Checking In

 Not much happening here.  Still attending the center, but cut it down to 3 times per week rather than every day.  We're all feeling the stress.  Us oldtimers there.  Those of us who attended the old center and remember what it used to be.  With the weather warming up I figure I'll spend my days off at the park.  I'll pack a lunch and bring my Kindle and relax on a bench.  No noise, no stress.  Just peace of mind.

Owl's Head Park, by the way, once was in the family.  It was owned my my 10th great grandfather, Teunis Van Pelt, was the first European to own the land.  He sold part of his land in 1680.  I always get a case of the shivers when I go there knowing that a long time ago my ancesters lived on and worked on this land.   I feel as if they are still there. 

At any rate, the land is gorgeous.  

Well, my daughter has let it be known that I am now out of her life.  My one granddaughter, too.  They both unfriended me and my son on Facebook.  It has broken my heart, but I am taking it one day at a time.  I don't understand where all this animosity towards us came from.  I can only think it has something to do with this idiot Elvis impersonator that she married.  I saw how controlling he was at their wedding.  She is a grown woman though, 52 years old, and can make up her own mind.  

Before marrying him, we were all so close.  We celebrated birthdays and holidays together.  We spoke or texted each other all the time.  My son surprised her for her birthday with tickets to a  New Kids on the Block concert and then took her backstage to meet Donnie.  Heck, he officiated their wedding. Married them.  And then everything changed.  She stopped talking to us, stopped with birthdays, holidays.  All communication ended.  I'd try.  She would respond and ask how I was, but as soon as I mentioned that I wished we had more contact, she shied away.  

Yes, it breaks my heart.  I'm 77 years old and don't know how many years I have left.  It makes me wonder if I will ever see my daughter again.  

Enough of crying the blues, though.  We have to go on.  And I have my son and hubby who are always there for me.  I have friends, good friends, who care about me and are always there for me.  I am respected at the center.  I am blessed and grateful.  All I can hope is that one day she will change her mind.  Until then, I continue living my life.

Have a wonderful day.

A Little Bit of My Life

 Gosh, I realize it's been a few days.  Actually a few weeks.  Haven't really been able to type much.  My shoulder has been bothering me, and I try to keep it still as much as I can.  Getting old is no joke.  Don't let anyone tell you it is.

I've been busy with the center as well.  A couple of parties:

April birthdays

Spring Fling.  My friend Beatrice, with the cane, deserved a prize.

Winners.  Sorry but I feel the shortest one shouldn't have one.  All she had was some Christmas fringe hanging down.

The Mayor came to the center for a town hall last week.

New class.  Leather tooling.

Jewelry class still going strong.

Good news.  Hubby put on 2 pounds.  That's a biggie for him.

Talk to you soon.

It's Saturday and I Really Don't Want to Go Out

 Yesterday's earthquake is the talk of the town.  4.8 about 60 miles away in New Jersey.  I was just signing into the center when the rumbling started. At first we thought it was the boiler about to blow up, but then we realized it was an earthquake. And then a few aftershocks throughout the night.

Well, here I was all set to close down my coloring class and I ended up having a fairly nice crowd yesterday.  Turns out that not everyone wants to exercise.  So I guess I will keep it going awhile longer.  

Made some pickled beets yesterday.  Had the urge.  Was thinking of pickling some eggs.  Should have, but next time.  I'm the only one that eats this so it will last me awhile.

Also made some buttered chicken.  Was supposed to be chicken chunks, but legs were so reasonable.  It's about the only reasonable meat out there. 

Had both with a salad.  I try to eat a salad every day.    

I'm off to do a bit of grocery shopping in awhile.  Just need the regular staples this week. I really don't want to go.  Felt like calling in my order, but decided I'll keep that $5 they charge to shop for me.  It's okay in nasty weathe, but there is no need for call in today.  It might be chilly, but it's clear.  And probably I can get away without cooking.  Have enough food in the freezer.  A restful weekend ahead.

Have a wonderful day.

Friday Roundup

 The weather has been pretty bad this week.  Lots of rain and wind from Sunday evening on.  Wednesday was the worst with wind gusts up to 60 mph.  You best believe I stayed in that day.  

I also stayed home on Tuesday.  Had some tummy issues.  I started a new vitamin combo recommended by my doctor.  It's for the kidneys.  Well, after 3 days taking it I got terribly nauseous.  Looked up the side effects of the vitamins and tummy issues were one of them so I stopped.  Will start again this weekend taking a half pill at a time.  They say these side effects only occur when you first start taking them. 

Started a new class this week.  Leather tooling.  It's kind of fun.  I started making this for hubby.  

It's supposed to be his initials.  C J.  Still have several steps before the finished product.

Thinking of dropping my adult coloring class.  Number of members are dwindling down.  They have put several classes during the same time period and Tai Chi for Arthritis does a lot better than coloring.  Plus, I would like to take it myself.  Will see how many come tomorrow before I make my final decision.

Anybody going to see the eclipse?

Have a wonderful weekend.

Trying to Stay Healthy as we Grow Older

I have to admit, I am lazy when it comes to cutting up any kind of salad.  If I buy the ingredients at least half get tossed out so I am one of those who likes to buy them ready made for me.

I usually buy one of these each week.  It gives me about 3 nice sized servings.   It is filled with lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, red cabbage, brocolli, cauliflower, croutons,  and tri-colored peppers.  It's really packed with stuff.  I don't usually use their dressing.  I prefer a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  When I finish with this salad, I usually go to the little place across the street from the center for one of their salads.  Must show you a picture of that one.  Not bad for $6.99.

Another of my favorites.  Honeydew, cantalope, mango, kiwi, Strawberry, pineapple, green grapes, red grapes, blueberries.  I eat a little each day, and this one also lasts me 3 days of nice size helpings. A healthy salad for only $7.99.

So while one of us is trying to gain weight (me), the other is trying to gain weight.  Hubby has lost a lot of weight in the past few months.  At least 30 pounds.  Doctors have run all kinds of tests, but can find no reason for it.  They've tested for thyroid, done an MRI  and bloodwork to check for cancer, but they can find no reason that he is wasting away like this.

Had him drinking Boost for weight gain, but, unfortunately one of his lung inhalers has caused diabetes.  So Boost is out.  He tried Glucerna as per doctor's advice and couldn't tolerate it.  Messed up his tummy.  So now where do we go from here?  He can't eat or drink the foods that will help put on weight.  Such a dilemma.  Anyone have any suggestions?  It's breaking my heart seeing him like this.  And I'm frightened.  It's so hard watching someone you love fade away.

Happy Easter

 

Mom always dressed me from head to toe on Easter Sunday.  Here are a few old photos that I found.

With my grandmother.  Miss her so much.

Remember these crinoline dresses.

Making a pernil, gondulas and rice, and a big salad for dinner today.  Neither of us care for ham and we don't want turkey so this is perfect.  Will have dinner for tomorrow, too, which makes it even better.

Happy Easter.

Magical Midlife Madness, Leveling Up Series

 I don't usually do book reviews, and to be honest, I don't even know how to begin, but I just had to talk about this series.  I absolutely love it.  Read all 10 books in a month and am now rereading the entire series.  Just not ready to say goodbye to the cast of insane, but lovable characters.

Jacinta (Jessie)  Evans is 40 years old when her verbally and emotionally abusive husband tells her he is divorcing her for a younger woman.  Rather than sit around and cry over it she looks forward to starting her life over again, so she accepts her friends offer to become the caretaker of an old mansion located somewhere in the Sierras. She had visited the place with her friend when she was 10 years old and loved it.  Little did she know that she would become more than just the caretaker.  In fact, Ivy House chose her to be the heir of it's magical powers.  She had no idea what she was getting into. She was to become the only living female gargoyle.

“Raise your voice until you are heard. Look however you want, be whoever you want, and demand people pay attention to you. Stop taking what you’re given, and demand the space in life you want.”

― K.F. Breene, Magical Midlife Madness

The supporting cast of characters in this book are hillarious.  At times I laughed so hard that tears came out of my eyes, and my husband looked at me like I was crazy.  

There is Earl, the butler, and aged gargoyle who prefers to be called Mr. Tom.  He takes his job very seriously, so seriously that it actually becomes comedy.

“People don’t mysteriously go missing around him, do they?” “It’s never mysterious,” Niamh answered. “They leave so they don’t have to listen to him.”

― K.F. Breene, Magical Midlife Madness

Then there is Edgar, an aged vampire groundskeeper who is out there in left field whose hobby is growing flowers and crocheting doilies (lots of them).

And Naimh, an aged Pooka, who sits on her porch and throws rocks at tourists who come to look at the mansion.  She can also drink any man under the table.  She and Mr. Tom are constantly bickering adding a lot of comedy to the books.

And Austin Steele the super handsome, super sexy bar owner who shifts into a polar bear.  Will he become Jessie's new love interest?

“I frowned at him, my response to the unexpected sensation. He frowned back, probably wondering what my problem was. Social-awkwardness, hard at work.”

― K.F. Breene, Magical Midlife Madness

As the series progesses other characters are introduced:

Ulrich, the young pink gargoyle.

Sebastion, a powerful mage, who helps Jessie develop her powers.  He has a secret

Nessa, his partner,  called the Captain.

Tristan, the super sexy handsome gargoyle whose past is a mystery. 

Dave, a flower loving Basajaun.

Phil, another basajaun who loves wearing funny disguises and drinking in the bar with Naimh.

Cyra the Pheonix and Hollis the Thunderbird. 

So many wonderful characters that make these books such a joy to read. K. F. Breene is so good at describing all the characters that she makes them come alive.  I can't wait for the next book to come out. 

March Birthday Party at the Center.

 Had a nice time despite the disappointment with the food.  Was expecting something special and what they served was pulled pork, polenta, and brocolli...a regular center meal.  Not that I don't like it, I do.  But, for a special day?  

The DJ they had is fantastic.  He sang and played for 3 hours straight.  

And it was a little bit of everything.  Oldies, Latin, Italian, even a little Greek.  And what a voice he has. 

Delicious cake.  Half vanila.  Half chocolate.

My freind Beatrice with her crazy glasses.

My beautiful friend Sati in the middle.

Some of the staff.

Dancing.

March birthday people.  I got stuck in the back.

Letting my hair grow.

My rock painting friend gave me this little bunny for my birthday.  One day I hope I can be half as good as she is.

As for today, it is drizzly and dreary. Not sure whether I want to go in or not.  I kind of think I need a break.  

Have a wonderful day.

Another Year Older

 Good Monday morning everyone.  We've had a pretty rough weekend, but the warmup begins today.  Lots and lots of rain and wind on Saturday.  Glad I could make it a stay home day.  This morning it's kind of chilly here--33 degrees--but the warmup begins today.

Actually, Saturday was my birthday.  I turned 77.  Can't believe I am that old.  My mind doesn't feel it, but my body sure does, but I don't let it stop me.  I keep myself busy and try to get out almost everyday.  Socialization is so important.

Since Saturday was a washout, my son surprised me Friday night with a carrot cake from Lloyd's.  They are famous for their carrot cakes.  Lines form around the block on holidays, and it's well worth it.  Delicious.

Finally got my kitchen sink fixed.  Super lied to us again.  What's new?  Said he would be there 1:30.  Called at 1 to say there was a flood downstairs in the basement and he had to take care of that.  Would be here about 5:30.  6:45 no super.  Of course he was lying.  He wasn't even in the building.  Sent his brother in about 7 pm.  Job didn't even take an hour.  I'm usually pretty easy going, but I am really frustrated at the treatment we got.  I have never missed or been late with my rent in the almost 10 years we have lived here, and I deserve better, so I am going to call management today and lodge a complaint.

Meanwhile, all I got from my daughter was a FB 'Have a good day.  Happy birthday.'  So cold, unfeeling.  No phone call.  Her Elvis Presley impersonator husband has changed her, and she has changed my grandchildren.  Ever since she married him, she has been so distant.  I continuously snooze her for 30 days on FB because it hurts so much to see her gushing over his family.  I think I mentioned a long time ago that I saw this coming at their wedding.  As soon as she sat with us, he came along and hauled her off to his family.  But, hey, she is over 50, has a mind of her own, and chooses to distance herself from us.

It hurts to see her do this to her brother, too.  They had such a special loving relationship.  I remember one of her birthdays where he surprised her with tickets to a New Kids on the Block concert.  He'd gotten the tickets from Donnie while working with him on Bluebloods and even arranged to take her backstage to introduce them.  Now she doesn't even speak to her brother.  That bothers me more than her treatment of me.

But enough of that.  I have jewelry class today and a party tomorrow which celebrates all who have birthdays in March.  Looking forward to it.  

Have a wonderful day.

Friday Roundup

 Another Friday.  End of a busy, fun week.  My jewelry class on Monday was packed.  Women love that group, and it's actually one of the most popular there aside from the exercise classes.  I haven't been able to sit long in my class, so I haven't been able to make anything lately, but things should calm down soon when the newcomers learn how to make things.

Stayed home on Tuesday.  Just didn't feel like going out. Some days are like that.

Wednesday was a busy one.  Rock painting in the morning.  Then a pot roast lunch followed by Healthy Video hour.  There was a man in class who turns 97 today.  He was amazing.  Walks a mile every day.

On Thursday we had the Grand Opening party at the center.  Lots of people there.  Lots a faces I never saw before, but hey, when there is free food, everyone shows up.

Yummy croquettes. The chicken one was delicious.

Chicken Fricassee.  Pretty good.

We've had a cold couple of days here after a spring warmup that spoiled us.  Winds were howling out there on Thursday and temperature felt like it was in the 20's.  Today is pretty cold, but with less wind, it won't feel as bad.  Heading in to the center for my coloring class.  And then the weekend begins.

And that was my week.

Tuesday News.

 Wow, Tuesday already, and I realize I haven't posted for a few days now.  Been kind of busy here.  I think I had mentioned that we had a leak under my kitchen sink.  Well, my super was supposed to fix the leak and put in a new cabinet because the floor of our cabinet rotted from the leak.  Ralph and I moved everything from the top of the cabinet and within the cabinet.  First he said Saturday at 1 pm and then when I called to confirm, he lied and said he said was coming on Sunday.  See, that's what he does.  He lies about things and tries to make you feel like you heard him wrong.  But, Ralph heard him, too.  So then he says Sunday at 1 pm.

At 12:30 on Sunday he calls to tell me he is downstairs ane will be up here about 1:30.  1:30 no super.  2:30 no super.  Ralph calls him this time, and his story is he is caught in traffic because of a parade (that was NOT happening) and would be here in 20 minutes.  Forgets his own lies.  Well, long story short he gets here about 5 pm.   Then he comes with this story of why the work wouldn't be done. "Oh, they sent me the wrong size cabinet. They only sent me a 36" cabinet and we need 47". I can put it up today and let it the top overhang until I get a new one for 25 " to add onto the end. And I don't want to do the pipes until the cabinet is in because it may not fit. " I think he forgot that he had already told us last week that he had a 36" cabinent downstairs. So my guess is that he hadn't even ordered the new cabinet.

In other news, my jewelry class is taking off. I had to put in a big order because I don't have enough stuff to go around. I also asked a friend to co-lead with me as it's gotten too much for one person to handle. I haven't been able to make anything the past two weeks as I've been on my feet running from person to person teaching. However, my coloring class is not faring so well with other classes going on at the same time. I may just let it go.

Big grand opening party on Thursday. Hopefully it won't be as crazy as the first party. This time we had to sign up beforehand.

State of the art exercise equipment developed for seniors.

The dance and exercise room.

Class on balance. Very important for us seniors. Mine is very bad. I sway when I am standing still.

Lunch room. Turkey meatfalls, spaghetti, and brussel sprouts.

From the papers.

Have a wonderful day, and don't forget, tonight at 11:06 spring arrives.