Thursday Odds and Ends

The changing face of downtown Brooklyn.  All these little closed up shops used to be little mom and pop jewelry stores, clothing stores, beauty supply stores.  All gone now.  Used to be so much fun shopping here.  Every Christmas I'd go downtown and in and out of stores.  Came home with my arms full. Nothing there anymore.  So sad.
 

See the tall building in the background?  This is what is happening here.  Tall buildings are taking the place of the little shops and although they do offer housing opportunities, it is only for the upper class. 

Just a teensy bit of my bead collection.  I'm thinking of clearing a lot of it out and donating it to the class.  I have way more than I will ever use.  

My second toe crosses over the third toe.  It doesn't really hurt, but it doesn't look so nice.  So I bought these to see if they would help straighten them out.  Couldn't even get the darn things on my feet.  So uncomfortable.  Ended up tossing them out.

Seeing this makes me want to go blond again.  We'll see.  Going to be hard to get this red out since I don't bleach.  I actually take everything in stages.  Next up, strawberry blonde. 

Hubby and I at the Irish fair in Brooklyn. They used to hold it once a year, but then the land was sold and the Mets built a minor league all team, the Cyclones, on the site where the fair used to be held.

This book introduced me to Middle Eastern Spices.  You can see how much I love it as evidenced in the pink stickies.

My daughter and I back in the day.  Not the best of pictures, but you can see how high my hair was at the time....and how thin I was.

Hubby bought me this set when I started painting.  I hate to say it, but it just sits around collecting dust.  Maybe if I had more room to paint I would do so more often, but when you have to paint on your dining room table and have to remove everything every day to serve food,  it just doesn't seem worth it.

My beautiful little guardian angel.

Tuesday Ramble

Good morning everyone.  Weather wasn't as bad as the weather people said it was.  As long for you are dressed for it, it's fine. 

Had a fun day at the center yesterday.  I actually find myself looking forward to going.  Started with Arthritis exercises at 10 am.  Then Wellness Class.  The topic was isolating.  I went through a period of isolating several years back, and I plan NOT to let anything stop me from enjoying life again.  Afterward, there was a presentation on a free phone for the hard of hearing.  Awesome concept and totally free.  Depending on how my hearing test turns out, I might get one.  Did stay for the yoga class in the afternoon.  The two times I tried yoga I ended up in pain for days.  They say it's not for everyone. 

Lunch was so yummy.

BBQ Chicken,  mac and cheese, collard greens, grapes, milk, orange juice, whole wheat bread and butter.  The food here is fresh, unlike the other senior center I tried that served nothing but canned veggies.  It was a real down home Southern meal.

And then they give you a nice sandwich to take home as well.

After I saw hubby off yesterday, my neighbor across the hall came out and asked if I could do him a favor.  I said sure, until he asked me to loan him $20.  The nerve of him asking for money.  He and his brother live with their mom and dad in a 3 room apartment that is much smaller than mine.  They are both in their 30's.  Neither of them work.  In fact, it's a known fact that they sell drugs on the side....and use as well.  Meanwhile, their mom and dad go out to work 7 days a week.  Mom can barely make it up and down the three steps we have to climb to get to our apartments.   I used to feel sorry for the parents, but I don't any longer.  They enable these boys by supporting them.  You'd best believe I told him I didn't have any money.  Even if I had wanted to give, I knew it would be the start of something. And I didn't tell hubby.  He would blow his stack, and I just don't want any trouble.

I started with a lesson plan for this week's class.  I chose to begin with an explanation of crystals and how they work, and for my first stone,  I chose the Amethyst because of its calming and serene energy that helps you to unwind and relax.

For headaches, lie down and place an amethyst stone on the area on you head that you feel the pain.  Close your eyes and picture the amethyst healing your headache.

Placed in any room of your home, it acts as a natural air purifier. 

It helps to clear the mind. Place it near your bed or under your pillow for a better night's sleep. 

Use during meditation for stress relief and better concentration.

Amethyst can be used to ease the pain of arthritis.  Placing it near or on top of the source of the pain will help to block the pain.

It may also help with hearing disorders and tinnitus, supports healthy lungs and digestive track.  The most effective way to benefit from the stone is to sit or meditate next to a large geode on a regular basis.   One can also wear amethyst gems, or hold in the left hand for an energizing meditation experience.  

This morning I'm off to finish up my banking.  Love splitting it up because it gives me a chance to get out of the house.  Of course, that was before I began going to the center so it very well may change in the future. 

Have a wonderful day.

Monday Morning This and That

On Friday, I had planned on leaving the center after lunch, but I ended up changing  my plans and spent the entire day....and had so much fun. So many activities. I started with morning exercise which is actually a form of Tai Chi for arthritis. Then stayed for a half hour of Sitting, Stretch, and Tone and Sitting Balance exercise. Afterwards some played bingo and some of us just had an hour of socialization. During lunch of turkey turkey chili, french fries, broccoli, blueberries, and orange juice, my peer from the holistic medicine class said I should stay for jewelry making class.  I had planned on checking in on it, but I ended up doing more than that. I stayed until 3 pm. Took two class of it at $1 a class....and that includes all the beads and supplies. Can't beat that. Definitely looking forward to next week.

Made this little Boho necklace in my class.  It's not really a class, per se.  There is help if we need it, but we just rifle through the huge box of beads, choose the ones we want, and then work on our own creations.

On Saturday I did my shopping and banking.  It was chilly, but clear day, and I enjoyed the fresh air so much that I chose to walk from one bus stop to the next just to get the air.  By the time I had gotten home, I'd spent four hours out there enjoying the day.  

Got my succulent monthly subscription box on Saturday.

White Fox Succulent.  Originated in Madagascar.  It's an Aloe hybrid, a dwarf Aloe plant.  

They also send me an air plant with each order.  Actually, I haven't known what to do with them other than stick them in my fairy garden.

This is the one that came in this month's package.  

This one came last month.  It's actually doing quite well, and I do believe it may have grown some.

Any suggestions on what to do with them would be greatly appreciated.

On Sunday it rained.  Stayed in and caught up on some reading and preparing for the week to come.  Going to be a busy one.  That's just the way I like it.

This morning I am off to the center. Believe me, if it weren't so close I wouldn't step out there, but it's so easy to get there. The bus picks me up right across the street and drops me off 1/2 block away in less than 15 minutes. No more of that 2 hour then 9 block walk of the other place. Plus, I have the app on the phone that tells me when the bus is coming so I go out just before it arrives.Actually was looking forward to today. I really enjoy the center and the new people I am meeting. Love the activities....and the food. Can't beat it for $1.50. Wait until you see today's lunch. Yummy.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Sunday Selections

Since I now only get two subscription boxes a month, some of my Sunday Selections will now settle on a theme.  This week's theme is the ever changing sky. I love taking pictures of it. One never knows what it will be like from one day to the next...or even in the same day--sunsets, sunrise, sunset, night.  Beautiful shades of blue, white fluffy clouds, the golden brilliance of the sun, the dark gray storm clouds.  It's a magnificent show.

A bright sunny day here in Brooklyn.   I forget whether that little dot was a planet that was visible or the moon.

Love these fluffy white clouds.

A beautiful early spring day at Coney Island.

A huge fluffy cloud over the church.

Storm clouds just starting to move in.

Thought this one was interesting.

Waiting for the bus on a cloudy day.

My favorite gnarly old tree with a view of a cloud through its branches.

Sky doesn't know whether it wants to be gray or blue.

Love the coloring here.

Strange looking sky.  Just had to get a picture while waiting for the bus.

On the bus on the way to Atlantic City.

Beautiful view of sundown at Christmas in July.

The full moon rising on the horizon.

Saturday Quote

 

I will have me a symphony of coloring. I will enmesh me in the noon sun’s gold and wind about me the moonlight’s silver sheen. I will dream in a gown made of the haze of a summer evening twilight, and I will have robe on robe of the sky’s deep blue, and I will line them with clouds of ermine, and from their trailing folds red stars will gleam. I will pluck the green from the treetops, where wild birds nest and sing, and in the weaving I will ensnare a song. And when Sorrow is my guest, I will wear a gown made of the cold, gray mist. 

Muriel Strode

Friday Roundup

Good morning everyone.  Had a pretty good week despite my ears ringing and my back aching.   Changes in the weather are wrecking havoc on my arthritis.  Will sure be glad when spring arrives.

Stayed in Monday and Tuesday.  Monday was a holiday, and I had no place to go.  Tuesday  I stayed in as well and did a bit of cooking.  Made some pork chops for hubby and some thin sliced boneless breasts for me.  Just put some garlic powder, rosemary, cumin, and black pepper on them and cooked on my grill pan.  Tasted great paired with broccoli. 

They FINALLY PICKED UP THE PACKAGE on Tuesday afternoon.  Have to wonder if it would have happened if I hadn't called Amazon. Actually, I didn't think anything would happen, but because UPS was putting the blame on me as to why it wasn't picked up, I wanted Amazon to know the truth. Well, the Amazon representative asked me to hold and called a UPS supervisor about the issue while I was on the line. Came back on and told me someone from UPS would be calling me. Next thing I knew the area supervisor was called me and by 4 pm the package was gone. About time I got some action. On Friday I was told the supervisor would call me...and to be honest....as of yesterday I was still waiting. Guess I have to call Amazon from now on to get some action from these people..

Went to the senior center on Wednesday.  I love that Holistic Medicine class.  Next week I have to bring in a few of my crystals and talk about how they work.  The social worker teaching the class is an intern, and her last month there will be April.  When she found out I had taken classes on all this stuff she got the idea that I should teach the class after she is gone. I'm kind of excited about it, and next week I'll have a chance to see what it will be like. When I mentioned crystals, she asked me to bring a few and talk about them.  I've got so many ideas--nutrition as medicine, crystals, herbal medication, essential oils, etc.  So excited.  Even thinking of a class on easy to make and cheap anti-inflammatory meals.

This was lunch on Tuesday.  You can see now why I cannot eat lunch there on the day before weigh in.   Pot roast, mashed potatoes, string beans (lots of them), bread and butter, pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, and milk.  All this for $1.50.  Can't beat that.

Came out of the center, and this is what I found.  It was coming down.  It was kind of fun.  Been a long time since I have been out in the snow.  I just walked slowly and carefully.  Got maybe an inch or so more than this, and then it turned over to rain.  By then I had been home for a few.  I really don't mind walking in snow like this.  It's the day after that I am so afraid to go out in.  People don't shovel like they are supposed to, and this all packs down into ice.

On Thursday we had a nice day.  Headed over to my WW meeting.  Oh what a gorgeous day it was.  Like spring.  The sun was shining so brightly it was blinding.  Reminder to me to get new sunglasses.  As I get older the sun really bothers my eyes.  I guess maybe it's the cataracts. The snow was all but gone, only a few slushy places left where people didn't shovel.  I was wishing that I had someplace to go, but it's just not park weather yet.  Spring will be here soon.

Today I'm headed over for some sitting balance and stretching exercises at the center, then after having some lunch, will head to do some banking.  Making a day of it.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Thursday Odds and Ends

Couldn't resist this photo of the sun breaking through the clouds.

These faceless dolls come from the Dominican Republic.  Hubby's mom told me they are faceless because they represent 'see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil'.

My dream catcher hangs right over my head.  Haven't had any nightmares since I hung it, but I have had some fun, crazy dreams.

This beautiful statue of Mary in my church.

When I retired, my clients all chipped in to buy me this cake and give me a little party.  Still brings tears to my eyes.  I miss them all so much.

I don't even know how old this candle is.  Probably about 9 or 10 years.  I got it while I was still working.  My co-worker had bought a few of them and I fell in love with this one.  I was the one who trained him when he came for internship so he gave me this.  I've not been able to burn it.  Those are real leaves in there and I just hate to destroy it by lighting it.

Hubby and I on the day we made a day out of it on the Circle Lines.  Not only do I look like Lucille Ball in this photo, but the old World Trade Center is in the background.  Will never part with this photo.

This was a 'seatshop' located around the corner from my house.  It's not there anymore, but I managed to get a photo before it was shut down.  It was so hot in the summertime, and as you can see, no AC.  Only fans set up in different areas and an open door to let in the humidity.

A slightly different view.  Employees were Chinese women.  They come pay someone to bring them here to American and then are placed in these sweatshops to pay off their debt.  They can be found in several spots here around Brooklyn's Chinatown.

My money tree in its early days.  My son said from the window it probably looked like a weed plant.

The world famous Wonder Wheel at Coney Island.

Tuesday Ramble

Good morning everyone.  No plans again today.  Gosh, I hate having no place to go.  Thinking about looking into Brooklyn College again in the fall.  Not sure when I'll be able to get back to my dancing and qigong and not into any of the classes the center offers on Tuesdays, so that might be worth a look.  Trouble is, lately there have been no classes I am interested in. 

Made myself a little healthy dish yesterday.  Got the recipe from my anti-inflammatory cookbook and added a few things to make it mine.

My chicken, pepper, and onion stir fry. Used Harissa seasoning and added a few vegetables.

So looking forward to spring.  It seems I am always looking forward to a new season.  Why can't I be happy with the one I got?  Truth is, only season I don't like...and it's not all of it...is late summer when it's so hot and humid that you can't breathe.  Then I find myself look forward to Autumn.  In late Autumn I find myself looking forward to Yule and Christmas, and then in February I always feel down in the dumps as I await the coming of spring.  

So I have already started getting ready for it.  Put my seasonal order into Bath and Body Works.  They all smell so yummy.  I can't wait to use them.  Not long now.  

Still having trouble getting UPS to pick up this package to send back to Amazon.  It makes me so angry when the driver doesn't even attempt pick up then puts the blame on you.  "Package wasn't ready" they say.  Meanwhile, it sits here all wrapped and ready to go.  Just get out of your truck and ring my bell.  It's your job. You're getting paid.    I've already called twice and emailed a complaint.  Don't know what else to do.  Going to contact Amazon again today.  I know they can't do much except ask for the pickup. but at least I can tell them that it wasn't my fault.  I was ready.

Oh, just realized, maybe I hadn't told you guys about it.  I'd ordered a bottle of vitamin C from Amazon for hubby.  USPS came and just slammed it down at my door and then ran out before I could catch them.  Probably heard the bottle break.  I blame Amazon for sending a glass bottle in a plastic bag and USPS for faulty delivery, but Amazon is sending UPS to pick it up.  They already sent a replacement.

Have a good one.

Monday This and That

Good Monday morning.  It's a holiday for many.  President's Day.  Used to love these long weekends while I was working.  To make them even longer, I always requested a personal or a vacation day the Friday before so I'd have a 4 day weekend. 

Forgot to show you this on Friday.

Take a look at my feet.  This is how I went to WW on Thursday.  Never grab your shoes in the dark, and always check your feet before you leave the house.

Went to the doctor on Saturday.  Didn't expect much more than a referral to an ENT, and that's exactly what I got.  Used to be that a GP handled just about everything.  Now everything is referred off to a specialist.  Gosh, I missed my calling.  Should have been a GP.  Nothing really to do.  

On a plus side, Hibiscus tea works wonders for blood pressure.  Drank a cup about an hour before my appointment, and my blood pressure was the lowest I've ever seen it--110 over 65.  Have to watch and make sure it doesn't go too low.  

Took a picture of  this money tree in my doctor's office.  This is what mine would have been had hubby not decided that he knew more than I about growing a plant.

Was sitting there watching television Saturday night,  and someone said something that triggered a memory which, in turn, triggered a memory for me.   It was a scene on the Gilmore Girls when Loralie and Christopher were visiting Yale and  Chris overheard a few fathers talking about how they had been doing things to help their children throughout their school years.  Reminded me of the time I decided to help my son with the science fair so I build a simple telegraph machine.  The battery the project called for was a special battery and it was huge.  We built the machine, and lo and behold, it worked.  We were able to tap out the Morse Code on one side and see the other side receive it.  Awesome.

So, on the day of the judging my son came home empty handed, without his project....which on previous occasions meant that he had won a prize.  Oh, I was so excited when I saw him.  It was then that he told me they kept his project not because he had won, but because it had blown up.  Needless to say, I never worked on another science project.  Thankfully it blew up when no one was near it.

Hubby and I went to Olive Garden last night.  Ate very healthy.

I always do the build your own pasta because that seems to have the lowest sodium level.  Whole grain linguini with traditional meat sauce topped with garden veggies.  I can't believe how much food they gave me.  Could barely even eat half of it. I always check online before I got to see what I am going to eat. I check for WW points, but more importantly sodium levels. Olive Garden food, delicious as it is, has extremely high sodium levels in its food, not good when one has high blood pressure. The dish I chose was not only healthy, but so delicious.

Have a good one.

Saturday Quote

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within. 

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross