Monday Morning This and That

 Monday morning greetings.  Had a rather quiet weekend.  Saturday was gorgeous.  Temp was only 61 degrees so I definitely went for a walk.  Couldn't go far because my body is not used to it, but I did stand in front of the building for awhile after I got back.  Took some pictures as I stood there.  I love that they have so much greenery garnishing our building.

 

Had a very strange and rather funny dream on Saturday.  It's so weird I just had to share.  Here in the city the big news has been how the Dept. of Homeless Services has been re-locating homeless families from a hotel they have lived in for months to clear the way to move in homeless men.  It seems these men were housed in a hotel on the upper East Side in a ritzy neighborhood and residents there were unhappy to the point of threatening a law suit if they didn't get them out of their neighborhood....and as we know, the rich always get their way. Now the families are complaining and threatening their own law suit.  So I am guessing this is where my dream came from.

Well, in my dream I had a rather large apartment.  It was very long and covered an entire block.  I had 16 rooms and had women from shelters residing there.  There was so much junk around, and I was trying to straighten up but the women were complaining they were hungry.  But, before I could cook I had to clear off space in the kitchen.  I found all kinds of crap out there including a small vial of 'weed'.  I decided to make them some pancakes and then clean up, but I kept losing my batter.  And through all this more and more people were checking in at the front desk.  I remember three older women and men sitting in my kitchen.  I asked someone to set the table, but no one would do it, so I went to set the table for everyone.  When I came back, my batter was gone again.  Finally, I made a huge bowl of batter and was finally making the pancakes.  I made 6 of them, put them on a plate, and then lost that as well.  The dream ended with me slaving over the stove trying to get this breakfast ready.  Don't know if I ever did.

I decided I don't want any more of that food from the city.  Went through my freezer, and I had mustard glazed chicken, parmesan crusted chicken, jerk chicken, apricot glazed chicken, and rosemary chicken.  That's all they send aside from an occasional seafood that I give to hubby.  They may sound yummy, but they all taste the same and are made from the smallest chicken thighs to be found.  I am grateful for the food they gave me, but now it just seems like they are tossing anything together and giving it to us.  The veggies are all soggy and watery.  Just can't stomach that food.  

So I went out shopping yesterday, by myself on the bus,  and bought the ingredients to  make myself some soups.  Will be making a few types of soup this morning.   It feels so good to be independent.  And, I saved myself some money.  When you shop with a man whose eyes are bigger than his stomach you come home with a lot of unneccesary goodies. 

 

Friday Roundup

So we had our meeting with the center on Wednesday.  It's definitely going to be awhile before it re-opens, and even at that, it will not be the same.  It will definitely not open this year. The director explained that they had an all new ventilation system installed and have spent over $3000 in other things needed to keep us protected.  But, in the long run, it is not up to the director.  It is up to the Commissioner and the Department of Aging, and they are still in the planning stage as to how things will be run, and they are looking for new models of what centers will be like upon opening.  The new norm.  One thing is they are no longer to be called senior centers.  Now they will be called Centers for Older Adults.  Personally, I don't mind the term senior.

I really miss my friends.

Henry who is almost blind from macular degeneration.  Boy, does he love to dance.

Dear sweet Mary who speaks with an Irish lilt and rides her bike all over the place.

Dorothy in the colored shirt who has a heart of gold, will help everyone, but has this curious topic of carrying a conversation all by herself.  In red is Angela, Henry's girlfriend.

In the middle is Mary Lou.  She fell and broke her hip during Covid.  I understand that one of these men passed away. These were an everyday threesome so I am not expecting to see them again.  It makes me sad how many I've gotten close to who will not be back.

 Judy who runs the jewelry class.

 Gosh I can't believe I have forgotten her name.

 Sylvia.  Just turned 96.  Fell and broke her hip during Covid.

My dear friend, Marie.  I often wonder if I will see her again.  I did see the woman in the back with black hair in our zoom meeting.  Her hair is pure white now...and gorgeous.

 My friend Marc.  I really miss his sense of humor.

One thing they do know is that the virtual classes will continue even after the center is open, and there will not be as many classes offered at the center, at least for awhile.  I guess that's to keep the number of people down. One thing they will have a problem with is transportation, namely the vans that pick those elderly up who can't travel on public transportation due to medical or pain issues.  Now to social distance they will only be able to fit four in a van so  that will have to be worked out.  Usually there are 8 to 10 in the two vans so this new way will mean a lot of extra back and forth trips.

On a positive note they should be receiving the okay to start up with 'grab and go' meals which are cooked by their fabulous kitchen staff.  With the virus level down and fewer people on the bus, it could be a day out a couple of days a week for me.  I could take a ride over to pick up a meal, buy myself an iced coffee at my favorite place,  and spend some time on one of the benches seeing some familiar faces...not to mention some better food.  The cooks at the center put love into their food and there is rarely a complaint.

There will be no volunteer party nor Christmas party this year.  My first year as secretary to SAC and no party.  Just my luck.  As secretary I did have to take notes for both meetings, and I tell you, it felt pretty good to be doing something constructive.  

It rained yesterday so I didn't get out for my walk.  That's okay.  I find it hard walking in the humidity anyway so I didn't mind staying in at all.  Had my counseling session at 1 pm.  The good news is we will be meeting every two weeks now instead of weekly.  That's a positive step.

A new group began at 4 called "What's Driving You Crazy".  Each week for the next three weeks we will be discussing topics related to this time of Covid.  Yesterday's discussion was about 'Brain Fog'.  I have to say, I really enjoyed this group.  It's something that was definitely needed.  Yesterday we discussed how it was for us when shelter in place took effect and how we pulled ourselves through it.

A Zoom Visit With a Psychic

Yesterday as I was commenting on another blog, it occurred to me that I never told you about the psychic my son's girlfriend referred me to.  They even paid for my hour and a half reading on zoom.  He had met with my daughter, and she was totally amazed that he was able to actually name names.  So here are some of my highlights.

The psychic began by telling me there were a lot of people coming through for me.  One was an older lady, a mother figure but not my mother.  My grandmother was fairly old when I was born.  My mom had been a change of life baby, and my grandmother was already in her 60's when I born.

He also said there was another Mary there.  Her name was not Mary but she liked to be called that.  My great great grandmother was Constance Mary.

My son was there with us.  He felt so bad about leaving me like he did and stated he got dizzy, fell, and hit his head.  He remembers my niece finding him, but by then it was too late.  He was already in the spirit world.  He has been trying to reach out to me.  Psychic asked me if I hear someone calling, 'mom, mom, mom' when I wake up.  He told me I should open myself up and really listen.  My son said he knows he caused me a lot of heartache, and he is so sorry.  He never meant to hurt me.  'I'm sorry mom. I didn't mean to go.' The psychic relayed several messages for my son and told me to start watching for signs.   

Since that time I have gotten the scent of roses at different times and places in my home.  My son did send me flowers on occasion, but one instant really stuck out in my mind.  Several years back my son gave me 6 roses.  I immediately put them in water.  As days went on I was amazed that my roses weren't fading.  I figured I must be doing something right or these were very special roses.  They were.  Turns out they were silk flowers with the scent of roses.  We laughed about that one for a good long time.  

My son spoke of a woman he had loved.  In fact, he said they had loved each for many years and had planned to marry, but it just never worked out for them.  He wanted me to give her the message that 'she should not feel guilty.  She did nothing wrong'. He pleaded with me to be sure I told her.  My son's first real friend was a girl who lived next door. Her name was Tiffany. He was five and she was six.  They grew up being best of friends and as adults their relationship became one of romantic love.  They even planned to get married, but for one reason or another, it never panned out.  I had been speaking to Tiff after his death, and she'd been feeling very very guilty because he had asked her to send him a picture she had of the two of them, and she never did it.  She felt she had let him down.

The psychic then proceeded to tell me that my son was with my mom and dad and several other people he had never met in life.  He mentioned someone whose name began with the letters MAR and said that he had greeted him when he crossed over, but then moved on because he was further along.  My son's father's name was Mario and he died in 1986.  He then said there was someone named Rose who was also looking out for my son.  My son's grandmother's name was Rose.  

My mom spoke then and told me that she knows she had been cold and had been cruel with her words.  She needed to apologize but never had a chance in this lifetime.  She said she was proud of what I had become and how I had helped so many people.  (All true about my mom. Af 50 I had changed careers and became a substance abuse counselor).

The psychic then said he sees me involved in a court case.  He stated that it would take time, but I would eventually win.  My son did not want me to give up on it.  (My niece stealing his money.  We will eventually take her to court when I become his administrator.)

He then  told me someone from my past was there and mentioned a fertility issue.  He said this person said they were so sorry for how they had treated me.  My first husband married me because I had a child and he couldn't have children.  The marriage didn't last.  It turned out that he was a sex addict who was out with different women almost every night coming home in the wee hours of the morning. 

Others were mentioned briefly--my granddad, my dad, one of my son's friends who had passed, even gave the name of another of my friend's sons who was still alive...and it was an unusual name that could be guessed at. 

Tuesday Ramble

Had a very quiet Labor Day.  It was especially quiet because the construction workers also took off.  Amazing to have three days of peace and quiet.  I can't begin to tell you about the noise they make.  It's unbearable and at times has brought me to tears.  

I have finally found something to read that holds my interest--the entire Avalon series beginning with "The Fall of Atlantis".  In fact, I couldn't put it down over the weekend.  I've already started listing the different characters so as I move on in the books I can figure out their different incarnations.  That was part of the fun last time.

Received this month's Inked Goddess subscription box, and again, I am in love.  She sends the greatest boxes.  This month's theme is Spiritual Warrior, connecting with your authentic self and personal truth.  

The unveiling. 

 'A Warrior's Journey Workbook', a journal for those on the path of self-empowerment and becoming a spiritual warrior.  Over 70 workable pages and exercises. 

Spiritual Warrior Expansion Packet--Spiritual Warrior, swords, Elite Shungite, and Shungate Water.
 

Sword of Truth necklace.  The sword is the ultimate symbol of truth, protection, and nobility.  

Sacred Temple votive.  A blend of Nag Champa, Frankincense, and Myrrh to help create sacred space in your home and in yourself.
 

Elite Shungite water DIY kit.  This kit contains Elite Shungite gemstone, a bottle, a label and instructions on how to create Shungite Water for detoxification and personal power.

Elite Shungate is estimated to be a billion years old.  Is is one of the most powerful natural healing and detoxification stones ever created by Mother Earth. 

Monday Morning This and That

We had a great class on Friday.  We discussed the pandemic and how it has effected us in both negative and positive ways, and the fact is, despite all the negatives, there are positives to be found.  Take hubby and I, for example.  Up until Covid and shelter in place we both went our separate ways.  I had all my day time activities, and he drove a cab at night.  At the most we had only a couple hours each day together and a movie and dinner date twice a month.  That was it.  That was all the time we spent together.

Then came Covid, and we sheltered in place.  I really had thought he would give me a harder time about giving up his job, but this scared him as well.  I was pretty stocked up with food when it happened since I had just done a big shopping the Friday before, and I got my food from the center.    Then Rite Aid opened for customers, only 5 allowed in at a time, and that became our big day out.  We'd first go for a ride, and then stop at Rite Aid for things like milk and bread.  As the months went on we found ourselves doing everything together--banking, food shopping, trips to Verrazano for fun in the sun.  Even now that things are getting back to normal with hubby working vouchers only and my getting out on my own, we still do our weekly shopping together and head to our favorite bench.  This was the positive side of Covid.  It brought us together.

Got my new Stash Autumn teas from Amazon the other day. Sipping on Pumpkin Spice right now. Other flavors include Maple Apple Cider, Cinnamon Apple Chamomile, Cranberry Pomegranate, Cinnamon Vanilla, and Spice Dragon Red Chai. Yummy stuff.

There is no end to my surprise when it comes to some of the people I have friended. Never knew how bigoted and racist some of then are until the orange idiot in the White House opened the door and gave them permission to outwardly show it.   The other day I read a post on FB that turned my stomach. It was written by someone I considered a good friend despite being a Trump supporter.  It seems that Jacob Blake's father was taped reading from the Qu'ran.  Her comment?  "The Qu'ran doesn't belong in the United States."  Well, I wonder what she would think of me if she knew I had not only a copy of Qu'ran but also the Hindu Rig Veda, the Buddhist Dhammapada, the Analects of Confucius, and the Jewish Tamaka along with my Christian Bible.  I had to study each when I was in Theological School studying to become an Interfaith minister.  There is good and bad in all religions.

Yesterday we went to our favorite spot.  

 Finally got a picture of this guy.  He's usually diving after fish.

Might be the last warm day we have there.  The leaves are already starting to dry out. The hospital where hubby's son is at is opening up for visitors so next Sunday he will be visiting him. Only immediate family is allowed so I won't be going.  That will free us up on the third Sunday of the month and that is already set with a visit to my son's new apartment.

Friday Roundup

Ah, the end of another week.  It' been a busy one for sure.  Had a few firsts this week. Took my first bus trip since March on Monday.  Felt really good to be out and about on my own and not having to depend on hubby.  On Tuesday I got my first haircut since January.  On Wednesday I participated in my Game Day Class and then finished up the decorating.  So much for a little at a time.

Funny thing, when I dug the boxes out of the closet on Tuesday, I knew some of my stuff was missing.  Figured it got mixed in with the Christmas stuff, and I wasn't going to dig all that stuff out, so I decided to make do with whatever I had and maybe head for Rite Aid to pick up a few more.  Later that evening I was sitting in my rocker and suddenly it hit me.  My wicker basket set.  My eyes glanced at one of the larger ones, and I remembered where I Had stored the rest of the stuff.

75 % of my fairy garden stuff is packed away for my great granddaughters.  I only keep a few gnomes and my fantasy animals. 

This shelf still needs some work.

I decorated my son's memorial for the season.

I have loved my little crone since the day I got her so I find a way to work her into every season.

Yesterday hubby and I went to the bank.  He had to get the money order for the rent, and I had to deposit my Rakuten check.  I sure wish Amazon used Rakuten.  I'd be rich.  I also had to cancel my counseling appointment yesterday.  No complaints from me.

Today is my creativity class and chair yoga and meditation later.  Don't know how the meditation is going to work out with all the racket next door.  I never heard so much noise.  Yesterday I was screaming at them, pleading to just give me a few minutes of peace.

Have a wonderful day.

It's Thursday Already

These weeks are going fast....especially this week since I have been busy.  Still not running around like I once did, but I am trying to get out once in awhile.  Today it's off with hubby to hit the bank and get the rent money. 

Yesterday morning the doorbell rang, and it was a food delivery from the city.  Not my regular food delivery, this one was different.  It came in a big cake box and included two yogurts, 3 small low fat milks, two Quaker oatmeal cups, 3 different fruit juices (grape, apple, orange), 2 chicken salads, 4 slices of whole wheat bread, 3 lunch salads, and 3 dinners  (meatballs with rice and broccoli, slice of barbecued pork loin with corn and broccoli, and salisbury steak with new potatoes and string beans.  I ate one of the salads for lunch yesterday, and the chicken was amazing.  I had the pork for dinner and that too was yummy.  This happens just when I was going to cancel my deliveries.  Now I will just play it by ear.  I have until next Tuesday so we'll see if another of package of goodies arrives before then.  If not, will definitely cancel.  

Been working very hard in the apartment, setting it up for fall.   These decorations will stay up until right after Thanksgiving when the Christmas decor goes up. I didn't buy anything new this year so some of these items are several years old. Here is a few pics.

Had to find a way to integrate my new unicorns.  I just couldn't bear backing them away until spring.