Friday Roundup

Good morning everyone.  As we come to the end of another week, I'd like to warn you.  This was a week I'd like to forget. Just one of those weeks that you just have to role with the punches and maybe shed a few tears in frustration.  It's just been one of those weeks for me.  Next week will be better. I am sure of it.

To begin with, it's bill time again, and as I added up the damage I asked myself "What is going on?  How is one expected to survive?"  My electric bill has been more than doubled these past few months, but that's to be expected with this dreadful summer we are having.  After the next bill it should settle down some.  But, the cable bill has gone up by $10 (third raise since December), my gas bill which has always remained steady has gone up by $4, and I received my my new lease.  My rent is going up to over $1200.  And that's not even taking the price of food into account.  I don't buy much for myself, but I do love my subscription boxes.  Sadly, I see the time coming when I am going to have to give them up.

And as if that's not enough for one week,  one day in fact, I left early in the morning to beat the heat while I ran to get some fruit, and there was notice on the lobby door.  It seems the building owners have contracted electricians and plumbers to put new wiring in every apartment. Now this is good. It would be worse to have an electrical fire, but. the drawback is they plan on knocking down walls to rewire, and then the painters will step it and redo the walls.  This means that all the work I did decorating last week was all for naught. There is an outlet behind the bookcase so not only do all the decorations have to come down, but all the books have to be taken off the shelves too. And this will go on in EVERY room. 

All this when it is time for me to go back to classes. Not sure when they will be starting and if they will start at the top and work their way down or vice versa, but either way, at some point in time, I am in for it. Just hope they don't start until this heat wears down.  The good thing is that I have a choice for when it is convenient for me.  At this point, I am planning to attend a couple of knitting classes so I get an idea of what I am doing and then practice at home.

Ate pretty lightly this week--either soup or salad.  Have to make up for Olive Garden and the Tiramasu.  But, I'm not beating myself up over adding so many WW points.  In fact, I'm looking forward to doing it again.  I enjoyed it all thoroughly.

The weather here this week has been awful.  On Wednesday I had to run to the bank to get money for bills, and I swear, it was the hottest day this year.  And so humid.  My body hurt all over.  Heat and humidity have an adverse effect on people with arthritis.  Something to do with the level of fluid that lines and lubricates the joints.  Heat and humidity also can increase the amount of inflammation the system, causing anti-inflammatory medication to be less effective.  That's why two Aleve don't really do anything in that kind of weather.  Fortunately, it's a much cooler morning.

On Thursday I headed to my WW meeting.  Of course I didn't get on the scale.  I was tempted to just to see where I stood for the big weigh-in next week, but to be honest, I am totally broke this week, and if I had gone over, they would have charged me $15.   Had enough money to pick up a couple items at the store after the meeting and that was it.  Thank goodness my pension will arrive Saturday.

Oh, and I also got booted out of a Facebook group on Thursday.  LOL!!!  There is a first time for everything.  That's what I get for speaking my mind.

And today is, well, today is a day of rest for me.  May do a little cooking later if I feel like it.  Otherwise, just going to take it easy.

Have a good one.

Thursday Odds and Ends

Old picture of me in my office when we were located on Delancy Street.  That's a co-worker sitting in the client's seat.  We were posing for a picture that was on the top of a flyer which was handed out to bring in more clients.  OMG!!!  I WAS HUGE. And my hair was so long.  What you see here is the reason I finally cut it short.  All I ever did was pull it back into a long ponytail.

A beautiful gift from my daughter that I shall cherish forever.

I'm lazy when it comes to breakfast.  I have instant oatmeal every day.  No cooking, and it tastes good.  This is my favorite flavor.  The stores brought it out for a couple of fall seasons and then no more.  I still keep looking for it.  So delicious.

My certificate in Dietary Wellness.  I'm currently taking two diploma courses--Healthy Living 101: Nutrition, Yoga, Meditation & Self Love and Diploma Certificate in Dietary Supplements Advisor

This magnificent lion sits in front of an office building in Manhattan.  I just had to snap a picture.  There are so many wondrous sights in the city.

Another certificate as a Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP).  You are never too old to learn.

 This was one of the books we used for my nutritional classes.  I still refer to it often.

A cook can never have too many spices, and since I love to cook with Indian spices, this was perfect for me.  There are so many health benefits to be found in Indian cooking.

Dad and his twin brother. This picture has to be at least 90 years old.

These were my turtles at work.  Actually, they belonged to one of my clients and he could no longer keep them so he asked if we would take them since we had a large tank. , I became responsible for their care.  I learned a lot about caring for turtles from these little guys.  They are smart as a whip, have a great memory, and become very attached to the person who feeds them.  If anyone else when near the tank they just continued on their business, but let them catch a glimpse of me a few feet away and they be trying to climb the glass.

Wordless Wednesday: A Cooks Dream Store; Seasonings and Spices Galore

Tuesday Ramble

Good Tuesday morning.  The heat and humidity are back.  Hoping that this is summer's last hoorah, and there are no more heat waves, but that's just wishful thinking on my part.  We all know that early September can be pretty hot.

Didn't do much of anything yesterday. I had bought some ground beef on Sunday and divided it, cooking two different meals for hubby.  I rarely eat meat anymore, and when I do, it is usually poultry.  I think the only time I eat ground beef is when I make beef chili, and I just can't resist that.

I made a meatball stew.  Hubby had his last night.  I froze some for myself to eat after my weigh in next week.  Until then, I am treading thin ice so I have to watch myself.

Ground beef, rice, small can of tomato sauce, black beans, corn, salt and pepper, Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy, recaito, and oil.  Saved a small dish for myself for lunch tomorrow.

So much for eating half of the tarimasu last night and the rest tonight.  I sat down and it was "Oh well, I might as well finish it now."  And I did.  But, I did leave half the lasagne for tonight.  

Finished up my decorating on Saturday.  Now it is time to hit the bedroom.  My clothes are folded so neatly when the new season begins, and by the end, they are just all over the place.  Quite a job in store for me--starting to pack some summer that I know I'm not going to wear again this year and getting out a few things for Autumn.  I do a little each week so when the weather changes, I'm ready.  Here's a few more pictures of fall decor.

So, I m thinking of leaving another review of that subscription box I just dropped.  At first I wanted to just let it go, but now I am thinking that maybe I can help another from making the same mistake I did. I was reading the reviews on Cratejoy yesterday--all raving about how wonderful the company is and how much they love their boxes, and I have to wonder, how many really DO love their box and how many are just trying to get the free item she promises if you use a 5 star review.  I saw a one star and clicked to read it, and it was a real eye opener.  She said everything that I want to say, and then some.  She talked about the junk she received and how cheap everything was, but she brought up something that I hadn't thought of :  By offering additional items in your next box in exchange for a 5 star review, she is actually buying her reviews, that they are not really honest reviews.   So, how trustworthy can they really be?

In my opinion, it's a form of false advertising.  I rely heavily on reviews when I make a decision to purchase something, and the raving reviews for this subscription box encouraged me to give it a try.  Had I known that those reviews had been 'bought' with the promise a free gift, I think I would have thought twice about joining.  At any rate, I wised up before I wasted too much money, and in its place I joined another subscription box that looks much more promising.

Monday This and That

Good morning everyone.  The start of a new week.  Each one brings us closer to September.  The countdown has begun.  Only one full week and then next Wednesday I am back in class.  I really did miss it this month.  Maybe if the weather had been better it would have been different, but because it was either too hot and humid or showery, I didn't even make it to the park.

Friday was a stay in day for me.  Still continuing my decorating.  Saturday I took a trip over to the park and stayed there for a few hours soaking up the fresh air.  The low humidity made the outdoors comfortable again.  I think this is only about the third time I made it to the park this summer.  The weather has just been so bad.

The Gnomes are happy Autumn is on its way.  They've already started harvesting the crops, and Mr. Fox was all too happy to help them.

 A hodgepodge of fairies, gnomes, and little carved animals all getting ready for fall.

Decorating is just about complete.  Next chore: start packing some things I know I won't wear anymore and start digging out some fall.

When my mom passed I was given the funeral registry book from my grandmother's death.  We'd been so close they felt that I should have it.    The other night I sat and went through it--the old signatures, who sent flowers.  Also included was this flower from one of the arrangements.

 This pressed flower is 55 years old.

On Sunday, hubby and I went out to dinner at Olive Garden.  I've wanted to go there for so many years.  I worked right down the block from it for ten years and never even made it to lunch.  My only fear when he mentioned going there was the sodium levels in the food.  I was pleasantly surprised, though.  The sodium levels were much lower than at Fridays and Applebees.  Only thing I had to worry about was WW points, but who cares.  It's only one day, and I've been over 10 years waiting for it.

This is what I had last night--whole wheat linguini, fresh marinara sauce, and grilled chicken.  The grilled chicken was 0 WW points.  Dinner was low in sodium and low in points in comparison to some of the dishes that were over 50 points. And it was delicious.

Hubby got the two for one and brought a lasagna home for me.  I'm going to cut it in half and eat it for two nights with a huge salad.  By watching my points during the day, I'll be all right.  That's one thing WW taught me.  You can eat anything you want in moderate servings and balance the rest of your meals to fit it in.  Not as hard as it sounds.

My only downfall.  Tarimasu.  Already took one bite before I put it away.  Just had to have it.  Will share with hubby and eat a little at a time.

Sunday Selections

This month's theme for Blended Box was 'Boho'. I love Boho so I was very pleased. 

These sunglasses are awesome.  Hubby looked at me like I was crazy with these huge yellow framed sunglasses with thick swirly designed arms.  But he knows, I've always been one to follow my own fashion.

Gypsy wrist bands.  I love them. 

This is the diamond painting kit.  I have been so busy with my decorating that I haven't had a chance to really check it out yet.

Throw pillow cover.  Love, love, love it.

Nail decals.  Don't think I'll be using these.

Incense cones.

Lavender seeds.

Pretty little bracelet.  Says love.  Haven't quite figured out the image.  To be truthful, it looks used.

Floating Lotus flower.

Necklace.  Must change the chain before I wear it. 

A lot of cute little items, but I said in my last post about this company, I'm giving it until the Halloween box to see how it goes.  The fact is, though, I am ready at this point to let it go.  I don't like how the owner will single you out on the private FB group, things that should be done in private.  For example, since I joined I saw that she posted IN THE GROUP to a couple of people that their payment didn't go through.  My payment always goes through, but in my opinion, she should PM them with that kind of thing.  We all don't need to know their private business.  Each month we are to post a raving review on Cratebox in 5 words or less.  This way we get an extra item in our box.  This month it said 10 words, and I and a few others posted the 10 words, only to have her single us out in the group that 'I WILL LET IT SLIDE THIS MONTH, BUT NO MORE CHANCES".  What a load of crap...which is what she sends anyway.  One day she lit into a person and called her names because her review wasn't raving.  In my opinion, that person is my hero.

Then, she posts "What color is your kitchen?"  I had answered that question before, but when I went through the list didn't see my name so I commented again only to be singled out that I HAD ALREADY ANSWERED THAT QUESTION.  'PLEASE DON'T RESPOND TO QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ANSWERED ALREADY.'   Why not just let it go.  That is absolutely no way to run a business.  You know, I'm 71 years old.  I don't appreciate being scolded by some 20 something who, in my opinion, is ripping people off.   There are plenty of better subscription boxes out there.

I got so riled up as I wrote this that I decided not to wait for Halloween.  I'm sure I can find a better box before then. So I left the FB group and canceled my subscription.  Just don't need that aggravation.  It's not like she is sending such fantastic items, after all. And you know what?  I feel relieved.  I get far better in the other boxes I belong to.

Saturday Thought

Ever felt an angel's breath in the gentle breeze? A teardrop in the falling rain? Hear a whisper amongst the rustle of leaves? Or been kissed by a lone snowflake? Nature is an angel's favorite hiding place. 

Terri Guillemets

Friday Roundup

Good morning everyone.  Happy Friday and what a week it was!  Monday....Hmm.   What did I do Monday?   Oh, right.  I headed out to the bank to deposit some money.  Not much.  A little $6 residual check and a ten dollar roll of quarters, but it all adds up in the long run.  Afterwards, I stopped at the 99 cent store and bought some new dish towels for fall.

Not bad for $1.29 each.  When I got home I got the itch and dug out all the fall decor.  What a job that was.  Thought I'd be laid up for a week.  Fortunately I felt good enough on Tuesday to begin decorating.  And look who arrived just in time to join into my Autumn decor--Raven carved from Black Onyx

The Raven is a powerful animal totem, and black onyx is a grounding and protective stone. which eases anxiety and stabilizes one's emotions.  It is especially helpful in healing old wounds that have become overwhelming.

Raven is to be joined by this little guy who arrived this past weekend--Unicorn carved from Soapstone animal totem.  I totally adore Unicorns.

The Unicorn is a symbol of magic, mystery, purity, innocence and enchantment.  It's horn reminds us to keep magic alive in our lives.  Soapstone creates a positive energy and calming influence.

On Wednesday  I took part in the in-person survey.  It wasn't four hours after all.  That was the number of hours that they booked me, but not necessarily the hours I would be questioned.  Others had been scheduled as well and we were seen in the order in which we came in.  I was first.  The interview itself only took ONE HOUR.  And for that I made $200. It certainly came in handy.  I've been really short this month.  Hubby's birthday.  Next month I am hoping to catch up.  

Did you ever have those mornings that you just feel like climbing back into bed and starting all over again? Well, that was my Thursday.  First off, Cablevision had a major breakdown.  Woke up to no television, no internet, why Google Home couldn't even tell me what the weather was going to be. Absolutely NOTHING worked. Not even my phone internet.  That's why I was late posting and commenting yesterday. 

Took me forever to get through.   The lines were so busy a message kept telling me to contact them through their website. Well, stupid, if I could I would, but internet is down, remember? I'm on hold for like 40 minutes, but I'm not giving up because I remember that if you don't call you don't get credit for the time. Meanwhile, I forgot that it was the Thursday for the exterminator. The doorbell rang. and I realize I'm still in my jammies and don't have a summer robe so I throw a dress on over my nightgown.  Then, while the exterminator  is going through the house and I am with him because I don't like to leave someone alone in my rooms, I hear a voice on the phone..."Hello, can I help you". Got there just before they hung up.  Turns out most of Brooklyn was down. Okay, so it's not just me.

Okay, so I get dressed and head out to my WW meeting. When I get off the first bus I see there is an 18 minute wait for the next one. I can walk quicker than that so I do only to arrive there and find that the place is dark. No receptionist. No leader. A band of us wait outside for a meeting that is supposed to start at 10. I wait until 10:20 and decide to do my shopping before the meeting. I finish up and still no one there. Then a woman comes with key. She is the substitute receptionist. She tells us that our leader is off as well and that she and the leader substitute were told that the meeting starts at 11:30. Sorry but it ends at 11:30. Most of us left at that point. On a plus side, at least I had a nice walk.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Thursday Odds and Ends

I've usually had some sort of theme for Throwback Thursday so this week I thought I'd try something new--Thursday's Odds and Ends--those pictures that don't fit into a theme and never get shared.

The fruit stand that I always go to always has a grocery products from around the world along with an endless supply of delicious fruits and vegetables.  I've tasted a rich tomato sauce from Italy, a high quality Balsamic vinegar from Modena, as well as the delicious gelato above which comes in several different flavors.  What can I say?  It's out of this world delicious.  But far too many WW points to have very often. 

So when I want a dessert I often head for a fresh fruit salad with a dollop of fat free whipped cream.  Just as yummy...and so healthy.

My goddaughter makes extra money watching dogs when their owners are out of town.  This little old fellow is quite old and usually spent his time sleeping until I came around.  He loved me and wouldn't leave my side all the while I was there, even jumped up on my chair to sit next to me.  My goddaughter said they never saw such a thing.  After I left the poor thing jumped in the chair and began sniffing and licking it.

My Crystal Therapy Practitioner Certificate.

This is one of the best creams I found for pain.  It has a nice scent, and it works fast.  The only trouble is that it is hard to find.

About 10 years ago I bought myself a star for my birthday.  Located in the constellation of Andromeda, I named it Miss Mary.  I know.  Not very original.  But somewhere up there Miss Mary burns brightly in the heavens.

Celebratory brunch at IHOP when my son graduated.  I had pancakes with blueberry syrup.  Have to say, there were way too many blueberries for my taste.

Anyone ever try these grapes.  Can't say that I really cared for them, although to their credit, I think they were a bit overripe.

My Christmas box of teas.  Will not buy this brand again.  Not much flavoring.  I prefer Yoga or Bigelow.

 I can never get bored with this around.  Such a fun book.