

 Due to my compromised immune system, I wasn’t confident to go mask-less. So, I put my mask on as I approached the young lady at the entrance. When I got to the doorway, my toe from my sneaker caught the edge of their entrance doormat. 

Down … Down … Down … I went. I was flat on my side with an outstretched arm, bent leg, and my head right on the indoor mat. 

Plop … Plop … Plop 

I lay there on the ground for what seemed like a month, but it was only a few seconds. Hubby grabbed my arm to help me up, but I was like jello. My body wouldn’t respond to what I wanted it to do. 

 Eventually, I begin to focus and grasp that I’ve fallen when a man with a pizza box in hand steps over me on his way out of the restaurant. 

The man did not bother to ask if he could help, nor did the other patrons out on the patio. Actually, he said, “Welcome!” as he continued on his way.

WHAT???

Hubby picked me up, and we walked to our table. The owners of the restaurant came over to ask if I was okay. I felt shaky and embarrassed. I was mad at myself for putting the mask on while walking. I think it impeded my visual concept of space. I haven’t worn a mask since. I much prefer COVID to a fall. 

Now, let’s not get angry about my mask rebellion. I’ve been wearing a mask from the very beginning of the pandemic. I continue to support wearing maks. I’ve had COVID twice. I know it’s no walk in the park. It’s a horrific illness, and I am not ready for a third Covid event. 

But, falling at my age is a big problem. I have osteoporosis which means my bones are thin, thin, thin. I have bad knees too. I did fall on the side of my body. My injuries are bruising, some headaches, swelling, and overall body aches. 

Despite these symptoms, the most painful thing is knowing that we are no longer willing to help someone who can’t help themselves. 

There’s no ‘Readiness to help the Weak’…

2022©Isadora De La Vega

*****the photograph above is of my daughter. She works in Hospice care. This is what they wear in their office. The mask they wear with patients involves a lot more covering.


by 11 Comments

Cafe Chat – Internet SPAM

Cafe Chat

Welcome – make yourself at home. Pick a pretty cup or mug for coffee, hot chocolate, herbal tea, or a cup of my new favorite chai tea. Sit in a comfy chair so we can chat.

A little music might be nice. Hope you like my selection.

Relaxing Hang Drum – Good Vibes is playing softly. Mother Nature’s Fall …

No changes in our weather here. It’s still bright, warm, and sunny. 

~~~~~~~~~

It’s difficult to understand the magnitude of how far our words are going out there on the World Wide Web. For those of you who aren’t tech-savvy, I feel your angst.

I’m cautious about everything I do on-line. I’ve had a lot of SPAM calls since COVID. Perhaps, it’s coincidental or perhaps, the perfect opportunity to catch the unsuspecting isolating victim. 

For Example:

I received a text message from Amazon. 

Yes, I do shop through this site. I have family in different states. The free shipping helps. A major convenience for me especially during COVID.

The text said, “A large purchase has been added to your shopping cart. It’s for a 72” Sony TV.”

Well, hubby was happy. He thought I was about to purchase this TV for him.     No … No … No!!! 

I called the phone number listed on the text. It looked official. A man answered.  I told him about the text and the number I had been ask to call for more information. 

In quite an official voice he said, “Your account has been hacked. A large charge has been added to your shopping cart. Amazon has frozen your account until we can figure out these charges.”

I told him I didn’t charge a TV and would never purchase anything of that amount online. I asked if he could remove the item since I don’t see it in the cart. 

Then, his questions started:

  1. What is your email?
  2. What is your computer type?
  3. Have you purchased anything recently from Amazon?
  4. What is your Amazon account number?
  5. What is your password for your computer?

I told him I didn’t need to give him my information if he was from Amazon. They have all of that on file. 

He said, “No, he’s the one that will clear up this charge, and in order for him to do that he needed my password, email, and account number.” 

When I refused, he said, “He had to put me on hold until he spoke to his supervisor.” Sometime later, a very flustered man returned to the call. 

“Madam, you must understand that your account will be frozen until this is all taken care of by me. I will need the information in order to do that.”

While he was speaking to me a great deal of chaotic noises were going on in the background. I questioned why it was noisy as I was having difficulty hearing him.

“No worries, I am here and will clear the noise for you. Let me put you on hold a minute.”

Now, it was very, very quiet. A cautious chill overtook me. I immediately wanted to hang up. But, I also wanted my account unfrozen.

He came back.

He said, “Now, if you can give me this information I will clear up the issue for you.”

I told him, “ I’m afraid I don’t have time right now. I’ll have to call back.”

I never did call him. 

I never did have a TV in my shopping cart.

I never did have a frozen account.

I contacted Amazon. They informed me that many, many accounts had been hacked but they had adjusted their security.

Do I feel safe using Amazon?

Yes, but I’m even more cautious about giving information than ever before.

Have you experienced an incident like this or a similar one?

~~~~~~~~

I hope the coming week is a peaceful and stressless one

Namaste, Isadora 😎

2020©Isadora De La Vega

 

Cafe Chat Blogs:

Jellico’s Writing Nook

Trent’s World Blog

Linda’s Bible Study


by 21 Comments

Cafe Chat – COVID Experience

Cafe Chat

Welcome – make yourself at home. Pick a pretty cup or mug for coffee, hot chocolate, herbal tea, or a cup of my new favorite chai tea. Sit in a comfy chair so we can chat.

A little music might be nice. Hope you like my selection.

A Mozart – Clarinet Concerto playing softly. The video images are showcasing the changes of Mother Nature into fall.

It’s been a bright sunny day today. The humidity is low so it’s pleasant out. It’s still swimming pool weather, though. We don’t experience leaves changing down south here in Florida. A quick three-hour drive can take you to picturesque places with Mother Nature painting beautiful landscapes. It’s an annual weekend drive for us to see this change of colors but, this year, we’re staying close to home instead. 

~~~~~~~~~

Before COVID, I was a member of a knitting group. A once a week meet, chat, and helpline for beginning knitters. It was held at one of the public library meeting rooms.

Since January the library, as per county restrictions, has been closed. I decide to continue with my projects despite my lack of knowledge of certain knitting stitches. I learned a great deal from watching YouTube Professional Knitters. It’s been fun learning and continuing to create.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

~~~~~~~~~

Has anyone been experiencing odd people behavior when you go out in this time of COVID?

I’ve only ventured out for MD appointments, dental appointments, and a well-needed manicure/ pedicure. 

On my last outing, I decided I needed a change of scenery from the mundane MD offices. I went to a Home Good store. It’s a fun shop with a variety of seasonal decor and items for home decorating. I enjoy seeing the decorations set-up for the different holidays. Right now, Halloween was everywhere as were some Christmas things. They have a specialty food area I like too.

While looking at the ingredients of an exotic jar of whole figs in a luscious syrup, a woman came up to me and said, “Your cart is facing in the wrong direction.” 

“Is there a proper way for the cart to face?”, I asked.

She pointed to the arrows on the floor. “You must follow the arrows in order to socially distance the correct way.”

Well, I would have laughed but I didn’t think she’d appreciate it. Instead, I looked at her and said, “I’ll do better next time.” I walked away chuckling within.

Too bad, I might have considered buying the figs but left the store instead. 

We have now gotten to the point where we have Nazi aisle police. Funny and sad all at the same time.  

Have you experienced a situation similar to this one?

~~~~~~~~

I hope the coming week is a peaceful and stressless one

Namaste, Isadora 😎

2020©Isadora De La Vega

Cafe Chat Blogs:

Jellico’s Writing Nook

Trent’s World Blog

Linda’s Bible Study

Woolly Wednesday