Odds and Ends Photos

 

Took this picture while going home from the center.  It was the first day we had all the smoke from Canada.  It actually was much worse than in the picture.

My new favorite.  They opened a French Chinese bakery down the block from me, and I can't resist picking one of these croissants up whenever I pass.  They are not super sweet and low on calories.  The good thing about this bakery is that they list all nutritional information on the package.

Hubby and I on a cruise.  We were just passing the World Trade Center when this picture was taken.  I treasure this picture.  I have also been told I look like Lucille Ball with my fiery red hair.

Won second place in the Crazy Sock contest at the center.  $25 sure came in handy.

No one can say we don't party at our monthly center shindigs.  This is our table.  Each of us brings in something.  Unfortunately, all these goodies have my glucose level up to 110 so you know I'll be watching what I eat at the Valentine's party this month.

This is the building that I live in. Will be here 10 years in December.  

Our Monthly Meeting Day

Tuesday morning and the sun is still shining.  Doesn't really help to warm it up much, though.  It's only 26 degrees this morning, and yesterday was so darn windy.  Used to love the winter, but the older I get, the more I feel it in my bones.  Will be heading to the new center this morning for our monthly senior  council meeting.  This is an election year, and I was all set to give up my position, but I discovered as an officer (council secretary) I have another year to go.  Don't get me wrong.  I love being on the council.  I'm just tired of doing the minutes.  6 years of it is enough.  I'd love to be a greeter--they meet and welcome new members--and that I already do.  But, the truth is, no one wants to be secretary, and I don't want to let them down so each election I end up volunteering.  My fault.  

The senior council at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new center.  I'm in t back in the purple sweater.  That's the director in the suit.  Very little men go to our center; hence, none are on the council.

Yesterday's lunch was boneless pork chops with peach sauce (not a favorite), mashed potatoes and mixed veggies.  Won't be eating there today.  The meeting is over about 11:15 and by the time I get to the center it would be time to eat and then go home.  I'd rather just go straight home and make myself a grilled pepper jack cheese sandwich.

Wish the new center would finally open.  We'll have our own room for the jewelry class so it won't be so cramped.  Gained two new members yesterday.  It's really hard to squeeze people in, but I'm hesitant to spread members out at other tables because, to be honest, we've had a lot of materials go missing.  It's sad that people need to steal when the materials they get are provided to them for free, but unfortunately not everyone is appreciative.  

Made the following in class yesterday.  I was busy.  I buy my own materials and don't  depend on the center.  I"ve also provided materials out of my own pocket for the class which is especially why I become angry when they steal. 

Opal

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Monday Morning and the Sun is Shining Again

Another week begins.  The sun will be shining brightly today.  That's something I have missed.  For the past week I have been dodging raindrops as I made my way to the denter.  Today I have my jewelry class at 10 am.  I usually come home after lunch.  I used to stay most of the day, but during the past year my IBS came out of remission, and I never know when it will act up on me so I'd rather be safely in my home.  

Sunday was a busy, but quiet day.  Did lots of cooking.  Made some pasta and meat sauce for dinner.  Had some with a salad which I try to have every day.  My bloodwork was so off it has me worried.  I'm sure though that it can be traced to my bad habits during holiday time.  Of course I had my Golden Girls morning marathon.  

I haven't mentioned much about Ralph yet.  I am so afraid for him.  His glaucoma has progressed and now he has lost his peripheral vision.  He uses like four eye drops daily to keep his pressure from rising too much.  His emphysema hasn't progressed much, thank goodness.  But it hurts me to see him having to sometimes struggle to catch his breath.  And now, on top of everything else, he is diabetic.  We're thinking one of his lung medications has casused this because long term cortisteriod use can mess with your metabolic function.

Below are two of  the paintings I did in guoache class.

Actually I was about to toss this one in the garbage when I friend said she loved it and could she have it.  She framed it and has it hanging in her apartment.

Well, that's about all for today. Hope you all have a fantastic Monday.

Soup's On

 

The sun was finally shining in Brooklyn yesterday....after 11 days of gray skies.  But despite the sun, and it was wonderful to see, it was cold.  Went and did my weekly supermarket run in the morning and waiting for the bus, which is 3 blocks from the water, was cold and blustery. Ended up with cold chill in my bones that just wouldn't go away so I put together a nice spicy soup to warm up the old bones. I always keep soup ingredients on hand just for this reason.

Ingredients:  Chick peas, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes with chilies, spinach, peppers, onions, no salt chicken broth, garlic powder, black pepper, cardamom, harissa, and parsley.

Kindness

 

People in the neighborhood are always doing something special for us seniors at the center.  A lady came in with a shopping bag full of little crocheted animals for us.  I chose this turtle.  I thought he was so cute.  In a world where we are always at each other's throats, these are the little acts of kindness that brighten your day.

It's Friday...Yipee!

 I don't know why I'm excited.  I'm in for a busy weekend.  Food shopping tomorrow morning, and cooking most of the day on Sunday.  I still cook and freeze meals so I don't have to cook something every day.  This is one of those weeks that I am very low on meats so there's a lot to be done.

It's a rainy morning here in Brooklyn.  Showers off and on....and of course, more gray cloudy skies.  Doubt the groundhog will see his shadow today.

As for the week, it was a normal busy.  Monday my jewelry class which has really grown in size.  We started with two tables and about 5 people and now we have to put 4 tables together and still there is not enough room for everyone.  The old center will be closing soon as they have purchase a modern 2 story building, and we will have our own room for the jewelry class.  What a relief that will be.  It's a pain in the butt getting everyone to get things together at 11:50 so people can use that table for lunch.

On Tuesday I had watercolor painting and I have to say I have not improved very much in all that this time.  I honestly can't get into watercolor.  I prefer acrylics which we will have in the new center.  

Later in the day we had two very handsome Army reservists come in to speak about Emergency Preparedness.  They had a rapt audience of  us old ladies who, during those moments, wished we were younger.

On Wednesday was rock painting....and that I have show some improvement.  That was followed by a meatball and spaghetti lunch and the Healthy Video hour.  

Thursday is usually a day off for me....unless there is a delicious lunch.  Yesterday they had vegetarian chili, and they just don't have the knack for making it.  Always gives me a tummy ache.

Today I have my coloring class, lunch and then home to start my weekend.  Lunch today is always some kind of fish which I don't eat, but I will take it home for Ralph and I'll take the brocolli for me.

Happy weekend everybody.

Women and Roses

 God created the rose for women. 

It representsbeauty. 

Its petals represent soft skin. 

Its leavesrepresent outstretched arms, always loving and giving. 

Its stem represents strength.

~ Author Unknown ~

(Surprise gift fr)om Ralph's sister)

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