DAY 20 @sharrislaughter #ADayInMyLife #RRBC @RRBC_Org 30-Day #Blogging Challenge 2023

Posted on January 21, 2023 by Shirley Harris-Slaughter

Saturday, JANUARY 21, 2023 @ 12:56 PM ET

DAY 20

MY FAMILY!

I am really late posting today. I joined the hosts of Raters Not Haters only to learn that my release was the topic of discussion. And my niece joined the meeting as well. She was not prepared for what I had done to be recognized; nor that my book was the topic of discussion in this segment. But she was grateful that I sent her an invitation to join us this morning. She plans to write one day. She is a flight attendant for American Airlines. She is flying the family here to be with her Aunt Joyce.

I started trying to do some house cleaning in between the phone calls I was getting. And Carol is keeping the family updated to any new developments with her mom (Joyce). I’m so grateful I still have my health and strength and don’t take anything for granted. I’m glad I always kept an open mind when something new was placed in my path … that I was open to alternative remedies. The odds are against you if you have a malady like cancer, or Parkinson’s disease like my sister. But that’s all the more reason to keep an open mind when you have those kinds of odds. At least in my opinion.

Gwen did … Joyce did a little.

My sister Connie has gone gung-ho into plant-based dieting. Her son, who is a chef, has started cooking with plants too. She even started a Facebook page and I joined. My drawback is having a partner who loves meat. So, I try to buy meat from environmentally friendly places like Whole Foods. Not saying they are perfect, but it’s all I’ve got to work with at the moment. We are on our own when it comes to navigating our way to optimum health. I certainly had to navigate my way through my own health crisis.

I have this worry that while I was saying my goodbyes to Gwen, my sister was in crisis. The last time I spoke to her was by text, on January 6th – the day Gwen passed. Something happened to Joyce sometime after Monday, January 16th, the last time anyone spoke to her. She was in trouble and family was alerted on Wednesday by her home health care worker who didn’t get an answer when she came for her weekly visits. I got the news the next day. I went to see her Friday, January 20th and Clyde stopped over later that day. Here is a picture Carol took when she arrived later that evening …

Carol sent this message with the photo: Corey and I just I just got here and saw this. Tell Clyde, thank you. It means the world to me that he came. The nurse told me he said to her, “I’m her favorite nephew!” And that is so true. ❤❤

That little gesture cheered everybody up.

Oh well, I’m over and out!

Shirley Slaughter

https://shirleyslaughter.com/

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DAY 19 @sharrislaughter #ADayInMyLife #RRBC @RRBC_Org 30-Day #Blogging Challenge 2023

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Shirley Harris-Slaughter

Friday, JANUARY 20, 2023 @ 10:56 AM ET

DAY 19

FAMILY

I was debating whether to do this post right now or not do it. My sister, Joyce, is in ICU and so all I will be doing is waiting. When my son gets here, we will go to be with her.

Had to go out early this morning in order to fax a document for my brother. Trying to keep up with guardianship duties. Also had to make monthly contacts to members of my organization. Seems like when it rains it pours. I am blogging during this lull time.

I ate some guacamole spread on English Muffin and had my protein drink when I got up this morning. My online grocery order arrived early so had to rise early. Glad that’s all done.

I was planning on doing a normal blog and talk a little bit about my new release since it is the Book of the Month. Title is Joyce Winifred Harris-Burkes: HOW I REMEMBER MY MAMA. I’m putting it out there for now. Raters Not Haters is coming up on Saturday 11:00 AM CT. I plan on being there. Hope to see you all too.

Well, I’m going to get ready to go see my sister. See you soon!

Shirley Slaughter

https://shirleyslaughter.com/

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DAY 18 @sharrislaughter #ADayInMyLife #RRBC @RRBC_Org 30-Day #Blogging Challenge 2023

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Shirley Harris-Slaughter

Thursday, JANUARY 19, 2023 @ 2:30 PM ET

DAY 18

NOW WHAT?

I forgot to display my Blogging Banner and so I will display it here.

Got a call from one of our classmates and talked for a very long time. Her name is Gwendolyn Keith Edwards. Her uncle was Judge Damon Keith who mentored our Governor Jennifer Granholm, who clerked for him. Judge Keith was a larger-than-life figure in Detroit politics along with Luther Keith. There were three Gwens in our class. The third one couldn’t make it to the funeral because she and her family has Covid. That disease is still with us and not leaving anytime soon.

I just got another call from my niece just now saying that my sister was found in her home face down on the floor. I spoke with Carol, her daughter, and she’s at the hospital with her. It’s one thing after another and I’m a little stressed from it all. My sister Joyce has Parkinson’s Disease so it must be going to a new stage.

I am going to sign off. This is too much and I need to get off this computer.

Please keep my family in your prayers.

Shirley Slaughter

https://shirleyslaughter.com/

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DAY 17 @sharrislaughter #ADayInMyLife #RRBC @RRBC_Org 30-Day #Blogging Challenge 2023

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Shirley Harris-Slaughter

Wednesday, JANUARY 18, 2023 @ 3:22 PM ET

DAY 17

ANOTHER DAY IN MY LIFE

I got up preparing myself for another busy day of things to do which I didn’t write down this time. One of those things is going to my neighbor’s home and checking inside and gathering the mail. What am I doing checking a neighbor’s house you ask? And how did I gain entrance?

Okay! Over a year ago my neighbor Florence Morrow passed away. It was unexpected. Lank noticed her gate was open and that was highly unusual. Thank goodness, I had her daughter’s mobile number, so I texted her and found out she had to rush home (she lives in Georgia) and get her mother to U of M’s hospital in Ann Arbor. Things happened so quickly. She brought her home and within a couple of days she was dead.

Daughter, Catrece, moved her father into the home before going back to Georgia. She introduced him to us, and we checked in on him from time to time. On December 2, 2022, Kelton Morrow died in his sleep. I looked back through my text messages and saw my text to Catrece telling her an ambulance was in the driveway, and police cars were around her property. Apparently, an uncle had been calling him every day and this day he didn’t get an answer, so he alerted the police. He forgot to call Catrece. My text is what alerted her to what had happened. She rushed home to make arrangements. She was also in a state of shock. It all was a bit too much for her. I certainly understood.

She asked me could I look after her home since it is vacant for now. I said yes because we have a vested interest in seeing to it that the house is protected. That’s how I got a key. She put up cameras so she can keep an eye on the property too. I went over today to check things out and get the mail.

She just got back from a cruise and developed some sort of pain in her leg that took her to emergency. I’m praying that she is going to be ok.

All of these events have shown me how interconnected we are to each other whether we want to be or not. As much as we may want to keep to ourselves, we really need each other. Life and death demand it. We have no choice.

Next, I went on errands to the bank and the drug store. I am making out my shopping list for the month.

I finished reading Spare and have all kinds of feelings about it. It was a well written account of Prince Harry’s life … his world. He is setting the record straight.

Almost forgot, I’m going to request my invite to Raters Not Haters; or do I really have to do that? I saw it on the sidebar. I can’t wait to see John Podlaski and Pat Garcia host the show airing January 21, 2023 @ 11:00 AM CT.

Until tomorrow, adios!

Shirley Slaughter

https://shirleyslaughter.com/

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DAY 16 @sharrislaughter #ADayInMyLife #RRBC @RRBC_Org 30-Day #Blogging Challenge 2023

Posted on January 17, 2023 by Shirley Harris-Slaughter

Tuesday, JANUARY 17, 2023 @ 3:04 PM ET

DAY 16

ANOTHER DAY OF BLOGGING

I went to bed last night late. So I got up real late this morning. Couldn’t believe how long I slept in. I must have needed it.

Martin Luther King Day was celebrated yesterday at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. I didn’t go. It will be the first time that I missed it. I spent most of the day taking it easy and playing catchup.

After I got myself together the first thing I did was go through my to-do list and checking each item off. My first time visit to an eye specialist requires that I fill out an application, so I finished that. Made my annual doctor appointment. Did some follow-up requirements for my brother. If I don’t write stuff down, I will forget it.

I tackled my email with all the bloggers waiting for me to respond to their posts. There must be about 250 emails that I need to catch up with. It’s getting out of hand, but I will finish them sooner or later.

I’m starting to relax a little more today. I’m going to finish up my reading and continue trying to relax some more.

See you tomorrow everybody!

Shirley Slaughter

https://shirleyslaughter.com/

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DAY 15 @sharrislaughter #ADayInMyLife #RRBC @RRBC_Org 30-Day #Blogging Challenge 2023

Posted on January 16, 2023 by Shirley Harris-Slaughter

Monday, JANUARY 16, 2023 @ 2:20 PM ET

DAY 15

Another Day In My Life

My grandson, Jay, stopped by last night to see us before he heads off to Morehouse. We have developed a real close relationship in the past couple of years. He told us about the stresses he had to endure and that talking to me helped tremendously. He also mentioned his disappointment in some professors who are not teaching at all. As a result, he came up short in a couple of classes and had to point out that he is an “A” student, so why did another lackluster student score high. The professor couldn’t explain it, nor was he accustomed to a student questioning him about his teaching methods. Jay wasn’t going to settle for a “B” … only what he deserved, and he got it. He is rabid about getting good grades, doing his assignments on time, getting tutoring if he needs it. And so, he is not going to let a lackluster teacher steal his dreams. I guess you can find bad actors at every nook and cranny.

I know I found one when I was at a community college. By the way, I had to pay tuition fees and an outsider paid more which is fair. It’s not fair that I had to pay at all since I pay taxes. But that’s a story for another day. I took an advanced algebra class with a teacher I became very disappointed in. When she gives a test, her grade is based on not only getting it right but that you do every single one of them. Problem is when you take the time to solve each problem, which requires steps in a formula, you could easily go an hour and still not finish the entire test, and so you get scored low. Worse, she gave me a happy face for what I did get right which was all that I could complete. Imagine, a happy face? What an insult. A friend of mine told me to make an appointment with the head math teacher. I showed him my exam results with the happy face, and he suggested I transfer to his class. We are halfway through the semester, but it helped me to at least pass the subject barely with a “C” grade. If I had transferred sooner, it would have given me more time to bring my grade back up. At least I didn’t fail the class which I was in danger of doing under that idiotic instructor.

I wonder how many of you had experiences with questionable teachers with questionable teaching methods.

I cannot tell you how surprised I was at getting this award for just blogging. I mean, how nice? Blogging for 10 days! It is very nice and appreciated. Blogging can be tedious, especially if you are not organized. It’s a piece of cake if you are. It makes it so much easier each day. It’s especially nice when you have 30 days in front of you and feel confident you can manage it. We are at the half-way point right now. YaaaaaY!

I got up this morning making coffee for my husband. I don’t drink it. The doctor suggested I stop taking anything with caffiene in it as a health precaution. You see, I was prone to developing cysts in the breast area. I stopped and the cysts went away, like magic. You are what you eat.

I mixed a protein drink and sat down to relax and read a little more of Spare. It is proving to be an interesting look into Prince Harry’s real life — not the spin from the tabloids. He had to do it in order to set the record straight on all the misinformation put out there. He wants history to be truthful and kinder to him. I don’t blame him. I wouldn’t want my reputation ruined for no other reason than being a spare. Or that he married a bi-racial woman. As if there is a pure race. There is no such thing. How upsurd! You go Harry!

Now I’m going to take a little time to relax and decompress from the last few days. I have a to-do list which will have to be checked off starting tomorrow. I cannot afford to forget anything as it is very important stuff. Yeah, right!

See you tomorrow!

Shirley Slaughter

https://shirleyslaughter.com/

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DAY 14 @sharrislaughter #ADayInMyLife #RRBC @RRBC_Org 30-Day #Blogging Challenge 2023

Posted on January 15, 2023 by Shirley Harris-Slaughter

Sunday, JANUARY 15, 2023 @ 5:07 PM ET

DAY 14

IT’S TIME TO RELAX

I said my goodbye to my dear friend Gwen. I went up to the pulpit and talked about my memories with her, letting the audience know who she was. During mass, I also read a verse from Roman, a scripture in the Bible.

Clyde assisted me in getting up and down those stairs leading to the pulpit. We made a decision to drive together to Victor’s house. He has a beautiful home in Farmington Hills. A shot of photos were taken just as we were leaving. Then we said our goodbyes and the day was over.

I was so tired that I went to bed early. I was out before 10:00 pm which is unusual for me.

I got up, well-rested and got ready for Sunday Mass. Fr. Patrick stayed after mass to administer prayers for the sick. I decided to stay because of my eye issues. I’m hoping when I see the specialist this month, that the diagnosis will be something different. If you know what I mean.

I wanted to get back home so I could cook dinner for Lank. I want to treat him special today. My intuition is telling me he needs some extra attention, so I will give it to him.

We’re having steak, potatoes and a tossed salad. Quick and filling. I don’t really like eating red meat, but I can handle it sometimes. He is a meat eater and there is no compromise. Sometimes we have completely separate meals of what he wants and what I want.

Well, gotta finish cooking so I will sign off tonight.

Everybody, have a wonderful rest of your day!

Shirley Slaughter

https://shirleyslaughter.com/

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DAY 13 @sharrislaughter #ADayInMyLife #RRBC @RRBC_Org 30-Day #Blogging Challenge 2023

Posted on January 14, 2023 by Shirley Harris-Slaughter

Saturday, JANUARY 14, 2023 @ 5:35 PM ET

DAY 13

A Sigh of Relief!

I got up this morning getting ready for the funeral. My speech was a tribute to Gwen and the memories we shared.

Like the time when she got her first car, she said, “Giles, let’s go to Chicago!” which I promptly responded, “Okay. Let me throw something in a suitcase!” And off we went.

There was the time she purchased a set of brand-new luggage from this luggage shop located at the foot of Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit. I just had to have it too, so I went to that shop and got my own set of the exact same luggage. And I was working on getting that first car as well.

When she got her first job at a brokerage firm called Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith and they asked her to recommend some of her friends (because they liked her so much) the first person she called was me. I got hired on the spot. I was so thankful.

I’ll never forget that sense of humor she possessed. When things got bad for her, she really kicked up the humor a notch. For example, she always had a tale to tell about her father whom she addressed as L.D. Johnson. He was very strict and didn’t allow her to have any boyfriends or receive phone calls after 10:00 pm. On her 16th birthday, he sat outside in the driveway with a shotgun in his hand. The man was crazy, but she managed to find a way to get through all of it. One way was humor. We loved hearing the stories and couldn’t wait to hear what she was going to tell us next.

During funeral mass, I read a verse from Roman’s. Victor had the Repast at his home. My son Clyde and I went over there and ate a meal prepared by a chef of the family. Everything was so delicious. We took pictures with Victor and Angela and then we left. The day is just about over and I’m tired.

As you can see, I’m blogging late. Well, I’m done. I’ll get to the emails tomorrow. They are really piling up.

Shirley Harris-Slaughter

https://shirleyslaughter.com/

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DAY 12 @sharrislaughter #ADayInMyLife #RRBC @RRBC_Org 30-Day #Blogging Challenge 2023

Posted on January 13, 2023 by Shirley Harris-Slaughter

Friday, JANUARY 13, 2023 @ 9:07 AM ET

DAY 12

This is the Day!

Just got up and started my bath water. Must get everything done before I head for the viewing. Victor said family needs to get there ahead of time and he considers me part of the family. He said to be there at 3:30 PM.

I read 60 more pages of SPARE late yesterday then put it down because of eye strain. It is very good. He is giving us a taste of life as a prince. Step by step. I felt like I was at the dorm with him. Descriptions were so vivid. We certainly never got a glimpse of who he really is from the British press. So, he wants to tell his side. Stephen Colbert had the highest rating of his show’s history because he had Prince Harry as a guest. They say his book is right up there with Harry Potter. Maybe if the press would stop assassinating his character, people wouldn’t be so interested in him. You always want what you can’t have.

I’m going to get my protein shake, get dressed and prepare to meet up with Victor and family. I will see you guys later.

Over and out!

Go to Member Chat to catch up with other RRBC Bloggers

Shirley Harris-Slaughter

http://shirleyslaughter.com/

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DAY 11 @sharrislaughter #ADayInMyLife #RRBC @RRBC_Org 30-Day #Blogging Challenge 2023

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Shirley Harris-Slaughter

DAY 11

Thursday, JANUARY 12, 2023 @ 12:26 PM ET

YESTERDAY AND TODAY

I brought over the food and made myself at home at Victor’s house. He was at the airport picking up an uncle whose bags had already arrived. I pulled up to the garage and immediately got a call from Victor telling me he would be along later as he was detained at the airport. I was a little startled that he knew I had arrived. New technology has home security airtight. I feel like I’m being watched by Big Brother. Its spooky.

After about an hour I decided to take my leave and let them get comfortable eating and relaxing as best they could. As I was backing out of the driveway, Victor rang again. “Are you leaving? I’m sorry but still waiting on an uncle.” It was unnerving to say the least. This security will take some getting used to.

My neighbor’s parents passed away and with the passing of her father a couple months ago, she installed cameras because the house is vacant. I’ve been asked to look out for the place as well. Those darn cameras again. She took a snapshot of me going into her home and texted me with it. I was startled again. This is really going to take some getting used to. We also have cameras installed in our security system. So, cameras are rolling all around us. Oh my goodness! What a necessary intrusion in our lives.

My book “SPARE” arrived by UPS … no Amazon Prime truck. I think something is going on because other folks got late delivery as well.

I settled down to read and after about 3 1/2 hours, my eyes became fatigued. The letters are small with over 400 pages of content.

Oh, I almost forgot! I just stumbled across a tweet stating that I just won a Certificate of Recognition for reaching a milestone of blogging for 10 days in the 2023 RRBC 30-Day Blogging Challenge! I see a couple others have also been recognized.

CONGRATULATIONS BLOGGERS!

Now I will go through my personal mail and do what is required including filling out a form for my brother to continue receiving some benefits. I am his guardian and have to comply with any and everything and jump through all kinds of hoops to stay in compliance in all areas of his life. And in between I will keep up with my email which can pile up pretty rapidly.

So, I am done blogging for today and will see you tomorrow.

Don’t forget to go to Member Chat after you are done.

Shirley Harris-Slaughter

https://shirleyslaughter.com/

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