Monday Morning This and That

 “Mondays are the start of the work week which offer new beginnings 52 times a year!”

  David Dweck

Good morning, everyone.  Here we are again at the beginning of another week.  The weather this week was simply gorgeous.  Couldn't ask for more.  And they are saying that by the end of the week, the temps will be down in the 70's...a far cry from last year's never ending heat waves.  Did you catch the moon last night?  Gorgeous, wasn't it?  I took some pictures, but alas the car headlights caused a glare.  My son sent me this fantastic picture, though.

Had a really nice quiet weekend.  On Saturday I took a walk to the park and sat for awhile.  There was an older Chinese man there, and he was playing some sort of instrument.  The music was lovely.  For awhile I just closed my eyes savored the feeling of the breeze brushing across my face.  In fact, given more time, I think I would have totally fallen off to sleep...not something one wants to do in a Brooklyn park.  Not that it is so bad.  It is just that one can never be careful.  Things happen in even the best neighborhoods.

On Sunday I went to church in the morning and had nothing, absolutely nothing on the agenda for the afternoon.  Didn't even have to cook.  Hubby went to his sisters.  She was having a rosary for his mom, something she does every year for the anniversary of her death.  I loved hubby's mom dearly, and the first few years I used to go, but it all in Spanish and it goes on for HOURS.  He ate over there so I cut myself up a salad.  

I cherish my alone time. Just imagine having the whole day to yourself. There is surprisingly less of it now that I retired. There is just so much to do.  And, with hubby not working either, I no longer have the luxury of that sick day home alone. Not that I am complaining, mind you.  I love that man with all my heart, but we all need a little downtime once in awhile when we can just toss caution to the wind and be ourselves. In the old place, I used to toss off all my clothes and do all my cooking and housework in the buff. I don't do it where I live now.  I just don't feel comfortable enough.  Now I usually wait until dusk, turn off the computer, the television, light some candles, and rock quietly in my chair.  Another time I started cutting out my paper dolls.  Couldn't resist them. It doesn’t matter what I do when I am alone, as long as I have just a wee bit of time alone.

Look how tall my money tree has grown. It's becoming a real tree now.  Time to replant and looks like it's about ready to put on the floor. Will have to do some research and see if leaves are toxic to pets.

Speaking of pets.  You should have seen Miss Minga chasing a grape around my living room last night just like a sprite little kitten.  She is amazing for 22 years.

Bedbugs.  On the N train?  That's the train I had to take back and forth to work.  Now there is another reason to be glad for retirement. I don't have to ride that darn train anymore. Yukky creatures!!!! I start to itch just thinking about them. But, there are all kinds who ride the subways.  One day I was on my way to work when I saw a couple of roaches crawling around on the woman seated across from me.  She was snoozing so she didn't even notice.  Of course, all kinds of people ride buses as well, but they seem to keep them cleaner.  In fact, I have never stepped into a dirty bus.  I'm wondering if that's because it's a more personal situation for the bus driver.  Subway conductors are locked in their own little space.  Bus drivers are out in the open.  Just a thought.

Well, it's that time.  Have to jump in the shower, have breakfast, and mosey on over to the Center.  Have a good one. 

Friday Roundup

 Friday. The golden child of the weekdays. The superhero of the workweek. The welcome wagon to the weekend. The famous F word we thank God for every week.

Unknown

And a happy Friday morning to all.  Funny, I thought when I retired that Friday would be just another day, but old habits die hard.  Even though every day is basically a 'free' day for me, Saturday and Sunday are still considered the weekend.  I may think that Thursday is Friday at times, but I never forget Saturday. 

Had a nice time last night.  We grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and shared lots of pleasant conversation.  Hubby was a bit uncomfortable at first, but it wasn't long before someone he knew showed up, and from there on he had a great time.  It is so nice of the church to do this for us, but where do they get the money to do this every week for the entire summer? 

Hard to believe we are halfway through summer now.  Hasn't been a bad one.  I think here in the city we only hit 90 once, and even when it has been humid, there was always a breeze made it all bearable.  And even though it hasn't been that bad, I still find myself looking forward to the fall.  There is just something about Autumn.  I love the feeling of the leaves crunching under my feet, the colors, getting the fall clothing out, harvest vegetables, baking.  The list goes on and on. 

Not much on tap for the weekend.  If that check comes back from HIP I will have to head to the bank to deposit and withdraw.  That's two buses, darn it.  I am really quite angry, but am holding back until the check has cleared.  Then I plan on getting busy, contacting the free lawyers they have here for the elderly and finding what my recourse is.  Yes, they are sending the money back, but not until I ended up paying a $30 late charge and having to do all this extra running around.  

Hubby said it is fraud.  The money order was made out to my landlord.  Taking that check and cashing it, mistake or not, is illegal.  When the party who opened the check saw the amount, they should have looked to see who it was made out to and immediately sent it back.  Not apply it to my penalty for 96 years.  And what kind of bank do they use?  When I deposit a check in my bank, they go over it with a fine toothed comb--check for the date, the name on the check, the account number, etc.  Didn't their bank do the same thing?

Well, I'm not going to carry on any longer about it.  Nothing I can do right now, and I just get angry talking about it.  I'll have my day to be sure.

And with that, I wish you all a wonderful weekend.  May you find peace, joy, and rest.

A Wee Bit of Nothing.

Have you ever been out for a late autumn walk in the closing part of the afternoon, and suddenly looked up to realize that the leaves have practically all gone? You hadn't realized it. And you notice that the sun has set already, the day gone before you knew it — and with that a cold wind blows across the landscape. That's retirement. 

Stephen Leacock

Good morning, everyone.  Life is sure is good in retirement.  Despite the pain, I am making the best of it.  I certainly have no regrets about my decision. Best move I could have made.  Today I am off in the morning to do my food shopping and this evening will be going to a cookout.  There is a church a couple of blocks from me that houses the students who come in the summer and volunteer services at different sites. Every Thursday at 6  pm they have a neighborhood cookout.  Many of my peers attend every week. Haven't been to a real cookout in several years now and am looking forward to it.

On Monday, the nurse at my old job, who got sick and was forced to go out on leave shortly after I did went back to work.  Up until recently she was undecided about returning.  She has heart problems which were exasperated by the high level of stress at the job.  While some people never do much of anything and get away with it, others like myself and the nurse used to bust our butts with little to none positive acknowledgement.  But, that's all over now for me.  She, on the other hand, chose to return despite my warnings, and already, only three days later she is feeling it.  She messaged me last night that there was a ton of medical assessments waiting for her, new groups to run, and peers pressuring her to cook lunch for them.  She said her head was pounding, and she feels her stress level rising already.  

We all have choices, and she made hers. (((Sigh)))  I can only hope and pray that her health doesn't falter.  She has already had two heart operations.

Oh gosh, when I retired and started attending a senior center I really didn't quite know what to expect. At first it seemed so quiet and serene, yet underneath it all is a miniature Peyton Place.  I feel like a teenager again.  Not that I have any interest in a relationship, but it is so much fun guessing who is going to pair up with who. There are three Italian sisters, widows, who really love playing the field.  One of them got involved with a married man.  One day the man's wife showed up, and boy did those fireworks fly. The man followed his wife out with his head bowed like a puppy dog and was never seen again. The next day the sister was out on the dance floor with another man.  Sure hope this one isn't married.

There is another married man who appears to have become enamored with one of the Asian women.  I will say that they are very beautiful and age very well.  His wife came with him a few times and sat with us at our table.  What a talker!!! She stopped coming because she said the place 'made her feel old'. She is actually older than me.  It is obvious from the way she talks, she has not accepted the aging process very well. One thing I had discovered about her was that she was actually quite prejudiced.  Oh boy, if she could see her hubby now.  

Not too long ago a couple was found up on the roof having sex.  Too funny. I tell you, with taller buildings surrounding the center, they had no shame.  From what I understand it was one of the neighbors who reported them. 

 A bit of history for you before I close.  The first senior center was started in New York City in the 1940's by a group of NYC Welfare Department workers who believed that the older people they were working with would benefit from a place to meet, socialize, and organize activities.

 *The Aging Networks: A Guide to Programs and Services By Kelly Niles-Yokum, Donna L. Wagner

Wednesday Ramble: Warning

People who think they know it all are especially annoying to those of us who do.

  Anonymous

Good morning, everyone.  Can't believe it is 'Hump Day' already. I tell you what, though. Yesterday should have been called 'Grump Day' to be sure.  Don't know if it was the humidity, the planets,  or the haziness of the sky.  Whatever it was,  grumpiness surrounded me yesterday, and I refused to let myself be drawn into it. It all began on the bus when people began arguing over seats. The bus had been late, and it was quite packed, but I had been standing for so long that I just wanted to get there so I could have a seat in a cool, air-conditioned place.  There were no seats available, but I knew it was only for a few stops so I didn't complain. 

But another senior wanted to sit and an 'almost senior' did not want to relinquish her seat.  Eventually the bus driver had to step in, and he made all of the non-seniors move to the rear so I ended up getting a seat after all. I have to say I was quite relieved.  

Then, I stopped in Pathmark for my prescriptions and a few items I needed. I stopped at the service desk at the wrong time.  Pathmark staff were huddled around, and they were all standing around placing their orders for breakfast.  Meanwhile, customers were becoming quite agitated...Not a good time for someone to try to cut the line, but they did.  Not too bright.  Whoa, boy, did they go off on him.  Thought it was going to get physical right then and there.  I walked off.  Forget the coupon.  Not worth it.

It wasn't much better at the Center.  There were two men seated a few tables down.  They had that 'I'm new, and I don't know what to do' look.  One of the wandered over to the table next to me, picked up a magazine and took  it back to his table to read.  Now, mind you, the magazine was open and a cup of coffee sat next to it, so it was obvious that someone had already been reading this magazine. So, why would you take it? Now the man who had been reading it walked in, discovered it missing, and spotted the man was reading it.  He angrily snatched it away and began yelling obscenities and continued his rant, despite the man's apologies, until someone had to come over and pull him away. Then, you know what he did?  He opened to the page he was reading and left the room.  He didn't even want the darn magazine, and besides, it belonged to the Center. Now, it it had been me, and I wasn't going to be reading it, I would have told the man who could read it for the time being, but not to take any of my things again. 

But, it still wasn't over for those poor men.  One of the volunteers came over and very angrily said, "That's my seat.  You have to move." He is not usually that way but he was downright nasty. The men quietly got up and moved to the next table. And sooner did they get comfortable at the next table another man came and waved them away from the seats with his cane. It amazes me how attached these seniors get to their seats.  I was one of them not too long ago, but since then have learned to let it go. The only time I do get annoyed, but I don't show it, is when my peer who takes the free dinner comes and brings her daughter who is NOT a client but always takes my seat.  Not nice.

I don't know where the two men went after that because Bingo had started, but one thing I am pretty much sure of, they won't be back tomorrow after the terrible welcome they had.

Do you have a 'know it all' in your life?  Don't they just bug you?  I find them especially hard to deal with, especialy  when they are nice and you genuinely like them as a person.  Gloria is such a person.  I really like her and enjoy having her as a friend,  but I wish she would stop pretending she knows it all.  (or perhaps she believes she does) Take yesterday, for example. At the lunch table we began chatting about food, and one of the women remarked that she loves the chili they make at the Center. She said she used to eat the canned chili until she read the back and found out how much sodium it had in it. I added that as much as I love pizza, I haven't had any in over a year due to the high sodium content in a slice and  Gloria comes out with, 'I always add garlic powder.  It makes it taste better and alleviates the sodium.' First time I heard that one.  Then she asks me, 'Did you know you can season with garlic instead of salt when you cook?'  What can one say to that? Just nod and act like she really taught me something.

But the best was when we were served our lunch the other day,  and she pointed out the vegetables, 'That's broccoli and carrots.'  Deep down I wanted to say, 'No kidding Dick Tracy' but chose instead to remain silent and keep my chuckle to myself. It's all just so silly.  Insecurity. That's what it is. I think she just can't help herself.  Maybe something happened in her life that makes her feel she has to prove herself.  Maybe she was always made to feel 'less than' and compensates now by acting like she is smarter than everyone else. Maybe she feels she has to be smart to fit in.  I don't know why she does it.  It's annoying, yes, but I am learning to deal with it. Way I see it I have two choices--let the friendship go or remain her friend, and I choose the latter.  I'm learning to accept the things I cannot change. 

Have a wonderful day.

Random Thoughts

Good morning, everyone. Another humid day ahead, but all in all, it is so much better than least year.  Yesterday was hot and humid, but there was a breeze that made it bearable.  Can't complain.  Before we know it, the cold will be setting in.  Don't mind the cold either.  It's the ice I don't like, and that's only because I am afraid of falling. 

My eldest came to dinner last night. It's been awhile.  He has been so busy with Blue Bloods and Elementary.  My youngest is always traveling for his job.  Sadly, I don't get to see him as often. 

For dinner I  made a meat sauce with sausages served with paccheri pasta.  Paccheri are large tubes traditionally from Naples. 'According to legend, the paccheri were invented as a way to smuggle at least four garlic cloves in each piece. Italian garlic farmers thought that the garlic in what once was Prussia and is now Austria was less flavorful than that grown in Italy. When the Prussian government banned trade in Italian garlic, the Italian garlic farmers hid garlic cloves inside paccheri when crossing the border.' 

My son's plate.  I feed him well when he visits.  Although he knows how to cook for himself, nothing is as good as mama's cooking.  

The latest news. A possible case of Ebola here in New York City?  I don't even want to think about it.  Test results should be in today. Praying that it is just some simple virus.

What am I reading right now?  Haven't been able to find something to really hold my interest for awhile.  That is, until I found 'The Light That Changes: The Moon in Astrology, Stories, and Time' by Rhea Wolf.  So far I am really enjoying it.  Here is the back cover description:

'As a symbolic language of the psyche, the ancient and modern practice of Astrology can help us uncover patterns in our lives. Filled with thoughtful analysis and practical magic, this thorough primer on the Moon sheds light on how to use Lunar Astrology to increase self-awareness and nourish the roots of the soul. Whether you are new to astrology or continuing in your professional practice, you will find fresh insights and tools for working with Lunar Energy. With candor and compassion, astrologer Rhea Wolf investigates the mythic meaning of the Moon in various stories and folktales. She provides guidance for aligning with the Moon's rhythmic journey from New to Full each month. And she offers inspiring exercises for personal exploration based on the themes of the Moon in the Natal Chart. Creating a more loving, just and peaceful planet happens as each one of us deepens our understanding of the authentic self. Learning about the Moon can help you find ways to nurture yourself, relate to others in healthy ways and activate your inner resources in order to flow with the changes of life.'

I was shocked to learn that the nurse returned to the job  yesterday.  They almost killed her there.  They worked her even harder than me, and she ended up having heart problems.  She is aware that it is still stressful there, even moreso now, yet she returns.  As an RN she could be making triple the money they pay her there.  Personally, I feel she has some esteem issues which hold her down. She doesn't think she is good enough.  She has posted hundreds of pictures of herself on Facebook and asks how she looks, and I remember when she would cook and bring food to work, she was always wanting everyone to praise her.  I was born in late March, she in early April.  Her feelings were hurt because my birthday cake had been bigger than hers.  She used to make me so made, but in the long run, I feel sorry for her. 

And with that, I'm off to the shower.  I like to shower early so I can spend at least an hour with Miss Minga before I go.  Have a good one.

Monday Morning This and That

Even thus last night, and two nights more I lay,
And could not win thee, Sleep, by any stealth:
So do not let me wear to-night away.
Without thee what is all the morning's wealth?
Come, blessed barrier between day and day,
Dear mother of fresh thoughts and joyous health!

William Wordsworth, "To Sleep"

Good morning.  Another week begins.  Didn't do much this weekend.  In fact, on Friday and Saturday, aside from some light housekeeping, I didn't do a thing.  Took it easy on myself.  I read, played a few games, did my nails, sorted through my costume jewelry and put a bag together to take to the thrift shop.  On Saturday I watched the entire season of "The Last Ship" on demand.  Didn't realize how good it was until I started watching.  Now I cannot wait until the next episode. Kind of scary, though.  It's something that really 'could' happen. 

Especially now with this Ebola.  They say that they have special equipment and will be checking for fevers in those who fly in from the affected countries, but a person can be infected and not show symptoms for up to 20 days. Hence, it is possible for a person who has the virus but is still feeling fine to fly to the US.  Okay, I'm going to stop it now.  See what happens to me when I start thinking about something I watch something on television?

Sunday was my first day out.  I got up early and went to Church, then stopped at the market and picked up a few items I needed. 

Harvest veggies from Lughnasadh dinner. We had this along with garlic mashed potatoes and Buttered Chicken (so easy and quick to make)

Saute chopped onions in melted butter.  (I use no salt butter.) Dunk chicken in milk then coat with flour.  Add to pan.  Season with black pepper, salt, and parsley.  When browned turn and saute the other side until golden brown.  Delicious. Once the veggies were chopped and washed, the entire  meal took me about 25 minutes.   

Did I ever do a stupid thing!  Last month when I made out two money orders at bill time--one for the rent and a $2 money order for my medicare prescription penalty. I just refuse to go out and get a money order for a dollar every month, and try as I might, they have still not started to take it directly from social security.  I even felt good about myself for paying everything almost a week early.  That is, until I opened up my bill for this month's rent and discovered that they never received my rent last month. 

My immediate thought was that it must  have been lost in the mail, and it takes a long time to get that money back.  I felt like a dunce, though, when I called the building owner, and he said he was shocked when he opened my envelope and found a money order for $2.  I had sent my landlord the HIP money order and sent HIP my rent money.  My first thought was 'why didn't someone call me?'  And why didn't they return the money order.  It was clear that it wasn't made out to them.  Anyone with any sense would return it.

That is, if someone had any sense.  Turns out that the morons at HIP THOUGHT that I was paying ahead so they credited it to my account.  PAYING AHEAD????  FOR 96 YEARS????  Because that is what it adds up to.  Are they serious?  How could anyone be so dumb?  And what bank would deposit it?  Needless to say, they will be refunding me my money on the 5th, and my landlord was very understanding about the matter. Aside from the one $30 late fee, he will not tack on another. I am so fortunate  it wasn't lost in the mails as refunds on money orders can take months.  

To be honest, it made me stop and think.  I'm no spring chicken any more, and burning the candle at both ends is catching up on me.  Not sleeping at night and unable to nap during the day because of (1) Miss Minga and (2) always having so much on my plate.  Time to slow down.  I've been forgetting things, losing things, and making mistakes...and this was a BIG mistake.  I'm tired. Fell asleep at Bingo a couple times and can't concentrate on reading a book.  Read a page or two, and my eyes grow heavy.  

Getting around and doing things are important, but equally important is getting the proper rest.  That's why I chose to stay in on Friday and Saturday and not be running about.  Still I didn't get much sleep, and my eyes may still be heavy, but at least my body was given some time to mend.

A flock of sheep that leisurely pass by,
One after one; the sound of rain, and bees
Murmuring; the fall of rivers, winds and seas,
Smooth fields, white sheets of water, and pure sky;
I have thought of all by turns, and yet do lie
Sleepless!

William Wordsworth

How do people go to sleep? I'm afraid I've lost the knack. I might try busting myself smartly over the temple with the night-light. I might repeat to myself, slowly and soothingly, a list of quotations beautiful from minds profound; if I can remember any of the damn things. 

Dorothy Parker

Friday Roundup

 Now is the time of the First Harvest,
when the bounties of nature give of themselves
so that we may survive.
O God of the ripening fields, Lord of the Grain,
grant me the understanding of sacrifice as you
prepare to deliver yourself under the sickle of the
Goddess and journey to the lands of eternal summer.
O Goddess of the Dark Moon,
teach me the secrets of rebirth
as the Sun loses its strength and the nights grow cold.

Scott Cunningham

 Happy Lughnasadh/Lammas everyone!

Good morning everyone. Yippee!!!  Friday is here.  Going to be a quiet weekend for me.  Although I had wanted to go to the Center yesterday I chose instead to run my errands.  And now that I have everything I need, I plan not to leave until Monday.  I am very rundown at this point and this rest is necessary.

I cannot believe that August is already here.   It is the time of the first harvest.  On Wednesday I received $32 in coupons for the Farmer's Market.  Won't be going to the same place I went last  year.  Total ripoff.  I came home with just about nothing.  It's a sin when they rip off the poor that way. 

So, what do I have planned as far as a Lugnasadh/Lammas celebration goes?  Actually, not much.  It just came so quickly, I had no time to plan, but by evening I am sure I will find something to do to honor the harvest.  I've plenty of candles in the house and harvest foods.  Even if I just read from my book of days. 

As you can see, I am not too talkative.  I am just tired, so very tired.  I am not sleeping well at night, and during the day is out of the question.  Miss Minga will not have it.  A short nap in my chair will suffice...as long as she can curl up at my feet.  It's draining taking care of an aging cat, but I wouldn't trade this opportunity for anything in this world.  I'd do anything for my baby.  

Wishing you all a weekend filled with joy and laughter.  See  you on Monday.