Friday Roundup

When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween.

Author Unknown

Good morning all, and what a wonderful morning it is.  Yesterday morning was a bit too warm and humid for me.  One doesn't know how to dress in this weather.  Absolutely loved my class yesterday.  Such an awesome teacher with an impressive array of licenses... BBA, MBA, MS and Ph.D and several Board certifications.  Unlike the other teacher, this one is not afraid to take questions and can answer anything you throw at him.

A cancer survivor who'd been sent home to die in the early 90's, he took control of his life and started looking into alternatives and nutrition.  And what the doctors didn't do, he did for himself...and then went back to school for a degree.  When he went back to the hospital to share his knowledge they didn't want to hear of it.  Of course not, there is no money to be made in a cure. So, he went into teaching to give back what he has learned and has been at Brooklyn College ever since.

As for me, because I am a pre-diabetic, he told me I was eating too much fruit.  TOO MUCH FRUIT???? How can one eat too much?  But, some are higher in sugar and those are the ones I adore and eat every day. Try to limit how much I eat and substitute with veggies instead.  Now, I love veggies as well, but not as a snack.  And I honestly don't like raw veggies.  I was thinking of steaming some and using a healthy dip.  Any suggestions?  

Lost another .6 at Weight Watchers.  Now I know I have overcome that 40 pound hurdle. 

Now, not only are my clothes hanging off me, but so are my coats and I can't afford new ones. . Aside from a couple of spring jackets and one very heavy winter coat, the rest just hang off me. So I am not sure what to wear today. It's too cool for the spring and too warm for the winter. Plus with the rain. Whoever knew that losing weight would cause so many problems....but aside from not having enough to buy anything new right now, I am definitely not complaining. I'll take my health any day of the week.

I'm so proud of myself I have to brag. Left the house early so I could get to school before the heavy rain. I don't mind getting wet on the way home because I can change my clothes, but getting wet on the way in and sitting in the wet clothes is another story. Well, I got to school about 11:15 and my class started at 12:10 so I had already decided before I left that I would sit in the cafeteria and have a little lunch.

Well, here I am surrounded by pizza, overstuffed sandwiches, a full buffet, hamburgers and fries, and an awesome looking pudding parfait, and what did I choose? Tuna on a bed of lettuce and a fruit salad for dessert. Nice and healthy and pretty low on points. Of course, knowing that tomorrow morning is my weigh in may have had a little something to do with my choice.

 Whole wheat bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, parsley, salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.

Have a good one.

Thursday Photos

There is a beautiful spirit breathing now
Its mellowed richness on the clustered trees,
And, from a beaker full of richest dyes,
Pouring new glory on the autumn woods,
And dipping in warm light the pillared clouds.
Morn on the mountain, like a summer bird,
Lifts up her purple wing, and in the vales
The gentle wind, a sweet and passionate wooer,
Kisses the blushing leaf, and stirs up life
Within the solemn woods of ash deep-crimsoned,
And silver beech, and maple yellow-leaved,
Where Autumn, like a faint old man, sits down
By the wayside a-weary.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It's beginning to look a lot like Autumn. 

And some wonderful Autumn flowers.

 Have a good one.

Wednesday Thoughts and Rambles

Weather is a great metaphor for life — sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, and there’s nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella or choose to dance in the rain! 

Terri Guillemets

Morning all.  It's a windy and rainy day here in Brooklyn, and I realize don't like going out in this kind of weather, but I also don't want to miss my Spanish class.  It is one of my favorites.  And then, since I am already out in it, I might as well stay for literature class as well...even though I don't like and couldn't get into the assigned book.

I will never forget the night hubby sang and danced in the rain for me.  It was early in our relationship, and we were heading out to a movie when the sky opened up.  I ran under and awning but hubby stood out there kicking his feet like Fred Astaire and while he belted out, "Singing in the Rain." A man not afraid to play in the rain. I knew then that we'd always be together.

My nutrition course is over and none too soon if you ask me. Yesterday was a joke. The topic was sugar and diabetes which is an important topic if one really knows what they are talking about, but our teacher left a lot to be desired. Someone asked her what the difference between sucrose and fructose was and all she said was they were different kinds of sugars. Granted, that's true, but someone who really knew would at least have said that one is natural and the other refined. Won't be seeing her when the new semester begins in February.

Been thinking about what I can do to keep me busy when this semester ends in December and I am thinking of trying out some chair yoga at the union and finding a free Spanish class. The library also has lots of stuff going on so while the ground is clear of snow and ice I will still be on the run. 

Last night's awesome dinner.  Swiss Steak.

Dip round steak in flour and season with salt and pepper. Pound until flattened. Diced tomatoes, peppers and onions, low sodium beef broth, garlic powder, marjoram, thyme, and bay leaf. Brown steak in oil and remove to plate. Saute peppers and onions. Add rest of ingredients plus a little water. Add steak and simmer until fork tender.

Have a good one.

Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee; "Which are you?

I stumbled across this the other day and thought it would be a great share. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.

Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they got soft.She then asked her to take an egg and break it.

After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma. The granddaughter then asked. "What's the point,grandmother?"

Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity--boiling water--but each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her granddaughter.

"When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?

Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff?

Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level?

---AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Monday Morning This and That

When you walk across the fields with your mind pure and holy, then from all the stones, and all growing things, and all animals, the sparks of their soul come out and cling to you, and then they are purified and become a holy fire in you.

Hasidic saying

Good morning everyone, and a happy Monday to all. Today it is going to be cool and sunny, my favorite type of Autumn day.  Had a busy Saturday, but Sunday was pretty restful.  Saturday has become my new cooking day so I spend the day in the kitchen preparing meals for the upcoming week.  On Sunday I was off to church, got caught in the rain, and afterwards back home for a restful afternoon.  

Saturday was also the day of Hallmark's annual Halloween showing of all "The Good Witch" movies, so you know where I was during breaks from cooking.  I love all of them.  Wasn't too keen on the series because it isn't the same without the hubby and some of the other characters, but I understand the hubby has a steady part elsewhere so they had to kill him off.  So is the way with television.

Speaking of Halloween, I am so excited that it is almost here, but ashamed to admit that, for someone who loves the holiday so much, I've done nothing in the way of planning for the day.  I haven't even planned my menu.  Time to get busy here.

As for homework this weekend I have a short story by Edith Wharton to read. Should be enjoyable. I love everything that she writes. Gave up on "Villette". Just couldn't get into it much as I tried. One class ended and a new one is beginning, "Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Anderson". Aside from the writing assignments it should be fun. We are assigned fairy tales to read and then given questions to analyze and interpret what we read. It's a good weekend to get started on my assigned tales.

My easy homemade Puerto Rican marinate for chicken. Lime juice, olive oil Spanish oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper. A little goes a long way. And here is the finished product. Melt in your mouth good.

I  did a lot better in Tai Chi on Friday, and I discovered what the 'real' problem is. The real reason I cannot seem to get it. It's too hot in that gym. In fact, the entire school, every building, is too hot. Tai Chi has a lot to do with the mind and when all you can think of is how miserable you feel, how is one expected to learn. Really mean it that I am going to practice at home this week.

Hope you all have a good one.

Friday Roundup

Autumn. . . makes a double demand. It asks that we prepare
for the future--that we be wise in the ways of garnering and keeping.
But it also asks that we learn to let go--to acknowledge
the beauty of sparseness.

Bonaro W. Overstreet

Good morning, everyone.  We've been having some pretty summer like weather, but it looks as if the temps will be on their way back down again. Only going to reach the 50's today.  Just don't know how to dress in this crazy up and down weather.  No wonder people are catching colds.  So much sniffling on the bus.  Not looking for another cold. 

Still trying to sort out my email issues, but I discovered that Gmail is just as good as Yahoo.  And the only reason I needed Yahoo is because I take a few online courses which are sent via email and placed in Yahoo folders.  Funny thing about this whole thing is I am not able to get or send email, but I can open my folders.  Problem is that all I can see is the old stuff.  Anything placed in a folder after 10/12 is not there.  

You know, since I retired I sometimes rue that I wasted so many years in substance abuse counseling when I could have been a nutritionist instead.  Then, the other day I receive the following on my FB messenger:

 Good to see your okay! Thank you so much for your support and help when you were my counselor at Greenwich house in NYC 2004/ by the grace of God I didn't go back to prison and have become a law abiding citizen.I will always be grateful you were my counselor! God Bless you miss mary!

Brought tears to my eyes and made me realize it was all worth it.  Everything was as it was meant to be.  

Well, I stayed the same at Weight Watchers this week.  At least I didn't gain, but it sure has been hard trying to reach that illusive 50 pound loss.  Been playing around with 39 and 40 for months now.  Not giving up, though.  One day I'll get it.  Have to have faith.

Remember how when you were in school there was always one student the teacher signaled out not so much to chide for bad behavior, but to assist when she is trying to provide the class with an example. Well, I am that person in Spanish class. She has taken a liking to me, and every time she wants to put on a little skit in Spanish, I am called to the front of the class to take part in it. If she only knew how much I have always disliked talking in front of the class. I may have come a long way, but that shy little girl is still very much a part of my life.

Have a good one.

Thursday Photos

The question, "Which is the happiest season of life?" was asked of an aged man.
And he replied: "When spring comes, and in the soft air the buds are breaking
on the trees, and they are covered with blossoms, I think, 'How beautiful is spring';
and when summer comes and covers the trees with its heavy foliage, and singing birds
are among the branches, I think, 'How beautiful is summer.' When autumn loads them
with golden fruit, and their leaves bear the gorgeous tint of frost, I think, 'How
beautiful is autumn.' And when it is severe winter, and there is neither foliage nor
fruit, then I look up through the leafless branches as I never could
until now, and see the stars shine in God's home.

Unknown

Leaves are starting to change as Autumn struggles to take hold, but....

...summer continues to hang on.

Cloud cluster over the high school

 The sun shining brightly over the church on Sunday morning.

 Another gorgeous sky picture.

The other day I got to thinking about how things have changed since I retired.  I was always in such a hurry, I had no time to take notice of the awesome beauty that surrounds me.  Today I am in awe of all the gifts that nature provides.  Feels good  to slow down and admire all that Mother Nature gives us.

Share a Smile Today

Smiles are contagious. . . . Watch how quickly someone responds to you

when you are smiling at them.  We are all spiritually unified in a joyous universe.

Norma Hawkins

Good morning everyone.  Looks to be another nice day out there.  Sunshine and comfortable temperatures. Lunch on the bench seems quite appealing today.  Have to take advantage while I can.  One day soon I hope to get back to my favorite park.  Leaves must be looking mighty pretty by now.

I love the class I had yesterday.  The course is basically about the mind/body connection and constructive ways to deal with anger, fear and sadness. She calls it  PEP (Positive Energy Power).  And the teacher is great.  The author of 8 books, she's survived several types of cancer, and she is always assigning us to do  silly things like handing out smiley face buttons and bookmarks just to keep life lighthearted.  Last night I found myself singing "Happy Birthday" whenever I washed my hands.  I do love this assignment, though.  "Smile every time you look in the mirror.  You'll be sure to get a smile back."

 A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

Unknown

Tuesday Ramble

Delicious autumn!
My very soul is wedded to it,
and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth
seeking the successive autumns.

George Eliot

Good morning everyone.  It's still pretty cold out, but they say it will be warming up some today.  Had a nice day yesterday.  Procrastinated and didn't make it to my short story class.  First time that happened so I must be more careful next week.  Did attend my Nutritional Enlightenment class.  I'm really not too happy with that class and am looking forward to it being over next week.  I hate to be a quitter so I am determined to finish it but I don't like the teacher, and I find that I know far more than she does.  That's pretty sad.  I also realize now that the reason she does not like to take questions is that she doesn't know the answers.  

Holistic healing starts next week, and I am so looking forward to that one.  Sadly it is only a four week course.  Only problem is it starts at the same time as the last week of  "Mindfulness" so I have a big decision to make.  Right now I am leaning more towards attending "Holistic Healing".  Originally that's what I wanted, but when I found out it wasn't starting until October 29th, I figured I would fill in the time with "Mindfulness".  Little did I know that I was going to like the class.

Made this for dinner the other night.  It was awesome.  So flavorful.  I plan on making it again, but next time with legs.  I am not a thigh person but I had some on hand.

Chicken and white beans

Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
Spanish oregano
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Scallions
2 tbs. Lemon juice
1 can white kidney beans
Parsley
Olive oil

Season chicken with oregano, salt and pepper. Brown in heated olive oil, then cover and cook until done. Remove chicken. Add white part of scallions and cook about a minute. Add lemon juice and 1/2 cup water, garlic powder and cook, scraping up any chicken bits. Add can of beans (drained), green scallion bits, and parsley. Simmer until liquid has thicken and almost gone.

Have a good one.

Monday Morning This and That

 We cannot separate our lives from time.  Why is it that we are so extravagant, so thoughtless, in our waste of time, especially in youth, when we cling so tenaciously to life?  You cannot separate a wasted hour from the same duration of your life.  If you waste your time, you must waste your life.  If you improve your time, you cannot help improving your life.
Orison Swett Marden

Morning all. It's Monday and time to 'rise and shine'. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I did. It was a busy one, for sure, but I got a lot done so I enter this week with a feeling of accomplishment. On Saturday I cooked three meals,  I cleaned, I practiced my Tai Chi, practiced my Spanish, cleaned all my fall and winter out of the closet and packed away the rest of my summer.  Then I read the short story I was assigned to read for today and did my best to get into 'Villette'. Just can't seem to do it.  I keep hoping it gets better, but it doesn't so if any of my homework can be considered a chore, that's it. So instead I read some spooky Halloween tales from a free book I have on my Kindle and had an enjoyable evening. 

Sunday I headed out to church and after a quick stop at the market, headed on home for a day of rest and relaxation. Of course, we women never can totally relax so, of course, I found things to do, but it was nothing like the business of Saturday.

Sure has gotten cold out.  They say it is going to warm up some by the end of the week, but boy oh boy, yesterday I was sure wishing I'd gotten my winter jacket out. 

Here are two photos of my grand nephew the day after he was born.  Isn't he huge?  Fortunately he is now out of NIC and with his mom in her room.  She is quite sore but doing well and on the mend. 

I sit back now and think of the day so long ago that my goddaughter's dad carried her into my house, in nothing more than a diaper and asked me to take care of her because her mom wanted to throw her in the garbage.  The family originally wanted me to raise her, but then turned against me when I agreed.  That's how they were.  There was nothing I could ever do to satisfy them.  They would have been mad if I had said 'no', and when I said 'yes', they got mad at me for trying to take my sister-in-law's daughter away.  I could never win with them.  I wonder had I been able to raise her as my own with lots of love what her life would have been like.  I doubt she would have made so many poor choices in men in her desperate search for love.

The past cannot be changed, so all we can do now is work on a better future.  She knows that I love her, and that I will always be there for her, and I really think she appreciates it.  

Have a great day.

When autumn shadows throw their patterns across the land, they are

not the images of fragile, dying leaves, not the bared arms of lofty elms,

not shadows of a fading summer; but swinging shapes as of books

upon a strap, of round and square boxes held under an arm,

of hurrying little people heading towards the nearest school.

Djuna Barnes

Good morning everyone.  Looks to be a little cool, but a nice day. Some light rain is in the area, but it is not hitting us in the city. That's good. I slept a little late this morning and could have slept later, but I have a morning class to day. Why is it that on the days I can sleep late if I chose, I wake up early...and days like this where I have to be out in the morning, I have to drag myself out of bed.

Had a busy week.  I was running about every day but Monday.  I'm loving my Mindfulness class on Thursdays. Our instructor isa psychoanalyst who teaches mindfulness practices.  She bases her practice on the teachings of John Kabat-Zin.  My book finally arrived yesterday so this weekend I have some catch up reading to do.  I find it's the first time I've ever been able to close off my thoughts for even a few minutes.  And no matter how badly I may feel when class begins, I always leave there feeling so much better.

Speaking of school, I have never been surrounded by so much unhealthy food. When I go to the cafeteria, I am surrounded by all kinds of unhealthy stuff--greasy pizza, burgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies, cakes amongst other things-- and find only one small refrigerator for salads and other healthy stuff. And if that is not enough, on every floor in every building are vending machines stocked with chips, candy, cookies, and soda. Good thing I am in Weight Watchers and have a strong willpower.

Yesterday, while waiting for the bus, two students sat next to me eating huge plates of french fries served just the way I like them....saturated in catsup. I wanted them so bad. So bad that I smelled them all the way home....on two different buses. As far as the knish goes, I haven't given up on that. I realized going home yesterday that I don't have to get off the bus to buy one. They most likely sell them in the cafeteria in the kosher section.

Before closing I'd like to ask for prayers for my goddaughter and her son, Jayden, who was born yesterday by Ceasarian. Not quite 12 pounds, he weighed in at a little over 10 pounds and is currently in NIC due to problems breathing and low blood sugar. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Have a good one.

Thursday Photos

You can't keep saying and doing the same things and expect better results. When you see your behavior clearly you can frame new responses. There are many techniques for increasing self-awareness. Most involve mindfulness-- observing what's happening in the present moment: your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations.

Joan Duncan Oliver

My favorite fruit stand.  It's humungus. 

On the campus.

Took this photo of the clock building while sitting in class.

Taking over my kitchen window.

Money Tree when I brought it home.

 Money Tree now.  Too tall to sit in the window sill anymore.

Wishing you all a fantastic day.

Wednesday Ramble

      

Hope and new beginnings are fresh every morning.  It is not necessary to wait for a circumstance to bring hope.  Hope, real hope, comes when we lay down our own ideas and plans. . . . our mind, will, and emotions. . .before God as a hand of cards dealt and say to him, “How would YOU play them?”

Laura Lewis Lanier

Good morning everyone. Looks like we are in for another nice day. Although I don't head out to school until later, this is one of my long days, but dinner is all cooked and ready to go so I'm quite prepared. For tonight I made a nice pot of chili so I am quite looking forward to it. Hoping Ralph can pick up a nice avocado for us today. I love to cut it up and put it in my chili. So yummy.

Stopped at my favorite fruit store yesterday before going home. I can't believe how expensive fruit is this year. I hate to give it up because it has helped me lose weight and stay healthy, but I can't let it break me either. I bought a bag of clementines, a box of strawberries, and my favorite oatmeal which barely cost $ 3, and my bill was $ 14. Can't afford to live in New York anymore. 

Question for you all. I have had Yahoo email forever and have never had a problem with it on my phone or tablet, both Samsung. Now when I try to retrieve my emails from either tab or phone, I get a box that says "Sign in failed. Server password has changed. Enter new password." First of all, I never had to sign in. Mail automatically appeared. Problem is, I didn't change my password. Won't accept the password that works with my Yahoo on the computer. My tablet says it cannot connect with Google when I try to sign in.  Anyone else ever have this problem? Any advice? 

Ralph went again yesterday for his 'living will' and has to go back in November. The paralegal came in late and then took so long with him, the lawyer had to leave. We don't have much but he doesn't want his family to jump in and take the car or get hold of the safe deposit box. I hate to think of things like this but I know it has to be done. When my mother in law passed they were such scavengers taking anything not nailed down. Of course, it's different now. The lease is in my name so basically everything in this apartment is 'mine' but he doesn't want them to have any opportunity to stress me out.

I worry so about him that he is just not telling me everything. I hear him up at night using his pump but when I question him on health issues, he usually just goes silent. And then I tell myself that the doctor hasn't ordered oxygen for him yet so that is a good sign. 

And with that I bid you a wonderful day.

Monday Morning This and That

Delicious autumn!
My very soul is wedded to it,
and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth
seeking the successive autumns.

George Eliot 

Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday.  No school today due to the holiday, but to me it is just another day. Have some reading to catch up on. Maybe I will get to some ironing. Or maybe I just lay around and rest.  I had a busy, busy weekend for sure.

On Friday I went to Tai Chi, and I am determined to squeeze time in during my busy week for practice.  I realize I cannot expect to learn it by only doing it one hour a week.  No, there are so many movements involved, it takes a lot more time. Not saying I am going to fail, but if I don't pick this up the way I want to by the time the course is finished in December, the union offers chair Yoga, and I might like to try that.  In fact, either way I think it is worth a try.

On Saturday I cooked four different meals to freeze and have on hand for my late days. I wrote an essay for my online course and caught up my reading for my literature class.  I started reading the next book, 'Villette' by Charlotte Bronte, but I am having a hard time getting into that one so I took a break and read a couple of Halloween short stories I keep on hand for this time of year. 

On Sunday I went to church and came home and practiced my Spanish.  I am trying to set up a schedule so that nothing gets left out.  

Let's see, what else is new?  Oh, you all remember my telling you about my goddaughter, the one who keeps falling into one bad relationship after another....and has a child in each.  Well, the last one she got involved with was a lazy good for nothing who took her for everything before she finally wised up and put him out.  And since that time she has finally taken my advice and stayed out of a relationship until she gets to know herself and why she keeps doing this.  

Well, just as the others he left her pregnant.  When she tried to get child support for her baby she discovered he owes child support for six babies already....almost $20,000 in debt for one child alone.  Don't know why there isn't a law to stop men like him.  They do garnish a man's salary, but this guy doesn't work so what can they do?  There should be jail time for something like this.  In my book, it's criminal.

Well, needless to say, there is not much that can be done to support his child.  And over the weekend she called me very upset.  She cannot have this baby natural and must check in for a Cesarean this week. (Her due date is next week).  Turns out the baby is over "12" pounds.  My question is, why wasn't this noticed sooner?

Well, that's about it for now. Have a good one.

Thursday Photos

Nature is another important aspect of
nourishing the soul. After a hike in the
mountains where we live, for instance, I
feel a remarkable sense of gratitude
and awe. My mind quiets down
and allows me to see more clearly
the beauty of creation. And through
that gratitude, the beauty of the
universe is reflected back to
the creator.
Joan Borysenko

Yesterday I left the house early so I could have an opportunity to spend some time at the lily pond on the college campus.  It was a totally amazing experience.  I'd felt so miserable from not sleeping, and when I left the pond to go to class, I felt like a new person.  Will definitely visit again.

Notice the fishies in the water and the turtles on the rocks craning their necks to savor a bit of the sun.

Another turtle is swimming with the fishies.

Have a good one.

Just a Little Bit of Nothing Important

The greatest gift you can give another

is the purity of your attention.

Richard Moss

Morning all.  Well, after the story week we had, the sun has been shining brightly.  The temps have warmed up to the comfortable 70's, and it is quite enjoyable to be outdoors.   Today I am off to Spanish class, but that is the only class I have so I am hoping to catch some of the nice weather.  If I get there early enough I hope to take a walk over to the lily pond that is on campus.  I haven't seen it yet.

I've been battling a cold since Friday.  It's pretty much left me, but it is still at that tickle stage that keeps one up at night, so I am still feeling a bit out of it. I was in a boring class about Hitler and Stalin.  Well, the subject matter wasn't boring, the teacher was, and all I wanted to do is sleep.  Well, the bus was late, so I was a few minutes late,  and the only seat left is right in front of the teacher. That will teach me to leave earlier.

Got some good news when I got home. Had a call from the nurse while I was in class, and I didn't know how we were going to arrange her monthly visit now that I am in school five days a week. Well, she answered that for me before I even had a chance to speak. They've decided that I am doing so well and taking care of myself so well that I don't need my monthly visits any more. Hooray for that one.

 Been a long time since I've been scolded in class, and yesterday, well, it happened. Our topic for the day was protein...its function in the body, how much is needed, etc. Well, at one point everyone began talking at once, so I turned to my peer and mentioned to her that at one time I was having a problem staying full, I was always hungry, so I spoke to the leader and she suggested I might not be getting enough protein in my diet. Well, she is a Weight Watcher, too, and I admit, we both got a bit carried away with our conversation and totally that we were in the middle of class. The next thing I know the teacher is addressing us, "Would you like to share with the class?", and everyone is looking at us. So I shared. What else could I do? 

Have a happy Hump Day everyone.  

Monday Morning This and That

Trust your hunches. They're usually based on facts filed away just below the conscious level. 

Joyce Brothers

Morning all.  Another Monday.  Another week ahead of us.  It's a cool but clear morning out there, and I am heading off to class.  Ralph has an appointment this morning to make a living will.  I hate to think of such things but I know they must be done.  Personally, I have nothing.  My ex made sure to take everything I had by ringing up credit card bills after we separated, and I just haven't been able to get saving again.  Something always come up.  But Ralph has the car and cash in a safe deposit box that he wants to make sure his family doesn't step in and take.  But enough of this.  Too depressing for me on a Monday morning.

Didn't do much of anything this weekend.  Woke up on Friday with a scratchy throat, and by evening I was feeling pretty miserable. One of those nasty little chest colds that hurts to cough and leaves a nasty taste so Saturday was a day of hot tea, chicken soup, Vicks and Halls. Didn't feel like reading, playing games, watching television.  Nothing.  All I wanted to do was sit there and feel sorry for myself.

I am so happy that I decided at the last minute to do my food shopping on Friday so I didn't  have to leave the house on Saturday.  Had to get it done no matter what.  The cupboard was bare, and even though the hurrican was set to veer off to the east, it's no fun to be hungry and find the refrigerator empty. On Sunday I felt a wee bit better, but thought it best to not to push myself.  Although the rain had pretty much ended, it was still pretty cold and damp outdoors. 

It pays to listen to our intuition.  Just the other day while I was piling on the bus with all the other school children (there is a high school next to the college), I thought about how this year I'd best be vigilant about my health as I was going to be exposed to more colds than in other years.  And then yesterday, I not only decided to do my food shopping a day early, but also to stop in the pharmacy next door to see if they had the day and night Coriciden.  It's the only cold medication recommended for high blood pressure, and it's hard to find. It was a blessing that they had it because by evening I really needed it.

Bad as I feel, I am blessed that this happened on a weekend so I have two days to heal.

Have a good one and remember to smile.  You are in for a wonderful week. 

Friday Roundup

One is content if one can find
happiness in simple pleasures.
Thomas Malloy

Morning everyone, and a happy Friday to all.   It's going to be a wet and raw day out there. Actually it looks to be our weather for our next few days.  Fortunately, it looks now like the hurricane is going to miss us.  I have a day off from Tai Chi. We to three weeks, then one day off. Have to begin practicing at home or I will forget. This morning I have to make a run to Pathmark for my medication, then I am heading back home for a day of rest. Have a couple of letters to write and tomorrow is my big monthly shopping so I'm going to spend some time planning so less costly meals. Food is getting too high and they cut us another $5 from our food stamps.  Don't know why I spent 50 years working.  It seems that people who never worked, nor wanted to, a day in their life get the full amount of food stamps, and those of us who spent so many years paying the taxes that supported them get shafted when our turn rolls around.

Yesterday was the busiest day I have had in a long time.  Went to 3 stores, my Weight Watchers meeting, and then onto school for two classes.  In all I was on six buses yesterday.  Came home so drained I and never even made it to bed.  Sat on the sofa to relax a moment and before I knew it, it was 35 minutes later.  Ralph went out and got my favorite take out--rotisserie chicken and yucca with red onions.  

By the way, yucca is good for arthritis, and since one can't eat enough to see benefits, (every day) they make it in pill form which I have begun taking again.  I remember when Ralph's mom was still alive.  She was in her 80's with very bad arthritic knees, and after she started taking it, she swore by it.  I'd stopped taking it for awhile since there wasn't a Vitamin Shoppe nearby and I was too lazy to travel, but Ralph surprised me the other day with a huge bottle.  Krill oil is also good for inflammation.

Well, that's about it this morning.  Gonna go have my oatmeal and a shower.  Oh, by the way, lost .2 pounds yesterday.  Feeling good that I am once again on that downward spiral.

Have a fantastic weekend no matter what the weather may be. 

Thursday Photos

We have a hunger of the mind which asks for knowledge of all around us;
and the more we gain, the more is our desire. The more we see,
the more we are capable of seeing.

Maria Mitchell

Last Friday I got to class fairly early, and it was such a gorgeous day that I sat outside and savored some of the fantastic weather.  Took the opportunity to snap some photos of the beautiful college campus.

This is the campus map.  I sure get a workout running from one class to the next.  I think Monday is the worst.  have class in building 1 on 4th floor and 10 minutes to building 4 on the 3rd