Monday 18 October 2010

Will we watch 101 Dalmatians when we’re 90 or when we’re 84 ... ?

This past week a milestone or two have been reached – my mother turned 90 and Pooh Bear turned 84, my god-daughter became 18 and passed her driving test this morning .. congratulations all round!

Pooh Corner, Hartfield, East Sussex

My mother’s emanuensis daughter did her stuff and wrote her positive letters and received back.. still counting 30+ cards and letters .. we take it slowly. It’s also been an interesting time .. as we’ve been taking part in Simon Hay’s Distant Healing – every day our time at 11.00am for an hour.


My mother and I are open to try things and having Janice as our therapist for three years now has also allowed me to explore and talk through aspects that are becoming more main-stream.

Theatrical release poster: 101 Dalmatians 1996 film


On Pooh’s 84th birthday .. Thursday 14th ... Mum and I shared a happy hour talking quietly, opening cards – it seemed a good time to do this and I felt sure Simon and his guides would understand. At the end .. my mother asked if we were going to do the healing and whether Simon would be around .. amazing that she remembers – isn’t it?!


She hasn’t been as awake since .. to talk and interact and enjoy the repartee of mother-daughter, while catching up on news from family and friends. If you’re like me .. Emanuensis rang no bells? .. and in fact, three years ago, I had to get my mother to spell it for me .. and then look it up! It means ‘a scribe’ .. Mum’s description .. “Hilary is my Emanuensis .. i.e. her Secretary, her dogsbody .. = the person who will do anything necessary!”. How true ...

Original Winnie the Pooh stuffed toys. Clockwise from bottom left: Tigger, Kanga, Edward Bear ("Winnie the Pooh"), Eeyore, and Piglet. Roo was lost long ago; the other characters were made up for the stories.


On Saturday afternoon when I went up .. she was not terribly awake – but I asked if she’d like to watch the 1996 Glenn Close version of 101 Dalamatians .. “Yes” ... so we did & what a success it was.


She was laughing before the ‘disaster’ took place, we had hoots of laughter and lots of smiles, staff beaming in happily .. all the way through the very visual film. She doesn’t listen to the words – but it was an excellent film .. so full of life, vibrancy of colour and with a happy ending – the baddies got their come uppance in so many ways and the couples their respective spouses .. with puppies by the score, and a baby or two.

Dalmatian noted for its white coat with either black or liver spots

Who couldn’t laugh at the black, white and red villainously dressed Cruella de Vil, the fashion maven with a long red cigarette holder permanently ensconced in her blood-red crimson lips clothed in ‘living’ fur; who ended up in an upturned haystack with a flatulating pig on top, then fell into a vat of molasses, only to be kicked into a pig pen by a horse. While the mischievous racoons caused other chaotic mayhems .. including pinching Cruella’s red hat and smirking with it before dashing off into the nether regions of the farm yard.


It’s a magical film .. that I watched with different eyes .. does blogging cause this – the creative spirit rising up ... the pups hiding under the herded sheep, the cows mooing echoingly through the night, the crow carrying messages across the dizzying distances, the woodpecker making sure the door gets opened ... knock, knock, knock ....


The frozen fields, snow covered England, paw marks in all directions, wonderful views of London as the pups get stolen .. the cries and barks of talking animals – keeping one step ahead of the maniacal Cruella as her car careers through the countryside to trace the puppies – for her next fur cape.

In Disney's 1996 live-action remake of the animated film, 101 Dalmatians, and its 2000 sequel, 102 Dalmatians, Cruella was played by Glenn Close.

It was wonderful sharing the film with my mother .. she did love it so – and it totally engaged her .. please don’t think we have racoons and skunks in this little island of ours .. there was a scripting error! But the coup d’etat was the skunk spraying heartily into Cruella’s muck strewn face in the police van ... stinky poo.


The box office success ($320 million) was given a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 40% ... perhaps they should blog and see things in a different light?!


So as we cannot celebrate with cake and champagne, nor any form of drink or food – we need to rely on ingenuity .. and letters .. 90 is a good age .. while a few changes have occurred in the intervening years ...


In 1920 Petrol cost 4.5p per litre; (4 shillings and half an old penny for a gallon) in the UK
In 2010 Petrol (unleaded) in the States costs $0.50 per litre; or $2.50 per Gallon; Here in the UK it is 81p = $1.54 per litre; £3.66 = $6.99 per gallon (count yourselves lucky, Statesiders?!)


In 1920 Digestive Biscuits per pack = 10 p (two shillings for a pound weight = 550gm)
In 2010 Digestive Biscuits per 500gm pack = 83p (just over $1.50)


One English (£) pound in 1920 .. would, in terms of purchasing power, be approximately £30 ($48) in today’s money!


London police started replacing horses with cars, and formed their first “Flying Squad”. Prohibition was introduced in the USA, but rejected in Scotland by pro-whisky supporters!


Pollyanna, starring Mary Pickford (right) and produced by her, was a top film in 1920, while Hercule Poirot made his debut in Agatha Christie’s “The Mysterious Affair at Styles”. Regular public radio broadcasts began in the UK and in the USA.




So all in all a busy time .. scented cyclamen purchased .. sitting in a galvanised rose ‘papered’ container, and an orange solanum full of tiny autumn coloured golden orbs .. lots more letter reading to do .. and to be re-read – providing many talking points in the future weeks.



Dear Mr Postman – another year .. a pretty good life .. still wishing to explore and see the world . which we do in the mind ... and have happy talks about .. (so she can still hear – thank goodness)



Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

59 comments:

Betsy Wuebker said...

Hi Hilary - This title reminded me of "When I'm 64" by the Beatles. When it first came out it seemed soooo long before I'd even approach the ancient age of 64, and now it's so close I can see it coming toward me from the horizon at a far too rapid pace!

Congratulations to your mother on her milestone and what a fun way to celebrate, with her getting so much enjoyment. The children and I loved that version with Glenn Close, too. As I recall my Halloween costume that year reminded them of her, certainly not the décolleté, more likely the skanky wig under the witch's hat. Cheers!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Betsy ... great to see you - yes me too .. & I'm nearing the age faster than I wish to think on a star!!

Well we had a lovely couple of days so far .. and she certainly thoroughly enjoyed the film .. your costume sounds very ghoulish and appropriate .. I can see the decollete .. and mine has no accents!

Halloween and kids ... great parties and fun times .. and skanky wigs - love the phrase ..

Thanks such fun to hear about .. hugs to you - Hilary

Connie Arnold said...

How can Pooh Bear be 84? you've had quite a few milestones in your family lately. 101 Dalmatians is a fun movie to watch, and how great for you to watch it with your mother! What a lot of changes there have been in her 90 years of life. Thanks for sharing all the interesting information, Hilary.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

What a great thing to be 90 years old. Happy, Happy Birthday to her! I hope you both a a great day.

Teresa

Chris Edgar said...

Hi Hilary -- I've always seen you as the blogosphere's dogsbody, so your Mum and I are of one mind on that -- wait a second, what's a dogsbody? Oh my goodness, it means boiled egg and pea pudding. Never mind, I totally take that back. :)

Daphne said...

Hilary,

Happy birthday to your mother. 90 is a beautiful age. My dad died at 69 and would have loved to see 90 I'm sure. Your mum is blessed to have a Emanuensis in you!

Happy to see you sounding positive and happy. Good days are wonderful when they happen!

... Paige said...

happy news. ah pooh, needs honey don'tchaknow

TALON said...

Happy Birthday to your Mom, Hilary! 90! That's truly remarkable! It sounds like she had a magical day and how beautiful is that! She's blessed to have you as her daughter.

BK said...

I believe I'll still be watching all the cartoon when I'm 90 too. Cartoon has been a big part of my life especially when I was younger.

Happy belated Birthday to your mother and may she be blessed with great health, happiness and love. And congrats to your god-daughter!

Mason Canyon said...

Congratulations to your mother and a belated Happy Birthday to her. I can't image reaching 90. It's amazing to think of all she has seen change in that 90 years. I love the Glenn Close movie. It is lots of fun to watch. Hope you continue having a good week.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Soul Dipper said...

Happy Birthday to my Blog Mother. Aha, you thought you were out of the business at 90? Not a chance. Plus you are in the throes of having a number of us peeking in on you to make sure you are not lonely.

Congrats to the God Daughter. The true test is this: Have you ridden with her yet? :)

Love to both, Amy

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Connie .. lovely seeing you .. I know how can Pooh be 84? – he doesn’t look a year older than a spring chicken! A few little things have been going around – October is a busy month .. but 101 Dalmatians was great fun .. and just thinking of the times she has lived through is quite thought provoking. We forget – so easily.... thanks so much for coming by .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Teresa .. excellent to see you – it’s a good age .. and we’ll have a good few days together reading and chatting .. so yes – it’s a good time ... great having you here – Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Chris .. you make me laugh .. ah .. didn’t you know .. someone who deals with the dog’s dinner – now explain that one?! I had to .. to someone else who lived in California! Well as far as the dog’s concerned no .. not boiled egg and pea pudding .. more like some wonderful, delicious smelling plate of meaty filling .. but probably the good gatherer of bits of writing paper as far as I’m concerned! Still it works everytime ... and we get lots of cards .. Really good to have you here with us .. thanks – Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Daphne – how are you!? Good to see you here .. My Mama will so pleased to hear from you .. yes – we never know when our time has come .. and Mum is always grateful for her life, her laughs ..

We’re well and keep cheerful and positive – taking each day as they come .. and as you say good days are wonderful when they happen .. lovely seeing you here .. thanks for the message .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Paige .. I know I know .. honey would be nice .. but sadly Pooh has to eat his outside of our room .. but he still rather loves it .. we have special pots hidden away .. so he can have a quiet top up and a bit of a rest – being 84 .. he needs those now. Great seeing you thanks for the visit .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Talon .. thank you .. I think she’s surprised she’s reached it .. but has always wanted to .. and we shared a good day .. as we best can do .. ensuring we get plenty of letters really helps .. so thank you – as I do my bit true to my name! Thanks for coming by .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi BK .. I think you’re right .. enjoying the lighter things of life, that make us laugh. Us too .. we had cartoons and laughed til our eyes streamed! Yes – it’s wonderful having that freedom to drive .. and I’m sure she’ll get out and about .. So all in all a good time of year .. So many thanks for your wishes .. the birthday will continue for a while yet! Lovely seeing you – Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Mason .. we are having a good day and reading the cards and enjoying our time together remembering everyone and chatting about them and their families. It’s a long way back .. the Depression, the 2nd War, and the technological changes .. which she embraced ..

Thanks for coming by – our next few weeks will be full of chat about old friends and family, or just being peaceful together .. lovely to see you .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Amy .. thanks Amy – she’ll love to hear those words .. when she hears how everyone sends love and hugs across the airwaves .. she’s always amused and amazed .. with a big smile spreading! She’d love to visit ... and I’m sure will do in her mind .. lots of travelling this way – we go all over the world! It’s good to remember my geography!

Ah .. god-daughter is the other side of London .. so we’re about 2 – 3 hours away .. so no! Her mother was saying ... they now know that they have to get used to her ‘leaving home’ in the car .. another step forward in our adult life!! She’s a great kid ... and it’s an honour to share their lives ..

Thanks Amy .. Mum will be delighted to hear from you .. have a good week .. Hilary

Joanne said...

A very Happy Birthday to your mother, Hilary! It sounds like a simply wonderful day was had, with happiness and closeness at hand. Raising my coffee cup in a birthday toast ... Cheers :)

P.S. $6.99 a gallon for gasoline? Wow, I think we'd all stop driving here if it went to that. We've inched up to about $3.00 recently.

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your mom!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Joanne .. I thought I'd got my sums wrong (highly likely) .. but no .. I thought you all might just freeze to a stop! Mind you we have small distances .. so theoretically don't use so much ..

Thanks for your coffee thoughts .. and cheers .. we've had a good few days and no doubt will have more .. these special times are so good - make it all worth while for all concerned ..

Great to see you - thank you! Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Suzanne .. great to see you - thanks so much .. happy days indeed .. Hilary

Karen Lange said...

Congratulations all around! What wonderful milestones for you all. Imagine Pooh turning 84. Oh my. Well, as my grandfather used to say, "Time marches on." Didn't fully grasp that until my children were in their teens. Now in their mid to late 20's, time has surely been going full steam ahead! Thanks for sharing, Hilary. Your posts are always lovely and full of wonderful goodies.
Blessings for your week,
Karen

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Karen .. thanks .. lots happening this month - you're right! I know .. time does march on .. yours are into their mid 20s .. well god-daughters and family are ahead!

Delighted you enjoyed it and could share in our fun at this time ..
thanks so much .. lovely having you here .. Hilary

Chase March said...

"Blog and see things in a different light"

That should be a recruiting slogan for any would be bloggers out there. I think it really hits the nail on the head about the power of blogging.

Thanks for sharing another great story!

Theresa Milstein said...

Glenn Close in 101 Dalmatians was brilliantly wicked. Such a fun movie to watch. I can't believe the original is that old.

Congratulations to your god-daughter.

Evelyn Lim said...

Happy Birthday to your mother! I would like to echo that it is a beautiful age to be. It's great that you've been spending many wonderful moments together. You are so blessed to have each other!!

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Happy Birthday to your Mum...It sounds like you shared a lovely day. :) You wrote a lovely post!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Chase .. Thanks for picking this up .. and it will definitely apply to a post later in the week:

"Blog and see things in a different light"

Too true .. I'm sure we do ..

Great to see you here .. have a good rest of the week .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Theresa .. time passes rather quickly .. but it was a wonderful film to be on for us to watch - just tickled Mum's brain with joys of delight and anticipation at the laughs ..

Good for anyone passing their driving test .. one of the first 'serious' things one does as an adult ..

Enjoy your preparations .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Evelyn .. thanks so much .. it is a great age to get to .. so much wisdom in them brains! - still despite the strokes!! It's fun being around and sharing moments.

Lovely to see you here .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sharon .. thank you .. we have had a few lovely days and will have many more .. and thanks for the comment re the post .. Happy days - Hilary

Susan Blake said...

Hi Hilary! The older I get, the more I just truly dislike numbers! Funny that when you are young you long to be older - to drive, to vote, to marry etc. and then in the sunset years it seems all these decades of activity have just whooshed by! In my MIND I'm still 30-ish, though my body says something else I just don't listen!

I so enjoyed your flashbacks! And do wish your mother a Happy BD from me!
Hugs
suZen

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi SuZen .. I know .. but I'm always amazed at how old I am - yet how young I feel! I know I certainly can't do half the things I used to .. but I'm making the most of it! So like you .. I just don't listen ..act young - be young ...

Thanks - it was quite fun doing a couple of times gone by prices .. and I learnt a bit about Mary Pickford - what an amazing lady she was ... particularly in the history of film.

Great to see you and my mother will be delighted to add another to her list!! The birthday will be going on a while! Happy days .. Hilary

Talli Roland said...

Hi Hilary!

Happy 90th to your mum! That's fantastic!

And I love the photo of the cyclamen. Gorgeous colour.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Talli - thanks .. Mum is chuffed with all the cards and thoughts - that makes my days. The cyclamen are the right colour .. but not the right sort! Still the scent is beautiful .. Great seeing you .. Hilary

Patricia said...

Sorry I am late to the party but it does sound like a good party...I just loved 101 Dalmatians and Glenn Close as the star.

My mum fell and compressed her spine 9 months after turning 90...then lived 3 more years...She was sure she would make 94 - not quite...and she had a keen mind right to the end. I was definitely the dogsbody! for about 9 years - 24/7 for 3 years..

Wonder full celebration here and I too have just finished the distance healing with Simon Hay...and everyday at about 3:20am I could feel his energy in my body - so I am sure your mum could too...then one afternoon at 3:28pm I knew her was there, but I was so busy all that energy rush gave me a headache...and I had to just be still..
Quite the experience for sure.

Mark said...

I love the "love" that comes through when you speak of your time with your mum.
Thanks for sharing Poohs birthday. That is incredible and he and his friends are timeless.

Paul C said...

A ninetieth birthday is a worthy milestone! Happy birthday to your mother. How wonderful that you can share a great movie together, and enjoy a scented flower arrangement.

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

Congratulations to your god-daughter and happy happy birthday to your mother. 90 seems like it must be a good age, indeed! How lovely to grow up with Pooh!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Patricia .. no worries - you have masses going on. It was a great watch.

You sure had a challenging time with your mother, but gave her all the love you could. Fortunately I'm only the scribe .. and general empathy and daughterly love giver .. as she's nursed - but it is well worth doing.

Excellent that you could react to Simon and his guides being with you .. I think Mum has - but so much is inside her .. and so often we're quiet .. and just 'being' which she loves. I have had some interesting openness since .. people are interested to know more ..

Thanks Patricia .. great that you took time out to come over .. lovely seeing you here .. thanks so much. Hope you achieve lots this week ... Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Mark .. thank you! Love is so important .. and being with my mother and doing what she would like with empathy is my 'motto'. So appreciate this comment.

Pooh Bear .. being 84 .. seems extraordinary doesn't it .. 'his home' is up the road - about 3/4 hour away .. I pass it quite often, and go for walks there ..

Lovely seeing you and having your comment .. many thanks - Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Paul .. how wonderful to see you - thank you. 90 is an amazing age .. and we do enjoy our times together - I try and make the most of things when she's awake or just 'be' when she's in a reflective mood.

She loves her flowers and was a great gardener .. and she loves their scent, and the feel of their leaves.

Many thanks - wonderful having you here with us .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Carolina .. lovely to meet you .. and yes god-daughter I'm sure will love being out and about! Freedom for the young.

Pooh did feature all the time .. and now we're in the same county - Pooh has to be a part of any childhood! Sticky paws, honey in all directions, crazy thoughts!! Fun times .. good to see you - Hilary

Anonymous said...

I must have watched 101 Dalmatians a 101 times or more. I have 9 grandchildren. Need I say more? :-)

~Ron

vered said...

Ninety! Wow. Happy birthday to your mom!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Ron - you sure watched 101 .. lots of times .. but it's a fun movie .. lots to see. Nine grandchildren .. I wonder how many times they've watched it 900 - perhaps ..

Enjoy your time with them .. telling them loads of stories .. with lots of laughs and giggles .. thanks for coming by - my mother will be pleased! Cheers - Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Vered .. she made it! It is a grand old age .. that's for sure .. thanks we will continue to have a happy time .. thanks - Hilary

Jannie Funster said...

happy belated 90, o mother of my fave scribe.

kelly was a dalmation for a good 6 months when she was 4 years old. photos to blog on that one day! she was so so cute and fuzzy. the first movie had inspired her.

i never can keep cyclamen alive. but i did date a cycling man once, many many moons ago. he was quite a live wire.

now i hear the sunday coffee gods a calling, along with the pb and jelly on toast gods a calling.

xxooxxoo

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Jannie .. yes .. she made it - a bit quiet now .. but she'd be delighted to hear you call me "your fave scribe"!!

Did Kelly .. I can imagine lots of kids getting completely hooked on the movie - dressing up in spots etc .. and yes a Dalmatian Kelly post would be good. Fun times when the kids constantly want to watch one movie .. I've sat through a few repeats!!

Cyclamen .. I'm afraid I was sorting ours out today - I'm no good either!

Dalmatian owning cycling man? Few dips in ponds though ...?!

Ok .. coffee should have done it's work by now .. I'm having a mug of reviving tea .. bye for now .. see you over your place soon oh favourite guitar strummer .. cheers Hils xoxoxo

Jannie Funster said...

Yes, coffee worked its magic!

having a ground beef taco now, timer goes off in 5 minutes for Kelly to do some math, and I'll sit at the table with her, doing auto title transfers.

She was 5 the Damlation year, drove her dad nuts with all that barking and crawling and eating from her bowl on the floor.

Check your e-mail,. I'm off to send you something.

xoxo

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Jannie .. good pics - thoroughly enjoyed them and so will Mum - when I get a chance to show her.

Poor Jim .. oh well - he's now got a beautiful long-legged gym loving daughter ..

Thanks for sending the pics over .. I hope Kelly's math is going alright .. has gone alright .. as it's now an hour later ..

Cheers Hilary xoxox

J.D. Meier said...

Happy b-day to your Mom and to Pooh, and congrats to your god-daughter!

I seriously can't believe Pooh Bear is 84. Wow. Poohs always been a part of my life. My dog is named Pooh Bear. If you saw him, you would see why.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi JD .. thanks .. yes and she drove her parents to a "Hash" .. where they run through an unknown route .. laid out by other members .. and have a few drinks - so they're making use of their daughter!!

Pooh .. and your dog called Pooh Bear - great fun to know .. and I can sort of imagine him .. well I think big and fluffy and cuddly .. but perhaps not .. just Pooh like ..

Lovely comment .. thanks - Hilary

Jannie Funster said...

Glad you got them. I hadn't even photoshopped them yet or anything to enhance and beguile. Actually I'm amazed how I manage to locate pix I remember I took, with 4 hard drives and one flash drive. But I remember by date, thus pretty-much which computer I had at the time.

Kelly's math is going GREAT! My sister advised of an article she read that if you were "bad" at math you should never let on to your child, to give her pre-conceived notions to set her up for thinking she won't be good at it. So I've never told Kelly it was my poorest subject and how I struggled (and hated math) but that I loved it and did great at it. ;) Wonderful sister to pass that info on.

Mind you, Kelly's dad is a super math whiz so she may have those genes.

xoxxo

P.S. You are AWESOME, in case nobody has told you that in the last minute.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Jannie .. yes .. all safely arrived - and fun to look at - thank you .. Good heavens .. is that how you remember where's what etc!!

Wonderful that Kelly is math oriented - if her Dad is .. but sounds like you are too with your memory for numbers etc .. different skill though. I think if math had been delivered differently ..you'd have been a bright spark with that memory bank ...

What excellent advice your sister gave you .. that was very sensible!

Nope .. no-one's told me I'm AWESOME .. 'cept little me!! .. so 'wunderbar' that you have told me .. I shall have an awesome day ..

You too .. strummer to the starry night .. with 4 hard drives and one flash - that'll spoil the stars ..

Thank you - happy Tuesday - Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi everyone! .. I've just come across another price update of a Ford V8 Saloon de Luxe .. described as just the car to take to an agricultural show! ..(4 doors) £280, at works, in 1934. Just thought I'd add it in here .. cheers from a now wet Saturday after 2 days of solid snow and ice (over a foot of it!). Hilary