Monday This and That

Well, another week has begun and it looks to be a busy one for me.  I'm going to start packing away the summer and bringing out the fall.  I always say a little at a time but it never ends up that way.  Once I get started I hate to stop until it is all done.  And while I am packing the summer away I am also going to pack some things to bring to my son and his girl in their new apartment, stuff to make it look homey. I've so much, much more than this small apartment can hold so it's time to de-clutter some and this time it doesn't bother me to part with things because I know where they will be going.  

Got some great news on Friday.  Creativity is going to continue for the time being as well.  So my two favorite classes are not ending for the time being.  Yes, yes, yes.  Speaking of Creativity, Friday's class started with a discussion of passion and somehow morphed into what the new norm may be.  None of us know what the future holds, but we could all agree that it won't be the same norm that we will remember.  All will be new. 

Normal will no longer be taken for granted.  Playing Yahtzee in person with my friends, laughing and making so much noise that there were complaints, then laughing about the complaints.  Hugs from family members and friends.  Conversations with strangers on the bus. Monthly parties at the center.  I will never  again will I view situations like these as anything less than the amazing privileges of life they are.

Speaking of normal, or the new normal, this week I plan on riding the bus for the first time since March.  I have some checks to put in the bank, and although hubby would gladly drive me, I think it's time that I step out of my comfort zone....very carefully of course...with mask, gloves and hand sanitizer.  It's time to take these little steps.  After all, we do have the lowest virus level here in the country.  

Sunday I opened a can of the diced potatoes the city sent in one of their boxes.  I knew hubby wouldn't eat as is.  Actually neither would I.  So I dressed them up some, and they turned out so yummy.

As you know, I love working with spices so for this dish I added garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.  Sauteed them in butter. 

Speaking of food from the city.  It's time to let go.  When the woman from the center calls and asks if I want her to sign me up again, I think this time I will say no.  The frozen foods have gotten atrocious, and it's the same thing over and over again.  And now that I have discovered the cheap prices of Amazon Pantry and Amazon Fresh I can order things I need.  Now, with September arriving I can start concentrating on the healthy soups that I love.  The only thing I will miss about these food deliveries are the boxes they send which usually include cereal, fruit cups, some canned goods, and other staples.  Plus, if, God forbid we have a second wave, and hubby and I can no longer get to the market, I can always get back on the list.  I am sure this is the right decision for me right now.

Friday Roundup

Well, as we come to the end of another week, it's time to reflect over the week that was.  Actually, it was fairly blah.  Didn't even get to our favorite spot by the water on Sunday due to the weather.  Monday was just another day.  Made some beans in the morning then just spent the day reading, watching tv, and coloring.  Not very easy to get a nap anymore.  The construction workers are so darn noisy.

Tuesday I made a few phone calls and then lay down for awhile.  Didn't attend the 2 pm class.  I've been having some bad sleeping nights, and they caught up with me.  My eyes were so heavy.  Couldn't sleep with the noise, but it felt good to rest my eyes.

Wednesday was a nice cool morning, a bit of an autumn tease.  Went for a nice long walk in the morning.  At 10 we had Game Day.  Hoping it wasn't the last one.  Still waiting to hear from the intern if she will be allowed to stay on.  Personally, I see no reason why not.  She is NOT on the payroll.  But one never knows what kind of regulations they have.

New coloring book.  I don't really like it.  Beautiful pictures, but I like to take special ones and frame them.  No perforated pages in this book.  Think I am just going to put it out in the lobby for someone.  I have plenty of other books to color.  This was just not what I expected or wanted.

When you lose a loved one the simplest thing can set you off. I was doing a crossword puzzle yesterday morning and one of the questions was 'Competitor of Nike?' The answer was a brand I never heard of. Tears started to flow when I thought about how my son would know the brand. He loved his sneakers. I miss him so much.  

Counseling went well yesterday.  I continue to point out the positive changes I have been making.  'Yes, I have cried.  Little things come up and I cry.  But I am not sinking into a deep depression.  I am socializing as well as I can during this pandemic, getting out for walks, keeping myself busy with things I enjoy.  It's natural to cry.  I will probably come to tears throughout my life when something comes up that reminds me of my son."  I wanted to tell her that doesn't mean I will need to be in therapy the rest of my life.

Creativity class this morning.  Hope to hear some news about whether the intern is going to continue. 

On a sad note, I found out an old Blogger buddy lost his battle with cancer this week.  It's been at least 6 years that he has been fighting it.  He was losing his site so he gave up Blogger and kept his page on FB.  For those who may remember him, his blog was called Bogaman's Blog.  I know there are a few of them who may remember him.  I know he followed your blogs.  RIP Steve White.  Fly high with the angels.

Just a Bit of Anything

What a beautiful morning yesterday....a taste of fall.  It's was cool with a wonderful breeze.  I went for my walk and stood out front of the building for awhile.  Just wanted to take it all in.  Soon enough every morning will be like this.  Also got some hopefully good news.  The intern who runs our Game Day and Friday Creativity class said she has no classes on her schedule on those mornings so she has contacted the center to see if she can continue with the classes on a volunteer basis. That would be a dream come true.

In January I was elected to the Senior Council at our center.  I was the secretary.  We had two meetings, and then Covid hit.  The center was closed.  I'd almost forgotten I was on the council until I received a call from the council president.  The director of the center would like us to have an online council meeting in early September.  I like that idea, and I hope that the entire council attends....although I doubt that very much.  But, I'll be there, and I'm anxious for what they have to say.  Maybe some news about opening the center, but I really don't believe that will happen for awhile yet.  We seniors are vulnerable, and they want to protect us.

I have my counseling later this afternoon.  I started about only positive things last week, and it caught her ear.  Going to continue with that today.  Counseling was something I needed when my son first passed, but that was almost 5 months ago.  Sometimes we have to stand strong by ourselves.   The 6 week grief course I took was far more helpful in dealing with my feelings. She wants me to open up my feelings, but does nothing to help me deal with them as the course did.  I would take that again in a minute. 

My little Hippie Angel.  I'd done this one for my daughter, but now I feel like keeping this one for myself. 

Closing with another of our Friday poems.

 Nostalgia

Grandma always comes up!
She was special to all of us. (Me)

When I hear the Cyclone, I think of being a kid

Coney Island is my youth in a time capsule.
The smell of a leg of lamb reminds me of Sundays with Grandma. (Me)

She had a lilac bush and now whenever I smell lilacs I go back. (Me)

Campania's Sunday Sauce is like going back to my Grandma's table.

It was a different time and place.

Running through the woods with no fear.

My wooden friend from 60 yrs ago is still with me.
Anything that brings me back to my childhood is wonderful

The smell of turpentine. (Me)

I painted my granddad's work area in the basement brown. (Me)

Little did I know I had painted with the brushes hat were being cleaned in the turpentine. (Me)

Boy was he ever mad at me! (Me)

Halloween!  Going house to house for candy. (Me)
Easter! Looking for my basket.
Nostalgia movies
"A Christmas Story" (Me)
Christmas as it was for me. (Me)

Tinsel

That was the fun part

The last part.

Toss it on the tree. 
I bought a box from Amazon. (Me)
Was very pretty, but, oh, what a mess. (Me)

This pandemic has shown me that nostalgia can also be for the recent past. (Me)

Right now a hug from a friend would be nostalgic. (Me)

Yahtzee in person

Mo Goldberg (Me)
So much laughter. (Me)
They said we made too much noise. (Me)
Will we ever make that noise again? (Me)

Wednesday Ramble

Feeling kind of sad this morning.  Last day of Game Day.  And worse yet, the intern who has run it since last September, both in person and online, will be moving on after our Friday creativity class.  Her school semester will be starting soon, and she will no longer have the time.  I am so grateful to her for volunteering to continue on through the summer.  Her internship actually ended in June. I will miss her so much and hope she stays in contact somehow. That's one thing that always gets me with interns, even while I was still working.  You get to know them, become close, and poof, they are gone. 

My friend Marie is now in assisted living.  I understand her nephew was cleaning out her apartment.  She has a new phone now, but is still not picking up.  I try hard not to feel hurt and angry because I realize she probably can't help it.  But I think back to the day after my son passed, and as bad as I felt I was on the phone trying to cheer Marie up.  I was always there for her, even at the center, and for her to turn her back on me like this?  I wish I could understand.  If it was depression I'm sure her doctors would have put her on medication along time ago.   Maybe the meds aren't working, or maybe she is refusing to take it.  She has always been pretty set in her ways...stubborn. I miss her so much.  I miss them all.  

As I was rereading our memory poem from class I thought 'isn't it funny how our memories work?'  How we remember some things for a lifetime and others of equal importance seem to get lost somewhere in the recesses of our minds.   I'm 73 years old now and can still remember the day my granddad wouldn't give me the money I needed for a cutout book, yet I cannot remember anything about my high school boyfriend except for his name.  I can remember the name I gave my grandmother's broom, only to me it was a horse I used to gallop around the yard on.  It's name was Sowdie.  Don't ask me how a 5 year old came up with a name like that.  I can't remember a thing about my 8th grade graduation. It feels like it never happened, but I know it did.  So how and why do we choose to remember what we do? Some events are pretty insignificant like riding a broom around a yard, but those are remembered, but some special things like a first boyfriend are forgotten.  I wonder.

They take the virus extremely seriously here in New York.  That's why we have the lowest rate in the country.  About three weeks ago they noticed there was a small cluster her in Sunset Park, and they were determined to stop it before it got worse.  So they began reaching out to get everyone in Sunset Park tested....and that was done door to door, robo calls, text messages, and real person calling.  It went on and on, and I appreciate what they are doing, but it soon got to the point where it was harassing, and I let them know yesterday.  I could take a call or two each week, but the calls and texts were coming through EVERY SINGLE DAY.  I lay down yesterday to take a nap and first it was a robo call.  Started to doze again, and this time it was a human.  I was so frustrated I gave the woman on the other end a piece of my mind.  Then, of course, I apologized.  After all, she was only doing her job and trying to keep me safe.  In the end I couldn't apologize enough.

On a positive note. Perhaps our calls to management did something. We've had hot water for the past two days, the rug was finally swept, and when I took the garbage out the pails were empty and the place didn't smell.

Have a good one.

Tuesday Rant

Our new supers have to go. A few of us neighbors called the office yesterday to complain.  I'm all for giving someone a chance, but these two guys? First off, there are two brothers and their wives living in their FREE apartment. They do nothing and their wives are snobbish and unfriendly. I was walking in the door the other day, and one of them was standing there.  She frowned and turned her head on me. Actually, I was very surprised to find out they were our new supers because one brother is the one who did a half ass job painting my apartment after the rewiring.  He's the one who left paint all over my floor and holes in the wall. Management actually had to hire someone else to come in and clean up his mess. 

This is how he left my floors.  Handed me and old rusty scraper and told me water will make it come off easier.

When he was done with my apartment back then , he left his mess in the lobby for the old supers to clean. They seem to be doing the same thing now.

 It's like they ran out of room on the other side.

 These pails have set here full for ages.  Wonder what's in them.

This is the other side of the courtyard.  Nothing is ever put out for the garbage.  It's much too easy to just put it in the backyard and let it sit there.

This is my view from my living room window of the other courtyard.  Used to be spotless.  Now all the stuff is swept under my neighbor's window.  She is furious and called the city.  That window is her means of escape in case of a fire.

Hot water has been iffy since Friday. I need that hot water in the morning to get the kinks out of my body and relieve some of the pain I get up with.  They never respond when you contact them. They don't open the door when you knock, pick up their phone, or respond to text messages.  The hot water sometimes went out with the old super as well, but it was immediately fixed, and if it was going to take a few hours, they put a note up to let tenants know. Just giving us some info about what's going on takes some of the frustration away.

I'm afraid to take the garbage anymore. They added more garbage pails so the lazy asses don't have to take care of it as often. Now I see a rat trap back there and it smells so bad the other day I almost threw up.

Our building used to be so nice. Plants in the lobby, always clean. People used to remark what a nice building this was and how they could get an apartment here.  Now the lobby floor rarely gets mopped and even when it is, no exertion is spent getting the dirt out.  This rug has been like this all week.  No one even sweeps it.

 And the front of the building?  Suffice it to say they have already received a summons from sanitation.

Even more troubling is that I now see  packages that have sat  in the lobby for more than a few days  opened and put into a corner, wide open so anyone can reach in and grab something. Never happened before so I am assuming it is our supers doing it. People may be on vacation. They have have no right to open someone else's package, super or not.

So that's it.  That's my rant of the day.  Tune in for further episodes.

Monday This and That

I wanted to begin by sharing with you the poem we put together in one of Friday's Creativity class.  Each week the facilitator brings a topic with questions that we discuss.  As you see this week was memories.  As we speak, the facilitator jots down bits and pieces that stand out and together we put together a poem at the end.  I singled mine out for you.

Memories

Memory can be like chasing a chicken around the backyard

How early can we really remember?

I remember adults looming over me.

I can remember meeting my very first friend. (Me)

Little girl, little girl can you come out to play? (Me)

Childhood from 5 to high school I have plenty of memories (Me)

I remember nothing about high school (Me)

I was in the folk singing club?  Who knew?  Not me. (Me)

Where do these memories go?

Sometimes I think my mind can only hold so much and old memories are discarded to make way for new memories

I think I have a section of memory just devoted to food!

The day I had a Russian cucumber dill salad

I absolutely hated it

To this day I can’t stand the taste of dill

Unless it’s a pickle

I’ve never had a meatball sandwich like I had that day (Me)

My grandmother’s cheese souffle

Grandma’s leg of lamb (Me)

Grandma’s Sunday sauce

It was like a memory time machine

I don’t remember the kid, or his mom, but I remember the bean soup.(Me)

A traumatic memory involves every part of you

I heard the fire trucks while I was walking home from school. (Me)

Oh my that’s my house I cried out and ran.  (Me)

Sometimes memories for me can trigger moods.

A bad memory can put me in a grouchy mood.

Later in the day I wonder why I am in such a negative state;

Then I realize it's the residue of something I should have left buried in the back of my mind.

You can’t remember it without feeling everything again

And our senses are wide open in those instances

The whole thing lives in our senses

The traumatic memories always remain.

I can't wait for the finished copy of last Friday's poem.  The topic was Dreams.

Advantage Care put together a great class on Friday eve. There were 66 of us in attendance. I didn't know anyone, but the info was so needed at this time. They talked about nutrition, exercise, and mental health in the age of Covid. When 6pm rolled around I first said that I didn't feel like attending another class as one of my favorite shows, "The Good Witch" was on, but I decided this was my health, and I could always keep myself on mute and still watch my show.

Saturday was a day of doing nothing.  Did make some beans and rice and did a little coloring, but not much more than that.  Finished up this piece for one of my great grandsons. I knew they wouldn't like fairies or mermaids, but who doesn't like a positive saying. 

I only got a couple of hours sleep Saturday night, if that.  Don't know why, but I just couldn't sleep.  Wasn't good for anything on Sunday.  So we didn't go to our favorite spot by the water.  Just did the food shopping and rode around trying to find the shop of the guy who made my computer years ago.  It's time for another one, but alas, his shop was now a bakery.  Well, it's been 8 years. I'd say we got our money's worth.  Only $250 for a computer built from scratch, the screen, the mouse, and the keyboard.  I knew we weren't going to get another one that cheap anymore, but perhaps cheaper than those we buy in stores.  But, times change, and he was gone.  Sigh.

August Inked Goddess Box

The August Inked Goddess subscription box was the best one ever.  At least to me it was.  Kitchen Witchery.  I consider myself a Kitchen Witch, and am sure many of you are as well even though you may not realize it.  Do you enjoy spending time in the kitchen?  Do you love to cook?  Do you carefully pick your ingredients, add additional spices to make the recipe your own, and most importantly, do you cook with love?

As a Kitchen Witch I recognize that food gives life.  When we nurture our bodies, we are honoring the earth.  I don't see cooking as a chore.  I LOVE cooking and creating foods that nourish the body and the soul.  I have one shelf in my cupboard that is filled with herbs and spices which I use for both cooking and healing.  I keep teas on hand for sleep, tummy issues, colds and flu, to combat high blood pressure, etc., and for just plain enjoyment.  I make special teas for my hubby when his chest is filled with mucus.  In the winter I make lots of healing soups.

Lots of goodies in this box.

Magic Culinary Blends.  Grounding is a salt blend with sea salt, onion, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Psychic is a sugar blend with organic sugar, peppermint, anise, lemon zest, and cornflower.

Kitchen Witch Decal.  

Making Magic in the Kitchen Booklet.  Contains helpful information for kitchen witches.

Kitchen Witch Votive Candle.  A blend of cinnamon, clove, and honey to add warmth to your kitchen.  Smells so good.

Kitchen Magick Measuring Cups and Spoons Combo.  I needed these.

Cooking With Magickal Intentions Kitchen Witch Eclectic Cards.  Six cards on how to cook with the intentions of grounding, healing, love, money, protection and psychic.

Kitchen Witch Apron.  Designed by the owner of Inked Goddess. 

Saturday Short

Advice from the Ocean:

Be shore of yourself. 
Come out of your shell.

Take time to relax and coast. 
Avoid pier pressure.

Sea life's beauty. 
Don't get tide down.

Make waves!

Author Unknown

Friday Roundup

What a  week this was!  It was much cooler out, and morning walks were as joyful as they could be seeing that I haven't been able to walk much.  On Monday I managed to get six blocks in.  Much better than my one block. No classes on Monday so I did some cleaning.  It was one of those quiet days.

On Tuesday we had the same temperature, but it was wet.  I did manage to squeeze a short walk in.  Had my Kwarantine Kitchen class at 12 and learned all about making Agua Fresca.  Afterwards there was a disappointing chronic pain class.  Fell asleep after that and missed the next two classes. 

I had my Game Day class on Wednesday morning.  It should be ending soon as the intern who runs it is returning to school.  She should have been done in June, but talked the bosses into allowing her to stay on a volunteer basis for the summer.  I'm pretty sure next week will be our last.  What is Game Day?  Well, when we were attending the center in person, every Wednesday at 10 am we played Yahtzee.  Now we play it online at the same time.  The intern found an online version, and there are 6 of us who take turns trying to beat the computer.  One of us goes, then the computer, then another of us, then computer and so on.  We have an awesome time, and it is my favorite class of the week.  Really going to miss it.  Maybe one of the new interns will take it over.

But as I was playing I went to lean on my elbow and discovered that my table was wobbly.  Must have happened when I moved it out the day before to put on the new tablecloth.  Well, it was a good thing I caught it when I did because mine is a glass-topped round table with legs that are bent to meet up in the middle, and had it fallen completely, it would have been a mess.  Glass probably would have shattered and one of us may have been hurt.  Hubby is pretty good with fixing things so now the table is fine.  But, oh, what work it was!!!

Wednesday they had a zoom memorial service for my meditation teacher.  It was so beautiful I was in tears.  She was so loved by everyone.  It ended with a moving healing yoga chant.  RIP Rebecca.  You are missed.

Made more apples yesterday.  Almost ruined them, though.  Was sprinkling the cinnamon on them and wondering why all of a sudden it wasn't sprinkling so well when I discovered I was using cumin instead.  Fortunately only a few sprinkles came out, and I covered the taste of the cumin with the cinnamon and nutmeg. 

Have one class this morning, then later on the library is having an online health seminar.  Actually, it is put on by Your Plate so I am sure there will be plenty of healthy tips to be had.  Will tell you about it on Monday.

Have a great weekend.

The Golden Girls

I can't even remember when I first became a fan of the Golden Girls.  I know I was still in the throes of a bad marriage, and I began watching them as a means of escape.  I used to imagine myself free of the abuse and living a happy life with my friends.  I adored everything about them.  Their clothing.  Their personalities.  Everything except the cheesecake, and from what I have read, not all of them were fans of cheesecake either. But I loved the way they ate.  They sure enjoyed their food. 

Yup, this show brought me through hard times, and it is still a comfort thing for me, and I still use them as a means of escape.  Every morning after I hear the weather on the news, I flip the channel for some laughter with my favorite girls.  They take me away from the virus, from the violence, from the hatred and bigotry for a short while. And you know it is an amazing show when it is on so much, and people who weren't even born when they first aired love them.  Here they are on 7-10 am on Hallmark, from 11 am to 1 pm on CMTHD, and all day Sunday on Lifetime....and I watch them all.

So when I saw this, I couldn't resist.  Each of the four little books is a biography, not of the actress herself, but of the character in the show. So much fun.

I included some of my favorite quotes by each.

Boy, I remember when I was a little girl, when we’d get depressed. Grandma could always cheer us up. She’d take out her dentures and she’d take a healthy swig from the aquarium, and then she’d put a flashlight under a chin, and we could watch the goldfish swim from cheek to cheek. We could have watched it all day… but visiting hours were only from ten to four.

I can’t believe my mother is out riding around on a smelly old bus. Being pushed around, harassed, possibly even mugged by hostile teenagers with bad haircuts!

I’m not one to blow my own vertubenflugen.

Dorothy, where I come from you learn never to turn your back on family! NEVER! When your crazy cousin Nunzio started living with his pet goat, did the family turn their back on him? No. And after a couple of nights neither did the goat.

People waste their time pondering whether a glass is half empty or half full. Me, I just drink whatever’s in the glass.

I hate Jell-O. If God wanted peaches suspended in midair, he would have filled them with helium.

Forgive me, Rose, but I haven’t had sex in 15 years and it’s starting to get on my nerves.

Nobody ever believes me when I’m telling the truth. I guess it’s the curse of being a devastatingly beautiful woman.

My first was Billy. Oh, I’ll never forget it! That night under the dogwood tree, the air thick with perfume, and me with Billy. Or Bobby? Yes, that’s right, Bobby! Or was it Ben? Oh who knows, anyway, it started with a B.

Grandma Hollingsworth always said I was a little flighty…or was it a little floozy?

No one in my family has ever seen a psychiatrist…except of course, when they were institutionalized.

 Oh, I remember when Stanley told me he was having an affair. It was at least 24 hours before I cut the crotches out of all his slacks.

 Condoms, Rose. Condoms, condoms, condoms!

 Oh, it was a terrible time for me. You know, I'd gone on an eating binge when Stan left and I put on quite a bit of weight. Plus, I was not a 20-year-old. You know, when you're 20, no matter what you do, everything stays where it's supposed to. Now, when you lean over, it looks like somebody's let the air out of your face.

We have Maalox and estrogen. How many junkies have gas and hot flashes?

I'm Such A Foodie

I love to eat.  And that's my problem regarding my weight.  Not enough exercise and too much food.  Too much comfort foods since shelter in place and not enough fruit.  My body is letting me know it's time to find other means of comfort.  

Yesterday afternoon I lay down to take a nap and the doorbell rang.  It was the Dept. of Aging with a huge box of sandwiches.  Each plastic container held a roll or a bagel, ham, American cheese, baby carrots, and an apple.  There were 18 containers.  I took two out, one for me and one for hubby, and brought the rest next door and asked that they take them to the homeless people they feed.  There is a community of homeless who live down on 3rd Avenue and they are more than happy to receive the food.

Been craving pizza, and when I sent my Amazon Fresh order in I ordered one of those Red Baron Classic Crust Four Cheese Pizzas.  That's the pizza on the commercial where the mother earns her badge because the family eats all their dinner.  Yesterday I told hubby I had something different for our lunch and put it in the oven.  I was surprised at how GOOD it was, and even hubby went back for seconds.  I never give commercials much thought as the food is never as good as they claim it, but, boy oh boy, this pizza was the real thing.  We cleaned it up. And it was only $3.99 for a large pie.  Can't beat that.

Next I want to find a good recipe to make my own.  That way I can control the sodium level....which is what keeps me away from eating a slice more often.  

I like to eat.  Mostly I try to eat healthy, but since Covid I've been finding comfort in junk foods.  I don't care for candy, thank goodness, and I'll eat a cookie, but it's not my first choice.  What I love is cake and ice cream.   

Discovered these little cake bites on Amazon and instantly became addicted.  These two were my favorites.  I also tried their Lemon Cakebites and Cinna-crumb Cakebites.  I did something yesterday that made me feel proud.  I got all the ones I had left, put them on a paper plate, and put them in the lobby for whoever wants.  Not only was I giving my neighbors a real treat, but also showing willpower in my quest for weight loss.  I did see they also had a pumpkin spice which would probably be delicious around Halloween time.  We'll see.

And finally, last night I had the urge for my own cooking so I put together some American Goulash.

 

I really enjoyed it. 

Crazy Dream

It was a such a beautiful summer day yesterday.  Almost a touch of fall in the morning.  It was in the low 60's when I woke, and I hurriedly showered and dressed for a walk.  Haven't been doing much of that lately, and it's taking it's toll.  Muscles aches from non-use and shortness of breath on exertion because of sitting so long...and gaining weight.  But, it's just been too hot and humid even walking in the early morn.  Yesterday was different, though, and I found breathing was much easier and although I did have pain, I was able to do 6 blocks.  That's quite an accomplishment for someone who could barely do one a week ago. 

I've also determined to take some of this weight off and have been focusing more now on fruits and veggies.  The food I get from the Dept. of Aging is usually pasta or chicken.  The pasta I have been giving to the young couple next door, and I have been stir frying the chicken with veggies and seasonings.  My favorite is Harissa spice. 

Had a crazy dream. I was living in some place with  a a lot of other people. Me and another person were told that we had to cook for everyone. I wanted to make a big pot of sauce, but was told the other person was making that so I had to make chicken soup. The person in charge of the sauce then gave me the money for the chicken since 'my dish was more work and more expensive.'  

In the store, I picked up a huge chicken and a woman who worked for the store came up and told me, "You have to pay for that chicken now". My response, "But I have more shopping to do. I will pay for it with all the other stuff." "No it has to be now". she demanded. "I will pay for it when I get all the stuff I need. Why should I have to go to the register twice? I'll pay all at once." 

"No, you have to pay for it now.  SHE gave you the money for it."  "I tell you what, I'll give YOU the money and YOU go pay for it now."  She refused so I put the chicken back and continued shopping for all the other ingredients.  I kept forgetting things and going back to look for them.  I remember passing the aisle where I had placed the chicken, and the woman stood there guarding it.  Never did get finished with my shopping before I woke up so I don't know if I ever paid for the chicken. 

Told you it was a crazy dream.

Here's a few more pictures I did for my great grands.

Monday Morning This and That

Another week begins.  Yesterday was cool and wet so no sitting by the water for us.  I really missed it, but satisfied myself with a Golden Girls marathon instead.  I sure do love those girls.  In fact, so  much that this is my newest coloring book, and I can't wait to get at it. Lots of scenes from the show to color.

Amazon has been busy filling my orders this week.  It's been so dark in here since I had to close the drapes that it's even difficult to read during the day.  My eyes are not that good anymore, the tabletop light doesn't quite reach my rocker, and I hate to use the overhead light.  We have 12 foot ceilings and it's really hard to change the bulbs when they go out.  So I ordered this little reading light....

I love it.  It snaps on over the book and is easy to store.  It just folds over.  Well worth the $10 I spent for it.

Put my first order in for Amazon Fresh, and I was very pleased.  For fruits I ordered bananas, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, and blueberries.  They were all amazingly fresh and delicious.  I also ordered some of my frozen veggies through them.  You can't beat 86 cents for a bag of mixed veggies, or $1.29 for string beans.  Ordering was simply and delivery was quick.  In fact, it was my choice either to have it delivered that evening or the next day of which I choose the hours.  I chose the next day between 12 and 2, and sure enough, at 12:10 my order arrived.

My son and his girl moved into their new apartment on Saturday.  They are so happy to be back in their old neighborhood.  As a housewarming gift I sent them a set of dishes, pots and pans, and silverware.  They really need everything as their last place had everything included.  I am so excited for them.

Made some blueberry scones on Saturday.  

They came out a little crumbly but they really do taste good.

Have a wonderful day.

August Subscription Box

Received my August subscription box from Witchy One.  I love the jewelry they send.  Looking forward to the disappearance of Covid so I will have someplace to wear it.   Of course, some will also be given as gifts. 

The unveiling.  She threw a tea bag in as well.  Will save this for the cold season.

Ocos Geode Necklace.  Its wispy pattern and markings encourage one to be the free spirits we are naturally born to be.  It's really pretty in person.  

This was the picture they sent this month.  

Feline Earrings.  The feline totem carries curiosity, playfulness, and magic.  These earrings break down monotony and infuse a hefty dose of magic and boundlessness.

Jewelry Charging Plate.  What we wear has the capacity to participate and influence in the energies of our daily lives. The Moon influences the tides of the sea.  Place your chosen jewelry on the plate with the intention to amplify its properties before use. 

Serpentine Stone.  This stone is a powerful crystal.  Simply by seeking the origins of its naming, it is clear that a strong correlation was made many moons ago.  It is said to be the safest stone to aid in chakra work.   The little pinkish thing is some sort of dried flower that was included.

Friday Roundup

What miserable weather we have been having here.  So hot and humid, and this week also gray and wet.  Each time it rains I hope it cools it off, but it ends up just as hot afterwards.  I'll be glad to see fall roll around this year.  I don't feel like doing much of anything.  Forget my daily walk.  Yesterday I got halfway down the block and turned around and came back, already drenched with sweat.  

According the center, the city food program will be ending soon.   I don't understand at all.  Senior centers are not open and the meals eaten there are the only meals some seniors get.  How can you stop them?  It's still not safe out there. And now, it's big news that there is a cluster of Covid in Sunset Park, my area.  Where the rest of the city has a 1% positivity rate, Sunset Park has a 6.9%.  NYC Health & Hospitals has been calling and texting me about getting tested.  The fact is, the only way I could catch it is if hubby brings it home, and he got tested by his doctor and no antibodies. 

Had my last grief class on zoom on Wednesday.  I sure am going to miss everyone I met there.  I have suggested maybe another follow up course, but who knows.  I did cancel my appointment yesterday with my grief counselor. I don't know what it is about her, but I try my best to avoid our sessions.  I can't put my finger on it, but in a way, I just feel it is a waste of our time.  Like one time she asked me if I had any anger over the loss of my son.  Well, of course, there is anger about my niece, but her question was about his death itself.  I told her I was angry with Covid.  Her response was 'that's a virus. Tell me how you hold anger against a virus."  I felt that a stupid question.  Last night the instructor spoke about Covid and how many of us hold anger towards it because it makes the grieving process even more difficult since we cannot really say good bye to our loved ones.  He said these feelings were normal.  

When they deliver food to me they always include apples.  I cannot digest them, even when I skin them.  But I can eat them cooked.  The other day I got 4 apples and made a stove top apple dessert.

Just peeled the apples and sauteed in low fat butter and seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg.  No sugar.  Served it later with the sugarless ice cream we had purchased by mistake.  Ice cream was wanted, but not sugarless.

Now look how high they are.  Wish they would just slow down a little, but that is only prolonging the inevitable. 

 Colored this picture for my friend who loves playing the guitar.  Will frame it and give it to her when I finally get to see her.

Colored this one for my great granddaughter who loves unicorns.  

More to come tomorrow.